Leadership news

19.12.14

No. 83

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

N200

NIGERIA'S FIRST FRIDAY NEWSPAPER

NAIRA DEvAluATION TRIGGERS hIGh COST OF 15 PRODuCTION

Chibok Diary

DAY

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PRIvATE WAEC 2014 RECORDS 70% FAIluRE

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STuDENT STAbS FAThER IN ThE EYE OvER ChRISTmAS ClOThES 7

Release Of Chibok Girls: Do Not Relent > Page 2 In Prayers – Aregbesola

Outrage Over Fresh Kidnap Of 185Women As Boko Haram strikes near Chibok, kills 35 We hid in bushes to escape – Survivors

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Nigerian Stars Who Faded In Their Prime

By Paul Chiama, adah aBah and Chinelo Chikelu,

Abuja

It is true that everything that has a beginning must have an end, but some ends can be premature, unexpected and shocking; but, that is the lot of several Nigerian celebrities over the years. They came on stage; they set out to conquer their respective fields, but lapsed into sudden silence when their teeming fans expected more. They broke into the klieg lights but failed to stay on. LEADERSHIP Friday chronicles the strange fall of a few of these stars:

Majek Fashek

Evi Edna

Baba Fryo

Tony Tetuila

Etim Esin

Saint Obi

Majek Fashek Majekodunmi Fasheke, who bears the stage name Majek Fashek, is a Nigerian Raggae singer and an ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Amaechi Emerges As APC Presidential Campaign DG

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#BringBackOurGirls 242 day

Friday, December 19, 2014

Editor’s Note It is good to know that you have come this far. Yes, you were there at the beginning of the year and you are here as the year is winding up. Your expectations were high but the result may have been disappointing; but I must say that, irrespective of all the hassles, you have reasons to be glad.

If you look through the seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks or months, you will agree with me that, if it were not for God who was on your side, it would have been a different story.

You are not better than those who have gone to be with the Maker, you are alive because there is something here that will remain imperfect without you. Be on point, seek His face and face the future.

2014 has not ended, don't let your expectations go on holiday.

The end of the year is the best part of the year. The end of 2014 is the beginning of 2015.

This is the last Friday before Christmas and the first of three before the year's end; you've still got time to make the best of it. Let me be one of the first, then, to wish you a merry Christmas.

Have a December to remember and don't just thank God it is Friday, thank Him because it is another great day.

For Feedback: fridayleadership@leadership.ng Your life is your message to the world. Make sure it is inspiring

CHIbOk IN THe Week Saturday, december 13, 2014 The BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group was reported to be organising a global week of action to commemorate 250 days of the Chibok school girls in captivity of the Boko Haram terrorists, to re-awaken the consciousness of the world that the girls are still missing and that there is need to continue the push for their release.

Sunday, december 14, 2014 Parents and relatives of the Chibok schoolgirls expressed their disappointment with the federal government on the issue of their missing children as President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan failed to mention anything concerning efforts being made to secure the release of the girls while reading out his 101 point acceptance speech at the PdP convention which confirmed his candidacy.

Monday, december 15, 2014 The BBOG group decried what it called ‘neglect of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls’ who are still being held captives by their abductors-the Boko Haram terrorists by government and other stakeholders.

Tuesday, december 16, 2014 The BBOG group was reported to have planned a protest to the ministry

of youth development at the federal secretariat in continuation of its advocacy for the return of the Chibok girls abducted and held captives by the Boko Haram insurgents.

Wednesday, december 17, 2014 The minister of youth development, Mr Boni Haruna, called on the BBOG group to support the federal government in its fight against insurgency in the country and the return of the Chibok schoolgirls abducted and held in captivity since april 14, 2014.

Thursday, december 18, 2014 The BBOG group called on the Nigerian government to be vigilant in order to avoid a replication of the massacre of school children in Pakistan in the country, saying it has become a global trend for terrorists to replicate the action of other similar groups in other parts of the world.

Today, Friday, december 19, 2004 The wife of the Osun State Governor, alhaja Sherifat abidemi aregbesola, has enjoined all Nigerians to pray for the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls who are still in captivity of their captorsthe Boko Haram terrorists. ...As compiled by ABAH ADAH

L-r: coordinator For research & Programmes, Women Arise, Gbenga Ganzallo; U.S consular-general, Lagos, Ms erica chiusano; president, Women Arise initiative, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, during interactive meeting on strategies for credible and peaceful elections in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY gBengA OlAjOBi

Release Of Chibok Girls: Do Not Relent In Prayers - Aregbesola

By JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo

The wife of the Osun State governor, Alhaja Sherifat Abidemi Aregbesola has appealed to Nigerians not to relent in their prayers for the release of the Chibok girls who were kidnapped by the Boko Haram sect.

Mrs. Aregbesola, who made the plea in Osogbo at the 2014 children end of the year party organised by her office in conjunction with the State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, lamented the continued incarceration of the innocent girls.

According to her, “although we are celebrating here today, let us individually pray for the children who are at the moment denied the comfort of their families, these are our children who have been kidnapped and are yet to be released for a long time now. We should pray for their safe release and peace in our nation".

The wife of the governor also admonished parents to continue to improve on the care and attention being given to their children adding that “we should ensure that we see to their good health and happiness at all times.

“We should also train them to inculcate the virtues and the culture of our people. Most importantly, I urge you to make the education of our children a top priority, there is no excuse for any child not to go to school any longer in

the State of Osun given the comprehensive free education policy of the state government, we should understand that education paves way for better living standard in the world".

Speaking, Governor Rauf Aregebsola noted that 2014 edition of children party was unique as it was coming at the time the people of Osun were celebrating his second term in office, assuring the people that the state would witness more development and dividends of democracy.

While expressing appreciation to the people of the state, especially the youth for their support for his administration during the electioneering period, Governor Aregbesola maintained that their support for him was a manifestation of their appreciation for his administration.

Governor Aregbesola assured that his administration would give good and qualitative education to children, calling on children and youths in the state to desist from violence and act of thuggery which he said was on the increase in schools in the state.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Mrs. Adebimpe Ogunlumade said that the occasion had afforded children from different socio-economic backgrounds to come together and interact with one another in order to enjoy the festive period.

FG Has Not Given Up On Returning Chibok Girls – Omeri

By PAtience ivie iHeJirikA, Abuja

The federal government yesterday restated its commitment to the search and rescue of Chibok girls and all persons in one form of captivity or the other.

The coordinator of the National Information Centre (NIC), Mr. Mike Omeri, stated this while briefing journalists in Abuja.

He said "government is not given up and will not

A liar is not believed when he speaks the truth

in the search and rescue effort."

Omeri said government's effort toward the safe return of the girls could be evidenced in the ongoing arrest and investigation of all leads and trails.

He reassured Nigerians of government resolve to adequately protect all citizens in face of the current security challenges, saying the government will spare no action in ensuring the amelioration of the current situation including provision of relief materials for internally displaced persons.

― Egyptian Proverbs

our stand A

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December 19, 2014

U.S. Restores Relations With Cuba scene in which the United States president, Barak Obama and Raul Castro of Cuba are engaged in a game of roulette with the Catholic pontiff, Pope Francis floating around in the background would aptly capture the numerous possibilities available to humankind, with enough political will. Still, for some, it is unimaginable.

But it happened as Obama ordered the restoration of full diplomatic relations with Cuba and the opening of an embassy in Havana for the first time in more than a half a century. He capped that epochmaking decision with a vow to “cut loose the shackles of the past” and sweep aside one of the last vestiges of the Cold War. That move, we agree, will surely erase all traces of cold war hostility. International relations’ watchers claim it was a surprise announcement, but we recall that it actually came at the end of 18 months of secret talks that produced a prisoner swap negotiated with the help of Pope Francis and concluded by a telephone call between Mr Obama and President Raúl Castro. The Cuban leader, on his part, acknowledged that his country has been able to make

headway in the resolution of some topics of mutual interest for both nations, and added that President Obama’s decision deserved the respect and acknowledgment of the Cuban people. Students, not wanting to lose out in the joy of the moment celebrated in Havana, after news that Washington had released three Cuban spies in a prisoner exchange.

However, even with the support of the Catholic Church, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Human Rights Watch and major agricultural interests, this major foreign policy thrust by Obama is beginning to receive criticism. Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida and son of Cuban immigrants, has

Ag. Editor Pembi David-Stephen Deputy Editor Kazeem Akintunde Editorial Board Safiya M. Adamu, Chairman Christian Ochiama, Deputy Chairman Standards ’Lara Olugbemi, Assistant Director

said that the policy shift was based on an illusion. For good or ill, we are persuaded to flow with the argument that the move represents a dramatic turning point in relations with an island that for generations has both captivated and vexed its giant northern neighbour.

Putting this development into historical perspective will help in appreciating the willpower that went into the decision to renew ties between Washington and Havana. Mr Fidel Castro’s alliance with the Soviet Union made Cuba a geopolitical flashpoint in a global struggle of ideology and power. President Dwight D. Eisenhower imposed the first trade embargo in 1960 and broke off diplomatic relations in January 1961, just weeks before leaving office and seven months before Obama was born. Under President John F. Kennedy, the failed Bay of Pigs operation aimed at toppling Castro in April 1961 and the 13-day showdown over Soviet missiles installed in Cuba the following year cemented its status as a ground zero in the Cold War. But we must point out that this is not a victory for the Castros; rather, it is a feather in President Barak Obama’s cap for his courage.

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

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

Choose an author as you choose a friend.

— 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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December 19, 2014

LIVING TO BE 100

One health tip daily May the Life Force – Be with You Qi, or life force, determines your energy level and optimum function. Thinking, working, and playing all require and consume qi from your body. Traditional Chinese culture understands the need for energy replenishment. Plants and herbs such as lotus seed, china root, longan fruit, pearl barley, ginseng, and forx nut have long been successfully used to strengthen digestion and boost qi.

Nigerian Stars Who Faded In Their Prime ➔ FROM COVER

extremely talented guitarist.

He was one of an increasing number of African artists to be drawn to the music of the Caribbean, specifically reggae, rather than the more acceptable indigenous hybrids Fuji, Jùjú or Highlife. Having grown up in a stern religious and musicalinclined family, he was exposed to the imported sounds of Bob Marley at an early age, alongside the innovations of local stars such as Fela Kuti.

Majek Fashek’s major influences are Bob Marley (whom he strongly resembles vocally) and Fela Kuti.

His song Send Down The Rain was a hit which earned him six US-based Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) Music Awards.

When ‘The Rain’ Ceased Since 2005, after the release of his album Little Patience, Fashek’s fans around the world have missed his voice, so much that some have wondered if he is still alive.

The reason for his long silence was explained when speculations that the one-time star was facing critical health challenges, as a result of drug abuse and was on the verge of a mental breakdown.

However, the embattled singer did grant an interview recently debunking the speculation.

“It is the handiwork of junk press and my enemies,” he insisted.

In what appears to be a second coming, though, hope is rising again for Fashek’s fans.

Following his return to Nigeria from his base in America, the Roots Reggae artiste has been performing in concerts and even gave hint of an album he

intends to release come 2015.

Rashidi Yekini Rashidi Yekini (October 23, 1963 – May 4, 2012) was a Nigerian striker who many will scarcely forget for an illustrious career with the Super Eagles, between 1992 and 1996.

His professional career, which spanned more than two decades, was mainly associated with Vitória de Setúbal in Portugal, but he also played in six other countries aside his landmark achievements for Nigeria within his short reign as a giant on the national and international soccer scenes.

His Soccer Career Yekini scored 37 international goals and represented the nation in five major tournaments, including two World Cups where he scored the country’s first-ever goal in the competition in 1994. He was also named the African Footballer of the Year in 1994 for his exploits that year – a year which could also be regarded as his ‘peak year’.

In the same year, he helped the Super Eagles to lift the African Nations Cup trophy and became the competition’s Most Valuable Player.

Quiet End Of A Soccer Legend Unlike many retired players who played an active role in football administration, Yekini withdrew completely from the game, the media, friends and even family, upon his retirement in 2005.He became an island and even turned down an offer to become Nigeria’s football ambassador for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

In 2011, Yekini’s health became a topic of national ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Outrage Over Fresh Kidnap Of 185 Women

By Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri, Abdullahi Umar, Chika Mefor and Ejike Ejike Abuja, with agency report

Survivors of Sunday night’s attack by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists on Gumsuri village in Borno State, where they abducted 185 women, children and others after killing at least 35 others, have described the desperate measures they adopted to escape death in the hands of the insurgents.

Gumsuri village, in Damboa local government area of Borno State, is about 20 kilometres north of Chibok town when travelling from Damboa town, an agrarian town near Sambisa Forest that had suffered several attacks by the insurgents.

A young escapee, Aji Ibrahim, told journalists in Maiduguri that he survived the attack on their village by luck.

“It was in the night of Sunday that the attackers came. There is no doubt they were Boko Haram members because they were chanting ‘Allahu akbar’ (God is great) while shooting at people and torching houses,” said Ibrahim.

“We ran towards Chibok and hid in the bushes till they left.

And when we returned the next day, we disclosed that they left with almost half of the village after killing 35 persons, including a leader of the Civilian JTF. They injured several others.”

He revealed that most of those kidnapped were women, children and members of the Civilian JTF. Confirming the development to LEADERSHIP Friday on phone, an official of Damboa local government, who does not want to be quoted because the council has not given him the go-ahead to speak to the press, said: “Those kidnapped were almost 200 because the villagers are still counting those that are missing, and so far they have recorded 185 of them.

“On the number of those killed, we have recorded 35, we heard yesterday that three others later died at the hospital,” he said.

A senior officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), who does not want to be named in this report because it was not part of his job to speak with the media on matters like this, confirmed that the insurgents killed over 30 persons, but said “we are not sure of the case of ab-

Minimah

duction of persons yet; we are trying to check that out before we can make comments.”

The attack on Gumsuri village did not get to public knowledge quickly due to the absence of telephone services after the insurgents had, in June this year, attacked major telecommunication installations in the area.

Residents in the village told the Agency France Press (AFP) that the gunmen approached the village from two directions, firing heavy machine guns and torching homes with gasoline.

“They gathered the people, shot dead over 30 people and took away more than 100 women and children in two open top trucks,” a resident, Maina Chibok, said. “They also burnt down a government medical centre, houses and shops.”

A security source confirmed to the AFP that more than 100 were abducted and 35 people killed, including the village’s chief Imam.

Camerounian Army kills 116 insurgents Meanwhile, Cameroon’s army has announced that its officers killed 116 Boko Haram militants when they attacked a base in Amchide town in the Far North region of the country, the Hausa service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reports.

The country’s defence ministry spokesman, Lt.-Col. Didier Badjeck said that the militants ambushed a column of army vehicles using an improvised explosive device and then hundreds attacked residents in the region of Amchide, north of Maroua.

“The response of our forces was swift and appropriate. The attack was repulsed and the attackers neutralised,” Badjeck said, adding that 116 militants were killed.

On its side, the Badjeck said one soldier was killed and while two vehicles were lost.

By doing nothing we learn to do ill. ― Egyptian Proverb

Boko Haram sponsorship: ‘DSS has vindicated me’ Modu Sheriff Former Borno State governor Ali Modu Sheriff yesterday said he owed the Department of State Services (DSS) gratitude for coming out with facts that confirm his innocence over allegations that he was sponsoring Boko Haram activities.

Sheriff said this days after the DSS paraded six persons, including a former special assistant to Borno State governor Kashim Shettima, who confessed to being the one that cooked up stories that informed the indictment of former chief of army staff General Azubuike Ihejirika and himself as sponsors, as announced by the Australian selfstyled negotiator, Steven Davis.

“Nigerians, by now, should have been convinced about my innocence on the lies being told against my person as a major sponsor of Boko Haram, but by God’s will, no amount of attacks would deter me from taking Borno State to the right path of politics and development.”

Sheriff said he was consoled that the federal government, through the, DSS, was able to conclusively unravel the truth on the matter.

“Do I need to stress to you that the government has vindicated me as the outcome of investigations have more clearly revealed the source of the blackmail against me. Those behind the plots to smear my name are more on the spot now, going by what has happened.

“I have always said that attempts to give me a bad name will always fail. I stand by the truth and I will not relent in pursuing the truth. Let them continue to toe the line of evil against me, but rest assured that those involved would soon burn their fingers.”

The former governor further praised the DSS for its relentless quest to unravel the mysteries behind Boko Haram, and urged Nigerians to always accord the government and security agencies the necessary cooperation they need to win the war against terrorism in the country.

Sheriff, who made these comments in an interview with newsmen yesterday, said his efforts to ensure victory for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Borno State was the reason he has been constantly under attack ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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December 19, 2014

Outrage Over Fresh Kidnap Of 185 Women ➔ FROM PAGE 4

with desperation by those he described as ‘political foes’ to link him with insurgency in the state.

LEADERSHIP Friday recalls that one of the fake Boko Haram suspects, Junaid Idrisa Khadi, in his statement at the DSS office, said he deliberately conspired to blackmail and implicate Ali Modu Sheriff and one Mala Othoman, former state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as sponsors of the Boko Haram sect.

Khadi had said it was when the attempt failed that he sold the idea directly to Steven Davis, an Australian negotiator, that Sheriff was a sponsor of Boko Haram.

The spokesman of Borno State governor, Isa Gusau, had said in a statement released on Tuesday that Governor Shet-

tima condemned whatever act Khadi and his cohorts had engaged in.

BBOG Laments Kidnap Of About 200 Persons From Gumsiri The #BringBackOurGirls group yesterday condemned the abduction of another set of about 200 girls, women and children from Gumsiru village, in Borno State by the Boko Haram sect.

Speaking at the group’s sit-out yesterday, one of the its leaders, Abubakar Abdullahi, who led the sit-out, said it is disheartening that after the abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, the federal government and the security operatives could not protect Gumsiri, which is just about 20km from Chibok, from another mass abductions.

Also speaking on the matter, former minister of education Oby Ezekwesili

noted the Chibok tragedy had reoccurred.

She said: “What happened to the Chibok girls has repeated itself at almost at the same place and the same numbers.

We have a serious issue. We have gone beyond the matter of our Chibok girls because of the constant kidnapping and killings. The nation state is fast disappearing and it is a dangerous trend. Citizens will continue to be there. The lasting legacy of our country is the citizens and we must not vanish. We want a viable Nigeria where everyone is protected. There is something about the nation state that is fast disappearing.

“It is sad that the kidnap in Gumsiru happened since Sunday and no one reported it until the international media broke the news for us to know what is happening.”

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Hu-

man Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, has urged Nigerians to stand up against the impunity and uncaring attitude of the country’s political leaders.

“We need political and citizens pressure.

We have to hold both parties accountable.

What ideas do they have to bring insurgency to an end? The police are not doing what they are supposed to do. Army is doing police work. How do we get the politicians to account to us?” He queried.

According to him, the next election is not about which of the parties is winning but how the country stands.

“We should not be distracted by politics but make sure to ask them how we will come out of the challenge. We’ve missed the opportunity to forge a unity out of this challenge, but it is not late. We will continue to work towards making the country a peaceful one,” he said.

Fryo, was one of Nigeria’s famed ‘Ghetto Soldiers’ whose songs Dem Go Dey Pose (1996) and Kai Dey (released in the late 90s) earned lots of playing time and got him a huge following, especially in Ajegunle where he was raised.

After Denge Pose came Notice Me and another, but these two could not match the success of the first and, gradually, his sounds, which he termed Afro Reggae Beat, suddenly faded off the scene.

Recently, he promised to stage a comeback, but many have got to wondering when this will be.

Girls I & II caused her profile to rise and she easily became one of Nollywood’s best, all between the early 1990s and 2000s.

Now an evangelist, AnunobiEkwu’s face has been fading from the entertainment scene. Now a pastor, the challenge of balancing the pulpit and the screen can only be imagined.

Nigerian Stars Who Faded In Their Prime ➔ FROM PAGE 4

debate in the Nigerian media: he wouldn’t seek medical care or any other kind of help. Worse, he was rumoured to be psychologically unstable.

After a long illness, he was forcibly removed from his house and taken to a remote hospital where it was discovered [that] he was suffering from bi-polar disorder, depression and some other undisclosed psychiatric conditions. Sadly, on May 4, 2012, he died at the young age of 48 – still surrounded by mystery.

Blackface Naija Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo (born in Ogwule, Agatu local government area, Benue State) known by his stage name Blackface Naija or just Blackface, is a Nigerian Dancehall-Reggae singersongwriter. He is best known, arguably though, as co-writer of the hit song African Queen with 2Face Idibia; a song which the latter went on to release as part of his debut solo album Face 2 Face in 2004, to international acclaim.

Blackface was a founding member of all-male band Plantashaun Boyz that he formed in 2000 with Innocent Idibia (2Face) and Chibuzor Oji (Faze). The band released two successful albums Body and Soul in 2000 and Sold Out in 2003, but broke up in 2004, before they re-united in 2007 – only briefly – for just one more album, Plan B. Solo Career After the Plantashaun Boyz split up in 2004, Blackface embarked on a solo musical career, releasing the Hip Hop album Ghetto Child in May 2007, collaborating with a number of artists.

The album which had the hit number, Hard Life (featuring Alabai), as the first single was followed by a full album for his crew D Tribunal called What We Are. His other releases included Evergreen, Jungle Fever, Me, Musiq and I, Dancehall Business, amongst others.

The Blackout Evidently, BlackFace has been missing out on the entertainment

scene, tempting his fans to think that the extinction of the Plantshaun Boyz, of which he was reputed to be a pillar, and subsequent rifts with 2Face Idibia over the rights to the song African Queen crippled his career.

Tony Tetuilah Anthony Olanrewaju Awotoye, better known as Tony Tetuila, is an Afro Hip Hop artist, who gained fame as a member of all-male music group The Remedies (which also had Eddie Montana, Eedris Abdulkareem) which enjoyed a fair spell of success, before he went off as a solo artist. Among his releases were the singles My Car, Two Women, Morning Time and E Go Better; two songs which took the streets of Lagos and the rest of Nigeria by storm back then.

For quite a long spell, he was quiet and not much was heard from him, but with the dawning of 2014 came the news that he was preparing to re-launch himself into the consciousness of Nigerians with a political career; he aimed to represent Irepodun local government area of Kwara State in the state assembly – the bid ended before it began.

Evi-Edna Ogosi (nee Ogholi) Everyone remembers Evi-Edna Ogholi – a woman reputed to be one of Nigeria’s ‘original Reggae artistes’ – for her songs.

Her debut album My Kind of Music, released in 1987, was an instant hit among Nigerians. From Sapele to Lagos and the growing city of Abuja, everyone loved them.

Three other albums – On The Move, Happy Birthday and Step by Step – were released all before her 23rd birthday and they were chart-toppers, with each of them going platinum. She even toured the West African region, dazzling audiences with her performances in 1989.

Suddenly, her releases became fewer and far between from the mid-90s, until her career grounded to a slow halt.

Baba Fryo Friday Igwe, better known as Baba

Etim Esin Etim Esin John is one player some fans remember today with nostalgia, long after he left the scene. The Oron, Akwa Ibom-born attacking midfielder started his football career at Oron United, from where he later went on to play for Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Flash Flamingoes, Calabar Rovers, AA Gent FC, Lokeren, Lierse SK, Kayserispor and Eagle Cement. He represented Nigeria at the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1987 and in six FIFA World Cup qualification series matches. Today, Esin scouts for young footballing talents and trains them in Belgium.

Saint Obi Obinna Nwafor, widely known as Saint Obi, is a Nigerian actor who was once one of Nollywood’s frontline actors.

Nwafor drew and commanded a large crowd of fans via his role in movie like Sakobi, Goodbye Tomorrow, Heart of Gold, Festival of Fire, Executive Crime, Last Party and a lot of others.

Nwafor produced his first movie Take Me to Maama in 2001 and, given its success, many expected more from him. But the talented actor disappeared suddenly and, while many wondered about his whereabouts and the reason he left, he is yet to launch a come-back.

Eucharia Anunobi-Ekwu Screen goddess-turned evangelist, Eucharia Anunobi-Ekwu, was the desire of every producer. Her face was on every movie jacket and her role in Glamour

Calamity is man’s true touchstone. ― Egyptian Proverb

Gentle Jack Muscle mass Jack Orgor, well known as Gentle Jack caught the public’s eye when he appeared in the movie Vuga.

The Macho Man of Nollywood did not only inspire awe in viewers; his colleagues in the industry also held him in high esteem.

Orgor, who began acting in the ‘90s made his debut in Blood Money, a 1997 movie. However, after his stellar role in Vuga, he starred in a few others, but, in no time, very little was seen of him and, gradually, he went off the entertainment radar.

Emeka Rollas-Ejezie Actor-cum musician Emeka Rollas came into limelight with his first and only hit. The two-hour music video aired on television some months after Tony One Week’s I Wanna Gyrate, Gyrate Master album. Rollas, who has made no other hit since then once contested for the position of the president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) said he is busy with his Special Consultancy Projects but hopes to make a comeback in the entertainment industry soon.

Comedian Jedi Though Jedi was ranked one of the worst Nigerian comedians on digital platform Nairaland in 2012, it is quite ironic that he was the first Nigerian to perform at the Carlin Academy in the UK. His last known show was in Lagos, March 28, 2013, One Man Stand Comedy. Although his comedy career may be on hold, he has his hands in so many other projects and achievements from mentorship roles for prospective comedians, rare sickle cell campaigns to a stint in Gospel music.

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December 19, 2014

Private WAEC 2014 Records 70% Failure

by Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani, Lagos

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) yesterday released the 2014 West African School Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results with 70 per cent of the candidates failing to score up to six credits.

Head of the Nigeria National Office (HNO), Mr Charles Eguridu, made this known while addressing newsmen at the WAEC head office, where he said that out of the total number of candidates that sat for the examination, 75,313 candidates, representing 30.50 per cent, obtained six credits and above, while 110,346 candidates, representing 44.70 per cent, obtained five credits and above.

According to him, a total of 246,853 candidates (excluding absentees), consisting of 132,521 male and 114,332 female candidates, sat for the examination. Out of the total number of candidates, 241,161 candidates, representing 97.69 per cent, have their results fully released, while 5,691 candidates, representing 2.31 per cent, have their subjects still being

processed due to some errors traceable to candidates and cyber cafes in the course of registration.

The HNO added that 145,036 candidates, representing 58.75 per cent, obtained credits and above in four subjects, while 177, 177 candidates, representing 71.77 per cent , obtained credits and above in 3 subjects.

“A total of 205,090 candidates (83.08 per cent) obtained credits and above in two subjects. However, a total of 72,522 candidates, representing 29.37 per cent, obtained credits in five subjects and above, including English Language and mathematics,” he said.

The results of 28,817 candidates, representing 11.67%, are being withheld in connection with various cases of examination malpractice. HNO said that such cases are being investigated and the report will be presented to the Nigeria Examination Committee of the council for consideration.

A total number of 48 blind candidates registered and sat for the examination.

From this figure, four candidates, representing 8.33 per cent, obtained credits in five subjects, including English Language and mathematics.

Castro Hails Restoration Of US-Cuban Relations

By Ugochukwu Iroka, with agency report

Cuban President Raul Castro has hailed the mutual decision to re-establish the US-Cuban diplomatic relations especially the prisoner swap deal which saw three Cubans who were being held in the United States return home.

Castro stated that Obama’s decision was worthy of respect and acknowledgement but urged Washington to lift the five-decade-long embargo against his country.

“President Obama’s decision deserves the respect and acknowledgement of our people,” Castro said in a televised address, while warning that the embargo, which he calls a “blockade”, must still be lifted.

According to a statement made available to LEADERSHIP Friday yesterday, Castro said, “I call upon the Government of the United States to remove the obstacles hindering or restricting ties between peoples, families, and citizens of both countries, particularly restrictions on travelling, direct post services, and telecommunications. The progress made in our exchanges proves that it is possible to find solutions to many problems.

As we have reiterated, we must learn the art of coexisting with our differences in a civilized manner. We will continue talking about these important issues at a later date.”

TY Foundation Empowers 100 Kaduna Youths With Agric Skills, Equipment

by MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna

As part of effort of promoting selfemployment among the youths in the country, the T. Y. Foundation has trained and empowered over 100 rural youths in poultry and vegetable farming.

The project, which aims at encouraging the youths to engage in income generation through cooperative and financial management as well as borehole management, was done in five communities of Kaduna State.

Speaking during the graduation and presentation of start-up packs in Kaduna yesterday, the state commissioner for agriculture, Mr Isaac Bodam, called on other non-governmental organisations to make youth empowerment in agriculture their priority, saying that it is a panacea to reducing idleness and poverty, and boosting the economy.

The commissioner, who was represented director of training and empowerment in the Ministry Mr Vashti Z. Shamaki, said empowering youths in agriculture will impact positively on the society.

“There is always a positive and multiplying effect in the society whenever the youths acquire training in different skills and

TY Danjuma

agricultural techniques, or are directly empowered in meaningful ventures.

When the youths are empowered, families would be strengthened, poverty and idleness will tremendously reduce, food security will be guaranteed and violence in the society will reduce.

“So I commend the T. Y. Foundation for this training and empowerment of 100 rural youths for income generation through poultry and vegetable farming, cooperative and financial management as well as borehole management in five communities. I enjoin nongovernmental organisations not only in Kaduna State but the nation as a whole to give priority to youth training, counseling and empowerment,” Shamaki said.

In his remarks, the programme director and executive director of Gender and Human Values Proactive, Kaduna, Dr Joseph F. Appah, said the programme will achieve its desired goal and boost agriculture in the state, because the chances of failure of the project has been largely minimised and the capacity of the beneficiaries has been well built.

He said the beneficiaries have been provided with sufficient poultry and farming implements that will enable them to take off effectively.

Putin Says Russian Economy Will Rebound Some Cubans celebrating the release of the Cuban prisoners who were being held in the United States

Speaking about the released prisoners who were re-united with their families, Castro said, “the enormous joy of their families and of all our people, who have relentlessly fought for this goal, is shared by hundreds of solidarity committees and groups, governments, parliaments, organizations, institutions, and personalities, who for the last sixteen years have made tireless efforts demanding their release. We convey our deepest gratitude and commitment to all of them.”

On Wednesday, the countries agreed to restore diplomatic ties that were severed more than 50 years ago.

Obama said on Wednesday that the US was changing its relationship with the people of Cuba.

“We will begin to normalise relations between our two nations. Through these changes, we intend to create more opportunities for the American and Cuban people and begin a new chapter,” he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has attempted to assuage fears of economic collapse and promised rapid recovery as he faced hundreds of journalists amid the worst financial crisis of his rule.

Speaking at his annual press-conference on Thursday, the Russian leader said that the economic downturn will last two years at the most and promised to support the poorest segment of the population.

“Under the most unfavourable world conditions, such a situation can last two years,” Putin said days after the Russian rouble fell to record lows, following a 60 per cent dive in value since the beginning of the year.

He added that efforts by the central bank and government have been “absolutely reasonable and in the right direction” though they could have come quicker.

Russian authorities have made a record hike of the key interest rate in the country and spent billions to stabilise the rouble.

“It goes without saying that a way out of this situation is inevitable,” he said, promising to “focus attention on helping people who need it most”.

The Russian president had remained silent earlier this week on the issue of the rouble’s crash, which took it to histor-

Burn not your house to rid it of the mouse. ― African Proverb

Putin

ic lows of 80 to the dollar and 100 to the euro, leading Russians to rush to exchange their savings and make a run on stores to dump the devaluing national currency ahead of expected price hikes.

The rouble rallied in early trading yesterday ahead of the news conference.

The central bank earlier this week spent $2bn on supporting the currency and the finance ministry promised to spend up to $7bn more.

The marathon press conference, held in a trade centre in central Moscow, saw Putin face hundreds of journalists from all over Russia.

NEWS EXTRA / 7

December 19, 2014

Abuja Clergyman Kidnapped By Gunmen

By Bode Gbadebo, Abuja

The founder of an Abuja-based new generation church known as Great Calling Ministry (GCM) located at Mabushi District, Pastor Francis Irabor has been kidnapped.

The clergyman, who was kidnapped along the Lokoja-Abuja Road by armed gunmen over the weekend, had just returned from London to attend the burial ceremony of his motherin-law in Edo State on Saturday, December 13, 2014, when he was ambushed and taken away around 7pm on the fateful day.

Eyewitness disclosed that a group of armed men rode in a Peugeot 405 car with a concealed plate number accosted the Prado Jeep with registration number RSH 799 AA in which Irabor was travelling, dragged him down and dumped him inside the trunk of their car without taking anything from the victim’s car, besides his mobile phones and sped off.

The driver of the Prado Jeep, Pastor Mathew Obamhen, who was said to be visibly shaken, drove the vehicle away from the scene of the incident and proceeded to Irabor’s residence in Utako District in the heart of town, where he narrated the incident and reported the matter to the Utako Police Station before it was referred to the nearest police station to the incident.

Meanwhile, family members told LEADERSHIP Friday that all efforts to reach their breadwinner on his mobile phones proved abortive, as they have all been switched off.

“We are pleading with the relevant authorities to help secure the release of the clergyman, seeing as he is a man of God who believes in and in preaches peace and stability in the country,” said a family member who did not want to be named.

Fire Guts OAU Female Hostel

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

Pandemonium broke out among the maintenance staff of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, when fire broke out in Room 304, Block A, Moremi Hall of the university on Wednesday morning.

The raging inferno consumed books, clothes, matresses, food stuff and electronic gadgets before it was put out by the institution’s fire fighters, thereby curbing it from spreading to other rooms in the block.

The fire, which occurred at about 11am in the female hostel, according to sources, is the second in the university this year.

It will be recalled that similar incidents occurred at the Awo Hall of the institution while the students were on holiday early this year.

Yesterday’s incident occurred when most of the occupants of Moremi Hall had gone home for the harmattan semester holiday.

The cause of the fire outbreak could not be ascertained, but an eye witnesses disclosed that it could be due to a power surge that might have occurred immediately the school’s electricians rectified the fault that had affected supply of electricity to the hall.

Normalcy has since returned to the hall at the time of filing this story.

A man carrying cartons of noodles at the Oke Aran Market Mushin, Lagos yesterday. PHOTO BY MICHAEL OBASA

Student Stabs Father In The Eye Over Christmas Clothes

By Matthew Dike, Lagos

A secondary school student in Oshodi area of Lagos threw decorum to the wind yesterday, when he stabbed his father in the right eye for failing to buy him Christmas clothes.

The boy, a Senior Secondary School (SSS3) student, who was identified simply as Ikechi, was said to have held his father, Anthony, hostage for some minutes in their apartment on Arowojobe Street, Osodi, before committing the dastardly act, because the man failed to buy him Christmas clothes.

According to family members, Anthony was said to have explained to Ikechi that he had only “small mon-

ey” which barely paid for the Christmas clothes of his three siblings, but all appeals made by his father fell on deaf ears.

Ikechi’s cousin, Ukachukwu, revealed that Ikechi was so livid that he quarrelled with his father through the night, insisting that he must get his Christmas clothes, because he wanted to wear it to the birthday of a friend at one of the beaches along the Victoria Island-Epe Expressway, on Sunday.

According to Ukachukwu, when Anthony, who works as a guard in a hotel, wanted to leave for work, his son would not let him leave.

“He accused his father of hating him and, fed up with his complaints, the

man got his belt and began to flog the boy.

“As his father continued flogging him, Ikechi reached for a knife and stabbed him straight in the eye. Upon seeing then horror of his deed, Ikechi took his heels.

“When I wanted to run off to the police station to report the issue to the police, his mother begged me not to, as it will ‘involve more expenses’.”

Anthony, who was rushed to the hospital right away is under intensive care, while family members are praying for him to see properly with the eye again.

“But I doubt if he will still see with that eye again,” Ukachukwu said.

Ritualist, 2 Others Arrested With Fetish Materials

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Police detectives in Asaba, Delta State, have arrested a suspected ritualist and two others for allegedly abducting two teenagers Ifunaya Onyia and Boniface Miracle, both 13-year-old natives of Onitsha, Anambra State.

The alleged ritualist, identified as Chijioke Okonkwo, it was reliably gathered, had abducted the girls while they were walking along the Delta State Broadcasting Service Road, to an uncompleted building in the area where he attempted to use them for rituals.

Narrating their ordeal, the victims said: “We were lured by him [Chijioke

Okonkwo] from Onitsha where we were selling pure water; he has a store where he sells provision and other materials at the Onitsha Main Market. He said he wanted us to be his sales girls”.

The girls said Okonkwo took them to an uncompleted building behind the bush path around the Broadcasting Service Road, where he allegedly used white powder to rub their faces and chanted incantations, while the other two suspects stood guard some ways off. The girls disclosed that when he was about to slaughter them, some passers-by raised the alarm and rushed to the scene, holding him down while they went to get the police.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP Friday, the public relations officer of the state police command, DSP Celestina Kalu, confirmed the arrest of the suspect and assured the public that no stone will be left unturned this festive period to bring all forms of criminals to book, disclosing that the police discovered some fetish items in calabashes and different concoctions from the other suspects.

Kalu, however, revealed that, upon interrogation, the trio confessed to the crime but insisted that they were no ritualists but were only trying to get the girls to go help out with the house chores of a woman who suffered a fatal accident in Okija, Anambra State.

When a once-beautiful piece of cloth has turned into rags, no one remembers that it was woven by master weavers. ― Nigerian Proverb

8 / NEWS EXTRA

December 19, 2014

Asokoro Rotary Club Embarks on Maternal/Child Mortality Prevention Campaign By paul chiama, Abuja

The Rotary Club of Asokoro, during the week, took the campaign against maternal and infant mortality to Dakwa Community, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory.

The club’s president, Barr Ogechukwu Ochuba, told newsmen that the sensitisation was to encourage pregnant women to seek maternity care in hospitals, noting that if pregnant women stay at home, they may not have access to professional information on pregnancy.

She said: “Mothers should embrace skilled care before, during and after childbirth to help save their lives and that of their unborn/new-born babies.

Maternal and child mortality are unacceptably high but can be significantly reduced. Our club takes maternal and child care seriously; that is why we provide mothers with essential nutrients,

as well as birthing kits.”

The club’s president-elect, Dr Okonkwo Joseph, said the club chose prevention of maternal and child mortality to secure the future generation.

The official in charge of the maternity department of the Primary Health Care Centre, Dakwa, Victoria Wesely, said: “When expectant mothers attend regular ante-natal sessions, complications usually experienced during child delivery will be averted.”

The head of Dakwa Community, Shuaibu Samu, promised to carry on with the campaign to save the lives of mothers and children in his community.

A beneficiary of the gesture, Kerimat Abubakar, on behalf of other beneficiaries, promised to patronise approved hospitals for ante-natal services.

Highlight of the event included the distribution of ‘mama’ kits to expectant mothers in the community.

First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan (2nd left), performing the foundation-laying ceremony of the Women and Children’s Home at the National Council of Women Society (NCWS) headquarters in Abuja yesterday. With her are the vice-president’s wife, Hajiya Amina Sambo (2nd right); wife of the senate president, Mrs Helen Mark (l) and NCWS president, Mrs Nkechi Mba. Photo by nan

EFCC Arraigns 2 Businessmen For Forgery

BY Ejike Ejike,

Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, arraigned a Port Harcourt businessman, Christian Odum, before Justice U. N Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, on charges bordering on conspiracy, forgery and attempting to obtain money under false pretence.

Odum was alleged to have used his company, Unichris International Limited to defraud Peter Akinyosoye, by claiming to be a staff of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

According to a statement signed by the EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, Odum and Stanley Alozie, who is still at large, defrauded Akinyosoye, on July 6,

2012, by obtaining the sum of N640,000 from him, claiming that the money will be used to purchase low pour fuel oil (LPFO).

Akinyosoye’s company Abipet Nigeria Limited, had been contracted by Genuinelyness Outlook Limited, Lagos, to supply two trucks of the LPFO. Odum gave a fake NNPC/PPMC Ticket No. BB 036867 and NNPC/PPMC Bridging Note purported to have been issued by the NNPC to Akinyosoye.

All efforts by Akinyosoye to get his money back from Odum and his cohort proved abortive.

Justice Agomoh adjourned the matter to January 22 and February 5, 2015, respectively, for hearing of bail and commencement of trial.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Sen. Umar Dahiru Tambuwal with the administrator, National Judicial Institute (NJI), retired Justice Roseline Bozimo, during the committee’s oversight visit to the NJI yesterday.

PHOTO BY OMOKAGBO OYEDELE

EFCC Docks 9 For Illegal Dealing In Petroleum Products

BY Ejike Ejike, Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday, at the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, arraigned nine persons for illegally dealing in petroleum products.

Clement Oguntuwase, Joseph Obie, Ifeoluwa Albert, Adams Amzat Akokhia, Isaac Ndidi Chima, Rafiu Momodu, Rasaq Mahmud, Godwin George and Thomas Daniel were arraigned before Justice Lambo Akanbi on a two-count charge of conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products.

The accused persons were intercepted aboard MB Skye by men of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield on November 14, 2014 in Brass waters, close to the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Bayelsa State, while transferring suspected crude oil from two vessels, MT CergenD and MT Elimina, which were under investigation for alleged oil theft.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to a statement released by the commission’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujiaren, one of the counts read; “You Clement Oguntuwase , Joseph Obie , Ifeoluwa Albert,

Adams Amzat Akokhia, Isaac Ndidi Chima, Rafiu Momodu, Rasaq Mahmud, Godwin George, Thomas Daniel and a vessel, MB Skye and others now at large on or about the 13th and 14th November, 2014 at Brass within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did without appropriate licence deal in Petroleum Products to wit: about 388.53 Metric tonnes of Crude Oil siphoned from two vessels namely; MT Cergen-D and MT Elimina which you conveyed in MB Skye and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(17) (a) and (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act CAP M17 of the Revised Edition (Law of the Federation) Act 2007 and punishable under the same Act”.

In view of their plea, the prosecuting counsel A.I Arogha asked for a date for the commencement of trial. But the defence counsel, A.A Adetunji orally presented a bail application and urged the court to grant the accused persons bail.

Justice Akanbi granted the accused persons bail in the sum of five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000.00) each and a surety in like sum, who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

The matter was adjourned till March 11, 2015 for commencement of trial.

The Aso Villa Chapel Children Choir performing at the 2014 Christmas Carol Service at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday. photo by remi akunleyan

L-R: Director, Information Services, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Comrade Kefas Dogonyaro; a member of the union, Jubril Umaru; the union’s national president, Comrade Najeem Usman Yasin; President, Waka-about Grassroots Media, Joe Isitua and Segun Akinwale, during Waka-about Grassroots Media’s courtesy visit to the union’s national secretariat in Abuja. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

December 19, 2014

9

10 NEWS

December 19, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo

L-R: Executive Director, North & Corporate Banking, Sterling Bank Plc Mr Kayode Lawal, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Yemi Adeola and the Bank’s Executive Director, Finance and Strategy, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, at the End-of-Year Media Chat with the Bank’s MD/CEO in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA.

INEC Extends Submission Of Gov, State Assembly Candidates

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

As political parties scramble to submit names of their candidates, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday disclosed that it has shifted the deadline for the submission of governorship and state assemblies candidates’ forms from December 25 to December 26, 2014.

The chief press secretary to the INEC chairman, Mr Kayode Idowu who disclosed this to newsmen in Abuja said the commission adjusted the date because it is Christmas Day. He nevertheless maintained that the December 18 deadline for the submission of Presidential and National Assembly forms by political parties remains valid, stressing that the commission will not

extend the submission date for any political party that fails to submit by 8pm on December 18, 2014 as stipulated.

While explaining that the commission had intended to close the submission by 6pm yesterday, he stated that after last Monday’s meeting between the commission and the political parties at the commission’s headquarters, the 8pm deadline was agreed upon in spite of the 12 midnight clamour of some of the political parties.

He also declined comment on the number of political parties who had submitted or are yet to submit their presidential candidates’ forms.

He said the law provides that the forms submitted yesterday must be officially published on December 25, while names submitted for governorship and state

Houses of Assembly election on December 26 should be officially published on January 1, 2015.

The chief press secretary added that there is a constitutional provision for the withdrawal of candidates “but the person who is nominated to INEC has to write and sign that he or she is withdrawing from this race.

“When he or she does that, the party can bring another name within the stipulated time.”

Also, the director of publicity, Osaze Uzzi told LEADERSHIP that the submission of forms by parties is still in progress.

He said, “Parties that have candidates are submitting the names of their candidates and the process is on, but I cannot give you specific figures now because the process is still on”.

Politicians May Mar 2015 Elections – Jega

By CHIKA OTUCHIKERE, Abuja

Ahead of the 2015 general elections, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, has raised the alarm over the activities of some unscrupulous politicians which he said may deny Nigerians free and fair election.

Jega made this known yesterday in his keynote address during a one-day workshop on ‘Securing the 2015 Elections,’ organised for Command Commissioners of Police by the UNDP in collaboration with the Nigeria Police.

He blamed stakeholders, especially politicians for frustrating the desire of Nigerians to have free, fair and credible elections in the country.

He said the frustration had gone to the extent that many Nigerians doubt whether democracy is worth it and whether credible elections are ever possible.

“In terms of operational capacity, we are even more prepared than we were in 2011.

What is very clear to us is that our best will never be good enough to guarantee free and fair election if politicians continue to do what they are doing; then, everything we are doing may not deliver free and fair election in 2015.

“But if the security agencies do what is right, we can remarkably eliminate or minimise what the politicians can do to undermine our effort. If we don’t do our job right, then we can’t expect free and fair election. We expect security agencies and all INEC officials to be impartial.

“Regrettably, in the series of elections that we have had, the choice of the voter has in most cases been truncated. This is either by actions or inactions of the electoral commission or by the very aggressive and fraudulent conduct of participants in the electoral process,’’ he said.

The INEC chairman, therefore, called on all stakeholders to do what is expected of them to ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2015.

He described the police as important stake-

holders and urged them to collaborate more with the commission to ensure that the forthcoming elections are devoid of crisis.

He, however, commended them, saying they have improved in their performances so far, but added that they need to do more to secure the 2015 elections.

According to him, at least three unarmed policemen and other security personnel are needed to man each polling station during election to give voters confidence. to exercise their franchise.

Earlier, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, assured that the police would provide adequate security for the election. “The task of providing adequate security during the electoral process is one of the most daunting challenges confronting security agencies today. The Nigeria Police, being the lead agency will, with the cooperation and assistance of sister agencies do everything that can be done to secure the electoral officers, materials and voters.

Between two stools one goes (falls) to the ground

APC Names Amaechi DG Of Presidential Campaign Organisation

By GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has named Rivers State governor, Mr Rotimi Amaechi as the director-general of its Presidential Campaign Organisation.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the governor will drive the party’s efforts to win the 2015 presidential election.

According to the party scribe, the announcement followed the hugely successful convention at which its presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), was democratically elected, and the followup successful choice of his running mate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.

The party said Amaechi’s outstanding reputation as a man of courage, principle, strength of character, decency and love for his country, as well as his administrative prowess and organisational skills combined to fetch him perhaps the most important task in the quest for positive change in the country.

APC thanked Nigerians for their support and prayers toward the success of the convention, the emergence of Gen. Buhari as the APC presidential candidate and the choice of Prof Osinbajo as his running mate.

‘170 People Die Of Stroke In Nigeria Everyday’

BY WINIFRED OGBEBO AND VICTOR OKEKE, Abuja A professor of stroke medicine at the King’s College, London, Anthony Rudd, has said that there is already an epidemic of cardiovascular disease in Nigeria with 170 people dying of stroke everyday in the country.

Prof Rudd stated this in Abuja yesterday at a lecture organised by the Stephen James’ Stroke Centre of Excellence in collaboration with the SURE-P project, saying that globally, 80 persons die per hour from stroke.

He said, “It will get worse if there is no coordinated approach to prevent it. Twothirds of the Nigerian population are affected by stroke, making it one of the worse affected countries in the world.”

But the good news is that 80 per cent of stroke cases can be prevented by avoiding sedentary lifestyle, improving our diet, avoiding cigarette and alcohol and early diagnosis.

“With the advantage of becoming an affluent country, Nigerians have the disadvantage of going down with hypertension which accounts for 83 per cent of all stroke cases in the country. People usually mistake stroke for heart attack but stroke which is a disturbance of blood supply to the brain is actually a brain attack and can happen to anyone”.

NEWS 11

December 19, 2014

Synagogue Building Collapse: Court Admits Building Plan As Evidence

By OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

L-R: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Okigwe Senatorial Zone, Ikemba Athan Achonu; Eze Obadia Anyanwu of Kubwa FCT and the President, Okigwe Zonal Welfare Association in Abuja, Chief Charles Robin-Njoku, when the association paid a courtesy visit to Acholonu, at his Abuja residence, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

CJN Warns Judges Against Misconduct

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

The chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed has said that no judge found guilty of misconduct would go unpunished.

While swearing in five new judges of the Abuja High Court, the CJN tasked judicial officers to resist temptations when they come their way.

“As judicial officers, series of temptations will come your way but the ability to resist them will definitely stand you out and earn you a lasting reputation on the Bench.

“Otherwise, the National Judicial Council, which has the constitutional powers to discipline judicial officers, will not spare any judge for any misconduct.

“For a judge, this distinction is further heightened because as dispensers

of justice, you are now the representatives of the Almighty Allah on earth.

“In your hands, you have the power of life and death, the power of judgement, the power to restitute, the power to give back and the power to take.

You are now the face of law and order, the fulcrum between harmony on the one hand and chaos on the other”, the CJN added.

Justice Mohammed cited the report of the Hon Justice Kayode Eso-led Judicial Panel, saying “The judiciary by the nature of its function and role is the citizen’s last line of defence in a free society, that is, the line separating constitutionalism from totalitarianism.”

“No doubt, to effectively dispense your judicial functions and meet the jurisprudential needs of litigants in our courts, we must remain intellectu-

ally astute by consistently updating our knowledge of the law and other contemporary issues within the society”.

“An issue which is of great concern to me and one that I am committed to addressing during my tenure, is the delay in the dispensation of justice and the resultant case backlog.

“The sobering reality is that if the number of pending cases continues to grow at their present rate, our children may not be able to initiate and conclude a lawsuit within their lifetime.

“In the light of this, it is a cardinal objective of my tenure as the chief justice of Nigeria and chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to pursue actively the full adoption and utilisation of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes in the various jurisdictions of our courts.

Okupe Belongs To Wrong Side Of History - Buhari’s Aide

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

The head of media and publicity of Buhari Support Organisation (BSO), Dr Chidia Maduekwe, yesterday replied the senior special assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Doyin Okupe, saying he belongs to the wrong side of political history.

Maduekwe was responding to Okupe, who upon the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2015 election, declared on Tuesday that Buhari’s candidacy was a fatal error.

Said he, “The choice of APC or their decision to elect Buhari as their standard bearer is a fatal error. I have been in this game

for nearly 30 years or more. I understand this game of politics very well. Buhari is not a winner, has never won, and will not win; and it is for a reason that he has never won”.

But in a statement, Maduekwe said that it was unfortunate that the likes of Okupe have failed to see the imminent change in the political landscape of Nigeria which Buhari champions.

He wondered why Okupe would fault a transparent process that brought Buhari as the presidential candidate of APC. “Numerous commentators have commended the APC for a flawless presidential primary and the emergence of General Buhari as the presidential flag bearer. It is only the PDP and their several human

megaphones with jaundiced sight that have failed woefully to appreciate what every other person the world over has seen and commended.

“With the current emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari, most Nigerians are beginning to have a sense of relief that we are getting back on good democratic culture reminiscent of the MKO days.

“APC has demonstrated that the democratic culture of Nigeria has come of age and there is hope that things from now will start getting only better. Nigerians can start learning how to walk tall once again among the comity of other successful democratic cultures distilled in the values of transparency and fairness”, he said.

The coroner investigating the collapse of a building belonging to the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) yesterday admitted in evidence, the building plan of the collapsed guest house and other adjoining structures.

A town planner, Bisi Adedire, who tendered the building plan, told Chief Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe that the collapsed building got the approval of the Lagos State government.

The witness also informed the coroner that SCOAN had paid over N20 million to the state government for the building approval, and maintained that whether a building got approval or not, what determines its strength is the way in which materials used on the building were applied.

Adedire added, “An approval can be secured even for a building that is already in existence.”

Earlier in his testimony, the deputy general manager (DGM), Air Traffic Control of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Rafiq Olubukola Arogunjo, confirmed that the aircraft that allegedly hovered above the collapsed guest house did not fly below 1,100 ft.

Arogunjo said, “We observed that the pilot maintained 1,100 ft at all material times during the training operation. We also carried out a scientific analysis on the distance between the collapsed guest house and the aircraft. There was never a time the aircraft flew over the collapsed building.

“The aircraft is designed for military operations to the best of my knowledge. But I don’t know if the intention of the aircraft was to hit any target”.

Utomi Calls For Support For Widows, Children

By OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Former presidential aspirant and founder of Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), Prof Pat Utomi has called on government, nongovernment agencies and the private sector to give more support to the less privileged especially widows and children.

He made the call in Lagos at the 2014 Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) Widow Support Centre (WSC) end of the year party, tagged “The Season of Love”.

Utomi said, “If Nigeria and other countries in Africa are to develop, we must start developing our children. For development to be sustainable, we must develop our children.Leaders are created and those who are leaders today must create the next leaders.”

He pointed out that since the establishment of the foundation in 1992, it has trained about 500 youths to university level and got them employment, adding that it has also trained and established hundreds of widows to enable them earn a living.

He added that WSC was set up to help widows and children in the country maximise their potential.

He said, “Young people are critical; they are the future of our country. They are instrumental in the change that we are looking at. We are looking at a lot of stability in our country. It has to be young people taking up that notch to move up.”

Honourable is the person who is aware of his power, yet refrains from inflicting bad things on others Egyptian Proverb.

12 NEWS NATIONAL

December 19, 2014

Niger Submits N80.8 Billion Budget To State Assembly ByAbu Nmodu, Abuja

L-R: Justice Obafemi Adamson Olabisi Ogungbesan and Adeola Akintoye taking their oath of office as new high court judges in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO

BY NAN

I Get Contradictory Suggestions On National Issues –Jonathan

By George Agba, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed dismay over the manner in which certain persons overwhelm him with contradictory and divergent suggestions at every critical moment when he has to take a decision on national issues.

Jonathan spoke yesterday at the 2014 Christmas Carol held at the Banquet Hall of the presidential villa. He also sought prayers from Nigerians for wisdom to enable him take constructive decisions at very crucial moments.

Commenting on decision making, Jonathan said, “Because it is quite challenging for a

leader. For every subject that you want to take a decision, you will have multiple suggestions, some contradictory, some to the left, some to the right, some to the centre. But you must take a decision.

“It is only God that can guide you to take the rightful decision that will not bring suffering to your people. We will try our best and we will continue to do our best. We promise that any opportunity given to us, we will use it to serve mankind”.

The president, who declared that he was chosen by God to lead Nigeria, said that the same God would use him to heal Nigeria of all its

troubles.

He said, “We pray that God should give those of us who are in charge the grace to do things with the fear of God. If we begin to do what is right in our own little way, this nation will survive.

“God knows why we are here. Nobody will place himself in any position without God. So God that gives all of us the opportunity will see us through.

“For me your servant today, I will continue to request for your prayers that God should give me the wisdom to do what is right in His sight.”

Niger, Taraba Differ Over LG Autonomy

By Abu Nmodu, Minna and Andrew Ojih, Jalingo

Niger State House of Assembly yesterday voted in favour of the autonomy of local government councils in the country the same way the house voted for the scrapping of the state independent Electoral commission.

The development came just as Taraba State House of Assembly voted against the total proposed autonomy for local government.

The House at it’s plenary voted in favour of all the 71 sections forwarded to for consideration by the National Assembly.

Speaking after the completion of the consideration of the altered sections which took the House three legislative days,Speaker Barrister Adamu Usman, commended the law makers for their patriotic and courageous effort during the exercise, noting that it is in conformity with the democratic tenets.

The Taraba State Assembly at its sitting voted in favour of 64 out of the 72 clauses contained in the Bill while 8 of the clauses including autonomy for local government were rejected.

LEADERSHIP Friday reports that the House also rejected a clause seeking for

removal of State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from the Constitution.

Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Constitution (fourth) Alteration Bill 2014, Alhaji Adamu Tanko Maikarfi, had earlier told the House to vote wisely on issues contained in the bill since they were all of national importance.

The Speaker of the House, Dr. Mark Bako Useni commended members of the Adhoc Committee and the entire House for their inputs in the ratification bill, adding that the Clerk of the House should communicate its decision to the National Assembly.

President Faults Internal Discrimination

BY PAUL CHIAMA, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated federal government’s resolve to protect the constitutional rights of Nigerians to live in any part of the country without discrimination as a way of fostering peaceful coexistence.

The president gave this assurance yesterday in Abuja, while speaking at the maiden Annual National Migration Dialogue organised by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in partnership with Swiss government.

The president who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, frowned at what he termed “internal migratory friction being experienced in some parts of the country”.

Jonathan said: “…our priority does not only focus on international migration, but also reflects the internal migratory friction being experienced in some parts of the country. The Nigerian constitution guarantees the right of every Nigerian to reside anywhere in the country without discrimination.

“Therefore, I call on those of you present

at this National Migration Dialogue; both as individuals and institutions, to take the responsibility of sensitizing Nigerians and government at all levels to respect this right”.

Continuing, the president said, “Ladies and gentlemen, we must insist that in relating among ourselves as a nation, there are no northern or southern citizens; neither are there citizens of any particular state in the east or in the west.

We are citizens of Nigeria, a people and a race bounded by the same history and constitution”.

. A drowning man will catch at a straw.

The Niger State Governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has forwarded Budget estimates put at N80,815,402,545.00 to the state House of Assembly for consideration.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Israel A. Ebije stated that the capital expenditure is N38.5bn representing 47.83 percent and Recurrent Expenditure N42.6 representing 52.17 percent.

He said the budget with the theme “Budget of Shared Vision and Unlimited Opportunities” is more realistic adding that it is in accordance with the dwindling crude oil prices.

According to the governor’s spokesman, the budget is N18bn less than 2014 appropriation in line with the state drive for a realistic budget adding that a 50 percent increase has been projected for Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to diversify revenue sources of the state.

The 2015 budget according to the statement is in line with the State’s Revised Medium Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) recently adopted by the House of Assembly.

BPP Has Saved Nigeria N528bn Since 2007 – DG, BPSR

By Onukogu Kanayo Jubal, Abuja

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has saved the Federal Government of Nigeria the total sum of N528billion which would have been lost to inefficient procurement processes, inflation and fraud, since 2007.

This was revealed by the director-general of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr Joe Abah, during the third edition of the Lunch-time reform seminar series on the common challenges of public procurement in Nigeria, held in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said: “Considering that the federal government only delivered on its capital projects through public procurement, their efficiency, effectiveness and transparency, as well as the checks and balances which they have put in place have contributed to the provision of public goods for citizens and saved the nation the sum of N528bn since 2007.”

Speaking, the director-general of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Engr.

Emeka Eze, pointed out that a number of factors have made the job of the bureau far difficult than anyone would have imagined.

“Direct awarding of contracts without advertisements, undefined selection and award criteria, wrong procurement notices and advertisements, short deadlines for submission of bids, discriminative/subjective criteria in bid examination, guided evaluation of tender and amendment of essential elements of the contracts after award, advertisement inadequacies of information availed to prospective contractors and consultants, improper needs assessment of projects, as well as the interference of politicians, among many other factors, messed up the bidding processes before 2007.”

December 19, 2014

13

14 / NEWS NATIONAL

December 19, 2014

Court To Rule On Coke, FG Case Feb 3, 2015

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

Following the directive of Justice Evoh Chukwu of a Federal High Court in Abuja that the managing director of CocaCola Nigeria, Adeola Adetunji and the chief executive of Nigerian Bottling Company, Ben Langat, should appear before it, the two helmsmen of the companies yesterday honoured the invitation.

The court had fixed yesterday for ruling to decide the competence and authority of the federal government lawyer, Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN) in a criminal suit instituted against Coca-Cola Nigeria, NBC and their Chief Executives.

But, the ruling could not be delivered yesterday as the court registrar informed the lawyer and parties in the matter that the ruling was not ready.

The court later fixed February 3, 2015 for its ruling.

The office of the AGF had instituted two separate criminal suits against Coca-Cola, NBC and their Chief Executives over alleged violation of Consumers Protection Council (CPC) Act. The defendants are challenging the mandate given to Ojo by the AGF to prosecute them for alleged violation of the CPC Act. They are also challenging the competence of the charge and the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the charge.

At the last adjourned date, counsel to the accused persons , G. Elias SAN ( Coca-Cola and its Chief Executive) and O. Opesanya SAN (NBC and its Chief Executive) were about to move their application objecting to the suit when the prosecution counsel, informed the court that the accused persons were not present in court.

But the lawyer to the accused persons argued that their cli-

ents needed not to be in court since they were challenging the mandate to prosecute the case and the competence of the charge.

Ojo, however told the court that criminal trial could not begin without the presence of the accused.

He also reminded the court that the order to paste the charges on the front wall of the accused offices had been complied with and that the accused ought to be in court.

The CPC is currently embroiled in a legal battle with Coca Cola and its bottler, the Nigerian Bottling Company, over a consumer complaint which bothers on a manufacturing defect on the filling of two cans of Sprite, one of the products of CocaCola.

The CPC slammed N100million fine on both Coca Cola and NBC, a fine which the company is challenging.

Lamido Backs Buhari For Preaching Against Politics Of Religion By muH’D ZanGina, Kura

Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State yesterday threw his weight behind the recent statement credited to All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate General Muhammad Buhari condemning politics of religion in Nigeria.

Lamido stated that, promoting the parochial sentiment of religious politics is unethical and dangerous to the existence of Nigeria as a single entity.

The governor stated this while speaking to newsmen shortly after a stakeholders meeting of the state chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said in some years back many unscrupulous

and selfish persons in Nigeria had tried to divide the country along ethnic and religious line in a desperate move to pursue their agenda, but God saved the country.

Lamido maintained that, those who use religious sentiment to coarse, intimidate, and force people to accept their political agenda would continue to fail and be exposed to shame as every good Nigerian has understood them.

According to Lamido the Hausa word “Isgilanci” which means a high level of immoral and total disgrace, used by General Buhari in condemning the advocates of religious politics is a good message and a welcome development in the nation’s politics.

Mark To Politicians: Subject Yourselves To People’s Will By aDesuwa Tsan anD JOnaTHan nDa-isaiaH, Abuja

Ahead of the 2015 general elections, President of the Senate, Senator David Mark and Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Cardinal John Onayiekan have renewed appeal to political office seekers to allow the wishes of the people anchored on the rule of law prevail.

Senator Mark and Cardinal Onayiejan cautioned politicians not overheat the polity on account of their desperation to get elected because only the mandate of the people would be sustainable .

Both leaders spoke at the 2014 Christmas Carol organised by St. Mulumba Chaplain-

A fault confessed is half redressed.

cy, Apo, Abuja on Wednesday night.

According to them, “violence, intimidation or rancour should not be part of our politics .People should be freely allowed to make their choices without manipulation.”

He also enjoined all politicians to make peace and peaceful coexistence the focal point of their campaigns.

Cardinal Onayiekan on his part , stressed that violence and rancour would cease to be part of our politics if our politicians play by the rules and allow the people to decide adding “we should not let hell lose if people refuse to elect us. It is their right to chose who should rule or govern them”.

business

15

December 19, 2014

50 Number of countries expected at the Abuja Biennial event

Market Reverses Losing Trend

by OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

L-R: Category manager, Mrs Doji Ekewuche; marketing service director, Mrs Iquo Ukoh and manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Dr Samuel Adenekan all of Nestle Nigeria Plc during the Nestle Milo Media Champions’ Award 2014 criteria/ luncheon in Ikeja, Lagos. PHOTO BY GBENGA OLAJOBI

Naira Devaluation Triggers High Cost Of Production

by Kingsley Alu, Abuja

The devaluation of naira is adversely impacting on the Nigerian manufacturing sector as manufacturers lament high cost of production.

According to sectoral players, the attendant impact of plunging oil price, already sending economic and political shockwaves around the world and the devaluation of the naira are spiking the cost of production.

For instance, the Manufacturing Association

of Nigeria (MAN) is already exploring ways to mitigate the consequences of the anticipated economic backlash.

The MAN hurriedly summoned an emergency meeting of its Economic Policy Committee (EPC) in Lagos to discuss the issues and the way forward. Sources revealed that members lamented the severe impact of the erosion of the Nigerian Naira’s purchasing parity on their business and the attendant increase in prices of their raw material, machineries, spare parts and

all other import-dependent procurements.

The meeting, it was learnt, reviewed the present scenario and concluded that it has led to very significant increase in the cost of production, leading to uncompetitiveness of local products especially in the face of the impending implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) in January 2015, which will allow goods from any other part of west Africa move into Nigeria without the imposition of any form of tax, import duty

or levy.

A resolution of the meeting stumble upon by our correspondent quoted the MAN members as saying “we are forced to raise the prices of our products because our cost of production has gone up significantly due to the devalued naira but also our customers have been affected by the downturn in the economy may now be unable to buy up these products, leading to increased inventory in our factories and then all the attendant problems.”

The Nigerian stock market took a reverse yesterday to end the losing trend that has extended for two weeks as it gained 1.21 per cent.

The All-Share Index rose by 1.21 per cent or 349.58 points to close at 29,311.25, from the 28,961.67 achieved on Wednesday.

Similarly, the market capitalisation which opened at N9.562 trillion increased

by N115 billion to close at N9.677 trillion.

Market breadth also improved with 24 gainers and 28 losers. Nestle led the gainers’ chart by N38.53 to close at N809.14 per share.

Nigerian Breweries gained N8 to close at N140 while Wapco grew by N4.82 to close at N71.32 per share.

Guinness appreciated by

N4.01 to close at N119.01 while Forte Oil went up by N3.66 to close at N208.99 per share.

On the other hand, Seplat recorded the highest price loss of N13.31 to close at N252.93 per share. Conoil trailed with a loss of N4.79 to close at N44.44 while the United Africa Company of Nigeria (UACN) dipped by N1.80 to close at N34.30 per share. Presco lost N1.11 to close at N22 while Oando depreciated by 68 kobo to close at N15.12 per share.

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) emerged as the investors’ delight, accounting for 42.81 million shares worth N117.72 million.

FBN Holdings exchanged 36.17 million shares valued at N288.14 million while Transcorp sold 29.17 million shares worth N78.36 million.

Naira Loses Value As CBN Stops Banks Stocking FOREX

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

The value of the naira plunged yesterday after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stopped banks from stocking the foreign exchange overnight.

The CBN, yesterday, issued a circular reviewing downwards the net open position of banks from one per cent to zero per cent temporarily.

The naira, which dropped to as low as N190 to the dollar during business hours, yesterday, ended at N189.05 to the dollar at the interbank market.

The apex bank, in a circular signed by the director, Trade and Exchange department, Olakanmi Gbadamosi, stated that authorised

dealers are required to maintain zero per cent of their shareholder’s fund as foreign exchange trading position at the close of each business day.

“In order to preserve the stability of the market, the foreign exchange trading position of each individual authorised dealer, which is currently at one per cent of its shareholder’s fund’s unimpaired losses, has been temporarily reviewed downward to zero per cent with immediate effect.

“Any infraction of the requirement of this circular, in any way whatsoever, will attract appropriate sanction which may include suspension from the foreign exchange market,” the CBN circular read in part.

16 BUSINESS NEWS

December 19, 2014

UBA Twitter Notification Service Goes Live In Africa

By Bukola Idowi, Lagos

Customers of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc in 18 African countries, where the bank has operations can now receive transaction alerts to their twitter handle as direct messages.

It is an innovative first from the pan-African bank and currently the only bank in Africa to offer this service.

“What we have done is take social media banking to a new level. Twitter is increasingly becoming a popular means of communication especially among the young adults,” said UBA’s director, Information Technology,

Rasheed Adegoke.

“As a highly innovative bank, we are giving the Millennials, who are increasingly banking with us an option to get transaction alerts on their preferred platform.”

According to Adegoke, before now customers can only receive transaction alerts as text messages to their mobile phones and as e-mails.

The UBA Twitter Notification Service will not, however, replace the current SMS alerts system in place for all of the bank’s customers, but will complement it for added convenience for all those who subscribe to the service.

UBA customers seeking to receive twitter powered transaction alerts to their twitter account should visit the UBA Group website or the UBA twitter page to register.

On the UBA Group website, customers will be requested to click on the Twitter notification service page, and enter their account number then click on submit.

Follow the displayed instructions to log into their personal account and enable access. Once this process is completed, the customer will start receiving transaction alerts securely.

The alerts will only be seen by the receiver, since it goes into his or her

direct message box, just like an SMS message going to a phone.

The introduction of this service reinforces UBA’s growing presence and engagement with its numerous customers on social media. UBA has been acknowledged as one of Nigeria’s leading banks in the social media space.

In February 2014, a social media report by Alder Consulting ranked the bank among the top three, in effective use of social media in Nigeria. UBA is active on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Instagram and Google plus and runs a corporate blog.

CBN Rolls Out Centenary N100 Banknote

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKo, Abuja

The commemorative N100 banknote unveiled recently by the president, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, will go into circulation across the country from today, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced yesterday.

Accordingly, all branches of the bank have been directed to commence issuance of the currency in their respective locations.

The commemorative note will circulate alongside the existing N100 note, the apex bank noted in a statement.

The note, which is embedded with features to assist the visually impaired recognise genuine notes, also has other security features that will make it easily identifiable merely by looking at, feeling and tilting it. The CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, at the unveiling of the new banknote, had explained that the new note was designed with enhanced security to offer robust resistance against counterfeiting.

Authentication features of the note include window micro-optics, the national flag and an inscription of the numeral figure 100, indicating the value of the denomination and the attainment of the centenary period. The new design retains the portrait of Chief Obafemi Awolowo both in the ink, and as a shadow image.

In addition, there is a spark feature of a rolling manila bar, which was the instrument of transaction during the slave trade era.

At the back side of the currency is the introduced Quick Response Code (QRC), a digital communication feature that highlights and sources all the information about the centenary. With the QRC application, the barcode on the banknote can be scanned by users to read a brief history of Nigeria.

The CBN had, in 2010, issued the commemorative N50 polymer note to mark Nigeria’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebration.

December 19, 2014

17

18 / BUSINESS NEWS Unity Bank, Seplat, Sterling Bank, Others To Join NSE 30 OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Unity Bank, Seplat Petroleum, Sterling Bank are set to join the NSE 30 as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is on the verge of completing the year end review of its sectoral indices.

The review will witness the entry of some major companies and exit of others in the NSE 30, NSE 50 and the five sectoral indices of the exchange, which are the NSE Banking, NSE Consumer Goods, NSE Oil & Gas, NSE Industrial and NSE Insurance.

The composition of these indices after the review will be effective on January 1, 2015.

In the NSE 30 index, the likely incoming stocks are Seven Up Bottling Company, Seplat Petroleum, Unity Bank, Sterling Bank, and Mobil Oil Nigeria while the outgoing stocks are Total Nigeria, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer, Fidelity Bank, Ashaka Cement, and First City Monument Bank (FCMB). Seplat Petroleum, Beta Glass Company, Caverton Offshore Support Group, Ikeja Hotels are likely to

join the NSE 50 index while WAPIC Insurance, Continental Reinsurance, MRS Oil Nigeria, Cement Company of Nigeria plc are exiting the index.

For the NSE Consumer Goods Index, incoming stocks are DN Tyre & Rubber plc, Vono Products, Union Dicon Salt, and Northern Nigeria Flour Mills while Vitafoam Nigeria, Champion Breweries, National Salt Company Nigeria, and Dangote Flour Mills are exiting the index.

The NSE Banking Index will witness entry of Unity Bank and Wema Bank while Skye Bank and Fidelity Bank exit.

The Law Union & Rock Insurance, Prestige Assurance, Linkage Assurance and Guinea Insurance are likely entrants to the NSE Insurance Index while Unity Kapital Assurance, Universal Insurance, Staco Insurance and Equity Assurance exit.

The NSE Oil & Gas Index will record new entrants like Seplat Petroleum, Japaul Oil, and Beco Petroleum Products, while MRS Oil Nigeria, Eterna, and Conoil exit.

December 19, 2014

Sustain Legacy of Abuja Carnival, Igbinedion Charges Minister

By Chika Okeke, Abuja

The founder of Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, has charged the minister of culture, tourism and national orientation, Edem Duke, to sustain the legacy of Abuja carnival.

The Esama of Benin Kingdom, who expressed dissatisfaction with the dwindling fortune of the recently concluded Abuja National carnival, urged Duke to sustain the annual event which he founded and nurtured from the outset.

He made the statement in Abuja during his conferment as the Grand Icon of the Nigerian Culture during the 11th edition of the National Council for

Arts and Council (NCAC) Honours Lecture/Awards Series with the theme ‘Work Ethics, Productivity and Public Morality’.

The NCAC Honours Lecture/Awards Series is a programme designed to celebrate the Nigerian culture by identifying and recognising those that have contributed immensely to the promotion of our cultural heritage.

“I believe that we need to focus on inspiring our youths and giving them opportunities to discover and develop stronger desire for cultural themes and cultivate the right mindsets and attitudes towards learning,” Igbinedion said.

Also speaking, the governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu,

represented by the state commissioner for tourism and culture, Mrs Susan Gana, said that the lecture was aimed at “deepening our understanding of arts and culture” even as she encouraged Nigerians not to relent in protecting their cultural heritage.

The governor, who received the Grand Award for Outstanding Patron of the Culture sector, harped on the need to assess “ourselves as individuals and a nation in order for Nigeria to take its rightful place in the comity of nations.”

In his response, Duke acknowledged the robust efforts of the chief executive of the NCAC, Mrs Dayo Keshi, barely 90 days after her assumption of office,

and described Nigeria is a cultural melting point for Africa. He maintained that the most important common wealth of Nigeria was domiciled in the sector, noting that the Nigerian movie industry was the second largest in the world.

Earlier, Keshi had said there were plans afoot for the establishment of an art bank that would ensure regular sales of well produced artworks, stressing that at completion, the project would create more jobs and wealth at the grassroots.

She said that part of her initiatives was to also establish an Arts and Crafts Dome to serve as an outlet for the marketing and sales of finished cultural products.

Niger Partners Foreign Firm For N1.6bn Solar Plant In Minna

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

The governor of Niger state, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has stated that the government is partnering with a foreign-based organisation to establish a N1.6 billion solar energy plant in Minna, the state capital.

He said yesterday that already a site for the project has been acquired and directed the immediate release of N100 million for the payment of compensation to those whose land were acquired for the project.

Aliyu said in a forum with the foreign firm that the company should find other organisations that are interested in investing in the state to partner with it for the establishment of similar projects in Bida, Kontagora and Suleja towns.

He said such a firm should be ready to pay compensation to owners

of land to be acquired and also embark on the establishment of the solar plants in the affected areas, in addition to managing the project for a specific period.

The governor noted that epileptic power supply has hindered the industrial growth of the state, adding that any organisation that is serious to tackle the challenge will be supported by the government.

The chief executive officer, Solar Investors Plant, Mr Arjen Pen, had earlier told the governor that immediately compensation is paid the company will move to site but added that the project cannot be completed within the lifespan of the present administration.

Pen assured that on completion all homes, hospitals and other business outlets, including factories in the state capital, will be assured of supply of power in the daytime.

L-R: Country rep, African Development Bank, Mr Ousmane Dore; UN resident coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Dauda Toure and director-general, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms Arunma Oteh at the 2015 budget presentation in Abuja.

Reps Will Pass PIB – Spokesman

By Edegbe Odemwingie and Bode Gbadebo, Abuja

For the umpteenth time, the House of Representatives has assured that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) will be passed before the end of the 7th Assembly.

The House spokesman, Zakari Mohammed, at a briefing with newsmen, yesterday, hinted that the

PIB report will be considered when the House resumes from its recess on January 13.

Mohammed said, “The PIB will be on ground before we round off this assignment. The chairman of the House Adhoc Committee on PIB, Ishaka Bawa, told me that their work is concluded. The leadership of the House believes that the PIB is one of the best legacies this Assembly will

be bequeathing Nigerians.”

On the level of the implementation of the 2014 budget, he expressed disappointment at its poor implementation, a practice which he described as being in “the same vicious circle.

“We have found ourselves in the same vicious circle of delayed releases and poor implementation of capital allocations,” mohammed said.

busiNess iNteRvieW / 19

December 19, 2014 How important is Nigeria to Lafarge?

Nigeria is a very important to Lafarge as one of its top countries and we have invested a lot of in the country since 2012.

More importantly, we have recently confirmed our commitment to Nigeria with the creation of Lafarge Africa Plc, which is now the sixth largest company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

It is a combination of all our Nigerian operations as well as our South African operations and we have decided to choose Nigeria as the base for that. This shows our level of commitment to Nigeria.

We also have a lot of commitment to product development. The idea of the trip is to give you an opportunity to see Lafarge’s operations outside of Nigeria so that you can have an idea of some of the things we do away from the country. You will see also see our research centre in Lyon which will give you an idea of some of the products here and to see that they are not only being done for France but also for some of our very strong markets, including Nigeria.

Recently, the price of cement was reduced by Dangote Cement, what is your take on this?

The pricing of cement is a very competitive decision. We just have to live with it. If you look at the prices of cement we have in Nigeria today before the recent price slash by our competitor (Dangote Cement), you will notice that prices were already lower than they were some years ago.

We have seen a lot of work done on improvement and on increased capacity through backward integration policy in the cement sector and this has also allowed us to make the product more affordable.

When we talk of prices, what is important to us is to make sure prices are stable, visible and understandable by the actors in the market because we believed that if you want to prepare to organise your construction, you need to know what the prices will be and it is important to give visibility about this. So it is very important policy that we make our prices clear to our customers and if there are changes in prices, we communicate the increases in some of the factors. It is very important we communicate the reason we are increasing prices to our customers and it is very important our customers have this visibility.

Our Concern Is To Minimise Cost Of Good Constructions – Roux Recently, the executive vice-president, Operations, Lafarge Group, Guillaume Roux, who also doubles as the group managing director and chief executive officer, Lafarge Africa Plc, spoke to some journalists in Paris, France, on the global cement industry and how the company was providing solutions to build better cities. FRIDAY ATUFE was there for LEADERSHIP FRIDAY.

Roux

Why have prices of cement remain low of late despite inflation In the last four years, we have been able to keep our prices lower despite increases in inflation. You will see in Lyon that we don’t see ourselves as just sellers of cement, we believe what is important is to develop more and more solutions for construction.

What is important at the end of the day is the cost of construction. How can we work with the masons contractors to help them have a good construction and to lower the cost of their constructions.

This is why we launched Superset Cement, which is designed to allow block makers to have an early setting and to be able to really plan with very consistent cement. They

know if they have this kind of cement, they can have this number of bags to make so many blocks and it will dry in a certain period of time. So it is consistency and reliability and we deliver value to our customers.

And when we look at our other cement products, we do the same. We look at the value it will bring to the consumers so that it reduced the cost of construction. You will see some special concrete that have high inertia and that reduces the amount of air conditioning you need in a building and this is very relevant to Nigeria. We have other types of concrete which we call poloria, which when you put in a form can take four hours instead 12 to form. So this reduces the cost of construction. If you need to do a special cement to achieve that, your cost could be a little higher because it has more value. So when we talk about cement prices, the most important thing for us is that people understand what is going to be the cost of materials and we work to develop new solutions that make it more affordable, more durable and you will see some of this on concrete roads. We have met with the minister of works who will lead a delegation from Nigeria to South Africa to see what is being done there with road construction.

How do you adapt some of your global solutions to the Nigerian environment?

We like to adapt some solutions to the Nigerian environment which is very hot and road construction is a big issue. So you shouldn’t put very solid road and concrete road you have to replace every two years as that, in the end, is much more costly.

We believe we need to continue to educate and really work with engineers and masons so that we can learn more on how to improve construction and also help to develop new solutions that are relevant to Nigerians.

This is why we are committed to building, in Nigeria, a construction laboratory. We are starting it in the first half of 2015 and would continue to develop solutions that are relevant to Nigeria.

Back on the price, since our competitor is harping so much on that, our main focus is to make sure our customers will still be happy buying our products and so we will take that into consideration to make sure we continue to sell and provide quality service to our customer.

We have recently confirmed our commitment to Nigeria with the creation of Lafarge Africa Plc, which is now the sixth largest company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange

Naerls forum

December 19, 2014

National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, ABU Zaria Contact: Dr M.K Othman - 08065571637. mkothman@gmail.com

Naerls, Iar, UNrbda Organise 14Th National Irrigation and drainage seminar (2) 3. POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION IN IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE • Irrigation and Drainage is a viable option for poverty reduction and economic growth, but it has been under exploited and is not adequately recognized in poverty reduction policy documents.

• Potentials for improving water productivity and expanding the irrigated area exist but these are constrained by uncoordinated policies for water resources, agriculture, rural development and environment.

• Inconsistencies and disruptions in policy implementation has greatly affected advancement of irrigation and drainage in Nigeria.

• Government’s role as service provider in public sector irrigation schemes has become largely ineffective.

• 4. BIODIVERSITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY • Irrigation and Drainage is being practiced without taking cognizance of ecosystem biodiversity.

• Holistic approach to planning, execu-

tion and management of irrigation for ecosystem sustainability is lacking.

• Conflicts among water users in irrigation schemes particularly between farmers and pastoralists still persist.

• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) done for irrigation projects are rarely utilised. Similarly, post-EIA auditing, monitoring and evaluation to strengthen ecosystem sustainability are not conducted.

5. SITUATION REPORT ON IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE PROJECTS • Capacity utilization of existing irrigation projects is very low.

• Existing large dams and irrigation schemes are not properly maintained.

• There is poor implementation of Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) in public sector irrigation schemes • The dry season Agric performance survey is irregular RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the observations and discussions at the seminar, the following recommendations were made: • There is an urgent need to resuscitate

Group photograph of participants at the National Irrigation and Drainage Seminar held in Minna, Niger State

agricultural extension delivery services targeting farmers under public irrigation schemes through FDAE, FDID, RBDAs, SIDs, ADPs, NARIs etc.

• Holistic and integrated approach to irrigation and drainage should be encouraged. Government should ensure all stakeholders (RBDAs, NARIs, ADPs, farmers etc) should partner and collaborate with each other to move irrigation forward.

• Research into crop response to water, agronomic and other management practices should be complemented with that for infrastructural O & M and project Management and Performance etc for sustainable development of the subsector.

• Capacity building of agency staff and other stakeholders should include mod-

ern management skills using ICT. • Agency staff sponsored for training should be demanded to make presentation as a proof of the knowledge acquired during training.

• Guaranteed minimum price should be extended to irrigated crops.

• There should be adequate management of water resources in terms of quality, quantity, timely release, and equitable distribution among users in irrigation schemes.

• Completion of on-going irrigation projects should be ensured to increase their utilisation and command areas.

• The annual dry season Agric performance survey by NAERLS and other stakeholders should be regularised. ➔ CONCLUDED

INtervIew

land swap Policy Will Curb Plot allocation Corruption – Olajide Alhaji Saka Olajide is the former chairman Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), FCT Chapter and chairman/CEO Fola Konsults Ltd, he spoke with PAUL UWADIMA on FCT land swap policy and other property development challenges in the nation’s capital. what are the gains of the land swap policy?

One of the major gains is that it would promote rapid development of Abuja. It would release more funds to do primary infrastructure. What I mean by primary infrastructure is the building of major roads like expressways, arterial streets, connector streets, bringing power to the affected districts, bringing water to the affected district and central sewage system and developing it. These are some of the major infrastructures. So these are some of the things government would be doing. The investor would concentrate on local infrastructure that would be related to his or her own estate only. So government would not be concerned with local streets, how you get access to your houses but would do the bulk infrastructure to the periphery of that particular district. The internal distribution network would be done based

on the master plan recommendation and based on the ability of the investor to develop it. That means you can have 10 or more districts developing at the same time.

The end users can have opportunity to make choices of where they want to go in terms of location, in terms of infrastructural development. They would have removed enormous corruption in allocation of plots and selling of plots. The corruption will be minimised, even the prices of plots would be minimised because plots would be very competitive. The only thing is that government will be the one to issue certificate to the end users based on the recommendation of the investor. the original inhabitants of the FCt are lamenting that under the land swap policy their ancestral lands are taken away and given to developers to their detriment.

Olajide what can government do to allay their fears?

The question of ancestral homes or indigenous population is very important because federal government has disappointed the local populace over the period of time. Abuja has been under construction for more than 30years and you find out that up till now the question of resettlement is still not clear on what they want to do. And now people are more enlightened than they were 30years ago. Now it is not only the problem of the land swap. There must be a clear-cut policy of what the government want to do with the indigenous population.

There are only two possible options, total resettlement outside the footprint of

the city, but anywhere within the territory, the other alternative is integration within where they are now. But there is a lot of conflict, because the belief then was that the indigenous population are mainly farmers and small businessmen who may not be able to fit into the urban system.

That was the reason why we said that they should be relocated to areas outside the city’s footprint where they can do their farming and other activities without being disrupted by the influx of other Nigerians. But you find that the younger generation want to live within their existing areas because of the benefits that may likely accrue to them and their mode of occupation is changing fast from being farmers to businessmen, to contractors, to civil servants. So not many of them will like to go and live outside the city.

The two options are dicey, but it can be a mixture of the two; resettlement and integration. Integration in the sense that development in their present location can be integratedinto the urban system within a layout, but they would have to lose their system of occupation; they cannot do farming within the city, they cannot do animal husbandry within the city, they cannot be hunters within the city. They have to lose their ancestral background, if they are going to stay within the city. These are the implications of integration. But if they are going to be outside the city for resettlement they can be resettled in suitable areas with better houses, better condition with facilities and services; health, schools and even the farming system can be improved upon.

December 19, 2014

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22 / tax f0cus

December 19, 2014

Standard Integrated Government Tax Administration System (SIGTAS) tax in focus

Impact and benefits for taxpayers Following the implementation if the Standard Integrated Government Tax Administration System (SIGTAS) solution, below are some of the impacts and benefits for taxpayers:

By Anuya, F. O. (Ph.D)

• Single and unique Tax Identification Number (TIN) for taxpayers Prior to the deployment of Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) taxpayers were registered and assigned the FIRS TIN different from the TIN assigned by the Joint Tax Board (JTB), resulting in taxpayers having more than one TIN. With the ITAS deployment, both federal and state taxpayers will be assigned one unique TIN from the JTB, the organisation with the mandate to enroll taxpayers.

• Centralised taxpayer registration The JTB, being the organisation with the mandate to enroll taxpayers centrally for all tax authorities in the land, serves as the centralised taxpayer registration point. The enrollment capabilities are extended technologically to the systems of the different tax authorities.

for payments, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for foreign tax payments and exchange rates, Office of the Accountant General of the federation (OAGF) for ministries’, departments’ and agencies’ (MDAs’) tax remittance and JTB for centralised taxpayer registration.

Benefits of the SIGTAS • Automatic calculation of tax and penalty: Tax calculations will be done by the system and it includes actual tax, penalties, interests etc.

• Identifies taxpayer errors or omissions through tax declaration processing: The FIRS is currently running a self-assessment regime which requires taxpayers to assess themselves, file and then make payments.

However, the system will raise exceptions to mathematical errors and omissions at a certain stage of the declaration process.

This helps to eliminate declaration errors.

• Generation of assessment notices, payment reminders and other taxpayer correspondence automatically.

Ag. executive chairman of FIRS, Alhaji Kabir Mashi

• Integrated taxpayer’s tax account status across all tax types In ITAS, tax accounts are created for the different tax types for all tax transactions, payments, interests, penalties and other related transactions that affect the balance of taxpayers.

The status of the taxpayer’s performance in terms of tax liabilities across the different tax types can easily be viewed from the system. These tax accounts can be compared to the soft form of k-cards and it provides an integrated view of all tax transactions.

• Redesigned tax forms The redesigned tax forms are the output of the Business

Process Reengineering (BPR) project which is a sub-project in the ITAS implementation project. One of the objectives was to redesign the ‘As Is’ (before the commencement of the ITAS) form so that it will be simple both for automation, taxpayer’s usage and also to bring the forms in line with international best practices.

• Redesigned tax processes The introduction of the ITAS system will definitely affect FIRS’ tax processes positively. The adjustments made to the old process to conform to the system requirements gave rise to the redesigned processes. Tax processes were redesigned to

stream-line redundant and non-value adding processes.

• Automation of tax processes This is the transformation of the simplified and updated manual process into a system based process devoid of redundancies. The machine is made to carry out some standard tasks, thereby, increasing process efficiency.

• Increased automation of payment/refund administration The project FACT introduced payment automation. The ITAS project is to leverage on that and introduce more payment platforms into the system.

Tax refund is a complex process in the FIRS marred by a number of manual interventions across different functions and departments of the service. The ITAS seeks to simplify the refund process by removing many of the manual interventions as is evident in the redesigned processes.

• Interfaces (NCS, Interswitch, CBN,OAGF, IPA, JTB) These are third party systems/agencies that will interface with the ITAS for exchange of certain taxpayer information. The ITAS will interface with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for import duty related transactions, Interswitch

Other benefits include: • automated payment posting and receipt generation • providing an integrated view of taxpayer affairs across all tax types • reduced cost of compliance.

Cost of compliance is reduced by the system in a number of ways. It will reduce declaration errors to the minimum, thereby, reducing audit and investigation intervention.

The system can automatically send letters and reminders to taxpayers, thereby, requiring no human effort to remind the taxpayers of their tax obligation. It can also can automatically compute compliance gaps and communicate to taxpayers For more information on the ITAS implementation, please contact Itas. changemanagement@firs. gov.ng.

December 19, 2014

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December 19, 2014

FRIDAY EXTRA December 19, 2014

O

ne of the greatest fears of those who live on the fringes of Abuja is the fear of demolition. They are perpetually suspicious of any move made by the government around their communities.

Some of them who must have relocated to those places after having their homes demolished earlier during the El-rufai era are still haunted by that unpleasant reality.

According to Paul Dike, one of the residents of a rural community on the airport road, they have been expecting government bulldozers to appear anytime, and this explains why the nature of structures put up in those places are often makeshift ones and obviously unplanned because of the way they are scattered around.

“Nobody would want to put up any good structure in a place that he knows is not permanent. The conditions of living in these areas are really terrible; there are no water supplies, neither are there good road networks whatsoever. It is just a total ghetto where people rest their heads after the day’s toil,”says Paul.

Most of these villages can be found on both sides of the Abuja airport expressway. The buildings are often made with inferior materials, and some are even made of mud. They have winding, rugged, untarred roads with a lot of bumps, and most of the houses there are often flooded during the rainy season, since there is no town planning or a water control system.

These villages are without a doubt home to a lot of families in Abuja; it is surprisingly a mixture of both the rich and the poor, but more populated by low- income earners.

A lot of businesses and other entrepreneurial ventures are seen in those villages, although everyone is ever mindful of how temporary these arrangements are.

Only recently, the government decided to fence these villages, which has indeed remained a thing of surprise to a lot of the dwellers.

While some think it might be a sign that their homes would never be demolished again, others think differently.

According to Rabiu Ahmed, who lives in one of these villages, he believes that there will be no more demolitions.

“Of course, we have been living in great fear, but I think the days of fear are over, because I don’t think the government would still come and demolish these places after spending money

INSIDE

A lot of businesses and other entrepreneurial ventures are seen in those villages, although everyone is ever mindful of how temporary these arrangements are

Lugbe Village, fenced by FCDA

How Fencing Abuja Airport Villages Will Affect Temporary Dwellers The ongoing fencing being carried out around Karamagiji, Lugbe, Aleita, Chika, Kuchin Goro villages along the Abuja airport road have brought about mixed feelings for those dwelling in these areas. UGBOJA FELIX OJONUGWA, Abuja writes. to fence them. I think the fencing is just to make us realise that we are protected,” he said.

Grace Abutu also shares in Rabiu’s optimism. “I have been living in this village since 2007 after our home in Garki was demolished, but my family and I have always been cautious about building a permanent home here. Now I think we are going to have a rethink, since it seems like the government isn’t planning any demolitions now and have even started fencing the place,” she said.

For Boniface Uzo, the fears are still pervasive and not taken away by any kind of fencing whatsoever.

“I don’t think the government would allow these places to thrive like this for long. For me, the fencing is not any assurance that our homes are not going to be demolished. I think the purpose of the fencing is just to cover the terrible state of these villages from those driving on the expressway. It is mere window dressing. I am sure the days of panic are not over yet,” he said.

Vera Terveshima, a small scale busi-

Big Questions & Answers nobel 10 ultimate top list

ness owner, also revealed that the fencing has done little to assure her of anything.

“This might just be an attempt by the government to secure its land, and not to assure anybody about demolition or not.

I believe that these villages would still be demolished, but that won’t be without a lot of resistance and complaints too,” she said.

Raphael Momoh thinks that the fencing is being carried out because of the present security challenge in the country, and has nothing to do with whether there would be a demolition or not.

One thing that is evident from the fencing of these villages by the government is that it has considerably calmed the nerves of the dwellers. It means to them that this could be an extension of the demolition time or not at all.

According to Tobi Modashiru, an Abuja-based lawyer, in any case of demolition, the government should have a good resettlement plan for the villagers in order not to render them homeless.

Frank Akpan also believes that the

government is ready to allow the poor to exist on their own too without any fear, that might be the reasonable explanation for the ongoing fencing.

If the government decides to leave those villages without any demolition, one question that comes to mind is how those areas can be developed, considering the nature of settlement, which is not in the master plan.

“I think it is a gradual process, just as we have seen through the ongoing fencing. I am sure that when the government wants to build roads across the villages, it would follow a certain process where too many buildings would not be demolished” said Tobi.

Whether it aims to shield the villages from the expressways, assure the villagers of some permanence or as a temporary arrangement pending a demolition, one thing that is sure is that these villagers are still going about their daily activities as Nigerians who are rarely taken aback by any imminent change whatsoever. And just as Frank remarks, “Life must go on.”

Why... answers to scientific questions

26 culture

December 19, 2014

Carniv Boat Regatta

Witnessing Carniriv Boat Regatta: Battle Of The Canoes A flood bath of jubilant sunrays inundates a creek of murky waters in the oil city of Port-Harcourt, as a thousand souls spectate at its bank. A war canoe pierces through the waters as its twenty paddlers bellow battle chants and songs with dramatic fervour.

Like spears, their black-painted oars slice in and out of the tidal waters, as clusters of palm fronds fringing the rims of the boat sway, sway and sweep to the rhythm of the passing wind.

The whole creek turns into a fashion-runway of loaded canoes in an instant, all bedecked with elaborate dressings and fittings of colourful materials, each boat belonging to a tribe partaking in the Carniriv Boat Regatta.

A

bout a thousand culture enthusiasts hit the sands of Port-Harcourt Tourist Beach on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 for the annual international aquatic fiesta, popularly called “The Carniriv Boat Regatta”. The weeklong Port-Harcourt carnival which started off on Monday, December 9, 2012 had featured a number of opening parties, unveiling of the carnival monument, dance of fireflies as well as cultural art

exhibitions which finally brought its visitors and attendees to the long-awaited annual regatta. The aquatic contest, engaging various local government areas (LGAs) within Rivers State, is usually hosted at the city’s only tourist beachThe Port-Harcourt Tourist Beach, located along Moor House road, in the Borokiri area of Port-Harcourt city, Rivers State.

The air at the beach was dense and eagerness wore the people like Agbádá.

They had been waiting, eagerly waiting

for the battle of the canoes to begin. The tide was low, the boats could not row and for a moment the spirit of the waiting crowd became low. Then a rumble of drumbeats sprung and soared up from somewhere within the waiting crowd.

It was the drummer boy of the Bonny people. Everyone looked in his direction as he rammed the magical goatskin of his willing drum with his zealous sticks.

As soon as this began, another group of drummers standing nearby picked up their drums and began beating, and yet another group near the creek banks instantaneously joined in the vivacious fete.

The whole ambiance erupted into a cyclone of thrills. The people reeled, with excitement they reeled; and it was as though the creek waters also had ears and had been sprung to life by the reverberating drumbeats; for in a short moment, the tides began to rise while the crowd rejoiced and danced. The boat

The whole ambiance erupted into a cyclone of thrills.

The people reeled, with excitement they reeled

A journey of a thousand sites begins with a single click.

decorators who had slowly and painfully laboured, adorning the boats, boats moored at the creek side; they got stung as well, goaded by the melodious spell from pulsating goatskins. To their feet they sprung and began to speed up their work. The event moderator mounted the floating platform already set up on the creek, made a double tap and coughed into the microphone, alerting the audience of the commencement of the longawaited regatta. Almost immediately, the various cultural troops participating in the event began to march down to the creek edge to board their canoes.

The moderator kicked off the show spilling out a series of side-splitting jokes that sent the crowd toppling with laughter. The whole atmosphere had become transformed into a barrel of amusement and delight within an instant. At the background, the DJ further graced the show by playing Duncan Mighty’s “I be Port-Harcourt boy yee… ohumgolobo… boy yee.. Port-Harcourt person…” (I am a Port-Harcourt boy…) It is the favourite Pidgin-English song of the Niger Delta people, and the crowd swayed merrily to its melodious rhythms.

The assembly of anxious tourists were already set for the boat race. ➔ continued on the next page

culture 27

December 19, 2014

Witnessing Carniriv Boat Regatta: Battle Of The Canoes At the rare end of the creek, colourfully-decorated boats of various sizes assembled in rows and columns. Each belongs to the participating cultural troops.

Most of them came with single canoes, being their ceremonial boats, known locally as ‘Alali-aru’, while a few others had two canoes- a ceremonial boat and a war boat called ‘Omuaru’. The design and adornment of the Omuaru and its paddlers’ attires are different from those of the Alali-aru. Omuaru paddlers are often garbed in black/dark attires (believed to signify violence) and their boats are fitted with palm fronds (believed to signify victory). These boats are not as elaborately decorated as the ceremonial boats.

The troops were called in one after another and the paddlers made amazing displays with their unique rowing styles and skills. The spectating crowd took turns to cheer whenever their favourite troops sailed into view to make their presentation. Among the participants, the Bonny and Okrika LGAs made the most spectacular display and drew the loudest ovation. The long Bonny Alaliaru sailed in with its paddlers in attires of white t-shirt and blue-checked robes with matching coloured-canoes. Its paddlers struck the waters with exceptionally choreographed strokes of their oars.

The spectators roared with ecstatic cheers and claps, while the children jumped up, shouting “Bonny! Bonny! Bonny!” Everyone stood in awe of the matchless paddling style and dexterity of the Bonny people as their canoe sailed with amazing speed along the creek.

Okrika LGA came with both their ceremonial and war canoes. Its Omuaru (war-

canoe) paddlers were dressed in black t-shirts, black-checked robes and whiteblack stripped head warmers, while its Alali-aru (ceremonial canoe-paddlers) wore white polo shirts, sky blue-checked robes and grey-blue head warmers. Their Omuaru (war boat) paddlers gave an awestriking performance with a startling release of an explosion from a gun barrel attached to the bow of the canoe. It sent a sudden shock through the crowd of spectators as everyone reflexively bent their

heads and rushed backwards in fright.

The shock however melted into great admiration of the creativity shown by the Okrika cultural troop, which immediately brought cheers and massive applause from the crowd. Other participating Local Governments Areas were Ikwere, Ogu/Bolo, Asalga, Akukutoru, Obio-Akpo, Akulga, Delga, Okrika (two LGAs), Opobo-Nkporo, Ahoada-West, Degema, Andoni and Khana; among whom Delga, Opobo-Nkporo and Okrika LGAs per-

Carniv Boat Regatta

Don’t bite more than you can chew.

formed with both their Omuaru and Alali-aru canoes.

The Regatta ended with an extremely amusing and interesting aquatic drama presentation by the Akpara Fish Masquerade group. Everyone went home with wide smiles drawn across their faces, satiated from the various presentations at the boat contest and hoping that next year’s Carniriv will be just as amazing or even more.

Source: naijatreks.com

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December 19, 2014

Your Entertainment and Lifestyle Guide

M.I

Alade

Wizkid

Elliot

Lange

Davido

Ikeji

Etcetera

Entertainers Who Made 2014 ‘Interesting’ Company in distress makes trouble less. ― Egyptian Proverb

Novia

esseNTials PlaylisT

razak’s diary TaTTles

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December 19, 2014

before you READ 2014 has been fun! Though this was the year our nation was put under siege by those who felt we should not exist as a nation. At the same time, this was the year we Nigerians persevered in the face of adverse challenges against us. This continually proves that the fighting

spirit of the Nigerian cannot be doubted.

For entertainment, this year was filled with juicy celeb stories, scandals and controversies. This was the year of the ‘underdog’. This was also the year where a new school of musicians and actors made themselves known.

Through their various songs, movies and what not, they cemented their status as ‘A listers’. All in all, this was a good year for Nigerian entertainment.

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya shares with us his thoughts on marriage in the age of technology. A truly eye opening article.

Do you believe in New Year resolutions? Better yet are you planning to make any in 2015? If you are, make sure you make the resolutions you can keep.

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

one TO WATCH

Essentials Playlist All Set For TooXclusive Awards 2014 Nigeria and Africa’s musical heavyweights are are getting et to slug it out at the this year’s edition of the TooXclusive Online Music Awards.

Full List of Nominees; Album Of The Year 1.Olamide – Baddest Guy Ever Liveth 2.Asa – Bed of Stones 3.Phyno – No Guts No Glory 4.Wizkid – Ayo (Joy) 5.Sean Tizzle – The Journey 6.Tuface – The Ascension Best New Artiste 1.Reekado Banks 2.CDQ 3.Kiss Daniel 4.Emmy Gee 5.Slyde 6.Lil Kesh Male Artiste Of The Year 1.Davido 2.Wizkid 3.Olamide 4.Phyno 5.Sean Tizzle 6.Timaya Female Artiste Of The Year 1.Tiwa Savage 2.Yemi Alade 3.Seyi Shay 4.Chidinma 5.Cynthia Morgan 6.Asa Artiste Of The Year 1.Davido 2.Olamide 3.Wizkid 4.Tiwa Savage 5.Yemi Alade 6.Phyno Earth-shaking Collaboration 1.Davido & Mafikizolo – Tchelete 2.Patoranking Ft Tiwa Savage – Girlie O’ 3.Mavins – Dorobucci 4.Dr Sid ft Don Jazzy – Surulere 5.Lil Kesh ft Davido & Olamide – Shoki 6.Runtown Ft Davido – Gallardo Certified Banger Of The Year 1.Mavins – Dorobucci 2.Davido – Aye 3.Lil Kesh – Shoki 4.Oritsefemi – Double Wahala 5.Yemi Alade – Johnny 6.Dr Sid ft Don Jazzy – Surulere Video Wonder Of The Year 1.Iyawo Mi – Timi Dakolo (Clarence Peters) 2.Komole – Sean Tizzle (Aje) 3.Onye – Waje ft Tiwa Savage (Kemi

Adetiba) 4.Aye – Davido (Clarence Peters) 5.Wanted – Tiwa Savage (Moe Musa) 6. Sitting on The Throne – Olamide (Kemi Adetiba) Extraordinaire Vocal Performance 1.Flavour – I’m For Real 2.Cobhams Asuquo – Ordinary People 3.Timi Dakolo – Iyawo Mi 4.Simi – Tiff 5.Nosa – Why You Love Me? 6.Ruby Gyang – Good Man Lyrical Titan 1.Olamide 2.Phyno 3.Mojeed 4.Jesse Jagz 5.Reminisce 6.Yung6ix Best Afro-Pop Track 1.Aye – Davido 2.Dorobucci – Mavins 3.Shake Body – Skales 4.Sanko – Timaya 5.Dance – Tekno 6.Jasi – Banky W Best Hip Hop Track 1.Where is Vector? – Vector 2.King James – MI 3.Rands & Naira – Emmy Gee 4.N-Word – Ice Prince 5.Deaf – Eva Alordiah 6.Dobale – Modenine ft Gentle Best R&B Track 1.Iyawo Mi – Timi Dakolo 2.I’m For Real – Flavour 3.Let Somebody Love You – Tuface ft Bridget Kelly 4.Plan B – Wande Coal 5.Why You Love Me? – Nosa 6.Good Man – Ruby Gyang Best Street Hop Track 1.Shoki Remix – Lil Kesh ft. Olamide & Davido 2.Awon Goons Mi – Olamide 3.Banana – Slyde 4.Alobam – Phyno 5.Emergency – Wizzy Pro ft Patoranking, Skales & Runtown 6. Fatasi – Reminisce Next To Blow 1.Runtown 2.Niniola 3.Cynthia Morgan 4.Lil Kesh 5.Boj 6.Yung L

How to Get Away with Murder Few shows know exactly what they are from the start. And even fewer can maintain that vision beyond its pilot. Created by Peter Nowalk and starring the immaculate Viola Davis as lead actress, Murder is a balls-out, melodramatic soap that is keenly aware of the benefits of delivering answers and suspense at breakneck speed. It is intense and preposterous.

How to Get Away with Murder follows the personal and professional life of Annalise Keating, a criminal law professor at the fictional Middleton University in Philadelphia, one of the most prestigious Law Schools in America.

A criminal defence lawyer, Annalise selects a group of her best students from her university class to work at her firm. They are Connor Walsh, Michaela Pratt, Asher Millstone, Laurel Castillo and Wes Gibbins. In her personal life, Annalise lives with her husband, Sam Keating; but she also has a secret relationship with Nate Lahey, a local Philadelphia detective.

The series started with generally positive reviews from critics with most reviewers praising Viola Davis’ performance. On Rotten Tomatoes, How to Get Away with Murder has a rating of 86% based on 57 reviews.

movie review

The Day They Came Genre: Short film Director: Genesis Williams Year: 2013 The Day They Came is mind-blowing.

Why? It makes you wonder why no one harnessed talents like this and if this was made with zero budget, what would an actual budget produce?

The short film doesn’t have much of a story to it. No. We all know that the concept of robotic aliens isn’t

particularly novel. This is just a sci-fi that showcases the ability of Nigerian CGI designers. Notably there were some unacceptable things in the short film (we see cars in flames without burning) but whatever error this work has is pardonable considering that there was no budget.

— Reviewed by Innocent Ekejiuba of nollysilverscreen.com

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

ACTING EDITOR Pembi David-Stephen

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah 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.

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December 19, 2014

Essentials Taste

Making Pizza From Scratch (With Or Without An Oven) Pizza is fast becoming a rave here in Nigeria, with pizza shops springing up in every nook and cranny.

Although it doesn’t come cheap, it's definitely worth every penny. Well, you don't have to break the bank to enjoy this tasty snack at home.

On first thought, I wanted to make this post about pepperoni pizza but, on getting to the supermarket where pepperoni sausages are sold, I noticed that they had run out of pepperoni, so I went for the next available option – ‘chicken franks’.

Don't get me wrong, these are not the only available options to be used as toppings for your pizza. You can, infact, use lightly cooked minced meat, chicken, chopped onions, green peppers, any sausage, bacon, olives, ham, sweet corn, pineapple, mushrooms, basil, barbecue chicken or just plain cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, goat cheese, cheddar or a combination of two or more of them). Weird, but the pizza made with just plain cheese is actually my favourite and it goes by the name ‘Margarita’. Once you're done making your pizza dough as shown in the post below, making pizza from scratch gets pretty easy.

Ingredients: • Home-made Pizza Dough • Homemade pizza sauce (tomato puree can serve)

• Chicken frank sausages • Green pepper • Sweet corn • Corn meal • Mozzarella Cheese Directions: Step 1. For this pizza, I used tomato puree which is a mixture of tomato, red scotch bonnet pepper (ata rodo), garlic and onion. Once pureed into a fine paste, it was boiled till all

the liquid evaporated and fried with vegetable oil.

Step 3. Flour the smooth working surface with corn flour and flatten the dough with your hand till you get a thin disc. Place the disc on a baking sheet or pan.

dough with the tomato paste, sausage, sweet corn, green pepper and cheese.

Make sure you break the cheese into smaller pieces to enable it melt easily.

Step 5. Bake in a pre-heated oven at about 550°F or higher for about 1015 minutes till the crust is browned and the cheese melts on top. When using a pot or oven, make sure it's very hot before putting in your pizza to bake.

Step 4. Cover the top of the flattened

Slice and serve.

Step 2. Chop the sausages and green pepper into thin slices and set aside

Making Beef Shawarma At Home (Nigerian Style) Shawarma has got to be the most popular street snack almost everyone enjoys. It’s also pretty easy to make at home. The only hitch you might encounter is finding a good place close to your vicinity where the pita bread (used for making Shawarma) could be bought. There are various types of Shawarma such as beef Shawarma, chicken Shawarma, fish Shawarma, e.t.c, with each Shawarma having its own unique taste. Now I’m going to make it really simple. For the hot press (to seal and heat up the wrapped shawarma), you could make do with a sandwich toaster if you’ve got one or, simply, a frying pan.

They both serve the same function, only that one heats both ways (most times leaving sandwich lines) and the other heats one way, leaving no line at all. It’s pretty straight-forward.

Ingredients: • 4 medium-sized carrots • 1 small cabbage • 2 medium-sized green bell peppers • 1 medium-sized cucumber • 2 tablespoons of chilli powder • Mayonnaise • Ketchup • 10 pieces ‘pita’ bread (shawarma bread) • 14 chunks beef (you could also use

chicken or fish) • 2 Scotch bonnets (yellow/red pepper) • 1 small onion •2 seasoning cubes • ¼ bulb ginger • 4 cloves of garlic

•1 tablespoon of salt •1 tablespoon of curry • ½ tablespoon of thyme • 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil Directions:

Cleanliness As welcomeisas next flowers to godliness. in May. ――Egyptian EgyptianAfrica Africa

Step 1. Chop the cabbage, grate the carrots, dice the green pepper; slice the cucumber and set aside separately.

Step 2. Dice the beef and place in a small pot. Blend the onion, garlic, ginger, scotch bonnets and pour into the pot with diced beef. Season with the stock cubes, salt, curry and thyme. Add some water and cook till tender for about 15minutes. Once done, stir-fry in vegetable oil for 3 minutes.

Step 3. Get one ‘pita’ bread and open the pocket (this divides it into two). Place one on top of the other.

Step 4. Rub mayonnaise over the bread on top. Add the cabbage, carrot, green pepper, cucumber, beef – sprinkle with powdered chilli and drizzle with ketchup and more mayonnaise.

Step 5. Fold to seal the contents and place on the pan (greased with a little vegetable oil). Reduce the burner flames and let the shawarma heat up on the side with the open flap. Flip and do the same for the other side.

Step 6. Yep! Your beef shawarma is ready.

Serve.

Remember, portion control is one of the secrets to healthy living. So, indulge a little but stay healthy.

— Courtesy Dobbysignature.com

36 TATTLES Between Dogg andPregnant?

Iggy Is GeorgeSnoop Clooney’ s Wife

The feud between Iggy Well,on-going according to the couple, sheAzalea is not!and legendary rapper Snoop Dogg has been reports George and Amal Clooney have denied described as the ‘World’s most random rap feud’ they are expecting a baby together. and it all started when Snoop picture Recently, the social media wasposted abuzzawith news thatIggy’s Amalmakeup-free was pregnant after an mocking face.

Snoop American ran pictures of her at an posted thewebsite photo showing an albino-looking LA hotspot whatbraids lookedand likethe a growing woman withwith cornrow caption bump.

However, a spokesperson for the couple “Iggy Azalea no make-up.” Many of Snoop’s confirmed to British tabloid Daily thatbyshe 3.5million-plus followers were alsoMail tickled theisderisive picture, as not expecting their child. it scored thousands likes and comments withinsaid. hours. Well, Iggy “Amal Clooney is notofpregnant,” Stan Rosenfield got wind of the picture and blasted Snoop on Twitter, “why TMZ also noted that: “Coats generally don’t hang outsaying from your would youthe post such a mean picture onadds Instagram you send body and placement of her hands fuel towhen the fire.” your guards toofask for pictures every timeon we are atmedia, shows.”

Fans body and followers theme couple became excited social as Snoop responded by postingthat another picturewere online of him wearing it was originally speculated the couple expecting a child a together, blonde following release of theirSnoop night-out pictures. platinum wigthe under the words: Dogg and Iggy Azalea

Chris Brown’ s ‘EbolaAnd Tweet Apology’ Jennifer Aniston The Not Accepted

By Fans Pressure To Have Children

American musician Chris Brown is not a DBarely a week goes by when Jennifer doctor he doesn’t even play one on TV and Aniston subject to a tabloid storyshut about he’s nowisn’t learned to keep his mouth when her personal life with questions like “Islike shethe it comes to important medical issues pregnant?”

“Is she trying adopt?”that Recently, the 45-yearEbola crisis.orRecently, Christotweeted “I don’t know but I old actress talked to Allure magazine about parenting andS**t the think this Ebola epidemic is a form of population control. assumptions people make her lifeand andfurious more. Aniston, is getting crazy bruh.”

Theabout immediate backlash who got engaged to Justin Theroux in 2012, told the magazine, included that followed was definitely expected.

“You’re not “Ia don’t like the pressure that people put on me, on women smart person at all,” and “You believe this based on what that you’veOh failed yourself a female becausegotta you haven’t evidence? yeah, none” as and “Why morons be famous?” procreated.

I don’t thinkafter it’s fair. may notby have a child come Chris conceded defeat justYou 3 minutes tweeting, “Let me out your vagina, but But thatthe doesn’t mean you aren’t shutofmy black ass up!” angry responses keptmothering coming. dogs, friends’ children.”

She also spoke about various This isfriends, not one of Chris’s finest moments. notions people have about her personal life: “This continually is said about me: That I was so career-driven and focused on myself

Wizkid Is An Ungrateful Person – Samklef

Popular musician WizKid is currently in the eye 'My Relationship With D’banj, Anof the storm over issues bordering on attitude and excessive collaboration charges from his fellow Achievement' artistes, Samklef and lately Saeon.

Obviously, Oritsefemi haslabelled grown very It all startedmusician when WizKid allegedly fond of andproducer close toSamklef’s D’banj. Sobeats close‘Amateur’ are they his former that the ‘Musical Taliban’ is possibly preparing in a recent interview and Samklef, not taking theto join D’banj’s DB Records. comments siting down replied WizKid immediately.

NET recently caught known up withinOritsefemi after he He made his feelings an interview with survived recent attack in Lagos.

Linda Ikeji.a“I’m notrobbery happy with WizKid. I am The angry singer did not mince words.

He specifically statedI that if D’banj because he’s going about disrespecting my talent. like his music makes an offer, he as willa literally “jump at The it”. reason I don’t like him but l don’t like him person anymore.

“You know close a lotspoiling of agencies corporate anymore is, D’banj why doisyou go to about otherand people’s business? bodies and he’syour been the onenever introducing metotosay them, even bad I never spoiled business, came out anything though most them know my songs.

Really, I’man not really about you for of four years.

So why would you go to OAP andclose tell to from next year, I’ll be a couple and thethem OAP and, that the reason why you nosigning longer work withof medeals is because D’banj has told me a lot about them.

“So, my relationship with D’banj is an achievement for me and, trust me, something big is coming which I won’t disclose now. [As for the contract, it remains toentrepreneur be seen] if [itLanre will be] possible.

Musician, fashion designer and Fasasi, aka Sound Sultan recently made a shocking revelation that his wife, Farida Fasasi is not a fan of his music.

While speaking in a recent interview with NET, the ‘Naija Ninjas’ boss said ‘My wife does not listen to my music, she likes listening to Blackface In recent interview, Afro-Rapper Remilekun anda Bob Marley. ’ Safaru, popularly known as Reminisce, stated Sound Sultan, a devoted Muslim, married his long his term belief that indigenous rappers doand nothis get Igbo Christian girlfriend, language Chichi Morah in 2009 the deserve. wiferespect has sincethey converted to Islam after getting married He said: “I don’t think anyone hasadopting given indigenous to the Satellite Town bred star, fully the Islamic rappers chance.

We took it by ourselves. faith andany the name, Farida.

We decided among thatcareer we need The just union between Soundourselves Sultan, whose started to makewith people know what wesingle, have to offer. in 2000 the release of his hit ‘Jagbajantis,’ Indigenous rappers own the crowd. be very honest with and his wife, is currently blessed with 3 Let’s children. ourselves, how many people can speak good English in this country? It’s about the audience affiliating with the artistes who speak their language. It’s not about calling indigenous rappers Entertainers N1 Billion Businesses ‘razz’ and ‘local’Invest . More people wantIn to Hospitality be razz now; they think razz is the new cool.

Luckily for me, I am selling razz music and I am With Nigeria standing tall as the fastest-growing hospitality getting rich off it.” sector in sub-Saharan Africa, according to data collected by W-Hospitality Group, top entertainers in the country have also delved into the sector, investing almost N1b this is according to NET. Though some of these entertainers have failed in operating What’s next on the agenda others for entertainers who lost out inexperts their few of their investments, have teamed up with various party to primaries?

This seems to be the question on the AY’s lips of in the sector invest heavily and wisely.

From Comedian, many who followed their progress theIdibia’s end of‘Rumors’ it in theirand political recently opened ‘MVP Lounge’ to and 2face Dayo venture.

The onlySuites entertainers who succeededkeep in getting to theinnext Adeneye’s D&C and bar; entertainers investing the level of the 2015 elections aretime.

Desmond Funke Adesiyan and hospitality sector in recent OtherElliot, entertainers who have Tony ‘Onein Week’ Muonagor. Those lost out include; 9ice, Kenny invested the hospitality sectorwho are Femi Kuti ‘Afrikan Shrine’ , Saint Bukky Wright, Dayoand Adeneye and2nite Kate Klub.

Henshaw.

VictorBest, Olaiya, Stadium Hotel, Flavour,

Sound Sultan’s Wife Is Not A Fan Of His Music

More People Want To Be Razz Now – Reminisce

What Next For Entertainers-turned-politicians?

December 19, 2014

Recently, fans thrashed KimActress K for and 40 year old Spanish cropping her daughter of mother of two Penelope Cruz out of a selfie she posted on was recently named the Sexiest Woman Alive according to Esquire Instagram.

The reality star magazine’s list laughing of desirable reacted onannual Twitter, aboutfemale it and beauties. asking if she could live. She also implied that her decisions are hers to make.

According to World’s Kim Kardashian has the recent reports, Chris to Best butt! This is according Brown his long-suffering recentand research commissioned

by Longevita plasticgirlfriend surgeon Prof. on/off-again Dr Fuat Yuksel Karrueche Tran. And are over not 45% back percent of women seeking to together, even after they were enlarge their butt in the last one spotted thethey same place year wantin what now referat to the same time on, at. least, two as ‘The Kim’ occasions over the weekend.

When a fan asked Tran if she was back with Chris, she denied flatly.

TiSPY Which two TiSPY

foreign Name the musicians musician that fought over has asong? nightclub in Festac?

My Understands I'mWife Not That Rich -Genevieve Nnaji My Profession – Ramsey Nouah

Star actress Genevieve Nnaji was a guest on TV show ‘The Truth’ with Olisa Adibua. In the interview, she opened up on almost everything - from her fashion In a recent interview, popular Nollywood actor, Ramsey Nouah revealed why he prefers to keep his wife and family away from public scrutiny.

Speaking on the increase in failed celebrity marriages, the award-winning actor said: “There is nothing I can say to them. I am a celebrity myself. Whatever I say compromises my judgment. I can’t tell celebrities how to hold on to their marriage, nobody can actually tell you how to hold on to your marriage. It is between the lovers; the man and the woman. It is either [that] they are compatible or not. Most times – I would say to about 60 to 70 per cent of the time – show business, actually, is one of the reasons why marriages crumble. So, I can’t tell them what they already know. Some people put extra effort and it just doesn’t work. In other words, you realise that it is so because you’ve not found a compatible partner.”

Nouah talked about his efforts to maintain a balance between his home and job.

He said: “I have a very beautiful wife who understands me and understands my profession.

“We both have an understanding of how to actually deal with things; the showbiz life and with people who go around destroying your family rather than helping it.So, we are compatible like that. We are 14 years in marriage and we are still going and I love that.”

TheThings Things The

They Said Said They “I“Olamide didn’t say anything about Tiwa Savage’s inspires me” marriage”

— Phyno

–Musician Kcee “Being “Life sweetyoung die” and dumb is one of my

suitsman” –strong Musician Davido

— Musician Chris Brown

FLiRT ALERT

“I don’t my wantwife to settle down theJohn rightThomas” person” ” Only knows theuntil sizeI find of my –Actress Nnaji —JimmyGenevieve Jatt

GOT A CELEB GIST? GET IN TOUCH!

TATTLES 37

December 19, 2014

TATTLES with Abisola Alawode

OUR EAR-ON-GROUND

AboutBest That 5 Nollywood The ‘Controversial’ Actresses Of 2014

It is a known fact that some favourite version of that the careers of artistes like Nigerian musicians do not song. Darey went on to Banky W, Timi Dakolo, have a ‘genre’ of music. The lend his amazing vocals to Age Beeka, Waje, Ibiyemi, need to have that ‘club hit’ many songs that show the Omawumi, Etcetera (more or club banger has blurred endless possibilities of a soft rock though) and this the lines between the Nigerian who can do music reality hits you hard. The In a recent articleof posted on his web- latching fantastic role asBanky ‘Mama’ . With a career in various genres music without onto the that was conceived site, movieAnd director and critic Charles spanned over 30 years, for them. apparently, bandwagon ofmusic whatwhich we has in Mr Capable has been Novia the actresses Onwenu’s moonlighting to Nollywood Chris listed Ihidero feels thehe considers now call ‘Jollof’ music. aborted in transition to the industry’s for the 2014. In seemsme to have artistic resame.

Below isbest a story heyearBefore you accuse of finally a popfound star its with a dash keeping with our promise of bringing the wards in HOAYS. Her mannerisms, facial published recently. elitist pretensions, please of R&B. And Banky is best to your knowledge, TATTLES char“It’s articles overcast Friday note that I am expressions, a great fan voice one modulations of the mostand brilliant wants you to enjoy article;and advocateacterisation an over-protective afternoon with thislight of ‘Jollof’ assongwriters youmother will all almost flawless in theTimi movie.

It’s as showers as I drive on music: I do notaresubscribe ever meet. basically 1.

Ikpe Etim-Sule in HOAYS, set outfor to prove a point theNsestreets of Lagos. to the notion ifthat music shesings government Having watched her in three movies reand only the blind will argue that shehave did Predictably, traffic is must make sense, or that hersince his albums leased in 2014, there was little one could not achieve artistic aim.

It must be beginning build upsense and of it must be enduring.

I refused to selltoand concert fault in herto powerful interpretaquite a fulfilling experience straddle, drivers look determined believe it is perfectly okay promoters won’t put him tion, internalisation and ‘chameleonic’ arguably successfully too, two important to get to their destinations for some songs to have a on their bill.

Age Beeka characterisation in the movies, Devil in sectors of entertainment – music and before lifetime equal movies. to thatOnyeka of has disappeared forour about the Detail,the I Comelegendary Lagos and Purple Rose.

Onwenu deserves Lagos traffic ruins the rest the average 2 a Well, decade now.sheJeremiah To the trained eye, when an actress does mosquito; commendation. at least, has of day. It’s weeks.

Gyang is also missing. hertheir research, it isbeen easy over and quite a pleasmine! aureweek since buriedmesmerise When I the listen to Darey’s You suspect that with that to watch thatwethespian my friend and boss, so I’m music and visualize him audience.

3. Omoni Oboliastounding voice, Waje still in afalls somewhat sombre ofinsilent a live I –would lovedandto be Sule in that category but performance, Two movies Renderhave to Ceaser mood.

The song playing see concert a stage, different kind sure actresses whose works speak more halls, Being Mrs Elliottmaking – whichafeatured Omoni on the radio iselse. jarring and in athegrand and anenough of music from what she’s than anything In Devil Detail, piano Oboli were to convince me that disruptive reflectiveportrayal attentive I see tocurrently she gives usofamy self-assured of aaudience. she deserves be on thisdoing, list. even if mood, so fidelity I change the toromantically litWatching smoky theshe’s wife whose is called question excellingI could artistically. two movies, apstation and happen upon Sule’s by her suspicious husband. preciate various Oboli’s acting cafésnuancand a tight 6-man Welevels haveof all been aware es, dramatic pauses and bodyband languageserenading abilities. Artistically, she comes across Darey Art-Alade’s powerful an of Omawumi’s vocal in thebelting role leaves oneStars’ awe-struck.

This is a clientele. sometimes restrained in her but voice out ‘No , enamoured I seeas being dexterity for a while, lady of who her onions. delivery in some roles butifshe one myknows favourite songs While Dareysome first and foremost I wonder wemore will than ever might her when actingitinhit I Come as makes up for these inhibi-the by him.view That’s asLagos a balladeer, blessed get pardonable to experience a bit What exaggerated, given that she a tions her powerful ability me: have we done withplays a great voicebyand full range of to herreally, abilities village fromMore Akwa-Ibom the comic really act with her face.

Her facial to this girl Darey? than inusing that voice to exploit through songs weexpresdon’t flick, what I could seewe herdone obvious reveal righttoemotions, that, have to attempt his listener’s sions range of thehave dance to.which Etcetera to veer away from intense,emotions, broodher lines try to has convey.

Few actors can to singers capable ofthe moving driving them been reduced ing roles she is sometimes known for.

In achieve that in Nollywood, as what wethe us emotionally, singers from anger to laughter, the reincarnation of that comedy, us see mostly these days are bland expreswho didn’t askshe useffortlessly to dance shows from sadness to joy and author of the Book of the other sidelisten, of herreflect skills andback leaves the delivery of interpretative but just to tono tears. sions I can in afford Lamentations: he currently one guessing about her being in a class dialogue.

But it is in Being Elliotthours that and allow ourselves be to dream and see Darey spends his Mrs waking by herself when it comes to histrionics.

Oboli comes out smoking.

Her characstirred? thisI light, but present about and, what Sule is an actor’s actorinand, ter has variouswriting levels of emotional IIndeed, first heard Darey sing day reality suggests that if everybody else is doing daresay, she is an unsung method actor. perhaps, repressed comical transitions live when an organization music is to pay Darey’s bills wrong the industry Method acting is an elevated technique and Oboli delivers wheninit matters most Iin acting, belongwhich to only organized and provide him access to and perhaps spends his the best strive to in aspects of such artistic requirement.

A aachieve. tributeI could event for say hisSuleaisquality life, Darey cannot sleepingat time dreaming safely Nigeria’s wardrobe malfunction the Presidential late the greatif one afford dreamVilla likeduring me. a special of being a musician again. versionfather, of Cate Blanchett takestointo premiere and the Art-Alade, at O’Jays Bar ability Nigeriato abis blessed with Imade can’t me remember the last consideration her incredible buzz it created curious to watch and Restaurant in Yaba. amazing vocalists who I time I heard a new Ibiyemi sorb her characters and show us layers of the movie and, while aspects of its direcOn that he features took in suspect would torial have ambitions loved song, me tellone you talent eachnight, time she a movie. wereand a bitlet arrested, on the Francesca stick to ballads, this: Ibiyemi the most When thegreat real acting gems aretosifted wassoul not and disappointed much has

by Oboli’s Emmanuel (greatstones soprano) R&B buta cannot because soul-stirring voice in this from the coarse in Nollywood, acting in the movie. in a vocal context that left Sule will, undoubtedly, be onethere of theisn’t few a critical mass industry. I should know. the audience that that shining stones spellbound. displayed on the shelfcan of support She wrote and sang ‘Do 4. Queen Nwokoye The next Sule, timemyI standing paid kind excellence. ovation. music. TheMore-often-than-not, brands you see me’ many tend to , the soundtrack attention to him was when that sponsor concerts dismiss the movies and‘Asabawood’ of my firstgenre shortoffilm, Big 2. Onyeka Onwenuin the events are generally as crass, not without structure in he participated Daddy.

Sheand didlacking it in one Despite my reservations the linear progression plots. lot the of Project Fame talent show.about interested in artistes that takeofand allWhile of usa in film adaptation of a Yellow movies from that axis, that juxtaposed with His rendition of Half Luther makeSun, songs that cannot studio day still talk one of the delightful for fans me to fillthe so-called ‘New Nollywood’ movies, Vandross’ ‘Dance comforts with get a stadium. about the experience. fromFather’ the movie was Onyeka can be a critic’s nightmare watch,Iyanya my remains my Onwenu’s Look at the trajectory of Let’s not talktoabout

MTV Base List

PUBLiC DiSPLAY

“I have autographs on many boobs” madesigned the song Shoki blow” –Sir Shina Peters – Musician Davido

there is no denying that a few actors and actresses in that genre of movies have given us some performances which deserve applause. Queen Nwokoye is one of such worthy of mention for 2014. Whilst researching a bit more on her movies for 2014, I was authoritatively told that she is presently the most commercial actress in the Asaba movies, ever since Mercy and Tiwawent Savage.

Or maybe we with Johnson on maternity leave, should.

Iyanya Singing her movies sellingwon in thea millions. contest but became a star from While such information does little to rolling hismy waist.

Tiwa was doing influence artistic evaluation of her R&B before relocating to Nigeria, acting prowess, it was certainly important enough forhad meto toemploy file away in my where she has side memory bank of that Nwokoye boob, a flash nipples and must long have something which to the buying legs to assist her appeals voice in making audience of such watching her a pop star.films.

ThisAfter country her in a spawn of top-selling Asaba movswallows its best and spits them ies 2014, I understood why.don’t outin in shapes even they In the movies Adaura and Ada Mbano recognise. and nebulously plotted sequels, My their Darey conundrum is made Nwokoye’s performance as a typical more frustrating by the fact Igbo village lass speaks that when Dareyvolumes makes about songs her abilities for research, interpretation like ‘Sisi eko’ and ‘Special fever’, and characterisation.

I am told she comsongs that I, great fan that of his mendably speaks the Imo dialect in the ballads,even wish he wasn’t making, movie, though she is from Anambra he doesn’t do badly.

State.

Obviously, she putIninfact, a lot if of hard other pop artistes were making work in that regard and, if Oscars have thosegiven songs I would have said been in Hollywood to actresses ‘great stuff!’

But I am a biased who research accents and use effectively fan,characterisation, one who isn’tthere concerned for is no reawith the realities Darey hasbetogiven son why Nwokoye should not face on a daily basis, the business special mention for achieving this feat in vs. artistic these parts. decisions that he has to5.make to ensure that he finds Kemi Lala Akindoju a Aspace to operate in annot industry lot of readers might have seen that largely only pop Tunde Kelani’ssupports Dazzling Mirage, a film in music.Lala I really don’tplays care.a young, I just frail, which Akindoju want a Darey album filled Iwith sickle-cell patient, Funmiwo. watched the movie at a film festival in November ballads. and I wasthat impressed with Lala’s portrayal I fear a generation of of the lead character. brilliant singer-songwriters A true-to-type will be washedphysical away casting by theby the director first draws some empathy tidal waves of the ‘flavour of from the towards Lala and, as she theaudience moment’ syndrome being goes . currently enjoyed by pop music. I

Did you know that the biggest winner at the Headies awards since inception in 2006 is, surprisingly, Babatunde Olusegun Adewale, popularly known as Mode 9? With nine awards, the rapper has won the Lyricist on the Roll ‘head’ a staggering seven times, as well as the Best Rap Congratulat ions are Album and Best Rapin order for Nollywood Single ‘heads’. actress Mercy Johnson Okojie. She recently gave birth to her second child, a Nollywo od actor, Nonso baby Congratulat ions Diobboy. i reve aled the Mercy! pressure he has had to deal with from his mother over the issue of Comedienne, actress, mar riage. He said: “My Radi and TV personality, mumowas going through Hele n Paul recently my phone cont acts open ed a mult i-million this morning and she naira film scho ol concentrated morcalle e on d Hele n Paul Thea tre the female contactsand Films Academy. The,film won dering why I’m still acad single.emy Lol,”loca he ted wrotine Ogb on a, Lago s, is said to be a one of his social media dream come true for the acco . medunts ia personality.

At the recently held Nigerian Davi do isGosp indeel edMusic Awards, sing goin Obio g plac ra es!erHe was ‘Obiw on’nom was the rece man ntly inate d in of the day.

Thenatio the Onyinye ‘Bes t Inter nal crooorm ner picke Perf up four ance’dcate gory awar dssong in the‘Aye Best for his ’ at the CollaTrain boration, Soul Soul AwaBest rds set to hold on November 7 in Las Vegas.

He is the only African on the list.

Recently, the gist went viral online that BBHotshots finalist Tayo Faniran was lady first i ic’sby Warr mus ,000 Base $350 givenline sed relea ni. ntly receAyiri Ema Saeo naire billion Saeon’.

Amthe EP ‘I ed her , Tayot clear Welldebu to g , rdin sum acco ed EP The air on the alleg sses re mpa Whe he? enco is n o Saeo “Wh asking: truly she na who ,000 and t $350 wha this If he? is na this alsonsaid say she She is. e mea real, real manybefans the can s herAyiri hope Chairman ugh thromTayothis her#Tea e to er. relat bigbroth EP. Are they MAD??”

“Strive not to beWhat a success, butyou rather to be”of value” “The mind is everything. you think, become.

TiP FOR TiP FOR –Albert Einstein THE TOP THE TOP — Buddha

Call Bisola on 08126995258 Or e-mail at friday@leadership.ng

38

FEATURE

December 19, 2014

Entertainers Who Made 2014 ‘Interesting’ WizKid

Ayodeji Balogun seemed to be in the news for all the wrong reasons. His sophomore album Superstar was panned for not being “up to standard” and his lyrics, according to some, were nothing to write home about. Then came the fights with Davido. Though they have now made up, Wizzy definitely came out as the loser.

Next on his fighting list was Baseline Records’ artiste Saeon. He got involved in a messy battle with the singer over his non-promotion of a song in which she featured him. This ugly battle played out on social media to the delight of various bloggers and gossip columnists. He also got involved in a war of words with his former producer Samklef.

Not done with producers, he also added Sarz to the list.

Worse, he failed to win any major award this year. Perhaps, Wizzy might look back and consider that there were aspects of the year he would rather not remember.

Davido We present our list of entertainment personalities who, for one reason or the other, made 2014 a truly unforgettable year.

Please feel free to compile your own list and send to abisolaalawode@ yahoo.co.uk By abisola alawode

David Adeleke definitely had a year to remember. From winning countless awards to releasing monster hit singles, the Aye crooner remains a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian entertainment Industry. At just 22 years of age, it is simply mind-blowing to note that his career actively started in 2011.

Think back to any major show that happened this year and Davido would, probably,have headlined the event. The year 2014 was, luckily, almost controversy-free (except that one spat with Wizkid which, according to almost everyone who followed it, he won – though no blows were exchanged.

Davido also showed his charitable side as he presented his official producer and manager with brand new cars.

Genevieve

Yemi Alade

The year 2014 was definitely Yemi Alade’s year. True, no one saw it coming, but her monster hit Johnny helped in making it so. Alade was able to build on the success of Johnny to establish herself as a ‘brand name’ in the industry. Also, the release of her debut album King of Queens this year, helped her carve a niche for herself amongst the thousands of female musicians being thrown up in every nook and cranny of the country. If she continues thus, she will be around for quite a while.

Blossom Chukwujekwu

This was the year this talented actor cemented his place in the hearts of movie lovers. The actor is popular for his roles in the movies Flower Girl and Knocking on Heaven’s Door. Starring in Nigeria’s first Telenovela Taste of Love was definitely a plus for him, as well. The actor who described himself as an “unapologetic church boy” is one to watch out for.

Ruby Gyang

One of the break-out artistes of 2014 is Alternative Soul singer Ruby Gyang. From her unforgettable performance with Senegalese legend Youssou N’dour and her nominations for at least five major awards this year, Gyang’s star is on the rise.

Charles Novia

A.Y

This was the year the former model also gave away the most money, further endearing her to fans all over Nigeria.

K1 The Ultimate

King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (formerly KWAM 1) single-handedly made Fuji For his insightful criticisms and interesting articles ranging music fashionable again. By organising Nigeria’s first mega Fuji concert, the from ‘Yoruba women having the biggest behinds in Africa’ foremost Fuji singer put Fuji music back on the map. Kudos, sir. and his thoughts on Seyi Shay’s dress to the Channel O Awards, Novia’s articles kept us glued to his website – take Bovi note, not blog.

A couple of years ago, if a list of ‘A list’ comedians had been compiled, Bovi’s name would, of course, not have made the list. It is 2014 and any such list Linda Ikeji without Bovi’s name will be considered “biased” or “false”. His hilarious skits This was the year Nigeria’s leading blogger was almost put and his annual Man On Fire comedy series have placed him on a pedestal that out of business. Her dalliances with a certain Mr Ayedee could only be reached with a mixture of talent and handwork. are well documented. In fact, her dealings with him led to her blog being shut down by Google for almost a week!

KCee Claw me, and I will claw thee. ― Chinese proverb

FEATURE

December 19, 2014

Entertainers Who Made 2014 ‘Interesting’ KCee has come a long way in the industry. According to him, he’s been around for, at least, 10 years (that’s a lot of time). His hit-single Limpopo launched him to ‘A list’ status almost immediately. Other songs like Pull Over and Fine Face have cemented his position. However, it is fashion sense and his constant use of the words ‘Fashion Icon’ in describing himself that has made him popular. Would we see more outrageous fashion choices from this ‘Fashion Icon’ in 2015? We may not have to wait for too long.

Etcetera

If there was ever a poll for the most controversial entertainment writer, Etcetera would win it without competition! This former musician’s articles have earned him harsh insults from the likes of Olisa Adibua and Cool FM’s Freeze. His article about ‘Second Class husbands’ was definitely a favourite for many this year.

Kunle Afolayan

This highly respected and admired film-maker keeps getting better and better. His movie October 1 was released to critical acclaim. I can bet you this dude is far from done; not from his body language, he is not.

M.I Abaga

Say that Mr Incredible’s album Chairman was this year’s most anticipated album and you’ll not been wrong. Fans waited and waited for the album and when it finally came, M.I proved that he is, indeed, Nigeria’s ‘Rapper No 1’.

Desmond Elliot

This was also the year in which some entertainers got it into their heads that they would make good politicians. But one person who stood out was Desmond Olusola Elliot. From the very first day he made his intentions known, it was obvious that he knew what he was about. His campaign was well run and, in the end, he got his party’s ticket.

Solomon Lange

Solomon’s rise to the top is a story for another day, but his ambition and the exposure he got as a result of the release of his latest album Grateful is well deserved. His soullifting music touched a lot of lives this year.

Genevieve Nnaji

Genny chose this year as the one to focus on other aspects of her business, besides acting. She bagged endorsement deals with Etisalat, Polo Nigeria, Amstel Malta, Range Rover Envogue and MUD Cosmetics. She also re-launched her fashion label St Genevieve – all in one year.

Bovi

Skales

True, he did not win the Hip Hop World Awards’ Next Rated Artiste, but that should not make him lose sleep; we know what he is.

When the news that Skales’ (Raoul Njeng Njeng) contract with EME had expired, many feared for his career, but the Shake Body singer bounced back by launching his own record label OHK Music and he also got signed to Baseline music. His monster tune Shake Body also made 2014 his coming-of-age year.

Olamide

Someone needs to study Olamide to know what makes him tick. Though he has said it is pressure from fans and marketers alike that make him release an album every year, one cannot help but wonder what keeps him going. He has also made indigenous rap the go-to genre of music in Nigeria. His success has also given rise to countless upcoming ‘street rappers’

A.Y

Who knew famed comedian Ayo Makun could act? No, not the comedy ‘skit’ thing, I mean real, acting in a full-blown movie that he produced? AY has proven that, despite being known primarily as a comedian, he can give any actor a run for their money.

Tope Tadela

To understand how Tadela got on this list, read what Charles Novia said about him: “A Mile from Home is Tope’s break-out movie. Having won a few laurels on account of the movie for Best Actor, I was curious to watch the movie earlier on in the year and when I did, I was not disappointed by his characterisation in the movie. It is heartwarming to see the new generation of actors coming all out to prove that talent is king, beyond good looks. For Tope Tedela, his talent may well take him places.” Convinced yet?

Mo Cheddah

Don’t be surprised by Mo Cheddah’s inclusion on this list. After all, this was the year in which she came out from near-obscurity to release two singles Destinambari and My Time.

Oritsefemi

Rounding up this list is the ‘Musical Taliban’ himself Oritsefemi Majemite. His song Double Wahala changed his status almost immediately. Though other songs released after Double Wahala leave much to be desired, the remix featuring D’banj did not help matters – not one bit.

Oritsefemi

Circumstances alter cases.

― Egyptian proverb

39

40

COLUMNS

Marriage In The Age of Technology

I

n many ways, modern technology has changed the way people communicate with one another. Unlike the past when phones were not readily available and mails took weeks and, sometimes, months to get to their destinations, people can now get in touch with one another at the touch of a button. Text messaging, emailing, instant messaging chats and social networks now generally allow for faster and more efficient communication and, so, help build relationships. The implication is that in our fast-paced world where the majority of husbands and wives work and are separated throughout the day, those who desire to be constantly in touch with each other can do so without much stress. Issues that need urgent attention do not necessarily have to wait till couples are back from work in the evening (or dead of night) before they are resolved. The fire of romance with one’s spouse can be kept burning even while one is away from home.

In our time, it is quite common for careers or businesses to take people to other parts of the country or world on a regular basis. This means leaving the home or one’s spouse for a brief period or, sometimes, for long periods of time.

Thanks to modern technology, it is quite possible to keep marriages together in spite of long distances. Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangout and other video chat platforms give couples the next best alternative to each other’s company: the chance to see and hear each other.

In the words of Laura James, “More immediate than snail mail and more affordable than international phone calls, technology is invaluable for keeping marriages together no matter what the distance.” Now, as much as modern technology can help strengthen relationships, it also has negative impacts; It Erodes The Thin Line Between Work And Home Today, the fact that one has closed from an office no longer automatically means that one has closed from work. With the advent of computers, the Internet and cell phones, people can – and are often expected to – address work issues from home. This undoubtedly limits family interactions and, sometimes, causes conflict between spouses.

It Erodes Private Boundaries Many employ modern technology in increasing numbers to communicate with their friends, acquaintances and people unknown to them, even at odd times. So, it is possible for a man or woman to be in the same room or even on the same bed with his or her spouse without necessarily “being there”. Text messaging and online chats often engage the attention of some so much that they are oblivious to the fact that their spouse is sitting or lying right next to them and needs attention. A lot of those messages or chats are about issues that do not necessarily add anything to their lives and so can actually wait. In this regard, the new technology is making it more and more difficult for some to give undivided attention to their spouse.

It Leads To Increased Expectations And Conflict With the increasing use of modern technology, people often expect an instant reply to communication from their spouse. A delayed reply – or no reply – can lead to suspicion and anger.

It Sometimes Provides An Escape From Reality

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It is sometimes attractive to look for an escape route whenever there are issues in one’s marriage, instead of confronting them headlong. Unfortunately, technology offers an easy route. Dissatisfied and troubled spouses seek succour in virtual relationships and the Internet seems to offer the secrecy they desire, as it allows them to make ‘faceless’ connections without the fears associated with face-to-face contact.

It Can Be A Ready Cheating Tool With modern technology, it has become much easier for those who have the tendency to cheat on their spouses to do so. It is amazing that some can exchange amorous messages with their lovers or secret admirers right under the nose of their own spouse. Cases abound of married men and women who, in search of fun on chat forums or social media platforms, met people with whom they ultimately ended up in bed.

It Exposes To Risky Adventures Without any doubt, it is partly the anonymity and assumed low risk that have made Internet dating and social networks popular. Some, including married men and women, have met their untimely death in the hands of people they met online or chat forums. Ironically, that seemingly nice man or woman online can, in reality, be a monster or murderer.

It Can Put Strictly Private Matters In The Public Domain Status updates, tweets, posts etc. which reveal moods and what is on one’s mind often tell a lot about the state of one’s marriage.

For your marriage to benefit maximally from modern technology, therefore, there is a need to set clear boundaries. Unfortunately, many are not aware of or have no regard for the rules of the game when it comes to this technology. Even where such rules do not seem to exist, I believe it is good, with the cooperation of your spouse, to determine how it should be used in your home and lives.

Without mincing words, there are some situations where the use of modern gadgets are a distraction and, so, should be avoided, particularly when: i) Spending time alone with your spouse or family ii) Discussing an issue you or your spouse considers important iii) Involved in a heated debate with your spouse iv) Taking a leisurely walk with your spouse v) Enjoying a romantic dinner vi) Getting intimate or in a romantic mood vii) Conveying a heartfelt apology or viii) Attending a social function with your spouse.

If the call or message is so important that it cannot wait, make it snappy and let your spouse in on it. It is important that you draw a clear line between your work and home life. This could mean switching off the smart phone or any such device and ignoring your evening emails till the following day. It is equally important that you give your partner complete attention when you interact privately and keep your gadgets away to avoid distraction. God will give you the grace to always do what you know is right.

— This article was written by Pastor Taiwo Odukoya

Write to us! Share your favourite recipes, TV shows, movies, and of course write to Matilda, Mimi and Rasaq. Send us your comments and suggestions on our features.

We want lots of feedback from you! fridayleadership@leadership.ng

December 19, 2014

guest column

7 Guests You Shouldn’t Invite To Your Wedding

Now that you've just got engaged, the next thing you do is plan your wedding. The foremost thing to do about your upcoming nuptial is to make a budget and stick to it.

Next comes the guest list. You need to be very cautious when making this list, as there are some worst guests to invite for wedding. Usually, making a guest list for a wedding can be a little tricky as you want to invite your nearest and dearest ones. You also want to make sure that no one spoils your big day.

What to do on the morning of your wedding Firstly, you need to know how many people you are planning to invite and how many are realistically coming to your wedding.

There can be some people who can turn out to be the worst guests to invite for a wedding.

So, better think twice before sending in special invitations.

Nothing will ruin a wedding other than calling people who can be the biggest troublemakers. Here are some wedding day tips to avoid the worst guests for your wedding.

1. The ex: Even though you may be keeping in touch with your ex, he/she can be the worst guest for your wedding. An important wedding tip is that an ex can definitely be one of the worst guests to invite for a wedding. It is better to play it safe than inviting your ex. If you invite your ex, he/she would intentionally ruin your wedding.

2. Eccentric relative: An aunt loves spreading rumours to give you and your family a hard time. If you have no other option but to invite your relative, then give them a seat at the back and never make eye contact with them during your wedding ceremony. If you have a drunken uncle (mother's brother or your dad's sister's husband) who has a history of taking pot-shots at friends or guests, then try to ask somebody to keep an eye on him so that he doesn't ruin your big day. It is better to keep them at a distance so that you don't have to listen to their snarky comments.

3. Your drunken friend: Never invite a guest who makes a fool of herself or himself at parties by consuming a lot of alcohol.

Always use some prudence when it comes to inviting people.

The last thing you want is a person turning out to be a nuisance especially when drunk.

4. Big no to kids: If you are desperate to get married, then try not to invite kids for your wedding. Inviting kids can be a cause of concern as you always need adult supervision when children are around. Moreover, if there is nobody to take care of the kids, then things can go out of hand and it can turn out to be stressful for you. If your wedding is a family affair, then children can be the worst guests to invite for wedding. If someone loves children and is willing to take care of them, then feel free to invite them for your wedding.

5. Wedding crasher: Even though you have no intention of inviting this person to your wedding, they will show up unannounced. If you don't want them to hold the spotlight, then simply ignore them.

6. Naysayer: No matter how serious you are about getting married, there will always be one person in your life who doesn't approve of your choice of your life partner. It may be your mother or your close pal who can indeed cause a lot of stress. So, it is better to avoid getting into arguments if you want to enjoy your big day.

7. A girl who loves the spotlight: It is your wedding and you want to look your best. Yet there will be a girl who wants to outshine you. She might be someone who want to garner attention for her fashionable clothes and heels. She will look for every method to outsmart you. She can be a friend or a co-worker.

So instead of feeling irritated, it is best to ignore her.

Christmas comes but once a year, (but when it comes it brings good cheer).

— This article was written by Oke Efagene — Egyptian proverb

December 19, 2014

41

42 FRIDAY EXTRA

December 19, 2014

titans

of history

R

enowned for his luxury, hedonism, generosity and piety, Haroun al-Rashid was the remarkable caliph who reigned over the Abbasid Arab empire during its golden age. A lover of poetry, music and learning, Haroun’s fabulous court has been immortalised, and fictionalized, in The Arabian Nights.

Haroun appears in many of The Arabian Nights’ tales as a man devoted to pleasure and sensuality, a ruler who only abandons his magnificent court when he sneaks out incognito into the city at night for amorous encounters. The real Haroun was actually a capable military commander and autocrat. His piety was of the rational sort. He encouraged singing, believing the Koran’s ban on music did not extend to the human voice. A keen horseman, he built race courses and is said to have introduced polo to the Arabs. Feast days and hunting expeditions became occasions of unparalleled splendour.

Haroun’s empire extended from the borders of India to Spain, affording him the pursuit of pleasure on a scale that no other kingdom could match. Occasionally he checked himself, murmuring: ‘I ask pardon of God, I have spent too much money: But his largesse was widely distributed: every morning Haroun donated at least 1000 dirhams to the poor, setting an example that his wealthy subjects emulated, and giving rise to rumours that Baghdad’s streets were paved with gold.

The Abbasids had seized the throne of the Islamic empire in 750, moving their court from Damascus to a new capital called Baghdad in Iraq. The court of the Abbasid caliphs was the marvel of the world. Ambassadors from other lands rubbed their eyes as they were shown elephants and lions decked out in brocade and satin, and gasped as they stood under the shade of a tree made of gold and silver, festooned with jewelled fruits. Proceeding through scores of courtyards, miles of marble arcades, innumerable chambers dripping with almost unimaginable wealth, they finally reached the caliph’s presence. Here they were dazzled by the ebony throne and jewels so bright they seemed to eclipse the sun. The caliphs embraced excess with abandon. When Haroun’s son Mam’un married, the bride was showered with a thousand pearls.

Haroun’s 2000 singing and servant girls, twenty-four concubines and five wives seem moderate compared with the 4000 concubines of one of his descendants, who, in a reign lasting only a thousand nights, managed to sleep with every single one of them. Less successful was Marn’un’s wedding night: the newly married couple found the scent of the precious ambergris candles irritating and ordered them to be removed from the bedroom. Mam’un himself subsequently withdrew when it became apparent that the bride’s menstruation precluded consummation.

Legends of the harem abounded, and death awaited any man other than the

HAROUN AL-RASHID 763/6-809

A goodly place, a goodly time, For it was in the golden prime Of good Haroun Alraschid Alfred, Lord Tennyson, ‘Recollections of the Arabian Nigh ts’ (1830) caliph who gained entry to this shadowy, voluptuous kingdom. Fragranced with saffron and rosewater, each of the seven slave girls who attended Haroun at his daily siesta knew that sensuality could garner unimaginable rewards - Haroun’s mother Khaizuran herself had risen from slave girl to powerful wife of the caliph.

Poets and musicians flocked to the court, which became the cultural centre of the Islamic world. Praising their ruler in language as lavish as his surroundings, the poets earned themselves considerable rewards. Musicians, hidden behind velvet curtains, provided the backdrop to long evenings of drinking and feasting.

But death could come suddenly amid the hedonism, for intrigues abounded in the shadows.

Haroun made Baghdad the hub of civilization, earning it the name ‘Bride of the World’. Believing that ‘It is a disgrace for a ruler not to be learned: he was on a constant quest for knowledge, and also promoted learning and the arts among his own people. He endowed scholarships, invited wise men from every kingdom to visit Baghdad and encouraged his formerly intro-spective scholars to profit from their knowledge. Haroun initiated an age of translation of Greek and other

Christian classics of philosophy, and mathematics, medicine, astronomy and engineering all flourished.

Haroun’s great love was poetry. No mean poet himself, his knowledge of verse was unparalleled even by learned men - he frequently corrected them on a slipped word. Poets filled his courts and were handsomely rewarded. Poetry was such a consuming passion for Haroun that he gave it up when on pilgrimage as an act of self-denial.

Haroun’s strength as a ruler lay in the personal loyalty he commanded. When he became the fifth Abbasid caliph in 786 at the age of twenty-two, Baghdad’s populace spontaneously crowded the streets to rejoice. He has been criticized for leaving a clan of administrators, the Barmakids, to govern in the early years of his reign, and for being too influenced

Counsel is no command. ― Egyptian saying

by his redoubtable mother, Khaizuran.

Open and instinctively trusting, Haroun was content to accept the advice of his viziers and theologians. Leaving his administration in capable hands, Haroun preferred instead to undertake extensive tours of inspection across his vast territories, making himself personally known to his subjects.

His forays through the streets of Baghdad were in fact more paternalistic than amorous; he was said to roam his capital in disguise to check on his people’s welfare.

Haroun was hot-tempered but quick to feel remorse and rarely vengeful. His most ruthless act was his removal of the Barmakids from power. Yahya al-Barmaki had been Haroun’s boyhood tutor, his first vizier, and the man he called father.

After seventeen years of service in which Yahya and his family established a monopoly over the government of the caliphate, Haroun, in a lightning coup d’etat, executed or imprisoned the entire clan and its clients.

Romance has it that this was revenge for an affair between his vizier at that time, Iafar al-Barmaki, and Haroun’s sister. When Haroun eventually decided to move against the Barmakid clan, he ordered his grand vizier Iafar to spend the night feasting; while thus occupied he received a stream of gifts from the caliph until the arrival of a messenger bearing Haroun’s only request: the head of Iafar, More characteristic of Haroun was his subsequent pilgrimage to Mecca. The last of nine, this time he made the thousandmile journey barefoot as penance for his acts against a family to whom he owed so much.

Haroun was one of the most respected rulers of his age, acknowledged by both of Europe’s emperors. Charlemagne reportedly sent him gifts, receiving an elephant and the keys of the Christian quarter of Jersusalem in return. The tribute of Byzantium’s emperors, however, was secured by military force rather than goodwill: Haroun defeated the Byzantines several times.

After Nicephorus I became Byzantine emperor, he tried to renege on the tribute owed to the caliphs and furthermore demanded reimbursement for the tributes made by his predecessor, Empress Irene.

Haroun’s response was simple: ‘You will hear my reply before you read it.’ The former civil servant Nicephorus was no match for the military skill of the caliph.

After Haroun and his 135,OOO-strong army laid waste to Asia Minor and a parallel naval force overwhelmed Cyprus, the emperor capitulated and agreed to pay a yearly tribute of 30,000 gold pieces, each stamped with the head of the caliph and his three sons.

Haroun’s death at the age of fortyseven cut short the reign of one of the most admired of the caliphs.

Culled from the book ‘Titans of History’

FRIDAY EXTRA 43

December 19, 2014

ultimate top list

10 BOOKS THAT SCREWED UP THE WORLD

1

THE MANIFESTO OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY BY KARL MARX AND FRIEDRICH ENGELS, 1848 On the list because: It could win the award for the most malicious book ever written.

This book has inspired some of the most brutal regimes in man’s history.

Regardless of whether there has been a state which is a true Marxist state, this book has inspired so many evil actions that it cannot be left off a list of this nature. Some of the principles found in the manifesto are the abolition of private ownership of land, confiscation of property of emigrants, heavy taxes, and the abolition of inheritance.

8

2

DARWIN’S BLACK BOX BY MICBAEL BEBE, 1996 On the list because: It fuels fundamentalist attacks on science.

By arguing against aspects of Darwin’s theories, this book has given fuel to the fundamentalists who argue that a literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis describes the only possible manner in which the earth could have been created.

Despite much refutation from the scientific ommunity, many fundamentalists still use this as a “source” for proof that evolution is not true. The book itself was not peer reviewed as Behe claimed under oath, and the science community has overwhelming rejected it. It should be noted that Behe himself is not a fundamentalist and does not believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible.

3

1 AM LEGEND BY RICHARD MATHESON THE PROTOCOLS OF THE ELDERS OF ZION BY UNKNOWN On the list because: It was a propaganda book designed to incite racial hatred.

The Protocols of the Elders of Zion is a booklet that purports to describe a plot by world Jewry and Masonry to take over the world. Despite the fact that the booklet is a hoax, it was spread wide and far and believed by most Europeans to be true. Many people today still consider it factual. It was instrumental to Hitler’s anti-Jewish efforts in Germany and was used after the Russian Revolution to perpetrate hatred and violence against Jews. The booklet continues to be published and disseminated in many Middle Eastern states, which are political enemies of Israel.

4

BABY AND CHILD CARE BY BENJAMIN SPOCK, 1946 On the list because: It caused deaths through bad advice.

Regardless of whether you agree with the ethodology of Spock, no one can deny that many children probably died of crib death as a result of his advice to put babies to sleep on their stomachs. This advice was extremely influential on healthcare providers, with nearly unanimous support through to the 1990s. Spock believed that babies on their backs can choke on their own vomit, leading to death. Scientists eventually found that Speck’s advice actually led to more deaths by suffocation. Estimates of the number of deaths caused by this bad advice are as many as fifty thousand. Spock also advocated a method of child rearing that moved away from discipline-based methods. Previously, experts had told parents that babies needed to learn to sleep on a regular schedule, and that picking them up and holding them whenever they cried would only teach them to cry more and not to sleep through the night. Spock taught the exact opposite.

5

THE PIVOT OF CIVILIZATION BY MARGARET SANGER, 1922 On the list because: It preaches eugenics.

Margaret Sanger is the mother of modern contraception and the founder of Planned Parenthood. In her 1922 book, The Pivot of Civilization, she outlined her theories of eugenics (control of the human race by selective breeding) and racial purity (three years before Hitler did the same in Mein Kamp~. The basis of her support of contraception was entirely due to her belief that inferior humans should be killed to enable a superior race to appear over time. Sanger did not just entertain popular ideas of her time, she was the champion of the cause. In her book she says that “the most urgent problem of today is how to limit and discourage the overfertility of the mentally and physically defective.”

She goes on to say that “possibly drastic and Spartan methods may be forced upon American society if it continues complacently to encourage the chance and chaotic breeding that has resulted from our stupid, cruel sentimentalism.”

Birth control was, in her mind, “the greatest and most truly eugenic method.”

Needless to say, Planned Parenthood today has tried very hard to distance themselves from their founder.

6

MEIN KAMPF BY ADOLF HITLER, 1925 On the list because: It helped spread Hitler’s genocidal anti-Semitism.

In Mein Kampf, Hitler outlined his racist plan for a new Germany, which included mass murder of Jews, and a war against France and Russia to make living space for Germans. At the time of publication the book was largely ignored, but once Hitler rose to power that changed. It is believed that over ten million copies were in circulation in 1945. Hitler’s book is largely influenced

by The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind by Gustave Le Bon (1895). which suggested propaganda as a means to controlling the irrational behavior of crowds. In addition, Hitler drew on the fabricated The Protocols of the Elders of Zion to give support for the need for his anti-Semitic plans. Hitler speaks of “The Jewish Peril” which he believed was a conspiracy by Jews to take over the world.

The book outlines the racial worldview in which people are classified by race as superior or inferior. In 2003 the sequel to Mein Kampf, Zweites Buch, was published in English for the first time. Zweites Buch (Second Book) expands on the original ideas of Mein Kampf and outlines further plans for a war with the United States and the British Empire for entire world domination by Germany.

Confession is the first step to repentance.

THE PRINCE BY NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI, 1532 On the list because: It was the inspiration for a long list of tyrannies (Stalin had it on his nightstand).

The Prince is a treatise meant for rulers who had shed all scruples, to a point that they might see evil as potentially more beneficial to society than good.

Machiavelli hoped to start a revolution in the hearts of his readers, and he certainly achieved that. He proudly stated things that others before him had only dared to whisper, and he whispered things that had not even been considered.

According to Machiavelli, “it is not necessary for a prince to have all the above mentioned qualities (merciful, faithful, humane, honest, and religious), but it is indeed necessary to appear to have them.

Nay, I dare say this, that by having them and always observing them, they are harmful; and by appearing to have ,(“them they are useful.” Some of the people inspired by this book are Stalin, Hitler, Mussolini, and Napoleon I of France.

9

COMING OF AGE IN SAMOA BY MARGARET MEAD, 1928 On the list because: It turned out to be a creation of her own sexual confusions and

aspirations.

Margaret Mead was a cultural anthropologist who traveled to Samoa to answer the questions on sexuality posed in America in the 1920s (particularly with reference to women). Unfortunately for Mead, the youths she interviewed in Samoa told her wild tales of sexual promiscuity and Mead reported it all as fact. One of the girls later said, “She must have taken it seriously, but I was only joking. As you know, Samoan girls are terrific liars when it comes to joking.

But Margaret accepted our trumped-up stories as though they were true.” If challenged by Mead, the girls would not have hesitated to tell the truth, but Mead never questioned their stories. Interestingly, Mead was a highly regarded academic and had a large part in the formulation of the 1979 American Book of Common Prayer (Church of England).

MALLEUS MALEFICARUM

BY HEINRICH KRAMER AND JACOB SPRENGER, 1486 On the list because: It inflamed witch hunts across Europe.

Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witchcraft) was a manual for witch hunters and judges to catch witches and stamp them out. It came out just prior to the Protestant reformation and it was one of the most popular books among the reformers wanting to smash” evil” out of their countries. Between 1487 and 1520, twenty editions of the Malleus were published, and another sixteen editions were published between 1574 and 1669. This book single-handedly launched centuries of witch hunts.

10

— Chinese saying

Culled from the book ‘Ultimate top 10 list’

KANNYWOOD trends

LEADERSHIP FRIDAY December 19, 2014

By Al-Amin Ciroma

email: alaminciroma@gmail.com. GSM: 08033225331 (sms only)

Why I Go For Villian Roles – Daso

S

aratu Gidado a.k.a Daso is one of Kannywood’s actresses who derive so much fun in playing the role of villains in movies.

Just like Mexican-born actress, Eugenia Cauduro, Gidado began with modeling, before deciding to exhibit her natural talent as an actor.

As one who is a perfectionist, Gidado strives to make the world a better place, make everyone she comes across better and, in so doing, become better herself. She is now rated as one of Kannywood’s A-list actresses.

Daso accepts any role assigned to her by the director she is working

with. In recent times, she has become known for her comic/villainous roles.

“I accept any role given to me by my director. Basically, I have to go through the script properly in order to understand the character I am to play and, I bet you, most people enjoy when they watch me in comedies or villain-themed roles in movies, because such roles moves them and give them the satisfaction they yearn for,” said Gidado.

But has Gidado ever been in a situation where she had to explain herself to fans and loved ones, as far as her roles were concerned?

“Not all the time,” she replied.

On rare occasions, she had had to

Daso

take time to speak to people, close associates, family and friends, as well as fans about her character in films. “On a few occasions, I’ve had to explain to my loved ones and teeming viewers why I play mean roles in Kannywood flicks.

Not everybody knows the different between the characters in movies and the real person. They consider us to be wicked, just as we appear on screen. I therefore take time to do some explanations where necessary.”

Before delving into Kannywood, Gidado was a teacher. She taught at a primary school; thus, for her, teaching and acting go together, Gidado got her groove into Kannywood when she played an A-role in ‘Garwashi’ where she was cast as a bad woman. Those who know her in real-life know better, that she rarely fits the description or the mould she is cast in movies.

Movies To Watch Hassana da Husaina (The Twins) Produced by award-winning movie producer Usman Adeyemi (CEO, Uzee Concepts), popularly known as Uzee Concept.

Starring Patience Ozokwor, Rabilu Musa, Saratu Gidado, Suleiman Bosho…

In her first Kannywood role, Ozokwor

stars alongside Gidado, as her twin sister, while Bosho and Musa are their husbands. A general in the army arranges for his troublesome twin sons to get married to another set of female twins, but the twins have a plan of their own. Does everything go according to plan?

A credit-worthy movie, ‘Zeenat’ stars Adam A. Zango, Aisha Tsamiya, Hadiza Muhammad, Tanimu Akawu Jos. When jealousy has a strangle-hold, sparks fly and reactions are followed by counter-reactions from all who are A little body often harbours a great soul.

— Cambodian Proverb

involved and decency is thrown to the wind.

Zeenat is about a jealous uncle who makes his niece’s life miserable after the death of her father. He forces her to marry a prince who has been masquerading as a guard.

December 19, 2014

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December 19, 2014

animal world

By Williams Orji

Basic Facts About Elephants Habitat loss is one of the key threats facing elephants. Many climate change projections indicate that key portions of elephants’ habitat will become significantly hotter and drier, resulting in poorer foraging conditions and threatening calf survival. Increasing conflict with human populations taking over more and more elephant habitat and poaching for ivory are additional threats that are placing the elephant’s future at risk.

Of the two species, African elephants are divided into two subspecies (savannah and forest), while the Asian elephant is divided into four subspecies (Sri Lankan, Indian, Sumatran and Borneo). Asian elephants have been very important to Asian culture for thousands of years – they have been domesticated and are used for religious festivals, transportation and to move heavy objects.

Diet Staples: Grasses, leaves, bamboo, bark, roots. Elephants are also known to eat crops like banana and sugarcane which are grown by farmers. Adult elephants eat 300-400 lbs of food per day.

Population At the turn of the 20th century, there were a few million African elephants and about 100,000 Asian elephants. Today, there are an estimated 450,000 - 700,000 African elephants and between 35,000 40,000 wild Asian elephants.

Range African savannah elephants are found in savannah zones in 37 countries south of the Sahara Desert. African forest elephants inhabit the dense rainforests of west and central Africa. The Asian elephant is found in India, Sri Lanka, China

and much of Southeast Asia.

Behavior Elephants form deep family bonds and live in tight matriarchal family groups of related females called a herd. The herd is led by the oldest and often largest female in the herd, called a matriarch. Herds consist of 8-100 individuals depending on terrain and family size. When a calf is born, it is raised and protected by the whole matriarchal herd. Males leave the family unit between the ages of 12-15 and may lead solitary lives or live temporarily with other males.

Elephants are extremely intelligent animals and have memories that span many years. It is this memory that serves matriarchs well during dry seasons when they need to guide their herds, sometimes for tens of miles, to watering holes that they remember from the past. They also display signs of grief, joy, anger and play.

Recent discoveries have shown that elephants can communicate over long distances by producing a sub-sonic rumble that can travel over the ground faster than sound through air. Other elephants receive the messages through the sensitive skin on their feet and trunks. It is believed that this is how potential mates and social groups communicate.

Reproduction Mating Season: Mostly during the rainy season.

Gestation: 22 months.

Litter size: 1 calf (twins rare).

Calves weigh between 200-250 lbs at birth. At birth, a calf’s trunk has no muscle tone, therefore it will suckle through its mouth. It takes several months for a calf to gain full control of its trunk.

Hippopotamus The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), or hippo, is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal in sub-Saharan Africa, and one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae (the other is the pygmy hippopotamus). The name comes from the ancient Greek for “river horse”). After the elephant and rhinoceros, the hippopotamus is the third-largest type of land mammal and the heaviest extant artiodactyl.

Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, their closest living relatives are cetaceans (whales, porpoises, etc.) from which they diverged about 55 million years ago. The common ancestor of whales and hippos split from other even-toed ungulates around 60 million years ago. The earliest known hippopotamus fossils, belonging to the genus Kenyapotamus in Africa, date to around 16 million years ago.

Hippos are recognizable by their barrel-

shaped torsos, enormous mouths and teeth, nearly hairless bodies, stubby legs and great size; adults average 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) and 1,300 kg (2,900 lb) for males and females respectively. Despite its stocky shape and short legs, it is capable of running 30 km/h (19 mph) over short distances. The hippopotamus is one of the most aggressive and unpredictable creatures in the world and, as such, ranks among the most dangerous animals in Africa. Nevertheless, they are still threatened by habitat loss and poaching for their meat and ivory canine teeth.

They are very social and hang out in groups called schools, bloats, pods or sieges. Schools of hippos usually consist of 10 to 30 members of both females and males. Some documented groups of hippos have had as many as 200 members. No matter the size, usually the school is led by a dominant male.

Additional Info: Wikipedia

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

― Congolese Proverb

LEADERSHIP FRIDAY December 19, 2014

48 FRIDAY SPECIAL/BOOKS & ARTS With Chikelu Chinelo & Onukogu Kanayo Jubal

Picture Frames And Other Stories Spearheads Writing For African Readers To achieve a better understanding of the book Picture Frames and Other Stories, The Writivism Anthology will prove useful to understanding the term ‘Writivism’. Nigerian writer Yewande Omotoso defined ‘writivism’as the “advocacy for African Writing”. It speaks of African writers writing for African consumption as opposed to Western audience to win awards.

This ideology sponsored by the Centre for African Cultural Excellence, (CACE), aims at the training and promotion of young African writers whose aim is to project much more than just socio-political terrain of the continent, but also the resultant consequence of the confluence of both cultures – from the African perspective. The anthology may have begun with solely Ugandan promising writers, but the 2014 anthology has strengthened the involvement of all regions of the continent, with some capital cities hosting the activities of the centre.

That stated themes addressed in the Writivism 2013 anthology shows a contrast of sorts, as it veers from issues of Westernisation of African culture through misguided notions of migration, trifling of inherent traditions and identity, as well as sexual exploitation and gender-based violence. On the other hand is the African’s tendency to do away with situations or conditions alien to it, as seen in The Sidewalk, with albinos, autistics and LGBT (lesbians, gay, bi-sexuals and transsexuals). Although the latter cannot be ignored, one cannot help but feel that the issue is being forced down the throat of the ‘black’ continent with disastrous effects on her families and societies.

Two stories from the anthology strikes the most chord with tentacles that connect other ideas in the story. One is Robert Ssempande’s A Chance Encounter With

Jack Bormont and The Sidewalk by Nassanga Rashidah Sarah.

Ssempande deals with the penchant of Africans to migrate abroad, on the misconception that their countries are doomed to stagnant democracy, inferior to Western culture and their incurable perception of greener pastures in America. Here, the writer, with clever machinations and narrative, depicts the penchant to copy fake foreign accents after a week (or more) abroad and the narrator’s impatience to escape to a better life.

But who then is left to develop our culture?

Ssempande’s intention is to emphasise that, just as there are two sides to any story, the same applies to countries. There is the good and the bad, but, we are so mired in the negative that we are blinded to the positive and view our society as hopeless.

Gloria Kembababzi’s I Know Who I Am points out the increasingly vanishing value inherent in African cultures; of respect for elders and the trampling of the laws of the African soil that keep us humane and unique. Her character’s stereotypical traits of blogging about

irrelevant issues as opposed to the promotion and emphasising of the African culture and orientation of the Western world on her cultures, has proven a deterrent to the understanding and appreciation of the continent.

At the other end lies the emotional and irritant story of the albino Kima and her autistic brother, Timmy, in The Sidewalk. The story is loaded with realistic imageries observed in the daily routine of nearly every African metropolis. Yet, the decided lack of legal protection of minors, orphaned by her outdated and fetish beliefs and practices prevail. Reality has proven that in the continent’s provinces are found tendency to condemn conditions, the people do not understand, and thus view as abnormal.

This includes albinism and autism, even being gay.

Unfortunately, these issues have found their way to families and results to gender-based violence that can be physical, as in Picture Frames or emotional abuse as seen in Emmeline Bisiikwa’s The Shadow, and the pathetic end of the independentminded Rose in Muhwezi Simpson’s Grandpa’s story.

It is good that issues like LGBTs are addressed, in light of the convergence of aforementioned cultures; one cannot help but suspect that some form of acceptance is being forced down throats. Further, the system of orientation of the people or lack thereof has led to disastrous consequences as depicted in Emmanuel Ssebaggala’s Choices in Danger.

The contrasting approach is much more realistic and draws extensively from Ssempande’s analogous personification of pros and cons of issues, as well as influences and modifications that occur with the collision of African and Western cultures.

Writers Identify Challenges Crippling African Children’s Literature At one of the panel discussions on topical issues affecting African culture and writing at the Ake Festival, veteran authors in the adult, young adult and children literature genre detailed challenges hindering the growth of the genre as; Authors’ Loss Or Lack Of The Inner Child. Author and official of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Wale Okediran, said: “A child is not an adult. Do not water down adult stories to pass them off as children’s story”, emphasising that children story writers must possess an inner child – the ability to think like one.

Until Recently, African Children’s Literature Lacked Culturally Relevant Characters. The Readers Can Relate To. Nigeriaborn writer who resides in the United States of America (USA), Nnedi Okoroafor, who has found a niche in young adult and children African fiction, affirmed that children are gravely affected and alienated by literatures that do not mirror their personas. Her childhood and writing purpose confirms this. “It is important for children to see themselves and other types of people in a story. When I was younger, I did not see reflections of myself in the young adult fiction I read. It is one of the reasons I write, in terms of emphasising the Afro-hair texture”.

Lack Of Historical Research And Its

Misapplication To Educate The African child. Children and short story writer, Jekwu Ozoemene, said the genre is a missed opportunity, most importantly in the promotion of oral history and fables to children to strengthen the relevance of African culture.

Moral Lesson Versus Entertainment Purposes. Children’s author Ayodele affirmed that over-flogged and clichéd writing in the genre, often times, take away the joy of reading. Some authors reasoned that avoiding the blatant story ending of “the moral lesson is…” encourages the imaginative powers and analytic skills of a child.

The Lack Of Qualitative Illustration For Children’s Books. Nothing spurs the imagination of children more than pictures. Pictures say more than a thousand words. In response to Nanama Acheampong’s quiz on the importance of illustrations in children’s books, Okoroafor broadened the symbiotic relationship of children literature writers and their illustrators. “Working with an illustrator on one of my books, I understood the author works back and forth with the illustrator as story ideas develop. The illustrator is integral to the development of children’s books. Illustrations draw and sustain attention of younger children”.

Authors’ Disregard Of Parents’ Influence In Book Purchases. Publisher and CEO

A section of participants at a panel discussion at the festival

of Cassava Republic Bibi Bakare, exposed the effect of authors’ disregard of parental opinion on book sales. Bibi pointed out that when it comes to children’s literature; parents are the major buyers, because they decide what their children read at that stage. “Authors who ignore children’s needs, especially as regards book titles, alienate parents,” said Bibi.

Lack Of Prominence To Children’s Literature As Opposed To Adult Fiction, Poetry Writing. One of the reasons why the children and young adults’ genre have a wider market in Britain and the USA is the prominence it is accorded through awards and private-public collaborative sponsorships.

Ndibe addressing secondary school pupils during a book chat at the Ake Festival

Ndibe Talks ‘Foreign Gods Inc’ In Abuja Author of Foreign Gods Inc., a newly published work of fiction sweeping the Nigerian literary circles for its out-of-there subject, Tony Ndibe, will feature at the Thought Pyramid Art Centre’s first book chat this weekend.

Ndibe, whose work took him eight years to perfect, counters that his subject is not entirely ‘out there’, because he is privy to another writer who had trifled with the same idea while he was conducting researches on his book.

However, the writer emphasised that dedication, re-writing and extensive research made the publication a reality.

Foreign Gods Inc. made it into the Etisalat Booklist of the Year and has also received further publicity and readership after a book chat appearance at the 2014 Ake Festival.

The book is the story of an educated Nigerian forced by circumstances to marry below his social class and of the daring nature of human beings to hawk and haggle deities for commercial purposes.

Spanish Embassy, NTA Host Spanish Dance Artist and Poet

The Embassy of Spain, Abuja and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), will host a contemporary dance poetry performance today by Spanish dancer and choreographer Aida Colmenero Diaz at the NTA arena, in Garki Area 11.

The performance entitled Ella Poema, She Poems features Diaz and a Nigerian female dancer, as they seek the use of the art of dance to empower women and enhance the right of the African woman.

Diaz’s project aims to pay tribute to African women, to emphasise the place of the African woman as the creator of life and exemplary members of society. Diaz displays audio visuals of the performances outside the African borders to project a positive image of the continent.

It is not yet clear if the contents of the performance will be sole interpretations of Spanish poetry, African poetry or both. However, it will speak volumes about the identity of the African woman and women’s rights.

Aida Colmenero on stage

December 19, 2014

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flavour WEEKEND

December 19, 2014

G-Media Releases Phone Swap, Tango With Me On DVD

By SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH, Abuja

Two of Nigeria’s blockbusters Tango with Me by Mahmood AliBalogun and Phone Swap

by Kunle Afolayan will hit the film markets this Yuletide, giving opportunity to those who didn’t see them at the cinemas and those who want them for keeps to do so.

The award-winning movies which are being distributed by popular movie marketer Igwe Gabosky’s G-Media, will be out on Monday, December 15, in 21 outlets across 21 states, including online platforms such as Konga, G-Media and Afolayan’s Golden Effects Production Company.

While Afolayan is also compiling works such as Figurine and Irapada in an attractive package called ‘Kunle Afolayan’s Collection’, Ali-Balogun’s Tango with Me is an eyecatching stand-alone, with a photo of the beautiful Genevieve Nnaji and the handsome Joseph Benjamin on its jacket.

Afolayan’s three works

L-R Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Igwe Gabosky and Kunle Afolayan

which precede his current movie October 1 have won several awards and enjoyed rave reviews in the media.

Irapada, one of the CNN’s listed ‘Must Watch’ African movies, made some of the earliest hits at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) as the Best Indigenous Nigerian Movie in 2007.

The supernatural suspense thriller The Figurine won four awards in the 2010 edition of the awards, while the romantic comedy Phone Swap also held sway in 2012 as one of the top Nigerian movies in the cinema by clinching the Best Achievement in Production Design.

Tango with Me, shot on film 35mm format,

on the other hand, is a romantic drama written

by Femi Kayode, starring Genevieve Nnaji, Joseph Benjamin, Joke Silva, Bimbo Manuel, Ahmed Yerima, Kate Henshaw and Bimbo Akintola. The film swept six awards at the maiden edition of the Nollywood Movies Awards (NMA) in 2012 and was nominated in six categories at the 2011 edition of the AMAA. Tango with Me has also received positive reviews from critics and, according to Nollywood Forever, which rated the movie 80 per cent, "Tango with Me is beautifully shot with a sound-track in tow. Benjamin and Nnaji look good together and have an easy chemistry.

The performances were passionate and heartfelt."

According to Gabosky, fans stand the chance of getting Afolayan’s collection of works at a discounted rate on the online platforms from December 15.

“Why we get more outflow and low inflow on movie investment in Nigeria is because of the gap in distribution framework.

For us to move forward, we have to be selective about the contents we shall be distributing,” Gabosky pointed out, emphasising that his distribution company is proud to start “real business” with these set of movies, including Onye Ozi, another film from the producer of Last Flight to Abuja, Obi Omelionye.

Gabosky who spoke at a press conference announcing the release of the films on Thursday, described the filmmakers as “people who have aligned themselves to best practices. They are not subsistence filmmakers who make films only when they are hungry and we are happy to be starting with them.

Entertainers Grace LynGrace’s Entertainers’ Unity Cup

LynGrace kicks the ball to kick-start the game

By ANTHONy ADA ABRAHAM, Abuja

If you think entertainers live boring lives you thought wrong.

Recently, LynGrace Entertainment put together one of the finest event in Abuja tagged ‘Abuja Entertainers’ Unity Cup' with the aim of bringing together those who have helped in the dissemination of information and

entertaining the public.

The event was attended by popular Abuja-based entertainers who all witnessed a great game.

It was all fun as comedians played against musicians.

Though they were illskilled in the semantics of the round leather-game, they showed that with continued training and such events, they could get international contracts.

At the end of the day,

comedians won the first trophy.

The organiser and CEO, LynGrace Entertainment, Yusuf S. Linda, revealed that the goal of the event is to unite all those who have been contributing, one way or the other, to bettering the lives of the public through entertainment without thinking of themselves.

"The event was put together with the aim of bringing all entertainers together. It cut across all areas of entertainment in Abuja; artistes, comedians, TV and radio presenters, DJs, MCs, club and lounge owners, dancers, etc.

"I felt very happy and honoured at the turn-out and it was fantastic. I will like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who made the first edition of Entertainers’ Unity Cup a huge success. The football match was mind-blowing, with lots of goals, but the

after-party was fiery! It was mad fun at the Avatar at The Bank.”

Some of the guests at the event were Ghana Must Go, DJ Topherz, Empress Njamah (aka Mama) and friends, Mr Nest, Nick B, Mc Terry, Pappie Tee, MC GodPikin, MC Asawana, OC, Chris Zodiac, Omome De Saint, Beauty Makers, Mamuzee Twins, MC.

AMVCA: Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 Rules In 13 Categories

By SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH, Abuja

Nominations in the various categories of the popular Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) have been announced, with October 1, the psychological thriller by Kunle Afolayan, making an impressive outing with nominations in 13 categories of the award scheme.

The unveiling on Wednesday night was broadcast live across Africa, with popular television personalities Nick Mutuma of Mashariki Mix and Sika Osei of 53 Extra as host of the show.

As the nominations were announced, the hosts, in a pre-recorded chat, took on head jury of the awards, Femi Odugbemi, who provided insights into the creative ingenuity of African cinema in recent times.

While the broadcast was one, Multichoice played host to members of the press and some Nigerian actors and filmmakers who

Birthday Boy Sean Tizzle Gets A ‘Headie’

Tizzle

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

LynGrace

Appearances are deceitful.

― African Proverb

submitted entries for the competition.

Hosted by notable MC Ikpomwosa Osakodiuwa (IK), the event which held at the Fourpoints

by Sheraton had notable names such as Kunle Afolayan, Rita Dominic, Segun Arinze, Mildred Okwo, Olisa Adibua, Tunde Kelani and Femi Odugbemi, Managing Director Multichoice John Ugbe, Regional Director (M-Net, West Africa) Wangi MbaUzoukwu and M-Net (West Africa)’s head of production Yibo Koko.

Mba-Uzoukwu, who revealed that over 2 000 entries were received for the awards this year, said fans are expected to start voting immediately.

Since the maiden edition in 2013, the AMVCA has celebrated the contributions of African filmmakers, actors and technicians to the success of the continent’s film and television industry.

Sponsored by Amstel Malta, the third edition is scheduled to hold on March 7, 2015.

Sean Tizzle has everything to thank God for in 2014. The AfroPop artiste, who won the

Next Rated Artiste Award at the 2013 edition of the Hip Hop World Awards, added the Best R&B/ Pop Album of the Year at the 2014 edition of the awards to his shelf.

Interestingly, the album was his debut album The Journey.

Sean, who is signed to Difference Entertainment, got onto the podium with his team and thanked fans, his manager and every one for “keeping faith” with him.

Incidentally, the day, December15, was his birthday as announced by his manager, who asked the audience to “make a Happy Birthday shoutout to Seun Morinhafe (his real name)”.

FEATURE 51

December 19, 2014

Glisten Academy Organises Christmas Carol, Islamic Graduation

T

he 2014 edition of the Christmas Carol service of Glisten Academy held within the school premises in Abuja last week Friday..

The event was swiftly followed by the graduation ceremony of children from the Koranic School at the Central Mosque, Abuja.

A playlet by the children about the birth of Christ, renditions of Joy to the World, Silent Night and African praises, as well as presentation of special numbers by children of different classes were just a few highlights of the evening.

The carol saw the school choir render Christmas numbers about the birth of Christ and the joy it brings, backed by a mini-orchestra.

Some of the obviously excited children spoke to LEADERSHIP Friday about their impression of the event to usher in the Yuletide.

Jacob Oluwatoose said: “The programme is very exciting and nice for children, because it brings them close to God. The songs

These days, there are vices waiting for the children to be given less attention before they are indoctrinated by friends and relatives and getting them to know that good is godly and bad is from the devil will help improve their perspective of religion and how it change their actions

The children of Glisten Academy, Abuja, came together to celebrate the birth of Christ via a Christmas Carol session and to celebrate with her students who were graduating from an Islamic School(walima) – all in a bid to draw the children close to the core of their religious beliefs and the Almighty in a challenging society. PEMBI DAVID-STEPHEN writes. are great, too.”

Another pupil, Elijah Shongotola gushed about his love for the songs. “We sing them in our house, but hearing the other children present it was great, as well,” he said.

“It reminds us of the day Jesus was born.

If people never knew, they can finally learn about the special nature of the birth of Christ,” said Morifeoluwa Adeniyi.

The graduation ceremony of 27 graduands (11 males and 16 females) from the Islamic School took place at the Central Mosque, Abuja and had in attendance the wife of the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Haijia Aisha Bala Mohammed, Sarkin Jahi, Alhaji Adamu Dogo, among others.

A cleric, Ustaz Murthar Abbaz, was also on hand at the mosque to witness the event.

He said; “We are gathered to celebrate knowledge. We thank Allah for the privilege He gave us to seek knowledge. The quest for the knowledge of Islam is more important than any knowledge and we thank Allah for that. The knowledge of the Quran is a very vital knowledge. There is so much reward in the knowledge of the Quran. The knowledge of the Quran must abide with us to the day of judgement.”

The children put up quite a display of magnificent proportions, recited different passagaes of the Koran (the Hadith and

the Surstul Baqarah), which were followed by the presentation of gifts to the winners.

The executive director of the school, Hajiya Samira Jibir, who spoke during the ceremony, explained that the combined activities were carried out to draw the children close to their different religions and get them to be better citizens.

“These days, there are vices waiting for the children to be given less attention before they are indoctrinated by friends and relatives and getting them to know that good is godly and bad is from the devil will help improve their perspective of religion and how it change their actions,” she said.

Choose an author as you choose a friend. ― Egyptian proverb

52

December 19, 2014

Hauwa Booth WOMAN ON THE LOOSE

Ff:@ofastupidwoman: Read @ www.diaryofastupidwoman.com Why are people screaming themselves hoarse about General Muhammadu Buhari’s age? Isn’t he in good company with President Mugabe of Zimbabwe who is 90 years old and ruling his country just fine? What is a mere 72 years? I hope you know [that] with the age difference and our African culture, GMB would have to refer to him as either ‘Pa’ or ‘Uncle’. So, it is unfair for anyone to call GMB ‘pa’! What some of these men that people keep calling ‘old’ can do ehn, the younger ones will need to sit down and take notes!

Hehehehehe.

The Tinubu Factor I like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, ABT for short ( I don’t know why my friend refers to him as T-boy). Here’s why. He is consistent, there are no sentiments in his game, he is doggedly focused on the outcome he wants, he is a spoiler, he has never pretended to be anything other than he is and his political maneuverings should be made a course to study not Beyoncé!

As at the time I was writing this, the vice presidential slot for APC had not been filled.

Who would have thought [that] a position which was once ceremonial would become more powerful than the seat of the president? I guess the APC will be basing its drawn out decision to how President GEJ came into power and wouldn’t want a repeat of what happened by choosing the ‘wrong’ person and tribe to ascend the ‘throne’, just in case.... (you do remember what occurred, don’t you?)

GMB had handed the ‘job’ of ‘sourcing’ the VP to ABT. To digress a bit. GMB was clearly politically naive the last three times he ran for president but he must have contemplated a clear path to victory by getting into bed with the Czar of Bourdillion. Now for that to happen, GMB is no longer politically naive. So, when he handed over the now delicate task of choosing his running mate; he understood what he had to do. ABT has held this VP selection to ransom. I told you I like him. A leopard never changes its spots. It has and will always remain about interests.

When the thought was mooted that his wife should fill the VP position, I thought to myself ‘genius’. Everybody’s jaw hung open. I don’t know why self. The APC would have been truly ‘progressive’ with their ‘Change Agenda’. Yes ke, I can help push the ‘Women Agenda’. Sadly, with the same way APC wasn’t strategic in presenting GMB as its candidate, it couldn’t see it as a game-changer. Out-of-the-box-thinking was required, but noooooo..... “sigh”. Well, good luck to APC (yes, pun intended).

*********** If you watched the video of the 22-year-old Ugandan maid who brutalised an 18 (or 24)-month-old baby you would be livid at the sentence of four years she got. Unbelievable. It was horrible to watch. Thankfully, the maid didn’t blame the Devil for this dastardly act (he must have sighed in relief). The only reason that maid is alive and talking nonsense about why she treated that baby like that is because the father was the one who discovered the abuse.

I couldn’t understand why, after he beat her, she still had the teeth to go and report to the police. If the mother had been in direct control, this story would have read differently.

On a sober note though, the stories of maids and people’s children is getting worrisome. Just two weeks ago, a maid ran off with two little children from under the nose of their grandmother and her nurse while the parents dashed out. In a miraculous ending, they were discovered abandoned next to a police station in Shagamu.

She was barely three weeks in employment. Unfortunately, most incidences are a direct result of Mummy chasing the Nigerian ‘dream’ alongside – or even ahead of – Daddy; that Catch-22 situation.

Or is it really?

New Beginnings There is a sense of hopelessness, pain, nostalgia and sadness most times when something comes to an end; whether it is a project, marriage, relationship, partnership or the loss of a person. Even the end of year can cause sadness. The good thing is that each day presents itself for us to march on, change or recalibrate. As it is with fuel, blackmailing, rumours of removal of subsidy, do or die elections on the horizon, more rumours of government’s inability to meet its obligations, free fall of the naira, I am wondering when the New Year will start.

Interestingly, times like this have produced entrepreneurs, new ideas and frontiers.

I hope we are positioning ourselves for these opportunities instead of complaining, grumbling and playing the blame game. I dare say that’s when our ‘new year’ will start.

“Waving slowly as the curtain is lowered on “2014”.

That Baba’s Book Abeg, for those who have been able to grab a copy of Baba’s book; which was more interesting to read or, rather, who spilt more between Baba’s book and Mallam’s book?

Seeing as the book has sold out, the controversies and court orders here

WEEKEND

BiTES

and there, I can imagine the kill the pirates are about to make. You know nothing stands in our path to making money! I am even confused as to why the book been banned. Baba was quoted as saying that the court order/ injunction restrained him from

Religion is RegaRded by the common people as tRue, by the wise as false and by the RuleRs as useful — seneca

FEEDBACK: LET’S HEAR FROM YOU

publishing the book not releasing it.

Crafty, old fox! From the extracts that I have read, I don’t get it. Anyway, that’s why I require my own copy.

By the way, Baba did you try selling this book on Amazon? The extra retirement money that Baba would have

made out of the sale of his book has been abruptly put on hold. Not nice.

Too many bad belle people. I hope he has good lawyers. We readers would like to demand our freedom to read and this freedom extends and covers Baba’s book.

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.

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December 19, 2014

Safiya M. Adamu Issues In Nationhood

feeyadem@yahoo.com

I

n 2001 the peaceful atmosphere of the capital city of ‘Peace and Tourism’ was enveloped in billows of smoke inflamed by ethnic-religious passion which started in Jos, later spread to Yelwa town in Shendam local government area, then relocated to Wase local government area before escalating across the entire Southern Zone and Kanam local government area in Central Zone of Plateau State. The multiplier effects of the crisis has adverse consequences on social stability. Many settlements were sacked due to attacks and counter attacks by warring communities. Human lives with properties were destroyed. Many people fled from their homes for safety in neighbouring States.

The International community expressed concerns that the deplorable humanitarian conditions deserved urgent intervention to forestall another civil strife. Consequently, the federal government declared state of emergency, dissolved political structures which was replaced with Sole Administrator. To ensure restoration of peace and reconciliation, a Peace Summit was held. After exhaustive deliberations the resolutions of the Conference was gazetted in a document titled “Plateau Speaks” Following this Law, the state government in 2006 created Kadarko Chiefdom from Wase Emirate with a Second Class.

Then in 2007, the government suspended the Chiefdom and Districts. Sadly too is the fact that far reaching decisions contained in this piece of legislation has been banished in unattended archives.

Southern Plateau has witnessed consid-

Kaduna, PDP, Yero And 2015

erable harmony since 2005 until recently when developments in Wase local government area contradicted it. Initially, there were reports of isolated killings of people by unknown gunmen, which revolves around Tarok and Fulani people.

It all started with the killing of nine Fulani herdsmen who were returning from Wadata Garga Market in Kadarko Chiefdom but were ambushed by unknown gunmen in Kurmi village of Taraba State. Media reports of this ugly scene insinuated ethnic dimension instead of considering the pattern of the attack which concentrates on material dispossession of victims. The media came in with sensational reports which fanned the embers of discord between the Tarok and Fulani in Kadarko Chiefdom because people fled their houses to safer destinations for fear of reprisal attacks. As this state of uncertainty continues, leaders of both sides engaged themselves in efforts aimed at fostering understanding. The security agencies from both Taraba and Plateau States intervened which forestalled further outbreak of any crisis. Indeed, this effort was rewarding as calm returned while those who fled were little by little returning back to home.

Suddenly on Saturday, March 16, 2013, two Tarok men were killed behind Wase Rock along Kadarko road, while returning from an annual cultural festival of Lyangyit people. They were disposed of their motorcycle. As a result of the report, Security agents with families of the deceased visited the scene of the incidence and, while tracing the tyre marks of the stolen motorcycle they were led to a nearby settlement. On

approaching it (the settlement) the people (of the settlement) mobilised themselves and repelled them.

Pandemonium later broke which resulted into a siege that it took re-enforcement from Langtang by the Police Area Commander to rescue them. A day later two corpses of Fulani herdsmen were found around Mavou area also killed by unknown gunmen. The following day another Tarok man was also found dead along the same axis. Then came the Mavo market day incidence where people were attacked in the market place leaving many dead while a lot others injured. This was the last straw that broke the Carmel’s back. Consequently, Mavou village was set ablaze by unknown gunmen leaving high human casualties.

Since then it has been attack of one village or the other with casualty toll on the increase. The situation has degenerated into a humanitarian crisis while anarchy is gradually taking the centre stage. As it is now the crisis has spread to Langtang North, some parts of Shendam and Langtang South focal government areas. Quite disturbing also is the occurrence of criminality which has dominated the crisis. The allegations of cattle theft on both sides of the divide is mind buggling. Of course, it is difficult to pin it to any group because evidence emerging from those arrested indicated that the bandits are a conglomeration of different ethnic nationalities who are maximizing the crisis for their selfish interest. Unless great care is employed, it is possible for the baby to be thrown away with the bath water.

It is clear that agents of disharmony had

taken refuge under criminal activities to puncture the fragile peace being enjoyed in Plateau South. If Caesar has murdered sleep then he will sleep no more. Whatsoever the grievances that existed between the warring communities, it is no justification for the resumption of bloodletting.

Another factor at play is politics of selfdetermination which has been responsible for the re-occurrence of instability in the area. It is worthy of note that the ongoing Chiefdoms and Districts creation appears to be remote in fuelling mutual suspicion amongst the people. The revisiting of the exercise by the State Government is more or less a case of dangling the campaign ‘carrot’ for the purpose of the forth coming local government elections, which has now re-opened healed old wounds.

There is indeed no moral justification for this carnage except may be political manipulations. It is necessary and of utmost importance that all warring groups sheath swords by embracing peace. The shedding of innocent blood will only desecrate the sanctity of human life which will do us no good. In fact, there is no alternative to peaceful co-existence. Therefore, I challenge the traditional and political leadership to be sincere in addressing the conflict, as deceit will only aggravate the situation.

We must embrace the value of tolerance as foundation for genuine reconciliation.

I am appealing to the media to demonstrate professionalism and social responsibility in managing the situation as desirable service to humanity. I pay tribute to all the victims of this man-made conflict and pray God for the repose of their souls, amen.

NEWS FEATURE

Express Ranking Votes For Emefiele By pAUL cHIAMA, Abuja

Comparison of central bankers can be difficult and unfair especially when they are responsible for different economies and suffering from very different issues which arise in the world economy. However, it is also possible to do so in view of the minimum indicators of evaluation related to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a central objective of economic policy, and the evolution of prices, whose control remains one of the main purposes of central banks.

The Express ranking in Portugal of the performance Central Bankers across the world in 2014 was led by the Governor Central of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, who moved up to number one position to dethrone the Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, who got the prize last year. Mario Draghi, the European Central Bank (ECB), remained in the 11th place Emefiele success was due to the good performance of the Nigerian economy which grew by an average of six per cent in 2013 and 2014 and yet kept inflation in check.

For this year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates an inflation rate of around 8.3 per cent even as it is the objective of the CBN is to keep it below 10 per cent. One of the risks hanging over the Nigerian economy, however, is the instability in the oil market with the attendant decline in prices, which this week touched a five-year low at below $65 per barrel.

Even so, judging by the evaluation of the IMF, in the final analysis, the global economy - and Africa in particular, the outlook remained robust as there was an acknowledgement of a need for diversification in the Nigerian economy. This is accepted as very important considering the fact that the country has the highest GDP in Africa and with the largest population. To this extent, experts worry that it is not healthy for oil to account for 50 percent of GDP. Meanwhile, Dragi remained at 11th place in a year that the euro zone left the recession, the second time since the financial crisis, but the ECB has several problems ahead of it. Prices are still far from the 2 per cent target. In November, they fell again to 0.3 per cent and there are several countries

Emefiele

with even inferior rates. Portugal, for example, it was revealed this week by the National Statistics Institute had a rate of 0 per cent in November. To increase the difficul-

By the street of ‘by-and-bye’ one arrives at the house of ‘Never’

ties for Draghi, Greece again is a focus of concern in the markets, raising the pressure to move forward with a programme similar to the United States of America or Britain.

— English proverb

54

December 19, 2014

interior watch

A Call To Salvage Nigeria Fire Service

T

he Federal Fire Service (FFS) is one of the operational parastatals of the economy neglected by the governments, both at the federal and state levels, despised by the public and on its own exacerbates its image problem through arrant inefficiency and abject levity. The service has failed in its statutory role of meeting societal expectations and there’s urgent need for a revamp.

The Fire Service in Nigeria (State & Federal) is an operational parastatal responsible for preventing, controlling, and combating and managing fire outbreak in the country. In quest of these statutory function, the Fire Service does not only prevent and mange fire disasters in the country but doubles as first responder to all manner of distress calls such as in the event of road accidents and other mishaps, for rescue purposes.

Today’s fire fighters can hardly display any sense of enthusiasm and empathy in the course of their duties. They are ever ready to give flawed excuses whenever they are contacted to respond to any emergency that falls within their professional purview.

This dwindling agency is today know with the slogan, “There is no water,” “There was serious ‘hold-up’ on our way here” or “The property was not accessible enough.” In fact, to many Nigerians, some of the excuses they give often sound unprofessional and childish. But the truth remains that as a nation we cannot move ahead with this kind of fire service that is fraught with excuses.

It is also not an embellishment to state that whenever a career option in the police force, army, navy and air force, fire service and immigration and custom services is presented to any youth of today that he or she, with a high sense of disparagement, would wave the option of choosing a career in the fire service aside.

This is even as the unattractiveness of a career in this agency cannot be farfetched as the profession has never

been enviable in this part of the world due to poor remuneration, inadequate manpower training and as well as the absence of necessary equipments. Given these discouraging attitudes from both the public and the governments, it is therefore not unexpected that fire fighters are illmotivated so much so that their response to duties has remained appalling.

Unarguably, going through news reports on ravaging fire disaster in the media, it is rarely reported that the fire service was able to curtail any fire incident. As stories that bothers on fire incidents always end on a sad note that the property concerned was razed down and lives lost.

A casual visit to the Abuja National Headquarter of the federal Fire Service or the fire fighting stations in Area 11, or the one situated at the federal secretariat would no doubt reveal that most fire fighters loiter around fire station complex without being mindful of the fact that they may be called upon for any emergency assignment.

Mr. Ugochuckwu, a victim of fire disaster, ‘’Nigerian Fire fighters are not always proactive. If they are known to be proactive, their worn-out excuse of “There is no water” would not have been a commonplace. In my view, the problem with the sector is a motivational one rather than other factors which many stakeholders are literarily pointing their fingers at.

Another Victim, Esther Eszazachi told LEADERSHIP Friday that it is not proper for fire service stations to be literarily scattered across Nigerian cities without making any meaningful impact in the society.

It would however be recalled that prior to the appointment of the minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, his predecessors had inaugurated several Committees for the restructuring and reshaping of Fire Servcice, following government approval.

The various Committees were to among other things delibrate on how to improve the welfare of fire fighters, particularly as it relates to their training and remuneration

with CHRISTIANA NWAOGU

and to also deliberate on how to equip the Federal Fire Service and also train its personnel, a project that had since been buried.

Shockingly, some fire fighters who spoke to LEADERSHIP Friday on condition of anonymity revealed besides not being insured in this part of the world, they are also not paid risk allowances each time they finish responding to any emergency assignment.

According to them, ‘We are not trained to be prepared for duties at all times. It is only our superiors that travel abroad for such trainings leaving us to rot. This view cannot be faulted as fire fighters only commence the search for water only when they are informed of a fire incident and later give the excuse of traffic “hold-up” despite the fact that their vehicles are equipped with siren.

This further indicates that fire fighters in our clime have both the technical and human capacities to put off fire that may occur on a high-rise building. There is no denying the fact that at this stage in the global history when the world is literarily becoming inflammable due to unprecedented advance in technology that the fire service sector ought to be prepared in all its ramifications. But as it is, the service is one of the most neglected by various governments.

On welfare, the source disclosed that the only motivational incentive they get is the payment of what he described as ‘ hazardous allowance of N10 (ten Naira) only. This ten naira (N10.00) hazard

allowance has lingered from as far back as 1970s till date. Poor remuneration contributes largely to poor performance. It is only on paper that Fire Service has been made one of the paramilitary bodies but all the State Fire Services have never for once enjoyed the paramilitary status.

It is worth saying that Fire Service in Nigeria needs a general overhauling, reengineering and repackaging. Additionally, to actualise this phenomenon, a situation whereby all Fire Services in Nigeria (State & Federal) come together as one unified body and under one umbrella would be a step in the right direction.It will enhance uniformity as well as ensuring standard in the service.

However, for effective service delivery, serious attention should be paid to the Fire Service just like Nigeria Police Force, the Military, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Prison Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Custom Service, among others realising that safety and security are two words which cannot be separated at any level.

This is a clarion call on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the minister of interior who are poised to write their name in the good book of administrative and political history through the Transformation Agenda. The call for a revamp of the agency would no doubt provide some meaningful solutions to the problems that are bedeviling the fire service sector.

smart news 104 Years Dilapidated Sapale Prisons Begging For Renovation

NPS Uses Only 198 Escort Duty Vehicles To Convey Inmates To 3,969 Courts

The Country’s oldest Prisons, established in Sapele, Delta State, since 1904, is now begging to be renovated.

The Prison facility which has existed for a century, is an epitome of neglection by both the Prison authorities in spite of its huge budgetary allocation and the federal government, is surrounded with dilapidated cell blocks and a poultry like kitchen in the Sapele Prisons.

LEADERSHIP Friday, gathered that prominent Nigerians who have had cause to visit the facility, have expressed dismay at the deplorable state of the 104 year old Sapele prisons, painfully pointing that if left that way, it would not enhance rehabilitation of inmates, who are already traumatised and dehumanised

Fresh Indications have revealed that the Nigeria Prisons Service uses only 198 Operational Courts Escort Duty to convey the over 36,000 Awaiting Trial Persons (ATP) to no fewer than 3,969 Courts in the Country.

The lack of operational support escort vehicles, to convey awaiting trial inmates or detainees to court and the non- granting of amnesty to long term prisoners and those awaiting trials, according to LEADERSHIP Friday investigation the existence of only 198 court Escort Duty Vehicles against the 955 required, have hindered effective service delivery by the Prisons Service.

Our findings revealed that for instance, Lagos State Command of the Service that has 5 Prisons and an inmate population of 5,251

, given, the inhuman condition to which they are subjected.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said, ‘concerned Nigerians and even government officials who have visited this Prisons to either mark their birthdays or in remembrance of their dead one’s always find it difficult to hold back their tears at the pitiable sight of inmates.

Meanwhile, inmates at the Sapele, Ogwashi-Uku, and Warri Prisons respectively, have appealed on well meaning Nigerians to assist them, stressing that they deserved better condition of restricted life.

An inmate, who did not want his name Print at the Sapele Poultry- like Prison, said, the facilities housing them, especially the kitchen which is in a state of decay, were outdated

and due for total reconstruction and renovation.

His words, ‘Sapele Prisons is the oldest Prison in the country, established in 1904, the facility which houses most notorious inmates has only two Escort Van that cannot match the Police Escort vehicle speed that conveys us to about 45 courts. ‘ ‘We lack security lights, we cannot prepare food when it rains and above all we need water tanks. Our needs are numerous but we will at least appreciate if government will at leas paint this wonky and irritating facility. Yes, this may not be our permanent abode, but for the fact that we are humans, our rights should be respected. Some of us are even innocent and may leave here soon, but the place is begging for government

Custom is a second nature.

― African Proverb

covers 222 Courts with only 12 Court Escort Duty Vehicles. While Kaduna State Command, with an estimated inmate population of 1,859, covers 190 Courts with only 9 Court Escort Duty Vehicles.

LEADERSHIP Friday findings further revealed that aside the failure of the Chief Judge of Nigeria (CJN) to grant amnesty to long term prisoners as done in the 36 states of the federation to aid decongestion, the Kuje Maximum Prison, under the jurisdiction of the Federal Capital Territory Command (FCT) of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), has only two (2) operational vehicles, used for the conveyance of the over four hundred and twenty nine (429) awaiting trial inmates to court.

It would be recalled that Some

inmates at the Kuje maximum prison, had early this year made a passionate appeal to the federal government to provide additional vehicles for the service to facilitate their trail, as they lamented that some of them have spent between eight (8) to thirteen years in cells without appearing before a court of competent jurisdiction.

The inmates who made the pledge through the minister of interior, Comrade Abba Moro lamented that the 429 awaiting trial out of the 545 inmates accommodated in the over stretched kuje facility, in spite of being used by the Prisons authorities to generate the needed income for government in the various sectors of the economy, were being restrained from regaining their freedom.

tribute / 55

December 19, 2014

Kukah: Rabble-rouser For Peace

By Emmanuel Ojeifo

“Gregarious yet serious, intellectual but downto-earth, small and compact but bursting with enough energy for two men, Father Kukah is somewhat of a phenomenon… He travels the world and is on good terms with the present and past heads of state; he is the local boy who made good, a symbol that it is possible for someone from this forgotten part of Nigeria to make a mark.”

– Karl Maier, This House Has Fallen (2000).

O

n Friday, December 19, one of Nigeria’s finest public intellectuals, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, will clock four decades minus two in the priestly service. Providentially, on this same day his Diocese of Sokoto will be 50 years since it was erected in 1964. If Bishop Kukah decides to celebrate his own priestly anniversary then it will be a double celebration. Otherwise, it will only be the grand finale of the Golden Jubilee of the diocese.

When I left his presence three Wednesdays ago, I was more than convinced that the Catholic Church in Nigeria needs an aggregate of ten of Bishop Kukah’s type to push forward a project of social transformation and national rejuvenation, inspired by the tried and tested tradition of Christian Social Teaching. It was this tradition that Pope John Paul II employed in the 80’s to wrestle with Communism in Poland until he helped to bring that infamous system of government to its knees. It was the same tradition that the murdered Salvadoran archbishop, Oscar Romero, applied to champion the cause of the liberation of the people of Latin America.

A newspaper reporter once asked Romero if he was aware that people wanted to kill him and he replied, “You can tell them they are wasting their time. They can kill a bishop but they cannot kill the people of God, the Church. If I am killed I will rise again in the Salvadoran people.” He was killed on 24 June 1980 while celebrating Mass in a Church for the poor people of his country.

When the charismatic Filipino Cardinal, Jaime Lachica Sin, applied this same Social Doctrine in his home country it also achieved unprecedented results. He was instrumental in the 1986 People Power Revolution, which toppled the corrupt regime of President Ferdinand Marcos and installed Corazon Aquino as his successor.

He did it again in the 2001 EDSA Revolution that brought down the government of Joseph Estrada. It was through this same lens that I fixed my gaze on the man who has become the unofficial poster-child of the Catholic Church’s public image in Nigeria as we chatted over two cups of Coffee in the office complex of his new Centre, located on the metropolitan district of Wuse II, Abuja. After about thirty minutes chat on sundry issues, from journalism and politics to social activism and intellectual strivings, Bishop Kukah went into his room to pick his briefcase. He had an appointment with the Apostolic Nuncio, the Pope’s Ambassador to Nigeria, and didn’t want to run late. He also had an afternoon flight to catch to Sokoto that same day. With phone calls coming in and going out, he managed to have a stable

discussion with his acting Director of The Kukah Centre (TKC) on how to get the invitation cards across to the personalities invited for the public presentation of TKC. When we finally parted, I felt highly inspired.

TKC is the brainchild of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah. It was established in 2008 but opened its operations in Abuja barely two years ago. Its goal is to provide a platform for national conversation on the three-pronged issues of faith, leadership and public policy. It aspires “towards the attainment of a more humane, democratic and free society where citizens can live in real and true freedom, unencumbered by any structures of exclusion on the basis of ethnic, religious or gender differences.”

In line with the foresight of its intellectual pathfinder, TKC believes that the pursuit of the Common Good of all citizens should be the basis for the existence of government, and that citizen participation in their own affairs should be at the heart of governance.

Since it came to public light, TKC has hit the ground running, as Nigerians love to say.

It has organized many robust discussions on critical national issues, and each of these events has attracted a wide cross-section of Nigeria’s political, religious, intellectual and traditional leaders. Even the formal launch of TKC on December 9th this year was no less attended. President Jonathan, General Gowon and a host of Ministers, Ambassadors and other high profile religious and traditional leaders were all in attendance.

For TKC, “leadership is a shared responsibility, not to be left to the hands of political office holders.” It must be the product of a well-thought-out synergy between the government and the governed.

For this reason, TKC urges citizens to abandon cynicism and indifference towards politics and to engage government at various levels in a bid to promote inclusiveness in the governance process. So far, because of the international reputation of its founder, TKC is carving a niche for itself in the ranks of foremost think tanks in Nigeria. This is the vision of a man who knew what he was going to do with his life after his exit from the office of Secretary General of the over 20-million member Catholic Church in Nigeria, in the year 2000. His tenacity and foresight propelled him to expand the horizon of his knowledge.

In 2001 he found his way to Oxford University where he spent the following two years as a Senior Rhodes Fellow, pursuing cutting-edge scholarship in politics, religion and society. When he left Oxford in 2003, he enrolled at the Kennedy School of Government in Harvard University, where he worked on a Masters degree in Public Policy, in addition to a PhD in Politics and Religion, which he earned in 1990 from the prestigious School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in the University of London.

These intellectual achievements were given depth of experience with his participation in four national initiatives: the Human Rights Violation and Investigation Commission (HRVIC), otherwise known as Oputa Panel, the National Political Reforms Conference, the Shell-Ogoni Reconciliation Committee and the National Electoral Reforms

Kukah

Conference.

When the time came for TKC to takeoff, a heavy burden came upon Kukah’s shoulders with his appointment in 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI as Bishop of Sokoto. For those who shared his dream of establishing TKC, it seemed to them that the coming of the bishopric sounded the death knell for a centre that died before it was born. Kukah thought otherwise. In his debut letter of gratitude to Nigeria and Nigerians after his episcopal ordination, published in The Guardian of October 11, 2011 he reassured everyone of his commitment to continue his work of championing the cause of justice and peace. For those who expressed their fears that he would no longer be available for public engagements, he said: “The Church has only given us a bigger platform. As long as injustice and hunger stalk this land, we shall continue with the struggle. We shall go to where the Lord sends us. Since God is everywhere, I shall consider myself a bishop without borders.”

Surprisingly, in the last two years, Kukah seems to have had more public engagements than all the years of his priestly life put together. He has been nothing less than a bishop without borders, criss-crossing the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond to spread the Gospel of peace. If he has made a name for himself, it can only be the unintended side effect of applying himself passionately to the cause of promoting the Common Good. For a man who has described himself as “an extraordinarily privileged Nigerian” coming from a village in the middle of nowhere, to rise to such great heights is no mean feat. Beyond a knack for excellence that seems to have been built into his DNA, Kukah always attributes his life’s successes to God’s benevolence and grace. Those who know him very well cannot understand why such a perceptive political

Catch the bear before you sell his skin.

—English Proverb

interlocutor-in-cassock would vehemently refuse to run for the office of President of Nigeria. Kukah knows he is certainly not cut out for such. He once wrote in an essay published in The Guardian: “I consider myself a public intellectual with a duty to interrogate politics and political behaviour as part of the process of nation building. I am political because I am human, but not a politician because I am a Catholic priest!”

Kukah sees himself as only a midwife who wants to help birth a new Nigeria. In his 18-minutes speech at the 2010 edition of TEDxEuston in London, speaking about his conviction, he made it aptly clear: “My definition of a priest is that it is impossible to be a priest and not be concerned about the social issues of the moment.” In October this year, he received the Outstanding African Leadership Award in Amsterdam for his “commitment to righteousness and upliftment of social and moral values in Nigeria and the rest of the world.” I hope that someday in the nearest future the Nobel Peace Prize will come home!

— Ojeifo is a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Abuja. He wrote this tribute in honour of his mentor, Bishop Kukah

Surprisingly, in the last two years, Kukah seems to have had more public engagements than all the years of his priestly life put together. He has been nothing less than a bishop without borders, criss-crossing the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond to spread the Gospel of peace

56 opinion

December 19, 2014

Aftermath Of Enugu PDP Guber Primaries

By Nnamdi Aroh

The Enugu State governorship primaries may have come and gone but some salient points need to be brought to the fore. According to William Shakespeare, some are born great, some achieve greatness while others have greatness thrust upon them. That is the case of the three-time member of the House of Representatives, Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who represents Igboeze north/ Udenu federal constituency at the National Assembly. He is currently the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu State ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Ugwuanyi’s emergence was unanimous. Hitherto the party had zoned its governorship slot to Enugu north senatorial district. The magnanimity of Enugu State governor, Sullivan Chime is worthy of mention here because he encouraged the zone to produce an acceptable consensus candidate. What is amazing in the choice of Hon Ugwuanyi is his general acceptance even by his fellow aspirants who stepped down for him.

No doubt, the recent PDP primaries in the state which eventually ratified Hon Ugwuanyi’s candidature have proven that his choice is not in error but a

deserved one. Currently, the battle has moved to a larger arena where he will slug it out with other candidates from other political parties. It is expected that the peace that heralded Ugwuanyi’s emergency will reign supreme to sustain the tranquillity already planted in the state.

There are many salient issues that the emergence of Hon Ugwuanyi has brought to the fore. It is the first time that stakeholders of the PDP in Enugu State took a political decision that brought calmness into the polity of the state. The usual rancour and bickering associated with such exercise was avoided, thus saving the state of the losses associated with such.

This healthy development informed the statement of the former national chairman of the PDP and one-time governor of Enugu State, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo. He said stakeholders and leaders from Nsukka senatorial zone of the state unanimously chose Hon Ugwuanyi because ‘of the determination of the zone to produce the next governor of the state’ and ‘in order to reduce rancour and bitterness among interested parties and ensure smooth transition for the party.’

Since Ugwuanyi’s endorsement, many associations and individuals have come

up to declare their unalloyed support for him. They include former local government chairmen of the state under the aegis of the Association of Former Local Government Chairmen of Enugu State (led by Barr Paul C. Eze) which endorsed Hon Ugwuanyi in a meeting in Enugu recently.

They urged Ugwuanyi to toe the path of Chime’s giant strides in the state.

Similarly, the Association of Local Government Administrators of Enugu State (ALGAE) under the leadership of Hon KOK Ezugwu has also declared its support for the PDP’s consensus candidate Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

ALGAE’s secretary, Sir Ikechukwu Ozor advised the opposition to support Ugwuanyi because he is the masses’ choice while a member of the group and administrator of Orba development area, Hon Beatrice Ezeaku, said, “Hon Ugwuanyi is a women’s rights activist.

He has given succour to people of different denominations.”

For Hon Peace Nnaji, administrator of Enugu east development area, “women are happy because he is gender-sensitive. Every zone supports Ugwuanyi.”

For Amb Fidel Ayogu, Hon Ugwuanyi’s emergence was a resolution of the Nsukka PDP caucus comprising delegates numbering over 70 from all

the local government areas of the zone and he is eminently qualified to do the job having been in the National Assembly three times.”

They expressed the belief that Hon Ugwuanyi would toe the line of Chime urging him not to be the governor of only Enugu north but that of the state in general.

Adding his voice, the national chairman of the Progressives Action Congress (PAC), Chief Charles Nwodo, who is also from Enugu north senatorial zone of Enugu State said, “If the will of the PDP stakeholders who represent the people is that they will use consensus to get the party’s candidate, there is nothing bad about it. Such limits crises and waste. But if there are dissenting voices, such voices should meet the stakeholders to lay their complaints. It is dangerous to revolt against the stakeholders of a political party. It can be disastrous.”

Ugwuanyi has no doubt achieved greatness courtesy of his sterling performances in the National Assembly where he chairs the committee on marine. Hence, he now has greatness thrust upon him by his people to continue with his giant strides in a larger capacity.

Aroh wrote in from Enugu

Gender Rights Agenda And The Legislature by jessica okezie

It is normal for political parties, agencies of government and private sector entities to harp on the need for gender equality and gender friendly policies that make for a more conducive working or operational environment for the women folk and youths thus shunning paternalistic, outmoded or parochial practices that have long marginalised the more vulnerable segments of society.

In actual practice however, very few of those that sermonise or eulogise on the benefits of a gender friendly agenda ever go the extra length to put in place enduring structures that would entrench that noble agenda to stand the test of time.

What is more common, is a few cosmetic changes that would scratch the surface of paternalistic and male chauvinistic practices and hardly influence or fundamentally reform the old patriachal manner of administration or organisation.

The National Assembly’s political

establishment is hardly a model of gender proactiveness as out of the 360 members of the House of Representatives, there are only 19 female members, just a little more than 5% of the entire House membership.

In the Senate, the situation is only slightly better as out of 109 senators, 7 are female, less than 8 per cent of the total number of distinguished senators. The percentages recorded in the two chambers are considerably below the 30 per cent bench mark being advocated by gender rights activists and United Nation’s affiliated agencies. In Africa, relatively less developed countries like Uganda, Rwanda Tanzania and Zambia are far ahead of Nigeria in terms of gender balancing in their national parliaments.

The obviously male dominated and paternalistically inclined political framework of the National Assembly might make for less rapid consideration of bills targeted at improving the lot of the women folk

and even youths, so posits some gender rights activist organizations.

As they explain, no one can represent your interests better than yourself or someone with similar interest or inclination.

However it is a different story entirely as regards the administrative arm of the National Assembly headed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, (CNA) Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa who had when taking office in August 16, 2010 signposted his fervent belief in equity, equality, justice and impartiality towards all categories of staff, most especially the vulnerable elements in the system, who without doubt, felt shortchanged by the ethnoreligious practices that pushed women further to the margins of decision making and policy implementation”.

The previously marginalised and disenfranchised segments of the National Assembly including the women and youth groups were dutifully conformted by the soothing and powerfully resonating words of the incoming CNA when he

Better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion.

― Russian Proverb

stated further: “we sincerely and kindheartedly extend our hands of fellowship and brotherhood to all committed stakeholders in the National Assembly Enterprise project to collaborate, partner, synergise and co-operate with us to ensure that we promote excellence, justice, fair play, team spirit, conducive environment and progress at the federal legislature.”

Rather than favouring a select few at the expense of the hardworking and dedicated majority, the CNA rewards diligent and efficient staff who are committed to manpower development and self-improvement.

The womenfolk have now occupied their rightful positions in the NASS organogram. For instance the women folk are ably and fairly represented as committee clerks and other top and middle level administrative and managerial positions. In fact this is the dawn of a new gender-friendly era for the women folk since the inception of the administration.

– Okezie is of the Gender Rights Initiative

opinion/ 57

December 19, 2014

Before Adamawa Explodes – A Need For Caution

By George Kushi

You need not be told. It is in the air like dark clouds over the State. You hear the anger in motor parks, in commuter buses, on keke napep, in salons, restaurants, schools, hospital waiting rooms, and in homes. Discontent in Adamawa State is at the limits, a situation that could explode if necessary remedial measures are not taken.

The anger is with an identified cabal hellbent on forcing itself and its clandestine wishes on the state, using the People’s Democratic Party, whose rule of the State has brought about nothing in terms of development. Instead it has been over 12 years of political bickering. As it appears a battle line has been drawn and the die cast.

This time, the people do not appear to let things go. No longer will business as usual continue.

They indicated so by a mass demonstration in Yola following the unbearable dissolution of the State Exco of the PDP, and in defiance of a Court Order, the conduct of the PDP primaries in Abuja instead of Yola, where results as desired by Abuja were obtained. This has generated a political situation that can only be likened to sitting keg of gun powder, already ignited.

With insurgency by Boko Haram, the crisis of internally displaced people, the Abuja intervention is seen as adding salt to injury, a bid to further pauperize the people through political imposition of leaders. This is a repeat of what happened seven years ago when Nyako was foisted on the people in Bauchi Adamawa, and lacking a political structure, based his rule on ethnicity and tribalism and supporting it with a looting of the treasure in unprecedented proportions as proven in

the impeachment revelations the preceded his ouster.

The displaced hungry and angry mob is ready to do battle with the force of retrogression that was to impose new converts from the old oppressive class on them. Just as seven years ago when Murtala Nyako from the APP was made a candidate of the PDP against the wish of those that sustained the party, and the present forcing of Nuhu Ribadu, a reject of the All progressives Alliance to those that have laboriously slaved for the PDP for the past fifteen years is in bad taste.

This sudden metamorphosis of an all out enemy of the PDP into a PDP lover is a fact understood by the people of Adamawa a leopard cannot change its spots.

On Nuhu Ribadu, the trampled workaholics of the PDP are in disbelief as to how such a one who call thieves and a brigands, is now on the high table from where they were shoved of by the captain of the wrecking crew of Abuja, and surely, without apology! Thus the acid agenda of selective persecution is now buttressed with the expected selective amnesia that this cabal intends to impose on a whole nation. Abuja should be wary of Adamawa because judging from the massive carpet crossing going on, Nuhu Ribadu is on slippery ground. And you wonder what this high wire political gymnastics is worth President Jonathan in the election year.

The people of Adamawa do not seem like people that can be easily trampled upon in 2015.

Printing Presses are busy churning out posters for the many stalwarts that have carpet-crossed to the languid parties. Hon. Aishatu Ahmed Dahiru is said to be off to PDM to slug it out with lame Senator Bello Tukur. The Murtala Nyako collective is deeply rooted in Kowa Party, but certain to

give APC support for Hon. Bindow Jubrilla, already at the head of the polls given Atiku Abubakar’s home coming from the Presidential convention with time to burn.

As it is now, Adamawa is in the threshold of serious social and political paradigm shift.

Speaker Ahmadu Fintiri may seem clobbered, but he is only feigning death, given his massive support and strong hold on the structure of the Legislature. Fintiri seems the only one whose feet touch the ground statewide through his colleagues in the House. He could spring a last minute surprise and throw sand in everyone’s garri just before the polls, should he decide to run on the ticket of one of the languid parties as well. Fintiri is the game changer. Like hounds that have tasted blood (POWER), they will not miss any opportunity by such subterfuge to reestablish claim to being factors in the Adamawa political equation.

This explains renewed resolve among “allied forces against Nyako” under the leadership of Chief Joel Madaki with cleavage that transcends religious, or ethnic barriers, and made up of victims of the gross malpractice that took place eight years ago when Nyako was smuggled in from the ANPP and given a dubious PDP mandate. Joel Madaki is not one to allow a repetition of such injustice. His stance is further bolstered by teeming members of the party that believe in his fair and transparent conduct on how party and elective offices should be occupied. The champions that stood along with him made their voices heard at different fora include Ambassador Wilberforce Juta, former PDP National Chairman Bamanga Tukur, former Minister Alhaji Dauda Birma, Air Comm. Dan Suleiman, retired General Aliyu Kama, Hon. Aishatu Ahmed Modibbo, Ho. Awwal Tukur, Eng. Marcus Gundiri, Maurice Vunobolki, Sen. Girei,

Arc. Lawrence Ngbale, Sen. Grace Bent, Alh. Yayaji Gombi, and a host of other prominent politicians. With all these displeased and gruntled, no one needs tell you, it is not well with PDP in Adamawa State.

Thus it can be seen, political plot hatched in Abuja is doomed to fail just like the earlier plot to impose a candidate on the party for the aborted election that was over taken by the court decision that saw to the emergence of Bala Ngilarri as governor of Adamawa State.

Over the years the people of Adamawa State have learnt to identity their enemies.

The demise of Nyako and the emergence of Finitri has put the lie to rest that the question of power sharing in Adamawa state is mainly religious or ethnic. The average citizen is more concerned with quality governance than the religious, ethnic or zonal background of who occupies public offices. The people are no longer interested no would they accept mediocre leadership simply because of one’s zone. In the same light they cannot understand why a sitting governor would be denied the right to contest because of the goe-political zone that he comes from. They also cannot understand what collective crime the whole exco under chief Jeol madaki committed to warrant being short changed.

Events in Adamawa State need to be addressed by all members of the PDP because the party is in dire peril of loosing out in Adamawa State due to the shenanigans of Abuja politicians and their adventurous fool soldiers that think nothing of democracy but rather view politics as game of strength and power without recourse to the will of the people.

Kushi can be reached at kushgeorge@yahoo. co.uk

Yobe PDP: A Clarion Call For Unity

By Hassan Gimba Ahmed

We are in the season of politics and politicking is going on everywhere and in our clime, it is known for its rancorous nature. Because our democracy is still nascent, political actors find it difficult to conduct their affairs with maturity.

In my state, Yobe, it is all the more so.

Perhaps because Yobe is still in its infancy in virtually all areas of human and infrastructural development. The rowdy political scene is, however, more noisy in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party that needs more cohesion if it is to be victorious in the next election.

Party primaries have been conducted across the country, but there are grievances being expressed in a number of states – Yobe included – by those who were not successful. In all cases, various sections of the party’s guidelines are being cited by those on either side of the contention, in order to justify the victory or grievances, as the case may be. I am not going into that, because I believe it is natural for those who lose to cry. The reality of losing is an unpalatable course to

one whose sights were on victory. Crying, done in whatever manner, can be good palliative therapy.

My concern right now is how the four contestants, viz Adamu Maina Waziri, Dr. Yerima Ngama, Alhaji Ibrahim Talba and Alhaji Hassan Kafayos will put heads together to deliver Yobe. Yes, there was a contest, there was a winner and there were losers; and there are now cries from the losers, claims and counter claims, accusations, etc, that sometimes tend towards insults – and all in the public domain.

I am privileged to know each of them personally, even though I have met with Dr. Ngama only once and that was during the last Muslim fasting period, after he had resigned from being the Minister of State, Finance. I had an almost two-hour long discussion with him and I came out impressed with his commitment to serve Yobe.

Alhaji Ibrahim Talba I have known for years. Being my family’s next-door neighbour in Potiskum, I’ve had cause to interact with him both officially and privately. He is a generous, magnanimous

gentleman, who perhaps initiated the creation of Yobe State. He means well for Yobe.

I first met Hassan Kafayos the day he won a petition brought against his election as Chairman of Jakusko Local Government in 1999. I was the first journalist to interview him then. I still recall seeing him leaning against a Neem tree outside the courtroom, shedding tears of happiness. Needless to say, he had a successful tenure and accorded priority to education. He too loves Yobe.

Adamu Maina Waziri is a man passionate about Yobe and he wants to leapfrog it into the class of those states that are already ‘there’. Agreed, he has lost elections in the past, but so did Sule Lamido. From where I come (Yobe), all those who believe in God know that He gives power to whom He wants and when He wants. You can’t force Him to do otherwise, can you? It may amount to attempting to taunt Him when you throw accusations when someone loses an election. You may be implying that you have the power to wrest what you want from Him if it were you.

Having said all this, I want to reiterate

Better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion.

― Russian Proverb

that all four contestants love Yobe and being enlightened, know that Yobe surpasses them all. Since Adamu Maina Waziri has been declared the winner, I implore the others to bury the hatchet, sheathe the sword and join forces with him for Yobe. With their combined effort and the help of Allah who gives power to whomever He wishes and when He desires, Adamu Waziri will be able to form a great government and the credit will be all theirs. And as Sule Lamido has done in Jigawa after many election failures, Waziri will no doubt do wonders for Yobe. This they all know.

In the same vein, I want to call on Adamu Maina Waziri to be magnanimous in victory. He should carry all of them along. They all respect him, but it is up to him to give them a sense of belonging. To be fair to him, in his acceptance speech after being elected, he promised to “bend forward and backwards” in order to position the party for victory. Politics is... should... No, MUST be a game of give and take.

HG Ahmed is an Abuja based journalist and can ba reached at agimbah@gmail.com

58 / ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

December 19, 2014

Ustaz Abubakr Siddeeq Muhammad Focus On Faith 08076760011 (sms only) www.abubakrsiddeeq.com, email: deedat@gmail.com

“O

You who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah; even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a better protector to both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, Verily, Allah is ever Well-acquainted with what you do.”

The divine words of instruction above will be the thrust of my piece. It is in respect of the controversy that has greeted the unveiling of the new 100-naira note to commemorate the centenary celebration of our country. Today, Friday, December 19, 2014, is the official release date of the new note, which shall be in circulation with the old 100 naira.

The main point of contention is the removal of the Arabic letters on the note. On one hand, you have some Muslims and those with a penchant for history and preservation of culture who are against the removal of the Arabic letters. On the other are Muslims who are unaffected by the removal, a large number of Christians and those without any sense of history who are glad to see the letters go.

The reasons for removing the letters, as explained by the two CBN Governors who have so far championed the removal, are the first we should analyse. Any ulterior motive is unknown to us as Muslims and we do not second-guess anybody. We also will not dwell on the fact that both times the scripts have been removed a Christian was heading the CBN. A Christian headed the CBN when Islamic non-interest banking was in process too. Let us look at Soludo’s reasons for removing the letters: “I will like to inform you that the removal of the Arabic inscription on the notes is not targeted at any group or religion, but rather, to promote our language and cultural heritage. As you can see, Naira is the symbol of our nationalism and our pride. It is pertinent for you to understand that Arabic is not one of our national languages and it was inscribed on the notes 40 years ago because the majority of people then can read it in the Northern part of the country at the detriment of their counterparts in the South…. So we want journalists to assist in enlightening the public on the new notes and reforms going on, especially removal of the Arabic letters in the currency which is done to promote national unity.” -Thisday Newspaper, February 16 2006 Dr Shamsudeen Usman, the erstwhile Minister of National Planning, concurred with Soludo at the time. He is a devout Muslim while Soludo is a Catholic.

I have two problems with Professor’s assertions. The first one reflects how poorly our leaders are doing in history awareness and the second is with the rather childish quality of the reasoning.

Arabic has been a part of Nigeria’s language before the English ever dreamt of getting here.

When Luggard reached Northern Nigeria, there were about 25,000 schools whose lingua franca was Arabic and Hausa. They wrote both languages using Arabic alphabets. The whole of West Africa knew Arabic as a major language and its alphabets were widely used to write native languages. Since the languages were not Arabic, people called them Ajami (writing in Arabic characters). It was one of

Removing The Arabic On Naira Notes (1) the preponderant orthographies of the time.

Lord Luggard had to engage the services of a linguist to find a way to codify Hausa language using Latin letters (what we call the English alphabets). He reasoned that learning Hausa through Ajami would entail learning Arabic first, since Ajami was derived from Arabic. A more cumbersome route in his opinion.

In Nigeria, apart from the Hausa language, the Yorubas also wrote their language in Ajami at least a hundred years before the coming of the colonialists. Yorubas were in contact with Arabic speaking Muslims and Islam before Christianity. In fact, in reference to the fact that Malian traders brought Islam to the Yoruba people, Islam was nicknamed “Esin Imale”, the Malian religion. Spanish documents still exist in Ajami script. Read more at http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajami_script Arabic is one of the five most widely used languages and it has a rich history. Incidentally, Arabic letters were derived from Aramaic letters (the original language of the Hebrews). A little bit of research would have helped Professor Soludo. The resources are free.

Soludo said that removing Ajami would

“promote our language and cultural heritage” and “promote national unity”. I fail to see how that would happen. On the contrary, removing Ajami looks more like obliterating a chunk of our language and cultural heritage.

Soludo removed the inscriptions on the lower denomination notes but left them on the 100, 200, 500 and 1000-naira notes. If it was for the reasons he mentioned, why did he retain the rest? Puerile explanations insult our collective intelligence. And Soludo is by no means a fool.

Before the first phase of removal, I must mention that there were few objections to

Many of them also think Muslims put the script on our currency notes. This is plain bigotry. The internet is a wonderful place to look for information

A thief passes for a gentleman when stealing has made him rich. ― German proverb

the presence of the Ajami script on the naira notes. The notable ones include Wole Soyinka’s reference to the script and the so-called Arewa emblem, which he claimed, was a planned, subliminal way of subjugating the rest of the country to Hausa rule. Soyinka is not a Christian; he is a pagan with much hatred for Islam and the North. His objections, like most of his interventions outside his field, are just hot air. He seems to forget what he won the Nobel Prize in, and fancies himself an expert in areas beyond his ken. The second notable objection was by one Comrade Akinloye Segun Oyeniyi, who claimed to be a trained linguist.

He wrote a letter to the then President, Olusegun Obasanjo, which reads in part, “Mr President sir, as a trained linguist and translator, I stand to say this imposition of an alien language on one of Nigerian symbols of sovereignty is putting entire Nigerians into “language slavery” which undoubtedly is general insecurity socioeconomically, socio-culturally and sociopolitically and denial of cultural rights via language as citizens of the nation”. So much for his training!

Oyeniyi wrote an earlier letter in May 2005 and shortly afterward, Ajami was removed from the lower denominations as I earlier wrote, with the not too bright explanations of the then CBN Governor. We may never know the real reasons for their objections, but it is clear that these were not objective objections.

The current CBN Governor’s reasons do not differ from that of Soludo so there is no need to mention them separately.

The Ajami script is an integral part of the Hausa language, which, incidentally, is mainly adapted Arabic. The so-called linguist was unaware of this and he was unaware of the influence of Arabic in his own Yoruba language.

I wonder where he schooled.

Let us examine the objections of nonMuslims to the script. One assertion is that it is Quranic language and that Nigeria is a secular state. That is as silly as saying that the Latin letters with which I have written this article are Biblical because of their usage in writing the Bible. We have been using the same letters to write our native names that did not come from English. Hausa was similarly rewritten in Latin characters to help the colonialists learn Hausa faster. Ajami was the default. By the way, those who learnt the Latin letters seem to think they are somehow superior to those who learnt the adapted Arabic orthography called Ajami. Their Latin-letter literate brethren in the South call them illiterate - an irony if you want one!

Many of them also think Muslims put the script on our currency notes. This is plain bigotry. The internet is a wonderful place to look for information; I will not digress too far on the topic. Anyone with internet access can see the pictures of British West African Government coins dating back to 1936 or even earlier having Arabic on them; not even Ajami.

So why would a British, Christian government do that? They realised it was a language in which many of their subjects were literate and it would facilitate easy acceptability of the coins and notes. You can check the same thing for the one-pound note. The only difference was that the pound note used Ajami instead of actual Arabic.

NEWS NATIONAL / 59

December 19, 2014

L-R: Representative of Department for International Development (DFID), Prof Olu Ogunshakin; chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega and inspector general of police, Sulaiman Abba during a one-day discussion on “Securing the 2015 General Elections” in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY JANE OKEKE

Prisoners May Vote In 2015 As Court Upholds Inmates’ Right

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

A Federal High Court sitting in Benin, Edo State has ruled that inmates of prisons in Nigeria have the right to vote in all elections conducted in the country.

The court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Lima, which gave the ruling in a suit instituted by Victor Emenuwe, Onome Inaye, Kabiru Abu, Osagie Iyekepolor, Modugu Odion (for and on behalf of inmates of Nigerian prisons), against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the controller-general of Nigeria Prisons Service, also directed the

defendants to ensure that the applicants are not disenfranchised.

The plaintiffs had in an amended Originating Summons, asked the court to determine among others “whether having regards to the provisions of section 25 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended in 2011, and section 12 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010, the plaintiffs are not entitled to be registered as voters by the 1st Defendants”; In his judgement, Justice Lima declared that “any act by the 1st Defendant to deny inmates the right to vote is unconstitutional, illegal, irregular, unlawful,

null and void and of no effect whatsoever; that the Defendants do not have the constitutional right to deny the claimants their voting rights; that being an inmate is not an offence that impedes their registration and voting right under section 24 of the Electoral Act; and that the exclusion of inmates in elections conducted in Nigeria is illegal, ultra vires and null and void.”

The judge thereafter made an order of mandatory injunction directing the 1st Defendant to update and include in the National Register of Voters names of citizens in the custody of the 2nd Defendant.

NYSC Online Registration: Stakeholders Okay Cost Reduction

By Chika Mefor, Abuja

The controversial N4,000 fee for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) online registration introduced recently for prospective corps members is to be reduced.

This was disclosed in a press release signed by the director of press and public relations of the NYSC, Mrs Bose Aderibigbe, stating that the NYSC resolved to reduce the cost after a recent conference by the stakeholders of the scheme.

The release added that the stakeholders also agreed on the need for more sensitisation on the online registration at the various tertiary institutions which will offer full understanding, workability as well as acceptability of the package to the students who are the direct beneficiaries of the programme.

“The online registration is expected to facilitate easy printing of call-up letters from the comfort of prospective corps members’ convenience without necessarily going to their institutions of learning.

“The benefits of the package include online application and relocation of corps members from one state to another. The package is expected to save corps members from unnecessary road hazards in pursuance of NYSC issues,” it said.

The online registration was recently introduced to reduce the challenges experienced by using manual method, and also help checkmate fake corps members and fraudsters aiming to dupe unsuspecting corps members.

FG Graduates 338 Fire Service Recruits, Stresses Commitment, Professionalism

By Christiana Nwaogu, Abuja

The federal government yesterday graduated 338 fresh intakes of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), charging the officers and men to be professional and committed to their mandated duties.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony at the National Fire Service Academy in Sheda, Abuja, the minister of interior, Comrade Abba Moro charged the graduands to step up

their duties and protect lives and properties during fire disasters.

He said, “Your role is very important and as such, you should put in your best as hard work will be rewarded.”

Moro, who acknowledged that the federal government is aware of the agency’s challenges which range from lack of critical infrastructure to funding, expressed optimism that the fire safety code which is an innovation introduced by the fire agency will address

the trend.

He said, “What we must do necessarily as a government is to ensure that the Federal Fire Service is adequately funded, because there is no way you can give responsibility to an institution without corresponding funding .”

The minister, however, assured that the graduands have been properly trained and are grounded in fire and rescue activities, saying he is confident that they will do exploits.

A fault confessed is half redressed.

2009 Agreement: Ssanu Warns Against Disruption Of Academic Activities In Varsities

By Michael Oche, Abuja

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has sent a strong warning to the federal government to immediately put in place a machinery for the re-negotiation of the 2009 agreement or face a nationwide strike in the universities.

In a communique issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Ibadan and made available to journalists yesterday, the union said the agreement signed with SSANU in 2009 is long overdue for re-negotiation.

The communique signed by SSANU president, Comrade Samson Ugwoke and the public relations officer, Comrade NAD Aboribo, also frowned at the failure of government at all levels to pay the arrears of earned allowances.

The communique reads in part: “SSANU-insession continues to note that the 2009 FGN/ SSANU Agreement is long overdue for re-negotiation and the insistence of the union that this agreement be re-negotiated has not been respected by the government.

“NEC-in-session, therefore, warns government on the dangers of its insensitive stand on this matter as such is capable of completely disrupting the relative peace in our universities. SSANU-NEC urges the federal government to put a machinery in motion for the re-negotiation of this agreement without any further delay.”

Ajimobi Inaugurates N3.8bn Abattoir

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, yesterday inaugurated the N3.8 billion ultra-modern abattoir at Amosun village in Akinyele local government area, with a pledge that his administration will continue to create a conducive environment for investment.

The governor, while speaking at the ceremony which was witnessed by butchers in all the 11 council areas in Ibadan land, said the construction of the central abattoir for the state capital was in line with his administration’s transformation and repositioning agenda.

He pledged his government’s readiness to continue to provide all the necessary logistics for the smooth operation of the abattoir.

The representative of the partnering firm, Engr. Kehinde Ahmadu said the operation of the abattoir was designed in line with best practices to ensure proper animal slaughtering and handling in the most hygienic environment.

He added that meat vans for delivery would be allotted to designated locations in all the council areas to enhance efficiency.

In their separate remarks, the state commissioner for agriculture and rural development, Hon Iyiola Ahmed and the Caretaker Committee chairman of Akinyele local government council, Mr Ope Salami appealed to butchers in Ibadan metropolis to cooperate with the state government and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the new abattoir.

60 NEWS NATIONAL

December 19, 2014

Niger Guber: Abu Bello Names Running Mate, Faults Distribution L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan unveiling the plaque to inaugurate a nationwide workers’ housing scheme at Apotafyi. With him are the minister of water resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, and the NLC president, Abdulwaheed Omar, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

FG To Punish VCs Found Guilty Of Misusing Intervention Funds

BY Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

Minster of education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, yesterday disclosed that severe punishment awaits any university management that invests university’s intervention funds to earn interest.

He revealed this in Abuja at a one-day sensitisation retreat on the implementation of needs assessment intervention in Nigerian public universities.

According to him, “The first place this retreat is about calling their attention is on the need assessment funds. You will all recall that sometime last year the government agreed to release N1.3trillion to address all the most basic problems of our universities especially in the area of infrastructure, staff development and training “We thought, we should bring all the vice chancellors and all their management staff concerned with management of fund to let them know that this money com-

ing must be prudently utilised and there is implementation monitoring committee put in place and chaired by my humble self, that will be monitoring every naira and kobo released to every university and we will make sure that due process is complied with. We will not spare any head of any institution that violates the rules and regulations guiding the expenditure of this funds.

He warned that on no account should universities invest the intervention funds to earn interest.

He also said that there must be no delay in meeting financial obligations to contactors, vendors, suppliers and staff undergoing training. “All beneficiaries are required to maintain a single dedicated bank account to which funds released by IMC are lodged, and from which the universities settle their contractual obligations. The intervention funds cannot be paid into any other account. Any change of account must

receive the prior approval of IMC.” He added that; “The quest to realize our desired national goals calls for collective responsibility, co-operation and commitment of all stake-holders. Councils must ensure that the products of our universities are equipped with necessary and relevant skills and competencies to fit in the labour market, and ensure an all-round development of the nation. With the quantity of funds injected into the tertiary education sub-sector this year, the Federal Government expects a reasonable infrastructural transformation of our Universities in the next few years.

“The Report submitted by the Committee on Needs Assessment of Nigerian Public Universities in 2012 shows that physical facilities for teaching and learning such as classrooms/lecture theatres, laboratories, workshops/studios and libraries were inadequate, dilapidated, overcrowded and improvised.”

Yuletile: FG Declares Dec 25, 26 Public Holidays

By Christiana Nwaogu, Abuja

The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25 and Friday, 26, 2014 as public holidays to mark this year’s Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations.

Similarly, Thursday, January 1, 2015,

has also been declared as public holiday to mark the New Year.

According to a statement signed by the permanent secretary, Ministry of Interior, Abubakar Magaji, the minister of interior, Comrade Patrick Abba Moro, who made the declaration on behalf of the federal government enjoined all Christian

faithful and Nigerians at large to extend the spiritual benefits of Christmas, which include love, peace, justice and kindness to their daily living and through this contribute to the development of the nation.

Comrade Abba Moro further urged Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace and unity across the country.

Benue G5 To APC: Don’t Impose Ortom As Governorship Candidate

BY BODE GBADEBO, Abuja

A group of governorship aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, known as G-5, has called on the leadership of the opposition party, both at the state and national levels, not to impose the immediate past minister of trade and investment, Dr Samuel Ortom, as the consensus

APC governorship candidate in the state, saying doing so is unacceptable and will amount to a “height of irresponsibility” by the party.

The group stated this yesterday in Abuja at a press conference addressed by its members which include a veteran Benue politician, Senator Joseph Waku; Prof Steve Ugbah; a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Emmanuel Jime; and Chief Iordye.

Recall that Ortom, until recently a staunch member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, was among the six members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), who resigned their appointments as ministers in order to contest governorship position in their various states. Ortom was however defeated at the Benue PDP primaries afterwhich he dumped the party for APC.

. A cracked bell can never sound well.

By Abu Nmodu , Minna

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, Mallam Abu Bello has announced his running mate, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso.

The party also decried the announcement

by INEC that only 20 percent of permanent voter cards (PVCs) for the state are ready .

Bello who announced the running mate yesterday at a meeting with party’s stakeholders in Minna said that the selection was guided by the need to give all parts of the state sense of belong in his team.

The candidate of APC said that he has watched Ketso over time as his Niger south zonal campaign coordinator and had come to know him as a person with persuasive power and always able to connect with the people.

Speaking on his selection as a running mate, Ketso said he was delighted to be so honoured by the APC candidate and therefore promised to work for the success of the party in Niger south that is seen as srronghold of PDP. While expresing the hope of having a good working relationshipwith Bello he maintained that every body will be carried along.

The chairman of APC in the state while lauding the governorship candidate for his choice, stated that the decision of INEC to distribute only 400,000 permanent voter cards out of over 1.5 million registered voters is unacceptable.

‘Nigeria’s Economy May Collapse In 3 Months’

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

Nigeria’s economy may collapse in the next three months if something urgent is not done to rescue it, the speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon.Razak Atunwa, has warned.

He said the recent alarm raised by the Niger State governor Babangida Aliyu that the country’s economy would collapse in the next three months was not misplaced.

Atunwa, a House of Representatives hopeful made this declaration during an interview with newsmen yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. He added “I recall that yesterday or a day before a governor of the other party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State warned that within three months if we continue this way, the economy of Nigeria will collapse.

“I am afraid that Governor Aliyu is a bit generous, beyond January 2015 if something is not done all the states in Nigeria will be in problem.

“The oil producing countries in the world are equally affected by this drop in the crude price, but they are not so adversely affected because they have been able to save for the rainy day.

“Not so in the case of Nigeria. I am afraid, the federal government has squandered the fortune of Nigeria, it has not been prudent in the management of the resources. and finances of Nigeria. and therefore within the past few months the fall in the crude oil prices all of a sudden our economy is in trouble.

Any prudent financial manager will know that you must save for rainy day. Failure to do that will spell doom and disaster which is precisely what we are now facing in Nigeria.

NEWS NATIONAL / 61

December 19, 2014

Korea To Build N2.5bn Primary School In FCT

By Chinelo Chikelu, Abuja

L-R: Rose Ode, Amina Yusuf, both Hilton Kitchen apprentice finalists, the executive chef, Rodolphe Medard and Alheri Chindo, the overall best graduate of the Transcorp Hilton, Kitchen apprentice programme at the graduation ceremony of the 2012-2014 section in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BYADEFEMI ADEWUYI

Constitution Amendment: State Assemblies Return Report To NASS Today

By Edegbe Odemwingie and Bode Gbadebo, Abuja

The National Assembly will today receive the conference report of the review of the 1999 constitution which was earlier transmitted to state Houses of Assembly for concurrence.

House spokesman, Hon. Zakari Moham-

med, made the disclosure to newsmen at a briefing yesterday.

LEADERSHIP Friday recalls that on October 28, the chairman of the Conference of State Houses of Assembly, Hon. Sam Ikon, who is the speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, received the conference report at the National Assembly.

The report is expected to show voting

patterns from the 36 state assemblies on the proposed 71 amendments.

The 71 amendments approved by the House border on: legislative immunity, local government autonomy, state creation, indigeneship and citizenship, independent candidacy in elections, budgetary process, life pension for National Assembly heads, role for traditional rulers, amongst others.

Tompolo’s Procurement Of Warships, Cause For Concern – Reps

BY EDEGBE ODEMWINGIE AND BODE GBADEBO, Abuja

The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the recent procurement of warships by a private coastal security company owned by an exNiger Delta militant, Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.

Although Tompolo has denied any wrongdoing, saying he only took delivery of patrol boats to bolster security on the Nigerian coastal waters. Also, there have been controversy as to who actually owned the ships between the

Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Maritime Administration Safety Agency (NIMASA).

However, at a weekly press briefing by the House spokesman, Hon Zakari Mohammed, yesterday in Abuja, he described the development as scary and worrisome, adding that the relevant committees will investigate the matter on resumption in January, 2015.

“This is a cause for concern. We have gotten certain systems wrong in the country.

The development is scary and worrisome. We thought such procurement was handled by the Navy. On resumption, the relevant House Committees will look into it to know the facts

of the matter.

‘The individual (Tompolo) was paid to protect our waterways but the irony is that we still have a lot of leakages. The House of Representatives faulted that contract but our reservations were buried in sentiments,” Mohammed said.

In 2012, the government signed a $103million deal with Global West Vessel Specialist Agency Ltd, a company linked to Tompolo.

The deal was to patrol Nigeria’s waterways to stop piracy and oil theft. However, according to the Nigerian Navy, despite the deal, Nigeria still loses $20 billion annually to crude oil theft.

Terrorism: Fela’s Associate Calls For Nigeria Dissolution

By Christiana Nwaogu, Abuja

A book author and an associate of the late Afro musician, Fela Kuti, Mr Uwa Erhabor yesterday called for the immediate dissolution of Nigeria on grounds that the country as presently constituted is wallowing in massive fraud.

Erhabor who made the call in Abuja while unveiling a biography on Fela, “Kalakuta Diaries,” emphasised that he is not really “averse to the idea of a dissolution of this fraudulent contraption called Nigeria”, especially as most Nigerian leaders seem to be playing into the hands of some foreign manipulators.

Reeling out the legacy of the late Afro music icon, the author lamented that some American businessmen who have never set

foot on Nigeria have made money off the music legend, saying Fela, who was a well-known socialist,would be sad in his grave by the activities of such capitalists.

He said the initial launch of his book in Lagos was frustrated by reactionary elements who disguised as “progressives”.

“They claim to be lovers of Fela because it was convenient for them to use the name in recruiting the area boys and area fathers in rigging elections,” he said.

Erhabor also chided the Lagos State government for allegedly expending about $15 million to import a foreign musical jamboree on Fela, in a state filled with starving Nigerians and beggars who never benefited from “the crime of stealing with Fela’s name”.

Erhabor also announced to newsmen that

he had launched a campaign to ensure the trial of Nigeria’s former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, at the Hague.

He said,” Mr Obasanjo should be tried for the massacres in Odi, Bayelsa State, and Zaki Biam while he was in office.”

The author said he had consequently opened a register in conjunction with some of his friends to gather one million signatures of Nigerians which would be forwarded to the International Criminal Court ICC in the Hague to open up investigations into the matter.

“As soon as we get one million signatures, we will go there with a busload of Nigerians and Europeans to compel the ICC to do justice to the thousands of innocent souls that were massacred,” he said.

A fault confessed is half redressed.

The Chairman, FCT Secondary Education Board, Kabiru, has disclosed the readiness of Korea International Agency (KOICA)to build a N2.5billion state-of-the-art primary school in the capital city.

Yusuf made this known at the first ever celebration of the Korea Nigeria Love Day, organised by the Korean Culture Club Nigeria, a group of secondary schools under auspices of Korean Culture Center Club in the FCT. While commending the efforts of KOICA and Korean Culture Center Nigeria for their unrelenting support to education sector in the FCT, he affirmed that the center and the agency have showed their unalloyed support to improving the education system via their various projects.

He further revealed that KOICA had sponsored some secondary school pupils who are currently on a trip to Korea on a five-year study programme.

“In such times such action has greatly lessened the expenses of many parents who can barely afford their children’s school fees,” he added.

He said the original plan was to build a primary and secondary school structure, however, with the agreement signed by the ministry and the agency, it was decided that a primary school, which is the most important foundation in education was much needed.

He said the ministry on its part will provide security details (fencing of the school) as well as basic amenities such as water and electricity.

2015: Why Jonathan Should Be Re-elected – Abba Moro

By Christiana Nwaogu, Abuja

The minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, said yesterday that if re-elected into office by 2015, President Goodluck Jonathan will take his transformation agenda for the country to a logical conclusion.

Comrade Moro stated this at the headquarters of the ministry in Abuja, when the Centre for Leadership Network Initiative (CLNI), led by its coordinator, Nelson Ossaize, honoured him with an award of excellence.

The minister further argued that Jonathan’s place will be engraved in gold if re-elected, and said the president, through his transformation agenda, had contributed immensely to the development of various sectors of the economy and promised to work very hard to ensure his re-election for the good of all Nigerians.

“For the first time in the history of Nigeria, we have seen a president who introduced transformation agenda and is also committed to achieving it to the fullest,” he said, noting that the country had witnessed the transformation of railways, roads and other infrastructure in the country, including human capacity development.

“The president is also committed to ending insurgency in the country and he needs our support to achieve that.

Of his own work as minister, he said: “I want to assure you, therefore, that having come this far, I will not disappoint Nigerians. I will continue to be a serious advocate of the transformation agenda,” Moro added.

He thanked the group for recognising the ministry’s modest contributions to national development under his administration.

62 / NEWS NATIONAL

Saturday, December 20, 2014

2015: Why I Want To Represent Okigwe People In Senate – Achonu

BY BODE GBADEBO, Abuja

Deported Scandinaviabased Nigerians from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland on their arrival at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

RATTAWU Suspends Strike

By Michael Oche, Abuja

The Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) yesterday suspended a strike action it embarked upon on Wednesday after it signed a memorandum of understanding with the federal government on how to implement its demands.

The government, in the pact signed on its behalf by the Federal Ministry of Information, agreed to set up an expanded committee which starts work today to address the workers’ demands.

The workers are protesting “poor funding and decaying infrastructure in public electronic media outfits, poor state of preparedness for transition to digital broadcasting in Nigeria by June, 2015 and low patronage of public me-

dia outfits by government agencies”, amongst others.

RATTAWU president, Comrade Yemisi Bamgbose who spoke to our reporter said that the strike action will continue in states where the new weigh-in allowance has not been implemented.

Bamgbose said after elaborate consultations, the meeting agreed that failure to upgrade infrastructure in the Federal Radio Corporation, Nigerian Television Authority, News Agency of Nigeria and Voice of Nigeria because of dwindling funding is increasingly making the outfits unable to favourably compete with the private media in spite of the wealth of experience and committed staff that abound in these outfits.

It also agreed that remunerations in public media and cultural outfits which

were the “lowest” in the country should be addressed, and “negotiations be reopened and the earlier proposals for the approval of the Media and Culture Salary Structure which the president referred to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission be followed up to its logical conclusion.”

He said a follow-up team for the implementation of the resolutions of the pact signed yesterday was constituted with members drawn from the ministries of information and labour, RATTAWU and the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

Our reporter observed that activities in government broadcasting agencies, including newscasting were carried out by management staff during the period of the strike.

Lagos Deputy Gov’s Father, Kareem-Laka Orelope Dies At 101

By GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Lagos State deputy governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, yesterday lost her father, Prince Jimoh Kareem-Laka Orelope, who was aged 101.

A statement signed by the special assistant (media) to the deputy governor, Mr Tunde

Abatan, said the devout Islamic and community leader and politician in Lagos State died in his residence of an undisclosed ailment.

The statement said, “He was born to Akeja Oniyanru and Olugbede royal families of Lagos State on the 25th of February, 1913.

“Pa Jimoh Laka would be remembered for his philanthropic gestures to the less privileged and

his commitment to community development as well as the propagation of the Islamic faith.

“A politician of high repute, he is survived by a wife, children, grand children and great grandchildren among who is the incumbent deputy governor of Lagos State, Her Excellency, Hon Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.”

It said the late politician will be buried today

National Identity Card Will Curb Crimes – Mark

By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

Senate president, Senator David Mark has charged the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to fast-track the issuance of the biometric National Identity Card to Nigerians as the needed tool to curb crimes in the country.

Senator Mark expressed optimism that the improved National Identity Card would guide government in accurate planning, check insecurity and the influx of illegal immigrants.

According to a press statement issued by his chief press secretary, Paul Mumeh said, Senator Mark, while receiving his new

National Identity Card from the director general, NIMC, Mr Chris Onyemenam in Abuja, said that the card is an essential document that must be issued to all Nigerians as a matter of urgency.

“Most of the challenges we are facing today especially insecurity would have been minimised if we had a good national identity card. I hope that this new improved national identity card would curb the ills of the past and give Nigerians a sense of national pride,” he said.

Senator Mark expressed the hope that the current effort to truly identify Nigerians would be successful but pleaded with

Nigerians not to abuse or subvert the project.

He also hoped that the new multi-purpose National Identity Card would address many imbalances, especially the issue of population figure of Nigerians.

Earlier, the Director General of NIMC Chris Onyemenam explained that the new National identity Card is secured, personalized and could also be used as credit card.

He said the new national identity card is not transferable and cannot be obtained by proxy, promising that with the current 434 outlets nation wide, all Nigerians would soon obtain the document.

A fault confessed is half redressed.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Okigwe Senatorial district (Imo North) of Imo State, Chief Athan Nneji Achonu, has explained why he wants to go to the Senate in 2015, saying structural defects in the polity informed his decision to represent his people in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

Achonu, who is a foremost businessman and philanthropist, disclosed this to LEADERSHIP Friday when he received members of Okigwe Zonal Welfare Association at his residence in Abuja, yesterday.

He said his mission would be to bring his experience to bear on law-making in order to ameliorate the sufferings of the masses in the areas of employment and housing in the country.

“There are so many things wrong with the structure; that is why we are not moving fast as we should as a country. You can imagine that as an oil producing country, we don’t even have functional refineries. We are importing petroleum products; doesn’t that tell you that a lot is wrong with the system?”

Ondo: Court Sacks Mimiko’s PDP Executive

By KUNLE OLASANMI, Abuja

Justice Adeniyi Ademola of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sacked the executive members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State loyal to the state governor, Olusegun Mimiko.

The court sacked the exco after a request by 29 members of the PDP in the state including the Olu Ogunye-led executive and some aspirants to the House of Representatives.

Those sacked by the court include Mr Clement Faboyode, Messrs Banji Okunowo, Barrister Kunle Olowu and Abayomi Opeoluwa.

The court also ordered the national PDP, its national chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Muazu, national secretary of the PDP, Prof Wale Oladapo, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the inspector general of police (IGP) to relate immediately with the Ondo State PDP executive headed by Dr Ola Ogunye in respect of the conduct of primaries and elections to various offices in the state pending hearing of motion on notice.

‘Dankwambo Is Most Marketable Candidate In Gombe’

By Jeremiah Emmanson, Abuja

Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe State has been described as the “most marketable” of all the candidates who are vying for the governorship election in the state in 2015.

Dankwambo, who is the flag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the guber elections, has been described as “head and shoulders all the other candidates of other parties contesting for the 2015 governorship”.

The statement was made by the vice chairman of the Northern Youth Grand Alliance (NYGA), Dahiru Hassan Kera.

December 19, 2014

63

politics

December 19, 2014

Sambo, Osinbajo: Of What Electoral Value To Jonathan, Buhari?

President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that his current vice, Arch Namadi Sambo, will be his running mate on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party for next February’s presidential election. Likewise, the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, also unveiled his running mate in the person of Prof Yemi Osinbajo. Bayo Oladeji and Bode Gbadebo write on what each vice presidential candidate brings to the table ahead of 2015 elections.

2015 Presidency: What Is Sambo Bringing To The Table As Jonathan’s Running Mate?

Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo was sworn-in as the 4th vice president of Nigeria on May 19, 2010. Prior to his elevation to the number two citizen in the country, he was elected governor of Kaduna State in 2007 and served in that capacity for three years.

A professional, gentleman politician, architect by training and an alumnus of the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, what is the electoral value of Sambo, given the prevailing high-wire politics and horse trading over his actual worth as running mate to President Goodluck Jonathan, who is the flag bearer of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2015 presidential election?

Until now, the choice of electoral quality of a running mate to a candidate, whether for the presidency or governorship position, was not an issue, save for when rotation or zoning matters come up among the six geopolitical zones or ethnic components of a state, as the case may be.

But given the religious and ethnic dimensions the polity has taken and the potential keen contest for the office of the president in 2015, the choice of a presidential running mate can no longer be casual and careless in order to guarantee victory for any ticket, whether the incumbent of the opposition candidates.

There was apprehension over the fate of Vice President Sambo when critical organs of the PDP endorsed Jonathan for 2015 and were silent on the status of Sambo, a situation which fuelled speculations of possible replacement of the vice president by his principal before the latter put all to rest by announcing Sambo as integral part of his ticket after a flattering description of him.

He is not known to have any visible political structure in his home state of Kaduna, having governed the state for three years and with the current state governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, his protege.

The pan-northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), is said

to be divided over where its support will go between Sambo as a vice president and retired General Muhammadu Buhari as a potential president. However, LEADERSHIP Friday checks show that the ACF hierachy has made up its mind on power shift to the North come 2015, a clear indication that Sambo may not benefit from the goodwill of this northern power bloc.

Also, not a few believe that Sambo lacks charisma and charm typical of a politician that commands massive followership both in the north and beyond. This is a big minus in these times of intense political season and for a ticket or principal who is suffering credibility damage from his style of governance. The north, being the worst hit by insurgency in the last five years or so, needs a charismatic person who can convince it why Jonathan should have more four years in office.

Osinbajo: Of What Electoral Value To Buhari?

Last Wednesday, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari, unveiled his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, as a man of impeccable integrity and a product of what he called an “establishment of objective criteria, broad consultations with party leaders and a few opinion leaders outside the party and interactions with a number of nominees.”

Osinbajo, a professor of Law, senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), former commissioner for Justice and attorneygeneral during the Tinubu administration, is also a senior pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, and a close disciple to the general overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.

While unveiling him at a brief ceremony at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, Buhari said: “The challenging process of rescuing our country and changing Nigeria for good has commenced.One of the first decisions that I have to make is the choice of the vice-presidential candidate and my running mate.

“The method employed in this choice was quite meticulous but yet rigorous. It

Sambo

Osinbajo

involved the establishment of objective criteria, broad consultations with party leaders and a few opinion leaders outside the party and interactions with a number of nominees.

“To assist me in this great task of securing Nigeria’s future, I have chosen a man of unimpeachable integrity, an excellent professional, a man of faith, a devoted family man and a role model to our fellow country men and women. He is a professor of law and a senior advocate of Nigeria. An alumnus of the University of Lagos and the London School of Economics, he is a prodigious author who has to his credit, several books on civil procedure in Nigerian superior courts.

“The vice-presidential candidate is a friend of the less privileged, compassionate and zealous in service. A man of uncommon humility, a loyal, dependable and selfless patriot,”Buhari said.

In his acceptance speech as a running mate, Osinbajo expressed gratitude to Buhari and the APC for finding him worthy to serve. He said: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been nominated as the vice-presidential candidate of our party, APC, and especially the presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari.

“I also thank the leaders and elders of our great party for the trust reposed in me. The task of rebuilding this nation is one to which I am fully committed. There can be no other president, leader and commander that can lead that common sense revolution Nigeria urgently needs than General Muhammadu Buhari. I will proudly serve this country with him.

“General Buhari’s uprightness and fierce commitment to good governance is well known. It will be a privilege to work with him.

I come to this assignment with lots of hope and a resolve to be a part of this movement to bring Nigeria back to its lost glory. With the support of all Nigerians and the help of God, we shall make Nigeria work again”, he stated.

Osinbajo became the running mate of Buhari after been considered by the party hierarchy in the early hours of Wednesday after several nocturnal meetings where other possible names, including Asiwaju Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Governors Adams Oshiomhole and Rotimi Amaechi of Edo and Rivers States were respectively considered.As a senior advocate of Nigeria,

Osinbajo had served between 1999 and 2007 as attorney general and commissioner of justice when Tinubu was the governor.

His exposure in the office, coupled with his experience as personal assistant to the late attorney general and minister of Justice, Mr. Clement Akpamgbo (SAN), would go along way in making positive impact in the administration, if elected.

Again, as a professor of Law and ex- head of Department of Public Law in the University of Lagos, Osinbajo is highly respected for his knowledge of law, especially as an expert in the law of evidence. This would also help the administration, if elected, in handling issues that are law related andthe relationship between the executive and the judiciary would be more mutual than before. The much sought independence of the judiciary might become a reality under his watch. In the past, court orders were being selectively implemented or obeyed by the executive, but not a few pundits see Osinbajo as the vice president as the panacea to such a mess.

Many international agreements Nigeria has entered into are not yet domesticated, this would also become an area where the vice presidency of Osinbajo and whoever is the attorney general and minister of Justice would handle perfectly. Although, the church and the state in Nigeria are separated as it is the practice in the United States, yet, Osinbajo, as a close associate of the general overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, is expected to attract votes among Christians in the North who could be scared of Buhari’s presidency because of the menace of Boko Haram terrorism. Not only that, the people of the Southwest who have been complaining of marginalisation by the present government, due to the loss of the speakership to the Northwest, would now see Osinbajo as the number two as a way of paying back the zone for the loss of the past.

His marriage to Oludalapo, a granddaughter of the late sage, Papa Obafemi, could get him sympathy votes from the remnant Awoists when the time comes to vote. Although there seems to be a cold war between the Awo dynasty and the Tinubu camp, some pundits see his emergence as the APC presidential running mate as an opportunity to midwife reconciliation between them.

Adesuwa Tsan, Politics Editor

osunde.adesuwa@yahoo.com

FRIDAY PERSONALITY PROFILE / 65

December 19, 2014

Yusuf Agabi: The Visionary Leader Nasarawa Needs

By EKELE PETER AGBO

Nasarawa State, which was created on October 1, 1996 by the Abacha administration with a view to bringing development closer to the people, has been yearning for sustainable development in virtually all sectors of the economy since inception. Successive governments in the state have not been able to turn around the fortunes of Nasarawa State for the better. It is unfortunate that a state so rich in solid minerals is chained down by the shackles of underdevelopment and poverty.

However, the people now have yet another opportunity to change the story of Nasarawa State from lamentation to tears of joy, by electing the right candidate to govern them; a selfless and visionary leader who will wipe away their tears and change the story of Nasarawa forever. Nasarawa needs someone who has the wealth of experience required to turn around the fortunes of the state.

And if you ask me, there is no better person with such qualifications than Dr. Yusuf Mohammed Agabi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Nasarawa State.

Dr. Agabi is eminently qualified to govern Nasarawa State in all ramifications. He has served his people in various capacities, both public and private. And now that he is retired from paid public service, he has a lot to offer his people. Nasarawa is a young state yearning for selfless leader who is really committed to its progress and development. Dr. Agabi is offering himself to the people to be used as a divine pencil to rewrite the history of Nasarawa State. He is willing and ready to make that self-sacrifice which is required to develop Nasarawa State. He was born and bred in Nasarawa State and understands the yearnings and aspirations of his people.

Dr. Yusuf Mohammed Agabi was born on May 27, 1957 in Agyaragu village in present Nasarawa State to the family of Late Baba Mohammed Agabi. He had his primary education at RCM Primary School, Agyaragu.

From there, he attended St. Augustine Teachers’ College where he obtained his Grade II Certificate in 1977. And from there, he proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he obtained Diploma in Accounting and B.Sc (Accountancy) in 1984. He later bagged an MBA in Management and Finance from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in 2000.

At a young age of 24, Dr. Agabi served his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) between 1984 and 1985 at the Jos Steel Rolling Mill.

We will work hard to build hospitals and provide quality healthcare for our people. He had a brief stint at Plateau State Ministry of Finance, before he joined a chattered accounting firm, JC Dariye and Co, as Audit Manager in 1986. From there, he left for Benue Cement Company (BCC), Gboko in

Yusuf Agabi

1989, where he rose to the position of Chief Management Accountant in 1997.

Between 1997 and 2000, he returned to JC Dariye and Co as Senior Partner.

Dr. Agabi had a brief stint at Abuja Investment and Property Development Company Limited as Financial Controller, between 2000 and 2003, before he transferred his services to the Federal Civil Service in the pool of the Accountant General of the Federation as Deputy Director in 2001. He later rose to the position of a Director before his voluntary retirement in December 2013.

As a public servant with impeccable records, Dr. Agabi has numerous awards and certificates. While at the Benue Cement Company, Gboko, he won the Outstanding Staff of the Accounts Division award, Certificate of Achievement by the World Solutions, Virginia, USA among others. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria; Member, Nigeria Institute of Taxation; Member, Institute of Management Consultant, as well as Council Member, Institute of

Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. He is also a Council Member, Institute of Nigeria Stock Brokers.

Dr. Agabi has promised to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the governance of Nasarawa State. What is more, he is someone with the right connections to attract both local and foreign investments to the state. He has equally promised that solid mineral development will be one of the priority areas of his administration. In the area of health, he said he would give succour to the people in the rural areas who have been terribly neglected over the years, by building cottage hospitals and providing quality healthcare for them.

In terms of agriculture, Dr. Agabi has promised to introduce mechanised farming. Since the people of Nasarawa State are predominantly farmers, they need to develop beyond subsistence farming and embrace mechanised farming which will spin wealth into their pockets. He also promised to provide farmers in the state with all the necessary farm inputs. The issue of potable water in Nasarawa State which

After rain comes fair weather.

― Egyptian proverb

is very appalling will be solved by Agabi’s administration.

Recongnising the fact that peace is paramount to the development and progress of any society, Dr. Yusuf Agabi has mapped out plan on how to tackle the issue of insecurity in Nasarawa State, with a view to ensuring that investors come into the state to invest.

He believes that you can never get it right as a government with insecurity all around you. He is confident that the insecurity in Nasarawa is surmountable.

According to him, it is an issue that can be fixed in a day. And the only way to do that is to field a candidate that is credible and acceptable to the people.

“I will never promise what I cannot do.

I have always been a man of my words, my people can testify to that. I’m not one of those that will promise 10-point agenda or 11-point agenda. Those areas I have outlined in my development plan, if well implemented, will make Nasarawa State the envy of other states in Nigeria.

At the end of my tenure, let the people be the judge on whether I am a man of my words or not,” Agabi said.

66

December 19, 2014

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soVereign citygate ministry

- chairman - secretary

aim and oBJectiVe: 1. To strengthen the skills of women and orphans and vulnerable children (oVcs) beneficiaries for increased porductivity known as ‘‘life planning skills which will help them deal with problems of growing up. any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar -General, corporate affairs commission, Plot 420 Tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, Maitama abuja within 28 days of this publication. siGnED adeusi temilade nBa/ind/18882 08058155712 flat 9, guest house, area 1, aBuJa

This general public is hereby notified that the above named MinisTRY has applied to the corporate affairs commission abuja, for registration under part “c” of the companies and allied Matters act 1 of 1990. the trustees are: 1. Pastor olugbenga olabonji olayiwole 2. Pastor inkky okwuoma olayiwole 3. Darida ifeyinwa Echetabi aims and oBJectiVes: 1. To minister to the body of christ and see lost souls won to the Lord 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 of this publication. siGnED: secretary

the genuine friends cluB nigeria

christ family assemBly international

accident preVention and Victims emergency relief trust

The general public is hereby notified that the above named cLUB has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “c” of the companies and allied Matters act 1990.

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 Matter act 1990.

the trustees are: 1. Loveday isikaku obomanu 2. Lambert nwachukwu 3. sunday oraegbunam 4. Ebere nnaji 5. Remigus Mbelede

the trustees are: 1. Mr. oladipo opedare ayoola 2. Mrs. adeyinka opedare 3. Magdalene iyabode ijere-oyekan

The general public is hereby notified that the above named oRGanisaTion which was formerly registered as accident emergency relief organisation has applied to the corporate affairs commission abuja for change of name under part c of the companies and allied Matter act 1990. the trustees are: 1. Barr. Hypolitus-ogoli Egbune 2. Barr. chikwem Uche

aim and oBJectiVes 1. To preach the gospel of our Jesus christ.

2. To win souls for the kingdom of God.

the aim and oBJectiVes: 1. To promote the welfare of members.

2. To assist the indigent. any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General corporate affairs, plot 420, Tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, Maitama, abuja within 28 days of this publication siGnED: secretary

aim and oBJectiVes 1. To provide emergency relief to accident victims.

any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General corporate affairs commission (c.a.c) P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris crescent off aguiyi ironsi street, Maitama abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication. siGnED: laWpact solicitors and adVocates 08025230381

any objection to this change of name should be forwarded to the Registrar General corporate affairs commission (c.a.c) P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris crescent off aguiyi irosi street, Maitama abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication siGnED crescent, laW & legal

association of uK certified education agents of nigeria cac/it/ no. 73468

goVernment day secondary school army BarracKs yola old student association

upliftment house church international

The general public is hereby notified that the above named association has applied to the corporate affairs commission for addition of Trustee under part “c” of the companies and allied Matters act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named association has applied to the corporate affairs commission for the registration under part “c” of the companies and allied Matters act 1990.

the old trustees are: 1. Rose omonubi 2. Mike imoukhuede 3. ogechi onyemem 4. Foluke abdulrazak 5. Helen abaga 6. Funke Mayaki

the trustees are: 1. aLHaJi MoHaMMED BaBa PaRis 2. saLiHU Dan’asaBE MoHaMMED 3. iBRaHiM aHMED 4. FaDiMaTU MoHaMMED WaKiLi 5. isHaQ MoHaMMED BaLa 6. HaDiZa DaUDa 7. saMUEL oYE DUniYa 8. PHiLEMon MUsa 9. EKPEKi-EFE MicHaEL

The general public is hereby notified that the above named oRGanisaTion has applied to the corporate affairs commission abuja for the Registration under part ‘c’ of the companies and allied Matters act no.1 of 1990.

- Retained - Retained - Retained - Retained - Retained - Retained

the neWly additional trustee: 1. Tina Udoji The aim and objectives Remain the same any objection to this application should be forwarded to the Registrar General corporate affairs, plot 420, Tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, Maitama, abuja within 28 days of this publication siGnED:

agBonifo osaze 07039462574

For booking or inquiry call

- cHaiRMan - MEMBER -MEMBER - MEMBER - MEMBER - MEMBER - MEMBER - MEMBER - sEcRETaRY

> AUGUstINE 08032325988

aims and oBJectiVes 1. To preach the gospel of christianity.

2. To win souls for christ.

aims and oBJectiVes: 1. To foster unity among the members. any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General corporate affairs commission abuja within 28 days of the publication.

> GLORIA OKwUM 08038722368

any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris crescent, off aguyi ironsi street, Maitama, abuja within 28 days of this publication. signed: chinyere chigBu & co.

siGnED: secretary

> HENRY UBIMAGO 08068640944

name of trustees: 1. Pastor Francis David nze 2. Mrs. Joy David nze

> ABIGAIL sAMBO 08064382438

> GLORIA RAPHAEL 08061356519

> GLORIA ODIO 08034285851

> GRACE OJO 08035054444

67

December 19, 2014

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE KING’S SEEDS MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

NEW STRING RESOURCES LIMITED

This general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR NONVIOLENCE & PEACE DEVELOPMENT RC 25530 This general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for amendment of its constitution under section 7 clause 2 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES REMAIN THE SAME AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME Any objection to this amendment should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

REG ADDRESS: 14 BROWN STREET AGUDA SURULERE LAGOS STATE THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA CDMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 2004 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES RC: 431359 SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF NEW STRING RESOURCES LIMITED At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the above named company held at the Registered Office of the Company on the 18 day of DECEMBER, 2014, the following special resolutions were proposed and duly passed; 1. That the Company be wound up voluntarily.

2. That Mr Ignatius Okafor be appointed as Liquidator for the purposes of the winding up.

Dated the 18th day of December, 2014

SIGNED: SECRETARY

- General Overseer - Secretary

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 of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SALVATION POWER AND WORD OF GOD MISSION

MASJIDIL AZIM FOUNDATION

This general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

This general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Nwachukwu Onyinyechi 2. Keke Peter 3. John Cletus AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To set the captive free in the name 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 of this publication.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Hajiya Zuwairatu Mantu 2. Barr. Umar Mantu 3. Engr. Usman Mohammed 4. Alh. Mohammed Sani Garba AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To propagate the teachings of Islam 2. To encourage brotherhood and corporate among the Muslim Ummah.

3. To educate orphans and less privileged in the society.

4. To promote religious harmony among Muslims.

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 of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. S. M. ABBA (SOLICITOR) 08035339654, 08025313018

SIGNED: SECRETARY

KATHERINE PARKER FOUNDATION This general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Agorom Eki 2. Opashi Bankole 3. Agorom Chinedu Fortune 4. Ibia Paula Ngozi 5. Gambo Salisu Senge

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 of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SILAS AMADI FOUNDATION This is to notify the general public that the above mentioned Association is in the process of applying for registration under PART C of the Companies and Allied matters Act 1990 CHAIRMAN MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER

Aims and Objectives a) To relieve, encourage and empower the needy or disempowered. b) To honour the memory of Pa. Silas Ihekworobiri Amadi of Amafor Imerienwe in Imo State c) To promote justice, peace and development of the community. d) To enhance the capability of traditional governance institutions e) To promote peace, justice and socio-economic wellbeing of residents of local communities in Nigeria and in other African countries f ) To conduct training workshop for community level leaders who hold traditional positions g) To conduct research to generate insights on how traditional governance institutions can be optimized to continue to promote the peace, justice and economic wellbeing of the community h) To build memorial halls and community centers to promote peaceful and h prosperous communities in Nigeria and in other African countries. i) To embark on researches and programs that ensure autochthonous development of local governance institutions, sustainability of interventions and local ownership of resources and competencies for solving community problems.

Any objection to the proposed registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28 days of the application Signed: Casmir C. Igwe Esq, Pp IGWE & IGWE ATTORNEYS, Legal Practitioners & Consultants. B Suite 85/90 (3rd Floor) BEFS Plaza, Opposite MFM, Utako, Abuja. 08034536861, 07057995253

LOSSOF loss of OFDOCUMENTS document DOCUMENT LOSS This is to notify the general public that a Certificate of Occupancy registered in the name of alhaji ahmed deribe with certificate No. 19d2w-13dfz-3b65r6521u-10 is missing. All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest police station.

General public should hereby take note.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH AND AWARENESS INITIATIVE This general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. King (Dr.) Amalate Johnnie Turner 2. Mr. Khalifah Patrick Onu 3. Barrister Yusuf Pam 4. Dr. Hassan Kafayos 5. Alhaji Mohammed Abacha 6. Prince Adesoyi Olaoba Efuntayo 7. Mr. Norbert Chukwumah AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote good citizenship and greater public participation in lending support to the security and disaster management agencies.

2. To promote effective and timely information of anti-social activities and disaster occurrences tot he security and disaster management agences.

3. To promote security vigilance , neighbourhood watch, community spirit and mutual assistance among neighbours.

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 of this publication.

SIGNED: ikechukwu ikogwe esq; solicitor

OPEN SHELTER FOUNDATION CAC/IT 61465

IBAKA-ORON PETROLEUM DEPOT OWNERS ASSOCIATION

This general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for loss of certificate of incorporated trustees under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

This general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES REMAIN THE SAME

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote initiatives, activities and programmes geared towards the empowerment of women and development of the under privileged child.

2. To engender intellectual advancement and education of the underprivileged child.

The Trustees are 1) DR SAM AMADI 2) BARR. KINGSLEY IBEH 3) MR EMEKA ORJI 4) CHIKAODI AMADI

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Francis Comfort Omowumi 2. Oladele Israel 3. Francis Abiodun Jude 4. Akindele John Kolapo 5. Odunayo Segun Moses 6. Ajiboye Ruth 7. Abiodun Joel Sunday

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BAR. AVWORHO ELOHO ESTHER 08036061876

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Anthony Onyeama 2. Lanre Afebuameh 3. Johnson Chukwu 4. Kehinde Ogbor

- Chairman - Vice Chairman - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote, improve the welfare/well being of members and help members achieve their objectives.

2. To foster strong inter family ties among members and promote the spirit of oneness and brotherhood.

3. To encourage and render support to members economic activities and in times of needs.

4. To cater for the less privileged in the 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, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. STEPHEN E. OAHIMIJIE MABROCATE LAW HOUSE, JABI-ABUJA

ORPHANS AND HUFFAZ EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

We wish to change our family name from Anih to Ikechukwu.

TRUSTEES ARE: SURAJO USMAN KAMBA - Chairman SADDIQ MARAFA DIGGI UMARU USMAN KAMBAZA NASIRU ABUBAKAR KIGO UMAR KABIRU WASAGU BELLO ABDULLAHI BAKO FARUKU MUHAMMAD AWWAL ADAMU LABBO JEGA - Secretary

We the families of: Mr Charles Cosmas Anih Mrs Cecilia Chikaodili Anih Miss Chidera Philomena Anih Miss Chinwendu Rosemary Anih Master Chiemelie Callistus Anih Master Ifeanyichukwu Michael Anih wish to be known as follows: Mr Charles Cosmas Ikechukwu Mrs Cecilia Chikaodili Ikechukwu Miss Chidera Philomena Ikechukwu Miss Chinwendu Rosemary Ikechukwu Master Chiemelie Callistus Ikechukwu Master Ifeanyichukwu Michael Ikechukwu.

All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1-To contribute to the general development of education in the society 2-To promote and protect the interest , welfare and education of orphans Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

LOSSOF loss OF ofDOCUMENTS DOCUMENT document LOSS

This is to notify the general public of the loss of original certificate of occupancy (C of O) No. FCT/ ABU/NG. 148 (Plot No. 48 located at Cadastral Zone A8) issues by FCT granted to Lt. Col. Mohammadu Dantsoho. All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest police station or MFCT. General public should hereby take note.

Signed: barr. bernard u. odey; 08033156411

LOSSOF loss of OFDOCUMENTS DOCUMENT document LOSS This is to notify the general public of the loss of Original Abuja Investments Company Limited Shop Allocation Letter in respect of shop 34, utc shopping Centre Garki, Abuja.

All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest police station. General public should hereby take note.

68

December 19, 2014

IGINIGHIOM EMUGEDI GRASSROOT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

GODWITH US LOVEWORD INT’L MINISTRIES

EKITI YOUTHS EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named nongovernmental organization has appplied with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Decree No. 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named Ministries has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1990

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Initiative has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Iginighiom Emughedi Jeremiah O. Director 2. MBA Damian AnigboDirector 3. Evans Ibara EjioetoDirector 4. Naomi OkpalaDirector Aims and Objectives: 1.To ensure basic human rights and improving living standard in rural communities 2.To source and provide sustainable & Integrated rural development program Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, PMB 198 Abuja within 28 day of this publication.

Signed: Iginighiom Emughedi Jeremaih O. No. 41C Ilom Street Woji, Port Harcourt

SOUTH-SOUTH AND SOUTH-EAST INDIGENES FORUM SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FORUM 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. EMMANUEL IFEANYICHUKWU ONYEBUCHI - Founding/Presiding Pastor 2.GLORIA EMMANUEL IFEANYICHUKWU ONYEBUCI- Secretary 3.JEKI-OPUSENIBO RANDOLPH MATZON - Omubo Pepple (Engr.) Member 4.BENSON AZUBUIKE ONYEBUCHI - Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Soul winning Math 6:33, Proverbs 11:30 2. Caring showing of love through the word of God, and giving to the needy in the society. Luke 6:38 3.Spreading the Gospel of the word of God 4. Making sure we all make Heaven through working in forgiving & forgetting any wrong do to us 1 John 4:12

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication

Signed Emmanuel I. Oyebuchi Founding/Presiding Pastor

Signed: Secretary

JUBILEE SANCTUARY INTERNATIONAL CHURCH

MOUNTAIN OF GREAT SALVATION EVANGELICAL CHURCH

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH 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 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.

- PRESIDENT - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE AND ACHIEVE A BETTER CORDIAL COOPERATION AND RELATIONSHIP AMONG MEMBERS. 2. TO PROMOTE MUTUAL CO-EXISTANCE 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: CHIDINMA OSAROBO ESQ 08082368899

IKENNA GABRIEL ONAH FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Addition of Trustee under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

Trustees 1. BARR CHUKWUNONSO DANIEL OGBE 2. MRS EBERE OKOH 3. BARR DANIEL ONYEONAGU 4. MRS NNEKA MAKATA ONAH 5. MR BENJAMIN MADUKA NWATU 6. MRS LOVETH EKWUTOSI OHA 7. MR ONYEMAECHI AGBO The aims and objectives 1. Rendering legal services to indigent Nigerian citizens.

2. Championing the advancement of rule of law and good governance in Nigeria.

3. Championing the intellectual empowerment of Nigerian youths.

4. To render any other humanitarian services.

5. To assist and encourage the deprived and abused in our society 6. To promote human capital development Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: Secretary

LOSSOF loss of OFDOCUMENTS document DOCUMENT LOSS This is to notify the general public of the loss of original conveyance of provisional approval dated 27/6/96 in respect of plot No. CRD 228 of of about 400sqm located at Lugbe 1 layout, belonging to Zaka Amadu which was donated to pastor Gideon Inikori of R481 2nd Avenue FHA Lugbe Abuja. The said document got loss while on transit from Lugbe to International Airport Abuja. All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest police station. General public should hereby take note.

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: TOBE LORDLY 08038563003

I formerly known as Miss Rekiyat Abubakar now wish to be known as Mrs. Daniel Rekiyat. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

DOROTHY

I formerly known as MISS DOROTHY IKEDIYA ONAH now wish to be known as MRS. DOROTHY IKEDIYA KUMWAR. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

Samuel

I formerly known as Adekoya Bukola Folashade now wish to be known as Samuel Bukola Folashade. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ADEDOTUN

I formerly known as GEGeOJU ADEDOTUN OMOTAYO also know as ESAN ADEDOTUN OMOTAYO All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

The trustees are-: 1. EMMANUEL YEMI ZACCIOUS 2. OLATOYE EZEKIEL OLUWAKAYODE 3. OGUNDEJI GBENGA 4. ADEYEMO DEBORA BOSE 5. EMMANUEL KEMI BOSE 6. ADEYEMI OLUKEMI ADEOLA

- President - Secretary

The Aim and Objectives1. To preach the gospel of Christ.

2. To congregate as Christian.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: Secretary

GARDEN OF THE LORD PRAYER CAMP ANYIGBA

SILAS AMADI FOUNDATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH 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 notify the general public that the above mentioned Association is in the process of applying for registration under PART C of the Companies and Allied matters Act 1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. Abu Moses Alidu 2. Abu Abigial

- President - Secretary

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to allNations.

2. To preach the Bible in all its purity, power and fullness.

3. To provide orphanages, camps and care homes that will care for the needy in the 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.

EBOLA ALERT INFORMATIVE INITIATIVE The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Addition of Trustee under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

Trustees 1. Prof. Folashade Ogunsola 2. Dr. Lawal Bakare 3. Dr. Dele Olukayode

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication

Audu

ANISTER

I formerly known as MISS ANISTER CHINI, now wish to be known as MRS ANISTER ROBERT FIMCHIM. All former documents remain valid.

NITEL LTD and the general public to please take note.

CHAIRMAN MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER

Aims and Objectives a) To relieve, encourage and empower the needy or disempowered. b) To honour the memory of Pa. Silas Ihekworobiri Amadi of Amafor Imerienwe in Imo State c) To promote justice, peace and development of the community. d) To enhance the capability of traditional governance institutions e) To promote peace, justice and socio-economic wellbeing of residents of local communities in Nigeria and in other African countries Any objection to the proposed registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28 days of the application

THE NIGERIAN ACADEMY OF EDUCATION RC NO:7949 (REPLACEMENT OF TRUSTEES)

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for appointment of Trustees in place of the deceased incorporation under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. the old Trustees are: 1. Prof. Folashade Ogunsola 2. Dr. Lawal Bakare 3. Dr. Dele Olukayode

The aims and objectives 1. To initiate the Glue supporting the Command and Control Structure in the Emergency Response to addressing the Ebola crisis in Nigeria.

2. To fix the problem of fear & misinformation about Ebola epidemic with the use of technology.

I formerly known as Naomi Ali Takuwa now wish to be known as Mrs. Audu Naomi Idi. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

The Trustees are 1) DR SAM AMADI 2) BARR. KINGSLEY IBEH 3) MR EMEKA ORJI 4) CHIKAODI AMADI

Signed: Casmir C. Igwe Esq, Pp IGWE & IGWE ATTORNEYS, Legal Practitioners & Consultants. B Suite 85/90 (3rd Floor) BEFS Plaza, Opposite MFM, Utako, Abuja 08034536861, 07057995253

Signed: ABU ABIGIAL (SECRETARY)

Signed: Dulbarr Thark LP

Daniel

The Aim and Objectives1. To train youths in different vocations for self employment.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 TRigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 day of this publication.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR CHRIS OKECHUKWU NWATU 2. ENGR. STANLEY NWODO 3. BRO. GODWIN NWAEZE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HRH. DR. JAMES NDUKA ORAMADIKE 2. CHIEF OSITA OKANU 3. CHIEF GABRIEL OAIKHENA 4. DEACON JOSEPH IBECHI OKO 5. OKEY OBI CHARLES 6. CHIEF FELIX ONUORA NDUBUEZE 7. JOHNSON HARRISON 8. EBERE SCHOLASTICA 9. CHRISTOPHER ODEMENA CHINYERE 10 OSUOHA UCHENNA JOHN.

The trustees are-: 1. Owolabi Oluyemi Ebenezer 2. Oso Babatunde Joseph 3. Omoniyi Olatunji David 4. Osunlusi Taiwo Fisayo 5. Owolabi Bukola Hellen 6. Owolabi Olushola 7. Omotoso Julius Bunmi

the new Trustees are: 1. Prof. Emeritus Obioha Nwana 2. Prof. Emeritus Nicholas A. Nwagwu 3. Prof. Peter Lassa 4. Prof. Emeritus A. Yoloye 5. Prof. Joseph Aghanta 6. Prof. Emeritus Otonti Nduka 7. Prof. U.M.O Ivowi(President) Any objection to the appointment of any or all of the above persons as trustees,should be forwarded to the Registrar-General,Corporate Affairs Commission,Plot 420 Tigris Cresent off Aguiyi Ironsi street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publications.

Signed: Barr.G.E Egharevba (For SOLICITORS)

Abdulkareem

I formerly known as Hussain Shakirat Adewumi now wish to be known as Abdulkareem Shakirat Adewumi. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

I, OLUBUSAYO OLASODEMARTINS also know as OLUBUSAYO OLASODE now wish to be formally known as OLUBUSAYO OLASODEMARTINS. All documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Nabaudi

I formerly known as Nabaudi Micah Tikon, now wish to be known as Mrs. Nabaudi Emmanuel Waziri.

All former documents remain valid.

Donga Local Government Council, Taraba State and the general public to please note.

FRANCES

I formerly known as MS FRANCES NNEKA ILEHOMON now wish to be known as MRS FRANCES NNEKA ILENRE-ODIAGBE. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

Adamu

I formerly known as Vomba Adamu, now wish to be known as Adamu Wanbang. All former documents remain valid. Tarana State Pension Board and the general public to please note.

JEREMIAH

I formerly known as SALAU BIDEMI AYOOLA, now wish to be known as JEREMIAH BIDEMI AYOOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

69

December 19, 2014

UMAR

I, formerly known and addressed as YAHAYA HURAIRA, now wish to be known and addressed as UMAR HURAIRA YAHAYA. All former documents remain valid.

The General public should please take note.

Evelyn

I, formerly known and addressed as Evelyn Ajiri Obiagba, now wish to be known and addressed as Evelyn Ajiri Barn. All former documents remain valid. The General public should please take note.

Ogheneochuko

I, formerly known as Ogheneochuko Bobori now wish to be addressed as Mrs Ogheneochuko Ekure. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

ONUGUH

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONUGUH OGECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONUGUH JESSE OGECHI. All former documents remain valid. The General public should please take note.

Martins

I, formerly known and addressed as Sowemimo Oluwatoyin Mary, now wish to be known and addressed as Martins Oluwatoyin Mary. All former documents remain valid. The General public should please take note.

Ukaigwe

I, formerly known and addressed as Duru Ugonna Ikechukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Ukaigwe Ugonna Ikechukwu.

All former documents remain valid.

The General public should please take note.

Oluwafemi

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Balogun Adenike Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwafemi Adenike Esther. All former documents remain valid. Kogi State University, Anyigba and the general public to please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ESTHER BUKOLA AJIBOYE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ESTHER BUKOLA DANIEL-EDOBOR. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

EKENEOLISA

I, formerly known and addressed as EKENEOLISA EMMANUELA AGU, now wish to be known and addressed as EKENEOLISA EMMANUELA AGUNWEKE. All former documents remain valid. The General public should please take note.

ILESANMI

I, formerly known and addressed as ILESANMI F. OLUWADAMILARE, now wish to be known and addressed as ILESANMI ADEDEJI FEMI. All former documents remain valid. The General public should please take note.

BLESSING

I, formerly known and addressed as NSSIEN BLESSING SUNDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as BLESSING NSSIEN EJIGA. All former documents remain valid. The General public should please take note.

JULIANA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS JULIANA EGOMA EJIM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JULIANA EGOMA INYALI. All former documents remain valid.

The General public should please take note.

Faith

I, formerly known and addressed as Faith Jeremiah Okon, now wish to be known and addressed as Faith Ubong Uwah. All former documents remain valid.

The General public should please take note.

Merab

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs Merab Stanley Aikoye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Merab Une Stanley. All former documents remain valid. The General public should please take note.

EMEM

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss EMEM ANTHONY EKPO, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs EMEM ANIEKAN PETERS. All former documents remain valid.

The General public should please take note.

YUNUSA

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND CALLED ALHASSAN ALIYU, NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS YUNUSA MUNKAILA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE PLEASE.

LOSSOF loss OF ofDOCUMENTS document DOCUMENT LOSS This is to inform the general public of the loss of the following documents belonging to Dr. Attia Almahdi Alkhoder of No. 1, Roseline Ukeje Close , Kyari Mohammed Crescent Asokoro, Abuja.: 1. Certificate of Occupancy (Offer of Terms of Grant/Conveyance of Approval) in respect of Plot 949 in Cadastral Zone AO5, Maitama Abuja with File No. MISC 51418 dated 10/6/99 2. Acknowledgement Letter(offer of Terms of Grant/Conveyance of Approval in respect of Plot 330 in Central Area District, Abuja with Ref. No. MFCT/LA/89/MISC 5351 dated 28/10/98 duly certified with new File No. MISC 53048.

All efforts made to trace the documents proved abortive.

If found please contact the owner,AGIS or the nearest Police Station.

LOSSOF loss OF ofDOCUMENTS document DOCUMENT LOSS

This is to notify the general public of the loss of Original Conveyance of Provisional Approval/ Customary Right of Occupancy in respect of Plot No. Est 80 at Kubwa Ext III Phase 1 issued in favour of Dankogi Merchants Nigeria Limited by Abuja Municipal Area Council, dated 15th June, 1995, belonging to Zubairu Abdullahi. All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest police station. General public should hereby take note.

UZOECHIE

I, formerly known and addressed as OBI SUNDAY IFECHUKWUDE, now wish to be known and addressed as UZOECHIE ELVIS IFECHUKWUDE. All former documents remain valid. Schools, Industries, Government Establishments, Embassies and High Commissions and the general public should please take note.

ILESANMI

I, formerly known and addressed as ILESANMI F. OLUWADAMILARE, now wish to be known and addressed as ILESANMI ADEDEJI FEMI. All former documents remain valid. The General public should please take note.

EZE

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS ANEKE ADAEZE ESTHER, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZE ANEKE ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. The General public should please take note.

EZE

I, formerly known and addressed as MR ANEKE VICTOR OBIORA, now wish to be known and addressed as MR EZE ANEKE VICTOR. All former documents remain valid. The General public should please take note.

BOLANLE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss BOLANLE MARIAM ADEBAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs BOLANLE MARIAM SALAMI. All former documents remain valid. The General public should please take note.

Ajisegiri

I, formerly known and addressed as Olowookere Bolajoko Janet, now wish to be known and addressed as Ajisegiri Bolajoko Janet. All former documents remain valid. The General public should please take note.

Chukwudebelu

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oparah Ugochi Joan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chukwudebelu Ugochi Joan. All former documents remain valid. The General public should please take note.

Prisca

I formerly known as Nwakwuo Prisca .O. now want to be addressed as Prisca Odinaka Yagazie Amuchie. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ANABEL

I, formerly known and addressed as ANABEL JOHNSON IMAOBONG, now wish to be known and addressed as ANABEL IMAOBONG DON-AKI. All former documents remain valid. The General public should please take note

1X1 SPACE FOR SALE

1X1 SPACE FOR SALE

1X1 SPACE FOR SALE

LEADERSHIP FRIDAY

sports PREVIEWS AND NIGERIANS ABROAD December 19, 2014

FCT To Groom Of U-13 Footballers Abroad

Alim

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Sports Council will from 2015 groom U-13 football talents from primary schools, who will on training tours in Europe, Director of Sports, Mohammed Alim has disclosed.

While speaking to LEADERSHIP Friday Sports in his office, Alim explained that the kids were expected to go on the training tour this year, but could not as a result of some challenges.

“We are hoping that the FCT U-13 Primary School football team that was to represent the FCT early this year

will go on a training tour in a new arrangement, that will see them in a more organised training programme that will prepare them for the future,” he said.

He explained that rather than go to Europe and participate in a fiveday tournament, they would be adequately groomed either in the United Kingdom or Lisbon, Portugal in a programme that would last two or three weeks.

“It is a new innovation.

We take them out for the training to get further recommendations and see how we can get government to sponsor them in a programme to be recommended by the institution that will be training them.

“We are expecting that the training programme will be a long term, lasting between two to five years, with the first commencing by April 2015,” he added.

Customs CG Volleyball: Customs, 3 Others Qualify For Semis

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs male volleyball team has joined other teams from Group A and B to qualify for the semi-finals of the ongoing second edition of the ComptrollerGeneral of Customs National Volleyball Championship in Kaduna.

The Customs team topped the group to qualify alongside fellow Group A team, Gombe State Volleyball team to advance to the semifinals while the Nigeria Immigration Service topped Group B to qualify alongside

the team from Niger State.

In the last group matches, the Nigeria Customs defeated Katsina volleyball team by 3-0 while Gombe defeated Kaduna by the same margin to seal up their places in the semifinals.

In Group B, Niger State Volleyball team lost to Plateau State Volley team by 3-0, but still qualified for the semi-final to join the Nigeria Immigration Service Volleyball team who defeated their counterparts from Enugu 3-0.

Meanwhile, five

female teams are taking part in this year’s edition of the ComptrollerGeneral of Customs National Volleyball Championship which includes; the Nigeria Customs, Water Resources, Gombe State, Plateau State and Nigeria Immigration Service.

The female categories are playing a league-based challenge which any team with the highest win and points would emerge champions of the category and the challenge is on-going.

The competition ends today.

Group Managing Director/CEO, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Ladi Balogun (right), presenting the Most Valuable Player award to the winner of the Lagos Beach Soccer COPA, Daniel Kouassitchi of Cote d’Ivoire at the final of the competition, recently. Photo By benedict uwalaka

LMC Assures NRA Of Support Over Referees’ Test

By ISHAKU KIGBU, Abuja

Managers of the Nigeria Glo Premier League, League Management Company (LMC) has assured the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) of their support in order to boost their capacity building and development programs which will lead to improved professionalism in handling games of the Glo Premier League. Salihu Abubakar, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the LMC made this assurance while speaking at

the sidelines of the NRA annual fitness tests holding in Abuja. The annual fitness test began on Sunday with the medical evaluation while the physical evaluation will be completed on today (Friday) with the Cooper tests for FIFA listed Referees. Abubakar praised the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for organizing the assessment test for the Referees ahead of the new season and promised that the LMC will al-

ways collaborate with development partners in bringing about desired improvements to the domestic football. He recalled that the LMC had in the past provided assistance to significant stakeholders in the Nigeria Professional Football League and listed some of them to include the NRA, Association of Professional Footballers of Nigeria (APFON), the Nigeria National League (NNL) and the NationWide League (NWL) amongst others.

I Can’t Afford Sneijder - Koeman Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has denied the club are closing in on a deal for Galatasaray playmaker Wesley Sneijder.

The 30-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in January and reports on Wednesday night suggested Saints were in pole position for his signature.

However, Koeman refuted the speculation on Thursday afternoon, claiming the south coast club cannot afford Sneijder.

He told reporters: “I’m interested, but I know

Children are poor men’s riches.

— Egyptian Proverbs

we can’t pay him. There’s nothing in it.”

Sneijder moved to Galatasaray in January 2013 following a threeand-a-half-year spell with Inter, where he helped

Sneijder

Jose Mourinho’s side lift the Champions League.

Manchester United have also been credited with a long-standing interest in the Netherlands international.

ROUND-UP 71

December 19, 2014

Ozil Relishing Early Return Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil says he is looking forward to playing football again, and revealed that his return to action from a knee ligament injury may be sooner than expected.

“I am working every day to get myself fit and I am on the right path now.

It won’t be much too much longer before I am back on the pitch,” Ozil, who last played for the Gunners at the beginning of October, told Arsenal Player.

“After a time, you really miss playing football. You miss the ball and just want to play. When you watch the games and think that you could have been playing, and playing well, it makes you miss it, but that’s the way things are.”

Ozil was initially penciled in for a return early in the New Year, but hopes

to be fit again even before then. The Germany international would have been watching his team when they beat Newcastle 4-1 on Saturday, and he is confident they can have make a genuine run at the Premier League title.

“When you watch the games, we have dominated a lot of them, but have conceded unnecessary goals,” he said.

“We have to get our points by playing the game our way and I am convinced that we will finish the season near the top of the table.”

Arsenal are currently sixth in the Premier League table, level on points with Southampton who are in a patch of bad form, and only two points behind West Ham, who currently occupy the fourth and final Champions League spot. Their next game is a trip to Liverpool on Sunday.

Football has changed – Allegri Massimiliano Allegri believes that modern football has changed team dynamics and individual skill is now more important.

The Juventus boss indicated that tactics have fallen by the wayside and some teams rely on individual brilliance from quality players to win them matches.

“You can’t surprise anybody nowadays,” the former Milan manger told the La Repubblica newspaper.

“For that reason, you need to have faith in quality. People want to make out that football is a science, but it’s got nothing in the slightest to do with science.

Balotelli Would Like To Emulate Ibrahimovic – Mancini Roberto Mancini says Mario Balotelli would like to emulate Zlatan Ibrahimovic and hopes he one day becomes as good as the Paris SaintGermain star.

The pair played alongside one another briefly during Mancini’s first stint in charge of Inter, when Balotelli was a teenage prospect at San Siro, and Ibrahimovic the club’s talisman.

Now in his second spell at the Nerazzurri helm, the 50-year-old believes the Sweden striker is a good role model for his former pupil to follow.

“Mario would like to emulate Ibrahimovic,” said Mancini at an event held at the Bocconi University in Milan.

“But Zlatan has a few more years and has accumulated a degree of experience,

Ozil

Shaqiri Will Stay At Bayern – Guardiola Pep Guardiola has ruled out the possibility of Xherdan Shaqiri leaving Bayern Munich in the January transfer window.

The Switzerland international, 23, was linked with a move to Premier League side Liverpool over the summer, after making just 21 appearances in all competitions for the Bavarians.

But, while Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery remain Guardiola’s first choice wide players, Shaqiri has already featured 14 times this term and the Spaniard has no interest in allowing him to leave.

When asked about the future of the winger and midfielder Emile Hjojberg, the former Barca boss said: “I think they will stay. If they want something then they need to speak to Matthias Sammer.”

Regarding the prospect of any arrivals, Guardiola appeared to rule out any further signings, adding:

“It’s a spectacle, and for a spectacle you need artists. The biggest error that we are making is to try to suffocate creativity.

“If you take away the poetry then you would be better off just playing it on the computer. We could talk for hours on end about tactics and organisation, but you win games with the players.

“If you’ve got [Lionel] Messi, you’re almost already 2-0 up. The same goes for Cristiano Ronaldo.

“If tactics were necessary to be successful then why did Real Madrid splash out 100 million euros on Gareth Bale if all he does is dribble, shoot and burst the back of the net?”

“Less players means less problems.”

Bayern play their final Bundesliga game before the winter break when they take on Mainz at the Coface Arena on Saturday, but they will do so without three of their key men. “[Mehdi] Benatia, [Xabi] Alonso and [Robert] Lewandowski won’t be on board,” Guardiola said. “[Sebastian] Rode is sick.”

Bayern look on course to cruise to a third consecutive Bundesliga title having won 13 of their 16 league games and racked up an 11-point lead over second-placed Wolfsburg.

But another surprise sub-plot to the league season in Germany’s top flight has been the plight of Borussia Dortmund, who sit jointsecond bottom of the division and Guardiola believes their struggles show that nothing can be taken for granted in his side’s quest for more silverware.

Balotelli

Children and fools must not play with edged tools.

— Egyptian Proverbs

quality, class and strength that he [Balotelli] is yet to acquire, even though he’s been playing for many years.

“Balotelli has that potential and no doubt they were extraordinary together back in the day.

“Mario was so young, now he dwells a bit too much on so many things. I hope and wish for him to become like Ibrahimovic.”

The 50-year-old also gave his thoughts on the current setup within the Italian Football Federation and feels a more youthful structure could be the way forward.

“I wish at the top of the federation there were young people. Young people can be wrong, but certainly they always do things in good faith and you always learn from mistakes.

AMUSEMENT PARK

have i met you someplace before? i sometimes get careless where i go

— Anon

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY c

www.leadership.ng

NIGERIA'S FIRST FRIDAY NEWSPAPER

No. 83

N200

azu@leadership.ng Twitter: @azuishiekwene

I

received a strange call after midnight on Monday. A top presidential aide wanted to know if the All Progressives Congress had finally chosen a running mate for the party’s flag bearer, General Muhammadu Buhari.

It was already four days after Buhari emerged, and both the candidate and his party seemed to be in misery about choosing a running mate. The Monday night caller from the ‘other camp’ had a legitimate interest in trying to find out. And the reason is simple: the choice of a running mate would make or mar the APC. But what’s there in a position once described by a former U.S. vice president as not worth more than a bucket of warm piss?

Since religion and ethnicity have split the country down the middle under President Goodluck Jonathan’s regime, no serious ticket could hope to win votes, much less start the healing, without addressing religion and ethnicity.

That’s how the running mate has become the key. It wasn’t always so. Former governor and presidential adviser, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, once described deputies as spare tyres because, according to him, they have no constitutional role.

At the time, President Goodluck Jonathan was still deputy governor of Bayelsa State. He was so upset by Ezeife’s description of deputy governors that he said if he were president, he would have advised him to resign.

Who would have imagined then that the same Jonathan would create a country so stricken and divided that any electoral ticket, even in the most liberal states, would be hostage to religion?

The APC’s nearly one-week de-

19.12.14

Text only: 08052100356

APC Saved By Spare Tyre The choice of Osinbajo presents more than a religious predicament for Camp Jonathan

lay in choosing Buhari’s running mate seemed like the party had taken time off to campaign for Jonathan’s re-election.

With the emergence of Yemi Osinbajo as Buhari’s running mate on Wednesday, the battle is joined. This newspaper had said, when it first forecast the emergence of Osinbajo last Friday, that once the wind of religion is taken from Jonathan’s sail, his re-election would be stranded in shallow waters.

For the APC to win the next election, it needs block votes in two zones with the highest number of registered voters on the roll. Out of 71 million registered voters, the north has combined (block) votes of 36 million while the south west has 14 million.

Though there are states in the north, like Taraba, Adamawa, Niger, Gombe, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Benue where Christians make up between 25 to 65 percent of the population, it is improbable that, in his cur-

rent form, Jonathan would get more than 25 percent of the votes in more than four or five of these states.

Is the south west still a block, with two states gone and the PDP resurgent? And can two APC governors – Ogun and Oyo – whose jobs will be on the line two weeks after the presidential election stand firmly behind their party’s candidate? It’s more likely than maybe.

That leaves Jonathan’s base, the south south and the south east, as battleground zones, the former fraught with the bitter fallouts of the National Assembly and governorship primaries in the states.

It’s silly to reduce this election to a game of religious and ethnic chess, but Jonathan started it. It was not his fault that he started it, though. He had nothing else to use.

Except for a few inside Aso Rock and their cronies, life outside the villa has been a nightmare. It’s true that the size of

the economy has grown and that more and more foreign investors want to come and do business.

But that has hardly changed the price of fish for 64 million Nigerians who are still unemployed, millions who cannot get electricity to light up their homes or run their businesses, or millions more whose lives have been shambled by terror and corruption.

This campaign should be about security, jobs, corruption, power and education. It should be about how we can get our lives back from incompetence.

If Jonathan had been at his desk in the last five years, we’ll probably not be where we are today. But he’s been hiding behind the veil of religion, holding preachers by the hem of their garment and visiting church after church every Sunday for the laying on of holy hands, only to return to his old habits the day after.

The opposition had to find a suitable response.

If Jonathan has CAN president, Ayo Oritsejafor, in his corner, Osinbajo’s emergence was obviously calculated to put Oritsejafor in a difficult spot.

The CAN president would now

have to choose between two Christian frontrunners in a contest where one of them, Osinbajo, is a favourite of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and a pastor in the church.

But the choice of Osinbajo presents more than a religious predicament for Camp Jonathan.

He is a strong moral voice for a party that craves change and a truly new face in every sense of the word. His accomplishments as attorney-general and commissioner of justice in Lagos changed the face of Lagos judiciary and made it an example to other states and the federal government.

It’s not the first time his name would be mentioned for a top job. In 2011, when the ACN and CPC were contemplating a merger, Osinbajo was penciled in as possible running mate to Buhari.

That turned out to be a story of almost there, which has taken three years to come true.

The combination of Buhari and Osinbajo is the first real message that the APC might, indeed, be serious about change.

The spare tyre has reset the contest.

GHANA MUST GO Nyesom Wike promises to develop Ogoniland if elected governor

— News

…What Is RCCG Up To? On Wednesday, after an excited follower tweeted, “Let somebody shout hallelujah,” with the photo of Yemi Osinbajo on @rccgworldwide, the Redeemed Christian Church of God headquarters rushed out with a disclaimer of

the tweeter handle, saying its own authentic address is @rccghq.

I checked and found that @ rccgworldwide had been in use since 2010 with 181,000 followers, while @rccghq, which has no registration date, has only 8,193

followers.

Why did the church wait for four years to find its voice?

This was a needlessly embarrassing attempt to show its neutrality and please the powers that be. Why?

Is Dame Patience from there?

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