Leadership friday

03.10.14

No. 72

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

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N200

NIGERIA'S FIRST FRIDAY NEWSPAPER

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Chibok DAY Diary

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Syndicated Negative Publicity Will Not Deter us – BBOG Group > Page 2

8

8 DAYS To Go...

FIRST GRADUATION CEREMONY OF 22 BAZE UNIVERSITY, ABUJA

283 Soldiers OnTrial For Mutiny, Others 4

See list on page 6 DHQ debunks latest 'Shekau' video

Real Reasons Obasanjo Went Back To School

BY PAUL CHIAMA, Abuja

Chief Olusegun Matthew Aremu Obasanjo is a man of many intrigues. His life is full of many stories to tell and to read. It is either his exploits as a military head of state, his imprisonment and release from incarceration, his emergence as civilian president, his vehement letter writing, his control and influence from Ota Farm or his muscle-flexing with a sitting president. This time around, it has to do with his going back to school when he is, officially, close to 80 years.

In this edition, LEADERSHIP Friday takes an indepth look at Obasanjo’s sudden enrolment at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the reasons why he decided to be addressed again as a student.

Former president Olusegun Obasanjo is, to say the least, full of surprises. When a bloody coup took the life of General Murtala Ramat Muhammad and Obasanjo became the head of state, he surprised Nigerians and, indeed, the whole world when he kept faith with a handover date which culminated in the peaceful return of

power to a civilian government on October 1, 1979.

That was at a time when top military officers were busy strategizing on how to topple one another and terminate successive regimes through military coup d’états.

Obasanjo, as the man at the helm of affairs after the death of Murtala, simply behaved differently. He became the first military head of state to voluntarily hand over power to a civilian administration in 1979, an act he was rewarded for 20 years later on May 29, 1999, when General Abdulsalami Abubakar handed over power to him as an elected president.

When Obasanjo was brought out of prison in 1998 following the death of General Sani Abacha who had thrown him into jail, he emphatically said ‘no’ to journalists who wanted to know if he was going to contest the presidency. He asked them a rhetorical question: how many presidents did Nigeria want to make out of him?

That was ahead of 1999 presidential election which ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

mY TowN: LokoJA, wHERE NIGERIA wAS NAmED

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IllustrAtIon: Jameel Wubni

#BringBackOurGirls 172 day

Friday, October 3, 2014

Editor’s Note Friday is here. It’s going to be a very long weekend. To keep you busy, the Friday team has prepared relevant sober and entertaining pieces to keep the clock ticking. We start off with the sober news, Is Shekau really dead or not? Find out in our cover story. Friday Extra throws light on why artisans always disappoint you. Abuja Confectioners Association are also working hard to empower persons living with disability in Gishiri. Check it out.

On Royalty, you will get to know the Emir of Lafia, Nassarawa State, Alhaji Mustapha Agwai, as well as the origin and significance of the Argungu Fishing Festival in Northern Nigeria in our new page ‘Our Culture’. Gospel crooner, Solomon Lange acquaints readers on his recent activities and musical pursuits. And finally, find out why Ini Edo’s marriage and Tiwa Savage’s are on the rocks barely five years and five months, respectively, of marital bliss.

Yes, we have different dishes for different tastes. So kick back on the sofa, with a cup of beverage and enjoy the holidays. Barka da Sallah! Aren’t you Thankful to God that It’s Friday!

If we wait until we’re ready, we will be waiting for the rest of our lives.

For Feedback: fridayleadership@leadership.ng

ChibOk iN The Week THURSday, OCTOBER 2, 2014 BringBackOurGirls group demands that F.G set up mechanisms, structures, systems and procedures in preparation for the reintegration and rehabilitation of the 219 abducted Chibok schoolgirls, whenever they are found. The group made the call at its commemoration of the 170th day of the girls’ abduction. It said that call to action would sufficiently tackle the trauma the girls had witnessed during the many months of captivity.

The group expressed doubt over the Federal and the state governments’ purported rescue and rehabilitation plans for the girls since one of the girls was abandoned by the sect in Sambisa forest.

WEdNESday OCTOBER 1, 2014 BBOG group said that “everybody’s worst fear (on what might be happening to the girls) manifested when Ishaya Susanna was found. It said that whatever was done to the body might heal but the mind will linger. Meantime, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Environment has called on Nigerians continuous call for the rescue and return of the Chibok girls.

MONday, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014 alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Publicity Secretary of the all Progressive Congress (aPC), party has accused President Goodluck administration of

playing politics with the rescue of the abducted Chibok girls to further his 2015 re-election campaigns. He said the presidency had announced in September 23, on twitter, the imminent release of the girls, only to retract the statement shortly after. according to Mohammed, the president had set up an elaborate publicity event and back-to-back interviews with international media at the Pierre Hotel in Manhattan, USa, near UN headquarters, so the president can bask in the media attention.

However, it all came to naught.

SUNday, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 BBOG group protested the military’s action in keeping the abandoned ill-stricken Chibok girl, Ishaya Susanna, away from her family. The group insists that the four-month-old pregnant girl needs urgent medical attention which should be given priority before being grilled for information on the sect’s whereabouts.

L-R: Member, house Of Rep and Chair (diaspora), hon. Abike dabiri-Erewa, president, Women Arise, dr joe Okei-Odumakin and publisher TW Magazine, Mrs Adesuwa Onyenokwe during Woman of Verve Award celebrating TW @ 7 in Lagos

Negative Publicity Will Not Deter Us – BBOG Group

BY ChIBOk MEFOR ANd EjIkE EjIkE, Abuja

The #BringBackOurGirls campaign group has restated that no amount of syndicated bad media publicity will deter its members from continuing the campaign for the rescue of the remaining 218 Chibok girls abducted by the Boko Haram 171 days ago.

The group, which had been battling alleged consistent and calculated report in some media (not LEADERSHIP) that the group is set to sue the Christian Association of Nigeria and other stakeholders involved in the $9.3 million, however, has reiterated that its members would continue the campaign until the girls are rescued.

BBOG also seized the opportunity to advise its members and well wishers from the media to lend a supporting hand to the call for the rescue of the Chibok girls and resist any urge to be used by any person or group of persons to distract the call for the rescue of the Chibok girls.

The group, in a move to prevent syndicated

statements being attributed to it, restated that the names of people designated to speak on its behalf at all times include the co-conveners of #BringBackOurGirls, Abuja Family: Hadiza Bala Usman, Oby Ezekwesili, Maryam Uwais and Saudatu Madhi.

Members of its strategic team, namely, Jibrin Ibrahim, Bukky Shonibare, Florence Uzor, Rotimi Olawale, Aisha Yesufu, Maureen Kabrik, Mariam Ikunaiye, Dauda Iliya and Tunji Olanrewaju could also speak on the group's behalf.

While speaking on the alleged reappearance of the Boko Haram leader Abubarkar Shekau in a new video, the group said that it was not bothered about the authenticity of the video or not, rather, it was concerned with how safely the Chibok girls can be returned.

The group, however, urged the Nigeria security operatives to work towards gaining back the confidence of Nigerians in their fight against insurgency, as the citizens tend to believe the unofficial stories emanating from the terroraffected areas.

SaTURday, SEPTEMBER 27, 2014 The Evolutionary Women Empowerment association called for the total support of the military, especially on the increased provision of artillery for the effective rescue of the Chibok girls. The coordinator of the non-governmental organization also expressed its continuous support of the COMPILED BY UGOCHUKWU incumbent president on itsIROKA appointment of women to strategic positions in the polity.

Members of BringBackOurGirls group chanting solidarity songs during one of their village meetings at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, recently. PHOTO

BY PATRICK EBI

...As compiled by Abah Adah

AMANAMA

If you are a leader of peace, listen to the discourse of the petitioner. Be not abrupt with him; that would trouble him. ― Egyptian Proverbs

our stand

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October 3, 2014

Upsurge In Rape Cases: Castration As A Deterrent

T

he Coalition against Rape and Violence (CARAV) has concluded plans to flag off an extensive campaign against rape and sexual violence in Nigeria. The association indicated this when its members paid a courtesy visit to the assistant inspector-general of police in charge of Zone 1, Kano, Alhaji Tambari Yaro. Lately, there has been an upsurge in cases of rape and sexual violence in the country. On a daily basis, the media is inundated with reports of sexual abuse visited on women and children, often without the security agencies making any effort to bring the culprits to book. The most sickening aspect of this is that often, minors – some as young as five years and below – are subjected to this horrendous experience.

The law against rape and sexual abuse must be strengthened to ensure that those who commit these crimes face its full wrath. There is also the need to harmonise the law and make it less ambiguous. There are so many variations in the law regarding rape as a crime between federal, state, Sharia and customary courts. In the penal code, “A man can be held guilty of

rape if he has sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent or with her consent if it is unlawfully obtained”. The criminal act 77 gives a similar definition. However, it went further to state that carnal knowledge or carnal connection is important in determining the offence. This entails that proof can only exist when an erectile penetration occurred. The law is equally ambiguous where a rape occurs by a man to man, woman to man, or gang rape.

The last law on rape in Nigeria was passed in 1990 – 24 years ago.

In 2002, in an attempt to clear the doubts, the World Health Organisation (WHO) defined rape

Ag. Editor Hassan Gimba Ahmed Deputy Editor Kazeem Akintunde Editorial Board Safiya M. Adamu, Chairman Christian Ochiama, Deputy Chairman Standards Aniebo Nwamu, Director ’Lara Olugbemi, Assistant Director

as “Physical force or otherwise coerced penetration, even if it is slight, of the vulva, anus using penis or other body parts or any object”. This definition is more succinct and clears a lot of doubt.

We are worried that even with this definition the government has not been proactive enough in addressing this social menace.

There is no sufficient data, which is very important in determining the extent and seriousness of the crime, on rape cases in Nigeria.

As a result, punishment for rape is not assiduously executed. In a clear case where rape with extreme prejudice has been established beyond reasonable doubt, the punishment is life imprisonment.

In lesser cases, 14 years or seven years penalty is given. Even with this, there is always an option of fine. As a result, most offenders easily walk out of the courts or prison and continue to perpetrate their dastardly act.

We therefore implore the federal government to take appropriate action to contain this social ill. Chemical castration is a method employed in some countries around the world for convicted rapists and paedophiles.

In our view, either this or surgical castration is one serious way of discouraging rapists.

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah Chairman Hajiya Ireti Kingibe Group Managing Director Azubuike Ishiekwene Group Executive Directors Michael Okpere Dr Kazeem Durodoye Divisional Directors Abdulmumin Balogun Ademola Oladosu Iyobosa Uwugiaren Salisu Alhassan Bichi General Managers Aminu Abubakar Sule Zipporah D. Tanko Joy Adekanye

Leadership

Holdings

Managing Director Abraham Nda-Isaiah Executive Director Nnamdi Samuel New York Office Mohammed Bello Shehu London Office Dr Bello Salihu Johannesburg Office Abiodun Oguntuase Business Manager Bilkisu Mohammed Rimi

Cover up the good you do — do like the Nile and conceal your sources.

— Egyptian Proverb

LEADERSHIP is a national paper symbolically embedded in the nation’s capital.

We shall stand up for good governance. We shall defend the interest of Nigerian people even against their rulers, and we shall raise our pen at all times in defence of what is right. These are the values by which we intend to be assessed.

We shall never, ever for any reason forget the noble reason of our coming into being: For God and country!

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October 3, 2014

LIVING TO BE 100

One health tip daily Eat Fish With Caution Most are now tainted by industrial waste and high levels of mercury, including ‘farmed’ fish, which have been fed inappropriately with grains. Avoid swordfish, tuna and other deep- water fish, as these are likely to have more mercury than smaller varieties of fish from shallower waters.

Rotating your protein sources will help to minimize your exposure to specific chemicals.

Real Reasons Obasanjo Went Back To School ➔ FROM COVER

was being midwifed by the military junta led by General Abdulsalami Abubabakar. Not quite long after, Obasanjo joined the presidential race where he contested against Chief Olu Falae, a contest which kept Nigerians curious to know which President Olu… Nigeria was going to have out of the two of them.

Recently, on December 20, 2013, Obasanjo came out with a shocker when he wrote an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan. In it, he raised an alarm that President Jonathan was, among other things, training “snippers” ahead of the 2015 general elections. That singular letter raised a lot of dust which took a long time to settle as both Obasanjo’s own daughter, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo Bello, and Jonathan took up their pen and paper to reply Obasanjo.

Similarly, the former president came up with another surprise when he, on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, went back to formal education for further studies. Obasanjo had, on the said day, registered as a student at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Lagos, to study concurrently for a Master of Arts (MA) and Ph.D degrees in Christian Theology in the School of Arts and Social Sciences of the institution. The elder statesman has just taken this bold step at the age of 77. Nigerians were amused, astounded and elated in equal measure. The man has never lacked courage.

Apart from General Yakubu Go-

Obasanjo

won, Obasanjo is the only former Nigerian head of state or government who has gone back to school after his time in office. Interestingly, Obasanjo did not go back to school to study MA and Ph.D in Christian Theology because he wants to be a pastor. No. Rather, there are other reasons why the former president went back to school at this ripe age.

First of it all is that, according to him, he likes taking innovative steps. Secondly, Obasanjo went back to school to underscore the point that age is not a barrier to seeking knowledge. He stated during his registration at the institution that the acquisition of knowledge at any age is critical to personal and national development and transformation.

Another reason why Obasanjo chose to go back to school is, according to him, to learn more about God, serve God better and have a better relationship with Him. Indeed, this is a right choice. In life, ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

283 Soldiers On Trial For Mutiny, Others

By Bayo Oladeji, George Agba, Abdullahi Umar and Chinelo Chikelu, Abuja; Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri with agency report

The Nigerian Army appears to be tackling the raging issues of mutiny and other offences headon as 283 soldiers are now on trial in Abuja and Jos for the offence and other related acts incompatible with their profession.

In Abuja, 15 army officers and 82 soldiers were yesterday arraigned before a newly inaugurated general court-martial at the Army Headquarters Garrison Conference room for allegedly committing offences such as mutiny, assault, absence without leave, burglary and other related offences.

This confirmed our story in the last edition of LEADERSHIP SUNDAY that there were speculations that more than 60 soldiers would face another general court-martial.

The president of the first general court-martial, Brig-Gen. Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, had on September 15, 2014, sentenced 12 of the 18 soldiers charged with mutiny to death by firing squad, while one was sentenced to 28 days imprisonment with hard labour. Five others were set free.

After the ruling, Okonkwo said that “these sentences are subject to confirmation”, meaning that they can be appealed at the Court of Appeal.

But unlike the first trial which was not open to the media until the day of judgement, this one was publicized from the beginning, starting with from the inauguration of the trial team.

That accounts for why the likes of human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has led other attorneys to defend some of the accused and insisted on the right of every suspect to be considered innocent until proved otherwise in line with the provisions of Section 35 (5) of the 1999 Constitution, a demand the court-martial president, Brig-Gen. Musa Sani Yusuf, acceded to.

In his inaugural address, he said, “From the record made available by the prosecution, a total of 97 accused persons are listed for trial by this general court-martial (GCM) for various offences. The offences for the purpose of this trial could be conveniently categorised into mutiny, assault, absence with-

out leave (AWOL), house breaking, conduct prejudicial to good orders and service discipline, offences relating to service property among others with a total of 97 accused persons involved.”

Speaking further, he said, “Let me assure you that the GCM will base its decisions and findings only on the facts presented before it. In other words, this court will not give room for, or be influenced by, any extraneous matter which is not presented before this court.

“In consonance with the desire of this GSM to do justice in this case, we shall take cognizance of the postulation of Justice Oputa of the Supreme Court (JSC) that justice is a three- way traffic; that is, ‘justice for the accused persons, justice for the victim and justice for the state’. We intend to painstakingly listen to all evidence that will be brought before this court to ensure that no innocent person is convicted, as it is better for nine persons to go free than for one innocent person to suffer.”

He urged the defence lawyers to assist the tribunal in its intention “to conduct and conclude this case without undue or unnecessary delay.”

There was a mild drama shortly before the inauguration of the court over whether the judge advocate Lt.-Col. Ukpe Ukpe was qualified to be involved since he is an assistant director in the Legal Department at the Army Garrison Headquarters.

According to the Section 134 (2) of the Armed Forces Act of the Federation, the accused persons could object to the membership of the GCM if any of the members is a commanding officer or commander where the offence was committed, or was involved in the investigation of the accused, or gave advice in filing the charges against the accused.

Some of the lawyers wanted to know if, as an assistant director in the Legal Department, he was not involved in drafting the charges, a question he refused to answer, arguing instead that he was not on trial.

The attempt made by the prosecution team to rescue him by saying there was a specialized section of the army called Military Police which investigates and draws up charges, since they had competent lawyers, could not solve the riddle.

In the end he denied ever participating in one way or the other and asked the accused to dis-

He who chatters with you will chatter about you. ― Egyptian Proverb

Jonathan

close if he had ever been either their commander or involved in their investigation.

But the defence lawyers said they would bring it up if they find any evidence that contradicts his claim.

However, speaking with journalists after the inauguration, the president, Brigadier General Yusuf explained that the judge advocate was serving at the Army Garrison Headquarters in Abuja when all the accused committed the various offences in Army 7 Division in Maiduguri.

In his own remark, Falana said the defence lawyers had absolute trust in the court’s president and expressed hope that the accused would be accorded all their due rights according to the law.

One of the accused, Lt.-Col. S. S. Tilawan, who wanted a bail, was told to wait for the ruling over the oral application made by his lawyer on October 15, when the court resumes hearing. He complained about the poor accommodation provided for him at one of the Officers’ Mess and wanted to be coming from home for the trial.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 186 officers and soldiers are facing a similar trial in Jos, Plateau State over similar offences. Jos was chosen because of its proximity to the northeast where they allegedly committed the offences.

This was disclosed by a lawyers, Barrister Johnson Oyewole, who is defending one of the officers in Abuja.

LEADERSHIP Friday recalls that the chief of army staff, Lt.Gen Kenneth Minimah, had publicly declared his intention to cleanse the army of officers and soldiers who had become liabilities to the establishment with a view to sanitising the system. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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October 3, 2014

283 Soldiers On Trial For Mutiny, Others ➔ FROM PAGE 4

Shekau Was Killed in Konduga – DHQ The Nigerian military has reacted to a new video purportedly released by Abubakar Shekau wherein he tried to deny that he was killed during a battle in Konduga, Borno State, on September 17.

Military authorities insist that Bashir Mohammed, who posed as Abubakar Shekau, was actually eliminated and corroborated the claim with still photographs and video evidence.

They also cited positive identification by surrendering and captured terrorists, adding that “the video did not make any reference to anything that has happened since the impostor’s reported death.”

They explained that the fighter jet the sect claimed it shot down had been missing before Shekau’s death.

The military’s reaction was contained in a short statement posted on defence information blog, defenceinfo.mil.ng.

Checks conducted show the anger by the military hierarchy at the propensity of some news media, especially foreignbased ones, to fall for the antics of Boko Haram propaganda, despite glaring evidence shown in still and video photographs, coupled with oral testimonies of captured terrorists that Bashir Mohammed, alias Abubakar Shekau, was dead.

A top military officer said that the new video purportedly released by “Abubakar Shekau” was still being carefully studied.

He, however, urged Nigerians to continue to have confidence in the ability of their military to contain terrorism in parts of

the country and keep strict vigilance on their environment so as to report suspicious activities to appropriate authorities.

The Defence Headquarters said: “From immediate observation and what some online news outlets claimed to have seen, the video did not indicate when it was shot; neither did it show any proof of life or currency such as screen time or date.

The video also did not make any reference to anything that has happened since the impostor’s reported death.

“It is also noteworthy that the air plane said to be mentioned in the video had been missing before he was killed. It should not surprise anybody if the terrorists decide to manipulate pictures, clone another Shekau or upload a pre-recorded video all in a bid to prove invincible.

“The individual claiming to be the leader of the terrorist group was killed in the Kodunga battle in September. The resemblance of the corpse and that of the eccentric character was incontrovertible. His identity was equally corroborated by people who knew him before we announced his death,” said the spokesman.

I’m alive, Shekau claims in latest video A new video released of the Boko Haram leader yesterday claiming that he was alive and well had left Nigerians and the rest of the world in confusion.

In the video, Shekau said the militants had implemented strict Islamic law in captured towns in the northeast.

“Here I am, alive. I will only die the day Allah takes my breath,” Shekau said, add-

ing that his group was “running our... Islamic caliphate” and administering strict Sharia punishments.

The 36-minute video showed Shekau, in combat fatigues and black rubber boots, standing on the back of a pick-up truck and firing an anti-aircraft gun into the air.

Standing in front of three camouflaged vans and flanked by four heavily armed, masked fighters, Shekau spoke for 16 minutes in Arabic and the Hausa languages.

There was no indication of where or when the video was shot.

The heavily bearded Shekau said the military’s claim that he was dead was propaganda.

“Nothing will kill me until my days are over... I’m still alive. It is propaganda that is prevalent. I’m the Islamic student whose seminary you burnt... I’m not dead,” he added, apparently referring to the destruction of the group’s mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, in 2009.

But the military says nothing in the new video shows it was taken after his death in the Konduga battle.

In August 2013, the Nigeria military had claimed that Shekau might have died between July 25 and August 3 of bullet wounds sustained on June 30, 2013, during a battle with troops at a Boko Haram camp at Sambisa Forest. He was allegedly sneaked into Amitchide, a border community in Cameroon, for treatment where he later died.

However, they were no videos or photographic evidence to back up this claim.

Shekau was also said to have been killed during the shootout between the military

Minimah

and the sect between July 25 and July 30, 2009, prior to the capture and death of the then sect’s founder Mohammed Yusuf, following Yusuf’s escape attempt from prison. Security forces had fought their way into a mosque occupied by the terrorist group where more than 700 people were killed in the ensuing confrontation at Potiskum.

Sallah: Again, military slams 48hour ban on vehicular movement in Maiduguri Military authorities in Borno State yesterday placed a 48-hour ban on all vehicular movement in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as a measure to prevent any possible attack on the city by Boko Haram

Real Reasons Obasanjo Went Back To School ➔ FROM PAGE 4

Obasanjo is blessed in all descriptions. On earth, he is like one who has his own paradise.

But what is a mundane paradise compared to a heavenly paradise? Perhaps, with an understanding that the two are not comparable, he has decided to know God better and serve Him better as a way of working his way into the heavenly paradise when he time expires on this side of life.

It is, therefore, not out of place that Obasanjo is in search of better knowledge of God as a way of building a better relationship with God which can qualify him to see God. How very strategic!

Obasanjo had obtained a post graduate diploma in 2009, and he will work towards his PhD by first getting a Master’s Degree.

Another force driving Obasanjo back to school is the need for innovation. To show how he desires to aspire for new things, he said, “I’m going back to school because I have to have something to aspire to in every endeavour of life. I always aspire to something new in my farm. I do that in my international activities. I do

it in my writing. I do it in the improvement of my academic work which helps to sharpen my brain and strengthen my faith.”

Humility combines with the reasons surrounding Obasanjo’s journey back to school. To have accepted to go back to NOUN and mix with other students, not minding his position as ex-president, not minding his age, is an act of humility in itself. And to show his humility the more, he has requested the management of NOUN to treat him like an ordinary student.

Another reason why this Nigeria’s former president went to NOUN is, as he puts it, to “showcase this university, knowing full well that this country will at no distant future be able to provide adequate access to millions of Nigerians who are yearning for knowledge”. It, therefore, follows that Obasanjo’s admission into NOUN is a way of giving credibility to the institution which was established by his administration in 2001.

No wonder he used the opportunity to call on Nigerians in search of university education to consider the institution as a good

option.

Obasanjo’s enrolment into NOUN is also a challenge to Nigerian youths among whom reading culture is abysmally on the decline. For if Obasanjo goes to school at 77 as a father, grandfather and, perhaps, a great grandfather, despite all the distractions and commitments confronting him because of his political status, Nigerian youths have no excuse not to aspire to do more.

Furthermore, Obasanjo registered at NOUN for his MA and Ph.D because he needed something to keep him actively engaged. Since he left office as president after an unsuccessful attempt for a third term, two main projects have been keeping the former president busy - his presidential library and his biography.

He said that “having made reasonable progress on those projects, I thought of what next to keep me challenged, and this admission you have graciously given me is one of them. I want to occupy every minute of 24 hours in a day doing something active, progressive and enlightening and to do good to humanity.

“Eight of my children have Ph.Ds. and I told two of them that when I have difficulty, I will call them to teach me. This is important to me because the knowledge I would acquire will be mine, so there is no shame in learning, and if I do well, the credit goes to those who taught me”, Obasanjo said to stress his need to engage himself in something tasking but rewarding in his old age.

Like little Eze in the novella, Eze Goes To School, written by Onuorah Nzekwu and Michael Crow ther, Obasanjo has the unwavering determination to go to school.

While Eze had a lot of challenges and difficulties to grapple with, Obasanjo’s challenges may be distractions from political associates and protégés who may be needing his wise counsel when he is occupied with doing research work in his Masters and doctoral studies.

He has his own brain -- he can solve his own problems. ― Egyptian Proverb

➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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October 3, 2014

Jonathan, Editors, Others Mourn, As Remi Oyo Passes On At 62

By GEORGE AGBA, Abuja, GEORGE OKOJIE,

Lagos; AND MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna

A seasoned journalists and former managing director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dame Oluremi Oyo, is dead.

She died of cancer after battling with the disease at an undisclosed hospital in the United Kingdom. She was 62.

President Goodluck Jonathan, state governors and other prominent Nigerians have mourned the late Remi Oyo who was also a onetime senior special assistant to former President Oulsegun Obasanjo on media and publicity.

Confirming the incident, the deceased’s husband, Vincent Oyo, in a statement, noted that members of her family and her legion of friends and well-wishers had been looking forward to the 62nd birthday on October 12.

Born in 1952, the late Mrs Oyo is survived by her husband, children, grand-children and siblings - Sunday and Yomi Oke “With gratitude to God for a life well spent, I regret to announce the death of my dear wife, Dame Felicia Oluwaremilekun Oyo. She died peacefully on Wednesday (October 1, 2014) in the United Kingdom where she was receiving treatment for a cancer related ailment”, the statement made available to LEADERSHIP noted.

Mr. Oyo described her late wife as a seasoned journalist who began her journalism career in 1973 in the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation now called the Federal Ra-

dio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

According to him, Remi later joined the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as a desk editor in 1981, and left in 1985 as a principal editor, the first woman to attain such a high position in the agency. After leaving NAN, she joined the Inter Press Service News Agency (IPS) as the Nigerian bureau chief.

She later became the international news agency’s West African bureau chief.

A devout Catholic, Mrs Oyo was a former vice chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council of SS Joachim and Anne Catholic Church, Ijegun, Lagos.

Jonathan Mourns Remi Oyo, Says She Was A Trail-Blazer President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday described Mrs Oyo’s death as immensely sad, saying her exemplary professional life, inspiring leadership qualities and her immense patriotism define her place in the country’s history as a trail-blazer.

A statement by presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, noted that the president, who described the late Mrs Oyo as one of the most eminent Nigerian female journalists, prayed God to comfort her family and all who mourn her, as well as grant her kind soul peaceful repose in eternity.

Editors Mourn The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) has also condoled with her family, being a former president of the guild.

The NGE in a statement signed by its sec-

retary-general, Isaac Ighure yesterday said, “Her tenure as the NGE president marked a new beginning for the Guild and laid a solid foundation for its transformation into a force to be reckoned with in the country.”

Nigerians Will Miss Remi Oyo- Fashola Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola has expressed shock and sadness over the death of Remi Oyo, describing her as a forthright journalist who practised journalism driven by values, while comporting herself as a worthy role model in the profession throughout her life time.

The governor, in a condolence statement signed by his special adviser on media, Mr. Hakeem Bello, said she would be sorely missed by all, even as he recalled the dynamism which Mrs Oyo brought to bear in her national assignment as spokesperson to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and her leadership of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and NAN. She Was Hardworking- Yero Kaduna State governor Ramalan Yero yesterday expressed sadness over the death of Mrs Oyo, saying she was “a very hardworking woman who used her wealth of experience as a media manager to stabilise the nation’s democracy.”

In a statement by his director-general, Media and Publicity, Ahmed Maiyaki, Yero said future generations of Nigerians will for-

ever remain grateful “for the patriotic zeal she brought to bear in managing the image of the presidency at a time the country’s democracy required the needed stability”.

Governor Yero has also expressed deep shock over the death of Galadiman Kano, Dr. Tijjani Hashim.

Oyo’s death a sad loss- Oshiomole Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has commiserated with the president, Nigerian Guild of Editors, over the death of Mrs Oyo in a London hospital.

In a condolence message signed by his chief press secretary, Mr Peter Okhiria, Comrade Oshiomhole said: “Mrs Oyo’s death is a sad loss not only to her family, the Guild of Editors, the media industry but to the entire nation which she served with vigour and forthrightness.”

She Was Role Model To Professional Women - Atiku For former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the death of former presidential spokesperson, Mrs Oyo, is not only a loss to Nigerian journalism, but also to Nigerian women in general who, according to him, she was a role model to.

In a condolence message released by his media office in Abuja yesterday, Atiku noted that the late Mrs Oyo had distinguished herself in her own profession as an excellent and hardworking journalist who rose to the position of president of the Nigeria Guild of Editors.

283 Soldiers On Trial For Mutiny, Others ➔ FROM PAGE 5

terrorists.

The decision to impose the curfew came after a security council meeting the governor had with all security chiefs, with the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Abubakar Garbai ibn Elkanemi, in attendance at Government House, Maiduguri.

It was feared that the Boko Haram terrorists, just as they had planned during the Eid-ul Fitri celebration, might want to attack the city using vehicle laden with explosive devices during Sunday’s Eid-ul Kabir celebration.

In a statement signed and issued by

the deputy director, Defence Information, Colonel Sani Usman, the military said the restrictions on vehicular movement would commence on Friday by 5pm and end at 7pm on Sunday, October 5.

The statement said all persons, except those on essential services, must comply with strict adherence as violators would be dealt with decisively.

Colonel Usman assured the residents of the division’s commitment to protect lives and property during and after the expiration of the 48-hour restriction.

Though the ban left the residents unhappy, most of them said they had already preempted the development and

had since Monday commenced panic purchase of items needed for Eid celebration. ATM galleries at various banks were swarmed by residents who rushed to make withdrawals.

Shekau: Jonathan, security chiefs hold five-hour meeting Apparently rattled by a new video released by Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday held a closed-door meeting with all the service chiefs and the security chiefs in the country.

Although details of the meeting which lasted for over five hours in the presi-

dent’s office were not disclosed, LEADERSHIP FRIDAY gathered that the president demanded explanation from the security chief as to why Shekau would always resurface after every announcement that he was dead, a trend, he said, undermined Nigeria in the eyes of the international community.

“The group in their new video also showed what it alleged to be footages of the missing military jet. This is also another source of concern for Mr. President.

He feels this was the highest level of affront on the entire security apparatus of the country,” the source who spoke on condition of anonymity added.

List of the soldiers standing trial before the newly inaugurated General Court Martial (GCM) 1. Lt Col SS Tilawan (NIl0371) 2 . Lt Col DB Danzang (N/10414) 3. Lt Col rc Ogamanya (Nil 0486) 4. Lt Col SU Abubakar (10489) 5. Maj II Sakaba (Nil 0744) 6. Capt M Hamadikko (N/11565) 7. Capt Z Alhaj i (Nil 2086) 8. Capt MB Abdullahi (N1l2965) 9. Capt SY Musa (NIl3106) 10. Lt T Garba (NIl3311) 11. Lt F Ogunleke (Nil 3598) 12. Lt A Abdullahi (Nil 3657) 13. Lt TM Okoro (Nil 3674) 14. Lt D Wunuji (NIl3685) 15. 2Lt JM Uweh (N/I5] 73) 16. 79NAIl 085 WO Benedict Okoye 17. 93NA/35/2720 Sgt Oladipo SOLOMON 18. 93NA/36/2171 Cpl Mustapha BANDADO 19. 93NA/37/0460 Cpl Andrew OGOLEKWU 20. 03NA/53/0460 Cpl Saturday EFA 21. 96NA/4114443 Cpi Usman Mohammed 22. 96NA/43/9321 LCpl Henry SHAIBU 23. 96NA/43/9661 LCpl James MAIFADA 24. 97NA/45/6334 Cpl Daniel JOSHUA 25. 97NA/45/6984 LCpl Ndubisi SABESTINE

26. 99NA/48/1485 LCpl Dauda DALHA TU 27. 99NA/4811173 LCpl Aliyu AHMED 28. 02NA/52/5032 LCpl Kasega AOSO 29. 02NA/51/1373 LCpl Bankole TAIWO 30. 02NA/52/3700 LCpl Ochehepo SULE 3l. 03NA/53/1318 LCpl Ayodele OLA WOLE 32. 03NA/54/4838 LCpl Isaiah OLOFU 33. 03NA/53/2] 56 LCpl Ibrahim YAHANA 34. 04NA/551l833 LCpl Mallam JACOB 35. 04NA/5511563 LCpl Nwonu FRIDAY RESTRICTED 36. 04NA/55/0580 LCpl YusufHABU 37. 05NA/56/1758 Pte Chindo JULIUS 38. 05NA/57/3386 LCpl Joshua FRIDAY 39. 05NA/5611865 LCpl Gbenga ADEBA YO 40. 08NA/6111574 LCpl Ali ABDULLAHI 41. 09NA/63/3987 LCpl Abubakar IBRAHIM 42. 09NA/63/2347 LCpl Anthony SIMEON 43. 1 INA/66/l 1342 LCpl Ngene Douglas 44. 09NA/64/4362 Pte Olayode OLUWASEGUN 45. 09NA/6211493 Pte Jimba AHMED 46. 03NA/53/2156 LCpl Ibrahim YOHANA 47. 12NA/68/6519 Pte Tijjani JIMOH 48. 12NA/69/0816 Pte Kabiru ABUBAKAR

49. 12NA/68/6653 Pte Marnuda SYWASAN 50. 12NA/68/6713 Pte James EMMANUEL 51. 12NA/68/6835 Pte Mukaila MUSA 52. 12NA/68/6550 Pte Ahunanya TEMPLE 53. 12NA/68/6634 Pte Eyakise UWAH 54. 12NA/68/6770 Pte Ilesanmi SEUN 55. 12NA/68/8576 Pte Ishiaku SOLOMON 56. 12NA/68/6677 Pte Audu DANIEL 57. 12NA/68/6812 Pte Boaz LUCKY 58. 12NA/68/6813 Pte Mohammed ABUBAKAR 59. 12NA/68/8358 Pte Anas A WALU 60. 12NA/68/8532 Pte Babangida JAMILU 61. 12NA/68/6614 Pte Nasiru ZUBAIRU 62. 12NA/68/6886 Pte Shehu SA’ADU 63. 12NA/68/8547 Pte Mohammed SULEIMAN 64 12NA/68/8366 Pte Hashimu IBRAHIM 65 12NA/68/6309 Tpr Nnanna PROMISE 66. 12NA/68/8380 Pte Magaji AHMADU 67. 12NA/68/8408 Pte Amao BUKOLA 68. 12NA/68/8496 Pte Wuyep JOHN 69. 12NA/68/6750 Pte Oti KELVIN 70. 12NA/68/6765 Pte Ameh MATHEW 71. 12NA/68/6513 Pte Olaitan JOSEPH 72. 12NA/68/6665 Pte Kulukulu ENDURANCE 73. 12NA/68/6427 Pte Usman ISAAC

RESTRICTED 74. 12NA/68/6792 Pte Ocheje WILLIAMS 75. 12NA/68/6801 Pte Adila DANGANA 76. 12NA/68/8351 Pte Sudan HANNANIA 77. 12NA/68/6527 Pte Sunday GODWIN 78. 12NA/68/4866 Pte Datti HASSAN 79. 12NA/68/6867 Pte Abubakar GARB A 80. 12NA/68/6890 Pte Joseph DAUDA 81. 12NA/68/6605 Pte Chiemela AZUBUIKE 82. 12NA/67/2246 Pte Abubakar MOHAMMED 83. 12NA/68/8529 Pte Anagu MARK 84. 12NA/68/8445 Pte Danbaba FRANCIS 85. 12NA/68/6631 Pte Oton ASUABIAT 86 12NA/68/6603 Pte Nwachukwu UDO 87. 12NA/68/8442 Pte Ibrahirn SALIU 88. 12NA/68/6727 Pte Abafe SYL VESTER 89. 12NA/68/6785 Pte Eze ISAAC 90. 12NA/68/8373 Pte Abubakar MOHAMMED 91. 12NA/67/2329 Pte Samuel MICHAEL 92. 12NA/67/3059 Pte Ishaya MUSA 93. 12NA/68/6794 Pte Ogai DOUGLAS 94. 12NA/68/6794 Pte Etim PETER 95. 12NA/68/6820 Pte Hermas OKPE 96. IlNA/66/8884 Tpr Oyedokun Halimat 97. 09NA/64/4398 Pte Nafiu Umar

NEWS EXTRA 7

October 3, 2014

Tension Mounts In Suleja Over Death Of Apprentice In Hands Of Vigilante Abu Nmodu, Minna

Tension has been heightened in Suleja, following the death of an Igbo trading apprentice in the hands of a group of vigilante men who had arrested him in the early hours of yesterday.

LEADERSHIP understands that the situation which crippled economic activities for a couple of hours was triggered after the apprentice’s ‘master’ had reported him to the local vigilante for stealing his money.

The vigilante had taken it upon themselves to interrogate the young man, instead of handing him over to the police. It was learnt that the deceased must have been tortured to death during the said interrogation.

Consequently, the traders who were peeved and taken aback by the development decided to close shop to protest the death of the apprentice in detention.

The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Gambari, who confirmed the death of the boy, denied that the traders embarked on any form of protest.

Gambari revealed that members of the vigilante group who were involved in the act have been arrested, but did not state how many of them were involved or have been arrested. He did, however, reveal that the deceased was earlier arrested for house-breaking.

The PPRO assured that the Police will conduct proper investigations into the matter and arraign those who are culpable.

Man Electrocuted While Trying To Steal MTN’s Diesel

By Achor Abimaje, Jos

A middle-aged man has been electrocuted while attempting to steal some quantity of diesel belonging to the telecommunications company MTN at St Paul Church in Jos North local government area of Plateau State.

The deceased, who was allegedly notorious for vandalising electricity installations and acts of petty-robbery was said to have snuck into the generator house of an MTN mast to steal away a gallon of diesel and had almost made it out of the vicinity when he was electrocuted by the live electric fence.

Neighbours who gathered to observe the spectacle could hardly recognise him, save for the clothes which he had been seen wearing earlier, as he had been burnt be-

yond recognition.

Baffled bystanders told LEADERSHIP FRIDAY that it was strange how the area that had lacked light for two weeks had its light suddenly restored when the young man was about to do the evil deed.

Some of the residents revealed that the deceased had been stealing electrical equipment belonging to the PHCN and other companies for many years.

One of the eye-witnessed recounted that she had seen the deceased earlier that morning, at about 5:20a.m, with a jerrican, but never suspected what his mission was.

The Plateau State Police Command PPRO, Emmanuel Abu, confirmed the incident and advised young people to engage themselves in “productive businesses that can better their lives”.

Man Commits Suicide, Hangs Self

By Achor Abimaje, Jos

A man identified as Lucky Sunday, 23, has committed suicide by hanging himself in Bukuru, Jos South local government area of Plateau State.

According to the mother of deceased, Cecilia Sunday, the victim’s lifeless body was found dangling from a rope he tied to the ceiling of her bed room.

Mrs. Sunday explained that though she could not tell what drove her son to take his life, he had a bad temper and was always angry.

“I had just returned from the market where I went to sell grains when I discovered him. I was drenched from the rain, so I went straight to the bathroom to remove my cloth. After that, I tried to enter the room but it was

locked from the inside. I banged and called out his name but there was no response.

“After some time, the neighbours informed me that he must be sleeping, as they had heard him singing alongside a song which was being played over the radio,” his mother said.

Mrs Sunday said she had insisted, knocking for him to open the door. “After a while, I forced the door open and there he was dangling from the ceiling. I went to report the matter to the police. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead,” she said, close to tears.

When contacted, the Plateau State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Abuh, confirmed the incident. “It is true; we have a report of a young man who committed suicide by hanging himself in Bukuru, Jos South LGA of the State capital,” he said.

President Goodluck Jonathan (second right) and Vice President Namadi Sambo presenting the book ‘Nigeria Our Heritage’ at the 54th Independence Day Dinner at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday. They are flanked by First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan and tourism, culture and national orientation minister,Chief Edem Duke. Photo By Nan

L-R: Ike Willie, Peter Amuta, Engr. Patrick, founder of Ada Change Divine Foundation, Engr. Roseline and Senator Ben Obi, during the launch of the foundation in Benue State recently.

Kaduna State APC guber aspirant, Hon Isa Ashiru (l), with the chief of Ninzo, Alhaji Ibrahim Yakubu (m) when Ashiru paid a condolence visit to the chief, following the recent attack on Zanga local government area of Kaduna by gunmen. Photo Gbenga Abiola

US Embassy Empowers Disabled Musical Talents

By Chikelu Chinelo, Abuja

The US Mission in Nigeria gave a ray of hope to over 30 persons living with disability who had shown credible interest in pursuing a career in music. The group from Cedar Seed Foundation engaged in-a-threehour interactive session and rehearsal performance with US professional Jazz saxophonist Bobby Ricketts.

Ricketts, a musician, music director and US cultural envoy, advised the group to avoid preconceptions by people who are averse to confronting challenges. “Jazz has some-

thing for everybody. You can make your own music or find a way to express yourself without limitation. That’s what makes Jazz special,” he said.

He urged the physically challenged interested in Jazz music to devote time to research to gain focus on the form of Jazz they wish to engage; develop mentors and perceive rejection as a part of the creative industry.

Ricketts admitted that full-time mentorship which demands time is difficult to come by. He, however, said mentorship can take place in a matter of hours, anytime and anywhere.

Suspected armed robbers paraded by the FCT Police Command, with stolen items, in Abuja yesterday.PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

It is only a stupid cow that rejoices at the prospect of being taken to a beautiful abattoir. — African Proverb

8 NEWS

October 3, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo

Ebola: US Places 80 Under Surveillance As FG approves $0.5m for Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea

BY ABIODUN OLUWAROTIMI, New York, Winifred Ogbebo AND victor okeke, abuja

Following the discovery of the first Ebola Virus case in Dallas early this week, United States health officials yesterday said that 80 people are now being monitored for Ebola.

According to Dallas County Health and Human Services spokeswoman, Erikka Neroes, the 80 people, up from the previous number of 18, now includes anyone who came into contact with people exposed to Ebola patient Thomas Eric Duncan.

The US official however indicated that nobody among the 80 people that are under monitoring had shown symptoms for Ebola Virus Disease.

She pressed further that health officials had ordered four family members who had contact with Duncan who is the first case of Ebola in America, to stay home, stressing that the jump in potential cases signaled the sensitivity of the

situation in Dallas as disease detectives try to make sure the virus is contained.

According to her, health officials are now monitoring not just Duncan’s contacts, but the people they had contact with. It is unclear how many of that group are children.

However, details are slowly leaking out about Duncan and his reasons for travelling to the United States.

A resident of Liberia, the mid-40s delivery driver was reportedly visiting his girlfriend and relatives in Dallas. The woman has five children who came into contact with Duncan and who are now being kept at home.

FG Approves $0.5m For Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea The federal government has approved funds for field epidemiology and laboratory training programme of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), to train at least five health workers from each Ebola affected countries.

These countries include Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

The health minister, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu who disclosed this yesterday in Abuja, said President Goodluck Jona-

than, has also approved $500,000 as donations for the three affected countries saying the donations were made when Nigeria didn’t even have a single case of Ebola.

“We are already compiling a list of health workers who have volunteered to join in going to these countries to be part of the international task force set under the supervision of the United Nations.

“Unless we control it there, nobody is safe. Nigeria is taking the lead in West Africa through the CDC; no other country has done it the way we did it. Everybody is coming to learn from us and we are already to lend that technical support to other countries,” Chukwu told reporters when the executives of the South East/South South Professionals visited him in Abuja.

He said they cannot stop a person with Ebola from coming to Nigeria as it can only be discovered when the person has already arrived. “For ethical reasons we cannot tell the person to get away from the country. Once you get anyone, you start treating, but we were never prepared by the time Patrick Sawyer came, and we have learnt important lessons.

L-R: Vice President Namadi Sambo, PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Chief Uche Secondus, Chief of Staff to the President, Brig.-Gen Jones Arogbofa (rtd) and Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, during Mimiko’s defection to the PDP at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO

BY JANE OKEKE

Outrage Over Mbu’s Detention Of AIT Reporter

BY CHIKA OTUCHIKERE and BODE GBADEBO, Abuja

Outrage yesterday greeted the detention of an Africa Independent Television (AIT) senior correspondent and presenter, Mr Amaechi Anakwe on the orders of newly appointed assistant inspector-general of police (AIG), Zone 7, Abuja, Joseph Mbu, for allegedly describing the him as ‘controversial’ during a programme aired by the station.

Media practitioners and rights advocates who reacted to the detention which went viral on social media yesterday condemned the action of the Mbu, saying he was going too far and exhibiting power

drunkenness.

The Abuja chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) described the AIG’s action as unbecoming of an officer of the law, who should have headed to the law courts in the event of defamation or libel.

Chairman of the chapter, Mr Chuks Ehirim who spoke with LEADERSHIP Friday called on Mbu to immediately release the detained journalist, saying that the country has gone beyond the era of arbitrary and illegal detention and brutalisation of Nigerians by the law enforcement agents.

He said, “I just got information now that Anakwe has been released but asked to report at the police station by 7am to-

morrow (today). All the same, I don’t see what is wrong in the word ‘controversy’ that should warrant arrest and detention.

“We are calling on the police to give journalists a breathing space to do their work without fear of intimidation.”

The executive director, corporate services, DAAR Communications Plc, Mr Johnson Onime, who spoke to LEADERSHIP Friday on phone last night, said Anakwe was invited by the police authorities yesterday morning after airing an interview session with Mbu’s successor at the FCT command, CP Wilson Inalegwu, in which the reporter was said to have asked the new commissioner of police whether he would be as controversial as Mbu.

Eid-el Kabir: IGP Orders Water-tight Security

By CHIKA OTUCHIKERE, and Christiana Nwogu, Abuja and Olaolu Oladipo, Lagos and Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

As part of measures to ensure a crime-free environment during the Eid-el Kabir celebration, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba has directed all zonal assistant inspectors general of police (AIGs) and state command commissioners of police (CPs) to provide water-tight security in worship and recreation places across the country.

Abba gave the directive yesterday, in a statement signed by the Force spokesman, CP Emmanuel Ojukwu in which the IGP ordered effective and extensive deployment of personnel as well as all necessary logistics, to all nooks and crannies of the country.

“As part of efforts to ensure hitch-free celebrations, the IGP has ordered effective and extensive deployment of personnel as well as all necessary logistics, to all nooks and crannies of the country.

“He has directed all Zonal AIGs and state command commissioners of police to take adequate measures to ensure the provision of water-tight security across the country before, during and after the celebration and ensure that key and vulnerable points, all places of worship, recreation centres, resorts and other public places are adequately and effectively protected, to enable worshippers and the general public enjoy maximum security”.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed FCT command CP, Mr Wilson Inalegwa disclosed to journalists yesterday that the command had put measures in place to ensure a crime free celebration in the nation’s capital.

Meanwhile, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Dr Ade Abolurin has directed the zonal and state commands of the Corps to adequately deploy their personnel to strategic places such as federal highways, praying grounds and gathering places, not excluding black spots where criminal element hibernate.

Hajj 2014: Over 2m Muslims Observe Arafat Today

By Abdullahi Umar, with, agency report

No fewer than two million Muslims will today gather for the annual Hajj pilgrimage observation of “wuquf (standing) at Mount Arafat today.

Wuquf is the most important ritual in the Hajj pilgrimage, as the pilgrimage is considered invalid for those who do not make it for the event.

Mount Arafat is in the desert approximately nine miles from Mecca, where the pilgrims spend the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah (in the Islamic calendar) as a rite of Hajj.

In performing wuquf, the pilgrims figuratively join those the Prophet addressed.

Wuquf is believed to cleanse and purify the soul and mind in preparation for the pilgrims’ stay at Muzdalifah that night.

After sunset, pilgrims will move to Muzdalifah, where they collect pebbles to be tossed at three stone representing Satan later in the Hajj, at Mina. Following the stoning, pilgrims will sacrifice animals on the first day of Eidal Adha, joining millions of other Muslims around the world.

If you are a leader of peace, listen to the discourse of the petitioner. Be not abrupt with him; that would trouble him.dess.

Egyptian Proverbs.

October 3, 2014

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October 3, 2014

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

MISSING VEHICLE This is to notify the general public that a white-coloured Hyundai Sonata saloon car with registration number BWR 642 AH and chassis number KMHEB41BABA097759 belonging to LEADERSHIP Newspapers Group Ltd is missing. The vehicle was last seen with Hajiya Mariya Ibrahim Baba. Any person with useful information regarding the missing vehicle should please contact the nearest police station or LEADERSHIP Newspapers Group Ltd through this phone number: 07035782552 Signed: Management

11 October 3, 2014

Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa CFR President, Court of Appeal

Alhaji Ya’u Gimba Kumo OON Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank

Mr. Manu Garba OON Chief Coach, Under 17 Football Team

Mallam Jalal Ahmed Arabi OON

Hon. Justice Y. Heman CON Chief Judge, Gombe State

Ambassador Aliyu Dala Hassan OON Diplomat

Mr. Abdullazeez Abubakar Yarma MON Player, Under 17 Football Team

and Mrs. Mairo I. London MON Educationist

Gombe State Government

Felicitation!

I join you, your families, friends and all good people of Gombe to rejoice with as you receive your National Award,

by His Excellency President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR.

We are proud of your achievements in your various fields of endeavour and urge you to continue to excel and remain role models for future generations.

Congratulations!

ALH. IBRAHIM HASSAN

(Talban Gombe) Governor, Gombe State

DANKWAMBO OON

12 / NEWS

October 3, 2014

Kaduna Grassroots’ Chairmen Rewarded For Health Achievements stories By Chikelu Chinelo, Abuja

The chairmen of Kaduna North, BirninGwari, Kubau and Giwa local government areas in Kaduna State have gained the recognition of the International Health Watch Magazine for their distinguished improvements in the health system of their councils.

The statement released by the executive director of the magazine, Prince Tanimu Abubakar, stated that the councils are to be awarded based on the assessment on provisions of equipment and medications, grassroots impact analysis, consistency of opera-

tion and commitment to the health sector.

Abubakar further noted that the awards were meant to boost productivity consciousness in the council chairmen to ensure renewed results in the health sectors at the grassroots level.

The awards will be conferred on the local council chairmen in the next two weeks.

Health Watch International Magazine publication specializes on the reportage of health activities of public and private sectors, both internationally and locally, with unparalleled achievement in health related issues.

Nigeria @54: Group Calls For Peaceful Co-existence

The National Coordinator, House to House Network for Goodluck 2015, Prince Chidi Ibe has advocated peaceful co-existence as panacea for the transformation agenda of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, stressing that Nigeria will overcome its challenges if all work and support the present government.

Prince Ibe while congratulating his Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on the 54th Independence celebration of our dear country, Nigeria, commended all well-meaning Nigerians for their abiding support, prayers and encouragement to the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan in tackling the security and

other developmental challenges confronting the country.

He said he was convinced that Nigeria would overcome its challenges, while maintaining that it was only in the atmosphere of harmony and peaceful co-existence that progress could be guaranteed.

“Peaceful and harmonious co-existence cannot be more relevant at any other time in our history than today. We need all hands on deck to build an enduring democracy where every citizen will have the opportunity to attain his or her potentials in life.”

According to Ibe, thousands of Nigerians laid down their lives for making this country what it is today.

Glo Unveils Elite Prive Club For High Value BY bode gbadebo, Abuja

Globacom, Nigeria’s national telecommunications carrier, has unveiled an exclusive club with first of its kind benefits for its high value subscribers.

Christened Glo Prive, the club was launched at a ceremony attended by the crème de la crème of the society, including captains of industry, technocrats, top professionals and senior officials of Globacom at Eko Hotel, Lagos on Wednesday night.

Globacom’s Chief Commercial Director, Mr. Prabhat Aggarwal, said Glo Privé is a product of careful consideration and planning, adding that it is aimed at delighting Globacom’s high value customers with unmatchable privileges and benefits.

“Prive represents privilege, differentiation, and exclusivity. With Glo Prive, members are treated to privileges provided by Glo network, and other benefits in the form of unique experiences, savings and offers by premium suppliers, merchants and service providers. It is our own way of appreciating these niche subscribers in novel ways like no one else in the Nigerian telecoms market”.

Mr. Aggarwal said the benefits were designed to delight the high-end subscribers and treat them like the kings and queens they are. “We are welcoming them into a new era of exclusive privileges, distinctive treatments, premium attention and luxurious care. We have taken time to create the ultimate experience for our very valuable, loy-

al, premium and important personalities who are behind all of Glo’s giant strides by offering the unique gamut of rewards.

The benefits for Glo Prive members include a free Accident Insurance cover of N20m benefit payable against accidental death, Free Access to VIP lounges with the Glo Privé Card at International Airports nationwide and special numbers as spouse line with the option of registering an existing Glo Spouse line.

The benefits also include automatic international direct dialing (IDD) and Roaming Access. “This means that wherever they go in the world, they can keep using their Glo SIM to talk, text, browse and do much more,” Shonibare stated, adding that they will also get special invitation to Privé Business Networking platforms and Glo high profile events.

He explained that dedicated Account Managers have been made available for effective round-the clock (24/7) exceptional care for Glo Privé members. There is an exclusive hotline for quick and expert help to resolve any issues a Prive member may have with his or her line.

“We have also created a special Glo Privé lounge at major Gloworld shops to attend exclusively to Prive members. Members who visit these shops are welcomed to the special Privé corner by well-trained Privé staff and given priority and express service. It is an exclusive world of preferential treatments that these customers will enjoy from now on,” he stated.

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever Walt Disney, founder and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

NEWS NATIONAL / 13

October 3, 2014

Fayose, Fayemi Bicker Over Appointment Of Perm Secs

By Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti State governor-elect, Mr Ayo Fayose yesterday said that he will review government policies implemented in the twilight of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s administration.

Fayose who faulted the appointment of new permanent secretaries by Governor Fayemi’s administration, said it was unfortunate that the outgoing governmment was playing politics with issues that have dire consequences on the welfare of the state.

The state government had on Wednesday announced the appointment of new eight permanent secretaries.

In a statement by his chief press secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, Fayose said it was evident that the present government was bent on making things difficult for his incoming administration.

But Fayemi, who predicated his action on his intention to inject new bloods into the state civil service and fill all vacancies occasioned by retirement of some senior bureaucrats , denied that the action was a ploy to plant civil servants who have sympathy for his party in the system.

The governor who reacted through the information commissioner, Mr Tayo Ekundayo, said, “The eight appointments came as a result of vacancies brought about by the retirement of some permanent secretaries in the civil service, which must be filled.

Rivers Judicial Crisis: I Hold Nothing Against Okocha – Amaechi

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt

Rivers State governor, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said that he holds nothing against Justice Daisy Okocha becoming the chief judge of the state, but was following the law as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.

Amaechi who stated this during a special live programme on a popular radio station in Port Harcourt, the state capital, said the lingering judicial crisis in the state was cause by members of the opposition who he accused of putting self above the state. The governor recalled that after the recommendation from the State Judicial Council (SJC) to the National Judicial Council (NJC), the latter made their recommendation to him, but that he rejected it and asked for another recommendation.

He further said that because the NJC has taken a stand, they insisted on Okocha, contrary to what the law says.

Amaechi said, “I requested from them to show me where it is in the constitution that they must disqualify somebody. The law said any lawyer who has served 10 years in the bar is entitled and qualified as chief judge.

“So, it was based on this I had to recommend Justice Peter Agumagu again. And there is a high court judgment on it. I holds nothing against Justice Okoach,but rather adhering to the law as stipulated in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.”

The governor also said that the opposition should be blamed for the negative effect of the prolonged judiciary crisis, adding that in the 2015 governorship election, there was no basis for another Ikwerre man to succeed him as governor.

Flood on Ikwerre road in Port Harcourt yesterday.

PHOTO BY NAN

Bankole’s Daughter Dies In London

by Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

The immediate past speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Sabur Bankole has lost his daughter.

Yewande Seminat Bankole died in a London hospital on Wednesday.

According to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by the family, the late Yewande was the grand

daughter of Chief Alani Suara Bankole, aged 6.

“With gratitude to Almighty Allah and with heavy hearts we announce the demise of our daughter Yewande Semiat Bankole aged 6years at St Mary’s Children’s Hospital London on October 1, 2014,” the statement reads in part.

The statement disclosed that Yewande was born with HbSS sickle cell dis-

ease and that she was a radiant girl who struggled with the disease whose condition was originally managed at a Lagos hospital but later transferred abroad where she eventually died.

While stating that her remains would be buried according to Islamic rites, the Bankole family requested the prayers of all at this time of immense grief and profound shock.

2015: Sambo Can’t Win Kaduna For PDP – El-Rufa’i

BY MIDAT JOSEPH,Kaduna

Former minister of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Abuja and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufa’i yesterday said that Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo does not have the electoral value to win the 2015 general elections for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State.

This is just as he warned against voting for the PDP in 2015, adding that “All those that care about Kaduna State should come together because the enemy is not APC, the enemy is the PDP, so we should unite to reject the PDP.” El-rufai who spoke with journalists shortly after donating cars to the party’s secretariat in Kaduna, denied ever having political

Godfather, “I don’t have any Godfather, the only Godfather I have is the God Almighty himself, I have never had Godfather in my political life, I have mentors that I respect.

I respect Buhari the leader of our party, I worked with General Obasanjo. I have great respect for him, even General Obasanjo cannot tell me to do a wrong thing and I will do it, am not made like that.”

According to him, “Uprooting an incumbent is not difficult because the PDP did not even win the last elections, it was rigged, the CPC won the last elections and we know what happened, we all know the efforts of militarising the state to write results, we are going to resist that this time around.”

“I have no doubt in my mind that the PDP in Kaduna State is gone. It is just a matter of time. In February 2015 we will prove that. A

non performing government that have only made people poor, that have heightened level of insecurity cannot win election. Like the vice president that has not even won any elections in his polling unit. So forget about the VP, it is about the people, it is not about big name, title, it is about people and the people of Kaduna State will not vote the PDP whether with the VP or not,” he insisted.

On why he was running for the governorship position of the state, he said, “Kaduna State has gone backward compared to our neighbouring states, my state has unacceptable level of insecurity and with those in power appearing not to care. People get killed in this state in their tens and hundreds and the seating government will not even go to console those that have lost loved ones. It is impunity of the highest order.

According to him, the commission is collating opinions from stakeholders and would take the right decision as soon as it completes its findings.

He noted that the proposal was criticised because the commission did not make necessary consultation before the step was taken.

“We are aware of the criticism on the creation of the 30,000 additional polling units.

We don’t want anything that would tarnish our reputation. The intention was good and it was meant to reduce the stress people go through during the election.

“We took the step when we realised that certain polling units had as much as 3,000 voters and we felt that it would amount to wasting time at the polling centres on the day of election as a result of large number of vot-

ers in the polling centres and the long queues.

We are only concerned and ensuring free and fair elections”.

Also speaking on the issue of use of security during elections, Olurode said Nigeria is not ripe to hold elections without adequate security measures. He added that it was necessary to even increase the involvement of the security in the election, especially the police.

He reiterated that masked security men would not be allowed to partake in election duties again. He said the commission would ensure that security men are friendly with electorate.

Olurode urged members of the public to support and encourage INEC and security agencies. He also said there was no pressure on INEC from presidency.

Creation Of Additional Polling Units: We’ve Good Intention – INEC

By JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo

The proposed creation of additional 30,000 polling units across the country by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) was done with good intention.

INEC said the creation of the new polling units was in order to make it easier for voters to cast their votes and avoid unnecessary waste of time at the polling centres.

The INEC commissioner in-charge of South-West, Professor Lai Olurode who spoke at a media interaction organised by Osun State chapter of Association of Veteran Journalists in Osogbo however said the electoral body is ready to review the decision if it becomes imperative.

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever Walt Disney, founder and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

14

October 3, 2014

Congratulations!

CONGRATULATIONS! The entire people of RANO Local Government Kano state and indeed the leadership of the Council under Hon. Muhammad ubale dankawu heartily convey our felicitations to His Excellency, dr. abdullahi umar Ganduje, the Deputy Governor of Kano State on the conferment of the distinguished National Honours of OFR on him by Mr. President and Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, dr. Goodluck ebele jonathan.

Your Excellency, this unique award signifies recognition of your towering and excellent accomplishments in public service, politics, governance and dedication. We are proud of your track records of achievements and pray that this will propel you further in the service of our country and Kano State.

Signed: Hon. MuHaMMad ubale dankawu Chaiman Rano Local Government

His Excellency

dr. abdullaHi uMar Ganduje OFR Deputy Governor of Kano State

October 3, 2014

15

16 NEWS NATIONAL

October 3, 2014

2015 MDGs Deadline: Nigeria Won’t Cry For Food – Patience Jonathan

By Christiana Nwaogu, Abuja

With less than a year to the end of the United Nations Anti- Poverty Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), the first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has said that Nigeria will not cry for food as it has halved the proportion of those who suffer from hunger way ahead of the 2015 deadline.

The first lady stated this yesterday in Abuja, at the official launch of Agricultural Empowerment Programme for Rural Farmers, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, during which over 230,000 bags of fertiliser were distributed to farmers across the country.

Dame Patience described the distribution of the fertilisers as a move aimed at bolstering the nation’s productivity as well as contributing immensely to the realisation of Mr President’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda, and commended farmers for their sacrifice which aided the country to attain goal one of the MDGs. According to her, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 2013 acknowledged that Nigeria has halved the proportion of those who suffer from hunger way ahead of the 2015 deadline.

She said, “It is a thing of joy that under President Jonathan, significant improvements have been made in the agricultural sector, particularly in the area of fertiliser distribution. The National Fertiliser Policy for Nigeria is such that fertiliser seeds are now sold by the companies directly to farmers through an e-wallet system”.

Ahmed Inaugurates C’ttee On Creation Of New Devt Councils

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

The Kwara State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, yesterday inaugurated a 14-man committee for the creation of local council development areas in the state with a mandate to submit its report in eight weeks.

The committee is chaired by a Board of Trustees (BoT) member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje.

Other members of the committee include Alhaji Saidu Issa, Alhaji Khaleel Bolaji, Mr Tunde Umar, AbdulWahab Issa, Mr Joshua Ogunlowo and Alhaji Rasaq Umar. Others are Prof Halidu Abubakar, Chief Wole Oke, chief of staff to Governor Ahmed, Alhaji Muhammad Toyin Sanusi, Dr Abubakar Ishola and Alhaji AbdulKadir Oba Salihu.

The committee’s terms of reference are to identify all basic parameters contingent to the creation of local government council development areas using variables peculiar to the Kwara environment while borrowing relevant experiences from other states that have similar structures; consider all factors related to viability (Internally Generated Revenue, population, land area, etc.) in suggesting an area for LCDA status; identify suitable communities as headquarters taking due cognisance of precedence in administrative responsibility in arriving at the choice.

Workers of Kuje General Hospital during a peaceful protest over nonpayment of their eight months salaries in Abuja, yestesterday.

PHOTO BY NAN.

Sallah Patrols: FRSC Deploys 18,000 Personnel, 800 Vehicles

BY Ejike Ejike, Abuja

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has deployed 18,000 personnel including regular and special marshals, 800 patrol vehicles, 60 motorbikes, 52 ambulances and six heavy duty tow trucks along critical corridors of the highways as part of plans for a nationwide special patrol slated for September 30 through October 12, 2014, with the theme “Operation Eid-ElKabir”.

According to the FRSC spokesperson, Stella Uchegbu, the exercise, which is in line with the commission’s drive to achieve its 2014 strategic goals of reducing road traffic

crashes by 15 per cent and fatalities by 25 per cent especially during the festive season, has also been designed in view of expected high vehicular movement and to address the possible tendencies for road traffic regulations violations by motorists during this period.

She added that the special patrol which is aimed at addressing the spate of avoidable road crashes usually associated with the festive season, is an all-inclusive exercise which will witness intensive patrols, prompt rescue services, strict enforcement of traffic rules and robust public enlightenment campaigns across the country.

Uchegbu also said the objectives of the spe-

cial exercise include the removal of obstructions from the highways, traffic control/ decongestion, public enlightenment campaigns through the distribution of safety handbills, radio and television talk shows and other forms of awareness campaign, in addition to strict enforcement of road traffic regulation.

She revealed that infractions such as the use of cell phones while driving, overloading, wrongful overtaking, lane violation, dangerous driving, drink driving, obstruction and other road vices will form part of the patrol thrust while the commission’s operatives will equally check speed limit violations.

Money Laundering EFCC Appeals Ruling Discharging Ikuforiji

BY OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

The coast seems not clear for the embattled speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has appealed the recent ruling of a Federal High Court in Lagos that cleared him of money laundering allegations.

The anti-graft agency in a Notice of Appeal filed before the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal wants the appellate court to allow its appeal and set aside the decision of the trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba dated September 26, 2014.

The EFCC also wants the upper court to order a trial ‘de novo’ (fresh trial) before another judge of the Federal High Court, Lagos, instead of Justice Buba.

Justice Buba had discharged Ikuforiji and his personal assistant (PA), Oyebode Atoyebi over allegations of laundering the sum of N500million belonging to the Assembly.

The offences, according to the commission, contravened Sections 15 (1d) and 16(1d) of Money Laundering Act, M.L.A, 2004 and 2011.

Justice Buba had in a ruling on a no case submission filed by the speaker and Atoyebi, held that the EFCC failed to prove any of the

ingredients of the crime of money laundering.

He also declared that the EFCC failed to establish a prima-facie case against the accused persons and that the suit was an abuse of court process.

But dissatisfied with the ruling, the EFCC through its counsel, Chief Godwin Obla (SAN) in the Notice of Appeal dated September 30, 2014 wants the Court of Appeal to hold that Justice Buba erred in law, when he held and concluded that counts 2-48 are incompetent, because they were filed pursuant to Section 1(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004, which was repealed by the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

this in Lafia yesterday, after a three-day assessment of Millennium Development Goals projects in the state.

He expressed satisfaction that even when the choice of project communities has been politicised in most states of the federation, which has negatively affected the intended objective, Nasarawa State has been exemplary in this regard, siting their projects where they are most needed and thus adding value to

the standard of living of communities in the state.

He called on other states to copy from the Nasarawa example in order to improve the quality of life in rural communities.

Chief Yomi also expressed delight that most of the projects have been put to good use by the communities especially in the area of water supply and healthcare delivery services.

Reps Score Nasarawa High On MDG

BY DONATUS NADI, Lafia

The House of Representatives Committee on Rural Development has commended Nasarawa State government for being meticulous in siting MDG projects in the most vulnerable and poor communities as well as the delivery of projects at specified standards.

Chief Yomi Charles, the chief project consultant of the committee, disclosed

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever Walt Disney, founder and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

business

October 3, 2014

17

N13.582trn

The market capitalisation closed lower at N13.582 trillion

Market Capitalisation Drops By N25bn

By OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) closed on Thursday after the holiday on a downward trend with the market capitalisation depreciating by N25 billion or 0.18 per cent following the price losses recorded by some major stocks. The market capitalisation closed lower at N13.582 trillion from the N13.607 trillion recorded on Tuesday. Also, the AllShare Index, which opened at 41,210.10,

dropped by 74.35 points to close at 41,135.75.

Nestle led the losers’ chart by N39.97 to close at N1, 050.03 per share. Guinness followed with a loss of N10.74 to close at N204.24, while Seplat lost N5 to close at N640 per share. PZ Cussons dipped by N1.75 to close at N33.25, while Dangote Cement decreased by N1.16 to close at N220.84 per share. On the other hand, Stanbic IBTC led the gainers’ chart by L-R: Director-general, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Joseph Ikemefuna; managing director, Cotecna N1.40 to close at N35 Destination Inspection Limited, Mr Tayo Rabiu and director-general, National Automotive Council, Mr Aminu Jalal during per share. the launch of a new Soncap regime to check the importation of used vehicles into Nigeria in Abuja. PHOTO BY JANE OKEKE

Caverton Wins Shell’s ‘Safety Conscious Award’

BY Olushola Bello, Lagos

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria has awarded Caverton Helicopters Safety Conscious Contractor of the Year Award as part of activities to commemorate its 75 million lost time injury (LTI) free man-hour.

The award was awarded by the production directorate of SPDC. Caverton according a statement was nominated and won the award in the Medium and High Risk category. Justifying the award, Shell said: “Caverton Helicopters developed safety programmes to improve staff safety culture.

Raising the bar engagement sessions, safety survey and ‘Aim for Zero’ Campaign and actively ready to learn from previous incidents.”

The award ceremony, which took place at Shell Port Harcourt was received by the base managing pilot on behalf of Caverton Helicopters.

Caverton Helicopters is a subsidiary of Caverton Offshore Support Group PLC (COSG).

AMCON Seeks Stay Of Execution Of Ruling Against Bi-courtney Takeover Bid

BY OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

The Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has urged a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to stay execution of a ruling which barred the agency from taking over the operations of Bi-Courtney Limited and three other companies own by Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN).

It will be recalled that Justice Ibrahim Buba last Monday, vacated an earlier order made by his brother judge, Justice Okon Abang, empowering AMCON to take over the assets of Bi-Courtney Group in order to liquidate an alleged N50 billion debt.

Other companies affected by the

order are: Chartered Investment Limited, Resort International Limited and Roygate Properties Limited.

In a motion titled an ‘Application with Notice for Injunction Pending Appeal,’ which was brought pursuant to part XIV of the AMCON Practice Directions 2013, the agency presented five grounds upon which it has made its request.

Part of the grounds was that it was yet to be furnished with a copy of the ruling which vacated the earlier order granted by Justice Abang and that an appeal has already been filed against the ruling.

Also, AMCON was of the view that the present application

was necessary to restrain the respondents (Bi-courtney and others) from dissipating their assets and rendering the possible outcome of the appeal at the court of appeal nugatory.

The corporation further submitted that the court has a duty to stay further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of the appeal in order to avoid foisting a fait accompli on the court of appeal or rendering nugatory the applicant’s right of appeal guaranteed under the 1999 constitution.

It will be recalled that AMCON had also filed an appeal against the ruling in which the corporation formulated four grounds.

World Bank Gives Conditions To Tackle Economic Inequality

By ABIODUN OLUWAROTIMI, New York

World Bank Group President, Dr. Jim Yong Kim, yesterday said boosting shared prosperity for the lowest 40 per cent of income earners in developing countries would improve the lives of all members of

society, not only a fortunate few.

Addressing students and faculty at Howard University in a speech given in advance of the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Washington, DC, Kim said that the goal of boosting shared prosperity would be achieved by raising incomes, creating jobs, educating

children and providing all with access to food, water and health care. “By doing so, we will grow our wealth and nurture our humanity,” the World Bank chief noted.

He also stressed the need to help low-income countries grow their economies, noting that in the last four years alone, high growth rates

in China and India had meant that 233 million people no longer live in poverty. “But poorest people in these countries must share in the gains of that growth,” he said.

Kim cited a recent Oxfam International report that found the world’s richest 85 people have as much combined wealth as the

BUSINESS QUOTE Never waste a good crisis. Lee Myung-Bak, South Korean president, quoted in the Economist, November 2009.

A depression is for capitalism like a good, cold douche.

Joseph

poorest 3.6 billion.

His words: “Shared prosperity is part of the Bank Group’s headline goals simply because it is required to end poverty. With so many Africans, as well as Asians and Latin Americans, living in extreme poverty, this state of affairs is a stain on our collective conscience.” Kim

18 / TOURISM

October 3, 2014

Ebonyi: President Jonathan To Open 2014 NAFEST

chairman, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Governing Board, Prof. Nelson Brambaifa (2nd left) and the new director-general, NCAC, Mrs Dayo Keshi (3rd left) in a group photograph with other members of the NCAC Governing Board in Abuja. PHOTO BY CHIKA OKEKE

Afro Tourism Expo: Seeking Ways To Harness Nigeria’s Potential Stories By Chika Okeke, Abuja

Stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry have consistently expressed worry over the inability of the government at all levels to exploit Nigeria’s tourism potentials like in other countries of the world.

This was one of the major reasons experts from the travel, tourism and hospitality industry converged in Abuja, recently, for the maiden edition of the Afro Tourism Expo with the theme, ‘Creating the Framework and Business Environment for Investment In Africa’s Tourism Industries.’

The 2-day event organised by Destination Marketing Extra Limited (DMX), a Nigerian destination management company, in partnership with tourism firms in South Africa and Canada, was supported by 10 organisations, including the LEADERSHIP Group.

One of the objectives of the expo was to create a viable platform for the stakeholders to deliberate on issues and challenges in the sector as well as to ensure that the vast tourism potential in Africa were harnessed effectively in order to contribute to national development. Though it attracted few participants at the maiden edition, it was also an opportunity to brainstorm on how to move the sector forward so that Nigeria would be positioned as a preferred tourist destination in Africa.

The event which provided basic information about the leading hospitality brands as well as facilitating

trade and investment partnership featured exhibitors from Kenya Airways, Galaxy Backbone Plc, Travel Start Web Logistics, Amadeus Nigeria and Sheraton Hotels Abuja.

In his address, the national president, Institute for Tourism Professionals, Chief Abiodun Odunsanwo, described poor customer relations and insecurity as one of the greatest challenges militating against the growth of tourism in Nigeria. He urged practitioners in the tourism sector to inculcate the culture of friendliness and improve their customer relation services even as he called for the establishment of grading formula for hotels in Nigeria.

Odunsanwo regretted that Nigerians hardly appreciate their tourism potential even as he tasked the federal government to improve the quality of tourism-related institutions in Nigeria.

Delivering a lecture on ‘The Potentials of African Arts and Culture,’ the director, Arts and Crafts, National Council for Arts and Culture, (NCAC) Mrs Chinwe Abara, said that arts have played a vital role, not only in the preservation of our cultural heritage, but also in sustaining the economic development of the country. In the same vein, Ms Maud Masiyiwa of Capstone Training and Development, South Africa, in a presentation titled, ‘Africa Tourism Development from the South African Perspective,’ suggested that the tourism curriculum for schools and meaningful training for practitioners should be more realistic saying that health and safety should be a top priority before

establishing a hospitality and tourism industry.

On his part, the vice president of the National Association of Nigerian Travels Agents (NANTA), Abuja Chapter, Alhaji Saleh Rabo, maintained that investing in the tourism industry would develop the economy and solve the problems of unemployment.

In his address, the sales manager of Kenya Airways, Mr Diran Oloyede, said that given the Nigerian population and economy, Agriculture and Tourism were the major sectors that would provide employment opportunities in the country which he believed that the expo would explore with assistance from the media and stakeholders.

In his presentation, titled ‘African Best Practice in Hotel Management,’ the business development manager of Nanet Hotels Limited, Abuja, Mr Dennis Orjime, advised service providers in the industry to imbibe the culture of best practices while offering services to their clients, saying that Africans and Nigerians were known as hospitable people. Commending the organisers for the initiative, he noted that though insecurity had resulted to troubled times, Nigeria would overcome the security challenges, adding that the industry was at the front burner of the economy.

Orjime noted that countries like Kenya survived on tourism, suggesting that the hospitality sectors should educate, train and provide good incentives to their service providers to enable them carry out their duties diligently.

Participants from the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is expected to converge in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, for the 28th edition of National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) scheduled from October 19-26, 2014.

The week-long event, which would be officially declared opened by President Goodluck Jonathan on October 21, is organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation.

The NAFEST is an annual fiesta targeted at promoting cultural interaction, peace and national integration through renditions of various cultural events such as traditional dance drama, arts and crafts competition, children’s essay writing competition, children’s painting competition, traditional children’s story telling competition, traditional wrestling, traditional cuisine competition, among others.

The theme of the event, “Celebrating Nigeria @100: The Role of Culture as a Vehicle for National Unity” would also draw participants from relevant non-governmental organisations, schools, institutions and international agencies.

In a statement made available to LEADERSHIP Friday by the director, Corporate and Strategic Planning Department, NCAC, Mrs Anne-Marie Adanna Kanuh, the NAFEST is a platform for talent hunt, skills acquisition, a beacon for tourism development and overall economic empowerment. She noted that the NAFEST had impacted positively on all the states through the State council for Arts & Culture/History and Culture Bureaux, saying that the fiesta fosters national unity, greater understanding and cooperation.

Artists Fault FG Over Non-disbursement Of Grants

A self employed photographer, Mr Jide Odukoya, has faulted the federal government over its inability to provide grants to artists just as he revealed that there were many untapped potentials in Nigeria that were deeply neglected by the government.

He disclosed this in an interview with LEADERSHIP Friday in Abuja shortly after the opening of a photography exhibition of photographs taken at Berlin and Warsaw during a sponsored trip by the German and Polish Embassies.

Odukoya regretted that there were many untapped potentials in Nigeria. He said, “There are so many things that the federal government has swept under the carpet of injustice. Such include some old buildings that were demolished under the guise of politics.”

He said that apart from the beautiful sites, Germany and Poland had tried over the years to sustain and keep their culture which was not common in Nigeria even as he called on government at all levels to support arts which he described as ‘history, future, present and past.’

Another independent photographer, Mr Olayinka Stephen Sangotoye, regretted that the federal government was oblivious of the importance of art to national development, noting that art could make Nigerians self-reliant.

The system will always be defended by those countless people who have enough intellect to defend but not quite enough to innovate.

Edward de Bono, Maltese physician, author, inventor and consultant.

motoring /19

October 3, 2014

Ford Hinges Future On New F-150 Truck, Lincoln

Kia Picanto

Made-in-Nigeria: Kia Misses September Target Stories By Samson Echenim, Lagos

Dana Motors Nigeria Limited, distributor of the Kia automobile brand in Nigeria and intending manufacturer of the fast growing South Korean vehicle failed to meet its target of rolling out vehicles assembled at its Lagos plant.

The company is the latest to reel out plans to make cars and other vehicles in Nigeria, as the federal government pursues an automotive policy that encourages local manufacturing of vehicles in the country.

Kia Motors Corporation, the Korean manufacturers of KIA automobiles in July announced plan to roll-out made-inNigeria Kia vehicles from its Isolo, Lagos plant in September this year.

The automaker’s Africa and Middle East manager, Mr. Homer Kim, hinted local media at a ceremony to inaugurate Kia ultra-modern showroom in Lagos recently that Kia’s decision to establish a local plant in Nigeria followed the federal government’s proclamation of a modified National Automotive Policy that seeks to revolutionise Nigeria’s automotive industry and steadily discourage importation of fully built-up vehicles.

Kia Motors Corporation had last February signed a treaty with Dana Motors Limited, local Kia representative to restructure existing short-term obligation to align with long-term investment in assets development – a scenario that culminated in the provision of technical know-how and setting up

machinery for the local plant.

A director at Dana Motors however, told LEADERSHIP that the company’s plan to roll out vehicles made in Nigeria was still intact. He however declined to give a hint on the date for which the locally assembled Kia brands would be unveiled.

Kia’s Africa and Middle East manager, Kim had said the plant would immediately begin to assemble select Kia models including A, B and C - segment Rio, Cerato and Optima because of the huge Kia model line-up and by mid 2015 commence full scale production of the entire Kia range.

“We will immediately begin to assemble few models including Kia Rio, Cerato and Optima because of the huge model lineup of Kia and by mid 2015, ceteris paribus (all things being equal), the entire Kia range will be made locally. This in essence implies that, not a single Kia model will be imported into Nigeria from Korea,” he said.

Dana Motors Limited managing director, Mr. Jacky Hathiramani, had also said the dealership was proud to be associated with the Korean automaker and that it sought to replicate Kia’s outstanding qualities in Nigeria.

Dana Motors was appointed KIA representative in 2002 and within a relatively short time, positioned the brand as one of Nigeria’s foremost automobile brands and best selling passenger car.

The company won the best distributor in 2013.

Ford Motor Company’s new chief executive, Mr Mark Fields, has unveiled an aggressive growth targets for 2020, which hinged on success of the redesigned 2015 F-150 pickup and a $2.5 billion effort to rebuild the now stagnant Lincoln brand.

Fields, who succeeded popular CEO Alan Mulally on July 1, unnerved investors by cutting the company’s profit outlook for this year and next, citing the cost of recalls as well as weakness in Russia and South America.

But he and his executive team also laid out an ambitious six-year plan that hinges on several key elements, notably the brand in the United States and China.

Ford’s challenges and setbacks come as its United States sales are on upswing. While domestic rivals General Motors Company and Chrysler Group have seen year-to-date sales rise by three per cent and 14 per cent, respectively, Ford has dropped by a fraction, due in large part to the lengthy and costly changeover to the new F-150.

The launch of Ford’s aluminumintensive F-150, which goes on sale this fall, is the most critical order of business. The big F-series truck, America’s best-selling vehicle, historically has contributed the lion’s share of Ford’s global pretax profits.

The new model will cost more to build, Ford executives have acknowledged. And analysts said the automaker may not be able to recover all of those costs, including those associated with more expensive

features and production lost through lengthy changeovers at two US plants, through higher pricing for several years.

Without providing details, Ford executives expressed the longer-term advantage of being the first to spend billions of dollars to take weight out of its full-size trucks and introduce smaller, more efficient engines in order to meet stiffer US fuel economy and emissions regulations toward the end of the decade.

“We believe this investment in the new F-150 pays off not just in 2014 and 2015, but throughout the truck’s extended life cycle,” said Mr Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s executive vice president and head of the Americas.

A bigger gamble is the massive investment in reviving the Lincoln brand, whose sales have been in the doldrum for years as new product investment has languished.

Part of the investment covers the launch of a redesigned MKX crossover next year and a replacement for the big MKS sedan in 2016. Ford also said it would add two new Lincoln models by 2020.

One of the new Lincolns is expected to be a premium compact sedan in 2018 that will share its underpinnings with the next-generation Ford Focus, according to two industry sources familiar with the company’s plans.

Also under consideration for 20192020 is a large rear-wheel-drive sedan and a compact crossover vehicle that’s smaller than the recently introduced MKC, the sources said.

Mark Fields

Don’t take the straight path or the winding path. Take the path your ancestors have taken.”

Roger von Oech, American author, inventor and speaker

20 / AGRICULTURE

October 3, 2014

AgriC REPORT Farmers at work

Agriculture Gains Prominence as Economy Shifts From Oil Dominance As Nigeria celebrates 54 years of independence, stakeholders are optimistic that with the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) on course, the sector is facing its greatest success since the discovery of oil. Ruth Tene Natsa writes on the many successes and challenges of the sector.

President Jonathan’s government... set up the ATA with the aim of making agriculture more attractive to not just the ageing farmers but to Youths through the setting up of Nagropreneus in 2012

Prior to the 1960s, the nation’s agriculture sector was not only vibrant but was a major source of generating income and subsequently a major contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP).

Agriculture was a platform for poverty alleviation, job creation and provided most of the foreign exchange through the farming of cocoa, groundnuts, cotton and palm produce among several others which was used to develop and create various infrastructures in the nation.

The discovery of oil in the 1960s led to a total neglect of the sector, while investors rushed to partake of the national cake, leaving agriculture to the very few who practised at a subsistence level.

The neglect made agriculture to become poorly funded and it was practised at a subsistence level. Farmers suffered severe post- harvest loss, it became unattractive to youths and generally non profitable for investors and funding managers.

54 years later and with the knowledge that oil cannot last beyond three decades, President Jonathan’s government, through

the minister of agriculture and rural development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, set up the ATA with the aim of making agriculture more attractive to not just the ageing farmers but youths through the setting up of the Nagropreneur in 2012.

As of date, the government, through the ATA, had successfully registered over 10 million farmers in its data base to benefit from the growth enhancement scheme (GES) Adesina said.

“We developed Nigeria’s first ever database of farmers so we can identify farmers and manage farmers identity.

Over 14.5 million farmers have been registered in the past three years. Nigeria is the first country in Africa to do this and the farmers are being migrated into the national e-identity card system which allows the use of their biometric information to effectively target them and open them up for financial inclusion.”

The federal government has also alluded to ending four decades of fertiliser sector corruption within 90 days and with it the era of government buying and distributing seeds and fertilisers.

It was replaced with a private sector-driven system with the role of government shifting to providing targeted farm support directly to farmers for seeds and fertilisers via electronic coupons on mobile phones or “e-wallets.” It recorded that between 2012 and 2014, a total of 14 million farmers received their subsidised farm inputs using electronic vouchers on their mobile phones to directly pay private sector input retailers.

To further enable the private

sector seed companies to develop, the federal government said it had ended government monopoly over foundation seeds and opened it all up to the private sector, adding that the number of seed companies in Nigeria rose from 5 to 80 within three years, while multinational seed companies have begun to invest in Nigeria, including Syngenta and Dupont, two of the largest seed companies in the world, as demand for seed has far outstripped supply.

Private sector investments in fertiliser manufacturing have also expanded with $5 billion of private sector investments in fertiliser manufacturing within the past three years.

In the recent past, the sector also witnessed a revival as the share of total bank lending expanded from about two per cent in 2011 to five per cent by 2013.

Bank lending to seed companies and agro-input dealers expanded from $10 million in 2012 to $53 million in 2013; while bank lending to fertiliser companies expanded from $100 million in 2012 to $500 million by 2014.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development also designed and launched a $100 million private equity fund, the Fund for Agricultural Financing in Nigeria (FAFIN). This was done jointly with the German Government and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority with an initial capitalisation of $33 million. Managed by private sector fund managers, FAFIN is providing equity and quasi-equity long term financing for Nigerian agribusinesses across the value chain.

Climate Change: Adesina canvasses support to protect farmers

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has called on global leaders in agricultural research to ensure poor farmers are protected from the vagaries of climate change.

Adesina made the call yesterday in New York during the first Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Development Dialogues at Columbia University, New York.

Speaking in a keynote address, Adesina observed that while climate change is global, their effects are local.

“We must not abandon farmers to climate change because the poor farmers in developing countries cannot, on their own, be expected to adapt to climate change. Unless serious actions are taken, they will suffer disproportionately from climate change. It is therefore imperative that specific actions be taken to address the challenges of farmers, especially smallholder and women farmers, to enable them to build more resilient livelihoods,” Adesina said.

The minister stressed the need “for countries to develop national climate change adaptation funds to allow them to support farmers and communities to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

We must take our destinies in our own hands. We must focus on building economic buffers for farmers. Foremost among these measures must be the scaling up of weather index insurance to farmers. Priority must now be put into support for farmers to afford the premiums to improve access and affordability.”

Expressing concern for the home turf, Adesina warned that “nowhere is the urgency for action on climate change more important than in Africa.” In his view, “for good reason, over 65 per cent of all the arable land left to feed the nine billion people in the world by 2050 is in Africa. If we get climate change adaptation and mitigation right in Africa we will get future global food supply right.”

He laid emphasis on modern technologies as means towards improving agricultural productivities, adding that, “to succeed in raising food production, we must ensure that technologies reach farmers and stressed the need for “smart policies, smart institutions, smart financing and smart technologies to support farmers to adapt to climate change.”

MARITIME /21

October 3, 2014

Port Health Screens Vessel Crews For Ebola

Tin Can Island Port

Driving Local Shipping Industry With Enforceable Transport Policy Stories By Samson Echenim, Lagos

With a coastal stretch of 853 kilometres (km) and an entire maritime waters of 210,900km2, including the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Nigeria’s local shipping industry has potential for cabotage trading that is only second to the first in the whole world.

Over the years, operators in the local shipping industry, under the umbrella of the Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA), have continued to defend their claim that the industry could employ up to five million people if harnessed to the maximum.

As part of its agenda to transform the maritime sector, the federal government in recent times has only set up committees with tags such as “presidential” or “taskforce” to assess only trending issues such as delay in the cargo clearing process and vessel dwell time.

That has nothing to do with the indigenous shipping industry. The Coastal and Inland Shipping Act, now popularly known as the Cabotage Act, made in 2003, has failed to fly. Experts say it was high time the federal government stopped looking the way of committees and begin

to formulate and enforce policies that could drive the local shipping industry.

The president of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, Capt.

Saib Olopoenia, said the absence of a transport policy was the bane of the nation’s shipping industry. A renowned seaman who has timeline familiarity with the shipping policies of the developed worlds, Olopoenia emphasised that Nigeria must establish a transport policy to attain a focused direction in shipping development. According to him, a transport policy would define roles and responsibilities for the development and growth of a national shipping industry.

“One of the things is that there must be a national shipping or transport policy. At the moment, people are just coming with ideas here and there. But there should be an overall shipping policy for the country, and the role of the private industry as well should be very clear. This is how we want to go about shipping.

“There should be a national shipping or transport policy from which the government and its agencies in the maritime industry as the regulator and industry players can obtain direction, cutting through various stages of

development at different times,” Olopoenia said.

Such policies, according to experts, should also bear masterpiece plan for investment in ship building and maintenance, ship scrapping and recycling as well as industry financing. An industry investor, Capt. Chukwulo Nwaora, said while Nigeria lacks the requisite facilities with respect to shipbuilding at the moment, the country could begin by making policies that would favour building of small crafts and tug boats for coastal operations.

Nwaora said, “At the moment, we have ship repair facilities but do not have a steel industry in this country. So if we are going to start building ships, we must have the necessary infrastructure in place to build them. It is policies that will do this. And of course in the world, not all countries build ship, there are some countries that are noted for ship-building. What we need is to have a very strong viral ship repair industry in Nigeria made possible by well formulated and enforced policies. We can start building small crafts like the coastal vessels, but when it comes to foreigngoing vessels, I don’t think at the moment we have the capacity to do it.”

On board vessels, port health officials at the Apapa port are keen to stop the ebola virus which has claimed seven people in Nigeria and more than 3,000 lives this year in West Africa.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that in a cabin on board the 56,880 tonne vessel, which arrived in Lagos on Sunday, the 19-strong crew undergo daily temperature checks until they eventually weighed anchor. 20 people have contracted ebola in Nigeria and eight have died, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), but with no case since September 8, 2014, and no one under surveillance, officials are keen to keep it that way.

“This (the screening) is important because we still have an outbreak (of ebola) in other parts of the (West Africa) sub-region,” said the director of point of entry health services, Mr Alex Okoh.

“Whatever their route is, we want to ensure that the crew is safe,” he added.

Screening, part of wider checks at all entry and exit points in Nigeria, is no small task at the sprawling port which is west Africa’s busiest. Apapa has 33 berths capable of accommodating three ships each and anywhere from 50 to 70 or more ships are docked at one time every day.

World Customs Body Swoops On Fake Drugs At African Ports In a large-scale operation led by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), in association with the International Institute of Research Against Counterfeit Medicines (IRACM), a total of 113 million fake pharmaceutical products have been seized following the inspection of 290 containers at 15 African ports.

The operation took place over a 10day period but its results were only presented at a press conference in Paris last week, according to a report on the organisation’s website.

“The number of interceptions effected during this operation shows once again the scope of the scourge of illicit and counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs in Africa,” said WCO secretary-general, Kunio Mikuriya.

You lament not the dead, but lament the trouble of making a grave; the way of the ghost is longer than the grave.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery, fresh writer and aviatorny

22

October 3, 2014

CELEBRATING BAZE UNIVERSITY’S Baze University, a world class private university in Abuja holds its first graduation ceremony on Saturday October 11, 2014.

FIRST GRADUATION CEREMONY

The visioner and Pro-chancellor, Senator Baba Datti Ahmed Phd, invites friends and well-wishers to witness the making of history.

LEADERSHIP, the official newspaper of the university, will publish a special pull-out on the landmark achievements and defining impact of the school.

It’s an inevitable platform for your adverts and congratulatory messages!

www.bazeuniversity.edu.ng

Please contact the following numbers for adverts placement:

HENRY on 08068640944 e-mail: henro101@yahoo.com MR. IBE REGINALD on 08037880164 e-mail: ibereginald@yahoo.com

YOU CAN’T BEAT THIS!

CEO Spot / 23

October 3, 2014 What is Charcoal grills?

sell them, the next week same thing.

The youths have to understand that no amount is too small to start something, all of us can’t be doing contract of oil because that is what is hitting everybody, everybody want to make fast money, they want to ride flashy cars and have a good life but if you work hard and nurture your dream, it will give you so much joy and fulfilment more than those who receive billion in a day through fast means because you watch and see the product of your hardwork grow to what it is. My advice to the youth is to be focused, persevere and start somewhere.

Charcoal is a restaurant, is a grill house and also a coffee lounge but, it’s mainly grills from all over the world. Our grills stretch round the world; we pick a few from Africa, America, and Jamaica and put it together into one. Most of our materials are sourced fresh from the country, especially our vegetables which we get from Jos precisely and are often very fresh as well.

What inspired you to venture into this line of business?

For years, I have always wanted to have a restaurant like this or even better. I started cooking at the age of 10, I love kitchen and can stay in the kitchen even for 48 hours, I love entertaining people and make them feel at home. These hobbies gave birth to charcoal restaurant.

As an employer of labour, you have succeeded in creating employment to some youths, how can the government solve the outrageous unemployment situation in the country?

How do you combine your personal life, family and work?

First of all, I have the backing of my husband who has been of great support because to be candid, it is not easy setting up a place like this. I try to create a balance in my schedules by managing my time properly. I am at home when I should be.

How do you relax especially in the weekends?

I work 6 days a week, after which I relax by going to the spa, chatting and spending quality time with my kids and husband at home. but always take a vacation when the kids are on holidays for relaxation.

What distinguished your restaurant from others?

It is the professional touch, attention to details and the fact that am not just part of the management but also a chef, I indulge in the day to day cooking except am absent for unavoidable reasons.

I also ensure good customer relations by organising trainings for my staff and making sure it is implemented. I give it my attention, commitment, partake in the running of the restaurant and also supervise it, unlike some restaurants who entrust it to some other persons.

If you are to rate your restaurant among others in the country, how would you rate it?

I will rate it with all pride as a-five star hotel because I know what I have put in.

I have travelled round the world, I have seen restaurants, I have attended fares and I know without any doubt that it is a five star restaurant because I have put in place everything a five star hotel should have.

Looking at the food insecurity in the country, what solution will you proffer as a food expert to curb this menace?

The major problem from my angle as an entrepreneur that deals with food is electricity. Lack of power make people to improvise lots of things, for instance, there is rapid increase in the importation of chicken from other countries like Cotonou, rather than getting it alive and

Alkali (3rd from left) having fun with her kids in New York at the The Hudson River

Steady Power Supply Will Ensure Food Security – Alkali Mrs Aisha-Claire Alkali is the Chief Executive Officer of Charcoal Grills. In this interview with Anaemena Chinenye, she blames the food insecurity in the country on epileptic power supply and advised the government to focus on developing the agriculture value-chain and discourage the import of food items into the country that have resulted in massive capital flight. Excerpts fresh from the country and refrigerate it, which is healthy. Incessant power supply will reduce the high intake of food with preservatives which is the cause of various sicknesses like cancer in the world.

Also, the hotel and restaurant owners should serve food that they are sure is safe for their family to eat and avoid preservatives or cutting cost in the quality of food ingredient. If we all work with passion and human face in the food sector, we will live healthy and also help other people to be healthy as well.

Which business tycoon inspires you especially in the entrepreneurial world?

My inspiration has always been my mum, I lost my dad after 11 months old and watched my mum working so hard

and soaring high in business. The passion and principles she instilled her business even now that is a lot more older motivates me and I really look up to her as my role model What is your advice to youths who are afraid of venturing into business but rather seek for the white collar job and blames it on financial constraint?

Our youths today are a bit on the fast lane, lot of them don’t want to struggle but the beauty of it is that it is good have to start somewhere and you work hard with determination and put in your arsenal, you will definitely grow. I started business with one thousand naira when I was dealing with fabrics, I will go to Lagos buy fabrics come to Jos and

The idiot who has his eye on your wife is like a blood sucking fly.

The best way for government to take more youths off the street is to encourage already existing entrepreneurs to be steady in their businesses and promote small scale businesses because government can’t do everything themselves and if there are more businesses, more youths will be engaged. If entrepreneurship is encouraged, established business will grow to employing more people to do the job and this will help a lot in solving the unemployment issues alongside jobs that will be created in government parastatals, ministries and agencies.

Even those who are desperate to own a business but do not have enough capital to rent a shop but set nice tables selling recharge card, are chased from the street without any alternative for livelihood. These people who are supposed to be encouraged are made jobless and idle.

What is the present challenge you are facing in your business?

One of the challenges we are facing is high taxation from various municipals and in a month you are paying four hundred thousand naira on tax only and this affect the industry and a lot of people cut corners using substandard products and blames it on the high tax which are most time paid into private accounts and not the government or public bank accounts.

This is more like working to enrich another man’s pocket, it is so discouraging and lots of people have given up and closed their businesses due to this and one reason or the other.

Also lack of power supply as I mentioned earlier is killing the hospitality industry and affecting businesses.

How has the turnout in business been, since the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in the country

There was a slight setback in business when the outbreak started. Even if it was me, I will be a bit conscious but we try to do is to ensure our customers that we love ourselves first before them, and will take care of ourselves and our customers.

In doing this, we have put in place everything to make sure we are health compliance against ebola virus and every other diseases. But thank God Nigeria is now ebola free country but we wont relent in our hygiene standards to prevent every other diseases

— Egyptian Proverb

24

October 3, 2014

Bernard Okhakume MC & A Weekly Digest market consumer advertising 08053040003

mcaandadigestweekly@gmail.com

Brand Jonathan (1) Happy 54th Anniversary, Nigeria, as we celebrate the year of her independence way back. I believe I am speaking for many Nigerians if I say at a time like this, it is all of mixed feelings from among Nigerians and non-Nigerians from all around the world.

For one reason, Nigeria is global player of equally global influence on the world, in many respects, starting from political, to economic. Add to the peculiarities of its people and culture, Nigeria is of major concern to all other countries in the world, no matter how remote.

Surely, we are looking far beyond the ordinary international relations here; Nigeria is not like just any nation. Her uniqueness traverse political leadership, electoral system, legal system, socio-economic infrastructures, public funds management and administration, etc. It is said that every nation has its unique identity, specially expressed in their history, language, and culture. As we celebrate Nigeria on her independence day, however, we must bear in mind her uniqueness a little beyond the common consideration as above.

At 54, it is expected that some measure of MATURITY should be expected in any life cycle, whether business investment, academic system and/or institution, scientific/socio-economic sphere. But we if we keep in focus the need to be careful in assess-

ing Nigeria in the area of progress measurement (due its extra-ordinary uniqueness), then we must think in that direction with optimal caution.

If you ask me, at this stage of Nigeria’s life, we should keep engaging in identifying patterns and systems preparatory for development. Interestingly, many Nigerians are divided between holding the colonial masters responsible for the state of the nation today and the nation living up to the responsibility for what it is today.

That alone, underlines the confusion prevalent. This carries through to the confusion among the ruling class, as they are largely unsure of the responsibilities of leadership.

Among the followers, the confusion is even more so; they are not too sure if the leadership owe them any responsibilities or if they are indebted to the political leaders for the opportunity of staying alive.

I think this was what The Late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti had in mind when he recorded his song titled in Yoruba “Oro e’be ko sele” (translated in English to mean there is no room for forgiveness). For him, perhaps the perversion was due to ignorance, and that there was a need for some learning, to at least help a new start. Looking back, I think the underlying message of that wonderful piece of art did not register in a good number of his listeners. In that song, Fela laid

Agbaji Chinedu business 1:0:1 Agrobusiness with Agbaji Chinedu 08035004617

Food is a necessity because it is necessary for the growth and maintenance of the human body. The benefits humans receive from food cannot be replicated by nutritional supplements. The proper foods provide calcium to build and strengthen bones, protein and iron for muscle maintenance and other nutrients that allow the optimal functioning of the body’s organs. Beans are one of such foods which the body needs for optimal growth. It is rich in B vitamins and folic acid, contains minerals including iron, selenium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, and is high in fiber.

Beans belong to the family of crops referred to as legumes. There are many varieties of beans but the type used in preparing Nigerian beans recipes are the kidney shaped black eyed beans and the brown beans. The demand for beans high both in the southern and northern part of the country .Beans are mostly cooked to make a variety of recipes. Sometimes the beans coat is removed in the process of preparing

Agbaji@yahoo.com

the recipe such as in: Moi Moi – The beans coat is removed by a special technique and the beans blended and cooked with ingredients.

Akara – This is another Nigerian food recipe where beans coat is removed, the seeds blended and deep fried to make balls known as bean cakes. It is a very popular breakfast meal.

Ewa Agoyin – Also known as Beans & Stew. Is a good way to enjoy beans even if you are not a fan of beans. It tastes oh-sogood with soft, stretchy bread.

Beans Porridge – Here beans is cooked on its own with added ingredients. Variety is achieved by adding Yam, Plantain, sweet potato or baby corn.

Rice & Beans – This is one of those recipes that were derived to reduce the flatulence associated with beans. As the name implies, 2 major staples are used in cooking this recipe.

‘Fried’ Beans – In this recipe, beans is boiled and fried in red palm oil. It has a very

out the working and implication of the theory of SOCIAL CONTRACT. The summation of that message is that political leadership is responsible for and to the citizens for their collective well-being; failure on the part of the leadership to meet the responsibility is punishable without excuses.

From very far way back into the beginning of time, all and every of the great thinkers/philosophers, starting from Socrates, to include Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau…all lined up behind the theory of Social Contract. This has remained one of the most instrumental and dominant theories even in modern western societies. By its dictates, modern political and social institutions are run; it underlines what we in the underdeveloped and developing societies see as the magic behind development.

So, whether in considering the wealth of nations, depth of civil liberty and human rights, excellent governance based on the rule of law, or simply appreciating the speed and pattern of technological development and IT, sophistication in transport system and medical science…all of these are fruits of civilization based on the theory of Social Contract. In the responsibility of upholding the dictates of this theory, the populace, on the one hand, agree to commonly invest in establishing a society, collectively and willing sign-off their individual to a common rights to a central authority, for administration.

On the other hand, the custodians of this collectively invested rights (and powers) takes charge, based on an anticipated understanding that the power the leading group supervises over, is held in trust. As such, in expending this collective resource, there are guidelines. There are several assumptions underlining this duty of all, anchoring on MORALITY and JUSTICE. In practical terms, state power is handed over to the leadership by free will of the citizens, who believe such powers are held in custody for them, being their investment into the unity and common good of one and all. ➔ TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

Beans Farming Business traditional taste.

SEASON Bean is available all year round in Nigeria. A substantial quantity is cultivated in northern but can be grow anywhere in Nigeria. With the introduction of irrigation farm and improved seeds you are farm beans any time of the year be assured of good output.

PROFITABILITY The return on investment is high especially now that the level of mechanized farming is growing by day, with the availability of Hand Tractors cultivation has been made easy and affordable for farmers to buy or lease. Improved seeds are also available as a result farming output is becoming encouraged. Farmers are advised to make use of manure from animal drops or from farm by products (compost) in other to add less fertilizer in the farm so as to convert waste to wealth and save cost.

Stretch your legs as far as your quilt goes. — English proverb

THE MARKET Beans are sold in the open Nigerian markets or African food stores all over the world. In the open Nigerian markets, they are sold in big bags in whole sale departments but sold in small cups as retail. With the coming of shopping plazas and halls in Nigeria, beans are often sold is small 1 kg packets.

When buying beans, it is best to look out for the onset of weevil attack. Small holes on the beans seeds is a good indication of this. Also, you will notice that the grains are dusty as a result of the weevils boring into the seeds.

NOTE: YOUTH IN AGRIBUSINESS are organizing Agribusiness internship programs for youths and women who intend to go into any form of Agribusiness. The criteria to participate are letter of intent and introduction from your local government or a Top civil servant, Business man or woman.

FRIDAY EXTRA October 03, 2014

By Ugboja Felix Ojonugwa

Why Artisans Always Disappoint You “Last year, I had to borrow my neighbor’s suit for my own wedding…’’, “I once missed an all-important job interview, because my shoe-maker turned off his phone lines when I needed to collect my shoes…’’, “I was once robbed in my house because my carpenter abandoned the repair he was doing on my window on the promise that he would return in five minutes…’’... These and many more are a part of the narratives of people who have been affected, somehow, by an artisan who failed to live up to his promise.

According to the Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary, an artisan is “a person who does skilled work, making things with their hands’’. An artisan can also be referred to as a ‘craftsmen’. Generally speaking, an artisan or a craftsman is a skilled manual worker who makes items that may be functional or strictly decorative, including furniture, sculpture, clothing, jewelry, household items, tools or even machines. Artisans practice a craft and may, through experience and aptitude, reach the expressive levels of an artist.

With this understanding of an artisan in mind, one would wonder why people’s opinion about artisans seems contrary.

Artisans are supposed to make life easier for people through their skills, and in turn better their lot through rewards.

INSIDE

Social Perception Of Artisans The social perception of artisans are, but not limited to, laziness, deceit and greed.

When people contract the services of an artisan and he or she fails, it is very disappointing. This has caused many to label artisans as “non-trustworthy people”.

Olumide Bola, a consultant, whose shoe-maker has given her six different dates in six months. Bola simply thinks artisans to be “unforgiveable liars”. Considering her experience, Bola’s opinion seems incontrovertible, but is this really true of artisans? Do they really intend to ‘mess up’ their customers?

Chimezie Izuka, who lives in Abuja, extended the argument that artisans “may be cursed”. This is laughable, but it could be an explanation for the forgettable experiences customers have with artisans.

“You get an appointment with your tailor and he keeps coming up with endless fabrications, instead of stating the

A tailor

real reasons for delay,’’ lamented Izuka.

There are loads of complaints from several people about the needless disappointments from artisans – carpenter, tailor, mechanic, electrician, shoe-maker, cobbler, weaver or blacksmith – due to an inability to keep to time, shoddy work or insincerity.

What’s worse, according to Oche Paul, a student, is that ‘‘these craftsmen do not ever have convincing reasons backing up their misdeeds’’.

Another customer and resident of Abuja, Adaji Abel, stated that, “If you venture give your clothes to a certain tailor in my area; you can be rest assured that your grand-children will be the ones to claim them.”

On the contrary, Madu Isaiah’s tailor has never disappointed him. The retired public service said “If my tailor tells me to come get my clothes by 4pm, he’ll even call me by 2pm or 3pm to come get them’’. Experience and investigations have proven that this situation is quite rare.

What Artisans Say On the other hand, artisans often share a dissimilar opinion to that of their customers. They give several reasons for such disappointments suffered by their customers. According to an Abuja-based tailor, Udale Solomon, said that “the situation in the country is one of the major reasons for such disappointments.’’

Udale, who is a university graduate, blamed power outages, limited manpower, nature of jobs at hand and a lack of resources, as some of the reasons why tailors don’t often meet the demand of their customers or beat deadlines. “Some jobs require the use of electricity, which is rarely available. Also, the cost of owning a generator can adversely affect our small-scale businesses. But customers do

Talking drum making

A seamtress

not understand these things; they just want perfection,” explained Udale.

Another artisan, Eze Obinna, also revealed that the pressure on them to deliver on time, especially on ‘express’ jobs,

often tie them down to particular jobs ahead of others, because ‘express’ jobs come with extra motivation. ➔ CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

Best Places to see Volcanoes Big Questions & Answers nobel ultimate top list Why... answers to scientific questions

26 / FEATURE

October 3, 2014

Why Artisans Always Disappoint You ➔ FROM PREVIOUS page “There are people who pay more, just to get their jobs done on time. We can’t help such situations, other regular jobs would have to wait,” he said in defence of his colleagues.

Muktar Abdul, a shoe-maker who also doubles as a cobbler, has a small shop overflowing with foot wears in need of attention. In his defense, he explained that he is obviously overwhelmed by the number of jobs brought to him. He blamed the lack of adequate manpower for the delays suffered by customers.

“You see, many young people are not ready to be artisans; else these jobs will be dealt with by more hands, which will make things faster. I think everybody wants an office job, leaving few of us to provide these important services,’’ Abdul said.

A carpenter in Lugbe, Abuja, Adebayo Dele, also decried the unavailability of funds and lack of infrastructure as some of the major reasons which prevent them from meeting the demands of his customers as at when due. He explained that if he had certain machines, his work will be faster and more efficient. He especially fingered the cumbersome bureaucracy involved in seeking a loan in Nigerian banks as one other factor which has discouraged him from asking for funds to enhance his job and service delivery.

When asked by Leadership why they don’t explain these things to their customers, Dele stated that “my customers often go ahead to drop their jobs, no matter what you explain to them. At the same time, they want to hold you to your words as regards timely delivery’’.

What Should Be Done?

In order to avert these stated challenges which are greatly affecting the stimulation of our micro-economy, several stakeholders are have opined that an enabling environment needs to be created, in order to encourage more entrepreneurial spirit among the populace.

Stakeholders argue that if government’s efforts towards power generation are responsive, small-scale businesses ran by artisans can thrive better, become more effective and productive, which will, in turn, impact positively on the microeconomy.

According to banker, Oyibo Julius, the eventual actualisation of optimum power generation in Nigeria will enhance the productivity of artisans and the actualisation of a convenient economic environment in no small way. “Small-scale

Artisans must see the need to be very sincere and truthful to their customers

businesses should be able to access capital and infrastructure at any point in time,’’ he said.

Other arguments also emphasised the need for advanced public/private partnership in these areas. A university lecturer, Agaba Halidu, said that “government can associate with buoyant private bodies who’ll partner with them to address the major challenges faced by artisans and other small-scale businesses in the country’’.

Others are also of the opinion that there is the evident need for expansion of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial environment, so that the youths, especially the unemployed, can be actively engaged in these economic activities. Egwuje Thomas, a lawyer, explained that “the expansion of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial environment will save us a lot. It will create huge employment for our teeming unemployed graduates. Graduates must begin to bury the dream of seeking only government jobs and focus on becoming employers of labour themselves’’.

Regardless, others like Raji Ahmedu, a public servant in Abuja, insist that “artisans must see the need to be very sincere and truthful to their customers’’.

While it may be very difficult to blot out people’s terrible experiences and their negative opinions about artisans, it can be easier to reduce these incidences through interventions that are required of both the public and private sectors, in order to create more jobs, stimulate the micro economy and, at least, reduce the chance of people attending their own weddings wearing borrowed clothes.

Don’t shoot people you hate; don’t lend to those you love. ― Egyptian proverb

royalty / 27

October 3, 2014

By Muazu Elazeh

Agwai (Left, CON) and the governor, Al-Makura during 40th reign celebration

Isa Mustapha Agwai: Honouring Peace, Unity 40 Years On

T

hat this royal defends peace and unity visibly is no doubt; it is how he does it that has attracted so much attention to him and his way of administering the people of his emirate.

HRH Isa Mustapha Agwai I was born in 1935 in Lafia, Nasarawa State (then part of the old Plateau State) and was educated at the Lafia Elementary School, between 1945 and 1950; Katsina Ala Middle School, between 1951 and 1957; Institute of Administration, Zaria, between 1959 and 1960, as well as the British Council Summer School, Kano, 1963.

Agwai began his working career as an accountant with the Lafia Native Authority in 1958, was promoted to chief accountant in 1960 and rose to the position of assistant treasurer, Lafia Native Authority in 1962. He became the Dangaladiman Lafia and district head of Obi in 1963, a position he occupied until his installation as the Emir of Lafia in 1974.

In addition to his traditional role, the emir has been involved in other activities as the chairman of the College

of Education Akwanga, 1978-83; Chancellor, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, Bauchi,1989-2001; current Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure; Member, Joint National Committee of Traditional Rulers and Leaders of Thought; Chairman, Board of Governors, Nasarawa State College of Agriculture, Lafia, amongst many others.

It is significant to note that, during the 40 years of his reign, the Emir has been able to forge a lasting peace between the people of Lafia, Doma, Keana, Obi and Awe who, before his ascendance, lived in hostility for several years.

His Royal Highness is a recipient of several awards and honours, notably; Honourable Fellow, Institute of Administrative Management of Nigeria, 1989; Honorary Doctor of Law, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, 1990; and the Institute of Farmers of Nigeria Award, 1996, amongst others.

Currently chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, Agwai’s exemplary leadership qualities and promotion of peaceful co-existence

His Royal Highness is a recipient of several awards and honours, notably; Honourable Fellow, Institute of Administrative Management of Nigeria, 1989; Honorary Doctor of Law, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, 1990; and the Institute of Farmers of Nigeria Award, 1996, amongst others among the inhabitants of his emirates earned him the national merit award of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on the cusp of his 40th

The idiot who has his eye on your wife is like a blood sucking fly.

year on the throne.

Agwai’s giant strides which have characterised his leadership are, no doubt, a testimony of his selflessness, dynamism, focus and kashin-arziki (Midas’ Touch). It is heart-warming to note that his detribalised disposition has earned him a reputation as a beacon of hope, unity, peace, tranquillity and harmonious co-existence.

Without mincing words, it suffices to say that Agwai’s exemplary leadership of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs has greatly enhanced and repositioned the traditional institution, as well as attracted commendation from the government for its steadfastness in the collective effort aimed at curtailing the various security challenges which have bedeviled the state of recent.

Agwai is also a philanthropist.

He has overseen the construction, equipping and donation of an ultramodern Medical Centre at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi by General T.Y. Danjuma. It is heartwarming to also acknowledge the ongoing construction of a water scheme by the Barde Babban Lafia for use by the university community.

— Egyptian Proverb

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October 3, 2014

c

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES LIMITED (A SUBSIDIARY OF LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS GROUP)

2014 ANNUAL

CONFERENCE & AWARDS CEREMONY Chairman MR. SAM AMUKA Publisher, Vanguard Media Limited Keynote Speaker MR. BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN Executive Governor, Lagos State STAR AWARDS 2013

LEADERSHIP PERSON OF THE YEAR General Yakubu Gowon GCFR LEADERSHIP GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan

LEADERSHIP POLITICIANS OF THE YEAR The G-7 Governors Dr. Babangida Aliyu (Niger) Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) Alh. Sule Lamido (Jigawa) Alh. Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) Alh. Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) LEADERSHIP BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Mr. Olatunde Ayeni

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 2013 LEADERSHIP CEO OF THE YEAR Simdul Shagaya CEO, Konga.com LEADERSHIP COMPANY OF THE YEAR Chi Limited LEADERSHIP BANK OF THE YEAR Diamond Bank LEADERSHIP ICT COMPANY OF THE YEAR Jumia LEADERSHIP BANKER OF THE YEAR Mr. Philips Oduoza GMD, UBA LEADERSHIP GOVERNMENT AGENCY OF THE YEAR Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) LEADERSHIP AUTHOR OF THE YEAR Malam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai

LEADERSHIP PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Nagari Farm Yoghurt LEADERSHIP MICROFINANCE BANK OF THE YEAR LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited LEADERSHIP TELECOM COMPANY OF THE YEAR Swift Networks Limited LEADERSHIP PUBLIC OFFICER OF THE YEAR Dr. Akinwumi Adesina Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development LEADERSHIP BRAND OF THE YEAR SAMSUNG LEADERSHIP ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Ice Prince LEADERSHIP YOUNG PERSONS OF THE YEAR The Golden Eaglets LEADERSHIP SPORTS PERSON OF THE YEAR Stephen Okechukwu Keshi

Venue: ThisDay Dome, Abuja Time: 9:00am Date: October 14th, 2014

... FAll FoliAge FRIDAY eXTRA 29

October 3, 2014

nobel

A Century Of Prize Winners

Vicente Aleixandre

For his achievements in the fields of consumption analysis, monetary history and theory and for his demonstration of the complexity of stabilization policy

Milton Friedman (1912-2006) Famed American economist and champion of neoliberalism Milton Friedman received the 1976 Nobel Prize in Economics for his work related to consumption analysis, monetary history, monetary theory and for demonstrating the complexity of stabilization policy. His economic visions are expressed in books such as Capitalism and Freedom (1962), A Monetary History of the United States, 1867-1960 (I963), Dollars and Deficits (1968), A Theoretical Framework for Monetary Analysis (1971) and Free to Choose, eo-written with Rose Friedman (1980).

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 31, 1912, and the youngest of four children, he was the son of Sarah Ethel and [eno Saul Friedman, who had immigrated to the United States in their teens. They were originally from Carpatho-Ruthenia, a region that, at the time they left, belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was then part of Czechoslovakia between the two world wars, then annexed as part of the Soviet Union and is now part of Russia. The family was poor, but, as Friedman himself said, there was always food on the table and the atmosphere was “warm and supportive.”

His father died when he was in his last year of high school, but Friedman was still determined to attend

(1911-1990) Vicente Aleixandre was born on April 26, 1898, in Seville, in the heart of Andalusia. He completed a degree in law from the University of Madrid in 1920, but he dedicated himself to literature. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1977, which marked more than half a century of achievements in contemporary Spanish poetry.

The son of a civil engineer, Vicente Aleixandre spent his childhood in Malaga but moved to Madrid in 1909. His early experiences of the Mediterranean proved inspirational for his later masterpieces, including Sombra del paraiso (The Shadow of Paradise), which was published in I944.

In the Spanish capital he also studied law and business management and seemed set on a career as a teacher. He taught commercial law between I920 and I922, but he developed renal tuberculosis and started writing poetry in I925 to pass the time during his recovery.

His first book of poetry, Ambito (Ambit), was published in I928, and from that point on Vicente Aleixandre never stopped writing. This book showed a special interest in nature, but time, solitude, erotic love and death were other important motifs for the author, while

literature

his antifascist convictions were reflected in his later works. Aleixandre’s work is divided into these two phases:tthe first begins with Ambito and ends with Nacimiento ultimo (Last Birth, published inr953), and the second begins with Historia del corazon (History of the Heart, I954) and continues to his last books, of which Di610gos del conocimiento (Dialogues of Insight, I974) is an example.

The poet acknowledged this division: “In the first phase of my work, I saw the poet as having his feet on the ground and an expression of the forces which grow within the plants ... In the second part of my work, I saw the poet as an expression of the difficulties of human life.”

Aleixandre was on the Republican side during the Spanish Civil War. His work was subsequently banned between 1936 and I944, but in I949 he was elected to the Royal Spanish Academy. The Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded for his lifetime’s work, which was first compiled in Complete Poems (I960) and then in Total Anthology (I975), less than a decade before his death in Madrid on December 14, 1984. He had suffered from chronic kidney disease since his youth and had been a semi-invalid since his late 20s.

economic ScienceS

university, even if it required hard work and long hours. He attended Rutgers University, which at the time was “a relatively small university and predominantly private,” and the University of Chicago. “I had the good fortune to be exposed to two remarkable men,” he said, referring to two professors, Arthur F. Burns and Homer Jones, who had an important influence on his career.

In 1950 he went to Paris to help administer the Marshall Plan. He also contributed a triweekly column to Newsweek, alternating with Paul Samuelson and Henry Wallich. He entered the world of politics as a member of the President’s Economic Policy Advisory Board during the administration of Ronald Reagan, from whom he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1988. That same year he was awarded the National Medal of Science. Despite being known for winning the Nobel Prize, working with governments around the world and being a leading exponent of neoliberal politics at the end of the 20th century, Friedman never considered his public life as his priority; his “primary interest” he insisted, “continues to be my scientific work.” In I998 the University of Chicago published Two Lucky People, the couple’s memoirs.

For a creative poetic writing which illuminates mans condition in the cosmos and in present-day society, at the same time representing the great renewal of the traditions of Spanish poetry between the wars.

Culled from the book ‘Nobel’

Sweet and sour walk hand in hand.

— Dominican Proverb

30 FRIDAY EXTRA/Best places to SEE...

October 3, 2014

Volcanoes

Few things in nature are as awe-inspiring as volcanoes. Think about the destructive power that is unleashed from deep within these ancient craters! The burning question is, how close do you want to get? For a low-danger encounter, try hiking up to the crater on the Greek island of Santorini (also known as Thira), in the Aegean Sea. This dormant volcano sits a short distance away from the inhabited main part of the island, across a narrow bay. These two parts of the island were once a single, enormous

L

andmass, until a monumental eruption in 1600 BC caused the crater to collapse and wiped out the Minoan civilization on Santorini and nearby Crete. Only guided tours are allowed to hike right into the crater, where sulfuric gases hiss out of crevices. En route, you’ll get one of the best views of the mainland.

Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park features two volcanoes: the recently active Arenal Volcano and the long-extinct Chato Volcano, a collapsed crater that now contains a lagoon. Though Arenal has been quiet since October 2010, and has not been prone to showy displays of lava and ash, the park is still an excellent place to explore. Hiking trails crisscross the lush terrain, where you can walk through lava fields from previous eruptions, while rain forest hikes allow you to see the exotic native flora and fauna.

Iceland is one of the world’s most active volcanic zones. With more than 130 volcanoes in various stages of activity, there is always something erupting somewhere. You can get a bird’s-eye view from a small plane or helicopter, but it is best to hop aboard a “super-jeep” to really get that immersive experience of the otherworldly terrain. A company

like Iceland Rovers will take you in a 4x4 through the moonlike landscape of craters and lava, and to one of the best photo operations in the region: the geothermal springs and lakes of Krysuvik. Remember the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano? The family that owns the nearby farm has built a visitors center, where you can see the progression of the massive eruption through photographs and video. And here’s a fun fact: Iceland’s Snsefellsjokull was the volcano that inspired Jules Verne’s novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

New Zealand sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the tectonic ridge that stretches from north to south and causes massive geological activity.

Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ngauruhoe are part of the Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage site. The lunarlike volcanic landscape can be viewed from various vantage points on land and in the air, but the best way to see it is along the Tongariro Crossing, one of the world’s top one-day hikes. It’s an 8-hour trek through steaming fumaroles, jagged lava flows, the Red Crater, and Emerald Lakes. Also in New Zealand, just offshore from Auckland, is Rangitoto Island, an extinct volcano where you can hike over rugged lava outcroppings on your way to see the

view of Waitemata Harbour from the top.

You don’t have to have a death wish to view two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa, both part of the 330,000-acre Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. You do have to have a sense of adventure to tackle the Napau Trail, a 14-mile round-trip hike that takes you through rugged and rough terrain to view the spewing Pu’u ‘O’o vent.

Since the active vent actually collapsed recently, you can no longer camp overnight, but the trail is wide open for day hikes. For another challenge,

A camel does not tease another camel about his humps.

— Egyptian Proverbs

try the Kilauea Iki Trail, which starts at the crater rim and drops 400 feet entirely through rain forest terrain to the steaming crater floor.

The volcanoes of Ecuador are more than impressive. Avenue of the Volcanoes is comprised of more than 200 miles of volcanoes stretching across a valley between the Cordillera ranges. Volcano Cotopaxi, one of the highest peaks in Ecuador, is manageable for nearly all levels of fitness, but it’s definitely a challenge.

Make sure you spend at least two days acclimatising in Quito, and don’t be afraid to hike at night, when the

... Fall foliage FRIDAY EXTRA 31

October 3, 2014 ground is firmer and you can ascend the peak at dawn when you can see the sun rising over the Andes. If you’re feeling suicidal, try a two day hike up the mighty Antisana, where you’ll cross lava and snowpacks, pass through a cloud forest, and climb a technically difficult glacier-and be rewarded with some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Insider’s Tip Completely obsessed with volcanoes?

Then the best option for you is Volcano Discovery’s intensive 28-day World Volcano tour that takes you around the world to active volcanoes in Hawaii, Vanuatu, New Zealand, and Indonesia.

Best of all, this is a totally upscale, easy trip that anyone can do, as long as you’ve got a spare $10,000.

Insider’s Tip How about a drive-in volcano? On the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, you can literally drive right into the Qualibou caldera.

This dormant volcano, which is located near the town of Soufriere, is not actively spewing lava, so you won’t be in any danger. But you can park within feet of bubbling mud pools, boiling sulfur springs, and hissing steam vents.

A visitors’ centre shows videos about the volcano, and there’s a small, pretty waterfall nearby. But beware the whole crater smells of rotten eggs, thanks to the sulfuric gases that permeate the air.

Want an easy way to see a geothermal wonderland? Head to Rotorua on New Zealand’s South Island, where the violent explosion of Mount Tarawera buried the Maori village ofTe Wairoa in 1886.

Whakarewarewa Thermal Village is a spectacular geothermal park, where you can walk, without fear, just inches from spewing geysers, bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and mineral springs.

Here, you can also meet descendants of the survivors of the Tarawera eruption.

See the Destruction of a Volcano Mount St. Helens in Washington State erupted famously in 1980, wiping out much of the nearby vegetation, wildlife, and homes in the process.

In 2004, the volcano semi-awoke again, and today more than 500,000 visitors per year come to see the ash, steam, and gases spewing from the crater. Much of the blast zone has been turned into the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, which can best be viewed from SR 504 (the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway) on the 51-mile corridor through the Toutle River Valley. The excellent Forest Learning Centre has displays that tell the story of the eruption. Near the Coldwater visitors centre is the 2.5-miLe Hummocks Trail, a little-known gem where you can see terrain that has built itself back, as well as some that still look how they did shortly after the blast. If you really want to immerse yourself in the experience, Mount St. Helens Institute has summer classes where you learn about geology, plants and birds in and around the blast zone, and you can take a guided hike to the summit.

The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines was so bad it wiped out the nearby Clark Air Force Base and ash fall reached as far as Vietnam and Malaysia. Amazingly, there were no recorded eruptions before that cataclysmic event, which ravaged area villages and killed hundreds. Today, you can hike, drive a 4x4, or ride a helicopter to the crater Lake, where the breath-taking scenery is still marked by heavy ash (known as Lahar) that’s a reminder of the sobering event.

Absence is the enemy of love; as the distance is from the eyes, so it is from the heart.

— Dominican Proverbs

32 FRIDAY EXTRA

October 3, 2014

why?

... answers to everyday scientific questions

Why are babies, puppies so cute?

Babies and puppies are cute because we are hardwired to respond positively to faces where the eyes are big and the other features small.

If a young woman sees a baby her pupils dilate, and it takes just a seventh of a second for important parts of her brain, involved with the feelings you get when you see something you really like, to light up.

Women aged between nineteen and twenty-six years old might be the group who respond most strongly to cute babies, but everyone is a sucker for puppies, kittens, seal cubs and baby pandas. Even tiny crocodiles or baby skunks seem cute. But what do we mean by cute, and why is it so appealing?

Cuteness is very strongly linked to neoteny, which is a biological term for when creatures keep features associated with very early stages of development such as being newborn or even embryonic. These features are

very strong signals that the creature III question is young and defenceless, and needs looking after.

The most obvious cute or neotenous features are ones to do with the face. Young creatures of most species tend to have big heads compared to their bodies, and to have big eyes compared to their heads. In humans, babies have eyes that are almost adultsized, but their heads are smaller and their bodies relatively tiny.

The eyes don’t grow much but the rest of the body does, so by the time someone reaches adulthood their eyes are proportionally much smaller.

The cut-off point for baby cuteness is around four and a half years old - children older than this are no longer seen as cute in the same way, and do not trigger the same automatic responses from the adults looking at them. This age marks the point where their features cease to appear neotenous.

For a lucky few, the neoteny and its benefits extend into adulthood. Adults with features such as big eyes and small noses are seen as more good-looking, and men find women with these features more attractive. The effects of neoteny can also cross species barriers, so that humans respond to neoteny in other animals, hence the cuteness of puppies and kittens.

Disney babies Other infantile, cute features are button noses, small ears and chins, and rounded foreheads and faces.

Most babies have these features and we think they are cute. This is why Barbie and Mickey Mouse both have enormous eyes. This cuteness has real benefits. Cute babies get more attention and so are more likely to be looked after.

Unfortunate babies with tiny eyes, flat foreheads and square faces get less attention Why should we find cuteness

so appealing and attractive? It seems to be hardwired into our brains, as a means for making sure that we bond with and look after very young, helpless babies.

What does this have to do with men finding neotenous women sexy? Men probably evolved to find attractive those features that signal that a woman is young and fertile, and nothing signals youth like a bit of neoteny. Actually neoteny signals too much youth - it doesn’t make sense for men to find pre-pubescent girls attractive - but this may be an example of runaway sexual selection. This is where one sex starts evolving certain features that genuinely indicate superior qualities, but once they get going there is a sort of arms race that drives these features to ridiculous lengths. This is why, for instance, male moose have such huge antlers, and possibly why men have evolved such an exaggerated desire for neoteny.

Culled from Why?: Answers to everyday scientific questions

The attempt exceeds the ability of one, not of a multitude. — Chinese Proverb

October 3, 2014

Your Entertainment and Lifestyle Guide

Solomon Lange Redefining Success Through Longevity

Because we focused on the snake, we missed the scorpion. ― Egyptian Proverb

ESSENTIALS PLAYLIST

razak’s diary Tattles

34

STARTERS

October 3, 2014

before you READ Mention the name Solomon Lange anywhere in Nigeria and you are bound to get different reactions from people. But one thing is sure; the singer has blessed many around the world through his music. As our cover feature this week, he discusses his future plans, his goal to redefine success and what fans can expect

from his thrid studio album, Grateful.

In TATTLES this week, popular film-maker examines Genevieve Nnaji’s acting prowess. Is she getting better or has she reached the zenith of her career? These are some of the questions his article seeks to answer.

Jim Donett of tooxclusive.com reviewed

rave of the moment, Wizkid’s latest album. You’ll find that their unique opinion on Ayo commands respect.

While celebrity couples the world over are separating, two of the world’s most famous actors (George Clooney and Brad Pitt) have shown that there is, indeed, honour in marriage.

Did you know that actress Stella Damasus thinks Majid Michel is the best actor to ever come out of Africa?

Read all about it!

Enjoy the weekend! fridayleadership@leadership.ng follow us on Twitter @essentialsng

one TO WATCH

Essentials Playlist

Review of Wizkid’s album – Ayo (Joy)

The album cover of Wizkid’s sophomore offering excites your inner spirit and, eventually, succeeds in cajoling you to cop yourself one. The frenzy of colours and adorning cultural regalia is majorly all the attraction that there is to the album, as the actual content isn’t nearly half as good as the cover. It does speak a lot about the shortfalls of WizKid 2.0 in his Starboy creation.

While we stayed anticipating the big features with Chris Brown, Rihanna and Justin Bieber, what Ayo offers as an excuse is For You featuring Akon, a remix of Show you the Money featuring Tyga and Murder featuring Wale. You can choose to overlook Akon’s grey approach on For You and Wale’s reticent delivery on Murder but featuring Tyga on that remix was just an unforgivable move. If you thought Wiz did a shoddy take on that record then you probably haven’t heard how worse a shoddy job can get with Tyga’s cut. The conclusion is that these international superstars took turns jumping on his tracks and made a huge mess of it.

Celebrate is an utter fail. It doesn’t put one in any celebratory mood, whatsoever, save for that chorister-onan-altar side-to-side movement that it gets you to perform. You listen to In My Bed and Ki Lo Fe and you get to thinking ‘silly child, darn silly child!’ There are a bazillion more important things to life than slim-frame, big-booty chics, designers and Porsche Carreras. The

level of lyrical insolence in those songs are truly exhausting; they leave you wondering what the singer will be remembered for. Wizkid and Banky W succeed in reaching a bewildering crescendo on Dutty Whyne. Banky got down to Wizkid’s level to deliver a little too less of himself. The Kwaito-styled Omalicha is all the decency that is worth mentioning on this album.

One Question is another pretty decent track; yet, it is evident that Wiz is at a loss for ‘certain things’ on the track. The Del’ B-produced On top your matter and Kind Love might appear similar in musical sequencing and coordination but the former retains the special appeal which can be tied to the fact that it’s been on the streets for some time and the fact that the hook is really simple and quite catchy.

Mummy Mi is a worthy tribute, something actually befitting for a mother. It’ll certainly get her dancing and blessing you. Joy is an interesting number, not majorly because it samples elements of reggae of which I’m a big fan, but because it’s got a message that we’re now all too familiar with.

Ojuelegba is, perhaps, the only record where he shows himself in the Afrobeat light that he so desires to be seen in. It’s worthy of his Starboy brag and, alas, the series of features with Femi Kuti, Seyi Shay and Phyno are others which exhibit true Starboy stuff. You don’t get on Jaiye Jaiye with the Afrobeats legend and come out looking like a cheap-jack. Here, Wiz shows respect by bringing his ‘A’ game. Now, while I choose to credit Ms Shay for bringing her complete skill-set (vocals, song-writing and professionalism) for display on the song In Love, Phyno, perhaps, gives many reasons why Bombay is a club fave.

Conclusion: This is, clearly, not the best of his WizKid can do. The 18+1-track album falls flat on its bare behind. Although the production effort is almost flawless, it does little to redeem the mess that has become of Wizkid’s once burgeoning talent.

— Courtsey tooxclusive.com

Justified A show which celebrates the essence of family, Justified is based on Elmore Leonard’s novels Pronto (1993) and Riding the Rap (1995), as well as his short story Fire in the Hole. The show follows a tough U.S. Marshal, Raylan Givens, who is enforcing his own brand of justice in his hometown of Harlan, Kentucky. He is something of a 19th-century–style, Old West lawman living in modern times, whose unconventional enforcement of justice makes him a target of criminals, as well as his U.S.

Marshals Service bosses. As a result of his controversial but ‘justified’ quick-draw shooting of mob hitman Tommy Bucks in Miami, Givens is reassigned from Miami to Lexington, Kentucky. The Lexington Marshal’s office’s jurisdiction includes Harlan County, where Raylan grew up (a neighbourhood he thought he had escaped form good).

The series stars Timothy Olyphant, Nick Searcy, Joelle Carter, Jacob Pitts, Erica Tazel and Natalie Zea.

movie review Numb Genre Short Film Director Tosin C. Ogwe Year 2013 Numb touches on the seldom remembered causes and effects of abuse as it links domestic violence with physical abuse. Numb focuses more on psychological abuse and its root. Numb also chooses to reverse

fortunes, in order to explain scarring incidences which many choose to shut out of their mind. Where the actors try their best to embody the characters they were saddled with, I am of the opinion that the director’s job wasn’t top-notch and the editors didn’t do a fine work with the audio.

— Reviewed by Innocent Ekejiuba of nollysilverscreen.com

group REPORTERS Abisola Alawode DESIGN & LAYOUT Chukwudi J. Nwabueze, Iniobong Ekong

ACTING EDITOR Hassan Gimba Ahmed

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah Chairman Hajiya Ireti Kingibe GRP MANAGING DIRECTOR Azubuike Ishiekwene GRP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Michael Okpere, Dr. Kazeem Durodoye

Your weekly ESSENTIALS is filled with exclusive interviews, amazing articles from guest columnists and contributors.

35

October 3, 2014

EssEntials Taste

Jollof Spaghetti Recipe Jollof spaghetti is a meal close to my heart. I love it to bits, not just because it's tasty but also because it's easy to make. This meal always pops into my head whenever I don't want to spend long hours in the kitchen. The name jollof spaghetti was coined from the popular Nigerian jollof rice, since it is prepared in a similar way. It could be prepared plain without the additional ingredients listed below but as a carnivore I actually enjoy mine with a little meat or fish. If you've got your home-made stock, you could use that in place of water. For this meal, you could also use tinned tomato paste to make it faster or make your own paste from scratch as I did in the recipe below.

Ingredients • 1 Pack Spaghetti •10 Plum tomatoes • 4 Red scotch bonnets (ata rodo) • 5 Chili pepper (shombo) • 4 Garlic cloves • 1 Red onion • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder • 1/2 teaspoon thyme • 1 teaspoon salt • 7 cups water • 2 seasoning cubes •1 cup vegetable oil Extras • 1 Green bell pepper

• 1 Mediumsized corned beef • 3 Smoked sausages • 1 Green pepper • 4 table spoon margarine/ butter

Directions Step 1. Chop the onion, sausage and green pepper. Set aside.

Step 2. Puree the tomato, pepper and garlic in a blender and pour into a pot. Heat up the puree till the liquid

dries up, leaving the concentrated tomato and pepper paste. Pour in the vegetable oil and leave to fry on medium heat for about five minutes.

Step 3. Add the water, part of the chopped onion, curry powder, thyme, seasoning cubes and salt.

Cover and leave to boil for about 10 minutes (kitchen tip: when cooking spaghetti or pasta, it's always best to allow the liquid you intend cooking it in boil very well before adding. This is done to prevent the spaghetti from sticking together after preparation).

When the tomato-pepper combination starts to boil, gently lower in your spaghetti ‘vertically’ and cover the pot. Leave to boil for about 15-20 minutes until the liquid dries up in the pot, but don’t let it burn.

Step 4. While the ingredients in step 3 cook up, place the butter/ vegetable oil / margarine in an empty pan and heat on medium to melt. Add the chopped sausages, green pepper, the remaining chopped onion and corned beef one at a time. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes and set aside.

Step 5. Pour in your stir-fried sausages and vegetables into the spaghetti and mix. Leave to simmer for 3 minutes.

How To Make Asaro (Mashed Yam Porridge) Step 3. Pour the palm oil into an empty pot. Add the blended puree into the palm oil in the pot and heat up for about 3 minutes.

Add about three cups of water and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes.

Yam porridge is a staple food in Nigeria but the version which is quite popular in the western part of the country is asaro (also known as ebe – pronounced eh-beh) and this is due to the method by which it is prepared. The preparation of asaro is quite simple and needs few ingredients, with little or no vegetables, unlike the normal yam porridge. To prepare asaro, you need a mixture of blended peppers and white yam (not water yam). It's a simple one-pot meal which takes little or no time to prepare. It can be served with obe ata iru, hard-boiled egg or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients • 1 medium-sized yam tuber • 1 medium-sized red onion – chopped • 6 chilli peppers • 3 scotch bonnets • 4 cloves garlic • 1 small stock fish (or dry fish) – optional • Seasoning cubes • Salt to taste • 2 cups Palm oil • Scent leaves – chopped (optional)

Step 4. Reduce the burner to the lowest and gently add the yams (be , so that it doesn't splash).

Step 5. Top-up with some more water, add the chopped onions, cover and leave to cook for about 25 minutes till the liquid in the pot evaporates some. By this time, the yam slices chunks in the pot would have gotten really soft.

Step 6. Mash the yams properly (or leave a few chunks) with the edge of the cooking spoon.

Directions Step 1. Cut the yam tuber into round slices, slice off the brown skin and place in a bowl. Add clean water and wash till all the dirt is removed and the yam is clean. Set aside.

Step 2. Remove the garlic skin, remove the heads from the scotch bonnet pepper and chilli pepper.

Wash and place in a blender. Blend till you have a smooth puree.

A woman will be twice bound when her chains feel comfortable. ― Egyptian Africa

Step 7. If you intend using any leafy vegetable such as scent leaf, now is the time to add it (though the original recipe goes without it).

Cover the pot and leave to cook for another 10 minutes.

Now you are done. Serve hot!

36 TATTLES

October 3, 2014

Jason Derulo, Jordin Sparks Part Ways, Blame Pressure In a recent interview with Ryan Seacrest, musician Jason Derulo revealed that he and long-time girlfriend Jordin Sparks broke up because he felt so much pressure to settle down.

In his own words: “What happened [was] in a nutshell, there was a lot of tension in the relationship for a lot of reasons. There was a lot of pressures of marriage. There was a lot of arguing and stuff like that that just weighed on our relationship over time. When you stop having more good times than bad times, it’s time to call it quits. It becomes something that is unhealthy. I’m not one to throw my business out on the street, but I thought it was important, because things were getting a little out of hand. To be fair, it was not just from her either. It was kind of from everybody. That’s not the sole reason, but it definitely played a part. I’ll be lying if I said that we parted in good terms. But it’s not a bad situation. There’s no bad blood. We didn’t end off on a weird way or a negative way.”

Clooney, Pitt Make Marriage Popular Again

Unbelievable to say the least that George Clooney – terminal bachelor no more – is married. Not only that, his BFF and contemporary, Brad Pitt is married, too. It does seem that getting hitched is the new in-thing for A-list actors to do. George Clooney and his equally gorgeous, intelligent and worldly bride, Amal Alamuddin, have been described as the “most beautiful married people” in – or out of Hollywood. In the same vein, Brad and Angelina have been described as an “inspiring couple”.

Interesting that, despite the break-up stories we hear daily, marriage still has its appeal!

Tiwa Savage’s Marriage Set For The Rocks?

Since the story emerged that Pop sensation Tiwa Savage and her husband Tunji ‘T Billz’ Balogun might be having problems, there have been no ‘official’ comments from either of the couple or friends. However, family members from both sides have waded in and are reportedly trying to solve the problem. The first sign of trouble could be the replacement of Balogun as her manager; the singer recently hired Mekka Millions as her new manager.

Anyone familiar with the Nigerian entertainment industry will know how Tiwa Savage and her team operate. The singer has come under fire for her ‘outlandish’ style and approach (for example, the Wanted video). She is not one to settle for doing things the normal way – someone once referred to her as the ‘Nigerian Beyonce’ .

Well, TATTLES will hardly be shocked if this whole ‘marriage palava’ is a publicity stunt (perhaps, she is trying to follow in the steps of Beyonce. Remember how Jay Z and Bey manipulated the public into believing that their marriage was headed for the rocks?). Well, we think Tiwa Savage may be trying to do just that. This is not to say that we do not wish her well. If, truly, her marriage is, indeed, headed for the rocks, then TATTLES hopes the issue (whatever it is) is settled amicably.

I Rushed Into My First Marriage – Foluke Daramola We all know that Foluke Daramola-Salako is currently in her second marriage, but could have known that the actress married her first husband because of ‘peer pressure’?

“First and foremost, I rushed into my first marriage because everybody was getting married and I also wanted to get married. So, I really did not know who I was getting married to the first time. That was the issue. The bane was that I was in a hurry to get married and, because, I was in a hurry to get married, I did not really study the person I got married to. I don’t regret it [for the sake of my children], because everything that happens to us in life is orchestrated by God. So, the only thing that I think was the bane of the relationship was that I was immature and I jumped into the marriage and never took my time,” she said.

Saheed Osupa Shows Generous Side Popular Fuji star Saheed Osupa reportedly bought a large parcel of land which he handed over to his band members who have stuck with him throughout his sojourn in music. According to City People, the four-acre land located in Ota, Ogun State, was shared among the members last month. Osupa decided to reward their loyalty with the gesture. So nice…and rare too.

According to Page Six gossip column, Ciara has returned the 15-carat emerald-cut engagement ring worth about $500,000 given to her by her ‘ex’, Future.

Rapper Nicki Minaj can add ‘host’ to her resume, as it was just confirmed that she will be hosting this year’s MTV Europe Music Awards (VMA).

Thumbs up, Nicki.

TiSPY

Which Nigerian pop star’s marriage may soon crash?

Many Nigerians Smell – Uti Nwachukwu When you read this headline, the first thing you think is “how can he say such an offensive thing?” TV host Uti Nwachukwu made his feelings known in a recent article (TATTLES has shortened it, due to limited space constraints).

“Yes, my fellow Nigerians. Quite a number of you smell. Be it body or mouth odour, but it has become a threat to social existence in our society, because some of you are so selfish and too wicked to bother about personal hygiene.

“With or without anti-perspirants, shave your armpit hair.

“Mouth odour is an epidemic. Is it our food or our weather? Are people using cheap toothpaste?

What is it? If I meet 10 people in a day at least seven of them have some kind of funny breath.

“For those of you with mouth odor, please follow this rules.

“Rule number 1. Abeg, do not use your toothbrush for more than a month. Use good toothpaste o, fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss. You no sabi use floss? Search for the instructions on YouTube. Use Mouth-wash frequently. Tongue-scrapper/ cleaner comes in handy as well.

“During the day buy and chew the sugarfree healthy mint gums if you go out to socialise. You can’t go wrong! So that’s it o!! I’ve done my part to help you people o.

I’m neither a doctor nor a health specialist, I’m just a guy who has had experiences and does not joke with personal hygiene – whether it concerns me or others.”

The Things

They Said “Majid Michel is the best actor to ever come out of Africa,” –Actress Stella Damasus

“If elected, I will not go into office with blonde hair”

Musician Tony Tetuila

FLiRT “I have a boyfriend now but we share Agape love” ALERT —Singer Adokiye

GOT A CELEB GIST? GET IN TOUCH!

TATTLES 37

October 3, 2014

TATTLES with Abisola Alawode

OUR EAR-ON-GROUND

Congratulations are in order for Matilda Obaseki Mozia. The actress who got married in 2013 is said to be pregnant with her second child for husband Arnold Mozia.

If the rumours making the rounds is anything to go by, Nollywood actress Ini Edo’s marriage to her hubby Phillips Ehiagwina has crashed. Some people even alleged that Ehigwina, who is based in America, has gone as far as returning the actress’ bride price. Sad. Really sad.

Re: Charles Novia’s Opinion On Jalade-Ekeinde, Nnaji There are two filmmakers revered by TATTLES, as far as Nigerian film-making and their opinion on the entertainment industry are concerned. They are Charles Novia and Chris Ihidero. While Ihidero writes regularly for Nigerian Entertainment 0n-line (NET), Novia usually makes his opinions via his social media handles. Recently, Novia shared an article about entertainers who were bestowed with various national merit awards by President Goodluck Jonathan. His view of Genevieve Nnaji and her style of acting did not go down well with many. Predictably, it has brewed a storm. Do you think Charles was right? Let us know. Send your reactions to the email address at the bottom of this page.

“Congratulations to the Nollywood recipients of the Nigerian National Awards which took place today (Monday) in Abuja. Kenneth Nnebue, Joke Silva and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde were each given National Honours by President Jonathan today.

“Kenneth Nnebue is generally acknowledged as the founder of the home video industry in Nigeria which later snowballed into Nollywood. His epoch-making movie Living in Bondage (which he executively produced) in 1992 unleashed the creative spirit of many

Nigerians who followed in his footsteps and used the affordable home video technology to exhibit their gifts.

“Perhaps, without Nnebue’s foray into that sector, the likes of me and thousands of others would never have found the creative leeway to show our talents. His award is belated though.

Better late than never.

“Joke Silva is an actor’s actor. A formidable screen personality and one of the most articulate thespians Nigeria has produced. She is an inspiration to millions and her award is just about a crowning glory she could ever receive from her nation. A priceless gem.

“Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is known to many. Her acting prowess is arguably in a class by itself and her being nominated as one of the world’s 100 most influential persons by Time magazine a couple of years back must have paved the way for her present national recognition by the federal government. Frankly speaking, I personally think she has more depth in acting than her ‘rival’ Genevieve Nnaji.

I have worked with both of them in the past and also studied their acting styles. Omotola has the gift of role immersion. She puts everything into her characters. There is an organic style of interpretation she is gifted with.

Very few actors have that. She Is not a

PUBLiC “I’d rather be a rich mad man than be poor and handsome” DiSPLAY — Musician Terry G

Method Actor, mind you, but she has delivered roles which many method actors will give her a standing ovation for.

“Genevieve, on the other hand, is a fantastic actress and a trend-setting one too. But she lacks the intrinsic ability to evolve artistically beyond her present heights in her career. That is my opinion. There is an underlying stereotype in her interpretation of her roles in many of her movies; a linear aloofness and veiled disdain at the thought of being pushed further down the exploratory lane.

Of course, she has an uncanny screen presence which generally veils her artistic shortcomings when it comes to acting and between her and her rivals; she comes tops on the fan-base list. However, with an attitude which seems to say she has nothing more to prove, even the fans would become restless if new artistic exploits are not offered from her to which they can beat their chests.

“And for fans of both actresses, this is a professional review of their acting abilities and not an attempt to rekindle old rivalries. Somehow, this post on the national honours dovetailed into their artistry. All well and good.”

Sound Sultan aka Naija Ninja is one artiste who doesn’t like to be put in a box. This is evident from the artiste’s recent body language recently. Not only is he set to release a movie executively produced by him, he also recently purchased the Lagos Islanders Basketball Club. Huge kudos to him! .

Fans of Jude ‘M.I’ Abaga might need to wait a little longer for the release of his fourth studio album titled Chairman, as it was recently announced that the highly anticipated album will be released in the last week of October 2014. Just about time, M.I. Just about time. But then, have you listened to that new single titled King James? Witty and funny stuff with class.

TiP FOR “We become what we think about.”

THE TOP — Earl Nightingale

Call Bisola on 08126995258 Or e-mail at abisolaalawode@yahoo.co.uk

38

FEATURE

October 3, 2014

Redefining Success Through Longevity

1 2

I understand that your third album will soon be released. Can you tell us more about it?

I don’t know if you know this, but my music is all about thanksgiving, giving glory to God and appreciating him. This album is titled Grateful, a 17-track album and I’ll be launching it at the Sheraton Hotel on the October 5, 2014 in Abuja.

You are known for your soul-lifting songs. Should fans expect more of this If you live in Northern in the forthcoming album? Also, why is this album different from your previous Nigeria and you do works? not know Solomon

Lange…well. Blessed with a strong, sonorous voice, he is passionate about music and spreading the gospel of Christ.

Highly intelligent, the artiste and peace ambassador who was born in Kaduna is set to release his third studio album titled Grateful at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja on the October 5, 2014.

ABISOLA ALAWODE

Yes, they can expect soul-lifting songs. What is different is that this album has a lot of dance songs in it. This is not to say that there are no worship songs on the album, but the fact that there are worship songs has nothing to do with the tempo. So, there a lot of slow songs on the album and there are also a lot of fast songs on the album. There is also a difference of style; I basically used almost all the known genre of music on this album. So, expect to hear Reggae, Rock, Soft Rock, Jazz etc. there are also more English songs on this album. Everyone is going to enjoy listening to this album. There is something for everyone in it and it is better than my last two efforts put together.

3

How did music start for you? Or has it always been something you wanted to do?

I’ve been singing as far back as I can remember. Probably, since I was about eight or nine years old. Then, of course, I joined the local church choir. I started singing professionally while I was schooling at the Kaduna Polytechnic, when I joined a group called Kale Visions Ministry. Before then, while in secondary school, I had a group called the Joyful Singers where I was the chief songwriter. So, you can see that I’ve always wanted to do music..

4 5

Would you say your journey as a musician has been fulfilling?

Yes, it has. It has also been very rewarding, adventurous and challenging. You know, when you start something, you have dreams of making it. But not everybody has been able to. As for me, God has so much for me and I know he’s just beginning. I’ll do music if I come to this world again.

Really? So, if you are offered a lucrative and financially rewarding job where you are asked to stop doing music, are you telling me you will take it?

If it is a human being offering me this job, I will first pray about it, because as much as I love to do music and remain passionate about it, music is not my lord. Jesus is my Lord. So, if Jesus tells me to go do something else, I’ll go do it. I think life should be defined from purpose and fulfilment. I believe that if you pursue purpose – purpose is what am I here for and not just what God brought me here to do – with the whole of your heart, you will be rewarded in every way (financial reward is also a part of it). I make my decisions based on the questions: is this what I should be doing? Is this what I’m wired for? Doing music is easy for me. I don’t consider it to be a job. Let me say… it’s like taking a stroll in the park.

6

Has it always been gospel music?

Doing music is easy for me. I don’t consider it to be a job. Let me say… it’s like taking a stroll in the park

Let me tell you something, I’m even angry that Gospel music is called a ‘style’ of music. Gospel music is music.

When a Muslim or Hindi is doing his/her own music, they don’t call it ‘Islamic’ or ‘Hindi’ music. But because I mention Jesus in my music, you discriminate against me and call it ‘Gospel’ music. I mean, I do Reggae, Rn’B, Rock and the likes, so why are you calling ‘Gospel’ music a genre when I cover every other ‘genre’ of music already? So, yes, if I was ever going to do music as a believer and a preacher of the gospel, my content will always be the gospel; irrespective of whatever I am going to do.

A goose’s child is a swimmer. ― Chinese proverb

Lange

7

The impact your music is having is felt the world over. What are your plans for the future?

I’ve got things I want to do. When you come for the concert happening on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at Sheraton Hotel by 4pm, you will realise that there is something called ‘1Voice’.

It is a God-given initiative to bring together people to worship without boundaries and denominations. Seeing the popularity of religious dogma these days, we realise that God has given us the tool to bring people together to worship in unity, irrespective of their religious background, denominational beliefs or convictions.

I’m also working on a TV show, a talent hunt for young people and a seminar series for young people. Our idea is to change the way people think. We want to redefine what success means.

Success in Nigeria today has been redefined in terms of money.

You often hear people say “I don hammer”. Is that the definition of success? So what do you say success is? There are many musicians today who we can say are successful in music but are big failures in their family lives. Would you call that success? I could use a lot of naked ladies in my video and make a lot of money, but does that mean I’m successful? Success should mean making your life and those of people around you better. Success is moving your so move your nation and your generation forward positively. Until you are able to do that, you are not successful. Anybody can shoot an x-rated video like Kim Kardashian and become popular. No talent, nothing! The only thing people know you for is nudity.

Like I said earlier, we are trying to redefine success. We are not telling people not to make money; we are telling them to make an impact, move your generation forward and those unborn will remember you for it. That is one of the things we are working on; not just having a religious country called Nigeria where we have the fastest growing churches, the fastest growing musicians and we are still one of the most corrupt nations. I think it’s time we start to ask ourselves if the growth of our churches can affect our country and make it a better place. You can see that we are working on a lot of things.

8

Many musicians have a lot of rituals they observe before they get on stage. Is there any you must observe?

You know, I read somewhere that the secret of a successful man is in his daily routine. For me, I go onstage unconsciously. I don’t wait till I go on stage to rehearse, I don’t

FEATURE

October 3, 2014

39

Redefining Success Through Longevity wait till I’m going on stage to meditate.

Honestly, there is nothing special I do before I go on stage. What I do is what I do every day.

Your face now graces the billboard of almost every crusade, church programme or concert. How does this make you feel?

First of all, I’m grateful to God. I was just a son of a village tailor before I got born again. God brought me out, took me on a journey and gave me a platform. Two days ago, somebody called me, a pastor to be precise, and he said he was watching me on TBN Africa. You see, I was shocked. I wondered what I was doing on TBN Africa, before I remembered that in April of this year I granted an interview at their office in West Virginia, USA. When I saw myself on TV, I was so glad because all I talked about was how God picked me up from nothing and made me something. At some point, the lady who was interviewing me started shedding tears. She attested to the goodness of God and said she could relate with my story, because she knows how difficult life in Nigeria is. So, each time I see my face on the billboard and posters, I keep telling God, ‘you are playing a game with me’.

On my new album, there is a song titled Just like a Dream. I still feel that I am dreaming. I just don’t want somebody to wake me up.

9 10

How do you get the ideas for your songs?

Different artistes have different ways of getting their inspiration. Some say they get it from their dreams. As for me, I’m just a music machine. God is my inspiration.

The Word of God inspires me.

Earlier, you mentioned that a man can only be considered successful if he is successful in the home front. So, is Solomon Lange married?

No, I’m not married...yet.

11

Why?

No reason in particular. When it’s time I’ll get married.

There is nothing wrong in being single.

You know what I’ve always desired? I’ve always desired to live a very fulfilling single life and to, also, live a fulfilling married life. I’m happy [that] God has helped me to reach where I am today.

Now though, I think I’ve lived a fulfilled single life enough and it’s time to experience the married life. So, when I get married tomorrow, I’m never going to say I regretted my single life.

12

Which musicians did you look up to, both locally and internationally, while growing up?

which the word of God is preached.

The church is doing much more than the government is. The church is even doing what our educational system should be doing. You see, a lot of people graduate these days without knowing what they want to do with Dr Panam Percy Paul inspired me a lot. their lives, because all they learn He started Gospel music in Nigeria, as is how to cram stuff, write exams far as I’m concerned. He paved the way and get their papers. The church for us. His music is my ‘bible’. The first organises entrepreneurial seminars and discussions on how one can better time I heard R. Kelly’s I believe I can fly on radio, I was blown away. R. Kelly has his/her life. So, now, we see people venturing into politics, business and inspired me a lot – I mean his music, all that. That said, I think the church not his lifestyle. Donnie McClurkin, is doing a lot, though it needs to do Israel Houghton and The Winans family have had a huge influence on my more. I also do not feel our impact is being felt in Nigeria. The only music life. indication of our presence in Nigeria is because we have billboards all over It is now the place. But has that reduced our common-place level of corruption in Nigeria? Has to see Gospel that reduced our level of dishonesty in Nigeria? There is so much that the artistes go church needs to do. commercial the moment

13

they discover that they cannot make much from Gospel music. What do you think is the reason for this?

It’s simple. These people were not called to preach the gospel in the first place. What they don’t realise is that not every Christian must sing Gospel music. It’s like saying every Christian should be a pastor. If you are not called to the ministry, why must you sing Gospel music? If you want to make money as a musician, don’t sing in church. I’m not saying Gospel musicians don’t make money, but in our genre of music you have to focus first on ministering, then the money will follow. Out there, it is money first.

So, if there is anyone who once sang in church but does not do so anymore today, I think they are honest people, because they have realised that ‘Omo, I no fit do this thing o’.

Unfortunately, the church doesn’t even support Gospel music. There is a lot of money in the church – when I say ‘church’, I mean the global church – because God has blessed the church. The truth, however, remains that preaching can never get to places where music will. I’ve got fans who are not Christians but enjoy watching my videos. Immediately my video stops and a preacher comes on, they change the channel. So, if the church does not learn to support Gospel music, then we are really not ready to expand the kingdom of God.

14 Nigeria?

What do you think about the state of the church in

I think that the church in Nigeria has done really well, regardless of what some people might think. I also know [that] the church is growing and that it has come of age. There is now a high level of excellence and the degree to

14 industry?

What your thoughts on the Nigerian music

First off, kudos to all Nigerian artistes doing their thing. I think that our entertainment industry has the potential to become the highest revenue-generating industry in Nigeria, more than oil can ever do. A lot of people might disagree but you should know that the richest people in the world are not people who are into crude oil business; they are people who use their brains to make the world a better place. The entertainment industry is one of the highest employers of labour in Nigeria. People may have qualms with our content, but we can out-grow that. I just think we need to celebrate it some more.

Artistes are doing a lot.

Lange

artistes, people you might not know. I promise that you will know them now because they feature in this album.

16

Are there any artistes you’ll like to work with, both internationally and locally?

I’ll definitely love to do a song with Israel Houghton. That’s one of my biggest dreams. I’ll also like to do a song with Micah Stampley. Those are the foreign guys I’ll like to work with.

As for Nigeria, if I don’t do a song with my oga, Panam Percy Paul, before I die, I’ll not be fulfilled. I’ll also want to do something with MI. He’s my favourite rapper.

17

Are there any artistes you’ll like to work Collaborations with, both are the internationally and locally? main-stay of Concerning the album-release slated for Sunday, October 5, 2014 at the the global Sheraton Hotel… music industry. Did you Yes, the show proper will start by collaborate with anyone in 4pm. It’s a free show, so everybody the course of producing this can come. Also, I’ll be signing copies of album? the album with a very special prayer

15

You see, my style has always been different. Most of the people I do collaborations with are up-and-coming

for everybody who gets the album. So, please, keep a date with me. Just come and enjoy soul-lifting music.

I could use a lot of naked ladies in my video and make a lot of money, but does that mean I’m successful?

Success should mean making your life and those of people around you better.

Success is moving your so move your nation and your generation forward positively. Until you are able to do that, you are not successful

A man with two ears can be supported by two words.

― Egyptian proverb

COLUMNS

40

Diary

Razak’s

co s y raz z y @ ya h o o. co m

I’m an impulsive guy with an insatiable thirst for adventure. This is all about my dalliances & escapades.

Deliverance “Mama na, you must forgive me. I had to leave; it was quite urgent. You see, this friend of mine was mad and we have to take him to the psychiatric hospital in Barnawa, Kaduna and…”

Etim cut me off with a slap to the back of my head.

“Who is mad? Me? Uwar ka” “Abdulrazak, what is the problem; are you in the same vehicle with a mad man?” She said, almost hysterical.

“He’s my friend and I – no, we – must go get him medical attention. When we get him there, the doctors will take charge and I’ll just return to Abuja, and resume work. Somehow, my leave is over. I’ll call you,” Etim was laughing himself to death.

“Is he the one laughing?” Enquired Mama na.

“Eh, wallahi.”

“La illa illa la hu. Have you told his parents?”

“I’ll do just that after I deposit him at the hospital.”

“He must be very close to you for you to be so concerned about him, but you must be very careful” she said, sighing.

“Tau, ka sauka lafiya.” She hung up.

Etim was laughing now, with tears streaming down his cheeks.

“Boy, you are one SOB. So you can’t tell your mother that you ate kobnomi and I came to deliver you from the hands of your captors? See, that lady would have continued to give you sex and feed you good food, until, eventually you marry her, wallahi.” He was having a nice time at my expense.

“But, tell me, was she any good?” He asked.

“Good, as in…?” I asked, as well, feigning ignorance.

“Stupid. I mean in the sack.” He bounced on his seat like a fool and he had that stupid twinkle in his eyes. If I were a lady, I would never come near Etim. But I am not and he is my good pal. Issues ironed out.

“It was once, how can I tell?” I was still playing the ignorant guy. But, from experience, I knew the game wouldn’t hold for too long. Not with Etim.

“Okay, you are saying the great Raza does not know how to gauge ‘goodness of softness’ even from one night of ‘roll-on’? Ol’ boy, you may be stupid enough to eat ‘kobnomi’ without knowing it, but I’m not stupid enough to believe you; not after you have tasted Sade, Bhaira, Ada, Bose and Fanta…”

“No, I never ‘did’ Fanta…,” I said, shaking both head and first finger.

“Are you serious? Heaven and earth and the stars hanging from them, you are dorkier than I thought.

Boy, you truly must be the fool no one knows; just because you cover it up so well. Okay, that’s the story for another day.”

“Okay,she was good. I think we would have been at it, but for that call to you…”

“And I had to go to all that length to get it out of you.

Pity.” He was the one shaking his head now.

“So, tell me…what is ‘kobnomi’?” I looked up at him.

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“You see, in Efik land, when women like a man, especially one who is not from around those parts, and they know that he must leave one day, they serve him food and drinks containing a love potion. When the fellow eats that dish and drinks the wine, he becomes enamoured with the maiden and never wants to leave her any more. She continues to feed him accordingly and she gives him the ‘goods’ in return for his staying.

Many times, he rarely leaves, unless she is through with him; but in many cases, the man always marries the woman. So, my friend, we can say, unofficially, that you have been married for about three weeks. I promise you, I must tell Bhaira.” He was grim.

I was so concerned about what would have happened to me that it took me some time to digest his last sentence. You can’t be serious,” I said, sitting up.

He laughed loud and hard.

“Boy, we were worrying about you at the office and you were here hiding behind the laps of your Bauchi Love and eating all sorts of god stuff. Look at you, all flesh and goodness. Wonderful.” He poked me in the ribs and drew some flesh. I nearly laughed, but I couldn’t.

“Why the poker face; na me give you ‘kobnomi’ chop?” He asked.

“No, I was just wondering…they said they were Igbos, but you said only Efik women can administer it.

How come they could administer it as Igbos?”

“Are you serious? Maybe they lied. Perhaps, we should go back there so that I can taste their food for myself.” He resumed his laughter. “I swear, bah, if I go there, I’ll eat the food and nothing go do me, then I will eat the chicks too – both of ‘em – and go take a piss. I won’t return. Poof. Gone. But you, for all your experience…kai,bros, you be correct ‘suya’ guy!”

I couldn’t help but join in his laughter. He was making the situation less embarrassing.

When we got to Zaranda, he looked at me.

“Hungry?” His eyes were twinkling again.

“No way, until I get home.”

He resumed his laughter and did not stop, until we got some stares from the mallams.

“Fear not, for I am with thee,” he said. I remained in the car, unmoving and not smiling.

I remained sober, until he entered, bearing some very neat, large bananas, a can of malt and some chew-gum.

“Bros, as you say you no go eat…I can’t eat while you are sitting here. Not good. Let’s share this, sebi we are almost in Abuja?”

It was good.

Twenty-something minutes later, near Kwoi, I begged him to let me get to a nearby bush. “I don’t know, I think I need to fart,” I said.

No sooner had I stooped and I went…prat, prat, prat. I sighed.

I was purging. I’d just moved from fry-pan to fire.

God.

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October 3, 2014

What It Means To Be A Nigerian Woman The Nigerian woman is a peculiar being. To be a Nigerian woman, you can’t get too angry. You’ll never be able to get rid of that label, no matter how many smiles and triumphs follow after that one time you matched a subordinate’s disrespect word-for-word once you got fed up of hearing him say, “I have a wife like you at home, you know?”

From that day forward, you are labelled “the angry black woman” who is perpetually angry with the world. When people hurt you, you are expected to smile, wish God’s love upon them and take the whole episode in with warmth and calm. No more.

To be a Nigerian woman, you cannot be too ambitious. This will mean that you are avoiding other more important things like having a husband and popping out a few good children. Any ambition beyond that is almost ridiculous and would be met with a lot of nodding heads trying to empathise with your predicament. It is impossible to expect the Nigerian woman to find fulfilment behind a desk when she should be craving the weight of a man on top of her, pummelling her virtue to shape and bestowing her with crystal seeds for the amazing process of reproduction. Any other ambition is secondary to the sex you must have with a husband that must produce smart kids.

Your ambition is a distraction from the food you must cook and matrimonial floors that must be kept clean. Your ambition irritates everyone. People want to see you at the immunisation centre clutching your healthy, almost obese African child with happiness that subdues everything around it. People want to see you with hair-net on by 7.52am cruising with jolly kids as you drive to school.

There’s ‘completeness’ to such women. The ones we find rushing to work by 6am are met with smiles of sympathy and the thought ‘God be kind and answer her prayer for a husband’.

Work does not complete the Nigerian woman. A man does.

To be a Nigerian woman, you cannot have opinions. She is seen but not heard. What have you got to say? Whatever you have to say is already in the Bible; go and read it.

Can you not read and imagine how upset St. Paul must have been to see women without scarves on their heads or their lips sealed by padlocks? Have you not heard, ‘oh ye stubborn Nigerian women’, that your hair is an ugly mess of wool nesting the earth’s dirt?

Please, cover it up. While you are at it, close your mouth. If you have anything to say, turn to your right and speak to your husband. If you are unfortunate to have none, please turn to your left and seek the counsel of any man – be he a plumber, a carpenter, an executive, a vulcaniser, a palm-wine tapper, a chief.

To be a Nigerian woman, you must desire the approval of every single individual you come across. Their assessment of you is what will determine how much of a woman you are. Like the okada you take every morning. When he rides like a drunken goat, just stay calm and hold on to his shirt. Inhale the sweat on his back and let him drive you to heights unbelievable. When you alight, with a gentle spirit, tell him to go forth into the world and drive with caution.

You never know where he’d be next – probably, at the bar near your house having a drink. One day you’ll walk by and he’ll see you again. He’ll turn to the man next to him wearing a nice watch and tell him how much of a Nigerian woman you are and how warm your breast felt behind his back during that rough ride…blah, blah, blah.

The next man wearing a nice watch will then leave all behind – plates of pepper soup and bottles of alcohol and follow you into the night with hopes of nuptial bliss.

You don’t believe me? Go and ask Nigerians how they get married; is it not by referrals? “Ah! That woman is a very calm and godly woman.

Yesterday a man fondled her breast and she turned with tears in her eyes and asked ‘why?’Thereafter, she went her way, as calm as a dove.

Such virtue, I have never seen. She deserves a husband.”

To be a Nigerian woman, you must find everything away from your wonderful existence a mystery.

“Ha! So Chichi travelled to Dubai and left her husband alone for three days?! Three whole days! Na war! If he cheats on her, who will blame him?”

“Ehen, do you know Bola bought that jewellery without her husband’s consent? Why would she do that?”

“Wow, can you see that Esther is driving a bigger car than her husband’s? How arrogant! Shouldn’t she give the man the bigger car and collect the smaller one? There she is driving around feeling cool.

Sad!” You see, I was going to write about the Nigerian Woman, but I ended up talking about the Nigerian married woman. So, I have come to this conclusion: the Nigerian Woman is nothing, except she is married. Cheers to all the arguments you wish to have on this subject that interest me…NOT. This article was written by Joy Isi Bewaji. One hell of an opinion. Do you agree, guys?

He whose house is made out of glass, shouldn’t throw stones at people. — Egyptian proverb

FRIDAY EXTRA 41

October 3, 2014

big

questIons & AnsweRs

Why does the sun appear yellow?

CROSSWORDS PUZZLE

The sun is a star and the colour of a star depends on how hot is is. When you light a fire, coolest part at the top is red, the hooter part in the middle is yellow and the hottest part at the bottom is blue. Stars are the same. Yellow stars like our sun, are in the middle of the heat range , with a temperature of about 10,000F (5,500’C). Some places, called sunsports, appear darker becuase they are cooler than the rest of the sun.

Why do people bounce around on the moon?

How high could you jump on the moon? Garvity on the surface of the moon is only one-sixth as strong as it is on earth. This means you could jump about six times higher. In other words, if on earth you can jump up about 10 inches (25cm), then on the moon you can jump 60 inches. That is five feet (152cm) straight up!

Why doesn't the moon crash into Earth?

DOWN 1 Gardening tools (5) 2 _ Lisa, famous painting (4) 3 extremely off-putting (9) 4 set apart, seclude (9) 5 Criss-cross of lines (4) 6 Large skate-like fish (3) 9 Childish word for ‘stomach’ (5) 10 _ Purves, radio presenter and novelist (5) 14 Common cinema name (5) 15 wild drunken party (4) 17 Polluted mist (4) 18 Married woman’s title (3) ACROSS 1 Child’s playsuit (6) 4 sewing machine manufacturer (6) 7 Flock member (3) 8 County considered the garden of england (4) 10 Flower associated with purity (4) 11 Grand theft _, computer game (4) 12 Brand-name fly spray (4) 13 tommy _ Jones, Men in Black star (3) 15 exclude, leave out (4) 16 Chatters, gossips (4) 18 _ Poppins, Julie Andrews film (4) 19 welfare group formed in 1844 (in its) (4) 20 Almond or pecan, eg (3) 21 expressing in words (6) 22 Cipher machine famously used by the Germans in wwII (6)

The garvity of the Earth is stronger than the gravity of the moon, so the moon should get pulled into Earth... right? Wrong. The Earth and the moon are both moving.

The direction of their movenment would actually take them right past each other.

Gravity manages to balance this dance just enough to keep bothe bodies from fyling out of their intended orbits or colliding.

His opinions are like water in the bottom of a canoe, going from side to side. ― Dominican Proverb

42 FRIDAY EXTRA

October 3, 2014

titans

oF hIstoRY

H

erodotus was the West’s ‘Father of History’. An adventurous traveller, he used his gift for storytelling to recount the upheavals affecting the lands where Europe, Asia and Africa meet.

He is best known as a hawk-eyed observer of the epic wars between Greece and Persia in the 5th century BC, but he also charted the growing rivalry between Athens and Sparta.

Herodotus was the first to employ many of the techniques of modern historical writing, and although his credibility has sometimes been called into question, modern research has often proved him right.

He was probably born in Halicarnassus, then under Persian rule, but he lived for much of his life in Athens, where he met the Greek dramatist Sophocles. Herodotus left Athens for Thurii, a colony in southern Italy that was sponsored

by Athens. The last event recorded

by Herodotus took place in 430 BC, although it is not certain when he died.

If our knowledge of his life is sketchy, our understanding of Herodotus’ times is exceptional, thanks to the work he undertook.

He travelled extensively through Egypt, Libya, Syria, Babylonia, Lydia and Phrygia. He sailed up the Hellespont to Byzantium, visited Thrace and Macedonia, and journeyed north to the Danube, then travelled east along the northern coast of the Black Sea. Herodotus’ masterpiece was his histories, divided into nine books, each named after one of the Greek muses. The first five books concern the background to the GraecoPersian Wars of 499-479 BC. The final four comprise a history of the wars themselves, culminating in the invasion of Greece by the Persian king Xerxes at the head of a vast army.

The books setting up the background to the wars are subtle works that give a wealth of geographical and political information about the Persian empire and its rulers. They also chart the fundamental differences between Persian and Greek societies, with a level of comparison that was unmatched by the city chroniclers who had been the writers of history before Herodotus. Herodotus notes how the Persian empire, although made up of diverse peoples divided by religion, geography and language, nevertheless acts with a remarkable unity. The Greeks, by contrast, drawn from a relatively small pool of culturally homogeneous city-states, are prone to faction and infighting.

Such astute general observations help to provide an explanation for

HERODOTUS ?484-430/420 BC [ I write] in the hope of thereby preserving from decay the remembrance of what men have done.

— Herodotus, The Histories, Book I the events contemporary with Herodotus’ own life, when the political rivalries and disputes within Athens affected the course of the bloody contests between the Athenians and the Spartans.

This grand, thematic approach was something quite new in historical writing.

The Histories is a detailed account of four generations of Persian kings and their conquests. Herodotus first describes Cyrus the Great’s expedition to Lydia, followed by Cambyses’ conquest of Egypt and his stalled expedition to Ethiopia.

After Cambyses’ madness and death comes the reorganization and

further expansion of the empire under Darius the Great, and finally Herodotus recounts the campaigns led by Xerxes against the Greeks.

Herodotus tends to attach importance to the actions, personalities and squabbles of individual protagonists. Xerxes is portrayed as arrogant, petulant, savage and cruel, and Herodotus suggests that it was these defects of character that caused his invasion to fail.

For Herodotus, pride always comes before a fall, but he emphasizes that such failures are not the punishment of the gods, but rather result from human mistakes. This rational

His opinions are like water in the bottom of a canoe, going from side to side. ― Dominican Proverb

approach, in which the gods did not intervene in the affairs of men, was a major innovation and formed the basis for the tradition of Western history.

The ‘Father of History’, has also been called the ‘Father of Lies’. It is true that some of his tales, such as that of the giant man-eating ants, are fables. But his methods were those of a true historian: he compared his sources wherever possible. He was also a consummate story-teller; the first historian, and arguably, one of the greatest ever.

Culled from the book ‘Titans of History’

FRIDAY EXTRA 43

October 3, 2014

ultimate top list LESSER USED OR KNOWN FORMS OF GOVERNMENT

1

DEMARCHY-RULED BY PEOPLE A government run by randomly selected citizens is called a “citizen’s jury.”

The system is similar to a democracy without the need for elections. Proposed by Australian philosopher John Burnheim, this style of government has never actually been used. Hypothetically, the random selection will remove the chance of political corruption, as it is unlikely the elected people involved would be part of a “political machine.” A demarchy also avoids the issue of having to please anyone for political gain, and is dependent only on the selected person’s opinions on what is best for the population.

TECHNOCRACY-GOVERNED BY TECHNICAL DECISION MAKING Technocracy is a government run by scientists and engineers, placing the most knowledgeable professionals in charge of their specialized area to ensure administrative functions are carried out efficiently. For example, a group of medical professionals would control the health care system; political scientists would control political policy; judges would control the law; with all the groups working together to maximize each one’s performance. The officials would be selected through bureaucratic processes to test knowledge and performance, selecting the most qualified. Though never used in a state-wide setting, there is a technocracy movement pushing to make North America one large

2

3

LOGOCRACY-RULED BY WORDS A more ironic or parody government, a logocracy is a government ruling through words. Described in Washington Irving’s 1807 work, Salmagundi, a logocracy is a government that uses tricky wording to control its people. The Soviet Union has been accused of being a logocracy, citing that its language was a “stereotyped jargon consisting of formulas and empty slogans, whose purpose was to prevent people from thinking outside the boundaries of collective thought.” George Orwell’s 1984 is a good example of a logocracy, and used the Soviet Union’s “Neo-Ianguage” as the basis for its

4

PLUTOCRACY-RULED BY WEALTHY Economic inequality at its finest, the plutocracy gives power to the most wealthy. A few of the places known for their plutocracies are ancient Greece, Carthage, Italian merchant republics of Venice and Florence, and Genoa. In recent times there is no true plutocracy, although many countries are criticized for showing similar signs. Corporations raise and donate significant amounts of revenue for politicians and political parties, and use their financial power to influence favorable legislation, similar to a corporatocracy. The plutocracy is classically an oligarchy, so a handful of the wealthiest people control everything. If there is no proper form of control, the plutocracy collapses into a kleptocracy.

ETHNOCRACY

5

KLEPTOCRACY-RULED BY THIEVES Similar to a plutocracy, the kleptocracy is ruled by a few people of wealth.

In this system, however, the rich get richer by embezzling from its citizens. A kleptocracy degrades the people’s quality of life, taking money that is often supposed to go to schools, hospitals, roads, and other public services. In 2004, Transparency International released a list of what is believed to be the ten most self-enriched leaders, Indonesian and Philippine presidents ranked as the top two. The U.S. Senate recently coined the term “narcokleptocracy,” building off the existing term for kleptocracy to address societies involved in narcotic trades.

6

ETHNOCRACY-RULED BY RACE Ethnocracies are used to make one race, religious group, or language politically dominant, with all other issues being subordinate to their cause.

The degree of discrimination will vary from system to system. In Uganda there is an ethnic cleansing of the Indian people, along with an extreme political favoring of the indigenous people. However, ethnocracy can be a full-fledged democracy, with only a lack of representation for a certain group. A few other places experiencing ethnocracy are Pakistan, Israel, and South Africa.

7

MINARCHISM-MINIMAL STATISM Not far off from anarchism, minarchists believe government should be limited to protecting the basic right of life, liberty, and property. They endorse a Night Watchman State, which is limited to court, police, and military. Minarchists favor small, local, or city-level jurisdictions, rather than a large national government, leaving anyone who doesn’t want to work or live under a certain municipality free to be able to move to another jurisdiction easily.

Although closely related to market anarchists, minarchism unqerstands that government is inevitable, so instead of fighting it minarchism seeks to limit it.

8

EXILARCHY-RULED BY ETHNIC OR RELIGIOUS DIASPORA The exilarchy rules a religious or ethnic group, rather than the place the group originates from. The leader only has power through cultural and honorary means, and only rules the groups’ followers who are ultimately governed by their host countries.

Two examples of an exilarchy are the Reish Galuta, and Dalai Lama’s rule over the Tibetan diaspora.

THEOCRACY-RULED BY GOD Ruled by a god or deity, the state is governed by an individual that is divinely guided, or more often an institutional representative (a church). The local laws and rules are set by a dominant religious leader, on behalf of God. In pure theocracy, the leader is believed to have a direct connection to God, in the manner in which Moses and Muhammad ruled the early Israelites and Muslims.

In an ecclesiocracy, on the other hand, the leaders do not claim to be a direct religious link, but instead uphold a prereceived revelation. Other theocracies may hold a secular government to delegate civil law to religious communities.

Vatican City (an absolute theocratic monarchy), Saudi a Arabia, and Iran are a few notable theocracies.

9

TOTALITARIANISM-TOTAL RULE Totalitarianism is when a country is ruled by an ideology that penetrates every nook and cranny of its society. The regime is often headed by a cult of personality type leader. The government builds up control through eliminating and confining anything that acts independently of the state, until it regulates and enforces nearly every aspect of public and private life, giving themselves power through propaganda, control over media, economy, restricting free discussion, mass surveillance, and use of terror tactics. Totalitarianism is really just a concept, but many countries have advocated and built off it; the two best known being Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. The George Orwell book 1984 deals extensively with the subject.

10

The devil always paints himself black, but we always see him rose-colored.

Culled from the book ‘Ultimate top 10 list’ — Chinese Proverb

44 ROOTS

October 3, 2014

By Kanayo Jubal

Baquaqua and his master

Mohammad Gardo Baquaqua (2)

The enslavement of the African peoples, the transatlantic slave trade, and the plantation system that followed, initiated the largest sustained commercial trading of human beings in history.

Some scholars estimate that more than 20 million Africans were transported to the New World.

The few slave narratives that are have been presented in this page reflect only a fraction of the millions upon millions of stories that could have been told by people who had the misfortune to toil under the yoke of slavery.

Although each of their stories is as unique and individual as a fingerprint, describing as they do, a different heartbreak and a different survival strategy. The brief glimpse provided in this exhibit will give you an introduction to the ways in which lives were affected ➔ FROM LAST WEEK In the early 18405 Mahommah Gardo Baquaqua was working as an ironworker in Africa and was a favorite of the king, who also was related to his mother. His relationship with the king inspired serious jealousy which caused Baquaqua to be kidnapped by slave traders and taken to the coast where he was put on board a European ship bound for Pernambuco Brazil. He endured a horrendous Middle Passage, and then was sold several times before finally being sold to a heavy handed ship captain. The level of cruelty Baquaqua experienced caused him to

try to commit suicide. He was beginning to lose hope of ever being free until he learned that his ship was destined to deliver a cargo in New York City.

Excerpt: When the cargo was landed, an English merchant having a quantity of coffee for shipment to New York, my master was engaged for the purpose, and it was arranged, after some time that I should accompany him, together with several others to serve on ship board.... We all had learned, that at New York there was no slavery; that it was a free country and that if we once got there we had noth-

ing to dread from our cruel slave masters, and we were all most anxious to get there. ... The first words of English that my two companions and myself ever learned was f-r-e-e; we were taught it by an Englishman on board, and oh! how many times did I repeat it, over and over again. ...I was overjoyed at the idea of going to a free country, and a ray of hope dawned upon me, that the day was not far distant when I should be a free man.

Indeed I felt myself already free!

How beautifully the sun shone on that eventful morning, the morning of our departure for that land of freedom we had heard so much about. The winds too were favorable, and soon the canvass spread before the exhilarating breeze, and our ship stood for that happy land. The duties of office, on that voyage, appeared light to me indeed, in anticipation of seeing the goodly land, and nothing at all appeared a trouble to me. I obeyed all orders cheerfully and with alacrity.

One night during the voyage, it blew a perfect hurricane the whole night, and just about to day-break, the lamps in the binnacle went out with the heavy rolling of the ship. I was ordered to light it, but on account of the high wind, after several attempts I entirely failed. Aha, says the captain, my boy you can’t light the binnacle, can’t you? The man at the helm said it was light enough, he could do without it, he could see the compass well enough; but as orders were given, whether the light was wanted or not, they must be obeyed; so three other hands were called and a blanket was placed around the binnacle to keep off the wind, when they succeeded at length in lighting it, but I not understanding how to do it,

could not light it; I had tried over and over again.

After this the captain got out of his berth, dressed himself and ordered me to light his lamp; when I went to him he took a large stick for the purpose of striking me, and aiming a blow at my head, I raised my arm to prevent my head being struck, he told me to keep my hand down. I did so, but when the blow was falling I again raised my hand and succeeded in saving my skull from being cracked; he did not want to strike my hand as that would prevent me from doing my work, but whether my head was broke or not, I should have had to do my usual work.

He then told me to turn round so that he might be able to strike my back. I told him to strike me all that he wanted. He was very angry and struck me at random over my head and body, just where it might happen. I defied him to do his worst, to do what he could and wreak his vengeance fully upon a miserable being like myself. He then called to three of the hands and ordered them to tie me to the cannon. I had thoughts of springing into the water, but was not quite satisfied to go alone; if I could have had the pleasure of taking him along with me I should have willingly done so.

The three men fastened hold upon me and placed me upon the cannon, face downwards; they were then ordered to whip me, which they did pretty smartly; he then required me to make submission and beg for mercy, but that I would not do. I told him to kill me if he pleased, but for mercy at his hands I would not cry! I also told him that when they untied me from the cannon, he must take care of himself that day, as when I looked upon my lacerated bleeding body, I reflected that though it was bruised and torn, my heart was not subdued.

Voice Over Conclusion: The Captain exerted every effort to deny Baquaqua freedom, but to no avail. With the help of the New York Vigilance Society, Baquaqua was able to establish himself as a free man. He moved to Haiti where he converted to Christianity and later returned to the United States to attend college. He eventually went home to Africa where he served as a missionary and spread the word of Christianity. ➔ CONCLUDED

We all had learned, that at New York there was no slavery; that it was a free country and that if we once got there we had nothing to dread from our cruel slave masters, and we were all most anxious to get there

If you are patient in a moment of anger, you will spare yourself one hundred days of tears. — Dominican proverb

FEATURE 45

October 3, 2014

By Chinelo Chikelu

F

olks drive in and out of the orphanage to visit the kids of the Abuja Children’s Home, Karu.

An unusual sight, however, is the over ten Americans of mixed colours running around the park, and in and out of the orphanage’s halls.

The group of expatriates from the United States Mission in Nigeria and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) took time off their weekend, energy and possessions to visit the children and share as much as they can with them.

The last time this occurred was in 2011, when the embassy remodeled the orphanage park. Over the years, the relationship between both institutions has flourished into a much-needed companionship for the children of the home and a helping hand for the home’s administrators. Each visit, to date, remains more memorable, informative and entertaining than the last.

US cultural attaché, William Strassberger, said that the relationship with the orphanage has always been there.

But it was made stronger by the presence of the Humphrey Fellow Alumni, Theresa Nwachukwu, who doubles as the orphanage’s medical doctor. The embassy has also become part of the community, as it works together with other organisations to provide a home for the 57 children of the orphanage.

“The embassy invites schools in the community to programmes hosted at the orphanage, just as we did when the Hip-hop group from US performed at the orphanage. We also work with community churches that organised a cultural dance troupe to entertain the artistes. We are here as part of the community,” Strassberger said.

Perhaps, the most emotional point is that, rather than drop off goodies and provisions for the children or celebrate birthdays with the children and take off, these concerned folks engage them in various activities and present ‘expensively cheap’ opportunities to make them laugh, while drawing them out of their shell.

In the past three years, they have had the Bluegrass music group The HenHouse Prowlers, Stephan Ramble and a group of young American Hip-hop dancers, saxophonist Bobby Ricketts, as well as Kokomaster Dbanj perform for the children.

Divided into groups of three, the children had a rotation of activities, where they read, made artworks and played football. The sweaty yet energetic Dana Cunlaffe, whose husband Phil works with the US finance department, saw to every volunteer’s role and ensured that each child was preoccupied at any given time. The former Pastoress, derived her experience from hosting several outreach programmes back in California, US. Moving about the various groups, it was obvious that the kids were having fun. At the art section manned by recent grandmother, Mary Johnson and mother-of-two Judy Nicholson, the children drew houses. These houses were modeled after the big single storey hostel in the orphanage. It says a lot of what the place means to them.

The orphanage started as the brainchild of variant non-governmental, non-profit, women organisation in the

The wife of the U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Pamela G. Entwistle reads to the children at the Abuja Children’s Home, Karu

They Inspire, Embolden And Entertain – Who Are They?

F.C.T, 23 years ago (under the administration of then FCT minister’s wife, Fatima Nasko), to cater to the needs of the growing city’s abandoned children.

Suleiman Umar had dedicated the past 10 years of his life to the institution as a custodian and, although the orphanage is still a non-profit and nongovernmental organization, the school is run by the F.C.T administration. The social development department of the Federal Capital Development Agency (FCDA) also handles the adoption process and the admission of children into the home.

Although the children all made houses, that is where the similarity ends.

“The children are pretty cute and creative but shy,” said Judy, whose husband is the manager of the embassy’s management officials. Each of the children proceeded to stamp their personality – or rather their wishes – on the drawings.

Little Sunday, took his time to design his rainbow-coloured roof building with accompanying coloured windows and a smiling sun looking down directly on the roof. His work was unfinished, until he added a bed of flowers at the entrance.

Mandy had a better eye for interior design – as she took consideration of more minute details on the windows and doors. As they got to talking, Johnson discovered that Mandy desires to be a pastor, in order to save more lives. It didn’t seem to take her anytime to coax and manage the children to participate.

She credits her two grown children for availing her the energy for the tiring job.

“I have two children, all grown up and I am also a grandmother. You kind of

get used to it, for once you have had the experience, it stays with you,” she said.

At the reading section, Mary Malore listened to the children read and, at some point, reads back to them. “Their reading capabilities are quite good, especially the bigger girls who are aged between 15 and 19 years. The younger ones, especially the boys, just want us to read to them,” she said.

It is amazing to uncover the amount of dreams bundled up in children. Most of the girls want to be lawyers to help themselves, right injustices and save the world. Others, like every other teenager, switch dreams – it is common place to see a child who wishes to be a doctor one moment decides to become a singer the next. The most impressionable trait is their need to talk to a listening ear.

Challenges lie in their shy natures and their painful ignorance. The children’s unwillingness to make mistakes is quite strong, as is evident in the length singer D’banj went to discourage them from using the suffocating vest. His not-sosubtle-yet-effective technique worked.

He chipped away at their reserve, employing his charm, cajoling and speaking to them gently, until they let go.

Ricketts limited his scheduled playlist to prolonged drawn-out performances of Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, So What? and a familiar children’s song. He kept it light and playful, walking amidst the children to play into a few little ears, tickling them no end in the process.

The visit did not leave out the all-important ‘item 7’ and the usual donations of books, clothing, toys and creative arts paraphernalia. They hope to

The heart of a servant that is not beaten is full of curses. ― Egyptian proverb

I’d like to call us ‘The Volunteer Group’. It is a great way for Americans to see more of Nigeria than they do and to give back to the community return as soon as possible to view the outcome of the present renovations of the orphanage’s classrooms and living quarters by the administration of the FCT. Dana, though, is really unsure of how frequent the visits will be in future. “This is our first time here. We will like it to be as frequent as, perhaps, a weekly or monthly; we are not sure yet.

I hope some people and our local staff will commit to it,” he said.

As much as Dana will like to call the group a name, she is almost clueless as to which. “I’d like to call us ‘The Volunteer Group’. It is a great way for Americans to see more of Nigeria than they do and to give back to the community. This is important to the embassy,” she said.

It is, furthermore, important that more people care for our orphaned, vulnerable children. So much so that the 65 per cent adoption can be realised.

46 / FEATURE

October 3, 2014

by YAHYA SARKI

Every society has its own cultural festival or event to which they are proud of and ascribe to. In Kebbi State, the Argungu Fishing Festival is an annual event which is famous, not only in the state but internationally.

Kebbi Kingdom, according to history, was founded by a famous warrior called Mohammadu Kanta in 1515. He conquered many and his neighbouring states to build the kingdom which stretched as far as Adar, Azben, Borgu, Ibadan, Kano, Katsina, Nupe, Oyo, Oshogbo, Ogbomosho, Zazzau and Zamfara. He used his great influence and power to build the city of his surname as capital for the kingdom and reigned 46 years, until he died as a result of wounds sustained from an arrow shoot in Dan Asita, Ingawa District of Katsina State and was burried at Takwachal Bengi on January 25, 1561.

Argungu is synonymous with fishing and, historically, the fishing festival in the ancient kingdom dates back to 1934 when the then emir Mohammadu Sama or ‘Sarkin Kabbi’, as he was popularly called, organised a fishing ceremony to welcome the Sultan of Sokoto, Hassan Muazu – a Fulani king who was the first sultan to have visited and slept in Argungu, inspite of the rivalry between the Fulani and Kabawa tribes. This rivalry later resulted to fierce battles on the battle field for many years.

However, as a result of this historic visit to Argungu, the emir felt that the best way to receive and honour his high-profile guest was for his people – who were great fishermen, by the way – to arrange for the fishing festival to honour the Sultan, using their ancestral traditional occupation which is fishing. The visiting Sultan was treated to a grand fishing festival and, from that time on, the fishing festival continued to blossom. Today, it has become an international event, one which is honoured by tourists from all over the world and the country, people who want to see the wonderful culture of Kabbawa on display.

The fishing festival usually attracts fishermen from all parts of Kebbi and beyond; able fisher men who come with locallymade fishing nets of different sizes and calabash where they put fry (small fishes). The chief overseer of the river (Sarkin ruwan kabbi), Alh. Hussaini Makwashi told LEADERSHIP FRIDAY that besides the cultural value of the festival,the fishing event is symbolic, because it fosters peace and unity between Fulanis and Kabawas who have been fighting each other for centuries.

Another area which the fishing event has significance according to Makwashi was the economic aspect of the people and the state apart from its diverse cultural importance

Argungu Fishing Festival, The Melting Point Of Culture “You see, at that time, both Fulanis and Kabawas were at loggerheads, fighting each other but the fishing festival was able to bring about peace between both kingdoms. It even resulted in marriages between them.For example, this brought about the marriage between the families of the late emir of Argungu, Mohammadu Mera and the late Sultan Abubakar III,” Makwashi said.

The overseer also revealed that the fishing festival has also contributed to the economic betterment of the area and its people, besides its diverse cultural significance. He also believes that the fishing festival exalts the locality Argungu which also facilitated the securing of Kebbi as a state from the former Sokoto State in 1991. “Argungu became popular, as people everywhere and from all parts of the world came for the fishing festival. As a result, local people became rich, businesses blossomed and the state Kebbi State was formed. The government has also constructed huge bridges across the rivers and roads for us to go anywhere we wish to. When you look at farming, as well, the river has helped us in the production of rice which we even farm in the dry season. The government is even proud of us and what we do,” he added.

Makwashi also revealed the procedure of the festival. According to him, the fishermen from Kabbi and other parts of the country gather during the grand finale.

When they are ushered into the river they all rush in and take strategic positions.

They begin to fish after a signal is given and stop when the organisers feel that the fishing is over.

After the fishes have been weighed, the weightiest catch is then identi-

fied and awarded the first prize. Other events which add colour and glamour to the event before the final fishing are wrestling, local boxing (dambe), archery, agricultural show (display of different food crops and domestic animals), fish-butchering, canoeing, diving, cultural dances and singing, ‘kabanci’ displays (catching of birds and fingerlings with bare hands) without nets and, finally, the grand fishing which sums up everything and brings the festival to a close.

During the grand fishing, the fisherman with the biggest catch is decorated as the master-catcher. Also, he goes home with the cash and other prizes. The biggest catch, back when the festival began, was reserved for the sultan, emirs and other important dignitaries. But as time changed and modernity set in, some new

events like car and bicycle-racing were added.

Makwashi recalled with joy when a fisherman man from Raha Village caught the biggest fish weighing about 80 kilogrammes inside the Matan Fada River which has a length of 2.3 kilometres. “Yes, at that time history was made when a fisherman from Raha netted the biggest catch of up to 80 kilogrammes. Since then, that record has not been surpassed by any fishermen. I can also recall that President Obasanjo attended the grand fishing finale then,” he said, smiling.

However, since 2008, the fishing festival has not held, due to the security condition in some parts of Northern Nigeria.

Makwashi, however, appealed to the au➔ continued on the next page

If you are patient in a moment of anger, you will spare yourself one hundred days of tears.― Egyptian proverb

FEATURE 47

October 3, 2014

Argungu Fishing Festival, The Melting Point Of Culture ➔ from previous next page thorities concerned to revive the festival in view of its economic, social and cultural importance to the people of the state and country generally.

A historian who doubles as the public relations secretary to the emir and a member of the Argungu Emirates Council, Alhaji Yakubu Ibrahim Bagaye (Wakilin Kanta), also spoke extensively about the significance of the festival. After highlighting the history of the events from its roots again, Bagaye said the event could be traced back to the fishing history of the people of the Kabawa.

“Due to the availability of rivers in Argungu, farming and fishing were the main occupation of people. With all these they were able to feed, not only themselves but the state and the country with rice and fish.

“So, you see, economically, this is important to everybody. Fishing and farming are the main-stay of the Kabawa people. These had necessitated the annual fishing festival by the Kabawas for over thousands of years; so, you see, it’s an old tradition. Even before the advent of Emir Kanta, Argungu has been known for both farming and fishing,” he said.

Bagaye also shed more light on the history of the area and the fishing festival itself. “At that time, the whole Kabbi was under the Kingdom of Songhai and, at that time, Songhai was very large. It was as big as five West African countries.

The king of Songhai, Askia usually sent his messenger to Argungu to get enough fish to satisfy the whole of Songhai Kingdom. Seeing this, the Emir of Kanta made it a yearly event. Most Kabawas are fishermen; they have their fishing tools with them. They only enter the water to fish when the water from the river subsides.

Usually, before the big event, the emir and his district heads attended a mini-festival where some fishermen were invited. But, in this case, only a small portion or one area of the water was used. The number of catches always indicates if the fishing for that year has been fruitful,” he said.

On the account that the fishing festival which dates back to 1934 helped in fostering peace between old rivals, i.e. the Fulanis and Kabawas, the Wakilin Kanta also had this to say: “In those days there was discord and lack of understanding between Fulanis and Kabawas, leading to series of wars and a lot of distrust, but the famous jihadist Shiekh Uthman dan Fodio never fought against the Kabawas, because the subjects of the Kebbi Kingdom were all Muslims and Dan Fodio’s crusade was directed at non-Muslims, so he never waged war against the Kabawas. After his demise, though, there was a misunderstanding between the Fulani emirs and the Kabawa leaders. During the reign of Sultan Dan Muazu Sokoto and Muhammadu Sama of Kabbi, on their way to Kano to attend an event, both of them had a misunderstanding and the Emir of Kabbi and his delegation had to change his course.

“Hassan was the heir to the throne of the Caliphate, but welcomed the emir of Argungu, inspite of their existing problem. So, in view of this, the Emir of Kabbi felt happy and prayed for Prince Hassan to succeed the throne of his father.

Wrestling contest has become part of the festival.

Later, they left for Kano together for that event. Shortly afterwards, the sultan died and Hassan was chosen as the new sultan.

“The new sultan, a Fulani, sent a message to the emir of Argungu, informing him of his desire to visit. Elated, the emir of Argungu or Sarkin Kabbi sat with his people and finally decided to organise a befitting fishing festival to honour his esteemed guest, the Sultan of Sokoto. During the maiden edition, a lot of fish were caught for the sultan and his entourage. Both leaders became happy and, from that time onwards, the sultan vowed to visit Sarkin Kabbi constantly.

On his part, the Sarkin Kabbi promised to stage a yearly fishing festival to honour their friendship. That, you see, is the genesis of the fishing festival which has now become an international event which tourists from all over the world come to see,” he said.

Bagaye blamed the security situation in the country for the inability of the festival to hold in the last six years. He, however, expressed optimism that, when the situation normalises, the Kebbi State government and Argungu Emirate who are custodians of the event will set the ball rolling again for the continuation of the festival which he says “cannot be abolished now”.

A fisherman, Garba Homa Argungu , who has been partaking in the fishing festival for many years and has a fishing experience spanning over 30 years, lamenting the suspension of the festival.

“I am not happy that the yearly fishing festival has not taken place for years. During the fishing festival we benefit a lot in terms of money. Although I have never won any laurels at the event, I make about N20000 to N30000 from the fishes I catch and sell to people,” he said.

On its part, the Kebbi State government said the safety and security of the people is considered first and beyond any other thing. The director-general, Argungu International Fishing Festival, Alhaji Abubakar Ladan, said that “the fishing

Fishing tools

Alh Hussain Makwashi, Costodian Matan fada River

Alh YAkub Ibrahim Argungu Emirate PRO

event witnessed years of postponement as a result of security concerns and in view of the security situation in the country.

Although Kebbi is generally peaceful, we do not want to take chances by gathering

thousands of people in a place. However, I can assure you that, as soon as the security situation improves the government will be ready to continue with the great event,” Ladan assured.

Stealing may bring profit, but hanging costs far more. ― Cambodian proverb

weekend flavour With Solomon Nda-Isaiah

October 3, 2014

Saka Sues For Unity Among Movie Practitioners

By Samuel Abulude, Lagos

Fiberesima

National Honours: ‘Fiberesima, Dike, Others Deserve Recognition’

By Solomon Nda-Isaiah

The recent release of the list of recipients for national honours has continued to attract a variety of reactions. The national vicepresident of the North-west chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Salihu Othman Isah aka Hotman, has weighed in on the debate, criticising the omission of the national president of the body, Ibinabo Fiberesima and the chairman of the body’s board of trustees (BoT) Mazi Ifeanyi Dike.

Isah lambasted the federal government for the omission and urged it to “amend the list by including the duo” as honourees.

Isah, who made his opinion known during an interview monitored in Kano, said that the development only underlines the fact that the government is yet to recognise the sector, in spite of its obvious contributions to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the nation, as well as its role in the government’s rebranding drive.

“If you look at that honourees’ list critically, you will observe that only a few entertainers made the list; Kenneth Nnebue, Joke Silva, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Abubakar Ladan Zaria who is a

musician. This is in spite of the huge contributions of the industry to national growth.

“In fact, apart from the oil sector and the customs and excise, one sector that has done so much to improve the nation’s GDP is the entertainment sector. It is so sad that when it is time to recognise Nigerians we are left out or they just ridicule us by including one or two of us.

“This is not enough, considering what we represent. Here is a sector that has taken millions out of the streets by providing them with jobs; yet, out of 305 national honourees, you give out just four slots to that sector,” Isah said.

According to him, besides being the first female to emerge the national president of the actors’ guild, Fiberesima has led her national executive committee (NEC) to reform the guild as well as better the lots of its members, in the face of all odds.

“We all agree that this is, no doubt, a mean feat, because the FG has also undertaken to erect the edifice. So, I believe that Ibinabo Fiberesima and Ifeanyi Dike and some other leaders in Nollywood deserve to be honoured by the nation,” he hinted.

Psalmos Drops 2 New Singles

By Samuel Abulude, Lagos

Gospel music singer Psalmos has released two new singles.

Over the years, the Ku’se crooner has not ceased to express her faith in God through her music. The current result for her hardwork and many weeks in the studio is two singles, Mo gbagbo and Agame.

Both songs are produced by Dekunle Oniyo of Talking Beats Records.

The two songs, recorded in the Yoruba and Igbo languages, are sure to be a hit with gospel musiclovers.

“Agame is an old Igbo song which an Igbo friend taught me when I was far younger. I am a lover of Nigerian language and, though many know me to be a Yoruba, I am just trying to let everyone know that I am a true Nigerian. I can also do songs in other languages. I fea-

Clearly, the emergence of a number of factions in the different professional bodies in Nollywood has left much to be desired.

That, perhaps, accounts for the slow pace of development recorded in the film industry.

With accusations and counteraccusations among guild heads and members storming out of groups like the ANTP and AGN to form a rival body, the word unity is becoming a stranger to the movie industry.

One of the industry’s most accomplished and experienced thespians, Hafiz Oyetoro aka Saka, has urged his colleagues to come together to fight their myriad challenges head-on.

He added that the emergence of factions “here and there”, in the name of “offering better leadership” will make government to see them as unserious people. He urged the aggrieved parties to reconcile their differences and mend fences. "It is only in our movie industry that you see different movie associations and guild heads fighting themselves over trivial issues,” he said.

The ANTP has broken down and different factions have emerged from its rubbles.

“Besides acting, in-fighting has become the trade-mark of the movie industry. Let us come together and work by the rules.

Our industry ought to have grown beyond this [stage] and fighting will not aid our development.

Saka

Children of the home being served ice-cream and food by the members of AFFCON

Abuja Confectioners Visit Gishiri Orphanage

by Onukogu Kanayo Jubal

It was all joy and cheer on Thursday, when the executive committee and members of the Abuja chapter of the Association of Fast Food Confectioners of Nigeria (AFFCON) visited the Hope for Survival Orphanage in Gishiri, Abuja, to donate food stuff and other household items to the establishment for the upkeep of the children.

The confectioners, led by its new executive members who were elected earlier in the day during its congress, donated bags of rice, loaves of bread, food condiments, bags of beans, sanitary requirements, stationaries, flavoured ice-creams of different shapes and sizes, ready-to-eat meals, cakes and clothing.

While expressing his gratitude to the donors, the home’s administrator, Kefas Talius, prayed for God to bless the confectioners for donating a kitchen block to the

home and replenish their coffers for their kind deed. He, however, stated that they still expect more support from well-meaning individuals to help them complete the block of 38 classes and get the 67-plus children learning in a conducive environment.

The confectioners, led by their new chairperson and the CEO of Hatlab, Latifat Balogun, prayed the home administrators to use the donations wisely and for the good of the children.

Earlier, the association had elected its new excos at the hall of fast-food outlet, Drumstix, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja. The official include; Latifat Balogun (Hatlab,chairperson), Baffa Saleh (Burger Lounge, vice-chairman), Olufunke Awobokun (secretary-general/ legal adviser), Kingsley Obokhare (assistant secretary-general), Jubril Soaga (financial secretary), Abdulrahaman (Yogurberry, PRO) and Adenike Peters (treasurer).

Tim Ok Releases Debut Album

By Tunde Oguntola, Abuja

Tim Ok (real names Timothy Okoro) has joined the swelling rank of Gospel artistes, with the release of his debut album Dominion, in Abuja.

Blessed with a good voice and song-writing skill, the singer revealed that his main aim is to preach the Gospel of Christ and ensure that his music remains a project that will win souls to the kingdom of God. Other songs on the 10-track album are; Chukwu n’eme mma, Ebizina, Faithful God, Onye oma, My Jesus, Ezi oyi’m, Onye ina, Nara ekele and Wedding song.

Speaking during the album launch, Tim Ok told Interval “I got my inspiration from God through Frank Edwards. I am set to win more souls for God and take the entire gospel world by storm, with God by my side.”

Asked if he will be lured to begin doing commercially appealing music in a few years, the singer said: “A lot of musicians we have around today say they started from the church and later you hear them singing secular music. I feel that is because they were never called to be gospel ministers or, maybe, they are not convinced about what they are called to do. For me, I

Tim Ok

am convinced this is what God desires of me and I am ready to stick it.”

49

October 3, 2014

Hauwa Booth WOMAN ON THE LOOSE

Ff:@ofastupidwoman: Read @ www.diaryofastupidwoman.com

Tit-bits

Noise Pollution If there is anything that can distress a person in a country like ours, it is noise. You know what I mean. You get home and want some solitude to clear your head and just wind down but, alas, even though there are laws and rules against noise pollution and the regulation of noise, there is zero implementation. So, when one brave soul attempts to get the authorities to help him get some peace, you have to admire the fellow’s guts.

In most cases the perpetrators of the crime will use God’s name and their selfishness as an excuse too. So was the case of this man who lived on the ground-floor of an apartment complex. His ‘neighbour’ planted his generating set right beside the window of his ‘sanctuary’.

He politely appealed to the neighbour to move the generator away from his window (remember, he will have to contend with the blaring of call to prayers and evening ser-

vices). Surprisingly, his neighbour agreed.

Now, you must remember that the default reaction of Nigerians doing the wrong thing or inconveniencing another is to militantly justify it.

After a couple of reminders and promises, the victim realised his ‘neighbour’ had no intention of moving his noisy contraption and another ‘neighbour’ had taken advantage of the situation to drag his generating set to the choice location! So, he (this aggrieved neighbour) wrote to the authorities. The newest offender complied with the directive to relocate but the original offender engaged a lawyer instead and went to court on the grounds that the victim was harassing him. We are our own worst enemies! “Do unto others... (You know the rest)”. One way we can have a heart is if the electricity companies supply power steadily; then, at least, we can get rid of the generators!

Just Do The Right Thing Doing the right thing rarely ‘pays’ or gets rewarded. That’s why when it does it is frontpage news (even if it takes a while).

For some reason we all encourage the emulation, promotion and reward of everything that is wrong – but not its punishment.

When 70-year-old cab driver Usuah found and returned N18m to its owner, you can imagine the horror expressed at his ‘stupid act’, especially in the light of the fact that the National Orientation Agency (NOA) rewarded him with N30,000 *smile*. I guess giving him a national honour was a good move; his deed will be resounded nationwide and, hopefully, we will be encouraged to do the right thing. One note of caution, though; we need to realise that when

WEEKEND

BiTES

There musT be lighT aT The end of The Tunnel for nigeria...someday.

we do the right thing – reward or not – we are actually the richer and better for it. That’s the type of positivity we need to feed our souls.

Evil or wrong is temporary; even God promises that. By the way, what informed the purchase of a three-bedroom flat for a family of 8?

Surely, the president could afford, at least, a five-bedroom duplex with space.

Hmmm. On the other hand, at 70, his children should have left the nest to work and carve out a living for themselves and raising his grandchildren for him. Could it be that the economic situation in the country had, somehow, prevented that?

Since we are talking about the doing the right thing, I’m guessing the president’s cook was being rewarded for not selling out and poisoning his boss.

FEEDBACK: LET’S HEAR FROM YOU

I’m glad the army has recorded some major strides in tackling Boko Haram; the voluntary surrender of a number of insurgents, the toss of coin in their camp as to who will be the next leader (how did we come about this story?), their IT guru and capture of some of their military hardware. However, I was alarmed at the vicious attack in Michika again, shortly after 300 insurgents turned themselves in. I have mixed feelings. I hope we are not dealing with a hydra-headed monster. Clearly, we aren’t out of the woods yet. I would have thought we would cash in on the death of the leader; a rule of power – strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter – didn’t seem to work in this case, though. Whatever the case, I really hope we can consolidate on these efforts and snatch the North-East from these characters. .................................................................

Now, to that four-month pregnant girl who was found abandoned and suspected to be one of the Chibok girls, I pray you get the psychological help that you need. I also hope you don’t fall into the hands of religious bigots and, I hope, your parents (particularly, your mother) have the courage to do right by you in this situation. I pray you can forge a meaningful life through the tragedy that has befallen you (I hope we won’t hear ‘story’ on this one again). ……………………………………………….

Exactly two weeks later, NEPA/PHCN/DISCOS restored the light in Apo as one of the affected resident’s lamented, and I quote; “So, after two full weeks of no light, NEPA casually brings it back! At this point, I thought there would be a ceremony before they put it back on, like cutting ropes and all! I don’t understand the mixed feelings right now sef... should I stay home and enjoy its coming back or go out and talk about the government and its good deeds? *Long hiss*” I get the sense that quite a few people can relate [to the situation].” ………………………………………………… #BBOG are becoming quite the activists. They have now branched out to suing the government and CAN President Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor over the $9.3m found aboard a private jet seized in South Africa. I’m just wondering....

Hope you renewed your pledge to your country. Enjoy the weekend and holiday ahead.

hello readers, thank you for reading and spreading the word about this page. We are now ready for your feedback. let’s hear your take. Constructive criticism and contributions will be published. send thoughts to diaryofastupidwoman@gmail.com or 08055241197 via TeXT only. don’t forget to include your name and location. Please bear with us if yours doesn’t make it onto the page.

50

October 3, 2014

BananaRepublic RESTAURANT

KANNYWOOD trends

By Al-Amin Ciroma

October 3, 2014

email: alaminciroma@gmail.com. GSM: 08033225331 (sms only)

ControversyTrails Project Act-Nollywod

F

ollowing government’s efforts to support training and skills acquisition for the Nigerian movie industry, the Federal Ministry of Finance has approved the applications of some Kannywood stakeholders and practitioners who are a part of the Project Act-Nollywood.

The grant, which is given to existing practitioners for short, intensive training courses in Nigeria and/or abroad, will see the movie makers drafted to existing public and private training institutions, in order to learn and adhere to global best practices by improving the reach and effectiveness of their training programmes through the upgrade of existing facilities, procurement of equipment and development of an agreeable curricula.

According to findings, the ministry has approved the sum of US$3,300 each to Asian School of Media Studies in Mumbai, India, the venue of the training, as well as an additional allowance of N2,798,890 for the beneficiaries. So far, about 19 filmmakers were to undertake the courses, which were earlier scheduled to hold between August 25 and September 20, but will now hold between September 29 and October 25, 2014.

The beneficiaries – Jamilu Ahmad Yakasai, Mustapha Mustapha, Bashir Abdullahi, Mohammed Ahmed Bifa, Ibrahim Mandawari, Hamisu Lamido Iyantama, Sani Abdullahi Abdullahi, Aliyu Shehu Yakasai and Bala Anas Babinlata. Others are Hauwa Maina, Faika Ibrahim Rahi, Balarabe Salisu Tukur, Usman Yusuf Adamu, Ishaq

Ali Nuhu

Sidi Ishaq, Umar Sani Labaran, Falalu Dorayi, Mikhail Bin Hassan, Muhammad Ali Nuhu and Aminu Mohammed Sabo – all expressed their gratitude to the coordinators of the project and promised to take up more of such opportunities in order to bolster their passion towards telling the story of Kannywood successfully.

Most of the beneficiaries were too sceptical to comment on the issue, as a result of the many delays which have accompanied its take-off. One of them who spoke but refused to give his name disclosed that the project was slated to in February this year, but a gross lack of coordination ensured it did not take off.

Many others still have misgivings about the process of selection of the course’s participants. According to them, almost all the beneficiaries are largely from Kano, with a representative each from Niger and Kaduna states.

Meanwhile, a Jos-based movie director, Salisu Mu’azu, did not hide his dismay over the absence of representatives from Plateau State. For him, this is a clear indicator that those involved in the selection process do not intend to carry along all stakeholders in the north.

“We are not aware of this development.

We were, also, not told, until now that you called to give me an avenue to air my view on the matter. However, Jos is one of the central points of filmmaking,not only in the north, but in the nation.

Therefore, if such gestures are coming from the government and none of our members are involved, then I can assure you that someone is bleeding Kanywood dry,” he told Kannywood Trends.

Bashir Abdullahi

A Kaduna-based filmmaker, Yakubu Lere, equally expressed his dismay over the mode of selection of participants.

He also wondered why Kaduna State is not represented. According to him, as the second most popular centre of Kannywood, the state is supposed to get quite a number of representatives. “I am not surprised, because things are not done the right way in Kannywood. I heard about Ali Nuhu going for a certain course in India through a family source, but not as a representative from Project ActNollywood Fund. After Kano, Kaduna and Jos are leading centres of film-related matters in the north. We also have considerable number of stakeholders in Katsina, Sokoto, Niger and others states in the region. I think they should have a re-think,” he opined.

Disputing the alleged favouritism on selecting the beneficiaries, the national vice-president of Arewa Filmmakers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Salisu Mohammed, said his organisation did a thorough study on the selection process, adding that all northern states were fully represented. “I can tell you that the selection process was free and fair and aimed at the selection of representatives for the capacity-building. It will interest you to know that, initially, individuals were meant to apply, but the AFAN acts as an intermediary between the project coordinators and the practitioners without any prejudice. So, there is no bias whatsoever in the process,” Mohammed countered.

If the stories told about the allege bias in the selection process are anything to go by, then the industry’s frontliners should, as a matter of urgency, have a round-table session and sort out their differences.

Hauwa Maina

Hamisu Lamido Iyantama

Faika Ibrahim Rahi Ishaq Sidi Ishaq

Yakubu Lere

Salisu Mu’azu

Salisu Mohammed

Don’t let an angry man wash dishes; don’t let a hungry man guard rice.

— Cambodian Proverb

Ibrahim Mandawari

52 / Tribute

October 3, 2014

By PAUL CHIAMA

N

igeria has seen many silent achievers, but few have her foresight; fewer indeed, are as straightforward, shrewd, introspective, and peaceful, in the end as calm, cool and collected as Mrs Oluremi Oyo. While some may be born great, others may have greatness thrust upon them. Whatever route one may take, greatness is sustained by dint of hard work, discipline, honesty, purposefulness and trust in God. For Oyo, greatness came, undoubtedly, through this route. As a Consummate Media Professional, she epitomised excellence as the greatest reward that lies beyond the comfort zone. Call her an iron lady with a knack for excellence, you would never be wrong.

Dame Oyo was a seasoned journalist who began her journalism career in 1973 in the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation now known as the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria. She later joined the News Agency of Nigeria as a Desk Editor in 1981, and left in 1985 as a Principal Editor, the first woman to so attain such a high position in the Agency.

After leaving NAN, she joined the Inter Press Service News Agency (IPS) as the Nigerian Bureau Chief. She later became the international news agency’s West African Bureau Chief. Having first served as Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Dame Oyo was elected President of the Guild for two consecutive tenures from 1999 to 2003. She was the first woman to be so honoured.

As President of the Guild, she set up a functional secretariat which still exists today at the NAN complex in Iganmu, Lagos. She also ensured capacity building for Editors through regular training which she pioneered for the Guild. She was appointed Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003 and

Dame Oluremi Oyo: A Consummate Media Professional Goes Home

The late Oyo

served in that capacity until the end of the President’s tenure in May 2007. This appointment was also a first as she was the first woman to hold that position in the history of the country.

Dame Oyo was thereafter appointed the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria in July 2007. During her tenure, she improved the fortunes

News

Independence: Nigeria Will Overcome Security Challenge – Sagir

By Michael Oche, Abuja

As the country celebrates its 54th birthday, the Grand Patron, North West Youth for Goodluck 2015, Alh. Hamidu Sagir has expressed optimism that Nigerian’s will overcome the myriads of challenges currently confronting it.

In an independent day message signed by Alh. Yakubu Abubakar his Media Adviser, Alh. Sagir appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with their leaders in the country’s transformation efforts.

Sagir also congratulate Mr. President

and Nigerians on our 54 Independence celebration, just as he praised President Goodluck Jonathan for his effort in defeating Boko Haram.

Alh. Sagir, a gubernatorial aspirant in Zamfara State said although “We are yet to get to the level of our dreams, nobody can deny the fact that we have recorded some landmark achievements under President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.”

He therefore implored Nigerian’s ‘to renew hope and faith in the capacity and capability of our leaders and call for re- election of President Goodluck Jonathan and PDP throughout the Country.

of the Agency and increased its clientele.

A committed and patriotic Nigerian, whose friends cut across the length and breadth of the country, Mrs. Oyo put Nigeria first in her private and official activities. Born into a Catholic family, Dame Oyo had her primary education at the St. James’ Catholic Primary School in Ilorin, where she grew up.

She attended the prestigious St. Louis Girls Secondary School, Bompai, Kano and had her higher education in Lagos and Britain.

A devout Catholic, Dame Oyo was a former Vice Chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council of SS Joachim and Anne of the Catholic Church, Ijegun, Lagos. Dame Oyo, who had a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Canterbury at Kent, also earned a post-graduate Diploma in International Relations from the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos.

In recognition of her patriotism, the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, appointed her as a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee to craft the constitution that ushered in the present democratic dispensation in 1999.

A recipient of Nigeria’s National honour, the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Dame Oyo also earned many other awards among which was the National Council of Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria merit award.

She was Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and the Nigerian Institute of Public Administrators. On January 7, 2011, His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI made her a Papal Dame of the Order of St. Gregory the Great.

Dame Oyo is blessed with two children, Otome and Okiemuote who are married with children.

She was born on October 12, 1952.

Members of her family and her large circle of friends and well-wishers were looking forward to her birthday come October 12. She is survived by her husband, Vincent, her children, grandchildren and siblings – Sunday Oke and Yomi Oke. Remi died in the United Kingdom where she was undergoing treatment for cancer, she was 62years.

Bye, Dame Oyo, rest well.

We Will Deliver Best Diagnostic Centre Before We Go – Commissioner

By Paul Chiama, Abuja

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Enugu State, Engr. Goddy Madueke, has said that the state government is poised todeliver one of the best Diagnostic Centres in the country which will be one-stopcomplex.He made the remark while inspecting the complex underconstruction with some pressmen in Enugu recently. He said that the project “is part of thevision of the state governor His Excellency Sullivan Chime to deliver a comprehensivehealth care system for the people before he vacates office.”Engr. Madueke explained further that the project wasconceived to be one of the best in the country if not the best, in terms ofstructure, equipment and medical facilities when completed. He disclosed thatthe state governor believes that improvement of health system is a holisticaffair and that a better treatment starts with good diagnosis of the problemhence his resolve to establish a world-class

You always learn a lot more when you lose than when you win. ― African proverb

diagnostic centre.

The 4-storey complex which is located at the formertemporary site of Trade Fair ground recently vacated by the Enugu State Chamberof Commerce along Abakaliki Road is slated to be completed by January 2015.

“Apart from providing big structure, we are going to providethe latest and best equipment and facilities from well known manufacturers inthe world.”

We are also making sure that those who are going to manage the facilitiesare well trained to ensure that the aim of the project is realized”, Maduekeassured the people of the state.

He pointed out that when the facility is fully functional,Nigerians will have no need to go abroad for their diagnostic needs because itwill be met in the state. “Enugu state will be the destination point fordiagnostic demands of Nigerians when the facility is ready and fullyoperational”, he declared.

Conducting journalists round the site, the Project Managerof Arab.

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October 3, 2014

As Nigeria Hits 54

Stanley Nkwocha Our Eye On Power And Politics

08038011382 (text only)

Oritsejafor: How Not To Lease A Jet We have survived 54 years of rosy and yet turbulent years as a nation.

Our story from independence till date has not been the best of tales as aside the inspiration of our earlier leaders, we have continued to grapple with leadership issues in the country.

Call it a mixed grill of sort, our experience as a nation is one laced with hardship, despair, agitations, religious and ethnic strifes. The distrust and suspicion which characterise our post independence era continues to becloud the nation with little or no effort at correcting these ills. Even when efforts to this direction exist, suspicion remains optimum.

From a time when “The problem was not with the oil money but how to spend it”, we are today at a crossroads - fighting hard to quell internal rebellions amidst uninspiring leadership since independence.

But there comes a time in the life of every human when stocktaking becomes not just a requisite organ of assessment but indeed an indispensable tool for growth and nationhood as in the case of Nigeria.

And a candid opinion is that we have allowed strife to becloud our potentials and achievements over the years.

As we celebrate our 54th birthday as a nation, we may bash ourselves at the unsurmountable corruption, massive unemployment, slid of terrorism into our body polity etc however, an honest look will also show some measure of appreciable progress even though at snail speed. And since most of the nation’s challenges are humanly created, it is time we spoke to ourselves and decide if we need continue this macabre dance of sorts on a spot or whether it is indeed time we progressed. We have come a long way as a nation and must never allow the political dog-fight of the elites overshadow our national beliefs.

Happy 54th Independence anniversary to us all.

Founding and Senior Pastor of Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsejafor, has being explaining how 9.3 million dollars got ferried into South Africa in his private jet. Oritsejafor says the cost of maintenance of the aircraft forced him into leasing the aircraft and hence the permission he sought to lease it.

Why I may understand why the president, governors and Aliko Dangote need private jets, I have found it difficult to place clergymen on this list too even as this seems to be the craze amongst

them. If the cost of maintenance had become cumbersome on the church and its members, I would have thought that the best thing to do would have been to put it up for sale. And the proceeds pushed into the Church’s expansion. This leasing thing suggests that someday and at a point, a profit and loss account would be drawn. And this is my grouse as I do not think that the church members who bought and donated the jet to Oritsejafor contemplated that ‘their gift’ would be subjected to balance sheet procedures someday.

Feedback: stanleyn@leadership.ng Stan’s Memo

The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself – Mark Caine

Rights Of Reply Re: Tactical Maneuvering My Foot!

The meeting of ex-soldiers, hunters and vigilante recently at the Shehu of Borno’s palace on how to contain insurgents attack in the state is an indictment on our military and a total loss of confidence in the ability of the federal government to provide security for the people.

The resolution by the National Assembly to meet Jonathan over the same issue also depicts loss of confidence in the Jonathan administration.

Surprisingly , while this is happening , a group of so-called elders under the auspices of Northern Elders Council met in Kaduna under the chairmanship of Alh. Tanko Yakassai to drum support for the Jonathan administration.

Is this group truly fighting for the good of the North, or they are merely self-seekers and traitors? Some of the so-called elders I know are like bees, you only see them where there is honey. They can betray anyone for money.

The Boko Haram menace has become unbearable . Anyone who cherishes the unity and peace of this country other than his personal gains, must find the government of Jonathan culpable of complicity and inaction.

On his appointment as chief of defence staff, Air Marshal Alex Bade, boasted that within three months he would ground Boko Haram. Has he done that? Has he kept to his

i

Musings I have been thinking why the All Progressives Congress presidential aspirants, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State vehemently kicked against the adoption of President Jonathan as the Peoples Democratic Party’s sole candidate, and came to the conclusion that it was an indirect warning to their party - the APC.

Imo Guber: Why Politicians Must Follow Ike Ibe’s Example

words?

Finally, what has Jonathan done or is doing on the damaging allegations made against Gen. Ihejirika and Senator Ali Modu Sheriff by Dr Stephen Davis? It is shameful indeed. The nation has never had it so badly.

Blood is flowing everywhere. Does it mean that every Nigerian should be prepared to defend himself or herself?

– Alhaji Abubakar B. Tsav, CP rtd Re: Wike Vs Wike Good day my brother. I just read your recent articles on FRIDAY LEADERSHIP and I must say they were quite interesting especially that of Uncle Wike who unfortunately is now fighting himself .

As regards the army issue, our army chief should tread carefully with the military’s decision to execute its men who were only expressing displeasure over the attitude of a compromised commander or this will breed more disaffection among the military. He should rather demote or retire them. This is my opinion .More power to your elbow.

– Lanre Arotimi, Calabar Re: My Take On VP Sambo For you to understand why not just Kaduna but the North don’t like Namadi Sambo, you must first of all understand his roots. If you trace that then perhaps you will understand why they don’t like him.

– Anonymous

Last Tuesday, at the Merit House Maitama, Abuja, one of the governorship hopefuls of the PDP for the 2015 elections in Imo State, Barr Ike C. Ibe gathered Imolites in Abuja and presented what arguably was an excellent manifesto.

The former speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly caught in a book his vision, plans and programmes of action for Imo State.

The guests who gathered at the event could not help but appreciate his articulation as Imolites in Abuja poured out en masse to support his aspiration. This step must be lauded for what it is and represents.

Each and every politician vying for any public office must present to Nigerians their work plans and visions to uplift the standard of living of the electorate, including incumbents. It should be unacceptable to the Nigerian electorate that while some serious few are busy thinking their heads out on how to better the lives of the citizenry when they get into public office, others are carrying bags of millions chasing the endorsement of godfathers.

All politicians must tow this line.

Congrats to Ibe for setting the pace.

Power Play: Fayose Vs Fayemi It has become typical in Nigeria that elections don’t end with winning it, you also have to fight to ‘keep the win’. Just when Ayo Fayose of the PDP thought he had delivered the goods in Ekiti State and so preparing to re-

enter Government House Ekiti State, he seems to have enlisted into another major battle.

The crisis in the state which has led to murders and destruction of properties after the several attack on court

premises in Ado-Ekiti forced the state to go on the clutches of curfew.

As life is gradually returning to Ado Ekiti, Fayose is being forced to stay kaput and on the alert in Ekiti, not daring to

go anywhere. While October 16 handover date looks to Fayose like a century away, to incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi, it is just a tick of the clock away.

This thing called power !

You lament not the dead, but lament the trouble of making a grave; the way of the ghost is longer than the grave.

politics

October 3, 2014

NASS, Insurgency And 2015 Elections There are fears that the continued activities of the insurgent group, Boko Haram and the declaration of war by the federal government against the sect, if rolled over to next year, may lead to the postponement of the general elections, JONATHAN NDA - ISAIAH writes.

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igeria is at war and the constitution says no election in war situation. Democracy is not working in north east and Senate should do everything to restore security and democracy there”.

These were the words of the deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, during the Senate’s debate on the threat to Nigeria ‘s sovereignty by the insurgent group, Boko Haram. The sect has killed over 10,000 Nigerians since the turn of the new year and watchers have noted that it is gradually turning from an insurgent group to a separatist and secessionist group after its new strategy of taking over some towns in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa States and hoisting their flags.

According to an online report by an organisation in the United Kingdom (UK), Boko Haram terror group has suddenly changed strategy from just killing to occupying territories and hoisting their flags because of an alliance with the dreaded multinational terror group, Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Al-Shabab. The report stated that it was the outcome of the meeting between theses groups that made Boko Haram to commence the new strategy of over-running places and declaring them territorial conquest enclaves, a system that was alien to the group until recently.

For the Senate, that singular action of taking over territories and hoisting their flags is a declaration of war against the Nigerian State. In light of this, the senators have urged the federal government to declare total war against Boko Haram Debating the matter, which was raised for consideration upon resumption from their annual recess last week in a motion moved by leader of the Senate, Senator NdomaEgba, the lawmakers said they worried that the security situation in the north eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa have continued to deteriorate despite the imposition of state of emergency in those areas.

He also observed that in the last couple of months when the legislature was on its annual recess, Nigeria witnessed unabated loss of lives and damage to property in what is increasingly challenging the security agencies in the affected states.

Senator Ndoma -Egba also decried that the insurgents purportedly carved out some local governments in Borno and Adamawa states, declaring same as a caliphate under their control as if it were no longer part of the territory of Nigeria, while expressing concern that the level of regrouping and re-surge attacks of the insurgents is becoming alarming and their activities inhumane.

Many of the senators who spoke, aside calling on the federal government of Nigeria to make the security forces to redouble their efforts in the fight against the insurgents, expressed fear that if the war is not decisively won now, the 2015 elections may be in jeopardy.

Deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, echoed the same sentiments and warned that if what is happening in the north east is not addressed, they may not be elections next year, citing the constitution which says there will be no elections in a war situation.

He said:” We have severally invited the security chiefs and they have severally assured that they would bring the situation under control. But things keep getting worse daily . We will get to a stage when it becomes difficult, giving Nigerians assurance.

“The Senate should stand up to mediate in the security challenge in Nigeria because If what is happening in is not addressed, there may not be election next year.

“Nigeria is at war and the constitution says no election

in war situation. Democracy is not working in north east and Senate should do everything to restore security and democracy there,” he stated.

The 1999 Constitution provides that when the nation is at war, elections could be suspended and tenures of politicians extended for a renewable six-month period through a resolution of the National Assembly.

Section 135 of the Constitution says: “If the Federation is at war in which the territory of Nigeria is physically involved and the President considers that it is not practicable to hold elections, the National Assembly may by resolution extend the period of four years mentioned in subsection (2) of this section from time to time; but no such extension shall exceed a period of six months at any one time.”

Overwhelmed with emotions, Senate president, David Mark lamented that the insurgency has gone beyond normal internal crisis and the country must fight it like a war as the insurgents have declared war on Nigeria by their actions.

On the 2015 elections, he said: “It is not the question of election, election is not even on the table now. So I agree that what is happening now is a challenge even to our legitimacy in this chamber, because if they have gone so far by saying that they have declared a caliphate, then any senator or member who is from there is no more entitled to be in this chamber. And this people can forcefully begin to take some people out of this chamber, and then the legitimacy of our own existence here is seriously challenged.”

He also called on Nigerians to support the Armed Forces to prosecute the war, adding that it’s not for the north east exclusively but everybody in the country has a role to play even as he expressed regret that the sect, which he described as harbingers of death, have become more emboldened and daring, killing innocent Nigerians and destroying property at will.

Mark said: “Let me say without any doubt at all, that the nation is at war,that is the issue. So it is not about whether it is Boko Haram or not Boko Haram. There is no difference between the situation in the North East now and if any other country has declared war on Nigeria.

“My suggestion here is how do we prosecute this war because there is a real war for us, whether it is on one section of the country or it’s covering the whole country.

So, once a nation is at war, the entire nation will have to move all its resources and war efforts, whether it is refugee, whether it is medical or anything at all.”

“So, indeed, there is no doubt in my mind that what the Boko Haram is doing now is that they have declared war on Nigerians. It is true we didn’t recall the Senate but you are aware that the Senate Committee on Defence met with the Service Chiefs when we were on recess so that we could get a proper briefing. We have a dilemma on our hands here because there is a limit to what we can say here in plenary and what we can discuss in a closed door session. So, we have to be a bit careful.

He continued: “This is why I have said that this is the time to support our Armed Forces, to encourage them so that they can prosecute this war and at this stage, all of us are involved, whether you are in uniform or out of uniform. We have to find a solution to it, back the military, mobilise as much as we can, bring back all our war resources together so that we can prosecute this war.

“There is no way in which we are just going to say that this is exclusively to one section of this country, no and I don’t think that that is the thinking in any quarter.

Unfortunately, we are not satisfied with the way the war has been prosecuted so far, we want a better strategy, we want a very concise, very precise statement that can give

Tambuwal

directions on how we are going to prosecute this war and end it as quickly as possible.

“There are so many issues that will arise as a result of what Boko Haram is doing. It started like a joke but it has gone far beyond that now. All of us here cannot go and were uniform and take rifle and fight, it is the Armed Forces that are going to do the fighting for us but all of us here have roles to play in executing this war.”

However Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, insisted that Nigeria’s general elections must hold in 2015 despite fears in some quarters over the possibility of conducting peaceful elections amidst the insurgency in the country’s north east.

“I firmly believe we can go into elections in 2015; elections in 2015 should be held. What we need to do is to address insurgency before the elections and encourage soldiers to do the needful,” Tambuwal stated at a meeting with a delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at the National Assembly.

Also National chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commisssion(INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, said if elections can hold in Afghanistan and Iraq, it can also hold in Nigeria’s troubled North East in 2015.

Jega said:”Elections were held in several volatile nations including countries which are having problems like ours in terms of security, take Afgahnistan, take Iraq and so on.

“We hope and pray that states where emergency is; will stabilise sufficiently for us to be able to conduct elections that are relatively peaceful in those areas and we must plan for that eventuality.”

They are also allegations by the opposition that the federal government is fuelling the insurgency so that elections will not hold next year. The three states under emergency rule, Adamawa, Yobe and Borno are said to be strongholds of the opposition.

Lending their voice to the controversy, members of civil society organisations (CSO) in the country rejected any call to postpone the 2015 general election on security or any other grounds.According to them, the government must accept the fact that it had failed in its duty of protecting lives and properties and to postpone the elections because of security challenges would amount to allowing the government to benefit from its failure.

Wisdom is not like money to be tied up and hidden. ~ Akan proverb

W men In Politics

October 3, 2014

ANALYSIS

INTERVIEWS

Lar

Women Must Demand For Elective Positions In 2015 – Hon Lar Hon Beni Lar, a member of the PDP from Plateau State, is the current chairperson of House Committee on Human Rights and immediate past chairperson of House Committee on Women Affairs. In this interview with AdesuwA TsAn, she speaks on factors working against women in politics in Nigeria and why this is the right time for them to make their voices heard, as well as human rights related issues.

As a frontline female legislator, what are the initiatives you have put in place to improve women’s participation in politics?

As chairperson of Women Affairs committee in the last House, what we did as a committee was set up a Gender Electoral Memorandum because we noticed that the political participation of women in Nigeria needed to be enhanced.

In most countries of the world, this was

done either through the amendment of the Electoral Act or the Constitution but we felt it will be easier to go through the Electoral Act and so my committee were in the process of reviewing the Electoral Act and we brought we brought key women politicians from all over the country to discuss with parliament, strategies to ensure the enhancement of political participation of women is done through the Electoral Act. We came up with key

55

DISCOURSE

resolutions, we said for instance, that we wanted women to be in the high hierarchy of party leadership because very often, women are just given the role of women leader and that is it. And we recommended to parties, even my party that one of the deputy national chairmen should be a woman, that starting form the party’s hierarchy, we should see participation of women more. We also recommended that the electoral body we have in Nigeria, INEC, should also have a women at its hierarchy because when you have institutions where women are the hierarchy, it encourages more women to participate, it creates more gender friendly environment for the women. And then most importantly, we recommended that political parties follow the South African system where about 50 percent positions are reserved for women in forms of seats exclusively reserved for women and it turned out that now it is 55 percent. In some countries, they have 35 percent, in some they have 30 and you find out that where they have the minimum, women even exceed that minimum quota and do better. But here we don’t even have quota, we don’t have seats reserved for the women and the disabled. Countries such as Tanzania and others reserve seats for women and disabled and you find out that it helps women get into power because they are not as financially empowered as men.

If you look at the National Assembly now, in the House of Representatives, we only have 24 female parliamentarians out Of 360 and in the Senate, we have about 9 or 11 senators out of 109. How do we get our motions and issues typically related to women addressed? I have noticed that in parliaments around the world where women are more, these issues that have to do with social and equitable distribution of wealth are more adequately addressed.

Women pay attention to details, which makes it more possible for them to ensure good governance. We applaud President Jonathan for ensuring 35 percent affirmative action, representation of women in appointive positions but we ask him to extend that gesture, whatever he can do to push the political parties to ensure the same amount of representation of women in elections will go a long way in ensuring that women participate.

That was one of the demands made during the Women’s Conference organised by the leader of the House, Hon Akande-Adeola early this year.

We have not been hearing demands by women, considering this is the season of endorsements.

That’s true. I think we need to speak out more. I think the women groups, women already in positions have to speak up. This is really the time for us to lobby to get the 35percent women elected into positions.

We have barely six weeks to the party’s primaries and we want to see more and more women emerge. This is the time to speak up and time for the parties to show that they show that they appreciate women in Nigeria because any party that produces 30,35 percent of women in political positions deserves not only an

War is not porridge. — Gikuyu Proverb

accolade, but will know that this really is an all inclusive party. That’s what we need right now.

What would you say are the factors working against female politicians at the moment?

Tradition, male patriarchy; impression that you are a woman and should be in the kitchen, even though lots of people have gone past that. Women taking major decisions in some societies and cultures are looked at as inferior to men’s without been objective about it. A lot of societies discourage women from the key decision making positions in the communities.

And of course, financial empowerment, lack of finances and sometimes, women are more shy, sometimes women are not brave enough to face the physical demands of politics and then the hours of meetings and all that. It takes away from their families, late night meetings and if you don’t have an understanding husband, it could be a problem. Another challenge is that women prefer safer fields where they can be in a profession, they don’t like to take risks as much as men. Politics is a field that is risky and a field which highly unpredictable but still, if you play it the right way, with persistence and time, when you make a name and carve a niche for yourself, you will make it. You may not get it the first time, but if you stay committed, you will make it. I made it the second time.

What kind of advocacy are you doing to make these factors favourable to the women?

We are trying to make the society to see the benefits. For instance, for women in power and those of us in parliaments, when a husband sees his wife making meaningful contribution to the country, it is a pride to the man that this is his wife and he has given her the freedom to harness her potentials. It is simply a matter to reorientation.

There is a school of thought that says women who have been given high positions in Nigeria have not done well with it. What’s your view on that?

If you look at women in positions today, all of them have contributed significantly to the growth of this country. Ngozi OkonjoIweala has done an excellent job, Oduah, as minister of Aviation, revitalised the sector, even Oteh in SEC has made some very good decisions. I am not going to defend their ministries but I know they have done very well. I think for women, unfortunately, we are judged more harsher than men which comes to the fact of discrimination in perceiving the actions of women. Men, I am sorry to say, do worse things on a daily basis, and it is perfectly okay, you don’t hear anybody shouting or screaming. Women usually make impact in their own sectors. That is a misconception and I do not agree with. A lot of women that have been appointed have left solid imprints and we have many more women out there whose talents are yet to be explored and utilised and they are just waiting for the parties to even recognise their abilities. So believe women are better assets than men.

56 / interview

October 3, 2014

‘Second-term For Kashim Shettima Will Enhance Peace, Development’ Abuja-based public relations consultant and national coordinator of the Arewa Rapid Response Network (ARRN), Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK, is upbeat that, if re-election is based on performance alone, then Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has won for himself an automatic second-term.

He speaks to Chinelo chikelu on the need for the people of Borno to elect the governor for better development.

Borno is one of the states which promises eventful political activities, as a result of the stakes and the political figures on both sides of the divide. How do you think things will shape-up in the near future?

It will be very interesting to see which way the pendulum will swing. The heat that has been generated by the misunderstanding between the former governor, Ali Modu Sheriff and current governor Kashim Shettima is, to say the least, ominous. People like me recognise the fact that, for this reason, the stakes have become higher. If you ask me, though, I do not see the possibility of any tangible alteration of the status quo.

The situation in Borno today is such that politics alone cannot define the expectations of the people. Other than the fact that Kashim Shettima has done extremely well and has delivered on his campaign promises even when he could have used the incidence of insurgency as an excuse, the people are justifiably even more concerned about the fate of a state that has grappled with mindless blood-letting and untoward economic dislocation that has pinned them down. They know that without good, accountable, fearless and transparent leadership, things could have been worse. I think that we must tie both of them together and see if the present governor can be found wanting to the point that changing him becomes inevitable. Has he done well politically by embracing everyone and doing well to the majority of the people? Has he handled the insurgency in such a way that, even with his limitations, one can say that he has been equitable? Is Borno better off in terms of achieving peace in relation to what the situation was before? I think he has done very well on all points and that he deserves another term. Also, I think the majority of the people of the state are optimistic that he can be trusted with a second mandate.

What do you think his bargaining chip will

lions in compensating either the civil populace or the families of bereaved security officers. This man has always been on the move, taking charge as it were, directing affairs, mobilising men and resources for the common good of the people of the state. It will be tantamount to mischief for anybody to question Shettima’s pro-people role in this matter.

Do you see non-natives playing greater role in the politics of Borno State at any time?

Ahmed-BK be, seeing as, though you love his approach and style of leadership, there will be sections of the state who think otherwise?

insurgency is apparently being contained, can we begin to hope for a better future?

What are those facts? I have heard people calling for change based on what they perceive to be his shortcomings. I do not begrudge them their right to hold opinions, but no one has, as yet, itemised in detail those shortcomings to extent that a case can be made. What we always hear are clumsy stories here and there and, most times, very unbelievably ridiculous lies about an individual’s interest. Most times such excuses are mainly incoherent and lacking in consistency. I am, particularly, not bothered about what people say, so long as no one can pin down any fundamental malfeasance to warrant voting the governor out. In any case, no one is even saying that Kashim Shettima is perfect – no human being is. We are looking at it from the perspective of relativity. Has he done well overall? Look at the state, is it better than he met it? Go round the state; are people generally happy with him? Has he been transparent and committed to his job? These are the yardsticks, because we have seen others at work as governors all over the country and we have seen what they have done. Put Kashim’s performance on a scale and compare it with others before him – not just in Borno State but all over the country – and you will appreciate this man. He scores higher, because, while Borno has faced serious distractions of immense proportion, other governors who have not done as much have enjoyed uninterrupted peace and tranquillity. Will Borno have been better if this insurgency had not reared its head? Now that the

Are you saying that Kashim Shettima has handled the insurgency well, owing to the realisation that the Chibok girls are still missing and we still have attacks going on unabated all over the North-eastern part of the region?

It is amusing how people see the governor as the answer or otherwise to the insurgency problem. He is not the commander-in-chief and cannot, therefore, be expected to order any military action. He is the chief security officer of the state just in name, but if you look at the commitment he has put into action to support efforts at dealing with it and the impact of these efforts, you will appreciate that he has performed well.

Even the federal government has acknowledged that the original JTF had been made the 28th local government council of the state, following the huge financial commitment he has made to them. The way the governor has handled the issue of the abduction of the Chibok girls is worthy of commendation. Apart from the visits he has paid the aggrieved families, he has expended millions of naira to support them. Late September this year, he secured admissions into schools in Kaduna for about 40 Chibok girls who were lucky to escape abduction and over N100m was expended by the state government.

He has been to all the flashpoints, every location where peace is breached and every part of the state where lives were lost and property destroyed, spending mil-

You always learn a lot more when you lose than when you win. ― African proverb

In every state of Nigeria, the role of nonnatives has been critical. In Borno – which has become a mini-Nigeria – you will find every tribe, both within and without the country ably represented due to the economic opportunities inherent there. For the people of the old Sokoto State, who are mostly farmers and fishermen, Borno offers a right atmosphere for legitimate economic pursuits, which has led thousands to migrate to the state and set up communities of their own across the state. As a one-time chairman of the natives of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara in Borno State, I can tell you that my people have demonstrated a commendable streak of patriotism and productivity and have been active in matters relating to their surroundings.

In 2015, as usual, they will partake in elections and they will use their numerical strength and join hands with like-minded indigenes and other citizens to reaffirm and renew their mandate to Kashim Shettima in the spirit of a common desire and quest to move the state forward for the common good of all. We have no choice, because peace is indispensable. If peace is breached, the consequences befall all, irrespective of tribe or tongue, social status or location.

It is assumed that, with the recent developments in the PDP in Borno State, the APC will not find it easy in 2015. Are you not bothered?

I harbour no fear, not in the least. Of course, some movements lately tend to suggest, in theory, that the APC will find it difficult to sustain the tempo of its support base. I have made the point that elections in Borno will be influenced by other factors than just the issue of casting votes in the non-too-serious manner people were used to before. People have seen fire and death (and the risks are still there even though they are being contained), but the fact remains that voters will not be carried away by any political sentiment. Can you tell the Igbo, Yoruba or the native to compromise the peace and the unprecedented development across the state just for the sake of it? What is the essence of changing a winning formula when, in reality, there is no point for it? Do you change a winning team under the unfortunate circumstances the people of Borno have found themselves? Mark my words, nothing will change and that is the way I see it.

FEATURE 57

October 3, 2014

By Nkechi Isaac

Some of the participants displaying thier certificates after the seminar

ICT: Day NITDA Came To Rescue Physically-challenged Youths

T

he role of the youth in national development cannot be overemphasised. They are, indeed, the critical mass which every nation uses in driving her economic and industrial workforce. They are also the live-wire of every economic development.

Youth empowerment and national development go hand-in-hand, hence the drive by every government to empower the youth, in order to safe-guard the future of its socio-economic development.

In empowering the youth, however, most governments and organisations, often, do not take into account those with disability, probably because they feel they cannot make any meaningful impact on national development. Instead, the youth in this category are merely given hand-outs “on compassionate grounds,” just to keep them going.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), unlike many government organisations, recently held a five-day training programme on information and communication technology (ICT) development for over 50 youths with various forms of disability, drawn from the six geo-political zones of the federation, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Organised in partnership with a nongovernmental organisation, Global Hope and Justice for the Less Privileged in Abuja, the 5-day exercise was also designed in line with the numerous human capacity development initiatives intro-

duced by the agency to bridge the gap between the country’s young people and the core knowledge of ICT. Speaking during the closing ceremony of the training programme, the director-general of the agency, represented by the director of human resources and administration, Jonathan Olaonipekun, decried the deteriorating social condition of the physically challenged which he said the agency could address simply through various ICT development programmes. He added that the youth were trained on IT essentials to empower and help improve their sources of livelihood.

“We believe in NITDA, that they are Nigerians too and can be empowered simply with ICT training, so that they will not be idle. ICT is one of the sectors of the economy in which one needs just a laptop to be an employer of labour,” he said.

He hinted that with the successful conduct of the first phase and, in line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda, the exercise will, henceforth, become an annual practice to help reduce the problems faced by the lessprivileged and physically challenged in our immediate society.

He lauded the participants, who he said demonstrated commitment during the training, despite their physical circumstances and promised to continually encourage and initiate ICT-oriented schemes to support skill acquisition for disabled persons in the country.

Earlier in his address, the president of

It is meant to address the unemployment facing youth with disabilities and, also, challenge them to discover the potentials in them, so as to be self-reliant and lessdependent the NGO, Paul Ihekwoaba, described the training as one which will go a long way in addressing some of the issues surrounding young people who have no ICT-related knowledge, so as to ensure inclusive human development.

“It is meant to address the unemployment facing youth with disabilities and, also, challenge them to discover the potentials in them, so as to be self-reliant and less-dependent,” he added.

The enthusiastic leader looked beyond his physical disabilities and urged the beneficiaries who received laptops at the end of the exercise to use the device to enhance personal productivity.

In a related development, the NITDA also awarded scholarships to 80 Nigerian youths to undertake post-graduate studies in various information technology-related fields.

At a ceremony in Abuja to disburse the award to the students who were selected, the NITDA boss charged the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of the coun-

Silence is more than just a lack of words.― Egyptian proverb

try and ensure that they focus on technologies which have the ability to solve real-life challenges in the country and, also, to develop alliances which can help them develop their careers in the future.

The NITDA helmsman urged them to sharpen their entrepreneurial skills, adding that the agency’s innovative centres will help them see to the successful fulfillment of their dreams if they deiced to delve into entrepreneurship upon completion of their programmes.

“NITDA is already embarking on the creation of IT parks and innovation hubs.

We intend to raise support centres and bring ICT to the doorstep of every Nigerian by creating 600,000 IT entrepreneurs and 1.2m jobs.

“We are working closely to synergise our resources with other agencies in the country. Substantial resources have been invested in the last few years to build capacity in the ICT sector.

“There is need for us to play with the top players in the ICT sector by the year 2020. We enjoin you to do your best to make Nigeria proud. Innovation is the way forward to improve the quality of life in Nigeria,” he said.

The scholarship programmes covers the six geo-political zones of the country.

While 74 of the graduates (two from each of the states and the Federal Capital Territory) will be pursuing master’s degree programmes, six of them selected from six geo-political zones of the country will be pursuing doctorate degrees in information technology and related fields.

LEADERSHIP FRIDAY

world news REPORTS AND ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL EVENTS AND ISSUES October 3, 2014

Fresh Facts Emerge Over First Ebola Case In US

Hong Kong Leader Rules Out Resignation Authorities in Hong Kong have offered to hold talks with pro democracy protesters who are continuing to occupy centreal areas of the southern Chinese city , pressing for political reforms.

Minutes before a midnight deadline set by the protesters for Hong Kong ‘s chief executive to resign passed, Leung Chun - ying said he would send his chief secretary to meet with the demonstrators . He said he had no intention of stepping down .

The students had earlier on Thursday threatened to escalate their protests - including occuptation of government buildings - unless Leung stepped down .

Leung warned the protesters of serious consequences if they chose to storm governmentbuildings.

Thousands of protesters have been camping out in the main streets of the Chinese autonomous region for the past several days .

Earlier, Al Jazeera’ s Scott Heidler , also reporting from Hong Kong , said that some protesters had started to occupy the area next to Leung ‘ s office HONG-KONG-PROTEST onThursday morning.

The Associated Press news “ It’ s too late for [ Leung ‘ s agency reported that police ] government to beaccountable manned barricades at a nearby to the people , so we want a new intersection, with protesters camped on the otherside, one,” May Tang, a 21-year-old student protester, told AP. huddled under umbrellas.

ABIODUN OLUWAROTIMI, New York

With the protests showing no signs of waning, China’ s foreign minister , Wang Yi , issued thewarning to the US and other foreign countries not to interfere.

Heavy Fighting Rages In Iraq’ s Anbar Province ISIL claims to have captured the town of Heet in Anbar province, but pro - government fighters say the fight is ongoing .

Fighting between the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group and Sunni militias is raging in the west of Iraq ‘s Anbar province, with a fierce battle taking place for control of the town of Heet . Yesterday , ISIL said they had entered the town .

But Sunni militias , fighting on behalf of Iraq’ s government, swiftly denied the claim and said that the fighting was ongoing .

Al Jazeera’ s Imran Khan , who ISIL fighters posing in front of a burning car is in the capital Baghdad, reported that the we’ re seeing a renewed push by again over the past three days , mayor of Heet said ISIL had suf- the Iraqi army and those Sunni prompted by US and French air fered heavy losses in the battle. militia groups , “ he said . strikes on an ISIL base- camp last “ ISIL does control huge Khan added that the fight- week . chunks of Anbar province . . .but ing appeared to have sparked “ ISIL does control huge chunks

of Anbar province. . . but we’re seeing a renewed push by the Iraqi army and those Sunni militia groups , “ he said. “ That seems to have weakened them significantly, allowing these ground troops to go in and try and start clearing areas within Anbar province, “ Khan said.

Also yesterday , the UN said that air strikes by the Iraqi government had caused “ significant civilian deaths and injuries” .

The international body also criticised the military operation launched by the government and allied forces saying it appeared to violate principles of proportionality and international law .

All Jazeera

Sierra Leone Ebola ‘Spreading Like Wildfire ‘ Five people are being infected with Ebola every hour in Sierra Leone and the rate is expected to double by the end of October , the Save the Children charityhas warned .

Justin Forsyth , the chief executive of Save the Children charity, said on Thursday that “ the scale ofthe Ebola epidemic is devastating and growingevery day “ . “ We need a coordinated international response thatensures treatment centres are built and staffed immediately , “ Forsyth said .

The charity issued the appeal as Britain hosted a conference in London to gather support for the fightagainst Ebola in Sierra Leone , its former colony .

Britain has provided 143 new treatment beds so farand promised almost 600 more in the comingmonths , but Save the Children said other countriesmust join the fight.

There were an estimated 765 new cases last week ,the charity said , but only 327 beds across thecountry .

The number of cases was likely to be “ massively “under -report-

ed , as “ untold numbers of children are dying anonymously at home or in the streets” , itsaid. “ We are facing the frightening prospect of an epidemic which is spreading like wildfire across Sierra Leone , with the number of new casesdoubling every three weeks , “ said Rob MacGillivray , the charity’ s country director in SierraLeone . “ It’ s very difficult at this stage to even give accuratefigures on the number of children who are dying from Ebola , as monitoring systems cannot keep pace with the outbreak . “

271

Three Al Jazeera staff; Peter Greste, Baher Mohamed and Mohamed Fahmy have been imprisoned for 271 days in Egypt.

You can’t claim heaven as your own if you are just going to sit under it.

Fresh facts have emerged in the case of the first person to be diagnosed with the deadly Ebola virus in the U.S. as officials of the United Airlines yesterday confirmed that he flew into Dallas on a pair of the airlines flights on the 20th September, 2014.

The airline said the Ebolastricken passenger who was diagnosed with Ebola after traveling from Liberia to the U.S. traveled on its Flight 951 from Brussels to Washington’s Dulles International Airport and then connected to its Flight 822 to Dallas.

It would be recalled that U.S. officials had previously declined to unveil which airline the Ebola patient had traveled on, but United Airline officials yesterday said that he took two flights on one of their airplanes on September 20.

“The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has informed us that the patient said he flew part of his trip on United Airline. However, without consent, we cannot divulge a traveler’s identity,” the company said in a statement a copy which was obtained by our correspondent.

CDC officials have said that there is no risk of catching the Ebola virus from passengers who shared commercial airline flights with the first confirmed U.S. patient. United Airline in its statement also said it agreed with the agency’s declaration.

The statement reads in parts: “The director of the CDC has stated there is ‘zero risk of transmission’ on any flight on which the patient flew because he was not symptomatic until several days after his trip and could not have been contagious on the dates he traveled.

“While the CDC states it is unnecessary for it or the airline to contact others who were on the patient’s flights, United Airline is providing information about the flights United believes the patient took, based on information provided by the CDC. We are ensuring our employees have this

ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

October 3, 2014

/ 59

Ustaz Abubakr Siddeeq Muhammad Focus On Faith 08076760011 (sms only) www.abubakrsiddeeq.com, email: deedat@gmail.com

This topic first appeared on this page in 2011. I am repeating it here, during this Hajj season, starting from today, until its third part, because of its importance. Enjoy:

I

promised to highlight some of the problems you are likely to encounter in Madinah. Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul-Aziz International Airport in Madinah is the opposite of Madinatul Hujjaaj in Jeddah. Everything here is appealing, welcoming and peaceful as if to remind you that when life became hard for the Messenger of Allah (SAW) and the believers along with him; when the torture and persecution of the Makkan Mushriks (idolaters) became more than flesh and blood could stand, Allah gave permission for them to flee to Madinah where the people here accepted them, took them in and helped them. The people here are not like the people you meet in Jeddah or even Makkah. You can feel it within your system that you are in a serene territory. You can perceive it from people’s demeanour and disposition that you are home. You are more likely to be ill-treated in Makkah than in Madinah. Even in the Ka’bah many people would not create a room for you to sit down in the row of worshipers waiting to offer salaah, but in Madinah you are called to come sit down and the room is for you. No wonder then that this is where Allah has chosen to keep the body of the Holy Prophet (SAW). No wonder then that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said that by the time corruption overwhelms the world; true religion of Islam shall crawl back to Madinah as a snake crawls into its hall.

The arrivals hall here is not as rowdy as that of Jeddah, and the airport officials are friendlier. Actually, you can land in Madinah, finish immigration, baggage claim processes and still leave the airport for your hotel within 2 hours, even at the peak of hajj season. The only problem you can have at Madinah airport is that resulting from poor arrangement on the part of your tour operator or state pilgrim official. Hajj accommodation contracts are signed according to dates of arrival into Madinah and mode of transportation.

No contract is valid with any hotel for any group that will come to Madinah by road from the 25th of Zul Qi’dah, for example. This is because it is against the law transporting pilgrims by road within that time as the roads are officially closed. Only those hajjis arriving by air are allowed into Madinah and that also, according to the dates the accommodation contracts are signed. Example here could be where your tour operator has signed contract for your stay in Madinah after the hajj, after you leave Minaa at the end of your hajj exercise. This information is

Hajj Is No Picnic (2) stored on the Saudi Hajj Database. Then suddenly your tour operator heard of a direct flight to Madinah and decided to make you happy by having you land in Madinah, so he confirmed you on that aircraft. This is where landing in Madinah will be worse than landing in Jeddah. The airport officials will insist on seeing copy of the group’s accommodation contract of Madinah and comparing it with what is on the hajj arrivals database.

Any discrepancy will not be entertained here. You will remain in the airport for countless hours until the hotel can send a written document confirming that, in the circumstance, rooms have been created to accommodate your group for the period before hajj as against the spirit and letter of the original contract. In this case, the group may leave the airport for the said hotel but the tour operator’s company shall be blacklisted against organizing hajj for the next two to three years. If such tour operator has been flouting hajj regulations repeatedly, the sanctions will be more severe, may break the cover of corporate protection and hit the man hiding under the name of the company and ban the tour operator for life from taking part in hajj operations. But you know with Nigerians all things are possible. If one company is blacklisted today, he registers another tomorrow – it is business as usual! The unperceiving pilgrims bear the brunt.

To avert such tribulations intending pilgrims must insist on studying the hajj brochure or programme of the hajj operator if he has one. You should be able to ask questions in case you spot any digression from the original programme, like the case of starting with Makkah or Madinah. If the programme speaks about landing in Jeddah and starting with Makkah but the company is confirming your tickets for a Madinah flight, I advise you not to travel in that order. Let the company respect its hajj programme otherwise you will be heading to a perilous, tortuous and discomforting hajj experience!

Leaving Madinah could be fun if things go well otherwise your passport may be misplaced somewhere and you can end up in a horrible nightmare. Not only you but the problem can affect all members of your group because passports must be complete before the bus leaves. Sorting passports for groups is 48 hour task that officials of such groups must commence as soon as they arrive at Madinah. They will repeat the same exercise before leaving Makkah to Jeddah, or to Madinah in case the group starts with Makkah.

Misplacement of one passport affects the movement of the entire group. This is normal and everyday occurrence given the nature of the procedure involved in the way hundreds of thousands of passports are collected and kept. The computing system introduced recently is only helpful when passports reach the pilgrim office and are entered in the right order. What is indeed abnormal and suppressing is when the entire passports of a group are found intact even though they were collated from variant points and amidst thousands others! Confusion may arise from the people working at the airport collation point. Not all the ad hoc staff are either well-trained or even literate. A Lufthansa flight may land with passengers from Nigeria and many other countries. Their passports are collection and distributed according to their nationalities. Your passport could be put in the wrong bag for containing passports belonging to pilgrims from Germany for instance. You or your tour operator cannot do anything about this, avert it or be blamed for the misplacement. Call it ill-luck if you please.

Nobody will even notice it until when your group is to leave Madinah. Your passport is not seen among the same group that arrived on the same aircraft. That is the use of the card or hand band that pilgrims are given at the airport upon arrival. It is a distinguishing mark to set your group apart for the purposes of sorting your passports at the time of departure.

Many pilgrims will neglect it or throw it away, not knowing that this little card or band means a lot when you have a case of missing passport. It will guide the officials in locating it.

Now, for the passport that was placed wrongly in the German pilgrims bag as we see above, the African Pilgrims Office will be busy searching for that missing passport in its offices around Madinah not

Yes, a tour operator may cut costs in hajj and short change the hajjis if he is the type that does not see his service to pilgrims as worship and business

It is better in times of need to have a friend rather than money. ― Greek proverb

knowing that the passport is in an obscure bag amidst the European Pilgrims Office.

This seemingly trifle mistake may take at least 16 hours to correct, and, if dusk sets in, the group cannot leave Madinah because the Bus Syndicate (the body charged with pilgrims’ transportation) is barred from night journeys.

Consequently, one problem leads to another. Now that the group’s movement is stalled, you have to re-check in to your rooms in the hotel, and in such a period there will doubtless be no availability of rooms because your stay was according to contract. As you check out for your aborted trip to Makkah, other groups with valid contracts with the hotel starting from that date must have checked in to the rooms you left. Your tour operator must get you another place to stay for that additional night and that he must do as soon as possible. His pilgrims need to be educated on the goings and comings surrounding the process that led to the missing passport so that they may appreciate the situation and, most importantly, be patient, otherwise they are sure to blame the company in ignorance for having a bad departure arrangement out of Madinah.

I witnessed the above scenario where the pilgrims were insinuating that the tour operator had no accommodation in Makkah therefore he was trying to delay departure out of Madinah so he could cut costs and have them stay more in Madinah and less in Makkah. Sheer ignorance!

Unfortunately, the pilgrims churning out these lies were already in their ihraam ready to start chanting the talbiyah.

Yes, a tour operator may cut costs in hajj and short change the hajjis if he is the type that does not see his service to pilgrims as worship and business. Hajj is a pillar of this deen. Whoever will offer any service to Allah’s guests, even in business, shall be rewarded, just like those who hamper them in any way shall be requited the evils of their deed. But what some pilgrims don’t know is that hajj visas could only be obtained where accommodation, transportation and other logistics have been paid for each pilgrim; the quality and standard of the arrangement may be high or low, but there must be one in place before visas are issued for the pilgrims to be in Saudia in the first place.

The contract in Makkah for groups starts from 1st Zulhijjah, so how can one leaving Madinah with his group on the on 4th or 5th of Zulhijjah be said to be cutting costs? If anything, the additional night in Madinah is loss as rooms for the group were ready in Makkah 5 days earlier.

In the final part of the write up I will speak about the hardship you are likely to face in Makkah, Minaa, Arafaat, Muzdalifah and during departure out of Makkah on your way home.

Naerls forum

October 3, 2014

National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, ABU Zaria Contact: Dr M.K Othman - 08065571637. mkothman@gmail.com

Trends Of Agricultural Commodities’ Prices In The First Six Months Of 2014 In Selected Nigerian Markets (2) 18000

25000

16000

20000

14000 12000

Sorghum Giwa

10000

Sorghum Bida

Cowpea (White) Giwa Cowpea (White) Bida

15000

Cowpea (White) Bodija

Sorghum Bodija

8000

Sorghum Monday Market

6000

10000

Cowpea (White) Monday Market

Sorghum Elele

4000

Cowpea (White) Elele

5000

2000 0 January February

March

April

May

June

0 January February March

April

May

June

Figure 2: Average monthly prices of Sorghum (100 kg) in selected Nigerian markets of 2014

Figure 3: Average monthly prices of Cowpea (100 kg) in selected Nigerian markets of 2014

As per the records obtained during the reporting period, Giwa market in Kaduna State from North-West Zone, the highest price of sorghum was found to be in the month of March, 2014 at N5, 100:00 per 100 kg (bag) while the lowest was in June (N4, 675:00).

At Bida market in Niger State (North Central Zone), the price of the sorghum was highest in March (N6, 500:00) and the lowest price was in June (N5, 875:00) as it occurred at Giwa market. At Bodijia market in Oyo State (South –West Zonal office the commodity price was highest in May (N11, 050:00) while lowest price was recorded in March (N9, 975:00). But at Monday market, Maiduguri, sorghum price was highest

ket, the price decline a little in the month of June while at Bida market, the price was high in the months of April and May, 2014 and declined in June below any other month in the period under review. At Monday market Maiduguri, the price of sorghum was found to be high in March, 2014 and declined in the months of May and June, 2014, respectively. The situation at Elele market was distinct; the price was high in January and draft in February, March and April and then the price increased in May but in June, 2014 it declined below any other months in the first two quarters of the year.

Fig. 3 presents the price trends of 100 kg bag of cowpea in the selected markets.

in March (N11,000:00), while lowest price was in May (N8,000:00).

No record was obtained from Umuahia market in Abia State. At Elele market in Rivers State South-South Zonal office, the price of the commodity was N15, 750:00 in May but draft down to N13, 300:00 in June, 2014. Therefore, the price of sorghum within the first and second quarter was not stable across the six selected market in the country.

From the analysis, the price of sorghum was highest at Elele market in Rivers State during the period while the lowest was at Giwa market in Kaduna, followed by the price at Bida market in Niger State. The trend in other markets are different, at Giwa mar-

At Giwa market, the price was lower than at Bida market. But the difference in price was not much. The price at the two markets was between N11, 000:00 to about N12, 500:00. At Bodija market the price was over and above the prices at Giwa and Bida markets. Although at Elele market, the price was higher than at Bodija market. However the highest price of the commodity was realized at Monday market in Maiduguri. Therefore, the price of the commodity within the reporting period was between N12, 000:00 to about N19, 000:00 across the selected markets. tO BE CONtiNUED NExt wEEK

news feature

2015: ABU Profs Rally Support For El-Rufai

BY PAUL CHIAMA

A coalition of Professors from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, have perfected plans to embark on aggressive department to department and Faculty to faculty campaign to drum up support for former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Nasir El-Rufia as he prepares to officially declare for the Governorship election of Kaduna State, come 2015.

The Professors under the platform of Kaduna State Good Governance Project, according to their coordinator, Professor Adamu Ahmed have vowed to use their intellectual resources to support ElRufai to take-over the State’s mantle of leadership, giving his unparalleled and tremendous experience, vision, bravery, precision and serene patriotism.

Professor Ahmed opined that Kaduna State is too strategic and important to the North in particular and the country

in general, to be administered by a politician who is deficient in experience, political will and ability to take bold decisions needed to move the State to greater heights.

He said the State, being the melting pot of Northern politics and administration and which had historically been one of the key deciding factors in producing Nigeria’s president in any free contest, is too critical to be left in the hands of mediocre who do not have clarity of vision, defined programme of action and the intellectual capacity to turn the State into a modern capital and befitting city with all the road networks and other modern infrastructural facilities, required of a historical and leading state such as Kaduna.

The Professor of Urban and Regional Planning who regretted that Kaduna State which is supposed to have since overtaken other States in the country in terms of infrastructural, economic

and structural cum and physical developments considering its strategic nature and dense population, has become the most crowded State in the country in which life is gradually becoming too boring and difficult for its residents to cope with, due to lack of proper town planning.

He attributed all this backwardness to the failure of the electorates in the State to, in the past, vote people or leaders on the basis of competence, ability to deliver, track record of achievements and patriotism, but rather they voted most previous governors on the basis of stomach infrastructure.

The coordinator therefore called on politicians and all discerning and patriotic indigenes of Kaduna State to join hands with the members of the Kaduna State Good Governance Project to rescue the State from its present pathetic state of backwardness and insecurity.

el-Rufai

Run as hard as a wild beast if you will, but you won’t get any reward greater than that destined for you.— Chinese Proverb

NEWS NATIONAL/ 61

October 3, 2014

Obolo Monarchs Endorse Anyanya As Amaechi’s Successor

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

Traditional rulers of Obolo ethnic nationality in Rivers State have endorsed the aspiration of an indigene of the area and governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Major Lancelot Anyanya (rtd) to succeed Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in 2015.

The traditional rulers, who gathered yesterday at Delta Hotels, Port Harcourt, the state capital, unanimously pronounced royal blessings on Anyanya, and urged him to contest the 2015 governorship election.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the paramount ruler of Ngo Town, headquarters of Andoni local government area, King Job Williams Okuruket-Nnabiget XIV, stated that all the chiefs of Obolo nation were overwhelmed with joy as the retired Nigerian Army officer stepped forward to aspire for the number one position in the state.

Okuruket-Nnabiget XIV said they will support any politician from the area who is ready to vie for the governorship position, but noted that “first come, first accepted” principle will be strongly applied.

He said, “We are here to identify with his aspirations, though we are not politicians, but we will support any politician who wants to aspire to the exalted seat.

This is the first time an Andoni man is aspiring and for that reason, we are greatly impressed.”

Minister Applauded Over UNEP Report On Ogoni Land

By Pembi David-Stephen, Abuja

A vote of confidence has been passed on the minister of petroleum resources, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke for the steps taken towards the reinvigoration process leading to the robust and urgent restoration of the Ogoni environment as enunciated by the UNEP Ogoni Assessment Report.

This was contained in a press release signed by the national coordinator, Ken Saro Wiwa’s Associates (KWA), Chief Gani Topba.

The release said the steps which include initiation of a MOSOP-driven interaction with Ogoni people in Bori (the traditional headquarters of the Ogoni people), a stated commitment to urgently reconstitute the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP) to make it more responsive to the desire of the Ogoni people and the implementation of background principles contained in the UNEP Ogoni report have ensured that rural and common Ogoni folks (who make up more than 70% of the population of Ogoni) have an input in, and are briefed on the implementation plans.

The group said, “These are steps in the right direction, and should be sustained.”

It pledged its support to the minister of petroleum resources in her honest desire to implement the UNEP Ogoni report.

Some management staff of the news agency of Nigeria (NAN), at the signing of condolence register for the former managing director, mrs Oluremi Oyo, at the NAN Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY NAN

NJC Asks IGP To Probe Attacks On Judges In Ekiti

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

Following the recent happenings in Ekiti State Judiciary, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has asked the inspectorgeneral of police to take over the investigation into the alleged attacks on Hon Justices John Adeyeye and Isaac Olusegun Ogunyemi of a High Court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The NJC in a statement also asked the police boss to investigate alleged attacks

on some members of staff of the court and vandalism of the property of the court and bring the culprits to justice.

After a meeting of the judicial body, chaired by the chief justice of Nigeria, Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, the NJC also asked the IGP to, as a matter of urgency, provide adequate security for judicial officers and the judiciary in Ekiti State.

The NJC said all petitions forwarded by all parties to the council on the matter are being looked into.

Last week, some thugs in the state allegedly attacked judges in the state after a ruling, which did not favour a particular politician was delivered.

In the statement signed by the acting director in charge of information at the NJC, the judicial body condemned in strong terms the attacks on the judiciary and judicial officers in general across the country and in particular, the ones carried out in the High Court Complex, Ado-Ekiti on 22nd and 25th September, 2014.

NBA Demands Prosecution Of Those Behind Assault On Ekiti Judge

By OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, yesterday called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the physical assault on Justice J. O. Adeyeye of the Ekiti State High Court.

According to the NBA, the attack on the state’s judiciary “is a serious threat to the existence of democracy in Nigeria and treasonable.”

The NBA which stated this through its chairman, Yinka Farounbi at a press conference in Lagos also blamed the Ekiti State governor-elect, Ayo Fayose, for failing to stop his followers from assaulting the judge.

Justice Adeyeye was allegedly assaulted by

some people said to be in company of Fayose at the premises of the Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti on September 23.

The branch said that its three-day fact-finding mission to the state between September 28 and 30 indicated that Fayose failed “to stop his followers” from assaulting the judge.

According to Farounbi, though the governor-elect did not join in the assault, he watched his supporters physically assault the judge without any attempt to stop them.

He said the branch arrived at the conclusion after interviewing and interacting with some persons such as the lead counsel for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the matter, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, Hon Obafemi Adewale, lead counsel for the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP), Ekiti branch, the Ekiti State commissioner of police, Mr F. T. Lakanu, the state’s attorney-general and commissioner for justice, Mr Wale Fapohunda, and other eye witnesses.

The NBA chairman further stated, “Hon Justice Adeyeye was indeed assaulted with fist blows, whips and kicks by about 20 people who were with the governor-elect, Ayo Fayose, who was passing by Justice Adeyeye’s court toward the Election Petition Tribunal”.

“The assault on the judicial officer happened when the judge left his Chamber (unrobed) and went over to Ayo Fayose asking him to control his noisy and unruly followers. This led to an argument between the duo and the assault on the judge now took place. The governor-elect “did not stop his followers.”

A/Ibom Govt Addresses Airport Workers’ Demands

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo

Determined to ensure industrial harmony among its workforce, the Akwa Ibom State government has taken steps to address the issues leading to the recent protest by the employees of the Akwa Ibom International Airport (AKIA), assuring the aggrieved workers of government’s commitment to their welfare.

Addressing the protesting workers under

their different unions, the head of service (HoS) of Akwa Ibom, Mrs Cecilia Udoessien, said government was committed to maintaining a unified workforce with high morale to effectively implement its policies and programmes.

The different workers’ unions operating in the airport had last week called out their members to protest against government’s refusal to address their employment status and cash entitlements.

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever Walt Disney, founder and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

But the HoS was quick to intervene, following the directive of Governor Godswill Akpabio that immediate steps be taken to address the grievances of the airport workers.

Towards streamlining the conditions of service and salary structure of the airport workers, an Inter-Ministerial Committee has been set up to determine the employment status, service records and salary structure of the protesting workers.

62 NEWS NATIONAL

October 3, 2014

Nigeria@54: Group Tasks Govt On Job Creation For Youths

BY BODE GBADEBO, , Abuja

A pressure group at the 2014 National Conference under auspices of Young Patriots of Nigeria (YPN) has called on government at all levels to increase their job and wealth creation drives for the citizens and in particular, the teeming youths of the country given a scenario of economic growth without a corresponding better life for the citizenry.

The group gave the advice on the occasion of Nigeria’s 54th independence anniversary.

In a press statement jointly signed by the group’s chairman, Comrade Ben Duntoye and publicity secretary, Charles Ibiang, they congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and Nigerians in general on the auspicious occasion of the country’s independence anniversary from its colonial master since 1960, while calling on the federal government and relevant stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the report of the just-concluded National Conference as it “guarantees” Nigeria’s corporate existence, economic prosperity and capable of repositioning the country among the comity of nations.

“The forum observed an economic growth without corresponding creation of jobs and wealth for the citizens particularly the teeming youth population. Forum hereby calls on government to improve upon its job creation drive.

“The current security situation bedeviling the country calls for national concerns. The Forum is appealing to the political class to desist from politicizing the issue, but coming together collectively to win this war against terror,” they noted.

Group Warns Against Politicisation Of Synagogue Church Collapse

BY BODE GBADEBO, Abuja

A Jos-based non-governmental organisation, World International Movement Against Satanic Terrorism (WIMAST), has commiserated with the families of the victims of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) collapse recently in Lagos.

WIMAST in a press statement jointly signed by its president, Evangelist Andy Koroma and secretary, Voujen Lar, made available to LEADERSHIP friday in Abuja, also urged the public not to politicize the incident or blow it out of proportion, saying it was a church matter and should be handled as such.

“Though the incident led to loss of innocent lives, it is a church matter and must be handled in a brotherly way by the appropriate Christian authorities in Nigeria and not by outsiders who are out for vengeance, victimisation and persecution of the Christian Church in Nigeria,” they said.

The group also called on the National Assembly, head of service of the federation and a Lagos-based lawyer, Festus Keyamo to, as a matter urgency, probe the “events” that led to the removal from office of the immediate past group managing direction (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu.

Chief guest, Alhaji Suleiman Baffa (centre); head of operations and projects, Mr Santosh Pandey (third from left); and staff of the Ado Bayero Mall while marking Nigeria’s 54th independence anniversary on Wednesday.

Why We Conducted Trial Of Boko Haram Suspects In Secret – Lagos

By OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye yesterday said that the trial of some members of the deadly Islamic sect, Boko Haram, who were recently sentenced to prison was conducted in secret because of national security.

Ipaye, who made this known at a press conference in Lagos, also said the prosecution of the convicts was done in camera

in order to protect information that might have implications for national security.

He said three of the four Boko Haram suspects charged before the Federal High Court, Lagos were not sentenced to death for acts of terrorism because they have not carried out the act of terrorism.

According to him, seventeen suspects were initially arraigned at a Federal High Court as at March, 2013, but by November of same year, they had been reduced

to four suspects.

The Lagos AG also explained that 13 suspects had to be released because further investigation carried out on them revealed that there was no sufficient evidence to continue to hold them.

While he pointed out that he obtained a fiat from his federal counterpart for their prosecution, said he had to file a “nolle prosecui” in their favour based upon which they were released.

Kano Police Command Announces Sallah Safety Tips

By Abubakar Salihi, Kano

The Kano State Police Command has announced Sallah safety tips as a personal measures for the people in the state and most significantly a call on parents to keep eye on their children.

The command in a press release made known to newsmen and signed by the acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mustapha Abubakar, informed the general public that adequate measures have been put in place for a peaceful Eid el Kabr celebration (Sallah).

They advised that they may guide the public to good and secured conducts during the

festivities, but people attending Eid grounds are advice not to carry loads or objects other than praying mats.

“Parents and guardians are advised to accompany their wards when going out to visit relatives and friends. In addition, avoid allowing unauthorized persons from operating motorized vehicles.

Motorists should obey traffic rules and regulations, and avoid dangerous driving, over loading, high speed as well as racing exercise or using GSM while driving to avoid accident during and after the festivities”, statement said.

The command advised that the general pub-

lic to continue giving full cooperation to all security agencies operating in the State like the civil defencecorps, road safety corps, Hisbah, KAROTA, vigilante groups as well as other civil volunteer organisations that turn out for the maintenance of peace and order during the festivities.

It further convinced people to take note of police snap checkpoints that are aimed at checking the activities of miscreants.

The command gave emergency lines 08032419754, 08123821575, 064977004, 06497705, and 08099831808, and assured that the numbers are always available for report of any incident.

CISLAC Demands Probe Of $9.3m Arms Cash Seizure

BY DAYO ODUNSI, Abuja

A non-governmental organisation, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC) has demanding for an exhaustive investigation into the recent controversial $9.3million cash seizure by South Africa authorities involving a private jet owned by the national president of Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

SYLVESTER

CLASSIFIED ADVERTS

I formerly SYLVESTER ILERIAYO FALADE now wish to be known and addressed as SYLVESTER ILERIAYO AFOLABI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

In a statement made available to LEADERSHIP Friday the group’s executive director Auwal Musa Rafsanjani yesterday, said ‘’We are dismayed after the development, contrary to the rule of the House that stipulates that when a matter has been moved by ways of motion, the presiding officer shall allow time for those who want to speak for and against, a session of the House of Representatives recently turned down when the deputy speaker re-

JOHN-MONITE

I formerly MISS IGOH ENE ZITA OHUGBOCHE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JOHN-MONITE ENE ZITA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

echika

I formerly known and addressed as miss echika ijeoma nkiruka eneregbu, now wish to be known and addressed as mrs echika ijeoma nkiruka udechukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever Walt Disney, founder and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

fused to entertain debate on the motion seeking to probe the incident in view of the sum involved which is part of our common wealth.’’ It said ‘’The group is therefore demanding among other things that the National Assembly should eschew partisanship and immediately commence and conclude a full-fledged investigation into the transaction to determine the true circumstances resulting in the movement of such huge sum.’’

GLORIA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS GLORIA RAPHAEL, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS GLORIA OFFIKWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

NEWS 63

October 3, 2014

Mimiko Finally Dumps LP, Declares Formally For PDP At Aso Rock

By George Agba, Abuja

After weeks of frantic scheming and consultation, the governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, yesterday formally dumped the Labour Party (LP) to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with a declaration that his immediate target is to help President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election in the 2015 presidential poll.

Announcing his defection to the PDP at a ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Mimiko who noted that the Labour Party had always been in support of Jonathan’s presidential project said members of the National Assembly and House of Assembly under the platform of Labour Party in Ondo State have also defected to the PDP. He said he consulted widely with major stakeholders in Ondo State, including traditional and religious leaders, market men and

women, artisans, trade unions, community leaders as well as party leaders before joining the PDP. Mimiko said, “We hope to be part of a process of creating, especially in the South West, a solid and robust platform of involvement in the election of the president, governors and legislators and post-election governance structure which will help to engender rapid socio-economic development”.

“But this decision to return to the PDP, we have taken in the overall interest of our people and our nation, and its democracy which for those who are perceptive enough to notice, is now mortally endangered by a constellation of forces which must be confronted”.

Receiving Mimiko into the PDP fold, Vice President Namadi Sambo who noted that the defection of the governor would raise PDP to a higher level implored the governor to embrace all the party members in the PDP. Sambo said further that with the defec-

tion, issues in the South West would be resolved.

On his part, Senate President and the Chairman of the re-integration committee, David Mark, who noted that Mimiko would bring and advantage into the PDP in the state ,asked Mimiko to reconcile everybody in the party.

Mimiko formally takes charge of Ondo PDP Meanwhile, Mimiko has officially taken over the PDP structure in Ondo State.

He confirmed this to LEADERSHIP Friday yesterday after his formal defection to the PDP at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

LEADERSHIP Friday learnt that before yesterday’s brief ceremony, the national leadership of the PDP and the Presidency had agreed to concede the leadership of the party to the governor like other state governors who are the official leaders of the party in line with PDP’s constitution.

A cross-section of officers and soldiers arraigned before the General Court Martial in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY AYODELE OMOKAGBO

APC Insists Fayose Must Be Arrested, Prosecuted Over Attack On Judge

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reiterated its earlier call for the arrest and prosecution of Ekiti governor-elect, Ayodele Fayose, for leading a group of thugs to attack Justice Adeyeye in the premises of the State High Court on September 25, warning that failure to act decisively now would spell doom for judges and the nation’s democracy.

In a statement issued in London yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the issue of the security of judges and the unfettered administration of justice transcends politics, hence no politician, no matter his status, must be allowed to go scot-free after attacking judges.

It said any delay in taking action will see Fayose assume office, meaning he can no longer be arrested and prosecuted for what is an egregious contempt of court.

APC said the attack on judges in Ekiti has

also reinforced the call in some quarters, on the basis of constitutional provisions, to subject candidates seeking political offices in the country to psychiatric tests, to prevent people with mental imbalance from taking over the affairs of state.

The party said those who are trivialising the issue and trying to play dirty politics with it should take a moment to think of what Fayose will do to the judges whom he led thugs to beat up, when he assumes office as governor of the state.

“Now that the chief judge of Ekiti has confirmed, in a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC), that Fayose was complicit in the attack, the NJC should treat the issue expeditiously by taking a decisive action that will make it very costly for anyone to ever attack a judge again. The need to act is urgent so that no judge gets killed simply because some powerful personality does not like his or her ruling.

“Had the relevant authorities acted with dispatch when another court in the same state was invaded by pro-Fayose thugs earlier the same week, the attack on Justice Adeyeye would have been averted,’’ it said.

APC said no decent society will tolerate attacks on judges, which are not just a threat to the administration of justice but also a clear and present danger to democracy itself.

The party noted that not even during the chaotic political crisis in the then Western region, which earned it the tag “Wild, Wild West”, were judges beaten up like Fayose and his thugs did in Ekiti.

“Only in Idi Amin’s Uganda can one recall, in recent memory, that this kind of attack happened. In 1972, the Ugandan chief justice was murdered by Idi Amin’s agents, after the then president publicly criticised the judge’s ruling. Later, the president of the country’s Industrial Courts was also killed while lawyers were routinely beaten up,”it added.

Everything you can imagine is real.

Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter and scuiptor

2015: It’ll Be Unfair For An Ikwerre To Succeed Me Amaechi

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt

Rivers State governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said that it will be unfair to other ethnic nationalities in the state to allow another Ikwerre take over from him on May 29, 2015.

Amaechi, who said this yesterday when he appeared on Family Love FM, a privately-owned radio station, which was monitored in Port Harcourt, stated that no ethnic nationality in the state is too small to produce the next governor of the state.

He said, “An Ikwerre has been the governor for eight years and I think other areas should be allowed to produce the governor.

There is no particular ethnic group in Rivers State that you will say is too small to be governor of Rivers State, neither will you say such group cannot produce an Amaechi or somebody who is better than Amaechi.

“Let them be given that opportunity; I think that they should be allowed to choose a very qualified person to be governor of Rivers State.”

The governor stated that his administration embarked on the Rivers Monorail project in order to decongest the ever-busy Aba Road, as well as give comfort to passengers and other road users in Port Harcourt, the state capital, adding that the first phase of the project, earmarked for completion in December this year, is being constrained by N5billion.

Adamawa by-election: INEC Identifies 13 Violence-prone LGAs

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

Ahead of the Adamawa governorship byelection, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified flashpoints in 13 local government areas, prone to insurgency, political thuggery/ ballot snatching and armed robbery.

The commission also disclosed that 1,529, 636 registered voters are expected at the October 11 election.

According to a statement by the chief press secretary to the INEC chairman, Kayode Idowu, the entire local government areas of Madagali, Michika, Maiha, Mubi North and Mubi South are prone to and have been affected by insurgency.

INEC, however, noted that people have started returning to their homes in Maiha, Mubi North and Mubi South, even as it identified specific vulnerable points in Fufore, Ganye, Girei, Gombi, Hong, Numan, Song and Yola North.

The electoral commission further put the total number of polling units at 2,609; 5,166 voting points and 226 registration areas across the 21 local government areas in the state.

It also disclosed that 2,609 INEC presiding officers will be deployed for the election while a total of 10, 332 assistant presiding officers are to be deployed for the election.

64 NEWS NATIONAL

October 3, 2014

Adamawa By-election: APC Chair Urges Voters Not To Be Intimidated By Security Operatives

BY MOHAMMED ISMAIL, , Yola

Adamawa State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Binta Garba Masi, has urged Adamawa voters not to be intimidated by the presence of large security operatives that may be deployed during the coming gubernatorial by-election in the state.

The chairman made the appeal during the party’s campaign rally at Mayo Belwa, the hometown of former governor of the state, Murtala Nyako.

She urged the people to be steadfast as the journey towards clinching power from the ruling party is not for the fainthearted, but that only determination and perseverance will lead to success considering the desperation of the ruling party.

“We are happy with the mammoth crowd and reception from this area which is similar to what we had witnessed in areas so far visited. We urge you to translate your support into votes on election day and you must not be intimidated by anybody including the compromised ones among the security personnel that may allow themselves to be use by PDP.” She noted that Michika is still under the control of Boko Haram and if anybody feels like using security personnel that is something it should be used for. To fight against Boko Haram,” Garba said.

‘National Award Demands Higher Commitment’

BY Ejike Ejike, Abuja

The director-general of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Sidi, has been called upon to see his recent conferment with national honours as not only a recognition of his sterling performance in public service but also a call to higher commitment to serving the fatherland.

Coordinaor of StandNigeria Initiative, Mr Dike Chigbue, who spoke to journalists yesterday in Abuja, noted that even though the NEMA DG deserves the accolades due to his undeniable good performance in office, it nevertheless imposes on him and other recipients higher responsibility to nation building.

Alhaji Sani-Sidi was conferred with the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) on Tuesday alongside more than 300 other Nigerians and friends of Nigeria. This is in addition to the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) awarded to him by Vice President Namadi Sambo who represented the president during the award ceremony. The president had said that NPOM award recognises excellence and hard work in all segment of the society and is quite devoid of politics.

According to Dike Chigbue, the award of OFR bestowed on Alhaji Sidi was not an award only for him, as in his usual way of being a strategic team player, he will dedicate this award to the entire NEMA family which include President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Mohammad Namadi Sambo.

Erosion threatening Gombe-Dukku road near the Federal College of Education in Gombe, yesterday.

PHOTO BY NAN

Presidency Disowns Pro-Jonathan Group

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

The presidency yesterday distanced itself from a campaign group which claims to be pro-President Goodluck Jonathan, called “Presidential View and Endorsement Platform”.

The Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Prof. Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali, which denied any link with the group said the alleged pro-Jonathan group has been inviting other groups rooting for President Goodluck Jonathan for 2015 to a summit in Abuja.

A statement issued by the Office of the

Special Adviser noted that Goodluck Support Group (GSG) is the only organisation for all support groups rooting for President Jonathan.

The statement signed by an aide to the presidential adviser, Dr. Godson Nnaka, said all registered support groups, NGOs and organisations supporting the president should disregard the invitation by this amorphous group describing the invitation as scandalous.

“For the avoidance of any doubt, the special assistant to the special adviser advised all groups to consult and confirm from the Office of the Political Adviser in

matters regarding support groups.”

He also reminded “Presidential View and Endorsement Platform” of the just concluded first national summit where members of various organisations came in their numbers to declare their total support and solidarity to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, urging the president to formally declare his intention to run for the 2015 general elections.

Dr. Nnaka again reminded Nigerians of the ongoing screening and evaluation exercise by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs where support groups were invited.

NHIS Offers Kidney, Heart Surgery For Centenary Celebration

By Winifred OgbebO,Abuja

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is offering special benefit packages including, knee replacement surgery, open heart surgery and kidney transplant to commemorate Nigeria’s centenary celebration.

The executive secretary of NHIS, Dr Femi Thomas, who disclosed this yesterday to mark the scheme’s day at the ongoing International Trade Fair, Abuja, said the gesture was to appreciate faithful enrollees who have been with the scheme since inception.

“Our enrollees who have kept faith with us over the past few years, they have remained with us even in the trying days of the scheme. This is the time to reward them.

It is like a bonus to those who have been with us over the years, to cover them only for this year; as part of the centenary celebration,” Thomas said.

He said the programme which is already ongoing in both private and public tertiary hospitals across the country would help to save some capital flight that is lost from the country when people travel outside the country for such services.

“These programmes are already being done. For instance, last week, somebody had a knee replacement surgery at Cedarcrest Hospital Abuja while another person had a kidney transplant at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital. So these are specialised surgeries being taking care of.”

He also disclosed that the scheme was targeting 24 million primary school pupils enrollee by the end of 2015, saying that the programme has already been mapped out for implementation.

“NHIS would bear the cost of the treatment of 85 benefit packages which we have developed but along the line, we expect other states to provide 60 per cent funding while NHIS bears 40 per cent.”

Thomas added that the NHIS was increasing its coverage target to 40 per cent, 10 percent ahead of what President Goodluck Jonathan gave them.“While Mr. President is saying we should give 30 per cent coverage by the end of 2015, we are taking it upon ourselves to increase it.

Alleged 107m Fraud: Court Frees Ogbulafor, Sentences 1 Other

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

Former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Vincent Ogbulafor has been discharged by Justice Ishaq Bello of a High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory of the 16-count charge filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other related Offences Commission (ICPC).

In the charge, Ogbulafor was accused of N107million fraud.

His co-accused, Emeka Ebilah, a former member of National Economic Intelligence Committee (NEIC), was however not lucky as he was sentenced to five years imprison-

ment.

The anti-graft agency had arraigned the Ogulafor and Ebilah on May 10, 2010, alleging that ex-PDP chairman, while serving as minister of state for special duties in 2001, conspired with the others to float three fictitious companies with which they perpetrated the fraud.

The accused were alleged to have used Henrichiko Nigeria Limited, DHL Consultants and Chekwas Industries to fraudulently obtain N82.6 million, N11.5 million and N6.2 million respectively in 2001.

Justice Bello held that there was nothing in the argument of the prosecution that

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever Walt Disney, founder and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

linked the first accused (Ogbulafor) to the crime allegedly committed.

He further held that going by the confessionary statement of the second accused person (Ebilah), it was clear that there was no conspiracy between him and the first accused person.

The court also held that the prosecution also failed to prove the ingredients of conspiracy before the court.

“It is clear from the evidence that the first accused person was not given any money, even the second accused in his evidence stated that he did not give the first accused any money.

ISLAM / 65

October 3, 2014

Discourse with Sheikh Muhammad Mahmud Turi turimuhd@yahoo.com 07038199475 (text only)

Eid - Al- Adha: A Sacrifice Still Misunderstood!

In the name of Allah who states “We called out to him, O Abraham! Though hast already fulfilled the dream! Thus indeed do We reward those who do right. For this was a clear trial. And we ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice” Q37: 100 - 104.

May His everlasting peace and blessings be upon our master Muhammad and his gifted progeny who demonstrated the greatest sacrifice.

We are still in Zulhajj, the twelfth month of Islamic calendar. As we said earlier, it is sacred and highly respected by all Muslims.

Therefore, we are generally encouraged to put more effort in all forms of worship with the aim of drawing closer to Allah, the Most High! At this time, the pilgrims are busy performing their hajj rites in response to the call of Allah through His great messenger, father of monotheism, prophet Ibraheem peace be upon him.

We pray that they will perform “hajjum mabrour”; the acceptable pilgrimage which the seal of the prophets said is directly rewarded with paradise! We also hope these million pilgrims should understand the lessons in this worship, reflect and propagate the same in their various countries.

THE PROPHETIC SERMON AT MOUNT ARAFAT It is imperative to remind ourselves the well known prophetic sermon in his farewell pilgrimage on this plain where he emphasized the inviolability of blood and properties, stressed the need to observe one’s duty sincerely to Allah, avoidance of all forms of corruption and mischief on earth, kind treatment towards women. The prophet also described piety as the criterion for superiority before Allah and concluded with the oft - repeated tradition of the two weighty things - the book of Allah and his holy progeny which he assured the Ummah of everlasting guidance provided they hold fast to them.

SACRIFICE The tenth day of Zulhajj is celebrated as Sallah day. It is very popular for slaughter of animals as sacrifice for the sake of Allah.

The pilgrims do the sacrifice at Mina after which they culminate the hajj rites.

The non - pilgrims perform the historic offer based on their capacities. If we may ask; what is the essence and rationale behind this slaughter?

Historically, prophet Ibrahim attained hundred years of age without a child.

His wife was also about ninety. So he prayed to Allah “O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)! So We gave him good news of a forbearing son. Q37:100 - 102 Allah answered his prayer and granted him a forbearing son, prophet Isma’il, peace be upon him, the ancestor of Arabs and grandfather of the seal of

the prophets. However, on a teenage age, prophet Ibrahim was commanded to slaughter his beloved child! Having submitted to thewill of Allah, he laid him prostrate on his forehead using his sharp knife on his jugular vein but Allah miraculously ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice!

As could be deduced this sacrifice is the greatest of all trials to prophet Ibrahim, and the essence was to gain the pleasure of Allah by accepting the offering of our hearts as a symbol of sacrifice out of faith and sincerity to Him. Obviously, it is not the slaughter of animals that is really meant butthe love of Allah and His preference. If not?

With which kind of animals did Isma’il compare to Ibrahim (as)? How could you assume yourself under such a situation?

Can you compare his submission with your love towards your wife and children? It was neither a joke nor a dream, the two prophets were tried by Allah and they excellently passed!

So it is the full submission, faith and preference of Allah that cover the test not the nature of animal one slaughters at all. The question is how much do you love Allah and to what extent can you sacrifice in His name?

Can you sacrifice your son or yourself for the sake of Allah? What of your good office or selfish interest? This is the real logic behind the sacrifice!

Think of the great sacrifice of Imam Husain, the grandson of the noble messenger who said “if the religion of Muhammad could only stand at the expense of my dear life, let it be, while sacrificing his life in the cause of Islam!

The Imam was referred as the ransomed momentous sacrifice by some Qur’anic

interpreters. The band of his followers responded immediately “O our master!

We are all ready to defend you and your Ahlul bait and to sacrifice our lives for the cause of Islam!

For over thirteen hundred and seventy years, they are remembered with great respect and prayers by not only believers in their faith but all people with common sense of humanity. A good example here is Mahatma Gandhi, the India’s political and spiritual leader though not a Muslim said regarding the unique sacrifice of the Imam “I have carefully read the biography of Imam Hussein and have contemplated the events of Karbala. I am sure Indians must follow his ideas on the path to victory”.

In addition to the sacrifice of animals on our respective capacity, the real sacrifice is determined by our action at the event of variance with guidance of Allah in this mortal world.

Generally speaking, there are various lessons in the physical sacrifice of animals and actual sacrifice of preferring the guidance of Allah in variance with our desires or interests. For example, we are encouraged to give significant part of the meat to the poor and the less privileged on humanitarian ground.

It is imperative to emphasize the need for donating the skins of our sacrificed animals to martyrs foundation of the Islamic movement for those wishing to share the abundant reward of Allah the Most High.

With these donations and others, the Islamic movement cares and upholds the children of the respected martyrs of the movement. Thanks to Allah, as we said and repeated none of the children of our martyrs is outside school. In fact, many are studying outside the country

Put a rope around your neck and many will be happy to drag you along.

at postgraduate level. And no doubt many of them will only come back to this country sometimes as Islamic scholars.

Recently, one of the daughters of the martyrs was honored for moral and academic excellence in the Al - Mustapha International University in the Islamic republic of Iran.

THE ZARIA SALLAH FEAST During the Sallah celebrations, sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) organize what is a banquet popularly referred as Sallah feast where he extends invitations to people irrespective of their tribal and religious inclinations. Pastors, Reverends and other prominent Christians willingly honor such invitations.

In the programme, the Christians are freely given time to talk and express their views regarding the event or anything in they wish in our country’s socio - economic life. This is very clear in the sheikh’s indefatigable ethno religious tolerance worthy of emulation by other scholars.

Back to the lesson of sacrifice conclusively which this Sallah clearly demonstrates by the slaughter of animals as the prophet Ibrahim peace be upon him willingly submitted sacrificed his son, we can see that from the words and action the revered sheikh may Allah protect him and rewards him abundantly when his three sons were brutally murdered on a clear provocation by the Nigerian military but he referred everything to Allah the Most High!

While praying for Allah’s reward, forgiveness and mercy for the little we will offer, I wish our pilgrims a successful pilgrimage, safe return, and all a happy Sallah celebration in advance!

Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullah.

― Egyptian Proverb

66 For the Record

October 3, 2014

Engineering For Nation-Building Expected Take-aways from the World Engineering Conference (WECSI 2014) to be hosted by the Nigerian Society of Engineers

by Engr. Tosin Ogunmola

There is no gainsaying the fact that engineering is the soul of all developments ever known to mankind. Every sector, from Agriculture through Medical Sciences and Manufacturing to Communication, has only progressed to the extent engineering technological advancement carried it. No nation has and no nation will ever advance beyond its engineering sophistication. We talk of development only in terms of engineering outputs - roads, bridges, industries, buildings, dams, power networks, telecommunication, etc. It is on this note one should drive home the point that the discourses and efforts on Nigeria’s transformation into the full realisation of its enormous potentials cannot be complete without a critical attention on engineering development.

Nigeria will this year in November host the World Engineering Conference on Sustainable Infrastructure (WECSI), which is prided as the biggest international event on engineering and Infrastructure ever to hold on African soil. These indeed are auspicious times for Nigeria, which just emerged as the largest economy in Africa. Only recently we hosted the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa. And now, the World Engineering Conference beckons.

As patriotic and forward-thinking Nigerians who have the onerous generational task of building Nigeria into the world’s future that it is capable of being, the WECSI should not just be another conference. The goal should not be the ability to again host the world. We must have an overriding am-

bition of ensuring the conference leads to a practical Engineering Investment and Development Plan (EIDP) that would be integrated into and also give a renewed life to all existing plans in the key sectors of power, steel and engineering education - the tripod of engineering development upon which other vital elements would stand.

Power remains an albatross in Nigeria with generation not up to 5,000MW and a huge deficit in transmission. So long as power is not rocket science, it is important for the conference to help the government build upon the power master plan and develop a policy and investment framework that will lead to accelerated growth in power generation and transmission. The conference should, on one hand, look into the areas of having industrial clusters with the complete chain of power networks and on the other hand, encourage investment in independent transmission networks that will effectively bridge the gap between the ongoing power generation projects and the privatized distribution companies.

The steel sector is another critical area for Nigeria’s development, no doubt. This is in view of the fact that there can be no real manufacturing sector when industrial machineries and spares are imported, thereby making cost of setting up and maintaining industries unfeasible. The impact of a virile manufacturing sector cannot be overemphasized if our economic development plan will be meaningful. It is logical that when we manufacture more of what we consume, particularly secondary products, we import less and with increased production, we start looking into more of exports of the finished goods as it has occurred in the case of Cement.

As such, we have a more leverage in for-

eign exchange, the Naira gets stronger and as a people, we become richer (the new Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan gives credence to this on its second page). Another major positive impact of an enhanced manufacturing sector is the employment opportunities it offers as it remains the only sustainable mean of gainful employment with its production lines, even with technological advancements, requiring a mass of skilled and unskille labour. But with a near non- existent steel industry to galvanize the local production of industrial machineries and spare parts, setting the country on the path of industrial progress becomes a mirage. And that is part of what WECSI should address and seek to redress.

The post-WECSI plan must seek to rejuvenate both the upstream and downstream of the steel industry up to the foundries and machine tool companies towards eliminating the mono-product mix of the moribund steel companies that has done nothing than perpetuate the country’s industrial underdevelopment.

The last key sector that requires a detailed post-WECSI development attention is engineering education. Not too long ago, a team of engineers visited the faculty of engineering in one of the Nigerian universities and what they encountered regarding the laboratories was, to say the least, appalling. There must be a concerted effort at equipping the engineering libraries and laboratories in our universities and polytechnics, creating a database of projects churned out by students yearly towards following up with their development on a larger and commercial basis, strengthening the engineering research institutes and finally, working out a framework of collaboration between the academia and the industry.

It has severally been pointed out that as Nigerians, we are not in dearth of ideas, policies and plans but our undoing has been the inability to follow up with sincerity of purpose and actually implementing our lofty ideas. In view of this, the post-WECSI Engineering Investment and Development Plan (EIDP) must be well thought-out and prepared based on global project management best practices that assign responsible and timeline to each element under shortterm, medium-term and long-term frameworks. We can go a step further by seeking and winning a legislative backing for the plan to give a force of the law that can guarantee dutiful implementation by successive governments. It is also pertinent to emphasize, learning from Daniel Omoweh’s Political Economy of steel development in Nigeria, that the EIDP must be locally-driven with strict regulation on foreign technical partnership that should tilt more towards an assemblage of expert Nigerians in the Diaspora so as to eliminate inordinate interests of external forces and guarantee only genuine collaborations that would advance the course of national development both for Nigeria and the genuine foreign partners The World Engineering Conference will surely come and go but this is a wakeup call to the collaborators of the main organizers, the Nigerian Society of Enqineers and indeed all well- meaning Nigerian entrepreneurs, financiers, industrialist and public administrators to seize the moment and ensure the country would forever live with both the fond memories of the conference and amazing post-conference realities of engineering and industrial growth and development.

Ogunmola is a member of Nigerian Society of Engineers

Nigeria Needs Additional States For Effective Governance

By Abu I. Michael

Matters of sovereignty and unity of any country are fundamental to her survival. The ways and manners of cohabitation amongst the people reflect her integrity and level of general progress. It then behoves every Nigerian to be patriotic so as to always avoid any act that may jeopardize the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country.

It is pertinent to point out that the desired spirit of patriotism and tolerance which would oil the wheels of sovereignty, sustained unity and integrity could only happen and may suffice when the country is governed in a way and manner as agreed by the larger majority of the people who cut across different socio-political and ethno-religious backgrounds.

Often, for sheer socio-political and ethno-religious sentiments, we undermine the secularity and plurality of our country. The world over, the numbers of ethnic groups is unrivalled; our leading population and endowed natural resources gave us the hegemony in the entire African continent, the envy then is not unexpected.

I think the recently concluded national

conference constituted by the federal government is not a misplacement of priority.

Since the only way to bring the people together to discuss through disagreement and eventual agreement on how best to coexist and to be governed is through responsible representatives, recommendations of the conference and its draft constitution for the country should be treated as congenial and most importantly for national cohesion.

While calling on the federal government to fully implement the recommendations of the conference though after due considerations of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) or the National Assembly or both.

The reasons are that the conference in all sincerity brought together very good heads across the country. The painful exercise should not be wasted and seen as mere jamboree and waste of resources or else Nigerians would lose faith in national conferences.

At least we would have history that recommendations of one of our national conferences were implemented unlike those of the past.

It is believed that the recommendations have the support of many patriotic citizens since they were at least represented.

One of the recommendations of the conference was for the creation of additional states in the country. This recommendation to me is noble. In the first place, we must remember that a country is demarcated into regions or states for easy administration. At independence, the population of Nigeria was put at 45.2million and from the regions that were in existence then, 12 states were created until the number came to 36 states and Abuja as the capital city although by the efforts of several military regimes. As at 2013, the population was put at 173.6million and would probably be heading towards 200million as at today.

Nigeria is now 54 years old and not static hence a dynamic entity. It is therefore proper that as our population has risen astronomically over these years, the states should also have increased for more effective administration of the country. A state could become very difficult to govern because of large number of people especially with heterogeneous nature like ours of which every of the ethnic group wants to be identified and cater for through employment opportunity and political power.

With the creation of more states, employment opportunity would be duplicated. It means

that the new states if created would have all the paraphernalia of a state.

Infrastructural development would be extended to places where ordinarily would not have benefitted as it is now. The creation of additional states would reduce youth restiveness as many of them would be employed by new state governments. Political tension would also be taken care-off as there would be more rooms for power sharing. The present FEC and National Assembly should not allow this privilege elude them as it would be the first time that civilian administration gave the ethnic groups their voices, recognition and a sense of belonging in this unique mass of individuals, Nigeria.

However, on issues of local government areas, I tend towards its autonomy. We also need additional local government areas in the country just as we need more states. The Nigerian Constitution should be made to do away with the contractions in respect of its creation to avoid loggerhead between the central government and that of the states. The power should be given to the FEC and National Michael works with Federal Information Centre, Lafia.

It is only a stupid cow that rejoices at the prospect of being taken to a beautiful abattoir. — African Proverb

Opinion 67

October 3, 2014

Nigeria Needs Additional States For Effective Governance

By Abu I. Michael

Matters of sovereignty and unity of any country are fundamental to her survival. The ways and manners of cohabitation amongst the people reflect her integrity and level of general progress. It then behoves every Nigerian to be patriotic so as to always avoid any act that may jeopardize the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country.

It is pertinent to point out that the desired spirit of patriotism and tolerance which would oil the wheels of sovereignty, sustained unity and integrity could only happen and may suffice when the country is governed in a way and manner as agreed by the larger majority of the people who cut across different socio-political and ethno-religious backgrounds.

Often, for sheer socio-political and ethno-religious sentiments, we undermine the secularity and plurality of our country. The world over, the numbers of ethnic groups is unrivalled; our leading population and endowed natural resources gave us the hegemony in the entire African continent, the envy then is not unexpected.

I think the recently concluded national

conference constituted by the federal government is not a misplacement of priority.

Since the only way to bring the people together to discuss through disagreement and eventual agreement on how best to coexist and to be governed is through responsible representatives, recommendations of the conference and its draft constitution for the country should be treated as congenial and most importantly for national cohesion.

While calling on the federal government to fully implement the recommendations of the conference though after due considerations of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) or the National Assembly or both.

The reasons are that the conference in all sincerity brought together very good heads across the country. The painful exercise should not be wasted and seen as mere jamboree and waste of resources or else Nigerians would lose faith in national conferences.

At least we would have history that recommendations of one of our national conferences were implemented unlike those of the past.

It is believed that the recommendations have the support of many patriotic citizens since they were at least represented.

One of the recommendations of the conference was for the creation of additional states in the country. This recommendation to me is noble. In the first place, we must remember that a country is demarcated into regions or states for easy administration. At independence, the population of Nigeria was put at 45.2million and from the regions that were in existence then, 12 states were created until the number came to 36 states and Abuja as the capital city although by the efforts of several military regimes. As at 2013, the population was put at 173.6million and would probably be heading towards 200million as at today.

Nigeria is now 54 years old and not static hence a dynamic entity. It is therefore proper that as our population has risen astronomically over these years, the states should also have increased for more effective administration of the country. A state could become very difficult to govern because of large number of people especially with heterogeneous nature like ours of which every of the ethnic group wants to be identified and cater for through employment opportunity and political power.

With the creation of more states, employment opportunity would be duplicated. It means

that the new states if created would have all the paraphernalia of a state.

Infrastructural development would be extended to places where ordinarily would not have benefitted as it is now. The creation of additional states would reduce youth restiveness as many of them would be employed by new state governments. Political tension would also be taken care-off as there would be more rooms for power sharing. The present FEC and National Assembly should not allow this privilege elude them as it would be the first time that civilian administration gave the ethnic groups their voices, recognition and a sense of belonging in this unique mass of individuals, Nigeria.

However, on issues of local government areas, I tend towards its autonomy. We also need additional local government areas in the country just as we need more states. The Nigerian Constitution should be made to do away with the contractions in respect of its creation to avoid loggerhead between the central government and that of the states. The power should be given to the FEC and National Michael works with Federal Information Centre, Lafia.

Engineering For Nation-Building Expected Take-aways from the World Engineering Conference (WECSI 2014) to be hosted by the Nigerian Society of Engineers Engr. Tosin Ogunmola

There is no gainsaying the fact that engineering is the soul of all developments ever known to mankind. Every sector, from Agriculture through Medical Sciences and Manufacturing to Communication, has only progressed to the extent engineering technological advancement carried it. No nation has and no nation will ever advance beyond its engineering sophistication. We talk of development only in terms of engineering outputs - roads, bridges, industries, buildings, dams, power networks, telecommunication, etc. It is on this note one should drive home the point that the discourses and efforts on Nigeria’s transformation into the full realisation of its enormous potentials cannot be complete without a critical attention on engineering development.

Nigeria will this year in November host the World Engineering Conference on Sustainable Infrastructure (WECSI), which is prided as the biggest international event on engineering and Infrastructure ever to hold on African soil. These indeed are auspicious times for Nigeria, which just emerged as the largest economy in Africa. Only recently we hosted the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa. And now, the World Engineering Conference beckons.

As patriotic and forward-thinking Nigerians who have the onerous generational task of building Nigeria into the world’s future that it is capable of being, the WECSI should not just be another conference. The goal should not be the ability to again host

the world. We must have an overriding ambition of ensuring the conference leads to a practical Engineering Investment and Development Plan (EIDP) that would be integrated into and also give a renewed life to all existing plans in the key sectors of power, steel and engineering education - the tripod of engineering development upon which other vital elements would stand.

Power remains an albatross in Nigeria with generation not up to 5,000MW and a huge deficit in transmission. So long as power is not rocket science, it is important for the conference to help the government build upon the power master plan and develop a policy and investment framework that will lead to accelerated growth in power generation and transmission. The conference should, on one hand, look into the areas of having industrial clusters with the complete chain of power networks and on the other hand, encourage investment in independent transmission networks that will effectively bridge the gap between the ongoing power generation projects and the privatized distribution companies.

The steel sector is another critical area for Nigeria’s development, no doubt. This is in view of the fact that there can be no real manufacturing sector when industrial machineries and spares are imported, thereby making cost of setting up and maintaining industries unfeasible. The impact of a virile manufacturing sector cannot be over-emphasized if our economic development plan will be meaningful. It is logical that when we manufacture more of what we consume, particularly secondary products, we import less and with increased production, we start looking into more of exports of the finished goods as it has occurred in the case of Cement.

As such, we have a more leverage in for-

eign exchange, the Naira gets stronger and as a people, we become richer (the new Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan gives credence to this on its second page). Another major positive impact of an enhanced manufacturing sector is the employment opportunities it offers as it remains the only sustainable mean of gainful employment with its production lines, even with technological advancements, requiring a mass of skilled and unskille labour. But with a near non- existent steel industry to galvanize the local production of industrial machineries and spare parts, setting the country on the path of industrial progress becomes a mirage. And that is part of what WECSI should address and seek to redress. The post-WECSI plan must seek to rejuvenate both the upstream and downstream of the steel industry up to the foundries and machine tool companies towards eliminating the mono-product mix of the moribund steel companies that has done nothing than perpetuate the country’s industrial under-development.

The last key sector that requires a detailed post-WECSI development attention is engineering education. Not too long ago, a team of engineers visited the faculty of engineering in one of the Nigerian universities and what they encountered regarding the laboratories was, to say the least, appalling. There must be a concerted effort at equipping the engineering libraries and laboratories in our universities and polytechnics, creating a database of projects churned out by students yearly towards following up with their development on a larger and commercial basis, strengthening the engineering research institutes and finally, working out a framework of collaboration between the academia and the industry.

It has severally been pointed out that as Nigerians, we are not in dearth of ideas, policies and plans but our undoing has been the inability to follow up with sincerity of purpose and actually implementing our lofty ideas.

In view of this, the post-WECSI Engineering Investment and Development Plan (EIDP) must be well thought-out and prepared based on global project management best practices that assign responsible and timeline to each element under short- term, mediumterm and long-term frameworks. We can go a step further by seeking and winning a legislative backing for the plan to give a force of the law that can guarantee dutiful implementation by successive governments. It is also pertinent to emphasize, learning from Daniel Omoweh’s Political Economy of steel development in Nigeria, that the EIDP must be locally-driven with strict regulation on foreign technical partnership that should tilt more towards an assemblage of expert Nigerians in the Diaspora so as to eliminate inordinate interests of external forces and guarantee only genuine collaborations that would advance the course of national development both for Nigeria and the genuine foreign partners The World Engineering Conference will surely come and go but this is a wake-up call to the collaborators of the main organizers, the Nigerian Society of Enqineers and indeed all well- meaning Nigerian entrepreneurs, financiers, industrialist and public administrators to seize the moment and ensure the country would forever live with both the fond memories of the conference and amazing post-conference realities of engineering and industrial growth and development.

Ogunmola is a member of Nigerian Society of Engineers

It is only a stupid cow that rejoices at the prospect of being taken to a beautiful abattoir. — African Proverb

68

October 3, 2014

SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, & FAITH PLATFORM

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

SPECIALISED CLASSIFIEDS PAGES gENERATION ROChAS YOUTh ORgANISATION This is to inform the General Public that the above named ORGANISATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, 1 of 1990.

ThE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Uche Nwosu 2. Uloma Nwosu AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To create social awareness campaign against poverty eanthronement of democracy.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from this publication.

hERITAgE LIFEBOUY FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named BODY has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990 ThE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Engr. Tunde Awofeko 2. Prof. Anthony Ogunsaju 3. Engr. Chuwang Kwa 4. Dr. Olukolade Okunubi 5. Engr. Anuoluwapo Awofeko 6. Ibukun Awofeko Aina (Mrs) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To cater for the welfare of the less privileged in the society.

2. To provide medical assistance for the members and society.

3. To organise and sensitize students on developmental programs that will assist their education and life general.

4. To promote the interest of members, individually and collectively and to help every person to live healthy life and productive life.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: BAR EBERE AhANONU OF OJUKWU ChIKAOSOLU & CO. 08064097912

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

ThE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev. Apostle Pius Ejike Icheke - President 2. Evang. Ogala Elizabeth Nnoye - Secretary 3. Icheke Emmanuel Tochukwu 4. Elder Okechukwu Innocent 5. Mother Ogamba Cordelia Ogechukwu ThE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To propagate and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To establish a church with branches planted round the globe.

3. To organise outreaches, crusades, seminars, workshops and revival services for the works of the gospel.

4. To offer charity and care to the less privileged in the society.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: ARINZE J. UZOChUKWU ESQ SOLICITOR; 08038466838

This is to inform the General Public that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, 1 of 1990.

ThE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ogunko Oluwaseyi Simisola 2. Oboh Justice Osagie 3. Ogunbolude Mary Olayinka AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

SIGNED: BARR. TOBE LORDLY 08038563003

gLORIOUS gRACE LIVINg ChURCh OF gOD MISSION

ThE KINgDOM AMBASSADORS EVANgELISTIC MINISTRY INTL

FRANCIS TULUMA FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

ThE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Tuluma Terhemba Ephraim 2. Jude Sesugh Iorchir 3. Francis Dooshima Tuluma 4. Cosmas Chihin Tivde 5. Lawrence Aondohemba Kwaghga 6. Mike Ikyaamber Nember 7. Tom Dominic Terkimbi 8. Jane Umbur Kpum ThE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To offer succour to orphans, widows, widowers and less privileged in the society.

ChRIST DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. REV. REUBEN EZEMADU (CHAIRMAN) 2. REV. DR. STEPHEN BABA 3. ENGR. MARK MORRIS 4. REV. AMOS RAHEEM 5. MRS. MAGRET BARGO 6. MRS. RIFKATU ISHAKU KWASU. SHEKARI 7. REV. DAHUNSI AYODELE ISAAC (SECRETARY) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PROMOTE AMONG THE CHRISTIAN LEADERS & INDIVIDUAL BELIEVERS THE CHRISTIAN VIRTUES OF PEACE, LOVE, DEDICATION, HARD - WORK, ACCOUNTABILITY & GOOD STEWARDSHIP.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

Signed: E. A. BABATUNDE

SIGNED: BARR. JIMOh MUSA

YOUNg EDUCATORS FOUNDATION

CENTRAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION

COLOSSUS MEN ASSOCIATION FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT

The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

ThE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Eugenia Tachie-Menson 2. Akinleye Olu-Phillips 3. Princewill Osaro Omoroguiwa ThE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote excellence in education.

2. To facilitate development in education.

3. To provide scholarship for indigent students.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: OLUWASEUN MIChAEL ADEYEUN 08056888858

ThE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Abdulazeez Adamu 2. Adebanjo Oladapo 3. Allen Adekunle 4. Martins Agbugan 5. Jetawo Christopher 6. Ukpabio Godswill 7. David Samuel

ThE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. Abbas Waziri 2. General Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi 3. Salihu Waziri 4. Alh. Kashim Imam 5. Alh. Magaji Inuwa 6. Prof. Kabiru Yusuf Musa 7. Prof. Mujtaba Suleman Abubakar

- President - Secretary - Provost - Pro Assit. Sec.

8. Okafor Kanayo 9. Idinye Austin 10. Oyede Sodiq 11. Adebayo Olushola 12. Oyede Idris 13. Ogunjobi Adeoye 14. Adebanjo Abiodun

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To encourage and assist the less privileged in the society to acquire standard education.

ThE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To contribute to community development through sensitization programs and the involvement of both the public and private sector and the government.

2. To create an enabling environment for youth development by helping to tackle problems of unemployment, political thuggery, juvenile delinquencies and so on by organising vocational training clinics.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: O. J. OChUNU ESQ

SIGNED: SECRETARY; 08036278005

ASThMA CARE AFRICA INITIATIVE

2001 MBA PROgRESSIVE CLUB

KAChMANN ChARITY FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named INITIATIVE has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990

The general public is hereby informed that the above named CLUB has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

ThE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Wole Madariola Olumide 2. Dr. Christopher Abiodun 3. Dr. Arinola Abiodun Oladeji 4. Mariela Mide-Madariola 5. Pastor Olurotimi Adegborioye 6. Mrs. Olukemi Mide-Madariola

ThE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Apostle Raphael Danilola 2. Mr. Ogunyode Olayide - Chairman 3. Mr. Robert Maduekwe - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To work with healthcare professionals to improve asthma care.

2. To provide emergency care plan for asthma patients.

3. To distribute awareness journals about asthma 4. To carryout research for better treatment of asthma.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: ADUN IMADE ODION SECRETARY

For booking or inquiry call

> HENRY UBIMAGO 08068640944

> AUGUstINE 08032325988

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To do charity to the needy in the society.

2. To cater for less privilege via health care facility, education and scholarships.

3. To cater for the general welfare of its members and the less privileged in the society.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To foster unity among members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

> GLORIA OKwUM 08038722368

> ABIGAIL sAMBO 08064382438

ThE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Onyekachi Abalogu 2. Rose Chinedu Abalogu

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. ChIDINMA OSAROBO 08082368899

> GLORIA RAPHAEL 08061356519

> GLORIA ODIO 08034285851

> GRACE OJO 08035054444

October 3, 2014 NDI NZE NA OZO SOCIETY ANAMBRA

69 EGI CLAN JOINT COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE ASSOCIATION

Motherslifeline Community Foundation

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

This is to inform the general public that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990

This is to inform the general public that the above named BODY has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990

TRUSTEES: 1. CHIEF JEROME AKUNNAI OBIUKWU -CHAIRMAN 2. CHIEF ANTHONY CHUKWUMA OGOEGBUNAM- SECRETARY 3. CHIEF JAMES MADUKA CHUKWUKA NWOSA -MEMBER 4. CHIEF EDWIN CHIGBO ENENDU -MEMBER 5. CHIEF JOHN CHUKWULO OKEKE -MEMBER 6. CHIEF JEROME OSADEBE OCHIAGHA -MEMBER 7. CHIEF ABEL CHUKWUDUM UMEH -MEMBER 8. CHIEF SUNDAY CHUKWUNY IGBANUGO -MEMBER 9. CHIEF IFEANYICHUKWU NWAGBO -MEMBER

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. VICTOR ELEMELE 2. JEREMIAH MATTHEW ELEA H (CHF) 3. EJIKEME IKECHUKWU JAMES 4. JULA CHRISTOPHER 5. NWAEGU LUCKY 6. AARON FELIX NDU 7. OHIA, CHRISTOPHER 8. EWE, MBADIKE NAPOLEON 9. NWOKOMAH, UCHE FYNBOY 10. PETER ELEBER

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE TO PROMOTE OUR CULTURE AND SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

- CHAIRMAN - Secretary General - PRO - MEMBER - MEMBER - MEMBER - MEMBER - MEMBER - MEMBER - MEMBER

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To examine community development project proposals submitted by community development commitee in Egi Clan.

2. To encourage voluntary enterprises to participate fully in coordinating community development programmes in Egi SIGNED: JEREMIAH MATTHEW ELEAH (CHF) (SECRETARY GENERAL)

The trustees are: 1. Hon. Kehinde Olusegun Odeneye 2. Otunba Anthonia Fisan Balogun 3. Sen. Nimi Barigha-Amange 4. Alh. Sa’idu Barda.

-Chairman - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To foster the socio-economic empowerment of the girl child, women and mothers in Ogun state and Nigeria.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

NEUROSCIENCE SOCIETY OF NIGERIA

KABBA LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

GREENLAND INTERNATIONAL BIBLE CHURCH

This is to inform the general public that the above named BODY has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named BODY has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990

The trustees are: 1.PROF. EKANEM THERESA BASSEY 2.PROF. OSIM EME EME 3.DR. EKONG MOSES BASSEY 4.PROF. OLOPADE JAMES KAYODE 5.DR. OKPARA SIDNEY.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OLORUNFEMI FUNSHO JOHN - CHAIRMAN 2. MRS RUTH AROKOYO 3. OLUSHOLA OLUMOROTI 4. ADELAJA AJIBERO EMMANUEL 5. JOHNSON JIMOH 6. OLORUNNAYE TUNE ZACHEAUS 7. HUSSEINI KEHINDE EJIBUNU

The trustees are: 1. Rev. Imoh Akpan Dickson 2. Pastor Nsikan Imoh Dickson 3. Mr. Osita Nwaoha 4. Miss Obot Dickson 5. Mr. Onuoha Ernest Chieduzie

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To stimulate, promote and foster scientific research and technological innovation in neuroscience.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Chairman

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PROMOTE THE CULTURAL VALUES AND ETHICS OF THE KABBA PEOPLE. 2.TO SUPPORT THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE LEGITIMATE ASPIRATION OF THE KABBA PEOPLE. 3.TO REINVENT NEW LEADERSHIP PLATFORM AND AGENDA FOR OUR SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ZION MOUNT LEGACY RESTORATION MINISTRY

HOLY GHOST SAVING LIVES MINISTRY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

This is to inform the general public that the above named BODY has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO BRING RESTORATION TO THE OPPRESSED ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

JENNIFER

DURU

I formerly known and addressed as MISS JENNIFER AZA AKOSO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JENNIFER AZA BELAMO. All former documents remain valid.

Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the general public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MBANU KELECHI FRANCIS, now wish to be known and addressed as DURU KELECHI FRANCIS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYIAOCHA MERCY CHIDINMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EKWUEME MERCY CHIDINMA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS JOANNE LONGSHAM JACKDEN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JOANNE LONGSHAM NYAKU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Omekam Florence Chinelo, now wish to be known and addressed as Eneh Florence Chinel. All former documents remain valid. Glisten International Academy and the general public take note.

MUSA

ABDULKARIM

EKWUEME

I formerly known and addressed as MUSA ABDULMUMINI AHMED, now wish to be known and addressed as MUSA YAHYA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

adeniyi

I formerly known and addressed as ajakaye modupe adeola, now wish to be known and addressed as adeniyi modupe adeola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AHONSI

I formerly MOHAMMED MAIKUDI AMINA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AHONSI MONDAY JULIANA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

JOANNE

I formerly known and addressed as ADAMA KERIM, now wish to be known and addressed as ADAMA ABDULKARIM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ireti

I formerly known and addressed as iret babalola, now wish to be known and addressed as ireti oladele. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

JENNIFER

I formerly JENNIFER AZA AKOSO, now wish to be known and addressed as JENNIFER AZA AKOSO. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) General public take note.

Eneh

ALADELUSI

I formerly known and addressed as MR ALADELUSI OLUWAFEMI AMOS, now wish to be known and addressed as MR ALADELUSI AYOMIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

The trustees are: 1.REV. EMMANUEL EMENIRE OBILOR 2.AUGUSTINE AUMADE 3.IGOBASI WILSON MACDONALD 4.FESINGHAN EDWARD BRUTUS 5.SIST. NUBEYE MIPIRIMA 6. PASTOR CHARITY EMMANUEL EMENIKE 7. DONATUS CHIMENUM NWENEKA

- CHAIRMAN - SECRETARY - VICE CHAIRMAN - FINANCIAL SECRETARY - TREASURER - MENBER -MEMBER

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To propagate the gospel of Christianity through Jesus Christ Our Lord.

2. To organise prayer meetings, establish churches and bible study where God would be worshipped in spirit and in truth. 3.Helping the poor and need in Nigerian society and across the continents.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: AUGUSTINE AUMADE (SECRETARY)

SIGNED: SECRETARY

LUCY

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: BARR.KINDNESS A.J 08062425175

TRUSTEES 1. REV PST. MATTHEW M. OCHE 2.MRS EUCHARIA OPHILIA OCHE 3. PASTOR IKECHUKWU GREGORY UGWU 4.MRS UGWU UDO A.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS LUCY EMAYIKU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS LUCY EMMANUEL OFEREN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Teaching and preaching the gospel in public christian gathering

ABOBA

ADETUNJI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEJUMO VICTORIA FOLASADE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ABOBA VICTORIA FOLASADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as DUSINA OLADUNNI OLUFUNMILAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as ADETUNJI OLADUNNI OLUFUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as DORIS OKASOR, now wish to be known and addressed as DORIS QUIGLEY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as miss iheama ijeoma chidinma thelma, now wish to be known and addressed as mrs dominic onyegbula ijeoma chidinma thelma. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

DORIS

ahmed

I formerly known and addressed as miss satatima asiya gwadabe, now wish to be known and addressed as mrs ahmed asiya ahmed rufa’i.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

dominic

ELKANA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ALIYU AJIGIKU ELIZABETH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ELKANA AJIGIKU ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Immigration Service and the general public take note.

Uangbaoje

I formally known as miss Vivian Edejero Otiti now wish to be known as Mrs Uangbaoje, Vivian Edejero. All former documents remain valid. The general public to note.

gift

I formerly known and addressed as mrs gift ola ebeke, now wish to be known and addressed as mrs gift ola onyinye samuel. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

obiakoeze

I formerly known and addressed as miss okafor juliet chinonye, now wish to be known and addressed as mrs obiakoeze juliet chinonye.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

LOSS OF loss of document DOCUMENT CHANGE OF NAMES

We formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Adeola Olufunke Deji-Olowe, O lu wa d a r a s i m i D e j i - O lo w e a n d Tanidabioluwa David Eniafe Deji- Olowe, now wish to be known and addressd as Adeola Olufunke Olowe, Oluwadarasimi Olowe and Tanidabioluwa David Eniafe Olowe. All former documents remain valid. The general public to please take note.

LEADERSHIP FRIDAY

sports PREVIEWS AND NIGERIANS ABROAD October 3, 2014

Hold Me Responsible If Nigeria Fails To Qualify For AFCON – Pinnick New Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has declared he will take responsibility should Nigeria fail to qualify for AFCON 2015. Nigeria’s qualifier for Morocco 2015 is under serious threat after they have just managed a point from available six points from two rounds of qualifiers.

“Any form of administration is a continuum, so certainly I will take responsibility,” declared Pinnick.

Nigeria must beat Sudan both home and away to put their qualifying campaign back on track.

Sudan welcomes the African champions on October 11 and four days later the Eagles face the same team in Abuja. Congo lead Group A with six points, while South Africa are second on four points.

Nigeria also failed to qualify the 2012 Nations Cup jointly hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

At the end of the one day Independence Golf Tournament sponsored by Nigerian Breweries PLC at the IBB Golf and Country Club Abuja, Mr B Ojerinde emerged the overall best winner.

Prizes and trophies in different categories such as categories 1, 2, 3 and 4 were also presented at a dinner at the end of event to various winners including U. Okonkwu and M. Nwoye who also took home the most endeavour men and ladies trophies respectively.

Sponsors of the tournament,

the Nigerian Breweries PLC, happy with the outcome of the tournament assured the IBB Golf and Country Club of its continuous partnership and sponsorship of the annual Independence Cup Golf Tournament.

The Managing Director of the company, Mr Nicolaas Vervelde stated this at the closing of the 2014 edition of the tournament held on Tuesday at the IBB Golf and Country Club where over 230 golfers drawn across the country participated in Abuja.

He said the Nigerian Breweries has been part of the event right

Keshi

from its inception as part of the its corporate social responsibility and offers them a unique opportunity to exercise, compete, enjoy and connect with their loyal customers in Abuja and beyond. “Sports remain a strong unifying force the world over. So, as we celebrate our nation’s Independence, let us make the best of this opportunity and build bridges of friendship that will support our oneness as a nation. We are happy that the tournament has put smiles on the faces of Nigerians and we assure better package in subsequent editions,” he said.

1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup winning coach and former general secretary of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Ambassador Fanny Amun has urged youths to embrace peace and shun negative activities that may undermining the peaceful coexistence of the country.

He said the wakeup call ahead of the 2015 general election become necessary bearing in mind the notion from certain quarters that Nigeria may not exist as one nation.

Amun, who is also the chairman Youth Initiative 4 Empowerment and Transparency in Leadership (YIET) stated this yesterday while speaking to newsmen in Abuja.

He said his organisation is taking bold steps in collaboration

with departments and agencies of government including international and corporate bodies offering schemes that will transform the fortunes of the Nigerian youths.

While reminding the youths that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable, he said post-election violence in war torn countries like Liberia, South Sudan, Egypt, Iraq , Syria, Ukraine and others never remained the same.

According to him, the called on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to shun his 2015 Presidential ambition as the only alternative to achieving peace is selfish, insisting that no Nigerian president has ever been in the midst of crisis and achieved like President Jonathan.

Of all the many possible London derbies in the English Premier League, none come bigger than Chelsea vs. Arsenal. This year will be no different, with the Blues coming into the derby top of the table, while the Gunners are fourth, but are reeling from some key injuries.

And there’s also the small matter of former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas facing his old club for the first time as a Chelsea player just to add a little more spice to this exciting top-of-thetable clash.

Manchester United will look to join Chelsea and Arsenal in the upper reaches of the Premier League table, but first they must overcome a dangerous Everton team at home.

Check out our preview of that match

here, and read on for more on this London derby.

Fabregas is all set to meet his former club for the first time wearing Chelsea’s colors. He is yet to experience defeat with the Blues, who will be out to further extend their lead atop the table.

As for Arsenal, who currently sit in fourth, they will look to keep their title challenge alive by narrowing the six-point gap between them and leaders Chelsea.

Six games into the new season and Chelsea are looking every bit the championship favorites they were touted as before the season.

NIGERIANS ABROAD Victor Moses Tops Best African EPL Award

Amun Wants Youths To Shun Violence

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

Chelsea Vs Arsenal

Chelsae

Ojerinde Emerges Overall Best In NB Independence Golf Tourney

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

must watch

Amun

Nigeria and Stoke City forward Victor Moses is top of a list of nominees for the English Premier League African Player for September.

In a statement by organisers New African Soccer, the other nominees are Diafra Sakho (Senegal/West Ham), Victor Wanyama (Kenya/Southampton) and Mohamed Diame (Senegal/Hull City).

The winner of the September award will be announced on Friday. Stoke City’s Chelsea loanee, Victor Moses put in some excellent performances in the course of September, impressing against QPR and setting up the winning goal by Peter Crouch against Newcastle recently.

His overall play and commit-

Victor Moses

ment have attracted very positive comments from his manager Mark Hughes and teammates.

Senegalese Diafra Sakho, who plays as striker for West Ham, has brought something different into the London club.

Willingness to change is a strength, even if it is means plunging part of the company into total confusion for a while.

Chairman and CEO of General Electric

Jack Welch,

my town / 71

October 3, 2014

Bida: Home Of Brass Work

By Mohammed Jiya Amina

There is nothing artificial that beats the natural way in cultures and ideals of life. It is one place, one home, a tourist centre, filled with monuments, home of relaxation, peace and unity, that place known to be the second largest city in Niger State, Bida local government.

The early history of Nupe is centered around the figure of Tsoede or Edagi, the culture hero and mythical founder of Nupe kingdom. The geneologies of Nupe kings which are preserved in many places in Nupe land, and which have also found their way into the earliest written records of Nupe history. Great rulers who have embeded their histories as Etsu Nupe in this powerful city are : 1. Usuman Zaki dan Mallam who ruled from 1856 - 1859.

2. Masaba dam Mallam Dendo 1859 1873.

3. Umaru Majigi dan Muhammad 1873 - 1884.

4. Abubakar dan Masaba 1884 - 1897.

5. Muhammadu dan Umaru 1897 - 1899.

6. Abubakar dan Masaba (2nd time) 1899 - 1901 february.

7. Muhammadu dan Umaru (2nd time) 1901 - 1916 february.

8. Bello dan Maliki 1916 - 1962.

9. Mallam sa’idu dan Mamudu 1926 1935 february.

10. Mallam Muhammad Ndayako dan Muhammadu 1935 - 1962 october.

11. Usman Sarki dan Mallam Sa’idu 1962 - 1969 .

12. Umaru Sanda Ndayako 1975 - 2003 september.

13. Yahaya Abubakar 1st September 2003 till date.

Bida is a traditional state in Nigeria, a successor to the old nupe kingdom, with its headquarters in Bida, Niger State.

The head of the state is the leader of the nupe people. Also, the old nupe kingdom was established in the middle of the 15th century, in a basin between the Niger and Kaduna rivers in what is now called the central Nigeria. Early history is mostly based on verbally transmitted legends. King Jibril who reigned around 1770, was the first nupe king to become muslim, so came the Etsu Muazu who brought the kingdom to its period of its greatest power, dying in 1818. During that period, the fulani were gaining power across Northern Nigeria. After Muazus death and during subsequent wars of succession, the Nupe kingdom came under the control of the Gwandu emirate, Masaba, son of the fulani leader, Mallam Dendo and a Nupe mother gained power in 1841.

During Masabas reign, the Nupe kingdom grew extensively, Masaba residing first in Lade and later in Rabba conquered the Kamaku in the north, the gbari in the east of kakanda in the south, he however entrenched himself firmly on the yoruba side of the Niger, snatching the country from the fulani cheifs who had gained a foothold there.

The endowed city is a dry and arid town, a town full of opportunities, the people here are a race of artists who have produced many artworks that

holds sway in the cultural heritage of the country. Such work of mass production of traditional arts includes, but it is not limited to glass, brass ware, sculptures, beadwork and painting. Different people from other parts of Nigeria patronise Bida for these beautiful heritage, mostly brass wares, and beads.

I am focusing on one of the most popularly known monument my town is known for, which is the “brass ware” , it is of two varieties, one which is beaten work and the other cast in moulds, and the most commonly used here is the beaten type. The brass workers in this blessed city painstakingly fashions their designs on small anvils, using a small hammer.

However, this gifted people dont even use preliminary sketches or drawings to guide them, but the punching is so well handled that the patterns are remarkably accurate, precise, and exciting. It is widely known that beaten brass ware is common in this city.

Incredibly, its finished products consists of trays, bowls, urns, bracelets, and other objects are of considerably tourist attraction. Most of this items are also ordered for during weddings, which are used as souvenirs, and we find it in different homes, serving useful purposes.

In conjuction with the above,describing the nupe peoples huge brass bowl is very interesting, because it has a flat rim edge, much age and patina to the bowl, detailed embossed designed signed bida in two places on the bowl,it is massive, the size of a fruit bowl, it is of 12inches in diameter and 4inches tall. Most arts produced by nupe people have details on them.

A beautiful city, no denial. You will quickly recall the prominent position of Bida in the cultural heritage of Nigeria, if you have ever heard of the “durbar festival” . The present Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar is one person in this event, with the horses in their costumes to beautify the festival. Bida, a city of attraction.

This durbar festival is usually held during the celebration of muslim festivals in two major cities at different time, a day and five days after sallah id-el-fitri and ide-el kabir in minna and bida respectively, this durba promotes understanding, unity, and peaceful co existence within the cities, however, different groups from non indigenes residing in bida, such as Igbo community, Yoruba community, Idoma community, Igala community as well as representatives of all the district in Bida all participate in the memorable fiesta.

It will interest whoever comes across this peace to become aware that this city situated in the power state is a place to be, a place to visit. The State itself is sorrounded by tourist sites, like, Gurara water falls, zuma rock, the moving rock, soje hut, bonu village, to mention but a few.

Furthermore, My wonderful city has not lagged behinde in the path of Agriculture, the people of this town do alot of rice, they are highly known for mass production of local rice and alot more. They however, do alot more in the processing of fried groundnut to extract the oil from it, which is popularly known as groundnut oil, and the remains of it called “ku-

likuli”.

The kuli kuli which is mostly used in taking garri, mostly in the northern parts of Nigeria. The enriched town, is also a mass producer of kuli kuli.

Having known that Bida is an overwhelming city and a land of pride and integrity, it is a site of attraction and the home of Nupe people and also other people from different ethnic society, it is paramount to give credit to the blessed city for all that it contains. For me, there are only two great and remarkable cities in Nigeria, Bida and others.

My town has all it takes to live a comfortable life,more than you can find in other places because, it is a town of come one come all, what more can one ask of ,with all these resources my city is blessed with.

The people of Niger state who are opportuned to be residents in Bida are the only ones who know the sweetness of the city, for all that there is, long live Bida, long live Niger State, long live the Cheif Servant, Dr Mua’azu Babangida Aliyu, con, Talban Minna, long live Nigeria!!!.

If fate throws a knife at you, there are two ways of catching it: by the blade or by the handle.

― African Proverb

AMUSEMENT PARK

an appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile hoping it will eat him last

— Winston Churchill

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY c

www.leadership.ng

NIGERIA'S FIRST FRIDAY NEWSPAPER

No. 72

azu@leadership.ng Twitter: @azuishiekwene

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O

n the eve of Nigeria’s 54th independence a n n i v e r s a r y, President Jonathan’s special assistant on public affairs, Doyin Okupe, came up with a very bright idea. On his Facebook page and Twitter handle, he invited ideas from the public on what the president might say in his Independence Day speech.

It was a rare window of inclusion that soon got responses pouring in. It’s not every time that you have insiders inviting the public to offer suggestions on “critical areas” of public affairs for the president’s speech. My instinct was to send Okupe a link to an article by Sonala Olumhense. In the article, published on May 6, 2012, Olumhense gave a list of at least 38 solemn promises made by the president from 2010 which had remained largely unfulfilled.

Looking at that list today – from his promise to crush Boko Haram and contain corruption to his vows to end polio and roll blackouts – it reads like a forgotten manifesto. I was tempted to ask Okupe for a presidential update. But I held back. I wanted his followers to lead the conversation before offering my two cents.

And sure enough, they did.

“Let him (the president) talk to us on how he will fight corruption, discourage ethnic and religious divisions, fight Boko Haram and insecurity,” one of the earliest avatars on Okupe’s Twitter handle said.

There were those who wanted the president to explain how $9.3million cash got to South Africa, the people behind the cash haul and if it is true that

03.10.14 The Words They Couldn’t Put In Jonathan’s Mouth

Was this a fool’s errand or was Okupe just wasting his own time?

the money was actually meant to buy arms from the black market.

Some wanted the president to speak about power and nothing else.

“Power is the most important thing,” one of them said. “That will bring the desired multiplier effect on the economy. Give us a deadline on power outage.”

The Chibok girls were not forgotten. A number of Okupe’s followers were distressed about the politicisation of their rescue.

They wanted to know what the government was doing to bring back the girls nearly 170 days after their abduction.

On Nigeria’s 54th independence anniversary, could the president tell the

nation how much longer the country will have to wait to have the girls safely back?

The “missing” $20billion came up as well. Finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala promised forensic audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

How long will it take for the audit to be completed and for the public to know what happened to the money?

The “critical areas” of concern on Twitter were not very different on Okupe’s Facebook wall. Except that a good number of the writers – mostly young people, I suspect – were concerned about 1) the type of company the president keeps and 2) the rate of unemployment which, today, stands at 40 per cent among the youths.

There were, of course, those who wondered why Okupe was inviting comments on the eve of the president’s speech.

Was this a fool’s errand or was Okupe just wasting his own time?

If, however, Okupe really needed stuff for the president’s Independence Day speech, his followers gave him more than enough lead. Interestingly, the result of the NOI Poll released on September 15 showed that security, corruption and job creation were at the heart of the concerns of the public.

The responses gave me hope. I thought that on this Independence Day – a valedictory one – we would most likely hear the president responding directly to the deepest concerns of the young, most of whom have been at the receiving end of his failed promises of the last five years.

Since the president did not release an advance copy of his speech to the press for the second year running, I waited till Independence Day to see just how many of the suggestions earlier sent in would be contained in his speech.

I wasn’t disappointed. It was mostly talk about talk. A good deal of the speech was hand wringing about Boko Haram, while the other parts were about ongoing reforms in politics, the economy and infrastructure. Since the speech was written to be forgotten on delivery, there was hardly anything in it that Okupe’s followers would recognise even as a passing reference to their concerns.

The 2,682-word speech did not contain the word ‘corruption’ even once. It was more promises upon promises.

So, there you have it. In the last Independence Day speech of Jonathan’s first full term as president, not a single word is said about one of the worst demons of his presidency.

Those who posted their concerns to Okupe on social media should ask him what happened to their two cents.

GHANA MUST GO Transformation can’t be done overnight, says Jonathan

— News

Buhari: Not Desperate? Or Not Too Desperate?

At last, former head of state, Muhammadu Buhari, has come out of the closet. He has openly declared his intention to run for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress. Fair enough. What I found a bit hard to swallow was the spin that he is “not desperate” to run. If at 71,

three attempts and a long spell of prevarication he wants to have a go the fourth time, and is not desperate, then I don’t know what desperation is.

Not too desperate and ready to be a good party man whatever happens sounds more like it. Game on!

Continue in Otueke!

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