28th sept 2014

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NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

Sunday, September 28, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 222 MBAZULIKE AMECHI

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NIGERIA @ 54

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PAT UTOMI

BISMARCK REWANE

Jonathan yet to heal civil war wounds

Politicians, biggest threat to development

Nation’s economy on threshold of growth

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Lamido, Yero, Shagari shun TAN’s Kano rally Muhammad Kabir

GlamDudes

Flamboyant ‘Resource control’ style

N150

Body Soul

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SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER

2014

I make our bed in the morning –B

Our ordeal, by Boko Haram victims ishop Lawren ce Osagie

KANO

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orth-West governors, except Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shema, yesterday shunned the grand rally of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria in Kano.

Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, neither attended nor sent a representative, while his Kaduna State counterpart, Ramalan Yero, was represented by his deputy, Nuhu Bajoga.

Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Muktar Shagari, who did not dump the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress like Governor Aliyu Wamakko, was also not present.

However, all the ministers from the zone attended the rally, which was meant to shore up support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election.

The event, which was scheduled to begin at 10am commenced at noon, with the Polo Ground arena dotted by empty chairs and the heavy presence of security personnel.

Fearing that the event would flop, the organisers quickly directed security operatives to throw the gates open and allow more people into the venue.

This directive did not, however, lead to a significant increase in the crowd.

In his speech, Shema said, “My state believes in the unity of Nigeria and decided to participate, no matter what, to show that together we stand and divided we fall.

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Why PDP banks on Buhari’s emergence

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Chijioke Iremeka

here are indications that ahead of the All Progressives Congress convention scheduled for December 2, 2014, for the nomination of the party’s candidate for the 2015 presidential election, bigwigs and top hierarchy of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party are banking on the emergence of a former military Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

Sources at Wadata House headquarters of the PDP and leaders in the geopolitical zones revealed to our correspondent that the party was better disposed to Buhari as the APC candidate as his emergence will make the “victory of the ruling party (PDP) a fait accompli.”

According to a strategist of the ruling party, the thinking in PDP circles is that the contest will in the main be a two-horse race between a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and Buhari.

He said the outcome of the

convention would determine whether the APC is a serious party ready to bid for presidential power or a deal maker working for the emergence of a weak candidate that will easily be defeated by President Goodluck Jonathan, who already has been adopted as an automatic candidate of the PDP. “The party is of the view that an Atiku Abubakar candidacy will be a Herculean task for President Goodluck Jonathan in the presidential election, considering the former number two

citizen’s network across the ethnic, religious and geo-political divides in the country.

“Members of the PDP pride their party as the biggest party in Africa, which has defeated Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in three previous contests and 2015 would not be different should he emerge as the APC candidate,” the source said.

Buhari was defeated by exPresident Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003; by late President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2007; and by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.

They all flew the PDP’s flag.

Atiku, who is also known as the Turakin Adamawa, was beaten to the PDP’s presidential ticket by Jonathan in 2011.

A PDP stalwart, who pleaded anonymity, corroborated the assertion of the party’s strategist, noting that the greatest fear haunting the PDP before the APC primaries is the emergence of Atiku as the opposition party’s standard bearer.

“If the Turakin emerges as APC’s preferred candidate, then the PresCONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Contents | 28.09.14 BODY & SOUL

I make our bed daily For anyone to actually enjoy marital relationship, you’ve got to focus on your responsibility as given by God

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SUNDAY MAGAZINE

Fury, fire in Ekiti An indepth look at the politically motivated violence which erupted in Ekiti State last week

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POLITICS

Utomi: My fears for Nigeria Professor of Political Economy and co-founder of Lagos Business School, Pat Utomi, examines Nigeria at 54

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BUSINESS

Falling oil price threatens Nigeria’s foreign reserves If the crude oil price fall in the international market continues for a sustainable period of time, the Federal Government may fall back on its external reserves to fund the 2014 budget

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FAITH

My pop music experience From singing high note in a secular pop culture to mounting the the pulpit as a gospel preacher, David Nebife reflects on how his musical career witnessed a turnaround

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SPORT

Ekeji: Political expediency ruined sport

Former Director General of the NSC, Patrick Ekeji, says though Sport has done well in Nigeria, it’s not where it’s supposed to be.

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Editorial Averting the unemployment time bomb

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t a PDP rally in Lagos recently, President Goodluck Jonathan said the Federal Government planned to create three million jobs every year. To this end, the government, he said, recently inaugurated the Presidential Jobs Board, which is charged with the task of creating three million jobs in the next 12 months. The Presidential Jobs Board comprises 31 members with Vice President Namadi Sambo, and Mr. Tony Elumelu as chairman and vice chairman respectively. Other members are: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison- Madueke; Minister of Trade and Investment Olusegun Aganga; Labour Minister, Emeka Wogu; Agriculture Minister, Akinwumi Adesina; Solid Minerals Minister Musa Sada; Health Minister, Onyebuchi Chukwu and Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau. From the private sector are leading industrialists and businessmen including Alhaji Aliko Dangote of Dangote Group; Atedo Peterside of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc; Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Group; Bisi Onosanya of First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele among others.

Unemployment is a problem successive Nigerian governments have had to contend with over the years. However, efforts to checkmate it have not yielded the desired results. The PJB seems to be a bold, new attempt to tackle the sourge. The president’s charge to the PJB to create 3m jobs in the next 12 months comes against the backdrop of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) 2012 National Baseline Youth Survey Report, which disclosed that 54 per cent of Nigerian youths were unemployed in 2012. The NBS report was issued in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youths Development.

“More than half, about 54 per cent of youth population was unemployed,” the report said. “Of this, females stood at 51.9 per cent compared to their male counterpart with 48.1 per cent were unemployed.’’ It said out of 46,836 youths recorded against different types of crimes, 42,071, representing 75.5 per cent were males, while the remaining 24.5 per cent were females. “Among the 32 different crimes committed, Marijuana (Indian hemp) smoking has the highest figure, representing 15.7 per cent. This was followed by theft and murder with 8.1 and 7.4 per cent, respectively. The least committed crime was Immigration/Emigration representing 0.04 per cent,’’ the report further disclosed.

According to the NBS, the rate of unemployment in Nigeria stood at 23.9 per cent as of 2011 while urban unemployment was estimated at 29.5 per cent in 2013. In addition, the Financial Derivative Company (FDC) report also forecast that the misery index would likely increase further in 2014, from the 38 per cent it stood at in 2013.

Despite its endowment in diverse human and material resources, Nigeria has, sadly, been unable to provide adequately for its own, no thanks to years of unbridled corruption, mismanagement and sheer waste that have hindered economic growth and development. Consequently, the nation’s resources have been left under-utilised leading to unemployment and abject poverty, the twin evils which experts believe may scuttle the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals in the country.

But, it is not just enough for the government to promise three million jobs. Many such promises had been made in the past without any tangible result. The question, then, is: what is the road map towards the realization of this objective? What investment will drive the commitment? What critical roles is government going to play?

Are the unemployed going to be retrained to be employers of labour or to be job seekers?

What modalities will be used to create jobs?

What will be the role of relevant government agencies? These are germane questions that the government must answer as braces to tackle this scourge that makes nonsense of the aspirations of Nigerian youth.

And yet, we must praise the government for this initiative. For, a concerted effort like this to tackle unemployment in Nigeria is long over-due. It is only hoped that it will not go the way of other failed promises in the past. Unemployment in Nigeria is a time bomb that must be hurriedly detonated. The nation must of necessity provide to the unemployed and suffering in our midst. So, we expect the Vice President Sambo Committee to swing into action without further delay.

Its impact must be felt sooner than later for the citizens to believe that the government is really sincere about the steps it has taken to stem the unemployment tide in the country.

The immigration job interview disaster is still very fresh in our memory and it is a telling sign that we can ill-afford to treat the unemployment situation in the country with kid gloves. That is why we wholeheartedly endorse government’s current initiative to create jobs for the employed, thereby offering hope to many and helping them to make meaning out of their lives.

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief n Eric Osagie Deputy Managing Directors n Gabriel Akinadewo

Felix Oguejiofor Abugu

Managing Editor n Suleiman Uba Gaya

Editor, Daily n Yemi Ajayi

Editor, Saturday n Laurence Ani

Editor, Sunday n Emeka Madunagu

Deputy Editor, Sunday n Juliet Bumah

Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz

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Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam

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Head, Graphics n Timothy Akinleye

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The Sunday Magazine SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

Again, fire,fury in Ekiti

The June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State went peacefully, to the surprise of many who thought the violent build-up to the poll would climax on polling day. However, developments on some pre-election matters in the past few days have ignited violence that is threatening the peace and stability of the state. ADESINA WAHAB reports.

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State inspecting some of the the facilities damaged during the crisis

Genesis of the matter About two weeks to the June 21 governorship election in the state, two suits were filed challenging the eligibility of the Peoples Democratic Party candidate and former governor, Ayo Fayose, to contest the election. They were filed by a group, the E-11, and the Citizens Popular Party.

The suits are seeking the same thing, whether Fayose, based on his removal from office in October 2006, could contest the poll.

Fayose’s removal from office is seen by some as controversial because the panel set up by the then Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kayode Bamisile, exonerated Fayose in its report.But the House of Assembly, headed by Chief Friday Aderemi, suspended Justice Bamisile and threw away that report. The assembly then went ahead to appoint Justice Jide Aladejana as the acting CJ without him being nominated by the governor. Justice Aladejana later wrote a letter to the then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore, that he had been appointed the acting CJ of Ekiti State.

Justice Alfa Belgore replied him that his appointment by the assembly was illegal, but Justice Aladejana went on to constitute another impeachment panel that submitted its report and indicted Fayose and his deputy, Mrs. Abiodun Olujimi. Thus, Fayose fled the state.

The National Judicial Council later came into the matter and probed both Justices Bamisile and Aladejana. The NJC ordered Bamisile, who was suspended by the house of assembly to be reinstated, and suspended Aladejana.

The subsequent declaration of a State of Emergency and the coming of Chief Segun Oni as the governor did not allow for Bamisile’s reinstatement, but Aladejana has been on suspension since then. Fayose, after the 2006 incident, contested the 2011 senatorial election in Ekiti Central Senatorial District on the banner of Labour Party.

Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi handling the two preelection cases against Fayose, PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission, only got to decide on the issue of jurisdiction before the governorship election was

held (which Fayose won) and the long industrial action which paralysed courts nationwide.

The incident of September 20 As expected, the High Court Complex in Ado-Ekiti was filled with supporters of the PDP and the All Progressives Congress when the two cases came up again before Justice Ogunyemi. The judge started by asserting jurisdiction to entertain the matter, even with INEC being a party. According to the ruling, INEC was a nominal defendant and Fayose the main defendant. However, before the court sat that day, the plaintiffs had during the strike by judicial workers, got its nod to abridge the time Fayose and PDP could react to some issues raised by the plaintiff from 30 to three days. The decision of the court was advertised in The Nation newspaper, so Fayose and the PDP brought an application challenging that decision.

After the judge ruled on Fayose’s application that he could abridge the time, he forgot to rule on the same application brought by the PDP. As the court was about to progress with the hearing of the substantive matter, the attention of the judge was drawn by one of the lawyers to the defendants that he had yet to rule on the PDP application. The judge said the court would go on an hour’s break and that all litigants should be ready with all their applications as it return from the break to hear the substantive suit to the end. He also said that when the court rose finally for the day, it would be to come back at a later date for judgment on the matter.

While the court was still on that break, suspected thugs invaded the premises and disrupted proceedings.

The September 25 incident With the news that the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal would begin proper hearing of the APC petition against the electoral victory of Fayose, the high court complex was fully occupied by party loyalists. The venue of the

tribunal sitting is about 150 metres from the court room of Justice John Adeyeye. As expected, journalists were inside the tribunal venue covering events when Fayose arrived.

He came in when proceedings had started and left before the tribunal adjourned till October 14. Journalists were stunned to hear later that a judge had been assaulted.

To say that the entire complex was rowdy is an understatement, as loyalists of APC and PDP engaged in a verbal war. They were later dispersed by policemen who fired tear gas canisters at them. Tribunal Chairman, Justice Mohammed Shirajo, probably speaking from experience, said such a thing was expected and advised political leaders to educate their people on good and orderly conduct.

Ekiti State Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wale Fapohunda, who briefed journalists, said Justice Adeyeye was assaulted on the orders of Fayose. Asked whether he had been able to speak to the judge to get first-hand information from him, he answered in the negative. Asked for any documentary evidence like a photograph of the incident or that of the assaulted judge, he said he did not have such. Fapohunda said he was informed of the incident and that he had no reason to doubt the people who gave him the information.

As at press-time, nobody has been able to present the picture of the injured judge, his torn suit and say where he is recuperating.

Also, during a press briefing by the Chairman of the AdoEkiti Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Joseph Adewumi, on the matter, he was asked how the paths of Fayose and Justice Adeyeye crossed on the said date and whether Adeyeye’s court was in session. He said he could not confirm if Adeyeye’s court was in session at the time of the incident.

The reason for the question was that if the court was in session and some people were making a noise, it was not the duty of the judge to step out of the court to caution them, as there are police orderlies, court clerks and other staff to do such a duty.

CO NTINUED O N PAGE 4

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

The Sunday Magazine

Again, fire,fury in Ekiti CON TINUED F R O M PAGE 3

The killing of Omolafe Aderiye Aderiye was the State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers during the first term of Fayose and he was a PDP loyalist. When Fayose left office, he lost out in the scheme of things and stepped aside to run his private business, Lafe Ade Motors. With the return of Fayose, he joined the governor-elect’s team and was helpful in coordinating the security aspect of the campaign. He was at the high court complex when the electio n tribunal sat and was with Fayose at Spotless Hotel, Ado-Ekiti till about 5pm (according to what Fayose told his widow). He was shot dead few hours after.

The Thursday/ Friday riot

Governor Kayode Fayemi

Aderiye was killed at about 8.30pm on Thursday and when the news hit town, trouble started. From Thursday night till Friday morning, properties mostly belonging to APC members such as Governor Kayode Fayemi, Mr. Taiwo Olatubosun, Mr. Bayo Aina, Mr. Rotimi Olanbiwonu among others were vandalised or burnt.

Vehicles parked along the roads in Ereguru, Ijogbo, Okeyinmi etc were not spared too.

The State Secretariat of the APC was vandalised as well.

Comments on court/Omolafe incidents Governor Kayode Fayemi’s comment “Ekiti has been the subject of alarming headlines in the news, following the tragic assault on the judiciary.

On Monday, September 22, thugs acting on the incitement of an interested party were involved in the sacrilegious sacking of the court while hearing on a political case was in progress. This happened in the full glare of law enforcement agents with inappropriate response.

“Clearly, these brigands exceeded the limits of acceptable behaviour, even in the most liberal of democracies, and ventured into the realm of blatant criminality with this desecration of the hallowed chambers of the law.

“With the entrenched atmosphere of impunity, violence in the state has escalated with the unfortunate loss of one life and the willful damage to several properties by rampaging thugs.

“Against this backdrop, it is understandable that not a few stakeholders have expressed concern about what the development portends for our dear state.

“During periods of transition, vital partners in progress adopt a cautious posture, watching for the slightest portents of the possible discontinuity of the regime of peace and tranquility, amongst other factors that have made our state conducive for investors and development partners. We must not disrupt our very bright prospects for sustained development in our state.

“Most assuredly, the course of Justice can only be delayed, but can never be truncated. Now that the security agencies appear to be fully seized of the situation, I call on them not to relent in performing their constitutional role of protecting lives and property in our state. Administrations come and go; politics can be frenetic when the stakes are high; but by the grace of the Almighty God, our state remains for all time, therefore, the peace of our land is not negotiable.”

Comments by the Nigerian Bar Association “First, a serious constitutional crisis is

Governor-elect Ayo Fayose

“We appeal to the Inspector General of Police and all relevant security agencies to bring to book the perpetrators of these dastardly acts so that those whose aim is to create a chaotic situation that will negatively affect the swearingin of the Governor-Elect will not have their way” coming in the state if by act of commission or omission an atmosphere of anarchy is encouraged on the temple of justice in the state. This is because that may have serious implication on the performance of the constitutional duty of the head of courts in the state with respect to compliance with Section 185 (2) of the 1999 Constitution.

“If the current assault on the judges of the Ekiti State judiciary is allowed to continue, they would have lost the necessary independence that should be the bedrock of the performance of their constitutional duties.

The NBA therefore calls for a thorough investigation of the incident and that anybody found culpable be brought to book.

“On the killing of Chief Omolafe Aderiye, we should know that God is there to judge every perpetrator of evil whether now or in the near future irrespective of status. The killing is not only unGodly, the destruction of human lives is condemnable.”

Governor-Elect, Mr. Ayo Fayose’s view “I was only at the tribunal venue as a party to the case being handled. The said Justice Adeyeye is not a member of the panel hearing the petition and I would not know how I would have met him. I did not have anything to do with the regular court and the venue of the tribunal sitting is quite a distance from other courtrooms.

“These people are only desperate to malign me and secure needless sympathy from the public through their propaganda machines.

“My own case is not going to be an ice cream party and I am not Segun Oni whose mandate was snatched through the back door. I represent the people of Ekiti State and I have developed a thick skin to all these lies, whatever they like, let them go and write, am okay as long as I am on the right path.

“Let Fapohunda and his party produce documentary evidence of the said attack.

This is necessary as almost everybody now holds phones with cameras to record events. If they had nobody at the scene of the alleged attack, let them produce the photograph of the allegedly injured judge.

“Also, let them tell the whole world the hospital where the judge is receiving treatment and let them take journalists there to verify their claim. By now the said judge would have stabilised and would now be able to get documentary evidence of the alleged attack on him, since they said he was beaten up, his cloth torn to shreds among others.

“The killing of Chief Omolafe Aderiye is political. If Governor Fayemi and his APC

leaders know it is not, let them come and pay a condolence visit to his family.”

Hold APC and Fayemi responsible- PDP “We raised the alarm on the clandestine move by Fayemi and his men to attack the Governor-Elect, Ayo Fayose, and some notable leaders in all the 16 Local Government Areas as from the 22nd of September 2014 while the killing of Aderiye who is one of the notable leader of the party in Ado Ekiti occurred on the 25th same month. This has vindicated our earlier claims.

“We don’t have any doubt in our mind if the information at our disposal is anything to go by and the murder incident that have been linked directly with the All Progressive Congress members across the state in the past; some of which include: Awomulate, 15/11/2010, Kehinde Fajuyi 23/03/2011, Mic Ipinlaye 23/02/2011, Ayo Jeje, 31/03/2013, Juliana Adewumi, 31/3/13, Foluso Ogundare 3/11/13.

“Chief Adeleye Awolumate who was killed on the 15th November, 2010 was the PDP chairman for Osun Ward in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State. He was among the victims of the reign of terror unleashed on the state on Thursday, November 18, 2010 by the ACN thugs.

Awolumate died at the Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti.

“At Kota-Ekiti, Ekiti East LG, Kehinde Fajuyi and Michael Ipinlaye were shot dead by thugs and policemen sent by the APC government. Interestingly, it was only the policemen who accompanied the thugs that were charged to court and convicted for murder while the thugs were left untouched!

“We appeal to the Inspector General of Police and all relevant security agencies to bring to book the perpetrators of these dastardly acts so that those whose aim is to create a chaotic situation that will negatively affect the swearing-in of the GovernorElect will not have their way.

“We also implore the state Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to provide adequate security for the Governor-Elect and all the PDP leaders who have been marked for elimination by the Fayemi led government.”

Chief Jide Awe, APC State Chairman “Omolafe Aderiye was not a member of our party and we had no axe to grind with him. All the show of shame that happened at the Ado-Ekiti High Court on Monday and Thursday, we were n ot part of it.

“It is an embarrassment for our party to have its state secretariat along Ajilosun Road attacked and vandalised. The Ado Local Government secretariat at Ereguru area of Ado was also torched. Properties of some APC leaders were also vandalized. Are we in a Banana Republic?

“We are therefore calling on the police and other security agencies to get to the root of the matter. Those who destroyed our properties must be made to account for their actions.”

Olufunmilayo, Aderiye’s widow (speaking when Fayose visited the family) “As usual I looked forward to him coming back home after a long day at work, but that was not to be. How will I cope with life without my husband?

Omolafe was different from other drivers, he was humble and loving.

Rotimi Olanbiwonu aka Mentilo, former RTEAN state chairman (speaking when Fayemi visited him) “I heard that they were coming and I had to escape with my family. That was why the people burnt four of my vehicles and my house.

I am surprised at the development since Aderiye was not a member of RTEAN and I am not in the NURTW.”

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

News

108 vehicles, 56 shops burnt in Lagos

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Muritala Ayinla o fewer than 108 vehicles and 56 lock-up shops were completely destroyed while other valuable items perished as fire gutted Owode Onirin Scrap Market in Lagos.

Sunday New Telegraph gathered that the incident which occurred on Friday night was caused by poor electrical connection.

This was even as a plastic industry, Waste Option Nigeria Limited, was gutted by fire at Ojokoro area of the state, destroying properties worth millions of Naira.

Confirming the incidents, the Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe, said the agency responded to these and other calls in different parts of the state on Friday.

He added that the Lagos State Fire Service also responded to a fire in Adeniji Estate in Ogba and Epe areas of the state.

“Overnight, we responded to six emergencies, out of which fire destroyed

56 lock-up shops and 108 vehicles at Owode Onirin. Also a plastic industry was also destroyed at Waste Option Nigeria Limited, Obadeyi Street, Obadeyi Bus Stop. The master bedroom of a duplex at Abisogun Leigh

by Adeniji Estate Ogba off Acme Road was also affected,” he said.

Fadipe blamed the Owode Onirin incident on poor electrical wiring of some of some of the burnt shops, adding that traders in the market connected the cables directly to the main source.

He added that the traders had been warned against engaging the service of quack electricians.

He added, “We had invited them to our office to stop patronising amateur electricians, who were fond of connecting them to the main power source. But they would not listen. That was why the shops were gutted by fire. We were able to put out the fire which started at 7.48pm around 11.06pm.”

Waste to electricity project on course, LASG insists Muritala Ayinla

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agos State Government yesterday assured residents that it had not foreclosed the waste to electricity project.

It also said efforts were being made to tackle erratic power supply in the state through the conversion of waste into electricity.

The General Manager, Lagos State Waste Management Authority, Mr. Ola Oresanya, made the declaration shortly after the September environmental sanitation inspection led by the state Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, at Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area.

Oresanya said the state had not abandoned the project, but was making efforts to actualise it in phases.

He said, “On the waste to electricity, we have that in three stages. The first stage is on a small scale in which we have done the pilot scheme.

It is sited at Ikosi market. It is completed and has started generating electricity. The other is the waste to electricity at Olusosun dumpsite.

It is the medium stage. We have drilled our pipes there and very soon we will complete the project.

“The third stage is the thermal conversion at the transfer loading stations and all these are being planned with private investors. These are things that cannot be picked

on the shelves. They need to be done thoroughly.

“The waste to wealth programme is going on smoothly. We have the waste to fertiliser plant at Ikorodu.

We have the tyre and plastic conversion programme; and we have four factories where plastics are converted in the state. We have a major factory that will be commissioned soon. And this factory is at Igando.”

Speaking earlier on efforts to address perennial flooding in the state, Bello said blocked canals would be dredged to give way for the free flow of storm water. He blamed the challenges faced in the area on lack of planning by the council authority.

He said, “The challenge in the council is lack of planning. The residents built houses haphazardly. Residents build on road setbacks and on drainages. So there is no space for the government to construct walkways and drainages. It is alarming that if Mushin can be clean, a council (Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area) that is not as densely populated as Mushin cannot be.

“LAWMA will also need to improve on its services to that council, especially in the removal of the waste on Lagos-Badagry Expressway. We have asked the council chairman to initiate strategies that would help to reduce illegal dumping of waste,” Bello added.

L-R: Head, Legal Department/Company Secretary, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Barrister Sunday Odunkanmi, IBEDC Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Fortunato Leynes, Alakija of Ikija, Oba Shamusideen Ayorinde, Representative of Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Ogunkanmi and Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Dr. Dapo Sotinoye during the IBEDC Customer Forum at DLK Events Centre in Abeokuta...recently

IBEDC assures customers of electricity supply I badan Electricity Distribution Company has assured its numerous customers of improved electricity supply.

It has also blamed consumers’ complaints on the activities of vandals.

Addressing the grievances of clients during a Customer Forum in Abeokuta, IBEDC Managing Director, Fortunato Leynes, said, “Our transformer cables and feeder pillars, oil and other line materials suffer untold theft and damage.

The aftermath of these acts of vandalism are blackouts

which throw your communities and neighbourhoods into darkness. It also affects IBEDC in terms of huge losses in revenue.”

Lyenes, who reminded the forum that power generation had dropped, also blamed the problem on efforts of some consumers who attempted to bypass the approved cable route.

He said, “The company is not unaware of the menace of tampering with our meters, diversion of wires from the meters and running of same through ceilings, all effectively bypassing their

Cheke Emmanuel

14 die, houses destroyed in Nasarawa

LAFIA

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o fewer than 14 people were feared dead yesterday and several houses burnt and thousands others displaced when Fulani insurgents launched an attack on Ashangwa village in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The incident took place barely six days after Fulani gunmen numbering over 200 stormed Gidan Gambo, 30 kilometers away from Lafia, the state capital, killing 10 people and burning over 50 houses.

The attack also left hundreds displaced.

Abdullahi Buldi, one of the insurgents captured by the locals during the attack on Gidan Gambo, had told journalists that they were brought into the state to carry out attacks on Eggon communities in the state.

An eye witness, Alaku Alumbugu, who fled the attack to Lafia, told Sunday New Telegraph that the Fulani gunmen laid siege to Ashangwa, shooting sporadically in different directions.

electric meters. These acts are offences and are punishable by law. We also know that there are direct connections, that is cases of people enjoying electricity without paying a single kobo.”

Citing the case of Ona-Ara communities in Oyo State as an example, IBEDC boss explained that his company had sent not less than N150 million to rehabilitate some of its substations.

“A case in point is the OnaAra communities in Ibadan where our two 15MVA transformers were burned down by irate youths during the

He said they killed any person at sight and burnt houses without any challenge from security forces.

“As I speak to you, I don’t know the whereabouts of my family members. I don’t know whether they have been killed or they are alive. The Fulani were too many and they were shooting in different directions so I took to my heels,” Alumbugu said.

He bemoaned the level of destruction suffered by his people during the attack and expressed concern over

national fuel hike protests in 2012. This had cost the company over N150 million to rehabilitate,” he said.

Commenting on the fixed ‘service charge,’ the IBEDC boss explained that the N650 was approved by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission to enable all electricity distribution companies to repair, service and maintain their installations such as transformers and other equipment.

IBEDC currently controls Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, part of Kwara and Kogi states.

the number of sophisticated weapons in the possession of the Fulani gunmen. He also called on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stop the carnage.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ismaila Numan, said no life was lost.

He, however, said few houses were burnt.

Numan added that security personnel had already been deployed in the troubled area to restore peace and order.

Enugu 2015: Jubilation over Ugwuanyi’s emergence Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

J

ubilation is trailing the emergence Friday night of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as the consensus governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the Enugu State 2015 election, even as stakeholders say it may reduce the political between Governor Sulli-

van Chime and indigenes of the state in the National Assembly.

There was widespread jubilation in Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency whose people have voted Ugwuanyi for three consecutive times as their federal representative.

Ugwuanyi, who is the chairman of the House Committee on Marine Transport, emerged dur-

ing a meeting Chime held on Friday with the political leaders and governorship aspirants from the Enugu North senatorial zone of the state (Nsukka zone) to which the state PDP had zoned the position.

Sources close to the meeting said yesterday that most of the stakeholders at the meeting did not oppose the emergence of the law maker as a consensus candidate, a development

that would lessen the political tension that has been building up over who would pick the ticket.

It is also believed that Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, who is embroiled in a political battle with Chime, may not be opposed to the choice of Ugwuanyi since the federal lawmaker is said to be a bridge builder and has reportedly worked to douse the tension.

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SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

2015: Jonathan warns against division in PDP lAnenih urges North to back President’s re-election Cajetan Mmuta

P BENIN

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday vowed that his administration would crush the Boko Haram terrorist group.

He said the transformation agenda of the Peoples Democratic Party-led federal government would not shift its focus from ensuring food security and peace and unity as well as better living conditions for all Nigerians.

Jonathan stated these in his speech during the South-South PDP Unity rally held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, the Edo state capital.

This was as leaders, elders and other stakeholders urged the North to support the South-South and SouthEast in their agitation for a second term for Jonathan.

The President, who had on arrival in the state commissioned the Benin-Ofosu first phase of the BeninSagamu dual carriageway, also urged those seeking for elective positions under the PDP to unite and conduct themselves in an orderly and decent manner in order not to create enemies among leaders and members.

He said, “Elections are coming and we have different interests. So we use this platform to appeal to our people at any level of the elections from the state assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship and others that so many people will be interested in these positions but only one person will go at a time. We belong to the same party; so when we are struggling to get these

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“As a nation, certain mistakes have been made. This is because we are learning.

With time, those mistakes will be corrected. It is for the good of Nigeria that we live together because together we prosper.”

Shema added that Katsina State participated in the rally with good intentions

positions, we must do so decently so that we don’t create enemies among ourselves. If we don’t create enemies among ourselves and we continue to unite, we will surely get all our states back.”

The President declared that Edo and Rivers states would be wrestled from the All Progressives Congress during future polls.

He gave the assurance that the issue of discrimination, godfatherism and imposition of members are things of the past as members are now treated equally.

He said, “Edo State will return to PDP. For Rivers State, we know that the only party there is the PDP, others exist only on signboards. So allow their signboards to stay.

We know the party that is controlling Rivers State. All what we need is the unity and that is why we are here for a unity rally.”

He said his administration would improve on quality road, rail and air infrastructure , food security and job creation.

The President lauded the recent award on Nigeria by the Food and Agriculture Organization for reducing extreme poverty to about 30 per cent, and pledged that the “transformation agenda will succeed.”

He stated, “Before this time we had the Green Revolution, we had Operation Feed the Nation. These were various programmes to ensure food security in this country but they did not work. Our agriculture transformation agenda is working with electronic fuelling system and the world is appreciating it. They are coming to us to even assist other countries. We prom-

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar (left) and ex-Head of State, Gen. Muhamadu Buhari, at the installation of Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, as the new Matawallen Sokoto, in Sokoto …yesterday

ise that there will be food security.”

Jonathan also welcomed a former foreign affairs minister, Chief Tom Ikimi; ex-state chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, Mr. Tony Omoaghe; erstwhile Secretary to the State Government, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; and Chief Festus Ebea and pleaded with the state chapter of the PDP to integrate them into the fold.

In his speech, the Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, urged the North to support the agitation by leaders and people of the South-South and South-East to ensure Jonathan’s re-election.

He said the Northern support had become important because of its strategic political and economic contributions to national cohesion.

Senate President, David Mark, pointed out that the PDP had laid a solid political foundation for the na-

tion to survive and therefore it was lucky to have a good product as Jonathan to market.

He stated, “Nobody lights a candle and puts it under the table. The South-South lit a candle for this country.

Luckily for you, you have a good product. You don’t have a problem marketing your product. A nation is helping you to market your product, support the rest of people in this country.

“PDP has laid a solid foundation. For the first time in the history of this country, a political party has given sole candidacy to a serving President. That is the beginning of political stability in this country.”

For his part, Vice-President Namadi Sambo commended the people of the South-South for Jonathan’s endorsement and promised that the administration would continue with its transformation agenda.

In his remarks, the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji

Lamido, Yero, Shagari shun TAN’s Kano rally and after making a series of consultations.

“Anybody that is not with us is not a democrat.

All powers come from God and he gives it to anybody that he so wishes,” he added.

He advised Northerners to continue to pray for peace

because that is the only way for Nigeria to prosper.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim, stated that so far, TAN had collected over two million signatures in support of Jonathan’s re-election from the zone, adding that soon

the President will come to show his acceptance of the clarion calls.

Also present at the rally was Mohammed Abacha, the son of a former head of state, Gen. Sani Abacha.

The former leader’s son was formally accepted into the party.

Why PDP banks on Buhari’s emergence CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

dent and his party are in for a major electoral battle.

This is because of the belief that Atiku’s political sagacity, bridge-building capacity and long standing strategic

Jonathan

alliances with notable politicians in different political parties in the country could sway voters in his favour,” he said.

“Moreover, Atiku as a former PDP man understands our war tactics and strategies and therefore

very much experienced and in tune with the political horse-trading and the manoeuvrings that had characterised our party’s political engagements.

This redoubtably makes him formidable,” he added.

Adamu Mu’azu, upbraided the opposition All Progressives Congress for criticising Jonathan’s endorsement.

“The most amazing and intriguing thing to me is the fact that the opposition of such an endorsement came from the opposition.

I wonder how they know our constitution better than us. I advise you (opposition APC) to shut up and mind your business and let us see how you go about your own. To us, we have decided.

“If we have decided we

have decided. It is up to you to bring out your best to come into competition with ours. I assure you that ours will be better than all you want to produce,” he stated.

In attendance at the event were the South-South and South-East PDP governors; PDP members of the National Assembly and state houses of assembly from the zone; a former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili; ex-governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion; and other party chieftains.

$9.3m jet scandal

ACF urges National Assembly to probe Oritsejafor, others Ibraheem Musa

Kaduna

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he Arewa Consultative Forum has called on the National Assembly to investigate the ferrying of $.3 million to South Africa by an aircraft belonging to the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, to procure arms.

In a statement issued on Friday, ACF noted that the “shoddy arms deal contravened established due process procedure of arms and weapons procurement and also breached the laws of Nigeria, South Africa and the United Nations.”

According to the statement which was signed by ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Muhammadu Ibrahim, the forum appreciates government’s efforts to contain insurgency in the country but noted that “laid down procedures of arms procurement must be followed to avoid arms im-

portation to the country.”

The forum advised that culprits in the arms deal must be brought to book no matter their status in the society or their nationalities.

While condemning the continuous attacks by insurgents and cattle rustlers, ACF lamented that suspected sponsors and financiers of such atrocities had continued to enjoy government protection.

On the proposed creation of 30,000 additional polling units nationwide, the forum called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that best practices and standards based on scientific and statistical data are used in the exercise.

“The issue of landmass and distance should also be considered and states that do not qualify for new additional polling units based on INEC criteria should not unjustifiably be favored against the Northern states,” ACF noted.

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

News

$9.3 m saga: Benue CAN blasts Akume over attack on Oritsejafor Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

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s controversies continue to trail the $9.3 million alleged arms deal involving the private jet of President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Benue State chapter of the association has described the recent comments of Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume on the pastor as an affront to Christianity and a defamation of character.

The association, in a two-page statement in Makurdi accused the former governor of acting the script of anti-Christ to discredit, destroy the peaceful and worthy Christian body in the country.

The statement which was signed by the Chairman of CAN in the state, Archbishop Yimam Orkwar and Secretary, Most Snr. Evangelist Gift Elanu, explained that Senator Akume’s comments came after the Federal

Government gave what they called satisfactory explanations and claimed responsibility for flying Pastor Oritsejafor’s jet to South Africa for the alleged arms deal with the siad money.

“The Senator ’s annoying comments were coming after the satisfactory explanations of the Federal Government that it was responsible for the trip and that the money in question belonged to her.

The investigating security agents who were satisfied with the explanations of the Federal Government and Pastor Oritsejafor, have exonerated the reverend gentleman,” the association said.

It expressed disappointment at the ‘unwarranted and unjustified’ invectives heaped on the CAN president, adding that the Senator’s action was a clearly demonstration of the shame and disgrace to the Christendom to which hebelongs and Benue State in particular.

Acknowledging the love and concern of CAN President for the people

of the state especially during the invasion by Fulani insurgents when scores of people were killed and property destroyed, the state CAN hailed the uprightness of Oritsejafor, and pledged

T

he Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State has described Governor Kayode Fayemi’s directive to the Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wale Fapohunda, to advise the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, to relocate sittings of courts from the state as a way of meddling in the affairs of the judiciary.

In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti, signed by its Publicity Secretary, Pastor Kola Oluwawole said the comment by Fayemi to the

CHANGE OF NAMES

LAWAL I formerly known and addressed as Miss Lawal, Risikat Adunni now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dosunmu, Peace Adunni. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note OLUWAGBEMI I, formerly known as Odugbemi Stephan Debor, now wish to be known as Oluwagbemi Stephen Debor. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

judiciary, a separate arm of government confirmed the PDP’s allegation that the All Progressives Congress and its leaders were fond of compromising the judiciary.

The party was reacting to the broadcast made by Fayemi in the wake of the political violence in the state, to the effect that the Attorney General should issue a legal advisory to the Chief Judge of the state and all the parties to the existing cases in the State High Court and the Ekiti State Governorship Elections Petitions Tribunal, on the desirability of seeking an alternative venue for the hearing of these cases outside Ekiti State.

The PDP criticised the governor, saying he had no right to dictate how another arm of government would run.”What Fayemi said is an aberration. Obviously, he has lost it all.

The governor has allowed himself to be taken over by desperation to remain in power such that he could not understand that what he asked the Attorney-General to do simply amount to interfering in the workings of the judiciary, a separate arm of government,” he

Akume to continue to focus on the reasons he was voted into the Senate, namely to protect the interest of the Benue people who are predominantly Christians, and attract development to the state.

“CAN expect that the Senator, who holds himself as a Christian, should be an ambassador of Christ in the hallowed House, not an archenemy of the gospel and its ministers,” the statement added.

Ogun attracts $10bn investments

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overnor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has said the state attracted investment worth up to $10 billion (about N162 billion) within the last three years.

Amosun disclosed this at a forum jointly organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Senate President, Chief David Mark.

Represented at the forum by the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Chief Bimbo Ashiru, Amosun said the investment came into the state from about 50 companies.

“Before now, Ogun was nowhere in the investment circle, but today I can boldly say that we

PDP warns Fayemi against meddlesomeness Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

their unalloyed support to his leadership, imploring him to remain focused and determined in steering the affairs of the Christian community in the country.

The association urged

said.

Oluwawole said Fayemi also displayed heartlessness by giving preference to the issue of cases in court, instead of sympathising with the family of the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Chief Omolafe Aderiye who was killed in the state.

“Fayemi could not even pray for the repose of the soul of the slain Omolafe Aderiye in his so-called state broadcast. He did not even mention his name. He just said someone was killed.

Instead of showing concern for the soul already lost, Fayemi’s concern was ‘court cases’ with which he intends to remain in power despite that Ekiti people rejected him totally on June 21, 2014. This is the height of wickedness!”

Meanwhile, Governor Fayemi has called on people of the state to remain calm, as the dusk-to-dawn curfew persist, urging them to be committed to peace and shun violence in the overall interest of the state.

He said the violence which erupted in the state in the past few days was uncalled for.

have risen to be among the first 10 investmentattracting destinations. In the last 36 months, over 50 companies have invested in Ogun, and the investments are worth up to $10 billion.

He said the state government has made this possible through its efforts in creating an enabling environment that would attract local and foreign investors.

He urged the Federal Government to endeavour to provide sufficient infrastructure to encourage investment in the country, adding that lack of good roads was a major heartache for most business owners and multinationals in the state. He called

on the Federal Government to urgently repair and construct major roads in the country.

He advised key players in the private sector to support the government through their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, adding that government should not be left alone in providing for citizens welfare.

“It is important for local and foreign investors to earn the trust of the government especially in the time of transition to a new government. Infrastructure is also an area where the government needs to work on to promote investment, poor infrastructure like bad roads are the bane of any invest-

ment climate.

“While this is established, it is also necessary to point out to multinationals and key players in the private sector to lend their support to the government in the form of their CSR initiatives.

In doing this, the CSR should be done with the stakeholders or host communities leading the way.

“CSR should really be areas where the beneficiaries have identified as a need, and should also be a sustainable venture, not just something that will not last,” he said.

Amosun urged the private sector to partner with the government to promote good governance and citizens’ welfare.

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SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

Sultan charges politicians on terrorism, unity ahead of elections

Umar Danladi Ado Sokoto

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ultan of Sokoto and President General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) in Nigeria, Sa’ad Abubakar 111, has charged Nigerians to unite in the fight against terrorism.

He said despite the success recorded lately by the Nigerian troop in the North-Eastern part of the country, there was the need for traditional and religious leaders to come together to support the government in the fight terrorism and other security challenges facing the country.

The Sultan stated this yesterday in his palace when he turbaned the Speaker, House of Representative Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as Mutawallen Sokoto, and Speaker, State House of Assembly, Muhammad Zayyana as District Head of Gwadabawa.

Three others people also bagged differebt titles.

“We must come together to fight terrorism. Government must carry everybody along in the fight against insecurity. Just as we have together fought Ebola and we succeeded, together we can still defeat insecurity,” Sultan averred.

He also warned Nigerian politicians to dwell

on politics of issues rather than that of hatred and avoid insulting personalities as the 2015 electioneering campaign draws nearer. He admonished them to demonstrate their allegiance to the country, because Nigeria is greater than everybody.

“You are not there for yourself. Nigeria is much bigger than all of us. Therefore, politics of hatred, politics of personality should not be the case in 2015 campaign. We must play politics of respect for one another. If you are defeated in any election, you have to congratulate the winner, he said.

We must work together all of us. If you are defeated in an election, we

should please come together to support that person so that we can work for the country. We must not see politics as a do or die affair. We must work together irrespective of tribe, political party and region to solve our problems. We know the problems we are facing” Sultan recapped.

While calling on Nigerian leaders to always endeveour to serve the people and never allow it the other way round, Sultan equally called on Nigerian Muslims to use October 3-2014 to fast and offer specially prayer for the country.

Speaking on the honour done the notable men in

the state, he said: “It’s a worthy venture to recognise people who have distinguished themselves in human endeavours.”

He maintained that the five of them that were given traditional titles have not only shown respect to the people of Sokoto State but to the larger society and Nigeria. He said though they have been in the limelight by virtue of the positions the occupy, with the conferment of the titles on them, was an indication of greater responsibility bestowed on them.

“Occasions like this are very important in our cultural world. We must always recongnise people who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeveours.

Today we have turbaned one of our own son who have shown dedication, who have shown loyalty, who have shown commitment to the service of humanity most especially in our diverse country.

“We are very proud of your contributions to humanity. Your loyalty to us is unquestionable. We believe you are 100 per cent capable of discharging your responsibility in any areas you find yourselves.

“Whatever you do, you should remember that

you are now a titleholder of the Sokoto Caliphate.

Therefore, you must conduct yourselves with dignity,” Sultan advised.

Responding on behalf of the five people given traditional titles Hon. Tambuwal assured the Sultan that they will continue to do everything that is humanly possible to justify the confidence repose on them.

Dignitaries at the occasion include, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku Abubakar, Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, governor, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Governor, Rotimi Ameachi, All progressive Congress National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Senator Bukola Saraki, Sen. Buka Abba, former Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Adamu, Chief Bisi Akande, Emirs of Argungu Alhaji Mohammed Samaila, and that of Gummi, Justice (rtd), Mohammed Lawal Gummi.

Others were, Gali Na’aba, Adamu Aliero, Deputy Speaker, Emaka Ehedioha, and other members of the House of Representatives as well as Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah among others.

Yobe PDP advised to reconcile aggrieved members Onyekachi Eze Abuja President Goodluck Jonathan (second left); National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu and others, during the PDP South-South Unity rally at the Ogbe Stadium in Benin City…yesterday

Oyo APC government is a failure says Akala Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

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ormer Oyo State Governor, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, has described the current All Progressives Congress government in the state as a failure, insisting that the state has witnessed a reverse in its development in the last three and a half years of the administration.

Alao-Akala declared in Ibadan, the state capital yesterday, that “The last three and a half years in Oyo State has been that of serious pain and anguish in the lives of most of our people.”

“So many lives have

been lost; many people are jobless while a whole lot have no means of livelihood which is a clear indication that the present administration has failed the people.”

He said that the big challenge to the incoming administration in 2015 was to make its priority the mission to restore that lost confidence. “We shall be guilded by the principles which inlcude a mission to serve and not to rule,” he said.

Akala, who has indicated interest in running for the governorship election in 2015, made the declaration in an address at the commissioning of an operation van and office of “Team Akala”, a profes-

sional group supporting his second term bid.

He said: “I call on all the good citizens of Oyo State not to relent in this move, as we strive towards making the change we all clamour for a reality come 2015. I promise you once more that I will rule with the fears of God”.

The former governor, who was represented at the occasion by his wife, Yeye Oluwakemi, said he was seeking a return to office in order to alleviate peoples’ suffering and to further develop the state.

In his address, the chairman of the group’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Kola Balogun, reeled out the various achievements of Otunba

Alao-Akala while in office, pleading with electorate in the state to support the former governor achieve his objective in the state.

“You know Otunba Alao Akala ruled with human face while in office. Voting for him again to become the state governor in 2015 means banishment of hunger and poverty in the state as well as general development of the state,” Dr. Balogun declared.

Both the operation vehicle and the office were later commissioned by Yeye Oluwakemi along with other PDP chieftains including Dr. Balogun and coordinator of the group, Prince Niran Adeyoju, among others.

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged the newly inaugurated caretaker committee that will run the affairs of the party in Yobe State to work towards reconciling aggrieved and estranged members back to the party.

The National Organising Secretary of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, who performed the inauguration on behalf of the National Chairman, Dr. Adamu Mu’azu, also expressed confidence that a transparent process will see the PDP take control of the state which has been in the hands of the opposition since 1999.

Mustapha told them to ensure an all-inclusive participation in the forthcoming congresses of the party, urging members of the committee to justify the trust the party reposed in them by per-

forming their task excellently.

The Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Sule Abdulkadir Doguwa, who responded on behalf of other members, thanked the National Working Committee for finding them worthy of the assignment and assured that they will not betray the trust bestowed on them.

Other members of the committee include, Alhaji Abba Gana Tata, Alhaji Ali Garba Nguru and Dr. Mrs. Mairo Ahmed Amshi. Others are, Engr. Mohammed Buba Jajere, Alhaji Mohammed Shuaibu Gulani and Alhaji Hassan Abba Tasala while Alhaji Ahmed Sani Kaura is the Secretary.

The ceremony was witnessed by Minister of Science and Technology, Abdu Bulama, a member of Board of Trustees from the state, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri and party leaders.

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

Mantu, Okiro want state of emergency on security Kenneth Tyohemba

S Abuja

ecurity experts in the country have decried the poor state of security apparatuses in the country and called for the total overhaul of the security system that would pave way for the provision of improved equipment and information sharing logistics among agencies.

The experts comprising of top ranking officers from the Nigerian Army, Police force, Air force, Navy, Civil Defense Corps and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) among others

adopted this stand during the Security Information Management Forum organized by Information Marketing and Management Institute (IMMI) in Abuja.

Former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu who was guest at the occasion eulogized the Nigerian security personnel, as one of the best in the world. He, however, expressed worry over the poor state of security equipment which according to him formed the nexus of operational bottle neck to security personnel.

He said that Nigeria has capable security personnel, but they are performing below expectations because of sys-

tem collapse and called for total overhaul of the country’s security system, even as he debunked the insinuation that politicians are the ones responsible for the current state of security, shifted the blame on government.

Mantu also called for interagency collaboration on data sharing, pointing out that this will enhance unity and effective service delivery, even as he pointed out

the need for training and retraining of personnel on fresher courses.

Chairman Police Service Commission, Mike Okiro IGP (rtd) who chaired the forum said the occasion called for security experts of various agencies to converge and brainstorme on the critical areas that would change the country’s security system for better.

Okiro who was represent-

ed by the Commissioner in the Police Service Commission, Dr. Jem Tor Anyiin, harped on the need for inter-agency collaboration in the area of intelligence gathering and sharing, pointing out that this is the potent means by which the Nigerian security apparatuses could leave up to its responsibility of protecting lives and property.

He said that much needed

to be done in the area of information sharing pointing out that lack of collaboration with relevant agencies and other stakeholders often leads to conflicting data. He cited the incidence of Chibok schoolgirls adoption by Boko Haram sect where the media reported different figures of the adopted girls and urged that data sharing to be taken seriously.

Group warns politicians against inciting statements Charles onyekwere ABAKALIKi

A

youth group, Union for Social Resistance (USR) has warned politicians against making inflammatory comments capable of setting the nation on fire ahead of the general elections.

Addressing newsmen in Enugu, the National Coordinator of the group, Mr. Benedict Okoro and the National Secretary, Emeka Nwani, expressed dismay over what he described as unfortunate comments by some leaders of opposition political parties.

The group said it has mobilised her members across the country to resist politicians who make unguarded comments intended to derail the nation, even as they called on the Directorate of State Security (DSS) and other relevant security outfits to begin investigations into such statements It faulted the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Oyegun for allegedly

saying “We would make sure Nigeria doesn’t survive another four years should Goodluck Jonathan win next year’s election” made recently in Owerri,Imo State; and others statements like, “Rig and roast” made by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and “Dog and the baboon will be soaked in blood” credited to General Mohammadu Buhari.

The group said such comments were capable of throwing the nation into chaos, and called on Nigerians to insist that the maximum age limit for presidential and governorship candidates be pegged at 70, in order to pave the way for younger persons to contribute in building the nation.

The USR said it was aligned with the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, and its resolve to improve the living condition of Nigerians and create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in Nigeria.

First Lady, NCWD hold summit on girl-child education

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two-day summit on girl child education being organised by the office of First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, in collaboration with the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) and Friends Africa will hold next month.

The summit, billed to take place between October 13 and 14, 2014, would draw the attention of policy-makers to the imperative issues affecting the girl child in the country in order to embark on popular decisions

that would empower them.

Titled, “Reinforcing the Agenda for the Girl child Education,” the summit is also aimed at creating a platform for high level discourse on challenges facing women and girls in Nigeria, creating avenue for economic empowerment for marginalised women and girls by focusing on education, health, security and formulate sustainable mechanism for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of their impacts.

L-R: Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal, and Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Hon Kawu Sumaila, at turbaning of Tambuwal as the Mutawallen Sokoto at the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto yesterday.

Nigeria exports hides, skin worth $800m to Italy annually - NEPC

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igeria exports hides and skin worth 800 million dollars (N129.60 billion) to Italy annually, the Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Segun Awolowo, has said.

Awolowo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Lagos that the bulk of the products were from Kano State.

He said hides and skin

business was still booming in spite of the security challenges in the North-East geo-political zone of the country.

He added that the council had entered into collaborative ventures with other stakeholders to make meaningful contributions toward reviving the agriculture and industrial sectors in the Northern part of the country.

He said: “Mr President had initiated collaborative ventures to reawaken the dead industry in that region.

Government is working toward sustaining the collaborative ventures because most of our agricultural products are from that region; if you talk about sesame seeds, it is from that region; if you talk about ginger, it is from that area.

“Efforts must be made to get the industries in that region running; we need to build the clusters we require for the industry to thrive.

“Many of the hides and skin clusters are in Kano; we are exporting more than $800 million worth of hides and skin to Italy yearly from Kano alone. You can imagine what it means in terms of trade.”

Benue PDP endorses Jonathan’s re-election bid Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

P

eople’s Democratic Party in Benue State at the weekend gave a nod to the automatic ticket handed to President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2015. election The decision of the party to throw its weight behind the President’s re-election was reached after a meeting of the PDP National Integration Committee held in Makurdi, in the state, where a motion to that effect was moved by the

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Barrister Terhile Ayua and unanimously agreed by majority of PDP members in the state.

A member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), and former National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bello Mohammed who chaired the meeting, hailed members of the party for the endorsement, saying it became imperative for the party to honour the president for excellently piloting the affairs of the party.

Alhaji Mohammed said

party members in the state of their resolve to ensure that PDP emerged victorious in the 2015 elections, more so that the party has released guidelines for the conduct of ward congress and primaries slated for next month.

He assured members of the party that imposition of candidates will not be condoned, and would conduct its activities within the confines of its constitutions for the overall development of the state.

He thanked members of the party for making PDP

a viable and strong party amongst North Central states, promising that the National Integration Committee under his leadership will convey all resolutions back to the National headquarters of the party for consideration and possible implementation.

Earlier Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam thanked the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party for the initiative which according to him would further mend fences as the party gets into another year of election.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

OPINION When will this tyranny stop?

T

Chijioke Nwariaku

he news emanating from God’s Own State in the past four weeks has been mind-boggling and embarrassing.

Never in my entire life had I expected what I read daily from the various media covering news from Nigeria. Out of every 10 news items on the international scene, six are from Abia State, Nigeria. And none of the six items is palatable. It is either one form of malfeasance or another, killing or kidnapping. In short, nothing good comes from Abia State.

Curiously, all the news items have one thing or another to with the governor of the state, Chief T.A. Orji, his son or his overbearing wife.

What kind of rubbish is this?

I am bereft of words to describe how outraged I have been over the odious revelations from home. When in 2007 Orji Uzor handed over to the man at the helm of affairs right now, we all thought he would tow the path of his predecessor by being passionate and humble in the administration of the state. I must state without any equivocation, that I was one of those that showed optimism on the choice of the man to succeed Orj Uzor.

Our optimism was hinged on the fact that Orji Uzor being the smart man he is would not allow a Zombie to succeed him. But latter events have proved us all wrong. The man we elected is simply a pretender and usurper. He lacks the leadership style and traits of accomplished leaders all over the world. He does not even measure up to one tenth of the man who handed him the succession baton.

So, from where did this man come, for goodness sake? Why did nobody see the deficient and inherently dangerous qualities of this man? Is it not amusing that out of a population of about 3.5 million people nobody was able to see the hidden character of this man? I am yet to understand why he hid those destructive traits from Orji Uzor. How did he do it?

One of my relations who works in Government House Umuahia has always told me sordid things about the governor, but I never cared to take them to heart, because I thought he was making them up. However, I knew he was not the kind of guy that would make

up a story about someone else. So, I believed him somewhat. It was when I started reading the stories about the atrocities of the governor that I started piecing together all that he had been telling me.

So I am compelled to ask, where have all our elders and top personalities gone to, allowing this man to ride roughshod over everybody?

Who is the man really that nobody is bold enough to challenge his excesses? I read that he uses large sums of money to buy people over. Must everybody be bought over? Are there no longer men and women of valour who could stand up to the man? Are there no longer men with scrotums who could look the man in the eye and tell him to go to hell?

What do they do with all the money they collect from the man?

My heart is bleeding right now over the enslavement of my people. I read from a source that Abia State had collected over N600 billion in seven years as revenue. Where has all the money gone to? I was home in 2012 on a short vacation and what I saw did not justify this huge sum. It means simply that somebody is stealing from our common patrimony. And whoever it is that stole should be arrested – immunity or no immunity.

What I saw on that visit was existing structures being renovated and repainted. The few new ones such as the state secretariat complex, Judiciary building and conference centre did not add up to N6 billion. I was in Aba when I made that trip home in 2012, and all the roads were in a bad shape. I went to see my maternal uncle, Ibeka, whose son stays with me in Tennessee, and was almost wading in water to access his residence. Even the recent stories I hear about roads in the city of Aba are frightening. If the pictures published in the media about the state of roads in Aba are true, then we are all in trouble.

I cannot stop asking: where has all the money gone? Why is nobody asking questions? Where are our senators and members of House of Representatives, legislators in the State House of Assembly, members of boards of federal government agencies, elders, church leaders, traditional rulers? Where are they? Where is everybody? For how long are they going to keep quiet; probably until all of

us are dead?

I know for sure that this kind of tyranny and highhandedness cannot happen anywhere in the United States. Why have we allowed it to happen in Abia State? What about the security agencies? Is it not their duty to investigate and arrest people who are a threat to the peaceful existence and development of Nigeria? Somebody like the governor should have been cautioned if we had men in Abia State.

In spite of the sad developments from Abia State the governor still has the effrontery to seek a ticket to the Senate, when he should be hiding his face in shame. Not only that: I have also heard that the governor has concluded plans, in collusion with some mischievous people, to hand over the governorship ticket to a crony who would do his bidding in office.

If he succeeds in achieving these two goals, then Abia State is dead and buried. Again, it will amount to double tragedy if he is allowed to handpick his successor and at the same time go to the Senate.

His mission to the Senate is nothing short of a coup against the people of our state. His eight-year tenure has been a disaster. Imagine what will happen when he gets the kind of successor he desires. That is corruption unlimited.

Let me tell the governor in plain language that he is going nowhere and he is not gonna pick his successor. Those of us in the United States are liaising with our brothers in Europe and Asia to stop this mindless rape on our frightened people.

The liberation struggle for the soul of Abia State is a collective one. It involves everybody who loves Abia State, believes in equity and social justice, stands up for the truth. It is not a fight for Orji Uzor alone. It is a mass movement of people who have been suppressed and trampled under feet for too long.

I find it offensive and demeaning whenever I hear the governor boast about his connection at Aso Rock. He was in the States the other time and all he spent time talking about was how close he was to the President and his wife. He even boasts that no human force can do anything to him. It will be in the interest of President Jonathan to clear his name,

because our people see him as a partner with the governor in the disservice T.A. Orji does to our people. He cannot be totally free when the judgment against T.A. Orji will come. He should also direct that the National Honour of Commander of the Order on the Niger (CON) about to be conferred on him be withdrawn forthwith. What justification does the Jonathan government have for nominating such a man for a National Honour? Is Commander of the Order on the Niger for impoverishing our people or for destroying the peace and brotherhood that had existed among our people before he came?

I am an ardent supporter of the President and his ambition to retain his position in 2015.

In fact, I lead a strong group that is working hard to make his second term dream come through. Therefore, I doubt if he would be supporting a non-performing and corrupt governor. Abians believe so much in President Jonathan; which is why we are working relentlessly to retain him in Aso Rock.

The only way he can keep enjoying our confidence is to caution the governor. The first thing to do is to caution the security agencies, especially the Army. He uses them to harass and intimidate people. What we have in place today is a democracy and not military rule.

Allowing a civilian governor to use the army and other security agencies as he desires is a travesty and dehumanisation of such institutions.

What is brewing in Abia State is anarchy and when it happens the consequences shall be grave. We love our state and our people.

This is why we are working assiduously to ensure that evil does not take root in Abia State. The interest and greed of one man should not be allowed to jeopardise the future of our children and endanger our democracy.

This is the time for all Abians to rise up and take their destiny in their hands and confront this evil that has sprung up in our state before it consumes all of us. Those who have chosen to collude with the governor to destroy Abia State will have destruction at the sentinel of their doors.

Certainly, God is watching!

•Dr. Chijioke Nwariaku lives in Tennessee, United States.

Re: Mark’s return to the Senate faces danger Adakole Elijah

S

enator Mark successfully lobbied the Federal Government to award the contract for the Oju–Otukpo–Oweto Road.

When he discovered that work on the project was moving slowly, the Onmojijik’apa (killer of mystery animal) as he is called within Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency pleaded with the Benue State government to take over the construction and transfer the bill to the federal Government. This has contributed greatly to the progressive nature of the road today. With the road nearing completion, the people of Apa and Agatu LGAs of Benue State are beginning to feel the impact of government. The work will soon be completed as the Oweto bridge is nearing completion. It has almost been linked across River Benue. Similarly, the Otukpo multipurpose dam at Otobi –Akpa which when completed will not only boost agricultural productivity but will also provide electricity to the swelling populations of Otukpo and its environs. In addition to the provision of potable drinking water, it will also create tremendous job opportunities for the inhabitants of the area. Not less than 14 communities will benefit from the dam.

Senator Mark also lobbied both the Federal Government and Benue State to electrify Otukpo – Oju and Otukpo- Agila in addition to the proposed Igumale Cement Company.

The senator, in his quest to extricate Ado peo-

ple from the clutches of poverty and underdevelopment while in exile, had wanted to establish the cement factory in conjunction with some associates but was frustrated by late Gen. Sani Abacha.

The People’s Senator as David Mark is fondly called in Benue State established garri processing plants at Ado, Apa, Ohimini, Okpokwu and Obi LGAs and donated them unconditionally to the inhabitants so as to reduce the incidence of poverty in the areas.

Taking cognisance of the role of sports in human development, Senator Mark established an ultra-modern golf course in Otukpo. Today, hundreds of youths from the area who have taken advantage of this benevolence are competing with their peers from other parts of the country. Golf tournaments in Otukpo have empowered hundreds of people economically. These tournaments have also become a veritable avenue for the people of the area to showcase their cultural heritage. He also established David Mark Football Competition for all secondary schools in Benue South Senatorial District so as to discover young and raw talents. Only recently and during the competition which took place at Jesus College, Otukpo, a player, Oya Ogebe, was discovered and invited to the under 16 female national team. David Mark as a motivator procured all her training needs as well as funds needed for her upkeep while in training. He also established a football club known as Apa United and Apa Queens.

Similarly, Senator Mark in order to propel Otukpo to the desired level of development established a radio station (Joy FM) in the area. This station has not only contributed positively to the employment status of the Idoma land but has also become a veritable source of education, information and entertainment for the people.

Also, Senator Mark built and donated a full study centre worth N60m to the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) so as to bring university education closer to the people of Benue South Senatorial district. In order to tackle the dearth of university education in his constituency, Senator Mark lobbied the Federal Government to establish a medical campus of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. Already, an expanse of land has been acquired for the take-off of the university. The institution is to be located at Akpa in Otukpo LGA. In the same vein, King David University, a private institution is been sited at Akpegede while he has established scholarship for all the indigent students of Benue State. The scholarship has given succour to thousands of students from the three senatorial districts of Benue State. It is instrumental to note that David Mark Scholarship Scheme, headed by James Alachi, a Professor of Theatre Arts, is the only private scholarship scheme that has embraced the entire state. No fewer than 12,000 students have benefited from this benevolence.

This gesture no doubt motivated tradition-

al councils both within and outside Benue South Senatorial District to confer on the President of the Senate honorific chieftaincy titles. Also, some universities in appreciation of Senator Mark’s philanthropy conferred honorary doctorate degrees on him.

As a practical demonstration of his love and commitment to his people, the Senate President who is presently serving out his fourth term as senator representing Benue South Senatorial District only recently toured about 50 developmental projects executed or in the process of execution within his constituency.

These projects which covered the entire nine local government areas in Benue South Senatorial District were in the areas of education, water supply, health and community development.

Aside projects executed using personal resources, there were key projects within the constituency which were funded by the Federal Government. They were attracted to the constituency by the Senate President, through his political brinkmanship.

One of the most strategic projects executed by the Senate President in the last few years was the gigantic motorised borehole in the premises of College of Education, Oju, meant to serve students of the institution and inhabitants of the host communities. The motorised borehole has 12 taps for the students and host community to fetch potable water from.

11

Sunday Mail SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

You have a right to be heard! Send your letters and photographs to sundayletters@newtelegraphonline.com.

Letters should not be more than 150 words and must have the name and address of the sender.

Re: Dora Akunyili –A woman of courage

Dear Editor, As a public analyst keeping tab of current affairs particularly in the health sector, I was shocked and dismayed when I read in ThisDay the Sunday Newspaper of September 21, 2014, page 95 a tribute written by one Lorretta Epuechi.

It was titled: ‘Dora Akunyili: A Woman of Courage’.

There was nothing wrong in paying tribute to a woman who rendered meritorious service to the nation. But I stand boldly to contest the last sentence of the fourth paragraph where Lorretta showed strands of ignorance and her depth of misinformation on the chronicle of events at NAFDAC, particularly as it pertains to the introduction of the Truscan and the Short Message Service (the GSM Scratch and Text Service) in the fight against counterfeit drugs. It is an urgent matter of concern that Lorretta Epuechi has bridged the tenets of factual and objective writing by propagating falsehood and misinformation without adequate research.

Going down memory lane, I remember vividly that shortly after the current Director-General, Dr. Paul Orhii, assumed office in 2009, he introduced the Truscan and the Short Message Service along with many other cuttingedge technologies such as the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), the Black Eye, the Mini lab and the recently introduced mobile water technology that checks the quality of water on the spot. These are just to mention a few of the innovative technologies introduced by Dr. Orhii in winning the war against drug counterfeiting.

There is a saying that a labourer is worthy of his reward.

And another saying that honour is given to whom honour is due. No doubt the Amazon, late Prof. Dora Akunyili, served NAFDAC to the best of her ability and made the agency a household name, with constant and tireless service to curb the menace of drug counterfeiting and other unwholesome regulated products. While her successor, Dr. Paul Orhii, has also not rested on his laurels, he has worked doggedly and relentlessly to achieve the same goal and taken NAFDAC to greater heights. He may not have adopted the same strategies as his predecessor but he has introduced a more 21st Century-compliant strategy, which is the use of cutting-edge technologies to detect counterfeit drugs, alongside the usual traditional methods of fighting drug counterfeiting.

I am not here to take sides but to correct any misinformation of any sort on such a significant issue. I remember vividly in 2009 in my course of duty, when Dr. Paul Orhii assumed duty, few months later he introduced and launched the Truscan device in the presence of the Hon. Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, with other government dignitaries and stakeholders. If Nigerians would recall prior to 2009 when Dr. Orhii assumed duty as NAFDAC boss, nobody ever heard or saw a handheld device such as the Truscan and MAS (Mobile Authentication Service) deployed to detect counterfeit medicines on the spot.

With Dr. Orhii, the trend has changed, with the introduction of cutting-edge technologies in the fight against drugs counterfeiting which has earned him international and local awards, honours and recognition. Once again, Nigerians can justify their Big Brother role in Africa, as countries such as Kenya, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Cameroun have come to learn from Nigeria and take a clue on how NAFDAC is winning her war against drug counterfeiting under the able leadership of Dr. Orhii with the use of Truscan.

It is globally acclaimed that NAFDAC under Dr. Orhii was the first regulatory agency to deploy the use of Truscan to detect counterfeit drugs. In recognition of Dr. Orhii’s efforts, he was invited by the United States Council of Foreign Relations more than four times between 2010 and 2013 to speak on how NAFDAC is winning the war against drug counterfeiting. Interestingly, part of the DG’s lecture was used by the CFR in its report to President Obama. It also formed part of the U.S President’s submission at the G8 summit held in 2012.

Kingsley Igbokwe Abuja

Shop or not, I must survive.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Ndi Igbo think wisely in 2015

JAMB and computer-based exams

Dear Editor, This time calls for sober reflection of Ndigbo everywhere in Nigeria. The South-West had a shot at the Presidency for eight years by OBJ to compensate for the June 12 election annulment. The North has had a shot at the Presidency since then though President Umaru Yar’Adua’s death could not permit it to finish its term. The South-South took over and has done almost six years now in the office and is still planning for another four years. Where are Ndigbo in the entire political arrangement? I call on any well-meaning Igbo man or woman who has the interest of the Igbos at heart to lend support to any member of the ethnic group who shows interest in contesting the 2015 presidential election notwithstanding his political party.

Igbos’ override political interest should be paramount in our minds now. Say no to ethnic and religious gimmicks being used to deny Ndigbo their rightful place. We have the power to change things for the better in Nigeria. We must not look down on ourselves. We must not run our own players down. We should stop following the political merchants of Igbo extraction always close to the man in power, taking our collective shares for himself and his family. They are our real enemies. They take the huge contracts and short-change all of us. We must speak with one mind - yes to Igbo Presidency come 2015. Enough of this blind support to an Ijaw man of the South-South.

Caleb Awuja Maryland Lagos

Dear Editor, I get to meet students who just finished secondary school, trying to check their WAEC or UTME results.

I have seen several of them who can’t check their results by themselves; they seek the assistance of cafe attendants to do the checking for them. I would like to ask the management of JAMB which stopped the paper-based test and made it compulsory that entry exams into universities be computer-based that what efforts did they make in ensuring that every public school in Nigeria has access to computers? Or is this a ploy to disenfranchise some people?

Chris Okafor Lagos

Decline in family values breeds crime Dear Editor, Terrorism, alcoholism, drug abuse and addiction, cultism, stealing, robbery, rape, hooliganism, thuggery, scams, absence of godliness, pornography, gang wars and other juvenile delinquencies and social vices are as a result of serious decline in family and societal values, as well as absence of parental control. Parents (and the society) including teachers and government must wake up to their responsibilities. The child you did not show love to and nurture in the way and fear of God today will torture and bring shame to you, your family and society tomorrow.

Members of Boko Haram all came from families.

Among parents (including older extended family members), teachers and government who should be blamed most for these societal problems?

Chidi Nmerole Aba, Abia State

Jonathan and female running mate Dear Editor, I know our President and C-in-C of the Armed Forces is, will be or may be looking for a running mate now.

I believe a woman should be his running mate. I also believe this is the right time for a lady to occupy the number two seat in our great nation. I don’t care where the lady comes from but to give it a sense of balance, he knows where to pick the lady from. This is the right time. President Jonathan. I believe it is the right time too. Do you believe too?

Irene Bernards Abuja

Let young Nigerians take over Dear Editor, I would advocate for the likes of Pat Utomi, Donald Duke and Charles Soludo to lead Nigeria. I am sick and tired of seeing annoying old faces like Atiku, Buhari, IBB and OBJ. Their generation, as far as I am concerned, failed Nigeria. Why don’t they step aside and allow these young respected Nigerians to try their luck?

I have no doubt that they will perform far better than so many young world leaders. Close your eyes and imagine Prof. Utomi addressing the United Nations like young Obama did last week. Is Obama more intelligent than any of our own? No way! Honestly, the world will have a rethink about us. We need young and marketable faces to salvage Nigeria and make her globally accepted.

C-Jay Okeke New Jersey, USA

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SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Moment

L-R: Representative of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Risikat Akiyode, Chairman of the occasion, Justice George Oguntade (rtd); Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Sola Oworu; Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye; Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary, Mr. Lawal Pedro; Head, Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC), Mrs. Toyin Odusanya and Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs. Seyi Williams, during the 15th Anniversary of CMC in Lagos…recently. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

L-R: Surveyor General of the Federation, Mr. Peter Nwilo; Minister of State for Works, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye and President, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Mr. Ben Omo-Aigbe, during Surveyor Coordination and Advisory Training Conference in Makurdi, Benue State…on Wednesday

L-R: President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA), Mr. Solomon Nyagba; Abia State Deputy Governor, Sir. Emeka Ananaba and Vice President, Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Iyalode Alaba Lawson, during the opening of the 9th Abuja International Trade Fair, in Abuja… yesterday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

L-R: Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Dr Joseph Odumodu; National President, Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Kunle Awobodu; Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom; representative of the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chris Egbuna; President, National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria, Alhaji Rasheed Adebowale and General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Dr. Abimbola Animashaun during the Zonal Stakeholders’ Forum on sandcrete Blocks and Allied Cement Products by SON in Lagos …recently. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

L-R: Managing Director, Falcon Petroleum, Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo; Executive Vice-Chairman, Techno Oil Limited, Mrs. Nkechi Obi and Chief Executive Officer, Bestman Games, Mrs. Nimi Akinkughe, during the Board of Trustees dinner of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) in Lagos…on Tuesday

L-R: First female President/Charter Vice President, Lions Club District 404B-2, Lion Jumoke Onimole; First Vice President, Bridget Smith; Chief Education Officer, Police Children School, Ikeja, Mrs. Onayan Iyabo and Assistant Director of the school, Mrs. Ajayi Adebis, during the Club’s donation of Ebola kits and Water Tank Project in Lagos…on Saturday. PHOTO:ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime (middle), with the South-East Zonal Integrated Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by their Chairman, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, during a courtesy visit by the committee at the Government House, Enugu...yesterday

L-R: Chairman, Delta State PDP, Isoko North Local Government Area, Tutumor Daniel; Chief Uche Ugboma and PDP Governorship aspirant, Delta State, Sir Anthony Obuh, during a Obuh’s visit to PDP party leaders in Isoko North LGA, Delta State… on Wednesday

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

13

Moment

L-R: Brand Manager, Goldberg, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mfon Bassey; Coordinator, Ojude Oba Festival, Fassy O. Yusuf; Chairman, Ojude Oba Festival Committee, Otunba Wahab Osunusi and member, Mrs. Bisi Osiogun, after a World Press Conference to announce the 2014 Edition of the Ojude Oba Festival, at the Palace of the Awujale of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State…recently

L-R: President, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Mr.Larry Ettah, Dr. Michael Omolayole and Guest Speaker at the lecture, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Seni Adetu, at the 30th Omolayole Management Lecture and book launch organised by AIESEC held at NECA House, Lagos...on Thursday

L-R: Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Akin Ibidapo-Obe; Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rahman Bello and Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, at the 2014 Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Colloquium in Lagos …yesterday

L-R: Esere of Benin Kingdom, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi; PDP Rivers State governorship aspirant, Prince Tonye Princewill and Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, during Princewill’s visit to the Oba of Benin Palace ahead of PDP South -South rally in Benin City...yesterday

L-R: Head, Corporate Sales, Globacom, Mr. Kamaldeen Shonibare; Lagos State Coordinator, SMEDAN, Mr. Yinka Fisher; Ag. Coordinator, Business Solution, Globacom, Mr. Ike Oraekwuotu; National President, Beaded Jewelries Designers Association, Mrs. Betty Adepoju and National President, Association of Small Business Owners, Dr. Femi Egbesola at a meeting with chairmen and secretaries of Business Member Organisations and Cluster Development recently at Radisson Blu, Lagos...on Thursday

L-R: Director, National Secretariat, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Hajia Rukayat Yusuf; Chief Internal Controller, Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Chinwe Ezegbu and Executive Director, South South, Skye Bank Plc, Mrs. Ibiye Ekong, during the 8th Annual Banking and Finance Conference of CIBN in Abuja… recently

L-R: Minister of Communication and Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson; Deputy Assistant Secretary, State for Public Affairs, Mr. David Duckenfield and Public Affairs Officer, of the U.S. Consulate General, Dehab Ghebreab, during the launch of DEMO Africa in Lagos…recently

Deputy Comptroller, Vehicle Seat, Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Command, Mr. Joseph Ochelede (right); Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ernest Olottah (second right), speaking, on the importance of vehicle seat (an open place where unclear cars are parked), at Seme Border in Badagry …yesterday

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SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

Navy warns officers against mutiny

Clement James Calabar

A

gainst the backdrop of 12 soldiers recently sentenced to death for mutiny, the Nigerian Navy has warned its personnel that the force would not tolerate any act of mutiny, indiscipline and other acts inimical to service law.

This warning was given

by Rear Admiral Obiora Charles-Medani, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Calabar, on Saturday during the third quarter Eastern Naval Command route march.

According to him, the objective of the route march was to ensure physical fitness among its personnel and also build a spirit

of togetherness which, he said, was consistent with the Nigerian Navy motto ``Onward together’’.

Represented by Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, the Chief Staff Officer of ENC, Charles-Medani urged officers and men of the force to be law abiding and cooperate with all security agencies to ensure a crime-free country.

“As military men, we are

obliged to be absolutely loyal to the constitution of our country and abide strictly to the provisions stipulated in the armed forces act,” he admonished.

He added, “The present security challenges in some part of the country calls for serious dedication to duty, discipline and utmost sacrifice. It is only when we are physically

fit that we can deploy our strength to carry out our constitutional responsibilities and participate in joint operation with other sister service.”

The FOC, who said health is wealth, stressed the importance of regular exercise for men of the Nigerian armed forces, noting that physically fit personnel is an asset to the service and the nation.

``I am highly impressed with the turn out and conduct you exhibited throughout the exercise.

This is a testimony that you are all fit and enthusiastic for any evolution that you may encounter in the course of your duty’’, he said.

The route march took the personnel round major streets in the Calabar metropolis.

Anenih seeks North’s support for Jonathan

C

L-R: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; his wife, Olufunso and the celebrant, Presiding Bishop, Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), Dr. David Oyedepo, at the 60th birthday thanksgiving service, at Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State…yesterday.

SMEs laud Glo’s partnership with SMEDAN Edwin Usoboh

A

cross section of Business Member Organisations under the aegis of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria has commended Globacom for its initiative to empower SMEs with grants.

The said this in a recent meeting with Globacom in Lagos.

National President, Beaded Jewelries Designers Association, Mrs. Betty Adepoju, said, “Globacom has again demonstrated its resolve to assist Nigerians to break the shackles of poverty by empowering micro, small and medium business enterprises.

The grants would lead to rapid economic growth at the grassroots. It is a great privilege to be invited for this meeting”.

Also speaking, the National President, Association of Small Business Owners, Dr. Femi Egbesola thanked Globacom for involving them at the planning stage. He further

made a case for business friendly conditions to access the grants.

Similarly, the Chairman, Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Mr. Segun Tayo Kuti-George called for the inclusion of kitchen enterprises like chips and fried plantain sellers in the scheme.

Earlier, Head, Corporate Sales, Globacom, Mr. Kamaldeen Shonibare explained that the partnership is to radically change lives by moving citizens from grass to grace.

He said Globacom would not repatriate profit abroad, but will spend it on adding value on Nigerians with a view to making life more abundant through a bulk grant that would be distributed among SMEs and those in the Kitchen category comprising plantain and condiments sellers.

Shonibare said Globacom’s strategic partnership with major stakeholders in critical sectors of the economy had given the company valuable

experience which would stand it in good stead in the SMEDAN empowerment programme.

Delivering a keynote address, Globacom’s acting Coordinator, Business Solutions, Mr. Ike Orae-

kwuotu described Globacom as the game changer and acclaimed leader in pioneering innovations and offerings in the country and cited the on- going recruitment of about ten thousand.

hairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih has sent a message of plea to the North of the country to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid in 2015.

Speaking yesterday in Benin at the PDP South-South zone Unity Rally, Anenih said that the zone had supported and formed successful political alliances with the North in the past, stressing that the current situation calls for reciprocity and cooperation.

Addressing a huge crowd of PDP leaders and members in the main bowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, he declared, “We have reasons to be proud of the contribution of the South-South to Nigeria’s development.

“The zone has over the years, made sacrifices, including supreme sacrifices, not only to keep this country together but also towards its economic development. The South-South has, in the past, played a unifying role among the various regions of the

country.

“Our sons and daughters, such as Chief Tony Enahoro, Chief Okotie-Eboh, Mr. Isaac Boro, General David Ejoor, Chief Denis Osadebe, Chief Jereton Mariere, etc., have served this country with great distinction.”

He added, “In the political history of Nigeria, the South-South has also been a close ally of the North.

We have fought political battles together, contested elections on the same political platforms and formed alliances.

“We have given support to the North when it mattered most. The current situation, therefore, calls for reciprocity and co-operation. Nonetheless, in appealing to the conscience of Nigerians in the prevailing uncommon circumstance, we would claim our right, with dignity and determination, in the interest of our dear country.”

Anenih said that the unity of the South-South was important for peace and progress, stressing that “it is the basis on which other regions will take us seriously.”

Doherty joins guber race, promises to abolish multiple tax Temitope Ogunbanke

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former Acting National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Adedeji Doherty, yesterday officially declared his intension to run for 2015 governorship elections in Lagos State on the platform of the PDP. Speaking yesterday to journalists after declaring his intension to the Lagos State Executive Committee, Doherty, who arrived Lagos PDP secretariat in Ikeja, amidst fanfare with thousands of his supporters, promised that if elect-

ed, he would abolish multiple taxation in the state.

“I am contesting to change a lot of things in Lagos State to move the state forward. I want to bring my 30 years expertise in the private sector and my experience as a politician and grassroots person to the fore to transform Lagos State. I am going to cut taxes on industries and I am going to make sure that industries become vibrant and profitable. I will also ensure that civil servants and people working in private sectors don’t not pay many taxes again. I am going to shrink

individual taxes. I will also ensure that I put a programme in place, whereby those working in Lagos State will be empowered by saving the money they are supposed to give to government as multiple taxation,” Doherty said.

He also disclosed that he has developed 10-point agenda to make life easier for people in Lagos State.

According to him, his 10-point agenda will focus on rural development and affordable low cost housing; youth, sport and women empowerment; creation of treasury ministry and non-indigenes

welfare commission, market and traders commission; quality and affordable health network; free quality and affordable education, teachers and non-teachers teaching staff welfare.

Others are efficient road and transportation network; traditional structure and civil service welfare; consistent power project and infrastructural development, re-visitation of taxation law and payment of approval federal government minimum wage; and employment creation and state industrialisation support programme.

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GlamDudes

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Body Soul SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

I make our bed in the morning

–Bishop Lawrence Osagie

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my heart m o r f t h g i a r t S

h, 4 nglican Churc Pg. ch, St. Paul’s A ur ch s n’ w to y ’. e in m ose days ring offering tim e phrase, ‘In th in those days du els good to be able to use th y jo h uc m Dine us e& I’ll offer s that gave r today. It fe Win I have nothing, . if ome of the song State, are no longer popula d an rd Lo e a mas to Th t for have, I’ll offer Alor in Anambr village for Christ e erloent . n, “Whatever I we were in the os M t Back to my rant s, I’ll loosely translate to mea use we danced to it each time ican musical instruments -th Sof reshm bo song then beca onal Afr One of those Ig ink it was sung every Sunday hs, using traditi their shepherds. re f ut yo e a th to in by I th ostly coins ippers and m sh sly ‘arranged’ – or ou w gs er myself to Him”.

E in of xt er n de e tio off r er t genera op thei then w by some presen the altar and dr osphere.

Offering tunes h’ to tis y ‘fe nz e d fre av de a w an in or m e nc w br ic at tar with joy, raise es drank instruments no queue would da e pan was part of the rhythm m prance to the al ey pers in a long d ya Then, worship The clanking of the coins in th pan. Not deterred, they would s. It was heavenly. My kiddie nde May God at e n. se ’t. th u r pa dn ei in di ed th o op m to ho dr w ck rim to e ing ed ba thos wideith p e who had noth aven), and danc d offerings and There were thos bi n’igwe (God that lives in he n to note those who droppe up w o ip sh s or w n a io g lis sit s whe their hands to O ly would sit at a vantage po as in the village for me. of offering coin op Afan rmal that the clanking ve told him to go set up a sh hristm d C ne of ai pl ns m tio co ac in the joy. I no tr ha ch N as one of the at car to the chur r then, I would forgive me! It w e heard that a newly posted Vi d Naira notes? If I were olde , many es cl hi ve te w of an y, y w da e ra and ar Then one offensive! H His people. ed worshippers in the pan was blessings upon ing, well-dress is ild H bu pers dropped it n e w siv do as ed m t. ch. The and pour n Marke at Onitsha Mai ch is no longer a ‘village’ chur opened the doors of heaven t when they s ur ha ch st at ve th ar y, ivate jets...but no H pr da of To en rd ev Lo . d e gy an Th er es cl at sed the ic vehicl show th of them exotic, He has also bles ord ‘heavenly mansions’, exot pers’ are living in penury! or Ayo Oritseessed the laity, ip aff bl sh n or so ca s w r ha ho ei Pg. 50 w eria, CAN, Past od ‘th G ig od of If N G y of of an n en m tio m le ia t hi agains istian Assoc hr businesses w C e at of t iv in pr en So I’m not really id to ra d es in b ul s co your e case of the Pr The Lord! e house of God Crack religious leader have turned th given to a man of God, as in th opagating the gospel, praise nde Bakare, that Tu y, bl pr em is ss of jet A b e jo in If a privat help in his e Latter Ra arms wilight stories ay gift that will nior Pastor of th 1.5bn) cash for T N jafor, as a birthd nd CAN, then, in telling the Se ut bo (a m .3 hi at the aircraft roversial $9 e. th nt os d co rp ne e pu ai th So I queued be pl al in ex lic d ed ge . He ha reen Q er Jet is involv rcraft for evan t the arms deal a third party, G own private ai is that Oristejafor’s Challeng s nothing abou hich leased it to ow w , kn ny , he pa w ys no om sa r C ry My wor se, Oritsejafo ny, Eagle Air the Africa. Of cour another compa be deployed in deal in South was managed by ited. ho A gift meant to w e? e os os rp th t m pu n’ Li al id e ci D for commer Coast Produc the aircraft. n ed ai us nt g ai in m be to is s jet So, the private t nobody tell me he needs fund ? Le the opinion that service of God rcraft think of that? is allegedly of ia er ig N e of the of e Gags e ai Conferenc eared the imag dashed him th atholic Bishops’ ntroversial arms deal has sm aircraft conveniently C e th of ip sh The leader ed a military t with the co CAN presiden ral Government could have us le puzz associating the word de the Fe e Cross Art ian body. Th ious leaders in lig re e olour um C ns co umbrella Christ I agree. will al. revolution that for that arms de treaning of a bloody ent. ar w ’s re ka for yourselves Ba in It seems that e jets is imm “Do not lay up ure is, there your at e, iv ag pr ss ng pa iri e bl qu as e Bi e ac country who ar these men of God still have th in heaven...for where your tre es Anyway, I hope lay up for yourselves treasur ..but sures on earth. es. so,” in their Bibl al be ill w t ar he !

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ain m rem of the this day. d, many and stence toto leg en exi and g marry rrior of in cordin d to en.

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flag? other to the flag say ! did one t waved 0?

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Indepe it ma ere wa TeacheWhich one does r: Wh ned?

Kola: ? erence its Teachendence sig tom! one, its at diff bot ripe ripe one r: Wh in! , Indepe On the e one Teachell planta fry the John: you the unrip LI’…they ll?

Just spe Ma, if fry its ‘BOuld I spe Kola: ’, if you roast it, one sho ‘DODO ’. If you o which ‘CHIPSplantain,s are all *********** ****

Contents 28.09.2014 COVER

When it comes to family issues, my office in the church is not relevant. I’ve got to be a husband, I’ve got to be a father and I’ve got to be a Christian.

So, whatever a husband, a leader and a father is required to do, I must do it

-Bishop Lawrence Osagie

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BEAUTY

The African hair texture is so curly and kinky and is known to break with too much pressure. Before you do the unthinkable to get the perfect straight and shiny look for your hair, you may want to remember the 60’s with their perfectly rounded halos of Afros

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GLAM DUDES The ‘Resource control’ outfit with a bowler hat has become the Presidents’ trademark and has brought the Niger Delta fashion to limelight

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Juliet

FASHION

Fashion in Nigeria has experienced a fascinating revolution since 1960. After many years of conservative dressing, fashion and style became liberal and radical, mostly fueled by the euphoria of gaining independence

T h e Te a m Juliet Bumah (Editor)

Vanessa Okwara (Correspondent) Wole Adepoju Biwom Iklaki (Correspondent)

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Ugochukwu Nnakwe (Graphics)

ACCESSORIES As we celebrate Nigeria’s 54th independence this week, glam up your outfit with green and white accessories to show love for your country

Edwin Usoboh (Graphics) +234 (0) 811 675 9770, +234 (0) 701 110 1014 chibumah@yahoo.com julietbumah@newtelegraphonline.com

Associates

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BED, WORK & LIFE “I’m sorry Dave.

Please forgive me. It’s the devil that pushed me to go out with your friend. I didn’t even know he is your friend. I’m sorry...”

“Please just go back to the devil.

Let him push you to another man.

I’m done with you,”

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Helen Paul

Eyitayo Aloh

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

Accessories

Body&Soul

Rock green and white ensemble with finesse Vanessa Okwara

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ccessories can take any outfit from drab to fab.

They can also help extend your wardrobe because you can achieve multiple looks from one basic dress just by changing your accessories. To look your best, put as much effort into selecting your fashion accessories as you do the main components of your ensemble.

As we celebrate Nigeria’s 54th independence this week, glam up your outfit with green and white accessories to show love for your country. You can rock shoes, bags, turbans, cocktail rings, bangles, clutches and other costume jewelry in the national colour of green and white to add pizazz to your looks.

You don’t have to flood yourself from head to toe in green and white monochrome. A touch of either white or green in your overall ensemble will surely compliment your look. You can pair green shoes with an all-white outfit or vice versa and flow with the trend on this special day. You can also go for a green or white bag to complete your look or simply accessorize with bangles or costume jewelry in the national colour.

Let’s be proud of our country. Celebrate in bright green and white outfits and stay fab and stylish.

Happy Independence Day!

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Body&Soul

I make our bed in the Prolific writer and General Overseer of Powerline Ministries, Bishop Lawrence Osagie, has been married to Theodora Omo-Osagie for over 28 years. The father of three boys talks about his 29-year old ministry, marriage and Nigeria in this interview with TAI ANYANWU

Have you held any position in any umbrella Christian body?

I was the President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria in Lagos State for eight years. That was between 1998 and 2007.

You’ve been 25 years in ministry?

We started on the February 5, 1989, after we were released from where we were assistant Pastors at the Christ Chapel International Church. After the release, we had to go to God in prayer to seek direction and I went to Redemption Camp for 14 days to pray and fast, to ask God for the next step. He approved our stepping into ministry, that is, to start a church and that we did on the February 12. The inaugural service was held

by Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and Bishop Mike Okonkwo. Oritsejafor happened to be the man that led me to Christ in the year 1980 and ever since, he has been my spiritual father that followed up my spiritual development till I became an Assistant Pastor at the Christ Chapel International Church. When we were released, we called on him for counsel. He advised that we seek direction from God. After receiving the direction, we started the ministry by faith in 1979 and he inaugurated and dedicated the church to God at the starting point.

We’ve been there, walking one day at a time and looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

So, how are you celebrating your 25th anniversary?

It is a year-long celebration. In February this year, we had a huge celebration.

We had a seminar and then we had a direction to speak on the power of the cross. The conference was well attended.

Bishop Mike Okonkwo was again on hand to preside over that conference.

So now, this is the second segment of the celebration to mark the 25th edition of our most prestigious annual conference.

Our conference is the biggest and most prestigious of all the activities of the programs we do in church. It involves bringing together all the branches of our church from wherever they are. Also, members of the public have the opportunity to join us. Basically, we focus on the Word to bring knowledge, information about the will of God to human kind which formed the major pillar of our calling. The vision and mandate of our ministry is to reach, to raise and to restore humanity back to the Edenic order of life through the power of the word of God. That is the mainstay of the ministry and that’s what we do most of the time.

After the conference, towards the end of the year, we will also have another dimension of the Silver Jubilee celebration and that will be to minister to the needy in the society.

When is the conference commencing?

The conference comes up between October 5 and 12 at the Powerline Church, Odo-Olowu, Ijesha, Lagos. Our friends - Bishop Fred Ado from Kaduna, Apostle Ampia Akovi from Ghana and Apostle Yemi Adefarasin, brother of Paul Adefarasin -will all speak at the conference this year.

What’s the theme of the conference?

The theme of this conference is ‘Recover All.’ Total recovery for all, that is the theme.

What are your thoughts on the issue of marriage failure amongst top Christian leaders?

Challenges in marriages of men of God are very real, not just in Nigeria but worldwide. From our own personal experience in almost 29 years of marriage, we realised that there is no marriage that is immune to challenges or crisis. But how you manage it, just like any other aspect of life’s endeavour, will determine the outcome. My wife and I believe that every choice we make as believers must be guided by the word of God. Jesus told us that in this world, we shall have tribulations. You will have tribulations even in your marriage. There is no marriage that is a bed of roses; you will have challenges because you have two different entities that are coming together in a union; two imperfect entities coming together in a perf e c t

union with God. This is not just between the two human beings, but God is in the middle. For as long as the two entities that are involved acknowledge, every time, the presence of God and the authority of God in their marriage, they will always have the grace to go into the next level. There are always transitions –transitions in life, transition in business, transition in everything we do.

And for every transition, there is always a test. You’ve got to always pass the test before you get promoted to the next level, even the wine we drink comes from grape that is crushed.

Some of the time, experiences in our relationships c a n be so crushing

that you may not see the need to want to go on. If there are no challenges, there is nothing to overcome. If there are no battles, there is nothing to conquer. The bible tells us that we are overcomers.

The Bible calls us more than conquerors. How can you become more than a conqueror if you conquered nothing? So the challenges that we face in marriage and in every aspect of human endeavours are meant to test us, to prove that we qualify for the next level of God’s glory. Until we submit to such challenges and overcome them, we disqualify ourselves. And in marriage, we must not be quitters; we must be those who endure to the end; we must be like good soldiers of Christ so that in us, He can have testimonies and people can see the hand of God and be inspired to want to build credible and long lasting relationships in marriage.

What is the role of a father, a husband and as a man of God, in a home?

God specifically spelt out roles for both parties in the family. In the book of Ephesians, we have it all spelt out. For anyone to actually enjoy marital relationship, you’ve got to focus on your responsibility as given by God. You’ve got to stop hammering on the responsibility of your spouse.

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morning –Bishop Osagie yourself to produce what God called you to be in your marriage while your spouse does the same. The role of man is basically that of the head, the leader, and the father. When you look at the human head, for example in practical terms, you have the eyes. In other words, in the head, you have the vision; in the head, you have the ears. The capacity to hear from God for direction lies in the head.

So, as the head of the home, I must provide the vision for my family that other members of my family will pour their strength and energies into. Where there is no vision, people will dissipate their energies in all directions. Where there is a clear-cut vision and direction for the family, everybody knows what we are all pursuing and there will be little or no need for people to be running in different directions pursuing different agenda that will always bring conflict.

The capacity to listen to God and bring this direction lies in the head. Everything that succeeds or fails in life is in the hands of leadership starting from the home. The head of the home, the man in the home should bear the responsibility of giving a clear-cut leadership ability, good leadership that is worthy of emulation. In the head, you also have the mouth that speaks for the family. That will not mean that other members of the family will not have their own opinions.

They have the freedom and liberty to share and to voice out their opinions; but when the final decision is taken by the head, even if that decision is contrary to your opinion, you shelve your own. That is humility, and that’s where the issue of submission comes from.

The bible says that the woman should submit to her husband. Woman cannot submit to emptiness, she cannot submit to an area boy kind of attitude. There is to be a very strong leadership direction from God that makes everybody submits. You demonstrate this leadership by bringing your entire family to the altar of God every day, because you are the priest at the home, and the man.

You are the one who calls upon God on your behalf and on behalf of your wife and on the behalf of the children. You are the one who will teach them on the tenets of faith. You are the one who will teach them to have the nature of God; because the priest has the nature of God. If you refuse to carry out your spiritual responsibilities, then you have given Satan room to infiltrate your home; and once your boundaries are broken, there will be chaos and crisis. And so, the head has a lot of responsibility; in fact, most of the crisis situation in the home is as a result of leadership that mismanages challenges and critical crisis situation.

People complain that men of God take and take, but are not used to giving, what is your ministry doing to give back to society?

When people complain, it depends on where they have been and who they have seen, because there are a lot of people who know the importance of giving and their entire life is tuned to giving to others. In our ministry, we have structures and ways of giving back to society and when we talk about the society, we are referring to the less privileged people who are unable to care for themselves. That is one of the primary purposes of the church, to

turn around and make investments in their ministries; we support some with rentals, equipment and whatever they may need. We have another outreach where people who need financial assistance just write us and we consider them. However, we discover that there are people who want to defraud us of our hard-earned money. One of the major outreaches is the youth empowerment that we hold every year. We find a way of empowering our youth to reduce the level of decadence and criminal activities on the streets. We partner with Nollywood practitioners who come to teach the youths stage designs, costume making, lighting, acting, film production and other skills you needed in the entertainment industry. Once in a year, we do this and give the participants some money as start-up capitals.

Do you assist your wife with domestic work?

When it comes to family issues, my office in the church is not relevant. I’ve got to be a husband, I’ve got to be a father and I have got to be a Christian.

So, whatever a husband, a leader and a father is required to do, I must do it.

When I wake up, my first responsibility after our morning devotion is to make our bed. My wife knows that she doesn’t have to worry about that. So when I wake up, we go on to pray and have our quiet time. Immediately after putting God first, the next thing I do before I go to use the bathroom is to dress the bed that gave us comfort the previous night. I must buy diesel every day.

God specifically spelt out roles for both parties in the family. In the book of Ephesians, we have it all spelt out. For anyone to actually enjoy marital relationship, you’ve got to focus on your responsibility as given by God create an environment, a communitylike centre where the strong supports the weak, where the rich supports the poor, where the confused is supported by the wise. It is not for you to sit on top of them and manipulate them and then take from them and not use it to the

glory of God. Powerline Bible Church in the last 25 years has ministered to the widows. We have about 300 widows that we minister to on weekly basis. At a point, we were paying them regular allowances. Some of their children we placed on scholarships. We give them raw food items, they gather to meet with my wife every Wednesday, she prays with them, teach them the word of God. It is one thing to want to feed them and another thing to empower them to be able to feed themselves. We teach them entrepreneurial skills. They are taught how to make soap, candle, tie and dye etc. We do that major program targeted at widows from time to time. We pay house rent for some of them. Apart from the widows, we have a general food basket; it is administered every Tuesday.

Those who do not have food at home know where to go to wait for food every Wednesday. And at the end of every month, we have a program where we give out shoes, clothes; we take from those who have overflow and give to those who have none. We do that on a monthly basis. We go to places like the Spinal Cord Association, Little Saints Orphange, SOS Village to minister to them and we make contributions towards their welfare. We also come to the aid of ministries that are up and coming, though we are not a big church, we are not small. We look at ministries and people who are starting; we remember the days that we had nothing and we

Nigeria will be 54 on Wednesday. What do you think the government is not doing and what is your vision for the country?

That is a very great one. I speak with a lot of emotion when someone talks about our country. I have heard so many things from many people. Most of the time, it is always negative. We have to come to a point where, first of all, we will be proud that we have a country called Nigeria.

Nigeria has gone through so many challenges, obstacles. A man who is above 50 years have gone through many experiences. That has been the same story with Nigeria. She has gone through several challenges, making mistakes and coming out of those mistakes because this family called Nigeria is made up of different ethnic groups and tribal settings that have different approaches to life.

We are all conscripted together under one umbrella. Managing such a country is not especially easy. A lot of mistakes will be made, but thank God we have a system of government where at least people can speak freely. Thank God that there are little signs of development here and there. But there are major inhibiting factors that have been drawing us back.

I will encourage those in leadership positions to look into those areas. Number one is the issue of terrorism where people will just rise up and do things as if they are still in the jungle. It is not a good testimony for our country. Security is very important to development and progress. Number two is the issue of power generation, then, the necessity of making the recommendations of the National conference public and implementing them.

20

SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul with

K

athryn is at a loss. She has just given the dumbest excuse anyone could come up with. A 36-year old unmarried lady can’t be giving the ‘my uncle is around’ kind of excuse! She just does not know what to say.

“And what if your uncle is around?

Will he whip you if you pick your calls or a male visitor comes visiting you? By the way, you told me you live alone, that makes your uncle a visitor to your home,” Ben says a little impatiently.

“I’m sorry Ben. You’re right. My phone was in the room and I was in the kitchen.

But this uncle of mine is particularly nasty. I wouldn’t want him to put you off,” Kathryn lies, her voice very low. She’s scare that Dave may wake up any moment.

“Hmmmmmmmm...maybe he wants to get married to you then. Anyway, we have a date. Are you calling it off because of your uncle? Kathy, I like you. I really want to get to know you better,” he says.

“Of course, we’re not calling it off. I’m preparing his food. Can you please give me two hours?” she asks.

“You mean you want me to hang around for another two hours? You can’t be serious. I’m in front of your house and you could neither invite me in nor come out to see me because your uncle is in the house!

Well, I’m leaving. You may call me when you’ve had enough of your uncle,” Ben says and cuts the line.

Kathryn holds the phone to her ears.

She’s so confused.

She feels a presence and turns round.

Dave, in his birthday suit, stands at the corridor, watching her. Her hands fly to to her face.

“What’s the matter?” He asks with raised eyebrows.

“Nothing love,” she replies.

“Must be bad news you got,” he says, his face expressionless.

Kathryn doesn’t know what to say, she can’t tell how long he’s been standing there and if he heard anything.

She makes some inaudible sound and makes to go into the kitchen.

“Who was that on the phone?” Dave asks and she stops dead on her track.

“A friend,” she says, hesitantly.

“Yeah, I didn’t expect you to be talking to an enemy. It seems you have a date,” he says, chuckling.

Kathryn’s heart pounds. She’s sure it’s loud enough for him to hear.

“Don’t worry my wife, I’ll leave. Will be waiting for you at home. You can go meet your friends. You’re not a prisoner,” he says, walking back to the room, his man drooping like a condemned armed robber that just faced a firing squad. ****** Kathryn mopes around the house. She picks her phone and drops it. She has done that a number of times. What should she do? Dave is long gone.

She loves him so much, that she knows.

But a married man? What future is there for her with him? She needs to get married!

That fact stings her to action.

“Don’t wanna grow into an old maid,” she says aloud and laughs.

“Maid? Now that’s a word used to describe a virgin. I ain’t gonna grow into one. There must be a word to describe an old and retired sinner like me,” she says aloud and chuckles.

Her phone buzzes.

Ben! She takes the call.

“You didn’t tell me that your uncle was already waiting for you when you got home from church. He was the guy sitting in the car parked outside your gate.

So young an uncle! He sure has nice taste though...I mean his car,” he says.

Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770

chibumah@yahoo.com

We all have our little secrets

Hmmmmmmmmm! Can it get worse?

“Ben! I thought you said you couldn’t hang around? Anyway, glad to know that you waited after all,” she says calmly.

“No, I didn’t wait. I ran into a friend on your street and noticed your uncle coming out of your house,” he says.

“So where are you now?” She asks.

“Does it matter where I am? Your uncle left over 30 minutes ago and you didn’t call me as you promised. Meaning you didn’t want to see me,” he says.

“No, not that dear. I was cleaning up,” she lies, glibly.

“Oh? Didn’t know you’re so domesticated. You don’t look it though. I’m home.

When you didn’t call when I saw your uncle leave, I guessed you didn’t want to see me, so I left. Can you come to my house? It’s not too far from yours,” he says.

“Not now dear, I really do not feel like driving right now. I’ll call you later in the evening,” she replies.

Ben is cool with her response. It makes her feel better.

That phone call seems to galvanize her into action.

She scrolls through the contacts on her phone and dials a number. It rings out twice. She waits for some minutes and dials the number again. Engaged.

A call comes through. It’s her cousin, Tessy. She lives in Abuja with her husband.

“Guess what?” Tessy says, her tone weak.

“What?” Kathryn asks.

“I had my baby about an hour ago. A girl. She has your nose,” Tessy says.

“Oh! That’s wonderful. How are you doing? Where’s Akin? I’m so happy for you,” Kathryn says excitedly. They chat briefly and she cuts the line. She doesn’t want to tire out her cousin. She’ll see them during the naming ceremony.

What a piece of good news. Yeah, she needs to get married and have her own child.

But first, she needs to get a husband.

Who? Dave, Ben, or some unknown guys out there?

Well, a husband won’t ‘happen’ unless she does something about it.

She dials Ben’s number, not available.

Will she want to be a second wife? Well as unexciting as the prospect is, it will be better than nothing.

But wait, what does Dave mean when he says she should ‘forget’ about his wife?

Then, she remembers that no picture of a woman or children is in Dave’s room.

“Men can be funny. If I were his wife, I’ll stamp my presence everywhere in the

house,” she tells herself.

She dials Ben’s number again, switched off.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm!

She takes a cool shower and takes her time in applying nude makeup. Then, she dons a sexy white top on a mini skirt and killer heels. She checks out herself in the mirror and smiles. She is definitely irresistible. A spritz of one of her best fragrances completes her ensemble.

She zooms off in her car a few minutes later. ****** Dave looks forward to a quiet evening.

His brothers are out. He lies on his bed in his room and rues his quest for a wife.

It is obvious he’s competing with some other guys for Kathryn’s heart. He loves her but women are strange characters.

You never know with them.

Kathryn! She’s a trophy no man will wish away. His mind keeps going back to their intimate tangos and each time, his man goes turgid. Never has any woman had such effect on him.

The intercom buzzes. He taps a button.

“Oga, aunty wan see you,” the security man says.

“Let her come in. I’m in my room,” he replies, excitement flooding his system.

Kathryn!

“She must have missed me so much, as I’m missing her,” he mutters.

A timid knock on the door a few minutes later.

“Come in my love,” he says as he jumps out of the bed and moves to the door.

The door opens and in walks Ann! Anger swells inside him.

He thunders, “What! What are you doing here? Who invited you here? Have I not told you to never come here again? I told you it’s over between us, do I have to beat that into your brain? Now, get out before I lose my mind!”

The lady kneels and pleads, “I’m sorry Dave. Please forgive me. It’s the devil that pushed me to go out with your friend. I didn’t even know he is your friend. I’m sorry...”

“Please just go back to the devil. Let him push you to another man. I’m done with you,” Dave says angrily and holds the door open.

“Now get out before I commit murder.

Go away with the devil you brought here before he pushes me to...”

The intercom buzzes. He moves to it and picks it.

“One Aunty here wan see you. She say she be Aunty Katty,” the security man says.

“Open the door for her immediately,” he says and hangs up.

Heart thumping, he leans on the wall and holds his head with his hands while contemplating the sniveling Ann on the floor.

“Now, get yourself off the floor and get out of this house right now,” he says through gritted teeth.

Ann picks up herself, terror in her eyes.

They both hear a car come to a halt in the compound. A door slams shut and heels clatter on the interlocked floor towards the foyer.

Ann turns furious eyes at Dave and moves towards the door... ******* Dear readers, let’s meet here next week as we continue on this journey.

Send your observations to the email above.

21

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

Body&Soul

Hair today, gone tomorrow Biwom Iklaki

T

he African hair texture is so curly and kinky and is known to break with too much pressure. Before you do the unthinkable to get the perfect straight and shiny look for your hair, you may want to remember the 60’s with their perfectly rounded halos of ‘fros. The 60’s also paraded the best ‘town planning’ threaded hairstyles. Today, it is a

tribute to who we are, where we came from, where we are and where we are going…hair wise. It is a nod to our ‘hairytage’ if you like.

One wonders what it must have been like wearing your hair in its natural state, as they mostly did in those days. Only visiting the hair dresser to straighten (with a hot comb), get a cut –depending on how high you wanted your Afro, you got it but usually

a rounded shape for ladies.

In recent times, with more ladies getting more comfortable in their skin, identity, hair and ideals, there are more and more people carrying their kinky hair in its natural state. Though it is a lot of work, admittedly, plus, you have to brave the tug and pull when combing, it is doable with the right natural product care and proper moisturising.

Yes, people can do the Afro again and carry it proudly,

or – like a lady at a birthday gathering of a friend penultimate weekend, use wool to thread it. Lol. So whilst you throw the confetti and watch the fireworks, remember that the day is about getting our identity as a people.

What will you do to commemorate that ideal that our forefathers died for?

Try the natural Afro. It was our hair in the 60’s, today…and it’s gone… tomorrow?

Oleku iro and buba

Body&Soul

22

Florals

Flared trousers

Flashback 60’s and now

SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

43

23

SundayBusiness SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

News

Nigeria’s economy is on threshold of growth– Rewane p.24

Falling oil price threatens Nigeria’s foreign reserves

Transport

A6, A3 drive Audi sales to 9.7% increase p.25

Arcade

Luxury highrise apartments redefine Ikoyi’s landscape p.27

Interview

CBN can’t enjoy full autonomy –Ayoola p.28

Alison Madueke

I

Paul Ogbuokiri

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

f the crude oil price fall in the international market continues for a sustained period of time, Nigeria’s economic managers will have to look for alternative sources of funding the 2014 budget.

Experts say the option would be to fall back on Nigeria’s foreign reserves. The external reserves increased to about $48bn in August, enough to fund 11 months’ imports.

The experts, in separate interviews with Sunday New Telegraph, said: “At the moment, it’s a low probability but you can’t rule continuous decline in the price of crude oil because the market is very volatile.”

Dr. Godfrey Ogbefin of the Department of Economics University of Port Harcourt, said, “Judging from what happened when prices tumbled in 2008, we depleted our foreign reserves from $61bn to $40bn, a low price for a couple of years might wipe out our reserves. If there are sovereign defaults in Europe, you can wave bye to our reserves.”

Bismarck Rewane, a finance analyst and managing director, Financial Derivatives Company, a diversified financial institution, said the development is increasing warnings from analysts.

“Since March, oil prices have continued to fall every month. As Nigeria is dependent on oil for about 80 per cent of its revenues, the development has intensified warnings from analysts about a possible relapse in the economy.

“Nigeria’s external reserves, for example, have

Okonjo-Iweala

“In fact, for the 2015 budget, we’re forecasting 2.27 million barrels per day so we’re already forecasting a production below the OPEC quota” maintained a robust position of $48bn covering about 11 months of imports. Moreover, the naira has remained relatively stable, fluctuating within the three per cent band set by the CBN; the debt-to-GDP ratio is currently 21 per cent, which is below the 40 per cent threshold. Obviously, the economy would not have remained stable with declining oil prices if all other factors would have remained constant,” he said.

Managing Director at Meristem Securities, Wole Abegunde, described the fall in prices of crude as a temporary thing.

He added that there could be a rebound when winter sets in as the need for gasoline would increase.

He, however, noted that the excess revenue saved by government would serve as a fall back option in times of shortfall.

“Isn’t that the reason we save the excess?

If the price goes down below the budget benchmark price, we wouldn’t have any real problems, as the excess would serve as a comfortable buffer.”

Equities dealers on the Nigerian Stock Exchange said on Tuesday that stocks traded on the floor of the Exchange fell to a four-month low at the close of transactions that day, closing at 40,537 points. They blamed the bearish trading of the day on a weaker naira hurt by falling global oil prices, saying it dampened appetite for equities.

Also, the naira closed at 163.80 against the dollar, below the three-month low of N163.45 it touched a week ago, over doubts on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ability to support the currency against a backdrop of declining global oil prices and higher demand for dollars.

Brent crude fell below $98 a barrel on Monday, dropping for the third session in four, as sluggish demand and ample supplies outweighed expectations of a cut in oil output from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Nigeria’s 2014 budget is based on $77.50 per barrel oil price, even as the nation is already producing oil below its OPEC quota.

However, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, played down the economic impact of the recent drop in oil prices, on Nigerian economy, noting that the oil price used to draw up the government’s 2014 budget still provided a margin when compared to market prices.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

24

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sunday Business

Nigeria’s economy is on threshold of growth– Rewane

Mr. Bismarck Rewane is an economist and Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company Plc. In this interview with PAUL OGBUOKIRI, he says Nigeria is on the threshold of growth How has the Nigerian economy fared in 54 years of nationhood?

T

he economy crawled for too long, maybe because of political reasons but it is really picking up now.

If the momentum is maintained and the infrastructure challenge, especially electricity, is fixed, Nigeria will run at a faster speed in years to come and could be reckoned with as one of the most important economies of the world.

It has potential which have yet to be fully harnessed, but the country is really on the threshold of growth. We need to work hard.

With the consolidation in various sectors of the economy such as banking, brewery, communications, among others, the country is on the path to growth.

There is worry in the polity over Nigeria’s rising debt profile, especially as the country about

10 years ago managed to exit from a $42bn burden. How do you view this?

I think that Nigerians now have a phobia for borrowing, in their personal lives, corporate life, public life and even in their speculative lives like going to the stock market. No country has been able to develop without debt. We have to understand that we cannot develop without Rewane borrowing.

Borrowing for targeted projects and at a very good interest rate will not hurt. If you don’t borrow, you won’t develop.

So it is with saving, you cannot develop without saving. That is why we must allow the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) to stay.

AMCON has started offload-

ing its holdings in the rescued banks. What will this mean to the economy?

The sale of AMCON shares in the rescued banks will not only provide a boost to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, it will also stimulate the economy and create jobs.

If you listened to the explana-

tion given by AMCON for selling Enterprise Bank to Heritage, you will know that it was motivated by a very important national interest (job creation). You know that Heritage is a small bank; the acquisition of Enterprise bank which has a large network of branches will enable Heritage to expand rapidly immediately. This is because the structure is already there and the personnel, who in another case would have lost their jobs, will be there to keep their branches running.

Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at a recent forum in Singapore said government is confident that the economy would grow at 6.5 per cent of GDP this year.

She also said that in arriving at the new growth rate, government discounted the effect of Ebola and Boko Haram on the economy. Since the country has contained these issues, do you agree that it had an effect on the growth of the economy?

You cannot remove the fact that it had an impact on the growth of the economy for the period it lasted.

But we thank God that it has been contained; it could have been worse.

The effect in terms of naira and kobo might not be much to upset the growth of the economy. You know schools have not resumed. That has

its contribution to the GDP. For the period it lasted, infact until the WHO pronouncement on Nigeria and Senegal containing the spread of the disease, there was fear, panic, disbelief and frustration, as economic activities, particularly in Lagos, gradually slowed down. The sectors of the economy mostly affected by the fear of the (Ebola) disease are aviation, tourism and hospitality, trade, medical and agriculture.

Air transport was 0.09 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP in the first quarter and the second most used means of transportation after road. Since the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa, several airlines including Arik Air, Asky, British Airways and Emirates have suspended flight operations to and from any of the Ebola-affected countries.

Controversy surrounded the report that the Central Bank of Nigeria had planned to introduce N5, 000 notes into the economy. What is your position on this?

I don’t know about controversy but with regards to your question, I think there is no need for a redenomination of the currency, especially as we have the cashless policy in place.

Gemstone berths in Warri

G L-R: Group Head Business Services, Mr. Wunmi Adeniyi; Executive Director Ivory Banking, Mrs. Mary Akpobome; Heritage Bank’s MD/CEO, Mr. Ifie Sekibo; Managing Director, HISL, Mr. Segun Akanji; Company Secretary, Mrs. Oluwatomi Ojo and Group Head Cowry Banking, Mr. Davidson Regha during the Press Briefing to announce Heritage Bank’s initial payment of 20per cent bid price for Enterprise Bank’s acquisition in Lagos, recently

Falling oil price threatens Nigeria’s foreign reserves CONTINUED FR O M PAGE 23

“We set a benchmark each year. Last year it was $77.50. That’s the price at which we made our (2014) budget,” she stated.

The oil price used in drawing up the 2015 budget is likely to be set at about $78 a barrel, she added.

There are fears that oil prices may fall to as low as $90 at the end of winter as the U.S Gulf Coast, home to the world’s largest concentration of petroleum refineries - is suddenly awash in crude oil.

So much high-quality U.S oil is flowing into the area that the price of crude there has dropped sharply in the past few weeks and is no longer in sync with global prices.

In fact, some experts believe a U.S oil glut is coming.

“We are moving toward a significant amount of domestic oversupply of light crude,” says Ed Morse, head of commodities research at Citigroup.

Brent crude hit a 26-month low of $96.21 earlier this week. Brent prices have come off since hitting

a nine-month high above $115 a barrel in June, hit by supply increases and sluggish growth in demand.

“Nigeria has already been producing below the 2.5 million barrels a day that we’re allowed due to oil theft and vandalism,” Okonjo-Iweala said.

“In fact, for the 2015 budget, we’re forecasting 2.27 million barrels per day so we’re already forecasting a production below the OPEC quota.”

Nigeria had budgeted for 2014 oil production of 2.38 million barrels a day, but actual production has been below that, at around 2-2.2 million barrels a day, she added.

Nigeria is the largest oil producer in Africa and ranks No. 13 in output globally. The country’s oil production fell 4 per cent in 2013 to 2.32 million barrels per day (bpd).

India is now the largest oil export market for Nigeria followed by China and Brazil, OkonjoIweala said, adding that the U.S, which used to take one-third of Nigeria’s oil exports until around 2012, now purchases only about 10 per cent.

emstone Ultramart is poised to take its rightful place as an innovative one-stop grocery and general merchandise retailer.

Established in Warri few weeks back, the supermarket is located in the heart of the oil-rich city, and is the first of its kind in the Niger Delta.

Built to international standards, Gemstone provides its locale with high quality products at the best prices.

According to Gemstone Manager, Mr. Ebiowei Akpeti, “With over 14 departments, located within the imposing edifice are shops for grocery, butchery, and households, a bakery among others.”

He further said that what stands Gemstone Ultramat out is that, “It completely eliminates the time and hassle it takes for people to shop

for groceries and other merchandise at different stores as we provide customers their needs in one location. Gemstone aims to make life easy for you. Whether it is for home or business, we have got you covered.”

Akpeti further said that another area that makes them special is that of pocket-friendly and quality products that customers will find handy.

His words: “We are driven by a desire to provide affordable, highquality products to people around the Delta, especially Warri, and create value for customers. We want to be seen as essential, not only to be the shop of choice for customers but also the place people want to work, a business that the community welcomes and the retailer that every trader wants to do business in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Avis wins six awards at World Travel 2014

A

vis says its continued commitment to customer experience has paid off with its recognition as the best car rental company again.

At the World Travel Awards (Africa & Indian Ocean) 2014, Avis won six awards: Africa’s Leading Business Car Rental Company; Africa’s Leading Leisure Car Rental Company; South Africa’s Leading Car Rental Company; Nigeria’s Leading Car Rental Company; Morocco’s Leading Car Rental Company; and Kenya’s Leading Car Rental Company.

It also won the Indian Ocean’s Leading Car Rental Company award.

According to the company, this takes its total to over 85 World Travel Awards, stretching as far back as 1997.

Speaking of the award wins, Regional Director for Africa at Avis, Thierry Domballe, says: “We’re honoured to receive these awards. Since we were founded in 1946, we’ve continued to put the customer at the heart of everything we do, and winning these awards is testament to this.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

25

Transport

SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

A6, A3 drive Audi sales to 9.7% increase

A

Paul Ogbuokiri udi AG has started the second half of the year with further sales growth: global sales increased year-on-year by 9.7 per cent in July to around 144,000 cars. The company said it managed to boost sales in each of the top three sales regions around the world: by 5.4 per cent in Europe, 16.2 percent in AsiaPacific and 12.1 per cent in North America.

Since January around 1,013,350 cars with the four rings have been delivered to the brand’s customers, an 11.1 per cent increase.

“We successfully managed to continue our global growth strategy in July and for the first time in Audi history exceeded the million mark for cars sold after just seven months,” says Luca de Meo, Member of

the Board of Management for Sales at AUDI AG. “This means that we are in a very good position to achieve well over 1.6 million deliveries this year.”

The Audi A6, the brand’s top-selling full-size model, played a significant role in the positive monthly figures in July.

Thanks also to the strong demand for its particularly efficient ultra version, global deliveries of the model rose by 13.6 per cent compared with the prior-year month to around 26,500 units.

With the A3 Sedan, which De Meo said is attracting large numbers of prospective customers to dealers internationally, the A3 family according to him, accounted for the strongest growth in the Audi portfolio in July, with sales up 52.3 percent to around 25,450 cars.

De Meo said in the United States

too, Audi AG continues to expand its model range in the premium compact segment, following April’s highly successful launch of the A3 Sedan in the U.S. market. He said the model is available there as a TDI clean diesel and sporty S3 Sedan.

In addition, the A3 Cabriolet and the Q3 compact SUV will go on sale for the first time on the U.S. market at the end of August and will further strengthen the position of the four rings, he said.

According to DeMeo, one third of the brand’s U.S. customers are already opting for an SUV, adding that across all models, Audi’s July sales in the United States rose by 11.9 per cent to 14,616 cars.

He said since the start of the year, deliveries increased by 13.3 per cent to 98,965 units, outpacing the overall

U.S market development, adding that Audi also achieved high growth speed in Canada - with total sales for July up 16.8 per cent to 1,935 vehicles.

Following the strongest sales ever in the first half of the year in the history of the company in Europe, the auto maker, according tp De Meo also sold more cars in July on its home continent than one year ago. Deliveries increased by 5.4 per cent in the past month, with around 63,950 cars handed over to customers, he said.

In Nigeria, the premium luxury brand has continued to maintain an appreciable share of sales through its representative in the country, Stallion Motors Limited (Audi Centre) which provides the cars via a nationwide network of branches.

T

he new Porsche Cayenna is making a strong statement in Nigeria.

Checks at the Porsche Centre Lagos last week revealed that orders were already being placed by customers who got early wind of its arrival.

Marketing Director of Porsche in Nigeria, Mr. Anurag Shah, said at the Porsche Centre, Lagos on Wednesday that those placing orders for the Cayenne pay S24,669,600 and $39,321,200 for the Turbo version; and N24,100,200 for Cayenne S E-Hybrid respectively.

He said the new generation Cayenne which will be available in three versions: Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, and for the first time, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid (the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment), won’t be hitting Porsche showrooms until October.

According to him, the Cayenne S EHybrid, together with the Panamera S EHybrid and the 918 Spyder, make Porsche the world’s only carmaker to offer three plug-in hybrid models.

But auto bloggers say adding to the new Cayenne’s attributes, a first drive experience shows that all derivative engine versions now boast upgraded performance figures as well as superior fuel economy compared to that of previous versions.

They said that Cayenne S showcases an entirely new 3.6-litre V6 biturbo engine fully developed by Porsche.

First introduced in 2002, Sunday New Telegraph learnt that the model set a new standard as the superior sports car in the SUV segment. This even as Shah says sales have exceeded all expectations with over 579,000 units produced since its launch.

Shah says that with the vehicle’s firm position as a sports car among SUVs, the

M

2015-porsche-cayenne-s-

NewPorscheCayennearrivesNigeria October

new Porsche Cayenne is poised to redefine the segment with a sharpened design, enhanced efficiency and an extensive selection of exciting features as standard. He added that with more power and comfort than ever before, the new Cayenne is extending the brand’s heritage of performance excellence and showcasing the latest evolution of Porsche design DNA. In its latest version, Porsche engineers have given the Cayenne an even sharper design with precise lines and purposefully

ake sure your belt fits snugly against your body. If it is too loose, you could be injured by being thrown against the belt itself.

If your seat belts don’t seem to operate correctly, or you cannot adequately adjust them, return the car to a dealership or qualified repair shop for assistance.

If your vehicle is fitted only with lap belts (pre-1974 models), contact a dealership for an upgrade to a threepoint harness. Aftermarket kits are available for many vehicle makes and models.

In 2003, seat belts saved an estimated 14,903 lives of passenger vehicle occupants over 4 years old.

In 2003, 56 per cent of passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts.

In 2003, 73 per cent of restrained passenger vehicle occupants

placed light refracting edges. Front body, front wings, bonnet and air blades are also newly shaped.

At first glance, the new Cayenne is a Porsche through and through with its bi-xenon headlights and four-point LED daytime running lights. The layout of the model’s rear lights creates a threedimensional effect with the brake lights designed in four elements. The licence plate, boot handle and lights are now integrated more elegantly into the boot

lid. In addition to other modifications, the newly developed exhaust tailpipes are now incorporated in the lower rear section, while an automatically activating boot lid is fitted as standard.

In the interior, much of the layout has been shaped around the driver, with a new multifunction sport steering wheel featuring shift paddles as standard. The rear seating system is even more comfortable, with optional seat ventilation now available for the first time.

Auto Clinic

Safety equipment in your car who were involved in fatal crashes survived. Forty-two percent of those not restrained survived.

Air Bags Automotive air bags are designed to help save lives. They are not, however, the sole source of protection to rely on while driving.

Air bags are supplemental passenger restraint systems designed to cushion the contact between a driver and the steering wheel, dashboard and, in some cars, vehicle doors. Air bags do not restrain the passenger in the seat, and they do not prevent backseat passengers from being thrown forward

during a front-end collision. Air bags save lives, but they do not reduce the importance of seat belt use. Because air bags deploy at explosive speeds, they can harm an unrestrained person — not using a seat belt or restraint can reduce air bag effectiveness due to the increase in the potentially damaging impact force between the vehicle occupant and the deploying air bag. To practice good air bag safety, place children 12 years and under in the rear seat, with seat belts securely fastened. If a child is riding in the front seat when an airbag deploys, the impact potentially could be fatal.

To be continued

26

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

State of equities

H

aving sustained a generally weak market mood so far in third quarter 2014, events and outlook around the market beg for the question; any hope of imminent recovery?

Following the loss recorded in the past week, the equities market is interestingly at equilibrium with 19 weeks of gains and losses for the 38 weeks so far in the year.

Whilst several factors ranging from modest companies’ performance scorecards, possible capital reversals (local to foreign participation as at July-14 pegs at 62.53%:37.47%), QE tapering and headwinds around domestic polity among others have been attributed to the bearish trend in the market, the current negative trend appears to have been sustained throughout third quarter (2014Q3 Return: -3.91%).

The market in the week closed on a negative note with a week on week (WoW) decline of 0.56% while the NSE-ASI and market capitalization pegged at 40,819.72 and NGN13.479bn. MAYBAKER, AGLEVENT, MANSARD, 7UP and CUSTODYINS led the gainers’ chart for the week with respective returns of 36.43%, 16.67%, 16.28%, 10.25% and 8.86%. On the flip side, IKEJAHOTEL, TRASEXPR, JOSBREW, LEARNAFRCA and PREMBREW led the losers’ table with respective return of -29.30%, -17.18%, -13.82%, -12.50% and -9.57%. Volume and value of transactions for the week however surged respectively by 1.11% (1.586bn vs.

1.568bn units) and 87.27% (NGN26.921bn vs. NGN14.376bn).

At a 90-day Relative Strength index (RSI) of 44.59, we are tempted to believe possible upward market swing may be near; nonetheless, we are constrained by political bumps ahead. We expect the market to further trade sideways in the coming week.

Banking Sector: Bearish Trend Sustained The banking sector witnessed yet another negative week of trading, as four stocks traded positive, ten traded negative, while UNITYBNK traded flat. FCMB led the gainers with 7.49% returns, while STANBIC, GUARANTY and FIDELITYBK followed with 4.51%, 1.55% and 1.54% in that order.

ACCESS however led the losers with 7.19%.

UBN, ETI, UBA, ZENITHBANK, FBNH, WEMABANK, STERLNBANK, SKYEBANK and DIAMONDBNK followed suit losing 6.19%, 4.42%, 3.88%, 2.64%, 2.25%, 1.10%, 0.92%, 0.38% and 0.32% respectively.

After the reduction in duration of the technical suspension placed on ACCESS from four months to one month, the Quotations Committee Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange on the 24th of September 2014 granted approval to the bank to lift the technical suspension placed on its shares, as requested by the bank a day before. Transactions however commenced on the equity on a negative note with a -8.65% on 25th September, pegging its year to date (YtD) return at -8.75% same day.

We are of the opinion that the recent drag in the sector might persist, as the implementation of Basel 2 officially commences on October 1st, with the presupposed impact on dividends and retained earnings, and consequent negative reactions by the investing public. We however note the possibility of little spikes of positive sentiments creeping in as some investors take advantage of currently low prices.

Consumer Goods…PREMBREW pulls back bullish run Overall performance in the Consumer goods space was rather soft for the week as the sector’s benchmark index (NSEFB10) appreciated by 0.07%. The NSEFB10 has depreciated by 8.12% YtD; evidence of the persistent sell pressure on the sector’s big-10.

There was a pullback on the PREMBREW rally this week following six weeks of buying pressure. Consequently, the stock’s price pared by 9.57% week to date (WtD) to NGN4.63, after appreciating by 564.94% in

…any hope of imminent recovery?

less than two months.

Although 7UP (+10.25%) led the sector gainers for the week, sector performance was largely dominated by the breweries, as GUINNESS, CHAMPION and INTBREW followed suit with 8.57%, 7.78% and 3.48% WtD returns respectively. Conversely, PREMBREW was joined on the top decliner’s list by JOSBREW which declined by 13.82% to top the list. PZ (-5.15%), DANGFLOUR (-4.93%) FLOURMILL (-2.09%) and NB (-1.68%) were other decliners for the week.

We do not see any major returns driver in the week ahead, hence we expect performance to stay soft.

Conglomerate Sector: AGLEVENT up 16.67% The conglomerate sector stocks however traded upbeat as the two key players within our coverage; UACN and AGLEVENT, appreciated by 16.67% and 0.86% respectively.

Industrial Goods: Mood remains pressured as most stocks trade flat The mood in the Industrial Goods sector remained tempered as most stocks traded flat during the week. The sector breadth however settled at 1.5x as 3 stocks appreciated against 2 decliners.

PORTPAINT emerged at the top of the sectoral gainers chart following a 5.00% increase in share price on the last trading day of the week to push stock price to NGN5.32.

ASHAKACEM and WAPCO also appreciated by 3.00% and 1.00% respectively. DANGCEM shed 2.0% on Friday to close the week lower at NGN220.00, just as CCNN declined by 2.0% to NGN14.15.

In line with our expectations, trading activities on building materials stocks remain sluggish largely due to the general mood in the market. Also, previous rallies on the

sector stocks have pushed them close to their fundamental prices which has tempered activity. We expect mild trading activities in the coming weeks as investors continue to trade cautiously and take profit where possible.

Insurance sector: Substantial Rally amidst Bearish Market Performance The insurance sector continued its positive streak as index level increased by 3.01% WoW as measured by the MERI-INS Index, despite the Bourse’s negative return even as it outperformed other sectors. The sector’s gain was driven by the most capitalized stocks; MANSARD and CUSTODYINS, as they appreciated significantly by 16.28% and 8.86% respectively. Also, both tickers set new year-high prices of NGN3.00k and NGN4.30k respectively.

Negative sentiments toward MANSARD recently moderated after it witnessed a mild sell-off following declines in PAT in Q1:2014 and Q2:2014 financial scorecards. CUSTODYINS broke its resistance level after a pullback from its former year high of NGN4.03.

ROYALEX also recorded price appreciation of 7.84%, following on from losses of 12.07% it recorded in the previous week.

Industry laggards were AIICO, INTENEGINS, NEM and CONTINSURE as their prices declined by 3.53%, 1.23% and 1.03% respectively.

We expect that some investors might take profit on some counters in the coming week, hence we advise cautious trading.

Oil and Gas: Oando grew H1 PAT by 110% following 2013FY decline OANDO Plc released its much anticipated FY 2013 and subsequent quarters result during the week. Much in line with expectations the FY2013 turnover and earnings declined significantly. Turnover declined by 30.85%,

while earnings dipped by 87.05%. The decline in earnings can be attributed to a 57.14% increase in finance costs, a reflection of the high level of debt secured for the acquisition of ConocoPhillips assets. The decline was sustained during the first quarter of 2014.

However, H1:2014 numbers showed a rebound as earnings surged by 110% buoyed by decrease in direct costs. The decline in turnover was sustained during the period, while finance cost also skyrocketed by 266% YoY. The company also declared dividend of NGN0.30 and NGN0.70 for 2013FY and H1:2014(interim) respectively.

The results were well received by investors as OANDO was among the industry’s top gainers for the week, returning 4.17% to close at NGN25.00. SEPLAT, TOTAL and MOBIL were the other gainers during the week with returns of 4.22%, 3.75% and 1.15% accordingly. CONOIL, FO and ETERNA lost 2.04%, 0.40% and 0.26% respectively.

TOTAL remains our top pick in the industry, while we also believe the recent price decline recorded by CONOIL portends an opportunity for investors.

Agric Sector: FTNCOCOA releases Q1&Q2:2014 numbers, as sector posts -0.66% WtD return During the week FTNCOCOA released its Q1:2014 and Q2:2014 results where it posted revenues of NGN151.89mn and NGN159.73mn for the consecutive periods, equivalent to 101.03% and 111.40% YoY growth over the corresponding quarters in 2013. The very high cost to sales in Q2:2014 (187.32% - an improvement over the 248.08% in Q2:2013) moderated and resulted in Lossafter-tax of NGN252.11mn. The stock thereafter lost 1.96% in the week to return to its nominal value of NGN0.50.

LIVESTOCK also recorded a gain of 0.68% to close at NGN2.94. ELLAHLAKES and PRESCO remained flat through the week, with the former recording no trades. OKOMUOIL, however shed 1.45% to peg the sector’s WtD return at -0.66%.

Expectations for the coming week remains muted due to the absence of major drivers to dictate direction of trades. We however reiterate our position that OKOMUOIL, PRESCO and LIVESTOCK are fairly valued at NGN32.40, NGN29.91 and NGN1.73 respectively.

Services sector…Ikeja Hotels Plc sheds 29% following 3-week Bull Run The services sector ended the week in the negative terrain with a sectorial breadth of 0.60x, as three stocks gained vs. five counters that lost. CAVERTON led the gainers chart with a 2.04% increase in share price, followed

by REDSTAREX and AIRSERVICE which gained 1.32% and 0.50% respectively.

IKEJAHOTEL’s 3-week bullish run was brought to a halt by a 29.30% decline in price during the week ended. TRANSEXPR, LEARNAFRICA, TRANSCORP and ACADEMY also shed 17.18%, 12.50%, 1.36% and 0.71% respectively.

In another development, Transcorp Hotel Plc’s offer for subscription of NGN800mn ordinary shares of 50kobo each, at a market value of N10 per share was opened to the general public on September 24th 2014, and is expected to close on the 17th of October 2014. The fund, raised will be used for the development of the proposed Transcorp Hotels in Lagos and Port Harcourt. The capital structure to be used to finance this projects will include Equity, Debt and internally generated revenue from Transcorp Hotels Plc. Ikeja Hotels Plc. released its financials for the Year ended 2013 during the week. The company recorded 0.35% decline in Turnover, while profit dipped by 22.42%. The decline in bottom line was triggered by a 22.42% increase in cost of sales, and a 26.11% growth in finance cost. On the heels of all the above, net margin settled at 8.86% down from 17.90% as at FY 2012.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

27

Arcade SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

Lakepoint apartments, Ikoyi

Luxury highrise apartments redefine Ikoyi’s landscape R

Paul Ogbuokiri ecently released approval order for Victoria Island and Ikoyi has created an opportunity for more high-rise developments in Nigeria’s upper class neighbourhoods of Victoria Island and Ikoyi.

The development, according to property experts, is rapidly changing the landscape of Old Ikoyi, once noted for its serene colonial detached houses. They are now giving way to high-end multi-floor apartment buildings.

The old Ikoyi detached houses often occupy between two and four plots and in some cases one acre of land, occupied by one landlord, his family and domestic servants.

The Senior Partner, Al-Moruf Associates, Lagos, Mr. Abiodu Al-Moruf, described the development as one of the realities of the huge infrastructure needs of Lagos, especially given the quest to meet its mega city status.

“From New York to Rio de Janeiro, to Jakarta, Dubai, Tokyo, Beijing etc, world class state of the art highrise architectural masterpieces, with outlandish finishing, are the way to go. No waste of priceless

lands,” he said.

The new approval order, Sunday New Telegraph learnt, is expected to run from 2013 to 2033. It allows for the construction of 10-floor minimum heights to 20-floor maximum in the high density locations of Old Ikoyi such as Glover, Bourdillon, Alexander and Gerrard roads. In the more serene areas, like Rumens, Fowler, Barrow, Webb, Warring, Lugard, Cameron and Cooper roads, the minimum permissible height is seven floors and maximum of 10 floors.

Our correspondent, who went round parts of Ikoyi on Tuesday, observed that from the high streets of Alfred Rewane Road (Kingsway Road) to the serene environment of Queens Drive, colonial Old Ikoyi is giving way to modern high-rise development with intriguing designs and immaculate finishing.

Sunday New Telegraph further observed that the Federal Government’s sale of its properties 10 years ago freed plots for private investment in the highbrow location.

Though property consultants said the rush to develop properties had caused a glut of sorts, this has not diminished the prices of luxury apartments in what is regarded as ‘Nigeria’s choicest neighbor-

hood;’ setting it far apart from the new Lekki axis.

According to the Senior Partner, Nelrose Properties, Ikoyi, Lagos, Ms. Uduak Ibanga, a flat in the new Ikoyi highrise apartments goes for nothing less than N7 million net per annum. Some are priced higher but not for more than N8 million, she added.

She also dismissed the glut issue, noting that it is expected that as Nigeria’s economy continues to open up and attract massive investments into various segments of the upscale areas, the highrise buildings in Ikoyi might soon be exhausted. She stressed that obvious economic indicators point to high returns in investment in the building infrastructure in the area in the nearest future.

Sunday New Telegraph’s survey of the market showed that such properties are getting increasingly harder to shift while there is a resurgence of interest in the very high-end of the market despite the prohibitive cost.

Sharaft Dosunmu of estate firm, Jide Taiwo, said any developer wishing to benefit from the opportunities Old Ikoyi presents must be ready to raise the bar.

“Nobody is ready to pay as much as N200 million for anything basic. In this market,

there is nothing too much to add to a building to make it stand out from others.”

He explained that for between N150 million and N200 million, clients would rather go for a completed five or six bedroom detached house in any of the estates on Lekki/Epe axis than pay the same amount for a ‘shoddily finished Old Ikoyi’ apartment.

“That is why as the competition grows among developers, it is not uncommon to see properties around Old Ikoyi with rare features added to them houses. These include helipads, jetties and underground parking spaces,” he added.

Apart from the quality of finishing, Marketing Manger of Beverly Rose Properties, Chika Momoh, explained that development now segments the Old Ikoyi market.

“There is now what is known as the Super-Luxury and Luxury Market. The age of the buyer is also a factor to note.

Today, younger Ikoyi landlords prefer the busier streets of Kingsway, Bourdillon and Alexander, while the older Ikoyi landlords prefer the more quiet neighbourhoods like Milverton and so on,” he explained.

Momoh advised developers moving into the area to endeavour to obtain data of the demand in the market and probably look for off-takers before starting any project.

28

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sunday / Enterprise

Nigerian govts, firms rush for offshore borrowing

B

Chijioke Iremeka

arely two weeks after the European Central Bank (ECB) reduced its Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from the previous 0.25 per cent, as at December 2013, to its current 0.05 per cent, Nigerian governments and corporate organisations have been coaxed to borrow abroad, according to stock market indices.

The increasing offshore borrowing is made feasible owing to the inaccessibility of low interest funds in Nigeria. The current situation is that Nigeria’s MPR is fixed at 12 per cent in a bid to control inflation. Yet, the inflation rate has galloped from its previous 8.0 per cent as at the end of 2013 to the current 8.5 per cent and is expected to hit 8.8 by the end of the year, according to CBN’s financial stability report.

Though the apex bank provides funds to commercial banks at the fixed rate of 12 per cent, the cheapest rates at which entrepreneurs can access such funds from commercial banks are within double digits between 17 and 20 per cent. This discourages the CBN’s projected financial inclusion, says John Bassey, a financial analyst.

This has also necessitated a rise in Nigeria’s debt profile, which he said is scaling at over N100billion.

Public and private institutions in Nigeria are jostling and seeking cheap loans for their businesses, since the Nigerian MPR of 12/20 per cent rates make access to funds for wealth creation a mirage.

According to the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the high interest rates in the country are not good for the economy. Though she said she couldn’t understand the rationale behind this, some financial analysts describe it as a deliberate act of the CBN to prevent Nigerians from accessing excess liquidity in the economy.

The minister ha d said in an interview, “The first thing I have to say is that we have a central bank that is autonomous and it’s the best practice to take these decisions. We may not be happy about it and I’m bold to say, we are not happy about the high interest rates.

“As I said before, it’s tough for the entrepreneurs to function. Even before the withdrawal of this liquidity, they were already charging over 20 per cent interest rates and I think is alarming…we need to interrogate why. Structurally, what is the issue?

“And we are not willing to ask our banks that question. So, as the minister of finance, I have been very concerned about that. Even if the MPR is 12 per cent, inflation is coming and there is no reason for the spread.

It’s too high.

“Why are real interest rates in the Nigerian economy so high? Deposit rates are extremely low and Nigerian savers are earning as low as five per cent and three per cent. But they are given certain segment high deposit rates. “… But the fact that we are leaving the banks as if we are running a free market system does not mean that you have to have this kind of behaviour. Private sector credit has gone down. I plan to have a meeting with the banking sector operators to really understand what is going on.

“That is why we are really going to set up the development bank. I’m not trying to bash them (banks), but I am puzzled as to why. I think there is a structural problem within the banks and our banking system and their pricing.”

However, former CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido, in his last financial stability report said, “With respect to monetary policy, rates remained low in most advanced economies, but in Nigeria, the policy thrust was to rein in inflation. Thus, the monetary policy rate was retained at 12.0 per cent throughout the review period. Inflationary pressure was, therefore, contained as year-on-year inflation rate was 8.0 per cent at endDecember 2013.”

He noted that the money markets and foreign exchange rates were relatively stable but in the near term, the CBN expects to continue the tight monetary policy stance in order to maintain price stability.

Sanusi said it is critical to CBN to ensure that the shocks noted in the global environment don’t threaten the stability of the domestic banking system.

“Regulatory actions were, therefore, focused on en-

“This economy will not develop at the pace at which things are going.

Inflation shouldn’t be the reason for this deprivation. We have heard about excess liquidity for years and why can’t CBN fix it instead of killing businesses in the country?

CBN Governor, Emefiele

suring that the banks maintained healthy loan portfolios by creating high quality assets that would ensure sustainable growth,” he added.

On the other hand, financial experts, wondering why the MPR hasn’t been reduced to encourage wealth creation and financial inclusion, despite the minister’s ‘interference’ last year, advised CBN to embark on a positive policy that would drive down the high monetary policy.

This is especially to counter offshore borrowing as a result of ECB’s reduced rate.

According to Nigerian stock indices, the reason for the high interest rates in the country is not far-fetched. One of the reasons for the increasing demands for bonds remains the fact that it is fixed in nature. The CBN is trying to mop up excess liquidity in the economy, thereby increasing the MPR to prevent access to surplus liquidity in the economy.

On the heels of this, Nigerian banks’ dollar-denominated debts, which have risen at their fastest pace this year, have heightened concerns about imminent currency risk in the system. Five banks - Zenith Bank, Access Bank, Diamond Bank, First Bank and Ecobank Nigeria - have raised a total of $1.750 billion from the international debt market this year.

Also, four Nigerian banks had earlier taken advantage of the opportunity in the market by issuing Eurobonds valued at a total of $1.45 billion between January 2011 and July 2013. They include again, First Bank, which issued $300 million Eurobond in July 2013; Fidelity Bank Plc’s $300 million Eurobond sold in May 2013; Access Bank Plc’s $350 million Eurobond issued in July 2012; and Guaranty Trust Bank’s $500 million Eurobond, which was issued in May 2011.

According to FBN Capital, the investment-banking unit of FBN Holdings Plc, Nigerian banks may raise as much as $2.5 billion this year compared to the $2 billion raised in 2013 if the rate continues with the pace at which it’s going. This has triggered a debate among industry watchers over the allure of the offshore corporate debt market.

The Managing Director, Coscord Securities, Ayo Ojurongbe, warned that a rise in interest rates on such offshore debts may trap the banks in such financial overtures. He warned that this would have dire consequences on the system.

He called on the CBN to work hard and reduce the interest rates in order for businesses to thrive. “This economy will not develop at the pace at which things are going.

Inflation shouldn’t be the reason for this deprivation. We have heard about excess liquidity for years and why can’t CBN fix it instead of killing businesses in the country?

“There are so many ways CBN can handle this but it chooses to toe the cheapest part to frustrate people’s efforts. Emefiele should really work hard to reduce this.

South Africa has 5.5 per cent MPR and why should Nigeria have 12 per cent? Yet, our CBN is happy telling us that they can’t reduce because of inflation. Hasn’t inflation grown by 0.5 per cent in the midst of their 12 per cent policy?

We need a CBN that will drive down the MPR and still control inflation.”

29

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sunday/ Business

CBN can’t enjoy full autonomy –Ayoola CBN recently restored Jim Ovia to Zenith and Tony Elumeru to UBA as chairmen. What does it mean for the stability of the banking industry? s much as people liked some of (ex-CBN Governor) Sanusi’s policies, I would say that those things were politically motivated. The sacking of those bank chiefs was political. The merging of some banks that were performing and underperforming was political too. You would also observe that most of the banks chiefs were either from the West or the South.

So, he struggled to bring parity between South and North by scattering them to see whether the North might join the race of bank MDs. Since North has political power, he wanted them to also have economic power. And that was why he carried out all those policies but let me see how those policies will survive.

Legally, those people are going to contest that and you will see them coming back. Akingbola is in the court now, likewise Cecilia Ibru, seeking to get their assets back.

We have not seen the problem yet, the father of all problems will soon come because the courts are going to upturn those policies. It has started with Ovia and Elumelu. You know a lot of people invested in those banks and where are they now? They are all coming back and then we will see more problems.

A

There has been a sharp distinction, in economic terms, between Nigeria and other countries. How can the Nigerian economy be regenerated to compete with other strong economies?

First of all, we need to understand the parameters that helped the great economies of the world to get to where they are. When you look at Asia and Europe, you will discover that there is some degree of power stability in their regions, which has a multiplier effect on their economies.

Energy drives the formal and informal sectors. But Nigeria is contrary to that situation. In the countries where infrastructure is available, they are likely to progress in all economic terms.

Apart from energy, you talk about human resources.

Nigeria is not really interested in developing its human resources. In other parts of the world, they are more interested in developing human resources because they know that human resources constitute the factor of production that manages other factors of production to create wealth and build their economies.

Also, in terms of good and reliable healthcare facilities, Nigeria is far from that. We say good health is wealth and there is no way you can isolate health from productivity.

A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. When the people are healthy, their productivity increases and vice versa.

If you look at Nigeria’s health budget, and that of education, you will discover that they are a far cry from World Health Organisation and UNESCO recognised global practice. And when you look at the statistics, it shows that the government is not really interested in developing these sectors. As a result, we have problems with our economy.

When you identify a problem, the next thing is to address the problem. We have identified power as a problem to the Nigerian economy and education, in terms of skills acquisition. Yet, we are not addressing them.

When there is stability in the energy sector, it drives the economy. In the education sector, the recommendation of UNESCO standard is there but we are not following it. If you compare the Nigerian budget to education and security, you would see that security is greater. If such money is devoted to education, it would help to build our human resources. When these things are put together, they help in developing the economy.

Capital flight is another economic reality in Nigeria. How do we curb it?

The problem of capital flight is connected to the energy problem I talked about. It’s quite exploitative for people to produce at very high cost due to lack of power supply.

They spend much on diesel and at the same time want to make profit.

When you compare the cost of production in Nigeria with that of other countries, you will see a sharp difference.

So, when their eyes opened to that fact, they will try to go to that country where they produce at a cheaper rate and bring products to Nigeria to sell. And after selling they send the money back and this is capital flight. The money that should have gone into the Nigerian economy would now be given to another country.

Most of these companies have moved to Ghana for lack of power supply. The current administration is trying to tackle the energy problem but it is when Nigerians begin to experience 20 hours power supply that we can say kudos to the government.

There is no correlation between the amount of money spent on energy and the quality of power supply in the country. In the past three days, for instance, there has not been light in my

Dr. Odubunmi Ayoola is an economist and Head, Department of Economics, Lagos State University, Ojo. In this interview with CHIJIOKE IREMEKA, he says the position of the Central Bank of Nigeria on sacked bank chiefs will have negative impact on the Nigerian economy

Ayoola

house. In Nigeria, you fend for yourself in everything. You provide your own light, security and everything. What then is the role of the government? The issue of capital flight cannot be solved until these things are well developed.

There will be an automatic adjustment in the economy at the moment if these things are put in place. In economics, there is a relationship between demand and price. The moment you are able to produce and supply, then the price will come down and the rate of inflation will also reduce.

So, to tackle capital flight, government should reduce MPR, improve power supply and security among other things. These are critical to Nigeria’s industralisation.

What impact does the CBN’s high MPR (12.0) have on the economy?

There is an inverse relationship between interest rate and investment. One of the effects of high interest rates in the country is that it pushes investors to source loans abroad, leaving the Nigerian economy.

The high interest rate does not encourage investment and the government should put all the parameters in place to ensure that interest rate is reduced, at least, to a single digit. I tell you, if government does that, Nigeria will experience a quantum leap in investment. High interest rate also encourages capital flight.

Does offshore borrowing have any negative impact on the economy?

Yes, of course. It’s called leakage in the economy. When you take a foreign loan, the interest goes back to their economy and not Nigeria’s. It’s just the same thing as saying import and export. The moment your import is greater than your export, then, there is a leakage in the economy, which is the same as unfavourable balance of trade. When people take their hard earn money for medical treatment abroad, it’s also an unfavourable balance of trade.

CBN said the reason for the high MPR is to cut down on inflation yet the inflation has gained five points this year. How long further would this policy go on without achieving the desired goal?

To a layman, inflation is not good for the economy, but the economists would tell you that inflation itself has its own advantages to the economy. But this depends on the rate of inflation. Inflation helps the economy but when the rate is high, it becomes a menace to the economy.

When you look at it, there is no way the economy would grow under this high interest regime. Anybody that wants to take a loan at a high interest rate would consider the profits he wants to make first.

You take a loan and you want to make profit. Then you have to consider what you want to do with the loan, how you want to pay back and by extension, make profits. And

by the time you are through with these calculations, you transfer the expenditures to your product margin, which eventually brings about inflation.

Now, when you compare it with the goods produced abroad, you discover that the price of locally-made products will be higher than that produced abroad. So, investors will now know that when they produce abroad, they do that at a cheaper rate and people would patronise cheaper foreign products at the expense of the locally produced goods.

This is to say, you are importing goods that are being produced in Nigeria because they are cheaper. If this continues, Nigerians will produce without selling. And when they don’t sell, they will down tool, and when they down tool, people will lose their jobs and unemployment swells.

And these are happening because of the bad policies.

But when there is no inflation and MPR is reduced, they will produce with low interest and sell more. When they sell more, they employ more people, and people will have money in their pockets. When they do, they buy more and when they buy more, there is demand for goods and services, then, the economy is growing.

You said inflation helps in developing an economy. How? Mind you, I said it depends on the rate of inflation. When it comes to inflation, an economist has something different.

Economists would tell you how much inflation an economy needs. There is no country of the world that does not witness inflation and Nigeria is not an exception. Moderate inflation is good for the economy. For instance, you can’t compare inflation of 2 per cent and 15 per cent. Two per cent drives the economy.

Now, at inflationary periods, what happens? Some people lose and some people gain. So, when the MPR is low, it’s going to strike a balance between those who lose and others who gain. There will not be a sharp margin between the two groups.

As an economist, what recommendation would you give to CBN regarding high MPR and inflation rate?

Nigeria should understand that there is no economy that survives without other economies. There is nothing like a closed economy. Every economy is open to other economies of the world. We can’t be doing something that is different from what other countries are doing. We have to take those good aspects of other economies as templates and operate with them for our economy to develop.

When you look at the MPR of South Africa, it is hanging around 5 per cent and in other European countries, it’s less than one per cent. So, what are we doing differently from theirs?

So, let’s look at these parameters and see how they are going to help our economy grow. There is no reason our interest rate should be as high as 12 per cent. We need to look at what other people are doing outside the country and correct ours.I will not be surprised if CBN reverses that policy and reduces the MPR to 5 per cent because that isn’t right, especially going by what is happening in the country today. There is no investment promotion in the country due to lack of low interest credit. This has been affecting the country adversely and we need to control it.

Unemployment has risen due to no access to funds for investment. Young graduates can’t access SME funds to create wealth. If the CBN will get it right in the area of MPR and the Federal Government gets it right in the energy sector, then, these problems will be thrown into oblivion.

Do you think the dollarisation of the economy has a role to play in the rising inflation rate in the country?

Dollarisation of the Nigerian economy? The Nigerian economy is not a dollar economy. Who is being paid with dollar? Naira is still in charge. I don’t subscribe to that idea.

At what point would you say that CBN is autonomous?

I have told you, CBN is not autonomous. There is no way CBN will be autonomous of the Federal Government.

Who appoints the CBN Governor? He who pays the piper calls the tune. Sanusi tried to do that and at the end of the day, where is he? It’s not possible, except a CBN Governor that has the will. And even if he has the will, there will be obstacles on the way.

The issue of autonomy is in theory but in practice, it’s not possible. I have not seen any CBN Governor who would want to tackle the FG or the National Assembly. The autonomy is nothing to write home about and let’s not go there.

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sunday/ Business

I

Value & Values: Two essential ingredients

n the pursuit of success, value and values are vital. As such we’ll consider them in this series.

Let’s take them one after the other.

Value: Value, in this context, speaks of what one is bringing to the negotiation table; the improvement or addition a person or thing offers.

I stated last week in this column that money responds to value. This is because people are looking for value and will readily part with money in exchange for value. Some people who may not give money to a beggar may spend huge sums to attend a comedy night-out with a gate fee attached.

Why? Value! Both the beggar and the comedian ‘demanded’ money. That of the beggar was seen as begging because he did not offer any value in return.

However, the demand of the comedian is branded ‘gate fee’ because he is giving value in return, in the form of entertainment, which makes his demand for money legitimate.

Take a look at the rich, from Bill Gates (of Microsoft) to Dangote (of Dangote Group); from Tuface Idibia to Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme, popularly referred to as ‘Aki na Ukwa’ (of Nollywood). They all meet needs, and like I said last week, those who meet needs cannot be needy.

I ask you today: What value are you bringing to the negotiation table? It was John F. Kennedy, a former President of

S

uccess is your birthright, you have all it takes to lay claim to success. You were never created a failure, that you are experiencing failure does not mean you are a failure. You have great potential, you are just like God yes! As He is so are we in this world. You need to make up your mind now to succeed, do not gamble with your life, it is too precious. Did I say your life? Oh no the life you have right now is not yours.

Somebody owns it and that person had full knowledge of you even before you were born. Becoming a real success is embedded in knowing Him and discovering why He made you. Every resource you need to achieve your purpose is already provided. In setting out on your journey to purposeful living these are some of the habits you must inculcate.

Habits: Habits are what we do steadily for a long period of time, thereby becoming part of us.

Success Habits 1 Meditation: If you must succeed the right way meditation should be a part of your life habits. Meditation is the art of engaging in mental exercise for the purpose of getting to a spiritual height, rolling over a question in your heart to get answers to, or topic to get insight.

Man is made up of the physical and the spiritual and it is in the still moment of meditation that you can contact the spiritual. Nothing is impossible in this realm and you catch revelations. You can see the impossible. Also, meditation heals both body and soul. Take out sometime in the early hours of the morning or travel to a very quiet environment to meditate.

Planning: Planning is forward thinking, it is organising before executing.

Planning is the key to winning. It is often said that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. It is needful to cultivate the

Success Nuggets

Victor Okwudiri

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the United States who once said, “... ask not what your country can do for you.

Ask what you can do for your country.”

Similarly, I charge you today to strive to Offer something to society. This is because those who have something to Offer do not Suffer. I said so. Those who Enrich other people’s lives with their ideas will certainly be Rich.

One who has no value to offer commands no impact. If your presence is not felt, your absence was not needed in the first place. Think about it.

Dear friend, if you were a product in the market, would you buy yourself?

If your answer is not a sincere ‘No’ or ‘Not sure,’ don’t expect another person to buy you in the name of giving you a job.

It is true that unemployment is a serious issue in our society, but I tell you that a more serious issue is ‘Unemployability.’ It is such that, sometimes, one is tempted to question the strength of our educational system.

Friend, I advise you to build ca-

pacity. Increase your aptitude.

Learn more. This is because there is a connection between one’s Aptitude and his Altitude in life; there is a nexus between one’s learning and his earning. Learning is so connected to earning that the difference between both is just a letter - ‘L’.

I charge you today to be committed to value addition. While others are so keen about more pay, be keen about adding more value. I have learnt by experience that if you work more than you are paid for, someday, you will be paid more than you work for.

The reason is simple: if you work more than you are paid for, no employer will be ready to let you go. To keep you, your employer will be willing to pay you more. It, therefore, follows that the value you give in terms of your learning and aptitude will return to you as financial value. That is why you hear statements like, “He is Worth ... naira.”

‘Worth’ speaks of value, you know.

Friend, value is not given. It is earned, but first of all, it is intrinsic. You have something to offer. So, give it expression. Let people benefit from your value. That way, they will value you themselves.

We’ll talk of ‘values’.

The Big Picture

Julian Atufunwa nly) 32810713 (SMS o

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Success Habits

habit of planning.

Planning helps you to envisage problems before they show up, planning makes you manage your resources well and planning helps you reduce waste.

Planning gives you facts about your material, human and financial resources. Wisdom is the key to planning; before you embark on any project, sit down and plan. Planning is vital to success.

Excellence: It means exceeding the ordinary; it is the possession of good quality and standard. To achieve success, you must be willing to give quality services in your everyday life and profession.

Excellence is not a destination but a journey. You keep improving everyday because what is considered very great today, might never be very great next year.

As things around you change, so should you also improve in value. Excellence is the opposite of mediocrity. If you do this year what you did last year you are not doing well.

Choose quality against quantity because quantity runs after quality, quality can never run after quantity. Let anyone that comes into your organisation leave feeling very special. Make up your

mind to be very good at whatsoever you do.

Specialisation: When starting out on the journey to greatness, you could be tempted to try your hands on many things. But as you begin to rise and mature you should be known for a goal. Specialise! Focus on your area of calling. Become a professional, build on your strength. It is the habit of successful people to know what works and work on it.

Prudence: It is the habit of successful people to save and minimise waste.

The little you have should be spent judiciously. Defer gratification, save for the future and the raining day as much as possible. Do not condone wasters or they could cut your flow of resources. Resources flow into the hands of those that keep them well.

Time Management: Time is life. If you kill time, it is not murder but suicide. It means you are killing yourself.

No one can control time but you can control the events of your life, thereby control time. Time is a convertible resource; invest your time productively.

Time management is a broad topic.

God willing, we will continue on it next week.

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How not to take the security sucker punch M

ost people of my generation grew up reading a whole lot of James Hardley Chase novels. I do not know how the young men and women of today could have a balanced mind by just watching movies, playing video games and not reading literature.

But in our days, the true test of a young man in the ‘league’ was how many of those great novelists you had read.

James Hardley Chase had one novel with the title, ‘The Sucker Punch.’ I recall a sentence in this novel where the author picked the title from: “It is when a boxer finds himself full of self-confidence that he leaves himself wide open for a sucker punch.” I can never forget this line. Matter of fact, I have found it very useful in my relationships with people and even in my career. It helps me be on the guard at all times.

Why are we referring to this quote by this novelist this week? In the past few days, we have been hearing stories of how the Nigerian Army has succeeded in killing the leader of the Boko Haram terrorist group, Abubakar Shekau. Although there have been conflicting reports about whether or not it was Shekau that was killed, the slowed advancement of the sect and the flurry of surrenders by scores of the evil group’s foot soldiers suggest reasonable containment of the terrorists by the Nigerian military.

We need to commend the military for their successes so far. But while saying that, we also need to caution them and the entire Nigerian citizens on the need to still be extra vigilant. Terrorists, as their name suggests, work with terror as their tool. As a result, they choose their moments in initiating attacks and those moments are not when battle lines are drawn, as happens in conventional warfare.

The army may have done well to have slowed them thus far. But that is not to say that we have seen their end. For those fighting at the fronts as well as their counterparts in the intelligence arms, this is the time to work even harder to stave off any devastating surprise attack that might puncture the growing morale of our brave soldiers on the battle front. This is certainly not the time to let down our guard. Matter of fact, the ‘lookout’ should be even more intensified to enable full and total victory in the fullness of time.

The prize of liberty is eternal vigilance, as Thomas Jefferson said many years ago. For this reason, even the civilian population should also remember to be eternally security conscious. We all live in communities where crime and terrorism are first planned before being executed. The importance of helping ourselves, our communities and our security agencies shall only be served if we are on the alert at all times.

In case you live in the most affected areas of the country, it’s not yet time to move and act as if Boko Haram has died with this Shekau that has recently been reported killed. Recall that Shekau may have risen from somewhere to take the place of this one. Another might still arise in future and continue to sustain the reign of terror. Be watchful always. Those places you frequent that looked to you like potential targets in the dark days should still be avoided as much as possible because it is still dawn and not daybreak yet.

Be vigilant at all times.

“We need to commend the military for their successes so far. But while saying that, we also need to caution them and the entire Nigerian citizens on the need to still be extra vigilant”

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Politics SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

Interview

Jonathan’s yet to heal civil war wounds –Mbazuluike Amechi p.35

‘APC’s presidential candidate will emerge from primaries’ p.36 Useni: Jonathan is eligible for 2015 election p.37

Biyi Adegoroye biyi.fire@yahoo.com © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Utomi: My fears for Nigeria Prof. Pat Utomi is a professor of political economy, a director and co-founder of Lagos Business School (Pan African University). He is also the founder and Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Values in Leadership. As Nigeria celebrates 54 years of independence, Utomi tells CHIJIOKE IREMEKA his impressions about the nation At 54, how would you assess the Nigerian economy?

At 54, Nigeria has made much progress as we intend to give credit for. I think we deserve more credit than we intend to give. There is a lot more to do in the country. I believe that Nigeria is enjoying a number of dividends that we have not been sensitive to as we should. These include the fact that we have a crop of well educated Nigerians, who have good entrepreneurial ideas, who are returning to the country. This differs from what obtained years back.

Their return may have been as a result of number of factors, including the global financial crisis of 2008. The crisis made those Nigerians living abroad to have a rethink and see the opportunities existing in their land of birth.

And one of the consequences was that these people brought technological know-how and know-why to set-up enterprises around ICTs. Again, the system has not done enough to capture the values they are creating.

I have given an example of how I was going to Canada this time last year to give a lecture at the Nigerian-Canadian Forum on October 1. On my way, a group of Nigerians came to meet me while we were changing planes in Paris and said they came to greet me. They said they won a $3 million contract to develop some software for a Canadian company.

So, they were going to Canada to meet with their client. I was very happy to hear that. They live in Lagos and there are a number of guys like that in Lagos. It’s not by accident that Lagos has become the hub of the Nigerian economy. Before, we were talking about oil but there are things happening in other sectors.

Of course, the GDP rebasing has shown how much Nollywood, the entertainment industry and ICT have contributed to the economy. When 15 years ago, I was offering free seminars and workshops for Nollywood at the Lagos Business School to encourage them, people thought I was crazy.

I told them that Nigeria is more competitive in selling its culture and many other things. The major factor in that scheme is how to be successful in that area. People thought I was always saying wild things.

Today, I sit in my house and my children are having a party down stairs. I stay in the bedroom and pretend as if I’m not in the house. I listen to the music that they are playing, and they go from 9pm to 4am without playing a single foreign track. That was impossible in my time as the songs would be 98 per cent foreign music, if I had a party 35 years ago.

Now the impact of this is that they are exporting music. Nigerians are not the only ones listening to the music or watching these Nollywood movies.

They are going out.

One of my friends in ICT, Gbenga, last Christmas was in Zanzibar and he called me, saying, ‘You won’t believe it that here, they queued for P-Square.’ Meanwhile, I don’t know what the P-Square was. I thought it was a technical jargon.

Utomi

So, that is what I’m seeing in Nigeria of today and it’s my hope and expectation that it will continue. That is where Nigeria has earned the so-called ‘demographic dividend;’ having a youth bulge that is well trained and can outdo competitors.

Looking at the First Development Plan in Nigeria as well as the First Republic’s economy, how would you compare them with what we have today?

The difference between the First Republic and current republic of Nigerian economy is oil. Before the discovery of oil, the focus of the leaders and managers was channelled to wealth creation.

Then, emphasis on the government’s policies was moving dramatically in the direction of creating wealth or creating a stimulating environment for wealth creation. Look at what they did with the regional governments those days in agriculture and agricultural extension services among others.

The way the marketing boards tried to organise agriculture, and how manufacturing was stimulated by government fixing industrial estates, starting with Ikeja Industrial Estate by the Western Region; Aba and Port Harcourt in the

East; and Kakuri in Kaduna and Bompai in Kano in the North.

One of the motivations was to create jobs for the people so that they can create taxes because the government depended on the taxes. When the oil came, the government shunned factories because they got enough money from the oil, and emphasis shifted to sharing rather than creating wealth.

And that has been the real downfall of the Nigerian economy. Then, manufacturing got to the point that it nearly contributed 13 per cent of the GDP. Today, we are de-industrialised and I believe that the manufacturing sector is less than three per cent of GDP. Would you now say that the discovery of oil in Nigeria was a curse rather than blessing?

You know, that has been a strongly debated subject matter in the past. In 1995, the World Bank carried out a study, which came to be known as the Resource Curse Study.

It was called a Resource Curse Study because mineral resource-rich developing countries develop less than mineral resource-poor developing countries.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

RE: SUIT NO: FHC/L/CS/1361/2014: BETWEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT CORPORATION OF NIGERIA AND BI-COURTNEY LIMITED AND ORS: NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF OLISA AGBAKOBA SAN AS RECEIVER OVER THE ASSETS OF: BI-COURTNEY LIMITED, CHARTERED INVESTMENT LIMITED, RESORT INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, ROYGATE PROPERTIES LIMITED AND DR. BOLANLE OLAWALE BABALAKIN 1. I, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN, hereby notify the public that I have, pursuant to an Order of the Federal High Court made on the 22nd day of September 2014, in the above mentioned suit, been appointed Receiver over the assets of Bi-Courtney Limited, Chartered Investment Limited, Resort International Limited, Roygate Properties Limited and Dr. Bolanle Olawale Babalakin, to realize their assets, enforce the individual liability of the shareholders and directors and to manage the affairs of the above mentioned companies for the purpose of recovering debts owed to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria.

2. The public is hereby notified not to carry on business with any of these companies without my authority and reference.

3. The public is notified that any person(s) that carries on business with any of the companies without my authority will be liable to contempt of the Orders of Court.

Signed:

Olisa Agbakoba SAN

Olisa Agbakoba and Associates

Maritime Complex, 34 Creek Road, Apapa Lagos.

RE: SUIT NO: FHC/L/CS/1361/2014: BETWEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT CORPORATION OF NIGERIA AND BI-COURTNEY LIMITED AND ORS: NOTICE OF RECEIVERS ORDER TO ALL COMMERCIAL BANKS IN NIGERIA 1. I, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN, hereby notify the public that I have, pursuant to an order of the Federal High Court made on the 22nd day of September 2014 in the above mentioned suit, been appointed receiver over the assets of Bi-Courtney Limited, Chartered Investment Limited, Resort International Limited, Roygate Properties Limited and Dr. Bolanle Olawale Babalakin, to realize their assets, enforce the individual liability of the shareholders and directors and to manage the affairs of the above mentioned companies for the purpose of recovering debts owed to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria.

2. Pursuant to the above, the banks are hereby directed not to deal with any of the officers of the above stated companies in relation to operating the companies’ bank accounts in whatever form or description without my authority or reference.

3. The Federal High Court also made an Order restraining the

banks from allowing these companies operate bank accounts held with your banks in whatever form or description pending determination of the substantive action.

4. The Federal High Court has ordered that the banks shall file and serve on Olisa Agbakoba and Associates, within 7 days, an affidavit disclosing the balance on all accounts held with your banks jointly and severally as at date.

5. Please note that any bank that acts contrary to the Orders of Court will be liable to contempt.

Signed:

Olisa Agbakoba SAN

Olisa Agbakoba and Associates

Maritime Complex, 34 Creek Road, Apapa Lagos.

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Politics / Interview

Utomi: My fears for Nigeria C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

If you look at Thailand, it’s more or less a natural resource-poor country, yet it recorded more progress than the natural resource-rich Nigeria and others.

One of the reasons is that the natural resource-rich countries usually engage in quarrelling about who extracts the economic rent without thinking of how the economic rent would lead to intelligent energy, channelled into production.

That has been the major difference. However, we have some real cases where states with natural resources are intelligent in applying it themselves and benefiting from the savings that those resources provide them.

We have cases of these countries that have done something good with their resources.

Norway is an example of a resource-rich country that has continued to make progress.

And what Norway did was to put a lot of money into a future fund and purse instead of spending it now or putting it in what we refer to as a sovereign fund. The funds are invested wisely which will continue to yield dividend in the future.

In Nigeria, of course, we chose to go ballistic with consumption and it created the negative impact that we are facing now. There are some countries that are natural resource-rich that have managed that problem through a redistribution of such wealth to the citizens.

Alaska in US and Nebraska have a policy that basically writes a cheque and specifically gives to citizens a certain portion of oil revenue. And everybody has his own share and spends it wisely for themselves.

Otherwise, when you give the whole money to the state, it becomes strong, drunk and spends it unwisely. There are a lot of these models of distribution of mineral earnings.

Also, Malaysia is rich in mineral resources and has managed it intelligently and diversified into both manufacturing and other technology-based sectors. Equatorial Guinea ended up with elite that is drunk on money and is a very poor country. In a book called Tropical Gangster, the book started from Equatorial Guinea to look at how the management of mineral resources in poor areas of Equatorial Guinea conducted themselves and how the economy malfunctioned.

Looking at the progress Malaysia and Ghana made, countries that had their independence almost at the same time with Nigeria, what would you say Nigeria is lacking?

We need a disciplined elite in leadership. We need a value system because value sharpens progress. What happened was that our leaders who are not disciplined elites embarked on policies that thwarted the outcome of good policies through their behaviour.

What would you say that Nigeria has achieved in the past three decades?

From the point of exporting human capital, we have achieved a lot. At first, it was on the negative that our best brains left Nigeria; but I think in the end, it will have a salutary outcome.

I’m convinced that it’s our children that will transform Nigeria. Just like in India, their own major problem is manufacturing passports for Indians who were born outside India to come back as the Indian economy began to boom.

That is what I’m trying to say that. It is the educated Nigerians living in all parts of the world that will ultimately bring salvation when they return. So, one can in good conscience say that exporting good talents is one of the things Nigeria did in the last three decades and there are many others places that Nigeria has done well.

What are your major fears for Nigeria?

My greatest fear for Nigeria is politics and politicians. We don’t have a political class that understands its historic mission. Everything is about now, power and self, and as a result, we miss the mission of the generation. This is the

and implementation. Miners are struggling and even tired of walking up and down to government agencies for one problem or the other. They moved on to more active countries like Ghana, Namibia, and others.

If the regulators can do something in the form of incentives for the sector, we will see opportunities.

In relation to inflation, the MPR has been fixed at 12 per cent and inflation rate is projected to hit 8.8 by the end of the year. Do you think this economy will become more industrialised with a high MPR and growing rate of inflation?

Of course, it’s possible for Nigeria to industralise in the midst of challenges. However, if they manage those factors well, the better for the economy. I will give you a small example.

Many years ago, a young Nigerian entrepreneur started business of pesticides. Foreign exchange was scare in those days. Also, inflation was jacking up the exchange rate and the main resource for his business was foreign exchange.

So, inflation was ballooning and because of that you find that the competitiveness of the economy was shaken. But this Nigerian entrepreneur, who had set up business at that time, decided to buy up raw materials and export rubber. He converted the proceeds from the rubber into payment for his input.

He was able to lower the impact of the inflationary contest on his own production and became more competitive. So, we can achieve something, even in an inflationary regime.

What we need to do is to be responsive to the situation.

Utomi

biggest threat to Nigeria’s future.

There are so many challenges in Nigeria, and instead of looking at it from the statesman’s perspective, who is worried about how the country can be saved for his great-grand children, the typical Nigerian politician looks at what will prevent him from not getting what he wants to get at the moment. As a result, they jeopardise the future of the country. This is the biggest threat to Nigeria as long as I’m concerned.

But the only way out of the looming crisis is by having more enlightened and more matured people in politics. One of the reasons America is what it is today is that in the early days of the United States, there was a philosophy of John Locke, which specially states the basis for rights. It states that only people of a certain level of standing can be responsible for making laws.

This allowed the founding fathers of the US to be people who thought in terms of the long term. That was why they built great institutions. What has happened in Nigeria is that we have allowed people of questionable character to control the economy of this country.

Nigeria allows every agbero (miscreant) who doesn’t know what else to do in life to become a politician and so we are unable to think about the future of country. Look at the crises we have, whether Boko Haram or something else, instead of them to sit down to discuss how the problem would be solved to make Nigeria a better place for everybody, they turned it into a naked grab for power.

I like to make a point that the greatest gift my father gave to me was the gift of advice.

He told me that the three things which can destroy a man are three lusts – lust for power, lust for money and lust for vanity. And the Nigerian society is today held hostage by these three lusts.

Good leadership is what will get us out of these. If you look at the Singapore, the likes of Lee Kuan Yew were thinking very little of their own benefits so that things would be done properly. As Prime Minister, he was humble to live in a hut next to another man and he built a country.

Eastern Nigeria was the fastest growing economy in the world, if you isolate it from Nigeria. Its Premier, Dr. Michael Opara, didn’t own one house; he didn’t allocate a plot to himself to build eastern Nigeria. But which governor in Nigeria today does not have 200 plots? This is a reality.

Given these parameters, what then are the major challenges of the Nigerian economy today?

People who make economic policy must have the courage to do the right things and take the right decisions. They must focus on the ordinary Nigerian. Once policy cares for the common good of all, it cannot go wrong.

Policy creates problems only when it’s arbitrary and focuses on the interest of people who had the power at the moment.

Of course, we still have the challenges of infrastructure. If power were to be 100 per cent consistent, it would be good. But I’m very optimistic with power. A lot of people ask me and I say I feel it within my bones that Nigerians will not be complaining of power the way we do in the next two years. This is my personal optimism.

Nigeria also suffers the fact that economic strategies are not focused on the factor endowment. Again, there is a big mistake I think Nigeria is about to experience in the area of automotive policy, which I think derails from the idea of competitiveness and factor endowment.

Returning to low import substitution that Nigeria has started already, I don’t think it would do the economy much good because that particular one is not well thought out in my opinion.

With your optimism, do you see areas of potential in the economy?

Of course, but there is no way we can reach our potential if we don’t reinvest in our culture to get to manufacturing, focusing on factor endowment and creating global value chains.

In agriculture, we need to drastically improve our yield per hectare in many other agricultural produce so that we can ensure both food security and still have the pipelines for the manufacturing value chains.

So, if we do agricultural manufacturing, ICT, media, movies and entertainment, I think we will be able to let go. I also think we have done a very poor job in the solid minerals sector.

There is still a huge potential there, but we are doing something else.

So, what is it that Nigeria should have done differently in the solid minerals sector, as a way out?

The problem with the solid minerals sector is that we have messed up the policy framework

It’s been said that a high MPR does not encourage investment. Why can’t Nigerian MPR be reduced to encourage SMEs, especially as those of Europe and South Africa are 0.05 and 5.5 respectively?

MPR is not something you decree into existence because you like it. What determines the exchange rate, for example, is linked to inflation, MPR, how much you are buying foreign money, the purchasing power parity.

Your purchasing power parity is what you can purchase with naira in Nigeria relative to what you can purchase with pounds in the UK. There is a basic index that economists like to use, hand burger co-efficient.

If Nigeria’s hand burger is the same anywhere in the world, how many dollars will produce it in the US? How many pounds will produce it in London? How many nairas will produce it in Nigeria? That it’s the real exchange rate more or less.

So, you have a situation where you need a lot more naira to produce that hand burger in Nigeria and you say MPR is 0.02 in US, and you want to reduce yours, whereas US uses half unit of that money to produce hand burger. In such a situation, you have a tributary problem.

MPR is not something that the CBN Governor wake up to announce. It’s not like that. If it is reduced to that level, people will borrow money unwisely and move money out of the country. This is because in doing so, they make profits.

In moving the money out of the country, they are buying cheap dollars and making gain.

If the CBN does not react to that quickly, the next day, we will all start screaming. So, there is much to MPR; it’s not just an arbitrary thing.

So, is there hope for the Nigerian stock market as it is?

Why not, when there is contingent of productivity in the country? A market doesn’t grow if you don’t create wealth.

What is your position on the restoration of Jim Ovia and Tony Elumeru to Zenith Bank and UBA respectively as chairmen by CBN? Do you see Ibru and Akingbola coming back?

Each of them has a peculiar way to look at it. In every case, you and I know that CBN behaved so badly in some of their reforms.

Some of them were direct vendetta. And in most cases, CBN created falsehood that led to the overruning of banks.

And it was very clear because some elements in the CBN wanted to take over those banks.

That is true. The report and facts are available.

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

Politics / Interview

Jonathan’s yet to heal civil war wounds –Mbazuluike Amechi Mbazuluike Amechi was the first Aviation Minister in the postindependence Nigeria. He is popularly known among his peers and admirers as ‘The Boy Is Good.’ Perhaps, he is the oldest surviving member of the Zikist Movement (believers in the ideals of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, first President of Nigeria). In this interview with TONY OKAFOR, he speaks on Nigeria’s 54th independence ria, Biafra was forced back to the country and Gowon said that he was declaring a policy of ‘No victor No Vanquished;’ but since then the punishment against the Igbos has continued.

The Igbos said that we are going to demand for reparation for all these atrocities committed against their people. That is the committee of which I am the chairman. Igbo delegates at the National Conference wanted the memorandum that we had written and we gave it to them and they presented it at the conference.

So that is where we are.

Amaechi

How would you assess Nigeria at 54?

I worry as much as an old man will worry - a situation that cannot be helped should be endured. I have found out that what people are pursuing now are not the things we fought for. What I’m seeing are not the programmes of things that we had in mind while fighting for independence. We have done our own things in our own time. Let them keep doing what they are doing now in Nigeria - today a subject as important as History has been stopped in our schools. Government has now said that history should not be taught in schools; simply because soldiers were in power for 38 years and they did not want the true history of the country to be told. So they abolished the teaching of History in schools. Yet, when a civilian came to power, an academic, it did not occur to him to force the introduction of History. When people like us come out to talk,the young ones will say, ‘Who are those foolish old men?’ This is because they were not taught about the history of this country and they don’t know anybody or anything about those that fought for the independence of Nigeria. In fact, Nigeria has forgotten people like us and I do not know how many of us are still alive, strong and healthy enough in this country. I’m sad and this is where I will stop on this issue. Spare me the agony.

How do you react to the demand for reparation or compensation for the people of the former eastern region or the Igbo, occasioned by the civil war?

I am the chairman of the reparation committee of Ohaneze Ndigbo and my committee had started before the issue became an agenda at the National Conference. My committee went into research to find out what injustices, what atrocities had been committed against Ndigbo in Nigeria; not just only during the civil war but also before the civil war. The serious and massive killing of Ndigbo started in 1953. Tony Enahoro moved a motion in the House of Representatives asking for the independence of Nigeria. Northern members of the House of Representatives under the leadership of the Sardauna of Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello, vehemently opposed the motion and even threatened to break the North away from

the country. The NCNC, the NEPU and the Action Group aligned together to demand self-government for Nigeria; so the NPC under the leadership of the Sardauna of Sokoto broke away and left the conference. After that, Samuel Ladoke Akintola went to Kano to deliver a lecture on the need for independence, in the course of the lecture, he probably said something the Northerners did not like and so it broke into a riot. They did not kill Akintola but they pounced on the Igbos and over 300 Igbos were killed. But the colonial government only admitted that 27 people were killed and 227 wounded. Yet there was no action, no compensation for the Igbos. Then in 1966 the military unpatriotically struck and took over the government of the country in a treasonable coup d’état, killing the prime minister. Again, this action was taken by majors in the military.

Not just the Igbos, because there were Yorubas and Hausas involved; but again the whole evil was visited on Ndigbo. The massive killing of Ndigbo in the North, the massive killing of Ndigbo in the west, particularly in Ibadan and Ikeja cantonments and so eventually Nigeria imposed a civil war on Biafra. The Igbos said if you do not want us in this country, allow us to go away. In the process of going away, the military government of the time declared war on Biafra and fought a war of many weapons, which included all weapons of war - diplomatic weapon, economic weapon and that of starvation. They used economic blockade against Ndigbo, against any contact with the outside world. There were massive killings of Ndigbo in churches, markets and other places.

All these cost Ndigbo nearly two million lives.

Before these, when the riots were organised in the North, we published details in a book, where the Igbos were killed in trains in Kaduna, Kano and at Kano airport where they were assembled to be flown down to the East. They were slaughtered at the railway stations, they were asked to assemble so that they would be taken down to the East and they were all killed; men, women and children in the war.

All these happened. After a war, everyone who fought and was victorious would later go back to pay war reparation and war rehabilitation. This happened after the World War II. The American government went to Germany to effect a Marshal plan. So in the case of Nige-

How much are you demanding as reparation?

It is impossible to quantify the loss. Would you quantify human beings destroyed?

Would you quantify human beings killed?

Would you quantify opportunities lost?

Would you quantify Igbo properties that were seized in Rivers State under the obnoxious policy of abandoned property? There is no way we can quantify these things but what we are demanding as just to touch the minds of Ndigbo and various families affected is N400 billion per state. That is the South-East states, which include Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Delta State because of Anioma citizens and some other areas. These people were also killed massively during the civil war.

Has there been any positive response so far?

We forwarded our demand formally to the President on the 15th of March this year, and the same day we delivered copies to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Up till now, neither the President nor any of these government functionaries has had the courtesy, the simple etiquette of acknowledging receipt of that.

But we are still waiting and it would not be too long a time.

But after the war, there was this 3Rs policy of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction. Didn’t that solve this reparation issue?

It has not been implemented, talk more of solving the problem. Okay, you say no victor no vanquished and you turned back and took away the wealth of Ndigbo and said that all money belonging to Ndigbo during the war were cancelled and valueless. Igbo adults were given twenty pounds, that is N40 each to start life afresh. Everybody who was an adult that is rich now started with N40 after the war and you said no victor no vanquished. Egbema, which was part of Oguta in Imo State; Andoni which was part of Ogbaru Division are oil-producing areas and you excised them to Rivers State because they didn’t want any part of Igbo land to benefit from oil production revenue. Another one is that you said that there would be no more generation of electricity in Igbo land and so the Oji River Power Station which was built to use coal to generate electricity was closed down. That led to the closure of Enugu coal mines and sent about 10, 000 workers into the labour market.

Then, Afam power station, one of the biggest power stations in the country which was part of Aba Division, was taken away and merged with Rivers State. That is what Nigeria has done to Ndigbo but they tell you no victor no vanquished. In political appointments in Nigeria as well as promotions and developments, the Igbos have been discriminated against. This continued and former President Obasanjo appointed the Oputa Commission of Enquiry. Oputa went into these and other atrocities, Oputa made several recommendations and compensations to Ndigbo but Obasanjo refused to implement any of them.

Even till now the present government is still carrying on the discrimination against Ndigbo. For example, earlier this year, the Federal Government said it was going to carry out an assessment of the mid-term performance of Jonathan’s administration. So they went to find out the economic development effected by Jonathan’s administration. Now what were the figures that appeared? Total investment in North-Central N495 billion; total investment in the North-West N297 billion; total investment in the South-West N215 billion; total investment in the South-South N212 billion; total investment in the NorthEast due to the activities of Boko Haram N114 billion; and total investment in the South-East N74 billion. That is the present government of Nigeria led by President Goodluck Jonathan and the South-East gave him that seat that he is occupying now. Ndigbo are still campaigning for Jonathan to go for a second term. How can we justify that? In the Gowon era, they did their own in their own time but even now the man in charge and head of government who is supposed to be one of us, because I personally led the campaign for Jonathan to go there and yet, what do we get? So you see that the wounds of the civil war have not been healed and the wounds have not even been treated, let alone healing.

Sir, don’t you think that Ndigbo are the architects of their problem? During the reign of late Dr. Michael Okpara, history recorded that there were considerable achievements and developments in the defunct Eastern region.

But today one would not say the same, except in one or two cases.

Okpara’s policy did not anticipate a situation like what we had after the civil war.

Okpara inherited a policy from Nnamdi Azikiwe and that was the policy of the industrial development of the old eastern region, including the South-South; and that is the present nine states. Okpara made special emphasis on agricultural development and it was not in anticipation of anything. They were just running a nationalist government.

After the civil war, the Federal Government of Nigeria headed by the military for 38 years decided to deprive the Igbo people of every opportunity of making wealth. But the Igbos are a people that you can never cow. Out of their personal initiatives, they have managed to succeed.

36

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Politics / Interview

‘APC’s presidential candidate will emerge from primaries’ Isaac Kekemeke, Chairman of All Progressive Congress in Ondo State, tells BABATOPE OKEOWO, in this interview the party’s preparations for next year general election, the crisis it is cintending with and other national issues Your party has just released tis guidelines for the conduct of primaries. What are the guidelines?

Our constitution provides that the National Executive Council will issue guidelines for the conduct of primaries into various state and federal offices in the country. And as a member of the NEC who participated in the entire process and as a stakeholder, what is left for us is to strictly painstakingly implement the guidelines, making sure that a level play ground is provided, by making sure that the people speak and their voices are respected.

What is the guideline all about?

The guideline is basically to have what we call modified direct primaries, which will give party members the opportunity to pick their representatives and those who will fly the flag of the party at various levels. The guideline is such that in every ward, every party official will be engaged in the process of producing our flag-bearers right from the House of Assembly to the Presidency.

When do we expect this process including the sales of forms to begin?

All that is contained in the guideline issued by the NEC of the party and the National Working Committee acting through said the processes will start by October and it will end in November.

The grouse of some people is that the party leaders always find a way to impose candidates on the party. Will the situation be any different from the national to the local government level this time around?

Under the correct present dispensation, each party leader that has preferred candidates has to subject that person to the whims and caprices of the people. As a leader if you have a preferred candidate, you have to really work hard for the delegates to elect the candidates to vote for your candidate. Voting and the emergence of candidate will be totally dependent on the delegates. This time does not allow for handpicking by party leaders. Our constitution does not allow for it and our guideline does not allow for it.

What of those leaders that hide under the guise of consensus candidate? How will do deal with this situation when primaries begin?

There are two modes of election that our constitution recognizes. It recognises primary elections and the consensus arrangement, but with the proviso that when the consensus fails, then primary election will be conducted. And consensus fails when any individual does not agree with the outcome of the consensus.

We are not ruling out the possibilities of consensus. For instance, if all aspirants for a particular office agree that it should be done by consensus and then they agree with the result, why should they go to the primaries?

If three of us are contesting for a House of Assembly position and our community called us

and we all agreed, there would not be need for primary election. But if one of us says ‘no’, then there will be need for the primaries.

What is the position of your party on zoning?

Our constitution also provides that offices should be shared among the federating units recognised by the Nigeria constitution and that offices should be shared in such a way that all parts of this country can have a sense of belonging. Zoning is recognised but as I keep saying if any officer or aspirant does not agree, he is entitled to go to the primaries.

I asked this question because in AP, the view is that the North should produce the presidential candidate and that the leadership of the party had agreed on the candidature of Gen Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).

I think the National Publicity Secretary of our party; Alhaji Lai Mohammed has put that question to rest when he said that APC leadership has not chosen Buhari or anyone. And in fact, it has no capacity to so choose anyone.

The constitution does not give anybody such power, not even the National Chairman or the Board of Trustee, and not even the National Working Committee or National Executive Council. So that is an unfounded speculation and I can assure you that the presidential candidate of our party will emerge through the process outlined by the NEC which is a process that will involve delegates from each of the wards in this country. In Ondo State, we have 203 wards and elections would take place in each of them. The presidential candidate of the party will emerge democratically and where a great number of party men would have their voice. .

The feeling in town is that APC is not in existence in the state, what are you doing to correct the impression?

That impression is not correct now, may be as at last month but not now. Again that assumption cannot be correct because as far as 2012, the ACN alone scored over N140, 000 votes. Now we have the ACN, the legacy parties and numbers of individuals from the PDP, Labour Party (LP) forming the APC. What happened is that maybe you say there is low tempo of activities arising from the fact congresses were conducted, the fact that we have new officers and that we are new political party trying to find its feet in the sands of time. It is less than a year that we formed a mega party. It may also arise from the fact that we have to face two oppositions, the federal opposition and the state opposition. I am sure if you go back to town now, what you will

Kekemeke

find is that APC is the party. That is the perception that is in town, if you have said that three months ago that APC is number three, I would have agreed but now APC is no longer number three but the destination of choice and the party to beat.

What do you have on ground six months to the general election that you say APC is the party to beat in the state?

The truth of the matter is that LP is dead and PDP is infested. That is why the people are saying that APC is the only alternative that they have.

If these factors are on ground as you claim, how do you want to cash in on it?

That is what we do day and night and that is the implementation of our plan. But you don’t expect me to disclose that on the pages of newspapers. We intend to maximally take advantage of the situation on ground, we want to explain ourselves to the people and part of them is what I am telling you. People are asking us ‘what is our stake in APC? And we have explained to them don’t worry you will be bona fide members as I am. Whatever aspiration that I have, you will have, you also have the right to aspire and then sell yourselves to the people. We have opened our doors to the people and we have told them we are indeed the only true progressive party in the country because the pretender, the LP has collapsed.

Ondo State is the home of progressive politics and people are opened to us.

We have seen people defecting from one party to another, especially governors elected on the platform of PDP. What actually defines progressives in politics?

A progressive is a politician whose entire concern, ideology is centered on the welfare and wellbeing of the people.

What if that progressive does this as a member of the PDP? No! The mere fact that you are able to associate with a combination of such people, progressive minded politicians, politicians who have the people as the centre of their action and inaction when they come together in a class , they are called the progressives. If you are able to compete with your programmes and actions to develop the people, to know that people are the centre of your activities.

Secondly, you are compelled by the manifestoes of the party to key into it. On the other hand, if you have the people at the centre of your activities, you have a manifesto that does not compel you to want to act in the best interest of the people. If you are in the PDP and you have flair to do what is right, you will end up doing what you like as a governor or official of the party. But in the APC, you have the manifesto; you must look at the programmes of the party and the programmes must be fulcrum of your activities.

The last congresses created some problems in many states, how are you addressing the problems?

We are doing a lot. Apart from our personal intervention and intervention of leaders; we have set up reconciliation committees. This is natural that people will feel the sense of loss if they did not win in an election and we are try resolve the issues and to do everything to bring the situation under control…We have settled conflicts in many parts of the state.

37

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

Politics / Interview

Useni: Jonathan is eligible for 2015 election Why are you supporting President Goodluck Jonathan’s re election in 2015?

Critics have been making negative comments against the current administration.

Rather than engaging in constructive criticism, they are portraying the government of President Goodluck Jonathan in a bad light.

In my opinion and that of all well-meaning Nigerians, the transformation agenda of the administration has witnessed giant strides in the agricultural, power and infrastructural sectors of the Nigerian economy, and increased the rating of Nigeria in terms of GDP as the biggest economy in Africa. You will agree with me that the purposeful and well focused implementation of government programmes with very clear standards for monitoring has been very tremendous.

Some these development strides can be seen in major electricity installations being commissioned all over the nation not to talk of the innovative dry season rice farming and processing plants designed to boost rice production level, so that the country would be self-sufficient in rice production and prepare the excess for export.

In the area of infrastructural development, the second Niger Bridge is under construction; the resuscitation of railway system linking the South with the Northern parts of the country is on-going, and the numerous road networks across the country being rehabilitated are there for everybody to see. I also commend the giant strides taken by the Federal Government to curb the menace of Boko Haram insurgency. I also wish to commend in particular the commitment of the President Jonathan for his foresight and unflinching efforts to end this ugly security problem.

I commend and salute our armed forces for the gallant way they are executing the difficult assignment. People should understand that this is not a conventional war. The attack from different directions and at a time you never expected by these people who, worst still, operate among civilians whom we are trying to protect, make the war a difficult one.

Now that you have also joined the league of pro-Jonathan campaigners for 2015, are you then satisfied with the level of security and the performance of the PDP government?

Agreed that there are so many things which are wrong in the country and things will continue to go wrong, but you are also aware that the President as a person has not been spending his time talking about 2015. It is the people who have been doing that, and don’t forget that this is not the first time. During my days with General Sani Abacha, it was the people and groups all over the place who were saying Abacha most continue, but the reality was that the man did not know about it and he was not the one who arranged it. But of course, being the Head of State, people had the belief that he knew about that. President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government came and it was the same thing, and unfortunately

Useni

Lt. General Jeremiah Useni, (rtd), is the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Arewa Consultative Forum, and a delegate at the recently concluded National Confab. In this interview in Jos, he spoke on why he is supporting the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 - a position which is at variance with the stance of ACF. BUHARI BELLO reports for him (or for us because I was also a member of the Third Term Committee), we rejected the third term agenda that was smuggled in.

I think that made the regime not to implement the recommendations we made.

So there are always these persons who want to show they love the President more than the other and I think that is also what is happening today, but it is not President Jonathan that is talking about 2015. No. The man is saying that 2015 is not his priority and he has a lot of things to do and at the appropriate time, he will make his decision known. So can’t we wait and hear from the horse’s mouth?

How would you now reconcile your stand and that of the ACF on the issue of President Jonathan reelection in 2015?

I am not just a member but I have for six years remained the Chairman of the Board of Trustee of the ACF. I am still the member of the board because we have no third term.

We have second term of three years each and I have done it. This is an individual issue.

We have not come out at ACF to say that you must do this or do that. On what basis can we do that? I have always made my point clear that President Jonathan has not done eight years. What he did was to complete Umaru Yar ‘Adua tenure.

So you cannot count that against him. If Yar’Adua were alive to-

day, he would have continued but unfortunately he died and President Jonathan being the second in command completed his tenure.

So this one (term) that will finish now is the solid four years and he has another four year, If you minus the one and half years of his predecessor, you will agree that he is entitled to contest 2015. I have never been part of the northerners who said Jonathan should not contest in 2015. No. He should contest and the team would move. We have said at the National Confab and agreed that power should move between North and South. But it is not that when it comes to North it will remain perpetually in one area of the region and when it goes to South, it will rotate too. You know these zonal issues area not in the Constitution but we accepted it and we are making use of it.

Are you in the ruling party now?

We are discussing the formalities for me to join the Peoples Democratic Party so that we can move on together as a family and I think it is not a bad idea. But I have not joined yet.

We are still discussing.

There is an agitation for power shift in Plateau State come 2015. Which zone do you think should produce the next governor?

You know the south has done it even though they didn’t complete eight years. Chief Solomon Lar did three years and Fidelis Tapgun did three and haft years, but it doesn’t matter much because the central zone had done it even thought state of emergency during Obasanjo government truncated that. But in any case, they had done it and by the time that Jang would hand over power in the state, it means the northern zone would have done eight years without even a single interruption. So it will be wrong absolutely, morally, religiously and ethnically to start from the northern zone because the clock doesn’t rotate backwards or anti-clockwise. So it has to start from the southern zone, to the Central before coming back to the Northern zone.

It is true that the issue of zoning in the state has never been put in writing. But the way things have been in the it tends to be so because when Chief Lar wanted it, it wasn’t only him that contested it and the same think during Chief Joshua Dariye, many people came out but we said that it was the turn of the Cent r a l zone

even Jonah Jang came out but he failed. In fact, I gave him a lot in my party to contest the governorship election. So he got it as somebody from the north without any difficulty.

And this thing has been going on automatically without anything in writing. Going by these arrangement we are saying that it the turn of the southern zone but we are not stopping people from coming out but when you hear people talking about Adache in politics of zoning is the most stupid thing to say. What has Adache got to do with politics?

The people of the state expect you to step into the shoes of Chief Lar by becoming their leader. Will you?

Well, I think leadership should come naturally but when you are talking about Lar’s shoes, if they are here I will just wear them and see. It is a simple as that but don’t forget Chief Solomon Lar’s leadership is in different part. First, he was a political and community leader. On the political side, we are never from the same political party. We are from the same community but Lar has remained a community figure.

I am in politics to work with people and to help others. Any task that I am given today will not be considered too much or too little because if I don’t want to mingle with people, I will sit down in my house. Only in politics that you will sit down with a shoe shiner and he will even abuse you. If you don’t want that, you will have to stare clear but the moment you are in politics, you will have to subject yourself to such. So if it is the wish of the people, of course ‘yes ‘but I cannot go and campaign for it like in the politics. No, you don’t campaign for leadership. People will see the qualities of leadership in you before they will approach you.

What can you say on the mutiny in the Nigerian armed forces and the attempt to kill their commander in Borno State?

No, I don’t think there was a mutiny as such... Mutiny is a very serious issue in the army. I think what happened was that there were some allowances that were due to the soldiers and they didn’t get them - whether it was deliberate or not is another issue.

The fact is that any allowance that is due to a soldier even if he is dying on hospital bed or war front should be paid to him. Because they move out, they would have budgeted how much should be left for their families from what will be given to them at the war front. You cannot hold it and say until tomorrow or next week. So I think what happened was that some of them were inpatient because they didn’t get it and they tried to make noise.

The officers who made such mistake had been pushed out of the army because it was a costly mistake. We have never seen such thing in the Nigeria Army before now. So that was what happened. It was a complaint.

38

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Politics / Column

Reaping benefits of NASCOM Act

O

n Wednesday March 19, 2014, the Senate considered clause by clause and passed the Report of its Committee on Establishment and Public Service on the National Assembly Service Commission Act 2014 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2013.

Following in the footsteps of the lawmakers, President Goodluck Jonathan expeditiously signed the Bill into law. The fundamental objective of the amendment was to create capacity and enhance professionalism in the National Assembly bureaucracy as an arm of government.

The Amended Act, which established the Commission was heavily criticised as having a number of defects, which impeded progress in the legislature. For instance, it was observed that the former Act concentrated on the National Assembly Service Commission alone, without giving serious attention to the development and professionalisation of the National Assembly staff, which form the fulcrum upon which the institution operates.

Therefore, the new Act addressed these problems and further departmentalised the National Assembly bureaucracy into professional or career directorates to facilitate easy movement of the staff from bottom to top, without struggling to get promoted to the peak of their directorates by hook or crook. The previous experience was that the stated structural defects in the National Assembly gave room for stiff and dangerous competition amongst staff to rise to the top. The new Act now makes it possible for every segment of the National

From the Chukwu David chukwudavid68@yahoo.com

Assembly to have access to the top.

In the former Act, the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) was rated below the rank of a Permanent Secretary, whereas in actual sense he is higher than that office because he is the head of the Management of the National Assembly. Accordingly, the new Act has comprehensively addressed identified the inherent problems created by the loopholes in the previous document in order to make the national legislature, its staff related components more effective and result oriented.

Unlike many Acts of National Assembly, which are yet to be implemented, the National Assembly Service Amended Act 2014 is implemented now. The Act made provision for the creation of new directorates in the National Assembly and appointment of secretaries to the directorates.

On Thursday last week, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa announced the establishment of five new directorates and appointment of five

respective secretaries to manage the directorates by the National Assembly Service Commission, (NASCOM). The CNA said that the approvals were in compliance with the provisions of the NASCOM Act 2014.

The directorates and their secretaries are: Directorate of Corporate Affairs (Alhaji Suleiman Mohammed); Directorate of Legal Services (Mr. Adem Daniel Tongu), Directorate of Procurement, Estate and Works (Mr. Adelami, Owolabi Olayide); Directorate of Finance and Accounts (Alhaji Bukoye Lasisi), and Directorate of Common Services (Mrs. Moma Efretuei).

Maikasuwa explained that the appointments of the five directors were in recognition of their individual hard-work, dedication to duty and responsible conduct since they joined service. He also stated that their appointments took effect from September 4, 2014.

Already, the speedy manner Jonathan assented to the Bill has received positive comments. Chairman, Senate Commit-

tee on Establishment and Public Service, Senator Aloysius Etok, applauded President Jonathan for assenting to the Bill without delay so that all the anomalies in the system could be corrected as quickly as possible. The Senator, whose Committee processed the passage of the Bill in the Senate, said the Act will create capacity and facilitate promotion of professionalism, which were lacking in the National Assembly.

Senator Etok stated thus: “the new Act has created departments to open up the top for people to operate so as to lessen the rate of friction, attrition within the Service’s operations. In the amendment, we provided about five departments, whereby if you are in the medical line, you will no more seek and fight to become the Clerk to the National Assembly. You now know that you can become the Chief Medical Director of the National Assembly Medical Services. The National Assembly Medical Services is made up of the National Assembly Clinic and the Hospital.

The kind of attention given to the passage of this Act by the Senate and the Presidency is no doubt, commendable.

The quick implementation of the law by the NASCOM. is also encouraging. The result of this responsible governance is going to be enormous in the system. It is important therefore, for the Legislature, Executive and all those institutions that pilot affairs of governance in the country to borrow a leaf from this gesture, as the nation is in dire need of rapid transformation in all spheres of life.

Pondering the $20,000 bribery allegation T From the he House of Representatives was last week enmeshed in another controversy bordering on allegations of bribery. Unlike in the previous cases, where oil magnate, Chief Femi Otedola accused former Education Committee Chairman, Hon. Farouk Lawan of taking $620,000 from him to clear his companies of complicity in the infamous petroleum subsidy scam, or where the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Aruma Oteh alleged that House Chairman on Capital Market Committee, Hon. Herman Hembe demanded for N44 million to conduct public hearing, a member of the House, this time has accused his colleagues of accepting $20,000 (N3.4 million), bribe each.

Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Abdulrahman Suleiman Kawu had tabled a motion on the floor of the House for investigation to be conducted into the movement of $9.3million into South Africa in the private jet of Ayo Oritsejafor, the President of Christian Association of Nigeria. The fund has been confiscated, albeit temporarily by the South African government because it has the trappings of money laundry.

Although, the Federal Government has explained the rationale behind the movement of $9.3 million into South Africa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in the Lower Chambers are not satisfied and want to probe further into what they described as the real intent for which the money was meant.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha who presided over the controversial plenary, had preferred to refer the motion to a committee instead of allowing a debate that could generate unhealthy argument. But Hon. Aliyu Madaki believes there is more to it than meets the eye, and dropped the bombshell: “I heard that PDP

GreenChamber

Philip Nyam

Ihedioha

members in the House were given $20,000 each to ensure that Kawu’s motion did not see the light of day.”

But who offered this money? Is it true that the PDP lawmakers actually got $20,000 each to ‘kill’ the motion? Who initiated this criminal deal (if any deal in the first place) ? Now, Hon. Madaki is to

ternyam@gmail.com be investigated by the House ethics and privileges committee. Fortunately or unfortunately, bribery allegations are pretty difficult to prove. And Madaki may also be in a fix on how to prove this even if bribe were offered and accepted.

Reason? From his presentation, it is a case of hearsay. Where did he hear about this $20,000? Was it in a colleague’s office or residence? Was it on the floor of the chambers or in the gallery or lobby of the National Assembly?

From the look of things, no member of the House would be willing to openly testify even if he or she has the facts. The Minority Whip, Hon. Samson Osagie, who addressed a press conference after members of the APC walked out of the chambers in protest, had denied knowledge of this bribery allegations.

Now Madaki faces a herculean task to convince the Hon. Gambo Musa-led Ethics and Privileges Committee that indeed PDP lawmakers including Musa benefited from the said wads of dollars. Even at that, one fear being expressed is that allowing Musa, a member of PDP, to preside over this case might be tantamount to being a judge in his own case. Nonetheless, should Madaki fail to prove this allegation; he would get a two-week suspension.

Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Albert Tanimu

Sam-Tsokwa who raised the issue of bribe on the floor denied vehemently that he did not see or receive; neither did any member of his party. He said: “as the House Chairman of the Rules and Business Committee, this issue did not come to my knowledge.

No money was received by any member of my party.”

For those who witnessed the protest by APC lawmakers against Hon. Ihedioha’s ruling on the Hon. Kawu’s $9.3 million motion, it was like a well-rehearsed movie.

Immediately Ihedioha hit the gavel, Kawu jumped up and shouted “this is a shame, we can’t take it! All PC members followed instantly, walked out of the chamber and milled around the lobby. One of the lawmakers exclaimed: “It’s now clear why they (PDP) never liked Sanusi Lamido.

They forced online banking down our throats but do primitive banking with $9.3 million; chai PDP!” Another rep whispered to his colleague: “but $20,000 is attractive oh!

Since it was raised, the allegation has further polarised the House along party lines, creating further disaffection among members. Worse still, the allegation and the original issue, the movement of such heavy cash to South Africa in the private jet of a highly respected man of God, have further smeared the image of the country.

The matter even became worse coming at a period when about 68 citizens of South Africa died in the collapsed guest house of the Synagogue of all Nations in Lagos.

My take is that this is one matter that should never be swept under the carpet because the integrity of members of the house is on the line here. The electorate and the internal community are watching this show of shame. Bribery is most condemnable and it is even worse if it is occurring in the House.

Life

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SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

Our Boko Haram ordeal,

by Chibok / Gwoza escapees

The refugees and Chibok in Borno State, who fled their ancestral homes after escaping from the attacks of Boko Haram terrorists.

Their movement and settlement in the village was facilitated by the Stephanus Foundation and the Chief of Karu and they have been in the village since March this year. When New Telegraph visited the village, it was one tale of lamentation or another right from the Chief of Kugbaru, the chief host of the refugees down to the displaced people themselves.

Yohana Wurawa

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Yekeen Nurudeen, Abuja

ugbaru is a town tucked far away in the bush, off the popular Mararaba town under Karu Local Government of Nasarawa State. It is home to Gbagy tribes and about 60 kilometers away from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

However, despite its agrarian nature and the deplorable state of the only road that links it to Mararaba, it is currently playing host to over 700 indigenes of Gwoza

We were driven from our home- Saraya Joseph I came from Gwoza and settled here in March. I ran away from Gwoza because we were driven from our home. They (Boko Haram) were killing people indiscriminately and we had to run away to Shuwa. They still came there and threw us away, so when we eventually heard that some people where relocating to Abuja, we decided to come with them.

The first time that we came, the villagers gathered and provided food for us until the rain began falling. We began planting, now we have a farm for guinea corn and groundnut for food. So far the government has not cared to help us but sometimes churches visit us and bring us food items and clothing.

I saw Boko Haram kill 15 people - Elizabeth Ayuba When they came to our village in August they started shooting and killing our children and men. We ran away

but they kept running after us, shooting. After running away from Gwoza, we stayed in Dutse for three days but we got information that they were not killing women and that we should come back home. When we went back, they also came back and were moving from one house to another.

They entered our house and we were 23 in the house.

There were two old women and young women with their children in the house. Two members of Boko Haram entered the house and started asking for the car keys. I knelt down before them and said that the owner of the car had run away. They said if we didn’t give them the car keys, they would kill us. I was begging them and they started shooting in the room. They shot three times. They threatened to take a woman and her baby away if we didn’t give them the car.

When they left, they destroyed the car. We were in a room for 10 days without food while the children were crying. On the 11th day, we left with my children, my two girls and my neigbhour ’s children. We spent three days running. We entered Madagale and Michika. One of them was a boy that used to carry me with Okada to market.

They asked my daughter if she was a Muslim or Christian and she said she is a Christian. They said they would kill us because we are too beautiful. I begged them and they allowed us to go. They have CO NTINUED F R O M PAGE 39

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Life

CON TINUED ON PAGE 40

“They said they would give me a gun with which I would worship God” been looking for my husband because he is a retired soldier. They want to kill him. For two years, I didn’t see him.

It was in August this year that I met him here.

I thank God that none of my children was killed by Boko Haram. I have 10 children. But I saw them kill over 15 people in my community.

We ran to several villages but they still came after us. So we continued to run until we came here. When we arrived here, the villagers welcomed us and provided us with a place to stay and food. We were taken in July. Three men came and took us away and kept us in a cave. They told me to stop crying, that they were taking me to where I would worship God. They said they would give me a gun with which I would worship God. I was kept in the cave and the men went back to Gwoza to pick more people.

They took three of us into a room later and said that we should not go out. They said we should do whatever we want to do inside the room. They said they won’t come and clean the room. All they did was to come and give us food and leave.

They would bring maize for us to cook and we would refuse to cook or eat.

They beat us whenever we said we wanted to urinate. They asked us to pray in the Muslim way but I’m a Christian.

I ran into the bush around 10pm when they were sleeping. I was kept there for three days before I escaped into the bush and was rescued with bruises and blood all over my body.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Our ordeal, by Boko Haram escapees

Elizabeth Ayuba

Chief of Kugbaru

They burn down my church, house Usman Joseph I’m a pastor. They came and attacked us. They burned down my church - EYL, Konduga. I was an assistant pastor as at that time and my pastor is David Gadzama. We were coming home in the evening when Boko Haram members attacked Konduga Police Station. By that time, they had already killed about 20 people, burnt down my house and the church; even my car.

We ran to Gwoza and they also burnt down the EYL church there. We then moved to Shuwa. They came there too.

We were brought to this place by the Stephanus Foundation.

I can’t go back home again- Yohana Wurawa I’m a headmaster in Ghwaa, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

In Ghwaa, my primary school and my house have been burnt down by Boko Haram. It was in March last year. When it happened, I ran to Adamawa State while my wife went to Cameroon. Even my father and some of my relatives are controlled by the United Nations in a refugee camp there in Cameroon. My wife came from Cameroon and suggested that we should move to Abuja to look for help. We came with the Director of Stephanus Foundation.

There’s no way I can go back to Gwoza again. My house worth about N10million was burnt down.

I was arrested for accommodating Gwoza people - Chief of Kugbaru I have nothing to say, other that God knows everything, and whatever will happen tomorrow is already known by God. I accepted them wholeheartedly and before I accepted them, the Chief of Karu whom we are directly answerable to had called and informed me that he had received some visitors who were in dire need of help.

Mariamo Musa

He told me that he made enquires about them and was told that they were farmers. He asked if I could accommodate them and I replied the chief that I knew that he was not going to ask me to welcome evil people into my community because he cares for our welfare. So, I agreed and welcomed them the day they arrived.

Initially, they did not know me or this village and I equally did not know them.

They came to Kugbaru because of the things happening in their place, which had made them homeless. The Chief of Karu, whom all the land in this part is under, learnt that they were farmers. He

Saraya Joseph

checked them all over and did not know where to keep them, so he decided to ask me for help and I complied because he is our leader.

I gathered my people and told them; the whole community agreed on the farmland that was kept for them until they arrived.

After they settled, I explained to them that people already pricing the land before they arrived and suggested that they purchase the land eventually since it was not completely given to them for free. I also said that the foundation that brought them met with me and told me that they would pay for the land in installments, to which I agreed since the land is not actually mine

to simply give out for free.

Unfortunately, since these people arrived, the government has never visited or tried to help them although they are aware of their presence. They (government) sent soldiers to come and arrest me. They took me back to Abuja for harbouring them.

When they came, I welcomed them wholeheartedly and I believed that they would never knowingly accept evil people into their midst that would bring problems to this village. I know that they will never allow Boko Haram to infiltrate them here, which is why I don’t regret taking them in.

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Abuja Beats SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

Kuje: A town crying for help

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Obinna Odoh

uje is one of the satellite towns around Abuja, and also one of the six area councils in the nation’s seat of power. It is considered to be one of the closest to the Federal Capital City, as it is about 30 minutes’ drive from the city centre.

It is the home of the popular Kuje Prison that has held prominent Nigerians in the past such as the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, the late Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Femi Falana, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, among others.

Kuje also boasts of some high flying schools that make it a Mecca of sorts to parents and students seeking high standard education in the FCT. There are top class schools in the town such as Capital Science Secondary School, where the annual school fees per student runs between N1.3 million and N1,5 million; and Funtag International School, which charges between N400,000 and N650,000 per session.

There are also SS Simon and Jude Seminary, Hand Maid Secondary School etc and other notable primary and nursery schools with cheaper fees.

However, despite being the administrative headquarters of the area council, Kuje cannot be said to have the best in terms of infrastructure.

Currently experiencing a population explosion, largely due to high rents in the city centre and its closeness to the city, residents have had to cope with bad roads, waste, flooding, erosion and poor planning.

A visit to Kuje by Abuja Beats last week revealed that there are many areas within the town that are crying for government attention.

Abuja Beats traversed places like Angwa Mada, Angwa Gede, Angwa Tiv, Angwa Igon, Sauka, Passeli, Old NEPA Road, Sundaba, Sauka extension among other neglected areas in Kuje.

The visit prompted the following questions: “Does government actually exist in the area? Does it have the interest of the people at heart?

If yes, what have they done or are still doing? What is FCT Administration doing? Is the minister’s scope of operation restricted to the city centre alone? What is the council chairman doing with his monthly allocation?

In these areas, our correspondent saw that houses were built without plans and no recourse for environmental issues such as drainage, sewage and refuse dump.

The roads are deplorable in all the areas and residents are at the mercy of flooding each time it rains.

Residents who spoke to Abuja Beats described Kuje town as lacking government presence.

According to a resident who declined to be mentioned, houses in those areas were erected in a disorderly fashion.

“Houses are built without septic tanks where water used in the house could be channelled. And as such, all the dirty water used in various compounds is poured into the streets which people and vehicles ply. Also, water used in bathrooms find their way into the streets and these streets end up generating all forms of unpleasant

COSON warns hoteliers over music copyright Yekeen Nurudeen

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battle is brewing between the owners of hotels, night clubs, restaurants and event venues in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and the Copyright Society of Nigeria, the nation’s sole collective management organisation for musical works, as the organisation has commenced a full enforcement of the war against music copyright defaulters tagged: ‘Operation No Hiding Place.’

A COSON delegation led by its Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, was in Abuja for several days last week to implement the campaign against the deployment of music in commercial or

public spaces in Abuja.

Speaking at a meeting with the President, Hotel Owners Forum Abuja, Onofiok Ekong, in his Abuja office, Okoroji said COSON signed an agreement in December 2012 with the hotel industry to pay copyright royalties.

He noted that while a good number of hotels and similar establishments had complied, there are those who want to continue with the theft of the intellectual property of musicians.

His words: “We have come to inform you that we have decided to end this lawlessness forthwith.

We are deploying every tool under the law. Any recalcitrant organisation that enters our net is as-

sured that to get out, it will cost such an organisation at least ten times the cost if it had simply complied with the agreement which you helped to negotiate.”

Okoroji further said that COSON had spent substantial funds to organise sev-

Tony Okoroji

eral stakeholders’ fora in Abuja, during which music users in the FCT were engaged on the need to comply with the Copyright Act. “We have taken the pains to be in Abuja because we mean business. We will stop at nothing within the confines of the law to ensure that every hotel, restaurant, broadcast station, club, bar and the likes in the FCT pay for the music they use. We have fully begun the enforcement of our war against music copyright defaulters in Abuja and no one will escape us.”

Responding, Ekong thanked the COSON delegation for the visit and promised to get all members to comply with the agreement.

smells. Mosquitoes, rats and flies etc take turn in constituting a nuisance,” He said Also, residents of these areas suffer more whenever it rains as commercial motorcyclists hardly accept to take passengers to the town.

When they do, they charge high fares.

A public servant, Femi Kayode, explained his experience in the area after several years of stay in Kuje.

“The Kuje I met 10 years ago is different from what I am seeing today. When I came to Kuje in the year 2004 things were very okay.

The entire population was not more than 5000 persons but today the population runs into hundreds of thousands.

“Though since I came here power supply has been a problem but one expected that by now things would

have improved. But that has become a mirage.

“The annoying aspect of life here is the lack of planning. Government is not in charge, they don’t provide the basic amenities and don’t use town planning authorities to make things better. ““People under health and environment are sleeping and doing nothing. Houses are built any how, no access roads, no drainage where water can run.

“They don’t put checks or sanctions on the landlords who build houses without septic tanks. Also, FCTA and the area council are not committed to doing their job very well. They don’t care what becomes of the poor masses. For instance, some of us don’t take our vehicles to our houses because of roads,” Kayode lamented.

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SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Abuja Beats

Light rail: NNPC Mega, Forte Oil filling stations face demolition Yekeen Nurudeen

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s the construction of the Abuja light rail project continues, the project is set to claim some major casualties.

FCT Secretary of Transportation, Jonathan Ivoke Achara, recently stated that the light rail project had already attained 60 per cent completion and would be completed next year.

The construction of the metro station of the light rail, which is expected to be located in the Central Business District, specifically on Olusegun Obasanjo Way is about to begin.

However, the site for the station has been encroached on by an NNPC mega filling station, a Forte Oil filling station and a multi-million naira business plaza.

The three structures, according to the light rail project implementation unit, were illegally locat-

ed and must be removed when the need arises.

On September 15, the FCT Department of Development Control served a final demolition notice on the three structures.

FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, had last Monday raised a committee under the Chairmanship of FCT Permanent Secretary, Obinna Chukwu, to look into issues of encroachment on the Abuja transport master plan. The minister said on Wednesday that no structure would be spared in the implementation of his administration’s transport policy.

The administration, he said, had advised some property owners on Olusegun Obasanjo Way to quit as their properties were located on the city’s rail line.

The minister said such buildings would be pulled down in the over-riding public interest.

The minister, who spoke at the signing of a Memo-

Engineer Jonathan Ivoke Achara

randum of Understanding between the administration and the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company CCECC on the development of Segment Two, Phase One of the Abuja Light Rail Project, said, “No building is insulated from demolition when it comes to public

interest. I have given an alternative plot to NNPC for their mega station. We have given them an alternative along Kubwa Road or Lokogoma because that was what they requested for and they were looking at the commercial angle.”

Mohammed also restated the earlier position of the

Hawkers cry foul over AEPB’s mop-up Kenneth Tyohemba and Yekeen Nurudeen

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hese are not the best of times for hawkers in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja as they continue to suffer harassment by the Abuja Environmental Protection Board.

The hawkers, who are regarded as a nuisance to the city, are regular targets of the AEPB. The board has been unrelenting in its efforts to keep FCT clean.

The hapless hawkers are, however, lamenting the manner in which the AEPB’s enforcement squad has been clamping on them, in the name of keeping Abuja clean.

During one of the numerous raids last week, the enforcement squad pounced on hawkers’ joints at Wuse II. The squad arrested some hawkers and seized their goods.

Some hawkers who spoke with Abuja Beats expressed displeasure at the activities of AEPB, describing it as reckless and oppression of the poor.

Officials of the AEPB have been stationed at the various notorious flash points where hawkers usually carry out their businesses.

Acting AEPB Director, Baba Shehu Lawan, said recently that the board would not relent in its efforts to rid the city of environmental nuisance like hawking and begging. He added that the AEPB has zero tolerance for environmental nuisance.

During one of those raids

carried out around Wuse 11, many hawkers were arrested with their goods while others fled and got injured in the process.

At Banex pedestrian bridge, there was a commotion when a hawker of plantain chips sighted the enforcement squad’s bus and alerted his colleagues.

Many hawkers fled, leaving their wares behind, but some were unfortunate as they were arrested promptly.

Kingsley Madu, a used clothes hawker who escaped arrest lost his wares to the squad. Madu decried the board’s clampdown on hawkers, alleging that the squad is taking undue advantage of them by seizing their wares and converting it to personal use.

“They have taken my clothes away, what do I do?

I don’t have money to rent a shop and continue with

my business. My business is gone,” he said in a sober mood.

The leader of the enforcement team who refused to mention his name said they were out to do their job. He also refuted the allegation that they usually converted the seized items to personal use.

Meanwhile some FCT residents who spoke to Abuja Beats commended the board for its efforts. They, however, expressed misgivings about the harsh treatment of the hawkers.

Publisher of Pentalk Magazine, Prince Amadu, said that chasing hawkers out of the streets without engaging them in other legitimate ventures was like fetching water with a basket.

“Unless a scheme is put in place by FCTA to take the poor out of the streets by way of empowerment, they will always find their

way back since hawking is their means of livelihood,” he said.

A taxi driver, Chinedu Okereke, said the war against hawking in the FCT cannot be won as far as people continue to patronise hawkers.

However, the coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Reuben Okoya, said hawking and begging remain banned in the FCT. The coordinator said, “The law lists penalties for hawkers and those that patronise them. I’m aware that we have focused on hawkers in the past but the new policy of government, just as it is being done in Lagos State, is to focus on those who actually patronise those hawkers. So, the law applies to both parties and as you can see we’re out here in force to ensure that these laws are actually enforced.

Minister bans illegal AMAC levies Yekeen Nurudeen

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nundated with petitions from residents of the Federal Capital Territory over illegal tenement rate collection by officials of Abuja Municipal Council, FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, has directed the council Chairman, Micah Jibah, to stop such forthwith.

The minister also directed the FCT Permanent Secretary, Obinna Chukwu, to write the AMAC Chair-

man to immediately stop all forms of illegal taxes within the area council.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the minister, the Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Reuben Okoya, said the FCT administration would not condone any form of illegal tax collection from residents.

He added that miscreants extorting money from motorists and residents would be arrested and prosecuted.

Abuja residents, according

to him, have suffered many cases of illegal taxation in the past and as such should be protected from such henceforth.

He, however, advised residents to always ask for identification from such tax collectors.

“Any rate being collected

by AMAC should stop either tenement rate or shop rate. It behoves the FCTA and security operatives to stop all those touts collecting illegal rates,” he said.

administration to move the Eagle Square from its present location around the Federal Secretariat.

He said the square is only a temporary structure which will be removed at the appropriate time, while the spot will be turned to a transportation hub.

The minister added that the FCT Administration would soon build a rail line across Nyanya-Mararaba and Masaka routes to ease commuting in Abuja.

According to him, the MOU has been signed and as soon as finances permit, it will be undertaken before any other lines are built.

“There is no cause for apprehension on the Nyanya corridor. That aspect is supposed to be 10 lanes too. Within that, we have two corridors of rail; one mono, and the other light rail and they are both captured in the master plan,” he explained.

When Abuja Beats visited Forte Oil filling station, one of the supervisors said the structure was not supposed to be affected by the planned demolition.

He said the information that reached them earlier was that only the NNPC

mega station and Danziyal Plaza with whom Forte Oil shares a fence would be affected.

Speaking on the economic implications of the exercise, he said about 18 attendants, 10 supervisors and 10 other ancillary employees would be affected.

He noted that the station records about N1 million as daily sales from products at peak periods while sales during off peak range between N600,000 and N800,000 daily.

Asked on the alternative plan to relocate the station, he said he was not aware of any. He added that top management staff of the station had travelled to Lagos for a monthly meeting.

The manager of Danziyal Plaza which is managed

by SD Ventures Nigeria Limited was not available for comment as at the time of filling this report.

Efforts to get the management of NNPC Mega station to speak on the impending demolition failed.

But one of the staff confirmed that the FCT administration had allocated an alternative site to the station.

Abuja film festival marks centenary edition Amadi Nnamdi

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he Federal Capital Territory was agog on Tuesday when the 11th edition of Abuja International Film Festival opened to mark the centenary edition at the Silverbird Entertainment Centre Abuja.

The annual event as expected came with the trademark pomp associated with film festivals as the arena was turned into a rendezvous for stakeholders to hobnob on divergent issues.

The opening ceremony of the weeklong event which started with a star-studded Red Carpet featured comedy from veteran Nigerian comedians like Julius Agwu and Gbenga Adeyinka.

Residents of Abuja who trooped to the venue of the film festival with the intention of interacting with their favourite Nollywood actors were not disappointed. The event featured a roll call of A-list Nollywood artistes and prolific film makers such as Segun Arinze, Fred Amata, Collins Onwochei, Lancelot Imasuen as well as Zeb and Chico Ejiro.

Other prominent Nolly-

wood stakeholders at the event were Charles Novia, Emeka Ossai, Obi Osotelu and officials of the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board led by its head of corporate affairs, Mr. Caesar Kagho.

He applauded this year’s edition of the film festival.

According to AIFF’s founder, Fidelis Duker, this year’s edition, which is also a centenary edition, set out to project films that contain the key to making the changes that Nigeria needs.

“Two hundred films were submitted this year and it is a pointer to the growth and global acceptance of the film festival. About 55 cutting edge films were screened,” he said.

Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, in his keynote address as the chairman of the festival’s Board of Patrons, commended the Nollywood practitioners for their wonderful works.

He said the Senate is ready to give them the necessary support to enable them to continue excelling in the industry.

The 11th edition of AIFF featured panel discussions, film screenings, exhibitions and award ceremony.

Twist wrapper

he lowering of the British Union Jack and the hoisting of the Nigerian flag symbolised a new beginning for Nigerians on October 1, 1960. Fifty-four years after, Nigeria has evolved in every facet as a nation, but the most interesting aspect of change has been on the fashion scene.

Fashion in Nigeria has experienced a fascinating revolution since 1960. After many years of conservative dressing, fashion and style became liberal and radical, mostly fueled by the euphoria of gaining independence.

The 1960s was indeed an amalgamation of a variety of trends. Nigerians were greatly influenced by everything that came from abroad. One of the hit fashions in that era was the ‘Mini’ believed to have been invented by Mary Quant -a fashion designer and British fashion icon. The mini dresses were usually cut in an A-line style and sleeveless shift dresses in mini lengths were quite the fad. Flared ‘Palazzo’ trousers were also popular with the ladies of that period.

Shoes worn in the 60s include the platforms, pointy toes, kitten heels and stilettos.

Fabrics like the floral, stripes, polka dots and fashionable head scarves were the rave of that era as well.

Mrs. Sade Thomas-Fahm, a fashion designer reputed to be the first woman to own a boutique in Nigeria, embarked on finding an identity for Nigerians by inventing and creating many innovative styles using traditional African fabrics. With the Ankara, she made gowns, pleated skirts, Midi and Miniskirts. Her efforts kick-started what is known as the Nigerian fashion industry today. Some of her creations include the boubou, Kaftans, Aso-oke dresses; beaded shoes, Ankara shifts and mini dresses and the twist on the iro and buba. On all counts, the 60s was a truly fashionable decade.

Today, styles of the 60s have made a comeback into the fashion scene. We are seeing the beaded shoes, platform shoes, stilettoes, pointy toe shoes, kitten heels and flared trousers of the 60s all over again. Ankara designs have taken centre stage in showcasing Nigeria’s fashion on the international scene.

The Midi skirts, shift dresses have floated once more into the present day fashion and fashionistas are embracing these old styles with gusto.

International designer, Deola Sagoe, reworked the Yoruba classic Iro and Buba, giving it a modern edge in her ‘Komole’ collection. Thus, bringing back the ‘Oleku’ style on the fashion scene.

The twist and knot style of tying wrapper also made a comeback in today’s fashion and this was also the rave back in the days.

In all, nothing is new under the sun including fashion. It keeps evolving and borrowing pieces from previous decades. Perhaps, today’s fashion will be embraced by the next generation and also tagged ‘old fashioned’.

Happy Independence Anniversary everyone!

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Vanessa Okwara

Asoke mini dress

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SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Flamboyant ‘Resource control’ style Vanessa Okwara

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frican contemporary designs for men have come a long way as designers continue to create amazing designs with fabrics such as Ankara, Brocade and other African fabrics. The latest fad in African attire for men is the outfit called Senator or Resource Control, popularised by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Nigeria’s past presidents have been known to sport Agbada or Kaftan -long flowing dresses - as their fashion attire but President Goodluck brought a bit of sophistication to Aso Rock with his fanciful attire. The ‘Resource control’ outfit with a bowler hat has become the Presidents’ trademark and has brought the Niger Delta fashion to limelight.

The Senator or Resource control attire is predominately worn by the men of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

It is the traditional Ijaw cultural attire worn by rich men in that region to showcase their wealth. The Resource control outfit is sported by men of the South-

South and Eastern part of Nigeria for traditional weddings, birthdays and other special occasions.

Today, men from different ethnic backgrounds have embraced this outfit as designers create unique styles.

Resource control outfit is very conservative with creative styles and artistic lines. It becomes a complete Ijaw cultural fashion when it is decorated with fanciful gold chain buttons. Younger men also sport this attire but spruce it up with embroideries instead of the gold chains. The Resource control outfit comes in different colours other than the black and gray usually worn by the President.

Resource control outfit is elegant, stylish and sophisticated.

Its simplicity brings a feeling of maturity and refinement to the man. As the country celebrates its 54th Independence Anniversary, show love for the nation by don a Resource control outfit and show the world that, indeed, we know how to manage our natural resources.

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

Body&Soul

Pitfalls crumbling great relationships

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uildings cave in when they are built on faulty foundations.

Buildings, including churches, are collapsing all around us. You wonder why they are not heeding the biblical injunction of building on rocky foundation instead of laying foundation on sand.

On my way home from work last weekend, I stood for some minutes observing a bulldozer as it gleefully tore down massive residential buildings the Lagos State Government has marked for demolition. Some of these buildings have been around for more than a decade and in a twinkle of an eye, they crumble, brought down by one stroke of the bulldozer’s teeth.

It is so easy to pull down what has taken years to build. All you need is to employ the technique of the bulldozers’ teeth. Just keep hammering on the pillars of the building and before you know it, the whole building will cave in and become one huge debris.

The same goes for marriages and relationships. You meet a wonderful person and fall in love. You make commitments to love and cherish each other forever.

Then little by little, either or both of you begin to introduce certain behaviours capable of tearing the solid relationship you have taken years to build to pieces.

It often starts with words. The words we utter with our tongue either build or destroy. Loving words are like soothing ice on a swelling nose whereas abusive

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and bitter words inflame the engorgement. Most times, you don’t even need to place a knife at each other’s throat; words are strong enough to kill and do more collateral damage emotionally than any knife. Words matter and when left unchecked, can eventually destroy a relationship.

Being insulting is a type of behaviour predominately seen in this part of the world were abusive words are regarded as part of the vocabulary. It’s baffling when you hear hateful words couples hurl at each other when quarrelling.

Some are subtle but at the same time potent enough to silently tear the fabrics of your love such as daily put-downs, sarcastic remarks, negative comments, withholding affection, refusing to talk and the rest. Learn to withhold abusive words when speaking with your partner, no matter the level of provocation.

Hurtful words are not easily erased from the memory.

While occasional criticism and constructive reprimand is healthy in rela-

tionships, too much of it can be very damaging. If you are the type that constantly complains or point out flaws in your partner all the time, you need to slow down as such put downs can become annoying and unattractive. Women are easily prone to this kind of behaviour. No man likes a nagging woman.

Too much of it can drive your man away into the arms of another woman and I’m sure that is the last thing you ever want to do. Learn to curtail that sharp tongue of yours and cultivate the habit of using soothing voice and words when addressing issues with your husband.

Being selfish and thinking only of your own needs and never that of your partner is one way of putting your teeth into your relationship and tearing it down.

Love is never selfish. Don’t always seek to have your own way all the time.

Thinking only of your own needs and desires is an excellent way of destroying what you laboured to cultivate.

Breaking your promise or marriage vows to be faithful to your partner is

one of the biggest ways you can destroy a budding relationship. Nobody likes to be cheated and the worst feeling is discovering that your partner has been lying to you all these while. Once discovered, you have removed the element of trust in that bond and your partner will find it very difficult to take you at your words again.

Equally, dominating your partner and monitoring their every move is a sure way to lose the confidence they have in you. Using intimidation to keep them from behaving in ways you don’t approve is not the way to get the best out the person you love. It will only instill fear in them and perfect love should cast out all forms of fear. Some men have become the lion of the tribe of their homes.

Once they come in, their children, and even their wife scuttle into hiding like rats. Instilling fear in your spouse by responding with hostility and rage is an excellent way to bring romantic relationships to an end. This should not be so if you desire the kind of relationship that is filled with warmth, closeness and laughter. Don’t use intimidation and iron fist to rule your home. Your partner should feel free to talk and confide in you at all times.

It’s time to stop doing the things that are destroying your relationship and cultivate habits aimed at nurturing your love if a loving relationship is your desire and goal.

Send your views to the email above!

Memories of a clan that suffers for its craft

n recent weeks, the dangers of the pen pushing job has once again come to the fore. In an unprecedented case, journalists – Steven Sotloff and James Foley – were beheaded in successive weeks by the militant group, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Not only did ISIS video the sick and brutal act for political purposes, they made innocent victims browsing the Internet for fun watch the gruesome scene.

I do not know Sotloff and Foley personally, but I do know that the investigative nose that all journalists possesses to function on the job effectively can lead into trouble; however, I do not think it is enough trouble to warrant their gruesome death. It will appear that journalism is now the most dangerous job in the world and any letter of employment into a media house must now come with a life insurance package. I am not saying this for the first time. I remember working on a story on prostitution in 2002 and spending days in the infamous Ojuelegba hang out of the ladies of easy virtue. It just didn’t work and so I decided to get a well-rounded story, casing the area at night was my best option. WRONG. Hardly had I uttered my first word to a commercial sex worker (I was told this is the cooler way to address a prostitute) that a team of policemen swooped on the area and arrested me along with other ‘patrons.’

I couldn’t blow my cover and so had to endure a ride in the police van until we got to the station and even at that, it took the intervention of a friendly Divisional head (DPO) before my release was secured. At the office, I told my editor then, Ebere Wabara, that it was high time the lives of journalists were secured because I hate to think what would have happened to me if the DPO had not intervened.

It seems nothing has changed since then.

More and more, journalism gets dangerous and still the world still look upon journalists as irritants rather than the social historians that we are. For history not to repeat itself,

especially catastrophic history, then there has to be a chronicler of events. Now, that is what the journalists are. However, for this chronicler and witness to succeed, then he must have adequate protection from all sides.

ISIS are burning their bridges of allies and they probably are hurting the only group of people who will be able to get their messages across to the world for the ethics of journalism forbids any journalist to take sides. And where a journalist does have a side, he pushes it aside on the job for his audience and publics to be able to make a decision. This is what the beheaded journalists were pursuing -an opportunity for ISIS to have their story told and maybe help the world understand their position better. That now is lost.

A spokesman for ISIS stated that the beheadings were done in retaliation to American incursion into the Middle East; however,

the people killed have no side; they stand for truth.

Growing up in Lagos, I remember going to the cinema to watch a series of movies called ‘In the Line of Duty.’ That film series was based on the lives of policemen who died, well, in the line of duty. However, I think the world needs a new series. The title can still be in the line of duty but now, the main characters should be journalists as I don’t think any other profession outside the military is suffering as much casualties as these hard core professionals.

Only recently, New Telegraph suffered the loss of its Northern Bureau Chief, Suleiman Bisalla in the bomb blast by Boko Haram on an Abuja shopping complex. It was an act of terror that struck too close to home for the New Telegraph family and it just echoes the similar loss of Bagauda Kalto in 1996 to an Abacha inspired bomb blast in a car park.

Such a movie must also acknowledge the

Growing up in Lagos, I remember going to the cinema to watch a series of movies called ‘In the Line of Duty.’ That film series was based on the lives of policemen who died, well, in the line of duty. However, I think the world needs a new series. The title can still be in the line of duty but now, the main characters should be journalists as I don’t think any other profession outside the military is suffering as much casualties as these hard core professionals

danger of reporting in war zones and how countless journalists are putting their lives at risk to bring news from trouble spots around the world.

The sacrifices of people like Tayo Awotunsin and Krees Imodibie who were killed

by Charles Taylor (well, maybe not personally) during the Liberia war must have a key segment in our movie and that should segue nicely into the story of Marie Colvin who twice suffered for her craft; first losing an eye in a bomb blast while covering the war in Sri Lanka in 2001 before paying the ultimate prize in 2012 in Syria.

If such a mini series of movies is a farfetched idea, then there has to be some way of paying homage to dead journalists.

An advocacy group, Committee to Protect Journalist (CPJ) is now functional online and there has to be a concerted effort to support them; failure to do so may just make journalists a constant feature on the endangered species list.

Re: The Oscar Pistorius saga and other legless judgements I totally agree with your version...now if you could send a copy to Judge Masipa!!!

I live in Canada and watched the whole trial. South Africa seems to show a lot of respect in courtrooms when they address the judge. I’m greatly disappointed in the respect Judge Masipa gave to Reeva and her parents in her decision.

I now wonder if she will live with her conscience once she sets him free as I’m sure she will. Especially when Oscar picks his next victim, knowing his money will get him out of trouble…The Bible says lawlessness will abound.

This describes judges, lawyers, prosecutors, police as well as the people in general.

All for the love of money!!

God be with you Eyitayo.

Regards, Grandma Helen

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SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

with

Wole Adepoju 08085003746

Mike Adenuga supports daughter’s cause

D

ollar billionaire and sole owner of telecoms firm, Globacom, Otunba Mike Adenuga, is one man who is known for keeping away from the public glare. Although his name is often mentioned in the corporate world and beyond, his face is rarely seen anywhere near public places or social events. What remains a puzzle is if the man deliberately makes himself scarce or actually has a phobia for crowds.

However, Celeb Lounge learnt that the Ijebu-born businessman has decided to ditch his privacy to support a public cause initiated by his daughter, Abimbola, which is a rare feat. Adenuga, according

to a source, has decided to throw his weight behind the breast cancer awareness, Go-Pink, event that is coming up in Lagos in a matter of days. He’s said to be inviting friends and associates to lend their support for the laudable project. Celeb Lounge learnt that though Dr. Adenuga’s involvement is not pronounced on the invitation, he is committed to the event.

Although the event is being coordinated by Dr. Femi Olaleye of Optimal Cancer Centre Foundation, Celeb Lounge can authoritatively reveal that the project is Abimbola’s concept. Abimbola, an Executive Director with Globacom, is said to

David Mark’s secret battle

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have committed so much funds to the project since she joined the campaign against breast cancer. At the event, which is aimed at raising funds to acquire equipment for breast cancer

scans, even in rural areas, cancer survivors will receive cash gifts. A number of Nigerian artistes are billed to spice up the event scheduled for Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Damola Kasumu seeks escape route

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amola Kasumu, the surviving child of late Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Alhaja Mogaji, and a

nephew to powerful politician, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, may have decided to take his destiny into his own hands

by vying for an elective post in Lagos State.

Information at our disposal has it that the graduate of a university in the United Kingdom is currently making efforts to contest for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly in the next elections. He’s said to be aiming for Ikeja 1 constituency to replace the speaker of the House, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, who is aspiring to be the next governor of the state. What we could not ascertain as at press time was if he has received the blessing of Asiwaju Tinubu, especially as it is said that the APC leader has some reservations about him.

Not too long ago, Asiwaju was accused of neglecting the young man, probably because the person who connects them is no longer alive.

But sources in the know tell whoever cares to listen that Damola inflicted hardship on himself.

According to a source, the young man has allegedly run aground a school he inherited from his late mum. Damola is married to two wives and has many kids. At a point, his guardian and oba of Lagos Oba Rilawan Akiolu, took over the running of his home by giving a major part of the money that he’s entitled to on a monthly basis – N500,000 - to his two wives.

Hon. Dayo Bush celebrates wife at 40 T he household of the lawmaker representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu, will

sure be in a frenzy over a feat which is worth celebrating.

The pillar behind the amiable politician, his

woleadepoju@yahoo.com

wife, Yetunde, has joined the enviable 40s club.

In appreciation and show of love, Bush has invited close friends, family and associates to felicitate with them. A tale at a time had it that their marriage was going through turbulent times over the lawmaker ’s alleged decision to take another wife. However, the couple has proven the tale to be unfounded as they

have lived in peace and harmony.

This year has been eventful for the household of the handsome and articulate lawmaker. Bush, a former Special Assistant to erstwhile Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was earlier in the year decorated with the title of Fuwagbuyi of Ijebuland by Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu.

enue State-born politician, David Mark, has no doubt displayed his deftness in the game of politics. From an influential position in the military, he has been able to secure top jobs at different times on the political landscape of Nigeria.

As the elections that will usher in the next dispensation draw nearer and politicians take positions, David Mark is also not doing less as he’s bargaining to be relevant when the time comes.

Aside this battle of relevance, those who should know have revealed to Celeb Lounge that the man in question is also fighting battles. Our source said his eyes have been a source of major concern to him and he spends a fortune on it. It is said that his sight problem is the main reason he travels abroad regularly.

Obaro Ibru relaxes the ropes

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andsome son of the woman behind the defunct Oceanic Bank, Cecilia Ibru, Obaro, could be said to be the most sociable in the Ibru dynasty. Obaro has sure expended a fortune on social life as a result of his knack for living life to the fullest. Another thing that stands him out and makes him noticeable in the crowd is his ability to don what looks good on him. He, at a time, won a St. Moritz award for his dress sense.

Despite his knack for social life, he has been involved in one business or the other at every point. He was at the helm of affairs at Oceanic Bank and moved to the lotto business arm of the family, Orion Technology, before it went mori-

bund. Tongues, however, wagged when Obaro was moved to oversee another of the family’s businesses, Aero Contractors, several months back. Many were of the opinion that though qualified for the job, he was too open- minded to handle such a sensitive position. Perhaps, to shame his critics, Obaro dropped out of circulation to face his duty squarely till he left. He made an attempt to return to the social radar a few months back and had an issue that made him go physical with Louise Priddy. He disappeared from the social scene after that incident. Many are, however, of the opinion that he might be afraid of a reprisal and some, in his defence, say he is only being careful in the way he socialises now.

Tongues wag about Anambra first lady

T

he first family of Anambra State has since settled well into power, even as there are forces militating against their continued stay in power.

While Chief Willie Obiano strives to assert his position as the governor, his wife, Ebele, is also doing all within her power to complement him.

However, tongues are beginning to wag about what they refer to as ‘high-handedness’ on the part of the governor ’s wife.

This act, it is said, may affect her husband’s popularity.

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

Body&Soul

with

Wole Adepoju

Frank Nweke versus Gov Chime E nugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime, has indeed been through some battles but does not appear to be ready to slow down. While he was recuperating from a health challenge, he got engaged in a separate tussle with his wife.

The issue put him on the spot while it lasted.

Now, Chime is facing another round of battles, this time political. His longtime battle with influential Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, is ongoing.

Then, he got into another one with his former deputy, Sunday Onyebuchi, whose impeachment was instigated by the governor. In the same vein, the entire federal lawmakers in the state may be up in arms against him for allegedly implying that none of them would get a fresh term. Feelers from the state have it that the lawmakers are poised for a war with him

and have vowed to clip his wings.

Apart from the above, Chime is fighting a fresh battle with a former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke Jnr, over the latter’s senatorial ambition.

Nweke, who was the director-general of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group is said to be optimistic about his chances but the governor is believed to be a stumbling block. The same seat is being targeted by Chime’s Chief of Staff, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo. There are feelers that Ifeoma, an accountant by training and wife of Justice Afam Nwobodo, has a slim chance because she stepped on many toes in her capacity as chief of staff - a powerful one that has the ears of the governor. The only thing she has going for her is the governor’s support and he is said to be ready to do anything to ensure she realizes her dream.

Bimbo Salako over the moon

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eautiful Bimbo Salako is one personality who has her hands in a number of pies. She’s a presenter and an actress.

Although she seldom appears in movies, her time is completely given to presentation. She started presenting a long ago but got a break about 10 years ago when she debuted with a morning belt programe on MITV, alongside three other people. The programme, Owurolawa, has since moved to Lagos Television.

As a versatile person, Bimbo mooted the idea of a talk show but marital

issues took her to Canada for a couple of years. Her long-time dream has eventually seen the light of the day as she has started a talk show, Bimbo’s House.

The show, which is being aired on a number of television stations, focuses on diverse issues. The programme is fast gaining acceptance and this is making Bimbo elated.

Olu Agunloye’s hope hangs

F

ormer Minister of Power and Steel, Dr. Olu Agunloye, is a force to be reckoned with in the political arena of Ondo State.

His antecedents speak of his political value. Akokoborn Agunloye had, upon losing the Ondo North senatorial ticket to Senator Ajayi Boroffice in the Labour Party, pitched his tent with the then Action Congress in the hope of clinching the governorship ticket of the party. That hope was also dashed towards the last gubernatorial election in Ondo State when the

THINKING ALOUD

paulhelenproductions@yahoo.com; 08072709777

08085003746

party picked another person to fly its flag. This made him to pitch his tent with Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who was seeking re-election under the LP. The rest is now history as Mimiko won a second term.

Since the next governorship election in Ondo State will not come up until 2017, Agunloye has made up his mind to gun for the Senate. He hopes to realise his ambition in 2015, especially now that Boroffice belongs to the opposition All Progressives Congress. But his hope of going to the Sen-

ate appears to be hanging in the balance again. His calculation may have been altered by the alleged imminent merger of Labour party with PDP. According to some sources, the senatorial seat of Ondo North, which he hopes to represent, may have been conceded to a top politician, Bode Olajumoke, in PDP. Sources in the know say that the merger has become a source of worry to Agunloye, who is now said to be doing leg work to see how the cup will not pass him by.

with Helen Paul

Don’t worry, be happy

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lot of us think we know it all and have done it all because of whom we have been, what we have been and where we have been. I am referring to those of us who believe that we are so intelligent, educated and talented and because of that, we feel that we can plan our lives, our future and even our purpose.

We feel we already know where we will be and how we will get there. We depend so much on our intelligence and exposure.

We think we have all the connections in the world and all the money, the fame and the looks to do whatever we want and get just about anything we want.

It might interest you to know that those of us who feel like this are the most confused and the most unhappy people around. We are internally unfulfilled and unsure but we will never let anyone notice.

We are the most vulnerable but no one will ever know because we always seem to be in charge and on top of everything.

We seem bold and always calculated but the truth is, we are afraid of being taken advantage of. Truth is we are the ones that look over our shoulders, as we cannot trust. It’s not easy for us to love truly, deeply and madly. We are the ones who get scared when we are not sure of the outcome of things. We easily lose our selfesteem at the slightest change or shift of attention from us. We are always afraid of losing because we feel it will take away the essence of who we have become. We do not like to depend on anything or anyone but ourselves.

The issue with all of this has to do with some of the major reasons the rich and famous usually have issues with their lives, no matter how hard they try to stay happy and remain fulfilled.

We have lived a lie for so long, thinking that our brains, intelligence, beauty, money and connections can satisfy all our needs. How wrong we have been.

I read a portion of the Bible that says, “Lean not on your own understanding,” and another portion that says, “Put not your trust in man but upon the Lord.”

They may sound religious to you but the truth is, I started analysing the whole thing and it struck a chord.

How do we think we can plan our lives and even purpose successfully when we do not even know what will happen in the next 60 seconds of our lives?

How can we know how we will turn out in the end if we do not even know how long we have to stay on earth?

Why do we think we can control our lives and other people’s lives as well, when we do not know how we got here in the first place?

I have tried to find out how I was created and till date, all I have heard is: “Only God knows that.” So this tells me that someone else created me, formed me, gave me life, gave me the brain, decided who and what I will be when He wants me to be, knows how long I have to be here on earth, knows who I will meet along the way and things I will do. He gave me the children He already knew I would have and how I would have them; knows what would happen to me every second… I could go on and on.

With this realisation, I started asking myself: “At what point in this whole equation did I even get to play a part in the things

that concern my life? What part did I really play?” None!

How is it possible that I can wake up one day and decide that I can plan my life all by myself and make decisions concerning my future all by myself?

How can I actually believe that my intelligence and connections have been carrying me through my life when I did not play any role in the acquisition of all I have? How do I think I can control my life and the situation around me when I did not create myself? I can’t even provide my own air. I can’t control my heartbeat. I can’t prevent any mishap because I don’t even know when anything will happen.

I can’t even make everybody love me no matter how beautiful, smart, talented and famous I am. I cannot control what anyone thinks or says. How on earth can I actually think I have anything under my control?

So how do I make the uncertainty, confusion, fear, worry, doubt, unfulfillment and insecurity disappear?

Very simple! I just need to ask the one who is in charge of everything, to help me.

Why should I stress myself and think so hard, make endless plans, knowing that I can’t control the result? Why should I give myself so much heartache about how to make money, train my kids, remain relevant, make an impact, acquire more, when it is someone else’s job to do that? He has even said I should not worry about it. He said I should relax and HE will do all the work but all I have to do is love Him, trust Him, obey Him and believe Him. Again, I ask myself, “How hard can that be?”

All the while I was killing myself looking for a better life, better career, international jobs, better schools, more money, bigger house, and every other thing we all look for, I would spend time, money, energy just to achieve all of them. Can you compare that to just loving someone, trusting and believing him? I choose to relax.

Some might say it will not work and I should face reality. I will say “TRY IT FIRST.” This is not the time to twist anyone’s arm to love God, it’s just a piece of advice that I got a while ago. The journey has not been easy but trust me, it has been worth it and I have never met anyone that tried it and failed.

This is not to say you should sit down and not work; far from it. All I am saying is that instead of the struggling and hustling, why not relax and ask for direction, guidance and favour? That way, God will not hesitate to bless the work of your hands and send the right people who will help move you forward without breaking a sweat.

I have been around the world, met different people, achieved so many things but through it all, nothing can compare with the experience I have had in this new walk with God. Nobody should ever make anyone feel that loving and trusting God is such a boring chore because it is absolutely not. No one should ever make you think that you need them to get to God. The only middle person there is His son, Jesus Christ. No one should make you feel like you are too sinful and worthless and cannot access God. He is right there with you and He is waiting for you to acknowledge Him and accept Him. I cannot wait for you to try it and share the experience with me.

48

DIY on the GO

Body&Soul

Ankara clutch bag Esther Odili

T

he African print popularly known as Ankara is a fabric with colour, history, art and design. This traditional fabric has gained universal acceptance due to its unique quality. The fabric is affordable and durable. But besides being used for everyday wear, there are other ways the fabric can be creatively combined with other fabrics to design shoes, sandals, bags (purses and clutches), slippers and accessories like bangles, earrings amongst others.

The best part of this fashion trend is that you can easily do it yourself, because Ankara accessories can be quite expensive.

Clutches are fashion accessory that will not go

out of fashion. Ankara clutches are in vogue and you can actually make one that suits your style and personality in your home. It can be completed within hours and it is the perfect way to use pieces of fabrics you may have at home.

Some of these clutch bags are fanciful enough for dinners and parties while others are more casual and suitable for running errands. Most are very simple to make, and a great way to use up small pieces of fabrics.

Materials needed: •An old Clutch.

•Ankara fabric (decorative fabric for outer and inner side of the bag, it could be half a yard, depending on the size of your bag).

•A perforator or puncher.

•Jewellery or aluminium chain.

•Coral beads (optional).

•Office pins.

•Glue (fabric glue).

•Fabric stay (gum stay).

•A pair of scissors.

•Measuring tape.

•Embroidery.

•Chalk, pen or marker.

Process: •Spread open your clutch. Position the fabric whichever way you want it, either diagonally or vertically but must be applicable on both sides of the clutch.

• With a chalk, mark out the edges of your clutch on the fabric. Cut out but leave about an extra inch or half of fabric around the marked area to enable you fold.

• Fold neatly along your markings and press with a hot iron to hold in. Do same to your fabric stay

on the fabric for thickness. While doing this, don’t forget to cut out a hole for the clasp. Apply this on both sides of the clutch.

• Spread glue evenly across the surface of your clutch, and place your fabric over it, pressing gently. Smoothen out the fabric so there are no folds glued in together.

• Punch holes through the flap to insert your jewellery. Sew in with a needle and thread.

Here, you can incorporate your choice accessories like beads to achieve the overall African look.

Finally, you can sew the clutch with a decorative embroidered stitch.

SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

Wine & Dine

Body&Soul

Soft Merlot for refreshment

Ibukunoluwa Kayode

E

very palate deserves tasty refreshment. To set the mood right, a glass of Merlot red wine will be a great idea. This is a carefully selected grape wine grown in six different regions of the world -France, Italy, United States, Australia and Chile.

Merlot is one of the red grape wines that command respect in the world. This is based on its distinctive friendly taste on the palate.

The fruit character of Merlot wine leans towards black cherry, raspberry, plum with undertone flavours of graphite, cedar, tobacco, vanilla, clove and mocha, leaving the palate to crave for more sips.

This wine holds medium oak aging of eigth-12months with medium tannin and acidity. This wine taste is based on the region which can be cool climate

or warm climate-based.

The cool climate Merlot taste is structured with a higher presence of tannins and earthly flavours like tobacco and tar while the hot climate Merlot is more fruit forward and tannin is less prevalent.

This is a wine that can be indulged in by anyone who wishes to enjoy and relax the mind; it has a friendly balance of 12-15% ABV. It can be

served as a table wine and is fit for any occasion.

Merlot red wine holds a friendly food pairing with a wide variety of foods because of its position in the middle of the red wine spectrum. In general, this subtle drink pairs well with chicken and other light meats as well as lightly spiced dark meats due to its medium tannin and acidity.

Afang soup with pounded yam Biwom Iklaki

N

igeria is 54. Bon felicitations! It is a reason to celebrate, and what better way to do so than with one of Nigeria’s most popular delicacies, Afang soup? With origins from the Efiks in Calabar, Cross River State, I encourage you to choose Afang as the celebratory meal on Independence Day. When you eat it with family and friends, relish those

mouthfuls and think of how it must have been at Lord Luggard’s table when he ate it too.

INGREDIENTS • 4 cups Afang (ground/ pounded) • 600g Waterleaf (washed and chopped) • Goat meat • Stock fish • Dried Fish • 200g ponmo • 2 cups shrimps • 4 cups Periwinkle • 10 Chilli Pepper

• 1 cup Crayfish (ground) • 3 Stock cubes to taste • 1 cup Palm Oil • 1 Onion bulb • Salt to taste PREPARATION Cook meat, stock fish and ponmo till tender with about one cup of stock left.

Add waterleaf, onions, pepper, palm oil, crayfish, shrimps, stock cubes and salt and cook for about seven minutes. Stir and add Afang leaves. Leave to simmer for about two minutes

and it is ready.

Serve with pounded yam and fresh frothy palm wine.

Nutritional value of Palm wine: Palm wine is a sweet syrupy drink with a high level of alcohol especially when left to ferment. It also contains natural yeast and Vitamin A, which is very good for the eyes and for nursing mothers (believed to help with breast milk production).

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SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Crack your brain

Twilight stories Biwom Iklaki

Q

ueen Amina of Zaria was born around 1533 in Zaria, a province of today’s Nigeria. She was the daughter of Bakwa of Turunku. Their family’s wealth was derived from the trade in leather goods, cloth, kola, salt, horses and imported metals.

When Bakwa died in 1566, the crown of Zazzau passed to Amina’s younger brother, Karama. Their sister, Zaria, fled the region and little is known about her.

Although Bakwa’s reign was known for peace and prosperity, Amina chose to learn military skills from the warriors of the Zazzau military. As a result, she emerged as leader of the Zazzau army.

Great wealth and power came from her numerous military achievements.

When her brother Karama died after a 10-year rule, Amina had matured

into a fierce warrior and had earned the respect of the Zazzau military and she assumed the reign of the kingdom.

Amina led her first military charge a few months after assuming power.

For the rest of her 34year reign, she continued to fight and expand her kingdom to the greatest in history. The objective for initiating so many battles was to make neighbouring rulers her allies and permit her traders safe passage. In this way, she boosted her kingdom’s wealth and power with gold, slaves, and new crops. Because her people were talented metal workers, Amina introduced metal armor, including iron helmets and chain mail, to her army.

To her credit, she fortified each of her military camps with an earthen wall. Later, towns and villages sprung up within these protective barriers. The walls became known as Amina’s Walls

and many of them remain in existence to this day.

According to legend, Amina refused to marry and never bore children.

Instead, she took a temporary husband from the legions of vanquished foes after every battle.

After spending one night together, she would condemn him to death in the morning in order to prevent him from ever speaking about his sexual encounter with the queen.

Legend also decrees she died during a military campaign at Atagara near Bida in Nigeria. Her exploits earned her the moniker Amina, daughter of Nikatau, a woman as capable as a man. Her legendary escapades made her the model for the television series, Xena Warrior Princess.

Today, her memory represents the spirit and strength of womanhood and patriotism.

Did you know the meaning of the colours of the Nigerian flag?

• Green stands for peace • White stands for unity • Green stands for progress

Gags Colour Art

Teacher: Kola, spell plantain.

Kola: Which one? The ripe one or the unripe one?

Teacher: What difference does it make?

Just spell plantain!

Kola: Ma, if you fry the ripe one, its ‘DODO’, if you fry the unripe one, its ‘CHIPS’. If you roast it, its ‘BOLI’…they are all plantain,so which one should I spell? ***************

What did one flag say to the other flag?

Nothing. It just waved!

What dance was popular in 1960?

Indepen-dance Teacher: Where was the Declaration of Independence signed?

John: On the bottom!

Cross word puzzle

Faith 51

SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

News

Synagogue: LASUTH begins collection of DNA samples p.52

Interview Many churches have become business centres —Oziegbe p.53

Sermon

Make yourself indispensible before God p.57

Sermon

A time for competitive compassion p.56

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

I’m happy I didn’t make it in pop music–Nebife Senior Pastor of Logos Assembly Church, Aba, Abia State, Rev. David Nebife, is also a budding gospel artist. In this interview captured by TAI ANYANWU, he says that his popular album titled Twenty-Four Elders has healing power

I

Can you tell our readers about yourself?

am Rev. Dr David Nebife, popularly known as Twenty-Four Elders, Senior Pastor of Logos Assembly Church a.k.a Beautiful World Church, located at 216, Ehi Road, Aba, Abia State. We have our branches in the following locations: Onitsha, United States and China. I am a native of Arondizuogu, Ideato North Local Government Area, in Imo State.

Did you ever imagine you would be a pastor?

(Laughs) I never imagined I would be a pastor. My mother was always telling me when I was young, that some prophets told her that the child in her womb would become a pastor. But I used to doubt it, because in my school days, I wasn’t moving in that perspective. I never knew I was going to be a minister of the gospel.

How did it happen? Who is your mentor?

My encounter was like that of Paul, on his way to Damascus. I found myself inside a swamp in Port Harcourt, along Aba Road, at about 2am. I met Jesus there one on one, and He said to me, “It is either you surrender or you die.” Then I thought I was dead already, not knowing there was an option of coming back alive. I quickly surrendered to His will that night.

I went back home and I never knew where to go to. Funny enough, I had a girlfriend in my house. She was an air hostess, who came all the way from Abuja. We had lived together for sometime though we were not married.

She got me thinking because I was wondering how to tell her that I had now become bornagain. But when I got to my house, she was the first person to tell me that she had given her life to Christ. Then I told I have Christ more than she does; she laughed because she knew I was a strong unbeliever. I actually got to know that while I was away from the house, her friend invited her to their church, and she got converted. So she took me to the pastor that ministered to her, and he asked me to say some prayers. Somehow, she got convinced that I had genuinely repented. I had a strong room where no one goes into except me, to make some incantations. I destroyed the room, and never went in there again. She was the Ananias I met like Paul. So we became strong in faith, and later discovered that our purpose of friendship was not for marriage but for this sole aim, which is salvation. She is now happily married. One mentor that really encouraged me was Bishop Peter Obiora.

He met me in my office and told me that God showed him that I have his kind of ministry; and that I need to be mentored by him. We

Mr and Mrs Nebife had never met before, but I was searching for a church where I could know more about God. The first day I worshipped with them, they were holding their youth election; I was elected the youth president. I went back to my spiritual father to tell him I wasn’t going to take the post, but he told me that God was aware of it and that I should not reject it. He also said there’s a seed of leadership in me.

Bishop John Ogba, Bishop Goddy Okafor, Uma Ukpai, and currently my spiritual father is Pastor EA Adeboye.

What is the secret of your success in ministry?

Other ministers have asked me the same question. My secret is praying and fasting. I fast a lot and pray same way. I also keep to my covenant with God. I just concluded 51 days of fasting and prayer. Currently, I’m observing another 21 days for the programme. Every first week of the year we observe three days of dry fasting. It’s not been by might but by God’s grace. I also practise seed sowing.

What’s the hardest part of ministry for you personally?

People say I’m a multi-talented person. I have an evangelistic grace; I travel a lot and get different experiences. When I go to preach,

“She got me thinking because I was wondering how to tell her that I am now born again.

But when I got to my house, she was the first person to tell me she had given her life to Christ”

I am well appreciated, with nice treats because people get blessed through me. And when I return, I give back to the church. Pastoring, for me, is a harder job, but one needs the grace of God. One obviously experiences challenges in ministry. That’s part of the reason why I don’t speak ill about pastors. I give all I have to it.

You just released an album. Could you tell us about your musical side?

Yes; while I was an unbeliever in Lagos, I used to go to Charley Boy’s studio to produce my songs. I was strictly into pop music and I invested so much in it. I never made any proceeds from it. Later, I found out that that wasn’t the direction God wanted me to go.

So I travelled overseas in search of greener pastures but all to no avail. If I had made it through pop music, I wouldn’t have been a child of God today. When I became bornagain, I started writing several songs which I did not produce. One fateful day, I decided to go on 100 days praying and fasting. On the 93rd day, God woke me up in the middle of the night and asked me to pray. I started praying and speaking in tongues. He asked me to pick a pen and a book to put down some songs. As I wrote them down, I found out most of them were everyday songs we usually sang in church. So I said to God, “But I have some new lyrics.” He said, ‘No, record these ones and I will put my spirit in them.’

Today, we’ve a registered testimony of an HIV-positive victim who listened to the lyrics and turned negative. My album has been selling in every part of the world and I give God thanks.

Could you tell us about your forthcoming convention?

God told me several years ago, through CO NTINUED O N PAGE 54

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Faith

Rev. Olu Shitta (1932-2014)

Pictures from the archives of late Rev. (Dr) Dixon Olu Shitta, founder of Saint Michael Church of Jesus The Ark, 8B, Isikalu Street near Oba Palace, Ikorodu, Lagos

His Eminence, Baba Aladura, Revd.Dr.D Olu. Shitta Shitta (JP.) Com., A.M.A with The Group of Awardees at the University of Lagos in the year 1998.

On his ordination as Baba Aladura at Saint Michael’s Church

Baba Aladura Shitta with his friend (Salisu Alogba)

His Eminence, Baba Aladura, Revd.Dr. D. Olu Shitta (Jp. C.O.M.) on the occasion of his award as an Accredited Meritorious Awardee ( A.M.A) for his tireless and restless service to humanity

Rev. Shitta at his consecration as Baba Aladura which held at St. Michael’s Church of The Ark, Ikorodu

Dr. Dixon Olu Shitta with his Cleric friends during his ordination as Baba Aladura.

Baba Aladura Dixon Olu Shitta and other awardees receiving an award for tireless service to humanity, at the university of Lagos 1998.

His Eminence, Baba Aladura Revd. Dr . D.Olu Shitta (Jp) receiving an award as Grand Patron of (Can) The Christian Association

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Many churches have become business centres —Oziegbe

Faith

Evangelist Joshua Oziegbe is the vision bearer of Upper Room Prayer Ministry, an inter-denominational fellowship National Youth President of the Jesus Love and Truth International Bible Church with headquarters in Benin, the Edo State capital. He spoke with CAJETAN MMUTA on various issues

I

Tell us about yourself am Evangelist Joshua Oziegbe Iyiobosa, popularly known as Evangelist of Prayer, and the vision bearer of Upper Room Prayer Ministry. I have nothing to do with your church, the denomination you belong to but with who you are. Well, I can best describe myself as a man who has devoted his life, his time to God’s work, for more than 20 years now. On January 5, 2015, I will celebrate 20 years as a pastor. For more than 20 years, I have seen God’s manifestation in my life and there is no doubt that indeed God really called me. I can best describe myself as a man who loves God and who is looking at the whole world at a time calling on one God and getting answers immediately from the same God. How has it been leading the flock of God in the last 20 years?

Well, it has been a time somebody needs to really know that it is the best life anyone who is called by God can live.

Leading the flock of God is not a task. When you have the grace and anointing, leading God’s flock is one of the greatest opportunities for anybody on earth.

Some people venture into various activities by accident, others are called and chosen. How did you come about your ministry; did you inherit it?

I was between 11 and 12 when I heard a voice as I was sleeping. The voice called and I woke up and ran to my father to ask him if he called me and he said ‘no’. It was as if I had a serious beating and I was really shocked. My father asked me to go back to sleep and I did. The voice was so clear and that was the first time I heard such a voice. The voice said, ‘my son, I will use you as my loud speaker’. To tell you how small I was, I said, ‘God who would be my amplifier?’ He said, ‘leave that for me’. And since then any time I went to the church, I would join the children’s choir, and we would sing. Miracles and deliverance usually took place. My father began to nurture me in a way that I should be afraid of so many things like going away from the world and getting closer to the Bible. That is why I can boldly say that before I got wedded at over 30 years, I could stand at the altar and declare that there was nothing like another girl getting on to my bed until I married my wife and had my children.

And that very day I was so grieved and the voice came to me again and said, ‘son, I told you that you would be my loud speaker and I will be your amplifier.’ Since then, I tell you it has not been a joke. Before I was ordained as a pastor in 1999, I was called to do the work. In fact, it has been a moment of joy for me.

What were your growing up years like?

I can say at a point before we started experiencing hardship in my family, my father was working as a pastor. I grew up and met him as a pastor. Thank God, he is the General Overseer of this ministry and this place we are sitting is one of the 13 branches of this ministry. We have about four branches in Ekpoma, Esan, Ogwa, Okalu and others.

There is one in Lagos and a branch in London. We didn’t know what it meant to be born with a silver spoon or to have money. I met my father as a pastor and rubber tapper, suffering, going to the farm. One day in the farm, I told my father that I was not going to suffer like him. My father said I would become an evangelist that the whole world would hear of. And that time I didn’t know I was going to be like this but let me tell you that God has been so wonder-

“Most men of God have taken the ministry as a commercial venture.

What do you say to this” ful to us. Clearly, I will tell you that my father is like John the Baptist and he is still alive, very much strong as an anointed man of God. He is intelligent and has nurtured and brought me up in the fear of God. He is a man I will always respect and I wish I will be like that to my children.

Most men of God have taken the ministry as a commercial venture. What do you say to this?

I have mentioned this before now that so many people call themselves pastors but they are political pastors. They are pastors who want everything to be on their table. You can see so many pastors going into ministry by taking loans to build churches, building gigantic buildings, and tasking the people to pay. This is not supposed to be. As a pastor I tell you that, though we are very many but it very difficult to get few chosen ones. I can’t say I am among the few ones. Today, you see so many pastors on the television, newspapers and everywhere bragging in the name of their ministries. They are on their own.

Many pastors have converted their churches into business centres and it is not s u p posed to be so.

Corruption has been a major challenge

which the country has had to contend with.

You see I am a kind of an advocate pastor that often speaks against corruption. When you are talking about corruption it starts from the church. When you are supposed to be a man of God who will correct an issue but you are now collecting from me, increasing what you are supposed to correct how will the situation be? So corruption is one thing I know that is not going to leave the earth. There is not going to be a time that there will be zero corruption anywhere. But the rate at which it is growing in Nigeria and other parts of the world is something we need to come to the table and talk about.

It is not about prayer alone. It is a matter of understanding because everybody pursues for his purse; anyone coming wants to pursue his own.

Some people are of the view that the church should pay tax, looking at the affluent lifestyles of clerics. Some pastors even own private jets, estates and other commercial ventures.

What is your take on this?

That is one thing we don’t know, I will always tell you the truth. If not for Pastor TB Joshua, we wouldn’t have known that there is money in the church. Every living person has a reason why he should use another to get correction; and that was why I used that man as an example. Pastors want to live fabulous lifestyles and they want their children to be in Dubai today and UK tomorrow. The Bible made me to understand clearly that anyone who pursues the things of the world, who looks after the wealth of the earth if care is not taken will lose his soul. This is something that will continue to affect the church in this country until we change. Pastors must rise from where they are for change and that change must be the real change.

What do you think should be the role of men of God in politics. Should they take part in it?

Yes, from every perspective it is good for a man of God to go into politics but not in an illegal way. The way we play politics in the country today, it is about politics of rituals. If there is no ritual there is no position.

This is not supposed to be so because there was a time when elections were about to take place in this country and God told me that this was what would happen. When I say rituals you can see the killings.

One day God opened my eyes and I saw a man who was contesting election as a senator hanged another human being and they burst the blood and they poured the blood upon him. The following morning when I woke up I called on someone in a particular state and they said there was a senatorial election there. I said this was what God told me. Is there so and so person there and they said ‘yes.’ It was not up to two weeks that they announced him as the senator in that state.

I would advise pastors that even if they want to go into politics they should do so with caution. The time is ripe for Christians to be in power. If we leave politics solely to unbelievers, we will remain in darkness forever.

Oziegbe

How do you view the state of insurgency in some parts of Nigeria?

The only common solution to insurgency is for the pastors to come together. In the first book of Timothy he said we should pray for our leaders. We should come together and pray for them and come to the table again and settle this matter once and for all in prayer. Then the governments on their part have a big role to play. They should create job opportunities; they should give the youths time to be engaged in one or two activities that will make them earn a living. They should channel money to the right source. So ending insurgency in Nigeria is not going to be easy but by God’s grace we are going to overcome it.

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Faith

for Women Synagogue: LASUTH begins Discovery rally holds today collection of DNA samples T

L

Tai Anyanwu

agos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja yesterday began collecting DNA samples of relations of people who died in the September 12 collapse of a Synagogue Church of All Nations guest house in Ikotun, Lagos.

This was in response to an appeal by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, for the submission of the

samples, toaid the forensic identification and DNA analysis of recovered bodies.

The victims comprised Nigerians and foreigners, although Sunday New Telegraph could not confirm the identities of those who had heeded the call.

A LASUTH official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the samples were being collected. The official declined to confirm whether

the samples collected so far were from Nigerians or foreigners.

“I cannot give you such information. All you need to know now is that our staff and the hospital machinery are on ground to commence the DNA analysis of the victims of the Synagogue building collapse.

“A relation of one of the victims has complied with the call for samples.

We hope to receive more responses next week,” he said.

housands of women from different denominations are expected to converge today in Lagos for the quarterly Discovery for Women rally.

Announcing the programme on behalf of the DFW executives, Pastor Oyindamola Soderu said the gathering would bring together women from all walks of life, with a focus on enhancing their capacity for productivity in all facets of life, especially in spiritual, physical, ministry, marital and career endeavours.

The rally, scheduled to take place at the main auditorium of the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos, would commence at exactly 2pm and the theme is: ‘For A Moment Like This.’

She said, “Women are expected to gather in their thousands for a deeper experience of God thorough worship and sharing of His word.

“The impact has been phenomenal. Lives are being changed, homes are being built, hopes are restored among many and countless others have been positively affected one way or another.” Hosted by Pastors Taiwo and Nomthi Odukoya, the rally will also be attended by gospel minister, Anne Inyang, as guest artiste.

The Discovery for Women initiative was set up in 1998 as an outreach of The Fountain of Life Church with the vision to challenge and motivate women to become all that God has ordained them to be.

Christ Chapel announces Campmeeting 2014

C

oming right after its most resounding outing from last year’s 32nd anniversary celebration, Christ Chapel International Churches (CCIC) has announced a programme of activities for the 27th edition of its annual campmeeting.

One of the victims of thew collapsed building being carried out of the ruins to a waiting ambalance

I’m happy I didn’t make it in pop music–Nebife CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5 1

revelation, that every September I should host a programme titled, ‘Bishopric Grace;’ that would make people not to forget the month of September. And that’s why we call it ‘September to Remember.’ I invite men proven and tested through the word, to anchor the programme. God has promised to release a special anointing during the programme. It’s a non-denominational programme and my expectation is that when you attend this last quarter programme, you must finish well, in every area on your life.

What drives you?

(Laughs) Worship drives me; I can do anything when I am worshipping God, no matter what I put on or have in my pocket.

I cry many a time when I’m overwhelmed.

What makes you angry?

(Laughs) I believe in perfection, I believe in things being well organised. So when I come across things that are not well organised, especially in church, I get upset.

Does it bother you when people question your motives?

To an extent, when the arguments don’t glorify God. I like to accept information because that’s my own philosophy of humility.

Who are your favourite gospel acts?

I love a good number of them, I love Nigerian lyrics. There is this one we call Ariaria music in the South-East. I love it, it sounds local but it is interesting. There is Cornelius Benjamin; I like his style of music, because he has an attitude to what he is doing. I also love Buchi, Sinach and lots more.

Do you have any regrets or unfulfilled dreams right now?

Yes, by now we ought to have moved to our permanent site, though I was seeing it from a bigger perspective. People actually got us plots of land, but I kept saying they are in remote areas. Right now, those areas are developed and very expensive. I had wanted a good location; I keep saving the money and using it to solve other problems. For instance, I sold many copies of my album and gave all the money back to God, and because of that I was financially constrained. But people, sometimes, like to take grace for granted.

What inspired you to do the album titled Twenty-four Elders?

Like I said, during my 100 days praying and fasting, God specifically told us, this album should be titled ‘24 elders.’

There are these worshippers in the third heaven by the throne of God who worship Him 24 hours nonstop. They move

God. And that’s why I keep saying that God is too much. I never knew the name would be as prominent as it is today. I actually asked God to give me a name and a voice, and He did. A lot of marketers have looked for people to mimic my voice but it’s been impossible for them.

People don’t know my real name in a lot of places I go to but identify me as ‘24 elders.’ I represent the 24 elders in heaven here on earth.

What is your family life?

I love my family a lot; no matter where I travel to, there is no place like my home. I am never comfortable unless I get home. I am always eager to see my wife, because she is beautiful. Two weeks before I got born-again, a lady came to my office to buy some items. Then, I was into business. I was not born-again then, but I heard God say to me, ‘that’s your wife.’ I approached her; she was in her final year at the University of Port Harcourt. Two weeks later, I gave my life to Christ and also led her to Christ. She is such a humble woman that loves me so much, she has been my destiny helper.

I love my wife a lot, she is a wonderful woman. Today, we are blessed with five lovely children. I always make out time to play with my family; I play a lot with my children.

The event runs from Tuesday October 14 to Sunday October 14, 2014 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, according to the Church Advisory Council.

With the theme: ‘Great Grace,’ the council said the Campmeeting 2014 will consolidate on the gains of last year’s huge assemblage of Christians from all around the world who came to be part of the ministry’s anniversary.

The 2014 Campmeeting has a high level of speakers’ drawn from Nigeria, Ghana and the United States of America; some of whom are regular visitors to the annual gathering of Christian faithful.

Guests will have their faith reinvigorated with teachings from the gospel of Jesus Christ from such men of God as Reverend Clyde Oliver and Mike Moore both from the USA; respected Ghanaian theologian, philanthropist, motivational speaker and entrepreneur, Dr. Mensa Otabil, who is also the founder of International Central Gospel Church headquartered in Accra, Ghana and Central University College, of which he is Chancellor Minister; and world acclaimed televangelist, Apostle O.S.A Aiyemo, whose ministry has traversed the continents.

Others include Pastor of the Covenant Christian Centre, Poju Oyemade; and Rev. Solomon Adabara, who presides over Fountain of Grace Ministries, Ibadan and Adonai Consult Limited, a multi-faceted company comprising Adonai Press and Integrity Dream Builders, a consortium of building professionals.

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Faith

This time around

M

isan walked out of the hall to the carpeted lobby and pressed the button for the elevator. She was surprised and annoyed at the emotional turmoil she was experiencing all because she met Antonio again. She could feel tears gathering in her eyes.

As people walked in and out of the big hall, she didn’t care if they noticed that she looked close to tears.

She was still waiting for the elevator when the door opened again. She casually looked in the direction and saw Antonio coming straight toward her. He was alone. She looked away in anger, blinking rapidly to keep the tears back. This was one person who should not see her tears.

The lazy smile on his face disappeared when he looked at her face and noticed that her eyes were misty. “Misan ... what’s the problem?” He took her hand to turn her to face him.

That made her look at him.

She brushed his hand off. How could he behave like he didn’t do anything?

“You!” She said under her breath, not wanting people around to hear them. She pointed a finger at him. “You are the problem! I want you to stay away from me, okay? I don’t want your little game this time around. I am ashamed I played at all!”

Antonio looked confused.

“What are you talking about?

What little game are you talking about? Are you referring to the other time?”

“Yes and you should find another person to keep you company!”

He smiled.

Did he just smile? Misan hissed and looked away.

She couldn’t blame him, she blamed herself. Where is this elevator?

Some of the people who came to the lobby looked at them openly now. She knew it must be Antonio they were looking at, having recognised him.

“I don’t have the time to while away for your information.” He told her. “We’ll need to talk though.”

“We don’t have anything to discuss.”

Someone waved at Antonio.

He waved back and looked at Misan, “I want to talk with you. I thought you’d be happy to see me.”

She turned her face back to him and jabbed a finger at his chest. “No, I’m not. I now know better. Besides, I am here with church members. So, stay away from me, okay?” She wasn’t going to make the same mistake again.

The elevator arrived, dislodging the crowd in it. Misan entered, pressing the button for the fourth floor. She thought Antonio would enter with her

Power in the word with

Banke David

Tel: 08034156014

I

have a confession: I knew I would like Banke David’s new book, Running the Race (Crossway), before I read it.

Having become familiar with Banke after finding her blog, I was struck by how she proclaims difficult truths without alienating readers. Her teaching - on display as a leader at her church in Aba, Abia State - is saturated in scriptural insights and demands serious attention. We increasingly understand, as Corrie Ten Boom expressed it, that the human life “the measure of life, after all, is not is duration but its donation” a disciplined embrace of such concrete means of grace as prayer, temperance, worship, simplicity, and service to others.

Banke David, pastor with Christ Riches Church, Aba, Abia State and educationist, is a graduate of chemistry and computer science from the University of Lagos. Banke describes life as a preparation for eternity.

As to what distinguishes

‘today’s Christians,’ Banke’s message is an optimistic one.

She suggests that today’s Christians “believe we can call a truce by living life without discovering its purpose and still enjoy eternity.” Banke’s solution is a de-partisanised Christianity that believes life has a beginning and has an end. The way you live your life is based upon your views of life, but in all of these get an eternal perspective of life.

More than anything, running the race is indispensable for understanding that life is a race. If you don’t keep to its rules, you will disqualified. Banke identifies a number of components to her readers that are involved in a race.

They are the runners, the referees, the tracks or lanes, the apparel, the spectators, the judges, the crown or trophy and finish line, she says. She also notes that there are many who run but only one wins the prize. So she admonishes Christians to run in such a way that they may win

but he did not. She felt relieved.

She needed to be away from him as she was still in shock at seeing him. As the doors of the elevator closed, she looked at him; he was still standing there, looking a little shocked.

The elevator went down smoothly and soon stopped on the fourth floor. The doors opened. A couple and two teenagers were waiting for it.

Misan got out, sending a forced smile and a “Hi,” to them in response to the couple’s “Hi.” She stepped out of the lobby and turned right, walking down the empty long hallway until she got to the door of her room.

In front of her room, she opened her purse and brought out the key which was like a card. She inserted it and removed it immediately. She entered the room and allowed the tears to fall as she closed the door. Throwing her purse on the table, she leaned against the wall.

Antonio, here? Impossible!

She thought. How many times had she hoped to see him but she had thought it was impossible? She thought back to the past.

Four years ago, she met Antonio on this same ship. She was not going to church at the time. A friend had told her that three churches were combining to organise a weeklong cruise and she had invited Misan to

Christian relationship With

Pastor Taiwo Odubiyi +234082300 0773 come along with the hope that she would join in the churches’ programmes and eventually get saved. But Misan had her own plans.

She wanted some fun. She had just suffered a heart break in the hands of a 40-year-old married man whom she had been dating for almost two years. She had thought the man would leave his family and marry her but when he didn’t say any such thing, she began to drop hints. She was surprised when the man left her for another woman and worse still, her elder sister, Jemmy, who was her confidant blamed her. Why was Misan putting pressure on the man for marriage when she knew he was married? Jemmy had asked. Misan should have kept quiet, taking what the man had to offer until he was ready for a more permanent thing. Jemmy had also been surprised that Misan was in a hurry to marry. Why did she want marriage seeing that their parents’ marriage did not work and her own also collapsed after only two and a half years? Misan should learn to just take what a man

had to offer and forget about the rest, Jemmy reasoned.

And Misan should not build her life around a man, she had added.

Misan had felt betrayed by the man but if her sister said she was wrong she must have been wrong. She believed her sister knew what she was talking about as she lived comfortably and seemed happy as a single mother of two girls and a boy - fathered by three different men. Misan accepted the blame.

This was her third serious relationship and it had also turned out to be a disaster.

She would live like her sister, not bothering with men or commitment. She agreed with Jemmy.

But inwardly, Misan struggled with her sister’s reasoning. She couldn’t understand it. Something was wrong.

Was marriage not the purpose of a relationship? Also, her sister’s opinion that she should not build her life around a man would not work in her case as she was a one-man woman.

To B e Conti nued

Running the Race

BOOK TITLE

AUTHOR

PUBLISHER

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Running the Race Banke David Kings faith service Tai Anyanwu DATE September 28, 2014 101 10

the prize. Run slowly, steadily and surely.

She encourages readers to discover their purpose by going to God in prayer, searching deep within their spirit, and taking a bold step in this race of eternity.

To her, running the race of life has ushered her into much benefits. Christians should always pray that God helps them remain faithful in running their race purposefully.

Banke also offers another virtue needed in running the race of life, which is Temperance. She says that though the approach can be rigorous, but having the end in mind helps keep one focused and helps in taking the right steps. Write down your goals in the form of achievable steps in order to accomplish them; don’t be myopic, see far like God and then work with the benefit of hindsight.

The first time the author begins by walking readers through Discipline, she wrestles with the issues of running a race with being disciplined.

It’s not costly in the long run, it pays off. Whatever habits

you wish to inculcate, start them on time.

To develop discipline in a particular area, change your thought patterns in that area.

Good enough, ‘Breaking the Rules’ happens to a good number of us, and so Banke makes it her aim to draw the reader’s eye back to the dangers of doing so. The consequences of disobedience to God’s will are too grievous and heavy to bear; it is easier to obey Him. Rules are made to keep us in check, therefore run your own peculiar race bearing the rules in mind.

It doesn’t take more than a cursory glance around the athlete - or book pews - to find that the author has highlighted an important opinion, about having a Finisher ’s Mentality in order to accomplish set goals in life. To accomplish a desired objective, think it, picture it and confess it and then you will capture it.

Her focus on running the race

has the capability of drawing a hard stop to some of the voices around the echo chamber of life’s race. It is a manifesto of sorts; a reminder that until obstacles are removed you can’t achieve success or win the prize, one must remove the existing obstacles. An obstacle is anything that hinders you from achieving your goal or causes you to lose focus.

The author is able to construct a ladder that has a weight of a balanced scale by ending with “looking unto Jesus” and “knowing that a beautiful crown awaits you.” Furthermore, looking unto Jesus and doing what He would do, love God and your neighbours. What is your hope? A beautiful crown, of which God is the rewarder.

Run your race, you will make it! Don’t give up.

56

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Faith

A time for competitive compassion Standing in the need of mercy

N

igerians have been groping for solutions to the multilayered problems of the country. Given the near futility of practically all the solutions proffered, that search must continue, even if things often seem hopeless.

Between the cancerous Boko Haram insurgency, unemployment, institutionalised corruption and the dreadful Ebola disease, life’s uncertainties drive many to near desperation. The sudden increase in suicide cases all over the country can be a pointer to the general atmosphere. While we seek to prevent anarchy in areas of relative calm in the country, it is important to prioritise the rehabilitation of those who have been displaced, wounded, marginalised or destabilised. The mission of Jesus, the Saviour correlates with that kind of action precisely because He declared at the beginning of His mission: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind; to free the oppressed and announce the Lord’s year of mercy” (Lk. 4: 18-19). And, yes, mercy is what we all need to show with empathy towards those whom through no fault of theirs have got caught up in the spiral of violence in

Firm faith: right reason by Most Rev. Emmanu el Ade Badejo

Tel: 08039494219 Email: fradebadejo@yahoo.

Nigeria. The situation of our country directly calls for the establishment of an army of mercy to make God’s promise come to reality among us with the milk of compassion and empathy.

When I was homeless Empathy is exactly what will qualify all arrivals at the Last Judgment, of which Jesus gave us a preview in the gospels. For I was hungry and you fed me.

I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me into your house. I was naked and you clothed me.

I was sick and you visited me” (Matt 25: 35-36). This was exactly what motivated the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, CBCN, who at their second plenary for the year 2014 held in Warri Delta State from September 12 – 19, 2014, issued a press statement entitled: ‘While Nigeria Bleeds and Burns,’ to address matters of the moment in the country. The plight of thousands of displaced

Nigerians rendered helpless and disoriented by the insurgency was paramount in the statement.

They mandated their CARITAS (charity/emergency) office to immediately provide funds and succour to all affected people as is within the conference’s capacity to do. Having begun that charity ‘at home,’” they called on all Nigerians to follow suit.

“We urge government and every endowed Nigerian to reach out in charity and solidarity to rehabilitate and support our displaced brothers and sisters wherever they are and so to sustain our God-given human dignity.”

Not for government alone There will be no respite in the suffering of many Nigerians caught between terrorists and the Nigerian State if relief and plans for a better future were left to the government alone. The Bishops’ statement revealed: “Our second Annual Plenary meeting in Warri Diocese, Delta State has

been daily strained by first-hand and horrifying reports reaching us from Borno, Yobe, Admawa, Taraba, Kano and Kaduna states about the mass slaughter of fellow Nigerians; the burning and sacking of whole villages and churches and rectories. Families and individuals are forced to seek places of refuge outside their invaded homes and lands.” It was a modest summary of a reality which had forced the Bishop of Yola diocese to abandon the meeting to return to his diocese in order to personally coordinate humanitarian services for thousands of displaced families who had been pouring into churches in his diocese. We may not all be able to stop explosions or gunshots but surely we all can extend a hand of mercy and compassion to whoever may have been a victim of the woeful situation in Nigeria. It is right and just that we do.

Many rivers to cross Even if insurgency, the major cause of current extreme distress in parts of Nigeria were to end suddenly today it would still take considerable effort and time to restore normalcy to the lives of thousands of Nigerians affected by the crisis. The CBCN in the final communique, touched three key areas in which Nigeria needs healing; religious freedom, patriotism and unity of the nation. They said: “We profoundly affirm the right to religious freedom and free

expression as entrenched in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This right does not stop with freedom to choose, practice and express one’s faith which is fatally denied in some parts of our nation, but includes the opportunity to contribute to the building up of the society as free partners in progress. This presupposes public recognition and respect for authentic religious values that meet the human deepest concerns, capable of furnishing ethical motivation for personal and social responsibilities.”

The issue of religious freedom has been treated with levity and hypocrisy on many occasions. As regards patriotism and national unity, the Bishops said: “The journey to nationhood may be long and tortuous, but it is possible with courage and determination.

The country’s unity is on trial due to corruption, waves of criminality and terrorism. Corruption is ferociously destroying the fabric of our society. Generally, there is a cynical abuse of power in governance with impunity, to the extent that the rights of citizens are constantly violated.” They emphasised that good governance is a sure tool for setting the country back on the path of greatness.

Those who wish to belong to the army of mercy and are in the position to change things also have an obligation to secure the future of the country in this manner if a new Nigeria will ever be created.

Break up your fallow ground

“B

ehold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 God wants you to break new grounds in every area of your life, He wants you to aspire to new horizons. There are new grounds to break and thrones to occupy – in business, the banking profession and even in ministry. God wants to push you beyond where you are into your throne today.

You have existed at a particular level before now. You have occupied certain ground for so long but God is talking about something new.

Yesterday’s achievement will dwindle to irrelevance if you don’t break new grounds. Yesterday’s glory and attainment will become stories if you don’t break new grounds. You cannot afford to remain on the same spot forever; all the while you have been doing the

same things and getting the same results. Break new grounds and stop marking time.

Where you are is too tight; that shop, that office space is too small to accommodate you. God wants to change your status (Isaiah 54:2-3, Hosea 10:12) Fallow ground means uncultivated or virgin land i.e. there are unused opportunities and resources around you which God wants you to tap.

Keys to breaking new ground 1. Forget the past – (Isaiah 43:18) To break new grounds you must learn to forget your past. Your past mistakes will only discourage you from reaching for bigger things.

Forget your past achievements because they are good distractors to what lies ahead. Phil 3:13-14; press further, until you press, you may be depressed and if you do not press, you would soon be pressed down.

Except you allow the past to go, the future will not open up. The future ahead is mightier than the

past behind you. There is nothing you need that is in your past. All you want is in your future – marriage, job, the house you want to live, the car you want to drive, your financial breakthrough, are all in front of you.

Move on with life and stop crying over the past.

2. Dream a new dream – (Gen. 37:5) If you want to move to your next level and break new grounds, then you must dream new dreams, think new thoughts, make new plans, write new proposals, take new steps, set new targets and a new agenda for your life.

•If you had a dream and it did not work out for whatever reason, forget it and dream another. A new dream will wipe off the old one. When Joseph dreamt the first dream and his brethren hated him, before they were done he had dreamed another (vs. 9).

When Isaac dug the well and the Philistines came to cover it, he did not give up on his dreams; he simply moved on and dug another (Gen 26:18-22).

• Don’t let your last disappointment keep you from marching forward. Has anyone disappointed you? What really happened was that your destiny was too heavy for him to carry. He was not the one who disappointed you; it was God that removed him because he was not qualified.

3. Step out in faith – (Matt 14:2832) Launch out in faith, don’t be held

back by fear. Go for it, go for your new ground, start that business, resign from that mediocre job, acquire some skills, wax that record, apply for that position, take a leap of faith.

You may not be qualified by their standards but God will make you qualify.

You never know how far you can go until you step out. Peter never knew he could walk on water until he stepped out of the boat. For you to experience extraordinary explosion, you must be prepared to launch out of your comfort zone. Peter stepped out by faith and God met him midway. Until you step out in faith don’t expect God’s support. Many have been on the same spot for years because they are afraid, they have forgotten the scriptures in Job 22:29.

John 1:5; Light does not wait for darkness to go before manifesting, light shines even when darkness abounds. Everything you see great men do they started by faith. Everything you see people do that is amazing comes through faith. If a man wants to see all facts and figures fully assembled, he won’t start anything.

Matt11:12 è “and from the days of John the Baptist, until now…” The good things of life are not prepared to deliver themselves up on a platter of gold – you have to strive or fight for them and even pay to acquire and that takes violent action.

It does not matter whether nobody in your family has ever achieved it, step out violently in faith. When you do your own part, God will back you

up.

Psalm37:23 è “the steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord and he delights in his ways.”

When the righteous take steps, God orders and supports them. But if they don’t take a step, there will be nothing for God to order! God needs your faith. He needs your steps in order to create a miracle.

The reason you have not seen a greater glory is because you have not taken a new step (Deut11:24) 4. Get a word from God – I Kings 17:2-6 Before Peter stepped into the water, Jesus said, ‘Come.’ Elijah survived in the season of famine because he heard ‘a word.’ You also need a word from God. God knows all the ways – both spiritual and physical. I release the word of liberty, grace, freedom, promotion, lifting, breakthrough, testimony, celebration and your time to break new grounds has come. When others are in famine, you will be in plenty.

You will break new grounds, have new results, go to your next level. Your doors of blessings are opened like never before, heaven has remembered you and you shall manifest in Jesus name.

I know you have been blessed.

Write and share your testimonies, comments, etc., through; info@thehebrewsng.com. You can also listen to messages on our podcast at www.thehebrewsng.com/podcast.

Rev’d Femi Akinola – The Hebrews International, Lekki, Lagos

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Faith

MYSTERY OF ANXIETY with

Bishop John Ogbansie gbe

A

gain, if you don’t exercise patience, you may cut your plant, destroy your seeds and collect or harvest unripe fruits. In Genesis 26:13, the Bible recorded that there was a famine in the land, and Isaac wanted to go away with his family into Egypt; but the Lord told him to stay back in that land. Isaac obeyed the Lord. In Genesis 26:12-13, Isaac sowed the seed which he had preserved for a long time, waiting for a better time to act according to divine instructions and directions. The Bible recorded that the Lord gave him a hundredfold harvest. He became very rich and very great. Make sure you always obey the voice of the Lord at all times and in all circumstances. There is always a great reward in obeying the Lord.

Whenever it is time to sow, listen to the voice of God. God will tell you what to sow, how to sow and when to sow. If

Tel:08033416327

you obey God in exactitude, you shall enjoy a mighty harvest like Isaac. God shall give you a hundredfold harvest.

You will always have seeds with you. What you do with them matters.

Plan your seed sowing because there is no good harvest for careless sowing. People will eat orange, pawpaw and foreign pear and throw away the seed in a garbage heap around somebody’s compound. After a few weeks, they will be surprised to see the fruits of those seeds growing in the custody and possession of their neighbour; and this should have been theirs. The next day, they will use their own money to buy the same foreign pear from the market within their vicinity, not knowing that they were the ones that brought the seeds into the town originally.

Name your seed and sow purposefully. Know why you are sowing the seed. Pray and

Make yourself indispensible before God

hold unto God in faith for a good harvest. Keep and preserve your seeds like Isaac did. Some people eat their seeds; some people as well misplace their seeds while a whole lot of other visionless people throw them away.

They end up reaping nothing because they sowed nothing.

There are seeds meant for sowing and seeds meant for eating. Know which one to sow at the right time. Sow more than you eat and do not eat more than you sow. When you eat more than you sow, you are laying the foundation for poverty. Aforesaid, the period between sowing and reaping requires patience.

In view of this fact, the word of God says, “For since the beginning of the world, men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eyes seen O God beside what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him.” (Isaiah 64:4). Exercise patience in the presence of God; patiently wait for your miracles and he shall grant you the desire of your heart.

I shall escape ‘cos of the blood of Jesus

T

here are days marked RED. These are day’s the DEVIL has earmarked to strike and

attack.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand”.

(Eph. 6:13).

The scriptures refer to EVIL DAYS as: Day of Amazement (1 Peter 3:6) Day of Trouble Day of Rebuke 2 Kings 19:3 Day of Blasphemy Day of Insult Zephaniah 1:15 – 16 refers to this evil day as: Day of Wrath Day of Trouble Day of Distress Day of Waste (wasting people lives, money and prosperity).

Day of Desolation Day of Darkness Day of Gloom Day of Clouds Day of Thick Darkness Day of Trumpet (Alarm For War) Day of War Cries Day Against Fenced Cities Day Against Towers Day Against strongholds, etc.

These are Days people are taken unawares. These are Days of Accidents, Deaths, Armed Robbery attacks, Sickness and various types of attacks and assault that cause sorrow to many per-

sons. These are Days marked RED in the Diaries of the Enemies concerning persons and families.

It should be noted that everyday does not go down well with those who fight or attack. In their own way, they try to find out the days and times they would succeed when they attack.

In the case of Haman’s plot against the Jews, you would discover that they cast the lot (called Pur in those people’s tongue) to choose the appropriate Day they would succeed in eliminating the Jews.

Left with them alone, they would not choose almost a year ahead, but could have done it almost immediately.

In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the month of Nisan, they cast the pur (that is, the lot) in the presence of Haman to select a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar (Esther 3:7 NIV).

These EVIL DAYS are the days they feel that they would mostly likely succeed, unknown to their victims.

Some persons might have dreams or a premonition of disaster about those days.

However, whether I have a premonition or not, I believe the Word of God that before I step into any of such Days, the Blood of Jesus would go there and speak peace, victo-

ry and mercy for me to God. I believe and have great confidence that: The Blood of Jesus will speak for me on that Day of Trouble.

The Blood of Jesus will speak for me and my people on every Day of Distress planned by the enemy.

The Blood of Jesus will speak for me and my people on Days of waste and set us free.

The Blood of Jesus will speak for me and my people or the Days of Desolation planned by Satan, and I will smile.

The Blood of Jesus will speak for me and my people on the Days of darkness and we shall escape.

The Blood of Jesus shall speak for me and my people on the Days of clouds and I shall succeed.

The Blood of Jesus shall speak for me and my people on the Days of gloom and we shall rejoice.

The Blood of Jesus shall speak for me and my people on the EVIL Days and the enemies shall be disappointed.

The Blood of Jesus shall speak for me and the enemies will fall into their own traps and we shall smile.

The Blood of Jesus shall speak for me and my people on the Days of Thick Darkness and we shall prevail over the enemies.

The Blood of Jesus shall

Do not sow erroneously on wrong grounds or soil.

Many people sow on wrong grounds, they sow on cultic evil altars and demonic prophets. Consequently, they reap wrongly.

You give alms or help to the poor and needy, not seed, while you sow seed for a harvest in the house of God. In consideration of the realities of sowing and reaping, the word of God again has this to say, “But this I say, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposed in his heart, so let him give grudgingly or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver and God is able to make all grace abound towards you, that ye always having all sufficiency in all things you may abound to every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

God loves a cheerful giver. This means that God has them permanently in

his heart. They are special people with God. God does not joke with them. They are indispensible before God. Make yourself important and indispensible before God today by joining the club of cheerful givers. In Genesis 8:22, God declared that while the earth remaineth, seed time and harvest time shall never cease.

The difference between here and there is ‘T’ and that ‘T’ means time. There must be a ‘T’ for you ‘here’ to become There. If you do not patiently wait on God for His divine timing, known as ‘The appointed time,’ God will not give it to you.

According to Isaiah 64:4, God has prepared so much for those who patiently wait for Him and on Him. Sow your seed faith and patiently wait for your harvest. He is a faithful God. As you begin today to sow your seed faith like never before, may God package and deliver to you, a hundredfold overflow of harvest in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

WORD OF LIFE by

Bishop Moses Kat tey Tel: 08087707486, Email: moseskattey@yahoo.co.uk

speak for me and my people on the Days of Amazement and the enemies themselves shall perish and we will give our testimonies.

The Blood of Jesus shall speak for me and my people on the Days of Distress and we shall laugh at them as they regret.

I know I will live long as far as I have faith in the Blood of Jesus that ‘speaketh’ better things than the blood of Abel. The Blood of Jesus shall always speak peace, victory, success, healings, breakthrough and long life for me.

Whether I have premonition of what the Devil planned for me and my people or not, one thing I know is that the Blood of Jesus speaks for us and I know that we will be free to live long.

WHY I LIVE As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me, he also will live because of me (John 6:57).

The Pharisees and many Jews did not see any reason why the Lord Jesus Christ should live. They wanted Him dead. Jesus said He was living, not necessarily because of the Pharisees and

those Jews, but the Father asked Him to live because of Him. Many persons may not feel the need for me to live, but I am not going to live long for their sake. I will live long because the Lord Jesus wants me ALIVE. Those who want to eliminate you may not have reasons to let you live, but the Lord Jesus says: “I have a thousand and one reasons why I want you to live.” So, I live because of the Lord Jesus Christ. You too should find this reason very important – to live because of your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

I shall live long because of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I shall live by His Power.

I shall live by His Word.

His word sustains the entire world without a pillar so His word shall sustain me till old age. I know that I shall live long, not by my power or by my efforts but by the Word and by the power of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, because of Jesus.

The Lord Jesus Himself will ensure that circumstances that bring about death be kept off from you.

58

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Faith

Look up, your redemption is near

THE Oracles of God by

Frank Oboden Olomukoro frankolomukoro@yahoo.com, 07033621866

“M

en’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:26-28) To be redeemed and separated from this world in the rapture is the final act in the counsel of God in His plan of salvation. The Rapture signifies that in all verity, judgment will begin in the house of God among professing Christians, whether their faith is standing on the WORD of God or on the TRADITIONS of their denominations. “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us (when the rapture separates the wheat from the tares, the wise virgin from the foolish virgins, the sheep from the goat), what shall the end be of them that obey not

the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17).

The separation by His angels, that is earthly ministers, preeminently His Word that comes to the prophets shall declare the mind of God in a ‘thus saith the Lord.’ Whoever accepts will be justified, but whoever rejects will be condemned.

“The son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend and them which do iniquity.” (Matt. 13:41). Oh! Dear reader, how is your faith? You must be separated to the Word of God to be among the redeemed awaiting the final redemption.

What is taking place now from the daily news? Bible prophecy is being fulfilled on all levels.

The Lord Himself repeatedly pointed out what would take place at the end and said unto us, “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28). The entire earth is affected by wars, unrest, famines and natural disasters in one way or another. Diseases never known before are plaguing

people on a global scale - cancer, HIV/AIDS, Ebola and a host of others. This is the visible, natural side of the end-time events, which many can see and classify as such.

There is increasing tension in the world as the rapture draws nearer and nearer. Many are in distress because of social injustice, unemployment, the drastic rise in crime, drug abuse, illnesses which were not known before, natural catastrophes of every kind over which we have no influence, disturbances and daily news about terrorism, insurgences and turmoil in nations. The ongoing changes in the climate and the environment are unstoppable. Many confess fearfully that they don’t understand this world again. It takes people who find grace in the sight of God like Daniel to read and understand this handwriting correctly - the message of warning showing the way of escape. It must be the message of the hour, based on the predictions of God’s word for our time.

The attention of true believers, however, must be directed to the promises that were given to the church for the last time period in the plan of salvation.

At the first coming of Christ, it was initially about the promise: “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me… (Mal. 3:1). When the time was fulfilled, the Angel Gabriel gave Zacharias the announcement of the birth and told him which promises were to be fulfilled in the ministry of John the Baptist. (Luke 1:13-17). “And many of the children of Israel shall be turned to the Lord their God.” (Luke 1:16). This is how it took place. Not the scribes but the one promised prophet was to turn the hearts – not the heads – of the Old Testament fathers to the faith of the children of the New Covenant.

Everything in the kingdom of God is taking place the way the Lord promised it in His word. As we look up for His second coming in the Rapture, our attention is again drawn to the promise. Thus saith the Lord: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” (Mal. 4:5). The Lord Himself emphasised that through the future ministry of Elijah, all things would be restored to their proper condition. The message entrusted to Brother Branham, the midnight prophet and

Elijah, was to forerun the second coming of Christ. Indeed, through his proclamation, the hearts of the children of God were to be turned to the original word; to the faith of the apostles, the faith of the fathers as it was in the early church.

We can testify to this. Today, this scripture and with it the promise is fulfilled before our eyes.

The message of the full, unaltered, everlasting Gospel was to forerun the second coming of Christ and is continuing to do just that – and this is the Word which is declared unto you. (1 Peter 1:25) “We have also a more sure Word of prophecy; where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts…” (2 Peter 1:19). “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20) There is absolutely no room for church tradition and misinterpretation. Every creed and dogma is a false doctrine and brings confusion. Only the word is the truth and remains forever, and only those who abide in the word can be sanctified therein (John 17:17) and shall be with the LORD in the air. (Hebrew 12:14).

Don’t trade your destiny for your feelings

T

he Bible says in Proverbs 25:28; “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”

I have been dealing with emotions and have been using the same scripture to buttress the essence of self-control. You have to tame your emotions before they control your destiny.

I am dealing with what I call ‘emotional intelligence,’ to bring you in conformity with the will of God and with the purpose of God, which is your divine enthronement.

God is not a man that He should lie neither is He the son of man that He should repent. Everything that God said that is what He will do. The word of God is settled forever.

God never changes; situations may change, circumstances may change, but God remains the same yesterday, today and forever.

So when God says this is your year of enthronement, that is what it is.

If you follow me and my teachings this year carefully, and you take steps to do what the Holy Spirit teaches through me, you will not regret it. You will

find yourself on a throne that is bigger than your mind ever imagined.

You have heard people say to you: ‘Control yourself.’ That is the biggest advice you can ever get.

The best and most sincere thing is to control yourself because if you don’t have rule over your own spirit, you are like a city that is broken down and has no walls.

In other words, when people say to you: ‘Control yourself,’ they are preaching to you the best message because everything about you and your outcome is about your feelings.

Your feelings give direction to your life, your feelings are the things that attract your life and they are the things that eventually manifest in physical reality, whether they are negative or positive. In one of the past teachings, I talked about the 150 billions cells that you rule over. They obey you, whatever your feelings are, that is what they carry out; your wish is their command.

It doesn’t matter: when you say you are depressed they would generate anything that brings about depression and you will find yourself having a basket-

ful of it. And that is why as a matter of necessity you must motivate yourself to have good feelings.

Whenever you look at the structure of your body, you find that everything about you is feelings-oriented. God created you and covered your body with a blanket called skin that is generated with a capacity to feel.

Now look at the next level: your eyes, your mouth, your ears are agents of feelings. What your eyes see, provokes what you feel; what your ears hear provokes how you feel; what people say provokes how you feel; what you even smell in the air can generate a feeling. In other words, everything that God structured in your body is about feelings.

Feelings are so instrumental and so strategic to your outcome.

No matter how important feelings are, you are not to be led by them – whether negative or positive, you are not to be moved by feelings. You are only going to be led by one thing and moved by one thing and that one thing is God’s word. There is only one thing that is settled in heaven and that is the word of God. There is only

Taming your Emotions

by Bishop Lawrence Osagie Tel: 08063250667, mail:powerlineministries@mail.com, www.powerlineministriesinc.org

one thing that God watches over to perform and that is His word. Heaven may pass away, there is only one thing that will not pass away and that is the word of God. Your feelings can change any time; you can be happy one moment and be sad the next. But that should not determine what you believe and how you are led. No! If you allow your feelings to lead you, you will end up in a yoyo life. The graphics of your development will be up and down but the word of God gives you a consistent upward movement when it is plotted graphically.

You have to stay in the word; you should be led by the word not by your feelings. I am not moved by what I see; I am not moved by what I hear; I am not moved by what I smell; I am not moved by what I taste but I am moved by one thing and that is the word

of God that never fails. He upholds all things by the word of His power. Therefore, feelings don’t bother me anymore. It is what God has to say, what the word that God watches over – that is what moves me.

You know why feelings must not move you, especially good feelings? It is because you can be manipulated. Good feelings have been used to manipulate and control people’s choices before. What do you think 419 people and cassanovas do? They stir up your good feelings, they appeal to your good feelings, they appeal to your excitement. So, they dangle a carrot before you and make you like it. When they make you like it, you are ready to bring out the money in your account so you can have that carrot.

Good feelings stir up your appetite.

ADVERTISE YOUR CHURCH EVENTS, SPECIAL PROGRAMMES, CONVENTIONS AND OTHER CHURCH ACTIVITIES ON THESE PAGES. CONTACT: TAI ON 07064380029

Sport 59

SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

Interview

Etim Esin: Sad to see ex-soccer stars die in penury p.60

Eagles

NFF Elections: The contenders and the pretenders p.60

Golf

Matthew Jacobs: Golf has made progress in 54 years p.61

Ekeji: Political expediency ruined sports

Mikel

EPL

Rooney sees red in Man Utd win p.62

Sunday Team

Deputy Sports Editor Dapo Sotuminu Golf Reporter Ifeanyi Ibeh Graphics Edwin Usoboh © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

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Dapo Sotuminu he former Director-General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Chief Patrick Ekeji, has expressed his displeasure on the present state of Nigerian sports after 54 years of independence.

He said though sports have done well so far in Nigeria but it is not where it’s supposed to be, this he said has been due to political interference as the government of the day consistently for 54 years sacrificed the sports sector on the altar of political expediency and used it as a dumping ground.

He told the New Telegraph on Sunday in an exclusive interview that, the bane of Nigerian sports remains the seemingly unending tendency of the political class to continuously make appointments that is always politically expedient.

“We have to be less sentimental when it comes to appointments and all of that. Appointments come without recourse to the growth and development of the sports sector. Since independence until date, Sports Ministers appointed are those without any background in sports. This has drastically pulled us back. It is a major challenge and I am sure you will agree with me because I was there in the Sports Ministry for a long time.

“I don’t think there is another Nigerian aside from me that spent time so much time in sports in this country. It was from my primary to

the secondary school, intermediate and to the university and finally administration. When you put these together, I spent all my active life in active sports as an athlete and ultimately an administrator so I think I know what I am talking about.”

The former Green Eagles defender who later coached the team, revealed that: “Even when you want to do the right things, you are breathed down on and not allowed to do so, as you are being guided by directives from your superiors who are not sports technocrats. This has particular been a very big challenge.

I strongly believe that somewhere along the line, we will get it right by when the most suitable candidate is put in that position.

Ekeji who also served as the Sports

Ministry’s Director, Research, Planning and Statistics noted that, for him he thinks Nigerian sports have done well in 54 years. From independence until date it has not been a bad one for the country, but I still believe that we could have done better barring some factors which mitigated the further development of the sector in Nigeria.

“If we are looking at Nigerian sports since independence we have to do so from a broad base: This must include facilities participation, administration and management. Of course, by 1960 the administration and management of sports was largely run by our Colonial Masters, it was under the school system controlled by the Ministry of Education.

Patrick Ekeji

But with time, sport has been able to get out of the other large imposing structures of government like education, social welfare and health. And now it stands out. I believe that in achievements, we have not done too badly but you will also agree with me that we could have done better.

“In terms of facilities we have upped the number; in fact these facilities have not been put to optimal use. The federal government put those facilities in place across the country. So in terms of availability of sports facilities we have done well, but the number of youths that had taken part in sports has been few compared to the expectations of those who put those facilities in place.”

The federal government has various facilities across the country which have not been used to their full potential, same with the state governments. So, I can rightly say that in terms of facilities Nigeria has done well, but the number of youths that have gone to take part in sports has also been very few compared to the facilities provided in the country.

He stressed that funding has not been too bad, but still inadequate.

“The funding in sport is not enough to take Nigeria to where other top sporting nations across the world have gotten to and this is very sad. continues on Page 61

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SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sport/Interview

Etim Esin: Sad to see ex-soccer stars die in penury The concluding part

What is your greatest moment in football?

My greatest moment in football was when I wore the Nigerian jersey playing for the Super Eagles.

That was my happiest moment that my dream came true playing for my fatherland. It was the match against Gabon in 1988 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Do you have any regret playing for Nigeria?

The regret is when you see the treatment meted out to Sam Okwaraji who died playing for Nigeria at the National Stadium, Lagos in 1989 against Angola. They just put one Statue in front of the stadium, no Foundation and the federal government has done nothing to remember him. And the poor treatments they are meting out to ex-internationals always make me sad. It so sad seeing soccer stars who played side-by-side with me in the national team of Nigeria die in penury, players like Thompson Oliha, Chris Anigala and so many more. It is very painful; I think we need a leader in the NFF that would bring NANF and APFON together so that they can plan for better life for ex-internationals and ex-players generally.

In the next few weeks, an Olympic Stadium will be opened in your state Akwa Ibom. Are you in any of the programmes of event?

They say charity begins at home, if they believe that I deserve such recognition so be it and if it is the opposite, no problem life continues. I have already surrendered my life and I don’t need to start pursuing anything, nothing matters to me in life anymore. My focus now is just to see my kids grow and see my family do well that is important to me, but the rest I leave it to God. It’s all good.

If they deem it fit that Etim Esin should be recognised one day in Akwa Ibom so be it and if they think otherwise, it is all good.

Multi-choice has been doing this Football Legend show; ask me how many Akwa Ibomites have been called to do the legend show, ask me, may be two or three, if not even one except Friday Ekpo. If you want to talk about Akwa Ibom football legends you talk about Etim Esin, Friday Ekpo and others. We lost one of us Uwem Ekarika. How many of us left? We are very few and we can’t even recognise our own it is a very sad situation.

When did you start playing serious football?

I started playing serious football with Calabar Rovers in 1984 when I left Methodist Boys High School, Oron. I joined the club directly from school because of my talent.

It was Coach Charles Bassey that picked up

from secondary school. After playing for Rovers, I moved to Flash Flamengos of Benin. From here the journey took me to Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri in 1987, it was from here that I moved to Belgium to play professional football in Europe after the U-20 World Cup in Chile.

Stephen Keshi had earlier moved to Belgium in 1986 from his former club in Cote d’ Ivoire before we joined him in 1987.

How was the journey like in Belgium?

My journey in Belgium was a mixed fortune as I had some good and not too pleasant at the end of the day. I joined Ghent FC in 1987.

That was my first club in Europe.

The team had been in Nigeria for a pre-season tour sponsored by Pepsi-Cola then and they picked me from here. We were two who were picked; it was together with Augustine Eguavoen.

When I left Ghent I joined Lokeren, from here I moved to S.K Lierse, which was my last club in Belgium before my rape case came up.

I was moving to SC Braga of Portugal before that incident happened. I already signed a contract with the club.

What really happened?

I was leaving for Portugal to my new club for a bigger deal, but my white girlfriend who I had no plan to marry framed me up. When I told her I was planning to move to Portugal it was big trouble. I had a very good contract in Belgium as a young man, I was doing well and I had no reason to rape anybody.

It was a total frame up more so when they knew I was young immigrant, naive and full of youthful distractions. I paid the price; I thank God that I am alive today.

While playing in Nigeria did you win any club laurel?

Yes, I did. I won the FA Cup title with Julius Berger FC of Lagos in 1996 when the late Chief Daniel Idama was the club chairman. This was my only club laurel in Nigeria; I didn’t win any title while at Calabar Rovers, Flash Flamingos and Iwuanyanwu Nationale. The best level I got was the finals of the FA Cup. I also won bronze with Flash Flamingos.

Etim Esin

NFF Elections:

The contenders and the pretenders Uchegbulam

Abba Yola

Pinnick

Iorfa

Umeh

Dikko

Dapo Sotuminu

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he Elections into the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, would finally be coming up in Warri, Delta state on Tuesday September 30 after series of postponement.

For the first time in the 65 years history of the country’s football, seven candidates would be battling for the position of the NFF presidency. In time past it used to be an unopposed candidate just giving an acceptance speech or two candidates with variant backings; one a government nominee and the other an unrepentant lone ranger.

The situation is different today as we have Amaju Pinnick, Shehu Dikko, Taiwo Ogunjobi, Mike Umeh, Abba Yola, Dominic Iorfa and Amanze Uchegbulam all contesting for the exalted position. They have all been cleared by the NFF Electoral Committee.

Out of these top notched Nigerian sports administrators hoping to hold the country’s number one football position, there are contenders and pretenders.

Amaju Pinnick the Delta Sports Commission’s boss has the support of his state governor who has been campaigning for him openly, but this may not be enough. Amaju’s pivot campaign to produce more FIFA graded referees is rather too pedestrian for such a serious position. The fear that the ‘sports whiz kid’ would take the mould of deposed NFA boss, Kojo Williams, is rife, a situation that may work against him in Tuesday’s election. Kojo was renowned for his arrogant style

Ogunjobi

of leadership and lack of respect for other stakeholders in his 90 days reign as NFA boss. Pinnick’s unalloyed drive for private participation in sports in Delta remains his strong point. He falls into the class of a contender.

Shehu Dikko believed to be the crowned prince of the outgoing NFF boss, Aminu Maigari is confident that Maigari would on his behalf win the hearts of his supporters who are basically the states’ Football Associations’ chairmen. His strong point was his quiet input to the excellent workings of the League Management Company, LMC. Aside from this, Dikko has not been relevant in the development of Nigerian football at the highest level. He is not known in the football circle. He is clearly a contender.

For Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, the Osun FA boss, he has the pedigree and the maturity to successfully manage the affairs of the NFF. His direct international experience stood him out from the lots, let alone his excellent managerial skills as former General Secretary of the NFF. His involvement with former NFF president Sani Lulu and former vice chairman Amanze Uchegbulam may be a cog in his wheel. In politics being the best candidate for a position may not be an added advantage, as the electorates will decide with their votes. Ogunjobi is obviously a contender.

Mike Umeh, NFF first vice president is hell bent on succeeding his boss as president but his uncoordinated mode of campaign and aggressive succession bid

may be his Achilles heel. Before this coming election, he has been acting president of the NFF twice in manners that were unpleasant to football stakeholders. He openly indicted Aminu Maigari for financial misappropriation.

Umeh is obviously not a popular candidate for the September 30 election.

In the case of Abba Yola, he has vast experience in sports administration as a retired senior staff of the National Sports Commission, but he has little experience in the management of football.

After his retirement he served as chairman of Kano Pillars Football club, this was short-lived. Contesting for the post of the NFF president may be an uphill task for Abba Yola.

The vice chairman of Lobi Stars, Dominic Iorfa, from all indications would have to perform more than a magic to appeal to the NFF Congressional electorates to vote for him to become the federation’s president. His undoing remains his short temper.

This overrides his deep pockets which may be immaterial in this situation. For Iorfa who is a former board member of the NFF, it would be easy for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for Iorfa to win the NFF presidential election in Warri.

Amanze Uchegbulam, a former vice president of the NFF during Sani Lulu’s era would have fared better contesting for the position of the vice president once again.

The controversial Imo FA chairman still nurse some grudges against the present board of the NFF and he is still classed as ‘enemy at the door.’

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

Golf Weekly Matthew Jacobs: Golf has made progress in 54 years

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Stories by Ifeanyi Ibeh

former leader of the Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria, PGAN, Matthew Jacobs, has declared that the sport of golf has made tremendous progress in Nigeria in the last 54 years.

He told New Telegraph on Sunday at the Ikoyi Golf Club 1938 in Lagos that: “Golf has made so much progress, especially professional golf in Nigeria. Pro golf started in Nigeria in 1967, seven years after the country’s independence. The Nigeria Tobacco Company sponsored an expatriate to come and set up pro golf in Nigeria. His name was John Norsworthy. He had a contract of five years. I was one of the first set of beneficiaries of professional golf in Nigeria and was also trained to take over the running of pro golf in the country. At that time, we had only five professionals, but today we have well over 200 professionals in Nigeria.”

Jacobs

Nigeria Cup begins in Ikoyi

•As 80 lady golfers battle for supremacy

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he 2014 edition of the Nigeria Cup holding at the Ikoyi Club 1938 officially flagged off with a tee-off as the Children’s Tournament took the centre stage yesterday with 50 active players in attendance.

It was a competition between locally-based Nigerian golfers and some selected foreign players.

The vice-captain of the Ikoyi Club who also doubles as the Chairman, Organising Committee for the Nigeria Cup, Tony Onwu, expressed delight over the large presence of the event’s sponsors who were on ground to watch the kid players as they took to the course.

He noted that with what he saw, Nigeria will surely discover yet another player in the mould of Anita Uwadia who represented the country at the South Africa Open, where she placed second, and the British Kiddies Open, where she was voted the best from Africa.

It would be the turn of the caddies to take to the course on Monday, September 29, and Onwu stated that, the emphasis of the caddies’ event is to develop them as most world class golfers once started out as caddies.

On Tuesday, September 30, it would be the turn of the ladies to compete, with 80 of them pencilled down to battle for supremacy in a section that has been tagged very active.

From the 80 participants, 30

would be presented by the host club, while the remainder would come from other golf clubs across the country.

The Independence Carnival of Golf has been scheduled to take place on Wednesday October 1.

And Onwu noted that it would be a day of style where the freshness of golf would be emphasised and the sports would be linked with arts. He revealed that 200 amateur golfers are expected to play on October 1.

Meanwhile, Thursday, October 2 has been set aside for the Professional Tournament where the resident professionals at the Ikoyi Club will battle for honours against pros from other clubs, with a cash prize of N3milion set to be shared among the winners.

On Friday, October 3 the Guests and Veterans Cup would begin with about 200 players participating. After the day’s competition, there would be an active cocktail in the evening which would be capped with the prize giving ceremony.

The Nigeria Cup proper has been fixed for Saturday October 4, and it would be a battle of 130 players who have gone through a strenuous qualification series.

Onwu stated that this year’s edition of the Nigeria Cup is an effort to link golf with what is happening in the society, adding that, this year’s emphasis is on infrastructure aimed at keeping the Ikoyi Club Golf course as green as ever.

Anita Uwadia

He added: “Pro-players today live very well, earning good money playing golf; it wasn’t like that in my active days. Before I retired I was making a little over N300,000 at the end of every year, but today we have the best professionals making over N25million in a year. Golf has grown well in Nigeria.”

Despite the achievements made by the country’s golf players, Jacobs said he was still not satisfied because in 54 years only one Nigerian has participated in a major golf challenge in the world, which was the British Open.

“Peter Akakasiaka participated for the first time in the British Open in 1989 and that was the last time any Nigerian had international presence at that level. When I was in charge of the PGAN we were able to send some Nigerian players abroad for training and they also took part in international competitions.

“We need more sponsors so that our pros can play side-by-side with their counterparts from Europe, America and other parts of the world. Until that is done that is when I would be satisfied that we are making great progress.”

Ekeji: Political expediency ruined Nigerian sports C o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 5 9

We should extrapolate this to what it used to be. There have been some attempts by government to encourage the private sector in terms of partnership to build more stadia as those facilities are not cheap to put in place.

The same was done in the area of sponsorship, but very little has been achieved in this area since 1960. The corporate bodies are so adamant to partner with the government on sponsorship despite the soft landing provided by the Ministry of Finance to give tax waivers to sports investors. The response has been discouraging.”

He stated that in terms of performance, Nigeria has produced some Commonwealth champions, world champions and Olympic champions, which was a huge improvement to what the country achieved when we went for our first Commonwealth Games in 1964, way back. “We attended the competition with less than three athletes; today we now go to the Olympics with a good number of our athletes, same for the Commonwealth Games, the World Championship and the All Africa Games.

“In terms of followership, this has increased beyond expectations, in particular football. This development improved football tremendously in the 70s, 80s and early 90s, but dwindled at the turn

of the millennium strictly because of socio-economic factors. It was a reversal that Nigeria suffered.”

Ekeji stated that despite all some of the inadequacies highlighted, Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with in Africa, as far as he is concerned. “We belong to the class of top three in the continent. In the world we have some of our players in top clubs in Europe and our athletes have showed that they can hold their ground in their various sports.

“Having said all of these whether our sports administration is improving in leaps and bounds as it should it’s another issue. I was there for a very long time and I know the kind of challenges I went through. I rose from the post of an Organising Secretary to become the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, NSC. There is a limit to what you can do as a DG as you have to take directives from the Sports Minister. As Director General, you really cannot implement other than what is eventually approved.”

Given these entire scenario, Ekeji agreed that Nigeria has done relatively well, but of course like a typical Nigerian we always want the sky to be our starting point in sports. Our athletes are doing well and we have been going to international competitions where we leave indelible marks. It can be better.

Archer wins Ikeja Cancer Awareness tourney

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he maiden edition of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign Tournament came to a thrilling end at the Ikeja Golf Club with Helen Archer emerging victorious.

Archer netted a score of 74 to beat her closest rival, Lola Mamudu, by one shot to emerge victorious at the end of the oneday competition.

Further down the log standings were Fidelia Victor, who came

third after netting a score of 81, and Busola Joseph, who completed the top-four in the ladies’ category.

Oluyemi Funsho led in the Ladies’ Guests category after shooting a 77, while Love Everwerem, with a score of 79, finished in second place.

Former Lady Captain of Ikoyi Club, Mrs Funke Majekodunmi, was the best in the Veteran Ladies category, finishing a shot ahead of

Mrs. Quaye.

Excited by the turnout at the competition, Lady Captain of the Ikeja Club, Dr. Veronica ChakaAwatai, promised to continue the battle against breast and cervical cancer.

The tournament was sponsored by Diamond Bank, Fidson, Lagoon Hospital, Emzor, Dyna Pharmaceutical, Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Keystone Bank, among others.

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SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sport / News

Eaglets maul Gabon 5-0 in AWC qualifiers

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he Golden Eaglets of Nigeria yesterday at the U.J Esuene Stadium, Calabar mauled their opponent from Gabon in a five goal thriller as they went on rampage to recover from the 2-1 loss suffered on away ground in Libreville, Gabon a fortnight ago.

Eaglets’ chief coach, Emmanuel Amunike, expressed satisfaction on the team’s victory in Calabar after the controversial 2-1 loss in the first leg game that was delayed by one day after the Nigerian lads were held back in Lome, Togo, on the orders of the Gabonese authorities who expressed concerns over the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria. The Eaglets’ lone goal in that match was scored by Victor Osimhen.

The win gave the Emmanuel Amuneke-tutored side a 6-2 aggregate win after they lost 2-1 in Libreville a fortnight ago and a ticket to next year’s Championship to be hosted in Niger between February 15 and March 1.

Among the goals for Nigeria on Saturday were the duo of Ebere Osinachi and Kehinde Ayinde who

Amoo boosts Curle’s Cumbrians

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second-half header from Nigeria-born David Amoo earned Carlisle their first three points of the season as they saw off Tranmere 1-0 to end a dismal 15-game run since their last league victory.

Carlisle started purposefully, but failed to take advantage of early chances which fell to Mark Beck and Patrick Brough, then Brough again went close with a left-foot blast which cannoned off the bar after Bolton loanee Hayden White had squeezed in a cross from the by line on the right.

The breakthrough for Carlisle came in the 72nd minute when Amoo got on the end of Danny Grainger’s right-wing corner to steer his header past the diving Owain Fon Williams from eight yards.

Donnelly could easily have levelled for Tranmere soon after, but turned smartly on the ball in a crowded penalty area before lifting his shot high over from 12 yards.

RESULTS

Barclays Premier League Liverpool 1 - 1 Everton Chelsea 3 - 0 Aston Villa Crystal Palace 2 - 0 Leicester Hull City 2 - 4 Manchester City Man. United 2 - 1 West Ham Southampton 2 - 1 QPR Sunderland 0 - 0 Swansea Arsenal 1 - 1 Tottenham Germany - Bundesliga Mainz 0 - 0 Hoffenheim FC Cologne 0 - 2 Bayern Freiburg 0 - 0 Bayer Leverkusen Paderborn 1 - 2 B/ Mon’bach Schalke 2 - 1 B/Dortmund VfB Stuttgart 1 - 0 Hannover Wolfsburg 2 - 1 Bremen Italy - Serie A Roma 2 - 0 Hellas Verona Spain - Liga BBVA Villarreal 0 – 2 Real Madrid Barcelona 6 - 0 Granada France - Ligue 1 Monaco 0 - 1 Nice

Toulouse 1 - 1 PSG

scored a brace each after Captain Kelechi Nwakali had grabbed the curtain raiser through a penalty.

Captain Kelechi Nwakali scored the resultant penalty kick as he sent the Fotso the other way for Nigeria’s first goal in the 19th minute.

Eleven minutes later, the second goal came through the right flank

yet again when Samuel Chukwueze’s pull out found Ebere Osinachi who wasted no time before pushing the ball into the net.

Chukwueze and Osinachi combined affectively to score the third goal.

Chukwueze could have capped his fine performance with a goal

in the 80th minute but he shot straight over the bar after waltzing his way into the Gabonese post.

But Kehinde Ayinde who came in for injured Michael, grabbed Nigeria’s fourth goal and fifth goal in the 78th minute and 90th minute to the delight of everyone at the U.J Esuene Stadium.

Wayne Rooney is sent off in a 2-1 win for Manchester United

Rooney sees red in Man Utd win

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ayne Rooney was sent off in the second half as Manchester United were forced to cling on for a priceless 2-1 win over West Ham at Old Trafford.

Rooney opened the scoring in the fifth minute for a United side looking to bounce back from last week’s 5-3 loss at Leicester but his 59th minute dismissal for a needless foul on Stewart Downing almost cost them dear.

Robin van Persie had extended United’s lead in the 22nd minute but Diafra Sakho headed the Hammers back into the game in the 37th minute before Rooney’s moment of madness.

The visitors pushed forward in the closing stages and Kevin Nolan had the ball in the net only

for his effort to be ruled out for offside.

Phil Jagielka rifled a shot into the top corner in injury time to earn Everton a dramatic 1-1 draw in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield to start the day’s action.

The hosts looked to have earned what would have been a deserved victory through Steven Gerrard’s 65th-minute free-kick - a record ninth Premier League goal in the fixture for the Reds captain.

But, with 91 minutes on the clock, Jagielka, who had not scored for Everton since April 2013, let fly with an effort that gave Simon Mignolet no chance.

It still leaves Everton without a victory at Anfield since 1999, but

rarely will a point ever have felt so sweet.

Leaders Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 win over Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge to strengthen their position at the top of the table.

Jose Mourinho’s men needed just seven minutes to open the scoring when Oscar knocked home the rebound after Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan had deflected a Willian effort onto the bar.

Diego Costa fired his eighth goal of the season in the 59th minute then Willian got on the scoresheet 11 minutes from time to seal a comfortable victory.

Frank Lampard stepped up again to seal Manchester City’s 4-2 win at Hull despite a first half scare for the champions.

Enitan-Oshodi: Calabar 2014 not for Okagbare

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he Lagos state Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Waheed Enitan-Oshodi, has said that it would be a very sad development if the fastest woman in Africa and in the Commonwealth of Nations and also one of the best female athletes in the world, Blessing Okagbare, come down so low to compete in the 2014 edition of the National Sports Festival tagged the Centenary Games in November.

He noted that, it would be a big shame if Okagbare joins the Delta state team to the Calabar 2014 Sports Festival. “She is a world class athlete; a top notch sprinter in the world like Blessing shouldn’t be competing in a competition like the National Sports Festival, rather if she is on break she should give support to upcoming athletes in her special fields, the women’s 100metres and 200,

Okagbare

and the Long Jump.”

“The Lagos team has been preparing very hard to retain the third position the state finished at the Eko 2012 Festival. It won’t be easy, we have put our preparations on track and the athletes are not losing sleep over the decision of

the National Sports Commission, NSC, to open the Festival a situation that would enable Nigerian professional athletes from across the world to compete.

“We shall be going to Calabar with almost the same athletes that competed in 2012 but with some very few additions as talents abound in Lagos. We are not like some other states that do not prepare their athletes all year round but only wait for a few months to the Festival to start recruiting so as to win at all costs. The get lot of money off their governors to waste on athletes they do not know anything about. Our athletes were selected from the state Sports Festival; we also had the DAWN Games. We have a very young team. We are ready, in the few weeks we shall get news about some specifics from the National Sports Commission.”

Akpan celebrates Eagles’ invitation

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t was a big celebration for Reading FC midfielder, Hope Akpan, when he got the invitation to play for the Nigeria’s national soccer team the Super Eagles in next month’s 2015 Nations Cup qualifiers against Sudan.

The former Everton player could not contain his excitement, as he said he remains grateful for the chance to represent Nigeria at international level.

“I am most delighted to say the least with the Eagles call up. I appreciate all the well wishes.

Akpan, who was born in Liverpool, declared his interest in representing Nigeria, his parents’ country despite being eligible to play for England.

He also said Victor Moses’ choice to play for Nigeria inspired his decision to also want to play for the African champions.

He declared earlier this year that to play for England would also be an honour but for him, but Nigeria is where my heart lies. He stressed that to see a player like Victor Moses who was brought up in the UK play for Nigeria and do well, becoming one of the outstanding players at the 2013 African Nations Cup competition was an inspiration for him.

Akpan now joins the growing list of Nigerian footballers brought up in England who had been called up to feature for the Super Eagles.

Akpan, 23, is one of four new players handed invitations by the Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi. The others are Raheem Lawal, Aaron Samuel and Ugonna Anyora.

SWAN decries DSS intimidation of NFF officials

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embers of the sporting press have expressed worries that Nigeria may still come under FIFA sanctions if the rash and indiscriminate harassment of some officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is not checked.

In a statement, made by Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos Chapter, signed by its chairman, Mr. Fred Edoreh, the sports journalists decried the arrest on Wednesday of the NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Ahmadu, few days after the Federation President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, was arrested on arrival from a FIFA meeting in Zurich, Switzerland.

Voicing their concerns, Lagos SWAN asked why the arbitrary arrest and detention of football officials by the Department of State Security (DSS) has become common place in the process of the NFF elections.

“In the last four days alone, we have had four different persons including the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, and the General Secretary, Barrister Musa Ahmadu, Barrister Chris Green and some of the election candidates who were equally picked up on separate days”, Lagos SWAN pointed out.

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

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SPORT

Patrick Ekeji: Political expediency ruined Nigerian sport

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I’m happy I didn’t make it in pop music – Nebife }51

The lesson of Scotland

t the start of the National Conference in March this year, I wrote an article in which I dismissed the gathering as ‘a needless, wasteful jamboree, an unnecessary distraction, which we can ill-afford at this point in time.’

I pronounced such harsh verdict because I felt that the limitation imposed on the conference, namely, that it must not discuss anything about Nigeria’s unity because ‘our oneness’ was not negotiable, had robbed that gathering of its validity—in my view.

My article was inspired by Bola Tinubu and APC’s reaction to the setting up of the National Conference (or National Dialogue) by President Jonathan. On arrival, in October last year, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, from London where he had gone for a kneeinjury operation, Tinubu had declared that “the planned National Dialogue is a Greek Gift and national deception.” And “I say beware of the Greek gift,” he continued.

“Let us first of all, ask series of questions.

I am yet to consult with my party but I see some contradictions. I see deception here, but I will discuss with my party. I see lack of transparency.” The APC leader was roundly condemned for his comments.

My argument then, in the article published under the headline Apology to Tinubu, was that government’s decision not to allow the conference to discuss the question of Nigerian unity, which SGF Anyim Pius Anyim declared a ‘no-go’ area as he spelt out the modalities for the conference while receiving the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue report from its chairman, Dr. Femi Okunronmu, had confirmed Tinubu’s fears that there was nothing sincere about the conference.

“Unlike Tinubu and the APC hierarchy (who had condemned the conference outright),” I had written then, “I had believed that President Jonathan would shame his detractors by conducting a credible conference where Nigerians from different ethnic groups and faiths, without restrictions or limitations, would confront one another, eyeball to eyeball and disagree to agree on modalities to hammer out the new Nigeria of our collective dream: one which we can all be proud of and happy to live and die in. But, then, I heard Anyim pronounce those ‘no-go areas’ and I knew that another Nigerian big man had again failed to seize a great, ripe opportunity to remodel his ethno-religiously beleaguered country and make it truly a giant in the sun.”

I have been told by some people I have great respect for that the National Conference was ‘a huge’ success and it may well be so. To the extent that there was consensus on a number of otherwise very knotty subjects such as state police, creation of additional one state in the South East, equal rights for citizens wherever they may live in the country, among others, the conference can, indeed, be said to have been successful. But, I believe that most of those decisions were taken not in an atmosphere of freedom and or free will but in one of fear and blackmail. The North, for instance, went into the conference opposed to everything virtually any other group stood for. The North was opposed to state police, for instance. Besides, people like Junaid Mohammed, Ibrahim Kwankwaso, Auwal Yadudu and a host of other prominent northerners swore the South East would never be allowed to have an additional state. How did it happen that Mohammed and Co. ended up with their tails in-between their legs, as they say, and acceded to things that the north

SUNDAY

NOTEBOOK

Felix Oguejiofor Abugu

“I have been told by some people I have great respect for that the National Conference was ‘a huge’ success and it may well be so” was vehemently opposed to ab initio? They were caged by their fear of the unknown and forced to swallow their own words.

For all their braggadocio, all those swashbuckling Kano politicians and their likes live in mortal fear of any existential threats to Nigeria—from within.

We held a conference where our national fault lines showed so clearly--- our religious, cultural, ethnic and political antagonisms were so obvious. Yet, we preferred to play the ostrich and discuss as if all was well, as if we were one big, progressive family that merely needed to oil and finetune our family ties for smoother, optimal functioning. But, all of us know that we are not a family; we are a bunch of incongruent, disagreeable nationalities that place little or no store at all by our so-called unity, a group of backward hate-mongering communities put together by wily, racist Britain, which works round the clock to ensure that the Blackman enjoys no true political and spiritual choice or freedom but would quickly concede such privileges to its own component parts.

Scotland is a clear demonstration of British hypocrisy and our own foolishness as black people, who allow ourselves to be so easily and constantly deceived by these people. The history of this benighted land is replete with British interference in everything we have tried to do to better our lot. First, they created a country a country in which they yoked us unequally, giving 83 per cent of the entire land mass

MAMA LASISI

Cameron to what they called the ‘north’, which stretches as far down east as Oturkpa, a town sharing boundary with Amala, a town in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, and as far down West as Igbomina, in Kwara State, a stone throw from. With such disparity in size, they created a nation where one part perennially sees itself as the lord and master who must be obeyed and served by the rest of us as who are serfs. Just a potential 16 years of power outside the north, out of our 54 years of independence and the whole country is in flame because they want ‘their power ’ back.

Second, Britain would not even allow us to change things when we discovered that, that unwieldy, diabolical creation of theirs was not just good for us. So, they sabotaged Aburi Accord and Biafra just so that the black man was denied the opportunity to take his destiny in his own hands for once.

Poet and political commentator Odia Ofeimun put it more succinctly when he declared in an interview posted online

by Transformationwatch in October 2011:

“And if you cast your mind back to those early years, you will understand that the British had created deliberately a society that will live in division, a society that will always be against itself and our leaders could not resolve their differences enough to see this…”

Now that the veil is off, now that we know the British society is not as cohesive as they had always made us believe, now that we know that they also have in their midst people who resent the oppressive tendencies of the majority English and want out and that those people (Scots), indeed, have the freedom and free will to go if they so desire, Nigeria must insist on such irreducible minimum for us too: the component parts of this country must have the freedom to decide whether or not to stay in this union. Nigerians must have the freedom to decide whether to stay in one country with Boko Haram or not. We can’t have a country in the 21st century where the people who are killing and maiming us to establish their separate identity are the very same people who are insisting we must stay together. For decades, long before Boko Haram, we have had to contend with religious and ethnic convulsions in which people have been wantonly killed and maimed and their property willfully destroyed by hoodlums who are often egged on by their leaders, the same leaders who turn round to insist we must be together. Scotland has shown that there is nothing sacrosanct about Nigerian unity.

Scotland has shown that nothing matters more to the human person than freedom— be it physical or psychological.

After the referendum the week before, 55 per cent of the Scots said they would remain in the United Kingdom. The campaign for and against was peaceful and friendly. We saw the British Prime Minister David Cameron make a passionate plea to the Scottish to stay in Britain, promising to ensure that they were granted greater autonomy to operate in the best interest of their nationality within the confines of a larger country called United Kingdom. The choice to stay in Britain was freely made.

So, enough of this oppressive system here that devours everything in its path.

Enough of this asphyxiating system that makes life so unfulfilling for most citizens. In my view, President Jonathan’s greatest legacy would subsist not in free and fair elections, not even in a booming (even slaves enjoy the benefits of a booming economy) but in how free the Nigerian people are to choose between what they are or have now and what they would like to be or have. A starting point is to have a referendum on the decisions of the National Conference, including the issue of whether we must be one!

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By Aliu Eroje