Binder1, june 14, 2014 by Newtelegraphonline

Saturday Edition

Sanctity of Truth Facebook.com/newtelegraph

Saturday, JUNE 14, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 116

N150

twitter.com/newtelegraph1

www.newtelegraphonline.com

Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in politics and business

NKEM OWOH I need a house full of money – Osuofia P.13

JEREMIAH USENI WHY I DID NOT SUCCEED ABACHA P.45

EZE CHRISANTOS Hole-in-heart boy recounts heartrending ordeal P.10

National Chairmanship

Intrigues as Tinubu dares APC governors Ndubuisi Ugah, Yekeen Nurudeen and Johnchuks Onuanyim

trong indications have emerged on how the national chairmanship ambitions of the former governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and his former compatriot

from Bayelsa State, Mr. Timipre Sylva, may have divided the party’s structures on who eventually emerges as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Dependable sources in the party last night told the New Telegraph that the ambition of Oyegun and Sylva had

polarised the party into two factions, with a faction comprising the National Leader of the party, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while the governors, mostly those who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spearheading the other faction. It was also gathered that the Tinubu group, which has

former Head of State, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, amongst others in its fold, is believed to be routing for Oyegun, while the governors were behind Sylva. Oyegun was considered to be the fourth candidate when the position was zoned to the South South geo-political zone, while, Jaja was

leading with Sylva trailing and Ikimi at his back. However, within 24 hours to the convention, the tide changed as Rivers State Government conceded the ticket to Edo State in a South South caucus meeting. This arrangement had left the race open to Oyegun and Ikimi both of whom are from

MEXICO 1 - CAMEROUN 0 HOLLAND 5 - SPAIN 1

Samuel Eto’o (2nd left) and others amidst a goalmouth scramble at Estadio das Dunas, Natal, Brazil... yesterday.

Edo State. But sources also claimed that the polarisation of the party became imminent when some of the governors, especially Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Tanko Almakura (Nasarawa), Rochas Okorocha (Imo) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) were said to have strongly backed Sylva, given the fact that the party had zoned the national chairmanship slot to the SouthSouth geo-political zone. Though, Amaechi was alleged to be undecided given the fact that his candidate, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, had withdrawn his candidature, his support for Sylva appears to be unshaken. Interestingly, Tinubu as at last night was said to have met with all the party’s governors, stakeholders and leaders with a view to drumming support for Oyegun. Oyegun, sources said, was overwhelmingly supported by all the party leaders including governors who were reported to have said the party would be safe in his hands. He, according to them, had no stint with the ruling CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

How gospel queen, Kefee, died in U.S

Photo: DAILY MAIL

Lanre Odukoya, Tony Okuyeme and Moses Kadiri

pal of gloom descended on the entertainment industry

yesterday, when gospel queen, Irikefe Obareki Don Momoh, popularly known as Kefee, died at the Desert Springs Hospital, Las Vegas, United States, after spending

about 15 days in coma. Kefee, according to report, had collapsed on a flight to Chicago, USA on May 28, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing.

The plane was said to have landed in Los Angeles to enable her get the needed treated, despite being in coma since then. Incidentally, her husband, Teddy Don-Mo-

moh, had last week called for prayers for his wife. Her death, however, ended weeks of anxiety, which trailed her deplorCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

} A songstress’ search for political relevance - SAINT BEST p.17 }FG IS INSENSITIVE TO ASUP’S DEMANDS, SAYS DOSUMU p.50

NEWS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

Content 14.06.14 MY STYLE

A Matter of Style

How Nuagbe combined his small frame with a fashion sense to carve a niche for himself.

}15

SHOWBIZ

What Makes Talent Hunts Tick

Touring the country to discover hidden talents might be tough but to Idowu Bardia Adebola, aka IllRymz, watching an amazing talent voted out is a tougher aspect of talent hunting. }19

STARTUPS What’s In A Name? There is a direct relationship between business success and membership of a popular football club’s Fan Club as Aileru found out since repackaging his outfit.

}33

THE ARTS

Asking For More Trade mark humour, simplicity of style and the determination to make the audience to keep yearning for more are veritable hallmarks of Nwokolo’s rivetting poetry. }23

SPORT

It Is Not My Show

Super Eagles goalie, Vincent Enyeama, is emphatic that the fate of the national team in the World Cup campaign in Brazil does not rest on him but on the team. }25

TOURISM Not Yet There

As a confluence of rivers Niger and Benue, Lokoja is living the dream but the Kogi State capital is yet to fully savour the privileges bestowed by this tourism preeminence. }42

Intrigues as Tinubu dares APC governors CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

party as a result of which they saw him as an independent candidate. Though, Wamakko is believed to be the arrowhead of the governors, who are aversed to Oyegun’s emergence, sources however, said the election would serve as a referendum to test drive Tinubu’s Vice-Presidential ambition in 2015. While the schemings and highwire politics continued last night prior to the election, sources close to Tinubu expressed fears that should Oyegun lose, the former Lagos State governor’s commitment to the party may be in doubt, given his financial clout. The source said, “You know that Tinubu is a strong factor in the APC. Besides, he wants to be the party’s Vice-presidential candidate, so if Oyegun loses, it will dealt a blow to his ambition. As a result, he has threatened to withdraw his CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

able health condition, after reports said her heartbeat had stopped naturally. Announcing her death yesterday to the Nigerian community in Las Vegas, President of the association, Mr. Festus Ebonka, pleaded with the deceased’s family to quickly take her remains back home for a befitting burial. Prior to her death yesterday, there seemed to be a glimmer of hope when news filtered in that the deceased miraculously jerked back to life on Thursday evening. But her health conditions obviously relapsed when everyone least expected it. Thereafter, her husband and Star FM’s on-air-personality, Teddy Don-Momoh, who hurriedly went to the US solicited prayers from friends and all well-wishers to get her back hale and hearty. “We just need prayers now; she just needs our

support for the party. Given his financial clout, the majority of party members did not want to happen. “In view of this, Tinubu may have his way. In other words, Oyegun is likely to be a compromised candidate. You know that Tinubu is very important in the party and we don’t want him to withdraw the entire South-West from the party.” Also, another source added that Tinubu had vowed that should the former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, who is also a contender win, he would personally move the South-West structure out of the party. According to an inside source, Ikimi’s candidacy was opposed on the ground that he might sell out the party if he eventually becomes the national chairman. The source said the APC National leader and others were particularly not comfortable about the former PDP chieftain’s role in the

late Sani Abacha regime. More importantly, he might have an independent mind on issues of party administration. Apart from this, the Tinubu group also expressed fears that President Goodluck Jonathan may capitalise on the emergence of Sylva, should he win to further oil the ongoing fraud case against the former Beyelsa State governor by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which they argued may not be in the best interest of the party. Unperturbed, Sylva was said to have been going round campaigning for votes that he was still in the race that he would not step down for anybody. But it was learnt that the party leaders sent governors in the party after Sylva to appeal to him to step down in order for Oyegun to emerge. According to a member of the convention commit-

How Kefee died in United States prayers now because there is nothing God cannot do; prayer is the key. “God is still the same yesterday, today, and forever, He has done it before and He will do it again,” he said. She reportedly collapsed after suffering from preeclampsia, a pregnancy-induced high blood pressure which was later corroborated by a Nigerian doctor, Dr. Adeyefa, last Monday in a statement that partly reads, “Kefee is in a precarious situation because of the six months pregnancy. If the foetus had been nine months, the doctors would have removed the baby and saved the mother and child. As it is now, not only will the baby not survive because the carrier is in coma, Kefee may also lose her life from further complications. The chance of the mother surviving is narrow, while the kid has a

narrower chance. I urge Nigerians to pray for her for a miracle because that is what she really needs.” In the same vein, a contrasting report later emergeD from the deceased’s UK manager, Adeline Adelicious Adebayo, “On behalf of the family, it is with great sadness but with grateful hearts that we announce the passing to glory due to lungs failure this morning of our God’s mouthpiece, chorus leader, daughter, wife, sister, friend, Kefee Branama Queen.” However, there is no medical report on what caused the singer’s death. Sometime in May, she celebrated her second wedding anniversary with her husband with whom she was taking the second shot at marriage. Kefee, in her mid 30s recently returned to Nigeria after she had travelled

World Cup: Jonathan Network sues for harmony T

wo days into the World Cup in Brazil, the House2House Network for Goodluck Jonathan has enjoined all Nigerians to watch the fiesta in harmony The group, which offered free transport to residents of Lugbe, Abuja during the past week, urged residents to position themselves to be more than entertained during the football competition. For four weeks now, House2House has given free transport to Abuja residents from Lugbe, Federal Secretariat, Kubwa, Berger, Wuse Market, andArea 1 to AYA roundabout. The group said, “the value of discipline will be evident throughout the competition.

Players will feel slighted by other players – maybe even from within the same team. White players might not get along with Black players; players and coaches might feel hard done by match officials. Amidst all these, everyone will exhibit discipline for the success of the tournament; and because there can only be one winner.’’ Also, “the virtues of patience – coaches from around the world have whittled their teams, to arrive at the 23 men permitted by FIFA. The ones not opportune to go must take it in their strides. In Brazil proper, only 11 players from a team can be on the pitch per time. Those on

the bench must be patient, and prepared for when their time comes. Beyond that, they must cheer their brothers on the pitch for the glory of their country. They must be united. “The beauty of brotherhood – people from across tribal and ethnic divisions will cheer their nations with one voice. Nations will bear one face. The lines of political affiliations will disappear. After all, what good is success if it polarizes people? Win or lose, let us be together.’’ The group prays for the host country to reap bounteous economic gains from the football event: “Brazil as a country is quite popu-

tee, this scenerio led to the delay of accreditation of delegates. As at noon yesterday, delegates were not accredited as some of them expressed disappointment in the convention committee. The convention committee chairman, Governor Aliyu Wamako of Sokoto State had on Thursday in a pre-convention press briefing read out venues where delegates should have registered on Thursday night but this did not happen. The committee member told New Telegraph that the delay in accreditation was to ensure that all knots were tight to avoid the PDP experience where some candidates went to the convention ground and insisted on contesting at the National Secretary of the party in 2012. Following the consensus, only Oyegun posters flooded the Eagle Square, venue of the convention.

lous and has poor and rich people. We must hope that the mundial inspires some level of economic boost that will liberate many from the throes of poverty. Knowing that, we have to appraise whether it serves the nation better if they all join hands to make the project succeed, or if those who feel deprived should plunder their efforts as they try to stake their claims for better living and working conditions. “If Brazilians from all walks of life unite with their President to give a good account of their country, generations will not forget; and countries with rich histories always grow stronger. Histo-

ry is the story of yesteryears, but it is made today. Why can’t we also unite to make Nigeria a better place to live so that all can enjoy the fresh air through the transformation agenda of the present government headed by Goodluck Jonathan. “For good or for bad, Brazilians will be making history. We, too, are always doing so. As we learn our lessons, let us look inwards, and lend a hand to the Transformation going on. We are one team, and we must support one another. Teams with infighting and bickering will not achieve much in Brazil. Neither shall we as a nation. Let us give peace a chance.”

to the United States in 2013 to complete her course in production and directing at the Chicago Access Network TV where she graduated as a certified video director. She also released a new song, Dem Go Talk, and was working on a fresh album before she died. Unknown to many, Kefee who started singing at eight in a local church did not set out to be a gospel singer. Interestingly, she debuted as a rap/ pop singer in group called ST & Kefee in the early 2000s. In the journey of self-discovery, Kefee gradually found a more staying power in what was to later become ‘inspirational singing’ until it all blossomed into full gospel repertoire following her collaboration with Timaya in the single dubbed, Kokoro. Her claim to fame was her hit songs like, ‘Branama’ and ‘Kokoroko’ Headies Award in 2010 for Best Collaboration was to cap it all. Meanwhile, tributes have since started streaming in, her first publicist, Justin Akpoviesade, remarked, “Kefee is a great loss to Nigeria. She died at a time she was carrying so much to deliver. She just completed a course and would have proven her proficiency in video production and directing if she’d stayed a little longer.” Others who paid tribute to Keffe include, Annie Emmanuel, Cynthia Morgan, Media consultant and Special Project Manager, Premier Records Limited, Mr. Michael Odiong, CEO of Calben Film Entertainment, Chibuzo Patrick, who said the “Kokoroko” artiste was a very passionate and unassuming person, and the CEO of Bail Music Company, Mr. Lanre Lawal.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

Steer clear of voting centres in Ekiti, IG warns trouble makers CAUTION Police set for Ekiti governorship electrion, sounds note of caution to all

Emmanuel Onani

he Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has warned those who may be planning to disrupt the June 21, Gubernatorial election in Ekiti state, to have a re-think, as the Force was prepared to enforce the law to the letter, before, during and after the make or mar poll. Accordingly, Abubakar has ordered the relocation of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, Michael Zuokumor, to the South West state.

l DIG operations relocates to beef-up security This is with a view to ensuring “adequate Police presence and coordination of all security operations for the election in all polling units and collation centres in the state.” The disclosure was contained in a statement signed yesterday, by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP). Abubakar was quoted as making the promise of a water-tight security for the electorate, at a meeting held in Abuja yesterday, with the Police Management Team (PMT). The statement reads in full: “The InspectorGeneral of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has assured Nigerian citizens, especially indigenes of Ekiti State, of the readiness

of the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to provide effective security and ensure a smooth and orderly conduct of the Ekiti gubernatorial election which comes up on the 21st June, 2014. “The IG, who gave this assurance during a brief meeting with the Police Management Team, Friday, 13th June, 2014, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, warns all trouble-makers and anti-social elements to stay away from Ekiti throughout the period of the election as the Police will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute any person, no matter how highly placed in society, who flouts the law or causes a breach of the peace. “To this end, the IG has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police

in charge of Operations, DIG Michael Zuokumor... to relocate to Ado-Ekiti, the headquarters of Ekiti State so as to ensure adequate Police presence and coordination of all security operations for the election in all polling units and collation centres in the state. “Meanwhile, the IG who has ordered all Police officers and men assigned to election duties in Ekiti State to ensure they work in line with the Police Code of Conduct and international best practices, called on the members of the public, particularly politicians, gubernatorial candidates and other relevant stakeholders in Ekiti State, to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies, in the onerous but patriotic task of guaranteeing a hitch-free gubernatorial poll.”

NEWS

NEWS EDITOR, SATURDAY:

NDUBUISI UGAH

ndubuisi.ugah@newtelegraphonline.com; nduby001@yahoo.com; 08033617741

The Week Ahead FGBMFI seminar ends today Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI), South West 3 District, Lagos 2014 annual business seminars ends today at Sheraton Hotel and NECA House, Ikeja. Chairman of the seminar committee, Mr. Ifeanyi Atunenyi, said the theme for this year’s event centred on: ‘Maximising Contemporary Opportunities for Business Growth’.

AFRED 2014 parley begins June 19 President Goodluck Jonathan will be the special guest of honour at this year’s Africa Forum on Religion and Development (AFRED) scheduled to take place at the National Christian Centre, Abuja from June 19 to 21. The organisers said the conference with the theme: ‘Be the change you want to see’, is also hinged on: “Change within ourselves as a basis for change in the society is what we seek”.

SAITEX exhibition holds June 22 The Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX), which taxes place yearly in South Africa, will hold from June 22 to 24. The event, according to the organisers, is rated as the continent’s leading business opportunities event in Africa.

Nigeria Computer Society conference holds July 23 The 25th national conference of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) with the theme: ‘Building a Knowledge-based Economy in Nigeria: The Role of Information Technology’ will hold at Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, Enugu State from July 23 to 25. The governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sullivan Chime; Minister of Information Technology, Ms Omobola Johnson and President, NCS, Prof. David Akinwunmi, are expected at the event.

Court summons Aganga, SON June 24 Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja has summoned the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to appear before him on June 24 to explain why they should not be restrained from enforcing the new cement law. The court had on June 10 refused to grant an order restraining Aganga and SON from enforcing the law. Also, Mohammed had, on June 4, refused to grant the plaintiff’s ex-parte application, by ordering that the process be converted to motion on notice and served on the defendants to enter appearance.

Mechanics get June 26 deadline to leave Owerri

L-R: Former Minister of Information, Dr Walter Ofonagoro; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and Chairman, House Committee on Banking and Currency, Hon. Jones Onyeriri, during the Deputy Speaker’s consultation with PDP stakeholders in Nwangele Local Government Area over his governorship aspiration in Imo State… recently

Miyetti Allah debunks reports on abduction of Fulani women RESPITE Relief has come with leaders of a Fulani group refuting the news of the recent abduction of over 20 women in Chibok Ahmed Miringa Maiduguri

he Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Borno State chapter yesterday denied

media reports that Fulani women were abducted by Boko Haram members in a village near Chibok. The state Chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Amadu Musa, in an interview with journalists in Maiduguri, said the reported abduction of over 30 Fulani women was fallacious, not true and malacious. He said: “We need to tell the world that there is nothing like that; all our women and girls are intact. It takes us this long to respond because we made

series of consultations with our members in the area to ascertain the truth of the claims but we found out that it is not true. “Though our people are nomads who frequently move in search of pasture, we have representatives in all the 27 local government areas of Borno State. We have Lamido’s and Ardo’s in all localities. We took time to consult all of them and there was no reported incident of abduction. I believe the whole furore

is the creation of some people. “We met with our representatives in all towns and villages near Chibok on Thursday in Askira Uba and none of the officials had any incident of abduction in his domain. We equally crosschecked with our people coming back with their cows and families to the extreme northern part of Nigeria from southern part of the country and confirmed that all are well,” Alhaji Musa said.

The Imo State Government has announced June 26 as the deadline for mechanics operating within Owerri, the state capital, to relocated to two mechanics clusters designated by the government. The two mechanics clusters established more than 34 years ago at the suburb of Owerri by the first civilian administration in the state were Orji and Nekede Mechanics villages. The state Commissioner for Industry and Non-Formal Sector, Mrs Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro, in a statement issued in Owerri, stressed that the government would not tolerate further operations of mechanics within the state capital.

Oputa for burial June 27 The remains of retired Justice of the Supreme Court, late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, will be buried on June 27. A funeral programme issued by his son, Mr. Charles (Charly Boy) Oputa, said Oputa’s burial rites would commence in Texas, the United States of America (USA), where a requiem mass would be held in his honour on June 15. The programme also added a valedictory session would also be held for him at the Supreme Court, Abuja; a church service at the Holy Trinity Church, Abuja before his corpse arrives Owerri, the Imo State capital on June 25 enroute his final resting place.

UNEP: Ogoni issues June 30 ultimatum The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has issued a June 30 ultimatum to the Federal Government to begin the process of cleaning up Ogoni land or face a series of protests in Abuja. MOSOP threatened to storm Abuja, if the Federal Government failed to start the restoration of the Ogoni environment based on the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

NEWS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

IKEJA

ENUGU

NCRIB tasks govt on insurance

N EWS I N BRIEF

The Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) yesterday advised all tiers of governments to take insurance seriously. Its President, Mr Ayodapo Shoderu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Lagos that the nation’s security situation underscored the need for government at all levels to do this. “The issue of national security will continue to be germane to national development. This is as long as there can never be any long lasting or sustainable economic advancement without establishing an environment that engenders peace of mind for the citizens,” he said.

FCT

Enugu threatens arrest of street traders

ASUU UniAbuja tasks FG on White Paper

The Enugu State Government has said it will henceforth commence the arrest and prosecution of street traders in the state capital. The Commissioner for Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), Mr. Ikechukwu Ugwuegede, disclosed this to journalists in Enugu yesterday. “In accordance with the existing ban on street trading, we have commenced the arrest and prosecution of street traders and we are taking this seriously,” the commissioner said.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Abuja chapter, yesterday called for the release and immediate implementation of the White Paper by the Federal Government. The branch Chairman, Dr Ben Ugheoke, said in Gwagwalada that a Special Visitation Panel (SVP) was inaugurated by the government in July 2012 to audit the institution following the alleged mismanagement of funds by the vice-chancellor.

Fashola’s aide quits cabinet � Governor appoints Folarin-Coker Muritala Ayinla

he Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Central Business District (CBD), Mrs. Aderinola Disu, has resigned from her position. Although, reasons for her sudden resignation were unclear as at the time of filling this report, a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello, said Disu resigned to devote her full time to family commitments. Impeccable sources who spoke with New Telegraph said Disu resigned to enable her prepare for greater challenges as she was said to have been groomed as the next Deputy Governor of the state, after the tenure of Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, expires in 2015. According to the source, “Disu is one of the prominent women being con-

sidered as the next deputy governor in Lagos State. She was a former local government boss, a good administrator and she is trusted by the APC national leader, Bola Tinubu. Except things change she will run with Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode in the 2015 general election.” Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday accepted the resignation and approved her replacement with the Managing Director of the Lagos State Number Plate Production Agency, Mr Folorunsho Folarin-Coker. While wishing her the very best in all her endeavours, Fashola lauded Disu for her immense contributions as a public officer of several years standing. He noted that Disu rendered meritorious service to the state as the Special Adviser on the Lagos State Central Business District from 2011 to date.

Total invests $100m in Nigeria in three years Ndubuisi Ugah

L-R: Co-ordinator, National Information Centre (NIC); Mr. Mike Omeri; Directors, Ministry of Information, Mr. Emma Agbegir and Mr. Peter Dame, at the national briefing, in Abuja…yesterday PHOTO: NOA.

1.6

The number of fixed (wired)-broadband subscriptions of Arab States in 2009. (Source: Itu.int)

70,400 The estimated number of new individuals asylum claims by the United States. (Source:Unhcr.org.uk)

33.9m

The total population of Canada (representing 0.5% of world’s population) in 2010. (Source: Blatantworld.com)

American firm set to deliver 400MW in 14 months BOOST American power delegation unveils plan to improve power supply James Nwabueze Abuja

igeria’s power sector may have gotten a fresh boost as an American consortium, Team Africa, yesterday unveiled investment plans, which would generate about 400MW of electricity. Speaking during a visit to to the ministry of power, the leader of the American investors’ delegation, Mr. Roy Yeferez, disclosed the investment plans noting that the decision, is an offshoot of the recent visit to United States by

the Minister of State Power, Mohammed Wakil . Yeferez said on the invitation of Obama Power Africa Initiative, Wakil had convinced the potential investors that Nigeria is the best investment destination in Africa. He said contrary to negative stories being peddled by the international media about Nigeria, he found the country a wonderful place having gone round some states of the federation. Yeferez, said already his team had identified site location in Bayelsa State where a plant will be built to generate 400MW of electricity in the next 14 months. “There are also plans to increase power to between 500 and 600MW in the next four years. We are prepared to assist Nigeria with power generation, the paltry generation put at about 4000MW is abysmally low to cater for 170

million people, at least the country require 30, 000MW now” He assured that the group, has the technical and financial capacity to create positive impact in the sector having garnered experience spanning over 55 years, stressing we are in Nigeria to create jobs for teaming Nigerians”. Earlier, the Minister of State Power, Mohammed Wakil, highlighted four key reasons why Nigeria is the best investment destination in Africa. According the Wakil, the country’s huge population of 170 million people, is a comparative advantage which could invariably translate to big purchasing power. He stated that Nigeria’s legal environment is such that encourage and protect investment adding that government has demon-

strated the political will to drive and support the investment especially in the power sector. “Nigeria’s population of over 170 million people is a comparative advantage whenever investment decisions are being considered. Also the nation’s legal environment is protective of investment and the government has demonstrated the political will to drive investments,” he said. Wakil said: “American investors have shown rare courage to come and see things for themselves, the action so far demonstrated is only a response to President Goodluck Jonathan’s matching order as foot soldiers to woo would be investors any time we have the opportunity. So as to fast track investment activities in the sector”

otal Nigeria Plc has said it invested over $100 million (more than N16 billion) in Nigeria in the last three years. Chairman of Total, Mr. Momar Nguer, who disclosed this yesterday in Lagos, at the company’s 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM), said Nguer said the investments were in its core business, innovative solutions in greener energies, human capital development and solar investment solutions. The chairman said the company’s solar investment were on the provision of energy to lower income Nigerians with solar lamps

and provision of solar solution to individuals through home systems. He said the third fold of the solar investment would be the inauguration of the first solar-powered service station in Africa in Lagos. Nguer said the company would, in the next couple of weeks, launch a solar-powered service station in Abuja. Nguer, however, decried the company’s huge financial expenses due to delays in the payment of subsidies by the Federal Government in the last eight months. He said the company was owed N12 billion as subsidies in 2013, adding that the financial expenses of the debt represented 10 per cent of its net operating income.

Crack in NGF affecting operations, says DG

r Asishana Okauru, the Director General, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat, has said the crack within the forum is negatively affecting the operations of the secretariat. The DG, who said this yesterday in Abuja, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), expressed sadness over the crack within the forum. He said the situation was affecting the relationship between the secretariat and development partners as well as its peer review initiative. “We had been able to establish a very strong relationship with virtually

all the development partners; UNICEF, DFID World Bank and others, but today nearly all of them are understandably jittery,” he said. Okauru said the secretariat of the forum under the chairmanship of Gov. Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers, had established strategic relationship with development partners within and outside the country. He said in spite of the crack within the forum, the secretariat remained committed to the elected governors in the 36 states of the federation. He expressed optimism that the crisis would be resolved at the level of the governors.

PDP stakeholders chide Nyako’s genocide claim Onyekachi Eze Abuja

lders and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State, yesterday came hard on the state governor, Murtala Nyaka, describing his letter to Northern State Governors’ Forum (NSGF) accusing President Goodluck Jonathan and the military of genocide against the people of the region as baseless, null and void. The group, which met yesterday in Abuja also said it was “sickened by the pettiness of cheap political gimmicks surrounding Boko Haram’s horrific activites in the recent past”. In a communique signed on its behalf by former Chief of Naval Staff, Air Commodore Dan Suleiman, the party elders condemned in strong terms, the June 1 bomb attack in Kabang, a

suburb of Mubi Local Government Area where over 20 people died. “Mindful of the Federal Government’s determination to stem the tide of these reckless killings of innocent citizens by Boko Haram insurgents since 2009 to date, we wish to give a thumbs up to our military in their resolve to secure the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls recentlyabducted by the insurgents. “We commend the selected African leaders drawn from South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, Congo and Cote d’Ivoire to fashion out a framework to tackle the menace of terrorism in Nigeria’s three North Eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. “We are confident that this powerful body shall decisively deal with the challenges of terrorism not only in Nigeria but the African continent as a whole,” the communique added.

Attack on media unwarranted – TUC

he Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) yesterday condemned the alleged clampdown on the media by the military high command. A statement issued by its President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary, Musa Lawal, said the action was an infringement on the constitutional responsibility of the media to the nation. The statement read: “Our position is that the attack on the fourth estate of the realm since Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 is unwarranted, condemnable and shameful. Therefore, we demand that the assault be checked immediately. “Why should the mili-

NEWS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

tary attempt to disrupt newspaper distribution in some parts of the country? Why should the vehicles, their drivers and other staff accompanying the circulation vans be unlawfully detained for hours and their wares (newspapers) seized under the guise that there was intelligence report that some of the delivery vans might be used for transporting “materials with grave security implications?” While stating that there were many reasons why the military should desist from this unwholesome behaviour, the TUC expressed regret that such an unfounded act was occurring in the present democratic dispensation.

BRAZIL

FCT

Nigerian supporters leave for Brazil

NEWS IN BRIE F

About 100 members of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club (NFSC) yesterday left the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos for Brazil enroute Ethiopia airlines. The members, who are led by Dr. Rafiu Oladipo, boarded around 2p.m. and the flight was billed to leave 2:45 p.m. Nigerian time. About 100 members of the club, which include instrumentalists from Lagos and other parts of the country are all dressed in the country’s green and white colour with various hairstyles.

878,485

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Bolivia in 2011. (Source: Itu.int)

OWERRI

Perm Sec urges researchers to initiate projects

NMA threatens warning strike

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs Winifred OyoIta, has urged researchers in the ministry and agencies under it to come together to initiate research projects. Oyo-Ita made this call yesterday in Abuja, while briefing journalists at the end of her familiarisation tours to the headquarters of some parastatals under the ministry. She promised that the government would support research projects undertaken by the ministry and its agencies that could move Nigeria forward.

2.7 The number of times irrigated crop yields are more than those of rain fed farming. (Source:Unesco.org)

The Imo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has threatened to start a three-day warning strike from Monday if its demands are not met by the government. The Chairman of the association, Dr. Emeka Obioha, who made the threat in Owerri on Thursday, said it was the fall out of the association’s meeting on May 29, where the members agreed to fight for their rights in both the state and federal services. Obioha lamented the state government’s continued refusal to address NMA’s demands to enhance quality healthcare delivery to the people.

94%

The estimated percentage prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in girls and women (15-49 years) of Sierra Leone in 2005. (Source: Blatantworld.com)

I have high regard for Alaafin, says Ajimobi RESPECT Governor expresses respect for traditional institution Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

he Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has said that he and his government have great respect for the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and traditional institution in the state and would not disparage them in whatever way. The governor made this known, while addressing a group of protesters from Oyo Federal Constituency, who stormed the Governor’s Office yesterday.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Olalekan Alli, Ajimobi said his administration would not in any way support any act or utterances capable of desecrating the traditional institutions in the state. The protesters, who are residents of Oyo town, had staged the peaceful demonstration against what they called an unpleasant statement credited to the Honourable Member representing Oyo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Kamil Akinlabi, against the Alaafin of Oyo on a private radio station. Ajimobi said his administration would not tolerate any form of action or statement that could disrupt the existing peace in the state. “The said statement was not the handiwork of govern-

ment; it was not our making and we are not involved in this. I want to make it clear that we will never support anybody insulting our elders,” the governor said. Ajimobi said he could vouch for the owner of the radio station in question as a man who has high regards for the Alaafin and who will not support any form of indecorous language against elders or any indigene of the state. The governor appealed to the people of the state to continue to be law abiding and not insult anybody, stressing that the government would continue to detest any act of violence, brigandage or thuggery. “We don’t want a disruption of the peace we have

LG refrigerators get VDE recognition Chijioke Iremeka

L-R: General Manager, Engineering and Maintenance, Skyway Aviation Handing Company Limited (SACHOL), Mr. Lanre Adekola, General Manager, Operations, Mr. Olu Odebiyi and General Manager, Coperate Communications, Mr. Basil Agboarumu, during the official commissioning of the newly acquired modern equipment, at the SACHOL Maintenance Base, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos…. yesterday PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE.

achieved because it is priceless and we want to sustain it. We want the people to protect our royal institution, government property, the image and by that very fact, the reputation of the state,” he said. The leader of the protesters, Alhaji Mudashiru Usman, had enjoined the state government to intervene in the matter, with a view to protecting the interest of Yoruba Obas and to guard against any individual action that may disrupt the cordial relationship existing between the government and traditional rulers in the state. Earlier, the protesters had stormed the said radio station with various placards bearing different inscriptions.

ne of Europe’s largest and most respected scientific and technical associations, Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies (VDE), has recognised LG refrigerators-featuring inverter linear compressor for its energy-saving capabilities and quiet performance. The German organisation, which is responsible for the elaboration of standards and safety specifications in the areas of electrical engineering, electronics and information technologies, said the refrigerators achieved excellent results in tests carried out by the association. The VDE also noted that LG’s refrigerators with inverter linear compressors are approximately 25 per

cent more calm compared to those fitted with reciprocal compressors, which produces sound level similar to that of a hushed study room. According to the General Manager, Home Appliances Division, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Hyunwoo Jung, the company is proud of the exceptional qualities of the inverter linear compressor fridges, having been confirmed by VDE. He said: “Since 2001, our linear compressor models have been delivering convenience, quiet and energy-savings to consumers worldwide. LG will continue to work hard to develop the next generation of outstanding home appliances, employing industry-first technology, to enable our fridges work efficiently, effectively and silently.”

NEWS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

BENIN CITY ‘Edo Polio-free since five years’

N EWS I N BRIEF

The Director of Disease Control, Edo Ministry of Health, Dr. Osamwonyi Irowa, yesterday said the state had been polio free since 2009. Irowa, who made the disclosure when he spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Benin City, said the last case of polio in the state was recorded five years ago. “In 2012, there was a scare of the disease in Ovia North East Local Government Area in the state. I was part of the team that went to the area to investigate and there was no polio,” he said.

N6.5bn

IKEJA

OWERRI Nigerians urged to unite against terror

Accord Party’s governorship aspirant for Imo State in next year’s general elections, Captain Chukwuemeka Mbamara (rtd.), has called on Nigerians to close ranks in order to win the war against terrorism. The retired military officer explained that the main challenge in the war against insurgency is lack of patriotism, noting that “the actors and players of Nigerian nation are more patriotic to their various ethnic cleavages than the country.” Mbamara said the porous nature of the country’s borders, which constitute enormous problems to the war as terrorists easily infiltrate the country, was not the creation of the present government.

The IGR realized from PAYE (taxes) of Cross River State in 2012. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

Mogaji’s fidau prayers holds tomorrow

The one year Fidau prayer for the late Iyaloja General and President General of Market Men and Women in Nigeria, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, who passed on last year comes up tomorrow at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. A statement by the grand daughter and Iyaloja of Lagos, Chief Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, said the event, which would attract well-wishers from far and near will commence at 10 a.m. She added that Muslim clerics and scholars would use the occasion to pray for the repose of the soul of the late Iyaloja General who was a mother to all during her lifetime.

$32.42bn GBP58m

The total revenue realized from arms sales of BAE Systems, UK in 2008. Source: Blatantworld.com

The total revenue of Wigan Athletic football club in 2012/13 season. Source: Goal.com

Ihedioha, lawmakers condole with Aliyu over Kuta’s death Dan Atori Minna

eputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha has lamented the death of Senator Awaisu Kuta, describing it as a very unfortunate incident. Also, some members of the National Assembly led by Senator Mohammed Magoro were in Minna, the Niger State have condoled with Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu over the death of Kuta. The deputy speaker, who described the late Kuta as a worthy legislator of repute and a ranking senator, said his demise came to him as a shock and a reminder of the futility of life. He prayed God to grant the family of the late senator the fortitude to bear the loss while extending his condolences to them as well as members of the senate and the entire National Assembly. Meanwhile, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Aliyu, Mr. Israel Ebije, who made this known in

a press statement in Minna yesterday, said the senators while praying for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed called on the government and people of Niger State to take solace in Allah, who gives and takes as He chooses. The spokesman of the governor said the members of the National assembly comprising of seven senators and five members House of Representatives eulogised the departed Senator, who they said, was hardworking and committed to service. The statement further intimated that Aliyu, who was still in shock over the death of Kuta prayed Allah (SWT) to grant him Aljanna Fidausi. He told the entourage that Niger and indeed Nigeria will miss the late Kuta. He said: “Senator Kuta was a very patriotic and compassionate person. He was so humble even as a prince, he preferred to be called a comrade. He participated fully in all his assignments and made his mark in every area of assignment he found himself.”

NSCDC denies arrest of military personnel over pipeline vandalism lPolice arrest two over arms procurement Musa Pam and Sabiu Mustapha L-R: Guest Speaker, Dr. Fabian Ajogwu; Chairman of the occasion, Chief Folake Solanke; Vice Chancellor, University of Ibaban, Prof. Isaac Adewale and Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Oluyemisi Bangbose, during the Faculty’s Public Lecture, in Ibadan, Oyo State…yesterday

Ajaokuta Steel Company to begin power generation soon OPERATION There may be celebreation soon as Ajaokuta Steel Company concludes plans to begin operations Muhammed Kabir

T Kano

he Ajaokuta Rolling Steel Company (ASC) has concluded arrangement to start generating power in the next 30 days, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the company and the 3D Hitech System for the reactivation and operation of the Thermal Power Plant in the company. The generation of power by the ASC was approved by the Federal Government for them to generate well over 110MW as part of the

government’s effort in boosting the industrial base of the country through enough and reliable power supply. Speaking during the signing of another MoU between the company and the Kano State Electricity Distribution Company (KEDSCO) for the sales of over 90 per cent of the power to the KEDSCO, the Sole Administrator of the company, Mr. J.O Isah, said shortly after the inauguration of the National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) by the Federal Government, they

were given they were given approval to generate additional power for the nation. Isah said government’s concern stemmed from the fact that about 600 industries were closed down in Kano due to shortage of power supply and the dwindling misfortune caused the state’s industrial base, stressing that they were further directed to start the process of selling about 90 per cent of their expected generation to KEDSCO. The sole administrator assured that as soon as they

start the supply of power to Kano, the over 600 industries that have shut down were producing below installed capacity would commence full operation and provide electricity to KEDSCO Territory, which included Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states. He also hinted that the phase two of the expansion of the Thermal Power Plant to generate additional 300 MW will commence soon with the company collaboration with Messrs 3D Hitech System Limited.

Jos /JALINGO

he Plateau State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has denied the arrest of two military personnel from the 3rd Armoured Division, Rukuba Barracks, for alleged involvement in pipeline vandalism. This is as the Taraba State Police Command yesterday paraded two suspects, who were arrested in Jalingo, while attempting to procure guns. NSCD in a statement sign by the command Public Relations Officer, Naomi Cishak and made available to New Telegraph in Jos yesterday, said there was arrest of Uniform Personnel from the sister security Agencies not the Military. The statement said: “Such reports are capable of causing disaffection between the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence corps, Plateau state

command, 3rd Armoured Division, Rukuba Barracks and the military in general.” The statement, however, did not mention the name of the sister security agencies, but only denied the involvement of the military. Meanwhile, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Joseph Kwaji, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), while parading the suspects and their exhibits before journalists, at the command’s headquarters in Jalingo, said the suspects were arrested on June 7 at about 2:30p.m. “On 7th June, 2014 at about 1430hrs, team of detectives arrested one Boderi Adamu,35, Fulani tribe and Yahaya Adamu, 28, fulani tribie, all from Yola Adamawa State. “Both came to buy two pistol guns at Sabon-Gari, Jalingo L.G.A, the suspects were susbequently arrested at the point of payment along with the sum of N229,645 only.

Lagos Govt urges stakeholders to end gender-based violence he Lagos State Deputy en (GLOW) conference with would continue to partner this conference is indeed and united actions to end T Governor, Mrs. Adejoke the theme: “Justice for All”. with stakeholders to end most relevant to seek and this scourge threatening to The News Agency of Nigeria the menace. demand justice for all, and decapitate our society,” Orelope-Adefulire, yesterday called on all stakeholders to collaborate to end the scourge of gender-based violence in the country. Orelope-Adefulire made the call in Lagos at the first Global Leadership of Wom-

(NAN) reported that the conference was organised by the South West Zone of the National Association of Women Judges in Nigeria (NAWJN). The deputy governor said the state government

Orelope-Adefulire was represented by Mrs Riskat Akiyode, Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. “The theme chosen for

particularly, for all the poor and victims of domestic violence, child abuse, rape as well as sexual harassment. “It is also most appropriate using this forum to call on all stakeholders for joint

Orelope-Adefulire said. According to her, a 2007 report, published by Amnesty International, confirmed that over twothirds of women were subjected to various abuses.

Anambra lawmakers, don differ on part-time legislature DISAGREEMENT Lawmakers and don on collusion path over National Conference recommendation Uwakwe Abugu Awka

ome legislators at the Anambra State House of Assembly and a social scientist at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Nkemdili Nnonyelu, yesterday disagreed on whether or not Nigeria should adopt the recommendation of a part-time legislature for the country as proposed by the Public Service Committee of the National Conference. Whereas two lawmakers of the assembly rose against the recommendation, one legislator and a university don welcomed the idea as a positive development if adopted by the country. Opposing the move were Messrs. Val Anyika and Ikemefuna Uzezie, who contended in separate interviews that it was not time

yet for the nation to practice part-time legislature in view of the still fledgling nature of the country’s democracy. But Nnonyelu, who is the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the university and a lawmaker, Mr. Chugbo Enwezor, in their separate comments, stated that if implemented, part-time legislature would ensure that only those who have the zeal to legislate would be going to the legislative assemblies, which would create room for professionals to do their jobs as well as legislate. Anyika said taking it from the basics, “a parttime thing is somehow mostly associated with what is not really serious, it connotes what is not as serious as the legislative business as we experience in our assembly here. “If this part-time legislature recommendation is adopted, it will dwindle the efficacy of the legislative arm of government, it will dwindle system sustainability and those who are advocating this and those supporting the move are those who believe that all laws have been made, which is not true.

6,000 EKSU students scramble for Fayose’s welfare packages Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

bout 6,000 students of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti yesterday scrambled to benefit from rice and cash distributed to them by former Governor Ayo Fayose who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the June 21 election in the state. The students started arriving Spotless Hotel, GRA, Onigari, Ado-Ekiti as early as 6a.m. following radio announcement by the Ayo Fayose Campaign Organisation that the PDP candidate would be supporting the students with a bag of rice each and N2,000 to be able to sustain them till June 21, the day of the governorship poll.

NEWS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

The management of EKSU had on Monday, June 9 closed down the university and asked the students to return home in preparation for the election. Addressing the highly elated students, who sang his praise, Fayose said the gesture was borne out of the passion he had for students in the state, assuring them that he would slash their school fees from N100, 000 being paid currently to affordable rate if elected governor. To expand the scope of the gesture, Fayose said about 10,000 bags of rice would be distributed to market women across the state, while 6,000 bags had been allotted to each of the 16 council areas and another 15,000 bags to be distributed to other selected groups as palliatives.

GUSAU NMA begins construction of new secretariat

NEWS IN BRIE F

The Zamfara State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) yesterday began its annual Health Week with the foundation laying of its new N48 million secretariat complex. The foundation laying of the edifice was performed by the Permanent Secretary of the state’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Lawal Bungudu in Gusau. Bungudu, who described the construction of the secretariat as a good initiative, urged the NMA members to support the leadership to actualise the project. Earlier, the state Chairman of the association, Dr. Sunday Onazi, said the association conceived the project due to lack of a secretariat for the members.

The percentage of water withdrawals for industry in low-income countries. Source: Unesco.org

JOS Plateau revenue service to host taxation summit

The Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) has concluded plans to host stakeholders and professional groups to a one-day roundtable parley on taxation in the state. The Executive Chairman of PSIRS, Mr. Samuel Pam, in a sign statement made available to New Telegraph in Jos yesterday, said the stakeholders’ roundtable on taxation with professionals in the state was intended to creatively harness, mobilise and secure mutual understanding in the sector. According to him, the stakeholders meeting which is slated for today would give participants the opportunity to freely discuss and generate important resolutions which outcome will be binding on the PSIRS.

30,941

The number of refugees/people in refugee-like situation in Bosnia & Herzegovina at the beginning of 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

MALAMMADORI LG screens 74 pilgrims for 2014 Hajj

The Malammadori Local Government Area in Jigawa State yesterday said it had screened 74 intending pilgrims for the 2014 Hajj. The council’s Pilgrims Centre Officer, Usman Rara, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Malammadori that the screened prospective pilgrims comprised of 36 females and 38 males. Rara added that 52 intending pilgrims had so far deposited N600,000 each, as part-payment for the Hajj, noting that the council had also organised a four-week orientation to educate them on the basic tenets of the Hajj.

49.8%

The percentage of male internet users in Belarus in 2012. Source: Itu.int

US confirms Nigeria’s compliance with international ports’ security code

Ndubuisi Ugah

with agency reports

he United States Government yesterday confirmed that 13 more port facilities in Nigeria were now fully compliant with the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The confirmation emerged on a day the Managing Director, Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Saidu Mohammed, said the refinery would run at 100 per cent capacity by 2015. But a statement issued by the Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr.

l Kaduna refinery to run at 100% capacity by 2015

Isichei Osamgbi, in Lagos, said the total number of compliant port facilities in Nigeria was now 22. “The number of compliance was nine initially, after the last visit of the US Coast Guard (USCG) on May 21, 2013,” the statement said. The statement said the US government acknowledged the effort of the agency in raising the security levels of ships and port facilities. “The US Government has imposed Conditions of Entry (COE) on vessels calling from some Nigerian port terminals which are yet to comply with the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code,” it stated. The statement said the COE would require affect-

ed vessels to meet certain security measures, prior to entering US ports. “According to the Diplomatic Note, the COE are not trade sanctions and do not ban Nigerian ships from entering US ports. “It does require ships, however, to take certain additional security related measures and the COE has no impact on shipping traffic entering Nigerian waters, as well as berthing at its ports. “It deals only with shipping traffic departing Nigerian ports that is destined for the US,” the statement said. The statement said the Port Security Liaison Officer of the USCG for Europe and Africa, Lt.-Cdr. Chad Fait, had affirmed his commit-

ment to work with NIMASA. It said the USCG would work with the agency in ensuring that the Nigerian ports were ISPS code-compliant. The statement said the Director General of NIMASA, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, assured all stakeholders that “the agency will continue to work tirelessly on all identified improvement opportunities in strengthening consultation with the USCG.” Meanwhile, Mohammed, who said this at a workshop organised by the company for energy correspondents in Kano yesterday, said due to the improved operational efficiency of the company at the moment, the plant operated at 60 per cent capacity.

Firm presents car reward to UNILAG student Mojeed Alabi

400 level student of the Department Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka, Uzoamaka Anyanwu, has been presented with a Hyundai i10 car by an online market place, Konga.com, in conjunction with Infinix Mobility, makers of Infinix range of mobile devices. The car prize, which was presented to Anyanwu by Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade- Ekeinde, was in fulfilment of the promotional programmes for cus-

tomers that purchased Infinix 8s by Infinix Mobility. Speaking about the project, the Chief Executive Officer of Konga, Sim Shagaya, said: “It is truly an honour to be in a position to bring such great value to our customers. This promo is one of the many rewards we have in store for Nigerians who choose to shop online and we are happy to present this brand new car to Uzoamaka. We hope to have another edition of the promo and I will like to thank Infinix for coming together to make this happen.”

L-R: Mr. Pelu Awofeso, the Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo; President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria(FTAN), Mr. Tomi Akingbogun; Director, Anambra State Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Uzo Oguagha; Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ali Abdo and Chief Alex Edom, at one of the exhibitors’ stand during the recently held two days Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibitions (NTIFE) 2014 held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Sheraton Hotel

N EWS I N BRIEF

NEWS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

IKEJA

HADEJIA

NACCIMA tasks manufacturers on product branding

FG, farmers partner on rice trading centres

Director-General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr John Osemede, yesterday urged Nigerian manufacturers to improve on the branding of their goods to make it export-worthy. Osemede told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Lagos that some made-in-Nigeria goods were of good quality but lacked good patronage because of poor packaging. He said: “Nigeria should look inwards; we have some good quality made-inNigeria items like shea butter, locallygrown rice, soap, even garri, that are well made and processed, but some of their packaging lack standard.”

FCT

The Jigawa State chapter of the Rice Dealers Association of Nigeria (RDAN) yesterday, said it had concluded arrangements to establish six pilot rice trading centres in the state. Chairman of the association, Alhaji Idris Ya’u, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Hadejia, that the centres would be established in collaboration with the Federal Government. He said the Federal Government would spend about N12 million on each of the centres, while farmers’ association in each of the participating areas would contribute N600,000 to the project.

e-Government master plan ready in August

The e-government master plan being develop for the country would be ready in August, a Korean expert, Prof. Hung Park, disclosed in Abuja, Park, the leader of a team of experts engaged by the Federal Government to develop the master plan made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, had contracted the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to develop an e-government master plan for Nigeria.

UI graduates pioneer MSc in child and adolescent mental health MILESTONE

At University of Ibadan, history is made as the school produces first set of post graduates in mental health

Kayode Olanrewaju igeria’s premier university, the University of Ibadan (UI) has broken a new ground in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health, a health sector which hitherto had either been neglected or given little attention over the years. With this, all is now set for the graduation of the 13 successful pioneer students of Masters of Science Degree in Child and Adolescent Mental Health (M.Sc CAMH) produced by the university and who will receive their scrolls at a ceremony billed for June 16.

The ceremony for the programme, which is the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, will take place at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre, College of Medicine, UI. The ceremony, according to the institution, is expected to be chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole, while the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Prof. Temitope Alonge, will be the special guest. The keynote address, entitled: “Promoting Emotional Health in African Children” will be delivered by Director, Psychiatry Consultation Service, Children’s Hospital Boston, Dr. Patricia Ibeziako, who incidentally is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA. The Director of Public Communication, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo, said: “Until recently, virtually all social and health interventions for

children had focused on the major causes of mortality to the neglect of mental health issues and social problems that have serious implications for children’s growth and development.” To bridge the gap in mental health care for children and adolescents, he said the John D and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation funded the university to establish a Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. With the establishment of the centre, it is expected that it would provide training, research and services to respond to the urgent mental health care need of the children through the training of highly skilled CAMH personnel. According to him, the programmes emanating from the centre are expected to fill the current void where there is no regular or coordinated training for evidence-based child and adolescent mental health

care in sub-Saharan Africa. “The centre is to identify and train leaders for CAMH for the sub- Saharan African region,” he said, pointing out that the ground-breaking research work of the 13 graduating students would be presented during the ceremony, many of which are pioneer research projects in Africa. During the 18-month duration of the programme, the centre, he hinted trained mental health professionals from Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Enumerating some of the project areas, Oladejo said one research projects showcased that a school-based behavioural intervention is a feasible and effective treatment for depressed adolescents in South-West geopolitical zone of the country, while another revealed that group-based problem solving interventions for aggressive primary school children are feasible and effective.

Airport: Jang decries slow pace of work Musa Pam Jos

overnor Jonah Jang of Plateau State has decried the slow pace of the remodelling and renovation work at the terminal building of the Yukubu Gowon Airport, Jos. The governor, who said this yesterday, while on an assessment visit to the protocol’s lobby being constructed by the state government, said the slowness by the contractor was of a great concern to the state government even though the remodelling design of the work was satisfactory. “I meant to understand that the contractors also have not been finance properly by the Federal Govern-

ment for the completion of the work, I am going to meet the new Managing Director of Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the supervising Minister of Aviation on the matter to ensure that the project is completed because it has been standing for too long,” he said. New Telegraph gathered that the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, had two days before she was removed from office given a 30-day ultimatum to PAACHE Construction Limited and WALLAND Service Limited, who are the contractors handling the airport remodelling work to complete the project or have their contract revoked.

Re-organise your operations, Imoke tells NIWA Clement James Calabar

he Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has called on the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), to re-organise its operations at the jetty located in Calabar and review the on-going assignment of its coastal operations. He said due to the lack of facilities to carry out inspection of bulk cargo at the jetty, the state government considers the facility inadequate and therefore, unsafe for use as it is being done presently. Speaking while paying an unscheduled visit to the jetty on Friday, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Efiok Cobham, said the jetty, which was originally established as a nodal point to provide transportation for persons

and goods within the country lacks the requisite facilities to enhance security. Beside, the governor noted that the jetty was currently receiving vessels conveying goods and passengers from several African coasts into Nigeria, a service it was not originally meant to provide. “It is sad that the jetty is currently being used as a point of entry into the country by people who are not supposed to come in. Beside, facilities here are being over-stretched because this jetty was meant to service Cross River and Akwa Ibom states,” the governor complained. He noted that the poor state of facilities at the jetty was not helping the waterways authority to live up to expectation as the security on the waterways was porous, thus allowing pirates to have a field day.

25 charged with setting railway track on fire

T L-R: Group Head, E-Business, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Fatai Amoo; winners of Verve - Sterling Bank Road to Brazil Promo, Mrs. Joy Brown and Mr. Nnodua Nnamdi Ndubuisi; E-Business, Sterling Bank Plc, Mrs. Taiwo Kolawole, at the presentation of flight documents to the winners in Lagos…yesterday

1.15m

The total number of internet users in Sri Lanka in 2008. Source: Blatantworld.com

21.85

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of Brazil in 2011. Source: Itu.int

The number of players from the Italian Serie A that will participate in the World Cup in 2014. Source: Goal.com

wenty five men, including two teenagers, were yesterday charged before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly setting the railway track at Alagbado, Ogun, ablaze. The accused are Oladejo Mutiu, 22; Oluwole Ogunwole, 45; Femi Akinola, 36; Lukman Oseni, 25; Kehinde Owolabi, 37; Peter Adigun, 34; Fedrick Nduka, 30, Ebuka Ogbona, 30 and Yahaya Hazika,17. Others include: Ahmed Jimoh, 32; Sunday Peter,15; Shared Balogun, 30; Felix Asemota, 30; Segun Samson, 21; Tosin Samson, 35; Anchor Uche, 20;Obineri Ebuka, 26; and Samuel Oba, 20. The rest are Marcel Nwagbara, 42; Fidelis Iteshi, 26;

Adebayo Waheed, 30; Musa Kalam, 23; Promise Nwaoba, 25; Lucky Akpanpa, 30, Idris Abidemi, 21, Sanya Oyedike, 25 and Alis Fatoku,19. They are facing threecount charge of unlawful assembly, setting fire and stealing, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The prosecutor, Inspector Moses Uademevbo, said the crime was committed on June 10 at about 6:50 a.m. at the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) station at Alagbado, Ogun State. “The fare for the economic class to Oshodi was increased from N150 to N230, while the executive class went from N500 to N250. Some of the passengers protested against the hike in the fares of the train which led to vandalism.

Companies & Stock

SEGUN EDWARDS

14 JUNE 2014

Dangote Flour Mills: rising losses and shrinking balance sheet

angote Flour Mills Plc have been facing a trend of rapidly falling profit, which has intensified into one of rising losses. Losses began to hit the balance sheet of the flour millers last year and by the end of September. Its net assets had shrunk by more than 28 per cent from the year’s opening figure. Losses more than doubled over the next six months to March this year, shrinking the equity resources of the company further by 36 per cent. By the end of the company’s second quarter in March, the stake of shareholders amounted to less than 46 per cent of the opening figure in 2013. The company has in place a board and management given the responsibility to build wealth for shareholders. The management headed by Aliko Dangote complains of competitive hostility, consumer resistance and lost markets in the northern part of the country depriving it of volume growth. These conditions are fundamentally constraining, holding no promise that the trend of rising losses and shrinking wealth of

Aliko Dangote

shareholders will end any time soon. The company’s management

said the fundamental problem of the business is over capacity in the flour-milling sector. The resulting competitive price reductions are constricting margins and consumer price resistance has led to volume declines. Volume declines against forced down prices therefore explain the inability of the company to grow sales revenue in the second quarter. At the end of the second quarter in March, sales revenue went down slightly over the three-month figure in March last year. Losses grew during the period compared with last year’s performance. Declining sales revenue and shrinking margins show an unsustainable

cost-revenue relationship that paints a gloomy picture for the business in the future. Turnover during the period stood at N18.58 billion, which is a decline of 2.8 per cent over the three-month figure in 2013. If the second quarter growth rate is maintained, sales revenue is projected at N38.4 billion for Dangote Flour Mills in 2014. This will be an increase of 28.2 per cent over the sales revenue figure of N29.96 billion the company reported at the end of September 2013. Sales revenue slipped in 2012 from the 2011 peak of N67.60 billion and fell by about 55 per cent in 2013 to the lowest figure in many years. This contrasts from flour mills’ a growth of nearly 60 per cent in sales revenue in 2013 and a sustained growth over the past five years. Dangote Flour Mills was compelled to effect a price reduction last December in response to overall price markdowns in the market, which has improved volume delivery by 33 per cent. This may lead to a stronger growth in turnover in the company’s second half at the expense of margins however.

GlaxoSmithKline still losing profit margin

laxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria is maintaining a continuing growth in revenue against profit capacity that has continued to weaken. Profit growth lacked well behind sales revenue improvement last year and the development seems set to be repeated in the current year. Decelerating revenue and shrinking profit margin have been the key developments in the company’s earnings reports since last year. Profit margin declined for the pharmaceuticals company in 2013 and first quarter outing this year has brought it down further to the lowest level in many years. Unless profit margin improves from its first quarter level, the company may end the current financial year with the lowest profit figure in three years. Marginal improvement in profit in 2013 could give way to a decline if the first quarter growth rate fails to improve. Revenue growth is stable for the company at N7.80 billion at the end of the first quarter. That is an increase of 12.6 per cent year-on-year in a difficult market and better than the growth of 8.4 per cent recorded in

the corresponding quarter last year. Based on the first quarter growth rate, the company is forecast to gross N32.2 billion at full year. The forecast revenue will be an increase of 10.3 per cent over the full year figure of N29.18 billion in 2013. It will however be a slow down from the growth of 15.3 per cent in turnover the company achieved last year. Revenue growth has nevertheless been sustained over the past five years, as the company’s household product names enable it to defend its industry leading market share. The company’s first quarter operations ended with a net profit of about N610 million. This represents a marginal improvement of 2.2 per cent over the corresponding figure in 2013. If the first quarter growth rate is maintained to full year, the company is expected to close the year with a net profit figure of N2.62 billion. This will be a decline of 10.3 per cent from the closing profit figure of N2.92 billion in 2013. Earnings per share amounted to 64 kobo at the end of the first quarter, marginally up from 62

TOP FIVE BY VOLUME TRADED

Symbol

Volume

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

olaedwards@yahoo.com 08111813095

Value

Closing

Change

Transcorp

37,505,934

N157,720,494.72

N4.26

0.04%

UBA

35,576,330

N287,719,720,98

N8.12

-0.02%

Zenith Bank

13,171,110

N333,854,890,90

N25.30

0.00%

FBNH

9,523,806

N147,663,165.43

N15.51

0.01%

Diamond Bank

9,410,931

N67,977,168,97

N6.70

-0.02%

kobo in the corresponding period last year. Full year earnings per share is projected at N2.72 for GSK in 2014. This will be a decline from the N3.05 per share recorded in 2013. The company recorded only a marginal improvement of 3.4 per cent in net profit in 2013, showing a sharp slow down from the growth of 22.6 per cent in the preceding year. The company has maintained a continuing growth in profit in the past five years. This year however it faces the challenges of revenue slow down and further loss in profit margin.

GSK MD, Chidi Okoro

BCX acquires 30% stake in Nigeria’s AppZone

onths after acquiring document management firm, Panabiz Nigeria, JSE-listed Business Connexion Group (BCX), has strengthened its hold in Nigeria by acquiring 30 percent of financial IT service provider, AppZone Limited to enable it provide cloud-based solutions to the monetary sector. This deal had been consumated before the demise of Business Connexion CEO, Leetile Benjamin Mophatlane, who passed after suffering heart attack earlier in the week prior to a meeting on the company’s $260 million takeover by Telkom. Although the financial details of the AppZone deal was not revealed, the transaction will enable Business Connexion expands its reach in Africa’s largest economy as well as expand its cloud strategy across the African market. The purchase of a major stake in AppZone will enable the company “seize the financial services opportunities within Nigeria and ultimately across Africa,” says Matthew Blewett, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Business Connexion. BCX hopes to dominate the African online payments market. It has identified Kenya and Nigeria –two regional economic giant – as key growth markets. It is also expecting to rake in more acquisition in Ghana whose capital city, Accra was ranked the highest inclusive growth city on the MasterCard African Cities Growth Index (ACGI). These acquisitions and expansion projects are expected to boost the company’s global revenues by 30 percent in the coming years. AppZone, a company established to promote financial inclusion among the masses, installs technology solutions to financial institution which enables end-users to access financial services through a wide range of connected electronic devices.

SEC okays AfDb’s N160b medium term stock market funding

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has approved the African Development Bank’s AfDb’s application to establish a N160 billion medium term note programme in the Nigerian capital market. The AfDB is being advised on the transaction by Stanbic IBTC Capital (a member of the Standard Bank Group) and Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria, a wholly owned subsidiary of the FirstRand Group. SEC’s approval also included a “No-Objection” for the AfDb to commence the book-building process for a planned issuance of a first tranche of N16.2 billion under the programme. The Bank would seek to start

the book-building process as soon as mid-June, with the plan to issue by the end of the month, subject to favourable market conditions. Members of the Bank’s treasury team were recently in Nigeria to sound the market for the upcoming issuance, where they received positive feedback; institutional investors were looking forward to adding diversity to their portfolios and welcomed the AfDB’s proposed offering. The proceeds of the first bond issuance would be used to finance a line of credit to a financial institution which would on-lend to corporates in the services and industries sector; a pipeline of infrastructure projects; and to small and

medium sized enterprises (SMEs). “In line with its’ Local Currency Initiative, the Bank approves African currencies as lending currencies whenever there is sufficient demand for local currency loans, and where the Bank can fund itself cost-effectively. “This initiative allows the Bank to establish medium term note (borrowing) programs in designated African currencies (including the naira which was designated a lending currency of the Bank in December 2012); and to issue local currency bonds within the framework of the program and in line with underlying demand from the Bank’s borrowing clients,” it explained.

Should men be given paternity leave? p.12

Street DIARY NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

14 JUNE 2014

www.newtelegraphonline.com/streetdiary

Hole in heart boy recounts heart-rending ordeal Chikodiri Eze has been battling with heart-related disease for eight years. His only hope lies in a surgical operation that will cost about N6 million in an Indian hospital. He speaks with WAHEED BAKARE

hikodiri Eze is 22 years old. He is diminutive. But his diminutiveness is not natural. When he removed his clothes, his protruding stomach corroborated the fear that Eze’s health is under threat. His shrivelling is as a result of a heartrelated disease that has left a big hole in the pocket of his parents. For a mother who is food vendor and a petty trader father, fate, as it concerns their child, is cruel. And for Eze, who knows where the shoe pinches, the past six years of his life have been years of excruciating pains. He said, “The problem started manifesting when I was in secondary school in 2008. When I woke up one morning, I felt cold and my father thought it was malaria. He went to the chemist and got some drugs for me. After taking the drugs, I went to school thinking that my health will improve after a few hours. “But when I got to school, my health has deteriorated. My face had swollen up and I was having stomach upset. Later, I was taken to Ondo Specialist Hospital, where I was told I had malaria parasites. But when there was no improvement, I was asked to undergo series of tests and it was revealed that my problem was beyond malaria. “I was then directed to a private hospital where I had a series of tests and I was told I had heart problem. I was given some drugs, which relieved me and I started my normal life again.” But the relief was temporary as Eze’s health condition failed again resulting in his being admitted at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital. “When I thought I had gone over my problem, the problem started again later in 2008. In October, 2008, I was admitted at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State, for three months, where I did a series of tests to actually confirm the problem. I was told I would undergo surgery in India,” he added. The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, OAU Teaching Hospital, Dr. F.J. Owotade, in a letter, said Eze, has “a 2-dimensional Echocardiography which

I feel reluctant to go back to Kanu Heart Foundation because I am aware they have many people on the list

showed a probable tricuspid valve abnormality or a primary cardiomyophathic problem on the right ventricle with tricuspid annular dilatation. “To correct the abnormality, the patient will benefit from the services of either of these two hospitals: Apollo Hospital, Savita Vihar, Delhi Mathura Road, New Delhi, India or Max Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi, India. The cost implication is between N4m and N6m. Also, the Medical Director, Biket Medical Centre, Osogbo, Osun State, Dr. A.D. Adenle, in his report in September, 2010, concluded that Eze has “a primary tricuspid valve problem with severe tricuspid regurgitation or a primary cardiomyopathic problem of the right ventricle with tricuspid annular dilatation causing severe tricuspid regurgitation.” “Primary management will require surgery to reduce the tricuspid valve annulus and repair of the redundant tricuspid valve to reduce tricuspid regurgitation,” he added. However, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for Eze’s family to raise the money required for the surgery. T h e i r joy knew no bounds when the Kanu Heart Foundation agreed to sponsor Eze to India. In

2012, Eze and his mother were in India for the surgery. But when they got there, preliminary tests carried out by the doctors preparatory to the surgery showed that Eze’s condition had worsened and putting him on the surgical table was took risky. “The doctors said my body was too weak to undergo the surgery. They said it can only be carried out on condition that my mum would sign the consent form,” he added. Eze’s mother was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. In her innocence, she opted for the lesser. ‘I will rather take my son home alive than putting his life at risk under surgical knife.’ Thus, mother and child returned to Nigeria waiting for divine intervention. Since then Eze has been using drugs to cushion the effects of his pains. But the effect of the drugs is not as effective as a permanent solution that the surgery would have proffered. Although the drugs, according to him, are not expensive, they are usually scarce. And when they are not available, Eze walks through the valley of shadow of death. He said, “I feel dizzy most of the time and I get tired easily. I can’t walk for a long time because I was told the sickness affects my brain. I also find it difficult to breathe. At night, I can’t sleep beyond one hour and 30 minutes. “When we returned to Nigeria, my daddy felt my mother should have signed the consent form. But I can’t blame her for not signing. She used her initiative based on her understanding of the situation. She was afraid I might die. “Last year, some doctors from the hospital came to Nigeria and my father met with them. He asked them if they will be willing to do the surgery if he signed the consent form. They collected his phone number and promised to get in touch with him when they go back to India. But they have not called him since then. “I want to back to the hospital because m y health has

worsened. I feel reluctant to go back to Kanu Heart Foundation because I am aware they have many people on the list. Besides, the foundation has taken me to India but the surgery could not be carried out partly because of my condition and because my mother was afraid to sign the consent form.” Despite his health challenge, Eze sat for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Exam in 2010 and made seven credits including Mathematics and English Language. His childhood dream is to become a lawyer. Eze is however afraid that his health might be an impediment to realise his dream as he is too feeble to undergo the rigour of academic. Asked why he wants to join the legal profession, he said, “It has always been my dream to become a lawyer since when I was a child. But apart from been a childhood dream, I want to study law because many things are going on in the country like corruption and embezzlement of money. “People like us are not catered for. We don’t have good health facilities and this is why people go to hospitals abroad. Nigeria is a rich country and we do not have any excuse not to have good roads, hospitals and schools. “There is money in Nigeria but it is not circulating. There are so many poor people in the country. My parents do not want me to die but they can’t afford to take to the Indian hospital where the solution is. “In view of this, I want to appeal to Nigerians to come to my aid. God has really been faithful to me. The drugs and assistance from various foundations have been helpful. With the drugs, I was able to go to school to complete my education. But like I said earlier, the drugs are not usually available even when you have money to buy them. The surgery is the permanent solution.” His mother, Augustina, said it was not possible for the family to raise the money except Nigerians help her son. “We rely on some foundations to get his drugs and we also sold some of our things in order to raise money to get his drugs. “My husband and I are petty traders. There is no way we can raise the amount of money required for the surgery. What the boy needs now is total treatment and that is why I am appealing to Nigerians to help my son. “He is brilliant and wants to go to university to read law. I want Nigerians to please assist us so that my child will not die.” According to the itinerary provided by the doctors, Eze will spend two weeks in hospital, while two weeks will be used to monitor him before returning to Nigeria.

Name: Eze Chikodiri Chrisantos Bank: GUARANTEE TRUST BANK (GTB) Account no: 013777737 Telephone no: 08114072993, 08174296588

STREET DIARY

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

Hoodlums cart away goods as task force demolishes park

Onah O. Onah

oodlums on Wednesday in Onitsha had a field day as they carted away goods estimated at millions of naira during the demolition of Ekesons operational motor park headquarters in Anambra State by the Government Task Force on Environment. Traders wailed uncontrollably as the hoodlums carted away parcels, motor spare parts, building materials, drinks and other valuables under the watch of security men who provided cover for the task force. The manager of the park, who gave his name simply as, Mr. Samuel, told our correspondent that the demolition took them by surprise because the park had been a subject of litigation, adding that the court had given an order restraining the government or its agents from disrupting the business of Ekeson group. He said, “We were surprise when we came to work this morning and met over 30 security men including police, fullyarmed soldiers and over 50 Task Force members here

with their bulldozer and pay loaders demolishing all the structures including the corporate office. “They chased us away and even towed our buses to an unknown destination and condoned off the entire place and hoodlums had a field day the witness said. “Two of the hoodlums lost their lives here. One collapsed and one was hit by a lump of block while trying to carry away a carton of motor parts as they demolished our parking store.” It was learnt that no fewer than 80 luck-up shops and the co-operate offices were demolished during the exercise. Addressing newsmen on the circumstances surrounding the controversy, counsel to Chief E.E Ojukwu and E. Ekeson Motors Agencies Ltd., Mr. Fidelise Madugha (SAN) of A.N Anyemene Chambers alleged that it was a clear contempt of court. He made available a Federal High Court order Form 48 made in respect of suit No A/208/2007 and A/MOSC/33/2013 purportedly served on Anambra State Government, ex-governor of the state, commissioner for Lands and Survey and his Environment Services

counterpart. The order reads in parts, “Notice of consequence of disobedience of court order 4 rule 13 copy of which was served on the Attorney General of Anambra State, Ministry of Justice, Awka, it states as follows: Take notice that unless you obey directives contained in this order you will be guilty of contempt of court and liable to be committed to prison.” The court order dated August 19 further states that “the government and Governor of Anambra State cannot under the Land Use Act which is a federal legislation revoke or seize the pieces or parcel of land which was allocated to the plaintiff by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1992. “The defendants/respondents, their agents privies, servants or anybody acting on their behalf are hereby perpetually restrained from entering into, demolishing or interfering with the plaintiff normal private business at their motor/bus park situated at and known as E. Ekeson private bus/motor park at Upper Iweka Road flyover Onitsha except with the consent of the plaintiff.” The order which was issued in Awka under the

Scenes from the demolition exercise

seal of the court by the and hand of Justice C.O Nweke was dated November 4, 2009, and was endorsed by Osieme V.O (Mrs.) Assistant Chief Litigation Officer Awka Judicial Division. Meanwhile, Governor Willie Obiano has reiter-

ated the determination of his government to rid the state off criminals so as to sanitise the state. Obiano who spoke to journalists when he visited the demolition site said that the exercise was part of the ongoing 10 years development plan of the

state. He assured the people that his administration would stop at nothing in its resolve to building an economic and viable stable that would attract investors and fast track development in the state.

Arts Scholarship Foundation holds Police arrest three for kidnapping, 4th graduation ceremony macheting teenager Camillus Nnaji

o fewer than 20 students of Pasuma Art Scholarship Foundation graduated from different art and trade trainings put together by the foundation in Lagos on Wednesday. The foundation which is the brainchild of a popular musician, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi, popularly known as Pasuma, has the objective to train youths in different areas of creative arts, trade and skill acquisitions and proper formal education. All the students were spon- Pasuma sored by the ace musician. At the graduation, which was the fourth gratitude to the sponsor and one, all the graduates received urged others to emulate him. their certificates depicting their He said: “I want to thank in a areas of specialisation. special way the sponsor, Semiu The sponsor of the event, Al- Afolabi, because of his drive to haji Semiu Afolabi said: “It is my help people achieve their careers desire to build capacity in youth through learning of handwork like education having gone through a hairdressing, drawing, designing lot of difficulties in life. This is an , painting, , building and others. opportunity for the beneficiaries “It is very important to learn to believe in themselves, conquer a trade. When we started OPC, many members of the group were fear and move on in life.” In his own remarks, Leader of not educated but we encouraged Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), them to go to school and learn difOtunba Gani Adams, expressed ferent trade. Those who listened

are getting contract jobs worth millions of naira.” “For the women who have learnt hairdressing, you will have constant job because most women cherish and take care of the hair. In 2004, I met someone who advised me to stop spending money the way I was doing, he advised me to learn interior decoration. Thereafter, I started designing modern houses and started having many customers. I later joined MKO Abiola’s group, but it was that job I learnt that sustained me.” Adams said the menace of Area boys could be dealt with by involving them in different handwork. He added, “There are many private universities in Nigeria today and they are expensive. Even the ones are also expensive. Why can’t those who cannot get admission go and learn bricklaying, plumbing and other jobs? “When the youth begin to think this way the problem of miscreants (area boys) will stop. I want to thank Pasuma because service to humanity is the highest gift God wants and that is what he has done today on these students.”

Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

he Ogun State Police Command yesterday said it had arrested three suspects in connection with the kidnap of 18-year-old Paulinus Nweke in Itele, Ado-Odo/ Ota Local Government Area of the state. The suspects also allegedly inflicted machete cuts on the teenager before locking him up in a toilet. New Telegraph on Saturday learnt that the incident happened on Monday at Olugbode, Lafenwa area of Itele township. A resident of the area, Muideen Ajibabi, said Paulinus’ brother who was hawking belts and underwear, drew the attention of some passers-by to a house in the area. Ajibabi explained that upon getting to the scene, the teenager had been slaughtered while the suspects took to their heels before the arrival of policemen. According to him, angry youths later stormed the house and set it

ablaze. Ajibabi said, “The incident happened around 3:30 pm on Monday. A boy hawking belts and underwear around Olugbode, Lafenwa area of Itele called the attention of passers-by that he overheard the voice of his brother at a house. “When we got there, we were surprised at what we saw. They had slaughtered the boy and ran away before the youth got there. Some youths later set the house ablaze before the intervention of the police from Itele and fire service men.” When contacted, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident. Oyeyemi explained that the victim was hawking bread before he was kidnapped, macheted and kept inside a toilet. He added that the police arrested the landlord of the house, caretaker and a friend of the fleeing suspects. “We got to the scene, we found the boy inside the toilet in his pool of blood but thank God, he was rescued and now recuperating in an hospital,” he said.

Voices

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

Street Diary

Should men be given paternity leave? No need for it

A man does not need any paternity leave. I see it as not necessary because he isn’t the pregnant one here but his wife. So it does not make sense and it is not worth it. For a man, I think that should be a time for him to earn more since he now has more mouths to feed.

(Dimeji, student)

Good for equal rights

Yes, men should be given equal chance and right. While the woman is carrying the pregnancy the man should be there to assist but apart from that there should be equal rights.

(Olowo teacher)

Sulaimon,

Except the man is lazy

What do they need it for? To me I don’t think it is necessary, except if his leave falls within that period fine, but, if not I will say that the man must be a lazy man because he does not need it other than the compulsory one he will be given during the naming.

(Olayemi Temidayo, make-up artist)

No, except she is in a critical state

No! They are not to be given leave except in a case where she is in a critical condition or if no family member is around. He is not the one breast feeding or nursing the baby so why does he need a paternity leave?

(Adeola Olaolu, Micro-biologist)

They are not the ones carrying the pregnancy

Husbands should not be given paternity leave because they are not the ones carrying the child. Wives are given maternity leave because they get tired and weak when they are almost due to put to bed.

(Honourable Adeniyi, civil servant) It is not needed

Why should husbands be given such leave? I am a man and I would not like that at all. For example, if both couples are working in the same company, will you expect them to be given paternity and maternity leave at the same time? I don’t think so.

(Ajayi Michael, student)

It is not advisable

If husbands are given paternity leave who will feed the family when both couples are at home? The husband is not the one pregnant, to me, I am a man and I will not advise that any man should take such leave because women are trouble on their own.

(Ebenezer Olusegun, accountant)

My husband must not be granted leave

No oh, husbands! In fact, my husband must not be given paternity leave because he is the bread winner of the family and there is no job such husband will be doing at home, instead he will be causing more trouble.

(Blessing Anagor, trader) It is not right

No, husbands should not be given paternity leave, is he the one pregnant? Or is he the one going through the stress? Even if he is going to get a leave, it should be the normal leave and not a paternity leave.

(Obabiyi Olanrewaju, businessman)

Husbands deserve to take a rest

Husbands should be given leave because that is when their wives need them to be close to them and to assist at home, especially if they are newly married.

(Joy Faustina, reporter)

Why should men enjoy paternity leave?

It is capital no! Fathers or husbands don’t deserve paternity leave. The wife carries the pregnancy for nine months even more than in some cases. The wife still tries to show the man some love and care even before the pregnancy. But some men don’t even appreciate such emotion and affection. While some don’t even have show love by assisting their wives’ with the house chores, so why should they be given paternity leave? I do not agree.

(Anuoluwapo Ayodola, banker) compiled by

ABIMBOLA SODEKE AND TEMITOPE SOBOWALE

I should yes it is okay

Well if you look at it from the wife’s perspective, I should say yes, because she needs someone to assist her in the house to do the house chores run errands, wash, take her for exercises. That should be the main reason for the leave in the first place, also, for her to rest so as not to have issues after child’s birth.

(Dolapo Julius, student)

It depends!

There are two sides about to it, yes and no. If they have a house help or family members around that can stay with the wife, I don’t think he will need the leave but if they don’t then he will need the leave. But most importantly, he will surely need the leave if it is their first issue to observe the progress of things and the wife’s health.

(Arogundade Tolu, communicator)

There is nothing wrong with it Well, husbands are human beings and they need rest as well so if they are given paternity leave I don’t see anything wrong with

(Oluwadamilola Cindy, student)

I will go on leave to be with my wife

I will say yes, because men also need the leave to rest and stay with their wives at that period except if the wives are not at home but if not is it is necessary. It also helps to give the wives peace of mind, happiness and comfort during the period. I will take the leave to stay with my wife.

(Olusoji Idowu, student)

It is needed

Yes, men should be given leave, although it depends on the nature of the job of the man is into. Every woman needs a man that will support her during that period because she wants him to be there when she gives birth. But if there is someone trustworthy that can stay with his wife then he can just pop in on the day of delivery because the man needs to put is job into consideration. If his job is flexible then he can go on leave but if not he should start take permission about a month before the baby comes so he won’t put is job on the line.

(Bukola Olarenwaju, advertister)

Instyle Versatility stands out Flat sandals p.16 Travel Kogi: Not yet the confluence of tourism p.42

NTWEEKEND

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

www.newtelegraphonline.com/weekend

14 JUNE 2014

C o n v e r s at i o n

“When you try to create Calabar or Efik in Lagos, to me it’s Jollof. It is adulterated.”

OSUOFIA

I need a house full of money – Osuofia

Who is Osuofia outside the screen? I’m just like every other person. I like to learn from the smallest. I like to learn from the biggest. If you come to the production ground, I am more in tune with the PAs than with the bourgeois in the industry. It’s not as if I do not have my closeness or things that bring us together, but I feel freer talking to people that are free. If I cannot come to you and talk to you freely, then you are in prison and I am not. If they will need a very long protocol to talk with you, you are in prison. I like to talk to people who are free.

How do you handle stardom, because your presence, even among your colleagues elicits ovation, in public you are almost mobbed wherever you go? It’s not something that started today. So, I am used to such encomiums and crowd. But I’m this sort of person

Nkem Owoh is arguably the best clown in Nigeria and with him, there is no dull moment. Osuofia, as he is popularly known in this interview with SONY NEME speaks on the price that comes with stardom, his challenges,foundation, family life and many more.

when I am doing my private business I don’t like crowd. When I am doing the crowd thing, then I can come and entertain the crowd. But honestly I still feel so shy when I am in the crowd, at times, because of the management of

my stardom, I hold myself back from betraying emotions as they often do certain things as if we are not human’s too. What has been the challenge of stardom? A lot of challenges, but there are two main challenges now - one as an individual and that of the industry. As an individual, the challenges that people place on you, the length of stardom is always greater than the length of your purse in our own case. People think because you are ‘Osuofia in London,’ you must be stinkingly rich and they over assess you. That’s why at times they feel so surprise when you begin to commune with the raw sticks, you know everybody. It is not as if your name is commensurate to your bank account. It doesn’t work like that. So, I appreciate the fact that my name has a lot in its

WEEKEND | CONVERSATION

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

‘I don’t answer calls any more’ CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 1 3

my mind.

account than my bank account because that one opens doors. It can influence minds. Money, yes you need money to get things going, but the name can do a lot more. Stardom challenges personality. Because I act comedy everyone thinks I am what I act on television. You will see some excited fans will say ‘hey, Osuofia come, come, come, let me give you drink.’ Probably you are acting a poor man, and you are drunk, they assume you are like that. They now say ‘come and drink.’ If you look at the person, if you want to manage your stardom properly, you don’t rebuff the person, you don’t embrace the person, you just politely walk away. Lots of challenges like that. My phone is another case entirely. My phone is supposed to be a very big advert to me but it’s turning into a nuisance. I don’t have time of my own. I can’t eat, I can’t drink, because everybody wants you to make them laugh, but nobody is asking whether this guy is happy. But make us happy! That is it! You will be in middle of fracas, probably with your workers or having quiet time with your family, and somebody will just come and request to be made happy. Even apprentices in the market place, you will hear them say, ‘Osuofia, there is bad market o, please put us on a lighter mood.’ If you cannot manage it, you will explode and politely for those people who say ‘come, come, come, come and greet me’, you politely wave and continue to your destination. I don’t answer calls anymore. I rarely do, but if you send me a message, I can call you back if I see the subject of your message. It is on record that as one of the highest paid thespian, you earn N2m per movie, which puts you in the millionaires’ club, is that truth? What is N2m? Why I say N2m is nothing is, when people hear that you are rich, everybody from the village will come. That is if you are somebody close to your people; the church you attend, everybody around you will be tugging at your sleeve. At the end of the day, you will find out that N2m will not last a week. But if this hullabaloo about your purse is restrained, then certain things and people will not come to you. That’s why I say N2m is small. In fact I need a house full of money to solve my problems. I have some people under my scholarship and it is because of all these things, they say, you have this kind of money, you are not training anybody. So you have to. I have people on scholarships. But instead of having international foundation, I decided to have foundation for my own people. If you go to my village and ask them they will tell you. I started from my people. Those people on my scholarships are not mainly my brothers. I come to a quarter and I say okay, the best student here male or female will be given scholarships and I give them scholarship across primary, secondary and university.

So, why end up studying engineering and not theatre arts? When did acting explode? I had already finished reading what I wanted to read. You find out that when people think that you are an average student and you want to impress your parents, you have to read those things that are big. And I was good at sciences so I went for engineering and I was taking the accolades for studying engineering. But what is feeding me today is not engineering. I’m an engineer by certificate but I am show businessman by profession.

Why do you shoot most of your movies outside Lagos? I was in Lagos for 29 years. You don’t develop one place. What started bringing me down to the east was, if I need something that has Calabar touch I will come down to Calabar and shoot it. If I need something that has Igbo touch, I will come to the east and shoot it. But when you try to create Calabar or Efik in Lagos, to me it’s Jollof. It is adulterated. It’s in organic. I have fought some little wars in the cause of our production but now I feel very comfortable. As one of the biggest in the movie industry how does it make you feel? It feels somehow if you agree or if a

Nkem

“The length of stardom is always greater than the length of your purse in our own case.”

Nkem in student costum realisation comes to you, that you are the biggest. I feel just like you, so you find out that that psychology will not pressure me. If I am feeling big because people say I am big, that is when you begin to see whether you can construct a way to deal with that very idea. My own reaction to public perception on this is diagonal. It ranges from the professor to the labourer, from the army general to the cook, from the highest in the religious body to the lowest. So, when you feel like this, people acclaim you for what they think you are but I just see myself as that actor. It is when the crowd begins to swell larger that I begin to look for security. I now begin to go out with some of these policemen. Not because it affects me psychologically but because of my security. I don’t have much. I am not endowed so much with ‘meat’ in my body so any little person can just fling me off so I take care of myself by getting some of these security men. You talked about a foundation can you shed more light on it? I don’t have a foundation because I find out that foundation at times is playing to the gallery. You have a foundation; you write to some of these foreign countries to support you, I don’t want to exhibit it. What I do, I do with my personal funds. Scandal will begin to come in when you go and borrow money to do these things. Instead of borrowing money to do that then I would rather do the ones I can do with my money. Aside acting what else do you? I had a school. I decided to close it because my workers started playing games. I have a movie studio; I have camera chains that shoot both our movies and those they use in weddings, though the branch of that one is in Enugu. I have video clubs as well. As a producer, what are kind movies have you shot? I’ve been producing and I’ve been marketing my films. My production outfit is

called NONKS Production. Even if you look at some of the films or television programmes, you will see post production, NONKS Studio. I don’t have to come out and begin to mouth it. It’s my studio. It’s my company. Once I am reaping from it, my own name is enough. It is getting too much for me too. How do you cope with female fans? I cope very, very well. Again, it depends on the angle you are coming from. If you don’t understand women you won’t cope with them. If you think women are charlatans that oh you are a star, they should come, you can’t cope with them. You have to understand that a woman is a human being like you. If I want to talk to a person I appreciate, I will talk to you as if I’m nothing. I don’t like breathing down on people because I am a ‘big star’ that is why I cope so well. If you relate with someone on individual basis they will know. But if you come to impose yourself on me, I get afraid. I’m sorry. But that’s me. Because of security, because of caution, I am used to have male PAs now, and place them with female PAs. So that strategy is to rebuff females trying to impose themselves on you? No, my strategy is just by being polite, by trying to draw a line. Because I am a star and women are coming, do I have to allow them to come? You will kill yourself. In any case, I became a man before I became a star. There are people that stardom hit at a very young age; they get confused because they are not matured enough to manage that stardom. I tell you, to manage stardom is harder than being a star. You may say okay you are a star, you will kill yourself by the relationship you have with your fans. Any regrets so far? No, if I come at another time and the opportunity presents itself to be an actor I will jump at it. Yes, I will, if it is like this. Was there something else you wanted to do before delving into acting? I read engineering but I am not practicing engineering. I read Electrical Engineering. The only time I had with engineering was when I worked with Waco Engineering. Even before I entered school, acting has been tugging at the sleeve of

Are your kids taking after you in acting? Yes, some of them are because I have seen the pigments in them, but I don’t want to pressure my kids. The only thing I try to do is to encourage them. In fact there is one of my daughters that is very good at singing. I used to sing. In my family it is there. What I did was to buy her a recorder, so each time, the inspiration comes like that I gave her the recorder to record whatever comes to her at that point in time. So, you have a musician in the making? I don’t have a musician in the making. I am only encouraging her. If she wants to be a musician fine! You had a stint with music, what happened to that project? The marriage between branches of arts is so strong and you can’t do one without the other. Outside this country, you will see those in Hollywood film industry who sing and act. And Indian film is just all about acting and singing. Some of the big time musicians we know in US are actors. Some of the actors are playing music. So these things are interrelated. I don’t think I am going outside the box when I enter into music. I will just have to pick one and do the other one as an associate. Being a popular musician and being a popular actor, what kind of popularity are you looking for? How do you make time for family with your very busy schedule? When you have such a thing, it’s just like you in your office. In my office I travel a lot, but I try to have an understanding with my workers, my manager, my accountant. So, also if you appeal to your wife and she appreciates that this is the place where the pocket bulges from, I don’t think she will lose her cool. But you don’t have to overdo it. What I do is that between my children and my wife, I let them understand that I am doing this. ‘It is not right for me to be leaving you like this but if I don’t leave you like this, I will not make this money.’ Don’t forget that I wasn’t born with silver spoon. So it is a question of understanding. The only thing that causes trouble is when you hala if your wife or your family queries you that you are not always around. But when you put them in the picture, they will understand and there will not be any problem. Does your wife feel insecure at times because of your stardom and women getting attracted to you? Those who are not stars are even worse. Those who are not stars are bigger risk to their wives. If you are a star, anything I do here now is news. But somebody who is not known can perpetrate any kind of atrocity here and goes out and nobody notices. So, you have to be cautious of that. That whatever you do there are eyes watching every of your steps.

INSTYLE

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

Small and dapper Stand-up comedian and actor, Justice Emonaerara Nuagbe popularly known as Ushbebe, talks about how his small frame made him a fan of smart dresses. ANGELA DAVIES reports.

Get draped in lace If you thought the lace mania is going to wane anytime soon, you’ve only got to look around to see the number of women rocking lace dresses in different texture and styles that suit their personal taste to dispel that notion. ANGELA DAVIES writes.

hether it is a staple part of your wardrobe or for special occasion only, lace is an elegant and on-trend choice of fabric. Depending on the style, the lace dress makes you look stunning and elegant for whatever occasion you want to attend. However when you consider wearing a lace dress, select one that will flatter your body shape and make you stand out. Whether your style is modest and ladylike or chic and sexy, there are styles to flaunt your style persona. Styles in which you can rock the lace fabric include fitted, flared and peplum dresses. Also, some women combine lace with other fabrics to make elegant styles. Some women equally wear lace top with a skirt, short or trouser depending on the event and fashion statement they want to make. These lace outfits make quite a statement especially when combined with lovely accessories. The quality of the lace fabric matters, however, better quality lace is more suitable for an exquisite dress or evening gown for special occasions. No matter what the style you choose, it is important to wear it with the right kind of shoes, jewelleries, make-up and most importantly, attitude to standout.

Define your style My mood determines what I put on. I don’t really plan what I will wear but I try to look good when I go out no matter how simple I dress. So, simply put, my style is simple and me. What kind of outfits make up a larger part of your wardrobe? Basically, suits because I do many events for corporate bodies and weddings. I have a small stature so my suit has to look very smart, packed and beautiful. What determines the kind of outfit you wear to an event? It is actually the event. If I have to wear traditional outfit to an event, it has to be smart and fitted. I don’t know how to wear big clothes. What is that clothing item you will never be caught wearing? I am a professional artiste, so I could wear anything but it has to be smart. But you can’t catch me wearing agbada because I feel wearing it is a lot of work. Also, I have a small stature so I will be lost inside it. Most expensive fashion item you have ever bought? A suit. What is your favourite piece of clothing? It is jeans and t-shirt. Fashion accessory you cannot do without? I cannot do without my wristwatch because time is money. Are you obsessed with designer label? Yes, I am, both within and outside the country. Favourite designer I am a Zara person. In Nigeria, I do a lot of Yomi Casual but for my suits, I love Mike Maker and Tayo Gabriel. For now, Mike Maker is my top designer in Nigeria because he has been making suits for me for some years now. Signature perfume I am a perfume freak. I like Zara perfumes. I also wear Givenchy, Deseo and Joop perfumes. Best colour I use to love blue but right now my best colour is every colour. What kind of shoes do you love to wear? I love to wear Zara shoes because I feel they are fitted for me and they are unique. I love the black colour.

INSTYLE

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

Accessories to live for

The flats have it

From being an accessory reserved for the simple, informal occasion, flat sandals have broken into fashionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mainstream, writes ANGELA DAVIES.

lat sandals are definitely a must have for women as they transform any look. From the office to a get-together with friends, flat sandals are a casual but versatile footwear choice. It is one footwear that is stylish, easy to wear and comfortable. These sandals which are made by different designers like Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Chloe, Balenciaga, Valentino and Bottega Veneta come in different styles and colours. You can choose flat sandal styles ranging from gladiator, T-Strap down to ankle Strap, ankle cuff and thong in an array of materials and colours

to help put that extra finishing touch on your outfit. These stylish flat sandals can be paired with almost all types of casual outfit like dresses, shorts, skirt or jeans with top, maxi dresses for a casual outing. You can also wear multi-coloured flat sandal to set off a spectacular outfit but ensure they have a good fit. If you want to look gorgeous and allow your feet speak, then you should wear stylish flat sandals. So, choose your desired style that depicts your personality and also show off your well painted toes.

Facts

WHO WORE IT WELL?

Black thigh high slit evening gown

Folake Coker is the founder of the fashion label, Tiffany Amber. She has been globally recognized because of the depths of her colourful creations and it is the potency of these creations that has made her the only African designer to grace the Mercedes Fashion week in New York two years in a row.

Ekile

his week, the fashion face-off is between brand ambassador for MTN Nigeria and MTNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Project Fame West Africa season three winner, Chidinma Ekile and Ebony Life television presenter, Zainab Balogun. Ekile wore this sleeveless black thigh high evening wear with front cut to the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards which held at the ICC Centre, South Africa on Saturday June 7 2014. To indicate that she is a true African woman, the pretty musician who wears short hair used Ankara print at the waist band of her floor length gown which beautifully flaunts her sexy legs. She harmonized her look with cream and orange coloured high heel strappy sandals, gold bracelet, earrings and black cocktail ring. She used black nail polish to match her dress and finally crowned her look with a beautifully done makeup that enhanced her face. On the other hand, Balogun wore a fitted black satin thigh high evening gown that flaunts her spotless leg to the 10th Anniversary of the Africa Movie Academy Awards, AMAA which took place on Saturday, May 24, 2014 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa. Balogun who wears low cut enhanced her evening look with chandelier earrings and light makeup. Leaving her chest and wrist bare, she completed her look with black strappy high heel sandals. So who do you think wore this black thigh high gown better? Musician Ekile or television presenter, Balogun?

In the 15th century pregnancy was so fashionable that girls who did not expect babies used to put small pillows under their clothing to create the illusion of baby bumps. The first designer suit was launched by Coco Chanel in 1923. She created the look by combining wool boxy jackets with gold buttons, knee-length skirts and large pearl necklaces.

Balogun

Nail polish has some compounds that tarnish your nail colour and the darker the nail polish the deeper the stain.

IllRymz: It’s hard watching an amazing talent voted out p.19 Stella Damasus and the stunt of infamy p.18

SHOWBIZ NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

14 JUNE 2014

www.newtelegraphonline.com/showbiz

Kenny Saint Best: A singer’s business in politics INFLUENCE INTO POLITICS I reside in Onigbongbo local government area of Lagos state, and for over six years, I’ve been part of the local government basically in area of education, development of the public school and upgrading of public schools in Onigbongbo local government under the chairmanship of honourable Idowu Obasa. So I’ve been a part of it. At the state level, I am the main act at the state children’s Christmas party, and I was very active during the 2007 elections that brought in Governor Fashola, so I’ve always been quite active at the background of politics. But it was last year that I decided that I can do something about changing the face of youth development in Ikeja and Lagos as a whole. Apart from being a youth coach and youth pastor, that requires me to see to the development of the youth, I have a yearning and pull towards the street and seeing that every girl that comes out to hustle on the street at night should have a privilege to become a better citizen, and be given the privilege of better productivity in the areas of what they can do to improve their lives apart from prostitution. POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT IS THE PANACEA Each time I look at it that I’m going into politics, it gives me the shivers because of the kind of image politics has in Nigeria. I see it more as public service and if I look at it more in the area of seeing to getting people developed, human appreciation, and what I see in my local government especially the Opebi axis where I reside baffles me. The rise of prostitution has gone up by almost one thousand percent. It never used to be this bad, back then you could count the number of girls you see on one hand, but now especially at the OpebiAllen Avenue intersection (Lagos), it seems like a lorry comes to offload them for the night from 7pm. It looks like the street is pulling them more and more all because of money and what they do depreciates humanity. I think there can be a change, something can be introduced to these girls and let them know that there’s a gift inside of them that can improve the quality of their lives. POSSESSING WHAT IT TAKES I think what it takes is the passion for change in human beings. It’s like saying why is Pastor Tunde Bakare in politics? Is it that he’s not getting enough money from the pulpit? It is the same call to build humanity, it’s about spreading the good news through government. Yes there is a youth ministry, but their attention seems to be more on sports development and we have seen how that has bettered the lives of sports practitioners, especially in football. It’s only in football that you have platforms for under 13, under 15, under 17, Flying Eagles and then super eagles, they don’t have such organised platforms for any other are of youth development, we don’t have it for models, fashion or even musicians and actors. The government can’t boast of

Kennis Music vice-president and famous gospel act, Kenny Saint Best, has signified interest in running for an elective office in 2015. KSB as she’s fondly called is now a card-carrying member of the APC and would be seeking to be elected as a House of Assembly member in the next election. On why she’s taking a shot at politics amid sundry matters, she spoke to LANRE ODUKOYA. any support or effort to grow these industries, so much so that it’s the effort of these entertainers that has added to the GDP of Nigeria that has made us to have the highest GDP in Africa. Personally, I belong to Kennis music and 16 years of my life has been dedicated into human development and that what we still do, but we do not have any structure despite the fact that we can see the potentials. The money or loan they said they granted the industry, how many people can come out to say they’ve benefitted from it? So somebody needs to come into government to enlighten them and let them know the amount of tax they can generate if the industry is properly structured, that’s why I’m going into the Lagos state government to get this done.

NOT FOR MONEY POLITICS Am I broke? Am I poor? I’ve been blessed, because what most people are still praying for and still have on their list of prayer requests I’ve been given. So if it is money that’s driving me, it would kill me because I would see so much money and die. If it’s just money then I’m not going to be fulfilled. KENNY OGUNGBE’S TAKE ON MY CHOICE I have a wonderful family, because they know my person and integrity, they know how compassionate I am about people, and they know how many people that have passed through my hands to become superstars. They also know my will power, that if I set my mind to do something, you just need to support and encourage it. They know that I’m a deep person, I must have thought it through and even gotten a go-ahead from my pastor because they know I’m close to my pastor. Everyone knows my brother is sold out for youth development, an artiste can betray him today, and he’ll still go ahead to pick up another one, it’s happened over and over again, but we can do it

alone, because this talent in entertainment is growing in thousands. So for me, it’s not just the politics, it is the service behind it. NO GOODBYE TO MUSIC I can’t leave music, music is me I am music. HOW TO JUGGLE BOTH It’s already balanced; music is what I’ve been practising for over 16 years, and while I was doing it, I added parenting to it and nothing is more demanding than parenting, and then along the line I added my own personal business to it. So, politics is just another job that’s been added to all the things I do and don’t forget I’m very involved in church activities too. So politics is not going to take away music from me, and going forward, there’s a new approach towards my music, I’m slowing down but I’m not going out. I’ll be doing softer music, I’m not doing music anymore such that I can be invited to perform on stage, there are a lot of hands on those kind of, so I have to make a different music that would motivate and inspire people. It’ll be more enjoyable and soft. So, there’s no way being in public office would affect that, after all when Donald Duke was governor he was still doing music. MY POLITICAL PARTY Yes, I’m a card-carrying member of APC and also a delegate here in Onigbongbo local government. POLITICAL FATHER IN APC IS FALACY Would you believe that in the little time I’ve spent with my colleagues in APC, I’ve seen that it’s not always so? One of my colleagues who is now a local government chairman surprised Asiwaju when he won the elections without any godfather or knowing anybody, so much that Asiwaju had to call to meet him. And now APC is no longer ACN, it’s a much more bigger party now, so I am coming in based on the strength and then skills that I have. THE OFFICE I’ll be going for the Lagos State House of Assembly to be part of the policy makers, because it’s the policy making that influences the executive arm, if there’s no voice from the legislature nothing can be done. WHY PEOPLE SHOULD VOTE FOR ME The records are there, I’ve been the vice president of Kennis Music for 16 years, and the records of the artistes we have developed, household names we have made are all there, these are un-deniable records of how we’ve contributed to youth development and we are still doing it. Youth development is our core calling, and then my relationship with the street is strong, so I’m a credible candidate with no track record of mismanagement or embezzlement.

showbiz

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

SHOWBIZ TODAY

LANRE ODUKOYA - 08059296445 lanreodukoya@gmail.com

Musical Whispers, voice against autism premieres

ards, parents and acquaintances of people living with autism will have quite a life-changing experience when they finally come in contact with this new cinematic expedition, Musical Whispers. Flat Feet Productions in partnership with Neimeth, Promasidor and other sponsors played host to top Nigerian actors and actresses, medical practitioners and the media at the premiere of Ebele Okaro-Onyiuke’s flick, an advocacy and rivetingly written movie - Musical Whisper. The grand premiere took place at the Silverbird Cinemas, in Lagos. Musical Whispers is a movie centered on creating awareness on the medical disorder known as Autism, advocating strong family support for those affected, helping them bring out their true potentials. Delivered in concise but lucid narratives with near perfect sequencing, Musical Whispers prides with spectacular documentary features that would make it a collectors’ item when it’s finally released. According to the movie producer, Nollywood veteran, Ebele OkaroOnyiuke, “Musical Whispers is about a family that has a child (David Junior) who is autistic. While the father (David) gets frustrated with the demands and distractions that come with DJ’s disorder, the mother (Agatha) spends all her time to understand and give her son the best of care and love to cope. “Autism is a disorder of neural development characterised by impaired social interaction, impaired verbal and non–verbal communication and restricted, repetitive or stereotyped behaviour,” Okaro-Onyiuke said. To run away from the demands of

Chioma Akpotha and others on the set of Musical Whispers

raising an autistic child, David’s father engaged in extra marital affairs with other women, but coincidentally, one of the ladies turned out to be his wife’s secretary, who eventually got pregnant, thereby bursting the bubbles. According to the producers, Musical Whispers is proudly Nigerian with all the scenes shot in Lagos. The seamless

E-BRIEFS

Don Jazzy hires fired Delta Air employee after joke gone awry

he Mavin C.E.O., Don Jazzy, who loves to play around with about anything on sight apparently got a Delta Airline employee fired from his job after he allowed him drive an airport cart, while sitting beside him shouting, “Oshodi, Oshodi” which went against airline policy. And as the management wouldn’t joke with such sensitive duty, the young man was shocked to be shown the door, but not as perplexed as Don Jazzy who later learnt that the Delta Airline employee got fired after creating a funny scene. However, Don Jazzy gave him a chance to smile again after employing him to work with the Mavin team. Don Jazzy, who was at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos for his flight to South Africa for the MTV Music Awards uploaded the video with the caption: “Ok I took this post down before becos they threatened to fire this guy with me. Now dem don fire am. I guess I can post back since he is now my newest employee. I’m sorry bro but welcome to the Mavin Empire. U ll love it here. Osheee”

transition in the film directed by former president of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, Bond Emerua, is an attestation to an adequate deployment of human and material resources and the improved production capacity of film productions in Nigeria. The message in Musical Whispers is that no one should be considered use-

less regardless of his or her medical challenges as noted in the case of David (Jnr) who later became an organist to the joy of his mother. The movie parades artistes like Chioma Akpotha, Kalu Ikeagwu, Belinda Effa, Ekpenyong Bassey, among others, with special guest appearance by reggae artist, Orits Wiliki.

Stella Damasus and the stunt of infamy

n May 31, some armed security officers were said to have stormed film producer, Daniel Ademinokan’s apartment in Abuja in search of actress, Stella Damasus. It later also made the rounds that the actress was still in the US as at the time the raid was conducted, but they left a message for her through Ademinokan’s mother and brother who were at home. The message was that Damasus should stop making public statements that “threatens national security,”especially in relation to the

Chibok girls’ abduction. They had also demanded her whereabouts in the US where she was said to be shooting a movie. Damasus has also taken to Twitter to corroborate the story: “No form of political bullying or intimidation will work. You can’t shut me up! I will stand and speak the truth regardless of your tactics.” Damasus had once said that Ademinokan’s mom is her prayer support system and it’s the same reason people ask if the Abuja abode is their chapel. It’s laughable that the security would suspect no hiding place for Damasus than Ademinokan’s place. Damasus has ample time and opportunity, if her image really matters, to wash hands of allegations that she wrecked Doris Simeon, her colleague’s marriage. Instead she has further strengthened the tale that she’s the reason the centre cannot hold between a couple whose union had barely produced a child. Why won’t pundits think she’s enjoying the controversies to sway emotions in her favour? True activism is one and moral uprightness is another. Damasus should approach equity with clean hands. If a nation works, families have worked and how will Ademinokan’s work with the domineering presence of a purported activist like our darling actress?

showbiz

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

How would you describe this season’s Idol? It is very different. We have brand new set of judges and the show was shorter unlike the precious editions because of the World Cup in Brazil where Nigeria is also participating. So it was really interesting to get the show done quickly and to also maintain the integrity of the show. It was challenging because every single year we get to hear about what is happening to the Idols and what’s happening to the show. We went round the country and we tried our best to bring out top talents. But it got to a stage it was not in our hands anymore since people were voting. There was no arrangement of any sort or behind the scene thing. People were saying why did the person make it through and we replied that it was their votes. And you could see that the show was transparent and even the judges asked people to vote rightly. So it was very interesting and a very vocal season. None of the judges was layback; they were all very opinionated. Don’t you think the idea to allow the viewers decide is working against the Idol? Yes, but you need to understand that it is an international show and there is a set format. We do not make up the rules on the show. If you watched American Idol or any other franchise, we have to follow exactly the same format. The director cannot make a call on the show. If we tamper with it, we mess with the integrity of the show. So you have to look at the standard; you have to look at American Idol and say this is the exact thing that is happening in Nigerian Idol. We do not make any rules; it is a set format. What was the new thing you brought into this edition? It was all a bunch of different people. The show is all about the characters and personalities, so what I brought was how to interact with them. You look back at last season and say what did you do differently. Did you motivate contestants enough? How did you relate with the audience? My personal aim is to the make audience interact with the show more and listening to what they want. And when I give feedback, it should be the voice of Nigerians. It should be what they want to ask the judges and the contestants. So what do you think about the contestants at the outset? It is really dicey. I knew this season was going to be filled with surprises because a lot of the contestants we had were not up to pal or amazing like the previous editions. We have so many amazing singers in Nigeria, but a lot of people have a sort of stigma. People do not want to come out on reality show and everybody thinks they can make it on their own. Since people do not want to utilise the platform, we have people who are just bold enough. We might have 2000 contestants, but we might only have just 10 talents or 10 total packages that can make it through. This is why we are always pleading with Nigerians to vote rightly because we tried to get that quality crop. The reason I do the show is because my whole life is based on Nigerian talents, but we are still not there. We are such a talented people in this country and almost everything we do is recognised, so why don’t we have a real superstar? And this is a platform that is recognised anywhere in the world. If you go outside and say you are an Idol, people will look at you in a different way. We are just not utilising that platform well. Of all the cities you visited during the regional auditions, which city really got you excited? I’m not easy to please. What can I say? It is a difficult question because I think all the cities have a very interesting set of people. One city I think we had a high turnout though I might need to confirm was between Port Harcourt and Calabar. We had a high turnout of quality singers. If you look at this season as well, you will see that even the image side of the show has improved. The contestants paid much attention to how they looked,

IllRymz: It’s hard watching an amazing talent voted out From the inception of the Nigerian Idol, Olowu Bardia Adebola popularly known as IllRymz, has been a regular fixture. IllRymz, host of the season 4 that rounded off last weekend with Zibili Evelyn (Evelle), emerging the winner, speaks with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS dressed or sounded. Everybody was trying to be cool. There was an understanding that it was a show business and the need to bring out that flavour and flair in it. But, generally, we are still improving talent wise. I want a singer that is going to sing and a Tiwa Savage is going to be like, ‘I am not singing next to this girl’. We have these people, but the media need to urge them to come out. They should come out from their Churches, look the screen and say I have this dream. I know some people might say the money is not that amazing, but N7.5 million cash is enough. It is a lot of money to me. You have a brand SUV as well. It should not be the only incentive, but it could set your career in the entertainment industry. A lot of people do not have the N7.5 million to invest in music. It is really a very expensive business. So for anyone who is talented, this is really the show. What were the challenges? First was the viewers. We were practically begging them to vote for the right people. Do you know how hard it is for me to do the dirty job on the show? I looked after these kids and suddenly they get eliminated from the show. It is not easy, especially when I know this person has an amazing talent. As a producer, I know I can bank my money on such person. It is always hard for me to let such a person go. I am a music person, but due to my function and role on the show, I cannot be biased. I cannot be too close to anyone or have a vested interest because it would be unfair. This show is about your psychology as well. Think about how many people who are watching; it is not easy for these kids. I am very proud for every single contestant who come on our stage. Think about our audience where we have about close to 400 or 500 people looking at you. You are working with 78 cameras on you, we have like 40-50 light on you and you are probably singing for the first time. It takes a lot and then you know millions of Nigerians are watching. You know we are very vocal in the use of social media. If you mess up on stage, you are finished. So imagine all what these kids are going through, let us

stop complaining and start supporting How about your show with Nokia Radio Outloud? It has been amazing. We had a break for a while due to reasons beyond our control. But when you have a good product it speaks for itself. And we thank God for our loyal fans. They still tweet and say they want it back and hopefully we would be back this year before summer. Things could be hard and I think it is about the politics of business in Nigeria. Sometimes quality is not exactly what it sells. One person could come, make a different decision and the whole show goes away. They will not listen to what the people really want. But we are getting more vocals. I am not going to try sell the show to anyone; I would just ask them to look at the track record, check up people’s views about the show, the quality and what it has inspired. Before the show came up, we had few sponsored shows on radio. How many programmes do Nigerians tune in to listen?

But with Radio Outloud, we achieved a lot and this is what we are selling to client that they do not want to lose the followership. Not much has been heard of your music career. How has it gone? I had released a mixed tape, Licensed to ill. The 17 tracks mixed tape is just to check what Nigerians’ want. I am still doing research but where I want to take Nigerian music to is there. I want to do proper international R&B and hip-hop, but I think the music that is around in the country right now is noise. We are just making music that will last in a short time. An artiste comes out and within three months you do not hear from him again. All these is because we are not taking time; there is no longevity or process. The mixed tape is just a test. I am going to put on an album this year, but I have to be very delicate because I believe in household name. I have to be careful with what I put out because it can either make or break my career.

20 SHOWBIZ After investing so much, it is always a tug of war for most Nigerian record companies to retain musicians, writes OLUSHOLA RICKETTS

hen a record company’s owner invests and the artiste becomes a success, it is generally expected that both parties will laugh all the way to the bank. But most Nigerian record labels’ owners have different stories to tell. They might not openly cry out but it has been gathered that they live in fear and doubt. They help artistes, nurture their talents and introduce them to the world, but do not always smile at last. Since the blossoming of Nigerian music industry, cases of unsettled rift between Nigerian musicians and their record companies are countless. Tuface, Darey Art Alade, Idris, Wande Coal, Olamide, Wizkid, May D, Skales, Brymo, Olamide, 9ice, Jesse Jagz and Yemi Alade, are some of the big names who at some points ended their romance with record companies due to a reason or the other. Though the reasons behind the eventual fallout might not necessarily be a musician’s fault, the record owners suffer the most. With due respect to the artistes, the companies invest their time, energy and money, but could wake up one day and realise that things have fallen apart. Some artistes do not even get to release an album under the labels, while many others do record more than an album before calling it quit. The bottom line of the conflict is that most Nigerian musicians outgrow their record labels and it becomes a problem to make them stay. They become more ambitious, their taste change and demands increase. If the record labels can’t give them what they want, they simply look elsewhere. This is also the position of an entertainment Public Relations consultant, Tosin Clergy. He noted: “To me, I think an act dumps a label at a point when he or she feels bigger and more powerful than the label. At this point, the act understands the state of things and how his brand is. And when an act feels his brand is bigger than the label, disrespect comes in.” Though some artistes kindly see to the end of their contracts before leaving, others simply walk away. But there have been reported cases where record labels allegedly failed to fulfil their part in the development of artistes. In a chat with Telegraph, Kennis Music’s Okoro Uwale popularly known as Essence, said: “I did not conceptualise the idea and you must realise that things happen in life and a lot of things change. As an artiste, I know it is artistes’ commonplace to think first about themselves. We have good guys on the label in person of Joel and Minjin. Everybody has heard about Essence’s Facebook Love or Kalankolo and these boys have been underground waiting for their turn. If artistes who joined the label before me didn’t give me space to grow, I should be kinder to the guys coming behind me because I am in a position to understand their frustration.” Kennis Music introduced the likes of Tuface, OJB, Tony Tetuila, Faze, Idris Abdulkareem, Jaywon, etc to the entertainment stage. Apart from the popular Kennis Music, we also have other record companies such as 9ice’s Alapomeji Records, Choclolate City, Independent Entertainment by Faze, KayCee Records, Yaak Entertainment, Marvin Records, Storm Records, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), HKN label owned by Davido and his brother, Wale Adeleke, Hypertek Records and a host of others. Jaywon leads the name of artistes who left their record companies recently. Kennis Music brought him into limelight. There was even a press statement issued by Kennis Music to the effect. It reads: “Iledare Oluwajuwonlo James aka Jaywon has written a letter via his lawyer requesting for his contract with Kennis Music to be terminated. “JAYWON wrote, in the same letter, his readiness and willingness to pay off all costs therein accordingly. “Meanwhile, Independent Broadcasters

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

Why record companies, artistes part ways

Keke Ogungbe

ID Cabasa

Don Jazzy Banky W

Association of Nigeria IBAN MEMBERS and all broadcasters on all platforms are hereby advised to un-list the works (either single performances or collaborations) of Iledare Oluwajuwonlo James aka Jaywon from their respective rotational play lists until his (Jaywon) request to buy over his contract is fully completed to avoid litigation.Thanks.” And that signalled the end Jaywon’s chapter with Kennis Music. One incidence that also stole the headline in 2012 was that of WizKid. He was nurtured and pushed into stardom by Banky W’s EME. It was reported that Wizzy was at loggerheads with Banky W because he wanted a contract review and Banky W did not grant him. Our source told us that when Ayodeji Balogun known as Wizkid signed with EME, he was receiving just 25 per cent from the pay to perform at an event with Banky W. Osagie, Wizzy’s ex-manager, was also getting 25 per cent. Along the line, he grew tired of the label and the rest became history. May D is another artiste that no one anticipated would leave Square Records so soon to start his own Confam Entertainment. He got the much needed breakthrough and moved on. But his signing to Square Records appeared to be all cherry, featuring on ‘Chop My Money’ with Akon and dropped some singles on the label. Jude Okoye, the brother to the twins, once said May D wanted what P-Square worked for seven years to achieve in one year. “It was when we wanted to officially sign him that the problem came up. He wanted to have what P-Square had, which was not possible. You know it took P-Square like seven, eight years to get the cars, the houses and everything. And within a year, someone was looking for something like that,” Jude Okoye revealed. ID Cabasa’s Coded Tunes suffered a blow first in the hands of 9ice and later Olamide. Olamide left at a time things began to soar and declared YNBL Nation. His decision to leave puts more money inside his pocket, but how about the man who banked on him when the road was rough? According to CEO Black Bridge Entertainment, Olusola Olukiran, artistes will definitely dump record labels since there is no good legal structure in the Nigerian entertainment. He said artistes only respect roles of record labels when they are nobody.

You cannot entirely blame artistes for asking for more because fame comes with a different status “Record labels roles ought to be appreciated because there should always be a structure for any artiste for him to last more than a decade,” he stressed. He insisted that artistes make high demands once there is fame, adding that he would not blame because it is normal for people to be ambitious. He advised: “Record labels can safeguard their investment by having a full legal backing at the initial sign off and having full documentation of all expenses incurred during the duration by the record label accountant, CEO and most especially the artistes and artistes’ manager.” Olukiran, however, admitted that all over the world no record label could break even with unknown artistes releasing just an album. “So I would say that only 15 per cent record labels get their investments on artistes in Nigeria.” To him, the question whether record labels are doing enough or not, is uncalled for. He described it as a gamble for anybody or company to invest on an artiste, as no one knows what the future holds. For Moses Agboola (Mo Eazy), an artiste signed under Soul Muzik, a lot of people did not know what goes on when behind the closed doors. “I don’t think we should judge any party until we talked to individuals and find out exactly what happened or how it went down. I cannot really make a serious comment on this particular issue because I am not part of it. We should not judge people by what the bloggers or the media say,” he said. A musician, Olumide Olabisi aka Olu Kode, pointed that it is not always the wish of any artiste to leave a label. He said most labels do not fulfil their promises, while also admitting that without record companies some talents would still be hidden. Reacting to question of artistes demanding too much at a certain level, Olu Kode stated: “You cannot entirely blame artistes

for asking for more because fame comes with a different status. So many things change about us and we want to meet up with our present standard or status. So at a stage, it is true that artistes become too demanding.” Darey Art-Alade who also left Storm Records to float Soul Muzik gave his sincere thoughts about the issue. According to him, everybody has a role to play and gets blames somehow. He said the labels invest money and as businessmen, they want to recoup their investment. “This is where the artiste doesn’t really understand. In the beginning they gave you a car, a house and you feel like the most talented. But if you really look at it, you do not have anything in the market. So you got those things based on your potential and the initial agreement. And in return, the label expects something from you. “Some artistes do not have any form of agreement; just spoken words. It could be over a bottle of red label and they signed the papers without realising what they are into. Some of them are illiterates and some pretend to know what the business is about but they do not. Some of them get carried away by the glitz and the glamour, but the bottom line is you have an agreement and it stipulates certain thing. “It is not just about what you are getting, you have to read in-between the line and look at what you are giving too. If what you are giving is all spelt out and artiste defaults for any reason, he is in trouble. We hardly hear about all these; we only hear that a label is not nice to the artiste,” he explained. He further pointed that change was inevitably, insisting that people might decide to move on after spending a long period somewhere. But before such move, Darey urged the artiste in question to revisit the agreement. In addition, the soul singer insisted that the solution to some of these things was decorum and legality of things, adding that some people did not understand that showbiz is a business. “There are different ways to resolve it, but some people are difficult to please and some let emotions to get into it. I left Storm and till tomorrow no one heard that I fought anyone. Yes, we had disagreement and it was not a rosy ending, but we are still friends,” he added.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

... a finger on the city’s pulse

CONFLUENCE

Catholic Church. Speaking further, one of the younger sisters of the deceased who is still in shock and grief, Barrister Ada Akpunonu Ebubedike, said her late brother would be sorely missed by all for his philanthropy and selflessness. Ada said, the deceased contributed to the uplift of the family, his community and people around him as well as the nation. “Brother was a philanthropist; he contributed to my success as well as many others in the family. His community, Ekwusigo local government, can also testify to his magnanimous gesture. He was a peacemaker and a father to many, we would surely miss him,” she said. The deceased, the Ochiagha Udo of Ozubulu, was a product of the prestigious Catholic University of New York where he obtained his Masters in architecture before joining the army. During his army engineering call, he served in different capacities and represented the country in peace talk moves around Africa. He is survived by four children and wife.

Trinity pastor’s wife, Ibidun Ajayi-Ighodalo, floats Dorchester events centre

S P I T T L E

A T U

B L A S

ACROSS 1. SANTANA 5. BIT 7. FOE 8. ITT 9. IRR DOWN 1. SPITTLE 2. NOTIFY 3. ABIA 4. AFRICA 5. BELL

N O T I R Y O G U N

A B I A

N S

N R A

D A N I E L

A F R I C A

S B A

O D

C P A L M

10. IDLE 11. TURF 12. AC 16. AS 17. CANE 18. BONN 6. TON 13. PRELUDE 14. DANIEL 15. TAILOR 19. OGUN

B E L L T A I L O R

T O N

N E D

22. IBA 23. LEU 24. USE 25. SUN 26. LAMURDE 20. PALM 21. LAS

P R E L U D E

LANRE ODUKOYA - 08059296445

ormer beauty queen and managing director of the event company, Elizabeth R, Ibidun-Ajayi Ighodalo is getting ready to launch her own event centre called The Dorchester situated at Water Corporation Drive off Ligali Ayorinde, in Victoria Island, Lagos. The wife of the founder and pastor of Lagos-based Trinity church, Ituah Ighodalo, has by far gone out of the ‘Mummy G.O.’ order to pursue a calling that makes her a louder testament than just being a top cleric’s wife. The Dorchester has 1,500 banquet sitting, 4,000 theatre style sitting, ample parking space, exquisite interior, air-conditioned toilets, traffic marshals which are all to be commissioned soon.

SOLUTIONS TO CROSS WORD PUZZLE

100 Hours Lounge wears new look

All set for Brig-Gen Ben Akpunonu’s funeral

n June 17, guests would swarm Ekwusigo Local government in Anambra State as the remains of late Brig-Gen Ben Akpunonu, aged 63, is committed to mother earth amid fanfare.The funeral rites of the late highly revered military personae who died on April 3, after a brief illness in the United States, is expected to commence on June 17 with a wake service in Enugu, according to the family head, Mr. Francis N. Akpunonu. Francis said following this would be another Wake-Keep slated to hold on June 19, at the deceased’s hometown in Umuonwuka-Uruokpala, Egbema Ozubulu, in Ekwusigo local government area of Anambra State. This would be followed on June 20 by a Requiem Mass service at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ozubulu and following this the remains would be finally laid to rest in the Akpunonu’s Compound same day. And on Saturday, June 21, the obsequy continues with a classy soiree and which is to be ended on Sunday 22, with an Outing Service at St. Joseph

SHOWBIZ

Ekiti deputy governor’s daughter loses husband

he Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Professor Modupe Adelabu, recently lost her son-in-law, Dr Oluwaseun Fasawe. Late Fasawe, a medical consultant and Chief Medical Director of Silver River Healthcare was married to the first daughter of the deputy governor, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe. According to family sources, the late Dr. Fasawe left for London on Monday, May 19, for what was called corrective surgery scheduled for June 2nd. He reportedly started having difficulty with breathing on Thursday, May 29, while in London and called a friend to notify him. The friend immediately called for an ambulance but sadly, while on their way to the hospital, he died. Dr Fasawe is survived by his wife and two sons.

ne of the oldest and most patronised bars in the highbrow Ikoyi axis of Lagos, 100 Hours Lounge now wears a new look. Founded 18 years ago as a bar for friends to hang out after work, the spot is now to an all-inclusive bar, lounge and restaurant where Lagos big spenders love to hangout. Located on 100, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, 100 Hours Lounge boasts of a world class lounge on the first floor, with tasteful furnishings and a great ambience to relax, downstairs is the bar and restaurant facing the busy Awolowo road. According to Wale Okuwobi, the founder, 100 Hours Lounge, “the business has been on for about 18 years since we first started playing with the idea, and over the years, my friends have kept the bar going, even when no one else comes, my friends would always come around, and at some point, that encouraged other people to always take notice, so when we did the face lift and re-branding, it was easy to attract old customers and woo new ones”. Speaking on the re-branding of the lounge, he said: “Well, the rebranding is solely my idea even though I have investors, however, this bar began as a hobby for me, because I love hanging out with my friends, and I recall that at some point I even started a club here called 100 Hours club. I recently decided to rebrand 100 hours bar, a lot of people like the name, so we decided to stick with the name, co-incidentally this bulling is located on 100, Awolowo road Ikoyi, so that’s where the name came from, and the process of rebranding and building this lounge would not have been complete, successful without the immense help of Fola Lawal.”

Ideas&Brands ON SATURDAY

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

www.newtelegraphonline.com/weekend

14 JUNE 2014

Unhealthy brand rivalry tears Nigerian Breweries, Sabmiller Breweries apart in South-East Uwakwe Abugu

‘Star people have been giving free cartons, tables, chairs and other souvenir to beer parlour operators and compelling them not to sell Hero’

S Awka

ince August 2012 when President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated the new plant of Sabmiller Intafact Beverages, Onitsha, Anambra State, brewers of Hero beer and many other brands of drink in South Eastern Nigeria, business life has been a nightmarish situation for the Nigerian Breweries Plc, brewers of Star larger beer and more than 10 other products. The opening of the Onitsha plant during the regime of the immediate past governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi, was SABMiller International Breweries’ “first ‘greenfield’ brewery facility to be built in the country following an investment of over US$100 million.” The new brewery stormed the beer consumption market in the South East zone quite massively with the launch of ‘Hero’, a new local brand for the region. The brand, especially Hero gained entry into the market with a whirlwind vehemence, and within a space of few months, it visibly jolted the hitherto king of the beer stable - Star - and its sister products. And the progression continued, spiralling into a huge threat to the Nigerian Breweries whose Star and beer brands were visibly getting stock in the market as members of the business community embraced Hero by dumping Star in their numbers. With the influence of former governor Obi believed in many quarters in Anambra to have got some business interests in Sabmiller, especially in the Grand Malt brand, a tacit reference of Hero as an immortalisation of the personage of the Biafran hero and leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, gained speedy ground. Thus, those South Easterners who have resiliently continued to emotionally hold in their subconscious minds nostalgic feelings of the Biafran revolution quickly changed from Star to Hero which has been christened “O’mpa” in the Igbo parlance, denoting fondness for a worthy father. The Brand War Rages On: New Telegraph on Saturday has, in the past one week, monitored the intense brand war raging between the two brewing plants in the South East zone, especially in Anambra State. For instance, in Awka, capital of Anambra State, Bejoy is a popular relaxation joint where much consumption beer and other brands of drink take place in very large volumes on a daily basis. It is located on the popular Arroma Junction in the

Nigerian Breweries range of products

capital city just like another big relaxation centre adjacent to it called Time-Out. Near Bejoy last Tuesday, a semblance of bullish brand rivalry came to the fore in a restaurant when two young men in dire need of chilled Hero beer stormed the eatery run by a woman. They earnestly inquired from one of the hands working in the eatery identifies as Mama Udoka if there was “o’mpa” for sale. They left in anger when the answer was in the negative. The apologetic woman was explaining that they didn’t have chilled Hero because marketers of Nigerian Breweries would punish the retailer severely should they come and find Hero in the refrigerator donated to the owner of the restaurant by the Nigerian Breweries. Meanwhile, a Hero branded container, specifically, an extra large cooler was placed just beside an NBL customised giant refrigerator filled with company’s (NBL) products. The two young men did not bother to ask for any NBL product. In yet another relaxation point on Secretariat Road, Awka, a consumer who identifies himself as Emmanuel interacted with our reporter last Wednesday on this unhealthy brand rivalry. Speaking as if he was angry with NBL, he alleged that the company has been doing the unimaginable in parts of the state to ensure that the now ardent Hero consumers dump the brand for Star. According to the resident, “the Star people have been giving free cartons, tables, chairs and other souvenir to beer parlour operators and compelling

Sabmiller Breweries products

them not to sell Hero but some of them have refused that offer.” On that same Wednesday, New Telegraph ran into some NBL marketers on the aforementioned Arroma Junction in Awka as they moved from outlet to outlet to which they have donated facilities, checking for compliance and stocking brands of their company’s products. Confronted

with the allegations of the company’s extra aggressive way of trying to pull out Hero consumers over to Star, one of them, Mr. Kehinde Baruwa, a sales representative in charge of the state capital, agreed that they have been donating souvenirs to outlets but denied ever giving free drinks to the outlets. He stated that “actually, we don’t normally

give discount. What we do is that, we have different grades of customers, we have retailers and we have bulk breakers who buy in large quantities. And what we do is to give items depending on the volume of sales by each outlet.” Apprehension and Emergence of Universe Outlet Outreach: Initially in the course of the brief interview with the NBL sales man in Awka while he was busy engaging the owner of the outlet, he said there was no brand war and that he did not see the situation as an intense competition for survival. He boasted that in all the brand sales, his company has been leading the brewers of Hero. Yet, he offered information on the bullish marketing strategies now in place in the face of the stiff challenge. Asked happened to their sales as at the time Hero’s emergence jolted his company, he said, “as at that time, we were about two or three people in Awka as marketers but now the number of marketers has increased and we are about six now in order to make sure that we reach all the outlets. We call it outlet universe.” He explained that in the emergence of the outlet universe as a sales outreach strategy, “regardless of the volume of your sales, we will be there to serve you better.” Again, in Enugu state, the “o’mpa” phenomenon has since hit the beer drinking joints and street stalls like a positive brand revolution. And at Nsukka which is the second largest urban centre in the state, the Lejja Park area of the Nsukka Motor Park now assuming the halos of beer depots, Hero has taken over the place visibly. At various functions in parts of the South East, the Hero is fast dimming the visage of Star in the raging rivalry in which the lower price of the former has also continued to give it a good edge over the NBL product. At Bejoy in Awka, both Hero and Star sell at N250 per bottle while in the open retail markets and on-theroad beer parlours whereas Hero sells for N180 per bottle, Star goes for N200 per bottle.

THE ARTS

Review Blood on the dance floor: Michael Jackson, four years AD p.24

ON SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

14 JUNE 2014

www.newtelegraphonline.com/arts

Nwokolo reads from his latest collection of poems

Stories: Ebere Ameh is trade mark humour, which he imbues in his works, comes alive whenever he engages in a public reading of his books. It is a case of hearing from the horse’s mouth as he gives explanations where necessary, sending the audience laughing and asking for more. That was the case at the weekend when ChumaNwokolo read to the audience made up of writers, art critic, art aficionados, among others, at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was a preview of his new collection of poems, titled The Final Testament of a Lesser god, his first collection of poems since Memories of Stone was published in 2006. Like his short story anthology, How to Spell Naija in 100 Short Stories, it is a ‘Nigeria Centenary Project’ and so it contains a hundred poems. Reading excerpts from the collection of poems, which are illustrative in the sense of being able to connect across generations, he explained the reason behind some lines while inviting the audience to make a wild guess in others. A night without Madiba, An Iroko called Sampson, Adieleuwa and The Final Testament of a Minor god, the poem from where he got the title of the collection, were some of the poems he read. While the death of Nelson Mandela necessitated the writing of the poem, A Night WithoutMadiba and has the timing of his death, the main theme of the

poem, An Iroko called Sampson, the poet has this to say, “When you look at some trees, it looks like it has a human face. For a poet, it triggers some inspiration.” That was how Nwokolo personified the Iroko tree to the extent of naming it Sampson. Talking about The Final Testament of a Minor god, the poet gave a voice to a god before its death, a minor god that does not attack or harm people. “We have a lot of minor gods in this country and most of them are dead. What if one of them wrote this

before it is dead?’ In the same vein, he gave voice to the River Niger in River Memo. He took a short break from poetry to read his collection of short stories. The stories ranged from something political to others more romantic. He gave the audience the opportunity to choose what he would read and he read from The Ghost of SanniAbacha. The audience could not contain their laughter when he read Lessons They Don’t Teach in Tourism School from his recent anthology, How to

Spell Naija in 100 Short Stories. It was about an intern who was assailed by bedbugs in a ‘short time hotel’. He pestered the angry manager with phone calls and complaints, demanding a refund of his 3000 naira. “You are phoning me because of bedbugs? He shouted incredulously. This is why I don’t hire interns! What will you do if they see a rat? Call the fire brigade? The manager queried. Breaking from tradition, Nwokolo read from one of his books, One More Tale for the Road, a collection of seven stories that are interconnected. “I am doing what I have never done before. I have never read publicly from One Last Tale for the Road. It wasn’t written for public reading but I will take a chance,” Nwokolo said. Silence in Heaven was one of the stories from the anthology before he gave the audience another opportunity for questions and comments. There were musical interludes to soothe the nerves of the audience before he concluded with a performance poem titled Oga at the Top Says his Morning Prayer. Dubbing it ‘one more poem for the road’, the poet called on the audience, who represent the impoverished and beguiled masses, to respond Yes sir, Master, may you live long sir to Oga’s every prayer. Very hilarious and interesting, it connected well with the audience as it satirically portrayed the reasoning of the ruling class who have mesmerized and impoverished the people.

play and God called her for it,” Chris Ehindero, Amaka’s former student and COO, Amaka Igwe Productions who was the last to pay his tribute said, summing up all the tributes. Amaka’s immediate elder sister, Gloria, who spoke eloquently on the life of her sister, on behalf of the Ene family concurred with the submission, naming the film The Heavenly House of Serenity. In the Hall, which was filled to capacity, the officiating ministers from The Livingstone Church, Ajao Estate, the organisers of the service of songs took over the podium earlier in the event, talking about the late thespian whom they described as ‘a woman of God’. There was songs, confessions of faith, words of comfort, Bible reading

and prayers of intercession before the tributes by her friends, colleagues and family. “She was a woman that lived for God. She touched the lives of everyone both old and young. Whether we like it or not, one day, a day like this will come. When it does, what will you be remembered for?” the pastor queried the silent and contemplative audience. Reminiscing on the humility of this great woman, the pastor told of a conversation that transpired between him and Amaka when he broke the news of her appointment as an elder in the church to her. “I’m not an elder, I’m just a babe,” Amaka interjected when he told her of her appointment. And I jokingly gave her the title

REFLECTION

#BringBackOurGirls Timothy Akinleye

Have you heard the new songs? Songs from seared lips of gunless warriors Chants of grieving mothers under scorching suns Orchestrated by the Nemesis of the North and horrors Apart, things have fallen Boneless Centre can hold no more The falcon heareth not the falconer calling Where innocent souls are blast into oblivion. Gory scenes at market places and parks Shopping students, teenagers on errands Pregnant women nearly due Toddlers and mothers reduced to shreds of flesh Tell me. Who shall bring back these hapless souls? Who shall account for the liquid of life? Spilled on our accursed streets, churches and mosques? Where our schools become morgues. Who shall restore hope to our land? Now transitory headquarters of evil and extremists Godless preachers and rudderless leaders Who kill in the name of God!? Who shall account for these souls? The senseless escapades of Boko Haram To justify these horrifying deaths Freely dished on our plates by these Merchants of Death

Heavenly house of serenity ributes after tributes flowed as friends, colleagues and well wishers bid farewell to the late Nollywood icon, Amaka Igwe. Almost all the members, if not all of the Nigerian entertainment industry were at the Haven Centre, Archbishop Vining Memorial Church, Ikeja, venue of the ‘Service of Songs’ cum ‘Night of Tributes’ to pay respect to the woman posthumously nicknamed the First Lady of Nollywood. While the tributes flowed, there seemed to be a consensus that Amaka must be shooting a film in Heaven. A film her elder sister, Gloria aptly titled later, The Heavenly House of Serenity. “There must be a huge vacancy in heaven that God needed to fill urgently. There must be a huge role that no one else could

More than Chibok girls’ return More than official rhetorics More than empty promises and election reruns More than cheap political antics Late Amaka Igwe

of the babe of God, (BOG). So after her MFR, a title which the federal Government conferred on her because of her activities in Nollywood, I put BOG,” the pastor said, urging the Nollywood family to emulate her service and humility and continue from where she stopped.

We crave peace and harmony We crave education and development We crave unity against Boko Haram and, like George Carlin says: “Religion is like a pair of shoes..... Find one that fits for you, but don’t make me wear your shoes.” © Timothy 2014

24 the arts

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

Blood on the dance floor: Michael Jackson, four years AD

Didi Cheeka hriller was released in 1982. One year before, Ronald Reagan had come to power in the US. And some three years before, under the heightened racial climate of 70s Britain, Margaret Thatcher, in an interview on London Weekend Television had made reference to Britain being swamped by an alien culture. A few weeks later, in 1979, the Tories under Thatcher came to power, intensifying a counteroffensive against the working class. The racial explosion and massive street demonstrations that rocked major British cities like Brixton, Liverpool, Moss Side, etc., in 1981 were the inevitable expressions of the rage, despair, and hopelessness felt by a large layer of British immigrants. It was the signal for the British ruling class to create a Black middle class. Former community leaders were drawn into the state machine and given jobs as ‘race advisers’ and ‘equal opportunity officers.’ Blacks were soon promoted as TV presenters, Sports personalities, magazines and newspaper owners. Of course these measures have proved incapable of solving the problems of race, which is insoluble under capitalism. World War II had signaled a new stage for the black struggle in America, with over three million blacks registered for the armed services and at least half a million serving in racially segregated units in the Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Back home in the US, the war economy drew Blacks into the northern factories, heightening a migratory process that went back to the first World War. At least, a million Blacks left the south for the north between 1941 and 1946. This migration turned major American cities Black, as Whites fled to the suburbs before this black flood. With the end of the war Black America, now organised in unions, was gripped by the determination not to return to the old conditions. To stem Black revolt, which was on the rise, the US administration had encouraged the growth of a small Black middle class; this policy would receive further boost in the late 60s and early 70s. But conditions in the black ghettos rapidly deteriorated, giving rise to despair, hopelessness, and rage. All these culminated in the great urban riots of 1965-8. To white America, the Blacks were burning the cities, trying to turn them into the same kind of jungles their forefathers came from. But while Watts, Newark, Detroit, and others burned, inside Motown’s music factory, insulated from the cities’ nightly flames, the henchmen of a music mogul were working round the clock hammering out what Berry Gordy himself called “bubblegum-soul.” In the words of former US Secretary of State, Gen. Colin Powell, it was “… A time of war, a time of political turmoil, a time of the counter-culture and domestic unrest,” and yet Motown’s product “made us smile with their freshness and their cute ‘fros. We tapped our feet, felt good watching them, and our cares left for a few minutes.” (TIME July ’09) The group, the Jackson 5, was signed by Motown in 1968. Motown, owned by Berry Gordy, a fervent believer in “Black Capitalism, was a beneficiary of Affirmative Action. Disguised as reform, as progress, Affirmative Action was an attempt by the American ruling class to promote a layer of Blacks who having a stake in the system would promote the ideas of that system. That is to say that, Affirmative Action was an attempt by the American ruling class to cut off the Black rebellion. “… One of the enduring racial barriers of the early 80s was in music,” wrote Richburg, “black music and white music lived

REVIEW ‘To white America, the Blacks were burning the cities, trying to turn them into the same kind of jungles their forefathers came from’ in separate domains, in separate bands on the radio dial, in separate sections of the record store, and still with largely separate audiences. MTV was primarily a rock’n’roll channel, with very few black artists in its rotation. But after some protests from some stars (black and white) and some record labels, MTV started playing “Billie Jean”… Here was Michael making black music acceptable and accessible to white audiences… Never mind that the “ghetto” of Michael’s “Billie Jean” video looked highly stylized. Michael in his videos, always seemed safe and stylized, even if he was trying to play the “smooth criminal”. The Black music Michael was making acceptable and accessible to white audience was made possible not only by African-American performers of previous generations, but also by the struggles and sacrifices of the civil rights movement: “I think James Brown was a genius, you know… unbelievable,” Jackson told Oprah, “I used to watch him on television, and I used to get angry at the cameraman

because whenever he would really start to dance, they would be on close-up, so I couldn’t see his feet. I’d shout, ‘show him! Show him!’ so I could watch and learn.” It was learning paid for in blood and pain – and a lost childhood. Typically, given the nature of the profit system - especially in America - and its crass materialism, commercialism and mindless conformism, this blood and pain and lost childhood, years of effort, sacrifice and talent, all that Jackson brought to his art was valuable to the ‘vultures of culture’ only in so far as it brought in money. The 1980s, marked by Disco – and Reagan’s “free market economics” – was a time in which all the blood and dirt of American ghetto life was carefully swept under the carpet, masked to some extent by the long economic boom. But underlying this boom was a horror story which would explode for the whole world to see, in the streets of Los Angeles, and expressed in the lyrics of the Public Enemy and other Rap groups of this era. Disco, with its sexualised lyrics, tawdry glamour, fake chic, its infantile conception of love, etc., marked the end of the civil rights movement, the anti-war movement, and the inner city revolts of the past period. This period, the 80s, was, perhaps, the period of Jackson’s greatest successes. The tendency, in the right-wing press, is to function within two main categories: ‘belt in hand, Joe Jackson had whipped his boys – Michael in particular – to stardom;’ and ‘belt in hand, Joe Jackson had whipped Michael into pathology.’ “He practiced us with a belt in his hand,” Jackson said. But, no, Michael was a product of the music industry. Judy Garland once said she was born at the age of twelve on the MGM lot. One can say a similar thing of Michael Jackson. American capitalism, through its music in-

dustry had created a star in its own image. All through his life Jackson had struggled to live up to this image, to be what official public opinion wanted him to be – at the expense of his own true self (whatever this self might have been); a sexually nonthreatening male person, whiter (with the excuse of vitiligo), heterosexual, a husband and parent. Still, ever unforgiving and hostile to everything that does not conform, the guardians of ‘public opinion’ had ruthlessly pursued Jackson for his perceived differences. Jermaine, one of Jackson’s older brothers had referred to them, at the height of Jackson’s child molestation trial, as “a bunch of racist rednecks…who don’t care about people.” One is not in position to say whether or not Jackson was guilty of the offense. But this much is certain: he served, at that point, as one more safety valve for the growing discontent among layers of the American population, with the right-wing press functioning within its historical role diverting attention from pressing issues. Following the singer’s death, the media trod the same path. The same media who just a few years before his death, spent considerable time and money to rake up all the available scandal about his personal life, now fell over themselves to contribute in building up the Jackson mystique. The vultures of culture, as the PE called them, were already hovering above the living body of Michael Jackson. “Less than 12 hours before Michael Jackson collapsed and died at his rented mansion in Los Angeles,” wrote Andrew Gumbel in The Observer, “the people counting on him to pull off the most improbable of career comebacks were watching him dance on a rehearsal stage and allowing themselves to believe that miracles could happen… Randy Philips, AEG Live’s chief executive, was there and said the sight of Jackson throwing himself into the routines with the energy and verve of his heyday in the 1980s gave him goose bumps. ‘He was dancing as well or better than the 20-year-old dancers we surrounded him with,’ he said. ‘He was riveting. I thought we were home free. I thought this was going to be the greatest live show ever produced.” Los Angeles publicist Michael Levine, who once represented the performer, told a press conference: “A human simply cannot withstand this level of prolonged stress.” Promoters had insisted that Jackson undergo “a series of rigorous medical check-ups” before agreeing to the shows. It is possible that Jackson was emotionally disturbed, and damaged. (Of course, the question of Jackson’s character and personal role is not without its importance.) But it is impossible to understand his life and death solely in terms of his individual personality. The blame for the singer’s death was put on his personal physician. After all, someone must bear the blame! The question is: who, really? This question, I think, answers itself. “I always want to know,” Jackson had told Gerri Hirshey back in time, when she had broached the issue of the downside of pop stardom, “what makes good performers fall to pieces. I always try to find out,” he said. “Because I just can’t believe it’s the same things that get them time and time again.” It was the same thing that got him too; American capitalism (represented by the entertainment industry) and its tendency to injure people in hidden places, its tendency to kill not just people’s dreams, but their very bodies. And explain it with lies. [Excerpted from War of Words: A Partisan Review of the Arts]

England, Italy clash in exciting Group D opener

p.28

Suarez set to miss Costa Rica tie

p.29

FREE

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

www.newtelegraphonline.com/sport

SPSPLASH RT

Eagles fate not on me -Enyeama E agles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, says the fate of the Super Eagles at the ongoing World Cup holding in Brazil rests on all the players and not one person. He argued that no individual can do the work of 11 men on the field of play especially at the biggest level of the game, the World Cup. Enyeama was reacting to recent reports and insinuations about his good form as being vital in the team. He said; “Honestly, I appreciate people appreciating my work on the field but I am not doing it alone and can never do it alone. I play a role in the team and everyone is expected to do the same to make the team as solid as you want it to be. “When I make a save, somebody else will have to score for the team to win and another person or some other people will take the ball from defence to the attack before it leads to a goal. It is a complete process we are taking about not about me or any individual. There is no big deal. God is my strength and the saves I made come naturally as the keeper. It is my job to make saves anyway. “In my team, the concentration was on me when we were recording clean sheets but I also explained that what we needed were victories to win the league not the clean sheets, people have to also play their ...role to take the team to the expected level. “There is need for understanding

and cohesion to achieve results in every team and that is what we are still trying to achieve in the Super Eagles at the moment. Saying Vincent will do this or do that is not fair to other players and it can also puts pressure on me. I am just a member of the team and the truth is we have all worked hard to get this far together “It is better to always talk about the team, When we get it right or wrong together. It is collective. In our friendly match against the USA, I conceded two goals and it could have been more. In the same game we scored just one penalty but could have also scored more goals. That is football for you.” The Lille of France goalie told our correspondent that the world Cup would be a big test for the Super Eagles just like other teams. “It is going to be tough and we are working hard to be ready for it especially to win our first match. It is a big match by any standard. We respect Iran but we are going for victory which is also their target.

“Our team is changing and getting shape by the day. Many of those here in Brazil were in the Nations Cup and that is an advantage that could help us achieve the results. “We want to do very well in this competition and so far everything is going towards that direction. Nigerians should continue to support us with prayers and in everything they have.” Enyama is expected to be the stand-in skipper of the team when the Eagles file out against Iran on Monday in Curitiba for the Group F opener. He is the vice captain but skipper Joseph Yobo is not likely to be in the starting 11 of the team against Iran.

It’s strength against pace as Ivory Coast play Japan }p.28

NPFL’s fantastic four at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil }p.26

Encounter with a football freak in Sao Paulo }p.27

Man United goalkeeper marries model }p.32 Nigeria must beware of Iranian banana peel! }p.30

26 SPORT

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

Leaguemania with Chimaobi Uchendu princehench@yahoo.com

08114495359, 08092747532

NPFL’s fantastic four at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil

hen the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Brazil on June 12, 736 footballers from 32 countries including Nigeria will take the centre stage. The players are attached to different clubs across the globe. England top the player repre-

Chigozie Agbim Date of birth: 28 November 1984 Position: Goalkeeper Club: Gombe United Number: 21 He is the third-choice of the Nigeria squad to the World Cup behind Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide. The 29-year-old shot-stopper is highly regarded by Keshi and has figured in the plans of the coach. Agbim was in goal through the 2014 CHAN in South Africa, where Nigeria finished third. He also captained the team during that championship. The goalkeeper made his international debut against Angola in an international friendly in January 2012. He was a squad member to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. Azubuike Egwuekwe Date of birth: 16 July 1989 Position: Defender Club: Warri Wolves Jersey number: 6 He is one of the tallest players in the Nigerian squad to this World Cup. The 24-year-old is strong in aerial challenge and will wear number 6 for the Super Eagles at the World Cup. The big defender is one of the influential players on the home front and showed how good he is at the 2014 CHAN by helping Nigeria to finish in third position. Egwuekwe was part of the squad to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, where he featured in one game against world champions, Spain, as a substitute. He made his international debut in 2012 and has gone on to appear in more than 20 matches for the Super Eagles since then.

DID YOU KNOW? •

• •

•

Akwa United handed Sharks their first home defeat in the Glo Premier League this season when they beat them 2-1 at the Sharks Stadium on Sunday. Lobi Stars lost their last three consecutive League matches Gombe United ended their seven-game winless run with a win against Taraba United last weekend. Nembe City have conceded more goals than any other team in the Premier League Kano Pillars climed to the top of the League for the first time this season after a 1-0 win over Bayelsa United on Wednesday

sentation by league system with 110 of the footballers billed to take part at Brazil 2014 playing for clubs in the English top flight while Italy and Germany have 83 and 77 players from their leagues respectively. Only Russia have all of their 23 players selected from their league

Agbim

system for this World Cup. However, the Nigeria Professional Football League, otherwise known as the Glo Premier League, is not left out of this head count as Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi picked four players from the top division in the country to join the 23-man squad.

Egwuekwe

Chinedu Efugh, of Heartland in aerial battle with a Nassarawa United player in a recent match

Akwa Utd players refuse to go on break Odunlami Kunle Odunlami Date of birth: 5 March 1990 Position: Defender Club: Sunshine Stars Jersey number: 12 Odunlami was the standout player in defence for the Super Eagles at the 2014 CHAN and at the end of that tournament, he was named among the tournament’s best eleven. The defensive qualities of Odunlami has not gone unnoticed as Keshi rewarded him with a place in the team to Brazil. The former First Bank FC defender has already shown his versatility on the pitch by playing at right-back, outside of his natural centre-back position in the recent warm-up match against Greece. Odunlami has 11 international

Uzoenyi caps. Ejike Uzoenyi Date of birth 23 March 1988 Position: Attacking Winger Club: Rangers International FC Jersey number: 3 Interestingly, Uzoenyi will wear the number 3 jersey at the World Cup due to no fault of his but by a stroke of fate. The petite winger was initially dropped from the squad but recalled on the eve of the World Cup to replace injured Elderson Echiejile. Pundits and fans regard Uzoenyi as a talented player capable of unlocking defences in a split second as he did at the CHAN earlier this year when he was named MVP of the tournament.

Diongoli bows to pressure

ew days after the suspension of both the management of Bayelsa Utd and Bayelsa Queens for lack of productivity, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Chief Ebikitin Diongoli has bowed to pressure to recall the suspended committee members. The commissioner bowed to powerful political forces of in government house even as the state governor is believed to resting in the United Kingdom. The cabal is believed to be behind the poor runs of the clubs in both the Glo Premier League and the women Professional League.

Authoritative sources informed our correspondent that the financial debacle experienced by the clubs is the result of diversion of the monthly allocation to the clubs by the cabals. Stake holders are amazed by the current development and have expressed dissatisfaction over the manner sports is administered in the state. The above situation is the reason most of the sports facilities are grounded. Government has used 17 solid years to construct a single swimming pool, the only football pitch in the state capital is an eye-sore. All the football clubs are playing in exile.

… insist on payment of four months’ salaries

kwa United players have refused to leave their camp, insisting that they must receive their four months salaries before going on break. Leaguemania learnt that the players are asking the management of the team to pay them arrears of their salaries before they reunite with their families. “How can we go to our families empty handed, the players asked. We will rather stay here until the season resumes than go home to tell stories of how fly overs had taken over the streets of Uyo, when our families are hungry. The Technical Adviser of Akwa United, Patrick Udoh confirmed the story and blamed their sponsors, Akwa Ibom State Government, that had refused to pay the salaries of the players in the last four months. “The boys have not been paid for four months,” lamented Udoh. However, despite the poor morale in the Uyo club they still staged a big 2-1 away win at erstwhile League leaders Sharks on Sunday. “If they decide not to go for the mid-season break until they are paid, so be it”, he said. “We did not expect this result because of the low morale in the team and the fact that several of our top players did not travel to the game,” admitted the coach. “The result against Sharks

should even have been 3-1, but they cancelled one of our goals.” Last season, Akwa also had to endure a cash crunch which caused them to battle against relegation till the final day. After topping the League for several weeks, they are currently seventh on the table with 28 points from 19 matches.

Clubs strategise for second half

ano Pillars will today host Dolphins of Port Harcourt in the last rescheduled match of the Premier League first half. After today’s match, the first half of the current season will officially come to an end, while the transfer market will open. Unofficially the transfer market is booming, Clubs have invaded the lower divisions in search of good players to improve on their fortunes and also shore up their different departments. While teams at the top of the log strategise on how to remain at there, the ones below are plotting how to upstage the big boys at the top. The second half of the league separates the boys from the men, and this season will be no different. Most teams might lose their Premier League status at the end of the season not because they are not good but because they did not make good plans enough.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

SPORT

Samba notes from Brazil Compiled by Adekunle Salami

Encounter with a football freak in Sao Paulo Sao Paulo stands still for opener Brazil fans celebrating as World Cup starts

ootball means many things to many people. For the active players, it is work. For technical people like coaches, doctors and other support staff, it is work as well. For the journalist, it could be a mix of work and pleasure if he is a football lover. However, for the fans, it is a different ball game. It is enjoyment, entertainment and excitement all the way. Some of them take it a step further to become active supporters of national teams or clubs. For some ordinary supporters out there football could mean much more to him than the players, coaches and others directly involved in the results. This is because they invest hugely in the game to make themselves happy and satisfy the urge in seeing games or for their teams to attain good results. Benalo Tinowa is a Tanzanian. He cannot be described as a football fan but a freak if not a fanatic. He is the Managing Director of Abbey Building construction Company Limited in Tanzania. His love for the game knows no bound. Tinowa is in Brazil to watch the World Cup. He has bought 10 tickets including quarterfinal, semifinal and final games that are yet to have pairings. He intends to buy more. In his country, he supports Young Africans of Tanzania. He said, “I enjoy watching football. I eat and drink football. Football makes me very happy. There is no way I will miss any World Cup even in the next 20 years except old age catches up with me. I was in South Africa for the last World Cup from the beginning to the end. “Every World Cup year, I observe my vacation during the games. I was in Germany in 2006 as well. It gives me so much pleasure to watch quality games where else do you achieve that but the biggest stage, the World Cup.”

Tinowa is spending so much to achieve his dreams in football. He told New Telegraph that he saves towards it for three years and this does not affect his family or his life generally. “When you love something you give it your all. I love football. I spent about 12,000 dollars to be in South Africa 2010 and this time, I have spent 20,000 dollars. My budget is 25,000 because of the nature of Brazil as a big country and the fact that this is a more expensive place than South Africa. I am yet to spend much on accommodation and feeding but by the time the competition is over I would have spent between $23,000 and $25,000 but the important thing is the memories that will go back with me,” he explained. Occasionally, Timowa also makes money from the game. Because of his interest which is known in his country, he encourages youths to take to professional football. “I spent just $2,000 dollars to help a player in Tanzania travel for professional football in South Africa through a FIFA agent, Nioumbaro Dam and at the end of the day the deal fetched me over $15,000. I did not do it for business but for the interest but they brought the money to me as my share. When I assisted the player, Nonda Shabani, people were wondering what was wrong with me. I was so surprised and happy,” he said. The football freak is tipping Nigeria to do well at the ongoing competition in Brazil. He said he was yet to get a ticket for the games involving the Super Eagles but has left the days open to enable him to go for the matches if he gets a ticket here in Brazil. “Nigeria is number one in Africa at least they won the last Nations Cup. People respect Nigeria in football all over Africa. Here in Brazil, we expect Nigeria to make Africa proud,” Tinowa stressed.

he city of Sao Paulo in Brazil stood still with huge fanfare which led to a chaotic situation all over major roads because of the opening ceremony of the 2014 Mundial. Residents came out in large numbers with traditional yellow jersey of the national team with drums, trumpets and all manner of musical instruments. Cars drivers both private and commercial vehicles were hooting their horns to make as much noise as possible. Some of them were going to the stadium while some were obviously catch-

ing their fun to celebrate the beginning of the competition. Two hours to the opening ceremony, the LOC surprisingly released fireworks around stadium area to add to the glamour in the city. It came as a shock since wireworks were expected to be released during the opening ceremony. Ricardo, a taxi driver told our correspondent that the city would not sleep even after the match. “After the match, the celebration will continue at the Fanfest in the city and people will still move round the city singing and dancing.” Ricardo added.

Protests mar World Cup opening game

NN’s São Paulo producer Barbara Arvanitidis suffered a broken arm on Thursday as Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas as they tried to disperse an angry mob just five hours before the opening ceremony of the World Cup. Brazilian police and protesters clashed few hours before the opening game of the World Cup, which has been marred by construction delays and political unrest. Police fired noise bombs to disperse a crowd of about 200 demonstrators angry about government overspending on the event. The protesters were trying to cut off a key avenue leading to the Corinthians Arena where the football match will be played on the eastern edge of Sao Paulo, a Reuters witness said. At least one protester was arrested, local media reported. A producer for CNN was injured during the confrontation, witnesses said.

Football magician near Sao Paulo Stadium

As CNN’s producer breaks arm Much of the rest of Brazil’s biggest city and business capital resembled a ghost town during the usual morning rush hour after officials declared a partial holiday to ensure traffic to the stadium would be light. About 20 million people live in the metropolitan area. Stakes will be high not just on the football field. Whether the tournament goes smoothly may also have an effect on President Dilma Rousseff’s chances for re-election in October, as well as Brazil’s flagging reputation among investors. Many Brazilians are angry over the $11.3 billion spent on hosting the World Cup when basic social services are poorly financed. Their pessimism has so far overshadowed a brighter mood among the some 800,000 foreign tourists expected to come to Brazil for the event.

Effects of time difference The effect of time difference could make one go crazy when outside the country. The time difference between Nigeria and Sao Paulo is four hours. Nigeria is ahead and for a journalist, it means you must get all your stories across by 5pm. Any late story by 8pm local time could be difficult to take in Lagos because 8pm in Sao Paulo is 12midnight Nigeria. Rio, Curtiba and Curitiba also are in same time zone with Sao Paulo. Interestingly, there are three other different time zones in Brazil. In the evening when it is 11pm Nigerian time, I feel sleepy but that is still 7pm local time. Yet to adjust to it as I wake up at about 5am Nigerian time everyday and that is 1am in Sao Paulo. Okocha, Kanu are evergreen All over the world, countries have their heroes in various sports. Okocha and Kanu are always in the picture almost every time in a big event like the World Cup. At the Accreditation Centre on Tuesday a Brazilian journalist asked me whether Okocha was in the Nigerian team. Okocha stopped playing about five years ago yet fans are still asking of him. A volunteer also approached me at the media centre to ask if Kanu was in the Eagles. Again taxi man trying to show he has knowledge of Nigerian players mentioned Kanu and Okocha. These two players are evergreen heroes and should be treated as such in the country. Red light districts In Brazil, Red light district are not only operational in the night. Was going down town to get adaptor that will work in Brazil for my laptop and other gadgets on Wednesday when I saw half nude ladies in front of a night club. They call it night club but as early as 2pm local time the place was opened. My colleague, Tony Ubani of Vanguard Newspapers shouted “Jesus” when he saw completely naked ladies in front of yet another club in day time. There were policemen around the area also and we hear prostitution in Brazil is legal. What else can one say; the nude and half nude ladies have licence to go about their jobs. Yet to discover good food Nigerians have a way of getting to where there are Nigerian restaurants in any city in the world. So far in Brazil, we are still struggling to discover. It is still early but one is already missing home food. The best meal of the day is always the hard bread served at the hotel with butter, egg and tea. On Wednesday evening, it took a colleague and I about one hour to locate a place where we managed to eat chips as dinner. It is tough for now but I am confident we are going to soon discover a place where we can eat good African or Nigerian dishes.

aizer Chiefs defender Tefu Mashamaite has tipped Colombia to be the surprise package of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Los Cafeteros (The Coffee Growers) will be competing in their fifth World Cup finals in their history and the furthest round they have ever reached is the second round. However, after finishing second behind Argentina during the qualifiers in South America, ‘Masha’ believes Colombia will punch above their weight. “I’m supporting all the five African countries, but I think Colombia will be the surprise package,” he tells KickOff.com. “I was watching them during the qualifiers and they have some good players,” he adds. Colombia, ranked eighth in the world ahead of Italy and England, are in the same group with Ivory Coast, Greece and Japan. The country’s top marksman Radamel Falcao has been ruled out of the tournament because of injury.

Tefu: Colombia’ll spring surprises

hat happens in this game could well define the fortunes of both England and Italy at the 2014 World Cup in the ‘group of death’ Group D. It will certainly have a bearing on the sale of patriotic bunting and flag waving. Uruguay and Costa Rica will have already played so points will be on the board in the group and both would obviously be hoping for a draw in that match or a win for Costa Rica but it’s likely Uruguay will be off and running with all three points. Both teams will be conscious of the last occasion the two teams faced each other in the Euros and how despite Italy dominating possession the game was only won on penalties. In that game

taly midfielder Andrea Pirlo said his compatriots have ‘always played great games’ against 2014 World Cup rivals England. The two nations are set to square off to open their respective Group D campaigns in Brazil on Saturday. Dead-ball specialist Pirlo said while he is wary of the potential of Roy Hodgson’s men, he is confident Italy will perform against England - a side they have beaten all three times they have faced them at a major event (Euros or World Cup). “We know England is a good

I team that has improved a lot. They have new young players, who are fast. We will have to be careful,” the Juventus veteran said. “However, we know how to face them. Italy has always played great games against England and hence, we will have our chances.”

iorgos Karagounis has warned other countries to write off Greece at their peril as they prepare their assault on the FIFA World Cup. Ten years on from their unexpected triumph at the 2004 European Championship, Greece head to the World Cup as one of the lesserfancied teams, despite their FIFA ranking

Country Italy FIFA rank: 9 Matches won: 9 Drawn: 7 Goals for: 27

England 10 8 7 30

“Sometimes it’s good because whether or not they praise or respect you, the truth is on the pitch. For the last 10 years, this is where we have answered our critics. “I think whoever doesn’t respect us will pay for it. It’s best not to cross us. “We know who we are and what we can do. If we stay together as a team, we can achieve big things.”

t’s a contest of brawn and bravado against pace and finesse. The muscular Ivory Coast team could not be more different at first glance from the compact Blue Samurai of Japan. One thing the two

phase and everything’s going well,” said Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi. “But he’s not yet at 100 percent.” Japan are younger and possess boundless reserves of energy but has shown baffling spells of inconsistency. They have honed a dangerous attack under Italian coach Alberto Zaccheroni yet succumb to sudden defensive lapses — something for which the Africans will surely look to punish them.

It’s strength against pace as Ivory Coast play Japan

of 12th. Fernando Santos’ men have been drawn in Group C alongside Japan, Ivory Coast and Colombia, with the latter representing Greece’s first opposition in Belo Horizonte on Saturday. Karagounis is perfectly happy for others to underestimate his side, insisting they will punish any complacency. The 37-year-old Greece captain told FIFA.com:

Write Greece off at your peril, warns Karagounis

Pirlo

England are always better going forward and exploiting the lack of pace in areas of the Italy team. England have shown flashes of real promise in recent games, especially when playing young players such as Sterling, Barkley and Oxlade-Chamberlain who will give any defence something to think about. England will want to dictate the tempo if they can and be bold when they can and what the fans would like to see is starting places for at least one exuberant, young and fearless player but Hodgson will be likely more cautious and measured.

Pirlo: Italy ´always´ perform against England

a different England was playing and crucially they failed to deal tactically with their creative genius Andrea Pirlo who made more passes than the entire England midfield. England, if nothing else, will have no excuses for allowing Pirlo to direct the game in Manaus. The noises coming from England are for an attacking mentality although England will likely have periods where they will need to absorb pressure and defend as a team themselves and the first choice centre backs are looking more assured in their roles.

Venue: Arena Amazonia, Manaus Kick-off: 11pm (Nigerian time)

Head-to-head

Global Football Special

England, Italy clash in exciting Group D opener W

ajibade.olusesan@newtelegraphonline.com

ajibade oluSesan

www.newtelegraphonline.com/metro

NEW TELEGRAPH

Onuoha backs Ferdinand for QPR

he South Africa international, Kagisho Dikgacoi, has signed a three-year deal with Championship side, Cardiff City. Dikgacoi, 29, has been the subject of speculation for several months now due to the fact that his Palace contract is set to expire at the end of the month, and there was always a worry for the Eagles that

Cardiff capture Bafana star

apoli coach Rafael Benitez has ruled out the possibility of signing Pepe Reina permanently due to the goalkeeper’s wages. “Pepe has two years left on his contract at Liverpool. He has to go back and he’ll stay there - we can’t afford Pepe’s wages. “The Premier League is a very big league and, in Serie A, we don’t pay big wages like in England.”

Benitez rules out Reina move

eports in Italy this week claim Puma will help Arsenal to sign Mario Balotelli from AC Milan. The striker is sponsored by Puma, who also announced a partnership with Arsenal in January. Balotelli’s future at Milan has been thrown into doubt after President Silvio Berlusconi confessed it was still to be decided and Sky Sport Italia pundit Mario Giunta suggested: ‘Arsenal are very interested in Balotelli and Arsene Wenger would do anything to bring him to London.

Puma to help Arsenal get Balotelli

TRANSFERS

28 SPORT NEW TELEGRAP 14 JUN

Tefu

ruguay are weighing up keeping Luis Suarez out of their starting line-up to face England in Sao Paulo a week today if they open their World Cup campaign with a win, with Chile’s Arturo Vidal struggle to recover from a similar knee injury making them aware of a need for caution. Sources in Uruguay believe that Suarez is now unlikely to face the Costa Ricans in the opening game for Oscar Tabarez’s team on Saturday and a win in that fixture may persuade the nation to err on the side of caution with the Liverpool striker. A defeat or draw would put immediate pressure on the South Americans and make them more likely to gamble on Suarez. There is an acute awareormer Brazil captain and manager Dunga has said that he thinks his country will triumph at the World Cup for a sixth time as they host the tournament. Dunga captained his side to World Cup glory in 1994 in the USA but flopped as manager in South Africa as his side exited at the quarter-finals at the hands of a tough Holland side. He said: “I will be expecting Brazil to win the World Cup after what happened in 1950 (losing at home in the final to

Toure

5pm

Murray

Former world number one Tiger Woods, a 14-time major champion chasing the record 18 major titles won by Jack Nicklaus, will miss his second major in a row due to back surgery and Rory Mcllroy said he would miss the American. “In the absence of Tiger, let people come through and be more recognised and show how good they are as players. I do miss him. He has been the face of golf for the last 15, 20 years and golf is a better sport and a better place with Tiger Woods in it.

2am

11pm

8pm

Andy Murray’s mother Judy believes his shock decision to hire Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo as his new coach will prove an inspired move. Wimbledon champion Murray is the only member of the world’s top 10 to employ a female coach, with the pair joining forces for the first time at Queen’s Club this week.

Japan

Italy

Costa Rica

Greece

Mcllory

England Cote d’Ivoire

Uruguay

Today’s fixtures

Columbia

Uruguay).” Dunga also spoke of his hope to see Belgium do well, Ronaldo and Messi play their best, and that the world gets to see Brazil’s Neymar rather than the Barcelona version.

Dunga: Brazil will win World Cup

SPORT BRIEFLY

ness in the Uruguayan camp of the crisis which has hit Chile after they brought back Vidal, the Juventus midfielder, too early. The 27-year-old underwent knee surgery in early May to repair a meniscus – the same knee condition which saw Suarez break down in Uruguay training and require an operation. There were confident claims from Santiago that he would be back for the World Cup. But an unexpected 15-minute appearance in a friendly against Northern Ireland on June 5 proved disastrous, causing Vidal’s knee to swell and throwing his hopes of appearing for the Chileans into doubt. Vidal is as integral to Chile – who face a tough group with Spain and the Netherlands as Suarez is to Uruguay.

Suarez set to miss Costa Rica tie

Lance Klusener will continue as head coach of the Dolphins for the next two seasons, the KwaZulu Natal cricket franchise said on Thursday. “The continuity of the process that has been put in place over the past four years is key to our success going forward and securing Lance Klusener and the coaching staff was essential to this,” Dolphins CEO Jesse Chellan said in a statement.

Klusener

Suarez

peaking ahead of England’s opening World Cup fixture against Italy, striker Wayne Rooney believes that it is Italy who should be worried given England’s relatively young and talented squad. Playing in the toughest group in the World Cup, England will have to fight off Italy and Uruguay in order to secure a spot in the knock-out rounds of the tournament. They are clearly not the favourites going into the game against Italy but Rooney believes that they can surprise players like Andrea Pirlo with their pace and tempo. “If I’m being honest, when you play a high tempo they have struggled.” The striker believes that the lack of speed in the Italian league has made

the national team weak in comparison to England and is confident that they can take the game to the Italians. “The Italian league is nowhere near the tempo of the Premier League. Even when we played AC Milan, with Nesta and Maldini as centre halves, they really struggled when we played a high tempo. If we can do that we can give them problems.”

Rooney warns Azurris

teams meeting in Saturday’s opening Group C match have in common: crowdpleasing flair that translates into goals. Neither are footballing giants but both contain their share of genuine stars: Manchester City’s Yaya Toure and former Chelsea legend Didier Drogba for Ivory Coast, AC Milan’s Keisuke Honda and Manchester United’s Shinji Kagawa for Japan. Ivory Coast have age going against them: Toure is 31, Drogba 36 and defender Didier Zokora is 33 , making them old men in footballing terms. Toure is coming off a grueling league campaign with Manchester City, where he won the Premier League, and suffered a hamstring injury in the last match of the season. “He’s still in a recovery

Besiktas pull out of Demba Ba deal

he may move on. It has now been confirmed to the crew that the Bafana midfielder has signed a long-term contract in Wales and turned down the offer that Premier League side, Palace, put on the table for him.

olfsburg’s sporting director Klaus Allofs has confirmed that the Bundesliga club are interested in signing Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku. “If the player is getting cheaper, maybe this affair is picking up pace. But even then we won’t be the only club chasing the player’s signature. “Actually we are looking at top-class strikers and we do not have any pressure. We are patiently waiting for the right moment.”

Wolfsburg confirm Lukaku interest

esiktas have reportedly opted out of a move to sign Chelsea forward Demba Ba in the upcoming transfer window. The Senegalese international had been associated with a switch away from the Blues this summer, with Turkish outfit Besiktas considered front-runners to land his services. However, this now looks unlikely after the Black Eagles’ director of football Onder Ozen, revealed that “Fikret Orman met twice with the CEO of Chelsea - however, a deal did not materialise. We are no longer interested in Ba.” He said.

PR defender Nedum Onuoha has admitted that he would like to see Rio Ferdinand join the newly-promoted side this summer. Ferdinand is available as a free agent after being released by Manchester United at the end of the season, but is currently on media duties at the World Cup in Brazil. “Someone like that his track record speaks for itself and having played a good few games for Man U this year, and coming from there you would like to think you can pretty much play anywhere,” he said.

PH ON SATURDAY NE 2014

SPORT

30 SPORT

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

What the players are saying Dejagah

Nigeria

Enyeama

Nigeria must beware of Iranian banana peel! T he Super Eagles open their 2014 World Cup campaign against Iran on Monday, and if they entertain any hope of advancing into the Second Round of the competition, that is one match they have no option than to win. That encounter in Curitiba on June 16, is not only Nigeria’s most important tie, it is also potentially the easiest. If they bungle it, they can as well bid the tournament good bye. The second tie against BosniaHerzegovina on June 21, will be too dicey, so Nigeria must negotiate the Iranian minefield any which way they can and come out with a result. Nigeria and Iran have rarely met at this level, indeed they have only encountered each other only once, a friendly match in 1998, which the Eagles won 1-0. So this should be an advantage for the African champions who have also appeared in more World Cup finals than their opponents. While Nigeria have made it to the finals five times, Iran have been there four times. Nigeria were at the World Cup in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010 and now in 2014. Iran on the other hand made it to the championships in 1978, 1998, 2006 and in 2014; so while Nigeria were struggling to qualify for the competition, Iran had already made their first appearance as far back as in 1978. Iran are also ranked higher than at 43 than Nigeria at 44 in the FIFA rankings. Opening matches are often cagey affairs, but both sides have players in their ranks that can hopefully make it an exciting affair on Monday night.

Emenike

Vincent Enyeama, 31 (Nigeria) He’s not only the best African goalkeepers right now, but he’s also one of the best goalies in the top five European leagues. But for an own goal by a teammate in the last season, Enyeama could have equaled Gaetan Huard’s 20-year record of playing 1176 minutes in the French Ligue 1 without conceding a goal. Enyeama who is the vice-captain of the Eagles has played more than 90 matches for Nigeria and will be a strong influence in Brazil.

Emmanuel Emenike, 26 (Nigeria) Emenike has played 22 times for Nigeria and scored nine goals. He is rugged, quick on the ball and scores many crucial goals for his national team. He’s certainly a goal-getter. He’s been the spearhead of the Nigerian team for over a year, and fans will be banking on him to get the goals and lead the attack in Brazil. Mikel Obi Mikel is the nucleus of the Nigerian team and was voted second best African player in 2013. He has played 51 times for the country with four goals to his credit. He’s not a great goal scorer, but he has a knack for passing the ball and keeping ball possession. The Chelsea midfielder also has a quick mind and much stamina, and his form will be very decisive for his team in Brazil. Javad Nekounam Long-serving Iran captain Javad Nekounam has been a mainstay of

Nekounam

the national team since making his international debut in 2000. The dynamic Al-Kuwait midfielder has a habit of coming up with a goal just when his team needs it most and has found the target 37 times in his 136 international appearances. Now 33, Nekounam does not cover as much ground as he once did but he reads the game as well as any player. This year’s tournament is likely to be his last World Cup.

Joseph Yobo “The games-friendly matcheswere a little bit experimental, but now we’re ready to go; so come the first game against Iran, we’ll make sure we do very well and get the three points. Godfrey Oboabona “Iran will be the toughest match in our group, because for me, I don’t know anything about them. I have never seen them play. “I was scanning channels last week to get their game but unfortunately, I could not. “It is better to know them because if you don’t know players you don’t know how they play. It will not be an easy game.” Oboabona

Iran AshkanDejagah “All three matches in group stage are important, but we have to defeat Nigeria since it’s our opening match.” “Nigeria and Iran have never faced each other at the international level but we know they have many talents. We have a strong team and we believe in ourselves. We also have to be organised to defeat them, we can do it.”

Daniel Davari German-born Daniel Davari could make or break Iran’s chances in Brazil, although with only four international appearances to date there is still something of a question mark hovering over the EintrachtBrauschweig goalkeeper. Davari’s European experience is one reason why Iran coach Carlos Queiroz holds him in high esteem. While EintrachtBrauschweig may not be in the Bundesliga for much longer, being a goalkeeper for the bottom team at least results in plenty of practice. Ashkan Dejagah Fulham forward AshkanDejagah can play on the right side or as the main striker. Dejagah came to prominence in Germany with Wolfsburg, making 150 appearances for the Bundesliga team before moving to the Premier League and Fulham in August 2012. The 27-year-old represented Germany in several under-age competitions and only started playing for Iran in 2011. He has 14 caps and four goals under his belt.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh “I hope everything goes well for us in the 2014 World Cup. I also hope that I will have a good performance in the World Cup if I am a member of the team in the competitions. “I am dreaming of beating Nigeria in the World Cup. I think we can defeat team 2-1 or 1-0 in the tournament. “I think we can qualify for the last eight. It will be possible if we work hard

Jahanbakhsh

Coaches Iran Carlos Queroz ‘We struggled to qualify for the World Cup, and we won’t allow ourselves to be rolled over,” “The Nigerian team is strong and talented but we will give it our best when we meet,” ‘It was hell qualifying, but now we are here and won’t allow our chances slip away”.

Nigeria Stephen Keshi “Iran? I’ve never seen them. For them to be here means they are a good team,” “I don’t want to be distracted with talks of Argentina and Lionel Messi. Right now, my mind is on Iran and not Argentina. After that we can then look at Bosnia before the last group match with Argentina.”

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

SPORT

The many Super Eagles debutants! Nigeria squad is one of the teams with lowest average age and the Super Eagles are also replete with players who are appearing at the FIFA World Cup for the first time. Only four players out of 23 have attended the Mundial earlier. Captain Joseph Yobo, goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide are appearing at their third finals, while this is the second time Osaze Odemwingie will play in the tournament.

Kenneth Omeruo The Chelsea defender will appear in the World Cup for the first time, but he is not new to the big stage. He was a member of Golden Eaglets to U-17 World Cup and he participated in 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He was a revelation at the last Africa Nations Cup and also featured at the last Confederations Cup. The 20 year-old has also chalked up 16 international appearances. His experiences in the Dutch League and in English Championship with Middlebrough should also have prepared him for the biggest stage. Ogenyi Onazi Onazi in that 2009 Eaglets though play a role. A o f

was Golden team alhe did not significant move to Lazio Italy transformed him and he’s been tipped for a great career. He has become a permanent feature in the Nigeria team after a blistering show at the Nations Cup and now has 19 caps one goal under his belt. He missed the Confederations Cup due to injury, but his excellent work rate, skills and battling spirit belie his inexperience at this stage. Godfrey Oboabona H e is also a debutant but his

Shola Ameobi He’s one of the oldest players in the squad and at 33 he is appearing in his first World Cup and probably his last. The former Newcastle striker has played with the best and can bring his experience to bear on the team. Ramon Azeez The Almeria of Spain midfielder has joined a small group of Nigerian players who have played in all cadres of FIFA-organised competitions. Having featured in U-17, U-20 as a starter he can look forward to a regular playing time at the senior level. The experience of playing against star like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Spanish La Liga should help him.

calmness, calculated moves and excellent interceptions present him as someone who can function well at that highest level. His game has tremendously improved since he moved to Turkey after the Nations Cup conquest and the experience he garnered at the Confederations Cup should guide him this time. Victor Moses Performances from players like Victor Moses will largely determine how far Eagles will go in this tournament. It is instructive to know that the Chelsea winger who is going to shoulder enormous responsibility in the campaign will debut in the World Cup in Brazil. He was fantastic for Eagles at the Nations Cupbut missed FIFA Confederations Cup last year. He had a season to forget becaue he spent too much time warming the bench at Liverpool and the 23-years-old now has opportunity to remind the world about his immense talent when the tournament gets underway in Brazil. In fact, if the former Wigan FC winger strikes the right chord in Brazil he can be one of the stars of the tournament. John Mikel Obi Despite the fact that he has over 50 caps for Nigeria since he broke into the team in 2006 Mikel has not represented the country at the biggest stage. Injury knocked him off ahead of the last edition in South Africa but he’s now a leader in the squad to Brazil. Mikel has won everything in club football with Chelsea, all the world’s biggest players are aware of his talent and he will not be shy to rub shoulder with them. Emmanuel Emenike Nigerians expect most of the team’s goals to come from the Fernabahce striker although he’s got

no experience at the world level. He emerged the hit man for Eagles as Nigeria won the Africa Nations Cup and after a successful campaign with his Turkish side last term he heads to Brazil with soaring confidence.

Michael Uchebo The former Flying Eagles striker is new in the Super Eagles and it remains to be seen how his talent can impact on the team’s campaign in Brazil.

Efe Ambrose He’s another debutant with quite an experience. He featured in the U-20 in 2005 and the Olympic team in 2008, winning silver medals on both occasions. He played against the best in the Champions League with Celtic and has two Scottish league titles under his belt. His experience at the Nations and Confederations Cup should be invaluable at the Mundial.

Ejike Uzoenyi CHAN Most Valuable Player was dropped from the squad after an unconvincing showing in camp but joined the plane to Brazil at the eleventh hour following an injury that ruled out defender Echiejile. Nigerians seem to believe in him and the Enugu Rangers player will want to use the platform to prove that his fans are not wrong after all.

Juwon Oshaniwa Although he remains untested, the former Sharks FC defender can prove himself at the biggest stage now that he is the number one contender for the left full back position after injury ruled Elderson Echiejile out of the competition. He was at the Nations Cup, he even played in the final against Burkina Faso albeit unconvincing performance. Chigozie Agbim If his inclusion was to be a subject of voting, majority of Nigerians will never go for Agbim following a dismal performance at the last CHAN, but the 28-years-old can prove his doubters wrong if he is thrown into the fray at the Mundial. Ahmed Musa He is appearing in the World Cup for the first time, but his experience at the Confederations Cup, FIFA U-20 World Cup and Africa Nations Cup should have prepared him for this stage. He has become a main stay of Eagles since he broke into the national team in 2010 and has racked up 37 caps with five goals.

Kunle Odunlami He’s one of the least experienced players in the squad. This is his second major international tournament after a stint in CHAN earlier in the year. He may play a part in Nigeria’s campaign in Brazil but it is difficult to predict how the Sunshine Stars of Akure defender will cope with the pressure at the world’s biggest football competition. Azubuike Egwuekwe He is still a home-based player with Warri Wolves, but he has been part of the set-up since Stephen Keshi took over. This is his first appearance at the World Cup but his experience at lesser competitions like Africa Nations Cup, CHAN and FIFA Confederations Cup should help him cope in Brazil. Michael Babatunde Stage fright may affect the Volyn of Ukraine winger to convince Nigerians that his inclusion in the team is justified anytime he’s given the opportunity to play. He was in Confederations Cup last year, his first major tournament for Nigeria and played a match. Uche Nwofor He sneaked into the squad after a convincing performance in 2-2 draw with Scotland despite an injuryplagued season with Hereveen. He is a fox in the penalty box and has also played in FIFA U-20 tournament. Reuben Gabriel He is another player whose inclusion has attracted flaks from Nigerian fans following inactivity in the last two years. The Waasland-Beveren of Belgium midfielder played just eight matches throughout last season and was heavily inactive the previous season due to injury. He may not kick a ball at the Mundial the same role a played at the last Nations Cup.

32 SPORT

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

Ronaldo, Shayk attend Miguel’s fight against Sergio Martinez

Man United goalkeeper marries model

ristiano Ronaldo and girlfriend Irina Shayk were in attendance on Saturday night as Miguel Cotto beat Sergio Martinez to become the WBC world middleweight champion. The 29-year-old superstar was in New York as Portugal finished their World Cup preparations, and took some time out to spend the evening with the Russian model. Rapper 50 Cent was also there to watch the bout that took place at Madison Square Garden. Cotto became the first Puerto Rican fighter to win world championships in four weight divisions, stopping Sergio Martinez in their WBC world middleweight title fight on Saturday. ‘It was a reflection of my hard work (for) 10, 11 weeks,’ Cotto said. Martinez didn’t get off the stool when the bell rang for the 10th round. He did not speak to the media after the fight, as he was taken to a hospital as a precaution.

anchester United goa l keeper Anders Li ndegaard has married Swedish model Misse Beqiri in Mauritius. The 30 -yea r- old t ied the knot on the beach and tweeted: ‘Best day of our lives! Thanks everyone for making it so special.’ Lindegaard’s glamorous new wife, who attended the Red Devils’ end of season awards a year ago, also shared a picture of the happy couple with the caption: ‘Luckiest girl in the world.’ The Den mark internat ional posted as lin k to his new wife’s instagram earlier this year and said: ‘Street smart and drop dead gorgeous. Thank god she’s mine.’ The pair, who have a son together, have been dating since 2012. Li ndegaard arrived at Old Trafford in 2010 from Norwegian side Aalesunds and has made 19 United appearances having acted as deputy to Edwin van der Sar and David de Gea.

Beqiri

Djokovic gets over French Open defeat in Ibiza

H Ronaldo and girlfriend

Lifestyle

e may have been teary after his defeat to Rafael Nadal on Sunday in the French Open final, but Novak Djokovic was nothing but smiles says after. The Serbian tennis star had headed to Ibiza from Paris with some pals having lost to the Spaniard at the Stade de Roland Garros. Novak enjoyed some time in the sea during his trip to Ibiza

and got the chance to top up his tan on a few sun loungers near his hotel. The holiday may well have been part of a stag do for the tennis player, as he got engaged to his long-term girlfriend Serb Jelena Ristic last September. The Serbian couple have been together for around eight years, and she is often seen in the crowd cheering him on at major tournaments across the world. Djokovic

Brazilian beauties pose for World Cup feature

he World Cup kicked off in soccer’s spiritual home Brazil this Thursday. And soaking wet supermodels Raquel Zimmermann, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Isabeli Fontana all donned matching Stella McCartney minidresses and Alexis Bittar cuffs The four Brazilian beauties were shot by famed lensman Steven Meisel for a Vogue feature on the football phenomenon. Both Lima - who turned 33 on Thursday - and Fontana - who turns 31 next month - were buzzing about five-time champion team Seleção’s star player Neymar. ‘It was the best feeling to meet him,’ the mother-of-two gushed about the 22-yearold athlete. ‘Because he has more than fame. When it comes to Brazil, footballers have the whole world in their hands.’ 33-year-old Alessandra said a football is the first gift a Brazilian child receives: ‘As soon as they can speak, they are told, “Here, take the ball.”’

Niger glitters for Minna 2014 annual Polo festival

inna the capital city of Niger State, is wearing, a new look as the glamorous Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) national tour hits town for this year’s Minna’2014 annual polo festival The polo tour that set Abuja aglow with the hugely successful Unity Polo festival last week, is set to spread excitement in the Niger State from May 10- 14, 2014. Tournament Committee Chairman, Mohammed Babangida, said four major trophies and a dozen of selected prizes would be at stake during the six-day event. He gave the names of the trophies as Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB Cup), the tournament’s biggest trophy, the Governor’s Cup, Emir of Minna Cup and General Hassan Usman Katsina Cup. Other selected trophies to be competed for include the General Abdulsalami Abubakar Cup, General M.I. Wushishi Cup, Ahmadu Bahago Memorial Cup, Talban Minna Cup, Senator Idris Ibrahim Cup, Veterans’ Cup, Kere Ahmed Cup, General Gado Nasko Cup and the Beginners Cup. Babangida, who thanked the

WITH

Chimaobi Uchendu

princehench@yahoo.com

08092747532

Niger State Government and President of Minna Polo Club, Chief Servant Muazu Babangida Aliyu, for his support and encouragement to the club, said that special awards would be given out to Most Valuable Player, Most Disciplined Team, Most Improved Player Award, Best Turnout Team, Best Groom, Best playing Pony and Patron of the Year. According to the tournament boss, ‘Minna 2014’ promises to be a hotly contested tournament as many teams from all the major polo centres across the country, have indicated their readiness to compete for honours during the prestigious event. El-Amin has perpetuated their dominance of the IBB crown for over a decade now and repeated attempts by teams from Lagos, Kaduna, Katsina and Kano have been fruitless. Pundits are of the opinion that it would take more than prayers from opposition to break El-Amin strangle hold on the Minna biggest polo prize.

Action at the last Lagos Polo tournament

“Minna is all about IBB Cup and EL-Amin has the players, the horse power and the crowd to defend the title and keep it for good from the most daring opposition,” said El-Amin polo manager, Dr Ayo Majekodunmi. While odds are stacked heavily in favour of the Kaduna based polo kings to lit-up in Minna with their sublime skills and all firing games, the coveted IBB Cup would

not follow them home without a fight from determined teams across the country. With local rivals from Kaduna Keffi Ponys, Katsina and Abuja Rubicon and with tough nuts like Jamilu Mohammed and the Badamasi brothers, EL-Amin would have their hands full. Also expected to swell the ranks of the IBB Cup rumble, are teams from Katsina and Bauchi

who have not hidden their ambition of carting home the revered polo title that compares with others high-goal prizes like the Georgian, Nigerian Cup, Emir of Katsina and Majekodunmi cups. Apart from the traditional rivals from Kaduna and Katsina who are currently camping on the outskirts of Minna in readiness to rekindle their face-off in the weeklong fiesta, others from Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Zaria are quietly bracing to upstage the tradition and leave their foot prints at the IBB Sports Complex, venue of the event. Clubs like Sokoto and Maiduguri, two of the latest additions to the growing NPF family are packaging strong squads, with the aim of making a big splashes and creating a huge impression in their quest for honours in the Power States. Backed by the Niger State government and a consortium of blue chip firms like El-Amin Limited, Unity Bank Plc, Profile Security, Heritage Press, Dantata & Sawoe, Dangote Group and high profile individuals, the Minna tournament promises to be the biggest and the most exciting in years.

StartUps

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

14 MAY 2014

Man Utd fan membership has impacted my food business –Aileru What is the name of your business? The name of the business is One United Catering Service and Restaurant. We also engage in quick foods like small chops as well as in other food stuffs, which we refer to as One United Small Chops.

Aileru Sulaimon, is a food vendor in a locality in Lagos. He tells SEGUN EDWARDS it is a misconception to think that food selling business is meant for only women.

How did the business start? The commencement of the business dates back to my days as a little child and I inherited it from my mum, who pioneered the business. I could recall then as young boy I, and my other siblings will do everything possible to avoid being compelled to give assistance our mother in cooking when we were woken from sleep every morning around 4 am. We went as far as hiding under the bed or sought other escape routes just to avoid being given chores to do by our mother in that early hours when she is processing the food to be sold. How did you come into the business? On my own, I took up the business some couple of years back and introduced my own approach which I can say has worked for me as evidenced in where I am today. But honestly I will say I took to the business because I wanted to ensure that I am not idle while attempts at securing admission into tertiary institutions were not materialising. Like I said I got engaged in the business in order not to be idle as a young man who could not secure admission into any tertiary institution after the completion of both primary and secondary schools education, following, several attempts of sitting for many exams which did not materialise into securing admission so, I took the decision to be gainfully engaged which made to me to take over the business started by my own mother and it is working for me by the grace of Allah. How have you been copping particularly when viewed from the angle of dwelling in the terrain believed to be the exclusive of women? I will say it a matter of interest that in the individual. Yes, the society view you differently, yes I have experienced it, there were situations where I saw the indifference to what I am doing in men some of them were amazed, even dazed to the extent of taking swipes at me saying ‘look at this guy doing woman’s business.’ But for me, I’ve never been taking aback by this indifference rather I remain focused on what I’m doing. More so, it is a family business that was started by my own mother. I have always told people that I love what I’m doing and that is why I will continue to do it. What can you say are the challenges you are confronted with or competition in this environment? Certainly there are some competitions particularly in this local environment. For instance, there is competition from other food vendors in the community who are females but to ensure my business stays afloat, I explore the advantage of being a staunch member of the Manchester United Football Club supporters to attract young men from far and near to my restaurant, who throng to this place on daily basis to eat and also discuss issue relating to football. I am able to manage the situation very well ensuring that discussions or argument about football by fans, some of whom are supporters of other football clubs like Arsenal , Chelsea, Madrid and eve Barcelona does not degenerate to brawls or open confrontations. Certainly, this is the competitive edge or advantage that I have over other food vendors in this environment and which has been working for me. It is a fact that young men and women who are football

in the country today. I’m optimistic about this because I give my customers a reasonable satisfaction in terms of the quality of the food we serve and I also listen to their complaints, which has served as our reference points for improvement. Whenever I receive any complaint from a customer I don’t hesitate to apologise and give the promise that we will make up to them. I’m always taking advantage of feedback from customers everyday to improve on the business and looking to the opportunity to grow from where we are right now. I am not fully satisfied with the way things are now and I am putting in a lot of effort to continue to grow the business. I know the business will be big like the big the names in quick food outlets in Nigeria today. If you look back, is there any time you thought should have been doing another thing different from what you are doing? I have never had any cause to express regret on what I’m doing. Though initially what was on my mind was to travel out to Europe or America and make it big, particularly when I just left the secondary school and could not get admission into the tertiary institution. But when I applied for visa to these countries and was denied a couple of times, I jettisoned the idea. Since then, I’ve concentrated my effort on what I’m doing, and today I’m making a good living from what I’m doing. I have my children, I can feed my family. I can afford to have any good thing of life; there is no regret for me whatsoever.

Aileru

Anybody coming into the business newly will need a moderate sum of N10, 000 for take-off enthusiasts of these European football clubs take advantage of the platform I have provided as a Man U supporter to gather here to discuss about football. We have so many people doing the same business so, this is the edge I explore to gain advantage and that is the difference, which in essence bring returns in terms overall business objective. Another approach I explore is to ensure that I buy a couple of daily newspapers everyday which customers read in turn while they savour their food. This approach equally attracts patronage from customers in the neighbourhood, who are sure they would always have the opportunity of getting to know some issues of national interest whenever they come here to eat, but I make it compulsory that everybody that come in here must buy food or drink before having the opportunity of reading the newspapers. Do you cook the food you serve your customers? With the motto of the outfit ‘anyone can cook, only the fearless will be great,’ with this, I will say I’m a food person. I like food a lot. I cook, I still cook. Of course, I learnt a lot from my mum who I used to cook with. So, there is no big deal in cooking, I still cook but I employed some assistants in this regard and I direct accordingly to ensure that we maintain the quality of the food we serve our customers. As a person who has been in this busi ness for while, what would you say is the

minimum required capital for a new entrant into the business? In terms of capital requirement for the business, I think anybody coming into the business newly will need a moderate sum of N10, 000 for take-off but that would have to increase as the business grows. You have to give good and quality food to attract the right patronage. It is only when you are able to do this that your business will grow and once it is growing, you have to increase your capital. On advice to male new entrants into the business, they should be focused, patient and be persevering because no business becomes successful without challenges. What other thing do you think you are doing differently in this business? If it is in terms of cooking, I can conveniently say that I am up to the task of standing shoulders to shoulders with anybody including the female who is believed to have the exclusive edge in cooking. This has to a large extent extended to my home where I and my wife engage in mutual disagreement in food that is prepared. For instance, we argue a lot whenever she cooks as she would always protect her grounds when I point out one or two shortcomings in her cooking. She sees that as affront to her main responsibility as a wife, particularly when she makes mistakes knowing very well that I know a lot about cooking. I don’t think there is really a difference between a man and woman when it comes to cooking. The only difference could be in the approach, and don’t forget in the developed countries most accomplished chefs are males. It is only in this part of the world that we affiliate food vendor business to women and good cooking is ascribed to the females. What is your future plan for this business? I really want the business to grow up like the present big names in the fast foods outlets

How many customers can your food restaurant be able to cater for when you have a full house? We can accommodate 12 customers in this place and of course most of our customers also buy their food in pack but I can say that the space here can conveniently accommodate 12 customers at a go or at once. You said you are also into outdoor catering. Can you tell us about this? Who are your clients? We have many clients; we also have a facebook account which specifies our services and charges. Through this, we tell our clients what we have in stock and some customers get to know what we have. So, when they get in touch with us on their needs, we promptly supply them depending on the location, which we also build into our charges if we agree. What value has your membership of Manchester United football club fans added to this business? Manchester United has impacted greatly to my business because since the change of the name to One United Food Restaurant, from its initial name Abanishe, it has continued to attract more customers. Every youth in this community has identified with it. The awareness about the business is everywhere, for instance, anybody seeking to get to us will be able to do so at the mention of the name One United Restaurant to anybody from Obalende, Tinubu and many other locations. This simply has to do with the name derived from the link with the great soccer club Man United. My association with one of world most popular soccer club has equally enabled me to enjoy some good times. When the club visited Abuja in 2008, I was one of the Nigerian fans that graced the occasion. I was interviewed by international medium like the BBC and the local media. I have documented media cuttings that I can use to back this claim. Being a fan of Man U, has continued to have positive impact on my business and personality.

Short Story NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

14 JUNE 2014

The ‘Old Cargo’

etty stood in front of her dressing mirror fully dressed to attend her friend’s wedding. She applied red lipstick on her thick lips, and then she suddenly became lost in thought for a moment. She looked very disturbed and unhappy. Something was troubling her. She was now 42 years old and the thing that was troubling her now, was the same thing that had been bothering her since she celebrated her 30th birthday. Young girls called her an old ‘cargo’ but she didn’t think she looked that old. She took a good look at herself in the mirror. Yes, she was tall and fair in complexion, slim and pretty. She had a pointed nose and huge, well-shaped breasts. Her figure was indeed a figure eight, and she looked like every man’s dream come true. But in spite of all that, she was still not yet married. She had still not been able to get a husband. She was always getting invited to weddings. She attended the wedding ceremonies of her friends and acquaintances, but her own wedding had never taken place. What was wrong with her? She felt so lonely as a single lady, and the loneliness she felt was unbearable. She remembered that her friends who are married always told her that “there’s nothing like having someone to call your own”, and that made her feel even sadder. ‘If only I had somebody to call my own,’ she thought, ‘my life would have been happier’. She had consulted spiritualists, prophets and witchdoctors, but none had been able to provide a solution to her problem of spinsterhood. Betty felt dejected, discouraged, and deflated, like a flat tyre. As she stood in front of the mirror, she let her tears flow freely like an eternal river running with eternal pain. That morning, Betty cried like a river. She cried until her tears blurred her vision so much that she could no longer see. Betty’s tears brought back painful memories. And as the tears ran down her soft cheeks, her mind travelled back in time to when she was still in the university in her 20s. She had a boyfriend called Dele, who was so fond of her that he was always ready to skip lectures just to spend time with her. She had gotten pregnant for Dele three times and she had aborted all three pregnancies. Dele was not rich, but still promised to marry her if she was willing to manage. He had told her that money was not everything and that all she needed to be happy in marriage was a good husband and a happy home. Betty had dumped Dele after dating him for one and a half years, because he still wasn’t making much money. She needed a rich man who could take care of her, so she went after sugar daddies and corrupt politicians who had money to spend on beautiful women like her. How fast time flies! Now Betty found it hard to believe that she had wasted her youth on sugar daddies. They were responsible for her present condition. Her sugar daddies had only used her as a tool for sexual satisfaction and prevented her from dating young men, from among whom her husband could have come. Now, at 42, Betty was over-ripe for mar-

riage. But she had realised her mistake and she decided to take her destiny in her hands. Even though she was advancing in age, she still had a very sexy body and she was determined to use her sexy body to get a young man to marry her. Betty decided to change into something hotter. So she took off her long skirt and replaced it with a more seductive and tight-fitting, figure-hugging red gown that showed off her big breasts, and left the house. At the wedding reception, Betty sat next to a young man who seemed to be in his early 30s. The young man kept gazing at her big breasts and wishing he could have a feel of them. Since the young man appeared obsessed with her body, Betty saw this as an opportunity to get him to talk to her. So as the food and drinks were being served, she smiled at him sweetly and invited him to share her meal with her. The young man smiled back at her sweetly and introduced himself. “My name is Emeka,” he said. “I am an importer and exporter.” They started chatting and exchanged phone numbers and addresses. Betty found Emeka to be very amiable and invited him to visit her in her apartment the following weekend. Emeka came the following weekend as expected and Betty literally flew into his arms immediately she opened the door and saw him. She had deliberately chosen to wear a very erotic lingerie for the occasion in order to seduce him. She was so scantily dressed that Emeka had his eyes full with all her vital parts, as her erotic lingerie left little to the imagination. She saw the look in his eyes and she knew that he wanted to have her immediately. To put him in the mood, she played romantic music videos for Emeka to watch, and the first music video she made him watch was entitled: “Body Party” by Ciara. As the music played, Betty sang and danced in rhythm with Ciara in the music video to Emeka’s pleasure. As Betty danced, she leaned forward to kiss Emeka and whispered into his ears the words, “My body is your party.” Emeka got the message, and he responded by taking her in his arms and kissing her. As the music played, the two lovers were locked in a passionate embrace and soon afterwards, they headed towards the bedroom where they had

She remembered that her married friends always told her that “there’s nothing like having someone to call your own”, and that made her feel even sadder mind-blowing sex. Emeka acted as though he was crazy about Betty’s sexy body and that made Betty very happy. She sent him several text messages every day affirming her undying love for him. And whenever they had an opportunity to get together, they wasted no time in spending the night together. From the first time they made love, Emeka visited Betty every weekend and they always slept together whenever he visited. Emeka acted as though he could not take his hands off her body, and any time he touched her, Betty responded in a similarly passionate manner. Their romance was hot and wild, and Betty fell deeper and deeper in love with Emeka. She thought that Emeka was actually in love with her just because he loved her body. And even though she was older than Emeka, she was determined to make him marry her. So, she raised the issue of marriage at their next meeting. “Do you know that I love you with all my heart,” she confessed to Emeka. “Yes I do,” Emeka replied. “So when are you coming to see my family?” Betty asked. “Very soon,” Emeka responded. After much pressure from Betty, Emeka fixed a date for her ‘Introduction’ ceremony. In parts of Nigeria, an Introduction Ceremony is a pre-marital custom whereby the intending groom visits the parents and family of his prospective bride to formally ‘introduce’ himself as her husband-to-be and make his intention to marry their daughter known. The day of the ‘Introduction’ is usually celebrated with a lot of eating, drinking and merrymaking.

Writer in focus:

MICHAEL UCHEBUAKU

Emeka fixed July 17 of that year for Betty’s Introduction ceremony, and on that day Emeka arrived Betty’s family house with a few people he introduced as members of his own family. Unknown to Betty, those people who accompanied Emeka to her family house for were actually impostors that Emeka had hired. They were not actually members of Emeka’s family. The Introduction went well according to Emeka’s plan, and the traditional marriage was fixed for August 1. Knowing that very soon she would finally be married, Betty had her head in heaven. She would no longer be lonely again. She was so happy that she opened herself up completely to Emeka. She didn’t realise that this was the moment Emeka was waiting for to strike. A week before the marriage was scheduled to take place, Emeka told Betty he had to travel home to his village to see his people and make adequate preparations on how they would attend her traditional marriage. However, on July 31, 24 hours to their traditional marriage, Betty received a strange phone call from Emeka. “My love, I had a serious accident at Onitsha. I knocked down a passerby with my car. The man died, and the police arrested me. I’m now in jail and I need N500,000 to bribe the police, settle the case and free myself from jail. Please transfer the money into my account immediately, or else our marriage would have to be postponed until I’m set free,” Emeka said in a rush over the phone. Betty panicked. She was so confused that she didn’t know what to say or think. Why was it now that her marriage was about to take place that something was going wrong? This was certainly the handwork of enemies of progress, she thought. And she wasn’t going to let them succeed. Betty ran to her car in a haste and drove quickly to her bank as if someone was pursuing her. She drove so fast that she almost ran into other cars, but she eventually reached her bank without any incident. At the bank, she quickly transferred N500,000 into Emeka’s account and then she returned home heaving a sigh of relief. Now she was confident that nothing in the world was going to prevent her traditional marriage from taking place the following day. The following day, August 1, all was set for Betty’s traditional marriage. The hall was well decorated and the guests were well dressed and seated. However, there was no sign of Emeka. Betty and members of her family waited and waited for Emeka to show up. Betty tried to call Emeka several times on his mobile phone but his phone was switched off. At exactly 4pm that day, Betty received a text message from Emeka. It read: “Dear old cargo, how could you have expected a young man like me to marry an old woman like you? You need to have your head examined. I was only after your money and you will never see me again.” Betty slumped after reading the text message and everybody gathered around her trying to revive her. However, among all the people present that day, it was Betty’s father who felt the most humiliated over the way things had turned out. He was a man who never forgave. Someone had stepped on his tail, the lion’s tail. And he knew exactly what he was going to do about it. He was a member of the powerful and deadly Ogboni secret society, and the following day he would see the chief priest of the society. As far as Betty’s father was concerned, the man who had duped his daughter was as good as dead, and the fraternity would make sure of that.

L ve&Lv ng

Life Experience:

‘I urinated in my boss’s green tea’ p.36

Love News New ‘electrical condom’ designed to increase pleasure p.36

MICHAEL UCHEBUAKU

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

ireto007@yahoo.com 0813 116 1840

www.newtelegraphonline.com/loveliving

14 JUNE 2014

‘My dad had an affair with my wife’ Love Confession In most cultures around the world, sex between a woman and her father-in-law is forbidden. However, in this story, domestic quarrels and poor judgment on the part of the wife led to incest and ugly consequences.

couldn’t take my eyes off Bimpe when I first saw her. Her ravishing figure was the first thing that attracted my attention. She was tall and shapely, with the right curves in all the right places. Her face was beautiful and shone like the Northern Lights. It was brightly lit with a most charming smile that seemed to charm even the very earth on which she walked. Her boobs were firm, full and high, and the points of her nipples were quite conspicuous through the black blouse she wore over a blue jeans skirt. She left me breathless with the way she swung her hips, and the spectacle of her long slender legs moving in rhythm blew my mind. I had never seen a girl with so much sex appeal before in my life, and so I had completely fallen for her even before I had become acquainted with her. I couldn’t help but stare at her like one transfixed, as she walked up to the bus stop to wait for a taxi to take her to the place she was going. Even though we were neighbours residing in the same housing estate in Lagos, I had never been able to summon the courage to toast her in the past. But that day, it was as though a new spirit of boldness seized me. Maybe it was because I was going crazy due to the maximum sex appeal she was oozing. So I damned the consequences, ignored the odds and took the future of my love-life in my hands as I walked up to her at the bus stop. Luckily for me, Bimpe had not yet been able to flag down a taxi when I got to the place she was standing. I had always been a shy guy, and although I had been bold enough to step to her, I still managed to introduce myself with some shyness. “Hi, Bimpe, remember me? I’m your neighbour here in Dolphin Estate,” I said. To my surprise, Bimpe smiled back at me and seemed delighted to see me. “I’ve always thought you never talk, since you’re the most quiet guy in the neighbourhood,” she said, with a little mischief in her voice. I knew she was only teasing me in a positive and cheerful manner, so I calmed down and relaxed, and gladly let go of my nervousness. That was how we became friends and then I saw her off to the shopping complex she was heading to. But Bimpe showed that she was really different from the crowd of girls that I had known before her. At the shopping complex, we visited a boutique and she offered to buy several shirts and trousers for me at the men’s section of the boutique. No woman had ever bought a gift of clothes for me before. And from that mo-

ment, I made up my mind to make Bimpe my one and only steady girlfriend. Her positive attitude and character were just too good to be overlooked by any man in his right senses. When I returned home that day, I tested my new clothes and found to my delight that they were a perfect fit. All my friends admired my new shirts but I was too ashamed to tell them that a lady had bought them for me, because I thought they would laugh at me and portray me as unmanly. However, that is not to say that I did not appreciate what Bimpe had done for me. In fact, I treasured it in my heart as an unforgettable act of love. I didn’t have to tell Bimpe formally that I wanted her to be my one and only girlfriend. It was not necessary to put my intention into words, because my feelings for her were clearly expressed in the way I looked into her eyes and held her hands. They say that a picture speaks a thousand words. So every fool would have known that I cared about Bimpe from the way he saw me acting whenever I was with her. Indeed, I considered it a rare privilege to be blessed with the company of such a pretty girl. In

Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, where we lived, I was sure that there was no one as adorable and lovable as Bimpe. She was simply my Cinderella, my one and only princess. I had dreams of spending the rest of my life with a kind-hearted lady who would show a man true love. I wasn’t in any doubt about Bimpe’s feelings for me because I noticed the glow in her eyes whenever she saw me, and I could almost hear the sound of her heart beating wildly whenever I held her in my arms and kissed her soft sweet lips. My darling Bimpe was like a wild rose flower waiting to be picked by a handsome prince who would offer her true love from the bottom of his bold and beautiful heart. Bimpe was a wild flower even in bed. Her love drove me wild. Her romance tasted like wild honey. I must confess that her sex appeal had a tremendous effect on me, and as a result, I couldn’t help making love to her almost all the time and in any location. I was addicted to Bimpe and whenever I felt a sexual urge for her, I entered inside her with hard, deep thrusts that seemed too strong for her to control. On one of such occasions we were at a party on the island. A friend of mine was get-

MODEL OF THE WEEK Name: Eve Tel: 0803 526 1657

If you want to be our next model, please send your photos to: ireto007@yahoo.com Call: 0703 102 8714, 0813 116

ting married and had invited us to his bachelor’s eve party. I think we had both gotten tipsy from the amount of alcohol we had consumed that night when I felt a pressing urge to make love to Bimpe. Maybe it was the miniskirt she had on, and the sight of her exposed smooth thighs that aroused me. So I playfully slipped my hand under her miniskirt and caressed the inner sides of her thighs. Bimpe also felt turned on, and as she clung to me, I began to touch her. By this time she was moaning loudly and panting, like one losing her breath. But we didn’t want to make love in the presence of so many people at the party. So we went outside to the car park, and in the darkness of the night, we reached our climax. I had found true love at last, and so I wasted no time in taking Bimpe to the altar. My parents loved Bimpe and were very excited about her becoming a part of the family. Members of my family gave us so many gifts on our wedding day. We were said to be made for each other and it seemed that our union was designed by heaven and perfected by the love we shared. However, though everyone appeared quite excited about my wife and overcome by her charms, my father appeared to be more excited about my wife more than any other member of my family. One thing I disliked about my dad was his womanizing nature. Though my mum was his lawfully wedded wife, he had so many girlfriends and mistresses outside. My father was a politician. In fact, he was a public figure because he had held some political offices in the past and was still holding a big position in his political party. Sometimes, he requested that my wife, Bimpe, accompany him to political party meetings and other functions. According to him, it would be nice to show off his beautiful daughter-in-law to his friends and political associates. I didn’t object since I felt I could trust my father with my wife. But I started suspecting my wife was up to something because whenever we had a quarrel, she would run away to my father’s house and spend the night there, in the name of reporting me to my father. It was baffling that even when we had the slightest quarrel she would run off to report me to my father and would not come back until the following morning or a few days later. If she ran off to report me to my father on a Friday, she would not come back until the following Monday. Last month, Bimpe announced that she is pregnant and we started expecting our second child. But the bubble burst when my mother caught her and my father redhanded making love in our family house five days ago. My mum had gone to the market but had to return to the house unexpectedly to pick something she had forgotten. That was how she caught my father naked on top of my wife who is supposed to be carrying a onemonth old pregnancy. Now, I know for sure that my wife’s pregnancy belongs to my father. I have now instituted a divorce suit at the High Court. As for that shameless old fool that calls himself my father, I will make sure he loses his big position in his political party.

36 LOVE&LIVING

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

Love News

New ‘electrical condom’ designed to increase pleasure

ot happy with those pleasure-killing condoms? No worries. Here comes a 21st century electrical condom that would enhance the experience like never before! Two researchers from Georgia Tech’s Digital Media Program have invented a device that sends short electric impulses along the underside of the condom. “This increases the sensations felt during sex and opens up the technology to be used with other wearable devices and sensors,” explained PhD students Firaz Peer and Andrew Quitmeyer from Atlanta-based Georgia Institute

of Technology. Called Electric Eel, the digital prototype was made using a soft ‘stimulating sleeve’ fitted with conductive arrays of electrodes. The device is powered by a programmable Lilypad microcontroller, which can send electrical impulses to small electrodes lining the inside of the sleeve. “This type of device could be hooked up to numerous controllers, directed in person or using existing Internet software,” said the designers. In terms of safety, the amount of electricity applied is very small.

‘I urinated in my boss’s green tea’

have an OND but I was never able to get a good job. In Nigeria, if you’re in- between being a graduate and being a school certificate holder like myself, you just never get respected. Many a time, I had to sleep with men in order to get a job. It’s so difficult being a female job-seeker in Nigeria, as almost every manager wants to sleep with you before he can offer you the job, even if you’re well qualified for the job. People seldom get jobs on merit these days, because those who have ‘connection’ or sleep around call the shots. So I could only settle for jobs for secondary school certificate holders. The salaries which such jobs offered were never good and I had to do many other things as a lady to make ends meet. For example, I had to keep several boyfriends so that I could depend on them for some extra cash I needed. I couldn’t keep only one boyfriend because I knew that if he didn’t have money, it would be terrible for me. So I kept many boyfriends so that if one didn’t give me money at the point in time that I needed it, the others would be able to give me money. My strategy paid me well, and I was always able to take care of my needs by relying on my sizable number of boyfriends. In any case, I was careful and always practiced safe sex to prevent myself from getting infected with Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and HIV/AIDS. I condescended to do some very low jobs year after year, and I’d had enough of my life and “career” going nowhere, when I got a job as a receptionist at a Chinese company in the South-Western part of the country. I was excited to be working for a company that could possibly give me a promotion after I had proved how good I was at my job and distinguished myself. My first week there was great, the staff were friendly and I learned my responsibilities so quickly. I loved it and could see myself working there for a long time. But the following week, when the Chinese CEO of the company returned from a business trip, I found out what the big boss was really like, a very horrible man! Being a Chinese company, what he says goes, regardless of whether it’s wrong or inefficient. He loathes being corrected, and stories had gone around about employees he had fired

Life Experience I looked around to make sure nobody was looking and ran to the loo with his special mug in my hand. I positioned myself over it and filled about a quarter of the mug

simply because they offered a better and faster solution to a problem than what he thought of. It seemed the man simply didn’t need anybody with brains in his company. I usually wore casual clothes to work but I wanted to make a great first impression when meeting him, so I wore a classic women’s black suit, elegant jewellery and perfect make up. I greeted him when he walked through the door of the office, only to have him walk straight past me without making eye contact or even a sound, completely ignoring my greeting and introduction, and slamming his office door behind him. I fought back my anger and told myself that he probably acted that way because he was just tired from a long plane trip, and that he would be himself in a few hours. So I calmed myself down and felt much better. An hour later he called me (I was referred to as “You there”) into his office. I smiled, straightened myself out and strode confidently into his office, only to be shot down with, “What do you think you’re doing wearing a suit? You’re not a staff member. You’re a receptionist. Don’t ever wear those clothes in my office

again. Do you understand?” “Yes sir,” I replied meekly, looking at the floor and wishing it would swallow me up. “Good. Now go and prepare my tea.” I rushed out of his office, trying my hardest not to cry. “Who the hell does he think he is? This is my country Nigeria! He is not even a Nigerian but he treats people like slaves in their own country,” I thought. My anger towards him became hotter as I thought of what to do to teach my Chinese boss a lesson. I knew that this man was no different from most other Chinese men managing companies in Nigeria, because they generally treat their Nigerian workers like slaves and pay them peanuts as salaries. It’s just like modern day slavery. “I wouldn’t piss on him if he was on fire!” I said to myself. It was at that moment I stopped dead in my tracks as a ‘beautiful’ thought hit me like a stroke of genius. I looked around to make sure nobody was looking and ran to the loo with his special mug in my hand. I positioned myself over it and filled about a quarter of the mug, smiled, finished up in there and strolled back my desk. I filled the rest of the mug with his green tea and stood there for a few minutes trying to look neutral so that I didn’t raise any suspicion from anybody. Once that was done, I took the mug into his office and then closed the door behind me when I left. He called me a few hours later to demand another one. I collected his mug and beamed with pride when I saw that it was empty. I made a decision then and there to stay on in that job, and every time I’m treated worse than dirt by the CEO, I brew him my special tea! I’m not going to resign just because this man treats me like crap, because jobs are hard to find in this country and I have to survive. So I will keep tolerating my boss’s excesses and feed him with my urine whenever I’m angry. What I’m doing may be “immoral” to some people, but to me it’s swift justice while keeping your job and in a way standing up to your boss for his cruelty and modern day slavery. If I actually speak out against him I’ll be sacked and I wouldn’t be able to do anything about it. So what would you do if you were in my shoes? This is the only way that a poor and helpless worker like me can defend myself against a cruel alien boss that is oppressing me in my own country!

Love Songs

PAUL ANKA FEAT. ODIA COATES)

‘I Don’t Like To Sleep Alone’ I don’t like to sleep alone Stay with me, don’t go Talk with me for just a while So much of you to get to know Reaching out touching you Leaving all the worries far behind Loving you the way I do My mouth on yours and yours on mine Marry me, let me live with you Nothing’s wrong and love is right Like a man said in his song “Help me make it through the night” Loneliness can get you down When you get to thinkin’ no one cares Lean on me (And I’ll lean on you) Together we will see it through No, I don’t like to sleep alone It’s sad to think some folks do No, I don’t like to sleep alone No one does Do you (I don’t like to sleep alone) No one does Do you

Love Poem

Joanne Wasserman

Cute Love Poem For Her You fill the room with sweet sensation distracting bits of information crowd the space where logic dwells distorting sights and sounds and smells touching me with tactile pleasure pushing me beyond a measure of reasonable doubt that soon I sense I’m nowhere in the present tense. *Send your love poems along with your name and number to ireto007@yahoo.com

Romantic Jokes

Master of The House

A solicitor for the Red Cross called upon a well-to-do young couple for a donation. Hearing a commotion inside he knocked extra-loudly on the door. A somewhat disheveled man admitted him in. “What can I do for you?” he growled, clearly upset about something. “I would like to speak to the master of the house,” said the solicitor politely. “Then you’re just in time,” barked the young man. “My wife and I are settling that very question right now!”

Words of Wisdom: Love never fails

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

LOVE&LIVING

Odd News

Relationships & Love Advice

‘I love him but he is too busy’ Dear Love Doctor, I am Kenny, from OAU. I am 24 years old. I have a boyfriend whom I love so much and will want to spend the rest of my life with, but I always feel lonely most of the time, because he is always busy and seems not to have time for me. He always tells me to understand his situation, and I don’t want to cheat on him. What do I do?

‘I didn’t want my son to grow old waiting like Prince Charles’ - King Juan Carlos of Spain reveals why he decided to abdicate

pain’s King Juan Carlos told his staff he decided to abdicate because: ‘I do not want my son to wither waiting like Prince Charles’, it was reported today. The 76-year-old monarch is believed to have told Rafael Spottorno, chief of the royal household, that he wanted Crown Prince Felipe, 46, to be on the throne while he was still in his young. ‘He saw, above all, that his son was in his prime and didn’t want to see him like Prince Charles who will be 66 years old in November,’ Mr Spottorno is quoted as saying. The private secretary admitted

that the king had been considering abdicating since his 75th birthday in January last year. Prince Charles has been waiting for 62 years and four months, longer than any other heir apparent in British history having broken the record set by his great-great-grandfather, Edward VII, in April 2011. Charles became heir apparent at the age of three when his mother, Princess Elizabeth, who is now 88, acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952. He was nine when he was given the title Prince of Wales. Courtesy: daily mail.

From Kenny. Love Doctor’s Advice: Dear Kenny, you need to give your man time to get organized. If his job is so demanding and he seems to have little or no time for you, tell him to organize his time better, so that he can create time for you. If he is willing to make a change, your relationship can still be saved. If you want daily love tips or advice, down-

Love Education

enopause is a phase of life in women that signifies the end of their reproductive period. It signifies the end of menstruation. This means that the ovaries of the women stop producing an egg every four weeks and there is no monthly period. Beyond menopause a women will no longer be able to have children. Defining menopause Menopause can only be defined with certainty after twelve months’ spontaneous (no other pathology involved) amenorrhoea or lack of periods. Age of menopause On average, most women reach menopause in their late 40’s to early 50’s. In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 52. Many women can also experience the menopause in their 30s or 40s. Premature menopause For those who experience menopause before 40 or 45, the condition is termed premature menopause. Premature menopause can occur due to several pathologies including primary ovarian failure, surgery of ovaries and uterus, radiation and chemotherapy induced loss of periods etc. Causes of menopause Every month the ovaries

load The Color of Love Guide on your iPad and iPhone. Search for ‘Color of Love’ on your Apple App store now and download the App. *Send your comments/stories to Love Doctor. E-mail: ireto007@yahoo.com If you’re in a crisis, call for help: 07031028714, 08131161840 or 08023700641. For free marriage/relationships counseling, call Love Doctor Mike 07031028714, 08023700641. Visit lovedrmike. blogspot.com

What is Menopause?

alternatively produce an egg (ovulation) and hormones that make the womb or uterus conducive to bearing a child. The ovaries have a finite number of ovarian follicles that contain the ova. As menopause is reached, the female hormone estrogen and progesterone levels decrease. This causes the ovaries to stop producing an egg each month. This fall in estrogen leads to both physical and emotional symptoms of menopause. The fall in estrogen and progesterone leads to increase in luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This causes menstruation to become erratic and eventually the periods cease. The period before final menopause is reached is called menopausal transition stage, or perimenopause. Symptoms of menopause Menstruation or periods may stop abruptly in some women and in most it gradually becomes less frequent, with longer intervals in between each one before they stop completely. Other symptoms include hot flushes, mood swings, irritability, night sweats and vaginal dryness. Source: news-medical.net

H♥ ♥ K U P ... f in d you r heart’s desire Women SEEKING relationship/marriage

Men looking for relationship/ marriage:

♥ Ifunanya, 20, needs a caring guy from 25-29 years for a serious relationship. 08184605693.

♥ Temitayo, in Abuja, needs a woman or lady for a discreet affair anywhere. 08085932033. BB: 21A4B824.

♥ Bunmi, 27, a master’s student, beautiful, humble and reliable, needs a reliable, caring and loving man of 34-55 years for a relationship that is based on trust. 08130711668.

♥ Emeka, 33, in Aba, needs a virgin, Igbo, tall, slim, born again girl of 20-28 years for a serious relationship. 08071210609.

♥ Bisi, 32, fair, busty, a nurse, wants a loving and caring of 47 years and above. 07066963752.

♥ Chris, 38, 6ft, a businessman in Lagos, from Anambra, HIV Positive, needs a shapely, caring and sweet woman as a life partner. 08056576819.

♥ Betty, 23, a single mother of one, needs a cute, caring man for a serious relationship. +234 8141106203. ♥ Ada, 35, 5.9ft, graduate, born again, AS Genotype, from Imo, needs a man of God and pastor of a Pentecostal church of 40-47years for marriage. 08069193368. ♥ Chioma, 33, an orphan, dark, tall, AS Genotype, very humble, needs a man who can be like a brother as a husband. 08106842453. ♥ Omotola, 29, pretty, romantic and good looking, wants a graduate,reliable and working class man for marriage. 08137750980.

FERTILITY If you have fertility problems like fibroid, low sperm count, or want a male child or baby sex selection, call 07025350586; 08122352054.

♥ Ebube, 43, 5.5ft, chocolate, in Enugu, business man in Lagos, needs a woman of 34-37 years for marriage. 09032233402. ♥ Jona, 37, 6ft, works in Lagos, needs a working or business woman of 42-48 years, single mother, divorcee, or widow for a romantic relationship. 07061300755. ♥ Uche, works in Lagos, needs a matured working/business woman or widow for companionship. 08131161840. ♥ Ibrahim, 40, 6ft, senior civil servant, in Lagos, needs a loving and caring woman for marriage. 08034296228.

Lovers’ Answers Game: The rule: Ask the opposite sex one question about love, and choose your lover from the top 3 answers. Ifunanya from Ebonyi, via 08184605693, is asking all men: “Must sex be the number one priority in a relationship?” *Call Mike: 07031028714 to send questions or issues.

Blackberry Connection

Oluwatosin, 24, in Lagos, needs a guy from 28 to 35 years for a serious relationship that will lead to marriage. 07039818016, BB Pin: 218AF48D. • Connect with Mike on WhatsApp or BlackBerry Pin: 7ab29e22 or 21978F71 for details on how to send your BlackBerry request. • Call Mike on 07031028714, 08131161840 or 08023700641 to link up and for direct hookup.

38 LOVE&LIVING

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

True Confession From Overseas

‘I sabotaged my brother’s relationship’

aving always been close to my older brother Sean, the day I looked forward to the most in my life was the day he was due to arrive home from his long working holiday in the UK. I’d only been 17 when he’d left, so now I was almost 20 we would get to do everything we’d talked about growing up: going out to pubs, travelling together, and I even wanted him to set me up with some of his friends! But I was even more excited when Sean arrived home a surprise fiancée. None of us had even imagined! And now, not only would I have my beloved brother back, but the sister I’d always wanted as well. I thought it could well be the most memorable day of my life. As it turned out, I was right — but for all the wrong reasons. It quickly became obvious to me that Anne might not be the girl Sean thought she was — she was bossy, sullen, and nothing that Sean ever did was good enough. And he did everything she wanted! He changed industries because she wasn’t happy with the money he made, moved suburbs because she didn’t want to live near us, and bought a new car because his old one was too old. She was so conceited. Sean was her slave, never doing anything without her approval. So much for awaiting his return! Within three months of his being back in Australia, I spoke to him less than when he’d been overseas. I never, ever saw him — she made sure of that. English Anne wanted to stay in Aus-

SEXUAL COMMUNICATION

‘It quickly became obvious to me that Anne might not be the girl Sean thought she was — she was bossy, sullen, and nothing that Sean ever did was good enough’ tralia so, for the time being at least, there was little chance that he would actually leave for good. But as the months went by, I realised that he could be on another planet and I’d probably feel closer to him. As the wedding drew near, with Sean barely having even a say in his own special day, I knew it was time to take action. Sean was head-over-heels, so he just didn’t see what was happening. I had to save him from himself and find a way to get rid of Anne! As it happened, not long after that, one of my best friends had a hen’s party. It

was one of those boozy affairs with lots of nightclubs and flirting with lots of different men, and it gave me an idea. I quickly suggested to Anne that, as her future sister-in-law, I should throw her a hen’s party of her own. Anne was quite enthusiastic about the idea, and I promised to organise the whole thing. I just didn’t tell her what I was organising. Through my network of friends, I found out where the sleaziest nightclubs were and planned our night. I also invited as many single male friends as I could trust, telling them of my secret plan: I was going to get them all to seduce Anne! Considering how conceited she was, with a little bit of alcohol I was hoping she wouldn’t be able to resist all of the attention. On the night of the party, I was buying Anne drinks constantly. Anne loved being the centre of so much male attention that she didn’t even seem to care how drunk she was getting. By the time we arrived at the pub where all the boys were supposed to be, she was really drunk. She was also quite attractive, and the men really did go for her. A swarm of handsome young men crowded around Anne as soon as we reached the dance floor, and I quickly got out my phone and made the call — Sean needed to come and pick his fiancée up; she was behaving disgracefully. Sean said he would be right down. Anne was so drunk by this stage she wasn’t even choosy: the first guy who tried to pick her up quickly found himself in a passionate embrace, and then she moved onto another one, and Sean walked through the door only a few seconds later. Needless to say, he was crushed, and it was a bad break up. I almost felt bad for what I had done, until I remembered what I had actually saved Sean from. 18 months later, Anne is now back in the UK and Sean is seeing someone he met at work. He’s truly happier with her than he ever was with Anne. He’s never suspected my involvement in his break-up. I still hope he never finds out that I deliberately set up his fiancée. Courtesy: ninems.com

Wedding Traditions

How to talk to your spouse about improving your sex life

Ask if your partner has noticed this as well Tell your partner five to 15 things you really like about him or her. Never say, ‘If you loved me, you would…’

Stories by Abimbola Sodeke

debowale and Comfort Egbetokun have been married for four years and have two children. However, Adebowale now wants to divorce his wife. He told the court that love no longer exists between him and his wife. He also alleged that his wife steals his money, isn’t caring, and could not bear him a third child, among other irreconcilable differences. He claimed that from January to December they had only had sex about five to six times because “she gives excuses of different kinds.” “In a year we do have sex five or six times and I do complain about it, but she gives different excuses or she tells me she is going to church,” he said. “I never knew she was sleeping with my tenants and flirting with other men in the neighbourhood.” According to Comfort, all her husband’s allegations against her were false. On the contrary, she insisted that her husband maltreats her and beats her like an animal. “I love this man so dearly and took care of him with everything I have, but he paid me back by beating me everyday like an animal. I am supposed to be the one dragging him to court and asking for divorce, but since he did it before me, glory be to God almighty,” she said “He claimed that I stole his money, but the fact is that this man is not working. He is jobless and I am the one taking care of the house. He does not have a kobo,” Comfort told the court. The Court President, P. A William, advised the couple to maintain the peace until the adjourned date of June 23, 2014 for hearing.

Don’t ascribe blame. Don’t psychoanalyze. Just describe what you feel is the problem. ‘You seem much less interested in sex than you used to be.’

‘He beats me everyday like an animal’

Wife returns dowry to husband in court

Breaking the Ice aving trouble discussing problems in your sex life with your spouse? Here are some ways to make it easier. Be gentle Need an opening line? ‘I love you, and I’d like to feel more connected to you.’ Never discuss sex right after having sex (unless you have only good things to say). Sex therapists say the best place to discuss sex is out of the bedroom—in the kitchen while making dinner, on a walk, taking a drive. Realize that the discussion may take more than one conversation. You don’t have to knock it out all in one sitting.

Lovers in Court

China’s weeping wedding party

or many brides, wedding day preparation can be emotionally draining, but in areas of China this emotional prep is taken one step further. A month before the wedding, a bride will weep

for one hour a day. She is later joined by other members of the bridal party to create a celebratory ‘weeping song’. Courtesy: eharmony.

30 year old trader, Radiat Abdulkareem, has pleaded with a Lagos Customary Court to dissolve her union with her husband Muritala. She told the court that her 10 year old marriage which produced a male child was never a happy one, claiming that her husband was stubborn and uncaring, and worse of all they never lived together since he didn’t rent an apartment. “I want to divorce him because he never took care of either me or the child. And when I went to him I want a divorce he started threatening my life both physically and spiritually. He pursued me in my dreams,” she said. Radiat also recalled that when their child was 3 years old, her mother-in-law stopped her from coming to see the child till date. The child is now eight years old. Muritala denied all the allegations his wife made against him. However, his wife, Radiat pleaded with the court to appeal to her husband and his mother to grant her access to her child whenever she wants to see her child. She also asked the court to let her return the N1,000 and Muslim Tesbiyuh Muritala paid as her dowry in 2004. Her request to return her dowry was granted by the court.

Travel&Tourism ON SATURDAY NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

www.newtelegraphonline.com/travel

HOSPITALITY

TS GRA Ikeja, Lagos, location is serene and calm. The hotel itself exhibits more than calmness and serenity. The facade is a masterpiece, offering a picture perfect outline that is just as remarkable as the facilities and services. Opened in November, 2012, African Sun Amber Residence is not exactly your regular hotel type with its somewhat surreal feel. Even the name evokes some curiosity. Its general manager, Zimbabwean–born, Willie Kzahila, puts it to what he calls the hotel’s business-oriented philosophy offered with the backdrop of a home atmosphere. ‘‘It is named a residence because of the focus and also due to the surrounding because we believe that hotels are a day or two business. So we want to create a home away from home for people who come to Lagos for business,’’ Kzahila said. The plush hotel offers 69 rooms of standard, deluxe and suites, all with the requisite amenities and furnished and fitted to taste. Other of its facilities include a restaurant, a posh and beautiful bar stocked with array of drinks, swimming pool with a poolside bar and sit-out area. The conference facilities include a large banquet hall and boardroom, a well – equipped gymnasium for wellness and fitness and laundry services are available, 24-hour room service, internet facility, ample car park and luscious outdoor. Your discovery is that the hotel’s facilities and service culture are designed to deliver on its business focus, which according to Kzahila is the upper and middle market. ‘‘We cater for the middle market and also for the upper class – from the middle market going up. We are mostly focused on corporate organisations, we are looking at expatriates that come into Nigeria to do business, corporate organisations,’’ he says. Conference is also high on its bill. “We also do conferences because we have a huge conference room, which takes about 120 people and also a board room and few independent travellers but that is not the direction that we are looking at but mainly the corporate world who have businesses to do in Ikeja GRA.’’ While its doors may be open to the corporate world and the upper middle class, the general manager explained that the hotel is nonetheless selective. “That is why we even positioned ourselves as an upper/middle market residence in Ikeja GRA.’’ To encourage other patrons and build up its occupancy level to acceptable standard, Kzahila said the hotel has some exciting incentives such as weekend rates and packages for conferences, for Christmas and any public holidays as well as offers for children,

Destination KOGI: Not yet the confluence of tourism p.42

Chef’s Corner Catch the groove at Kahoona Restaurant and Bar p.40

ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA, EDITOR, TRAVEL AND TOURISM iroandy@ymail.com

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

14 JUNE 2014

The Amber light is on African Sun is not exactly new to the Nigeria hospitality scene as it continues to stamp its presence on the scene. Africa Sun Amber Residence, its latest addition to its growing influence, reports ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA, offers some homely flavour among other remarkable services

Exterior of African Sun Amber Residence

especially for those schools outside Lagos for vacation. Although the hotel has been received positively since it opened and has experienced a surge in business in the estimation of Kza-

hila, he points out that the hotel should have done better in the area of creating awareness about its existence. However, he says patrons who have experienced the product have been good ambassadors in

promoting the hotel while referrals have also boosted its presence. ‘‘Yes, it was not easy opening a new place, creating awareness and bringing business in but what I will say is that our challenge mainly has

been visibility because we are not too visible to the outside world. But those that have seen us and have come back to make use of us is because of our positioning in the market place,’’ he said. ‘‘This is our second year and we are quite happy about our growth and up till now we have seen a growth close to about hundred percent of what we did in our first ten months of operation and that growth is giving us confidence that we have managed to retain our market share and we are still growing our market share as well.’’ He said those achievements are a testament to the strength of the hotel. ‘‘Our major strength is the people because we have invested a lot on the staff with intensive training carried out, which is one of the major highlights that is on the positive side for us in service delivery.’’ But Kzahila is well aware of the challenge of competition. ‘‘We have a lot of hotels around us – they have been around for a long time and they have already created their reputation but we have also positioned ourselves correctly in the market in terms of the clientele base that we are looking at.’’ Apart from positioning itself rightly in the market place, he cites the hotel’s expertise and staff training as the biggest weapons it has against competitors. ‘‘We also have an international chef who prepares all sorts of cuisine regardless of which country you are coming from and we are also good in dealing with Nigerian dishes which are more popular with the local community. Because of all those things and our expertise in managing hotels I feel that we have an edge over the competitors and our prices are very competitive.’’ He rates the future of the hotel in the coming years as very bright. ‘‘So we see ourselves doing very, very well, close to about 70 or 75 percents in the next one year because we are actually seeing the growth taking place,’’ adding that ‘‘Amber Residence is going to be a commanding name in terms of hospitality business being it in Lagos and in Nigeria.’’ Why is he so sure you sure? ‘‘Because Amber is a home grown - brand started by African Sun. So in the next two years we see ourselves being well known because we have actually started having other brands within the West Africa region and because of that we are correctly positioned to make sure that we maintain our standard and stick to what we know best, which is managing these hotels and then grow the business and hopefully get more contracts to manage hotels under the Amber brand.’’ He concludes by saying, ‘‘We are going into one of the biggest chains in the world,’’ but not without also informing you of some of the efforts of the hotel to give back to its community. This include beefing up security in the neighbourhood by providing street lights and access gates as well as employing people to clean the street.

40 TRAVEL&TOURISM

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

CHEF’S CORNER Good food and wine are regular staple. But much more than that Kahoona Restaurant and Bar also offers comfy scenery for conferences and social events, writes ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA.

AITAMA, in Abuja, is one of the serene and upscale areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FTC) with a lot to offer. And just around one of the street corners is Kahoona Restaurant and Bar (formerly known as Arirang Restaurant), presenting equally calm and inviting ambience. Walking through the door, you are greeted by a beautiful setting with the dining tables well laid out. The dominant colour here is red and on the walls are motifs reflecting Chinese art and the impression you get is that the restaurant is an all Chinese themed eatery. But the director of the outfit, which is an arm of Kahoona Investment Limited, a firm dedicated to promoting hospitality in the country, Ms. Nonye “Mirror” Duru, quickly corrects that impression. Besides, while at it you later discover that Kahoona is not just your traditional restaurant, but also a suitable home for conferences and social events such as birthday and wedding anniversary parties with its rooftop and board room facilities well primed for this purpose. Duru’s motivation for setting up this outfit stems from her passion for people and hospitality. Its services include home delivery, office lunch delivery and outdoor catering, while she has also extended her services to teaching and exposing people to the best service delivery culture. You can also catch your favourite football team and sports on display during live games. For many patrons, Chinese cuisine is a favourite, said the director who reveals that most patrons tend to forget that the restaurant also offers continental and local dishes. In addition, the restaurant also offers a wide range of wines from across the world, beers, soft drinks luxury collections of cocktails and mocktails. According to her, Chinese cuisine is

Catch the groove at Kahoona Restaurant and Bar gaining wide popularity and acceptance among Nigerians because many of them are beginning to see it as ceremonial cuisine, not your everyday cuisine. Because of this, many Nigerians when eating out or hosting social events such as birthday parties often insist on Chinese cuisine, she said. For the restaurant which is less than two years in operation, business has been good in relation to the public’s acceptance of its services. Buoyed by this, she is eager to offer the best to her patrons. Among the over 30 employees are Chinese and Nigerian chefs, with plans to add

Indian themed cuisine. Competition is certainly a stiff one but the director seems not perturbed. She is confident that with the “vantage location of the restaurant, quality and standard cuisine, excellent service culture, the restaurant is the one to beat,’’ she said, adding that the vision is ‘‘to become a world class brand, a household name and most preferred restaurant.’’ The restaurant is open all days of the week from 10am – 10.30pm. When next in Abuja, a stopover at Kahoona Restaurant and Bar would not be a bad idea.

Duru

TRAVEL BEATS Transcorp Hilton Hotel announces plans for hosting world travel awards THE Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, which last month was chosen by the World Travel Market to its most prestigious World Travel Awards Africa and Oceanic region Gala Ceremony 2014, otherwise regarded as the ‘Oscars of the travel Industry’, has announced plans for the event to be hosted at the its Congress Hall on September 5th. The Gala Ceremony will celebrate excellence in travel, tourism and hospitality in the Africa & Indian Ocean regions with industry leaders from across both regions gathering to recognise the achievements of companies in the past 12 months. The managing director and CEO of Transnational Hotels and Tourism Services, owners of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Valentine Ozigbo, said: “We welcome the opportunity to host the prestigious World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Oceanic Gala Ceremony 2014 in our hotel. Coming soon after we successfully hosted the 24th World Economic Forum on Africa, the Africa and Indian Oceanic Gala Ceremony provides us another opportunity to showcase the best of Nigerian hospitality and reinforce the position of Transcorp Hilton Abuja as

L-R: Shola Adeyemo, PR & Marketing Manager, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Etienne Gailliez, General Manager Transcorp Hilton Abuja, High Chief Edem Duke, Hon. Minister of Tourism, Culture & National Orientation, Valentine Ozigbo, MD/CEO, Transcorp Hilton Abuja at the media briefing on the World Travel Awards Gala Ceremony coming up at Transcorp Hilton Abuja on 5th September 2014. the choice destination for high profile events.” At the media event organized by the hotel on hosting the event, the minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, describing the hosting right given to the hotel by the event’s organizers as another milestone and that his ministry will be willing to partner with the hotel.“The hosting of the World Travel Awards by Transcorp Hilton Abuja in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation launches Nigeria into the prestigious

club of prime global hospitality destinations. With its recent successful hosting of the World Economic Forum on Africa, Abuja is emerging as a frontline convention destination in Africa. We feel truly proud to host this important gathering, the first of its kind in Nigeria.” While the hotel’s general manager, Etienne Gailliez, assured that the hotel would work round the clock to achieve a successful hosting “all hands are on deck to make the hosting of Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony a memorable one for all the industry stakeholders and guests”.

Sheraton Hotels and Resorts launches one of the largest hot spring resorts in Great China STARWOOD Hotels and Resorts has unfolded Sheraton Huzhou Hotel Spring Resort as one of the largest hot spring resorts in Greater China following the completion of the resort’s hot spring and spa facilities. With 101 individual hot spring pools and jacuzzis across a vast 20,000 square metres spa complex, Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort is the latest in a series of stunning resort offerings by Sheraton.“As the first international brand to enter into China, Sheraton has been growing at a phenomenal pace and China continues to drive the brand’s future pipeline growth”, said global brand leader for Sheraton Hotels and Resorts. Located at the southern point of China’s famed Taihu Lake in Huzhou just two hours away from Shanghai, the design concept of Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort incorporates traditional Chinese symbolism in a contemporary setting. The resort’s cutting-edge design has earned its reputation as a modern icon in Huzhou. The circular shape symbolizes unity, wholeness, and infinity in Chinese culture – ideas that resonate with the Sheraton brand’s positioning

as “The World’s Gathering Place.” When night falls, 79 lighting lines light up the building’s facade, reflecting the resort in the lake like a full and luminescent moon. Its striking 27-storey structure consists of two curved towers – the Crystal Tower and the Jade Tower - both soaring more than 300 feet above the ground. The resort’s 282 luxurious and contemporary guestrooms are located within the towers, which join together in a gleaming arch that also houses many of the resort’s facilities.

Rockview Hotel Festac thank you offer FOR regular patrons of Rockview Hotel Festac, the city based hospitality outfit is offering a special thank you package as part of its appreciation and acknowledgement of the patronage of the guests over the years. The ongoing package offers include bed and meal at heavily discounted rate and entitlement to other facilities and amenities of the hotel as well as its wellness/ fitness and entertainment activities on the bill at the time of visit.

TRAVEL&TOURISM

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

Ikogosi Warm Spring gets new lease of life After years of neglect, Governor Kayode Fayemi has revived the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, putting the state on world tourism map.

enowned poet and academic, Prof. Niyi Osundare, once painted a gloomy picture of the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort in Ekiti State. He lamented the neglect the resort had suffered in the hands of successive administrations in the state thus: “Halfexecuted projects littered its landscape. Giant mosquitoes and dragon-like reptiles played host even in the most executive of its executive suites. Government after government extolled its potential as a tourist money garnerer, but fell tragically short of taking adequate care of the goose that was expected to lay the golden egg. “Ikogosi was nothing more than a promissory mantra in political campaigns and recurring decimal in the arithmetic of annual state budgets.” That was the case with the Ikogosi Resort until October 16, 2010 when Dr. Kayode Fayemi assumed office as governor. Previous governments in the state did not also tap the potential of other tourist sites including Arinta Waterfalls, Egbe Dam, Fajuyi Memorial Park, Ero Dam, Orole Hills and Olosunta Hills. As such, Fayemi places tourism on Agenda 7 of his blueprint. His plan is: “Making Ekiti State a most attractive destination for relaxation and holidays by building a heliport, world class hotel and accommodation facilities; developing Efon, Okemesi, Ikogosi, Ipole-Iloro tourism corridor.” The Fayemi-led administration has aggressively pursued tourism and culture restoration agenda through the rehabilitation of existing eco-tourism centres, investment in technology and tourism infrastructure. The tourism objective of the administration is to make Ekiti State one of the leading tourism destinations in Nigeria. When the present government came on board, it realised that the tourism sector

in Ekiti State was non-existent and superficial. In spite of the fact that the state is blessed with many tourism potential, no meaningful step was taken by past administrations to develop the tourism sector of the state. Facilities at the only available tourist site in Ekiti State, the Ikogosi Warm Spring were found to have deteriorated due to neglect leading to low patronage. What should be a pride for all Ekiti indigenes became a big embarrassment to all. To underscore the importance attached to the tourism sector by the present administration, a new Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism was created immediately for the state in accordance with the practice in tourism-friendly states. Today, Osundare aptly described Ikogosi Spring as “a place of near-Edenic serenity tucked away in the awkward flanks of Ekiti Hills, made popular by the differing temperatures of its springs.” Speaking on the transformation of Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort by Fayemi, Osundare said: “What an immeasurable delight to witness this dream unfolding, alluring innocent: new walls glowing with fresh paint; roads alive with the piquant smell of fresh tar; neat, almost immaculate interior decorations and generously furnishing; uninterrupted power supply;

covered trash cans in all the right places.” A visit to Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, a tourist site at Ikogosi Ekiti, in the Ekiti West Local Government Area today will, no doubt, bring nature to you at its best. In addition to the clement atmosphere and the beautiful cum attractive physical infrastructure, the sea of tourists, fun seekers, holiday makers and events participants that daily throng the resort these days make the place a destination of choice. The wonder of nature at Ikogosi Spring, which is believed to be the only site in the world where hot and cold water run side by side and fuse together at a meeting, is amazing. It is nevertheless, made more alluring by its location. What is in Ikogosi today is a product of vision. Fayemi decided to invest heavily in the development of the tourism industry taking Ikogosi as the flagship with a view to making it one of the sure ways of increasing the internally generated revenue of the state. Making his words his bond, Fayemi got down to business in the industry with a budget of N1.2 billion for the rehabilitation and reconstruction works at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort which he promised to execute in two phases. Three years after, the story has changed as the administration’s efforts have re-

stored life and the lost glory to Ikogosi Resort which has today become a Mecca of sorts for tourists, fun-seekers, holiday makers and preferred venue for conferences, seminars and luncheons. As the natural warm and cold spring waters flow side by side, a feel of the amazing nature is obtainable at the warm water swimming pool, children’s swimming pool and the children’s playground and as well at the Tourism Village. For the maximum comfort of tourists, the governor ensured the facilities in the adequately secured resort are of international standard. These include executive suites and VIP villas accommodation facilities, multipurpose conference hall, 60-seat meeting and functions room, shopping mall/variety building/fitness and standard rooms for students/excursions and campers, amphitheatre and laundry for local, western and foreign attires, and 350-car parking facility. The governor, while commissioning the first phase of the redeveloped Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort as part of activities to mark his three years in office, lamented that the place had been abandoned for an upward of about 10 years. Fayemi, who said that the redevelopment was done because his government “cannot allow the God-given endowment to be a waste,” hinted that the second phase would involve the introduction of a games reserve that would occupy about 10,000 hectares of land, a three-star hotel, and a golf course and apartment among others. As part of efforts to ensure world-class service delivery at the resort, the Fayemi administration had entered into partnership with Mantis Group, a South African firm and leading hospitality industry on its management. The Fayemi administration has been able to record key accomplishments under the Tourism agenda such as: Survey of Ogun Onire grove 300msq; hosting of the play, Kiriji which eventually united the hitherto feuding families of Are Latoosa of Ibadan, Chief Ogedengbe of Ilesa, Fabunmi of Okemesi and Ogboriefon of Ibadan. The warring families ate together for the first time since the end of the war 125 years ago, on the same table with His Excellency, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Resort’s car park

One of the charlets in the resort

Amphitheatre

Swimming pool. Inset: Fun seekers at the resort’s swimming pool

42 TRAVEL&TOURISM

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

DESTINATION

Aerial view of Lokoja

KOGI: Not yet the confluence of tourism Kogi State may carry the sobriquet, The Confluence State, and rightly so with the splendid view offered by the meeting point of the Niger and Benue rivers. But Lokoja, the state capital and city that hosts this geographical spectacle, is no way near reaping any tourism benefit from that, writes ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA

ARLY this year, Nigeria celebrated its centenary anniversary – the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protectorates by the former British administrator, Lord Fredrick Lugard in 1914. If there was one state of the federation that should have enjoyed ample spotlight, it should have been Kogi State. given Lokoja’s played a significant role in the history of the country during the colonial era. The state did fight to get the nod of the federal government to be so recognised and feature prominently in the course of the celebration but, somehow, it lost that bid and rightly so too. If anything, the state ought to commend a high tourism value as a result of its many natural and manmade endowments. It should have over the years earned the tag, “tourism confluence state”. With all its historical and colonial antecedents, rich culture and tradition, particularly as a melting pot for travellers across the country, Lokoja ought to be a huge selling point for the state. But that is not the case as the state government appear not yet ready to give it the desired lift even though state’s ministry of culture and tourism claims that tourism is in the front burner. Lokoja: Not yet the paradise Writing the history of Nigeria would not be complete without Lokoja. Once the home of

Bank of River Benue, near Bassa lga

the colonialists and explorers with the likes of Mungo Park and the Lander Brothers being a few of its illustrious guests. It was actually in this city in the 19th century that Floraa Shaw, the partner of then colonial administrator of Nigeria, Lord Lugard, christened the country Nigeria – a derivative from “Niger area”. A British consul was appointed for the city around 1858 while in 1865 a British consulate was set up in the city. In January 1, 1900, Lord Frederick Lugard was formally inducted as the governor of the defunct Northern Protectorate and added to this is the fact that the former Royal Niger Company (later United African Company), which was in charge of administering the city under Mr. George Taubman Goldie, handed over the reins of The Niger to the British colonialists. A reminder of its status as home of the colonial era is some of the existing colonial relics that litter the city. The endless list include the spot on Ibrahim Taiwo Road in front of the campus of the National Open University of Nigeria and also the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cathedral standing opposite where, on December 31, 1899, the Royal Niger Company was brought down and the British flag was hoisted; The Kogi State Government House, which was formally used by Lord Lugard, but now greatly improved. IBB Way also comes to play with its rich array of colonial relics such as the first bank and warehouse in Lokoja, European Cem-

Lokoja Museum

Governor of Kogi State, Idris Wada

etery, the Cenotaph, with features like three heavy artillery guns, erected to honour the memory of Nigerian and British soldiers who died in both the first and second World Wars, Old Prisons Yard, the first military hospital built in 1900 by Lord Lugard, the tombs of deposed Emirs of Bida, Kano, Gumel and Zaria, Dockyard of the Inland Waterways Department and the Iron of Liberty monument depicting the spot where slaves were freed in 1860. Lord Lugard Road also bears some tales or relics of the colonial era with some of the buildings and structures built during the colonial era. Today, the road has turned to one of the busiest and a social melting spot for people in the city with restaurants and other businesses running while night life here is bustling, especially during festive periods. This is one spot to gauge the pulse of the sometime laid back city.

Mount Patti, which stands at 458.3 metres above sea-level, remains one of the best reminders of Lord Lugard’s legacies to the people with his guest house that has over the years been abandoned but now renovated by the present state government and due for public presentation anytime soon. It is a very popular site with the people as it plays a prominent role in their daily lives because the path leading to the mount leads to farmlands and residences. With its alluring hilly nature, the mount is home to Nigerian Television Authority, a radio station, communication masts and lots more. Besides serving as good ground for picnics, the mount affords a bird’s eye view of the city, presenting a beautiful and artistic collage from the top view particular the confluence of the Benue and Niger rivers, which can also be explored from the Confluence Beach Hotel in the city. This confluence is what gives the city one of its colours and attraction to many visitors, with the River Niger, Nigeria’s longest river running across some 4,160 kilometres from its source in the Futa Djallon Highlands in Sierra Leone and Guinean border joining the Benue River, which flows in from the Cameroon at Lokoja. The Niger-Benue Confluence, the point where these two great rivers meets, is a Yshaped spot. It is a site to behold and a natural wonder of some sort as the water from the two rivers are said not to flow into each other despite meeting. Boat cruise and sport fishing are delightsome activities from this point and lend itself to other possibilities if well developed. The state tourism board and other tour organizations are said to organize regular boat trips or cruises to this part and with extended stopovers at some of the local communities along the flanks or borders of the

Lord Lugard house, Lokoja

TRAVEL&TOURISM

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

M arket scene in the state

Community scene in Lokoja

Lokoja stadium under construction

Confluence stadium, Lokoja

confluence for people to explore and feel the natural beauty of some of these communities. These include Gbobe Village and Shintaku. For some religious history, St. John’s Holy Trinity Church built in 1860 present some exciting elements alongside the primary school, located within its complex. Both are about the oldest institutions in the city. The church is of particular interest because it was the church founded and headed by a former Nigerian slave, Bishop Ajayi Crowder, credited with translating the Bible into the Yoruba language. A visit to Lokoja without a stopover at the National Museum of History is not a complete and fulfilling one because the museum houses quite an interesting and appealing artefacts, which provide deep reflection on Nigeria’s historical, political, socio–cultural and economic development over the years. Also of interest is the fact that the museum complex itself is a colonial relic, one of the guesthouses of the senior staffers during the reign of Lugard. A number of such houses are within sight in the precincts of the museum and have been converted to other uses. The museum complex itself has become a bee hives of activities with different eateries and bars and other leisure spots located within. Night life is a different ball game, giving the city a different rhythm with a number of exciting activities including musical and live entertainment holding round the clock here. Lokoja is also a gateway to Abuja and some northern states for travellers from the south-west of the country. The number of traffic that the city generates both at day and night is unimaginable. A section of the city, known as Nataco is about the most popular spot in the city because this is where most vehicles travelling through the city from different parts stop over to unwind.

Lord Lugard statue

A bustling activity hold here with restaurants and bars of different nature and other commercial activities ranging from buying and selling of different items from personal items to foods and clothing. The place was once one big unorganized but colourful spot to watch but, recently, some level of organization and coordination as well as semblance of decency have been introduced. However, more needs to be done to make this end of the city a real tourist attraction and a place to behold by people when travelling through the city by siting different facilities. Idah – Inikpe statue Located in Idah, one of the major towns in Kogi and home of the Igalas, Inikpe statue is a monument in honour of the bravery and sacrificial act of Inikpe, the daughter of the first Attah of Igala Kingdom who gave her life for the freedom of her people, the Igalas. Legend has it that she was buried alive and at the spot where she was buried, a statue has been erected in her honour and yearly, the people celebrate and pay homage to her act of bravery. Other attractions across the state include, Ita – Okueta weaving, palace of Ata of Igala, Inachalo waterfront. Kpata rock, Agbaja plateau, Koton karfe cave, Eganaja warm spring, the sprawling red-brick palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and the Okene waterworks built in 1937. Some of the other towns of note with equally interesting history include Kabba, Okene, Koton-karfe, Dekina and Ayingba. Cultural festivals Kogi is home to several colourful and exciting cultural festivals, which are staged yearly across the different levels and localities of the state. One of the most outstanding and rare cultural celebrations of the people is the Ovia Osese festival, which amid songs,

Lord Lugard rest house mount patti

BACKGROUND Kogi State is in the north-central zone of Nigeria was created in 1991 from the old Kwara and Benue states. The state has 21 local government areas and different ethnic groups but with Igala, Ebira and Okun as the three major groups. The others are Bassa Komo, Bassa Nge, Kakanda, Kupa, Ogori-Magongo, Nupe, Oworo and Gwari. However, Igala is believed to be the largest of the trio while Ebira, Igala, Nupe and Yoruba are the most common languages of the people. The state is bordered to the east by Nasarawa, Enugu, Anambra and Edo to the south, to the west by Ondo, Ekiti and Kwara States and to the north by Niger State and Abuja. It has a landmass covering 29,833 kilometres. The state has a number of yet-to-be-tapped mineral resources. It is home to the Ajaokuta Steel and Itakpe-Okene iron ore mills.

music, dance and festivities witness a display of young maidens. It holds in both ogori after the Easter celebration and in Magongo, a month after the Easter event. Other fiestas to watch out for include Italo, celebrated by the Igalas yearly at Ayangba in Dekina local government area, Egbe, Ugano, Ekuechi is a yearly festival by the people of Ebiraland, Oro/Egungun by the Okun people holds yearly, Oganyi Ganyi celebrated in Idah and Ocho. Tourism promises The former president of the Nigeria Bar Association and former minister of justice and attorney–general, Chief Bayo Ojo who

Bishop Crowther school

was once a governorship aspirant capture the tourism industry of the state thus: “Tourism is there; all we need to do is to tap it. We have the Confluence there, we have the cemetery of the First World War veterans, we have all the guns used in the first world war there, we have Mount Patti, so many things, even the Government House where Lugard sat for the first time, the first school, Holy Trinity, is a tourist attraction. We can make money from all these things if they are developed.’’ A former director in the state tourism board, Mallam Momoh Jatto, also reflected on the current state of tourism and the move by the state government to improve on it: “As at now, I wouldn’t say we are generating enough in the sense that it is not as it is supposed to be. There is the issue of the first Primary School in northern Nigeria that is dilapidating; but the governor was there and he saw and promised that very soon, he would rebuild and give it a solid structure. “If properly packaged, the state which always waits on Abuja for allocations will be different because I know money will be generated. But tourism is capital intensive; if you put in a trickle it will just disappear, nothing will happen. But if you really come out and develop it fully, millions if not billions will come into the purse of the state from it. But as at now, government alone cannot do it. There is need to partner with private entrepreneurs. So the state government has been looking out for entrepreneurs to partner with in putting the name of Lokoja on the world tourism map.” The state commissioner for culture and tourism, Mr. Apata Edward, also shared a similar sentiment. “I should say it is this administration that deemed it wise to create the ministry of tourism; hitherto, they (relics) were fallow,” he said while also calling on the private sector and investors to invest.

Cenotaph, Lokoja

44 TRAVEL&TOURISM TRAVEL PERSONALITY

UST like any child of his age, Kenneth Anate Oudah dreamt flying aircraft and created his idyllic life of a flight officer but he did more than dreaming airplane and flying kites to really actualise his buoyant and colourful world. “I think I was attracted to the aviation sector since my primary and secondary school days when I used to catch birds, butterflies and grasshoppers and studied them critically,” he says of his childhood days, adding, “I built many airplanes and helicopters with cartons, rubbers and rotors and they flew some centimetres when they were tested. It caused lots of noise that time in a town called Omu-Aran, Kwara State, and since then I have dedicated most of my time to know and do more in Aviation.” After his secondary education, Oudah took the first step towards making real his childhood fantasies. “Immediately I finished from Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCATZ), Zaria, in 2002 as a flight operation officer, I had the opportunity of working with Nigeria Airways two years before it was liquidated. I served first in the operations department, in flight dispatch office and was later transferred to Central Control Section which is a strictly restricted office to both staff and passengers because of it sensitivity to every other departments of Nigeria Airways).” With his path already cut in the aviation industry, Oudah, on liquidation of the Nigerian Airways moved over to Wings Aviation Limited (Now JedAir) in 2004. “In 2004, I moved to Wings Aviation Ltd. (now JedAir), which was a Charter Airline at the domestic wing of Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos. I worked there as an operation officer and flight dispatcher,” he says of his next move. Four years on, he left for IRS Airlines but surprisingly, he did only two days stint with the airline as his passion for teaching and instructing in aviation took hold of him. He departed for a training course in TMT Aviation School, Philippine, where he obtained a Ground Instructor Certificate and from that point on, Oudah

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

Kenneth Anate Oudah: Living his childhood dream to the fullest From running after birds and flying kites and paper aircraft, the founder/ CEO of Stay Up Aviation Limited, Ibadan, Oyo State, Kenneth Anate Oudah, has risen to the top of the aviation industry. He was one of the one hundred travel personersonality honoured at the recent Abuja Bantaba centenary event. ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA chronicles his journey. carved a niche for himself in the area of ground operations and training. Oudah regards his engagement in aviation as not just divine but he carries a double portion of God’s anointing as he tells you of the important role God plays in his life: “I know I carry a double potion of the anointing for aviation and I was called to do what I am doing. I love every bit of it, especially when it is tough and I am able to take care of it and solve it. I feel fulfilled and I think I am doing what I have been called to do. I have never regretted doing what I’m doing because if not for aviation I do not know what else I will do.” However, the aviation instructor is not too happy with the current state of Nigerian aviation, which he says is mainly dominated by foreign airlines making Nigeria a hub for foreign carriers. This, he insists, does not bode well for the country and its economy. “Nigeria aviation industry is a harvest field for foreign airlines. It is not good enough for us.” Coming to what prompted his establishing the Stay Up Aviation School, Oudah puts the motivation to the series of air disasters in the country between 1999 and 2008, which almost blighted the industry. “Air disasters and plane crashes prompted me to start up Aviation School,” he says. Following this worrisome development, Oudah reveals how he joined forces with people of like minds to undertake a study and investigate the causes of these perennial crashes and they came out with the following findings - Pilot fatigue, inadequacy of well-trained ground personnel, inadequacy of the navigational

gadgets and equipment, lack of continuity and government policies. “Now, the bigger problem was how will our voices be heard by those that have power to implement things in Nigeria and within the industry so that there can be a turn around? In order not to kill the dream of delivering our aviation industry, a decision was taken then to do it ourselves and maybe one day through hard work and dedication, an agency may notice and partner with us for quicker results,” he says. As revealed by him, the vision of the school is “to eradicate or bring to the minimum air disasters around Africa airspace by tackling the parasite that has eaten the industry to its bone” while its mission is “to introduce young men and women into the aviation sector of the economy,” and “to train individuals and corporate bodies in the aviation sector both at local and international level” as well as to “create job opportunity in Africa.” The underline objectives are: Sorting for qualified pilot aspirants for training at both local and international level, sorting for qualified ground handlers and recommend them for airlines, organising free seminars/workshops in schools to introduce young men and women into this sector of the economy, and recruiting trained pilots for aircraft operators. Oudah informs that the training school is fully equipped with the latest world standard manuals for training. Trainings, he says, are based on JAR, FAA and NCAA standard

BACKGROUND Kenneth Anate Oudah was born in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is married and three children. He loves music, swimming, teaching, travel and tourism. He relaxes by playing guitar and chatting with staff and family members. As aviator, Oudah has engaged in extensive travels to places such as the USA, UK, some parts of Europe, Dubai, Qatar, Mexico, India, Libreville, Malabo, Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Australia, Canada, Philippine, Kazatzan, and Cambodia. His best destinations are USA and Dubai (because you meet with people of different races).

(i.e. European, America and Nigeria Standard). “Our students have their basic training here and have their license in United States of America and Europe,” he adds. Also, Stay Up Aviation, he reveals, is the sole partner in Africa (except Egypt and Libya) to Cretan Eagle Aviation in Greece, Skymates Flight Centre USA and Flight Design Germany. The school offers courses in areas such as Professional Pilot Ground School, Flight Dispatcher (FAA/JAR) license, Basic Aeronautical Engineering, Airport Management, Airline Ticketing and Reservation, Cargo Management and Tourism Management. The school, which came into operation in 2008, has since graduated 14 sets of aviators who are engaged in various aspects of aviation operations across the country. The school, Oudah recounts, has achieved some great feats ever since including being the only Aviation school in Africa that successfully built an airplane. “In 2012, we asked our basic engineering students to put what we taught them into practice by giving them a task, which was fully monitored by me and in less than a month, an ultra-light airplane weighing 296 kilogrammes was ready to be tested in the air. “Many people came from Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Ogun, Ekiti and Lagos states to see a locally-built airplane with hundred percent local materials, which move on the ground but was restricted from flying due to some unfavorable regulations,” adding that this feat has further exposed the school and the public’s reverence for it worth. While admitting that aviation training in Nigeria is of the standard, however, the aviation teacher raises questions as to whether the country trains specific to the need of the industry and whether if the training manuals are also upgraded as well as if the country has sufficiently qualified and experienced instructors to take the students through the rudiments. While not raising issues with the government on the recent merger of aviation agencies, he however caution on the likely effects, which he outlined to include a reduction in aircraft ceiling, rate of climb and maneuverability, structural limit being exceeded, reduction in performance, increase in consumption of fuel, decrease in range, increase in wears and tears on brakes and tyres. Nigeria tourism, he says, has a very bright future as Nigeria cannot be sidelined in global affairs. “There is a very bright future for Nigeria tourism industry. Everything in this world seems to be about Nigeria and for Nigeria and because of Nigeria. That is why Nigeria it is so important to the economy of most countries. We are the market for the world. That is why I have the assurance that Nigeria will rise up in tourism. We have what it takes to attract tourists and make Nigeria better.”

Oudah (3rd from left) with some friends

I am passionate about the people –Gbagi p.47 FG is insensitive to ASUP’s demands, says Dosumu p.50

POLITICS ON SATURDAY

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

www.newtelegraphonline.com/politics

14 JUNE 2014

Useni: Why I didn’t succeed Abacha General Jeremiah Useni ( rtd.), former governor of the then Bendel State and later minister of transport and aviation during the regime of President Ibrahim Babangida speaks with ONWUKA NZECHI on a wide range of issues in the polity including, democracy, corruption and the raging insecurity.

You were part of the last military administration that handed over powers to the civilians in 1999. Now 15 years after, how do you feel about this democracy? Well, democracy is good. Nobody is against it. Even as a military man, I like democracy if it is followed in the real sense of democracy. We say we are following the American model of democracy, but are we really doing what the Americans are doing? Here the president and governors use government machinery to campaign for elections. You can’t see that in America or the United Kingdom. In fact, I remember that when the Prime Minister of the UK uses an official aircraft for a private trip, he was asked to pay. But here it is not so. We misuse everything. Over there, when you go for elections everything is free and fair. But here if you are in the opposition, you are on the losers’ side from day one. So, while you use your hard earned money to campaign, those in government are using government money. Even if you go to the tribunal, they use government money. You use your own money and at the end you are suppressed and so on and so forth. So that is what is bad about this democracy. We are not following what democracy should be. Democracy is to allow everybody to do what he or she likes within the law and we are to respect everybody’s idea. What is your impression of the national conference since it started? Were there things you found amiss or are there things you are not too comfortable with? Let me start from the leadership. The leadership is okay, it is a selection of highly expe-

rienced people. The chairman, for instance, was a judge under me when I was minister of FCT and I know him very, very well. The deputy was my colleague in the federal cabinet under Babangida administration. He was minister of foreign affairs when I was minister of transport and aviation. These are people I know very well as highly principled persons. The majority of delegates have seen that when things were trying to get out of hand, people felt that he should try and apply some sticks and when he did that, things started moving but he is also a very amiable person and people are satisfied. You are part of the Committee on Power Devolution at the ongoing conference and one would like to know if some of the issues you raised about the country were addressed during your discussions? Well, it depends. You know most of these committees overlap. Our committee dealt largely with resource control and when we could not agree on the matter initially what the chairman said was that by our rules, we have to suspend discussions till the next day. So, we discussed resource control and the legislative list because we felt that there are some issues that should be moved from the exclusive list to the concurrent list. The majority felt that we shouldn’t start breaking the police into federal and state. We said it should be retained on the exclusive List. We said that to fill the gap at the local level.

Corruption is high at the federal level

We said we should encourage the various communities to have trained and recognised vigilante groups. We said they should provide them with a kind of uniform and pay them some stipends even if it’s one third of the salary of the police. This will create jobs for youths at the local level; they get something to do ad they know the people in their localities. What is your take on the rising insecurity in Plateau State? For some time now, we have been having peace but recently we started having these bombings. I have told people that it is not only in Jos that we are having these bomb attacks. We have to summon courage and continue to pray to God, so that the security agencies will be able to apprehend some of these people. It is not a conventional war. Like we always say in the military, if it is a conventional war, you know the people you are fighting; you know their uniform and you know them when they are coming to fight you. But in this case even as I am talking to you, I don’t know your mind. So it is very difficult and that is why America is still battling with it. Even in Iraq that they conquered by war, you still have bombs going off there. Look at Afghanistan, look at Ireland, once in while bombs still go off there. So terrorism is not what you say you are giving it a time frame to end it. You can only minimise it. There is this feeling that Northern elders know these boys but are shying away from speaking to them in the language they can understand. Could this be true? I would not say it is not true, the only thing is that I don’t know them. I can say

it is true but if you ask me who they are, I don’t know. There was a time leaders from the North East were called to discuss this issue. I was there as the chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum. I told one of the former governors whom while I was driving with him through the streets and I saw people selling petrol in jerrycans near a major petrol station. I asked him, why do you allow these people to do this (hawking petrol) and he said they are very useful during election. He said: “We use them to deal with opposition.” I said that is the beginning of Boko Haram. This is because he is no more there and maybe these boys are no getting the same type of relationship. We know what happened because they were given arms to deal with opposition. When the governors that were doing this were no longer there, nobody was caring for them again, the boys already got arms and they had to use it to get money for themselves. So there is always a reason for something. Last week when T.Y. Danjuma was being honoured with a chieftaincy title in Lafia, Nasarawa State, he said that he believes that some of the sponsors were in the crowd and should appeal to Boko Haram to stop. I think that it is a general knowledge. We cannot say there are no persons behind them not only in the North, even in the South. As long as they don’t come out of it and as long as we don’t have the confidence to pinpoint, we will continue to walk in the darkness. How do we get out of this wave of insecurity? Pray hard. CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

THE SATURDAY INTERVIEW

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

‘We can only minimise terrorism’

Any minister that had any problem would come to me and I would tell them how to answer him and when they go to Abacha, he would tell them the same thing. When we were lieutenants, we knew each other in and out and that’s how we developed our friendship.

C O N T I N U E D f r o m PA G E 4 5

Prayer? Yes, prayer. People don’t believe in prayer; I don’t know why. I believe in prayer. As a military man, how do we get out of the present insecurity across the country? As a military man? Well, as I told you this is not a conventional war. Remember during the Biafra war (Yakubu) Gowon said it was a police action and people were being killed. I was among those at the borders and when we started capturing some of the arms that were never in the Army inventory, we wondered where they came from. I was sent to Lagos to tell the government that these people, Biafrans, were serious. Look at the arms going into the region. How long can we continue with this police action? It was then Gowon had to declare a full scale war. So, the whole thing had to be changed to full scale war. It took us three years. But in the present situation, it is a different thing all together. You can be sleeping and somebody will just come and throw bomb at your house and run away. Look at the missing Chibok girls, we can’t even find them and yet they are within Nigeria here. Maybe they have been taken out, we don’t know. This is why we are going to America to get sophisticated weapons and equipment that can see under the sea and over the sky. Possibly they will be able to help us. Every country has its own level of sophistication. We should not be shy about it. Let us go to anybody who can help us. One of the governors in the troubled states said Boko Haram has more sophisticated weapons and more motivated than the Nigeria Army. Does this mean that he knows these insurgents? Maybe, they are more motivated because for those people to take on such an assignment, definitely, they must have been highly motivated. Do you know that during wars, America send sweets and biscuits to its soldiers? I know because I schooled there. During the Liberian war when I was in charge of Logistics, I brought that idea and I was buying sweets and biscuits of different sizes, put it in C130 and send to our troops. So, when I visited them, I was happy to see them eating biscuits in their trenches and feeling very happy. I also did that during the war in Sierra Leone. So anything we can do to motivate our troops we should do it to make them highly motivated. As to whether Boko Haram is more equipped, I doubt that one. I doubt it because these are people that come, hit and go. Not that you can see them face to face and engage them in a gun battle. You were once the minister of FCT and so many ministers have come and gone since your tenure expired. How would you compare your administration with those of your successors? Well, a lot of differences and a lot of reasons also. For instance, development in the capital city is much more now because there is more money. In our days where a barrel of oil was $11, we are talking about 1980 to 1999. Those days too only four states Rivers, Lagos, Kano and FCT could make budgets up to N1billion but today even the local governments have budgets of over a billion. So you can see the difference. There is a lot of money and may be because of a lot of money too, a lot of corruption, because the more you have money the more you are corrupt. Corruption is high at the federal level, when it comes to the state level, it reduces and when it comes to local government level, there is also corruption. That’s why I said there are different reasons. Are you saying that the civilians in this democratic dispensation are more corrupt than the military in their days in govern-

Many Nigerians had expected you to become the head of state when Abacha died being the next most senior officer. What happened? Were you short-changed? No, no, no. I explained this in an interview with one of the newspapers some time ago. There were two methods of succession in the military. One is protocol, the other is by seniority. If we had voted to go by seniority, I would have been the one to succeed Abacha but we went by protocol and General Abdusalam Abubakar was next as far as protocol was concerned since Gen. Diya had already been removed. So, Abdulsalam being Chief of Defence Staff, was next in hierarchy as far as protocol was concerned. That’s what happened and there were no hard feelings about it. Useni

ment? I don’t want to say yes or no. I have no instrument for measuring corruption but what I can say for real is that the military has the guts to deal with corrupt people. We dealt with them instantly, locked them up, removed them from office; there is nothing like this ‘he is my supporter,’ ‘I need him for future election or this is my brother.’ No, we will deal with ourselves, those who are not innocent we remove them. There was a case of a military administrator who was removed because he took N2 million to go on a small pass; N2 million from the treasury, to go and do what? He said he was going on a small trip and the people there reported that they are suffering because this man took N2 million to go to his home town. Is it because this is not his state? You know in the military they don’t post you to your state and it was found to be true and he was removed instantly. So that is the difference with the military administration. If we don’t know, we don’t know but where we know we take action immediately. I was the military governor of the then Bendel State under Gen Buhari-Idiagbon, Honestly, we were allowed N1, 000 for a one day conference. We didn’t know anything like security votes. We were allowed only N1,000. The money is meant for the boys who were helping us. May be because they have worked very hard and you say okay, take N100, N200 and so forth. Every governor has a liaison in Lagos, there’s a place to stay, you can eat, then what do you take N10, 000 for, not to talk of the millions they take and now they move around with dollars. We were not even allowed to open accounts abroad and because of that I have no overseas account now. There was nothing that (former president Olusegun) Obasanjo didn’t do thinking I was close to Abacha and also involved in operating overseas accounts and he checked everything. I have no account overseas. At the time I was appointed military governor I had only £150. But the situation is different today. I will say there is complete breakdown of law and order and we need this strong political will to move things forward. We need very courageous not only those at the helm of affairs but the advisers too because the advisers are weakening those at the head. The foundation must be strong before the head will know what to do. What led the country to this magnitude of corruption we have in the system today? When people begin to talk about military dictatorship, you start wondering whether the military will see you and kill you. They felt that the military could not allow them do certain things and so they want the so-called democracy as if there is no dictatorship going

on now. There is dictatorship going on, a lot of things have been left undone, we haven’t upheld the constitution which we swore to uphold; the governors among us don’t follow the constitution they swore to uphold. So which is which? So I will say things started going bad as the civilians took over. Some of the things civilians are complaining of now have been on for 10 or 15 years. Look at the zone thing now. They said zone is a military thing, it is not good. It is not good but they are using it for political allocation of votes, they haven’t dispensed of it. I know some zones at this conference that are saying that it should be turned to regional governments and some of us said we can’t go back there again because there were reasons to decentralise , we can’t go there again. So there are some laxities in the so-called democracy and they think the thing is a licence to do what you like, which is not. That is the bane of the whole thing. In your days as the minister of FCT, many people believed you were so powerful that you were even controlling Gen. Sani Abacha the then Head of State. How true is this perception? I don’t know whether it was true or not. As far as the military was concerned, I was the most senior army officer after Gen Abacha. Brigadier Gen. Oladipo Diya, became my superior because he was Chief of General Staff. We put him there for political balancing because Abacha came from the North and I also come from the North. Secondly, as the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, once you came to see Abacha for anything, the next person to pay courtesy call on was me. By our constitution, the Federal Capital Territory is like a state and when you go to a state, you call on the governor there. So when you come to Federal Capital to see the head of state, you see me too. Sometimes if the head of state is not available, you see me and in most cases. I represented the head of state in some places. So, I was all over the place because of the position I held. But I was cool headed too, I didn’t misuse my position. If I was not cool headed I would have been removed; I never misused my position. I never reported any officer or minister to Abacha. I normally go to Abacha in the morning if I have any official thing to discuss. I did not have to stab anybody before him.

As to whether Boko Haram is more equipped, I doubt that one

There were speculations at that time that it was Major Hamza Al-Mustapha that deprived you of the opportunity of succeeding his boss. What is the truth about it? It was not Mustapha. He didn’t even know about it. It was done before the ministers and members of the Provisional Ruling Council. Sometimes people will talk about Mustapha as if he was God, No, it is not like that. Does it mean that Al- Mustapha wasn’t wielding the kind of powers that people thought he did? No. As the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Commander-in-Chief, there was no doubt that he had the powers to lock you up and the powers to investigate you. He had those powers. Don’t you fear the police? When you sit in your house and police knock at your door, what will be your reaction? What have I done? Was the report true that you wept when you saw that you were side-lined in the choice of the person to take over from Abacha. Was that not the truth? No. No. No. I did not weep because I was not the one to take over. I wept for the death of my friend, Abacha. I did not weep for leadership. Leadership comes from God and He knows why it turned out that way. Today, I am a free man; I walk through the streets and nobody abuses me. I feel happy. So how can I weep for being side-lined when I know the system? It is either this way or that way. Why should I weep? If they had brought a new system that was unknown to us, that would have been different. What really happened to your friend Abacha? There were so many stories at that time and one account said he died after an all-night party and an encounter with some Indian prostitutes. What exactly happened to him? He died of natural causes. People think he was killed by a woman or that he was poisoned but there is nothing like that. There is a report, a copy of which I have in my possession. The wife sent part of his body to Germany for analysis to find out whether he was killed by poison but there was nothing like that. She was not satisfied. They said she should go to London. She also took it to London and London gave the same report. So the stories about some Indian girls giving him apples at a party in the Villa that night is not true. But was he sick or having symptoms of any disease before he died? Yes, he was sick. Even if you noticed at that time, his lips were like almost peeling. Does he smoke? No. He doesn’t smoke. It was his kidney.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

I am passionate about the people –Gbagi

POLITICS

What stands Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi out is his passion and consistency in the pursuit of this twin drive. First, as an industrialist and businessman, he aspires to be the best and, as a politician, his passion is to rule his home state of Delta and as ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA writes, the enigmatic politician has pursued this pet project since 2003.

t was supposed to be an informal chat date at his Golden Tulip Hotel, Effurun, Delta State, on that fateful Monday morning but on getting to the hotel reception and after exchanging pleasantries with Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi and the everswarming multitude around every successful politician, the reporter was put on hold, ostensibly because of change in plans due to unforeseen exigencies that he needed to take care of immediately. Thereafter, the reporter was harried out of the hotel’s reception and ushered into a waiting car with Gbagi already seated and the ignition running. Shortly after, the car zoomed off, with others in tow. It was almost like a guided tour of Effurun/Warri and the Olorogun does not miss any opportunity to review some of his business concerns in the city and regale the visitor with his trademark repertoire of fascinating tales. We started with The Woodridge Hotel, which he will soon transform into a school, the Golden Tulip Hotel with the Light House Cinema and conference hall, all within the Golden Tulip Hotel expanse, followed by the Robinson Gbagi Plaza, a huge trading complex with business activities on the swing as we rode by. Suddenly, the entourage discovers itself on the Warri-Sapele Road, heading towards Sapele. A sudden detour took us back to a huge complex, which turned out to be another of Gbagi’s business premises. “This is the headquarters of my operations,” he said, as he alighted from the car and walked briskly into the factory section where the production line is already up and running. D Rave table water, one of his numerous products, is being churned out here. Everyone courtesies as he throws his weight around, attending to pressing issues of the day. Gbagi did only bark out instructions and deals with the huge paper work or work the phones but often descends to the gritty level by getting his hands dirty every now and then. When it became obvious that one may never get the opportunity to have a private chat with the man who was a former minister of state for education, one resorted to hurling questions at him whenever the interval was opportune as he spread himself over several activities simultaneously. Whenever time permitted, he would proceed on his journey through the business world and inter-twined political engagements. One thing obvious is the fact that the passion with which he conducts his business is the same passion he has brought into the political arena where he is very principled, vocal, dogged, focused and determined to be heard and prove his mettle as the best man for the job of the governorship of Delta State come 2015 The Urhobo-born chief has never hidden his ambition of ruling his beloved state. A founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, his contributions to the party and the state are well documented and acknowledged, especially by those who have followed his activities over the years. If there is one thing that Gbagi is known for in the state, it is the fact of his scorching criticism of the political elite and rulers of the state whom he accused of mismanaging its huge and formidable huge resources. This,

and his principled stance, on issues make his relationship with the ruling elite in the state almost a love-hate one. Is he bothered by this? “No,” he told New Telegraph. Rather, he appears to enjoy it and as he emphasised, the only thing that he holds dear in life is his passion for the truth, insisting that nothing on earth would make him shy away from telling the truth, no matter how people reacted to it. He dispelled the fact that his unsparing criticism of previous administrations in the state, including the current Governor, Emmanuel Udughan, is not borne out of his hatred for them or the fact that he wants to disparage them for the fun of it and present himself as the only ‘good guy’ so as to win the sympathy of the people. But rather, he said it was for the simple reason that they were plundering the resources of the state, consigning the fate and future of the people to the backwaters. He revealed the fact that he is pained by what he considered as the colossal waste and rot visited on the state and that someone needs to talk about it and point the people to the right direction. Does he consider himself some sort of Jonah or messiah? Staring into the blank space as if waiting to conjuncture the answer, he said, “All I want is to give the people a better life; help the state and the people to harness the vast and rich resources into an enterprising venture where everyone is a shareholder.” He said the fact that he had made huge success with his business, employing a mass of the people, is a pointer to the fact that he is the right man for the job and that he can do it better than anyone. The question of plundering or wasting the resources of the state, he said, “should not arise once I am in charge since I did not waste the little resource that God has given to me why then should I now waste those of the state, which are entrusted in my care?” He is just fastidious and enamoured with the creation of wealth hence he has consistently hungered for the position of the governor of the state. According to him, his interest is not because of the power and force of authority and other glorifications that come with it but for the simple reason of creating wealth for the state and the people. He added, “I believe in teaching people how to make wealth and get ahead in life and not throwing money at issues or people. I don’t like that idea; I detest it and this is why I am fighting it with every means at my disposal. “This is why I want to become the governor of Delta State where I will have wider opportunities to further contribute to the growth of the state and its peoples.” He said he was equipped enough to see that the country is heading towards the precipice as a result of the quality of politics and leadership that are inconsistent with best practices, adding, “I am more than convinced that some level of sanity needs to be injected into the system.” He shrugged off the issue of people seeing him as not a strong or serious contender for the post, insisting that people were entitled to their opinion. He berated those posing the question of zoning to the effect that the Urhobo are ef-

Gbagi

fectively ruled out in the 2015 context. He argued that there is nothing like zoning in the state PDP and that the best man, pointing to himself, should be supported for the position. “My message to the Urhobo clan is that this is not the time to sleep and think that power will fall at their laps rather. They need to wake up to the reality on the ground by rallying round me as I have offered myself as I have consistently done in previous elections to serve you,” Gbadi said. He says that with his pedigree and immense contributions to the economic development and wellbeing of the people of the state that he is the best man for the job. This fact, he says was even recently acknowledged by the governor of the state, Emmanuel Ududghan who described him as the best Deltan around because of his industry and investment in the state, which no one else can boast of. Short of saying that only God can stop him from the race, he declared his determination to push his ambition to the logical conclusion, informing that he had all it takes

I am more than convinced that some level of sanity needs to be injected into the system.

for the long haul race and that is machinery had been oiled and ready to go on the campaign trail once the time comes. For now, he said he was still consulting and talking with the different people, power block and sections booth in the state and national level. For this politician that is regarded as Chief Edwin Clark’s political son, and a staunch supporter of President Goodluck Jonathan, remember the Gbagi Foundation, and even his arrest during the 2011 presidential election, he insisted that he had paid his dues in the politics of the state and at the national level and that it was time that the people and powers that being look his way and give assent to his life – long ambition. “I am the most visible Deltan you can ever see. I am the first black man to rise as an astute member of Rotary Club in the world and known for donating in cash, 250,000 dollars to help alleviate poverty in Delta State with specific instructions to educate Deltans,” he says of himself while adding that his major task as governor is the creation of jobs and transformation of the state. “We do not have enough Deltans to take the jobs we are going to create for Delta State. We have the Midas touch and we know what to do. In my 60 days in office as Delta State Governor, any Deltan all over the world that is un-employed, is that Deltan that has refused to come back home to work in the State. Let all administrators Nigeria find solutions to their problems. I, Gbagi, have the solution to Delta’s problems.”

FaceOff

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

14 JUNE 2014

PDP is harassing us with police – Awe, APC chair Chief Jide Awe is the Ekiti State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in this interview with ADESINA WAHAB, he speaks on recent political developments in the state.

Awe

What is your comment on last Sunday’s violence in Ado-Ekiti? We are in a democracy and one of the requirements for credible elections is the ability of political parties to mobilise supporters. To sensitise our people, we decided to move round the state capital on Sunday morning and as usual, we were clutching brooms and we have been to a number of places without any problem or hitches. We were close to Ijigbo Junction when we saw the MOPOL commander in the state leading some armed policemen towards where we were. The police team was followed by two armoured personnel carriers. With me were Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a member of the House of Representatives, Oyetunde Ojo, Mr. Sunday Ibitoye among other leaders. When the police team approached us, we moved closer to talk to the commander. We were surprised when he said he had orders to disperse us. We wanted to engage him in a dialogue, but he replied us with gunshots and he fired teargas at us and one person was killed. All these happened at Ijigbo Junction. He pounced on our vehicles and badly damaged three of them and many people were injured. Everybody ran helter skelter and it was in the midst of the confusion that some people put a call across to Governor Kayode Fayemi, who arrived about 45 minutes later. When the governor came, the MOPOL commander, Gabriel Selenkere,

forcibly got hold of one of the security aides of the governor to disarm him. Ojo who wanted to intervene was assaulted and he narrowly escaped being shot. He engaged the governor in an altercation and the governor had to call the Commissioner of Police who arrived later. What we saw has confirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party would use brutal force on us. We call on the President and the Inspector General of Police not to allow the police to cause trouble in the state. If we can no longer campaign, it will be too bad. The CP and MOPOL commander should be redeployed from the state within 24 hours or what happened in Ado-Ekiti will go round the state. The people’s army is greater and more powerful. If we are witnessing this now, what would happen on election day? They cannot tackle Boko Haram but can face defenceless civilians. Their plan is to create fear in the minds of the people so that they would be afraid to come out and vote and defend their votes, but that will not happen. PDP said you felt threatened with their Saturday’s rally and that was why you embarked on a panicky rally the following day. What is your take on this? They don’t have a sense of history. This symbolic sweeping is part of our own style. It is not just starting today. Wherever there is evil, you sweep it away with the broom. The visit of the President

did not have anything to do with development in Ekiti State. When a President visits, he visits to commission projects or make policy statements that will bring succour to the people, but the reverse is the case. And as a result, we cannot open our eyes and allow evil to spread and that was why we did the symbolic sweeping. We have already completed our assignment and coming back when the agents of PDP descended on us and gave security cover to PDP agents, who unleashed orgy of violence on us and innocent people. Do you fight a war with broom? The people were mainly women. We did not do anything that is unconstitutional. It was done in Kano where Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso led the people. That of Ekiti was not the first time, we needed to sweep away the footprints of evil from our land. It was done in Lagos, ours is not the first time. What type of rally did PDP hold that would make us jittery? Rented crowd from all over Nigeria? I know the number of buses that came from Ibadan alone, from Akure and other places. Who were the political actors from Ekiti present at the rally? Rented crowd have been paid and have gone back to their various destinations and that will not resonate in any election. What happened on Sunday was an act of bestiality by the MOPOL commander. The PDP has faulted the presence of Governor Fayemi at the scene of Sunday’s violence, saying there have been similar situations in other parts of the state that the governor did not go, is that correct? Are they talking about what happened under his nose in the state capital? Are they talking of something that happened few metres to the Government House? The scene is not up to one kilometre to the Government House. They expected that a reasonable governor will just sit down and fold his arms while the state is burning, especially at this election period. He has to respond quickly. It is part of his duties to respond quickly even if not a political issue. There was fracas in Ado-Ekiti during Niyi Adebayo regime at Okeyinmi area of the town. Though it was a chieftaincy matter, Niyi Adebayo literally went there

‘They cannot tackle Boko Haram but can face defenceless civilians’

in his night gown to rescue the situation. If PDP does not know how a governor should behave, they should go and learn. In actual fact, that is why up till today, the President cannot categorically tell Nigerians the number of girls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, running to three months now. He has not deemed it fit to visit the place, while President Obama flew all the way from America to Afghanistan because of one American soldier. The President of Nigeria has not been to Maiduguri, so they are expecting the same thing to happen to Fayemi. As the Chief Security Officer of the state, he must react. If not for Fayemi’s intervention, scores of people would have been killed because I know that MOPOL commander was drunk and was acting the script given to him. The PDP alleged that your party is lawless and you want to be treated with kid’s gloves by security agents. How would you react to this? We are children of struggle. The APC that sprang from a combination of Alliance for Democracy, Action Congress and others are children of struggle. We don’t pretend that we are children of struggle, who is expected to be treated with kid’s gloves. For three-and-a-half years we were in the trenches until the last minute that we retrieved our mandate from the powers that be. If we had expected to be treated with kid’s gloves, we would not have engaged ourselves in that struggle. We know that the agents of state are not friendly to Nigerians. We have fascist security agencies in the country and they are behaving to type. Is your party sponsoring the E-Eleven against the PDP candidate? I am not a member of the E-Eleven and the APC as a party does not recognise or organise groups within the party. There is no way the E-Eleven can be labelled an arm of the APC. The E-Eleven as an organisation in Ekiti State has a mission and vision to accomplish and I am not a member and therefore cannot speak for them. The APC has enough to do in managing our mandate across the 177 wards in the state and cannot speak for the EEleven. The PDP said your party is desperate to hang on to power in Ekiti State, what is your view on this? Let them wait until the day of the election. Politicians will say whatever they wish, the people will decide. We have always said it that we are running this election on records. Ekiti people are no fools, they know those who have served them diligently and those who have not. The result of the election will judge.

FACEOFF | POLITICS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

APC is lawless, thrives on propaganda – Makanjuola Ekiti State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Makanjuola Ogundipe, in this interview with ADESINA WAHAB speaks on recent political developments in the state as the June 21 governorship election draws near. What is your comment on the violence that occurred on Sunday June 8, a day after your mega rally? We had a very successful rally at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, on Saturday June 7. The turnout of people was unprecedented and Peoples Democratic Party leaders including President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo and others were present and impressed with what they saw. Vice President Sambo was holding a stakeholders’ meeting with PDP leaders on Sunday morning, a day after the rally, when reports came that All Progressives Congress members led by the state Chairman, Jide Awe, were going about town attacking anybody wearing anything relating to PDP and our candidate, Ayo Fayose. They started with commercial motorcylists and hacked many people and also burnt at least 10 okada. Our candidate, Fayose, only on Monday replaced six out of the motorcycles and paid the medical bills of the injured riders. The irony of it is that the APC people were the first to go to the media to begin their usual propaganda. Even they said Taiwo Akinola that was shot dead by one of their thugs called Agbara, was their member. What do you think accounted for such a development? The APC is only being jittery and they felt threatened by what they saw on Saturday. It is obvious that the people of the state have rejected them and their government. In the first instance, their government came in through the back door and now the people of the state will on June 21 legally and democratically send them packing from the Government House in Ado-Ekiti.

such a heinous crime. Those who are justifying Fayemi’s presence in Ijigbo area of Ado-Ekiti should answer these questions. Where was Fayemi when APC leaders killed Ayo Jeje and Madam Adewumi in Erijiyan-Ekiti? Where was the governor when his goons shot and killed Foluso Ogundare in Emure-Ekiti? Those killed, were they not Ekiti indigenes? Is Fayemi the governor of only APC members? Remember that APC leaders and members, including their state Chairman, Jide Awe, are facing trials over these killings. What about the allegation that the PDP is using the police to harass APC members? They are just redesigning their bunch of lies. The APC is a party of liars. They will be the one to attack political opponents and the first to cry to the police and use the media for their propaganda. In March last year, APC leaders shot dead two persons in Erijinyan, they also killed another person in Emure last November and when the police and security agencies wanted to do their job thoroughly, they did everything possible to frustrate the police. APC leaders, including Awe, are still facing charges over the killings. Are they saying the police should watch and allow them to kill, maim and injure with impunity? The police will always do the job they are employed to do, that is to maintain law and order in our society. We (politicians from different parties) have all met with the Commissioner of Police and he has always

‘We know that

How would you describe the they imported face-off between Governor Kayode Fayemi and some thugs from policemen on the said day? It is just unfortunate that the nearby states governor could descend so low of Osun, Lagos, and ridicule his office. As far as we are concerned, APC thugs Kogi and Oyo’ went about fomenting trouble. They maimed, injured and killed innocent people and yet Fayemi still used his position to provide cover for his thugs. We know that they imported thugs from nearby states of Osun, Lagos, Kogi and Oyo. The situation called for concern. We thank the police for rescuing some youths from Fayemi’s thugs. We are all praying for a violent-free poll in the state. If Fayemi feels he is losing, as he is going to, he can honourably resign and throw in the towel. I don’t know why a governor should personally supervise

Ogundipe

Oyewuwo

maintained that they would do their job without fear or favour and no matter whose ox is gored. There has never been a situation that somebody commits an offence and the police say because he is a PDP member they would not discharge their duty. No member of PDP under my leadership has taken the law into his hand, it is the APC people who feel they have the police in their grip and do whatever they like. They are the ones misusing the position they occupy in the state at present. This is very unfortunate. Our national leadership don’t place anybody above the law, they always tell us that whatever we want to do, it should be within the confines of the law. Because PDP members are law abiding, that is why no policeman is arresting us. We are carrying out our campaign according to the instruction given by INEC. Check all the states governed by the APC, it is violence everywhere, but in PDP, we know these people and we are up to their antics. We know their background and their leadership, it is about violence and fraud. We have always told them to let the coming election be issue-based and that is what is going to shape the election. What has the APC-led government done for the people in that last three-and-a-half years? Why did they fail to meet the expectation of the people? They failed woefully in various sectors. In education, the performance of students from the state in public examinations has nose-dived from the Olympian height the PDP-led government left it. They merged three universities to one and are still not able to adequately fund the one they allowed to remain. The health sector is in comatose, they spent N2 billion to plant flowers that did not survive. They have put the state into big debt, they borrowed money and spent the money on frivolities. These are some of the issues we raised and which we want them to respond to but they are dodging because they have failed.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the opposition of planning to bomb the Government House and some public places in the state, how true is that? Let me assure you that the Government House, Ado-Ekiti, will soon revert to the original owner, which is the PDP. Then how can we destroy our property? Who in his right senses would willingly destroy his own property? Come June 2014 when the election is held and which we will win, the place and other public places will be in our care. It is only in the imagination of the APC, they want to destroy the place themselves and put the blame on the PDP. I want to advise the APC that they should change their strategy, the method of their propaganda. They have been using this type of propaganda all along and it does not work. The other time they said we wanted to kidnap people in the state while they were the ones planning to do so. In the PDP, we are peace-loving. I know that is the plan of APC and which by God’s grace will not work. I want to call on security agents to keep vigil on them because they can do it and put the blame on the doorstep of the PDP. We are the people holding raw egg in our hands and we are guiding it jealously. We will not allow the APC to destroy the chances we have in the coming election. APC says PDP is desperate to win Ekiti and Osun elections because it is looking for an inroad to the South-West geopolitical zone. What is your take on this? Do you see any sign of desperation in us in the PDP the way we conduct ourselves? We are not desperate. The only party that is desperate is the APC because losing Ekiti and Osun polls is the beginning of the end of the APC in Nigeria. APC has not met people’s expectation and has not improved the economy of an average Ekiti man. We are talking about a party that the leaders tell lies everyday, a party that does not conduct its activities in the open. A party that is run like a cult. We are not desperate because we know that if election is conducted today, the PDP will win convincingly. We will win by nothing less than 70 per cent and I can tell you that that is going to be the position on June 21 this year. What is your comment on the suits filed against your party’s candidate in the election? First of all, you cannot stop a mad man from going mad, let them demonstrate their madness and we shall all see the result. What they are trying to do is outside the law. Those people in E-Eleven are antiEkiti development and they are apologists of APC. Apart from Miss Ekiti Beauty Pageant that they did thrice, these characters that go about calling themselves the only elite in Ekiti have been milking the state. The Fountain Hotel was leased to E-Eleven at N80 million per annum and the group refused to pay a dime to the state in the last seven years. Here is a group that refused to pay a dime to the coffers of Ekiti State since Fountain Hotel was leased to it. Even when the Segun Oni-led PDP went to court to compel them to pay, they simply refused. Ironically, the same Fayose that they are castigating was the one who built the Fountain Hotel, on which they have made billions of naira and refused to pay one kobo to Ekiti State. It has therefore become necessary that Ekiti people begin to ask these locusts, who go by the identity E-Eleven to allow Ekiti State to progress.

50 Politics Polytechnic lecturers have been on strike since early this year but most Nigerians do not know the issues at stake? ASUP embarked on strike because of the Federal Government’s inability to resolve the 13 issues that our union has raised since 2011 due to the insensitivity and irresponsiveness of the Federal Government. These issues are; the removal of the discrimination and dichotomy between polytechnic graduates and university; the underfunding of polytechnic education; the Establishment of Polytechnic Commission to oversee the activities within the polytechnic education; the re-constitution of Governing Council for all the Federal polytechnics; Constitution of Needs Assessment Committee for the polytechnics; Release of Visitation Panel Report to polytechnics; Amendment of Polytechnic Act; Implementation of 65 years retirement age; appointment of rectors of polytechnic Internally; renegotiation of the existing agreement between ASUUP and the Federal Government; payment of CONTISS 15 migration arrears; resolution of the cases of victimisation of ASUP members; and the cancellation of IPPIS. I think it will also be right to give the details of the genesis of the ongoing strike. The polytechnic education sector had reached a near collapse and the union raised the issues to save the situation. In 2009, ASUP entered into an agreement with the government which was supposed to be renegotiated in 2012, but between 2009 and 2012, nothing was done about that agreement, and that informed the decision to embark on the strike in 2013 which first lasted 81 days. When ASUP suspended its 81-day-old strike in July 2013, the Federal Government failed in its promise to tackle relevant issues within the one-month time frame given by the union. The reason ASUP called off the 81 day-old strike in 2013 was because the Joint Committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives intervened. There were 13 issues raised in the earlier agreement signed in 2009, but the government decided to pick out four which it said it could handle within a short time frame. The Federal Government argued and ASUP saw reason with them that some issues, such as the disparity between HND and B.Sc. would require legislative actions and longer procedures. So, ASUP believed in the integrity of our leaders and suspended the strike with the hope that these issues would at least be resolved for the time being. These four issues include: release of the white paper on visitation to federal polytechnics; the completion of the constitution of the governing councils for federal polytechnics; the migration of the lower cadre of CONTISS 15 salary scale and the commencement of the NEEDS Assessment of Nigerian polytechnics. ASUP said that the strike would not be called off until these four issues have been resolved in their totality. The government said they would settle these issues within two weeks, but when ASUP national executive council met, they decided to give

Government is not funding well the polytechnics and the truth is that technical/ vocational education is expensive Dosumu

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

FG is insensitive to ASUP’s demands, says Dosumu Babatunde Dosumu, head, Department of Quantity Surveying, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and Chairman, Zone C of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, tells Mojeed Alabi, that the Federal Government is insensitive to the plight of polytechnics, citing that as the major reason for the country’s technological under-development. FG one month. ASUP suspended the strike, yet absolutely nothing was done. It was when ASUP resumed the strike that the government finally completed the constitution of governing councils and set up a NEEDS Assessment Committee. Even then, the committee was working at a very slow pace. After all the diabolical acts from the government, ASUP embarked on another strike on October 4, on the stand that the Federal Government must also meet the demands of ASUP, the same way they met the demands of ASUU. The fact that FG handled ASUU’s issues without giving thought to the polytechnic is an evidence of the disparity that ASUP is fighting against. ASUP had vowed that it would not go back on the strike until all its demands are met, and that the display of insensitivity by the FG is now out of hand. It is sad that government failed to yield to our demands a n d

hence the strike. How different or similar are these issues to those raised by the university lecturers in the recent past? Of all the demands made by ASUP, only the removal of discrimination and dichotomy between polytechnic graduates and their university counterparts; establishment of polytechnic commission; release of visitation panel report; amendment of Polytechnic Act; appointment of rectors; payment of CONTISS 15 migration arrears; and resolution of cases of victimisation are those that are peculiar to the polytechnic sector. Of particular note and questioning to me is the government’s understanding and interpretation of the dichotomy between HND and degree (B.Ed,B.A,B. Sc...) If one of the points of concern at the purview of the inaugurated Committee on HND/Degree is to delve into the cur-

riculum of the HND programme and make it higher, lower or same with that of the university degree, then I am puzzled on what really the contention of the demand is, in the first place. For avoidance of doubt, curriculum as it should be remains the minimum standard expected of any institution. To begin to think that all universities run the same curriculum and that those of the polytechnics should be beefed up or slashed down to be on same level is but a misunderstanding of the concepts that were foregrounded in determining the training requirements for the respective programmes. The issue herein is to address the dichotomy and encumbrances existing in terms of job placement, progression, mobility, rights and privileges, but not necessarily curriculum development to bridge any imaginary gap. Each programme tagged degree has its curriculum irrespective of the number of years it takes to earn it. So is it with HND. No two universities reduce themselves to just one minimum standard. To begin to look for the missing link between them may therefore just amount to begging the question instead of answering it. It should interest ASUP to be appropriately represented in the ongoing committee so that the other members do not derail from understanding the expectations of ASUP on this particular matter. I am also unable to say if it is not that each issue has its committee. Is President Jonathan’s administration, especially the Education Minister, intolerant of labour unions? Everybody can now see the level of concern on the part of the President and the Coordinating Education Minister to have allowed the strike to drag for this long. What do you consider as solutions to the traditional supremacy wrangle between university degree holders and their polytechnic counterparts with the Higher National Diploma certificates? The entry requirements for intakes into the polytechnics and the universities are same as they both write the same entry examinations. So the issue of supremacy should not come up, however a polytechnic is a polytechnic and a university is a university. Most polytechnic nowadays have shifted focus from technical education to management. How true is this and how do you think this affects public perception about the polytechnics? This is so because government is not funding well the polytechnics and the truth is that technical/vocational education is expensive compared to what is obtainable for the management and business-oriented programmes. So, it takes the ingenuity of the individual polytechnics to think of the appropriate ways of sourcing for fund and part of them is the introduction of the management courses to raise fund to complement the allocation to run the technical and vocational programmes. It is the basic truth that the fact of poor funding of the polytechnic education in Nigeria is why Nigeria is not developing as an endowed country should.

PERSPECTIVES

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

Nigerians aren’t buying!

wo years ago a couple did an advertisement for the Cable News Network (CNN), promoting South Africa to the outside world as the best tourist destination for Africa. That advertisement would not have meant much to Nigerians except for the fact that those who were promoting the tourist destination were Nigerians! Facebook critics took them to the court of public opinion and rubbished them for promoting South Africa! Nigeria has since, in the books of our loyal economic analysts, somewhat overtaken South Africa to become the largest economy in Africa, even though there remains much to be desired in the areas of energy, manufacturing and agriculture, three keys areas that have made South Africa the continents leading economy long before our declaration! Right now, the former apartheid enclave is facing some level of crisis because of idiosyncrasies and aura of President Jacob Zuma, the African National Congress (ANC) candidate who has acquired what many critics in the business community have described as Jacobsville. In the realm of marketing, everything can be reduced to the level of a product be it a person, commodity, service or even a destination or experience. The buyer has the opportunity to accept a product or reject it, especially when there are alternatives in the market. Every product should have what is known as a central point of reference or a Unique Selling Proposition. The product should be able to meet the desires of the buyer or at least move close to meeting those desires. The marketer often has the undesirable job of convincing the people to buy, even when they don’t need the product or don’t want it! There is a crisis of confidence in our nation’s politics; the salesmen have no conviction about themselves or their candidates. Many of them act like they have a monopoly, brandishing a defiant discordant message: “what you see is what you get,

BUSINESS SENSE ALEX OGUNDADEGBE alexogundadegbe@gmail.com

All the political parties in the country at the moment leave a lot to be desired. One party accuses the other of “sponsoring terrorism take it or leave it!” What do the political parties put forward for the electorate, what promises are they making? In communications we are taught not to trust someone who does one thing and says another. The people of the Nigerian nation are increasingly getting worried by contradictory actions that do not tally with promises and statements. Policemen harassing governors they are supposed to protect, policemen banning and unbanning peaceful public protests under the guise of intelligence reports that they never got before. Newspapers are being impounded, by soldiers, stifling the only voice that the people of a country have to express their displeasure about activities around them. The voices that are supposed to explain these misdeeds have gone quiet, perhaps

for lack of a valid explanation. When they do speak, too many voices from the same source cause confusion. They need to be concerted but are rather discordant. Who are these people who terrorize our nation? Are we negotiating with them? If they are sponsored by people we know, why has nobody been arrested? A good product should have a tag line or pay off expression that captures its essence. We ought to be able to tell what it represents or what it stands for in the shortest possible time. These days many of our leaders do not know what they stand for, they speak no agenda and when they do, we look for the signs of these “promises” and when its time for reelection and we do not find them. All we get is a fresh avalanche of promises. Out of deferred hopes of a patronizing public comes a growing restlessness that results in a lust for gain and a better life at whatever costs. All the political parties in the country at the moment leave a lot to be desired. One party accuses the other of “sponsoring terrorism”. The other party accuses the ruling party of being negligent in the area of security. The accusations and counter accusations demonstrate a lack of competence on both sides because when the very existence of a nation is threatened, those who lead are expected to come together and protect the

corporate existence. In the wake of terrorist attacks our politicians could not put up an effective defense because they were too busy blaming each other for the damage done to the nation, so the enemy had a chance to make a stronghold out of what was once a mere foothold. President Goodluck Jonathan believes that there are forces that are in the country that want to bring this government down. Perhaps he sights recent events that include the Chibok kidnappings, incessant bombings and caustic remarks by the opposition, many of them that have used the distasteful epithet: “clueless”. The president comes across as one wanting to please but is not always sure how he can. How do we explain the partial state of emergency in the North East or the “conciliatory” remarks about terrorism that have generated double speak and ambivalence? The walls of the strongest fortress built by man can be brought down easily from within! A story in Greek mythology is told about a Trojan Horse that was given to the enemy of the inhabitants of the city of Troy. The enemy saw it as a way of placating their hostility. They arrogantly accepted the horse, not knowing that it contained soldiers who were trained to bring down the city from within! What is President Jonathan selling to the people of Nigeria? What is the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) selling? Are their messages clear? Can we count on them? Their salesmen say we can, their actions say we can not. And the majority of the people of Nigeria are not buying. The ruling party really needs to look at strategy for reelection. The opposition also has to look at strategy for unseating the incumbent via a free and fair election. The signals both groups are sending are discordant and harmful to the well being of the buying public. Something urgent has to be done soon.

A diary of absurdities S

uddenly every asylum seeker is gay. Daily we are assaulted by stories of threat to life, persecution and harrassment in our country of gays and various kinds of sexual deviants. These set of people stop at nothing in their quest to get their official papers to continue to live their beggerly situations in the white man’s country. The latest one and the lowest so far is that of a Nigerian female who in her bid to get her papers has submitted a video of her making love to a female she purportedly claims to be her lover. She believes that this porn would finally convince the British that she is homosexual and her return to Nigeria could get her killed. She further claims that two of her relatives were killed as a result of her love for the soft core of a female. This oyinbo people are gullible sha. As at the time of writing, she had garnered over 200,000 signatures supporting her applications. Who has time in this Nigeria to persecute gays. They are everywhere enjoying themselves and living better lives than the rest of us. Me I see them daily o and I don’t see any persecution talk less of killing them. That law as afar as I am concerned was just a PR stunt and enforcement is left only to drunken policemen who after enjoying a show and not wanting to pay will throw the law at the culprits. I even watched a Nollywood movie recently where homosexual acts were openly in display. In fact the laughable thing is that very virile and strong het-

EDGAR’s WORLD JOSEPH EDGAR

josephsamsponedgar@gmail.com

erosexual traders are waking up to the reality of their homosexuality. They suddenly remember that they are gay, dust up their passports, get six month visas and head up to these stupid countries and proclaim their homosexuality so as to get papers. Better for us, they should all go we really do not have their time and we will never tolerate the act. It remains abhorrent, inhuman and pure sickly. Although, the lesbian variant is not that bad sha, it is still very unnatural. My only grouse with the law is not to jail them, but to send them to prayer houses and shrines so that they can be cured of this malaise. I got approached once by a gay man. He was a mentor figure and I was really young and innocent then. He bought me a lot of gifts, I no blame am sha. I was very good looking and hot. He used to beg to touch me, I will look at him with pity as he would grovel

Although, the lesbian variant is not that bad sha, it is still very unnatural. My only grouse with the law is not to jail them, but to send them to prayer houses and shrines so that they can be cured of this malaise and beg me. I didn’t understand the attraction then and still don’t, even though my good looks were crazy, I still could not see the reason why he wanted me so much. I used to tell my

mother who will be crying cos in Uyo were we came from this was strange. Homosexuals like every other band of criminals walk free in our land. They are on tv, politics, workplaces and even churches. All these people should stop using this as an excuse to go. We should even bring about a policy of exit visa so all variants of sexual offenders from gays to paedophile can all go to their countries of choice. So claiming homosexuality as a basis for fleeing is taking serious advantage of the gullibility of the west. Me self, I don’t even understand the oyinbo thinking. The support homosexuality but jail polygamists. I tire, what is wrong with polygamy, why do they criminalize it and the unnatural same sex act they legalize it and give practitioners tax rebate. They themselves are sick. Me I will choose polygamy any day. But wait, homosexuality, polygamy shouldn’t they all be under the prisms of my freedom? I should be free to make love to my houseboy just as I should be free to have six women under my roof. It is all so confusing and crazy on both sides of the debate. My own is just that homosexuality should never be an excuse for immigration papers for any reason, they are other more cogent reasons they could use like belonging to Governor Amaechi’s faction of the Governor ’s Forum where your private jet would regularly be seized by LASTMA

52 FEatures

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

Intrigues that trapped Sanusi in Government House

ometimes, events make history, not personalities. Opponents, owing to circumstances, become allies for a mutual cause or against a common foe. Last week, this axiom played out in Kano but its symbolism was drowned in sadness and joy. On June 6, Alhaji Ado Abdullahi Bayero, the revered Emir of Kano, died in the early hours of penultimate Friday. Thereafter, the jostle for his succession began and two days later, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) governor, beat two others to the throne. Specifically, three names were submitted, after the Kingmakers Four months after he was sacked as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, met, to Kano State government. The shortlist, according to reports, included Sanusi, Alhaji achieved his ambition by becoming the 14th Fulani Emir of Kano, following the death of his predecessor, Sanusi Ado Bayero, the deceased’s eldest son Alhaji Ado Bayero. IBRAHEEM MUSA examined the forces that favoured him and are still working against and Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the Wamban Kano. However, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwathe new emir. so, in exercise of his powers, chose Sanusi for the coveted throne, ostensibly to step up the wrangle between the former CBN governor nificantly, this thinking was not without basis. governor chose Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the cause, given their pedigree, no blood blue On Saturday, a day after Bayero’s demise, new emir.” will sponsor such protests. The next day, Saand President Goodluck Jonathan. Simultaneously, the choice sparked off nusi was given the paraphernalia of office, Ironically, 14 years earlier, the story would the social media was abuzz with all manner have been different. In 2001, during his first of speculations. Particularly, Sanusi Ado protests and celebrations across Kano town including the twin red and green spears or term, Kwankwaso sought Sanusi’s sack from Bayero’s name, in several posts, was named and amidst tight security, the new emir was “Tagwayen Masu,” a pair of ostrich feather the United Bank for Africa (UBA). In lectures, his father’s successor. Incidentally, Lamido given his appointment letter on Monday. shoes and the royal hat of Dabo. In addition, newspaper articles and press interviews, Sanusi was allegedly deceived by such posts At that event, Kwankwaso explained why he was given a short knife, a sword and the Lamido Sanusi was very critical of Kwank- as the ex-banker reportedly tweeted the mes- Lamido Sanusi was chosen and the governor official robe of the late emir, as well as his staff waso at the time. Bold, eloquent and knowl- sage. In addition, around 11.30am, Lamido stated the obvious. Particularly, he listed the of office. edgeable, the prince took on the governor’s Sanusi drove out of the palace and some emir’s exposure, competence and experience Since then, Sanusi has been holing up in policies, criticised Kwankwaso’s programmes observers read defeat in his exit. Also, the as well as his lineage as factors that worked in Government House, where he now holds and debated his aides to a standstill. In sum- withdrawal of Nasir and Aminu, the late Sanusi’s favour. court. Politicians, business moguls and digmary, Sanusi was a pain in Kwankwaso’s neck emir’s children from the race, fuelled the In addition, the governor lamented the nitaries of every stripe have been visiting him. and the governor, without mincing words, ap- rumour of Sanusi Ado Bayero’s selection. politicisation of the emir’s selection. Spe- However, those who couldn’t make it physiproached his employers, asking them to give Specifically, a Kanobased televi- cifically, he reiterated that Sanusi’s name, cally have sent congratulatory messages to Sanusi the boot. However, UBA demurred and sion station went to town with contrary to reports, was on the kingmakers’ the new emir. in retaliation, Kwankwaso withdrew the state this rumour. PDP and a shortlist. However, after studying Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state, account from the bank. However, times have faction of the Niger i a n their recommend a t i o n s , Comrade Adams Oshiomole, the Edo State changed, Sanusi and Kwankwaso are now Governors’ Forum, on this Kwankwaso c h o s e Governor and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, a busifacing the same Presidency adversary. as emir, ex- ness magnate have all visited the emir, condolaccount, issued a preSanusi Unceremoniously, President Goodluck mature congratulatory plaining that ing him on Bayero’s death and congratulating Jonathan had suspended Sanusi, some four message. Promptly, the state no politics was him for succeeding the late emir. months ago, as governor of CBN and the latter government denied the rumour involved. “The In a message, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed, is still in court, fighting to save his name. Simi- but like a bad coin, it continued unlaws and rules of select- the Kwara State Governor, had congratulated larly, Kwankwaso and four other governors, til last Sunday. ing an emir don’t require the Sanusi on his appointment but APC chieftain, On that day, around 4.45pm, people to cast their votes. It Tinubu, was in Kano personally. In a stateciting sundry reasons, left the ruling Peoples is the kingmakers that will ment, Buhari said that Sanusi was God choDemocratic Party (PDP) for All Progressives Alhaji Rabiu Suleiman BiCongress (APC). For this reason, Kwankwaso chi, the Secretary to the advise the governor and sen. However, he advised the emir to be just, and Jonathan have been at daggers drawn. State Government, the governor, as Allah God fearing and to “cultivate all and exclude Consequently, the timing, prevailing circum- made the historic anwishes, has selected the none.” stance and the anti-Jonathan fraternity, includ- nouncement on June one chosen by Allah as However, as yet, President Jonathan has ing Sanusi’s eligibility, tipped the balance in 8, 2014. “As it is cusnot congratulated the new emir. Not that emir. the ex-governor’s favour. Sanusi, in his re- alone, the federal government is said to be tomary , the Emirate However, the government’s choice was not Council responsible sponse, blamed the planning Sanusi’s arrest, in addition to frussome people’s preference as protests, burning for appointing the protests on outsiders trating dignitaries from trooping to Kano. of tyres and open show of dissent greeted the new emir has sat as the ruling houses are Specifically, security personnel have been announcement. Significantly, politics and mis- down, discussed and united. Interestingly, the withdrawn from Government House where information fuelled the protest. Specifically, for forwarded three emir revealed that the emir is residing. Instead, there is a heavy some PDP elements, Kwankwaso is public en- names to the govhe is married to security presence around the palace. Similarly, emy number one and for this reason, anything ernor,” Bichi had Bayero’s daughter the military has banned all chartered flights linked to him is kicked against. Similarly, some said, adding, “to and virtually, the from landing in Kano airport. Consequently, people linked Bayero’s death, without empiri- choose one as the late emir brought Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State cal proof, to Governor Kwankwaso. successor of the him up as his fa- and Alhaji Tanko Al Makura, his Nasarawa Bayero, a week before his death, had late Emir.’’ ther was on for- State counterpart, landed at Katsina and KaBichi was eign missions. duna airports respectively. Thereafter, they hit turbaned Sheikh Muhammad Nasir Muhammad as Wazirin Kano in spite of govern- flanked by the Across board, the road to Kano. he gave a clean Significantly, Governor Rotimi Ameachi ment’s opposition. Afterwards, a simmering four kingmakers feud ensued between Kwankwaso and the when he anbill of health of River State’s story was more dramatic. Kano Emirate Council. The matter, according nounced to the The governor, according to reports, had earto reports, generated a lot of bad blood and t h a t princes lier congratulated Sanusi on Sunday and Sultan Muhammad Saád Abubakar, to save “the b e - headed back to Abuja. However, his plane the situation, interceded in the cold war and was refused landing due to bad weather and so Ameachi returned to Kano. For 30 minutes, a truce was reached. The emirate, for the first the governor’s plane hovered around the airtime, “untied” Sheikh Muhammad’s turban, port before it was allowed to land. Curiously, a few days after the ceremony. The incident, according to palace aides, saddened Bayero as Amaechi was barred from leaving the airport the emir saw it as an affront on his traditional for security reasons. The governor forced his way out but at the gate, he was confronted authority. Three days later, Ado Bayero sucby security agents. Ameachi, according cumbed to a long battle with cancer. So, in to reports, grabbed a car and drove all other to straighten relations, Kwankwaso the way to Abuja, arriving at 1am on should have chosen the late emir’s son, Monday. some protesters argued, to succeed his All said and done, whether Jonafather. Thirdly, there were protesters who than congratulates Sanusi or not, smelt a rat in the selection process, even if security agents seal off believing that Bayero’s son and the palace ad infinitum and the Federal Government refuses not Sanusi, was the first choice. However, the governor was preto recognise the new emir, the former CBN governor has vailed upon, according to them, to replace Alhaji Sanusi Ado fulfilled his lifelong ambiBayero with Malam Sanusi tion by becoming the 14th The laws and rules emir of Kano from the SulLamido Sanusi. The lobbyists, by their own account, lubawa clan. Easily, Sanuof selecting an emir included former presidensi’s throne is the 4th most tial candidate, General Mupowerful in northern don’t require the hammadu Buhari, APC Nigeria, in addition to people to cast their national leader, Asiwaju a life tenure and local Bola Tinubu, and a host as well as international votes of other big wigs. Siginfluence.

FEatures

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

here is no gain saying the fact that for many years, Nigeria’s aviation sector was in shamble. This arguably stemmed from poor infrastructural and manpower deficiencies in equipment, decrepit airport facilities, unreliable revenue generating and collection system and unfriendly workforce, all combined to make the sector distressed. To say the least, the state of the country’s over 22 airports owned by the Federal Government before 2011 was deplorable. And though attempts were made to reposition the sector by the previous administrations, the conditions of the airports did not change much. From dilapidated, crammed, antiquated, poorly-maintained, decrepit terminals to obsolete weather forecast equipment, the sector was in doldrums. For instance, conveniences, air-conditioning systems, car parking lots, cargo-handling, luggage conveyor systems and other passenger handling systems and alternative power supply systems at the airports had become comatose. However, a little over two years ago, the sector began to see a remarkable change. Instructively, 22 airports across the country got needed facelift that changed travel experience for most passengers. Not only that, there has been a boost for infrastructure in the sector with replacement of obsolete equipment for modern one. To boost this, global players were attracted as investors into the sector. The Chinese for example signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria to finance the construction of 11 new state-of-thearts airports across the nation, out of which six would be for perishables. To that end, the sector became the pride of everyone. From Lagos to Yola, Port Harcourt to Enugu, the quality and pace of work took the aviation sector by storm. For once, the national pride of Nigerians was restored and the nation’s standing in the comity of nations was sustained. Now, high-wired politics that stopped the reform with the removal of the former Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, may be impacting on the expected progress within the sector. Just recently, the House Committee on Aviation claimed that a huge debt to the tune of N174.6billion has been incurred by the Ministry of Aviation, calling it “unsustainable,” though sources at the ministry have denied that, calling it a “mere witch-hunting bitter politics.” The committee, led by its chairman, Nkiru Onyejeocha, expressed dissatisfaction with the ministry’s debt burden when it went for its oversight function at the ministry and its agencies recently. Onyejeocha equally denied knowledge of the aviation master plan which has guided the reform witnessed so far in the sector. She said: “I wish to state here that the committee frowns at such debt profile because we know that monies have been appropriated for most of the projects that you have been doing in aviation. It’s scary to have a debt profile of N174 billion in the Ministry of Aviation.” The committee members had expressed concern that most of the projects done were to remodel the airport terminals and not to provide equipment that would improve the safety of flights in the country. In response, the supervising Minister of Aviation and Minister of State for Commerce and Trade, Mr Samuel Ortom, said the alleged debts were not incurred by his administration since it has not awarded any contract and does not intend to award any until it has addressed the alleged huge debts. Indeed, available documents from the Ministry of Aviation shows that the debts in question refer to the loan of US$500million from China Exim Bank and the Eurobond Llan of US$100million, which would both be liquidated from the proposed Airport Development Levy of US$10.00 (International Passengers’) and N1,000(Local Passengers), with a five-year projected income. According to the document, funding sources for the reform in the aviation sector include BASA funds, Appropriations, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) other sources of funding such as proposed Airport Development Levy and Security Surcharge. For the BASA funds, there was a presiden-

Ongoing remodelling of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos

For the Nigerian aviation sector, it’s hope at the end of the tunnel

For many years, the Nigerian aviation sector has been dogged by so many problems, which had left the sector in a shadow of its self among its contemporaries. In this report, Ndubuisi Ugah, examines some of these issues and some of the benefits of the reform policies in the sector.

tial approval for Presidential Priority Projects in Aviation, which conveyed approval for utilisation of the sum of N60m in the BASA Fund and was submitted to the National Assembly for appropriation to be supplemented by a further N14.6billion from the IGR of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Consequently, the Senate Committee on Aviation via a letter of May 16, 2011 written to the Minister of Aviation approved the utilisation of the US$60million from BASA Funds. The letter was signed by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation and the Chairman, House Committee on Aviation. And the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committee on Aviation in another letter dated June 10, 2013 written to Oduah conveyed its approval/appropriation of utilisation of the BASA Funds of N25billion for the ministry’s project execution. The letter was signed by both Senator Hope Uzodinma and Onyejeocha as Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation and Chairman, House Committee on Aviation respectfully. In the same vein, the State House, Abuja, through a letter to the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance conveyed approval for the procurement of critical infrastructure such as perimeter fencing, airfield lighting, water hydrant systems and fire-fighting equipment. The letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the President stated: “US$500 million earmarked for the Avia-

tion sector in the negotiated loan from China EXIM Bank should be used for the construction of four new terminal buildings at Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt airports. The current balance of N175billion Power and Aviation Intervention Fund (PAIF) N75 billion should be allocated to the Aviation Sector. Additional funding of N25billion from BASA Fund to be made available for urgent infrastructure upgrades (BASA Fund currently has accrued revenue of about N30billion).” For appropriation, the document further shows that the Ministry of Aviation approved and awarded a total of 15 projects in Phase I of the airport remodelling and facility development in 2011, amounting to N12, 808,150,598.30 Also, the ministry approved and awarded 91 contracts for Phase II and additional consultancy projects in 2011, totalling N97, 668,167,822.11 And in order to complement the goals of the Phases I and II of the projects, the ministry secured the sum of N43,149,077,670.50 in the 2013 Appropriation to implement the Phase III and approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) after submission by the MTB. Accordingly, the funding was to be augmented from the approved BASA Funds amounting to N25 billion of which the sum of N14.3 billion was already available. The project funding was expected to further be augmented with funds allocated to airport development projects in the Internally Gener-

Oduah

Onyejeocha

ated Revenue Appropriation from its agencies in 2013, and subsequently yearly for all projects. Now, contrary to the impression that some people were not carried along in the formulation of industry wide policy, the Ministry of Aviation under Oduah held several stakeholder meetings on key industry issues. These include an interactive stakeholders meeting held on April 16, 2012, at Abuja Sheraton Hotel, Nigerian and Foreign Registered Aircraft stakeholders meeting on April 22, 2013, at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, and Fresh Produce/Perishable Cargo Committee Meeting held on 22nd August 2013 at the Minister’s Conference Centre, FMA, Abuja amongst others. Now, a group, the Association of Aviation Stakeholders (AAS), has accused Onyejeocha of playing bad politics with her position. According to the group, Onyejeocha cannot claim ignorance of the $500million Chinese-Exim Bank loan for the aviation sector and other infrastructural projects of the federal government. The body’s national president, Abubakar Dan Maikasuwa, in a statement, said: “Except she claims she was misquoted by the reputable media organisations that reported her comments, her position on the matter was not right.” Maikasuwa, in the statement titled: ‘Haba Onyejeocha; said members of his association and himself read with shock, the comments credited to the lawmaker that she was not aware of the loan. According to him, Onyejeocha is aware of everything about the loan, stressing that: “She was on the trip to China with President Goodluck Jonathan where the document for the loan was signed.” “It is self-indictment for her to come to the open and say she is in the dark, when she was carried along, especially concerning the four new international airport projects located in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Abuja all financed by the Chinese Exim loan. “We want to state categorically that Nigerians should ignore her and her cotravellers who see nothing good in the revolution going on in the aviation sector. We wonder why she is out to rubbish the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan,” he said.

54 SPORT EXTRA

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

Mikel focused on World Cup, not transfer

uper Eagles midfielder, Mikel Obi, has said his attention is focused on helping Nigeria excel at the World Cup, while turning off his attention from transfer speculations surrounding his club future. Mike, on Thursday became the latest Chelsea player to be linked with a move away from the club, as Valencia have made him a transfer target, but the 27-year old said, “I’m in Brazil for the Super Eagles and my Chelsea future will be sorted out soon.” The Eagles midfield maestro is one of Chelsea’s longest serving players currently, but his time at Stamford Bridge might be drawing to a close. The player made 36 appearances for Chelsea last season, although he was largely used as a second-half substitute by Jose Mourinho. The club has reportedly made the player available, and he has attracted interest from around Europe. Inter Milan have been monitoring his situation, but Valencia have emerged as forerunners to sign the midfielder, as they look to bolster their prospects in La Liga next year. Mikel has been at the Blue’s for the past 8 seasons, and he has won many trophies there (including the Champion’s League in 2012). He now looks to be one of many of an old guard of players that will leave the club this summer. Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard have already announced their intentions to move elsewhere, although club captain, John Terry, has been offered a one year extension to his contract. Mikel is still only 27 years old, and he would represent a good piece of business should another club capture him. He will play for Nigeria at this summer’s World Cup, where he is amongst the most capped players in the national set-up.

Croatia enraged by officiating

C Bosnia’s Salihovic doubtful for Eagles clash

Mikel

osnia-Herzegovina midfielder, Sejad Salihovic is a doubt for his country’s group game against African champions, Nigeria. Salihovic, who has been capped 42 times for his country, was injured on Thursday during a training session of Bosnia-Herzegovina in Brazil. Initial reports are that Salihovic is nursing a muscle injury but medical staff of the Dragons (Bosnia-Herzegovina national team) has now announced that further scans would be carried out on the player’s injury. If it is serious as feared, he

Nigeria protest opening ceremony use of wrong flag

igeria has officially protested the opening ceremony display of the wrong flag while announcing Nigeria on Thursday. Instead of Nigeria’s flag, it projected an image of Niger’s flag onto the globe at midfield during the ceremony. Nigeria’s flag features three vertical stripes, with a white stripe sandwiched between two green stripes. Niger’s flag features three horizontal stripes. The top stripe is orange, sitting above a white stripe and a green stripe. There is an orange circle in the middle of the white stripe. The neighboring African nations share a 450-mile border and maintain friendly relations. Nigeria is currently ranked No. 44 in FIFA rankings. Niger is ranked No. 112 and did not qualify for the World Cup. This isn’t the first time the wrong flag has been displayed during a major sporting event. In the 2012 London Olympics, a women’s soccer match between North Korea and Colombia was

delayed because the organizers showed the South Korean flag while introducing the North Korean team and the players refused to take the field.

The huge ball showing the flag of Niger, instead of that of Nigeria

could be ruled out of the country’s group games against Argentina, Nigeria and Iran. The Bosnians will open their World Cup campaign against Argentina on June 15 before facing the Super Eagles in their second group game six days later. Nigeria and Bosnia have never met at senior international level.

roatia coach, Niko Kovac, has expressed his anger at the level of officiating portrayed by Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura in the 2014 World Cup opening match on Thursday evening against Brazil at the Corinthian Arena. The coach warned that the global show-piece may become a sham if the levels of officiating are allowed to fall to such low standards even suggesting that Croatia should give up. “If that’s how we start the World Cup, we better give it up now and go home. We talk about respect, that wasn’t respect, Croatia didn’t get any. If that’s a penalty, we don’t need to play football any-

Ivan Rakitic of Croatia, challenges Neymar, of Brazil

It’s three points against Japan -Toure

Italy cracker will be dicey, says Gerrard

ngland Skipper, Stephen Gerrard, has declared that the crunch opening game of the team against Italy was dicey for both sides. He argued that England and Italy had World Cup tradition good enough to scare opponents but when both teams meet, anything could happen. Gerrard said, “In the World Cup, all eyes are always on past winner and there are some other traditional teams. England and Italy are in both categories, so the match will be highly interesting. “We have been working hard for the competition and we are confident that our team can face any opposition here in Brazil. “Italy is good with mentally strong players but we are also up to the task. It is going to be a great day for the fans of the game because the fixture is not looking like an opening game but like a quarter or semifinal match.” Uruguay and Costa Rica are the other teams to compete for honours with England and Italy in Group D.

more. Let’s play basketball instead. It’s a shame, he said. “If you continue like this you will have 100 penalties. I think 2.5 billion people watching on TV saw this was not a penalty. This was ridiculous and if we continue in this way we will have a circus, he added. Kovac accused the referee for awarding a ‘dubious’ penalty for Dejan Lovren’s challenge on Fred, despite the fact there was little contact and the coach believes that the team was unfairly treated. Neymar snatched a brace with Oscar sealing the third after the Selecao had fallen behind earlier on in the first half through a Marcelo own goal.

Toure

frica Footballer of the Year, Yaya Toure, has said Cote d’ Ivoire will be all out for the three points in the first match against Japan on Saturday in Recife. The Elephants, with ageless Didier Drogba as pointman are competing for honours in Group C along with Columbia and Greece. Toure who was key in Manchester City’s winning of the English Premier League said the Elephants were ready for the challenges ahead. He said, “We have been unlucky at the World Cup over the years, but this time we are ready to do very well in the competition. Winning the first match is important and we are going all out for it. “The Japanese team is very strong and so we also must raise our game to be at our best to get the results in the opening match. The first match is always tough for all teams. We hope to win to brighten our qualification chances in the group.”

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 14 june 2014

Falcons not mature enough to win World Cup - Oparanozie Mercy Jacob

uper Falcons player, Desire Oparanozie, has explained why the national women football team dominates in Africa yet unable to break through at the world stage. The Atasehir Belediyespor of Turkey player, in an interview with New Telegraph said that the Super Falcons were more talented than most countries that have lifted the trophy, but that women football was better organised in those nations and that reflects in their performances. “There is time and season for everything in life, the struggle of Super Falcons at the world stage does not make us less talented; but I just see it that our time to win the World Cup has not come yet. Besides, most of these countries started women football before us and they have good and vibrant women leagues. However, I believe the jinx is going to be broken in my time. I think the era of just being a participant in the World Cup without winning silverware will soon be over,” she said.

Commonwealth Games: Federations to get funds soon – Gaiya Charles Ogundiya

ome sports federations will have cause to smile soon as the Federal Government plans to make funds available for preparation for the Commonwealth Games, after the World Cup. Revealing this exclusively to New Telegraph was the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Godfrey Gaiya, who said the federations will get what is due to them. “The second quarter funds have just been released, and very soon the federations will get what is due to them in order to start proper preparation for the Commonwealth Games,” Gaiya said. He however, said the federations will not be getting the same amount of funds as some of them will not feature at the Glasgow Games. He said the country was concentrating on sports that can win medals and not just those that only complete the number.

Moses named in World Cup Elite Eight

uper Eagles winger, Victor Moses, has been named one of eight youngsters that will set the World Cup alight by Italian soccer website, forzaitalianfootball. com. In the write up, the Chelsea winger was named in fourth place in a list that had Mario Balotelli, Abel Hernandez (Uruguay), Paul Pogba (France) and Marco Veratti (Italy). Other names on the list are Raheem Sterling (England), Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku (Belgium). “Despite spending most of his time in the bench last season, Victor Moses has been a sparkle of light for Nigeria in recent days, the story says. “ Moses’ two penalties against Ethiopia in the final crucial group game of African Cup last year paved the way for Nigeria to win the historic crown.” With the skill of dribbling and the vigorous intensity of pace, Moses could be a real threat opposing defences. Moses was the live wire of the Nigerian team in the two friendly matches with Greece and USA, and is expected to start against Iran on Monday.

Yobo: I doubted myself

igeria captain, Joseph Yobo, admitted that he suffered self-doubt and feared injuries would cost him a place in the 2014 World Cup. Yobo missed over five months of his time at Fenerbahce through injury, before he went on-loan to Norwich in the English Premier League where he missed the last five games due to injury as Norwich suffered relegation. “This is going to be my third World Cup and I wasn’t fit before this time, so I’m just happy now that I’m fit and ready and that gives me great joy,” the defender told KickOffNigeria.com.

“Because at a point I doubted myself if I was going to make it here because of injuries. But I’m here now, I’m fit and ready to go.” Yobo is on the threshold of becoming the first player to reach one hundred appearances for Nigeria, but he says that is not a consideration for him. “Any other thing that comes after playing the World Cup is an addition, a bonus. “My main focus is playing for Nigeria, doing well for Nigeria and if I achieve any landmark, it’s going to be exciting and special as well.” Nigeria kick-off their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Iran in Curitiba.

Mexico tame Indomitable Lions of Cameroon

exico got off to a winning start in a rain-drenched Natal yesterday in a World Cup Group A match dominated by more refereeing blunders as it beat Cameroon 1-0 to put pressure on host in Group A. The blunders came just a day after Japanese referee, Yuichi Nishimura, controversially awarded a penalty, which set hosts Brazil on their way to a 3-1 win over Croatia. Oribe Peralta’s second-half strike was ultimately enough for the Mexican’s to earn three points, but it could have been so much more comfortable for Mexico, but for some calls by the referee, who disallowed two goals they scored . The impressive Giovani saw two goals harshly disallowed, and he could have been awarded a penalty at the end of the first half. Cameroon showed little heart and anything other than a defeat would have flattered them in truth. They now have a huge task ahead of them as they face Croatia next. Up next for Mexico is an intriguing contest

with hosts Brazil and they have put themselves in the driving seat for a qualification place following Croatia’s defeat to Neymar and Company on Thursday. Cameroon continue to look for only their second World Cup win since 1990 and will do very well to make it out of Group A this year. The result leaves Mexico favourites to qualify from Group A alongside Brazil, whom they face on Tuesday in Fortaleza. Before kick-off, nearly 20,000 Mexican fans provided a party atmosphere in Natal despite pouring rain. They were probably relieved to see opponents Cameroon simply turn up after the Africans had arrived in Brazil 24 hours late because of a dispute over bonus payments. Mexico manager Miguel Herrera, who optimistically believes his side can win the World Cup, controversially left out Javier Hernandez due to the Manchester United striker’s run of nine games without a goal for his country.

SPORT EXTRA

TRANSFERS

Kolarov extends City stay

Aleksandar Kolarov has signed a deal to keep him at Manchester City for three more years, on the same day the club announced the arrival of Bacary Sagna from Arsenal. The left back, 28, enjoyed the best season of his City career last term, making 30 Premier League appearances and flourishing under Manuel Pellegrini as the club lifted the title. “I will give to this club probably the best stages of my football career and I am very happy that I continue with this club which feels now like my home,” Kolarov told the City website.

Atletico target Carzola La Liga champions Atletico Madrid are hoping to sign Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla, according to reports from Spain. Cazorla joined Arsenal in 2012 from La Liga outfit Malaga and quickly established himself as a key player for the Gunners; but now Spanish newspaper AS claims that the 29-year-old is interested in returning to Spain with Atletico. Atletico are hunting for a solid attacking midfielder, as they look to find an able replacement for the Brazilian Diego, who has recently joined Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Lukaku snubs Alladyce Romelu Lukaku has rejected an opportunity to join West Ham United on loan for next season. The Belgian also rejected the Hammers last season in favour of a move to Everton, where he won the hearts of the Goodison Park faithful with his 16 goals. That form, as well as an equally as impressive season the year before at West Brom, attracted Sam Alladyce to try again in signing Lukaku, according to the Metro.

Roma complete De Silva deal Roma have announced they have secured the right to sign Perth Glory midfielder Daniel De Silva at the conclusion of the 2014/15 A-League season. The 17-year-old, who made his debut for Perth in March 2013 to becomes the club’s youngest ever professional player, will be able to join the Serie A club next May for an undisclosed fee. Perth Glory chief executive Jason Brewer told footballaustralia. com.au: “This is a great opportunity for Daniel and is a clear indication of the talent that he has.

Metz announce new signing Newly promoted Metz have announced three new signings as they prepare for the Ligue 1 campaign. Right-back Jonathan Rivierez, fellow defender Jose Luis Palomino and striker Juan Manuel Falcon have joined the Ligue 2 champions from Le Havre, Argentinos Juniors and Zamora respectively. Rivierez will join his new team-mates in making the step up from the second tier while Argentinian Palomino is coming off a successful season in his homeland with San Lorenzo, who won the Torneo Inicial - the first half of the Primera Division season.

Lazio close on Parolo Lazio are on the verge of completing a deal for Parma midfielder Marco Parolo. The Biancocelesti have already agreed a transfer fee with I Ducali thought to be €5.5 million plus another €1.4 million depending on performance related bonuses. And while Lazio officials have yet to find an agreement with the player’s representatives, it is believed the two sides are only €200,000 apart at the moment, which is enough to suggest the deal will soon be wrapped up.

HOSPITALITY

SPORT Eagles fate not on me -Enyeama

Sanctity of Truth w ww. n ew te l e g r ap h on l i n e . c om

P.27

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha

The Amber light is on P.39

SATURDAY, june 14, 2014

N150

Boko Haram on the cusp of biological warfare B

orno State has brought upon this nation two grave curses that have combined to dispatch the souls of many worthy and innocent compatriots to their premature graves. One, called Boko Haram, is manmade and the other, Lassa fever, is not manmade but might soon be manipulated into a national pandemic through the deliberate actions of evil men and their dishonourable collaborators. The nihilistic Islamo-fascists are heading to hell and they are determined to take all of us along with them. The ongoing war is not so much to Islamize Nigeria as it is to overthrow the administration of President Jonathan – failing which the cessation of Nigeria as a political entity will serve their purpose just as well. On this wicked path, therefore, they are prepared to deploy anything and everything to advance the goal of national damnation. The crude weaponization of biological agents such as Lassa fever is alleged to be within the grasp of Boko Haram. Don’t throw up your arms in exasperated disbelief just yet. The conventional wisdom that prevailed among Nigerians, in the pre-Boko Haram era, was that political action or militant resistance of a suicidal nature was not in the fundamental character of Nigerians. That wisdom held true until Boko Haram unleashed wanton murder and carnage by means of suicide bombing on our nation. Decent society was left wondering how a smelly bunch of young Kanuri losers could bring such dark clouds upon an otherwise peaceful nation. Nobody could have believed that Boko Haram’s atrocities would at this stage have claimed the lives of over 14,000 Nigerians and citizens of other nations, maimed thousands more and driven half a million to refugee status. Until casualty figures counted in multiple thousands have now become a tragic statistics not open to disputation. Boko Haram has now acquired the chilling notoriety of the being the most deadly terrorist group on the face of the earth – surpassing the rate of butchery by Al-Qaeda. Nobody was quite prepared to believe that some senior and highly placed northern politicians and public figures sympathised with and might, in fact, be active sponsors of Boko Haram. Until retired Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako, the civilian governor of Adamawa State, came out openly to deny the existence of Boko Haram and called for northern Nigeria to prepare and rise up in arms against the establishment. He further accused President Jonathan of masking as Boko Haram his secret militia force specialised in black operations and which has embarked on genocidal missions across northern Nigeria. Nobody could quite believe that Boko Haram could ever achieve the capacity to engage the Nigerian military and security forces head-on. Until military barracks and formations became victims of full frontal attacks and assailment in the hands of Boko Haram. Their hardware capabilities have been confirmed by Governor Kassim Shettima of Borno State to be superior to those of the federal military and security forces. They allegedly receive supplies and reinforcements by means of helicopter airdrops

involved in aerosolizing the virus will yield to the crude simplicity of volunteer careers. They plan to get themselves deliberately infected and then embed themselves, as deadly weapons, in our schools, mosques, churches, market places, hospitals, airplanes, buses, trains, barracks, naval vessels, you name it. Suddenly an innocuous sneeze or cough or a handshake turns into an unwitting contract with death. It will take less than one hundred human biological weapons to spread the deadly infection across the length and breadth of the nation. A plague will overwhelm our health system in a matter of days. The nation will be brought to its knees. Americans to the rescue? Anyone who entertains the thought that the United States of America is genuinely committed to aiding Nigeria in its struggle to subdue this menace is a dreamer. The complexities of geopolitical capital stand in the way of such genuine commitment. We cannot rely on Americans because their pharmaceutical big businesses are hovering like vultures, waiting for this tragedy to eventuate so that they will cash in by way of mass production of the antiviral drugs. Where there are billions of dollars to be made, human life, particularly the life of an African, means absolutely nothing to the multinationals. The monkey has become too dangerous and softly-softly has proven inadequate as a tactical means of trapping it. If Boko Haram shows even the slightest inclination towards manipulating a naturally occurring viral disease as a means of diversifying their atrocities against the Nigerian people, then the security forces must be ordered to resort to extraordinary measures – and there are extraordinary measures that can be taken - with the greatest degree of awe and ferocity permissible under the law. Precipitation of a national pandemic will stimulate uncontrollable public panic and comprehensive national paralysis. Such a mortal threat must be avoided at all costs, even if it means bringing burning flames upon the heads of Boko Haram fighters and bringing their sponsors to the crucible of justice, no matter how elevated and deified their stations in society. And no matter what it takes to do so. The stakes are so high they touch cumulus.

BROADSIDE EMMANUEL ONWE agubata@aol.com

and trans-border shipments from Libya and elsewhere. If the prediction was ever put forward that the beasts would abduct nearly 300 innocent school girls and contrive to successfully hold them hostage for months, igniting the most negative profiling of Nigeria by the international media, such a brazen outrage would have been scarcely believable. That nightmare has now become a common article of history. These examples are common knowledge. I have deployed them to establish the argument that our presumptions and expectations in respect of virtually everything to do with Boko Haram had consistently ran contrary to the transpiration of the reality. They have defied logic and common sense because their core modus operandi is essentially a tribute to the grand patrons of illogic and stupidity. They have defied accurate predictions and thus nullified any vestige of proactive measures against them. We come now to the dark territory of terrifying and scarcely believable theories. Those of you that are movie buffs will recall that had production schedule ran without glitches, Arnold Schwarzenegger would have released in August, 2001, a fictional movie that was a near perfect replication of the monstrosity visited on New York by AlQaeda on September 11, 2001. As it turned out, reality mirrored art and overtook it. The movie was shelved, as the spectacle of 9/11 played to an audience of six billion spectators. Schwarzenegger was a bankable box office draw at that time – but even he was not that spectacular. Suicide as a war strategy is the most dramatic form of self-immolation. One

of the chilling conclusions that have been drawn by the experts who have studied the psychopathy of suicide “martyrs” is that taking with them as many lives as possible is amongst their top incentives – almost parallel to the “glamorization of martyrdom and its establishment as a gateway to rewards in the afterlife”. To them, the scales must weigh in favour of mass fatalities and memorability. What, then, could be more memorably fatal in the life of our nation than Boko Haram acquiring the ability to weaponize Lassa fever, as it is alleged they are scheming to do? What could be more tragically memorable than their being able to achieve such a dastardly feat with the active financial and logistical support of religious fiends who have aggressively pursued and acquired traditional thrones to provide them with the pluperfect alibi? Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease that kills about five thousand people annually, according to a conservative estimate by WHO and the Journal of Vector Borne Diseases. Clinically, Lassa fever infections are difficult to distinguish from other viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola and Marburg. But whilst internationally itinerant Nigerians might be exposed to the latter two, domiciled citizens are extremely vulnerable to the former. The Ivory Coast has reportedly declared a national health and safety emergency in respect of Ebola disease. The circumstances surrounding that outbreak are as yet undetermined. It will take nothing but the sacrifice of the worthless life of a would-be suicide bomber to unleash viral mayhem. The sophisticated science and technology

GAMES/CROSS WORD PUZZLE No need to waste your hard-earned money, you can save it for some of these

KEY WORDS SPEED BOAT GOLD RING DIAMOND FINE DRESS FURNITURE

BICYCLE GOWN SUIT BATH TUB HOUSE

GIFT ITEM CONVERTIBLE HONEY MOON COMPUTER MOTOR CARS

S R E S T B E S U R S F D E U E N R N W N I O I F G T E N U U I R

T A O B D E E P S P O

U P M T H T H V K G E B O D I L I C D A Y R M C I O L N N E G D S

O C M U B E D H T E O I R N T T E F E Y I J M G K O O T O L Y N F

C M O D N L V H E S R K T B I G B F L Y E W

P M O

4 7

9 10

14 16 18 19 21 24 25

1 Type of a Volkswagen car 5 A small piece of 7 Enemy 8 Int’l Telephone and Telegraph 9 Internal rate of return 10 Lazy 11 Volcanic rock 12 Actinium’s symbol

16 17 18 22 23 24 25 26

Arsenic symbol Walking stick Capital of Germany Lagos suburbs Romanian currency units Exploits somebody Star around which earth revolves LGA in Adamawa state

15 17

DOWN 1

20 22

ACROSS

Saliva injected from mouth

13 Introductory piece of music

2 Tell officially

14 Ex Ogun state Governor

3 Gov. Theodore Orji’s state

15 Clothes maker

4 Continent south of Europe

19 Yoruba god of iron

5 Object with ringing sounds

20 Inner surface of the hand

6 U.K. unit of weight

21 Vegas , city in Nevada, USA See solution on page 21

Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off Acme Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234 1-2219496, 2219498. Abuja Office: Orji Kalu House, Plot 322, by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert hotline: 01-8541248, Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: Laurence ani. All correspondence to PMB 10000, Ikeja, Lagos.