Binder1 nov 9, 2014

SUNDAY SATURDAY

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Vol. 1 No. 264

}32

/newtelegraph

N150

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

Festus Okoye: Scholar, lawyer, activist joins New Telegraph

POLITICS

TINUBU, A BURDEN TO YORUBAS – OLANIWUN AJAYI

Sanctity of Truth

I

n line with its vision of remaining Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in business

and politics, New Telegraph is proud to announce that scholar, lawyer and activist, Festus Okoye, has

joined the teeming crop of professionals writing columns in the New Telegraph.

Okoye, a highly accom-

plished legal practitioner, Hubert Humphrey Fellow and Notary Public was born in Jos, Plateau

State in 1960. He obtained a Bachelor of Law Degree CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

nigerian couple forced us to eat live snakes

Adam&Eve debuts in New Telegraph }3

FG releases Sanusi’s passports

} 58

– victims tell uk court

}7

Lizzy Idahosa

}4

Jackson Omoruyi

mubi massacre: ‘i saw CORPSES everywhere’ }4

PDP National Chairman, Adamu Mua’zu; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio; Ghanaian President, John Mahama; Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan; Ivorien President, Alassane Outtara and Akwa Ibom State First Lady, Ekaette Akpabio during the opening of Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo on Friday

WHY I CAN’T ACT NUDE - BHAIRA MCWIZU }17

I’m still Reps Speaker - Tambuwal Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

S

peaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday said that

majority of the federal lawmakers are behind him.

He also said that with their support and the love of God, he still remains the head of the lower legislative chambers in

the National Assembly.

The Speaker, who has been stripped of his security detail following his defection from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives

Congress, stated this while addressing journalists shortly after the APC North-West Stakeholders meeting in Kaduna.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

PDP amends timetable for primaries, NATIONAL CONVENTION Business} 23

Politics}31

Education} 39

Faith} 51

}6

2

SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Contents | 09.11.14 BODY & SOUL

‘Women should be agents of change’

If you put in your best as a woman and you feel cheated, there are liberation groups and activist bodies that can fight for you

}18

POLITICS

Rage in the Senate Senators who are losing their seats to two-term governors spoil for war with the Peoples Democratic Party

}31

BUSINESS

Bank customers without BVN Deposit Money Banks won’t transact business with customers without Bank Verification Numbers

}23

FAITH

Secret of my youthfulness 83-year old Baba Aladura, Joseph Olatunji, reveals the secret of his youthfulness

}51

SPORT

‘Emenike, Mikel failed Keshi’ Super Eagles stars, Emmanuel Emenike and Mikel Obi, have been accused of failing the team’s chief coach, Stephen Keshi

}59

THE SUNDAY MAGAZINE

Mubi: Eyewitness to horror A survivor of the recent Boko Haram attack in the town of Mubi in Adamawa State tells a story of bloodbath, death and the race for survival

}4-5

Editorial

I

Burn the gas, kerosene not firewood

nternational Centre for Energy, Environment and Development (ICEED) has disclosed that 93,000 Nigerians die annually from smoke inhaled while cooking with firewood, with women and children as the most affected persons.

ICEED’s Executive Director in Nigeria, Mr. Ewah Otu Eleri revealed that a 2012 study report of the World Health Organisation (WHO) showed that deaths from firewood smoke is the third highest killer in the country after malaria (225,000) and HIV (192,000). He attributed the ugly trend to lack of access to cooking gas and kerosene.

In a bid to drastically reduce this alarming number of deaths from wood smoke, ICEED in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Ewa Eleri said, came up with Energy Efficient Woodstoves Project in Nigeria with the aim of providing efficient energy woodstoves to Nigerian households.

The aim of the organization is to achieve better respiratory health, create new jobs from stove production, distribution and retailing in the country, empower women by building stove sale networks and support the country to develop sustainable cooking energy policy frameworks.

Most people in the rural areas still use firewood to cook and are oblivious of the health hazards associated with the practice. Many a scientific study has linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems. These include increased respiratory symptoms such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty in breathing, decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, development of chronic bronchitis, irregular heartbeat, nonfatal heart attacks and premature death in people with heart or lung disease.

Although wood smoke conjures up fond memories of sitting by a cozy fire, it is important to know that the components of wood smoke and cigarette smoke are quite similar, and that many components of both are carcinogenic.

Wood smoke contains fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, sulfur dioxide and various irritant gases such as nitrogen oxides that can scar the lungs. Wood smoke also contains chemicals known or suspected to be carcinogens, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dioxin.

Similarly, wood smoke interferes with normal lung development in infants and children and increases children’s risk of lower respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. It can also depress the immune system and damage the layer of cells in the lungs that protect and cleanse the airways.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), toxic air pollutants are components of wood smoke. Wood smoke can cause cough, headache, eye and throat irritation in otherwise healthy people. For vulnerable populations such as people with asthma, chronic respiratory disease and those with cardiovascular disease, wood smoke is particularly harmful— even short exposures can prove dangerous.

The particles of wood smoke are extremely small and therefore are not filtered out by the nose or the upper respiratory system. Instead, these small particles end up deep in the lungs where they remain for months, causing structural damage and chemical changes.

Wood smoke’s carcinogenic chemicals adhere to these tiny particles, which enter deep into the lungs. Recent studies show that fine particles that go deep into the lungs increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Against this background, we call on the government to act decisively to halt the use of firewood as cooking fuel and by extension the adverse consequences of its smoke, in the country. Besides the serious health hazards firewood smoke poses, it widespread use of firewood contributes to deforestation and desertification. As an oil-producing country, making kerosene available in all the nooks and crannies of the country at affordable price shouldn’t be a difficult task to accomplish. It is a challenge government must endeavour to rise to.

In the same vein, government at all levels must make concerted efforts to genuinely open up the rural areas through the provision of rural roads, rural electrification and small and medium industries, thereby opening up rural economies and increasing the purchasing power of the local population.

It is time to reduce the use of firewood to the barest minimum so as to safeguard the health of the citizenry, especially the rural dwellers, and protect the environment. As is obvious now, smoke also kills—in thousands!

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

Felix Oguejiofor Abugu

Managing Editor n Suleiman Uba Gaya

Editor, Daily n Yemi Ajayi

Editor, Saturday n Laurence Ani

Editor, Sunday n Emeka Madunagu

Deputy Editor, Sunday n Juliet Bumah

Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz

Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins

Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam

Asst. Editor, News & Politics n Biyi Adegoroye

Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed

Ag. Sales/Circulation Manager n Uchey Okezie

Head, Graphics n Timothy Akinleye

Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

Telegraph Adam&Eve

3

3

SUNDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

9 NOVEMBER, 2014

ia Cynth el Samu Height: 6ft Hobbies: Playing Football and Reading State: Anambra Profession: Model E-mail: rumpleontop@yahoo.com

Bust: 32 Height: 6 Weight: 45 Profession: Singer Loves meeting people, hates pretenders

Starting from this edition, Telegraph Adam&Eve debuts. It’s a page for the young, lively, sexy, cute and daring male and female. If you fit the bill, send your profile, snazziest image, phone number and email to: editor.body&soul@newtelegraphonline.com or our corporate head office, No 1A, Ajumobi Close, Off ACME Road, Ikeja. Enquiries: +234 (0)811-675-9770.

4

The Sunday Magazine SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014

L:R: Dan-David Onyemerekwe, with a course mate after their escape

Mubi: Eyewitness to horror!

You were in Mubi the very day Boko Haram invaded that town. Can you tell us what happened?

Yes, I was at Mubi that very day, because we just recently returned to school to conclude our examinations after we ran away sometime ago for fear of Boko Haram. All the while we had being hearing several rumours about the impending invasion of Mubi town by Boko Haram. The entire town had been in fear, especially after the attack on Michika, a neighbouring town. We had barely finished the exam before the insurgents attacked the town with heavy shooting. That fateful Wednesday around 9a.m, we heard heavy gunshots for about 20 minutes.

Later on, they subsided. Some people felt it might be from the Nigerian military stationed in the town, because Mubi is also close to the hometown of Air Marshal Alex Badeh (Chief of Defence Staff). So at first there wasn’t much panic. When it became clear that it was the insurgents, many of us especially students contemplated running to the house of Air Marshal Alex Badeh in Vintim. But some people argued that it was not a good idea, as the place might be a target for the insurgents who were fast approaching with superior gun power. Movement was restricted in Mubi because the soldiers blockaded one entry point around Myha-Mubi while the other exit point Mararaba-Mubi was held by Boko Haram.

Some of us were lucky to grab our vital documents and quickly ran into the bush from where our flight of safety to no particular place at all started. When the heavy shooting continued, in the midst of the whole panic, all of us scampered for safety.

Many like my Course-Rep were hit by bullets. Some children and adults also died on the way; many people were also injured.

We ran for a very long time until we got to a primary school in one community called Gipalama where we rested awhile and drank dirty water. We were exhausted and thirsty

It is rather strange and uncommon for one to begin to ponder on the level of traumatic memory of grave danger that can make a Final year Business Administration and Management student of Federal Polytechnic, Mubi Adamawa State, who was just few papers away from obtaining his HND certificate, to swear never to return to his school again. In this revealing exclusive encounter with AMADI NNAMDI, an eyewitness to the November 5 bloody invasion of Mubi by Boko Haram insurgents, Dan-David Onyemerekwe, recounts his ordeal and how he and his colleagues fled to Cameroon with no clean water around. We continued moving.

Every community we went to, we were advised to continue going because members of Boko Haram were reportedly close to attacking the place and they were not sparing Christians so we continued moving.

We passed through Gipalama and Madayi villages and continued trekking for about six hours until we got to a village called Wadali around 7.30 pm. The villagers there were kind enough to open the door of the Baptist church there for us to sleep in. So we slept there that night. All through my life, I have never seen people being killed like that before.

Everybody running helter-skelter for their dear lives, dead bodies everywhere, abandoned children all over along the road, days of terrible trekking across hills, mountains and fields without food and water, it was terrible. So why did you people decide to go to Cameroon?

It was never our intention to go to Cameroon. Our aim was to look for a safe route to Yola the state capital, which was said to be safe. The Wadali people advised us to leave as their village wasn’t safe. They had heard that the insurgents were coming there too, so they gave us a map to guide us to a safer place. The map listed about eight (8) villages we must pass through to safety. So we continued trekking. On getting to the third village we were informed that we couldn’t continue with our road map because the other villages had already been completely

taken over by Boko Haram. Therefore we were advised to change route. We moved to another village, drinking only dirty well water as we travelled just to survive, as there was nothing to eat. We continued moving for hours until we got to a point where we were left with only two options: either to go into a village called Ghali or cross over to Cameroon.

So at that point we just had to choose Cameroon because we learnt that Boko Haram were already in Ghali. The journey to Cameroon too wasn’t easy. We trekked for almost another four hours. Along the road we paused to drink garri with dirty water; ordinarily that kind of water is not good for anything but we had no choice but to use it. There was nowhere to buy anything with the little money we still had on us.

The security situation had cut off many parts of Adamawa and people there were suffering. We got to Cameroon around 6pm on that fateful Thursday. On getting to Boukoula in Cameroon, the soldiers there gathered us one side in an open field close to a mountain, we later found out that the place is a community inhabited by the Codebe people of Cameroon.

The soldiers said we can’t go anywhere but we pleaded with them to let us pass through to the other side of the border to Yola. They refused, insisting that we can’t just go on our own; that they would keep us there till they get an escort to follow us to Yola. This was because they didn’t want us to move into their town. The Cameroonian soldiers who barely spoke English instructed us to write

down our real names on a list they provided as defaulters would be sent back to Mubi border, which was now a no-go area for us.

So we all fearfully complied because we all wanted was to come back safely to Nigeria.

The camp was very cold, no bed, no wrapper, nothing. At a point I stopped worrying about myself but started having pity on the little children separated from their parents and pregnant women all packed there.

Thousands of fleeing Nigerians made up of both staff and students of the two tertiary institutions domiciled in Mubi, and other residents and indigenes of Mubi, were all packed there in groups, with no hope of rescue. Two women gave birth while I was in that camp.

What was the attitude of the Cameroonian soldiers to you?

One good thing the Cameroonian soldiers did for us was guarding the camp always.

They protected us and restricted our movement; there was limited food supply in that community so everybody was left to their fate. At that point I had only about N1,000 on me and that could barely afford me anything because the Cameroonian traders in the community were cheating us with the exchange rate. Cameroonian currency was placed far superior to the Naira.

How was your first night at the camp?

My first night at that camp was terrible.

We lay on the bare floor under harsh cold CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

5

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

The Sunday Magazine CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4

weather, with no food or water in our system, insects and so on. Honestly, it was a terrible night I can’t forget in my life.

What was the paramount thing in your mind during your stay at the camp?

My mind was at home. I imagined the kind of trauma and anxiety my family members in Abuja were going through, especially my mother whom I was able to reach with a cellphone when I got to the camp. Whenever they were able to reach me on phone, I told them I was a bit okay, so as to reduce their tension. The network at the camp was very bad, so that didn’t help matters too. Moreover, over there you need to have airtime in your phone to be able to receive calls, so they were transferring airtime to me from Abuja. My family members kept calling me.

Did it ever come across your mind to escape from the camp?

On that Friday, my group and I agreed that if by nightfall nothing was done to help our situation, we would leave the camp but the fact that most of us were tired, our joints were all hurting, leaving the camp meant going back towards Mubi which was another dangerous journey so we all resigned to our fate at the camp.

That same day we were joined by some Nigerian soldiers. You mean fleeing Nigerian soldiers?

Yes, the Nigerian soldiers that fled from Mubi. When they got to the camp, their arms were seized from them by the Cameroonian soldiers. All their guns. Unfortunately for us, when the Nigerian soldiers arrived, instead of them to advocate for all of us to leave together, they only left alone, though without their weapons because the Cameroonian soldiers seized them. We heard that their weapons were later given back to them when they crossed the border over to Nigeria.

So why didn’t the Nigerian soldiers take you people along with them back to Nigeria?

I don’t know. They only fought for themselves. I don’t want to say they were selfish, moreover there was no vehicle. At that camp, it was only one professor from Adamawa State University, Mubi that was fighting for all of us.

He was even given a pass to go with the Nigerian soldiers but he refused, insisting that there was no way he would leave all of us like that and go away.

You mean even professors were in the camp?

Of course, even my H.O.D and Dean of Studies were all there. Thousands of people were there.

So how did you eventually leave the camp?

(Heaves) It was just by God’s grace. On Saturday morning being November 1, 2014, a fleeing Nigerian trailer driver who works for one Cameroonian was brought to the camp. So he was begged to convey us out of the camp to a safe place close to Yola. He agreed after much argument about price and the number of people he would carry.

So how much did all of you pay?

How did you get the money to pay because you said you had only about N1,000 on you? We were asked to pay N3,000 each.

Many who didn’t have borrowed, others begged, while I was lucky I didn’t pay anything because one of my group members at the camp knew the trailer people. So he helped many people in my group to enter without paying. So that was how some of us left that camp. The trailer tried to carry as many people as possible. We were about 300 in the trailer, so you can imagine how it was. Everybody wanted to leave, so we were ready for it.

The second trailer that was brought broke down on the way. Many were still left behind at the camp. We left the camp around 11am that Saturday and travelled for a very

Mubi: Eyewitness to horror!

Luckily for me, one of my group members, whose father is a DPO, contacted her father and the man in turn contacted the DPO of that town (Faram) and told him our situation Dan-David Onyemerekwe

long distance till we got to another border town between Cameroon and Nigeria called Dembo around 6.30p.m. We were not allowed to drive into the town because there was a curfew there. So we slept at the border till the next day, being Sunday, when we continued our journey.

On that Sunday morning we were happy, thinking we would soon enter Yola. We didn’t know that Yola was still a very far distance away from where we were. Our journey was smooth until the driver stopped at one outskirt town in Adamawa called Faram and said he couldn’t continue again. He said we should either rest there and continue the next day or better still look for another vehicle, as he could not go beyond that place.

So we all came down confused and scattered. Luckily for me, one of my group members, whose father is a DPO, contacted her father and the man in turn contacted the DPO of that town (Faram) and told him our situation. So the DPO of Faram who at that time wasn’t in town, then called his men to convey us to his house. So that was where we stayed that night till the next day, Monday, when we were escorted by the Police to Yola safely in a pickup van. We got to Yola by 11a.m that Monday.

What about the other people in the trailer with you, where did they go to?

I don’t know. When the trailer driver left us, we all separated. Everybody was desperate as we all wanted a safe route to Yola.

It was only a few of us that were together with the girl whose father is a DPO that I can really say left there safely. What was the situation in Yola like when you all got there? People were also scared. Yola was filled with people from different parts of Adamawa State.

There was also the rumour that Boko Haram was coming to attack Yola. So people were hurriedly leaving Yola. So we too had to start looking for a possible way out of Yola to Abuja. When I went to Adamawa Sunshine Transport Park, there was no vehicle. Passengers with their belongings filled every park. People even booked a day ahead for vehicles to convey them out of Yola. Some booked two days ahead; that was how serious the situation was. At a point on Tuesday, some transport companies stopped booking because of unavailability of vehicles. On Tuesday, after many struggles, we got a bus going to Jos from Jambutu park.

How were you able to source for fund for your movement?

We were able to access ATM at Yola. Some of us who borrowed money from fellow group members at the camp were able to clear our debts. So from Yola we got to Jos and from Jos I found my way to my house in Abuja around 10p.m that Tuesday. All thanks be to God. Recalling your experience at Mubi, and the refugee camp at Cameroon what do you have to say about the state of insurgency in Adamawa State? I thank God that I am safely at home now. But there are still many Nigerians suffering in those camps. I heard there are so many camps like that across our border in that area. There are two border refugee camps along MubiCameroon axis, Bruha camp and Boukoula

camp, where we were about 5,000 in number, comprising especially Nigerian women and children.

I advise the Federal Government to go and rescue those people there. They are really suffering, no good water to drink or bath, the weather is not friendly and many of them don’t even have money with them.

How do you feel after that experience?

I feel relaxed and grateful to God, All thanks to God, it is not by our making.

Many people were killed, many died along the way, many fainted and yet I managed to get home safely. Even a lecturer was killed together with his family when they drove into those insurgents as they were fleeing. The office of my school’s Rector was burnt as well as other Adamawa State University buildings. Hostels were attacked, my Course Rep was killed, many people who locked themselves up in their houses not wanting to leave, were also killed.

The insurgents conducted a house to house check, killing people and kidnapping female students. They don’t kill girls.

They also opened the prison doors, gave the prisoners clothes, food, money and also asked them to leave Mubi. While some of

the insurgents spared Muslims as was reported by some of my camp mates, they never spared Christians.

Do you agree that the insurgents are more armed than the Nigerian military?

Yes they are more armed than Nigerian Army. They are not only with conventional guns, they also have rocket launchers, they came with more than 20 Hilux vehicles, some were with bikes, while some were with armoured cars. They were not even in a hurry, as they were confident in their operations. It was a horrible experience. Bullets were just flying around.

How do you describe Mubi before the current problem?

Mubi is a good place. When I gained admission to Federal Polytechnic Mubi, I was happy; but if not for the last ASUP strike, I would have finished my programme there.

So are you indirectly blaming Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) for your ordeal?

No, I am not really blaming ASUP but the Federal Government.

So if Mubi town becomes calm again and your school is reopened, will you go back to conclude your studies? (Cuts in)... I am not going back to that side !!! Will you abandon your HND certificate which you have almost acquired? I will look for admission elsewhere and acquire a HND certificate. I know I have only few months to go there, but while there is life, there is hope. I will go to another school. If not for the divine strength I got, how would I have pulled through? I am not going back. It was a horrible experience, honestly.

6

SUNDAY 9 NOVEMBER, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

PDP amends timetable for primaries Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has amended its timetable for primaries to nominate candidates for the 2015 elections.

The amendment, according to the party, is in exercise of its powers under Section 29 (2) (a) and (b) of the PDP constitution (2012 as amended).

Under the new review, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

A Federal High Court in Abuja had on Friday ruled that the status quo should be maintained regarding Tambuwal’s defection to APC. Addressing journalists in his first reaction to the ruling, Tambuwal explained that the status quo referred to the period before his security detail was withdrawn and any attempt to alter the court order would amount to contempt.

Speaking earlier, APC

the House of Assembly primaries earlier scheduled for November 15 will now hold on November 29 while the National Assembly primaries (Senate and House of Representatives) on December 6 and 7.

The primaries to nominate governorship candidates, which was earlier fixed for November 29, will now hold on December 8.

The national convention for the nomination of the

presidential candidate of the party will now hold on December 10 and 11.

A statement by the PDP National Organising Secretary, Abubakar Mustapha, said the new timetable supercedes the earlier one released by the party.

“It is noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been notified of the review, the statement added.

‘I’m still Reps Speaker’ National Vice-Chairman (North-West), Inuwa Abdulkadir, said the purpose of the meeting was to address topical issues that were of concern to the party in particular and the nation in general.

“Issues that will bring about national harmony and promote national development are what we are here to discuss among others,” he stated.

Abdulkadir who said his party was waxing stronger going by the calibre of people joining the party, noted that this is a sign that APC is the only political platform that can bring about the change Nigerians desire.

He further advised Nigerians to ensure they are armed with their voter cards, cast their votes and ensure their votes count in future elections.

Festus Okoye joins New Telegraph CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

(LLB Hons) from the University of Jos in 1984 and was called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1985. While an undergraduate at UNIJOS, he was a member, House of Parliament of the Students Union and also served as the Secretary General of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

Okoye started his legal career as Pupil State Counsel at the Ministry of Justice, Kano in 1986. He was also at the law firm of Hussain Abdulrahman & Co in 1988.

He became a principal partner at Akika, Abashi, Okoye and Mann in 2011 and went on to become the National Coordinator of the Independent Monitoring Group (IEMG) and the Executive Director of Human Rights Monitor, Nigeria.

In 1991, he received a grant award from the United States Information Agency and administered by the American Institute for a six weeks tour of leading human rights and civil society organisations in the United States.

Consecutively, he received another award in 1992 for courageous work in researching, monitoring and documenting human rights violations in Nigeria from Human Rights Watch in the United States.

In 1994, Okoye completed a one year programme of graduate study and professional development at the University of Minnesota as a participant in the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Pro-

gramme. In the same year, he was rewarded with a recognition award from partners in Human Rights Education, University of Minnesota and from the Minnesota International Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota USA. He has participated in so many conferences and workshops around the world like the Wilton Park Conference 717 on Election and Accountability in Africa held in United Kingdom in 2003; attended the American University for Democracy and Election Management in 2006; was honoured with the Excellence Award from the Nigerian Bar Association. In 2004, he was appointed member, Commonwealth Observer Mission to the 2004 Cameroon Presidential Election.

From June 5-15, 2006, he attended a course on Democracy and Election where he studied Challenges for the 21st Century at the American University Center for Democracy and Election Management and received a certificate of attendance.

In 2007, Okoye became member, Electoral Reform Committee set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria and member, Harmonization and Editorial Committee of the National Human Rights Commission’s Report on Human Rights Violations in Nigeria respectively.

He was granted a Distinguished Leadership Award from the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) Nigeria, an Award for Mentoring Young Leaders from Coali-

tions for Change (C4C), and became member, National Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), INEC Anambra 2010 Election Monitoring and Observation Board, Federal Government Panel of Investigation into the Jos crisis of November 2008 in the year 2009.

Between 2010 and 2011, he became a member, INEC Federal Capital Territory Election Monitoring and Observation Board, Consultant to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and had his professional experience as the Executive Director, Human Rights Monitor, Nigeria; National Coordinator, Independent Election Monitoring Group (IEMG); Principal Partner,Akika Abashi, Okoye and Mann.(Legal Practitioners and Notary Public) and was appointed as the Alternate Chairman, NBA Election Working Group and also Secretary, NBA Human Rights Institute. And in 2013, he was appointed member, INEC Committee on the Review of Judgments on Election Cases, 2013 (COREC).

In 2014, he was appointed and recognised as a Delegate to the 2014 National Conference and Vice Chair, NBA Human Rights Institute.

His areas of specialisation are Justice Sector Reforms, Promoting Transparency and Fighting Corruption, Constitutional Electoral Matters, Public Interest Law, and Conflict, Violence and Security.

7

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2014

News

FG releases Sanusi’s passports Muhammad Kabir

T Kano

he Federal Government has released the travel passport of the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, to him, an official of the Kano State Government said yesterday.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso on Chieftaincy and Emirate Council Affairs, Alhaji Tijjani Mailafiya, told journalists that the Directorate of State Security returned the two passports to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria based on a directive from the Presidency.

Sanusi and members of the Kano Traditional Council had earlier this month visited President Goodluck Jonathan at State House, Abuja, in what was interpreted as a reconciliation meeting between him and the President.

They had fallen out while Sanusi was CBN governor over some allegations raised by the emir about the handling of the nation’s finances by the Presidency.

Sanusi

He was subsequently suspended from the office of CBN governor while one of his passports was seized at Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos when he returned from Niger Republic. The other passport was seized at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport when he was about boarding a Turkish Airline flight to France.

The Presidency also surreptitiously opposed his choice as emir of Kano, a move which was stoutly resisted by Governor Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso.

Mailafiya said the passports were returned by the Kano office of the DSS through the State Director, Bassey Itang.

The governor’s aide lauded the gesture, noting that it will allow Sanusi to continue his service to the nation.

On November 1, Kwankwaso had summoned the emir to Government House to explain what transpired during the visit to Jonathan.

There were reports thereafter that government would release his passports and salaries.

Nafdac cautions farmers on pesticides

D

irector General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Dr. Paul Orhi, has advocated the safe use of pesticides by farmers.

He stated this at a national sensitisation workshop organised for farmers and other stakeholders

by NAFDAC in conjunction with West Africa Agriculture Productivity Programme held in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

The theme was: ‘Safe and Responsible Use and Disposal of Pesticides.’

Speaking at the event, he said, “As agriculture continues to play a major role in the economy of Nigeria and West Africa, contributing more than 40 per cent to its GDP and providing income and employment to about 70 per cent of the region’s population, there is the need for stakeholders to be concerned about the

health of farmers. Pesticides may cause acute and delayed health effects in workers who are exposed and can cause a variety of adverse health effects ranging from simple irritation of the skin and the eyes.”

He said pesticides can also cause problems in the body, especially the nervous system while mimicry hormones can cause reproductive problems and also cause cancer.”

Army frees 125 Boko Haram suspects Ahmed Miringa

Maiduguri

T

he Nigerian Army yesterday released 125 fresh suspected Boko Haram members from custody.

This follows the earlier release of 42 persons who were investigated and found to be having no link with the fundamentalist group.

The 42 persons were released on Thursday to Governor Kashim Shettima.

Handing over the new set of suspects to the governor, the spokesman for

the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, Col. Sani Usman, said 254 persons were intercepted while fleeing from the state after a raid on Boko Haram strongholds in September.

He said the arrest was made in Biu on September 23 and after proper investigation, 125 male suspects were handed over to the governor. He, however, said those who had a case to answer would be charged to court.

Shettima, while receiving the detainees, said the ac-

tion would go a long way to build trust between the military and Nigerians.

He said the freed suspects looked well treated, adding that it is a plus to the military.

He said, “It shows that the military are core professionals and know how to go about their duties.”

He said it is hope they (released detainees) are not coming out with vengeance or misgivings, and are ready to contribute their quota to the development of the society and to the course of restoring peace to the country.

War in Abia PDP as Orji, son move to impose successor

Presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (right), with the National Vice- Chairman, NorthWest Zone, Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadiri, at the party’s North-West Zonal Executive Committee meeting in Kaduna …yesterday

Ahuruonye Olekanma

A

head of the November 29, 2014 Peoples Democratic Party governorship primaries, all is not well within the Abia State chapter of the party over plans by Governor Theodore Orji and his son, Chinedum alias ‘Ikuku,’ to impose Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu as the next governor.

Despite the governor ’s several denials through his spokesman, Mr.

Charles Ajunwa, that he has no anointed candidate and promises to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants, there are strong indications that he has commissioned ‘Ikuku’ to work in agreement with some elders, government and party officials to impose Ikpeazu on the state.

The much talked about peace and unity which Orji claims to have brought to the stakeholders of the party seems to have dis-

appeared into thin air as the three senators representing the state – Uche Chukwumerije (Abia North), Nkechi Nwaogu (Abia Central) and Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South); governorship, national and state assembly aspirants vowed not to allow the governor and his son have their way in imposing a stooge on the state.

The recent impasse has polarised the state chapter of the party into old and new PDP, with the former

group vowing that Ikpeazu who is being propped up by the governor’s son, cannot emerge as governor.

In a petition signed by the three senators, governorship and National Assembly aspirants such as Alex Otti, Acho Nwakanma, Emeka Wogu, Solomon Ogunji, Uzoma Abonta, Nkeiruka Onjejeocha, Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje, among others, they stated that no ward congress held in Abia State as the Tony Caesar Okeke committee

did the bidding of the governor and his son by forging the result of a congress which never held.

The three senators and leading aspirants, who met in Umuahia after the botched congress, accused Orji and Ikuku of ordering the 17 transition committee chairmen to move around the 184 wards of the state with soldiers and policemen, harassing people to take pictures in their desperation to cover the fraud of the congress.

The petition reads in part, “Between 5.30p.m and 6p.m, the people dispersed to their homes disappointed. This means that no congress held anywhere in Abia State. From about 8p.m, we noticed surreptitious movements of non-executive members of the party and government officials carrying pre-prepared fictitious result sheets of papers to the members of the Tony Ceaser Okeke led panel in Damgrete hotel where they were huddled since their arrival after the meeting with stakeholders and aspirants which as earlier noted ended at 2.15pm.

“Rumour has it that the panel spent most of the night compiling these fictitious results into their result sheets.”

After presenting their cases before the Mrs. Ashanti Bekwai-led PDP

Electoral Appeal Panel, the aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders, who called on the national secretariat of the party to reschedule the ward congress, insisted that it won’t be in the interest of the Abia PDP to allow the governor to impose his anointed candidate on the state without the input of stakeholders.

The group of aggrieved aspirants were said to have asked Orji to drop Ikpeazu and support another candidate, but the former denied anointing any aspirant as his successor. Among those who are said to deeply aggrieved by the anointment of Ikpeazu is his in-law and two time deputy governor of the state, Chief Acho Nwakanma, who has so far resisted overtures to support the former, vowing that he won’t accept Ikpeazu as governor.

Senate spokesman, Enyinnaya Abaribe, is said to be bitter with the development as he is said to prefer another aspirant emerging governor from his native Obingwa than Ikpeazu who was brought up by the governor’s son.

With what happened at the November 1 PDP congress in Abia, it is now crystal clear that the governor does not have control of the party in the state as his preferred candidates wouldn’t have won; hence the resort to writing of fictitious results when no congress was held.

8

SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

Ward congress: PDP disowns Ebonyi result Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has disowned the list of the result of the ward delegates congress in Ebonyi State held on November 1, which was published in some national dailies.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh said it is the duty of the National Working Committee (NWC), through the office of the National Organizing Secretary, to release the result of the ward congresses for the election of threeman ad-hoc delegate or any primary election conducted by the party.

Said Metuh: “The attention of the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to an advertorial in a section

of the media wherein some individuals purported to have released the result of the election of three-man ad-hoc delegate for our primary elections in Ebonyi state.

“In this regard, the national leadership will thoroughly investigate this illegality and take prompt action against anybody who may have participated in it”.

He disclosed that PDP has been notified of the resignation of Ebonyi State chairman of the party.”Accordingly, in line with the PDP constitution and our earlier directives in other states, we expect the Ebonyi State Deputy Chairman, being the Acting State Chairman to communicate to us on a date for a state congress for the election of a new chairman for Ebonyi state chapter of our great party,” he added.

Group set to publicise Mimiko’ works A new body, Iroko Legacy Platform, has been formed in Akure, the Ondo State capital to document and publicise the achievements of the Governor Olusegun Mimiko-led administration in the state.

According to the state’s Commissioner for Information, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the aim of the body is to amplify, document and make available for study and research purposes, the achievements and the result oriented style of governance of the state governor.

The Commissioner while briefing newsmen in Azure

PDP congress: Daniel, Kashamu, others emerge as national delegates

Kunle Olayeni

F

Abeokuta

ormer governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and the Chairman of Mobilisation and Organisation Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party in South-West, Prince Buruji Kashamu, yesterday emerged as national delegates from Ogun State to participate in the December 6 National Convention of the PDP. Daniel and Kashamu were among the 20 national delegates that emerged from the PDP local government delegates congress which held across the state.

The exercise was supervised by a five-man committee from the party’s national secretariat led by Mr. Christian Nnaka.

Daniel and Kashamu, who recently reconciled their political differences when the former gover-

nor returned to the PDP from the Labour Party, will represent Sagamu and Ijebu North local government areas respectively at the national convention where President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to be elected as the party’s presidential candidate for 2015.

Other party chieftains in the state who emerged as national delegates are two former deputy governors, Alhaji Rafiu Ogunleye, and Alhaja Salmot Badru, to represent Ijebu East and Ipokia local government areas.

Also elected were two former state PDP chairmen, Chief Joju Fadair and Chief Dayo Soremi to represent Ifo and Odeda local government areas respectively while Hon. Lola AbiolaEdewor, the first daughter of the late winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola, emerged to represent Abeokuta North local government.

Other party leaders that emerged as national delegates include General Kehinde Fasasi (Remo North); Otunba Tunde Olowu (Ijebu North East); Dr. Femi Majekodunmi (Abeokuta South); Senator Babatunde Osholake (ObafemiOwode) and Mary Ogunjobi (Imeko-Afon).

Speaking shortly after the congress, the state PDP chairman, Chief Adebayo Dayo, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise.

Dayo noted that with the new-found unity in PDP, the party was poised to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015 elections.

He disclosed that chieftains who recently returned to the party have been given waivers by the party’s national leadership.

He said, “Otunba Gbenga Daniel is going back to his position as a leader and he’s going to represent

us in Sagamu. So also are other leaders in the other local government areas.

They will be representing us. They have all got waivers from the national secretariat and they will all be going back. They are free to do whatever they like just as any other member of the party.

“So, we are happy that we are in good mood and we are working together for the success of our party and come February 2015, we are going to not only defeat Ibikunle Amosun, we are going to have nothing less than 80 per cent in Ogun State.”

In his remarks, the chairman of the five-man Local Government Electoral Committee of PDP that conducted the national delegates’ election in the 20 local government areas of Ogun State, Mr. Christian Nnaka, described the exercise as “peaceful and successful.”

said, the group will also popularize the laudable achievements of Governor Mimic and create awareness that the Governor’s style of governance should be a model for other states to emulate.

Akinmade, also introduced Chief Joseph Akinlaja to newsmen as the chairman of the group at the briefing.

He described Dr Mimiko as a dynamic leader who has implemented people’s friendly programmes that have impacted on the lives of the people which have earned him international awards.

Nigeria Leadership Summit 2014 begins Dec 11

S

ome of the Nigeria’s brightest and best entrepreneurs will be headlining this year’s Nigeria Leadership Summit which is holding on Thursday the 11th of December at the Oriental Hotel Lekki Lagos.

This year, the Summit has the theme: “Entrepreneurial Nation” and it will feature all the nation’s most successful entrepreneurs in various fields who would speak about their success story to the benefit of young people.

The Summit is powered by the Anabel Group and the convener is Prince Nicholas Okoye, the Group CEO and founder of Empower Nigeria. Besides keynote addresses, there will be a Conference on the Empower Nigeria initiative which is promoting the startup of new young entrepreneurs around the country.

It will also feature a Leadership and Entrepreneurship Master Class for top

executives on December 12, designed to provide participants with the knowledge and the tools to become billion dollar global companies. A special day has also been set aside for Women Entrepreneurs called “the Island Tea Party for Women Entrepreneurs”, holding on December 13, at the Clear Essence Ikoyi.

According to the organisers, while the first day of the Summit is free to all persons, the Master Class on December 12 and the Island Tea Party on December 13 are strictly by invitation.

Speakers are the event include Chief Sony Odogu, Ambassador Joe Keshi, Chief Chuma Okafor chairman Chicason Group, Chief Cosmas Maduka, Chairman Coscharis Group, Dr. Ayoola Oba Otudeko, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Chairman BUA Group, Charlie Weeks CEO Weeks International Enterprises.

L-R: Representative of the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Chukwemeka Chuk; award recipient/Minister of State for Education, Prof. Viola Onwuliri; representative of Chief Author Eze, Dr. Okey Adubasim and the Permanent Secretary, FCT/award recipient, Mr. John Chukwu at the Merit Award ceremony and launching of civic centre project by Amuzi Mbaise Progressive Union in Abuja…yesterday. Photo: NAN

Violence in Ebonyi, police take over secretariat Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

T

here was pandemonium yesterday at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) local government congress in Ebonyi State as two opposition group’s crash, leaving some members with injuries.

The party has been engulfed in serious leadership crisis since the resignation of the former state Chairman, Prince Ugorji Ama-Oti and subsequent appointment of a new chairman of Hon. Ben Akpa.

Sunday New Telegraph’s investigation revealed that the party secretariat on Abakaliki-Enugu Express-

way has been taken over by the anti-riot policemen to forestall any break down of law and order.

At 4:15 pm when our correspondent filed this report yesterday, voting materials meant for the delegate election were yet to arrive or neither had election commenced, as supporters of the two warring groups besieged the party secretariat.

In the melee, about 1,000 supporters of a leading governorship aspirant, Mr. Dave Umahi, took to the street carrying posters of the aspirant chanting solidarity songs.

Some of the placards inscriptions read: “Dave, we know he has done a lot for

the people” and Without Dave, there will be no election in 2O15.

Addressing journalists at the event, a factional chairman, Hon. Ben Akpa, said

there was no congress in the state, stressing that a team from Abuja which came refused to tender their own list to them to the party officials.

APC tasked on fair play

A

n All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant in Taraba State, Sen. Aisha Alhassan, yesterday advised the party to imbibe internal democracy ahead of the 2015 general elections and beyond.

Alhassan gave the advice in Jalingo while submitting her nomination form to the leadership of the party.According to her, the party must trail the

path of justice by being fair to all its members.``APC is a great party made up of people with track records of excellence. There is no question about that. However, the success we have so far achieved can only be sustained if the party provides level playing field to all aspirants, irrespective of their cultural and religious affiliations.

9

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

Boko Haram: Three Army Generals escape death Ibrahim Abdul, Yola

C

Governor Adams Oshiomhole (left), collecting his Permanent Voter’s Card at Ward 10, Unit 1, Iyamho, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State…over the weekend.

Only God can stop my ambition –Suswam Cephas Iorhemen,

B

Makurdi

enue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, yesterday opposed President Goodluck Jonathan’s reported concession to senators seeking automatic tickets for the 2015 elections.

Aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party senators led by Senate President, David Mark, had last week, engaged the President in a three-hour session to sort out issues arising from the party’s decision to hand over its structures in the states to governors elected on its platform.

The meeting with the President and the PDP national leadership, however, ended in favour of the aggrieved senators as Jona-

than conceded automatic tickets to 40 out of 72 PDP senators to return to the Upper Legislative House.

By this decision, it means that Suswam and some of his counterparts seeking Senate tickets are already out of the race.

But in a swift response to the President’s position, Suswam said the senators were blackmailing Jonathan to have their way.

Suswam, who is contesting the Benue North East ticket with a former National Chairman of the PDP and serving senator, Chief Barnabas Gemade, told journalists after monitoring the party’s local government congresses in Konshisha that only God can stop him.

According to the governor, election into the Senate

is won through the ballot and not by any other arrangement. He implored the aggrieved senators to stop blackmailing the president but seek election through the ballot box.

Alluding to comments by the President that returning some old hands to the Senate would build a stronger legislature, Suswam boasted that he has better experience than Gemade, having been a member of the House of Representatives representing UkumLogo-Katsina Ala federal constituency.

“At the end of the day, our constituents are in a better position to determine whether we have performed well to continue in office and not by blackmail as the senators are scheming,” he declared.

Also speaking, a close associate of the governor, Dr. Mathias Byuan, said the senatorial district had unanimously adopted Suswam as their sole candidate.

Byuan, who contested against Gemade in 2011 but was asked to step aside, advised the aggrieved senators and the PDP National Working Committee to allow the process of election take place.

He added that the senators’ refusal to sit for some days over the matter clearly showed they did not have the interest of the country at heart.

“Let all those who are interested in election go through the ballot as stipulated by PDP constitution and the constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.

Community leader accuses politicians, security agents of bunkering Chris Ejm, YENAGOA

A

s the spate of criminal activities along the creeks of the Niger Delta increases, security agencies and politicians have been accused of collaborating with criminals to sabotage the Nigerian economy by engaging in illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalisation, oil theft and other activities bedeviling the oil industries in the region.

Speaking to news men in Yenagoa, Chairman of Swamp Area Oil And Gas Producing Communities, Bayelsa State, Chief Victor

K. Igbaba, said for oil theft, illegal refineries, vandalisation of pipeline and other illegal activities to stop, governments at all levels and multinational companies must involve indigenes in the battle since they understand the terrain more than any security agents posted to the area.

According to him, there was no need to award contract for security surveillance and pipeline protection, oil wellhead to outsiders who do not have the understanding of the creek, rather they should be awarded to indigenes for optimal results.

“We are saying no to oil theft, pipeline vandalisation, illegal refineries, sea piracy and other criminal activities along the water ways. Most of our politicians, Joint Task Force and other security agencies are part of these illegal businesses” he said.

Chief Victor, who said he was arrested by officers of the Nigeria Police over allegation of collecting money from oil bearing communities, and whether the organisation was duly registered, said the allegation were false, because the organisation was duly registered by Corporate

Affairs Commission and inaugurated by the state government where the Secretary to the State Government represent the governor.

“Though I was not beaten or tortured, I detained for 24 hours and stripped naked- and this was an inhuman treatment anyone can do to a chief of a community from Mr. President’s maternal home. I will not take up the matter with them but want them to cooperate with us to bring this menace of illegal bunkering, sea piracy and other illegal activities to the barest minimum”.

ontrary to claims that Nigerian troops are making success in the fight to recapture the commercial border town of Mubi, in Adamawa State, three Generals of the Nigerian Army escaped death by the whiskers in an attack carried out by suspected Boko Haram elements attempt on their lives by Boko Haram insurgents.

The insurgents which have continued to annex more villages had stormed Gashala in Hong Local Government, the home town of Air vice Marshal Steven Yaduma (Rtd), Major General Zakariya Yaduma and General Samuel Dzarma.

A resident of the village, Na’omi Bitrus, said on arrival at the village, the gunmen had demanded for direction to the residents of the three Generals, but sensing danger, the residents declined the request on the pretext

that they were strangers.

“Four gunmen struck the village on two motor cycles on Thursday and immediately demanded to know the residents of the three Generals in the town but sensing danger the residents declined saying they are strangers,’’ she said. ‘’Having failed in their mission, the gunmen went on rampage in the village and set the residence of EYN Church pastor ablaze and shot dead a retired engineer forcing residents to flee to nearby bushes.

“Out of fear for our dear lives, we slept in the bush and were constantly in trepidation as we fear that the insurgents may yet launch another attack on us, as they said they will stage a comeback,” another resident said.

The residents said the Boko Haram insurgents warned that anyone who was not ready to accept Islam should leave the village as the area is under their jurisdiction.

Chukwu’s governorship ambition suffers setback Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

T

he chances of the immediate past Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu in realising his gubertorial ambition in Ebonyi State may have suffered a setback following a crack in the ranks of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the state and entrance of one of his kinsman, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, into the governorship race.

The development was the result of a failed attempt by some of the State Executive Committee loyal to Governor Martin Elechi to remove the deputy chairman of the party, Chief Joseph Onwe who succeeded Prince Ugorji Ama Oti after his resignation met brick walls.

Observers of the trend explained that should Onwe survive the plot to replace him with Chief Ben Akpa other contending aspirants might gain the upper hands against Chukwu, thereby which will dealing serious a blow on his ambition.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Benard Ebere, in an interview in Abakaliki explained that the emergence of Ikpor into the race was one of the challenges the state governor would have to contend with in his efforts to sell the candidacy of the former Minister because the latest governorship aspirant had been a strong political strategist from the same Afikpo clan with Chukwu.

According to Ebere, Ikpor could shrink the chances of Onyebuchi to the favour of the deputy governor, Engineer Dave Umahi, another strong contender in the race.

Ikpor who resigned his appointment as the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism last week, said he was contesting the position based on his confidence that he has the best of what was needed to drive the state further to actualise the dreams of its founding fathers.

The development tended to have divided the ranks of the Afikpo people, a major political bloc in the southern coalition.

Senator Offia Nwali, a second Republic Senator and one of the foremost founding fathers has joined the race, bringing to six the number of those running against Chukwu, despite the call by Governor Elechi that people of the state should support the ex-Minister’s ambition.

The November 1, 2014 Ward Congresses of the PDP, observers said, must have broken the unity of the party, leaving a number of the party faithful scampering for alternatives.

Already, some of the party members were said to have commenced negotiations with the All Peoples Congress and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, in protest against what they described as lack of internal democracy in the PDP.

10

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

OPINION

King Robert Ebizimor cannot die W Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

hat is mortal of King Robert Ebizimor would be interred but the essence of this great musical maestro of our generation remains imperishable eternally.

It is therefore with a heavy heart but great appreciation of a talented life that was fully maximised for impact on humanity that I on behalf of myself, my family and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria send our deepest of condolences to the family of Ebizimor and all lovers of his music world wide.

King Robert Ebizimor by a twist of fate was said to be on his way to his hometown Angalatiri in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State for a ‘survival party,’ having survived a cancerous attack on his leg when he was involved in a ghastly accident that he very sadly did not survive.

Our consolation lies in the fact that he is survived not only by good children but his

monument of exploits in the Ijaw folk music, ‘Owigiri.’

He used his many compositions to masterfully capture the stories of his land in very graphic imageries. The dexterity of his musical output earned him a cult-like following as he fired the imagination of the people. He was very clearly a true practitioner of relevant art.

King Robert Ebizimor brought joy, gladness and good tidings to all who had the good fortune of meeting him, listening to him or watching him perform on stage.

King Robert Ebizimo was a folklorist who used his talent to promote the Niger Delta struggle through lyrics and dance. Many of his brilliant compositions including: O BA YOU KUMOR; KEME KE MANNY WATER; SI BONE SUOMO, ENIYE KPEMI, DUO MA BOU, EBI-ERE KE BEDE EGBE; ‘BIBO YE’ and ‘BO BRA will stand the test of time.

From one lyrical wax to another he sang for justice, peace, fairness, equity, harmony,

love and progress in Ijaw Land and Nigeria.

In his great artistic life were all the elements rolled: a poet, dramatist, novelist, authority on oral literature and a great philosopher.

In him you found the echoes of the great playwright Professor J.P Clarke, the depth of the Greek philosopher, Aristotle and the communicative imagistic sophistication and the proverbial profundity of Oral literature.

One of the greatest messages he has left with us is to render any help we can to our living brothers and sisters while they are still breathing because if they die they “don go o!”.

Though it is our wish that his ‘e don go’ moment were delayed, we must surrender to the will of the Almighty who knows the appointed time for each and every one of us.

In his life time, he rekindled an interest in the language and culture of the Izon people and so in death we must pay him back by ensuring that his catalogue of songs are played to our children and their children so they know we have a culture that educates,

entertains and civilises its adherents.

Great minds like him however shame death derisively as there is something in them death can’t handle. Long after their remains are committed to mother earth their works continue to keep them alive.

For ages to come the voice of Ebizimor will continue to ring loud in millions of ears. He belongs to the tribe of Nigeria’s cultural greats of all seasons like Rex Jim Lawson, Hubert Ogunde, Fela Anikuapo-Kuti, Mamman Shata, Dan Maraya Jos, Victor Osadebe, Oliver de Coque and a host of legends.

As he departs this side of eternity, comets are seen and the heavens blaze forth his demise.

Good night dear brother! Thank you for your selfless service to our people and our Country. Your stay here on earth teaches us to live a life that positively impacts on others.

You are a great man!

•Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) is the President of Nigeria

Kalu Vs. Orji: Maduekwe’s conspiracy

“O

Olaniyi Olanike

jo Maduekwe was also as wily as they come in the politics of eating one of his own to pave way for himself… In essence, a few pro-Igbo policies of the Obasanjo era were lost in the din of tribal self-hate Ojo polluted all around the Villa. Recall that it was Ojo that called his own people – the Igbos idiots and all that, and he never apologized.” This is contained in an article by James Osunbor, titled, ‘Ojo Maduekwe is a drag on Nigeria’s foreign policy,’ September 25, 2009.

So, I was yet to believe that it was Chief Ojo Maduekwe again that wrote the article published in the ThisDay newspapers of October 31, 2014, (after many problems he had caused Ndigbo and everyone around him) where he disparaged the personality of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, the former governor of Abia State, for the exaltation of the incumbent, Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji, not until I read a rejoinder to it published in the Daily Sun edition of November 5 2014, titled ‘Ojo Maduekwe and his Abia tale by moonlight.’

Maduekwe who was using referrals in that article to debase Kalu made me believe the opinion of Kalu in another forum that, the elders of Abia State and other well-meaning persons in the state are now on their toes, cowed to navigate to anywhere the compass goes, without holding to their own opinion about the state. Suffice it to say that the governor has made everybody to become afraid for his or her life. Talking about some persons summoning the courage to speak out against the evils of the government is a big story for another day, just as Maduekwe has exhibited.

I’m sure that Maduekwe was cowed into airing such views against Kalu that lack in substance, much as they lack in truth. Maduekwe, without doubt, needs a serious transformation. He wanted to get publicity by that jaundiced article of his, but he will not get it.

Rather, we have to remind him that Nigeria is moving forward from politics of controversy which is the second name of Madukwe. We have to remind Maduekwe that it takes clean hands to go before equity. Why disparage the innocent Kalu, Maduekwe? Now I believe the maxim that some Nigerians prefer ‘Stomach Infrastructure.’

Since 2001, Maduekwe has been rapping Kalu for no fault of Kalu’s. However, Osunbor throws light on that, writing: Recall also that the main reason Orji Uzor Kalu (as Governor)

engaged Ojo was because vintage Kalu, fighting for Igbos (and the masses) like he always does, could not suffer witches lightly. Beyond that, Ojo was more like a warlock that turned into various winged monsters at night to suck the life-blood of his own people. Orji saw through it all and decided that the only option was to stop the man from winning any election in their native Abia State. Orji was in good company because much of Abia people and the entire Igboland have since reckoned with the sort of self-hating breed Ojo was made of and thus had no problem in handing him defeat after defeat at all the elections he contested.

In some quarters, people have been fighting for Kalu. One Rudolf Okonkwo was among the numerous people who have thrown their weight for the truth. Okonkwo on Monday, February 26, 2001, published an article, titled, ‘To Ojo Maduekwe, I say, tufiakwa!’ Although, he said that he was not a fan of Kalu’s, Okonkwo wrote: Ojo Maduekwe is a living symbol of all that is wrong with Igboland. He is more patriotic than the parrot. He speaks French more than the French. He is forever excited about the authority of his master that is at his disposal.

He has no sense of tomorrow and the history of the past means nothing to him. He speaks Latin, a dead language and thinks he speaks in tongues. He is just a butterfly that thinks himself a bird. People like Ojo Maduekwe needs to know more before they know how little they truly know. You find them everywhere Ndigbo gather. Either they are ‘lost in the confusion of their understanding,’ or you see them ‘lost in the understanding of their confusion.’

What was the problem? Maduekwe who believed that power was not transient till he was disgraced out of the political equation at the federal level and remains nobody at the state level had said that there was no Igbo Republic. This was in the event that Ndigbo were pressing for Igbo presidency in 2003. Because Maduekwe believed that he was reaping much from the government of that time, he sold Ndigbo, his people, less than 30 pieces of silver just for the lucre of power.

Okonkwo argued that, this lack of recognition of the existence of the Igbo Republic within the bigger Federal Republic of Nigeria is at the core of Ojo Maduekwe’s malady. And it is not just Ojo Maduekwe. There are so many Igbos like him. This was the same oversight Zik had.

Zik had the illusion that Nigeria was one big pot that its whole content would melt if he begins by melting himself. Unknown to him, the salad bar that Nigeria is won’t be turning into

that dream melting pot any time soon.

Okonkwo said that we should tell Ojo Maduekwe: “There is no Igbo Republic. What we have is a Federal Republic of Nigeria. So whoever wants to be President can only be a Nigerian president, even if of Igbo extraction. It is idiotic to speak of an Igbo President, a Nupe President, a Yoruba President, when we should be thinking of working for the greater glory of a nation. Ndigbo wants a better deal in the Nigerian polity, not a nominal title that would give the ignorant masses a false feeling of relevance.”

In that stead, Maduekwe was classified with traders, those that are in Ariaria Aba and Onitsha Main Market. Okonkwo posited that according to Ojo Maduekwe, the Nigerian government has not tried to heal the wounds of the Civil War, 30 years after. Maduekwe who had said that Nigeria has not done much to heal the wound of that war, has not and never been doing anything to heal that political chaos in his home state of Abia, except to throw tantrums against Kalu in favour of Governor Orji.

Okonkwo reminded us that there lay Ojo Maduekwe’s beef with Orji Uzor Kalu, (when he was the Governor of Abia State). Okonkwo said that for Orji Kalu, Ojo Maduekwe was ready to wear the mask of Bakassi Boys. Hear Ojo Maduekwe: “If he (Orji Kalu) wants war, he will have it. Because we are the original Bakassi Boys.” Then, he went on to say that “… there is a history of dealing with such rascal.”

Okonkwo was asking of what history was Ojo Maduekwe talking about? Is it the NPN election manipulation history or something else? Maduekwe then warned that Ohafia spirit will rise and with it cometh the Igbo spirit and together, they will sweep Orji Kalu out of office. According to Okonkwo: “I once listened to Orji Kalu and Ojo Maduekwe talk at the World Igbo Congress convention in Dallas. Orji Kalu said that an Igbo minister should give the federal government of Nigeria 50% and give the other 50% to Ndigbo. He boasted that if he were a minister, he would have made many Igbos millionaires.... Ojo Maduekwe on his part simply stood up and said that Obasanjo sent him. The whole world knows he has the ears of Obasanjo, has traveled with the president round the globe. But the question remains, what changes have he brought about? For me, there is no middle way of serving Nigeria. Either you go the Kaduna Nzeogwu way or you abandon the sinking ship all together.”

Over the weekend, a recent visitor told me

about the exploits of Bakassi Boys. I was told they carry about a knife that breeds blood when it gets close to a murderer. The Bakassi Boys (the modern one, not that fake one Ojo Maduekwe belonged to) also have a charm they put around the neck of a suspect and make him confess. I was told that if the knife breeds and the suspect confesses, Bakassi Boys will kill. Did I hear you say, yucky? One of the things that crosses my mind as I listened was why the Bakassi Boys have not taken the knife 100 miles near the likes of Ojo Maduekwe, Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo and co? Why haven’t the Bakassi Boys put their charm round the neck of Ojo Maduekwe and let’s hear what he has to say then?

In the article titled: ‘Ojo Maduekwe is a drag on Nigeria’s foreign policy’ by James Osunbor, 25 September 2009, gives us a clear picture of who Maduekwe is. Osunbor writes that back in the day when Abacha held sway and during periods when the frustration level of Nigerians with his government was at the highest pitch, Ojo Maduekwe was part of the kitchen cabinet that churned out much of the nasty policies Nigerians and the international community railed against. Whether in the mean-spirited intellectual pursuit of NADECO and other pro-democracy activists or with rendering of advice to government on how to get meaner with the masses or in making reckless public remarks that riled to no end, Ojo was there – the epicentre of all that was wrong with the much dreaded Abacha regime.

The observer goes further to elucidate on how then Maduekwe found some favour with PDP at its formation was the ultimate poser to many; but discerning minds were quick to figure that besides his many unsavoury traits, Ojo was also as wily as they come in the politics of eating one of his own to pave way for himself.

The story goes further that it happened that he survived many purges of the Obasanjo era, owing largely to the rumour that he spied on his fellow Igbos and garnished what he learned all the way to the Villa, dressed as intelligence. Thus, in essence, just like Ojo was part of why Abacha remained unpopular throughout, he was also why Igbos never trusted Obasanjo and accused him of stoking treachery. In essence, a few pro-Igbo policies of the Obasanjo era were lost in the din of tribal self-hate Ojo polluted all around the Villa. Recall that it was Ojo that called his own people – the Igbos idiots and all that, and he never apologised.

•Olaniyi Olanike (Mrs.) writes from Umuahia

11

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2014

Take two for the price of one.

Read the International New York Times in every Monday Edition of the New Telegraph

Nigeria’s authoritative Newspaper in Business and Politics

www.newtelegraphonline.com

www.facebook.com/newtelegraph

www.twitter.com/newtelegraph1

12

SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Moment

L-R: Wife of the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant, Ada Elumelu; Aspirant, Godwin Ndudi Elumelu; National Organising Secretary, PDP, Abubakar Mustapha and others, during the submission of the gubernatorial nomination form by Elumelu in Abuja…on Friday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

L-R: Public Affairs and Communications Director, Coca-Cola, Mr. Clem Ugorji; Head, Corporate Communications and CSR, FCMB, Mrs. Uche Mojekwu and Goodwill Ambassador, Friends Africa, Emmanuel Babayaro, during a press conference on Play for life campaign in commemoration of the World AIDS Day press in Lagos…on Thursday

L-R: Brigadier General Francis Olalekan Akanji; Head of Section, Sports, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Bisi Kazeem and Corps Marshal/Chief Executive, Boboye Oyeyemi, during the graduation of FRSC/World Bank capacity building and training, at the FRSC Academy, Udi, Enugu State…recently

L-R: Afreximbank Executive Vice President (BDCB), Dr. Benedict Oramah; Governor, Bank of Zambia; Afreximbank President-Jean-Louis Ekra; Denys denya, Afreximbank Executive Vice President (FABS); Denys Denya; Dr. Henriquie de Azevedo, Head of Export Credit Division, Business in Africa, BNDES, Dr. Henriquire de Azevedo and Programme Manager, Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU, Netherlands Lemon Rutten, at the opening of Afreximbank’s annual seminar workshop in Lusaka...on Tuesday

L-R: First son of the late Ijaw music Icon, King Robert Ebizimor, Mr. Aremene-Ebibo; first daughter, Mrs. Esther Perezimor; Bayelsa State Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, Dr. Felix Tuodolo and Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, at a Special ceremony to honour the late Ijaw music legend, in Yenagoa…yesterday

Winner, MTN Project Fame Season 7, Geoffrey Orji (left), being presented with his SUV by MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael. Ikpoki, at MTN corporate head office, Victoria Island, Lagos…on Thursday

L-R: Chairman, League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), Mr. Chukwuemeka Iwelumo; Managing Director, Belayane Konsult, Mr Chris Aligbe; Director, Maintenance, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olufemi Ogunade and General Manager, Procurement, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Olumuyiwa Adegorite, during the 20th Annual League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents Seminar in Lagos …yesterday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

L-R: Members, Africa Young Entrepreneurs, Smith Erwin; Makathini Michelle; Ibada Ahmed; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Summy Francis; Langerfeld Marriette; Ayodele Ayokunle; and Mr Yemi Osilaja, during courtesy visit of Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs to Senator Tinubu in Lagos...recently

13

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014

T

Ayodele Aminu

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has pledged to defend the naira, despite the four per cent fall in value of the naira this year, A drop in oil prices had unnerved foreign investors and sent Nigeria’s stock and bond markets into a plunge.

But the CBN Deputy Governor, Sarah Alade, said the banking watchdog would continue to defend the naira, which has been trading outside its preferred band for some time.

The apex bank sold dollars as part of that defence yesterday, she said.

The naira closed at N165.90 following the CBN’s intervention, after weakening to N173.05 intraday against the dollar.

It closed at N169.90 naira last Thursday.

“We will continue to defend the currency, we have always said that,” Alade told Reuters by telephone, adding that the bank was comfortable with level of

CBN vows to defend naira

News

•Apex bank comfortable with reserves, says Alade the country’s foreign reserves of around $38 billion.

The currency has come under pressure in the past two months from falling oil prices, which have weakened appetites for assets in Africa’s biggest economy and chief oil exporter.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange has lost N3trillion this year, while the main stock index fell 11.52 percent in one week to 33,225 points as naira worries and oil-price risk spooked foreign investors, the major buyers of local shares.

Foreign investors have continued to pulled money out of the local stock and bond market since oil prices steadied at less than $83 a barrel, after dropping to a new four-year low below $82 a barrel on Wednesday.

Bond yields have also

suffered. But domestic pension funds stepped in last Friday to pick up the slack and piled back into the most liquid 3-year government bond, driving down the yield 64 basis points to 11.70 percent.

“The central bank cannot afford to keep intervening in the FX market, to defend the official target exchange

rate ... at the rate it has been doing in recent weeks ... especially in a depressed oil price environment,” said Yvonne Mhango, an economist at Renaissance Capital.

Analysts expect a 10 to 15 percent devaluation of the currency, around half the scale of what the central bank did six years ago, when oil prices also

plunged.

The naira has touched new intraday lows nearly every trading session on strong dollar demand, partly from foreign investors and partly from domestic importers worried about the risk of a currency devaluation.

Alade said the bank was willing to defend the naira and would be guided by

the dictates of the market to do that, adding that the last time the currency was devalued, in 2008, oil prices were lower than they are now, even though the price is declining.

“At the last time when did that (devalued), we didn’t have the kind of oil prices that we have now, so we are still comfortable,” Alade said.

Obuh submits gov forms Sony Neme

A

Delta State governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sir Tony Obuh, yesterday said he would transform the state if elected.

Obuh, who made the pledge after submitting his nomination and expression of interest forms at the PDP headquarters in Abuja, said, “I am here to inform our great party, PDP, of my intention to run for the governorship of Delta State. I am here to also inform our party leadership that we are determined to continue with the development strides that our great party has been providing in Delta State. That will enable us to open up all the windows of opportunities across the state to enable the people to benefit from their full potential, to prove themselves. And finally, to present my form that has been endorsed by PDP in my state.”

He said he came to the party headquarters after collecting the mandatory signatures.

“It gives me the opportunity to further express my interest to the party and its

leadership more importantly to the people of Delta State that I am set to serve them and empower the people of the state through the various projects that we are going to run and transform the state.

“It is difficult for you to have any contest for any position without some little bit of rancour, complaints and petitions here and there.

“I recall that at that venue when the results were collated and presented to the people virtually all the contestants expressed satisfaction as to how it was conducted except there are changes in the cause of time between that day and today, maybe certain things might have happened otherwise, I think that people felt fairly represented by what happened last Saturday.

“The party has the channel for resolving all issues and conflicts and I expect that they will live by the rules since that is what they want to promote,” he added.

Obuh noted that he was far ahead of other aspirants because of his vast knowledge about the needs of Delta people.

Exhibitors and customers at the on-going 20th Lagos International Trade Fair, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

85% of imported products are substandard - SON •FG reappoints Odumodu Dele Alao

A

bout 85 per cent of imported products in Nigeria are substandard, Director-General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, has said.

This came hours after the Federal Government announced his reappointment for another term.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja at the annual seminar for business correspondents and senior editors organised by the Federal

Ministry of İndustry, Trade and İnvestment, the DG, who refrained from mentioning any country of origin of such substandard products, said that SON would not relent in its efforts in addressing the issue.

He, however, noted that substandard products had been reduced by 40 per cent. The DG said the country was holding talks with China on how to discourage the importation of substandard products.

Odumodu said that ef-

15 drown, two survive in Sokoto autocrash Umar Danladi Ado Sokoto

N

o fewer than 15 passengers were said to have drowned when their vehicle plunged into River Rima in Goronyo Local Government area of Sokoto State on Friday.

Sunday New Telegraph gathered that the deceased were returning to their

hometown, Dan-Wawaru from Takakume village, both in the same local government after attending a religious ceremony.

The vehicle plunged into the river after the driver fell asleep.

The spokesman for the state police command, DSP Al-Mustapha Sani, confirmed the incident in yes-

terday.

Sani said that the Toyota Avensis car was conveying 17 persons at the time of accident, adding that two of them survived.

He said the remains of the deceased were pulled out from the river by policemen attached to Goronyo division.

He said the dead persons

had since been buried by their respective families according to Islamic rites.

Governor Aliyu Wamakko condoled with the families of the deceased on Friday, urging them to regard the incident as an act of God. Wamakko who was said to have been visibly shaken by the incident prayed for the repose of their souls.

forts are ongoing to register all products in the country and ensure that substandard products are not allowed.

On the controversial cement standardisation, Odumodu said that the technical team put together recommended the new 42.5 grade.

Odumodu, who noted that 32.5 cement grade cement is not substandard, explained that the application is where the problem lies.

The SON boss identified weak regulatory framework, low level of consumer awareness and ineffective ports and borders control, as some of the challenges confronting the organisation.

In his remarks, the Minister of İndustry, Trade and İnvestment, Olusegun Aganga, vouched for professionals managing different bodies under his ministry.

Meanwhile, the reappointment of Odumodu, which becomes effective from February 1, 2015 at

the expiration of his current term, is in lie with the provisions of SON Act, CAP S9 LFN, 2004.

Aganga told journalists that President Goodluck Jonathan approved the renewal of Odumodu’s term as part of efforts to sustain initiatives that would further address standardisation issues in the country.

In a letter to the SON boss, Aganga said: “Your reappointment is in recognition of the numerous initiatives you have put in place to support the competitiveness of Nigerian products and services in the global market; and the new reforms you have commenced with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to develop a National Standards and quality infrastructure that will support the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) of the Federal Government of Nigeria. I am, therefore, confident that you will diligently apply yourself to justify the confidence of Mr. President.”

14

SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

Tinubu slams INEC over shoddy PVCs distribution

Temitope Ogunbanke and Wale Elegbede

N

ational Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the shoddy distribution of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) in Lagos State, declaring that the exercise was a total failure and unacceptable to his party.

Speaking at a press conference at the party’s secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos, Tinubu said the manner at which INEC is

carrying out the distribution of the PVC exercise was a signal that the electoral body has colluded with the presidency and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rig the 2015 election.

He said:“From our field reports and personal experiences and what we observed so far, the exercise even in the so-called 11 local governments where INEC said they are going to distribute the PVC, has failed and it is unacceptable. To me, this exercise is a failure and it is not acceptable.

“We will consider it as part of rigging exercise. INEC has colluded with the presidency and the opposing party to rig the 2015 elections from

the data to the end. This is a deliberate collusion as far as I am concerned,” he said.

Tinubu said it was worrisome that less than four months to the general election, INEC has not been able to put its house in order to ensure a free and fair election in 2015.

“Back in 2011, we sympathised with the cry of Attahiru Jega, who apologised to Nigerians on the National Assembly elections, which was aborted because election materials and result sheets did not arrive in time.

They had another four years to have learnt their lessons.

“This is deliberate as far as I am concerned and as far as the party is concerned. Just

like we merged to form a formidable opposition party, they have merged with President Goodluck Jonathan to form a formidable rigging body.”

The APC leader noted further that: “There are so many pertinent questions the nation must demand from INEC, which to me when will get to the national level of my party, we have to address squarely. Is INEC going to be ready for the 2015 elections in the 36 states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the same day, the same time if he is going like this? Are they going to have a successful election as they have been telling us? The answer to me from

this is No. This is a colossal failure and it has eroded my own respect and confidence that INEC can conduct a successful 2015 elections without hitches.”

On the issue modified voters register in Lagos which reduced the number of registered voters in the state from 6.2million in 2011 to 4.8 million, Tinubu said INEC lacked the power to disenfranchise electorates from voting during elections.

“INEC must publish those close to two millions voters excluded from the register in Lagos State. We have the rights to know. INEC is not a court of law and you cannot exclude Nigerians from exercising their franchise; the right to vote. If INEC refused to publish their names and give reasons, they would be violating people constitutional rights.

“We demand from INEC to publish those who might have done double or multiple registrations and why the reduction has gone to

4.8million. INEC is not a court of law, so they have no authority to remove the names or disenfranchised people from taking parts in election. You cannot take people rights away unless the court says so. You have no constitutional right to do so.

“If you like to prosecute them, you have to seek the permission of the court. If you have to prevent them from voting, you have to seek the permission of the court. You don’t constitute yourself as court of law,” Tinubu told INEC. Advising the INEC to retrace its steps, the former governor said that, “The best thing is to start the PVC distribution all over again afresh in the 20 local governments at the same time.

Those who have collected will not come back because there would be no card for them. You will have records of their collection otherwise we are heading for a disaster.”

Oshiomhole wants bad rulers voted out

G L-R: National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Chairman, Lagos State, Otunba Henry Ajomale; Chieftain, Alhaji Mutiu Are and Treasurer, Princess Olasumbo Ajose, at the party’s press conference in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Protest in Ogun over over excercise Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

H

undreds of Ogun State residents yesterday took to the streets to protest what they described as ‘poor logistics and shoddy preparation’ in the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Armed with placards bearing various inscriptions and chanting slogans, the protesters in Sagamu and Ifo areas of the state complained about missing names on the displayed registers and non-availability of electoral officials, among other logistics problems.

To forestall a breakdown of law and order by the agitated residents, Governor Ibikunle Amosun had to wade into the matter and appeal to the protesters to exercise patience.

Amosun, who also expressed dissatisfaction over the distribution of PVCs across the state, urged INEC to extend the exercise.

He said he had monitored the exercise and received field reports, pointing out that the alleged failings of the electoral commission were unacceptable.

He later visited the INEC headquarters in Abeokuta, where he met with the National Commissioner in charge of South West, Prof.

Lai Olurode, and State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sam Olumekun, to formally lodge a complaint.

Amosun said, “From information reaching me across the 20 local government areas of the state, there is a problem. Maybe only 10 per cent of our people have been able to collect their cards. I don’t want to subscribe to the speculation that the intention of INEC

is to disenfranchise our people.

“Our position is that the exercise has not started. It is therefore imperative that INEC should give us additional days, like three days to conduct the exercise.

If INEC knew they were not ready, why did they announce the date? INEC should sort itself out.”

Amosun also called on the INEC Chairman, Prof.

Attahiru Jega, to wade in the matter by granting the state’s request for time extension.

But Olurode and Olumekun, who blamed the development on multiple registration, incomplete data and some logistics hitches, insisted that there was no cause for alarm.

They assured that all eligible voters would get their PVCs before the conduct of the 2015 general elections.

Olurode declared that INEC had no intention of

disenfranchising voters or sabotaging the forthcoming poll.

He said, “It is a national project and if we fail, the image of the country is going to plummet. We raised the bar of election credibility in 2011 and we are not going to do anything to rubbish it. The theory of deliberate sabotage is nonexistent.

“People should not listen to those who claim INEC wants to create sabotage.

We have challenges but we are responding to these challenges. I want to assure you that we will communicate your reservation to Abuja. We don’t have the powers to extend the time for the exercise.”

The conversion of Temporary Voter Cards to PVCs, which commenced on Friday, is scheduled to last till Sunday (today).

overnor Adams Oshiomole of Edo State has tasked voters in the country to use their Permanent Voter’s Card to punish incompetent leaders and the party that fielded them, by voting them out of office in the next general election.

Speaking over the weekend, shortly after collecting his Permanent Voter’s Card, the governor said without the PVC, it would be impossible to change an incompetent government.

He said: “In a democracy, it is expected that when you elect people in good faith, you elect them in trust.

When you have voted for someone and for one reason you are not satisfied, then you need the card to be able to fire the person, particularly when the per-

son makes himself available in the next election, if the person is not contesting and you feel strongly about the issue you can decide to use your card to punish the political party that fielded the person.

“So if you do not have this card, you are not in a position to punish those who have not performed. So if anybody says, because this man did not perform well therefore I will not collect the voter’s card. That is a mistake.

“This card is a horsewhip to punish anyone who you elected that did not perform and to punish the political party that produces that person unless you are convinced that it is not the fault of the party. The permanent voter’s card is not only an instrument of reward but one for punishment.

Youths reject lawmaker’s re-election

A

head of the 2015 elections, a group, Umunano Youth Forum, has expressed opposition to the reported second term ambition of member representing Igboeze North Constituency 2 (Umunano) in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon Tony Ogidi over the lawmaker’s poor representation and unpopularity.

Speaking after a meeting of members in Enugu, the forum stated that it has carefully assessed the performance of the lawmaker and his relationship with the entire people of Umunano and discovered that the people were not impressed with his performance and consequently want the

leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP to drop him and field a fresh candidate for the election.

Chairman and spokesman of the group, Kingsley Nweze said that they have toured the four clans that made up the constituency, namely Essodo, Etteh, Ezeodo and Umuitodo to assess the opinion of the people on his performance, and discover that the constituents are grossly unimpressed with their representative. He said that some groups, including PDP ward members have written letters to Governor Sullivan Chime and the PDP over the lawmaker’s poor representation.

15

Fashion

Jazzy printed pants 22-43

Bed, Work & Life

What makes a man?

20

Body Soul SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014

‘Makeup kit is my most cherished possession’

16

SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

heart y m m o r f t h g Strai

en as shouting. Th obvious she w g but wondered as w It . ly ild w in as sing ulating ing and gestic ncluded she w wheel was talk e air-conditioned car. I co e th nd hi be t in a late woman ger in th e were caugh had no passen ebody so agitated.

W e s. sh al ed rv te tic in no I rapper at uld leave som fingers like a what music co It was when lk and jab her

A

49 Pg. 49

&Sou Body

l

ta irections.

I watched her or road in Lagos. in opposite d g n vi ri aj d e m a er fic on -we w to her ears. afternoon traf ched towards each other rd plugged in co k she looked ac bl e I th in noticed armed because er check. I I al at as th w Our vehicles e I d . si ly te by h le e p d on m si s co e ar er ot te our vehicles w the phone! I relaxed, but n itated. Then, I noticed the Oh, she was on rst a vein. She looked so ag with. ys who bu ng ience with bo like she could bad news she was grappli same time. After my exper e at robber to me. e a migraine for wondered wh and my environment at th like an armed ed er h ok lo ed has becom r rv ke se aw ob I ay? Insecurity c, every h d fi to af tr ia salad in er ig ts N is Boko isn’t in , o a rde n rob motor p h g ou W . gr r ed or o at rr f it ag g ire with the te surSo, I was also ressin agreed ceasef ago, the activities of the in a de d an d m . ce e n n ia ou d er n m ig an ent an Ho all N weeks and towns eral Governm ok girls a few whole villages e country is so ed ck After the Fed ossible release of the Chib sa S e av h th ep th. They ation in Haram, and th in momentum in the Nor n towns! The security situ d ia t to the gents increase r flag and renaming Niger the Chibok girls now. ldiers we sen so t e ei h ou th T g ab s. in g ou st in vi oi lk match the e pre are h are ta worse than th n arms and ammunition to fireplace a few people ch ly ea on s, at ew th n d s ba ith ve are regaled w laining that they are not gi live coal from a neighbour’ Each day, we t p m ge co to t, d il ou ch g n a nd cryi Pg. 50 war front are e enemy. How could we se th e of th er at ow th p fire ised the alarm orner ds? ack ook C mes Ngilari ra y for more My C Ja with bare han , fun sn or n er a e ov G , ar e a sy it o! n at il a St m od n a e G a s th aw b e’ gged Ther , Adam Frozen On Thursday ht overrun his state and be igerians to relax, shop for O ig N m ts g! p an in ou w en t terror gr ernmen g is happ ov in G th al no er if d as Fe s e troops. And th prepare for the 2015 election r dear nation seems to be d an e that ou d r dear ti le Yu e th over the fact me online -ou ader, g n ca vi s ie re gr tu e ic p ar While we military le ism, set of against terror ina Faso’s new lp! losing the war an in a handshake with Burk ried he th at country who c th y in o e a.

President Jona b er id w Z e c ts h olonel Isaa frican presiden signation T Lieutenant C Gags d other West A ent following the forced re an an A th na Jo m rn ve go President ed to a civilian-l a man whose ord to plot a path sident Blaise Campore. om W Jonathan that Wisd ck lu re d P oo t’ G h t ig Art -t en d si re of ‘sit P olour C ll te y please Can somebod oes not chase rats? d re fi house is on Juliet EMBER,

NEW

TELEGR

APH

, 09 NOV SUNDAY

2014

yrah e & Din ndly S Wine te frie la a p Tasty

e is . mouth red win like s ied of the floor full-bod ed region , ArThis in select , Spain ica, grapesh with wn Australia South Afr nded alate, suc p gro , , tes and en ble hel d-p Francea Mendozaited Sta It is oft more mivignon, to comgentin Chile, Un t add net Sau te more ble ford tha ly, nsi .

Ita tas po ber yode o res l-bodie ah as Ca the wine lumbia a Ka of Syr e- Co ah is alsdarkest ful . It has betnoluw make rld our Syr ger is y, blu Ibuku of the in the wo m sweet ere big al choice . plete. fruity flav ckberr h une. fro some bla ry wit ide rld wh ate ours The ck oliv wines ards ve, n a wo ah is the the pal visenber per, clo , red k fruit flav oury bla te, Syrah ns tow tas ter, Syrto cool offbernet Sau ts lea ry and boy e, pep rosemary to sav oliv o dar eberry l-bodied d foods,bol to bar wine than Ca high amoun i- ber tone of , allspice, tobacc blu ful h its iox s fat, wit ker th der licorice ant Wi on the atly r of the burger It’s darand containorating mint, meat, bac on floo rs gre cheese bring out o, gnon lth-invig ed that finish e pai m blue k is to wine. Als d wine er cur smoke fro of hea ally hav the tric in the roaste grape . Ov and . er usu of oak becue, nuances tly with h comdants. is a red by anyone nk has ate ate fill h usage pal tle and ah wit fec d s dri pal sub n Syr enjoye e frie rs per um enThis m to hig m tannin as vintagrecognitio it pai ble, steak optim can be rs, this diu me mediu be served For gain vegeta butter. chilled. h me ng with either ty drink. the yeaued to urs and som a hig agi y. It can a par strong pound nt, serve continconnoisse be with ate for acidit wine or en let off colate me glo pal joy le oft from oss the cho the e a tab ing and win on the be lier acr in lift Syrah of vanilla bal notes and you’ll dem hment.

Syrah, flavour smells lush of her a refres a taste ofpunch of a spicy with g With with a . d , leavin rtaste greete ers off the afte tap e in that y not pepper

, nned e ski som breast. Or at nt. Trychicken r me u wa l you . This ed if yo chopp ter parboi mix and could add wa ter andd of wa cooked f (you t do not ad taste bee of all re for place in lean spice bu drains ). Chop and mixtu ces taste re is done, p your with the meat lthy the jui cho er to hea y, rite xtu in mb oy wa cooks and favou mi enj eating Reme en the . Shred e, sonal lettuc then r salad. at way to e you are Wh salt. rigerator ts. A per edded rry toyou a gre ling lik tasty. s to is les t fee the refingrediensome shr ed che e cuThis is no pp withou b. that salad sing up n, cho olives, som ate a foods ing dra ssing Gr ed y dre ) is tos sweet cor pped. lot. Mix someth chopp e ound health som s, some rots, cho er the e of S ves (gr ov NT car som clo toe ese on ma REDIE m garlic che zzle ber and ) diu cum parmesanl and dri earlier. s ING to the 2 me s olive oilper (flecks salad i de bow meat little e, s for Iklak nice ng you ma e lean ¾ cupblack pep to taste ssing m. Som om t in a ssi Biw d som 1 tbs ch of sal the dre ing the fatten rethe dremay ad eat mes, too ad the ing A pin ometi t you off d, are and sal ds You ur all until the han ION l, po can pu other yonnaise One nee , ARAT ing bow orouslyes creamy. isk on the nice ma ssings. dressingld PREP om isk vig In a whand wh and bec e the ch dre use for y cou nts thickens ing lik s or ran at you that the After die e. creamcareful whmuch fat resolv in the xture , mi n so y eating salad is to be hearty lth contai d they your hea of a goo make a to ruin secret is how all, theng. Here dressi

, 2014

EMBER

, 09 NOV SUNDAY

50

RAPH

TELEG

choco lt the wa ve s. Me mi cro it freezein the d stir till lat e the oil an the frozen can th oil Roll chocolate d pe l- wi ooth. d olive 2 tbs p ch op pe ts/ wa s is sm s in the y covere g u cu nana pletel toppin w nu av ing yo 1 ba , he sh com on . Place cas ur while ing until sprinkle nu ts/ coc on ut u or yo les til it eth in a yo nce do som who un then ts or sprink nu ts/ hever is y m ). tra nutes. can e of ur mo of nu k on the (whic s favourite mi for yo ing carprise yo ur bac ut 30 mom’ nice ays tak a it s in abo ing ly to w her g, ek, sur ION et in lov is alwThis we le coolin It ARAT ing she ana in set tch ho Se rve and wa you. th a litt snack. t PREPce a bak ban . m the up the Pla her wi banana make, jus insert ce mo lights Slice : tray. d gently and pla t face frozeny easy to below an ps half icle stick sheet. Pu t is ver the ste pops baking for abouit follow r as S on the freeze or till banan DIENT in the mi nu tes INGRE e but firmcks 4 rip cle sti colate or 15- 20 psi 4 po s dark cho 2 cup ate chips chocol

l

&Sou

Body

NEW

ne had everyo wn for do after Soon yu settled heard the d uring left, Ali when heloudly an d ighbo came nap e. An oing d. Ne nters t a s mo rywher was shouters and huto find thare cow ing eve lion. It you Alifarme g only They we - scatterhe saw the l mane. more elp! . , the n i ful Ali nin a d ing the ak run th of me ion. “H lp! wi s jok h warne ry om Ikl take huge ang to act n! He he wa set and about suc Biw a ve re you Lio eamed spr red e up was y who lp! bo yu jok all s u scr The mobehind.

He liy hty bo wa t to s the g et? lp!

Help! help!” he end to e. yu no . Aliyu elp! He gettin leave Footstep alphab naug in, ng one e cam in the alphabet alwayss parents ney?

Ans: a thi . So “h Once aga to Please from on he was ir mo d. ters are m -the ain er and ranAlas, no and said s ief. Hi to be a p the k ny let the t ag lp! He crie hed ov ious h kee him misch an rs? y w ma count other. laughed them thi o rus fur He do fis riverb Ho up to begged would no doo re ne ur.

11, ere n any d turKe They not get lost tw s Wh s: In the humo Ans: everyo and we it turned alwaysboy, but he his father an er ope him se of ed y, An would So Aliyu n. He wats s nev donKey help him when good One da tle ask h a sen 3 key and He e wit s time. to the liohis paren What MonKey, listen. reared cat cows. of with joke. a bon rou py rested nta pet s a en Ans: cross who watch the careful e out ter he hadch, he wa the cowsad. Wh re just hap yu I am s: Humo you An to en Af so lun again, y we hurt. Ali to him him to be ays cam d get wh e, the he some ce had see if on work, so ne cam he was un sed never te”, told n that alwtle. He sai do you obile? mi What autom t t the vo ryo that ed to would r pro s again. the lio the cat he should an e, wins lation tha ly, eve ack ple with A carpe howeve prank rity scream azing This tim to att happened,and peo any popu re of the Am in. “majo Ans: s p play did. bled aga uting and if thi y say is not the it is mo more. ut hel his aid. sho As the ong! It der, but matters just sho rush to his fathery assemleft with him up. t wr lea real they s to beat very you its you tha . would ly after d to pla warngs the Short yu decide . threat makes eness in pulation re is always e, but at bri he ers becom iniqu s the po the is wh , to ry u un left, Ali on oth Help!” d ion ma ang les nk in yo nature ing to difchamp Even a pra ! Lion! zeal when s. ore a nges are derstand when The . cision in regret y yourBef “Help de So u. un alle a s. ahead re Ch of yo the wa take ays end fare. es you mo to succesand forge Never will alw r love you t it giv ur road celebrate it u. n bu eve yo cause y can ed by yo nce. u arth a sig when tain comes, ! u es wi Nobod ng lov ngs existe ; how yo it. ficulty m Mind life com n to yo sign. bei ich ffle self is tence briof a shu you enr ysical Wisdo thing in of a burde lise the ; many Persis more how not the ph Everyes more fy and rea y is life is ines e to du it nit nti t Life determ of you is you. t becom l to ide to huma this gif it y s bu fai range originalit internal inrn lesson been ant you best gift disregard has me it lea t The but the e ly Th is no when up to puru owing a of yo all grow a lesson t goes, s for a otunkn nce. t not pen beg re of one tha We life bu es mo ignora loved ret, all hape his only s of becom enced. a proces Every or reg God gav s. ledge, l life nic experi tion is d to succes to know all demarita to pa remember re of ether. .

Educa ed roa e access owers pose, . ndset nte not mol life tog t God’s erp son rtner is guara emics giv ich ov your mi best bu rta ten pa goes, immo Acad sdom, whurally by rn is the u. Do Right re of an es and bo yo but wi comes natyou are best in t mo rnal. aiye y com roj is ete - buEvery da s. grees,ere ever bring the ain mber nde Du e is sac Wh l lov shown rd remvenly cha Ayori t will rea wo tha t n , bu eve place nic.

His hea to say t has not pa is easy us Chris true love. press Love only Jes notable elf to imgo far. l, t rificia able andalise yoursple do no remark natur such peo Neverbecause ple peo

Gags

Contents 09.11.2014 COVER

I had all the degrees, married with children, and everything that anybody could desire as a young lady. But at a point, I began to feel that my life was not complete

-Dr. Elizabeth Ikem

} 18-19

BEAUTY

To get that perfect makeup you have always loved, you need to be conscious of your skin tone and buy makeup products that go well with your colour

} 21

GLAM DUDES The structure of your face determines the best hairstyle for you. Hair texture and volume are also important

} 44

FASHION

Go for a super casual look. Pair your printed pants with graphic tee and flat sandals.

For tight printed skinnies or leggings, opt for oversized tops or even a blouse with a peplum for a trendy dash of fashion

T h e Te a m Juliet Bumah (Editor)

Vanessa Okwara (Correspondent) Wole Adepoju

} 22&43

Biwom Iklaki (Correspondent) Ugochukwu Nnakwe (Graphics)

MY PASSION My passion is to be of service to humanity and for fashion, I’m in love with the colour white and tangerine and the world of wardrobe styling

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

} 17

Associates

BED, WORK & LIFE She jumped on him and they continued their naughty play.

S h e allowed him take off her blouse.

H e seemed to have

something for knockers

} 20

Helen Paul

Eyitayo Aloh

17

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014

Body&Soul

Makeup kit is my most cherished possession -Bayray McNwizu

I love Si

What have you been up to lately?

I’m an actor and I love the art of storytelling.

The film industry has expanded and become more sophisticated with better stories to tell and amazing filmmakers. This has afforded me the opportunity to feature in exciting films locally and globally this year. I’ve also engaged in Youth fora and political activities. I’ve had an amazing year and I’m so thankful. I come from a relatively large family from Imo State.

I graduated from Lagos State University where I studied Philosophy.

edgy.

If you are going for a red carpet event, how long does it take you to dress up?

Depends on everybody involved in making me look beautiful and that includes the hair stylist, makeup artist and my stylist Which is your favourite perfume?

I love SÌ by Armani.

And favourite wristwatches?

It has to be Tom Ford wristwatches.

Once you wear them, you feel like a n

What movies brought you to the limelight?

I came into the industry when I won the Third Edition of the Amstel Malta Box Office Reality show in 2008 and played the lead role, ‘Cindy Hasstrup’, in the very famous movie about a youth corper, CINDY’S NOTES. Also, REBOUND by Emem I’m in love with Isong and Superstory’s ‘The Evil genius’ clutches bags

by WAP Productions made me popular.

Aside acting, are there other creative ventures you are you into?

Yes. I started my selfnamed handmade jewelry line and I have a retail store for the BMCC collection.

What inspires your acting?

I have passion for acting. The art of filmmaking and character interpretation inspire me a lot.

Describe your style.

My style is vibrant and

tocrat.

Aris-

What’s the most expensive item you have?

It is definitely my makeup kit. It’s practically an investment for my work as a TV personality. Since I’m always in front of the camera, I need to always look the part. If one item gets lost, I can almost cry!

What is your passion in life and fashion?

My life passion is to be of service to humanity and for fashion, I’m in love with

Nollywood actress, Eberechukwu Nwizu aka Bayray McNwizu, got to the limelight when she won the Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) competition six years ago. She has featured in many cinema releases including ‘Rebound’ and ‘Cindy’s Notes’ - which earned her an AMAA nomination and PAMSA Award Superstory, Mnet’s TV series, Tinsel amongst others. She talks about her work and passion in this interview with VANESSA OKWARA the colour white and tangerine and the world of wardrobe styling.

Taking a peek into your wardrobe, what kind of fashion items are we likely to see?

Perfumes, blazers, denim, clutch purses, clutch, clutch and more clutch!

What fashion item are you fetish about?

I don’t go anywhere without my S u n glasses.

Can you pose nude?

No. This is because in these parts, we don’t understand yet the function of the art of nudity.

If you were not acting, what other profession would you have liked to be in and why?

I love the law profession. I admired my mum’s flourishing law career and was so fascinated by the drama in the courtrooms. There is such elegance in the courtroom.

Are you in a relationship? ou t

What is your philosophy in life?

Peace with oneself and with the world. I find that, as a person, when you’re at peace with yourself, the world can enjoy some of that too!

And this world of ours is silently begging for that.

If you are to

Who is your favourite designer -local and international?

I love April by Kunbi and Elie Saab.

What do you like and dislike in a man?

I love simplicity and dislike disloyalty.

I do n my ’ t g o a s un n glas y whe ses re w i th

Yes, I am in a relationship. With my work!

make a wish, what are three most important heart desires you will like fulfilled?

The three wishes dearest to my heart are: Peace in Nigeria and the world; better governance and youth engagement in politics in Nigeria and to win the ZAFAA UK Award 2014 for Best Supporting Actress in the Movie “CONVERSATION AT DINNER”. And you all can vote for me and make this dream come true.

18

SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

As women, we shouldn’t limit Provost, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Dr. Elizabeth Ikem, in this interview with FLORA ONWUDIWE talks about her life, women in politics and challenges facing the educational sector

How would you assess the level of Nigerian women’s participation in politics?

Well, I think there are more women in politics today than it used to be. It is one thing to be interested and another thing to be accepted. We see acceptance and we are seeing women bring skills and expertise into politics. I think it is commendable and I hope it will get better in future.

Most women consider politics as a dirty game. Do you agree?

All Nigerians know the issue involved in our politics today - corruption. And I am sure that is what makes people say it is dirty. Dirty or not, if you are called into a place to participate, if that is the divine destiny God has for you, you should not be afraid. The One that called you will give you the grace to stand out, because when there is darkness and you are light, you are bound to shine. You can even be the agent of change, because we are looking for people that will come into a place that is rotten and turn it around. So any woman that is convinced and has the inner conviction that it is the calling of God for her and she is sure, she should go ahead and be the agent of change in whatever area or level of politics. She should go there and be an agent of transformation, agent of change and let good come into that area that is bad. Who knows?

Through you, God can bring the transformation we are looking for in Nigeria. So, we shouldn’t be afraid.

What is your view on the level of girl-child education in Nigeria?

I think it is also getting better. For instance, there was a time journalism was the exclusive preserve of men. Many wouldn’t want to go into it because of all kinds of stereotypes, norms, traditions, beliefs; some founded some unfounded, but today it is different. So, it is a thing of joy to know that those areas where we used to have just men, women are going into them. And journalism is one area I think the in-take of women have equaled and surpassed the men. You go to the class and you see more girls coming in; the areas they have branched into are a different matter after graduation. But at least we are seeing more and more of them. In other areas, like Mechanical Engineering, Medicine, Law, those areas that we used to have just men, the girls are there. I think it is commendable and we hope that it will get better. And I tell you that young girls of these days are go-getters. They are very adventurous, so I’m not surprised that they are breaking all barriers and surging forward.

Our society is male-dominated, despite the outstanding performances by women in leadership. What would you say are the major factors hindering women’s role in leadership in this country?

Traditionally, the dominant role of the man is there. In the work place, I think that with the fight for equality over the years, since 1975 when the declaration of the year for the women and the emphasis on equality also for the girl-child, I think the door is open for us as we learn. I think that in the world of competition, it is left for you to put in your best. In the western world, if you put in your best as a woman and you feel cheated, there are also liberation groups and activist bodies that can fight for you. If you have a genuine case where you believe you are qualified, perhaps a better candidate for a position, you can fight for it. But the hindrance is

19

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014

Body&Soul

ourselves -Dr. Elizabeth Ikem usually the woman. Often the woman, because in her psyche, in her thought pattern, in her attitude, she limits herself.

We give excuses and we are not ready to stretch ourselves. We draw back but we shouldn’t. Also, some of us want to play the weaker side and flaunt our beauty.

We think that that is a better price to pay, what we call bottom power and all those feminine attitudes that we want to play.

We think that is the ticket we should play.

I think we should begin to put a stop to it. Those are some of the obstacles but I am glad to know that more women are holding positions of power today. They are there because they merit it, they earn it and they deserve it.

What lessons has life taught you?

Life has taught me that there is only one God to fear. Anybody that fears God is bound to do well in life, in the sense that your fear of God will bring the wisdom of God into your life. When you have the wisdom of God in your life, you are bound to have an understanding of the purpose of God for your life. When you trail yourself along the path of God’s divine purpose and destiny for your life, you will make it in life. Making it is not about making money. It is about fulfilling the very purpose for which God created you. Every time I say to myself that I just want to be all that God wants me to be, that is the greatest thing. Ultimately, we are going to stand before Him one day. What is He going to say to us? Did you do what I asked you to do? That is a lesson of life.

As the first female provost, what would you say has sustained the journey so far?

It is the same principle of fear of God, justice, equity, fair play and giving our best. You see, sometimes people will misunderstand you, but as a leader, you

go the extra mile to carry every one along because you are the vision driver. So what have sustained me are these principles that I have mentioned to you. Everybody that is created on the surface of the earth particularly if you fear God, you should realize that God has a purpose for you, so when He sent you to a place, especially, to be a leader, there is a purpose for going there and this is always my prayer that everyman, everywoman in the position of authority in this country will understand that. But they are in that position not for themselves, but for a divine purpose, that divine purpose is usually for the good of humanity and for the glory of God. So if you operate that way, whatever challenges that will come your way, because challenges will come, God raises people to help you just as He did for us here.

We have been very supportive, forward looking governing council board members who are ready, who see this place as a place that should be raised for the good of this nation and humanity. So, once you are focused on the purpose of God, God will raise vision helpers and make provisions where there is none.

You lectured at Mass Communication Department, University of Lagos.

You also taught at Times Journalism Institute, an editor of Home Economics Science in the de-

funct Daily Times of Nigeria and now provost NIJ, what is responsible for the decay in the educational sector?

Oh, you’ve done some research. That is a big one. You know I told you about destiny. I had wanted to be a lawyer just like my father said to me but God in His infinite mercy knew that going into the path of Journalism and going through all these will bring me to give back into the industry what the industry puts inside of me. I would say that those of us who are opportune to manage the educational sector today should borrow some of the things that we had in our own time. Take for instance, we reverence but these days teacher is not anything. Why? Where is the reverence for the teachers? Did we mortgage it? Did we sell it? We have mortgaged some of the things that made the education imparting knowledge in students which used to be before, we’ve mortgage it today. A child doesn’t have to be in class if he can buy ‘hand out’. Why? It wasn’t so before. If a teacher teaches and believes that you need this material, the material is handed over to the class captain. They make photocopies or buy your books, recommended books, at the school bookshop. I remember in my days how I will travelled to the University of Benin bookshop to look for text books to buy, recommended text books given to you at the beginning of every session. These are your course outlines and you go and get the books. But these days, students don’t buy books anymore. Teachers turn their note books into textbooks for students to buy, insist that you must buy, so a lot of distortion in the system which we need to clean up. Don’t forget you are breeding people with distorted perception, if we don’t correct it, they too will go replicate the same. So it is a clarion call; we must produce integrity, people who were groomed.

We must be different because we are producing leaders of people, kingmakers, because that is what we are as journalists. We are kingmakers by the things we write, we are attitude molders, so if we are going to truly influence the society the way we ought to, then we start by ensuring that they themselves pay the required price to be people of integrity, discipline, well groomed, and well taught that can now talk to people outside without b e i n g hypocrites.

What event led to your knowing God that you are now a deaconess with TREM? I am not just a deaconess, I have moved from being a deaconess, I am a pastor.

What led to my salvation? My Salvation was a long time ago. You know in life, when we got saved they used to say salvation was only for the uneducated, the poor and all that. Thank God who had changed that now, you can see those people who are well educated, God is bringing them in into the fold. When I got saved, there was a hollow in my life, I had all the degrees, married with children, and everything that anybody could desire as a young lady. But at a point, I began to feel that my life was not complete and I remember as I got sick for two weeks, I realised there was a need for that hollow in my life to be fulfilled. I decided to visit a friend of mine who I will withhold her name. She is a prominent person and we were classmates in the university. She said to me, ‘’you know all those things you were talking about don’t bring joy, the true joy is in Christ Jesus, what you need, Lizzy is to know Jesus’’. God knows how to prepare us. We meet in different ways when we read the Bible. God knew that to be able to reach the gentiles - highly educated, elitists -if you need to reach them, you would also need somebody that can relate with them. That encounter my friend told me I should give my life to Christ and I did that. It has been wonderful, that hollow was filled and you find out that whatever you are, you are nothing if you don’t have Christ. I think that was what was missing in my life and I debunked that idea that time that it is only for the poor people because they are poor that is why they need Christ. But it is not; every one of us needs Christ, the high, low and the mighty without Christ our lives are empty.

What has been the secret of your marital success?

Jesus is the secret. I thank God for the salvation of the soul of my husband and my family. You know when God is at the centre of whatever you are doing, you are bound to succeed. It is not that you will not have challenges. Of course, you will have challenges, but in the boat where there is difficulty and crisis He is there with you, that boat can’t sink. Any marriage that has crisis is bound to whether the storms. No matter what, the crisis will keep you together. I think that is the secret.

As a role model, what is your advice to the youth?

Well, my advice is that every young person should strive to be all that God wants them to be. It is not about you as an individual; it is about God who sent you into this world. My Bible says that children are a heritage of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is His reward. So every young person should realise that they are here for a purpose. They are the next generation leaders in different locations, in different arms of government in of this nation. This generation will come and go, they are the next ones. So when a young person understands that and links up with God, he finds his purpose, he finds his destiny and that’s what should drive them, keep them from trouble and will keep them from peer pressure. If you understand that I you are created uniquely and for unique purpose, you won’t want anybody to pressurise me to be like them or to follow them. These are some of the principles that we sell to our young ones here and our children that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Don’t let anybody say any other thing to you; God has a purpose for you.

20

SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

with

Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770

julietbumah@gmail.com

I

t’s been 13 weeks since Kathryn and Dave...and, yes, Ben met. Thirteen weeks of joy, laughter, heartache and apprehension.

A lot has happened. Ben has proved that he is very interested in spending the rest of his life with Kathryn. He has proposed to her. He is earnestly hoping that a union with her is possible.

Dave, on the other hand, carries on as if they are already married.

Ben is a persistent gentleman.

She smiles.

Like the vulture, he is very patient.

She smiles again...and sighs.

She has been feeling very strange of late, same way she feels when she’s about to have a bout of fever. She needs to see her doctor.

The two men in her life are wonderful guys in every sense of it. Can one woman be so lucky!

She should actually be dancing but there’s just a little worry.

She recalls the last time she visited Ben and her lips curl in a smile.

That should be her fourth visit or so. ****** The earlier visits had ended in just chatting and getting to know each other better, but that particular day, they had gone a wee further.

After downing glasses of champagne and chatting for a long time in Ben’s tastefully furnished sitting room, they found themselves kissing passionately.

It was getting a bit dark and none felt the need to switch on the light, after all, the giant flat screen television was on. In the near darkness, they groped around and continued their tomfoolery.

At a point, Ben messed up his trousers and apologised.

“It’s been so long I was with a woman. I couldn’t hold myself again. Moreover, no man would be with a woman like you and still be in his right mind,” he said.

They laughed it away and he got up and went into his bedroom. He came out few minutes later, naked but for a thick, white towel tied tightly round his waist.

He grabbed Kathryn, unbuttoned half of her blouse and released her knockers from their encasement. His eyes popped.

“I actually thought they were padded, he said as he caressed them expertly. Kathryn sniffles a moan. Dave’s face loomed in her mind’s eye and she felt bad.

She didn’t want to go further but the alcohol in her system weakened her resolve.

Moreover, Ben was supercharged. He had got to the point of no return. As she wrestled him playfully, her right hand rested briefly on his ‘man area’.

She wasn’t sure what she felt,

What makes a man?

so she ‘mistakingly’ touched it again. Not convinced, she decided to prod further.

She, however, noticed that Ben was stylishly keeping that area away from her reach. That got her very interested.

She excused herself and visited the loo. On her way back, she switched on the light.

“What’s that for?” Ben asked.

“Are we not children of light?”

Kathryn replied lightly.

“Of course we are,” he said, but his voice had no spark.

She jumped on him and they continued their naughty play.

She allowed him take off her blouse. He seemed to have something for knockers. His face lit up when he beheld the mountainous knockers in full.

As he got busy with them, she noticed his forehead creased with worry once in a while and wondered what the problem could be.

As for her, she was dying to see the content of his power house.

But did he know how to work on knockers? Yes! Yes!! Yes!!!

If not for the fact that she could control her emotions

no matter the temptation, she would have been begging him to take her.

Then, the issue of Dave, who seemed to stand in her mind’s eye with a disapproving look, made her hold on to herself.

She knew she wouldn’t give Ben more than the knockers, that the fancy belt seemingly holding her tight jeans round her waist would not come unbuckled. But before he would realise that, she would satisfy her curiosity.

So, she worked on his body with her hands, keeping away from his power house which he still somehow kept far from her fingers. The towel round his waist had loosened sufficiently as they worked on each other.

They squirmed, ooooohed and aaaaaaghed until they got into a frenzy. Ben was sucking her knockers as if his life depended on it and she maneuvered herself to the head of the couch and bent over, her knockers heaped over his face. Now she could have a clear view of his lower body. He grabbed the tits, one after the other, into his mouth and suckled as if he could drain

them. Kathryn’s feather-like fingers threaded crazily over magic spots on his upper torso and he let out a scream. She continued ‘raising him up’ till she was sure he was past caring. Her left hand inched towards his waist and lifted off the towel, ever so gently, while a combo of her right hand and knockers sent him to Cloud Nine.

He was twitching, sucking furiously and screaming intermittently and didn’t know when the towel ‘fell’ off his body.

Kathryn swallowed hard, her eyes riveted on his power house.

Before her was the smallest peen she had seen on a fullgrown man...and she had seen too many in her years on earth.

It was just a little longer than her middle finger but a lot fatter. She was just in time to observe it shed copiously thick, slimy fluid, twittered a little longer and shrank almost to nothingness.

She must have been so shaken that Ben noticed something was amiss because his right hand suddenly flew to his power

house and he nearly pushed her off when he discovered nothing was left to speculation again.

He sat up, gathering the towel around his waist.

Kathryn straightened up, looking at him. For a moment, they said nothing to each other.

Then Ben broke the thick silence.

“The doctor said I can impregnate a woman,” he said thickly and cleared the phlegm in his throat.

Kathryn took a deep breath.

She realised that Ben needed a friend. He just faced a test of his manliness. It was in her power to kill or give him ‘life’.

He must have met with disappointment, disapproving stares from women. She realised that she could right everything for him.

Her long silence was disconcerting. Ben looked up at her. He was broken. Her heart melted.

She went and knelt before him, took his hands and said, “Ben, there is nothing wrong with you. You’ve obviously done well for yourself in every other way. You are not impotent, I saw enough to know that.

So whatever defect you have is in your mind.

“All women are not equally endowed, so are men. You are even better endowed than many men, but no man wears that on his sleeve. You are not impotent. So don’t wallow in self pity. From the copious ‘tears’ I saw you shed, you will be shooting twins into some lucky women’s womb soon. So you’d better watch it!”

Her speech did the magic. She could see that his spirit was lifted a bit.

He smiled and thanked her profusely.

“Hey! Can we pop a bottle for our new found happiness?”

Kathryn asked lightly.

They did and got more drunk.

That was four days ago ***** Kathryn smiles as she recalls that incident. They have not seen since then but they have been talking everyday on the phone. Ben is still talking marriage seriously.

She has also not seen Dave for about a week. They have been communicating on the phone too.

She shakes herself out of the reverie and moves to the kitchen.

She needs to prepare dinner.

She’s expecting someone… ******* I don’t seem to understand what is happening anymore.

Do you? Let’s meet here next Sunday.

Send your observations to the email above.

21

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014

Body&Soul

&

Makeup tips for dark skin Vanessa Okwara

B

lack is beautiful and a dark-skinned lady should be proud of her complexion and ensure she uses the right product to enhance her African skin.

Makeup helps to highlight and bring out the beauty in you. It is fun and flattering when you know how to make it work for you. The key is to enhance your best side and play down on the rest.

Cosmetics shops stock a lot of makeup products but most brands do not have the proper colour for the dark skin. Black skin requires stronger colours, and some makeup companies do not add enough pigment in their makeup for it to show properly on a

dark skin. Black skin also has different tones, so one shade does not fit all.

The website ‘Make Up for Black Women’ says there are three basic tones -red, yellow and blue. If you have red undertone, you need make up with reds, mauves and magentas, while yellow, orange and black can complement the undertones. Women with blue undertone need blue shades, red, teal, orange and black colours, while those with yellow undertone need violet, brown, blue-green and amber shades.

To get that perfect makeup you have always loved, you need to be conscious of your particular skin tone and buy makeup products that go well with your colour.

When selecting makeup colours for black skin, it’s important to get it right. When choosing foundation, test the shades in day light to get the right shade for your skin tone. Say no to foundation that’s too light, too dark or ashy. Pick a foundation that is not far from the colour of your actual skin. A foundation that is too dark or too light will conceal the original skin colour.

Use concealer where needed, such as under the eyes or to hide dark spots.

The concealer will even out skin problems. Then apply a blush that matches your skin tone. The blush can help define your face and cheekbones. Follow with a light dusting of loose powder for a natural look.

Eyes are considered the gateway to the soul, that’s why you should be very careful when choosing eyeshadow hues. Metallic eyeshadow work perfectly with dark skin. You can also opt for colour combos for more eye catching look. Both black and brown mascaras will be in perfect harmony with your skin tone.

When it comes to proper lip colour for dark skin, you can experiment with almost all shades, from nude and earthy tones to bold pink and dark burgundy shades. You can also opt for sheer lip gloss that will give natural, yet kissable touch to your lips.

a Ok w ara

Jazzy pr inted

SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

or eve n a blo u t

pants

here’s n floral a fabulo o trend mo nd re fun us pai d ifferen Ankara. T r Th th pants is e beautiful of printed p an a crepe d t styles -sup hey also com t super c that they ar hing about ants. ate an e chine whic er skinny, sil e in statem h e t d o m feminin fortable. T easy to wea hese wide- also good f is office app k or them ent for you. r r o le w and lea e and make hey are flatte and They gged, pala r a cocktail opri- for y ork is to fin The key to m your le z p o c r n. z a in a o r n s t g y b , a ; pet ur shape. W d the right sil aking pla ed nd gs look The pr a simp ite, s in bu hou het long le chan ressed up or Leggings. from g int patterns a differe down ge of s thing c traight or cu her you’re ta ette ferent t you can ex eometr re infin n w r h cut pe ll h t v o it ic fi y o e h , t s r s to for e there ite and ic, anim if When To mak s, styles and riment with d al, bold , ranging it com suit different come in p you are bott veryone. Fo is somee fabrics ifit lo p e om re co ok to swe r t ick up . et le ints, opt for s to styling y ops. someth -heavy, it’ll xample, n uld throw o even more s in a o n b t t

T

Vanes s

Body&Soul

22

43

23

SundayBusiness SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014

Public Finance Nigeria leads sub-Saharan GSM growth p.24

Banks to customers: No Bank Verification Number, no transaction

Transport Chevrolet campaign wins Beyond Sport Award p.25

Interview Many firms not complying with financial obligations to ITF – DG p.27

Company Watch Guinness Nigeria amid the storm p.28

News Afreximbank plans mobile payment platform for Africa p.29

CBN Governor, Emefiele

T

Chijioke Iremeka

Paul Ogbuokiri Head, Business paulogbuokiri@newtelegraph online.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

he new wave in the banking sector today is the issue of Bank Verification Number (BVN). The Central Bank of Nigeria in collaboration with all Nigerian banks had introduced the BVN as a unique identification number for all bank customers.

CBN had also advised bank customers in Lagos to enroll and obtain their BVN to avoid the refutation of certain financial services within and outside banking premises among other, including the denial of cash transfer to other banks without BVN. Last week, Sunday New Telegraph saw cases of customers being denied certain cash transfers due to the absence of BVN. They were then coerced into obtaining their verification numbers before proceeding to do their transactions.

At one of such banks where customers were denied access to cash transfer, they were forced to obtain their BVN. They were left with the option of withdrawing cash from their accounts to lodge in directly. But this option was rather excruciating, as there is a limit to which an individual could withdraw in a day, going by the CBN’s cashlite policy.

Those, who were transferring money, not exceeding the limit on daily withdrawal, re-

It might possibly continue this way until CBN now says, if you don’t do it by this time, this will happen, then, you will see everybody running helter skater to have it done in a second. We like rush things in this country and we need to change our attitude sorted to direct cash withdrawal for lodgment instead of transfer. But to the others, transferring in excess of the daily limit, ‘seek ye the BVN first, and other transactions shall follow’ became their only hope.

“I was stressed that day. I first went to 31 Road branch of First Bank in Festac and they said their server was down. They said they could not make other banks’ transfer. I was referred to the 23 Road branch. On getting there, the officer in charge said I can’t transfer the money except I have my BVN; else I should withdraw the cash and pay in.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t go with my cheque

booklet. I demanded a counter cheque form and he told me that I can only withdraw a maximum of N50, 000 with a counter cheque form. Angrily, I went back to my house and collected my cheque to come and face a terrible queue. But in the end, I succeeded. Others, who were not as lucky as I was, were stuck,” said Emilia Sherafat, a customer.

One of the customers, who was forced to register immediately, Obanta Joseph, said, “What can I do? I have to send the money immediately because someone is waiting for it and it is about the bank’s closing hour.

I have no other option than to do it and send my money.”

Following these complaints, Sunday New Telegraph moved to the said branches to establish this fact. A bank official openly told customers without BVN to go and register or proceed to the banking hall to withdraw cash and pay in. He said the bank was acting under CBN’s instructions.

But this was not the case with Toyin, Ikeja branch of Access Bank Plc., where a female employee was given the task of sensitising customers coming into the bank on the need for the BVN enrolment. But it wasn’t clear if the branch had started transaction denial to persuade customers to enrol.

In her sensitisation exercise, she noted that the BVN gives each bank customer a unique identity across the Nigerian banking industry, saying that it could be used for easy identification and verification of bank customers.

According to her, the BVN initiative is part of the overall policy of the financial inclusion policy of the Financial Sector Strategy (FSS) agenda of ensuring Nigeria becomes one of the top 20 largest economies in the world by 2020.

Also, at Skye bank, Bolarinwa Rasheed, said the process is still ongoing and people are coming into the bank and going without much happening. “We we can’t force it on the people. Of course, you know what this country is. Nobody would want to do something freely unless there is string attached.

“It might possibly continue this way until CBN now says, if you don’t do it by this time, this will happen, then, you will see everybody running helter skater to have it done in a second. We like rush things in this country and we need to change our attitude.”

CBN had earlier ordered that all banks are required to enrol at least 40 per cent of their customers before December 31, 2014 and 70 per cent on or before March 30, 2015.

In a circular (BPS/DIR/GEN/ CIR/01/015) to all the DMBs titled: Clarification Circular on Bank Verification Number (BVN), and signed by the CBN’s Director of Banking and Payments System Department, Dipo Fatokun, all DMBs are required to fully integrate their core banking system, latest by October 30, 2014, to ease the enrollment process.

C ON TI N UE D ON PAGE 23

24

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

SundayBusiness/Public Finance

Nigeria leads sub-Saharan GSM growth •GSMA report predicts half a billion subscribers by 2020

G

Azubike Nnadozie SM Africa (GSMA) Mobile 360 Series has in its latest 2014 report predicted a growth of about half a billion subscribers in Sub-Sa-

haran Africa by 2020, with Nigeria leading the pack.

It stated that the world’s fastest-growing mobile region, Sub-Saharan Africa, includes 46 countries in total. The six largest markets in order of size are Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania, which together account for over half of the region’s unique mobile subscriber base.

There were 329 million unique mobile subscribers in Sub-Saharan Africa at the end of June 2014, equivalent to 38 per cent of the region’s total population. This unique subscriber base is forecast to grow by seven per cent per year (CAGR) to 2020 to reach just over half a billion and account for 49 per cent of the population. By this point, Sub-Saharan Africa will have overtaken Europe to become the world’s second-largest mobile market after Asia Pacific.

According to the report, the number of unique mobile subscribers in Sub-Saharan Africa will pass the half billion mark in 2020 as mobile services become increasingly affordable and accessible to millions of currently unconnected citizens across the region.

According to ‘Mobile Economy 2014: Sub-Saharan Africa,’ the new GSMA report issued on Thursday, during a Mobile 360-Africa event in Cape Town, the region has been the world’s fastest-growing mobile region over the last five years in terms of both unique mobile subscribers and mobile connections. It is forecast to continue to lead global growth through 2020.

Unique mobile subscriber penetration as a percentage of the region’s population is forecast to rise to 49 per cent by this point.

Director General of the GSMA, Anne

L-R: Head, Business Operations, Globacom, Mr. Bisi Koleoso; Head, Special Promotions and Public Relations, Mr. Bode Opeseitan; Head, Finance, Mr. Michael Toluhi; Principal Manager, NCC, Mrs. Grace Ojougboh and CEO, Ceragon Nigeria, Mr. Bekele Tadesse at the presentation of African ICT Man of the Decade Award to Dr. Mike Adenuga, GCON, at the 2014 AFRICT Awards in Lagos recently

Bouverot, stated that, “The mobile industry has transformed the lives of millions of people across Sub-Saharan Africa, providing not just connectivity but also an essential gateway to a wide range of healthcare, education and financial services. As today’s report shows, millions of additional citizens in the region will become mobile subscribers over the next six years, with many being able to access the internet for the first time via low-cost smartphones and mobile broadband net-

works.”

“Operators and other ecosystem players, as well as governments and regulators, all have a role to play in ensuring that affordable mobile services can be extended across the region,” she added. The number of mobile connections in the region stood at 608 million in June 2014, forecast to rise to 975 million by 2020. The region is seeing a rapid migration to mobile broadband networks; 3G accounted for only 17 per cent of total connections in June 2014, but

is forecast to account for more than half of the total by 2020 as local operators deploy new mobile broadband networks and smartphones become more affordable. 4G adoption is at an early stage in the region today, but is expected to account for four per cent of total connections by 2020.

Sub-Saharan Africa is also expected to see the strongest growth of any global region in the number of smartphone connections over the next six years, reaching 525 million by 2020.

Banks to customers: No Bank Verification Number, no transaction CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 3

It also states that all loans must have the BVN as a condition precedent to drawdown, with effect from November 3, 2014, adding that all credit customers must have BVNs by December 31, 2014 and the CBN will monitor compliance.

These, perhaps, were the reasons for such waves in the normal financial transactions during the week, which sought to ensure that bank customers enrol to obtain their BVN before doing any transfer.

“Yes, we know that some of our branches are not doing this yet but we have the mandate to do it here,” said a source in one of the branches.

On the side of loans, a number of banks visited could not confirm that BVN is required before issuing a loan but they said it would ascertain the credibility of the loan seeker. They noted that when a loan seeker does not comply with such a simple order, he would find it difficult complying with more difficult orders.

CBN, in collaboration with the Bankers Committee, launched the BVN project in February 2014, as part of an overall strategy of ensuring the effectiveness of Know Your Customer (KYC) principles. This gives each bank customer a unique identity across the Nigerian banking industry.

Speaking on the compliance level of the DMBs, Fatokun said, “The CBN has

observed that DMBs are making steady progress towards the enrolment of their customers. However, the attention of the CBN has been drawn on the need to clarify certain grey areas in the process of enrolment of the customers on BVN. “Where an existing customer wishes to register the BVN with his/her bank, capturing his signature and photo identification document may not be necessary, as the bank is expected to have those records during the account opening.

“Where an existing customer wishes to do a change of name after his/her enrolment on the BVN, due diligence should be exercised and appreciate legal documents obtained, before the change is effected.

“And in order to fast-track the enrolment process, DMBs are expected to give more attention to the enrolment of their customers as the CBN will monitor the banks’ compliance.”

The Managing Director, Nigerian InterBank Settlement System Plc and Head of the BVN Project Management Team, Ade Shonubi, described the process of the BVN enrolment as straightforward. He said that what a bank customer needs is to walk into a bank branch, obtain a form, fill and submit.

According to him, this would be followed by fingerprint and facial image capturing among others, after which, an appreciation slip with the transaction iden-

tification would be issued within 24 hours of the transaction with an SMS notification of the BVN. He noted that biometric data capture machines had been deployed in about 1000 bank branches in Lagos, saying that since then, over 15,900 BVNs have been generated.

He added also that at full phase of the project, 10,000 enrolment sets would be deployed across 5,000 bank branches nationwide.

This enrolment process is done once, he said, and customers’ BVN is linked to all bank accounts across Nigerian banks, saying that the BVN solution is to ensure accountability, protect bank customers’ account from unauthorised access, reduce exposure to fraud, check identity theft, enhance credit advancement to bank customers, and encourage financial inclusion.

On the other hand, there are few responses from the customers, regarding the situation, starting with Anozie Ikechukwu Charles, who said he had finished enrolling for the BVN but yet to collect the code.

“And what will I be using the code for, and how do I use it? Which of the Lagos banks have started using this BVN? I was at Ecobank at Allen Avenue Ikeja. The customer care representative told me that they have not started using it. Please, I need to know which bank has this BVN feature so that I can easily open a bank

account with them,” Clifford Attan asked.

Another customer, who is a banker, Emmdy Peters, said, “The BVN is a very commendable development by CBN to create a central database of all banking customers.

Also, it enables a registered customer to open as many accounts as possible in any Nigerian banks without going through the rigour of documentation.

“Only what such customer needs is his/ her BVN because this populate all necessary information needed to perform such process.”

Alison Joel wondered what would happen to Nigerians in the Diaspora, who have accounts with Nigerian banks. He sought to know wondering whether they have to come back for the BVN. Quadri Opeyemi said BVN is a great innovation, adding, “What I find very interesting and unique about BVN is the security of account holders. BVN, if properly managed, will reduce scam, fraud, and account impersonation. But I believe this policy needs more publicity,” Opeyemi enthused.

However, at the point of enrolment individuals shall be required to submit an acceptable means of identification, and update their information at the bank branch physically. Customers of banks will be required to enrol within a fixed period after which they shall no longer be able to operate their bank accounts.

25

Transport

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014

Chevrolet campaign wins Beyond Sport Award

C

Paul Ogbuokiri hevrolet, in partnership with Coaches Across Continents, has been awarded the Corporate of the Year accolade at the 2014 Beyond Sport Awards. The partnership, which has seen the global significance of the ‘What Do You #PlayFor’ campaign, was presented the award in recognition of significant social impact while integrating business strategy.

Beyond Sport is a London-based global organisation which seeks to promote, fund and celebrate the use of sport as a tool to trigger positive social change. The ‘What Do You #PlayFor’ campaign was devised to bring football fans closer to the sport and demonstrate that through play, anything is possible.

Founded by Nick Gates, CAC is a global

leader for social impact in sport and cites the partnership with Chevrolet as creating a successful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and cause marketing model for other companies to follow. Formed in 2008, the partnership began in Indonesia and continues in the United States and South Africa.

One World Futbol Project, which has formed the base of Chevrolet’s football involvement since 2012, is also underpinned by Chevrolet’s official sponsorship of English football team Manchester United.

Locally, One World Futbol Project has seen over 55 000 nearly-indestructible footballs donated to countless underprivileged communities in South Africa, reinforcing the goal of inspiring children through play and community development. To date, over one million balls have

been donated around the world - part of a 1.5-million ball global donation.

“Our partnership with CAC has always proven to bear fruit,” comments Chevrolet Brand Manager at General Motors South Africa, Tim Hendon. “Countless heart-warming opportunities have already been undertaken, including the refurbishment of a rural soccer pitch in Hammanskraal, Pretoria, where we gave away the one millionth One World Futbol, and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which was given to two elated young South African soccer fans who got to travel to Old Trafford in England and walk onto the pitch with Manchester United players in full kit.”

Alongside One World Futbol Project, involvement in the Dreamfields project further extends Chevrolet’s involvement in football development and promotion in

South Africa. Dreamfields seeks to develop and provide resources for playing soccer in township and rural schools across South Africa. Seven projects including the Hammanskraal football pitch refurbishment have been undertaken, with another project seeing Chevrolet, One World Futbol Project and Dreamfields reaching the Jozini region of Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal in November.

Hendon concludes: “We are delighted to be able to accept the Beyond Sport award, the recognition it bestows being overshadowed by the immense amount of fun, hope and inspiration we have been able to bring to children all over the world.” Dieses

To date, over one million balls have been donated around the world - part of a 1.5-million ball global donation

Ford sales up 26% in October

F

Ford Explorer

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa closes

M

ercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa celebrated Africa’s place on the global fashion stage with a series of dazzling shows with Africa’s top designers - from Cameroon, Tanzania, South Africa, Rwanda, Nigeria, Mozambique, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Botswana to Angola.

At a recent ceremony in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, November 2, 2014, the winners of the fifth annual Africa Fashion Awards were announced.

The Mercedes-Benz Designer of the Year award went to Marianne Fassler (South Africa), for her continued capacity to delight and surprise the fashion industry with her elaborate designs.

As sponsors of this award, Mercedes-Benz

will afford Marianne Fassler the opportunity to showcase her designs at an International Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. These events are known to be one of the world’s largest platforms for brand exposure, drawing millions of flashing cameras with unparalleled glamour.

Claudia Walters, Marketing Communications Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars, says: “Mercedes-Benz South Africa is committed to the development of fashion, and we are delighted to see that the success of these awards over the past few years has been beneficial to both the recipient and our brand.

“Patrons throughout Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa were thrilled to have had the opportunity to revel in the glitz and glamour these fashion events presented,” concludes Walters.

Winners of the AFI Africa Fashion awards: Emerging Designer of the Year accolade: Laduma Ngxokolo (South Africa) received this award for his Xhosa heritage-inspired knitwear brand, MaXhosa by Laduma; Outstanding Trend Communicator: Gaschette Magazine (South Africa); Accessory Designer of the Year: Katherine-Mary Pichulik (South Africa); AFI Young Designer of the Year: Rich Mnisi; New Face of the Year: Lucky Favour (Nigeria) and Outstanding Contribution to African Fashion: Omoyemi Akerele (Nigeria).

Other winners were Global Contribution to the Promotion and Development of African Fashion, Franca Sozzani - Vogue Italia editor-inchief and Hi-resolution photographs are available on www.quickpic.co.za.

ord Motor Company of Southern Africa had its second-highest all time sales month last month with 6,674 vehicles sold, an increase of 26 per cent from October 2013, despite challenging market conditions. Year-to-date, Ford sales are up 21.5 per cent compared to January October 2013 versus the industry decline of 1.8 per cent. Also, Ford has a market share of 12.6 per cent, one of the company’s highest, worldwide.

According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, new vehicle sales recorded their second consecutive month of growth, up 4.9 per cent on October last year. Passenger car sales are up 1.6 per cent and Light Commercial Vehicles sales are up 14 per cent year-over-year.

“After a record-setting sales month in September, we’re pleased that our sales are still strong for October, especially as buyers start delaying purchases until the New Year. For the second time in 2014 Ford took second position as the bestselling brand through the retail channel,” said Rob Crouse, General Manager, FMCSA. “We are pleased that more and more customers in South Africa and globally continue to choose the smart, safe, fuel efficient and fun to drive vehicles that Ford offers.”

He said also said that this strong sales month was supported by models across the range; 1 065 EcoSport and Kuga utility vehicles were sold through the retail channel, indicating continued consumer demand for these smart and fun vehicles.

Sales of the Ford Ranger, according to him, have more than doubled, year-onyear. A total of 3 045 bakkies were sold in October, compared to 1 516 during the same period last year. He added that this new all-time sales record also marks the first time that Ranger has broken the 3 000 unit mark. Since its launch, 58 196 Rangers have been sold

26

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Who will bell the furious bear?

T

he Nigerian equities market was on a free fall for the week as the benchmark index plunged 11.52% for the week even as Year to date (YtD) returns pegged at -19.61% respectively. Market heavy weight DANGCEM dipped 12.31% Week on Week (WoW) to peg its price at NGN188.53, (compared to NGN225.55 in the previous week). Volume and market turnover decline significantly by 80.17% and 32.18% respectively. BETAGLAS recorded the only gainer for the week, appreciating by 5.00%.

We attribute the sell-offs in the market to losses sustained by large cap stocks and the run to safety by foreign investors due to concerns about tacit devaluation of the Naira, as CBN banned the sale of dollars at its RDAS auction to importers of telecoms equipment, power generators and finished products during the week. This is happening amidst worsening oil prices in the global space and uncertainty about the 2015 election in the domestic economy.

Fixed Income: CBN moves to conserve reserves

Relative increase in liquidity compared to last week’s trade permeated the NIBOR space, as average change in rate across all offers WtD pegged at -0.33%. WtD change on the CALL rate halted at -0.61%, as the 1M, 3M, and 6M offers pared 0.42%, 0.27%, and 0.29% for the week in that order. After over a week of trading flat, the OBB and OVN rates witnessed activities as WtD for both dipped 1.17% and 0.05% respectively.

Same was seen in the Treasury Bills market as four out of six tenors pared yields for the week. The 1M and 2M increased yields by 0.07% and 0.05%, pegging yields at 10.78% and 10.97% respectively. Average yield on T-Bills for the week was -0.05%, as the 3M, 6M, 9M, and 12M had their yields drop to 10.99%, 11.03%, 11.21%, and 11.34% in that order.

Our market liquidity gauge puts liquidity in the system at 45.09, as WtD change on our Meri-Bond index pegs at 0.31%.

A late minute rally on the Naira, coupled with the recent policy by the CBN stating that the importation of certain categories of items shall be funded from the interbank foreign exchange market saw the Naira bounce back by 2.59%, as YtD settles at -3.63%. Mid-quote for the Naira was NGN165.75. The policy is expected to help conserve fast depleting foreign reserves on the back drop of increasing FOREX demands.

Banking Sector: beset by reforms which compound sentiment

The sector’s performance closely mirrored that of the general market this week as a significant number of stocks in the sector declined. There were 13 decliners, while UNITYBNK and WEMABANK stayed flat. The sector’s Ytd return now pegs at 23.34%.

The largest losers for the week were FBNH (20.03%), FCMB (17.22%), FIDELITYBK (15.38%), ACCESS (12.94%), UBN (11.77%), and DIAMONDBK (11.50%).

The sector continues to be beset by new policy reforms from the CBN which are becoming ever more restrictive on the income generating abilities of the banks.

The most recent of these policies relates to internal capital generation and dividend

…as stock market tumbles 11.52% in a week OPEX margin (7.04% vs. 6.22% in prior period).

TOTAL also declared an interim dividend of NGN2.00/share. Closure date for the dividend is 1st- 5th December 2014, while payment date is schedule for 15th December 2014.

Insurance Sector: Sector reverse six week’s positive trend

pay-out ratios, which limits some banks’ pay-out ratios dependent on their Credit Risk Ratings (CRR), or Non-performing loans (NPL’s) and Capital Adequacy Ratios (CAR).

Although we believe that many of the sector stock prices present attractive entry points, we advise investors to time their investments for the bottom of the market, i.e. the new support level before entry.

Industrial Goods Sector: Free fall, large cap stocks crash.

The industrial goods sector closed the week 13.96% down having shed points on all days of the week.

The week began with the announcement

by Dangote Cement Plc., that the company would slash its cement prices to NGN1, 000 (32.5-grade) and NGN1, 150 (42.5-grade).

A strategy which we believe will significantly influence the outlook of individual companies in the sector, as well as the industry as a whole. DANGCEM further went on to declare its Q3:2014 scorecard, which showed a 7.35% growth in topline and a 10.02% decline in profit after tax on the heels of increases in production costs, finance charges and taxation.

Also, during the week news of a disruption to ASHAKACEM’s operations in the north filtered into the market. Lafarge Africa Management however assured investors that the ASHAKACEM facility had been secured and would continue operations as soon as possible.

Given the general bearish trend in the market compounded by the news flows regarding the cement industry, Investors seemed to have dumped building material stocks during the week. WAPCO was the biggest loser for the week with a 30.14% decline in share price from NGN109.99 to NGN76.84.

ASHAKACEM closed the week 28.62% down at NGN22.37, while CCNN, CAP, DNMEYER and CUTIX shed 14.41%, 8.40%, 5.00% and 2.52%. DANGCEM, the most capitalized stock in the exchange was not unaffected by the negative sentiments as the stock closed the week at NGN188.53, losing 12 .31% WoW. We anticipate that bargain hunters may see the inherent opportunities in the attractive market prices of the stocks in the industrial goods basket which are currently trading at their year lows. We however urge investors to balance optimism with caution given the extended bearish

trend in the sector coupled with various happenings in the general market, and the domestic economy as noted above.

Consumer Goods Sector: Huge sell offs on sector heavy weights

Sentiment on the consumer good stock remained negative as all counters in the sector had a negative run during the trading week. The decliners chart was led by DANGSUGAR, CADBURY and 7UP, shedding by 29.00%, 18.61%, and 18.18% WoW in that order, even as NB (-12.15%), NESTLE (-14.35%) and UNILEVER(-21.55%) follow suit.

DANGSUGAR, released an un-impressive Q3 result which showed a decline in top-line (NGN73.80bn vs. NGN77.70bn) and bottom line (NGN9.15bn vs.

NGN9.63bn) of 5.03% and 5.02% respectively. NASCON (a sister company) had a similar run as revenue and PAT contracted by 0.26% and 23.72% accordingly in its latest 9months performance scorecard.

FLOURMILL Q2:2015 turnover softens by -1.45% as the company declared a 6months revenue of N165.54bn (vs.

N167.98bn in corresponding period). PAT (NGN4.37bn vs. NGN5.83bn) was pressured by a massive rise (79.88%) in Finance expense, thereby weakening 25.09%.

Investors dumped UACN as the counter traded 15.7% down WoW to peg market price at a year low of NGN44.68, as the company UACN submitted its disappointing Q3:2014 result (revenue grew by 0.86% and PAT declined 20.48 %).

We emphasis that key players such as NESTLE, NB, UACN, PZ and UNILEVER are trading at attractive prices the moment, but advise investors to tread with caution given the current atmosphere in the market.

Oil and Gas: OANDO Slides 21.98%, TOTAL declares NGN2.00 interim dividend.

In line with the discouraging mood noticed in the overall market during the week, the NSEOILG5 index traded below the water as sector heavy weight, OANDO tumbled the most by 21.98%, trailed by FO which declined by 17.07% while TOTAL appreciated marginally by 3.62%.

During the week, CONOIL declared a 14.43% decline in revenue (NGN104.22bn vs. NGN121.80 in September, 2013) for the nine month ended 30th September 2014.

PAT dipped by 31.66% as a result of higher

The insurance sector reversed its six week gain to a negative mood, as a result of the general bearish market mode. WtD and YtD returns for the sector settled at -4.02% and 11.00% accordingly.

Despite interesting Q3: 2014 results released in the sector, no stock treaded in the green zone for the week. CUSTODIAN, NEM, CONTINSURE and AIICO led the losers’ chart with 14.25%, 13.33%, 12.37% and 5.88% in that order, while majority closed flat.

We await more result to be released in the coming week and anticipate that good news will drive the sector index north, however we preach cautious trading to investors at this period.

Healthcare Sector: Good earnings numbers yet closed negative

The Health sector index accelerated its losing streak, as key players had a negative run for the week. GLAXOSMITH, FIDSON, NEIMETH, PHARMADEKO and MAYBAKER shed points during the trading week losing 9.26%, 13.22%, 6.19%, 4.98% and 4.65% respectively, no counter posted gains. All other counters in the sector closed flat.

FIDSON and PHARMADEKO posted an interesting Q32014 results during the week.

FIDSON’s revenue advanced moderately by 4% Year-on-Year (YoY), while the earnings hiked by 22% YoY. The earnings was pressured by a 70% YoY increase in finance cost, being interest paid on bank loan for construction of new factory at Ota in line with Good manufacturing Practice (GMP).

PHARMADEKO also posted an impressive result, as revenue advanced by 58.28% YoY while earning surged by 203.11% YoY. The significant Improvement in earnings was due to efficient direct cost management as cost to sales pegs at 44% compared to 69% in prior period. We expect to see similar performance from other companies yet to release their earnings to the market.

Services Sector: TRANSCORP slips by 24%

The services sector did not fare well as no counter gained for WoW on the back of overall market bearish mood.

TRANSCORP led the laggards depreciating by 23.76% for the week. RTBRISCOE, IKEJAHOTEL, ACADEMY, CAVERTON, ABCTRANS, and NAHCO followed with 20.00%, 6.67%, 6.06%, 5.23%, 4.62% and 1.77% in that order.

ABCTRANS released its Q3:2014 result during the week showing a 5.82% increase in turnover while Cost of sales, OPEX, and Finance cost grew by 10.43%, 3.40% and 73.81% in that order thus dragging PAT down by 4.07% to NGN122m.

CAPHOTEL declared a turnover of NGN3.441bn representing a 0.82% Yearon-Year declined in revenue. OPEX by 36.18% while cost of sales reduced by 12.43% even as Profit after tax settled 20.31% up.

27

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

SundayBusiness/interview

What do you expect of the graduating students hereafter?

First and foremost, I think I am the lucky one to have witnessed the first graduation of the students who have been around since 2012. It has been a long journey; they have been through a whole lot.

They have been taught certain things, the skills. Beyond the skills, I think we also have invested in soft skills as well, because we are not just thinking about the professionalism, but we are also thinking about the attitude, with which they carry out their job and duties.

So, I expect a whole lot from them; I expect the best from them. It is like many are called, but few are chosen. Out of 90 or so, we just have 30 graduating now. But we are hoping that others will be graduating very soon. If these ones were able to make it the first time, it means that they are special.

I know that a lot has been put in them.

They just have to showcase and express themselves and show where they are coming from. What they are receiving today is not just a national certificate but an internationally recognised certificate from Singapore.

That means we are not just looking at them filling the gap we have in industries in Nigeria, but we also look at them being able to go out there and make a mark in international community, the global village we have.

So, we are looking at providing skilled workers in other countries and not just Nigeria only, believing that they will do a whole lot in that area. They will have much to accomplish.

Any other area where we think we can meet with other agencies like the Bank of Industry (BoI) or Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to discuss ways they can access funds for those who want to go into private business themselves.

We are willing to do just that. We are already reaching out to other stakeholders to see how we can collaborate to make these ones a huge success and to make sure nobody falls by the way side.

We believe that they will all be gainfully employed, either through self-employment or through being employed by other organisations, because their certificate is credible.

What happened to or stopped the remaing students from graduating, since you said altogether there were 30 students or thereabout graduating out of a total of about 90 students?

There are students in other trades. These graduating ones are those in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Telecom Networking. The other ones are in the Culinary, Mechantronics and other fields of industry.

Those ones are not yet through with their modules. I think the centre experienced a few delays and hiccups here and there.

Those ones’ graduation had been delayed, due to certain factors, and one being that some of the modules have to be handled with special equipment, which are not yet installed. So, they have to tarry a little while for that to be in place so that they can complete their modules and be ready to graduate.

Do you mean it’s not a situation in which you graduate them across modules?

No! Once you finish, you are ready to graduate.

What about the hiccups you just mentioned?

Like I said, there are equipment needed for certain trades, which have yet to be installed at the centre. I think it is mostly due to lack of funding. These equipment cost a lot. What we do is simply that these equipment come in phases.

We have got a whole lot of equipment that have been installed. We are working with our partners in Singapore to see how

Many firms not complying with financial obligations to ITF – DG Director General, Industrial Training Fund, Dr. Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko, in this interview with CLEM KHENA-OGBENA after the fund graduated students from its Abuja-based Model Skills Training Centre.

Juliet-Chukkas-Onaeko

we can procure the other sets of equipment. So, we look at the budget for what we have this year, and we make sure we procure as much as we can. It will also help; so, we do not forget other donors, grants from other places, which we are also considering.

We can get funded from other areas, apart from the contributions we get from employers. It will go a long way to helping in the procurement of equipment, and those are the options we are exploring right now.

Lack of funding or inadequate funding has always been the chronic challenge of ITF, since inception. What critical measures or ways are you exploring to reverse this trend?

First and foremost, inadequate funds or funding, I think, is a chronic disease with humanity. In every sector and in every business, nobody actually has enough funds. We don’t have people who have enough funds to do what they want to do, but the important thing is that what do you do with the fund you have?

How do you maximise the fund and put it to good use? How do you generate funds to expand and do more? The way we are now we need to ask ourselves: how do we generate more funds to make sure our mandate is achieved?

What we are doing in that regard is looking at our funding areas, and we ask ourselves: where are we getting funds from right now? We get our funds from contributions, mostly from organisations.

That one is currently being maximised, because there are lots of organisations that are not complying yet with this mandate to contribute funds.

So, we are looking at how we can make

What we are saying here is that we have enough hands here. All we need to do is to give them the right skills more people to comply with this mandate.

One way is to let us know what they stand to gain by contributing. I have been an employer; I come from the private sector.

I have the private sector mentality, and I tell you that was the worst nightmare I had. In fact, I developed a phobia when it came to recruiting. You go through 1,000 people just to get one or two people that you can work with. I think that is a major challenge every employer should be concerned about.

The best way we can check or get rid of that challenge is to bring in more skilled people. By contributing, you help to achieve that. So, either way we are going to benefit. We train more unskilled people to become skilled.

So, it means that you have more skilled labour to work with organisations, rather than having a multitude of people that are not skilled or not employable, as most people would say. We are trying to make them employable to reduce the workload of recruiting the best hands in organisations.

What people do now is to employ skilled workers from the Phillipines, Asian countries and even from African countries.

What we are saying here is that we have enough hands here. All we need to do is to give them the right skills.

One of the ways we are trying to achieve that now is to work with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to carry out the Skill Gap Assessment. Once that is done, it will be easier for us to begin to channel our resources to training the relevant people for skills they need in industries right now.

More skills are needed in manufacturing, in automobiles and in different sectors.

How many of these skills are required?

How many are being filled by Nigerians?

How can we train more Nigerians?

If we have 5,000 people needed for the power sector, we need to know how many Nigerians can fill those 5,000 spaces. If there are 500 spaces or so, we know that we have to train about 4,500 Nigerians, so that the demand can be met. That means we are maximising our resources and we are also ensuring that when these people are trained, they are not going to be hanging around in the streets.

They will be gainfully employed in the industries where their skills are required.

Those are some of the things we want to do. And also, we are looking at the skills required in other countries.

How can we begin to export our graduates, our skilled people from ITF to work in other countries and bring back the resources?

This is necessary, because the industries we have right now cannot fully cater for the youths that are unemployed. Even if all of them decide to employ everybody, they can still not pick everybody, the huge number of the unemployed from the street.

C ON TI N UE D F ROM PAGE 27

28

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

SundayBusiness/Company Watch

The outgoing MD Gunniess Nig., Seni Adetu

The incoming MD Gunniess Nig., John O’keefe

Guinness Nigeria amid the storm Chijioke Iremeka

T

he Irish newly appointed Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc., Mr. John O’Keefe, would be working his heart out to carve a niche for himself and save the embattled soul of the business, going by its consecutive years of poor financial performances.

The story of Guinness Nigeria Plc. is truly the anecdote of a successful company with a rich heritage and appreciatory track record of growth and strong performance.

But experiences dipping financial performance at the stock market, which has attracted comments from industry observers.

Guinness Nigeria is not only regarded as an iconic African company, renowned internationally for its quality brands, but also as a company that believes in enriching the communities within which it operates, through investment and active participation in the positive evolution of society.

Guinness Nigeria has performed poorly compared to some of its competitors in the last two years. Although the company has remained profitable, its income has been on the decline.

Though the company’s revenue rose by four per cent in the financial year ended June 30, 2013, its profit before tax and profit after tax fell by 17 per cent to N17.009bn from N20.383bn and N11.864bn from N14.215bn a year earlier respectively.

The company’s basic earnings per share and fully diluted earnings per share were both down by 18 per cent to N793 from N964 in the same period. The performance did not improve the year after, as the financial year ended June 30, 2014 saw its revenue dip by 11 per cent to N109.202bn from N122.46bn.

Again, its profit before tax fell by 31 per cent from N17.009bn to N11.681bn, while its profit after tax declined by 19 per cent to N9.573bn from N11.864bn. The basic earn-

ings per share and fully diluted earnings per share declined further by 20 per cent to N636 in the same financial year.

Despite the drop, the company has continued to pay dividends to its shareholders. It paid N10.5bn, representing N7 per 50 kobo ordinary share for the year ended June 30, 2013, and declared a payment of N3.20 for the year ended June 30, 2014, subject to the approval of its shareholders at its Annual General Meeting, scheduled for November 13, 2014.

Unfortunately, the company’s downwards performance, which started barely two years ago, coincided with the coming on board of the management of the company by a Nigerian, Mr. Seni Adetu, as its managing director.

Adetu was recently relieved of his job and was succeeded by O’Keefe. This is with the hope that the company might have a better balance sheet over the next few years.

Guinness, in a statement, notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange that Adetu will be stepping down as the company’s MD/ Chief Executive Officer this month, after two and half years in that position.

The statement says, “During his time in the role, he creditably led the business and successfully completed the expansion project and commenced a major transformation in the company’s Route-to-Consumer.

“Prior to this appointment, Adetu was the Managing Director of Guinness Ghana Breweries Ltd, and East African Breweries Ltd, where he recorded giant strides.

Having completed his assignment, he will report to Nick Blazquez, President, Diageo Africa and Asia starting January 2015.”

Also, O’Keefe has been in Diageo for over 20 years, and has had a very strong career. He started his career as a graduate trainee for Guinness Ireland, holding many marketing roles in Ireland before moving to Jamaica as marketing director.

O’Keeffe and his family moved to the Nordics, where he held his first managing

director post and then moved to Athens, where he spent two years as the Europe Marketing Director for Johnnie Walker.

He became the Managing Director, Russia and Eastern Europe based in Russia before returning to Ireland to take up a role as Global Head of Diageo Innovation and Global Head of Beer & Baileys. O’Keefe has been a Board member of Guinness Nigeria Plc. for the past two years.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Economics & Marketing from Cork University. Given his track record as a successful managing director in a significant emerging market, his depth of experience on Guinness stout and across the wider portfolio and the knowledge he built of Guinness Nigeria Plc, he brings a unique combination of skills to this.

He will resume in his new role this month and will work alongside Adetu till the end of December 2014, when the latter will leave for Diego to ensure a smooth transition. “Having completed his assignment, Adetu will report to Nick Blazquez, President, Diageo Africa and Asia, starting January 2015. The details of Seni’s next role will be the subject of a further announcement,” the company stated.

However, Adetu had reportedly attributed the decline to investments made by the company in line with its growth plan, saying that the company had invested N52bn in the last three years to expand its breweries and distribution network.

He noted that the drop in revenue was only temporary as Guinness had a clear plan for the future. He also stated that Guinness Nigeria is trying to build a business that is profitable in a sustainable way for the long term and, so, the result for the half-year period (July to December 2013), as important as it is, will not derail the company in terms of how to build for the future.

He noted that other factors for the declining performance were the weak

presence the company had in the value segment of its market and the security challenges in some parts of the country, which negatively affected sales.

Nevertheless, the company introduced several products, under his watch, to help it play a more active role in the value segment of the market. The products include Snapp, a ready-to-drink beverage targeted at women; Dubic and Orijin, which the company considers as the most successful.

Guinness Stout was first exported to Sierra Leone in 1827 and soon became popular across West Africa. In 1963, Ikeja in Lagos, Nigeria was chosen as the first location outside the British Isles to brew the iconic dark beer. Two years later, in 1965, Guinness Nigeria was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Steady growth in markets for Guinness Stout and Harp Lager during the next 30 years prompted the building of three more major breweries in Nigeria. In 1974, the company built a second brewery in Benin, where it produced Harp lager beer. This facility was later expanded to accommodate a second stout brewery, commissioned in 1978.

In 1982, a fourth Guinness brewery was built in Ogba, Lagos to brew Harp Premium Lager beer. This site too, was expanded to include Guinness Stout. Several years later, in 2004, Guinness Nigeria commissioned a new brewery at Aba, Abia State.

In 2011, the Benin and Ogba breweries were expanded to further increase capacity and meet the growing demand for Guinness Nigeria products which include the acclaimed brands: Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Guinness Extra Smooth, Malta Guinness, and Harp Lager beer.

Other brands include Gordon’s Spark, Smirnoff Ice, Armstrong Dark Ale, Satzenbrau Pilsner, Top Malt, Harp Lime, Dubic Extra Lager and most recently, Malta Guinness Low Sugar.

29

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

SundayNews

Afreximbank plans mobile payment platform for Africa

T

Chijioke Iremeka he African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is working with Econet Wireless Group to introduce a mobile payment platform to support intra-African trade and payment system, Jean-Louis Ekra, President of the Bank, said in Lusaka during the week.

In a statement issued by the bank after its annual seminar on the Fundamentals of Structured Trade Finance, signed by its Ex-

ternal Communications Officer, Obi Emekekwue, the president said the successful introduction of the initiative would bring about over $50 billion of informal regional trade into the African formal sector, with attendant benefits to governments, businesses and trade financiers.

Louis-Ekra, who said the bank was working with Econet Wireless Group to develop and introduce the platform in Africa business environment, noted that mobile technology had become one of the most important instruments for the

conduct of financial transactions in Africa.

It is also seen by trade practitioners as a potential instrument for supporting cross border trade and financial flows, he noted.

He stated that the workshop and other events organised by the bank were its way of contributing to addressing the trade and project finance challenges facing Africa and, in so doing, supporting trade and economic development on the continent over the long run.

Declaring open the seminar, Governor of the Bank of Zambia, Dr. Michael

L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc. Nnamdi Okonkwo; Managing Director, Coleman Wires and Cables, George Onafowokan and the Executive Director, Corporate Banking, John Obi Fidelity Bank Plc during a facility tour of the multi-million naira factory financed by Fidelity Bank.

Gondwe, said as Africa strives to position itself as an economic powerhouse in the years to come, it must invest in appropriate technical knowledge and skills to support its current economic growth renaissance and further enhance development prospects.

Noting the central role of trade and development in Africa’s economic revival, Gondwe noted that banks had an important role to play in fostering cross-border trade, hence, the need to have a breed of banks with the right knowledge and skills to support African traders in their crossborder transactions.

Also, Head of Export Credit Division, Business in Africa of the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), Dr. Henriquie de Azevedo, said with Brazil accounting for the largest concentration of people of African descent outside Africa, there is the need to strengthen financial and business connections between Africa and Brazil.

This is particularly necessary, he noted, in the face of the global financial crisis for which neither Africa nor Brazil bore any responsibility.

The seminar, which aimed at equipping African banks and bankers to deal with risks in financing trade and supply chain under difficult politico-economic environments and changing trade counterparties, also witnessed seasoned speakers, including Lamon Rutten, Programme Manager at the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU (CTA), Netherlands.

Others include, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, Dr. Benedict Oramah; Andrew Barr-Sim of Drum Commodities Limited, U.K; and Simon Cook, Partner at the law firm of Sullivan and Worcester, U.K., who covered various aspects of trade finance structuring.

Many firms not complying with financial obligations to ITF –DG CONTINUED FR O M PAGE 27

So, what we are going to look at is: how can we send them to other countries and let them be gainfully employed in those countries?

So, we have to put the necessary skills in them. That is why it is good that these ones are graduating with an international certificate. It means that when they go out there, their certificates will be recognised and they can get jobs and be gainfully employed.

Is there any concrete arrangement guaranteeing their gainful employment, apart from just the certificates?

Well, that is left to the individuals. We have done the first thing first. We have given them that basic qualification and the certificate, but what they do with the certificates is solely left to them.

Some of them have the ambition to set up their own businesses. Some have the ambition to work in a particular sector, while some want to go into oil and gas, telecoms industry or wherever, because skills are applicable in all these industries.

So, they can decide to work with those companies that exist in Nigeria or they can decide to go outside Nigeria to seek employment.

What I am assuring is that if they go outside, getting a job will not be too much of a challenge, because their certificates are internationally recognised. I think that is the most important thing, to know and appreciate that these people are not being limited, because of the certificates they have. They can go out and apply their skills, and that is enough assurance for them.

We don’t have people who have enough funds to do what they want to do, but the important thing is that what do you do with the fund you have?

As you mentioned earlier, the industries in the country, which by obligation, are mandated to support and assist ITF financially are failing in this regard. Why is it so?

We have a lot of companies that are not complying, just as you have noted. If we look at the reason why they are not complying, I think it is like that with every human being. If you come to me and you want to sell me something, you have to tell or show me the benefits.

I just believe that most of the employers still don’t recognise or appreciate the benefits they will get from what they have to

contribute. Some people see it as a tax. But this is not tax; I do not even see it as a tax.

ITF contribution is not tax. It is a contribution to the development of skilled manpower in Nigeria. So, if they can see it as a non-tax thing, an initiative that can help their industries, organisations and the country to get better, I think they will understand the importance and the need to make such contribution to ITF. We also need to see how this impacted on them. They probably say to themselves.

I have been paying many taxes, double taxation here and there. So, they want to know what they are going to benefit.

I think it is important ITF begins to sell the benefits to the employers, to the industries, so that they can willingly begin to contribute. A lot of them are probably not making profits and all that.

Most times, it is tied to the skills, the workers they have. You can have structures in place. If you don’t have the right workers, you can’t go anywhere, and that is important. I think there is a popular quote that: ‘If you have one hour to carry out a task, you can spend 40 minutes getting ready and sharpening your axe;’ just like training.

So, in the next one minute you are sharpening your axe and you are cutting it, and the task will be accomplished. It’s important to invest in skills development and it is important to have the right skilled people, so that they can drive the system and the organisation can prosper.

If you check the level of the organisations that are folding up every year, you will be amazed, because I have also done self-assessment.

I have been in the private sector, SME, and I belong to various associations. In a

year, you still see some companies that can’t pay back their loans, they can’t do anything. It’s always tied to skills, having the right skilled workers.

But some of the companies can’t afford the right skills. If you are a skilled worker, you will name your price and these people or companies cannot afford it. So, the least they can do is partner ITF, because we can train their workers, we can empower them, make them to play the role they have been employed to play.

You can empower them and make them do what you want them to do. I always tell applicants that when you see a job vacancy, you don’t go when you don’t have something to offer. It means help is needed.

How do you offer the help if you don’t have the right skills?

You don’t give what you don’t have.

If you do not have the skill, you cannot fit in properly and after a while, you are going to actually bring down that organisation, because you are not moving the organisation forward. So, everything now is bordering on skills development and that is what ITF is set to do.

We are planning to do even much more.

We are looking at being able to train two million people in a year. That is a whole lot, because to keep the unemployment ratio we have at 3.9 per cent, which we are recording at present. We need to train even much more, because the universities are graduating about a million student every year.

So, we can’t be training 1000, 2000 students. We are looking at even training more so that we can get them to be gainfully employed in the society.

30

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sunday/ Business

Between quality and time-target Success Nuggets Victor Okwudiri 08037674300 (SMS only)

L

ast week, I narrated the story of ‘The Parable of Time.’ I hope that, beyond reading the article, you got the message.

In any case, if you did not read the article, today’s piece is a build-up on it.

In ‘The Parable of Time,’ I told how Mr. Uzo pursued quality at the expense of delivery, thus rendering his emphasis on quality meaningless.

The choice between quality and delivery, or striking a balance between them, is, sometimes, not an easy one. I have been there before. Please find below my story, which is part of what I call ‘The KISS Devotional Story.’

The Kiss Devotional Story On my 27th birthday, May 11, 2012, I started running an online devotional, which I captioned ‘The KISS Devotional;’ KISS being an acronym for ‘Keep It Short and Simple.’ Two years afterwards, I was ‘ready’ to produce it in hard copy. So, planning started. I contacted a printer friend of mine, collated daily broadcasts of the online devotional, and arranged them with dates counting from May 11, 2014, to December 31, 2014.

I wanted to use the formal launch of the devotional to commemorate my 29th birthday on May 11, 2014.

However, when my realistic projections questioned the feasibility of that date, I moved it further by a week – May 18, 2014.

Given that there was just a little time left, it would have been absolutely ridiculous to wait for the printer to be ready with the book before sending out invitations. The strategy, therefore, was to get the printer to be on his toes, while I sent invitations for the devotional launch. The first ‘mistake’ had already been made - late planning (or, short-term planning). Risk-taking, predicated on sheer optimism that the printer would deliver, became imperative.

A week to the D-day, the printer had not yet delivered. As though that was not bad enough, the printer became elusive (or, so it appeared).

It became like a cat and mouse race.

A few days to the launch, the skeleton of the book was not ready.

If my memory captures it right, I think it was on Friday, May 16, 2014, just two days to the book launch, that I got the first (and only) draft for proof-reading from the printer.

I had just Friday night to do the proof-reading, and one would have expected me to be tired because I had been under pressure. I still had my regular job to attend to, aside my book publishing adventure. I don’t think I was able to do much that night. Given good time, it is certain I would have done a thorough editing. After all, that was one of

Given that there was just a little time left, it would have been absolutely ridiculous to wait for the printer to be ready with the book before sending out invitations my major assignments in chambers, as the head of the team of Research Assistants for the Juriscope Monthly Law Report (JMLR), published by my employer, Law Quest Publishing Company Limited. It is a sister company to Alpha-Juris Chambers, where I serve as the Head of Chambers.

At that point, it wouldn’t have been strange to question the feasibility of the launch, slated for Sunday, two days away. One might ask, “At that point, given the ‘imperfections’ surrounding the book and its preparation for launch, which would have been better - to call off the launch and put up a better book and launch or to go ahead with the process as it is?”

I will tell you exactly what I did, but that will be next week.

So, ensure you get next week’s copy of your darling Sunday New Telegraph, if you do not want to miss out on the STORY behind the ‘GLORY.’ Have a successful week ahead.

Positive benefits of negative experiences The Big Picture Julian Atufunwa 08032810713 (SMS only)

I

’ve been through failures, I’ve passed through lots of negative experiences. I’ve failed in business; it was horrible. I’ve been without a home, endured pain, untold hardship. Well, problems are facts of life because we live in an imperfect world.

Success in life is not measured by the heights we attain, but by the obstacles we overcome in its attainment. I learnt great lessons going through those moments and those lessons I would like to share with you, believing it will help someone.

MY LESSONS n I learnt that there are no special problems. Whatever you think you are going through there are people in similar or even worse situations. n Failure in life comes to make us better not to mar us. n Every single challenge, pain, failure experienced happens for a purpose. I have studied the lives of most successful people and found out they all failed at some point in their lives. n Today, I’m an encouragement to people with similar challenges. It then means that failure prepares us for the work ahead. n Failure is a stepping stone to

greater heights.

Our most inherent abilities, strengths and potential are brought to light during difficult times. Eagles need the storm and wind to fly.

It was during those moments I discovered who I am, and why I am here (on earth). Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I would leave my present environment to a lonely and quiet place to unwind. It really helped.

Being in a different environment helps you forget some difficulties for some time. I would close my eyes, thinking about nothing at all.

I would just focus on my breathing, after some time I would feel peace, inner peace and energy to move on. n Obstacles are keys to miracles.

Count your blessings, list out what you have left, your life, health, your family, loved ones. As long as you are still alive you have something. Some people have big problems but most people make their problems big. n No matter how overwhelming it seems, you are bigger than what you face. It then means you can handle it. Bigger promotions are in sight. n There is always a way out.

This may sound strange to some people but it is a fact that anointing attracts problems. n As much as you can, tackle problems in small bits. Don’t wait until they get to emergencies. n There should not be sentiment in business. If you must employ a family member. Build your business on principles. If your

n

family member breaks the law, the principle says SACK. Then help him get a job elsewhere. Build on Principle Sentiment. n Stay humble - Be nice to people you meet on your way up because you could meet them on your way down.

Wilson Nizner n Keep appropriate records. Don’t say you will remember after a year. You may never remember.

So documentation is key. n Get eligible staff - select the right candidate, prayerfully, carefully; not just people you want to help.

Bear in mind that youths of these days want quick money but hate to work. They want to get money at all cost, not minding whose ox is gored. Anything that is healthy must surely grow, so business growth is dependent on its health.

You need positive people as workers, team mates, people of like mind that could brainstorm with you to find solutions to problems.

Well the list goes on but more importantly necessary endings bring about necessary beginnings. Whether we like it or not, God is in charge of our lives and still controls our affairs.

You may make your plans but His will, will prevail. Sometimes you can’t fulfill your purpose in life from where you are navigating as not all open doors lead to success. Some open doors lead to the toilets. My vision in life is far beyond what I was doing then. I am supposed to add value to my generation, not just a state but the world. Do you know what it feels to add value to the lives of thousands?

God Bless You!

2,000 Glo subscribers pre-register for iPhones

N

igeria’s National telecom carrier, Globacom, has announced that over 2000 subscribers have so far pre-registered for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Apple’s two latest devices that will soon be available for purchase at all GloWorld outlets nationwide upon its formal launch in Nigeria this month.

The development followed the signing of an agreement between the telecom operator and Apple’s authorised distributor for Africa, Core Group.

According to a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos, Globacom is offering its customers the added advantage of bundling the devices with the company’s super fast Internet service, Glo Bolt.

The Globacom statement said that buyers of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus from any GloWorld outlet nationwide will enjoy the same after-sale support available to buyers of the devices anywhere else in the world.

“When you purchase iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus from GloWorld outlets, you have rest of mind, as you are sure of the genuineness and newness of the devices you have bought,” Globacom said in the statement.

“In addition, you get the best bargain possible for the devices and you don’t have to worry about how to enable their functionalities, as they come bundled with super fast Glo Bolt internet service,” the statement said.

Globacom also said that unlike the devices purchased outside Nigeria or from the grey market in the country, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus obtained from GloWorld outlets have one year official Apple warranty, in addition to other benefits accruable to original Apple products purchased from authorised channels across the world.

“Nigerians will not have to travel to Dubai or the United States of America to get genuine iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, thanks to Globacom. All you need to do is to walk into any of our signature retail shops, GloWorld, our accredited dealer outlets and Glo Zones in the country to get your genuine iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus,” the statement said.

Globacom urged Nigerians to avail themselves of the opportunity and enjoy the premium quality, reliability and speed of Globacom’s robust 3G plus network, as well as exciting data bundles.

Consolidated Breweries issues notice of meeting

T

he Board of Consolidated Breweries Plc has confirmed that it will hold a Court-Ordered Meeting on December 4, 2014 where shareholders will review, and if deemed fit, approve resolutions for its proposed merger with Nigerian Breweries Plc. The court-ordered meeting will be held at the Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos from 11am, according to a statement signed by its Managing Director, Mr. Boudewijn Haarsma, on Friday.

It said the development followed the recent approval of the Scheme Document by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the receipt of an order from the Federal High Court to convene a court-ordered meeting.

The statement confirmed that it has “concluded plans to commence the dispatch to all its shareholders, of the Scheme of Merger document, which contains among other things, the Notice of Meeting, the consideration and other terms of the proposed merger.”

He further explained that the proposed merger, which

was announced on May 9, 2014, is premised on a compelling strategic rationale as the proposed merger will enable the combined businesses to capitalise on the future growth potential of the Nigerian beer and malt market. The proposed merger is also expected to be beneficial to employees, customers, distributors and suppliers as well as the Nigerian economy as a whole.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Consolidated Breweries, Prof. (Mrs.) Oyin Odutola-Olurin, further stated that “it is expected that the proposed merger will create significant value for shareholders as the broader product offerings, and the robust operating and marketing capabilities of the enlarged entity will create operational efficiencies and boost revenue and profitability.”

Under the terms of the Scheme of Merger, each Consolidated Breweries shareholder will receive shares in Nigerian Breweries in exchange of shares held in Consolidated Breweries or, alternatively, can elect for a cash alternative.

31

Politics SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2014

The Sunday Interview

Olaniwun Ajayi: Tinubu, burden to Yorubas p.32-33

Interview

Egwu: Ex-govs, best suited for Senate p.35

Why Chibok girls were not freed – Salkida p.36

Jonathan

Mark

Rage in the Senate over re-election bid CHUKWU DAVID examines the current furore in the Senate, arising from the recent Peoples Democratic Party ward congresses across the country and the various steps taken to resolve the crisis

I

Biyi Adegoroye biyi.fire@yahoo.com 08033024007 © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

t is evident that President Goodluck Jonathan, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the senators, especially the members of the ruling party, are not having the best of times in the build-up to the 2015 election. The rapport that has existed between Jonathan and the Senate in the past three and half years has suddenly diminished.

The PDP senators have spoilt for war against the president over his alleged connivance with the state governors to hijack the party structures in the PDP-led states to the detriment of the legislators. The legislators were reported to have lost out completely in the November 1 ward congresses across the country.

Returning to plenary on Tuesday after the congresses with embarrassing defeat, the senators resolved to fight President Jonathan to a standstill for allegedly delivering the party structures to the state governors, who actually messed them up at the ward congresses.

Consequently, the Senate that day adjourned its plenary session abruptly to attend an emergency meeting of the PDP Senate Caucus, where they designed strategies on how to fight Jonathan in order to survive the impending political tsunami.

Protest begins

The first strategy adopted by the disgruntled

Senators of the majority party was to influence the entire Senate to begin a silent protest that Tuesday, when they stepped down all the items scheduled for consideration in the Order Paper.

After the purported emergency meeting, which lasted for about 20 minutes, speculations started circulating that the PDP senators were enraged over their woeful performances at the just-concluded ward congresses held across the country.

It was revealed that the aggrieved politicians had resolved to engage President Jonathan in a battle of survival in order to wriggle out of their present political quagmire, where virtually all the serving PDP senators would not return to the Red Chambers in 2015.

During the PDP ward congresses, the state governors reportedly took overwhelming control of delegates, who would participate in the party primaries. With the delegates firmly in the governors’ hands, the PDP senators would have concluded that they have lost their re-election battles before the primaries.

It is interesting to note that second term serving governors in the PDP are desperately aspiring to come to the Senate, which indicates that they want to dislodge at all cost the sitting senators from their various districts. Also, where the governor is not willing to come to the Senate, he still wants to use

his influence to impose a candidate of his choice on the people instead of allowing the sitting senator to continue.

Shutting down government

That Tuesday, a senator, who preferred to speak on the condition of anonymity for obvious reasons, said that going by what transpired at the ward congresses, none of the senators would return to the Red Chamber in 2015 under the contentious arrangement.

The politician revealed that the disgruntled lawmakers had threatened to shut down the government by frustrating whatever executive bills that were pending in the Senate until Jonathan and the party leadership did something to assuage their present political predicament, which if not addressed, might jeopardize their future political career.

The legislator said: “We are going to show solidarity with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal. We will not sit again. There will be no consideration of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and there will be no budget.

“We decided to adjourn and do no business and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senators are CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

32

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2014

The Sunday

Olaniw burden course, is impossible. They can’t overtake the West. We are not in the position we should be as we should have gone much farther than where we are now. But here we are, it hasn’t changed.

If I were the President, I would make sure that all the conclusions of the recently concluded National Confab are subjected to a referendum. Of course, we ought to have done certain things at the Conference, which we never did.

Ajayi

Looking at the polity today and countries like Yugoslavia and Sudan, are you of the opinion that Nigeria may not survive beyond 2015?

Well with people of my age, we will struggle to go with Nigeria remaining as it is, but I’m sure with people of your age, something might happen, and that is the thing we are trying to avoid.

The animosity, the mistrust, the disaffection, the lack of confidence in government and so on and so forth should all go. They can only go if we go our separate ways because we never have been one. Somebody wrote a piece in the Tribune recently, ‘Should Nigeria remain united or go into pieces?’ Well, I don’t know what he meant by ‘into pieces’. We may not go into pieces, but let us go our separate ways. We have the Igbos, we have the Yorubas, we have the Hausas, Fulanis, let them go their separate ways because that is what we are. Before they came, we had different

countries. We had Oyo Empire, we had Sokoto Empire, we had Benin Kingdom, we had Ijebu Kingdom and so on and so forth. So that is the thing, but they came for their own purpose and put us together, that is not done anywhere. It’s not right.

The countries they put together in the United Kingdom some 307 years ago are now crumbling. Wales going from the United Kingdom and Great Britain and Ireland. Don’t forget it used to be called: Great Britain and Northern Ireland before Southern Ireland left in 1922.

Northern Ireland has been fighting for a very long time until recently they were assured not to worry as they would be allowed to go their way.

Now they have gone separately, that is their right to self-determination. That is the thing.

Since they’ve been together for some 307 years, but what about us? We have never been together, we were never one. It was someone who gave

us the name: ‘NIGERIA’ in 1897, the lady who got married to Lugard later. So, we had never been one; that is why we have a lot of iniquities.

That’s my point.

Is that the only solution to Nigeria’s problems; that is if we go our separate ways?

That will bring a lot of peace; because before Independence we had three regions, the East, the North and the West. Each of these three regions was doing very well. Each was making fantastic progress, particularly the Western region. But all those things which the Western region had at that time have been demolished, have been destroyed deliberately. The most important and painful part of it is Education, Free Education that the Western region started at that time. Everything has gone into pieces so that the progress of the West will be stalled and then the Northern people will be able to overtake us. That, of

What are those things?

Well the devolution of powers was not properly done; that the six geo-political regions should be concretised, should be given effect so that every region will be on its own. We are not fit to have a President for a country like this, because we are not supposed to be running a unitary type of government as it seems that is what we are doing. We should have a ceremonial President as we have it in Switzerland and in other places because we are not one. The cultures are different, the languages are different, the customs are different, the sense of values is different, religions are different and so on and so forth.

And you normally base your constitution along the linguistic lines. This was told to the British but they never agreed; they never did it.

For example, they said: ‘The Police should be a Federal subject.’ They said the boundary between the North and the West should remain as it is, and that is deliberate. ‘Lagos does not belong to the West when it is physically in the West.’ They also said: ‘They should have parity of the membership of the National Assembly.’

Now, if there are three regions and you are going to control half of the thing, whatever you take to the National Assembly will become law.

Whatever, because of your majority and the British ensured that the majority was preserved.

That was also how they didn’t allow the Middle Belt to have a state which they badly wanted at that time and in other to undermine the agitation for the creation of more states, they said they were going to reform the local governments in the Middle Belt, that was just a way to appease their Chiefs and Leaders so that there won’t be any noise on the creation of new states for the Middle Belt. Of course, if the Middle Belt State was created, then of course, the CORE which we now call, Cross River, Rivers, Ogoja and Akwa Ibom would keep quiet. In order to deceive Nigerians, they set up a committee which they called ‘Wilink committee’ in 1967 to examine the fears of the minorities and how to allay the fears. But it was all a smokescreen, the committee came here and went round the whole country to interview people. They interviewed the people of the Middle Belt and one of the grievances of the Middle Belt people was that they were being forced to use Hausa language and they were not allowed to use their own language. You know what? The commission said: ‘Well, Hausa is a language of commerce and international language, we cannot because of that give you a state.’ The same thing happened to the Niger Delta. They went to the Niger Delta and they discovered in that place that those who were fishermen could not fish,

33

4 NEW TELEGRAPH

y Interview

wun Ajayi: Tinubu, n to Yorubas those who were farmers could not do farming because of the oil business going on. They said: ‘We discovered it’s very difficult to build schools and to build houses and hospitals but we cannot because of that say you should have a state.’

Many consider President Jonathan to be a weak leader. That has been established by some people who believe that the way he’s handling the Boko Haram menace has actually exposed him as such. What do you make of how President Jonathan is handling the war on Boko Haram?

It’s more or less part of what I’ve said and lest we forget, he is the president of Nigeria and commander-in-chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Well, if this is happening to a section of the country, shouldn’t the President do something about it? Look at those girls who were taken away, he has a case to answer as president. Something very terrible has happened as a result of those girls taken away without being located and of course, you never can imagine what is happening to those girls. What if some of them were my daughters, it’s terrible. So if I’m president, I’ll deal with Boko Haram immediately and we won’t hear anything about them anymore. In the case of the German war, the German authorities dealt with them decisively. You won’t hear anything about Red Brigade anymore in Germany.

I am either president or I’m not. I don’t know whether maybe there is some politics in what’s going on. I can’t imagine these people doing what they are doing to the country. They are facing our military, destroying our police stations and seizing the equipment of our soldiers……..oh no!!!!!

Are you saying Mr President should resign because he cannot stand the heat in the kitchen?

Long time, even because of those girls…….oh yes! He should have resigned.

Mr. President declared a state of emergency in those three northern states that have been the centre of the Boko Haram war and some Northerners have accused him of genocide, especially against the North.

What would you say about such an accusation against Mr. President?

When Obasanjo was president, you know what he did to them in the south in Odi, that small village. He destroyed all of them and since then, we haven’t heard a whisper. That is how to handle matters. The other day when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister, there were some sort of petty things like that in Argentina and then she said the military should go and deal with them.

So, the military went there and dealt with them and put the thing to an end. That is how to do it.

The President should have given an order. What about those who have been killed? What about these people who are not sure whether they are safe or not……..Oh no! It’s not right. We are being taken for a ride in this country. Buhari was president, military head of state; yes he brought a lot of discipline into the system but what followed?

He was arresting innocent politicians when the culprits were there and there were double standards. Some people were being kept in very nice houses in Ikoyi while some people were wallowing in prison. What sort of president is that? So he too wants to be president and in any case, if you don’t allow Jonathan to be president, who is going to be president? Who will sit tight and

say ‘Yes that’s right.’ If Jonathan is not elected, people who will say now that we are back in the shadows we shall leave again……Yes after eight years, it will be somebody from my area.

I remember in 1993 when Abiola and Tofa were going to run for election, the Sultan of Sokoto wrote a letter to Babangida. He said ‘Please tell the president, he shouldn’t allow Abiola to run for election. He should cancel the election because if he wins the election, it will be too bad. Then it will be a great shame to the Hausa Fulani. Now, this is your time, you are now sitting on the throne of your forefathers. Preserve the throne, make sure Abiola doesn’t get there.’ That was the letter he wrote. In 1993, the prime minister of Britain wrote through the Britain high commissioner here to say: ‘No, we don’t want Abiola to be president because we don’t know him. We want a Northerner to be president.’ Even in 1993, Britain was still saying that……….What do you think? If you doubt me, go and read ‘June 12’ by Omooye.

It’s there.

So there was a deliberate attempt by Northerners and of course the UK to stop M.K.O Abiola from becoming the president?

Oh yes!!!!....and in any case, when Abiola was trained by Abacha, they went to him, they sent the secretary of foreign affairs in England to him to say: ‘Abiola, renounce your mandate now.’Can you imagine that?... Then he said: ‘You are from Britain; when you hold an election and you win, it’s your period of four years.’

He (secretary of foreign affairs) said: ‘Well, that is different from this one.’ And of course, the whole of the western world ganged against the Yoruba people because somebody from England came and then the secretary of the United Nations came too to say: ‘Please, renounce your mandate.’ Then our own Anyaoku, secretary to the Commonwealth, he too went there. Well, he must have been asked to go and do that. He said: ‘Chief, I think it will be better for this country if you could renounce your mandate.’ The last of course was the former American Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, (Thomas) Pickering.

He got there andAbiola died. It was that time they killed Abiola.

Who killed M.K.O Abiola?

I don’t know who killed him. I wasn’t there.

Gen. Ibrahim Babangida recently said that some leaders and even kings in the SouthWest knew about the annulment of the June 12 election?

Let him mention the names; he’s trying to be wise after the event. He has done that evil to this

People in government are gaining from the breakdown of refineries, and they have formed this unholy fraternity between the companies in government and the crooks in the system

country and that will continue to follow him all the days of his life. They know that Abiola won election so well in a manner that nobody has achieved in this country. How can you say that?

Can you repeat it? They should be sorry for what they did; it’s against the will of God. Some have accused Yoruba leaders of not supporting their own. Immediately after MKO Abiola died, there were elections in 1999 initiated by Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, Gen. Obasanjo was brought into the game and thrown up to compensate the Yorubas. Why didn’t you support Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo then?

Why didn’t we support Obasanjo?

Yes, despite the fact that he was a Yoruba man who had a track record of leadership?

What record? Is it a record that one can write home about? Obasanjo is not our friend. Up till now, he won’t talk about Awolowo in a pleasant manner. Even now that Awolowo is dead, he won’t. Obasanjo is not that good. Go and look at his records, what he will say in the morning about a particular subject, and what he will say in the evening about the same subject.

Former Secretary to the Federal Government, Allison Ayida, wrote a report in one of the magazines about Obasanjo. He said: ‘At their meeting immediately he took over, Obasanjo said nobody should touch the Attorney-General.’ Because they were sending away judges, permanent secretaries and so on and so forth. It was the secretary to his government who gave that report. He wrote such a report in the magazine. I have a copy. He was not a representative of the Yoruba people when he was in government. He was a representative of the Northerners who took him away from prison.

Obasanjo has never been our man.

Are you excited by the merger of ACN, ANPP, CPC and a faction of APGA into the All Progressives Congress, championed by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to actually take Nigeria out of the current situation?

I can never be excited. Tinubu is an albatross to the Yoruba people, if I may say that. I won’t say more than that. The dignity and integrity of Awolowo was not in his glasses, it was in what he did for the people of this country. And they were things that are imperishable, things that we are very proud of today.

You do not see somebody like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in that mould?

Did you hear of Awolowo imposing candidates on the people? Ask around, you won’t hear that anywhere that he was imposing candidates.

Look, let me give you an example of an opportunity to impose a candidate in Kwara. There was a primary election which was indecisive between Cornelius Adebayo and Josiah Olawoyin, who was of my age as we’d been in the Action Group together for a long time. He was a very good friend of ours, very close friend of Awolowo. So the primary election came and it was indecisive. What did you think Awolowo should have done? He should have asked Olawoyin to do it because he’d been at it for a long time but he insisted that they repeat the primary election until a clear winner emerged and was elected. That was what happened and they went back to re-conduct the primaries. Adebayo defeated Olawoyin and so it was. That was how

Adebayo became the governor of Kwara State. Something like that also happened in the Mid-West, as it was then known, though it’s now called Edo State. Something like that also happened in Oyo between Bola Ige and Baba Alayande. Awolowo could have said, ‘Nnobody should touch Alayande. Alayande is the man.’ In the first instance, he was an elderly man like Awolowo and he had been with us for a long time. With all that he had suffered in the hands of Ibadan people who were insulting him and calling him ‘a slave of the Ijebu people’ and so on and so forth.

Awolowo could have said that nobody should stop Alayande and he should be governor. But Awolowo said they should go to the primaries. So you can’t compare Awolowo and Bola Tinubu. And that is why I said the integrity and popularity and goodwill which Awolowo continues to enjoy, even now that he’s in the grave, were not in his glasses; if you know what that idiom means.

Are you satisfied with the level of development and change that has materialised in the power sector where your firm was the legal adviser?

I am not satisfied at all. We are only a shade better than what we were experiencing before now. Whatever the challenge might be, Nigeria has no cause not to have uninterrupted supply of electricity for 24 hours. No, it is calamitous. Absolutely calamitous that we are still where we are today. Look at Singapore. Singapore’s population is less than three million but they have the best airport in the world, even though we became independent more or less at the same time. At the time we were being granted independence we were at the same level as China, India, and Brazil. See where they are today. Brazil is gone. China is gone. Even that country which was involved in a civil war for 27 years (Angola) is now out to compete with certain countries in the world today. An oil country like Nigeria? It’s a pity.

We pride ourselves as being a very big country and the biggest Black country in the world.

Yes, but what do we have to show for it?

Nothing. China is a very big country but has a lot to show for being big. I think I am right.

Then of course we are carelessly uninformed about democracy. We are not democratic. Because all those important things that make democracy thrive are not functioning here. I’m sure you want to ask me what. 1. A capable National Assembly. Do you have it like you have the Congress in America? No, you don’t have it. 2. An Effective Executive, you don’t have it. 3. Very valiant and courageous press like in England or America, you don’t have it. 4. Very strong Police, responsible Police, you don’t have it. Do you have any of these?

The absence of these does not make democracy thrive here, that is why people steal and get away with it. See what is going on in our oil industry, is that democracy? Some people complained in the papers that about 10.5 million of our children who should be in school are not in school. That is a fact. About two or three months ago, The PUNCH published a statement saying that N8.5 trillion has been given to the North within the last few years and they have nothing to show for it and nobody says anything. Is that democracy?

•Culled from Rock City FM

34

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Politics / Analysis

Rage in the Senate over re-election bid

Ekweremadu C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

in solidarity with us. President Goodluck Jonathan has lost the Senate; he has left the PDP structures in the hands of the governors, let the governors also do our job. We are going to shut the government.”

Moreover, in demonstration of their grievances, the agitated legislators said that they were also going to give solidarity to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who is embattled for defecting from the PDP to APC. Another senator also lamented that even before the ward congresses, for about three months, no allowances had been given to them, which he insinuated was deliberately done by the executive to starve them of funds for prosecuting the on-going congresses.

He said: “Under this arrangement, if left unchallenged, none of the senators would come back in 2015. We are planning to boycott legislative businesses until further notice.”

Reconvening on Wednesday, the Senate, in implementing its shutdown threat, quickly approved votes and proceedings of the previous legislative day. The Leader of the Senate, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, moved a motion for adjournment while all the items on the Order Paper were stepped down unattended to.

Moving the motion for adjournment, Ndoma-Egba said: “President of the Senate, dear colleagues, in view of the mood of the Senate, I hereby move that we step down all the items on the Order Paper, and that the Senate do adjourn to Tuesday next week.” The motion was immediately seconded by the Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Ahmad Sani (APC, Zamfara West).

President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, announced that the Senate could not sit as a result of scheduled meeting of the PDP caucus immediately after the session.

During the meeting held behind closed doors, one of them, who confided in New Telegraph said that the PDP senators resolved to continue their protest until Jonathan and the party’s leadership ensured “justice and fairness” in the emergence of candidates for next year’s general election.

“We have already put our cards on the table.

We have resolved that at least two serving senators must be given automatic tickets, the governors should be given the third ticket for their respective states,” one of the senators, who pleaded to be protected by not mentioning his name, stated.

“I think we are getting close to resolving the crisis. We have been told that the president would lead a meeting of the National Working Committee of the PDP to discuss with us Thursday.”

Speaking to journalists after the PDP senators meeting, Ndoma-Egba said: “I am aware that the PDP caucus met on Tuesday and today (Thursday) on fundamental issues affecting democracy in Nigeria, arising from ward

Etuk

Nwaogu

congress of our party last Saturday. The issue needs to be addressed very urgently by relevant PDP stakeholders for the interest of our democracy.”

Breach of agreement!

It was also gathered that the senators’ anger resulted from alleged breach of assurances they reportedly received from the party leadership that they would get return tickets if they remained in the PDP, when some PDP senators and House of Representatives’ members defected or threatened to defect to the ACP early this year. PDP senators were said to have been promised the right of first refusal if they did not dump the ruling party.

This was one of the reasons only 11 senators formally defected eventually, despite an initial list of 22 senators who signified interest in leaving the PDP for the opposition.

In his reaction, Mark, who presided over the session, assured that he would do everything within his power to settle the current impasse between the Presidency and the National Assembly, while promising to protect and defend the Legislature.

Opposition kicks

However, the sudden adjournment of the Senate and further indications of continued shut down of legislative activities in the Upper Chamber did not go down well with senators from the opposition APC. They argued that their PDP counterparts should not place their parochial interest above national interest since the Senate embodies the representatives of the people, who should work for the interest of the electorate.

Briefing journalists after the abrupt adjournment of the Senate, spokesman of the APC Senate Caucus, Senator Babafemi Ojuju (Ekiti Central) condemned the shutting down of the parliament by the PDP senators over its internal matters.

Ojudu said that the APC senators were ready to work but regretted that the crisis in the PDP would not allow them to do so, pointing out that they were even willing to reconvene plenary today but lacked the capacity going by the rules of the Senate.

He noted that the PDP Senators were suffering from the impunity of their party in the current democratic dispensation, claiming that APC had suffered a lot of injustice in the hands of the ruling party in the past three and half years.

Ojudu stated: “The PDP senators are now victims of their party’s impunity in a democracy; now they are complaining. If we have our way, we will come here tomorrow and sit. It is not about personal interest, it is about the interest of the party. It should be about our people. Now they have seen injustice, they are fighting. We have seen injustice for more than two and half years. We wanted to fight, our colleagues did not allow us to fight.

“Why must it be that it is when it affect us that we act? People should have standards.

Now that they have seen that a lot of them are no longer welcome back in their homes, now that they have realised that they have made themselves slaves to the executive, they are shouting. When you present yourself as a slave, definitely, you will be treated as a slave.

That is the consequences of their actions over the years. But Nigeria voted them here to come and work. We must work.

“It is unfortunate that the 2015 budget will be affected but we are in the minority; we have our say but they have their way. We are going to call a meeting of our party caucus and we are going to discuss this. We even expected that they will call us to an executive meeting and then we discuss this matter. They don’t have to come in and adjourn like that.

“At the moment, Mubi has been taken over by insurgents. This is the time when all of us should guard our loins and fight on behalf of our compatriots who are being displaced. Go and look at the photographs of people who are running away from their homes. If you had lived in a place for about 20 to 30 years and you have to carry a small bag and run away from there, do you know how traumatic that can be? Instead of thinking of ourselves alone, we should be thinking of those people.”

Peace moves

Meanwhile, the aggrieved senators have been meeting with President Jonathan and the PDP leadership in the bid to resolve the impasse and restore order in the already overheated political landscape. Nigerians are watching and waiting to see how the matter will be addressed.

Analysts and other Nigerians have been speaking against the action of the senators, whom they accuse of subjugating the interests of the people to their narrowed selfish interests.

Reoccurrence of rancour

As the senators’ imbroglio with Jonathan and PDP is being tackled, it is pertinent to note that National Assembly and the Presidency have been enmeshed in acrimonious relationship since the advent of this democracy in 1999. Though the two arms of government have distinct statutory responsibilities as provided by the constitution, they are always at loggerheads with each other over how issues are handled or should be handled. However, public indeed sees the constant friction between the two arms as a power tussle, where they struggle for supremacy.

It is a verifiable fact that from 1999 to date, no session of the National Assembly has ever enjoyed uninterrupted harmonious relationship with the executive arm. This was also attributed to what was generally perceived as the overbearing meddling of the Presidency in the emergence of leaders in the two chambers

of the federal parliament. It was also observed that the executive arm believes in influencing most of the legislative functions of the National Assembly to suit its own whims and caprices.

Therefore, when the executive is not comfortable with whatever is happening in the parliament, it will use all means, including spending money to achieve its goal. Conversely, the National Assembly, in an attempt to assert its independence, tries to resist what could be interpreted as ‘executive interference’.

The result of these actions and reactions of the two arms, most times generate the centrifugal effect that permanently sustains the executivelegislative bickering and attendant instability in the polity.

For instance, in the eight-year reign of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd) as President and Commander-in- Chief of the Nigeria Armed Forces, the Senate was caught in the web of instability. Change of leadership actually became a norm to the extent that between 1999 and 2007, the Senate had five presidents while the House had three speakers. Both the National Assembly members and the general public accused Obasanjo of always instigating and sponsoring the removal of any head of any of the Chambers that was not subject to his whimsical tendencies.

One of the major problems the parliament has had to grapple with in the past 15 years of democracy is to get the executive adhere to the constitution and democratic principles.

During the Obasanjo era, the National Assembly, on many occasions, accused him of constitutional breaches, which the lawmakers said, amounted to impeachable offences.

Under Umar Ghali Na’Abba as Speaker of the House of Representatives, the retired military General was threatened with impeachment by the lower House, which really jolted him and put him on his toes. It was believed that Obasanjo’s military background influenced his approach to governance.

However, within short presence of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua in the Aso Villa, who was a complete civilian, the bickering abated because, according to analysts, he reduced the rate of executive interference on the powers and responsibilities of the legislature.

Similarly, when President Jonathan mounted the mantle of leadership in 2011, there also emerged a semblance of change from the old order, especially with respect to constant bickering with the parliament. In this seventh Assembly, for instance, there has been some changes in the pattern of relationship between the National Assembly and the Presidency.

The truth is that, although the two Chambers of the National Assembly still quarrel with the Presidency over certain national issues, where there is divergent views, the Senate, in most cases, has shown better understanding with the president as the senators easily allow for a rapprochement whenever they are in contention on any issues.

35

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2014

Politics / Interview

Egwu: Ex-govs, best suited for Senate You have just bought the form to contest Ebonyi North Senatorial District on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. Why this time around?

This form was bought by youths of Ebonyi North. I was in my house in Abuja when they went to the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party and bought the form. So I didn’t pay a dime for the form. The expression of interest form is N500, 000 while nomination form is N4 million totalling N4.5 million.

So, I have decided to answer the people. It’s been long my people have been begging me to go to Senate. You will observe that the first opportunity to go to the Senate came in 2007 when I finished my two terms as governor, but I said I needed to rest, so I said that Senator Anthony Agbo should go. And it was a time that every outgoing governor wanted to go to Senate. But I said mine should be different, let me give another person opportunity to go. But demand and pressure on me to come out is too much that I cannot wait any longer.

Could your acceptance to run for the senatorial election have anything to do with the recently concluded National Conference which you participated in?

Yes. When we went to the National Conference, we discovered that Nigeria is in a very critical situation; Nigeria is in a cross road, that whoever will represent us at the Senate or the House of Representatives must be people of substance; people who will stand for truth, who will lobby to get something for their people, because Nigeria is a country where you have to fight and struggle for your people. If you don’t struggle for your people others will take your people’s share. And that is why I have accepted to go and represent all of you. The youths of this country have been clamouring for recognition, a lot of our youths are roaming the streets without job, those that graduated from the university have no job and Nigeria’s wealth and job are shared at Abuja.

There is nothing in the state as a matter of fact, there is very little in the state, it is in Abuja that our resources are concentrated. If you don’t have your people who have the interest of their people in Abuja, nothing will come to you. Not only the projects, even the money, money coming to the states. If you don’t have good representation, your state will continue to lag behind in revenue sharing. So it is not just the projects but money going to various states.

So Ebonyi is supposed to produce this time around their first 11 to the National Assembly and I think with the support and prayers of my people, I want to say that with humility and dedication, with the will of God I have accepted the call to go to the senate.

Now that you have accepted to run for Senate, how do you overcome whatever challenges you may face?

People cannot call you to come and represent them and turn back not to support. Even when you said you have yielded to answer the call of the people turn their back on you.

And like you all know, you have all been here before, that immediately I concluded my tenure there was also that request, that time the issue was that all the former governors at the end of their tenure will go to the Senate. It was something like a tradition, but I said no, for me if being a governor is a service, I think I have done my beat and I needed to rest and give another person opportunity and that was why I pleaded with them to accept Senator Anthony Agbo to represent our senatorial zone. And the fact that other governors were going to the Senate does not mean that I will also go there. And like you know this is almost eight years since I left and the demand has continued, and you are all living witnesses to that. It is not something that I faked. The demand is there, so I accepted now; more especially having served the National Conference, I have now seen that there is every need for one to go and represent his or her people there.

Dr. Sam Egwu is a former governor of Ebonyi State and a delegate at the just concluded National Conference. He spoke to CHARLES ONYEKWERE after he declared his intention to contest the Ebonyi North senatorial seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party thing about this country. And you also look at making laws that will help the executive to function properly. So I think that with the experience I have gathered and the demand of my people, I want to offer myself for service.

Egwu

Talking about 1st 11, what do you mean?

The National Assembly as it were needed people who will come there and give effective representation. The country is at a crossroad, we have a lot of challenges facing us as a nation. And if you don’t have your people there to offer effective representation you will be losing a lot because as it were, Nigeria is a country where if you don’t struggle for your people nothing goes to them. I have been a governor, I’m talking from experience. Looking at the sharing formula or even the revenue allocation, there has always been this problem between the governors and the Federal

Ministry of Finance, between the federal and the states. So the issue of budget ratification is assigned to the National Assembly. It is there that you have to slug it out so that what gets to your state is what you are supposed to get.

And then the issue of projects, you have to make sure that what the things are coming to the South-East and especially our own state in terms of roads, in terms of infrastructure.

In appointments too you have to find out that okay, each time appointments are made are my people fully represented, in terms of job opportunities, in terms of recruitment into the Army, NDA and all the armed forces, every-

The issue of consensus candidates is causing controversy in many states, making the National Working Committee of the PDP to come up with a position that there shouldn’t be any such adoption. What’s your take on that?

The position of the party is my position unless where the consensus candidate is not being contested by anybody. Even here (in Ebonyi), remember that at the time I was transiting, there was that issue but we didn’t just adopt anybody, it went through processes and at the end of the day I think two persons still refused and they all went to the field. You saw what happened, everybody was given opportunity to participate. So the issue of consensus can only work when everybody has agreed and nobody wants to come out then there is nothing anybody can do about it. But a situation where even if it is half a person, if there is anything like that, the person should be given an opportunity. That’s why I thank God the party has made a statement on that.

What will be your area of interest if you get to the Senate?

I have said effective representation in all the areas so that whatever is due us in the areas I have enumerated and other areas we make sure we get our own due share.

When Plateau got items worth N150m from Pwajok Musa Pam

W Jos

hen the People of Plateau North Senatorial zone took the decision on October 6, 2012 to elect Senator Gyang Nyam Pwajok in a bye-election after the demise of Sen. Gyang Dantong to represent them in the National Assembly, to many that wasn’t a mistake at all as it gave him impetus to make a lasting difference by touching the lives of his constituents following the legacy of his predecessor within his short tenure.

As part of his responsibility and commitment to represent and give back to his people, Senator Pwajok recently distributed items worth N150 million to mark his two years in the National Assembly, to over 1,000 beneficiaries cutting across the six local government areas of the senatorial district. The council areas are Jos North, Jos South, Jos East, Bassa, Riyom and Barkin and Ladi.

President of the Senate, Senator David Mark who personally visited Jos and served as the chairman of the distribution of the empowerment items held at Polo Ground, in Jos, commended Senator Pwajok for empowering his constituents.

Mark described Pwajok as a dedicated lawmaker who serves in the Red Chambers with proactive vigor, dignity and poise, saying he has also used the opportunity to successfully present and protect the positions, perspectives and interest of Plateau State and Nigeria as Senator of the Federal Republic on the national stage.

He commended Pwajok for providing good governance for his people, saying after elections, elected leaders should provide good governance and that was what the legislator has done.

“Senator Pwajok is one of the youngest senators who are making robust contributions in the Senate. It is a thing of joy that he is giving back to his constituency which stood by him; you must reciprocate the gesture by supporting him in whatever position he seeks in

of the legislator and appreciate the Senate President for coming to Jos to be part of the occasion.

Pwajok, while donating the items to over 1,000 women, youths and handicap in the constituency described it as his way of appreciating the way and manner God Almighty has provided him with grace and guidance to mark his second anniversary as senator representing Plateau North at the National Assembly.

“Today marks the beginning of another phase of this journey, a phase which we begin by the presentation of tools for you to empower yourselves and your communities for better and brighter future. It is a way of celebrating you and the undying spirit of excellence and entrepreneurship that Senator Pwajok presenting a wheel chair to one of the benis inherent in the people of Plateau eficiaries of the items.

State and in particular, the people of diverse and cosmopolitan Plateau North.”

In an effort to protect the legacy of his pre2015,” Mark said.

Presenting a 14- seater bus and six cars decessor, Sen. Pwajok has ensured that all donated by Senator Pwajok to the Plateau the health projects initiated by late Dantong chapter of PDP, Mark said the lawmaker has would be completed, equipped and commisdemonstrated being a true representative of sioned within his two years in office. He also his constituents through the empowerment promised to provide support for the people living with disabilities and routinely visits programme.

Mark said: “It is not how long a senator and supports patients and children in the served in a Senate, but it is the amount of im- hospitals within the zone.

Some of the beneficiaries express appreciapact he made by virtue of your contribution and for those who watch our proceedings, you tion of the empowerment programme by the will agree with me that Senator Pwajok has senator, for Mrs. Elizabeth Dung a widow contributed immensely and very positively who got grinding machine. She said the gesand robustly in manner you would think he ture by the lawmaker is a saving grace for life because it will help provide for the need has being in a senate for so long.”

Governor Jonah David Jang, for his part said of her children Another beneficiary, Shehu Usman who is a empowerment is in the hands of every politician, adding that Pwajok has made Plateau physically challenged received a wheel chair, State very proud by bringing the dividends said he would never forget the senator for contributing the history of his life. He said of democracy for his constituents.

Jang, who was represented by his deputy, the chair will enable him to move freely and Ignatius Longjang also commended the effort prayed for divine blessing on the senator.

36

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Politics / Interview

Why Chibok girls were not freed –Salkida Ahmad Salkida is a journalist currently on self-exile in Dubai. Salkida, who has been involved in negotiations between the Nigerian government and Boko Haram, explains the failed deal to free the Chibok girls.

There is a growing controversy on whether Shekau is dead or alive? What do you think?

I think it is irrelevant if Shekau is dead or alive but time will unveil more and more details about the status of the person, Shekau. It is noteworthy that Mohammed Yusuf built an organisation overtime and when he was killed others within the organisation continued from where he stopped. I think the same will be the case in the event of a Shekau’s death. What is important is how do we stop more misery and further deaths of Nigerians? How can we secure the North and make it safe for all Nigerians irrespective of their religion or ethnicity to coexist in these areas?

How many Shekau doubles do we have?

(Is it possible that Shekau is mutating?)

It is witless for anyone to ascribe cosmetic or human reconstructive science to Boko Haram. If indeed they have reached that level of scientific sophistication by whatever means then the entire world should be worried and never go to sleep until they are eliminated. I believe that often, we tend to give too much credit to that they do not deserve.

Can negotiation be possible in the near future?

I think there is room for negotiation in every conflict and the Boko Haram crisis is not an exception.

What was responsible for the failure of your attempt to negotiate the release of Chibok girls?

What many people fail to understand is that having access alone does not necessarily guarantee success of intervention. But access is important and critical. When you have access and present an unacceptable proposal it will be pointless but anybody even those that cannot reach out to the leadership of the insurgents can achieve results if they have a workable proposal. In one sentence, I think my process failed because of serious official scepticism on the part of relevant agencies that ought to take advantage of the platform as presented. Essentially, what you do not value you won’t invest in. There were little or no investment by officials on the platform I created and presented. Why it was so I do not understand.

Again, I think that lack of a holistic approach and any clearly defined rule of engagement by officials contributed. My thinking is that any kind of engagement ought to involve all relevant agencies of government. The absence of this affected both the release of the Chibok girls and the possibility of wider peace settlement. At the onset of the abduction the demand of the insurgents wasn’t as complicated as it is today. Today, they seem more confident of making sustained territorial gain.

The matter has essentially become far more complicated than what they originally were asking for at the onset.

What do you mean by serious official scepticism?

Mind you, I am only a trained journalist.

When I was approached to negotiate the release of the abducted Chibok girls, I met with the leaderships of the insurgents. In the several camps they took me to, I realised the issue was more complex than I ever imagined. There was a huge number of captives other than the Chibok girls and they are equally human and Nigerians as well. Another issue is, the insurgents have become far more ambitious from the last time I was constantly reporting their activities during my final reporting days in 2012. Sadly, those that engaged me to negotiate mean well but failed to provide me with any kind of framework. The officials seem to expect that it was like sending you to a shop to buy an item. Just get there and pick the item.

It is an exceedingly complex matter. I and two or three well meaning Nigerians were actually the ones doing the necessary thinking for the government officials that approached me. So you talk with the leadership of the insurgents today and tomorrow the government that you presumably talking on its behalf will say or do the exact things that undermine any process of engagement thereby repeatedly endangering my life.

I have often heard people describing you as unhelpful to the cause of government.

That you have sabotaged their process?

If I can sabotage any negotiation that means I call the shots within the leadership of Boko Haram. And if I was in a position to call the shots for Boko Haram, then the process I was associated with would never have failed because I should have directed them to release their prisoners to me. What many do not understand is that I have followed developments within Boko Haram closely for over 10 years. I understand their mindset and how decisions are made to a large extent. Anybody that has carefully studied the global jihadi movements should know what may or may not work at a given time because Boko Haram leadership is largely guided by certain dogmas that was developed centuries ago.

What I need to let anyone who wishes to get any meaningful thing done in the manner of resolving the impasse between government and the insurgents is that any successful negotiation platform would be a platform made up of credible individuals in the media and civil society.

But you rubbished the process of the ICRC which Shehu Sani and Barrister Zanna were involved in. Are you not sounding contradictory?

Oh. I never rubbished any process, the tweets are still there for all to see. What I said was, after making enquiries from the leadership of the insurgents, I was told that no negotiation was ongoing since I left in July.

So I simply conveyed what the leadership of the insurgents said.

Mind you my contacts have never given me a reason to doubt the authenticity of its position since 2005.

ICRC for its part is a reputable organisation that has done far more complex thing than the one in Nigeria, and Shehu Sani and Barrister Zanna on their part are so passionate and committed to peace, they will not be involved in any process that cannot

Salkida

be linked directly to the insurgents, I am sure. But as I said earlier, I understand the decision making process of the insurgents. It is one thing for one or two commanders to agree to begin a process, it is another thing for Mallam Shekau or his Shura to accept the said process. In my case, I do not rely on couriers to announce any process I am involved in it until the Shura has totally agreed in principles to it.

That’s the way it has always been with me.

There has been mounting concern about the safety of the abducted Chibok girls.

Ex- President Obasanjo claimed that the girls may never be rescued? What’s your take?

If the literal meaning of safe is to be free from danger or the risk of harm, then I can say the girls cannot be safe while living in mountains and forests in the cold, with gun welding Jihadists around them. Sometimes I wonder who the real people within the insurgency that our respected Gen. Obasanjo is talking to. How I wish I can talk to the same people.

But what I think I can say is, will the insurgents stone villagers they perceived to have committed fornication and later turn to the tents of these girls to rape them? I think if ever there is going to be carnal knowledge of these girls by the insurgents, then it will most likely be between some of the girls that may have fallen to the daily indoctrination of the sect and agreed to marry some of their captors.

That is why I have always maintained on my tweeter feed that the rescue or safe release of these girls should have been an urgent national emergency.

What can you say about Stephen Davis?

Please I do not wish to talk about him or his process. Let us not trivialise a big issue and turn it into a circus. What is important is, we must do everything possible to stop further deaths and

mayhem.

Why is there so much misinformation and confusion about the ongoing war?

I think right from the onset of this conflict any group or individual with a good knowledge of Boko Haram was viewed with suspicion and were bullied into silence. Then, all kinds of armchair journalists and experts erupted, seeking attention. So truth became the first casualty of war as usual.

Are the Borno State Government and the Federal Government doing enough to resolve this crisis?

Of course the FG and Governor Kashim and his team have done a lot and continue to do the extraordinary to significantly reduce the incidences of violence in the region. Imagine if there is no government what do you think will happen today? In all honesty the governments at the centre and the one in the state have tried but they must do more.

The Nigerian Army especially has done its best. We cannot look at some of their shortcomings in isolation of the problems in the larger society. Governance at all levels must improve; accountability and professionalism must be the watch word, only then can we see a nation that holds so much hope and promise.

Do you think this crisis will end soon?

As I have said earlier every Nigerian must work, even those that have robbed our commonwealth have to change their ways. We must all work in eliminating divisive politics and injustice. We must see ourselves as Nigerians first before we look at our geopolitical and religious differences.

We must all work hard to build strong institutions. Only strong institutions can get rid of the level of impunity we see by individuals and groups of persons. Many crises have come and gone over the centuries. This one, like many other crises, will be a thing of the past.

What is the way out of this crisis?

The crisis has degenerated that I do not think anyone even within the insurgents can say how or when it will end. There has to be a long and strategic programme and not the ad hoc or crash programmes we have so far seen to complement the ongoing military action.

By and large, the only way out of this nightmare in Northern Nigeria is for government to change the tide. Such a development must be self-evident, and not the media derived hype that is often at play.

When you are talking from the position of strength as a government and not weakness, the insurgents cannot make outrageous demands on the table of dialogue. What you have today is a situation where your child has become the breadwinner yet you want to insist on the type of food you want your wife to cook for dinner when you have guests.

Source: newswirengr.com

37

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2014

Politics / Interview

Trouble awaits troublesome politicians in Cross River –Bassey Despite attempts to curb communal clashes, there still appears to be some hitches.

What can be done?

Situations that lead to communal clashes in Cross River State, like elsewhere, are sometimes completely unpredictable. In instances where the remote causes already exist, it just requires a little spark in terms of immediate cause for a communal clash to occur. For instance, we have had cases where a quarrel and/or a fight between two persons from two aggrieved communities led to actual hostilities between the communities; which is rather unfortunate. Having said that, let me note here that our security situation is pretty enviable in relative terms, when compared to what is happening elsewhere to the Glory of God. I can only say further that the kind of communal clashes we experience here are in isolated instances due to disagreement over land and/or traditional office holding.

What would you say had been the achievement of government in terms of security in the last seven years?

Our achievements in terms of security are not only clearly obvious, but far reaching and they are there for everyone to see. We have consistently remained on the lower rungs of the national crime index. Cross River State remains the safest state in the country today in spite of the security concerns in our general area and elsewhere in the country. Suffice it to add here that the security architecture put in place by the present administration accounts for the serenity, safety and security we have enjoyed so far. Specifically, put some of the infrastructure that has helped our security system include our Emergency Response Centre – Quick Intervention Squad (ERCQIS), which has the Emergency Management, Fire and Ambulance Units. Besides, we have a comprehensive security action plan drawn by all the official security services in the state – mainly the police, Department of State Services, Civil Defence, the Army, Navy and Air Force. The plan also encapsulates the NDLEA and other paramilitary agencies.

The plan is composite with the oversight of my office.

Crimes of various magnitudes still appear prevalent in Nigeria, especially now that elections are approaching. How can these be tackled?

Our experience here appears to be somewhat different from other parts of the country which should attract the attention of criminologists. We witness lower crime incidents like robbery, burglary, etc, during election periods. What this implies is that there may be a correlation between economically unengaged youths and positive criminality. It further implies that many youths were actively engaged by politicians in political activities, which also goes to show that many of the youths that are used as thugs by politicians may have criminal tendencies. If that is the case, then it shouldn’t be difficult to know where our challenges lie at times like these, and we should therefore have a way out of the problem if we are so determined, knowing where to direct our attention for tackling criminality during election periods.

Recently, it was reported that some group of persons were arrested when they attempted to blow up the Calabar/Itu Bridge from the Akwa Ibom end. Are you taking this attempt seriously?

The report has some veracity. The motive of that heinous plan by the arrested suspects will be made known to the public by the police who are investigating the matter

Rekpene Bassey is the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke. In this interview with CLEMENT JAMES, he states various security measures put in place for the forthcoming elections

Bassey

in due course. I can only conjecture that the intention to perpetrate such high level act of terrorism was motivated by gross wickedness. The lesson from this is that we are not immuned to the wave of terrorism that is ongoing across the world. This calls for extravigilance, improved hi-tech, covert and overt operations, surveillance, intelligence gathering and monitoring. I must add here that we do not take anything for granted or leave anything to chance here as far as security is concerned. Having said that, I must commend the operatives who uncovered and nabbed the suspects. And here is the irony about security. It is a thankless job. Nobody says ‘well-done’ for all the great and mighty feats that are achieved daily by security.

There are reports that politicians have been recruiting thugs and cultists to ensure their security. Is your office aware of this and are there steps being taken to avoid mayhem during this political period?

You have a responsibility as a journalist and good citizen of the country to avail security agents with useful information about this. So if you know such politicians, I would be glad to have details about them in confidence. All I can say further on this is that it is only desperate and irresponsible politicians that take recourse to recruitment and use of thugs to pursue their political aspirations. I will like to use this opportunity to proffer a strong statement on the urgent need to make politi-

cal office holding less attractive in terms of earnings. The focus ought to be service, and not self-serving personal gains and aggrandizement. A situation where political office holders take away staggering sums of money at the every expense of the masses can only increase the desperation of election and political office seekers. I will therefore continue to lend a strong voice to strong and credible political alternatives as ways of minimising tension during political activities.

Can you say what security measures are in place to frustrate any attempt to cause security breach?

We work in anticipation, in reflection of security threats analysis. We know and have clearly identified all the political flash points in the state. We have also conceptualized effective counter-measures. You can count on the fact that politically, nothing will take security by surprise. The options available to security have been greatly enhanced by the state’s philosophy of zero-crime tolerance, which could be helped more by the political hierarchies of various parties that have reiterated their determination to disqualifying trouble-makers. And you can also be rest assured that security will spare nothing to deal decisively with political trouble makers.

You have a written a new book. Tell us what the motivation was and what you want to achieve.

I am the coordinating editor of Policing and Crime Prevention in Nigeria which I co-edited with two eminent Nigerian Professors of Criminology and History, namely Professor Etanibi Alemika of the University of Jos and Professor Ojong Tangban of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. I would say I was motivated by passion for improved policing in Nigeria, which passion was helped by the willingness of my co-thinkers, who supported the work as coeditors. The book is a 508-page finely finished work with 21 chapters, three of which I authored. I also wrote the introduction and preface of the book. The foreword of the book is written by General Abdulraham Bello Dambazau (Rtd.), the former Chief of Army Staff, who is also a renowned professor of Criminology and Strategic Studies.

Initially the book was meant to be a work of essays in honour of the former Inspector General of Police Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar. But when we discovered that he was not interested, we decided to go ahead and publish it as an academic material. Its rich content would not only add value to policing and crime prevention practices, but as General Dambazau said, the book ‘would be of maximum benefit to both students and practitioners of criminal justice system.’ Arrangements have been concluded to present the book to members of the public on Thursday, 13 November 2014 at the Transcorp Hotel, Calabar.

38

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Politics / Interview

A’Ibom 2015: Sabastine banks on divine intervention Your entrance into the race has sprung surprises. At what point did you make up your mind to join the governorship race in Akwa Ibom?

I made up my mind two years ago to contest the governorship position in Akwa Ibom State.

It is not an ambition but a vision God has confirmed to me in 2012, and since then we have put every machinery in motion to realise this dream. We are not making noise about it. We have studied the environment and decided to approach the realization of this lofty project in a manner different from the norm. Though the project has been a subject of speculations in several quarters, we have now decided to unfold the agenda to the people of Akwa Ibom State to know the direction to follow for a new, better and more prosperous future.

Do you have faith that your party, the PDP will remain fair and neutral in the coming primaries?

Well what I am seeing in the PDP presently has further strengthened my resolve and confidence in the party since I joined in1999. You can see how the party discouraged the open endorsement of preferred aspirants of some powerful cabals. The party did this to ensure free fair and credible primaries. The elections will be contested in the field mostly by aspirants from Eket senatorial districts whose time it is to present candidate to the party because it is there in the party constitution that Governance be rotated among the component units.

Some people may think that it is about the money the party hopes to get from sales of nomination forms that stops endorsements of consensus candidates but I must tell you that it is about entrenching democracy and ensuring peace and unity.

I want to say that the party has a very credible leadership at the national level that cannot succumb to the whips and caprices of any cabal or group no matter how powerful.

It is being said that your relationship with the incumbent governor by marriage is your strength and that he has a hand in your ambition to govern the state?

I never knew where one’s relationship with another person becomes a constitutional requirement to stand for elections in Nigeria.

The opposition I am having to my ambition spans from my relationship to the Akpabios.

Initially people thought it will be a plus for me not knowing that it will be a minus. People come here and said ‘oh you are related to the Akpabio’s,’ and I will tell them yes it is by marriage and the Constitution did not discourage my standing for elections based on that relationship. We all know the constitutional requirements for one to be eligible to stand elections and people over look that one. What matters is that I am eminently qualified and I have no criminal records against me anywhere in the world and I have never for once abandoned my party PDP for any other party no matter the circumstances. If you look at my records, you discover that for the 43 years I have spent on earthly planet, I have never been to any police station or any court to defend any charge. Now I want to tell you that I have been married for 14 years now to my wife when I married her then there was nothing to suggest that a governor will one day emerge from her family. When I got married I was practicing my profession as a geologist and politically I was aligning with the then Governor Obong Victor Attah. Please relationship has nothing to do with standing for elections. Funny enough, I am not even enjoying any support from my in-laws over my ambition. I am a Nigeria, a proud Akwa Ibom State son whose lineage is traceable to my roots in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. That alone is enough for me to offer myself for the services of my people.

Are you intimidated by the big names in the race so far?

I have respect for those of them who have been politicians overtime; I really have respect for those of them who are professional too in

Hon. Mike Sabastine, a top flight politician who is gunning for the Hilltop mansion to succeed his brother in-law, Governor Godswill Akpabio, tells TONY ANICHEBE, in this interview that his ambition is not borne out of his relationship with the governor, but one guided by grace factor and divine intervention

Sabastine

race. But when it comes to the primaries, I have no fear at all about any of them. I know my support base since I made my ambition known to the people of Akwa Ibom State. I must say that come November 29, 2014, I will stand tall after defeating other aspirants. On that day, the will of God will prevail and the grace factor will overshadow every other consideration. When you look at our bill boards, you will see the God Factor Team which powers the grace factor, and that alone is enough for me. Since I know where I am coming from, I have no reason to quarrel or lose sleep over the capacity of the aspirants.

As a matter of fact, I love other aspirants and we are brothers. For some of them that are far older than me, I give them serious respect and regards whenever we meet especially in the aircrafts these days. But for the ones in my age range, we relate too like mates and friends but in this race, I fear nobody.

Akpabio’s administration has received applause on infrastructural renaissance, but people said the “stomach infrastructure” did not receive commensurate attention from him. What is your take?

You have seen the infrastructures on ground and I am sure its people that work in those companies that build the infrastructures.

Well, my economic blue print will address that stomach infrastructure issues adequately.

Two years into my administration the problem of unemployment will be over. I have taken time off since 2012 to design policies and programmes that will lift the fortunes of our people in the state. On my own in 2013, I spent over one month in London doing intensive research and upon my return I developed my blue print. If I am elected the governor and I take oath of office on my 29, 2015, by June 2, 2015 Akwa Ibom State will never be the same again.

It is a known fact the Ibaka Deep Sea Port would have turned around the economic

fortunes of the state. If realised, how will you handle the project if elected?

For me, I have always contributed my own quota to see to the realization of that project I have on some occasions through verbal and text messages told my governor that he can berth a ship in Ibaka before leaving office in 2015. A seaport is nothing more than an embankment, a concrete float, a fence and a crane.

I remember I took some government officials to Dubai where a company which had built such projects for many countries and we got talking. I strongly believe that now that the state government has gotten the license from the Federal Government for the project it will be easier. So if elected, the immediate completion of that port project will be an integral part of my 15-Point Agenda. The port will effectively serve us both for imports and exports of goods as we will always ensure that ships that berthed at the port returns with enough raw materials for exports.

As we are talking to you, we have a company in the Middle -East that manages four or five seaports in the United States that are still discussing with me on their interest to come over here. The project will be realised in my first year in office because I am not intimidated by the name seaport which I have since reduced to an embankment, concrete float, a crane and perhaps fence and gate.

In what area do you think Akwa Ibom has comparative advantage to export items to the world?

We have cassava, cocoa and enough palm fruits I know as a geologist that if you use grinded palm kernel shells with that of coconut and some certain chemicals and use during drilling it will help to stop lost in circulation. Our neighboring states have enough rubber for exports even though we will soon encourage the setting up of some tire factories here, but for now we should be exporting our rubbers.

The state appears disunited now with a lot of ethnic sentiments flowing from people’s utterances especially prominent citizens what is your take?

At the inception of the Akpabio’s administration we are united like people with one hope and destiny and lately we appear a bit divided but we must remain one and like brothers to forge Ahead. I must say this, comments we make sometimes heat up the system. I discovered that people even without knowing the intrigues involve in the Governor’s fights with some politicians battles for him. They attack such politicians even without his knowledge and consent about comments passed on his administration by top citizens of the state. If elected we must restore that aspect of our tradition and culture which encourages respect for our Elders and . I will not encourage situations my commissioners in defence of my administration will engage Elders in verbal or media war. If I am wrongly criticised by a senior citizen; If need be, I will approach him and hear him out and offer my explanation and end the matter there. I will encourage youths to respect their elders and especially those in leadership and position of authority.

I learn from my Godfather and mentor that when people who deliberately wish to pull you down begin to throw mud at you, you should not worry as gravity will pull the mud down. I have been equally attacked unnecessary but I applied wisdom to handle it. If elected, I will create room for constant meeting with elders of the state and seek their opinion and contributions on some key projects to be executed and in such meeting those with any grievances will say them in the closet and we solve the matters at that level.

I will run a government which will share its glory with the elders and leaders of thought in the state. And as I said before 2019, there will be no idle youths in the state to be used by politicians to cause disaffection in the state as they will be gainfully employed by then.

Why is the choice of your campaign’s slogan “the Grace Factor” powered by the “God Factor Team” all about?

My Ambition to govern the state is based solidly on God’s direction and guidance. Since 2012, we have been praying to seek God’s face and intervention in the project. So one day, while I was in deep meditation with some pastors, one of them in deep trounce said this project can only be achieved through “Grace Factor” and it steaked. Thus we have the God’s Factor Team powering the Grace Factor Campaign. So the idea comes from a man of God. We have over 120 groups working for us and will merge into the God Factor Team.

Part of your manifesto shoes that industrialisation remains your priority. What industries?

We have designed a system that will have seven industrial clusters in the state. Each cluster will have a minimum of four to five industries because of power circulation. I am talking of industries that will not be run with generators. The seven industrial clusters will span through pharmaceuticals to car assembly plants and tire production. So we may have to improve our power generation capacity at Ikot Abasi to supply constant power to these clusters. Each of the clusters will have its power station. As I speak to you now, five clusters are ready for implementation. This clusters will encourage migration of people back to state and government will further provide more facilities that will help the complete settling of people in this new communities that will emerge with the sitting of these industrial clusters in the seven selected areas of the state.

39

South-East Focus SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014

Obiano

Orumba: Rich clan, poor people Tony Okafor,

R Awka

ecent poverty mapping by the Anambra State Government supported by the European Union (EU) listed Orumba North and South Local Government Areas of Anambra State among the poorest local governments in the state. Other local governments on the list are Anambra West, Anambra East, Ayamelum, Awka North and Ogbaru.

The inclusion of Orumba North and South local government areas on the list, some have argued, is strange because of the enormous human and material resources available in the area.

The foremost wealthiest Igboman in recent times, late Igwe M.N Ugochukwu, popularly known as Ugofoam, hailed from Orumba just like Second Republic Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

It was through their efforts that Federal College of Education, Umunze and Federal Polytechnic Oko, were established in Orumba South and Orumba North local government areas, respectively.

Besides, the Orumba clan of Anambra State is endowed with natural resources.

Ben Nwankwo, House of Representatives member for Orumba North/Orumba

South Federal Constituency in a write up entitled: ‘Exploring the only virgin land in Anambra - The paradox of the last virgin,’ gave a description of Orumba thus: “Through a careful analysis of Orumba, I come to understand that it is the last virgin land in Anambra State, looking for the right bridegroom to synergise and tap into its potential, harness its inherent opportunities and connect it with its vision and destination.

“Orumba is a promised land filled with milk and honey yet the people have not arrived the destination. The source of Mamo River at Umuogem Ufuma in Orumba North is craving for multiple hydro level developments: Power, water supply and eco-tourism.

“The waterfall at Ogbunka - few kilometers away from Umuogem, but in Orumba South is a wonderful work of nature, with same potential but untapped. And downtown Owerre Ezukala lies Africa’s biggest cave called Ogbaukwu, a primordial architectural edifice designed by nature.

On top of the cave is the waterfall- a twin tourist site. The place can be greater than the Obudu Cattle Ranch if developed into a Resort and Conference centre. Mankind shall find peace, attraction and tranquility of the mind when they go there. Truly speaking, the harvest is rich but the la-

bourers are few. Funny enough, so far, these tourist bundles have been fully surveyed designed and packaged for possible Public- Private Partnership exploitation.”

Between Awa and Okpaeze, Ndiukwenu and Nkpor Nubani lies one of the biggest forests in Anambra State where timber can be cultivated and has been the major supplier of timber to Anambra and Enugu states. The indigenes of these towns hardly have water to neither drink nor electricity to power the wood processing.

However, one of the problems of the clan is erosion scourge. Ben Nwankwo again paints the picture this way: “There is a raging war in the axis of Nanka and Oko between the two communities on one side and erosion on the other side over who owns the land. Regrettably, today, erosion is on top of the war, not our people because we do not have the might and I had often times in my correspondences with the Presidency and Ecological Fund described this ecological spring and insurgency as an erosion ‘haram;’ and if you like a natural insurgency and terrorism against man and his environment.

“I had theorised that Nigeria is bedeviled by the conspiracies of two Harams - Boko Haram in the North-East and

Erosion-Haram in the South-East. And Nigeria is at the centre of the two Harams in both geographical polls. A state of emergency has been declared to combat the Boko Haram of the North East.

Plausible this may be, a counterpart action is required, by way of emergency, to tackle the erosion in the South-East.

“I will use this opportunity to call on Mr. President to declare a state of emergency for the people of Orumba North of Anambra by developing all arsenals from the ecological resource basket for this purpose.”

Who will help this clan out of this quagmire?

Ben Nwankwo, popularly called the messenger, seems to have an answer as he says: “I am ready to act worthy of myself, ready to do what must be done to ensure happiness of ourselves, our children and the unborn. My decision is to promote the welfare of Orumba community and not its destruction.

“For potential opponents of development, let them be reminded that the wellbeing of greater Orumba, the Orumba of our dream, is the highest aspiration of all. We shall work for it, sacrifice for it; we will not surrender for it, now or later.”

40

Education on Sunday SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014

My Success Story

– Oluwaseun, Best Graduating Student, Bells varsity

Promoter of Bells University, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and Oluwaseun

EXCELLENCE: For leading the pack as the best graduating student, Oluwaseun Afolayan, has written his name in the Bells University of Technology’s hall of fame.

O

Mojeed Alabi rdinarily, Oluwaseun Gideon Afolayan, a 27-year-old graduating student of Bells University of Technology (BELLSTECH), Ota, an industrial community of Ogun State, may not have had the rare opportunity of standing among Nigeria’s crème de la crème including former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

But for his brilliance, perseverance and hard work, he was the cynosure of all eyes at the convocation ceremony of the university, where he emerged as the best graduating student for the 2013/2014 academic session.

Penultimate week, Oluwaseun, a native of Iresi in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State, despite his travails, was standing tall as a hero.

An aura of fulfillment had enveloped the venue of the graduation ceremony, with a bevy of cameramen scrambling to catch a glimpse of the student, who has done his family proud, by writing name

in the university’s Hall of Fame.

Oluwaseun’s sterling achievement was greeted with a wide applause and thunderous ovation, as he walked to the podium to receive his awards, and shook hand with the former President the founder and proprietor of the university.

It was a mixed grill of fulfillment and pity for the celebrant whom when most of his contemporaries as a result of their circumstances either succumb to travails or end up as miscreants, had successfully climbed up academic ladder.

Born to late Pa James Afolayan, Oluwaseun, the last born of a polygamous family, who was filled with joy and happiness, expressed gratitude to God Almighty for scaling all hurdles in spite of the challenges he faced early in life.

His father had died in 1993 at the age of 93, when Oluwaseun was just seven years old, leaving behind five wives and several children. This left him under the care of one of his siblings, when it was obvious that his petty-trading mother could not cope in

bringing him and his siblings up.

He, however, regretted that his mother, Madam Felicia Afolayan, was not at the convocation ground to share his joy.

Oluwaseun, a graduate of Physics with Electronics in the Department of Physical Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, scored a Cumulative Grade Points Average of 4.90 out of the possible five points to lead the pack.

While inviting Oluwaseun to the rostrum for a special handshake with Chief Obasanjo, the Registrar of the university, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Gbadebo had announced the arrival of an unusual scholar, whom she said had “effortlessly combined brilliance with piety and moral uprightness, and who is also socially inclined.”

Unlike most of his colleagues who exuded opulence going by their attires, Oluwaseun, with his small stature appeared like a grammar school boy, seeking admission to higher institution.

Narrating his journey to success, Oluwaseun had said of his life’s vicissitudes: “My journey in life has been rough and wonderful. I have enjoyed unlimited grace from God because ordinarily this shouldn’t have been my lot. I lost my father at age seven, and was weaned from mother at nine.

“I cannot tell exactly the number of my father’s children, but what I can say is that I am the last of my mother’s six children.”

He said shortly after leaving primary school, one of the daughters of his step mothers, Mrs. Adeola Oresanya (nee Afolayan) agreed to take him along to Suleja, Niger State, where he was enrolled at JEFAB International School for secondary school education.

Recounting his acquaintance with Oluwaseun, his brother-in-law (Adeola’s husband), Mr. Lawrence Oresanya, a lawyer, however noted that Oluwaseun’s precociousness and moral values encouraged the family to offer him the best in terms of education, training and upbringing.

He said: “When he (Oluwaseun) completed secondary school education, he won 10 prizes out of the possible 14 prizes for the class. I cannot remember any moment we ever regretted bringing him to the family. He is such a very hardworking, honest and intelligent young man.”

Upon relocation with the Oresanya family to Ota, Oluwaseun, whose dream was to study Medicine, could not fulfill his ambition due to his inability to secure university admission in his two attempts at the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

But determined to acquire education, Oluwaseun was said not to be deterred as he enrolled at AllOver Central Polytechnic, Ota, where he studied Electrical Electronics and graduated with Distinction.

After the mandatory one-year Industrial Attachment (IT) with an electrical company, Oluwaseun secured Direct Entry admission to Bells University of Technology, where he also won scholarships for leading in his college, right from his first year.

Oluwaseun said: “During my first semester in the university, I led my department with 4.85 points CGPA. Impressed by my performance, one of my friends on campus, David Abejide, informed me of the university scholarship scheme, but in which he insisted I must obtain the best result (CGPA) in the college. So, I kept up with my normal academic life, and by the end of second semester I made a CGPA of 4.95 points, to lead the college.”

The scholarship, he said, offered him 60 per cent of the school fees, while he only paid 40 per cent through his guardians.

While speaking with New Telegraph, Oluwaseun thanked God Almighty, his guardians, who he refers to as parents, and his mentor and spiritual father, Bishop David Oyedepo, for showing him the way to greatness.

Expressing regret over his mother’s absence at the convocation, Oluwaseun said: “I had looked forward to see her today but due to one reason or the other, she could not. It is almost five years I saw her last, but I thank God for His grace that she is still alive doing her petty trading back home in Iresi”.

Oluwaseun, who hopes to go into academics, spoke of plans to access scholarships to study at the Cambridge University in the United Kingdom (UK), while his long-term dream is to become a successful entrepreneur.

On his marital plans, he hopes to sustain his relationship with his girlfriend on campus, whose identity he refused to disclose.

He expressed gratitude to the management of the university for instilling discipline in the students and the quality of education and training impacted in them, describing the institution as a land of great opportunities.

41

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Education

UNIBEN, ABU join Onga campus cooking contest winners’ list

S

Kayode Olanrewaju

ome students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria have joined the league of winners in this year’s edition of the Onga National Campus Cooking Competition.

For emerging winners in their zones, the universities’ students have joined the likes of the University of Ibadan; University of Lagos; Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; and Federal University of Technology, Minna as winners of the regional campus activations held on the various campuses.

Idoni Precious, a student of the Agricultural Science emerged winner out of the 10 students that participated in the contest for UNIBEN; while

Mohmood Ismail of the Faculty of Pharmacy won in the ABU campus activation.

For UNIBEN, Onyejekwe Victoria (Faculty of Education), Ima Osagie (Faculty of Life Science) and Jude Odibeli (Faculty of Law) were the first, second and third runners-up respectively.

Similarly, for ABU activation, Femi Eva (Faculty of Engineering); Susan Qdunm (Faculty of Vetenary Medicine); and Adikwu Elizabeth (Faculty of Art), emerged in first, second and third positions in that order.

Each regional winner went home with a Deep Freezer as part of their reward for participating in the competition, while the first and second runners-up went home with gas oven.

Other contestants smiled home with various consolation

prizes.

The objective of the competition is to give undergraduates in the selected campuses the opportunity to sharpen their culinary skills; enlighten the public on the wide variety of dishes enjoyed by different cultures across the country.

Part of the aim of the contest, according to the organisers, is to create a sort of bond between the brand’s target audience and the Onga Seasoning through active engagement and one-onone interaction.

According to Mr. Kachi Onubogu, Executive Director, Commercial, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Onga Seasoning and sponsors of the competition, the Onga National Campus Cooking Competition is one of the tested platforms Onga deploys to engage its tar-

get audience. His words: “The Onga National Campus Cooking Competition is one of such tested platforms, which takes place in some selected university campuses in the country. It is an effective platform for interacting closely with our target group and engaging them in the art of cooking.”

“To participate in the ongoing campus activation, contestants are asked to submit their entries in the dedicated drop boxes placed within their faculties,” he added.

Towards this end, no fewer than 10 contestants are picked to represent each university in a raffle draw; and the best from each campus is chosen as winner to represent the participating institution in the grand finale expected to hold next month in Lagos.

Some of the contestants in a group photograph

We’ll surpass NUC benchmark – Ambali Biodun Oyeleye, Ilorin

U

niversity of Ilorin Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

AbdulGaniyu Ambali, has reiterated the commitment of the university to upholding the standard set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and surpassing it in order to offer quality education to Nigerians.

Ambali made the promise

Prof. Ambali, VC

when he received members of the NUC accreditation team for Postgraduate Programmes in the Faculty of Management Sciences in his office.

The accreditation team, led

by Prof A. C. Awujor, was in the university specifically to assess the Masters in Labour Relations, M.Sc. Accounting, M.Sc. Finance and MPA programmes.

NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Julius Okojie had earlier

noted that UNILORIN is one of the seven universities in Nigeria that have 60 per cent academic staff with PhDs. The NUC scribe broke the cheering news at the maiden International Conference of the University of Ilorin Postgraduate Students’ Association (POGSASS) held at the University Multipurpose Hall.

Okojie, who spoke through the Chairman, NUC Standing Committee on Private Universities (SCOPU), Prof. Akaneren Essien, commended the authorities of the university for placing high premium on both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

Essien pointed out that the last review of Nigerian universities conducted by the Commission revealed that only seven out of about 129 universities in the country have 60 per cent of their academic staff with PhD qualification.

The NUC boss, however, advised UNILORIN management not to rest on its oars, but strive to attain over 80 per cent of its academic staff with PhD.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the university is open and friendly, adding that it recorded 100 per cent accreditation during the last accreditation exercise carried out on its academic programmes.

He said: “We have a lot of things to learn from within and outside the country. We want to sustain our excellence and welcome constructive criticism as it helps us to remain the number one university in Nigeria”.

The leader of the NUC accreditation team, Awujor, in his remarks, said that the team was in the institution to “see what the university is doing, what the iniversity has, and help to improve the system.”

He explained that the team was not on a witch-hunting mission, but was set up to see whether the university is conforming or not with NUC requirements.

Members of the accreditation team included Prof. O. O. Okereke, Prof. C. Ibe, Prof.

Dandago and Mrs. H. P. Abechi.

Jang

Rotary donates textbooks to school Musa Pam, JOS

A

s part of efforts at revamping the education sector and reduce the rising rate of mass failure of students in Mathematics and English Language at the Senior Schools Certificate Examination (SSCE), Rotary Club of Naraguta Jos, Plateau State has donated 200 copies of Mathematics and English Language textbooks to Government Secondary School West of Mine, Jos. The District Governor, Rotary District 9125 Nigeria, comprising 23 states including the FCT, Rotarian Tolu Omatsola, while presented the text books to the Principal of the school, Mrs. Julia Davou in Jos last week, said the gesture was to assist the students in preparation for their final examinations.

While saying that non-availability of text books has been the major cause of mass failure of students in schools, he said the Rotary Club had found out that unless students are equipped with necessary tools the country would continue to record mass failure in its schools.

According to him, apart from providing textbooks, the club has also offered scholarship to students, trained teachers and donated items such as chairs and tables to schools with a view to enhancing conducive learning environment for students to achieve their goals.

The President of Rotary Club of Naraguta in Jos. Rotarian Larry Nwosu noted that the club had initiated a three to five years programme to donate textbooks on yearly basis to uplift the standard of education in the state.

AAUA names director for health centre

T

he management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State (AAUA) has named a new Director for the institution’s Health Centre.

He is Dr. Oloye Adejoro, who was appointed in an acting capacity.

The university Registrar, Mr. Bamidele Olotu, in a statement said the appointment has since taken effect from October 15.

Adejoro, a Bachelor of Medicine in Surgery (MBBS) from the University Jos in 2000, joined the university in 2005 as a Medical Officer and was promoted Senior Medical Officer II in 2008.

Adejoro, who was elevated to Senior Medical Officer I in 2012, is a member of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and Dental Council of Nigeria (DCN).

While lauding the university management, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Femi Mimiko, for the appointment, he pledge his readiness to justify the confidence reposed in him by ensuring the delivery of quality health services to the members of the university community.

42

Abuja Beats SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014

F

Obinna Odoh

or its failure to release the sum of N132 billion budgeted for 2014 President’s Comprehensive Response Plan (PCRP) to remedy the existing treatment access gaps for people living with AIDS/HIV, the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) last week staged a protest at the office of the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) in Cebtral Business District, Abuja.

Leading the protest that saw to the blockage of NACA main entrance by members of the network, National Coordinator NEPWHAN, Edward Ogenyi, stated that only 649,000 AIDS/HIV positive persons out of 1.8 million people that are eligible for treatment, are currently accessing antiretroviral drugs.

He reiterated that his network would not accept negligence from government and watch its members die daily as a result of HIV related complications.

“Only 649,000 HIV positive persons out of 1.8 million people that are eligible for treatment, are currently accessing antiretroviral drugs. This represents only 30% of the national need.

“Despite the huge investment made till date to stem the tide of the epidemic, about 20,000 people die of AIDS related complications monthly in Nigeria.

None of the indicators/targets set for the President’s Comprehensive Response Plan has been achieved till date due to the lack of fund for HIV/AIDS. Out of N140 billion budgeted for implementation of PCRP in 2014, only N8 billion (representing less than 5.7% of the estimated budget) was appropriated for HIV/AIDS under the SURE-P which we hear is now targeted only Taraba and Abia states.

“We now demand the implementation of the PCRP in order to urgently bridge the existing HIV/AIDS service access gaps and thereby save the lives of 1.2 million Nigerians that urgently need antiretroviral drugs and accompanying services.

“The N8 billion released for HIV/ AIDS under the SURE-P to reduce newborn AIDS related deaths in the country should not be for the two states alone but targeted at all states; the federal government should as a matter of great urgency set up a health trust fund to bridge the gap in health financing, and lastly, government should save our women, newborn babies and our generation from HIV/AIDS,” Ogenyi said.

While addressing journalists, Public Relations Officer of NEPHWAN, Samaila Garba, noted that the protest was against the negligence of government to the plight of the people living with HIV/ AIDS in Nigeria.

“We are here because we formed an organisation, a pressure group that will make sure that we have treatment for HIV/AIDS and that treatment will be maintained. This is key,” he said.

However, Director General of NACA, Prof. John Idoko, told journalists that he made sure that funds provided for HIV programmes were disbursed accordingly.

He explained that the PCRP Fund is not targeted to two states alone but the 36 states of the federation and FCT. According to him, the sum of N8 billion was meant to kickstart the programme in the mentioned states and while other

PLWHAs protest unpaid N132b treatment allowance

states would be captured as more funds are being released.

“The PCRC which everybody has alluded to is the fundamental thing that we are all trying to drive.

And, as you all would have noticed, it is true that our President launched the PCRP last year.

“True to its words, the government decided to fund the HIV programme to reduce the number of deaths and increase treatment. It is true that we are still very far from where we should be. The fund for this today should be like N140 billion, but N8 billion has been appropriated. As we speak, we have received only 20 per cent of it.

“However, we hope we are going to receive the rest. It is important to recognise that no other government like this government has released this amount of money. And, we are very hopeful that it will continue to expand. In fact, working with our partners, I am specific now, PEPFAR and the Global Fund, we are targeting to put 40,000 people on drug.

“And, I want to emphasise that PEPFAR is not withdrawing as being speculated.

PEPFAR is reducing their activities. But, in those areas where they are reducing, we decided to bridge the gap with the

money provide by this administration.

“We are hoping, and we are very hopeful that the government will expand the money and, therefore, we will expand to other state, next year.

“I also need to mention a few other things, a major issue. We are testing in all the 36 states and FCT. I also want to mention that as part of the PMTCT, the President will very soon re-launch and escalate the campaign, which will go into all the states.

“It is not that two states alone are being considered. It is a whole country. I want to assure NEPHWAN that we are all in this business together. We want to be sure that we can work with all the government agencies and all other civil society organisations, including them, to ensure that government put more money into the programme. I am confident that government can put more money. But, we have to work together as a team,” Idoko added.

t your

a o printed solid colour ur pretty ed pants m ake the blouse; fashion

neutra n dark use wit hing w trendy n a bla be wis tylish, l e type. Y r colours to e ith tighter p e to polish colours. Th zer or a jack you for a b dash of fash h a peplum is give io rints ed look ou can nhance e fo o t ld in s it a m lour fr steppin top is y print, like n. If you’re g r a es. He for a d om the also pick a pa your body u o a le g o c y u h o o a r p u t a b t the offi rd, a n ing it a m els dress this est bet that co for lun r p Go for Pump eutral . c c ore up, lour. O rint and we ticular coe h a h o w e super r pri ith a ar yo f cours Finally boho chic lo while flats g nted b els go amazin e, it ne a top of a ur printed p casual look friend. ive , o w g t t ly h om so e n i n ok. by p n eds to a w doubt, be n d flat sandals nts with a g pairing Y phistication s; they cert ell with s rinted pants raphic ies or le ainly a to the ou can p h . For tig w irt or b air yo ith a ov te d ggings a , opt fo ht printed sk e lours of lso play aro erall ensemb d look sty asic black. Bo white blouse ur in- a u t li r overs y le h n or s o . option d wit h and ur fo lw ized to G s alway ps st ays look be otwear. Prin h the co- p o ahead an trendy. s t rappy a sandal, st when style ed pants f nts into you d incorpora te prin ul and r ward sexy fla d with colo rob ted ts or he a wil el wed l have urful eye-ca e. These play gyou lo tching oking super bottoms stylish .

44

SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Get the right haircut Vanessa Okwara

A

well-groomed man is sexy any day. A clean haircut is a sign of good grooming.

Clean shave, short, long, afro or natural, there are different ways the black man can style his hair.

However, kept clean and

tidy. Unique haircuts that men wear these days help them to look more trendy and good looking. Because of the unique characteristics of black hair, a seemingly endless variety of hairstyles is possible with it.

Before choosing a hairstyle, you should look at

the shape of your face.

The structure of your face determines the best hairstyle for you. Hair texture and volume are also important. There are always three basic choices of hair length –long, medium short. Some are thin, some are thick and different hairstyles fit each texture.

Here are some of the hair styles you can wear for a handsome, sophisticated appearance.

Sport any of these hair styles for that stylish, stunning and stand-out look!

Most men like to rock trendy short haircuts with a bit of hair to comb. This can come in form of punk style and short afros.

Twisted is the unique and trendy haircut for classy guys. The haircut is short in length and easy to handle. It could be in dreadlocks or simple short twists or cornrows.

Men who like long hair can try trendy braids. It is a funky hairstyle and is mostly seen on students, artists and those in the entertainment industry. Professional men must try to avoid long hairstyles because they are not businesslike.

If you are going bald early, clean shave (Gorimapa) will be best for you.

Buzz cut is very much in vogue for the stylish man.

Buzz cut makes the face look more defined. A buzz cut is a variety of short hairstyles usually designed with electric clippers. Buzz cut is popular with men and boys who want a short, lowmaintenance hairstyle. On the right person and with the right outfit, a buzz cut can have an edgy look. This hair cut also gives you a respected appearance.

45

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014

Body&Soul

Handling pressures of being single and desperate

W

hy don’t I have a man in my life? Should I be pursuing a relationship just as eagerly as I’m pursing a degree or looking for a job? These are the silent questions begging for an answer at the heart of every single under intense pressure to get hooked.

You are in your early or late thirties and the elimination process has begun.

One by one your close pals and colleagues are getting married or they are in one relationship or the other and you are beginning to wonder whether something is wrong with you because you are still single and no sign of a steady boyfriend or girlfriend.

This pressure becomes intense when a close friend, perhaps your best friend suddenly gets married and people turn their questioning eyes in your direction and silently ask you: when are you getting married?

Most of the time you will feel like the ground should open so you could disappear into oblivion; away from their prying eyes. At other times you just brave those looks and console yourself that being single at thirty is not a hideous crime.

The truth is that the pressure has begun and you really do not know how to handle it. It is also a time a lot of people make mistakes and end up “settling” just to belong to the class of the married.

Women in Africa especially feel this pressure from society more than the

male folk. Once a woman hit the thirties range, the pressure hits the fever pitch. This pressure can come from either parents or peers who proudly flaunt their wedding rings or their babies in your nose at every given opportunity.

Facebook is not helping matters as your friends post pictures of their wedding for the world to see; making you feel more or less like a wet bag! They must have forgotten that good marriage partners don’t just fall out of the sky and into your yard with your name pinned on it.

Keep in mind that if you are desperate to get married, you could be giving out signals that are actually scaring away the opposite sex. Seven percent of communication is verbal and the other ninety-three percent is nonverbal. What kinds of nonverbal signals have you be sending out regarding commitment?

Even if you hear your biological clock, it need not tick loudly enough for every eligible man to hear it!

You need to relax a bit and not be in such a huge hurry. Even if you’ve waited

all your life to find Mr. Right, and you don’t want to miss out, you still have to get your head on straight and take a sane approach to dating, not a frenzied one. Don’t put pressure on yourself.

Stop telling yourself you have to get a ring on your finger by any means possible. Desperation is a thief of destiny.

It makes you to do the unthinkable just to hook a man into marriage and in the process make irreparable mistakes.

Rather, it is a time to think of YOU first. Recognize that you don’t have to be in a relationship to be whole. It is better to be happy alone than miserable with someone who does not value you.

The most important relationship you have is the one you have with yourself.

It is also not a time to go on a pity party or act in desperation. Rather go on a self-development spree: learn new crafts; take up an MBA class; involve yourself in extracurricular activities.

These will help take your mind off being single or feeling pressured by it.

While waiting, increase your chances

of getting hooked to the right partner and at the same time prepare yourself to be the kind of person your would-be partner will fall head over in love with.

Do an autopsy on your past relationships. Why didn’t they work? Look at things honestly and learn from your mistakes.

By using a sensible approach to dating and not rushing yourself, you’ll find that you have better results. This isn’t to say that you should simply sit at home waiting for him/her to show up. You still have to put yourself out there and take risks if you want the rewards.

Decide what kind of person you’re looking for and put yourself in a targetrich environment where such a person can be found. If, for example, you’re looking for a man who loves the outdoors, fix yourself in the same vicinity.

And if you’re not looking for a barfly, don’t go to a bar to find him unless you are also the kind of person that likes to party hard.

Don’t let peer pressure push you towards something you aren’t ready for.

Handle the pressure from family and friends by joking around it. Use this period of singlehood to be the best you can be. Don’t focus on your loneliness but try to engage yourself in activities that will enhance you and make you a much better person that will be appreciated by your mate when he/she eventually shows up.

Send your views to the email above!

Making music videos culturally and visually appealing

I

am always conflicted whenever I want to make a critical statement on the music industry or indeed, any other industry within the cultural sector of Nigeria. Why? Well, for one, the lack of institutional support has meant that these are industrial efforts built on the blood and sweat of passionate practitioners; people who didn’t care about financial reward but pursued their artistic endeavours for the love of it or the smile and satisfaction on the faces of the few who come to see them perform.

My second reason for feeling conflicted is personal; my self-condemnation that while I fled, these cultural entrepreneurs, young and old, stuck it out in the inclement climate of Nigeria and still carry on their art. Therefore, this kind of resilience is deserving of commendation and not condemnation. If any criticism is to be offered, it must be a constructive one.

However, to be able to further make progress, a few pointers in the right direction is always in order, otherwise, their venture will not penetrate beyond the local scenery. Perhaps, the one major fact that Nigerian artistes and musicians are failing to recognise is that with the world becoming more and more borderless, thanks to Internet technology, they are the global brand ambassadors for Nigeria. The other day in Toronto, I was at a barber’s shop (I know, what is a bald man doing in a barber’s shop you say; another story), and the Caribbean young man who ran the place started singing D’banj’s hit, ‘Oliver Twist’ the moment he deciphered I was a Nigerian. I was proud until he started adding oooh at the end of every sentence.

“Why you speaking like that,” I asked

him.

“Trying to speak Nigerian, bro,” came his answer.

“You are speaking to me, am I ending every sentence with ooh?” I asked.

He paused and not having anything sensible to say, shrugged and carried on with his work. He had learnt the funny lingo from Nigerian movies apparently and in his ignorant bliss, assumed every Nigerian speaks that way. I don’t blame him, I blame the movie directors and producers. But, maybe in a naïve way of trying to appease me, he asked: “Why do you Nigerians like Moet and Hennessey drinks? Dem not strong like Jamaican rum, man.”

It was at this point that I took my leave and decided to address the matter from root; talk to the musicians and their video

producers. There seem to be a fixed formula for Nigerian music video- girls with big behind, a club scene and lots of alcohol. You throw in a splash of dollar bills flying all over the place and voila, music video. I can name a hundred dozens of music videos with these thematic thrust.

Thanks to the power of the Internet, every Nigerian is seen in that light. Some of the messages in the songs are even so good that you wonder their relationship with the video.

And talking of message, just when did we get so carried away by materialism and consumerism that our success is now measured by the drinks we have on our table? Why would palm wine, the drink of nature, be so desecrated as to be linked to poverty and some chemical contraption from a foreign lab be the drink of

I will not stand and see this forced down as the absolute truth. The Nigerian in the Diaspora deserves better representation from home. What we want is a Nigerian entertainment industry that truly reflects our cultural heritage and gives a true image of our homeland

affluence? Why will hard work take second place and partying with girls be the status symbol of a successful venture?

It seems that capitalism and its attendant blind materialism has so taken hold of us that we do not question what we hear or visualize anymore. Just take it in and accept it as the whole truth. Little wonder, it is the big businesses that are dangling the endorsement carrots and the music industry just follows.

I will not stand and see this forced down as the absolute truth. The Nigerian in the Diaspora deserves better representation from home. What we want is a Nigerian entertainment industry that truly reflects our cultural heritage and gives a true image of our homeland.

It is no wonder that whenever all the musicians come on foreign tour, all you see are Nigerians and a handful of locals.

Our music has not appealed to most because we are trying so hard to make our music like those of foreigners and the truth is, it can’t happen.

That is why I will praise music videos like ‘Aye’ by Davido, ‘Suru lere’ by Dr. Sid and MC Galaxy’s ‘Nek-unek’ for their true portrayal of African culture.

The aforementioned videos are complete with dance and costume and demonstrates that there is a rich source of ideas and video themes not yet explored by contemporary musicians. The foreign musicians don’t have this bank of cultural heritage to draw from, so we need to keep hitting them with it.

This is not another condemnatory piece, but an exhortation; there is richness in African culture, richness waiting to be harnessed in order to make music videos visually appealing.

46

SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

with

Wole Adepoju 07037763410

woleadepoju@yahoo.com

Tambuwal honours Sade Tinubu Eunice Efole pipes low

D

ue to the ongoing face-off between the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, and the leadership of his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party, over his defection to the All Progressives Congress, many thought the man would occupy himself with strategies on how to remain ahead of his opponents. But as it is, the embattled speaker still finds time to identify with those who are close to his heart, socially. That was the scenario when he honoured Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Chief Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, during her first year coronation anniversary, days ago in Lagos.

The Speaker, we learnt, made it to Lagos to honour the Iyaloja General because he shares a strong bond with her husband who is a member of the lower chamber of the National Assembly. Her husband, Oyetunde Ojo, is representing Ijero/Efon Ekiti West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

All roads led to an event centre in Ikeja where the daughter of APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, marked her first year as the

Iyaloja General of Nigeria. National Assembly and Lagos House of Assembly members, traditional chiefs, top Lagos politicians and highly placed individuals were in attendance to celebrate with her. Market men and women from all over the country were also there to felicitate with their own. Expectedly, Oye Ojo, who was the major host, made sure things were done in a proper way as there were enough edibles for guests to savour. Top juju singer, Queen Ayo Balogun, spiced the day with melodious tunes and it was a successful event after all.

A graduate of Greenwich University, United Kingdom, Folashade, since her emergence as Iyaloja General of Nigeria, has made an impact on her sector with her innovative ideas. Hygiene has been made more important at the markets among several other laudable steps. Also, unity among market people at every level remains a priority and these steps have seriously paid off.

The Yeye Oloro of Ago Iwoye, Sade has also has not failed in her social responsibilities. Staging a walk to lend her voice to the Bring Back Our Girls campaign is one of the social causes she has been involved in.

Tale trails Adefulire’s ambition

U

pon leaving office as the governor of Lagos State in 2007, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu had wanted to go to the Senate to represent Lagos West Senatorial District. He, however, had to drop the ambition as a sacrifice for the party. Hence, the ticket was used to pacify Senator Ganiyu Solomon who was aggrieved over the governorship race.

As Solomon is interested in running for governor again, interested aspirants have signified readiness to take over. Among them is Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire. It took the woman so long to announce her intention because she had to consult widely.

She has eventually come out to register her intention. She has the likes of former defence minister, Demola Seriki, and top

All Progressives Congress member, Enoch Ajiboso, to contend with for the ticket. A party source has, however, revealed to Celeb Lounge that the hurdle before the woman may see her lose out because the senatorial seat in question is a sensitive one.

Some party elders opposed to her ambition have watched Orelope-Adefulire rise to her current position from the post of a commissioner, based on the influence of Asiwaju, who is said to be favouring the woman because of her father and her loyalty. The reason they are against her ambition is because she’s accused of not having what it takes to hold such a sensitive elective office. These people are said to be pushing for a firebrand who is articulate, eloquent, exposed and well prepared to slug it out at the apex level of legislation.

Mabruka Mai Deribe’s long search

W

ith her physical attributes - height, facial beauty, slim figure and carriage, Mabruka Maideribe will not only make heads turn, but can also make the celibate have a rethink.

Being born into the family of late Borno billionaire, Alhaji Ahmed Maideribe, no doubt, is a plus to her personal attributes.

Determined to carve a niche for herself, Mabruka ventured into the fashion world and over the years, her outfit, Mabs Couture, has grown in leaps and bounds.

Her background as the daughter of a wealthy businessman may have played a role in her venture’s success.

But other factors have also contributed to sustaining the venture. Not keen about hugging the spotlight, the lady has kept a low profile for so long a time. However, those close to her are beginning to worry that the beautiful lady has maintained her status as a spinster for long. We could not confirm if she’s in a relationship but those who know are of the opinion

that her late father’s riches, which she does not hide, may be responsible for her long stay as a spinster.

T

hose who are conversant with happenstances on the Lagos social scene know that Eunice Efole was at a time a very regular face on the social scene. What has been noticed of her in recent times, however, is that she has withdrawn so much into her shell that little or nothing is heard about her.

Eunice is a living evidence of a self-made person. From a humble background but with great determination, she has become a factor. Mingling with the rich, she did not get carried away but was determined to make something out of it. Many were surprised when she invited friends for the opening of her multi-million naira house in Lekki some years ago. Eunice has since gone into real estate.

Dapo Adesina back on the matter D apo Adesina, son of the former governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Lam Adesina, may have perfected plans to revisit his political ambition. A graduate of the University of Ibadan, Dapo, in the last elections, had nursed the ambition to pick a seat at the House of Representatives. Since the party’s arrangement did not favour his ambition, Dapo, who is better known as Dapo Lam, was compensated with the post of a commissioner in the pacesetter state, Oyo. Before his current brief, Dapo, who became a commissioner as a bachelor, was saddled with the duties of youth and sports,

before he was moved to science and technology.

Now, the story has it that the young man is planning to give his maiden ambition another shot.

Meanwhile, the man in question is still basking in the euphoria of the success of his recent birthday party. Days ago, he clocked 36 and used the occasion to identify with children of an orphanage. The choice of his celebration was admired by many, who shared his view of celebrating his day with the less privileged. However, he was reported to have used the occasion to hint his people of his intention to stand for election next year.

Henry Ajomale suffers ill-health

G

oing by recent happenings, it won’t be out of place to say that it has not been a good time for men who hold sway in the administration of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress. That is talking about the state chairman of the party, Henry Ajomale, and his deputy, Cardinal James Odunbaku, popularly known as Baba Eto. Information from reliable sources has it that Chief Henry Ajomale has in recent times not been enjoying the best of health.

His health is said to have been a source of concern to him. The Russian-trained lawyer, who has been saddled with the chairmanship of the party of the day in the Centre of Excellence, since 2006 during its days as Action Congress, we were informed,

has been managing this ailment so much that many are not aware of it. Although the nature of the illness could not be ascertained, we were informed that Ajomale actually travelled to the United Kingdom to take care of his health. The development is said to be the reason why he’s not been seen at party events in recent times. He was also conspicuous by his absence at the colloquium that was, days ago, staged to celebrate Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola’s victory. The event, which was held penultimate Sunday in Lagos, had APC bigwigs from far and near in attendance. New entrant to the APC and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, was chairman of the event.

47

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014

Body&Soul

Thinking

Aloud

paulhelenproductions@yahoo.com

Akinlade’s defining moments

C

hairman, Committee on Science and Technology in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, has never hidden his interest to be the governor of Ogun State.

He had made unsuccesssful attempts to get the ticket to fly his ambition at different times. His undeterred hope has made him hobnob with a few political parties in the last few years.

Sources who say that it looks like Akinlade may get the governorship ticket of the PDP for the 2015 election, have hinted that it is not too good a period for him as setbacks stare him in the face. From what has been observed, the man who seems to have the final say in Ogun State, Buruji Kashamu, appears to be pleased with Akinlade.

However, three other blocks in the state are said to have agreed to root for a former

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole.

Sources said the three blocks controlled by Gbenga Daniel, Chief Alani Bankole and Chief Jubril Martins-Kuye respectively, allegedly united and presented Dimeji as their joint preferred choice at a meeting in the presidency.

This was after the unification rally held in Ogun State by the PDP. Kashamu, the man behind the fourth block, has reportedly asserted his authority as the biggest spender in the party. He is reported to have said he could ask for the endorsement of an aspirant because of his immense contributions to the party. He was further reported to have boasted that he revived the state chapter before it became attractive again to those now claiming rights or wanting to run for one office or the other. In an interview with Sunday New

court, in the fashion industry and in the circle of the high and mighty where she belongs. The light-skinned and beautiful Tyra is one of those that make the Port Hacourt social scene interesting, as she’s so connected and can pull incredible strings. Though she’s cool headed and humble, her name commands respect.

A graduate of the University of Port Harcourt, Tyra made great exploits during her days on the runway as a model. She became a role model to aspiring models.

Having been successful on the runway with lots of mouth-watering contracts and invaluable exposure, the brand ambassador of international lingerie brand, Lavender, decided to break new grounds.

She ventured into fashion and opened a one-in-town fashion outfit, GlamoHolic Apparel. With a long list of

A Telegraph, he had accused Bankole of abandoning the party.

Meanwhile, Daniel is alleged to be the arrowhead of opposition to Akinlade’s bid. Akinlade, a third term member of the House of Representatives, and Daniel were said to have fallen out over the choice of the former governor’s successor.

highly placed clients and quality services, GlamoHolic rates as one of the most talked about fashion outfits in the city.

Information reaching Celeb Lounge at the moment is that she may have spread her tentacles as she now spends more time in Abuja. The reason is not unconnected with her business concern. Her influence and connection among the movers and shakers of the Federal Capital Territory is said to have made her the toast of her peers and is sending jitters down the spine of her competitors. Beautiful and sexy Princess Tyra, a freak of exotic automobiles, despite her status as a factor in the scheme of things in that part of the country and beyond, has sympathy for the under privileged in the society and she identifies and helps to uplift them.

ODM publisher, Chris Kwakpovwe, celebrates father

P

lans are in top gear to give Pa Stephen Kasoro Kwakpovwe a befitting burial.

Kwakpovwe was the father of the publisher of the wave-making and award -winning international Christian daily devotional, Our Daily Manna, Dr. Chris Kwakpovwe.

The fisher of men’s father died on Saturday, August 16, 2014 in his home at Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria, at the age of 90.

The celebrated publisher, Chris, who was in the United States when the incident happened, has announced that his beloved father would be laid to rest on November 27 and 28, 2014.

with Helen Paul

A dream come true

Princess Tyra’s growing influence T he name Princess Tyra might not ring a bell across the society. But it does in the city of Port Har-

) 0807 270 9777

Chris said his father lived a long, good life worthy of emulation.

“It is a celebration that will re-define the meaning of death for many. He was my best friend, who called black, black and white, white. The family is not mourning but in a celebratory mood,” he said.

He noted that the disciplinarian lived a very exemplary and accomplished life as a nonagenarian.

Pa Kwakpovwe, a retired grade one principal of several secondary schools under the then Bendel State, is survived by a wife, 12 children, 33 grandchildren, sons and daughters in-law.

s kids, we have many beautiful and lofty dreams. In as much as I know that not all dreams that come true, I can say authoritatively that dreams also come true, but most times with good mentorship, extra efforts and prayer. Mostly, kids dream of becoming pilots, engineers, bankers, doctors and lawyers when they grow up. But is it all these dreams that come to fruition? The answer is NO. It is almost impossible to see a kid that will tell you his/her dream is to become an actor, DJ or dancer. But today, we see many people who have made their lineage proud by being dancers, DJs or actors, even though many of them didn’t dream to be in such fields when they were kids. But destiny and the societal challenges of this country also have a role to play. I once joked that the economic situation of this country is enough to change the dream of a child who wants to become a medical doctor to a native doctor. Why won’t the child become a native doctor when his parents cannot afford the exorbitant tuition fees medicine students pay?

The truth is that there are many children, who dreamt of becoming one of the most influential personalities in the country, but today, they are bus conductors, touts, armed robbers, kidnappers…name it. They are victims of circumstance. We live in a society that even those who have good employment in big corporate companies don’t have job security. A bank manager today can easily become a bloody hustler tomorrow because mass retrenchment is the order of the day in most corporate entities.

I listened to a state governor recently, and I was impressed by how blunt he was. The governor told the youths he was addressing that they should not waste their precious time running after white collar jobs, but instead, discover the entrepreneurial skills in them. He is very right. Many people have the potentials to become great entrepreneurs, but they are just afraid of getting started.

I thank God for someone like Ali Baba, who turned comedy to a business that people can now earn a living on. What a comedian makes in a week or per show, many people doing white collar jobs cannot make in a year! It is a fact. I’m not against people doing white collar

But I have always imagined myself being the proprietress of a school where knowledge would be impacted on people – a school that would help make the society a better one. I was quite aware that it is capital intensive, but I remain undaunted

jobs; all I’m saying is that they should think beyond the box. Again, we need to understand that everybody cannot be doing entertainment business. So, even if you have the raw talent, you still need the mentorship in order to take the right steps at the right time.

I also thank God for giving me good directions and the grace to have the right people around me all the time.

As a kid, I have always known that I would become a celebrity, but how it would come to pass, I never knew. I would confidently tell my friends that ‘when I grow up, I will be a star.’ But honestly, I never had acting, comedy, music or any entertainment related job in mind –I just knew that I would be popular one day.

But I have always imagined myself being the proprietress of a school where knowledge would be impacted on people – a school that would help make the society a better one. I was quite aware that it is capital intensive, but I remain undaunted.

To the glory of God, people say I’m now a star. The most fulfilling part of this is that I have achieved my childhood dream of becoming a school owner. Let me officially state it here that God has used me to open an institution called Helen Paul Theatre and Film Academy. It is located at 14, Emmanuel Olorunfemi Street, College Road, Ogba, Lagos.

I discovered that the Nigeria entertainment industry has no doubt become a force to reckon with nationally and internationally. The Film and Music sectors have reignited the pride of Nigeria all over the world. All over Africa and globally, Nigerian entertainers are highly respected and regarded as ambassadors worthy of emulation.

Besides, in a country where unemployment rate has continued to be on the rise, the entertainment sector has also proved its relevance by providing employment for a reasonable amount of citizens by engaging them in productions and events on daily basis.

As a result of the boom in the entertainment sector, several thousands of youths aspire to make a career in the industry, and this has subsequently given room for many charlatans and half-baked practitioners.

However, it is in view of this that Helen Paul Theatre and Film Academy decides to create a strong, credible and professional platform where aspiring entertainers can acquire their skills in different departments of the entertainment sector under the tutelage of seasoned thespians, and in a structured environment.

Helen Paul Theatre and Film Academy is providing its vocational trainings in accordance with the required standards of the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Next week, I will shed more light on many activities of the movie industry –the good and the bad.

48

SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Miscellany Alley

Life is rich sometimes and painful at other times, but it is mostly full.

Let’s share our experiences on this page, after all, everyday is an opportunity to learn...send yours to julietbumah@gmail.com Danger to decorum I swear people can be disgusting. I know that we do everything in Lagos on-the-go, but haba!

Some things can wait na?

What will someone not see in Lagos, especially in traffic? Imagine I was in a car on the other side of the road at a roundabout. We were waiting for the traffic lights to change so that we could move. I saw a man driving on the other side.

He had one hand on the steering and in the other, a pair of one of those portable scissors stuffed up his nose, giving his nose hair a trim. Eww! I shuddered! That is so wrong on so many levels. He could lose concentration and swerve into the other lane. He

could be startled by a blast of horn from an impatient driver and stick the blades all the way up his nose… it is wrong on all levels. Please let us exercise some decorum and exhibit some manners na?

Eyare A. 32yrs Ikeja

Toast, Toaster, Toasted

Children are lucky today. Things are easier for them. I mean when it comes to dating. Internet has helped them well. In those days, when I like a girl, I will suffer before I get her. When we moved from the level of looking for her trouble, we started to write small notes and poems for her. If we had a little money, we would add a card. Most

times, we would send a little boy with the note, or (if your liver does not fail you) we would just give it to the girl and run away. Those days were simple and crazy, and fun. Today, everything is on the Internet. You can lie about anything and even put it in short: LOL, BRB, LMAO, UNGKM, LWKMD, YOLO and so on and the girl is giggling and eating out of your hand. I give up trying to even remember them. All my brain needed before were: OAU, NEPA, UNICEF, NRC and SDP. All I can say to the new generation is that they should take it easy and we hope for the best.

Paul Newton, 44yrs Port Harcourt

Cold Hair Day

Cold water, then hot, then cold, is okay for washing the hair. I went to my salon on Saturday and my hairdresser said my hair is weak and I should make it strong.

He washed the hair with warm water and steamed it with hair conditioner. As he was washing my hair off, he told me I should always pour hot water, then cold one and so on until the hair is rinsed well.

That was when he said it is for making the hair strong. After the hot air from the steaming, when the cold water touched my head, I was screaming and shouting “Cold!

Cold!” it was so funny, people started to laugh

in the salon. By the way, I have seen my hair looking thicker and bouncy.

So maybe it works.

Franca, 29yrs Mushin

NEPA Palavar

Since I was born, I have been hearing about NEPA. Infact, it was one of the first words I said.

When the lights went out in our house, all the adults would shout “chai NEPA!” and that was how I connected the two. So, even after the agency was privatised, I still cannot call it PHCN. It does not sound as familiar as NEPA. NEPA was like a childhood friend, very familiar and always around at least three to five times a day. I am not happy

that since then to now, we cannot fix it. What is the big deal sef? Are we not the ones who supply to our neighbouring countries like Benin and their power situation is not half as bad as our own? What is the solution? Does someone know? Does the government know? Have they shared the knowledge with the government? The truth is that a lot of MSMEs rely a lot on power supply. Even my tailor refuses to release my clothes she has “made” because there was no “light”. Fashion is suffering from this o!

Julia, 21yrs Ibadan

DIY on the GO

Bead your flip-flop Esther Odili

F

lip-flops are simple footwear for everyday use. They are comfortable, inexpensive and easier to clean than other footwear and are available in a wide range of designs and colours.

Cotton, suede, leather, and sheepskin are the primary choices in slipper materials, apart from the more common rubber.

At times, you may get tired of your slippers, or the pair may get old (not because of wear) and not tired.

You don’t have to bin them if you don’t want.

You can actually turn them into something new.

If you’re relaxing at the beach or just bumming around during the weekend, you definitely need a fancy pair of slippers to take your casual beach look up a notch and this DIY tutorial to make your own beaded slippers is just the way to do it.

Scissors Accessories like (beads, pearls, sequins), per piece. Depending on your taste.

What you need: 1 Pair of slippers.

1 Spool ½ inch ribbon or organza Tiny seashells Hot glue gun Needle and thread Long nose pliers Fishing line (30mm thick) Long nose pliers, Small glue stick (available at stores)

Process: · Check the slippers to make sure there is no damage or defect and the surface is dry and clean.

Place a small amount of hot glue on the outside of the slippers strap at the base and attach the end of your ribbon.

Wrap the ribbon around the straps on your flipflops until they are com-

pletely covered. Add small amounts of hot glue to hold your ribbon as you go and secure the end when you are finished with hot glue. · Take another reel of ribbon and wrap it around, back and forth, across the centre ‘V’ of your slippers to fill in.

Be careful not to make your ‘V’ too high or if you really do want it to go higher, make sure you wrap it loosely, otherwise it will be difficult to get your foot into it. · To provide a strong

base on which to secure the accessories, you’ll need to wrap the ribbon especially on the top middle part where the toes are inserted. Finish on the upper part of the slippers, so as not to make the wearer uncomfortable with the bump the glue may form. · It’s best to plan how you want the accessories to be placed on the thong.

Once you’ve decided, cut about half a yard of the fishing line and thread it through the needle. Sew on the accessories, stitch-

ing from the top middle part going downwards, and making sure that the knotted part is on the top of the thong. · You’re ready to start adding your beads.

Add your beads one at a time, sewing them on, (by putting a small drop of hot glue under all of the large and medium sized beads as well as the seashells before sewing them but this can be optional depending on your taste).

Then stitch through each bead two times before going on to the next bead.

· Ensure that both sides have a balanced design.

Then, tie a strong but clean knot on the end for durability with a ribbon.

Using the glue gun, attach one end of the ribbon to the base of the thong.

Keep wrapping the ribbon around the thong, continuously using the glue as you go, to secure placement. Make sure the ribbon lays flat on the thong.

Now you have a brand new slipper, customised to your taste.

49

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014

Wine & Dine

Body&Soul

Tasty palate friendly Syrah Ibukunoluwa Kayode

I

n a world where bigger is better, Syrah is the ideal choice wine to cool off the palate.

It’s darker than Cabernet Sauvignon and contains high amounts of health-invigorating antioxidants.

Syrah is a red grape wine that can be enjoyed by anyone. Over the years, this vintage drink has continued to gain recognition from connoisseurs and sommelier across the globe with a high demand in lifting the palate for refreshment.

With a taste of Syrah, you’ll be greeted with a punch of flavour that tapers off, leaving a spicy peppery note in the aftertaste.

It is often blended with grapes that add more mid-palate, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, to help make the wine taste more complete.

The fruity flavour of Syrah leans towards blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry with undertone of olive, pepper, clove, mint, licorice, allspice, rosemary, cured meat, bacon fat, tobacco and smoke finish on floor of the palate.

This palate filler usually have medium to high usage of oak aging with medium tannin and acidity. It can either be served as a table wine or a party drink.

Syrah wine often let off strong smells of vanilla and chocolate with a lush of herbal notes on the

floor of the mouth.

This full-bodied red wine is grown in selected regions like France, Australia, Spain, Argentina Mendoza, South Africa, Italy, Chile, United States and Columbia.

Syrah is also responsible for some of the darkest full-bodied red wines in the world. It has dark fruit flavours from sweet blueberry to savoury black olive.

With its full-bodied taste, Syrah pairs greatly with bold foods, from blue cheese burger to barbecue, the trick is to bring out the subtle nuances in the wine. Also, it pairs perfectly with roasted vegetable, steak fries with compound butter. For optimum enjoyment, serve chilled.

Homemade dressing for garden salad Biwom Iklaki

healthy dressing that is no less tasty.

ometimes, the dressings for salads can put you off eating them. Some, on the other hand, are too fattening like the nice mayonnaise and salad creams or ranch dressings. One needs to be careful what you use for dressing, they contain so much fat that they could ruin your healthy eating resolve. After all, the secret of a good salad is in the dressing. Here is how to make a hearty,

INGREDIENTS

S

2 medium garlic cloves (ground) ¾ cups olive oil 1 tbs black pepper (flecks) A pinch of salt to taste

PREPARATION

In a whisking bowl, pour all the ingredients and whisk vigorously until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.

Remember to taste mixture for taste of salt. When the mixture is done, place in the refrigerator. Shred and chop your salad ingredients. A personal favourite is tossing up some shredded lettuce, some sweet corn, chopped cherry tomatoes, some chopped olives, some cucumber and carrots, chopped. Grate a little parmesan cheese over the lot. Mix in a nice bowl and drizzle on some of the dressing you made earlier.

You may add some lean meat to the

mix if you want. Try some skinned, cooked and chopped chicken breast. Or lean beef (you could parboil your meat with spice but do not add water. This way, the meat drains of all water and then cooks in the juices). Chop and add to your salad.

This is a great way to enjoy healthy foods without feeling like you are eating something drab.

50

SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

My Cook Corner

Frozen banana, easy, fun snack

O

nce in a while, you can do something nice for your mom who is always taking care of you. This week, surprise her with a little cooling, frozen banana snack. It is very easy to make, just follow the steps below:

INGREDIENTS

4 ripe but firm bananas 4 popsicle sticks 2 cups dark chocolate or chocolate chips

2 tbs olive oil 1 cup chopped pecan nuts/cashew nuts/walnuts/coconut shavings (whichever is you or your mom’s favourite).

PREPARATION

Place a baking sheet in a tray. Slice the banana in half and gently insert the popsicle stick and place on the baking sheet. Put in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes or till it

freezes. Melt the chocolate in the microwave with the oil and stir till it is smooth. Roll the frozen bananas in the chocolate until completely covered then sprinkle on topping of nuts or sprinkles. Place it back on the tray until it sets in about 30 minutes.

Serve lovingly to your mom and watch how her face lights up.

The boy who cried help!

Biwom Iklaki

A

liyu was a very naughty boy who was always getting up to mischief. His parents always begged him to be a good boy, but he would not listen. One day, his father who reared cattle asked him to watch the cows. He told him to be careful of the lion that always came to attack the cattle. He said if this happened, he should just shout help and people would rush to his aid.

Shortly after his father left, Aliyu decided to play a prank on others.

“Help! Lion! Help!” he

shouted. Neighbouring farmers and hunters came running only to find that he was joking. They were all upset and warned Aliyu not to joke about such a thing. Aliyu was bored again. So “help! Help!

Help! He cried. Once again, everyone rushed over to help him and were furious with him when it turned out a joke.

After he had rested and had some lunch, he wanted to see if once again, the scream would work, so he did. Amazingly, everyone assembled again. This time, they left with shouting and threats to beat him up.

Colour Art

Soon after everyone had left, Aliyu settled down for a nap when he heard the cows mooing loudly and scattering everywhere. And then he saw the lion. It was huge with a full mane. Aliyu sprang to action. “Help!

Help! Help! Lion! Help!

Please help!” he screamed and ran from one end to the other. Alas, no one came.

They laughed and said he would not get them this time. So Aliyu lost two cows to the lion. He was so sad. When his parents came, they were just happy that he was unhurt. Aliyu however promised never to play any pranks again.

Gags

Where do fish keep their money?

Ans: In the riverbank

Gags

I am a bone with a sense of humour.

Ans: Humorous What do you get when you cross a pet with an automobile?

Ans: A carpet

The more you take of me, the more you leave behind.

Ans: Footsteps How many letters are in the alphabet?

Ans: 11, count them -the alphabet What 3 keys never open any doors?

Ans: MonKey, donKey and turKey

Wisdom Word The zeal in you is what brings the real of you.

Never take a decision when angry because it will always end in regrets.

Nobody can ever love you the way yourself is being loved by you.

Persistence brings existence.

Life is more of a shuffle; how you arrange it determines how you enrich it.

The originality of you is not the physical of you but the internal in you.

We all grow up to learn lessons but it becomes more of a lesson when it has been experienced.

Education is a process of life but not a guaranteed road to success.

Academics give access to knowledge, but wisdom, which overpowers all degrees, comes naturally by your mindset.

Where ever you are born is the best place that will bring the best in you. Do not panic.

Love is easy to say, but real love is sacrificial, only Jesus Christ has even shown remarkable and notable true love.

Never naturalise yourself to impress people because such people do not go far.

As they say “majority wins the vote”, very wrong! It is not the population that makes you its leader, but it is more of the uniqueness in you that matters more.

Even less the population.

Before a champion, there is always warfare. Challenges are natured to come, but it gives you more understanding to maintain your road to success. So when difficulty comes, celebrate and forge ahead.

Wisdom Mind!

Everything in life comes with a sign but becomes more of a burden to you when you fail to identify and realise the sign.

The best gift to humanity is life; many unknowingly disregard this gift due to ignorance.

Every loved one that goes, is not meant to panic or regret, all happens for a purpose, remember God gave his only begotten son.

Right partner is not more of marital life but more of an immortal life together.

Every day comes and goes, but God’s word remains.

His heavenly chamber is eternal.

Ayorinde Durojaiye

Faith 51

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014

Interview I bought my first pencil, books –Ogbonna p.54

Sermon The comedy of youthfulness p.56

Secret of my youthfulness, by 83-yr-old Baba Aladura A retired civil engineer and spiritual father of Morning Star Church Worldwide, His Most Eminence (Baba Aladura) Joseph Olatunji Adenaike, takes a look at his church’s 57th Annual General Conference, the state of the nation, his experiences as a civil engineer in the Ministry of Works and Housing and other related issues. He spoke with TAI ANYANWU good of this nation. Even if I order members of our ministry to fast, kneel down and call upon God for one day, we will get rid of Boko Haram in this country. But I’m not ready to do that now because instructions have not been given to do that. For now, what we are praying for is that God should pass through this country.

News Cleric warns against emphasis on offering p.52

Sermon Attack is best defence strategy p.55

Joseph Olatunji

Could you tell us about your 57th Annual Conference?

Our annual General Conference affords all the parishes of the Order of Morning Star Worldwide assembled here at the national headquarters to appraise the progress of the church and to make decisions that will project Adebiyi this holy order, entertain reports of what is happening in the provinces, cities, overseas countries and so forth. It is held once yearly; and prior to the general conference, we have sub-conferences in all states of the federation.

I attended few of them to share their experiences ahead of the convocation. God has been using our ministry to do a lot of things but we are not ready to let the world know what God is doing here yet.

Tai Anyanwu Head, religous Desk titus.anyanwu@newtelegraph online.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Why not?

We are not ready to do that for now. God willing, we have a cancer patient that we are treating. God has not told us to make His works in the ministry public yet. Even our Lord Jesus, after he healed or cured people in His days, he would warn them not to tell anybody; rather they should go home. It is the principle we are applying now, until the Lord says it time and people may know about it.

Aren’t you worried about Boko Haram insur-

gency and destruction of lives? Why not ask the Lord to give instruction on how to stop the sect?

The Lord has given us one instruction to pray that he should pass through this country Nigeria. It was the same instruction God gave to the children of Israelites in the land of Egypt. If God didn’t pass that wonderful night in the land of Egypt, the children of Israel would not have left Egypt the land of bondage for them. We don’t know if by passing through this country Nigeria, God will pass through Boko Haram as well.

What is your take on some suggestions that FG should negotiate with Boko Haram?

How can you negotiate with a destroyer?

You cannot negotiate with somebody who destroys. I don’t know what the Federal Government has in mind. For us, it is an unwelcome development to negotiate with Boko Haram. The ceasefire arrangement has not achieved the desired goal. If the whole Nigeria will set aside one day, kneel down, pray, fast and beg God for forgiveness, we will not hear of Boko Haram again in this country. I repeat that if we kneel down and beg God and say that we have sinned, that we have done a lot of atrocities and that God should deliver us, things will change for the

Could you look back at your days and experiences as a civil engineer in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing?

I worked in the ministry as a material engineer, and there was no town or city in this country that my feet didn’t touch as far there was a federal road there. We decided the materials used for road construction, from aggregates, cement to water; and we recommended how components should be used.

We had specifications for them and even when I retired, the ministry still invited us to rewrite some of the specifications of materials for them. We modified what had been used for years to make it suitable. It is very unfortunate the people cannot interpret it and make use of it till now. Probably, the workers don’t have the will to do that or they are bought over.

At that time, people followed specifications but these days, the specifications are just on paper only. That is why our roads are fading away. I remember the Lagos/Ibadan/Sagamu expressway before it was constructed.

We went out there and did soil investigation from Lagos to Ibadan. At that time it was proposed that the expressway was proposed to connect Ikorodu expressway, but at construction stage, it did not. The disconnect resulted to more stress on the road. That is one reason why we are now having problems on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as most people pass through the route. Secondly, when the expressway was constructed, a problem was detected. My division was invited and I led the team assigned to find out the causes of the failure. We went out and did the necessary tests and brought back the reports. This is a secret I am telling you now.

A copy of the report was sent to the company that handled the construction. But the company faulted our report, saying it had no basis at all. They met the head of our division and protested. But our HOD told them that he had confidence in my team’s submission and that if they were not satisfied, they could go and conduct their own investigation or bring other experts anywhere in the world to run a separate test. The company officials later went to the ministry of works headquarters and lobbied that a private firm be allowed to do the testing. A consulting, Soil Engineering CO NTINUED O N PAGE 52

52

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Faith

Diary

Assemblies of God, Eko Area to hold convention

All is set for the first Annual Convention of the newly created Eko Area of Assemblies of God Church, Nigeria.

The programme slated for November 20–24, will be held at the area headquarter, Ijeh Baracks, Obalende, Lagos Island.

The Area Supervisor, Rev. S. I. Broderick told Sunday New Telegraph that the convention would be celebrated with the theme, “By My Spirit.”

Among ministers of God expected at the event are: Rev John K Amah, Sango District Superintendent; Rev Isonguyo Eshiet, Calabar District Superintendent; Rev Paul Dapaah, Senior Pastor Faith Assemblies of God, Kumasi Ghana; and Rev Olusola I Adesiyan, Chairman Convention Committee.

Main auditorium of Powerline Bible Church during the just concluded Power Conference 2014

Cleric warns against emphasis on offering

Sola Adeyemo,

A Ibadan

n Ibadan-based clergy, Rev. Moses Ayangbile of the Aperin Baptist Church, has criticised the high rate of offering collections at church programmes at the detriment of evangelization of the congregation.

To him, placing too much emphasis on money collection was capable of making people’s heart to be far away from God, thereby promoting iniquity among the people in the society.

He said:”the heart of men is what God is after. It is when your heart has been shaped by the gospel that

you can do that which is right before God. Yes, we are stewards, but the issue of money is a secondary thing in Christendom.

“By shouting for money always, we are only making people to be farther from God. Somebody who is not right before God will look for money anyhow and when he brings it, as Pastor, you will not have the mouth to ask him from where he has got the dirty money. This is not correct.

“The gospel is, getting people to the Kingdom of God. And mind you, they are not spending naira, dollar of pound there. It is grace, grace and grace alone”, he said.

The man of God also add-

ed that, “When we have church service, we take offerings up to about four times. We collect money of church development; money of you will see next year; money of you will see next month.

We collect money of good things will not cease in your life. Are we sure that we are being led by God in these offering collections?

“Jesus said, it is not all those that are saying Lord, Lord that will enter the kingdom of God, but those who do His will. If we want to collect money in a church service, at most it should be twice. And it is not something we should place so much attention on and give rich people special

attention, thereby looking down on those who don’t have money”, he counselled.

Speaking on the ostentatious life style of some pastors who capitalise on the doctrinal teaching of prosperity, the reverend said “many pastors believe that they should not live like paupers because their God is not a pauper; and that they must live like sons of King that owns the whole world.

This should be discouraged, lest we mislead our sheep as shepherds that God calls us. After all, the donkey on which Jesus Christ rode to Jerusalem was borrowed”, he submitted.

Secret of my youthfulness, by 83-yr-old Baba Aladura CONT ’D FR OM PAGE 51

of Nigeria, was contracted to conduct the test. The firm did 1/5 of the job we did and was paid N45, 000 as against N15, 000 my department that did a greater work than the firm did.

When the reports was out and analysed, the result was worse than what we did before. That is why the LagosIbadan expressway failed.

The road will continue to fail if correct specification is not adhered to and if people will not do the correct thing in this country.

When is the conference holding?

It is usually held early November before November

11, the birthday of St. Moses Orimolade Ajagunmokadi, founder of the Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim.

We are the offspring of his grace; therefore we always celebrate his birthday with our general conference. We are the only Holy Order that knows his birthday; and others don’t know about it.

What is the special attachment to St. Moses Orimolade?

Our founder, the late Prof.

Olu Coker, knew Baba Orimolade very well and served him when he was a young man. He was privileged to receive such information about the baba’s birthday. We started this year’s conference on the

18th of October and it will end on November 11. And for me I was born on 8th of October 1931 and I am 83 years old.

At 83, you are still mentally alert and physically strong.

What is the secret?

I use olive oil, concentrated water and the grace of God in my life.

What are the other features of your conference?

We will anoint leaders for the nation and the ministry.

We will anoint Apostles from the entire province, sub-council. We will also ordain Aladura from low rank to up the prophets and prophetesses.

The Vatican Synod recently sent a recommendation in

favour of gay rights to the Pope.

What are your views?

Are we saying that gays have not been in the Catholic Church before now? Are we saying that gay practice is new to the church? What message do you have for Nigerians as you celebrate your annual event?

Nigerians should turn to God. Whether you are a Christian, Muslim, pagan, we all should turn to God because we cannot do anything without God’s approval. If we turn to God willingly and humbly, this country will be a very good place to live in. The problem of Nigeria is within us and within every Nigerian, not outside.

Christ Embassy, Isolo presents Total Experience in Lagos

The Loveworld Ministry AKA Christ Embassy, Isolo, is to hold ‘Total Experience’ in Lagos.

The programme fixed for November 9, comes up at Loveworld Ground, Christ Embassy Close, Off Ago Palace Way, Isolo, Lagos.

According to, the church spokes person, Pastor Vale Odu-Thomas, it will feature healing, miracles, salvation, worship, dance and many others wonderful moments in God’s presence.

KICC hosts Prophetess Juanita Bynum

Kingsway International Christian Centre, Maryland, Lagos is set to host American cleric, Prophetess Juanita Bynum.

The American televangelist, author, actress and gospel singer also founded Juanita Bynum Ministries situated in Norcross, Georgia, USA. The three-day event would take place at Kingsway International Christian Centre prayer Dome, Maryland, on December 5-6, 2014.

24 hours prayer of harvest conference with 21 prophets

Twenty-one prophets from Celestial Church of Christ, Owode Egba, Ogun State are set to send torrents of marathon prayer conference.

The program slated for November 28–30 would hold at the Messiah Parish (City of Favour) Along Ofada, Mowe Road, Balogun Quarters.

According to the host, Prophet Kenny Giwa, the programm with theme: “And the word was made flesh”, was inspired by God. Among ministers of God expected to participate are: Sup Evang. Ebenezer Osofa, and many others anointed men of God .

Methodist Christ Church Circuit, Oshodi holds Lay Preacher’s Week

Methodist Church Nigeria (Lagos North Dioceses) Christ Church Circuit presents its annual Lay Preacher’s Week. The program which started on November 3 and would end today.

Venue is the church dominion sanctuary , Bankojo Street, Oshodi , Lagos.

The Minister in Charge, The Rev Ejim Chukwu, told Sunday New Telegraph that the final day would be packed full with events, like drama, special numbers, bible quiz competition and many others.

53

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Faith

Scenes at Assemblies of God Church Ikeja Men’s week celebration in Ikeja, Lagos...recently

A cross session of members of the men’s ministries department The senior pastor Rev. P.A. Agmnpuye (middle), the men’s patron and the executives

The men’s ministries executives at the event A cross session of members of the men ministries department during the sermon

A cross session of men at the Little Saints Orphanage AGC, Ikeja men visit to the Little Saints Orphanage on the September 7, 2014 as part of the activities marking their 2014 men’s week

A cross session of the men choirs at the event The men’s president, bro Charles Nwobodo, delivering the word with immense anointing

The men’s presidednt bro Charles Nwobodo and the Victorious Ikeja men football team. Ikeja men thrashed Agnboju men 2:0 to win the 2014 challenge cup competition

A cross session of the Ikeja Glorious men football team before the match with Agboju church

54

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Faith

I bought my first pencil, books –Ogbonna General Overseer of Life Gate Triumphant Gospel Ministry, Pastor Daniel Ogbonna revisits the humble beginning of the burgeoning ministry as the church celebrates its 2014 Annual Convention. Tai Anyanwu reports What was your growing up like?

Laughs! My growing up was very tough. My parent’s marriage broke up even before I entered primary school. They never came together again. I was oldest of five kids; I was playing the role of a father and a mother at the same time. But God really helped me. It was a challenging experience, but it also built me. I never knew what gave me the determination to pull through that horrifying stage of my life.

I bought my first pencil and

Daniel Ogbonna

Do you think marriage is sweet?

Yes. I married while in deeper life, and we were taught to find the will of God in marriage. Because I watch my parents’ marriage break up, I didn’t want to marry. But I read a small book titled purer than diamond. In that book, I got something “it says if you are busy for my assignment in your life, you will find your life partner”. I subsequently saw in a vision, the woman I was to marry, I rebuked, bind and casted out the idea of getting married.

I didn’t want any of those things that happened between my parents. But many proofs came. I had to notify my Regional Pastor about my decision to get married and, he told me to take some steps. Today I have three girls and two boys.

on the hand drawn on this page.” I obey and placed my hand against the drawing. That same night, I saw myself being decorated as a General.

From that moment, my people in Deeper Life knew that I was a different person.

A week later, someone told me that Dr. Cerullo was visiting Ghana. I pondered how I would go to Ghana and how I would obtain necessary permit from Deeper Life. I was a junior minister in Deeper Life then.

The spirit of God encouraged and l told my Regional Pastor about the intension to travel to Ghana. Without lifted his eyes, he told me to go.

Over 60,000 eager people converged in an open field to listen to Morris Cerullo in the Ghana program. On the last day, I had a voice that asked me to run to the altar, but I was concerned about what I will say if anyone asked me why. Just then the Minister made an altar call. I was the first person to rush out. In the course of praying, As Cerullo asked his assistant JOHN WARREN to ‘pick up that guy,’ but the man picked someone next to me. The evangelist said; “Not that one, but this one,” which happen to be me. He said to me. “Are you ready?”

I replied yes, and he laid hands on me. Bishop Mike Okonkwo and Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor shielded us from the crowd. Afterthat encounter, God told ‘when you get back to Nigeria tell your leaders, I have special assignment, different from the Deeper Life thing.’ In 1997 God told me it’s time to live. Six month later, we started Life Gate Triumphant Ministries in 1998, since then God has proved himself. God was specific about our mandate. He said to me “I want you to raise me an army, a people that know their place and power in the kingdom and a people who will become true sons and daughters and inherit divine authority.

Could you tell us about your ministry’s humble beginning?

I had an encounter with a Man of God I had never met before. I got imparted by the man in that program. I late came to know the man of God as Dr. Morris Cerullo.

He told me that I was being imparted to accomplish a divine purpose. Subsequently, I came across one of Morris Cerullo’s books titled “THE PROOF PRODUCER.” I studied it carefully. On the last page of the book was a drawing of hand. The instruction: “If you’ve studied this book, place your hand

Your annual convention is about to commence would you like to tell us about the event?

Our 2014 annual convention slated for November 9-19, is titled ‘Mount Carmel Encounter.’ The Lord gave me the name for the annual event in 2008. God told me that through the Mount Carmel, he wants the ministry to interact and impact the people.

Mount Carmel encounter is all about confronting the evil in the land, and restoring God’s glory in the land. The theme for this year is “In The Power Of The Spirit;” Taken From 1Kings 9:8, Luke 4:14. And We Have Great Men Of God such as Bishop Ogba, Rev. Okezie, Rev. Boniface, Rev. Praise and others on hand to impart on participants.

I had to notify my Regional Pastor about my decision to get married and, he told me to take some steps

books that I used in my primary school with my money. I did all kinds of menial jobs to acquire education.

I wanted to study law after my secondary school, but there was no financial empowerment. And when I repented the desire died completely because of the way we were taught in deeper life, that Jesus is coming very quickly. So many of us were interested in getting prepared, some tore their certificates.

55

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Faith

Attack is best defence strategy Mystery ofAnxiety Bishop

John Ogbansiegbe

0803 341 6327

A

person is said to be violent when the person is uncontrollable, fearless and dangerous in his and her actions.

A person is said to be violent when that person is forceful and aggressive. The Greek expression for violence means to snatch away or catch by force. Spiritual violence is the zeal or aggression required from all those who wish to disagree with the powers of darkness.

For you to succeed in spiritual violence, you need to be determined, persistent, resolute and forceful against the kingdom of darkness. ‘This is called Holy Violence.’

Daniel prayed and fasted to God, but for 21 days, his prayers were intercepted by the prince of Persia. Daniel then applied spiritual violence and prayed the more, morning, afternoon and night. God looked down and sent Angel Michael to fight on his behalf.

Consequently, Daniel received the answer to his prayer. The best way of defence is attack. This is the time to carry war into the camp of the enemy

and take back all that has been stolen by the enemy from you.

The Holy Ghost prescribed a military attire for any man who is to embark on this spiritual warfare and said thus, “But put ye the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to fulfil the lust thereof.” – Romans 13:14. What does the Holy Ghost mean by telling you in this scripture to put on the Lord Jesus Christ? Our Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest weapon of war, security, protection or bullet-proof that anybody can wear in the face of any battle. He is your bullet-proof such that no weapon of the enemy can touch you. The Bible calls Him ‘Our shield and buckler.’

He was also called our ‘Refuge and Fortress.’ Psalm 91:2.

The Holy Spirit in Ephesians 6:12-18 became more detailed about the nature of this armour and stated thus, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of the world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole amour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand, stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, had having on the breastplate of righteousness. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Above all taking the shield of faith, where with ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darks of the wicked, and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayers,

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses

supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto prayers with all perseverance and supplications for all saints.”

As you fight, stand on the word of God and on the promises of God. The word of God also said, “And He said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the powers of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”- Luke 10:18-19. You have been assured by this scripture that the devil shall fall; he has been a failure and he shall continue to fail.

Our Lord Jesus Christ again defeated the devil two thousand years ago on the cross of Calvary. He collected back from the devil, the key of hell and the key of death. He declared, “All power is given unto me in heaven on earth and under the earth...” This is why your fight is called the good fight. It is a good fight because somebody had fought it for you and won. It is a good

fight because you can predict the end of the fight from the beginning. To this end, the word of God declared; “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” – 1st Timothy6:12.

In this spiritual violence, recognise God’s word as a commission and a command. Stand on the word of God which is Christ and pray without ceasing, and then you can be in control. Start issuing commands to your challenges. Your command should be issued when you pray and speak God’s word. It is a spiritual warfare and not a physical one. Therefore your commands should not be directed to human beings, but to your spiritual enemy; the devil and his demons. Begin to command the ugly circumstances and situations around you out of your life.

Do that by the authority of the word of God. Issue these divine commands in the power of the Holy Spirit. Declare that by the stripes of Jesus Christ you were healed. Declare that with God on your side, nothing shall be impossible. Declare that you can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens you. Declare that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.

Declare the name of the Lord is a strong tower, and because you are righteous, you shall run into it and shall be saved.

Declare God’s word; when you declare God’s word, you are subjugating the forces of darkness and taking control of the situation.

The Apostles’ doctrine is our pattern the of

Oracles God

Frank Oboden Olomukoro frankolomukoro@yahoo.com

0703 362 1866

“A

nd are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone.’

(Ephesians 2:20) The pattern of teachings and doctrines set by the Apostles from the day of Pentecost remains the only valid reference to our beliefs, doctrines and practices.” Any deviation from the Apostles’ pattern will be a departure from the original truth to creeds, dogmas and church traditions.” And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life and out of the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this book. (Rev. 22:19). In all our spiritual endeavours, we must operate within the set limits of the foundation laid by the apostles.

A pattern is described as an excellent example to copy. The Apostles’ doctrines set the pattern for others to follow. Yes, Paul in his epistle to Timothy instructed in 1 Timothy 4:12…” but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

The Apostles’ pattern of the early century formed the seed of the word sown or planted by God. Like Jesus Christ said:

“Verily, verily I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” At the very beginning, the church was under the direct leadership of the Holy Spirit. All of the believers were filled with the Spirit and led by the Spirit: they were truly one heart and one soul. But the devil, the spirit of error will not allow this original truth for too long. Then there were factions, false brethren arose with false doctrines which eventually led to divisions. Even back in his days, the Apostle Paul wrote: “Now I beseech you brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrines which ye have learned and avoid them.” (Roman 16:17). Wrong doctrines have always been the catalyst for divisions and sectarianism induced by human interpretations of the Word of God. This Apostles’ pattern continued, but by the time of the council of Nicaea in the year 325 AD, there were already 128 different orientations or sects. Today, the World Council of Churches comprises 347 Protestant churches and Christian associations and groups, though there is only One God, only One Bible, and only One Church. However, time and again somebody arises with a special revelation based on human interpretation of the Bible and draws in disciples to follow him. This situation must and will come to an end everywhere with all those who are part of the Bride church. In the short and very last phase, the true believers will once again be one heart and one soul. At that time, the work of God will not be connected to a man, but to God Himself and the time of the deception and misleading of the believers who are part of the Bible church will then be over forever.

As we have seen, God has called and sent His Prophets and Apostles at all

times. After 1000 years of the terrible Dark Ages when the seed planted on the day of Pentecost died, at which time, the Roman Catholic Church took the centrestage persecuting the saints who profess Jesus Christ against the beliefs of the state church, John Wycliffe in England came forward and proclaimed aloud: “Only what is written in the Bible is Biblical.” Jan Hus in Prague was captured by the same zealousness for the truth, as well as Martin Luther, Huldreich Zwingli, Jean Calvin and others. Then came John Wesley, whose proclamation brought forth the Methodists. In the next revival William Booth (Salvation Army) spoke up, followed by Menno Simon (Mennonites), John Smith (Baptists) and finally Zinzendorf, Moody, Finney, Charles Price, and George Muller.

The list could be continued.

At the beginning of the 20th century came the breakthrough of the Pentecostal movement with the restoration of the gifts. William Branham came on the scene, initially as an evangelist with a special gift of healing.

The LORD himself sent him and confirmed the proclamation of the original Gospel in an unprecedented way before hundreds of thousands of people. After a supernatural experience on May 7, 1946, when he received specific instructions for his ministry by a heavenly messenger, Brother Branham who had first been ordained in a Baptist Church started preaching in interdenominational meetings to bring the Biblical message to the people of God. Other evangelists like Oral Roberts and Billy Graham blazed the revival terrain to the Pentecostal and orthodox denominations respectively.

But Brother Branham’s ministry brought about the restoration of all things that had originally been in the church but were lost

over time; to bring out the wise virgins out of denominational bondage and enclaves preparatory to the Rapture.

The divine and original apostolic message as revealed and restored by the humble ministry of Brother Branham foreruns the second coming of Christ, which is now imminent. All Biblical doctrines about God Head; that Jesus Christ is the Jehovah God against the creed of the Holy Trinity of three co-equal Gods, correct Bible baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and the actual position of God on the priesthood were restored, e.t.c. Essentially, everything is brought back to the original Apostolic doctrine. If we knew what happened 2000 years ago, and not what has to take place today according to the divine plan of salvation, then we would deserve to be pitied. What has to happen first before the Return of Christ is the calling out of each individual who is part of the Bride Church from religious bondage and from the Babylonian confusion that is prevalent in all the denominations. The following scripture from 2 Corinthians 6: 17-18 has to be taken very seriously: “Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

As certain as God made sure that all who were part of His people returned from the Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem, there is also no doubt that all of the true believers will now return to Jerusalem in the spirit back to the beginning pattern. Just as the temple was rebuilt in its original location back then and all vessels were returned from Babylon, so shall it be with the New Testament Church at the end.

The pure doctrine and original practice has to return to the Church of Jesus Christ.

56

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Faith

The comedy of youthfulness Firm Faith:

Right Reason Most Rev.

Emmanuel A. Badejo fradebadejo@yahoo.

0803 949 4219 (SMS only)

“F

orever young, I wanna be forever young,” so crooned the pop singer, Sting, in one of his very popular tracks. Hardly can anyone oppose that! Who does not want to stay young? Youth has implications for freedom of movement, thought and action which border sometimes even on licence.

Don’t we all sometimes dream of being as free as the birds? The huge success of the cosmetic industry is based on that human craving. Some people actually refer to them as ‘the vanity industry;’ justifiably perhaps, because many people have really taken the craving for youthfulness and beauty to extraordinary levels. People purchase ‘spare parts’ for parts of their body which they consider worn out or unsightly; nose, lips, cheeks, breasts, buttocks, hips and knees. All are now replaceable. This, of course, is necessary for medical interventions. The way things are going anyway the person who goes into the grave at death may be completely different from the one created

by God. The truth of creation, however, is that all must die and everything that has a beginning must have an end (Gen 3:19).

Hope of the resurrection Those who wish to live forever need not lose hope, however. There exists the guarantee of the resurrection from the dead by no less a person than Jesus of Nazareth who himself lived, died and rose from the dead. His resurrection is the fulcrum on which the faith of over a billion Christians in the world turns.

Even long before Christians appeared on the scene, the hope of seeing God face to face came from Prophet Job: “Oh that my words were written, or recorded on bronze with an iron tool, a chisel or engraved forever on rock! For I know that my Redeemer lives, and he, the last, will take his stand on earth. I will be there behind my skin, and in my flesh I shall see God” (Job 19:23-26). Jesus made this promise to Christians: “I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord. Whoever believes in me, even though he dies will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will not die for ever” (Jn. 11: 25-26).

The celebration of All Souls Day as done annually by Catholics all over the world on November 2 shows trust in and commitment to Jesus Christ who promised to someday raise the dead.

The project of making heaven No one can tell the whole truth about the road to heaven better than Jesus of Nazareth. He once said to his disciples: “Enter through the narrow gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many go that way. How narrow is the gate that leads to life, and how rough the road; few there are who find it.” (Matt: 7:13-14) No matter how much sweet-talking counsellors and motivational speakers try to make of

Enter through the narrow gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many go that way. How narrow is the gate that leads to life, and how rough the road; few there are who find it prosperity and of life without troubles, there can be no authentic ‘Heaven Made Easy’ manual. Every human being has a cross to carry to get to that destination.

Just listen to the Revelation of John as he tells the story of those who make it to heaven. “At that moment, one of the elders spoke up and said to me, ‘Who are these people clothed in white and where did they come from?’ I answered, ‘Sir, it is you who know this.’ The elder replied, ‘They are those who have come out of the great persecution; they have washed and made their clothes white in the blood of the Lamb. This is why they stand before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his sanctuary.” (Rev. 7: 13-15) Going by this seemingly self-contradictory revelation, it is clear that making heaven will not be ‘a piece of cake’ for anyone. Or how else does anyone wash his clothes white in blood? Human beings therefore, being imperfect, can even after giving it the best shot, fall short of the goal.

Of purgatory and God’s infinite mercy God does not want anyone to be lost.

(Jn. 6:37) That is a fact from the Bible.

It logically follows that God’s mercy must never be excluded in our reasoning about heaven and the state of being after death. That is why the Catholic Church, in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), teaches: “All who die in God’s grace and friendship but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation: but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.” (CCC) The Church does not shy away from teaching this even though she does not dispose of forensic evidence to convince everyone. Well, no one has a video shot of heaven or hell either. The Biblical episode where Jesus declared that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven here or in the world to come (Mt. 12:32) implies that some sins can actually be forgiven after death. Judas Maccabeus’ practice of making atonement for the dead that they might be delivered from their sin shows that intercession for the dead is not a modern extra-Biblical invention (2Macc.12:46). The Catholic doctrine of Purgatory is an unrepentant belief and trust in the mercy of God who would do anything possible to rescue what he has created. God is a just judge, no doubt, but when the same God is mercy itself, we must see how all through the New Testament, without eliminating His justice, God’s mercy emerges as the driving principle of his relationship with man, the crown of all His creation.

That is why Catholics pray so fervently on All Souls Day. Joining in can hurt no one but rather enhances our sense of God’s mercy.

The currency of the spirit Insight Rev.

Femi Akinola

www.thehebrewsng.com

01-790 3163; 0808 584 5864

T

he spiritual rules over the physical. Until your life changes in the spirit realm you cannot enjoy the benefits that accrue to you in God. “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3John 2 There are lots of benefits you ought to enjoy as a believer, of which you have been deprive. As believers, many are suffering today because something is missing somewhere though they can’t just figure it out.

“Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.” Psalm 102:13 In the physical realm we spend money but favour is the generally acceptable currency in the spirit realm. The Bible tells us that money, title, cars, business and all other material possessions and endowments can fail but favour is ever relevant.

The spiritual rules over the physical and just as money rules in the physical so does favor in the spiritual realm. What money cannot buy, favour will buy it, where money cannot get to, favour will take you there and even beyond. I see favour buying you back from where you have been sold in the name of Jesus. In my little walk

in the ministry, I have met men (of God) who are prayer machines yet their life is devoid of favour. It is favour that attracts any and every good thing you can ever desire and which money cannot get for you. Labour minus favour equals frustration and stagnancy.

Favour breaks protocol Favour it is that qualifies you and once you are qualified in the spirit realm everything will follow in the physical because the spiritual rules over the physical.

“Except the LORD build… they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep…, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Psalms127:1 Until you are favoured of God, nothing will work for you. It is not the connection you have but it is favour that will speak for you. Today, the favour of God will swallow every form of frustration in your life in the name of Jesus. Until your door of favour opens every other door remains closed. If you have been crying or praying to God, as you read this, you will see Him in a new dimension in Jesus name. Your new prayer point should be for you to see and enjoy the favour of God. For you not to die a struggler you need the input of God. Until the input of God comes in, life to you will remain as a jungle. Favour is what you need to secure that job, visa, marriage and for new doors to open.

“And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.” Gen 47:15

What money cannot buy, favour will buy it, where money cannot get to, favour will take you there and even beyond If you doubt the fact that money can fail, then I will show you men who have lived as multi-billionaires in the world yet died bankrupt. Money, in whatever currency be it Naira, Dollars, Pounds Sterling, name it, can fail but God’s favour cannot. Egypt, at the time, was about the most civilised nation in the world, yet, the Bible reported that money failed. Is your trust in your money? Let me humbly tell you that your money will fail you.

The Bible says in Eccl 10:19 that, “... money answereth all things”, oh yes, but it is favour that will open the spiritual door and which would now manifest in the physical; then money will begin to come.

Henceforth, your life will not lack favour in the name of Jesus.

I heard a story of a certain man of God who enrolled his daughter in a particular secondary school and when they were graduating, her friend asked in a casual discussion where she would like to further her education. The girl replied that she would actually have loved Covenant University but that she didn’t think her father could afford it. When the friend got home, she told her dad who then asked to see the girl. They soon began talking and

he asked, ‘who is your father?’ she told him and he exclaimed, ‘you mean that is your father?’ ‘Don’t worry; I will personally be responsible for your education in Covenant University.’ That was how she attended and graduated from Covenant University which her father could never have been able to afford. I see favour locating and speaking for you in the name of Jesus.

You are struggling in life looking for money but instead I am praying to be favoured. If I’m favoured, you’d give me your money. Some years back, we were praying with a brother who seemed to be tired of his place of work, therefore wanted to resign. I then told him he couldn’t just leave like that after he had served for so many years; instead, he should pray for favour and we began to pray. Mysteriously, the boss who had never paid attention to anything said, ‘This file has been here for some time now.’ He began to read through the file. Lo and behold, it was the brother’s file and at the end of the day, he said to the human resources unit, ‘Give this man all his due entitlements for 15 years and you have six days to get that sorted out.’ Within the next six days, by reason of what God will do in your life, people will not recognise you again in the name of Jesus. Do you know why? It is because the spiritual controls the physical. It is not ordinary that the brother’s file landed on the boss’ table, neither is his table the cabinet for keeping staff files and records; but favour mysteriously spoke on his behalf.

So also, God will single you out for favour in Jesus name.

Watch out for the concluding part.

57

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Faith

David stepped out of Saul’s shadow Word of Life

Bishop

Moses Kattey

moseskattey@yahoo.co.uk

0808 770 7486

J

ust once that David decided to step out of the shadow of his master, Saul, and went ahead to face Goliath, hear what the women said: And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the Slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tabrets, Joy and with instrument of music. And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands and Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him, and he said, they have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they Have ascribed but thousands, and what can he have more but the kingdom (1 Samuel 18:6-8).

Saul thought that David was still under his shadow but he discovered later that David only offered a prayer and the Lord brought him out, not just waiting for Saul to die. Even Saul wanted to hand over to his own son, Jonathan, but God brought out David.

Offer that prayer and see God bring-

ing you out. You will achieve more than those who have gone before you whether they want to help you or not.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under The shadow of Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him will I trust.

Surely heshall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisesome pestilence. (Psalm91:13) David discovered early in life that it is only under the shadow of Almighty God that his dreams and ambitions will be realised. Under God’s shadow you will not meet any shame, confusion, disappointment nor curse.

David stepped out of all shadows into the shadow of the Lord and became more important than all others.

Keep me as the apple of Thy eye, hide me under the shadow of Thy wings (Ps. 17:8).

Living Bible renders it thus: Protect me as you would the pupil of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings as you hover over me (Ps. 17:8 L.B.) David did not have anybody in mind to hide him, or protect him under his shadow except God. That was why David was important than all except God. You will be extremely important but not as important as God. 7. Step out of the shadow of death Death has its own shadow. Anybody under the shadow of death is easily frightened and very nervous. This was the reason the Psalmist wrote:Yea, though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. (Ps. 23:4).

There are not less than 19 places in

the Bible, which mention, ‘Shadow of death.’ Shadow of death is a reality. (Job 10:21, 22, 12:22, 16:16, 24:17, 28:3, 34:22, 38;17; Ps. 23:4; 44:19; 107:10, 14, Isa. 9:2, Jeremiah 2:6; 13:6, Amos 5:8; Math. 4:16: Lk. 1:79 etc) There is total darkness and confusion under the shadow of death.

To give light to them in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace (Lk. 1:79) Your duty is to step out of the shadow of death by prayer and affirmation.

When you do this, you will have a sense of victory over death.

And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage (Heb. 2:15) Only in that way could he deliver those Who through fear of death have been living all their lives as slaves to constant dread (Living Bible).

What the Lord Jesus came to deliver us from is the fear of death. The fear of death keeps people in perpetual bondage or slavery. The people grasped by this fear of death are those under the shadow of death. No wonder the scripture declares.

Yea, though I walk through the Valley of shadow of death I will fear No evil, for Thou art with me, Thy rod And Thy staff, they comfort me (Ps. 23:4) Once you step out of the shadow of death and are delivered from fear of death, you will stop being slavery to anything all your life. I do not know how it happens, but the moment you pray yourself out of the shadow of death and believe it in your heart, I cannot tell how the Holy Spirit does it.

Just as you can hear the wind but Can’t tell where it comes from or Where it will go next, so it is with the Spirit. We do

not know on whom He will next bestow his life from heaven (Jn 3:8 L.B) We lack understanding how the Spirit does it when you pray yourself, affirm, and believe. But I know that you are no more under any person’s or any thing’s shadow except the Lord’s, and you will begin to be better than all ahead of you. This idea is captured in a hymn by Whittle, Daniel Webster (1840 – 1901) S.S.& S 857. n I know not why God’s wondrous grace To me He hath made known Nor why unworthy Christ in love Redeemed me for His own Chorus: But I know whom I have believed And am persuaded that He is able To keep that which I have committed Unto Him against that day n I know not how the Spirit moves Convincing men of sin Revealing Jesus through the Word Creating faith in Him n I know not how this saving faith

To me He did impart Nor how believing in His word Wrought peace within my heart Truly, I know not how just believing after prayer removes me from the shadow of death and from the shadow of any person except the shadow of God. It works mightily. Do not wait until the person dies before you can make a name like Elisha and Elijah, like the Holy Ghost and Jesus Christ, and like Joshua and Moses.

The Lord will arrange everything and there would not be competition, but both of you will shine like stars, complementing each other.

Gain insight, be fearless Taming your Emotions Bishop

Lawrence Osagie 0806 325 0667 www.powerlineministriesinc.org mail:powerlineministries@mail.com

W

hen you see yourself basking in things or feelings that are not beneficial to your future, prayer for yourself because your life is in danger. And this is why the bible says that a man that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls. You have the power to control your spirit, to dictate the focus of your spiritual antenna. You must take control of what you accommodate.

Give your spiritual life direction. It is in your own personal interest to do so.

A man that has no control over his own emotions and his feelings is like a city with broken walls and you can imagine the danger. This is not about any witchcraft manipulating you; it is about your taking control of your feeling. Until you again control of your feeling, you may never have stability of faith.

I am telling you this because it is in the midst of joy that the presence of God

abides with you and this is the moment to provoke your creativity, which is the spirit of insight. When you gain insight, just know that you are on your way to the top, the destined place for you.

When David was distressed because the enemy has burn his camp and taken his wives captive, he said bring me my musical instruments, while playing and worshipping God, God spoke to him and instructed him to pursue for recovery. (Read 1Samuel 30) Those words may never be heard if he was dwelling only brings anguish and lamentation.

Sorrow and worry only brings anguish and torments. The Bible says a merry heart doeth well like medicine. You will do well to dwell in positivity. And God will spur your creativity to perfect manifestation.

Until you take bold steps, you will never attain big heights. Every achievement has coloration of risk. And if you are the one that is always afraid to decide, afraid to dare, afraid to try, I am afraid you will never attain any enviable height in life. Apostle Paul writing to Timothy said: God has not given us the spirit of fear. If God has given us the spirit of fear, I have no reason to allow the spirit of fear to hinder me. Fear is a spirit and it is a major tool the enemy has used to terrorise and maim many would-have-been heroes of ages. Fear is the reason why many Christians are not

One of the weapons devil uses to unseat people from their throne is the weapon of fear. It is a very effective tool in the hand of the enemy. And if the devil can make you afraid, then he can rob you your blessings

amounting to anything today. For fear, Peter a foremost apostle of our Lord Jesus denied his master before crucifixion.

For fear of victimisation!

The same Peter gained boldness after the Holy Ghost came upon him and he challenged the Jewish men and 5000 souls gave their lives to Christ in one open air crusade. S0o, what is fear?

Why do people resort to fear?

What makes you afraid to dare? The answer to these questions is the reason this message is coming to you at this stage of your life.

What is fear?

Fear is simply timidity. It is allowing common things to intimidate you. Fear is cowardice. It is the absence of courage and boldness. Fear is a feeling of inferiority. Fear is a feeling of insecurity.

And there is only one entity that baptises people with the feeling of fear and that is Satan.

God never makes you afraid. He never terrorises His people. Anything that pressurises you into fear, if you trace the root it has the hand of the wicked one – the devil. And that is why the bible says that God has not given us the spirit of fear. Therefore, fear is not the attribute of God. For every good and every perfect gift comes from God, the father of light in whom there is no variableness. So, if fear is a killer it is not from God. And if it is not of God, the bible says: you should resist the devil and he will flee from you.

One of the weapons devil uses to unseat people from their throne is the weapon of fear. It is a very effective tool in the hand of the enemy. And if the devil can make you afraid, then he can rob you your blessings. And this is why those ten spies who came with fearful report never entered the promise land even though they had surveyed and came with the fruits of the land. May fear never deny you your enthronement in Jesus name?

Advertise your church events, special programmes, conventions and other church activities on these pages. Contact: Tai on 07064380029

58

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Faith

Nigerian couple forced us to eat live snakes –Victims

A

Nigerian-born brothel madam has been jailed for trafficking woman into the United Kingdom and scaring them into prostitution by making them eat live snakes in an African black magic ceremony.

Lizzy Idahosa, 24, and her husband Jackson Omoruyi, 41, made more than £70,000 out of the Nigerian women, who were terrified with voodoo and made to see a witch doctor for a sinister ‘juju’ ceremony, daily Mail reports Heavily pregnant Idahosa was sentenced to eight years yesterday and broke down as she was told she would be separated from her child when it is born.

Omoruyi was sentenced to two years behind bars.

Judge Tom Crowther told Idahosa she was the scheme’s ‘prime mover,’ adding: “You targeted vulnerable young women, offering them the hope of new lives, all the while knowing you would keep them in a kind of hell, from place to place at your whim, forced to pay an entirely arbitrary debt with their bodies, day in, day out over a period of years.”

Idahosa was convicted of trafficking the women, inciting them to become prostitutes and transferring criminal property, while Omoruyi was found guilty of money laundering.

During the couple’s trial at Cardiff Crown Court, the jury was told that the two victims, aged 23 and 29, had their pubic hair shaved and forced to eat live snakes and snails as part of the ritual, and then flown to Britain in the belief that they were going to find a better life.

Speaking about her horrific ordeal the 29-year-old said: “It was not a big snake, but it was alive. I just closed my eyes and put it in my mouth.”

She added: “They told me if I messed it up, I would get sent back to Nigeria and Lizzy would kill me. I wanted to stop. I was ashamed of myself and I had no life.”

When the women arrived in the UK they were put to work as prostitutes, working in brothels at massage parlours across England and Wales.

They were told they had to give all the money they earned to Idahosa, and believed the black magic curses would make them go insane or die if they refused.

“The couple were involved in the exploitation of two women brought into the UK from Nigeria to work as prostitutes,” said Caroline Rees, prosecuting, during the trial.

“They were bound to this by something called a juju ritual. It was a ceremonial ritual used to full effect to terrify both women into doing what was demanded of them.

“It was used to ensure compliance, secrecy, and they believed if they broke the bond dire consequences would follow: illness, madness, infertility or death. They genuinely believed the powers would work.”

The offences came to light after police arrested a 23-year-old Nigerian woman at the Ambassador Suite brothel in Cardiff, in June 2013.

She told officers she had been living rough in Nigeria after her mother died and had wanted to travel to the UK to find her father.

She had then met a woman, claiming to be Idahosa’s sister, who promised to make arrangements for her to travel to London, and as part of the agreement had to take part in the ceremony.

“She did not know what was expected of her,” said Ms. Rees, who said the woman

Lizzy Idahosa

Jackson Omoruyi

They told me if I messed it up, I would get sent back to Nigeria and Lizzy would kill me. I wanted to stop. I was ashamed of myself and I had no life

The offences came to light after police arrested a 23-year-old Nigerian woman at the Ambassador Suite brothel in Cardiff, in June 2013

had been able to pass through immigration at Heathrow.

“She was taken to a premises full of women dressed in their underwear. There was no explanation as to what was going on but it soon became clear.”

The woman started to work as a prostitute and was forced to have sexual intercourse with seven or eight men every day, working in brothels across the UK, including in Cardiff and Swansea.

When interviewed, she claimed she had given Idahosa £45,000.

The second victim told the court she had paid the defendants £31,400 over two years after working in brothels in Cardiff, Swan-

sea, Barking and East Croydon, and said she had worked in South Wales for a year and eight months.

The woman, who like her fellow victim cannot be named for legal reasons, said she had stopped working and changed her sim card so Idahosa could not contact her.

However, within a month she received a phone call from her mother in Nigeria.

“I had a call from my mum who told me Lizzy’s people had been to her house and threatened her,” the victim told the jury.

“Lizzy said if I did not pay her she would kill my mum and make me go mad.”

Idahosa and Omoruyi, who were arrested at their home in London, denied any wrong doing.

But police checked their bank accounts and found a series of transfers with Omoruyi acting as a ‘financial middle man.’

Idahosa had denied forcing the women to take part in a black magic ceremony, but claimed that she herself had been trafficked into the UK and forced to work as a prostitute.

She told the jury she did not know the two women had been trafficked.

‘It was only when I told them I was trafficked into the country that I found out they were trafficked,” she said.

Idahosa, who is heavily pregnant, said she made an oath with her trafficker before leaving Nigeria and was forced to eat the

roast heart of a cockerel.

She said: “I wouldn’t do the things they say I did because I’ve been through it.”

The jury was told that cash payments of several hundred pounds a time had been deposited into Omoruyi’s account from locations all over the country, including Glasgow, Sheffield and Southampton.

He had claimed that money came from his friend.

“I am the kind of person who likes clothes and shoes and I’m known for that - I like to find bargains,” he said.

“It is not that it is any fraud money or anything. My account has not been used for anything like that.”

During an interview with police, he said: “I am here to say I do not even know the people you are talking about - I have never seen them.

“I have never involved myself in that kind of activity in this country, even before this country. I have not and I would not,” he had claimed.

Christopher Drew, representing Omoruyi, of London, said: “Since coming to this country, he has demonstrated a willingness to work honestly.”

But Judge Crowther said he was “certain” that Omoruyi knew the money was illegal and where it was coming from.

Idahosa was convicted of a total of eight counts including trafficking two women into and around the UK, inciting them to become prostitutes and transferring criminal property.

Omoruyi was convicted of two offences of money laundering.

A jury at Cardiff Crown Court took just five hours to find them guilty. Both were remanded in custody yesterday to be sentenced next month, but judge Tom Crowther QC warned them they will face lengthy custodial sentences.

Speaking after the verdicts had been given, Ms. Rees said: “This was a despicable and callous crime.

“These two defendants were involved in an elaborate deception, taking advantage of cultural and financial issues in order to gain a devastating hold over their vulnerable victims.

“Once the victims had entered the UK, they were exploited and abused in the most brutal manner. Human trafficking is totally unacceptable in our society.

“I hope today’s convictions will send a clear message that those who seek to degrade and demean others for their own personal gain can expect to be pursued and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

“It took an immense amount of courage for the victims to come forward and seek to break free from their ordeal. I hope that their courage will act as an inspiration for others who may find themselves in a similar position.

“Whilst we cannot undo what has already happened to these victims, we can hope that today’s convictions will help them as they try to move on from their ordeal.”

A spokesman for the Home Office, which led the investigation, said: “Trafficking is an appalling crime that has no place in today’s society but, as this case has shown, it is taking place here. That is why we are taking action on a number of fronts.

“We are working with law enforcement overseas, the law is being strengthened and the Modern Slavery Bill, one of the first of its kind in the world, will make it easier to prosecute the criminals behind trafficking and improve the protection of victims.”

•culled from Daily Mail.UK

Sport 59

SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014

Athletics

Okagbare: I’m the happiest woman on earth p.62

Rugby

African Rugby Cup 7s: Ladipo leads Black Stallions p.61

Golf

Basketball legend labels Obama’s game ‘shitty’ p.61

Emenike, Mikel failed Keshi, says Akanni F

Dapo Sotuminu ormer Super Eagles defender, Waidi Akanni, has blamed the duo of Eagles’ superstars, Emmanuel Emenike and Mikel Obi, for the poor form which has put the Nigerian team on a tight rope at booking a ticket for the 2015 African Nations Cup. The ex-Flying Eagles star noted that, it was also this poor form that forced the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to sack the team’s coach, Stephen Keshi, before he was reinstated by a presidential fiat.

Akanni, who is a former chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, stated that, before Keshi was sacked last month he predominantly banked on these two superstars to give him results, but they failed to play to their optimum.

“This is one of the major factors

why Keshi was in trouble aside from the cold war between the two factions of the NFF. Emenike clearly dropped his game whenever he played for the Eagles, while Mikel consistently played negative football in all the Nations Cup qualifiers games played so far. Keshi should have noticed this early enough if he was observant, but he kept a blind eye on this very vital factor.

“Even as he returns to his job, Keshi’s stand is still shaky due basically to the players’ factors.

As a professional, I can tell you that the players deliberately put Keshi in trouble when he had running squabbles with some of the influential players. I am sure by now he must have learned his lessons. This same thing happened to Samson Siasia when he was Eagles’ chief coach. He refused to bring back Vincent Enyeama and Osaze Odemwingie to the team despite pleas from

Waidi Akanni

the players, what happened to him, he got the hammer.

“Keshi vowed not to call Ike Uche to the team and when he failed to get results he was sacked and later reinstated. Now that he’s back, the first thing he did was to recall Uche. I see this as a mark of wisdom after he was bitten twice. With Ike Uche in the team, watch-out for the Eagles performance in the remaining two qualifying matches against Congo and South Africa. You won’t believe it is the same Eagles that gave Nigerians heartache.”

Akanni stressed that the NFF president, Amaju Pinnick’s idea of restricting national team invitations to players plying their trade in top clubs in Europe only should be reviewed. He should leave Keshi alone to invite players suitable for him. “The talk about inviting stars only from the A League for the Eagles team is

Sunday Team

Deputy Sports Editor Dapo Sotuminu Golf Reporter Ifeanyi Ibeh

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Mikel Obi

Emmanuel Emenike

Stephen Keshi

absurd, that is interference. Keshi should be allowed to do his job.

When I played for the Super Eagles, I was a school boy player in the United States, I never played for any top club in America or in Europe, yet I was a superstar in the Nigerian team.

He also pointed out that, another problem of the Eagles is improper way of setting up the Technical Committee of the NFF. “We don’t have a technical committee, what we have is a group of individuals who want to coach the national team. The last three Eagles coaches (Amodu Shauibu, Siasia and Keshi), came out openly to say that the Technical Committee chairman didn’t allow them to work, while the members wanted to come on the bench to do the job. The committee should oversee all the country’s national teams and not the Super Eagles alone. They should also develop football in the whole country, but sadly they are not primed for that, instead they kept fighting the Eagles coach and restricted their duty to vetting of the Eagles’ list. As long as this same group of persons remains members of the committee, Nigeria will not make progress in international football.

“The fact that you have played for the national team is not a credential to sit on the technical committee of the NFF. The appointment of members should be based on what they have done or are doing in their respective locations in the country, in the area of development, and they must have the credentials to hold such position,” Waidi Akanni said.

60

Sport Dapo Sotuminu

T

he Chairman of the SuruLere Local Government Area of Lagos State, Honourable Tajudeen Ajide, has chided the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and that of the National Sports Commission, NSC, for abandoning ailing ex-international soccer stars that have been dying in their numbers uncared for.

Ajide, who is also a former soccer star, noted that, it is high time those occupying seats at the football house accept the fact that without these players, both active and retired, they would not be where they are administering the game.

“They should also know that whatever you do now is what you get in future. We all know that the medical and social facilities in Nigeria cannot be compared to what obtains in developed countries, but that doesn’t mean that we should treat those who gave our country honour during their active days with impunity and abandon them to die like chickens uncared for. It is very sad.”

He stated that; believe by the leadership of the football federation that players got all their entitlements from bonuses paid to them while playing for the national team is very unfair and vindictive. These players were not given pension after they retired from the national team neither were they given severance fee, so what are they talking about.

He added that, having spent most of his active life abroad, he has come to realise the need to come together to assist one another so as to get the better part of life.

“Football as we all know is a sport that engaged all parts of the body and the joints. There is no way, no matter how strong you are that you will not face health challenges in future. This is what is happening to our ex-

SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ajide: NFF heartless to abandon ex-soccer stars

Former Stationery Stores legend, Yomi Peters, after a surgery at LASUTH

internationals who cracked their joints and bones defending the integrity of our country on the field of play, so why should they be abandoned to die. This is not right and that is why I have dedicated a part of my life and my little resources towards giving them a new lease of life. I want to give back to the industry that gave me fame.

“The whole thing bothers on what can we do for ourselves, if you look at the Nollywood stars and other organisations

Ex-Nigerian soccer star, Peter Aneke, being examined by a doctor assigned by Tajudeen Ajide

Tajudeen Ajide

they come together to assist each other despite the fact that they cannot match us numerically. But when it comes to the issue of ex-players we always have this problem of neglect.”

Ajide who has been going from one hospital to another where ex-players are hospitalised, said he is doing this as he knows that one day, he would also need help.

“At the moment, three Nigerian soccer legends - Peter Aneke popularly called ‘Nigerian Eusebio,’ Yomi Peters, former captain of Stationery Stores of Lagos and Peter Fregene, former Green Eagles goalkeeper are very sick. It is pathetic and a shame to watch our legends die gradually without appropriate care. I believe strongly that in football an injury to one is injury to all.

“For Yomi Peter, he had a successfully surgery for Gastric

Cancer at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, and he is recuperating.

What he needs now is for us to rally round him and give him the necessary support. While in the case of Peter Aneke, it was when I took a doctor to his house that it was discovered that he has multiple health issues. He has High Blood Pressure, Renal Failure, enlarged heart and also obese.

“Aside from these ailments, Aneke is also heartbroken as those he thought could help him at the level of the National Sports Commission disappointed him. He was bitter that the immediate past Director General of the NSC, Patrick Ekeji, a fellow footballer failed to help when he was approached four years ago. I have visited Aneke four times and had been paying for his medical treatments.

I gave his wife some things to

empower them for feeding; this also went with a power generating set, a refrigerator and bags of rice. A doctor has been going to his home to treat him regularly.

“The same goes for Peter Fregene, he kept calling me for help and he has been getting it. There are lots of them out there and I have been attending to it and spending the little money at my disposal.”

Ajide also blamed the explayers’ unsavoury conditions on the factional footballer ’s unions - the Austin Popo group, the Harrison Jalla group and the Clement Temele group. They have been more interested in holding power and doing less about ex-player’s welfare. These groups must come together as one and must be properly structured to help ailing players among other functions, he advised.

61

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014

Golf Weekly

African Rugby Cup 7s: Ladipo leads Black Stallions P T

Basketball legend labels Obama’s game ‘shitty’

Ifeanyi Ibeh

he Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, NRFF, has named 11 home-based stars and one foreign-based player for the Black Stallions squad for the 2014 Africa Cup 7s, this was after a careful assessment of players at the just concluded Independence Rugby Sevens Championship in Lagos.

The Vice-President of the NRFF, Engineer Fasimoye Olatunji, told New Telegraph on Sunday that: “It is a strong squad and all the players on this team performed exceptionally well at the just concluded Independence 7s championship.

The tournament was used to select good players for Black Stallions 7s and it is quite unfortunate that our players based in the UK could not come down for the tournament despite being offered an all-expense paid trip to Nigeria.

Fasimoye who is also the Technical Director of the Federation revealed that: “The team will be captained by Azeez Ladipo who is also the 15’s national team captain. His versatility and experience geared him to lead his club (Cowrie RFC) to the cup victory in

the just concluded Independence 7s championship. He also led the club to plate victory in Dubai 7s last year.”

He added: “We will not lack pace at all as we now have the duo of Christian Ogar and Abdulmalik Salihu on the squad. Both players were simply outstanding last weekend. They both have the wherewithal, good feet and excellent acceleration. Christian is big and strong and this gives us great cover out wide.”

The team also includes a number of Sevens stalwarts, which have inform Peter Okere Ambrose who single-handedly took Plateau Tigers of Jos to the semi-final of the just concluded Independence 7’s championship. Another player Hafis Ayinla will lead the forwards and get his first 7s cap for Black Stallions after putting up a good show at the same tournament.

“In this Black Stallions squad, I think we have an extremely talented group of players with the right mix of experience and youthfulness. I am looking forward to seeing what the team can produce in Harare. We are

also looking at the possibility of including two youngsters: Kelechi Anozie (Hawkster Athletics RFC) and Monday Alex (Racing RFC) to train with the team with the aim of preparing them for the future,” Fasimoye said.

The 12-man squad is expected to resume camping in Lagos on November 14 in preparation for the African 7’s Championship. They would be coached by South Africa Rugby 7s legend, Fabian Juries, who is an ex-Springbok player and the 4th highest point scorer in world 7-A-Side Rugby. He will bring his wealth of experience into the team.

The Squad: Lasisi Kazeem. (Nigeria Police), Olanrewaju Azeez ((Nigeria Police), Ayinla Hafis (Cowrie RFC), Azeez Ladipo (Cowrie RFC) and Peter Ambrose (Plateau Tigers).

Others are Salihu Abdulmalik (Nigeria Police), Oduntan Olatunji (Cowrie RFC), Christian Ogar (Cowrie RFC), John Oladele (Cowrie RFC), Abubakar Sadam (Zaria RFC), Samaila Agwam (Hamilton RFC, South Africa) and Lawal Saulawa (Abuja RFC).

Extra-Joss Season 3 was a success – Okunnu

T

he Tournament Coordinator for the Lagos State Sports Council organised Extra-Joss Football Championship, Mr. Uthman Okunnu, has stated that, the Season 3 of the event was a huge success as it cuts across all the 57 Local Government Areas and the Development centres of the state.

Okunnu noted that 132 teams registered and participated in the competition, a number far bigger than what it was in the first two editions, and there was a longer period to play.

Another unique thing about the Extra Joss Season 3 was that the winner emerged from the Badagry Zone, the Apapa Golden Stars. “We are meeting set goals as a boy was discovered from the winning team. He was the Highest Goal Scorer and also the tournament overall Most Valuable Player. The player will surely go far in his chosen career as he has been recommended for further foreign training.

“The Extra-Joss All Stars Elev-

en was selected and we are going to expose them to a number of top notch friendly games and would invite top rated coaches to pick the best from this bunch for further improvement.”

He stressed that the Season 4 of the competition would be greater, but the event would remain in the grassroots so as not to deviate from the original concept.

Okunnu expressed satisfaction on this year’s competition. “We are very much satisfied as the

event has been consistent and the teams have been improving. In Season 1, Apapa Golden Stars finished in second place, they won bronze in Season 2 and emerged champions in Season 3, this shows the consistency of the competition.

“From the beginning no team had been dominant winning everything, we have had different winners and we hope that another team would win the Season 4 title,” he said.

Yobo FC, the winner of Extra-Joss season 3 competition Ikeja division

resident Goodluck Jonathan does not play golf, and looks unlikely to ever pick up a golf club and playing a couple of holes after American basketball legend Michael Jordan took a dig at the golf skills of the president of the United States, Barack Obama.

The retired basketball star, who has been an avid golfer right from his pro basketball days with the Chicago Bulls, in a recent interview with CNN’s Ahmad Rashad explained why he wouldn’t include the self-acclaimed leader of the free world, if asked to pick

his dream foursome, owing to Obama’s apparent poor skills on the golf course.

“I’ve never played with Obama but I would,” said Jordan, who won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls. “But no, that’s okay, I’d take him out.

He’s a hack; it would be all day playing with him.

Upon saying that, Rashad appeared concerned before proceeding to ask Jordan: “Do you really want to say that to the president of the United States.”

And Jordan’s response to the question was: “Don’t worry about it. I never said he wasn’t a great politician, I’m just saying he’s a shitty golfer.”

Reed sorry for swearing

A

merican Patrick Reed has admitted that he made a “stupid error” by swearing during his opening round at the World Golf Championship in Shanghai.

The 24-year-old was picked up by television cameras having an expletive-ridden rant after three-putting on the 10th green.

After his second round, Reed told reporters: “At the level I’m playing nowadays you can’t have outbursts and unfortunately I did and it happened to be on camera.

“I made a stupid error. Never should have happened. All I can do is just learn from it and move on I’m young and growing up, I had temper issues, on and off the golf course.

I live and die through every shot.

“I love the game so much and I expect perfection, but no one is ever going to be perfect in this game. It’s just one of those things that I have to learn how to deal with. It got the best of me this week.”

180 golfers for Southern Sun tourney

A

n impressive figure of 180 golfers will compete at this year’s Southern Sun Hotel annual golf tournament, taking place at the Ikoyi Club 1938 on Saturday, November 15.

This year’s edition will be the fourth since the tournament’s maiden edition took place in 2011, and according to Southern Sun’s deputy manager, Cliff Shiridzinody, his organisation takes immense delight at its continued commitment in organizing the keenly anticipated event.

“We had about 80 players when we started out in 2011 but this year’s edition will feature about 180 golfers and this steady increase is as a result of our positive relationship with corporate

organisations who have thrown their weight behind the annual tournament,” said Shiridzinody.

Shiridzinody also expressed his organisation’s gratitude to the event’s other sponsors even as he assured that next month’s tournament will be an atmosphere of immense fun and networking.

Lots of fantastic prizes will be on offer at the tournament including a brand new Toyota Corolla 2014 model, donated by Mandilas Enterprise Limited.

Aviator Travels and Tours Limited also donated a return trip to a travel destination of the winner’s choice. Nigeria Bottling Company will also donate an extensive range of its products to winners at the event.

62

SUNDAY, 09 NOVEMBER, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sport / News

Okagbare: I’m the happiest woman on earth

•Falilat, Onyali pray for fruitful union •Elegbeleye tasks Otegheri to be tolerant •Pinnick preaches eternal love Dapo Sotuminu

N

igeria’s number one athlete, Blessing Okagbare, who got married to her long-term fiancé, Igho Otegheri, a Nigeria soccer player, yesterday in Sapele, Delta state, told New Telegraph on Sunday that she was the happiest woman on earth as her dream of getting married to the man she loves finally came true.

She expressed her delight to the honour of being addressed as a married woman and no longer a spinster. “I now feel different and I am ready to face the world with my new status. Henceforth, it is no longer just me; it is I and my husband.

“I was overwhelmed by the turnout of the people in Delta state, my colleagues, friends and top government functionaries.

It is a great feeling to know that Nigerians are fully behind me in everything I do. I am most grateful and would pay back with more victorious performances in my career. I thank all those who left their busy schedules to come to Sapele to honour me and my husband, we are most grateful. I was so happy when I saw the Director-General of the Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye, and other staff of the Sports Ministry, and also my mentor, the president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Solomon Ogba. He believed in me and encouraged me to become what I am today.”

Two former African queens of the track, Falilat Ogunkoya-Omotayo and Mary Onyali-Omagbemi, who were present at the occasion prayed for a fruitful union.

Falilat, stated that Blessing’s

marriage would help her career greatly as all the top sprinters in the world are married, which means she has joined the rank of the best. “She has a great future ahead of her. She has been together with Otegheri for a long time and I am sure they understand themselves.

“The Olympic silver medallist advised the couple to be patient as it takes a lot of understanding to run a successful marriage.

Whatever happens today should be sorted out before the next day.

Blessing, is an Olympic medal-

list, and so she has the mandate of the IOC and the IAAF to take her husband to top international championships, so they will always be together.”

Onyali, called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the newly wedded as the wife is very important to the happiness and glory of Nigeria. “Blessing is Nigeria’s hope of winning another Olympic gold medal, so she should be happy in her marriage and that is what I will keep praying for.”

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, NSC,

Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, said in Sapele, Delta state at the occasion of Okagbare’s wedding ceremony that, he was very happy to witness the union of the couple and he would want Blessing’s husband to be tolerant and loving.

“With tolerance, the marriage would be blissful and there won’t be the need for the couple to call on family members to come around to settle issues. The two of them are inexperienced, that is why it is important for people like us to continually play the father figure for the newly married.”

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Amaju Pinnick, who was the chairman of the occasion said at the Sapele Athletics Club venue of the marriage reception that, Blessing is the pride of Sapele, Delta state, Nigeria and the world at large.

She has contributed to the growth of Nigerian sports immensely,

that is why God will bless her marriage.

He advised that Okagbare should remain the star she is, while her husband becomes the superstar, as his ideas and opinions must be respected at all times in the marriage. He implored Otegheri to make Blessing his friend.

“Blessing is a dedicated athlete a quality that has made her a huge success. It is also worthy to know that despite the height she has reached in world sports, she has remained scandal free. This shows her sincerity and honesty in her career, the same way she would run her marriage.”

The couple had their Traditional wedding ceremony on Friday at 5, Adidi Road residence of the bride, while the church wedding ceremony started at 10.30am, 30 minutes behind schedule as the bride didn’t arrive on time.

Blessing and Otegheri were joined in holy matrimony at the St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Yoruba Road, Sapele by Reverend (Col) Martin Akusu (rtd), while reception of guests followed at the Sapele Athletics Club ground.

Ebullient comedian, Gordons, was the Master of Ceremony.

Blessing and Otegheri having their thanks giving after their wedding at the St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sapele, Delta State

The couple with family members

Blessing and Igho Otegheri after their traditional marriage on Nov 7 in Sapele

Blessing and Otegheri dancing after their traditional marriage

Newly wedded couple, Blessing Okagbare with her husband, Igho Otegneri, flanked

by L-R Chief Ighoyola Amori, Chief Solomon Ogba, Dr Bolaji Ojo-Oba, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, Hauwa Akinyemi and Mary Onyali yesterday in Sapele

L-R: Mary Onyali, Hauwa Kulu Akinyemi (Director Sports Planning, NSC), Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye (Director General, NSC), Falilat Ogunkoya-Omotayo, and Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba, Director of Sports, NSC) at the wedding

RESULTS

Barclays Premier League Liverpool 1 - 2 Chelsea Burnley 1 - 0 Hull City Man. United 1 - 0 C/ Palace Southampton 2 - 0 Leicester West Ham 0 - 0 Aston Villa QPR 2 - 2 Man. City Germany - Bundesliga Hertha Berlin 0 - 2 Hannover Augsburg 3 - 0 Paderborn Leverkusen 0 - 0 Mainz Frankfurt 0 - 4 Bayern Freiburg 2 - 0 Schalke Hoffenheim 3 - 4 Cologne Bremen 2 - 0 Stuttgart Italy - Serie A Sassuolo 0 - 0 Atalanta Empoli 0 - 2 Juventus Spain - Liga BBVA Cordoba 0 - 0 Deportivo Almeria 1 - 2 Barcelona Getafe 0 - 0 Elche France - Ligue 1 Lens 1 - 2 Bordeaux

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2014

Let the good men run

Sunday

When just men increase, the people shall rejoice: when the wicked shall bear rule, the people shall mourn (Proverbs 29.2)

S

ince the days of the biblical Samuel, when the Israelites asked for a mortal king over them instead of direct rule by God, the struggle to enthrone good men as leaders has remained unabated. As the bible further tells us, although God was not exactly pleased that His people rejected His direct rule over them, He nevertheless gave them David, who became a great leader under whom Israel prospered and the people were happy.

David was succeeded by his son Solomon, another great leader who is recorded in the bible as the wisest and richest king (man) ever to live.

Now consider the flip side of this anecdote: the same happy, prosperous Israelites under Kings David and Solomon were to ‘mourn’ when Solomon’s son, Rehoboam succeeded him as king and proceeded to practically undo every good thing his father had done. According to the scriptures, under Rehoboam’s rule, Solomon’s empire was lost and his kingdom was divided into two antagonistic parts.

Make no mistake about it; among the politicians on the scene, there are many Kings David/Solomon and Rehoboams. The task of all men of good conscience, therefore, is to ensure that we have more of Kings David and Solomon in power than there are Rehoboams (who wants a Rehoboam at all, anyway?). So, let the good men run: let Orji Uzor Kalu, Sullivan Chime, Godswill Akpabio, Obiora Okonkwo and other just men run. For, with such men in power, it is just possible that this kingdom will not be atrophied, after all.

As features editor of The Guardian in 2001, I was once invited to visit Abia State then under the leadership of Orji Uzor Kalu, as part of a media team on projects-assessment tour. During that visit, we toured projects sites in Aba, Umuahia, Uzoakoli, Igbere, Ohafia and a few other places. Barely two years into his administration, Kalu was already up and running: he was doing massive road construction and reconstruction; laying foundation for an enduring agricultural revolution in the state, building/reconstructing schools and hospitals, drilling boreholes in communities and building rural feeder roads, among others. In Aba, he embarked on massive road and drainage construction/reconstruction projects. In Umuahia and Uzoakoli, we saw thousands of yam seedlings ready for distribution to farmers under the government’s small-holder farmer empowerment initiative. We saw palm and pineapple nurseries from which oil palm and pineapple plants were distributed to farmers’ cooperatives free of charge.

In Umuahia, I remember remarking to Victor Onochie (CJ), Kalu’s media aide then that one of the things I found fascinating about Umuahia was that it was one of only two South East cities (the other is Enugu) that were planned. But, unlike Enugu under Chimaroke, I further told CJ, I was pleasantly surprised to see that virtually all the streets in Umuahia were paved, complete with effective drainage and waste disposal systems that ensured the city was very clean and not prone to flooding whenever it rained.

As for Aba, that was the metaphor for Orji Kalu’s bold, courageous attempts to renew Abia as its governor in those early years of democratic governance. The constructions and reconstructions in the city of creative and enterprising residents were so massive that some of us even feared for the governor ’s safety because so many people’s houses had either been pulled down or were earmarked for demolition to pave way for unfettered construction/reconstruction under the administration’s Aba Urban Renewal Programme. But, rather than hostility, what saw instead were large crowds of people in different parts of the Enyimba City who gather to applaud the work that was going on. Many would remember that it was on account of his work as governor, especially in Aba, that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, not exactly an OUK fan, once described the former Abia governor as ‘Action Governor ’.

Since he left office in 2007, OUK has de-

Felix Oguejiofor Abugu

abugufex@gmail.com 08076290498 (sms only)

Kalu

Chime

Akpabio

Okonkwo

voted himself to rebuilding his business empire, an internationally admired conglomerate with interests in shipping, oil and gas, manufacturing, merchandizing and publishing, among others. Today, his Slok Group directly employs over 4,000 Nigerians and foreigners alike. He should be encouraged to serve his people in a new capacity.

SULLIVAN CHIME has spent the past seven and half years as governor of Enugu, the Coal City State, building up the state as one of the most progressive and admired in the country. Quietly efficient, Chime, with few resources at his disposal, has transformed Enugu, the state capital, for instance, into one of the most livable cities in West Africa: Enugu is safe, clean, quiet and functional.

This may not be empirical, but I wager that Enugu, Calabar and Uyo (not in any particular order) are the three most livable cities in Nigeria today. Chime has also invested heavily in infrastructural development in the three senatorial zones in the state—equitably building schools, hospitals, roads and digging boreholes and supplying electricity to the rural areas, in the zones.

Under Chime, Enugu got an international airport, the first time in the entire history of Nigeria that an airport in the Igbo nation would be designated ‘international’. Credit must also be given to all other Igbo men and women (kudos, of course, to Adaeze Oduah) who worked tirelessly to ensure that this beautiful dream of Ndigbo’s became

a reality. But, Chime must take credit for the political support and sumptuous support infrastructure that he has provided to prove to the world that the state can host an international airport and that the city is safe for international passengers and crew to land and sleep in. Enugu Airport Road, for example, is one of the freest (that is, not choked up like the Lagos International Airport Road) and smoothest motorways in the country.

Above all, Chime plays good politics: his sense of fairness and equity, which has resulted in the most adroitly managed powershift process in Enugu State, adds a lot to his resume as a King David/Solomon brand of leader. True, some disgruntled politicians (the Rehoboams?), those directly affected by Chime’s deft political move, may be kicking against Enugu’s politics of rotational leadership that has served the state very well, but the truth is that the deed has been done; there is no going back (and that’s not Chime’s style, anyway). More importantly, the governor ’s action is sanctioned by the majority of Enugu indigenes.

Gosdwill Akpabio served notice from the very beginning that he was a King Davidean (permit the coinage) leader on a transformation mission in the state they call the Land of Promise (now the Promised Land). Indeed, the physical transformation of Akwa Ibom State in the seven and half years that Akpabio has been in power can only be compared

63

to what the country did with Abuja as its new capital territory. From roads to schools, hospitals to power generation, aviation to hospitality, IT to e-learning, sports (only Godswill Akpabio could have built a English premier-league standard stadium in Nigeria) to entertainment, Governor Akpabio in one big burst of energy (apologies Chinua Achebe) changed Akwa Ibom from a lowly, backwater state to one that has become the focus of national, even the world’s, attention because of the big things that happen there. By building first class infrastructure and making Akwa Ibom so much better than others, Akpabio succeeded in raising the confidence bar for his hitherto highly talented but self-doubting people who saw themselves fit snuggly into the stereotypes others had constructed for them as houseboys and cooks. Now, thanks to Akpabio, the average Akwa Ibomite has become diffident, self-assured and extremely proud of his state and ethnic nationality. Nobody can find ‘Calabar ’ houseboy any more or the house girl that cooks all the food but gets paid so poorly. Thanks to Akpabio, Akwa Ibomites have come to realize that being a good cook isn’t a shameful thing; rather, it’s a talent that ought to be honed and deployed to good use for one’s personal advancement.

So, let all the chefs from Akwa Ibom rise up and be counted.

Dr. Obiora Okonkwo parades intimidating credentials. With a first class B.Sc degree in Economics from the Russian People’s Friendship University, Moscow, an M.Sc degree with distinction in Economics from the same university and a doctorate in political science with distinction from the renowned Russian Academy of Science, Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Okonkwo is as brilliant as they come. The only student of the department of economics in the Russian People’s Friendship University to graduate with first class honours after combining two academic years of postgraduate course, Okonkwo represents the typical young Igbo for whom there is no half measure in pursuit of success in any human endeavour: everything must be seen to its logical conclusion. But, academic brilliance is not all there is to this young man (he is 48) who has done so much for self, community, country and church.

As founder and President of Nigeria-Belgium Business Forum, an international business organization that champions cordial and bilateral trade-cum investment relations between Nigeria and Belgium, Okonkwo has organised two presidential trade missions to Belgium for Nigeria, the two of them for then President Olusegun Obasanjo, and facilitated the negotiation and signing of reciprocal trade and investment protection agreement between Nigeria and Belgium.

Okonkwo also negotiated and initiated highlevel promotion and investment agreement that led to the cancellation of about $500m debt Nigeria owed to Belgium and the inclusion of Nigeria on the list of favoured countries by the government of Belgium.

As political and economic adviser to His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke, the Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclestical Province, Okonkwo has subtly repositioned the Catholic lay faithful as the most influential civil society group in Anambra State, which is evident in their effective participation in secular politics in the state and the country at large. With the prayerful support of the Archbishop, Okonkwo facilitated the development of many useful projects for the Archdiocese, including the building of Holy Family Youth Village, a world class hostel in Amansea, Awka which houses over 1,000 students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. He is the sponsor of the Entrepreneur and Job Placement Workshop series, a quarterly training event that provides business funding opportunities and career placement to the youth of Idemili North and South Local Government Areas of Anambra State.

Politically, he is a staunch member of PDP, one of the few men who have genuinely worked to unite the party and keep it at peace with itself in Anambra State.

So, let these just men run and win the race to the Senate. Let OUK represent Abia North, Chime Enugu West, Akpabio Akwa Ibom North East and Okonkwo Anambra Central Senatorial zones. The ‘kingdom’ and the people shall rejoice at their ascendancy.

SPORT Emenike, Mikel failed Keshi, says Akanni

Let the good men run

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

}59

“R

FELIX O. ABUGU

Sanctity of Truth

N150

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2014

}63

The return of roadblocks The Nigerian Project

oadblock” is defined as something that blocks or obstructs a road; an obstacle, or impediment. The Germans call it “Absperrung”, the French, “Barrage Routier”, and the Russians, “ŌnoknocT”.

A roadblock is a sign of negativism not progressivism. It inhibits, restricts, conscripts, interfers and obstructs. It is preferable to have a freeway than a clogged way; freedom and liberty, to limitation and hindrance.

Enid Blyton, in his “Galiano’s Circus,” once illuminated on obstacles, thus: “the best way to treat obstacles is to use them as stepping stones. Laugh at them, tread on them, and then let them lead you to something better”. But contrary to Enid’s postulations, the Nigeria Police road obstacles cannot be used as any stepping stones.

They cannot be laughed at. They cannot be treaded upon. They cannot lead us to anything better.

Nigerian roadblocks only lead to pains, pangs, anger, frustration, exasperation and disillusionment.

When M.D, Abubakar, the erstwhile Inspector-General of Police came on the scene few years, back, the first notable step he took was to abolish and dismantle road blocks. Nigerians hailed him for giving us back our freedoms, our liberties, to move freely, unmolested, unharassed along Nigerian roads.

The applause was not without reason.

Nigerians had belly-ached, for many years, over the excessive abuse to which the Soldiers, Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) members and Customs Officials who barricaded the roads had subjected roadblocks to. Nigerians were stopped on highways, searched delayed, “detained” and abused for hours under the scorching sun, or heavy down pour of rain, with the refrain question, “Wetin you carry”, “Let us have your particulars,” which was later corrupted to “give us your Petty Kolas”.

No matter how legally compliant with all vehicle, road and personal particulars you had been, you were sure to be denied of your liberty and freedom of movement, until you were forced to part with “Petty Kola,” having not “passed” the test of “Particulars”.

They demanded for everything under the sun: Driver’s Licence, Vehicle licence, Vehicle Insurance, Road Worthiness Certificate, EMR, Caution Sign, Fire Extinguishers, Wheel Spanners, Spare Tyre, Plate Number without mud stains, even if it was a wet muddy day due to rains!

There is the joke about a Police Officer who saw the engine of the Volkswagen in the booth compartment and promptly accused the car owner of stealing the engine, not knowing that a Volkswagen engine is actually fixed at the booth of the car usually meant for luggage in other normal cars.

Such was the harrowing experience of road commuters, especially traders and business men, that Nigerians hailed M.D. Abubakar for dismantling them.

I had heard it as a rumor that road blocks had re-emerged. I did not believe it. Why would the new Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba CFR, only just confirmed last week, reintroduce, an obstacle that inhibits the free movement of honest road users?

I had preferred flying, to road journeys, in the last one year, or thereabout. You cannot blame me. My horrific experience of terror, anguish, dehumanization and near death in the hands of kidnappers for three

MIKE OZEKHOME san, ofr mike.ozekhome@yahoo.com 08128444555 (sms only)

A roadblock

“When M.D, Abubakar, the

erstwhile Inspector-General of Police came on the scene few years, back, the first notable step he took was to abolish and dismantle road blocks. Nigerians hailed him for giving us back our freedoms, our liberties, to move freely, unmolested, unharassed along Nigerian roads”

weeks, between August 23 and September 12, 2013, had made me prefer flying to road travels. Considering the chest-beating, grandstanding, brinkmanship and loquacious boasts of my kidnappers that they

MAMA LASISI

PHOTO: www.stopthebribes.net

controlled foot paths, forest paths, creeks and highways in Nigeria and that police check points meant nothing to them as they usually “wasted” Police officers found at them, I felt it was safer and more reasonable to fly than to travel by road.

However, I was jolted black to reality about the reintroduction of roadblocks on Wednesday, the 5th of November, 2014, when I travelled to Uyo from Benin City, through Owerri and Umuahia. I had gone to deliver the New Legal Year Lecture organized by The Akwa Ibom State Judiciary, titled “An appraisal of the Akwa Ibom State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2009”.

I had left Benin at about 1 pm, intending to get to Uyo before nightfall. This was not to be, as I encountered roadblocks almost every five kilometers from Benin, through Abudu, Agbor, Asaba and Onitsha, through Oba Oraifite, Okija, Ihiala, Uli, Mgbidi, Awomama, to Owerri. By the time my driver and I were extricating ourselves from the roadblocks between Mbaise and

Umuahia, dusk had unkindly descended on us. You can imagine passing through one of the worst, gully-laden, erosionravaged roads I have ever seen in my life, between the University town of Umudike and Ikot Ekpene, at night! It was hell on earth. Trailers, Lorries, and Cars fought, meandered and snaked through the valleys, hills and canyons that passed for a road. As expected, some broke down right in the middle of the road, thus preventing other commuters from going forward or backwards. A lorry had to be used to tow off the road, an 18 seater bus that could not make the Journey through the muddy, erosion-ravaged road. Mercifully, we got to Uyo at about 9 pm. The journey back the following Thursday, 6th, November, after the Lectue, was no less breath taking. I had decided to change my route, by going from Uyo to Port Harcourt and then through Elele, Ibiama, Kaima bridge, to Ughelli, Warri, Sapele, Jesse, Oghara and then Benin. The roadblocks were everywhere. It was so sickening, so perplexing.

The irony is that whenever they found your papers and particulars correct and complete, these road managers, whether Police, customs, FRSC, or Soldiers, would simply salute you at attention, and demand for gratification: “Oga, your boys dey here oo”. Looking at their angry, frustrated and pitiful sight, you are forced to part with some money.

Suleiman Abba CFR, are you listening to this sermon on Sunday from Mike Ozekhome, SAN, OFR, FCIArb, “The Nigerian Project”? Remove and dismantle all road blocks immediately. They serve no useful purpose. They expose Police Officers and other Security Personnel to hoodlums who simply gun them down when attempting to pass through them, for an operation.

Roadblocks are conduit pipers of bribery and corruption. They are instruments of manipulation, coercion and terror. They are a dangerous hindrance to road users.

They take away our freedoms of movement and dignity to human person. They delay Nigerians and make them miss important appointment. They subject the security personnel manning them to great risks of being run over by motorists whose brakes fail, or who deliberately run through them when they are carrying contraband.

Please, Suleiman Abba CFR, do this for Nigerians. Remove all roadblocks. Rather, introduce motorized highway patrols that enable many officers and men in different units to patrol from one end of the road to another. I beg of you, even as I congratulate you on your confirmation as the substantive IGP.

• Follow me on twitter @ MikeozekhomeSAN

By Aliu Eroje

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: EMEKA MADUNAGU.