Binder1 sunday, july 19, 2015 vol by Newtelegraphonline

BUHARIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S U.S TRIP

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Nigerian Christians reject samesex marriage

Razzle dazzle

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Intimate world of celebrity baby mamas

SUNDAY Sunday, JULY 19, 2015 Vol. 2 No. 515

Sanctity of Truth

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ISIS kidnaps Nigerian, two others in libya ...may behead them

Liz Anjorin

My lips are so sexy }17

lFG investigates report

Sallah party Aisha Buhari abandons celebration to cook for President }4 Ibrahim

NEWS }

Ebeid

Jemibewon

NASS crisis

Senate, Reps postpone resumption to July 28

Drop Federal Character }32 from Constitution

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Contents | 19.07.15 BODY & SOUL

Humble beginnings Heart wrenching experiences in her past only toughened Hon. Adijat Oladapo’s resolve to succeed

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POLITICS

War on terror Of all the tasks ahead of the new service chiefs, tackling Boko Haram is going to be the fiercest

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BUSINESS

Buharinomics President Buhari’s trillion naira welfare programme is laudable but not easily realisable

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FAITH

Commanding the supernatural Whatever is too big for our mouths is too big for our lives

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SPORT

De Tigresses will return Uju Ugoka is optimistic that Nigeria will return to winning ways at the 2015 AfroBasketball Championship scheduled for Cameroon in September

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LIFE

Cycling for peace The first time we rode bicycles, our legs were swollen, but now we don’t feel it again

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SUNDAY

Editorial

African leaders and term limits

he Rwandan parliament recently endorsed the removal of term limits from the nation’s constitution, in order to allow President Paul Kagame to run for a third term. This came as a tacit endorsement by the parliament for the charismatic African leader to remain in power, despite having almost exhausted his constitutional tenure. Next door in Burundi, the entire nation is in turmoil over President Pierre Nkurunziza’s insistence on proceeding with his third term bid. Though it has claimed lives and disrupted the peace of the nation, Nkurunziza is determined to achieve his aim of remaining in power. Both men join the long list of sit-tight African leaders who have raised themselves beyond the people because they believe they are the only ones who possess the right qualities to rule their countries. Also on this list are Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe; Theodore Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea; Eduardo dos Santos of Angola; Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti; Paul Biya of Cameroon and Yahya Jammeh (Gambia); Others include Isaias Afewerki of Eritrea; Omar al-Bashir of Sudan; Idriss Deby of Chad; and Yoweri Museveni (Uganda). These leaders have remained in power without batting an eyelid and with no clear plan of succession or exit. Rather, they have consistently hounded critics and opponents, leading to the deaths or imprisonement of many. It is a sad commentary about how African leaders have adapted to democracy and its tenets. By constantly changing the term limits of their countries, these leaders stifle the rights of their people to freely choose their leaders. In 2005 when President Olusegun Obasanjo’s controversial third term bid was raging, its proponents said he was the only Nigerian who had the qualities and capability to lead the nation. Ten years on, Nigeria has gone through two other presidents while a third is in power and the nation has not collapsed. It appears that many African leaders view themselves as demi-gods who must govern their nations according to their whims and caprices and not minding whose ox is gored.

It is noteworthy that Nigeria has so far refused to toe such an inglorious path, as recently as May 29, 2015 when President Goodluck Jonathan ignored immense pressure to reject the results of the March 28 presidential election. Last year, the people of Burkina Faso rose in unison against Blaise Campaore’s attempt to elongate his tenure It is such that such leaders don’t respect globally accepted best practices in governance. Yet, they routinely accuse leading nations of treating Africa and Africans with disdain. These leaders fail to realise that Africa has come of age and must give as much as she demands and expects from others. It is unacceptable for African leaders to impose themselves on their peoples, expecting that the world will simply look away while they destroy their countries. It is noteworthy that Nigeria has so far refused to toe such an inglorious path, as recently as May 29, 2015 when President Goodluck Jonathan ignored immense pressure to reject the results of the March 28 presidential election. Last year, the people of Burkina Faso rose in unison against Blaise Campaore’s attempt to elongate his tenure. Curiously, some of these sit-tight leaders were at the Eagel Square, Abuja on May 29 when Jonathan handed over to President Muhammadu Buhari. The African Union must play its role of pressurising sit-tight African leaders to initiate processes for democratic elections. They cannot continue to hold their nations to ransom and pontificate hypocritical about why Africa has remained in the doldrums.

DAILY TELEGRAPH PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief

Funke Egbemode

Editor 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

Ag. Bureau Chief, Abuja n Onwuka Nzeshi

Asst. Editor, News & Politics n Biyi Adegoroye

Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed

Sales/Circulation Manager n Oyebanji Abiodun

Head, Graphics n Timothy Akinleye

Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 19 JULY, 2015

Sunday Telegraph, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

News

ISIS kidnaps Nigerian, Ghanaian, Egyptian in Libya Onwuka Nzeshi and Johnchuks Onuanyim

A ABUJA

36 year old Nigerian, Ibrahim Adeola, has reportedly being kidnapped by the Islamic terror group, ISIS, in Libya. Adeola, said to be a Christian migrant, was abducted alongside a Ghananian, Sekyere Frimpong and an Egyptian, Beklut Nageh Ebreid. News of the trio’s plight was broken yesterday by TRAC, an organisation that provides researchers in the fields of terrorism studies, political science, international relations, sociology, criminal justice,

philosophy and history with content and comprehensive data and analysis for complex topics. The organisation on Twitter displayed Adeola’s international passport information page, with passport number, A04485028. The passport, which was issued on January 21, 2012 at the Passport Office in Festac Lagos indicated that Adeola was born in Imo State on May 24, 1979. The organisation also posted the passport information pages of the other two captives. Given ISIS brutality, especially against Christians, there are fears that they may be beheaded.

Photographs of the captives showed the Egyptian and Ghanaian blindfolded, a common ISIS tactic to cow hostages and their family members. The group has so far not made any demands although in some previous cases, it had beheaded Western hostages when their home governments turned down demands for a ransom. Though Sunday Telegraph investigations revealed that the relevant authorities in Nigeria might not be aware of Adeola’s plight, government officials said the matter would be investigated. Also, they said government would ascertain

whether Adeola’s passport is genuine or not. An official of the Nigeria Immigration Service told Sunday Telegraph that the service was not aware of the incident. According to the official, Libya is currently like a semi-war zone and Nigeria does not have immigration attaches in that country at the moment. Director of Public Communications, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Mr. Ogbole Amedu Ode, also told Sunday Telegraph that he was not aware of any such report. “I am not aware of it. If there is any report like that, it will go to Consular and Immigration Depart-

ment which handles such issues before it flows down to us. I haven’t seen any report like that on my desk, so I cannot comment on it,” he said. Attempts to reach the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina, for comments failed as his phones did not connect. Three months ago, a shocking video appearing to show at least 30 Christians being beheaded and shot by ISIS in Libya was released. The 29-minute video, titled ‘Until It Came To Them - Clear Evidence,’ showed dozens of militants holding two separate groups captive, thought

to be in the south and the west of the country. At least 16 men, described by Islamic State as the ‘followers of the cross from the enemy Ethiopian Church’, are lined up and shot in a desert area while 12 others are filmed being forced to walk down a beach before being beheaded. This followed another video in February of the beheading of a group of 21 Coptic Christians on a beach in Libya. The activities of the terror group raised fears that ISIS was consolidating its presence on the ‘doorstep of Europe’, as Libya is just a few hundred miles from the coast of Italy.

Aisha Buhari abandons Sallah party to cook for President Anule Emmanuel

W Abuja

L-R: Editor, Saturday Telegraph, Mr. Laurence Ani; Managing Director, Redline PR, Mr. Lekan Ishola and Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief, New Telegraph Newspapers, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, during a visit to Centrespread Company Limited in Lagos...Tuesday PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Senators, Reps to resume July 28 Chukwu David Abuja

he National Assembly yesterday formally announced the postponement of the resumption of plenary from July 21 to July 28. The extension was contained in a notice issued by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, M. A. Sani-Omolori. “This is to inform all Honourable members of the House of Representatives of the postponement of resumption of plenary session from adjourned date of Tuesday, 21st July to Tuesday, 28th July 2015,” Sani-Omolori said in the notice. A similar notice was sent to the 108 senators by the Ag, Clerk of the

Senate, Adedotun Durojaiye,.The fresh extension is an indication that the crisis over the composition of the committees and principal offices in the Senate and House of Representatives is not over. Indications emerged yesterday that the constitution of the Senate standing committees would be delayed even as the Senate resumes next week Tuesday. A source close to the Senate leadership, who preferred to speak on condition of anonymity, told Sunday Telegraph yesterday in Abuja that the committees would not be put in place until after the annual recess of the National Assembly, which is yet to be determined.

Meanwhile, the Selection Committee, which usually sets up the standing committees is not yet in place as a result of the lingering bickering in the Senate over the leadership positions. The source said that all pending contentious issues in the Upper Chamber had to be resolved before the leadership of the Chamber could think of announcing the standing committees and their leaders. He argued that going into such venture without resolving all pending grievances among the lawmakers would amount to a costly blunder on the part of the leadership. He said such an action would worsen the existing friction in

the Senate.“Who is talking about committees now? I can assure you that committees will not be constituted in the Senate until after the annual recess, which may come in September or so. Are you not aware of the lingering rift in the Senate since the inauguration of the National Assembly about six weeks ago. “Do you think that the leadership of the current Senate is so daft to dabble into such a matter suddenly? They must first of all calm all agitated minds before constituting the committees, particularly those who lost in the various leadership contests and are still embittered and threatening to destabilise the Chamber,” the source noted.

ife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, yesterdayabandoned a Sallah party she organised at the State House for children to go and cook for President Muhammadu Buhari. The President’s wife had earlier told guests that she personally cooks her husband’s food and would leave them to go and perform the duty. This is different from the tradition in the past where cooks were put in charge of providing meals for the President and the Vice-President at the State House. Speaking during the Sallah party at the old banquet hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President’s wife sought the children’s permission to leave the party after staying for about two hours in order to go home to cook for Buhari. She said: “I’m going to leave you soon. I want to go back home to cook for my husband. Because my children are here playing with you, so nobody is at home, only my husband. So I want to go back home to be with him and also cook dinner for him.” She had urged the children to continue to pray for other Nigerian children who are currently in Internally Displaced Persons camps due to the insurgency. According to her, the current administration attaches importance to Nigerian children’s welfare, protection and

development. She therefiore urged them to be good ambassadors to their parents. She said: “The future of this great country lies in your hands. You are to complement the efforts of government by working very hard in school and be obedient to your parents. “Tomorrow, you may be the President, the President’s wife, senator, honourable members, governors, medical doctors, teachers, journalists, engineers, nurses, lawyers and the rest of our honourable professions.” She also urged parents to encourage and monitor their children. The old banquet hall was decorated to children’s taste. While songs boomed from the speakers to the delight of the children, cartoons were also shown on the giant screens mounted at various points. Balloons of different colours and shapes also dangled from the ceiling. They were also used to form giant animals and babies and placed at various points. Two bouncing castles were also mounted for the children while clowns dished out jokes. The children, who were given packaged meals and drinks, also took part in a fashion parade and dancing competition. Among those who attended the Sallah were the wives of former governor of Rivers State, Mrs. Judith Amaechi, and former governor of Bayelsa State, Mrs. Alanyingi Sylva.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Senate has no business screening service chiefs - Gen. Ikponmwen A Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

former Provost Marshal of the Nigeria Army, Brig. General Don Idada Ikponmwen, on Saturday, faulted the move by President Muhammadu Buhari to have the newly appointed service chiefs screened and confirmed by the upper chamber (Senate) of the National Assembly. Ikponmwen, a lawyer and former Director, Legal Ser-

vices in the Nigeria Army, said the Senate should have no business screening and confirming the service chiefs as that would amount to politicising appointments, promotions and postings in the Armed Forces. In an exclusive interview with Sunday Telegraph, the retired military officer warned that any attempt to politicize the Nigeria Armed Forces, could pose a serious threat to the security of the nation. “The point has to be made

that the Command and control of the Armed Forces must not be allowed to be compromised on the altar of politics. This compromise would inevitably arise when the Command of the Armed Forces, particularly in terms of appointment, becomes an issue for the National Assembly,” he said. The current attempt to subject the appointment of service chiefs to the approval of the Senate, Ikponmwen said, subtracts from the powers granted

the President by the 1999 Constitution. According to him, the Constitution is unambiguous on the issue, hence, it specified, clearly, where the President ought to consult or submit for screening or confirmation of appointments. Ikpomnwen argued that those who craved for the screening of security chiefs by the legislators were wrongly equating their appointment with those of the minsters and other top government functionaries whom the con-

stitution clearly specified should be screened and approved by the parliament. He said that Section 130(1) of the Nigerian Constitution shows the nature of the Nigerian President who cannot be treated like a mere figure head but one that is ‘the Head of State, the Chief Executive of the Federation and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation.’ He said that the fact that the President was elected from all the constituencies of the Federation and vested with grassroots support across the country, makes him greater than the mandate of all legislators put together. “Sections 133 and 134 of the Constitution explain the power exercisable by the President and CommanderIn-Chief. Section 218(1) says: The Power of the President as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation shall include power to determine the operational use of the Armed Forces of the Federation. “The provision that is directly relevant to the question of appointment of the Service Chiefs is Section

News

218(2) which says: “The power conferred on the President by subsection (1) of this section shall include power to appoint the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff and Heads of any other branches of the Armed Forces of the Federation as may be established by an Act of the National Assembly,” he said. When reminded of a Federal High Court judgement that stripped the President of exclusive powers in the appointment of service chiefs, Ikpomnwen expressed disappointment with the ruling of the court and maintained that it was wrong for the court to have agreed with the argument “The declaration to the effect that the President cannot appoint his Service Chiefs without the confirmation of the Senate is manifestly wrong and dangerous for our nation as it will, inevitably, lead to negation of discipline, coherence in command and control of the Armed Forces which are predicated upon the existence of a unified Command.

Policeman on special duty dies on Sallah day

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano (Middle) and delegation from the Muslim community on courtesy visit to the governor at his country home in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government...on Saturday

Leave Dasuki alone, Sokoto women urge DSS Umar Abdullahi Sokoto

he Association of Sokoto State Women in Politics, on Saturday, described the siege on the residence of former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), as a political vendetta. Addressing journalists in Sokoto, its Coordinator, Hajiyu Kulu Abdullahi Rabah, expressed disappointment at the manner Dasuki was humiliated by DSS agents in his Abuja residence, in spite of being a former NSA. Rabah noted with disgust the way and manner the former NSA was hounded by the DSS and stopped from performing his religious obligation. She wondered why President Muhammadu Buhari, who earlier promised not to persecute his opponents, had reneged on his pledge to Nigerians. According to her, Sambo

served Nigeria to the best of his ability and as such, deserved respect from all and sundry. “As a former NSA, Dasuki is a humble and hardworking leader, who despite being provoked by the opposition prior to 2015 elections, had remained resolute and committed to the unity and stability of the country,” she said. Hajiya Rabah called on

human rights groups to investigate the invasion of Dasuki’s residence in the interest of justice and fairness. She urged the Federal Government to retrace its steps and work in the interest of Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation. “We are in a democracy where justice, equity, freedom of speech and association must be respected.

The era of dictatorship and persecution of perceived enemies is over. The DSS should channel their energy towards tackling insecurity in the country and stop dissipating their energy on innocent Nigerians,” she stated. She added that the group would organise a special prayer for God’s intervention in the security situation in the country.

ragedy occurred on Sallah day in Bauchi State, when a policeman on special duty knocked his head against a barrier meant to restrict heavy trucks from plying a road, and died. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the policeman, Corporal Solomon Paul, attached to the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, Bauchi Police Command, became unconscious and later died at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi. The Bauchi State Police Command’s spokesman, Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the incident, described it as ‘tragic’. He said, “On the July 17

(Friday), at about 9am, the Bauchi State Police Command lost one F/N 499348 PC Solomon Paul, attached to the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, Bauchi. “The incident occurred when the victim brought his head out of the roof of a moving patrol vehicle while on special duty. “As a result, he hit the overhead barrier meant to restrict heavy trucks from plying the road, and became unconscious. “He was rushed to ATBU Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, for treatment but was later certified dead by a medical doctor while on admission.”

Emeakayi declares interest in Anambra PDP chair Pamela Eboh Awka

ormer chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi, on Saturday, said that the dissolution of the structures of the party in the state has kept the party from being adequately represented. Emeakayi, who led the party until October, last year when the national leadership of the party dis-

solved all the structures in the state, made the statement in Awka while declaring his intention to lead the party again. He said he had been consulting at all levels in preparation for the contest, adding that the congresses was overdue because Anambra State did not have structure of PDP at present. He said, “Because of the absence of the structure of the party in the state,

Anambra is the only state not represented at meetings convened by PDP. “I have declared interest in the race and it is the NWC that will conduct the congress. It is not Olisa Metuh that will conduct it because such an exercise cannot take place without the approval of NWC. “Let me assure members of PDP and stakeholders of the party in the state that I will contest. I am already

consulting. If I win, fine, if I don’t win, I go home.” The former Chairman, however, explained that it was because of the vacuum that he approached the Federal High Court, Awka, before the last general elections, for the court to compel the National Working Committee, NWC, to conduct the congresses in the state, but the court ruled that it was purely a party affair. He stressed that the NWC

toed the right path by choosing to plan the congresses for the ward, local government and state levels. He said, “There is no member of PDP who would not favour the conduct of the congresses. The former governorship candidate of PDP in the 2015 election, Chief Tony Nwoye, also favoured the conduct of the congresses when he hosted a meeting of members of the party in Awka recently.”

SUNDAY

The Sunday Magazine SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

IDPs kids dancing

Unusual Sallah in displaced persons’ camps

here was palpable anxiety at the Damare NYSC and Malkohi Internally Displaced Persons’ camps as it became glaring that the remaining IDPs would celebrate Sallah in the facility,though the camps’ officials were busy trying to put smiles on their faces. Ahead of the celebration,National Emergency Management Agency distributed clothes to children and women in the camps,but many of the IDPs interviewed by Sunday Telegraph expressed displeasure over government’s failure to bring the insurgency to an end. As a result, they had been rendered beggars in their homeland, they lamented. “The insurgency forced us to observe the Sallah celebrations in the facility in miserable and pathetic conditions. The feeling of being confined to a specific location even on special occasions was enough trauma for us,” one of the female IDPs, Aisha Marghi, said. Another IDP, Mallam Musa, who lamented his continued stay in the facility said, “Though one must thank Allah in any situation that one finds himself, but there is

As Muslims marked the Eid-el Fitr Sallah with enthusiasm, the situation could not be said for the millions of Internally Displaced Persons currently taking refuge in camps after they were ejected from their homesteads by insurgents. IBRAHIM ABDUL writes on the IDPs’ unusual celebrations.

There is nothing you will bring here that will go round and satisfy everybody because of our size. So the most important thing is that the government should make our relocation to our hometowns a top priority

no way anybody in the facility will tell you that he or she is happy with the situation. You can never imagine the misery we are going through here. Sallah or Christmas,

our freedom should be paramount and sacrosanct.” Continuing, Musa lamented that “all what the government is doing for us amounts to a nullity. We are farmers and have enough food to eat and even feed others. We are not happy that the government is saying that it is feeding us. We can feed ourselves if we are in our land. “We have no clothes; no good shelter and as you can see, this is enough cause for concern. There is nothing you will bring here that will go round and satisfy everybody because of our size. So the most important thing is that the government should make our relocation to our hometowns a top priority.” Just like Musa and Aisha, another distraught female IDP in the facility, who simply identified herself as Ummi, said

they marked the event without much enthusiasm. “The Sallah, for us, looks dull as we have no good clothes, no decent accommodation to call ours and foremost, we have no freedom. Therefore, we can only thank God for sparing us till this moment.” However, the authorities in charge of the camps said they were doing everything humanly possible to ensure that the displaced persons feel at home. Speaking to Sunday Telegraph, the NEMA camps coordinator in the state, Mr. Sa’ad Bello, “You know you can’t satisfy anybody hundred per cent; but let me assure you that anything short of total freedom for them is unacceptable. “To put smiles on their faces, sewing machines were made available to tailors in the camps to make new sets of clothes for their

Sunday Telegraph, SUNDAY JULY 19 2015

The Sunday Magazine children for the Sallah celebration. After assessing the situation, we were directed to get clothes from shops for the kids in the camps,” Bello said. Also corroborating,the women leader of the IDPs’ camps, Mrs. Fidelia Joseph, said the authorities were doing their best to ensure sanity, safety and the general wellbeing of the people. She urged her co-IDPs to persevere more, as she was emphatic that soon, their travails would be a thing of the past. She further said that in order to prevent an outbreak of epidemics, the management has been administering vaccination to the children at the camp while the officials of the camp provide disinfeactants and detergents to the IDPs for proper sanitation. “Pregnant women are also provided antenatal care to ensure safe delivery. With the situation, many pregnant women had safe deliveries and their children are living in healthy conditions. The facility also provides drugs to IDPs with common illnesses such as malaria, catarrh and cough. This measure has helped a lot in preventing diseases in the camp,” she said. She further explained that sufficient food was also being provided for the IDPs thrice daily under strict supervision to ensure that cases of food poisoning are avoided. “A lot was provided and cows were slaughtered for the Sallah; though you know it will not be the same as celebrating it in our homes,” the women leader noted. Also commenting in the same vein, the chairman of the Damare IDPs’ camp, Alhaji Modu Mohammad, told Sunday Telegraph that though people in their situation could not boast of having a comfortable life, Sallah was enjoyed by all the IDPs. Mohammad said the IDPs were adequately fed as they were daily given three meals while cows were slaughtered every two days to provide them with quality food. “We complement the diet on some days with fish. Many, especially the elderly, prefer fish to meat. The effort has helped tremendously in keeping diseases at bay,” he said. Mohammad also said the availability of a clinic where those having health challenges are attended to has helped significantly in checking illnesses in the camp.

•Govt, monarchs fight

insurgency

Meanwhile, the Adamawa State Government and traditional rulers have agreed to work closely in the areas of information sharing and intelligence gathering in rural communities to tackle insurgency and other criminal activities in the state. This is just as the state government has introduced a microfinance scheme aimed at boosting their morale. With this development, ward, village and district heads are empowered to arrest any suspicious person or groups and to hand them over to relevant security agencies. Governor Jibrillla Bindow, who dropped the hint yesterday, while receiving traditional rulers that paid him Sallah homage, regretted that traditional rulers are not duly recognised to play their expected roles in ensuring peace, security and stability. He was emphatic that such mutual cooperation with those at the grass roots and all other critical stakeholders is the key to the fight against crime across the state. He averred that the activities of insurgents had continued to thrive partly because traditional rulers have been sidelined in the fight against their activities. He said, “If the traditional rulers were adequately carried along, they would have helped in the fight against crime and insurgency and helped to find a lasting solution to their activities. We will not work without traditional rulers, despite the fact that the traditional institution has been neglected in the constitution. “At least 40 persons will be enrolled in each ward and will be scrutinised from ward to district heads. Ward, village and

to speak, said, “The issue of security is everybody’s concern. So, without cooperation and support from the local people, no matter how strong or intelligent you are or the whatever the level of resources you have, you will never succeed.” He said the solution to insecurity will only be found at the local level and it is everybody’s responsibility to provide information, because information is power. The paramount ruler later announced that all the eight first class chiefs and emirs in the state would soon meet to fashion out ways of achieving desired results. “As chairman of the state council of emirs and chiefs, I want to assure you that I will convene a meeting on this important matter towards ensuring peace, security and stability in the state,” the monarch said. Some IDPs district heads are given the power to arrest any person with questionable character,” the governor said. In their separate remarks, the Lamido Adamawa, Dr. Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustafa; Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isa Ahmadu; Murum Mbula, Chief Jerome Joel Fwa; and other first class chiefs and

emirs averred that bad governance and a warped economy was responsible for insecurity. They noted that conceited efforts by governors, traditional rulers and other stakeholders would bring an end to the violence and killings. Lamido Barkindo, who was the was first

He was emphatic that such mutual cooperation with those at the grass roots and all other critical stakeholders is the key to the fight against crime across the state

Boko Haram: How God saved 2,300 worshippers from death –Pastor Pastor Paul Alfa Negedu of Evangel Church Winning All (ECWA) Angwan Yashi Tudun Wada in Jos, Plateau State narrates how 2,300 members of the church escaped death by a whisker on July 12, 2015 when Boko Haram insurgents tried to bomb the worship centre, MUSA PAM reports You were around on Sunday when two explosives were discovered in your church. Can you tell us what transpired that Sunday? The English service was on when a security volunteer told me he wanted to use the toilet. So, I permitted him to go ahead. After he entered the toilet, he sent for me, that there was something strange in the place. When I arrived, I asked what it was and he told me that it was something like an explosive and he was looking for paper. I later left him there. When he came out of the toilet, I asked him to explain further to me what it was. He shared with me what it was and I told him it would be deadly to leave it in there. I said if it exploded, it would take so many lives. I asked if he was courageous enough to carry the plastic bag containing the explosive and throw it over the fence into an empty space. He was shivering but i encouraged him to calm down and prayed with him, after which he summoned courage to go and throw the plastic bag over the fence as I earlier said. It exploded in the air. We immediately contacted the security agents. You know in Plateau, they were on ground that very day. The anti-bomb squad arrived on the scene and was able to defuse the second one that was planted at the entrance (the gate around the check-point). Do you think someone may have dropped it there? From our investigation, we felt the person did not really pass through the gate. We felt probably, the person jumped over the fence during the early rain or in the night, entered the toilet and hid it there intentionally. That’s what we are suspecting. During the service on Sunday morning, he may have come into the church as a guest. Then, after sometime, he would have pretended to want to go and use the toilet and brought them to harm people in the church. That was what we suspected. Although we are not certain about the person’s intention, but we give glory to God for averting a disaster. How many worshippers did you have in the church that day?

because God is in control of our lives and that trying to run away would not save any soul. We may rather have run into a worse disaster that could destroy our lives. We were able to calm them down and continued the English service. It went on smoothly after which the Hausa service took place. There was no obstruction to the services that day.

Negedu

However, one thing is this, we have Christ in us. I always say to my congregation that if it happens today, fine! Glory to God. Either dead or alive, we win if we are Christians The English service has a total of between 1400 and 1600 adults though it fluctuates. The junior church ranges from 660 to 700 children. The second service (Hausa service) has about 1000 or more adults and about 50-70 children. Altogether, the English service should have a total of about 2300 worshippers (both adults and children), and the Hausa service, a total of about 1600 (both adults and children). How were you able to control the worshippers that Sunday after the incident? The worshippers were so calm and courageous when we informed them about the situation. We told them not to panic

I know Christians would be afraid as a result of this incident. What is your advice to Christians especially concerning Sundays? Christians should always be ready because our lives are in God’s hands. If God designs that this is the day you are going, you are going. It may not necessarily be through an explosive. It can come to you right on your bed; and when it comes, there is no bargain. You will go. So we should have the boldness to continue to serve the Lord, no matter what. We know fully well that our protector is God. That’s why God was able to save the members of this church from being killed in that explosion So, the people should not panic. They should not be afraid to come and worship. Rather, this should give us more courage to come and worship the God that saves and protects. That day when i stood up to preach, I said we thank God we are in the presence of God and God will always be with us. However, one thing is this, we have Christ in us. I always say to my congregation that if it happens today, fine! Glory to God. Either dead or alive, we win if we are Christians. Apostle Paul says, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. ” So I encourage members and other Christians. If our Reverend were here, he would have said the same thing; that we should draw closer to God every moment of our lives. We should live every moment of our lives trusting in God, that anything can happen. We live as if we live forever and also we live as if God will call us home the next moment. That should not prevent us from doing what He (God) wants us to do while we are alive.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

News

‘Abdullahi’s sack not linked with Calabar Port dredging’

ontrary to speculations by those against the dredging of the Calabar Port, there are indications that the removal of the immediate past Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, has nothing to do with the project. An insider at the NPA, who spoke on the basis of anonymity, said that Abdulahi was sacked for other misdemeanors and not for the Calabar channel project as “it was he who signed the contract and supervised the appointment of consultants and technical auditors for the project”. Besides, the source said that “all the project board meetings for the two years that the project was signed

were chaired by Mallam Habib Abdullahi.So why could he have been removed for a project that he was so much involved in?” According to him, one of the Joint Venture Companies which was to benefit from the Calabar dredging project if it was not awarded to the Niger Global Consortium is allegedly behind the campaign of calumny against the project. He said that contrary to insinuations, “there is nothing wrong with paying the contractors for the work done so far as it followed due process and the agreement duly approved and signed.” He cautioned against exposing civil servants to unnecessary politics and blackmail in the discharge

of their duties. Meanwhile, a maritime expert, Barrister Akpan Umoh, has accused losers in the bidding process for the dredging of Calabar Channel for consistently sponsoring negative publicity against the project. Reacting to recent media reports to the effect that the NPA had authorised the payment of $35m (about N7billion) to Calabar Channel Management Limited; the Calabar-based maritime expert wondered why the losers have relentlessly waged media war against the dredging of the Calabar Port and “creating a picture of controversy in the project where none exists.” Umoh told journalists that as critical stakeholders in the Calabar Port

project, they had carried out discreet investigation into the entire bidding process for the dredging of the Channel and discovered that “the entire contract followed due process, obtained all the necessary approvals and vetting of the agreement by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation before its execution.” He said the stakeholders would resist any attempt to thwart the project which is “very strategic to the economic development of Nigeria particularly the North- Central, SouthSouth and South- East regions of the country.” “In addition, when functional, it will increase the volume of vessel traffic and cargo throughput in

the port, decongest Lagos ports and reduce cost of doing business for Calabarbased businessmen who spend additional transport cost to take delivery of their consignments in Lagos and Onne ports and as such we will defend the project with the last pint of our blood until it is actualized,” the expert stated. He said rather than support and encourage the joint venture company

between Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and a consortium of companies led by Messrs Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited, for the dredging of the Calabar Port which has not been paid a dime but has mobilized to site and made tremendous progress, “those against the project have instead mounted stiff negative campaign to frustrate it.”

Shun violence, Umahi tells Muslim community

bonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, on Friday, urged the Muslim community in the state to shun violence and endeavor to keep their environment clean. Umahi, who made this known in Abakliki, during a courtesy visit by the Muslim community at the Exco-chamber, urged them to observe proper hygiene to avoid the wrath of the government. The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kelechi Igwe, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for participating in and completing the fasting exercise and prayed for God

to continue to sustain him and grant him good health as he continues to pilot the affair of the country. He commended the Muslim community for voting for him massively during the last general elections and urged them to continue to support his administration and maintain peace and order in the state. He pleaded with the workers in the state to exercise patience, adding that the welfare of the workers would be prioritized. He noted that the quest to remove all ghost workers in schools in the state from the payroll was the reason the state had not paid the workers.

Aisha Buhari donates to orphans, VVF victims Muhammad Kabir KANO

L-R: Former Director of Education, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mr. Daramola Ibukun; Proprietress Goldenline International Schools, Rev. (Mrs.) Helen Nkwo and Music Minister, Mr. Emeka Aaron, at the 4th Graduation/Award and Recognition Day of The School, at Addo/Badore Road, Ajah, Lagos.

Group objects to new consent age for sex Chijioke Iremeka

eraphine Outreach, a non profit organisation, has expressed its dissatisfaction with the new Senate age for consensual sex. The organisation, which sole aim is to inspire, build and raise vibrant youths and women to achieve self-reliance, is of the opinion that an 11year old child is not fully developed for sex and childbearing. The founder and president of the Outreach, Seraphine Nwosu, who spoke to Sunday Telegraph at a Talk Show and book presentation in Lagos, recently, said such law was ill-conceived and would do more harm to the girl-child than good. She wondered why the Bill sailed through the National Assembly at first instance and urged Presi-

dent Muhammadu Buhari to intervene and seek repeal of the law which had the potential of destroying Nigerian youths. Speaking on the programme titled, ‘Our children, our Heritage’, she said the Outreach is borne out of love and concern for all youth, women, adolescents, single and married as well as the desire to re-orientate, encourage, raise and challenge the African youths and women to discover, develop and deploy their inherent potential for family, community and societal development. She said, “We speak to youths and mentor them at every given opportunity, speaking to pupils and students all over the country, organising programmes that bring the youth and women together in churches, com-

munities and all over the country. We organise weekly and monthly programmes for women and youth for their development and empowerment. “Again, we have a programme called ‘So Purple’, which is a weekly programme for women, where we come together to learn and fellowship together with one another for growth in the atmosphere of love. ‘So Pink’ is the gathering for young girls, which is a forum for teaching, mentoring and growth for teenagers as well as adolescent girls.” According to Nwosu, women were overlooked in time past as weak vessels that should be relegated to the kitchen to give men pleasure and bear children. Thus, much was not excepted from girl child as the society felt that the task ahead of her

did not require much, as a result, there was no need to waste time and money sending her to school. She said that the few girls who went to school then were seen as corrupt and too polished to make good wife material. “Today the rhythm of the music has changed. Many women have proved by rising to enviable positions through education and training that not only are they good wives, but can also excel in other areas of life. These are the things we stand to achieve and we have written a number of books to enable us to achieve this. They include ‘Making beautiful marriage; Have you taught your daughter? Cooperative parenting; Responsible son; Exceptional daughter and the true beauty of a woman,” she said.

s part of her efforts at instilling confidence and resilience in national life, the wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Hajiya Aisha, distributed essential commodities to women groups, Torrey Home, VVF Centre and Elderly Home in Kano, on the eve of Sallah day.

Distributing hundreds of bags of rice and cartons of tomato paste on behalf of the First lady, the wife of the former Military Administrator of Kaduna State, Brigadier General Lawan Jafaru Isah, Hajiya Zainab, said that the First lady was committed to the welfare of women and children, especially orphans. The items were distributed to women associations from the 44 local government areas of the state at General Jafaru Isah’s residence, in Nassarawa GRA, Kano. Hajia Isah said, “The wife of Mr. President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, has directed me to announce to you that she is always happy to be associated with your welfare and happiness in life. “She was happy the way you elected her husband as the president of the Federal

Republic of Nigeria. This shows how committed you are in searching for lasting solutions to the age-long perennial problem facing our great country Nigeria.” According to the First lady’s representative, the foodstuffs were bought with the donations the First lady got prior to the last general elections. “She decided that something substantial should be used to assist the weak among us,” she emphasised. Responding on behalf of the Kano women and elderly, Hajiya Najaatu Mohammed thanked the First lady and described the gesture as a global phenomenon where campaign donations could also be use to help the elderly and vulnerable ones. Mohammed said, “As part of her humanitarian gesture to our teeming poor people, the wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, accepted the call made to her by Mr. President to always be up and doing in helping the weak among us. His will is just what she is doing.” She revealed that similar gesture was also made in other states of the federation.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2015

OPINION Re: Ogun West demands equity from Amosun Adetola Adewuyi

often hear this epigram from journalists: ‘Comment is free, but facts are sacred.’ Politics is about selfinterest; hence I do not begrudge Dr. Sarah Olabimtan, the author of the article, ‘Ogun West demands equity from Amosun ,’ published in New Telegraph of July 8, 2015. What I frown at was her attempt to turn Ogun East, where I come from, into a pawn on her political chessboard. One is also bemused by the efforts of the writer to make Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, a hostage to some queer and indecipherable commitments to Ogun West. We (women) can sometimes be emotional, but facts will always be facts. It was my Awori friend from Ado/ Odo Ota that first rang me up on the piece by Dr. Sarah. “The Yewas now wish to reap where they did not sow!” she exclaimed. Of course, the facts are in the public domain. Of the 84,241 votes delivered to the APC in the governorship poll of April 11, 2015 by the five local councils in Ogun West senatorial district, Ado/Odo Ota local council alone, peopled essentially by the Aworis, delivered 34,097, representing 41% of the votes to the incumbent governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. In other words, the entire Yewas, with four out of the five local councils in Ogun West, delivered only 59% of the APC votes. (1 LGA delivered 41%; 4 LGAs delivered 59%.) On the contrary, out of the 69,535 votes of the PDP in the same governorship poll, Ado/Odo local council delivered only 12,769, representing 18%

of the votes to Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, who is a Yewa. This implies that the entire four local councils of Yewa people delivered a whopping 82% of the total votes of the PDP! The obvious conclusion from this is that the Yewa people voted massively for their son, Gboyega Isiaka, of the PDP. (One LGA delivered 18%; four LGAs delivered 82%.) Therefore, it was a fallacy and an exercise in sophistry for Mrs. Sarah to write that, “Two distinguished Yewa-Awori sons were overlooked by their people for the incumbent... Yewa-Aworis have used the vote to say in unmistakable terms that the two candidates raised against Amosun did not have their backing... Amosun whipped the two Yewa-Awori indigenes in their own backyard in Ogun West.” Nothing could be further from the truth! It is instructive however to note that, whereas Senator Akin Odunsi, the candidate of the SDP in the governorship election, who is an Awori, got only 59 votes from his local council, Ado/Odo Ota, Senator Ibikunle Amosun of the APC polled 34,097 in the same local council. Therefore, it was the Aworis that actually rose in some way above the son-of-the-soil syndrome in the 2015 gubernatorial poll in Ogun State. Consequently, it is totally illogical and wrong for the writer to suggest that the Yewa people voted massively for Amosun so that he could back a candidate from the zone in 2019. If anything, it is the Aworis that seemingly have some claims to lay to 2019 from Ogun West, but then not until the full matrix and calculus of Ogun politics are unravelled. What I propose at this juncture is nothing more than a tip of

the iceberg, for it is too early in the day to discuss full blast the politics that will shape 2019, on which Ogun East has overriding stakes. Amosun has just won the mandate for a second term and he should not be distracted from accomplishing the goals he has set for the new term. The writer also embarked on somewhat sentimental generalisation without getting her facts right on the issue of appointments. One wonders where she got her list of appointments from. When you deal with figures, accuracy should be the watchword. Politics is a game of numbers. Whereas my people from Ogun East delivered 94,974 votes to Governor Ibikunle Amosun, analysis of the contracts awarded, in monetary terms, shows that Ogun West got far more than its due from the resources of the state than Ogun East or Ogun Central, which is more populous than Ogun West. The writer therefore missed the point by comparing projects sited in Ogun East with Ogun West. In fact, the writer committed political harakiri by not contemplating the ramifications of such a strange voyage. It is on record that the longest road constructed by the Amosun administration - the 107km Ilara-Ijoun road which cuts across four local councils, is in Ogun West. Whereas, the governor has through this succeeded in opening up the rural areas in Ogun West, the people of Ogun East are green with envy. Imagine the economic turnaround that Amosun brought to Ota and Aiyetoro through the modernisation of their roads. Contract for the Atan-Agbara road, a federal govern-

ment road in Ogun West, has been awarded by the Amosun government. At one point in time, another neglected federal government road, the OwodeIlaro highway, was completely impassable, especially at the Sabo portion. We read of the amount of money spent by the state government to make that portion motorable because of the nature of its soil and the fact that it is a major route for articulated vehicles. As we speak, construction work on the overhead bridge in Ilaro is ongoing. Yet Amosun lost by 1,771 votes in Ilaro in comparison to 721 votes in Ijebu Ode. Should one also forget the ongoing construction of two bridges, crucial to the safety and economies of the people of Ipokia and Imeko Afon local councils? Indeed, considering the manner the PDP conducted itself in Ogun East, especially in Ijebu axis during the last elections, the indignities meted out to many supporters of the APC who dared the rampaging monsters, the limited funds of the APC in sharp contrast with the limitless funds of the PDP to prosecute the election in Ogun East, where votes were up for grabs since neither Amosun nor Isiaka is from the senatorial district and the fact that the senatorial district still polled far above Ogun West to deliver the second term to Amosun, despite Ogun West taking the lion’s share of the funds for infrastructural development of the state, it is only human and logical for the incumbent governor to reward the people of Ogun East with his support in 2019. • Chief (Mrs.) Adetola Adewuyi, a stalwart of APC, writes from Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Tribute to Prof. Kunle Amuwo Abubakar Jimoh

he effusive and glowing tribute written by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, Dr. Tunji Olaopa, on the exemplary life of Prof. Kunle Amuwo and published recently by The Nation newspaper could be described as a shrapnel that left gaping holes in my heart and those of other political science graduates of the University of Ibadan who had the privilege of being taught by one of Nigeria’s quintessential and erudite scholars. A terse and emotional text message from one of my political science course mates and secretary of the post-graduate school, Benue State University, Mrs. Funmi Tolufashe, drew my attention to Dr. Olaopa’s seeming obituary announcement of the demise of Prof. Amuwo. The tragic news came like a thunderbolt and I paced around in my hotel room in Lagos, having gone to Nigeria’s commercial hub to organise a press conference held by NAFDAC to parade some criminal elements indulging in the counterfeiting of drugs. I was alone wailing and bemoaning without any chorus life’s unkindest cut on an amiable, vivacious, humble and enterprising scholar. Several unanswered questions raced through my mind: What killed our beloved and harmless Professor Amuwo? Was

he ill or was his illness mismanaged? Is it true that good people don’t live long? Why is life so short and brutish in our clime? I fired a repost to my ‘sister ’ Fumni Tolufashe, what killed Prof. Amuwo and she drew blank “I don’t know ooh my brother” was her answer. I made further enquiries from few other classmates and they were equally shocked without inkling of the passage of one of political science’s fast varnishing Torch Bearers in the country. I had to fall back on the snippet of information gleaned from Dr. Olaopa’s dirge. Prof. Amuwo’s death is a great loss not only to the once vibrant Nigerian Association of Political Scientists but also to the nation at large. In the heydays of the political science department, University of Ibadan, the genre of Profs. Amuwo, Eghosa Osaghae, Jinmi Adisa, O.B.C. Nwolise, Adigun Agbaje and Bayo Okunade held sway and they were conveniently described as the intellectual protégés of the Doyen and Founding Fathers of political science scholarship at the Premiere University in the mould of Profs. Billy Dudley, Peter Ekeh and Bayo Adekanye. It is on record that under these great scholars, political science as a discipline flourished and most products of that intellectual enterprise have shone like diamond stars in various facets of life.

I became close to late Prof. Amuwo and Jinmi Adisa when I emerged the best graduating student in both political science department and entire faculty of the social sciences of the premier university in 1987. The duo celebrated and encouraged me to immediately pursue my postgraduate studies but I was under family pressure to pick up a job and assist my parents to fend for my siblings who were undergraduates. I however remained eternally grateful to Profs. Amuwo and Adisa for their support, especially the yearly referee reports they wrote to promote my unsuccessful bids for the commonwealth scholarship to study abroad. It is regretful and unfortunate that I have to pay glowing tribute to Prof. Amuwo when he is not alive to savour it. This has brought to the fore the familiar but unanswered questions – why do good people die untimely? Posed different (to wit late Prof. Amuwo), does this suggests that bad people perforce live longer than good people? Are there forces within our environment that cut short the lives of our best minds and finest elements? It seems to me that these questions often demand no answers as they are nuanced in the intellectual interrogation and exploration of the omnipotence of God who gives and takes life at will. A moment like this calls for sober reflection on the manner

of our existence and survival from the drudgery and vicissitude of life. Death is one eternal debt that we must pay one day as mortal beings. Death gives Life (Birth) its existential and utilitarian meaning for its absence is to contemplate vacuous eternity bereft of the true essence of life. Death is coterminous with Birth and signals the end of uncertain journey on earth. Painful as it is, life without the menacing and lurking shadow of death has no meaning. Death is an unwanted visitor whose sneaky entrance into a household is often a source of consternation. As I join his bereaved family and other grieving colleagues in wishing Prof. Amuwo eternal rest in the bossom of the Lord, I remember with a heavy heart the death of my beloved mother via a fatal motor accident in 1994 at the unripe age of 48 years. I thought death had done its worst until it began to bear its fangs on many of my close acolytes and friends - Abdullahi Aliyu in 1995; Umar Sule-otu in 1999; Ben Ukwuoma of Guardian Newspapers in 2012; and ruefully Salihu Ibrahim Ojapa on February 14, 2013 (Lovers’ Day). Oh! Death is no respecter of age, class, time and emotion. It has been a recrudescence of painful and agonising moments for me. May their gentle souls rest in perfect peace. • Dr. Jimoh is the Director of Special Duties at NAFDAC, Abuja.

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

OPINION Man City’s multi-million pound Sterling gamble (1)

TS on Sunday tunsul2@gmail.com 08050498544 (sms only)

arely eight weeks ago, millions of followers of the beautiful game around the globe took stock of the performances of their darling football clubs as the curtains fell on the season. While some hovered in cloud nine, ecstatically celebrating the triumphs of their beloved clubs, either in the knock-out competitions (like the League and FA Cup), the domestic titles or in Europe; others were busy trying to figure out where it all went wrong – with their clubs either failing to ‘shine’ or even worse, plunging into relegation. But they all have one thing in common – their love of the game in which 11 grown men run across a football field chasing a round leather ball, all with the sole aim of trying to outscore their opponent. And thus when curtains fell on the last season, for such fans, it was grim wondering what they would be doing in the summer without their weekly dose of football action. Luckily, their cravings will soon be an-

swered and their 11-week hiatus is almost over with clubs getting set for fresh action in just over two weeks’ time. However, in an effort to get the best out their teams, the various managers are busy dipping their hands into the club owners’ pockets to get the money necessary to inject fresh quality players. Of course, as we all know that all fingers are not equal and as such, where some clubs have deeper pockets than others and are able to fork out many millions of pounds for the player(s) they think can deliver the goods; others not in the same league (please don’t mind the pun) will also splash out what they can all for the same reason – attempting to secure survival or even glory. Obviously, we must not forget that deals can still be made for the next couple of months because the transfer window does not close until midnight of September 1 (at least for the English Premier League). Clearly, the stand-out transfer deal so far concluded is the £49 million deposed champions, Manchester City, has splashed out, making 20-year-old Liverpool forward, Raheem Sterling Britain’s most expensive domestic player. My immediate reaction on first hearing rumours of a possible deal towards the end of last season was utter shock! Primarily because then and now, I believe that the fleet-

footed Kingston, Jamaican-born player is definitely not worth that amount of money. I must confess that I’m not a keen Liverpool fan, but I have watched them enough over the years to feel that Sterling, who broke into the first team three years ago, has not shown enough, especially consistently in my opinion, to deserve this accolade (as the most expensive British player). Two seasons ago, when Liverpool came close to ending their 25-year wait for the Premier League title, Sterling was part of that squad but was completely overshadowed by the now departed Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. The stats for the player, who joined Liverpool from QPR in February 2010 for an initial fee of £600,000, are also not that outstanding for a club to fork out that kind of money for. In the 92 matches Sterling played for Liverpool over three seasons, he only found the net 18 times while he provided only 11 assists; which are not stats to send the pulse

Despite my reservations, a recent study ranked Sterling as the most valuable young player in Europe

racing. City boss, Manuel Pellegrini, who described Sterling, who signed a five-year deal, as “one of the best attacking players in world football, will be praying feverishly that the youngster does not turn out to become another Andy Carroll, whose £35million ‘dream’ move from Newcastle to Liverpool four years ago turned out to be a nightmare. Not only did the gangling striker fail to hit the heights, he also failed to ignite Liverpool’s title challenge and was shipped out only after two years to West Ham with a paltry return of six goals in the 44 games played for the Reds. But despite my reservations, a recent study ranked Sterling as the most valuable young player in Europe, ahead of Paris St-Germain defender Marquinhos and Manchester United’s recently acquired Dutch forward Memphis Depay. How they arrived at this conclusion is any one’s guess, especially considering that the 21-year-old Depay scored 22 goals last season to not only top the scorers’ chart, but also pilot PSV Eindhoven to the Dutch title. Just like Sterling, who plays on the wings, Depay, from that position, has scored 50 goals in 124 games across all competitions in the four seasons he has played for the Dutch champions.

Before Buhari goes to America SKC Ogbonnia

resident Muhammadu Buhari will be the guest of President Barack Obama of the United States on July 20, 2015. This visit is uniquely different. First, Nigeria no longer commands the respect and confidence it once did during the oil boom where the United States was competing to remain the top importer of Nigeria’s crude. Second, for no fault of his own, Buhari is going to America on a precarious perch to plead for Uncle Sam’s help. But before then, here is a necessary mock to consider. Insecurity, particularly Boko Haram, is expected to top the agenda. However, it has become apparent that something else will dominate the august meeting. Of course, President Buhari will have the opportunity to appeal for additional U.S aid in combating the terrorist group, among other issues. But his request will meet wide-openedeyes blaring with teetering suspicions. Obama’s view of Nigeria is an open book. When compared to the era of George W. Bush, the first African-American President has been less charitable to Africa, particularly Nigeria. He is not alone. People with common sense are mystified of how and why Nigerian leaders have been so ruthless in squandering the future of the country through brazen corruption. To that end, Obama is acutely aware that past efforts on Boko Haram were not hampered because of lack of funds or lack of human resources. He is keenly aware that the failure is squarely tied to corruption in the security services. The American President, no doubt, will remind President Buhari that his pledge of eradicating systemic corruption in the African country is the main reason the masses as well as the international community rooted for a change. But the ovation on the pledge will not last up to a second. Some historians in the audience will be quick to quip that the relationship between Hausa and koboko did not start today. The point is that Buhari is not the first Nigerian leader to have assumed power with best intentions and visited America to shore

up support. His immediate predecessors, Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, both paid similar visits to the United States with high hopes after being inaugurated presidents. They also preached reforms, adherence to rule of law and commitment to wage war against corruption. However, rather than fight corruption, Yar’Adua and Jonathan went on to institutionalise corruption in high places. Patrons and other bigwigs of the ruling party who were under investigation for stealing billions of public funds were being eulogised and padded into cabinet and other highly visible political appointments and party positions. We are all witnesses to the outcome. Next… President Muhammadu Buhari is in a very delicate predicament. Unlike his predecessors, he will be arriving the White House on a shaky ground. As a candidate for the presidency, Buhari had endeared himself to the world with the solemn vow that, if elected president, the APC central government will not feature corrupt persons or people with pending cases at the anti-corruption agency. Thus far, Buhari has recorded some measurable success in the war against corruption. For the first time in a long time, the anti-corruption agency has shown some muscle by investigating corrupt practices and detaining powerful suspects across the political spectrum. Further, he is taking his time to ensure that people appointed to the executive cabinet are of impeccable character. At the same time, the legislature under the APC administration is polar opposite to any idea of war against graft. In fact, the world view is simply that leadership of the Nigeria’s highest law making body, the 8th Senate, is too corrupt, selfish, and untoward to advance positive change. Not only is the very leadership of the upper chamber a hybrid of the comatose Senate that combined to ruin Jonathan’s administration, it is a carbon copy of the same characters that Nigerian masses roundly rejected on March 28. The fact that the opposition, the very enemies of change—instead of the ruling party - has suddenly become the most vocal cheerleaders of the Senate leadership is sufficient to alert Buhari of a hidden agenda.

An attempt will be made by the Nigerian delegation to the White House to invoke the reigning glib of separation of power among the three arms of government, but their host will push back. Preaching separation of power to the Americans for lack of action will be viewed as a moral equivalent of a son boasting of begetting a male child before his father. President Buhari will be reminded that a government in a presidential democracy actually includes the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. Put differently, the APC government headed by Muhammadu Buhari includes the presidency, the National Assembly, and the Courts. Even before jetting all the way to Washington DC, Buhari can easily pick the brains of the US Consular-General in Nigeria who will readily agree that Rep Nancy Pelosi, the Minority Leader in the US Congress, will step down if she loses the confidence of the leader of her party, President Obama. True. The common rap across the globe is that Buhari is boxed to a corner. It is believed he is hesitant to ruffle corrupt people who are some of the biggest campaign contributors to the change movement that brought him to power. But Buhari must not allow recent history to repeat itself. No single individual or group of individuals, no matter how highly placed, should constitute a roadblock to common good. The March 28 mandate is not the province of loquacious opportunists but a global coalition of progressive elements from different walks of life who sacrificed, and must continue to sacrifice, for the success of the change. Some pundits can also argue that some of the Senate leaders being fingered for corruption or shady past should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, the nation is in crisis; this is not an ideal time to experiment with politicians with tarnished image. All told, there is hope at end of the tunnel. Buhari’s enviable pedigree is still potent. The American visit is a golden opportunity to reassert himself. It is time to reassure the Nigerian masses as well as the international community that he truly belongs to nobody. Obama will like to find out from Buhari on

one-on-one basis the specific action plan to influence immediate changes to the leadership of Nigeria’s highest law-making body – the Senate. Perception is everything in politics, and no one needs to be told that the corrupt image of Nigeria’s Senate leadership puts a big question mark on the war against corruption. Finally, this U.S visit should go beyond the usual band-aid diplomacy. Nigeria is in serious economic trouble and needs a real cure. Granted that the recent shale oil boom in the United States has compelled the country to scale back in crude imports, yet there are many ways President Obama can still reignite interest in Nigerian oil and gas sector. But he is understandably very reluctant. The gospel truth is that the world is tired of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. Apart from the dizzying corruption within the state oil company, President Obama in particular is very frustrated with the advanced-fee fraud letters that originate from Nigeria, most of which are linked to NNPC, a concern he raised in a campaign speech in 2008. Not only has this scam devastated many Americans, it has also contributed to Nigeria’s bad image in the United States and elsewhere. To restore America’s confidence and genuine investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, President Buhari must resolve to make NNPC more transparent and accountable. Besides the much-needed overhaul of the oil giant, one simple way to improve its image is to secure an office for NNPC in the United States — with immediate effect. It is mind boggling that Nigeria is the only major oil producing nation that does not boast of an office dedicated to its oil and gas interests in Houston, Texas, the Oil and Gas capital of the world. An NNPC office in Houston will offer prospective foreign investors the opportunity to conduct business enquiries or the necessary due diligence on various offers with Nigerian addresses. • Ogbonnia writes from Houston, Texas, United States

Sunday Mail JULY 19, 2015

You have a right to be heard! Send your letters and photographs to sundayletters@newtelegraphonline.com. Letters should not be more than 150 words and must have the name and address of the sender Between Saraki and Ekweremadu Dear Editor, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, is quoted as saying “he regrets the emergence of Senator Ike Ekweremadu as deputy Senate President. Surprise, surprise. Only in Nigeria with their title craze do we have such positions. The preferred title in a congress/parliament is Majority Leader, Minority Leader and Whip. Although, not set in concrete, it goes to differentiate titles used in the executive arm from that of legislative branch. The use of ‘president’ in a political sector denotes executive role. It is abnormal to use president for a Senate role. In the case of United States, with even number 100 senators, the U.S Vice President is constitutionally a member of US Senate strictly in the capacity of tie-breaker but not on regular deliberations and vote. Since Ekweremadu is from the Peoples Democratic Party, his position should be that of Minority Leader not Deputy Senate President. Saraki becomes Majority Leader - APC. The party with the most members in such a house gather and elect principal officers among themselves. In such a case, Ekweremadu should not be a principal officer in an APC-dominated house and vice versa. To resolve the impasse, APC members may make a motion to set aside the earlier election and call for a new one and rewrite the Senate standing order. The Senate standing order is not a constitutional provision and therefore, can be changed. APC Senate members, if they are displeased based on a flawed election, should walk and call for a new one. Nigeria cannot afford to be held hostage by a bunch of egotripping folks whose whole disposition is behaving like PIMPs - ‘Put In My Pocket” politicians.’ Ejike Okpa Dallas, United States

Buhari and service chiefs

Dear Editor, The appointment of two citizens of Borno State as Chief of Army Staff and National Security Adviser by President Muhammadu Buhari is a welcome development in tackling insecurity in the North-Eastern states, especially that of Borno State (the epicentre of Boko Haram). Maj-Gen. T Y Buratai, the new Chief of Army Staff, was the force commander of the multi-national joint task force (MNJTF) before his appointment. He had served as a director at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja before, as well as the commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry. He sometimes served as the brigade commander at 2 Brigade Nigerian Army as well as commander Joint Taskforce Operation Pulo Shield. Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd), the new National Security Adviser, previously served as the Chief of Logistics at the Defence Headquarters and later as commandant of the Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). He also served as Commander Brigade of Guards; Deputy Commandant National Defence College and Chief of Defence Intelligence. He voluntarily retired from the Nigerian Army in September 2013. Both the Chief Of Army Staff And National Security Adviser, as die hard citizens of Borno State, have witnessed the insurgency since from the start and have been affected in one way or the other. They will greatly contribute in ensuring a lasting solution to the persistent insecurity of the state and the North-East in general. The citizens of Borno State hope and pray that the newly appointed service chiefs will work diligently together to fight insecurity with utmost sincerity devoid of any form of corrupt practices. Bilkisu Tahir Shettima Department of Mass Communication University of Maiduguri

Homosexuality and lesbianism via transgender Dear Editor, Transgender is a sophisticated dimension of homosexuality and lesbianism. Look at this, a woman transforms herself into an artificial man so that she can mate with a fellow woman and a man transforms himself into an artificial woman so that he can mate with a fellow man. See how brave the devil is and to what extent he can go in order to distort the divine order God instituted and to outwit countries where same sex marriage is illegal. Nigerians, be careful. Sunday Adegbe. Lokoja

An underage trader taking a nap on a pedestrian bridge at Iyanna Woro in Lagos

Nasir El-Rufai’s alleged asset declaration

Dear Editor, Nasir El-Rufai sues over false assets report after a busy few weeks as governor. He is dismayed by the blatant falsehood being practiced as journalism by reporters. He has consequently directed his legal team to vigorously enforce his rights to protect his reputation from the vandalism of irresponsible hacks. The reporters that did the story claimed they heard rumours, and they pursued the rumours so vigorously they transformed it into news. When some of their cohorts made contact with the governor’s media team, insisting that they respond to the rumour, they were told that it was better if they chose the more legitimate route of agitating for a public asset declaration. Fair minded people who read the story will notice that it is not grounded in any evidence. It is just the animus of blackmailers who regard him as easy prey. But since his reputation is not based on purchased kudos, he cannot be compelled into accommodation with venal people masquerading as journalists. Editor, please tell the masses that, Malam Nasir El-Rufai is a privileged Nigerian. He qualified as a chartered Quantity Surveyor early in life and became a dollar millionaire in his twenties. He is a respected leader in his professional field but as successful as he has been in his career, he certainly has neither N90 billion nor 40 mansions. He will not be distracted from his total focus on making Kaduna great again. In this endeavour, he will continue to be accessible to practitioners of responsible journalism. Editor, why do some journalists chose to write a spurious story alleging N90b as his assets declaration without seeing the declaration made by Mallam El Rufai? Abdulkadirir Sani, Kaduna.

They really goofed there Dear Editor, I don’t want to be seen as supporting Kashamu, he should face his alleged sins but is NDLEA saying that an extradition order (request) from USA supersedes a Federal High Court order? They really goofed there. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has kicked against a court order mandating it to withdraw its officials from the house of the Senator-elect for Ogun East Senatorial District, Mr. Buruji Kashamu, insisting that it is acting within the confines of the law. Olatilo Bisi. Lagos.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Every life is precious, not only those of politicians Dear Editor, Until something drastic is done about heavy duty vehicles and over speeding, we may continue to witness gruesome auto crashes as roads are now death traps. Drivers licenses are issued corruptly even to blind Nigerians, drivers over-speed and passengers hail them (we enjoy speed), nobody inspects the state of vehicles, we are so religious that we think that prayer can save us from human stupidity on the roads. Please editor, use your good office to tell people to drive to stay alive and caution a death-bound driver before he kills everyone. Those who are supposed to enforce sanity on our highways are complacent because they fly over all these deaths and danger. Nigerians must realise that every life is precious, not only those of the politicians. The National Assembly should, as a matter of urgency and safety measures, enact laws restricting trailer/tankers etc from plying our roads during the day. Yinka Ayodele, Osun.

The connection between Buhari and Boko Haram Dear Editor, There is something I am not getting; Buhari told us that “a clampdown on Boko Haram is injustice against the North, and that “war against Boko haram is antiNorth. They want to establish a Caliphate, i.e creating an Islamic state, where Islamic government, laws (sharia) is practiced. Buhari said “I’ll continue to show openly and inside me the total commitment to the sharia movement that is sweeping all over Nigeria. God willing, I will not stop the agitation for the total implementation of sharia in the whole country”. Editor, how reliable is Buhari’s promise of confronting Boko Haram with zeal within a twinkle of an eye? Remember, attempts to do that will amount to “war and injustice against the North”. How can he go against those that are fighting to establish what you promised to do for God willing? I’m perceiving deceit. Nkiru, Sylvanus. Abia

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Moments

L-R: Chairman, African Legacy International Media Service Limited, Mr. Innocent Ogu; President, Nigeria Association Of Women Journalists (Nawoj), Mrs Ifenyiwa Omowole and Mrs. Nkechi Okoronkwo, at the Presentation of ‘Africa’s Patriotic Woman of the Year’ Award in Abuja …recently. PHOTO-NAN

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, SwiftThink Limited, Ayoola Jolayemi; Chief Executive Officer, Inspiro Consulting, Tewe Olujimi; CNN Correspondent, Gina London and Chief Executive Officer, Olujazz Entertainment, Alabi Oluwole, at the 2015 Edge Series Student Summit in Lagos…on Thursday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

L-R: Principal, Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse, Mrs. Habiba Mamud-Kula; chairman of the occasion, Mr. Huzi Mshelia and Director-General, National Agency for the Great Green Wall, Mr. Goni Ahmed, at the launch of the Great Green Wall School Club in Abuja …on Tuesday

From Back…L-R: Brand Building Director, Unilever Nigeria, David Okeme; Head Teacher, Central Primary School, Ikeja, Mrs. Ukandu Kate; President, Nigerian Dental Association, Dr. Bode Ijarogbe; Category Manager, Oral Care, Bunmi Adeniba and pupils of Central Primary School, Ikeja, during the launch of Pepsodent Oral Health Schools’ Programme in Lagos…recently. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

L-R: Chairman, People Democratic Party, Borno State, Alhaji Baba Bashiru; Chairman, Haske Foundation, Hon. Milinda Satumari and Hon. Hammed Terab, during the launch of Haske Foundation in Abuja. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

L-R: Executive Director, Women Advocates Research And Documentation Centre (WARDC),Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi; Former Member, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adijat Adeleye; Executive Director, Gender& development Action (GADA) ‘Former Councilor, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Hon. Kate Banjoko at thematic dialogue: ”Mentoring Young Women and the Future of Women’s Political Participation’ in Lagos…on Thursday. PHOTO:GODWIN IREKHE

L-R: Member of Board of Trustee, Behold He Cometh Pentecostal Church, Bro. Micheal O. Agworu; Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Uchechi; Pastor Mrs. Godness Uchechi, Deacon Iyke Kalu and Sister Blessing Kalu cutting a cake to declare the Ajah branch of the church open, in Lagos recently

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Chisco Transport, Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu; Senator Philip Aduda and President, National Institute for Transformation, Prof. Vincent Anibogu, at the Maiden Jerusalem Pilgrims’ Sensitisation and appreciation Dinner in Abuja on Thursday night. …. PHOTO: NAN

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 19 JULY, 2015

Sunday Telegraph, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

News

Intels redeems N1bn pledge for East/ West Road repair project

ntegrated Logistics Limited Company (Intels) has fully paid up its contribution of N1billion, being part of the N3billion needed for the repair of the collapsed six kilometre portion of the East/West road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The Public Relations Manager of Intels, Mr.

Isidore Sambol made the revelation of the redemption of the amount to newsmen in Abuja over the weekend while reacting to the warning of Governor Nyeson Wike at the flag-off of the project on July 15. Governor Wike of Rivers State had warned contributing companies to the

Oyo takes over school, mosque Sola Adeyemo,

O Ibadan

yo State Government has nipped the simmering crisis brewing between Muslim and Christian communities in Igboho town over the erection of a mosque in the premises of a Baptist High School. To end the age-long feud, which had in the past caused communal unrest, the state government recently took over the ownership of the controversial building within the Baptist High School, Oke Afin, Igboho, and ordered stoppage of any work on it henceforth. The Muslim community, led by the Chief Imam Anwarul-Islam Mission, Alhaji Bello Yekini, had insisted on erecting the mosque in the school premises against the interest of the Nigerian Baptist Convention which nurtures the school. Alhaji Yekini had claimed that the school was built through communal efforts by members of all existing religions before the Missionary took it over, and therefore they still have the right of possession over it. In spite of the government’s directive that religious activities should not take place in schools controlled by the government, the Muslim community on June 23, 2015, completed the building of the said mosque within 24 hours to the dismay of the Christians in the town, as well as the school management. Following series of petitions on the action written by the Baptist’s lawyer, Mr.

Adeola Fehintola, a meeting was on the July 9, 2015, convened by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education at the meeting attended by all the stakeholders, it was resolved that the state government should take over ownership of the mosque. The meeting which was held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Education, Agodi Government Secretariat, had in attendance representatives of the relevant security outfits, representatives of the Christian and Muslim communities, Head of the Oorelope Local Government Administration, Principal of the Baptist High School, Igboho Mr. George Morilahun, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education. A communique issued at the end of the meeting stated that it was agreed as follows: “That the building in question becomes government property from today; no addition or subtraction must occur on the said building; no religious activities or worship of any kind must take place in the school in line with the circular No. EDU 107/ Vol 5/320 of October 20, 1995. That the Principal of the school is strictly in charge of government property in the school and that any breach of this agreement will be viewed seriously.” The communiqué was signed by the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, that of the Muslim community, Principal of the school, and the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Education.

Rep wants NNPC unbundled

mmediate past chairman, House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) Alhaji Moshood Mustapha has kicked against suggestions that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation should be dismantled, stating that it would not augur well for the country. The former legislator who spoke with newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State, also

blamed the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress for not wading early enough into the jostling for leadership position in the National Assembly until it had become a crisis. He however, expressed confidence that given the ongoing interventions Nigerians will have cause to smile when the legislators resume from their current break.

project that they would not be allowed to operate if they did not pay up their contributions. “If you don’t pay your contribution, I will not allow you to operate. We must do something to show that we have agreed on the rehabilitation of the road,” Governor Wike had told the six partner countries. The six companies including Intels and the Rivers State Government had agreed to raise the N3 billion to fix the bad portion of the busy road which is a gateway to other neighbouring states.

Sambol explained that Intels fully paid up its share of the repair of the six kilometre portion of the collapsed road because of its strategic importance to the socio-economic development of Rivers and Nigeria as a whole, and its avowed commitment to its corporate social responsibility in the environment where it operates and to members of its host communities. He said that Intels, an oil and gas cargo handling company which has been operating for over 30 years takes delight in impacting positively on the

lives of Nigerians living within its areas of operation. He commended Wike for the bold initiative of mobilising the six companies operating within the area to raise the money needed to fix the road which has been a nightmare to its users for several years. “Our own workers stand to benefit from the effort because they suffer a lot each working day manoeuvring their way through the heavy traffic experienced on the road and the attendant pot holes as they make their way to the office,” Sambol

said. He added that on arriving at the office, the workers are so tired and often spend some time reorganising and adjusting to the work environment before facing the task for the day. This, he said, can be very frustrating and counterproductive. Other companies that contributed in raising the fund include Indorama Petroleum Limited, West African Container Terminal Limited, Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited, Nigeria Ports Authority and Oil and Gas Free Zones, Onne.

L-R: Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Fatai Owoseni, Oba of Lagos, His Royal Highness, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, Baba Adini of Lagos Central Muslim, Sheik Abdulaziz Abu and Chief Femi Okunnu during the 2015 Eid El Fitri Sallah prayer held at Obalende Praying Ground, in Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI.

We won’t fight with Brass attains oil and Fayose, says Speaker gas free zone status Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

he Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kola Oluwawole, has given the assurance that members of the House will work as a team and will not pick quarrel with the executive arm of government in the name of politics. These twin problems, according to him, were responsible for the tension that marked the term of the last Assembly when the group of 19 All Progressives Congress’ lawmakers and the executive had a very frosty relationship. In a statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Speaker, Stephen Gbadamosi, the speaker said while featuring on a television programme in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday. “Ekiti people voted for us on April 11, this year in expectation of new things. By the grace of God, we,

the 26 lawmakers, have resolved to do our jobs well. We will not cheat the people; we will not cheat Fayose. “We won’t wage war against Ekiti State. We won’t disappoint you. See what happened recently: Our governor was voted for and all stakeholders saw that he was voted for, but some people said they wanted to sack him, against the wish of the people. They waged war against the state. We won’t do that to the people of Ekiti,” Oluwawole said. The speaker said that the House being an allPeoples Democratic Party affair was an indication that the people of the state had unwavering belief in the party and its candidates, adding that it was a plus for the state as the members would all galvanise their energies towards making the robust programmes of the Ayo Fayose-led government bring gains of democracy to them.

Chris Ejim Yenagoa

he Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, has promised to set up a committee to collaborate with the management of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority of Nigeria to work out a detailed plan of action for the take-off of the new Brass Island Oil and Gas Free Zone. Governor Dickson, who gave the assurance when the management of the authority visited him at Government House, Yenagoa, appreciated the initiative of the Federal Government in designating the oil free zone for Brass Island. While describing the location of the venture in Brass and the time of the visit as most appropriate, he disclosed that, his administration has been doing so much to provide jobs as well as a stable environment for business to thrive. He said that the Oil and Gas Free Zone is a major project that will transform the economy of the state as well as make the state the Dubai of Africa,- some-

thing the government has over the years been working very hard to achieve. “Our focus is to expand the base of our economy beyond oil and gas. We have formulated a lot of policies to enable us expand our economy to attract industrialists and promote industrialization, to create wealth, jobs and a stable environment for business he said. In his remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority of Nigeria, Victor Alabo explained that the authority was on a visit to intimate the state government as well as present all the regulations and laws and request the governor’s permission to formalise Brass as an oil and gas free zone.

Change of Name OKOSUN I formerly known and addressed as Okosun Omozokpia Samuel now wish to be known as Ayemere Omozokpia Samuel. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SUNDAY

Fashion

Trendy Hijab fashion 22&43

Bed, Work & Life

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m destined for a Sam 20

Body Soul SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2015

My husband is responsible for our marriage success -Hon. Adijat Adeleye Oladapo

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

heart y m m o r f Straight culture and e have diverse

ybody. well as ailable to ever s should be av e government of Nigeria, as ht rig an m hu ainst th ag s e es at pr in to We believe rim ue ion that disc e will contin at w sl y, gi le lic po ed a id s “A prov The reason w in Africa, ents which have eak in tongues. different beliefs. And here other governm ly discriminat s le po .” e ommunities sp ity lik ve un t far in not on ha un m en e . le m w w hi em co ia w th do l er BT ig pe so ith N LG re al w y law in ne the associate like poles traditions. So with fellow bo “to that the anti-ga unity, but also people who e believe that t, ve w id , en lo sa ia m in e er ll rn ig Sh fa ve N to go ly comm igeria especial tural for a bone s for all ainst the LGBT ld continue to pressurise N ve that it’s unna e human right ingly ing ag ou is id w al ov . nt .S pr ta U d attract. We belie ter fellow flesh. y e an an th s m e, w e or la th ef e re er es th no Th af ig ge st or a flesh to lu a sick bone will es -some with humongous press the legislature to chan their sexual orientation.” lmlieve that only ap of voted overwhe I personally be lours, sizes, sh d still many others ‘fleshly co ople, regardless general elections, Nigerians nt ’t be pe re n on ia ffe w er di w ig la in N y an s’ st ga he ed sult of the la igeria’s antibeautiful ‘fles erately endow Going by the re just pray that overturning N ière, some mod in the e m I . so s, ge busts and derr ter fellow bones. ck an pa ch that tinkering ingly for e with six af y that frowns at Mugabe has tr flat’ - and lusts all the eye-candy bones -som ho the ‘packs’ have eluded- part of that change. un co an ic fr ly A bert rs w of ia is not the on When I behold ’s and many othe e’s President Ro em in favour Luckily, Niger ng ‘two packs’ ake me take my eyes off th ture. Zimbabw ked the U.S. Supreme Court tti na ge d of an s od es G oc of pr e oc m s m w Th ill e la w y. H e lit at y. th th ua lit ith e w deuc riage eq mosexua I wonder the ndemned mar s ruling Zanu PF cked against ho e? co ki w d s t an n’ ay y w do , m al ve do d ha hi told ur of so decide fellow flesh. ch we do not cision in favo quoted to have es of America nonsense l seek that whi r homosexual the United Stat states. If after all the 5-4 de old Zimbabwean leader was ei n th he w I believe we al ep ay ke w pe r ro he r exuality] 50 ot Eu ea os s e -y et y’ m th 91 tr “L ho , ed f un 13 ok [o and the law re. The act So, I had lo rs in July 20 n in all the co te od he io G or it un ct pp ve x je su se re ha y er to rt m ve d pa e sa cide ill ne it would legalis nied the issue, Americans de le say, prop your head with there and live with it. We w n Zimbabwe’s pa op pe y m ke Li ” l date even whe abortion few h. din that accom e. til fis an d of m ge e hu an ttl t ch ke no t r thei - is the issue has no inalised homosexuality and of nature, it is lity law in Janu at who talks His stance on im you prefer. anti-homosexua e th ed ss ambique, decr le just recently, “Any diplom d we won’t pa s oz whichever arm er M ak r, m ou w s. hb la ar ig ne ye sa 14 peop al ne cuse an In Nigeria, our ies a maximum sentence of e warned his k into a medic There is no ex weeks ago. H carr nd should chec be kicked out. ill w y lit ua ary 2014 and it ho feels drawn to his/her ki ex even homos w ation and God t be- about Cool. Anyone much in procre an-made disasters them.” ely, she does no so to at n ve un te rt lie lis fo be un e e t w The m Nigeria, eedom, bu facility. eedom to mak and ‘multiply’. ndant deaths, accidents Really, here in s so much in fr eria has the fr into the world te g Nigeria at go r rin The U.S. believe lieve that Nig ei to su e th es us d pr an ed is , instruct e North s and so ou name it - ar her own choice -bombings in th error, building collapse...y ating. Let the y tr . un w la co y e th ga tiin an re an roads and hum We do not want to stop proc eans legalise US will begin to reverse the believe that the anti-homo- caused by bad dly m lation. go pu un h po r ug ou ro To this end, we ’s th ia ng rinki lation of man against Niger adu daily sh duce their popu nceived through the mating to make its case ident Muhamm ly countries that wish to re t co es no Pr e g er rin w du ho w w Let those sexuality la tomorrow, Ju e of reasonhomosexuality. y. to Washington unwarped sens osexualith ga w Buhari’s visit s go en an tiz om ci ns of and w g hom , I join the millio ri that legalisin e voted for! Secretary of 20. ammadu Buha Here in Nigeria w e US Assistant as-Greenuh th ge M y, t an da en ch e id on th es M of Pr Last nda Thom ll our dear its not part Li te , , re to irs si the strength g ffa in de us A e ve w , an gi ts ic ge continue to State for Afr with journalis rt of the chan od G pa at t ch ay no M eb is s. w ity er eliv e , our dear read field, during a it is one of th Happy Sunday r righteous ways. Amen! a government, t values that ou l al had said: “As es in ties and strong r to multiply highest priori ainst anyone based on thei Juliet ag . discrimination and gender identity is wrong ion sexual orientat

Contents 19.07.2015 COVER I hawked bread and garri because my mum was selling foodstuff

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FASHION T h e Te a m

Hijab is a fashion item you can adopt if it goes down well with you

Juliet Bumah (Editor) Wole Adepoju (Snr. Correspondent) Vanessa Okwara (Correspondent)

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Biwom Iklaki (Correspondent)

BEAUTY

The love for sexy, silky hair extensions has led ladies through the ombre lane

} 21

Abiola Alaba Peters

MY PASSION A lot of people got married and their marriages crashed. Did anyone come to amend it for them?

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

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GLAM DUDES Boat shoes are often mistaken for loafers in their designs...

Associates

BED, WORK & LIFE

He’s so cool and calm...a doctor and also named Sam! It seems she has something for people called Sam -Samuel, Samson, she’s been through four already and now a Dr. Sam

} 20

} 44

Helen Paul

Eyitayo Aloh

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Body&Soul

You’ve gone into music, like some other actresses. Can you tell us about it all? Actually, being a good script writer, I have been trying to write songs for four years now, but I was not very much keen on it. Few months back, I met some guys who are dancers…I dance too but it may not be professionally. I decided to help their career in a way and this brought me back to the songs I have been writing and before I knew it, the whole thing has exploded beyond what I was thinking or planning. I decided to give it full attention and that is why we have found ourselves where we are today. I am not a music person like that and I think a lot of people see it like that too but I thank God because it’s been awesome. Since I started, some people would ask if I have been singing before because obviously they love what they are listening to and I am sure they will accept the video when it’s out. As a script writer, I tried to make it reflect in my video. What was on your mind when you were writing the song, Orombo? Well, Orombo means orange and it’s a fruit that is very beautiful. You will agree with me that women are also very beautiful creatures. So basically, I was trying to extol the women folk. And the chorus of the song….it’s a song people have been used to over the years that is mostly used by comperes at wedding engagements. When I came up with the idea of the whole song, I mean the Orombo track, some people around that I shared with were skeptical but trust me, as I a pacesetter, I stood my ground that I was sticking with it and eventually, when we finished, they all liked it. Of course, Jyhbo, the ‘baddest’ did his own part on the beat and it was beautiful. How do you react to those who might think you are doing music to keep relevance since you don’t appear in many movies? Thank you. I don’t appear in all movies because I love to check the scripts very well before accepting to do it. Check out my productions, they are usually very fantastic storylines and I spend millions of naira on my own projects so, I can’t stoop so low to do certain jobs. It’s not that I am bragging or just talking for the mere purpose of talking but the truth is that I have to create a place for myself. I cannot imagine myself doing movies with very high budget and nice story line for myself and I will come down to get involved in jobs that do not even have good storylines or something. When I want to travel for my business, I could go to six countries at a stretch. I could be at locations for six months and I could shoot like five or six movies like that. As I speak with you, I have about eight movies that I have completed with me already, but I have not given them to marketers. Now, I am in the studio recording songs. I am about to do the third track. The whole idea is for me to do everything I have to do now that I am still young. I can still hustle, I want to use my quality time for quality things. As per the response of my colleagues, they are cool with me. Since you are not a music person, are you just experimenting with music? You see, when I say I am not a music person, it does not mean I don’t like music or listen to music. I love hip-hop and I listen to a whole lot of other kinds of songs. What I mean is that I don’t pay much attention to it because I never thought it would get to this stage but right now, I am taking it seriously. I listen to music with more attention now, find out technicalities and get improved because talent alone is never enough. You have to work hard. I intend to make a career of music. It’s not something you can

My lips are so sexy

- Liz Anjorin

Since she berthed on the movie scene some years back, Liz Anjorin has not rested on her oars. She has kept herself relevant and also remained one of the most glamorous, especially with her penchant for luxurious expensive cars, jewellery and others. The actress who has dabbled into music talks with WOLE ADEPOJU about her new and old loves learn, it has to be from inside. There is more in me than people are aware of.

fantastic. The picture in question was meant for the C.D jacket.

Tell us more about how far you have gone with your music production. At the moment, we have done two singles, Orombo and Farabale. We are starting work on the third one and the video of Orombo is ready; it will be out very soon. I can’t put a date on when the album will be ready, but we are working seriously to make a very good start for the compilation of the tracks as an album. My fans should trust me because I always give them my best.

On a serious note, are you not thinking of getting married? Marriage really does not move me with the way people are expecting one to settle down. A lot of people have gotten married and the marriages broke. Did anyone come to amend it for them? If you want to succeed as a career person, you have to lift it to a point before bringing in other things. I am not desperate, but very soon it will happen.

A couple of actors, especially the females who have crossed to music did not succeed. What do you think will do the magic for you? I strongly believe everything is destiny and musicians who have made it big did not get there overnight, its hard work of many years. Basically, I believe with God, everything will be fine and I believe you will see what stands me out when you follow me up and see my video when it’s out. How did you feel with reactions that followed the buzz you created with the picture of you and Jyhbo which suggested that you got married? I must confess it was mixed reactions I got but basically, people believed it and approached me based on that, but it’s not real. Some were happy and prayed for me and it shows some people wish me well but it’s not real. Jyhbo is my younger brother and we have a nice relationship. I have others like him who have been on this project with me….I have Jyhbo, Snipes, Prodo and Obaino. T h e y a r e

What do you do to maintain your stature and skin?

I don’t eat in the morning because I would have been out and I eat lots of fruits. As per my skin, it’s very natural because I take after my father. I am not even the type that will rub something on the face before I sleep. I don’t even have the time but I love to take my bath often. I could shower 10 times if I had the time. What is your style? I think that depends on where I am going but since I don’t engage in social activities that much, I wear and I am more comfortable in casuals -clothes that make me free. You can rarely catch me on heels, except for when the occasion demands it, like when I am going for a corporate event or something. I love slippers and I can put any amount of money on it. But it’s funny that people still admire my style even as simple as it is and that is what made me go into clothing business. What is your most cherished material thing? Permit me to say two -I love gold and automobiles. What body feature of yours do you like most? I love my lips. Why? Because they are sexy. I also love my stature and skin. What is the most embarrassing thing you have experienced? That should be the day a woman slapped me in the market, she said her husband does not sleep with her each time he watched me in a movie.

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

My husband is responsible for our marriage Hon. Adijat Adeleye Oladapo represented Ifo Constituency in Ogun State House of Assembly two times before losing out in her bid to move to the House of Representatives in the last elections. Her role as the only female member of G-15 when a crisis rocked the House during Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s tenure as governor made her popular. She fielded questions from WOLE ADEPOJU and in the process, a number of interesting issues on her grass to grace story, political career and more came to the fore You were into something before politics. Please let us into that area of your life. Maybe I didn’t really have much before going into politics. I got into politics very early. I was very young when I joined what could be called mainstream politics. For record purposes, I am Motunrayo Hadijat, the daughter of Adeleye, the wife of Oladapo because I use a compound name, AdeleyeOladapo. I was born almost 40 years ago; I had my primary school education at Methodist Primary School, then moved to Lagos Baptist Secondary School, to Iju Grammar school. After that, I was on my own because at a point, I had to leave home and fend for myself. So, I was on the streets fending for myself and making something out of my life. I am the type who loves education, but maybe I should just mention this; while I was in secondary school, I got pregnant and eventually had a child. You know when you are pregnant while in school, you have to drop out of school. I had the child in 1991 when I was in SSS1. I eventually went back to school but it was not easy going to school and taking care of a child. Unfortunately, the child died at one and half years. When such mistakes happen, some people don’t ever get out of it but for me, I made up my mind that I needed to forge ahead and make something of my life. That was when I left home and glory be to God, I made something out of my life. I worked in a few places. I was once a receptionist, a daily contribution collector in Mile 12. I was still working as a daily contributor collector when I met my husband whom I eventually married. Before then, I went back to school -University of Lagos. I got a Diploma in Yoruba Linguistics. I was offered an admission earlier, but could not afford it. I got in in 1998. It was not an easy thing because I could remember I used to trek from Yaba to University of Lagos; but my determination to be someone kept pushing me despite all the hurdles. After that, I enrolled for the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, but I could not really concentrate. I enrolled with the Business Examinations Council. I wrote their exams but did not pass. Eventually, I sat for the Institute of Chattered Management Accountants exam and became an associate. Did you join politics as a way of making ends meet since it’s believed it’s a money spinning thing? No. I started politics while I was in secondary school. I did not plan to go into politics at that time. I could remember I actually went to represent my father at a political meeting and that was how I got hooked. What they were discussing there was of interest to me because it was what was in my blood so, I joined. I joined politics when I was still wearing uniform. You know there are many levels in politics. The federal, state and zonal levels. I actually acted as Zonal Secretary, Zonal Treasurer and Ward Women Leader where I was a leader to women who were old enough to be my mother or older than my mother. I could say I had a mission back then so when they were sharing money, I never got out of it. I would ask them to share it to other people or some people scrambled for it. I contributed my own quota to the party and it paid off eventually. I was given a political appointment. Although it was the smallest position in the council, it was due to my contributions that some people fought for my consideration in my absence.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Body&Soul

success -Hon. Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo I was appointed as a consultant to the chairman on Community Development Matters. That was where I cut my teeth. The tenure was supposed to end by 2007 but in 2006 I stood up to contest for a house of assembly seat and people were asking, ‘is she mad?’ Among the aspirants, I had the least financial muscle so no one took me seriously. But I stuck to my aspiration and eventually won at the primaries by a simple majority. Some said I did not have a two-thirds majority, but the party ruled against them and I went ahead to win the election. Did the confidence you gained on the streets aid your aspiration as there were more qualified people? Well, one thing I know is that I have this special thing about me but I can’t place my finger on it. Secondly, I know I could be nice to a fault. I must also say my experience when I was pregnant back in school propelled me. I used to keep to myself while I was pregnant. I hawked bread and garri because my mum was selling foodstuff. I really interacted with people. I remember a scenario when I was still doing daily contribution at our head office. It was time for me to go and collect the money when I saw a guy I had known way back. I felt uneasy because of how the guy might look at me but I picked up courage and went there. The guy did not greet me as usual so when I got to the office and the guy got up, I discovered something had happened to his legs. I learnt a big lesson that day, that my situation was temporary but his had become permanent and my determination to make it in life was stronger. What was your disposition towards men after having a child for a man who did not marry you? (Smiles) For 10 solid years, I bore very strong bitterness towards the man. Yes, I did not get married to him but that was not even it. He denied the pregnancy and I think it happened to about three of us at the same time. I bore a very strong bitterness towards him but 10 years after, I ran into him and it was that day I let go of everything. I now discovered the bitterness I was holding against him was equally holding me down. What comes to your mind when you remember all you have been through in the past? Hmm, life is a school and you learn every day. While I was in school, I was brilliant and I was one of the best. That was while I was in primary school and my first secondary school but my concentration was affected when I changed schools after I had a child. The fact is that when I see some of my classmates, I wonder, should I thank God for what happened to me? And that takes me to the fact that the path of man is already charted by God. I cannot encourage people to get into what I got myself into because it was a mistake. For instance, if I did not get pregnant in school, I don’t think I would have joined politics. If I hadn’t joined politics, I may not be where I am today. I know of my classmate who came out with a First Class in a higher institution and up till last year, there was no job. I am not making jest here but thanking God. (voice becomes emotionally laden and she gets to the point of tears). It’s only God who knows why he allowed what happened. For ever and ever, I will

continue to be grateful to God. With your ability to fend for yourself and street knowledge, is it difficult for you to be submissive to your husband? You may be right but it’s the fear of God and your upbringing that will help you. The type of home you are from will determine that. My upbringing has actually helped me a lot. This is not just about women who were already on their own making it; female political office-

holders have the same challenge. You see some of them separated, divorced and all that. African men have macho ego that I am the head of the home and the woman is going out there to work, especially when you are making more money than your husband, there is a tendency to be proud. It is left for you as a woman who has been brought up properly to know where the boundary should be. I have seen many publications that Hon. Hadija is not married, she’s divorced. They don’t see my husband so it takes a very understanding man to remain married while the female political office-holder retains the office. But I am pleased to inform you that I am happily married with two great daughters. What has kept your marriage going? The success of my marriage is 20 per cent from me and 80 per cent from my husband. An average Nigerian man wants his wife to be at home, prepare the food and the rest. But what of in a situation where she is not at home, and is always on the road? I think where my husband is coming from equally helped m e . M y husband w a s on his o w n while he was in the U.S. So, he’s used to cooking his meals, doing some things on his own. But I can tell you I married the most liberal and understanding man on planet earth. Aside the determination you had, were you convinced of success? Let me tell you that I have always known I would turn out a success. How? I never knew, but the strong will has always been there. I always tell people that politics or no politics, I was going to be a success. I am an optimist but I also have it at the back of my mind that there are times you push and things don’t work out the way you wish. I believe in God so, when I go after something and it does not work out, I take it as God’s plan for me. When I contested for the House, I was not the best, I was the youngest and there were better people but God did it. I was in the House for eight years, I was a local government consultant for two and half years ….I know if I have a downfall now, it’s just temporary. I know where he’s taking me to is a glorious place. You crossed from PDP to ACN in 2011 and still made it back to the House. But going back to PDP this time to contest did not work. Some believe you overstretched your luck and overrated yourself. When you do something and it works for you,

people call you a genius and when it’s the opposite, they call you a failure. Life is not like that, you don’t win all the time. Well, I had a reason to leave PDP back then and this time, I had a reason to leave ACN. I belong to the ACN of Chief Segun Osoba and we know what transpired between himself and Governor Amosun. I left ACN that was part of APC merger, not because I wanted to leave, but for two reasons. I left because of my loyalty to Chief Osoba. But you did not go to the SDP with him? Yes, for a reason. The time SDP was brought up, I knew it couldn’t fly. If we had come up with it earlier, I am sure some PDP people would have come into the party. A lot of people were ready to work with Oga but he knew the best. I did not want him to feel I went back to the governor because I would have disappointed him more by that. But at the same time, I could not go to SDP because it came too late. It was not a case of overrating one’s self. Let me also say this that every individual who won a seat in the legislative arm did not win because they were the best. They rode on the back of the change mantra. They rode on the back of the fact that people were fed up with the government of Goodluck Jonathan. And you know Nigerians, they don’t want to know the kind of change they are asking for when they are fed up; all they want is change. And that was what gave some of them the leverage to win the election, not because they were better than those of us who lost elections. Basically, I lost because God wanted it. If God had wanted me to win, I would have won irrespective of the party under which I contested. Some people contested under APC and they still lost, even in Lagos State where APC is believed to be strong. Anyway, that is gone now. The future is what is most important now. Now that I am on sabbatical, I have done a selfappraisal; I have lined up things to do. By the time OOU (Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State) commence its Master’s programme, I hope to be there to do my Master’s. There are other parts of Hadija many do not know and they will be revealed gradually. You were against Governor Gbenga Daniel in the days of G-15. What is your relationship with him now? If I see him, I will greet him. We met at one of City People’s awards, I greeted him. We both found ourselves back in PDP. Unfortunately, we did not get to see most of the time. We met a few times and I greeted him. What we had then was he as the governor and I representing my people and wanting to take something back to them. It was not personal. Although during the last elections, he did some funny things like trying to remove my name but I believe it was politics. But personally, I will greet him if I see him. He was the governor of a state, he’s a leader so I will give him his due respect. How stylish would you say you are? I cannot say that. It’s an outsider that can say that. But for me, style is a total package. It’s not about the dress you put on or the hairstyle you have on. Style involves poise, your carriage, the way you talk, wear your clothes, gesticulate, what you are known for. It’s what describes you. For me, I like to be simple but cute. I am more comfortable in my jeans and T-shirts because when somebody is driving me and there is traffic, I want to get down and jump on a bike. That is the kind of person I am. I want to be comfortable and not put myself through stress all in the name of style or glamour. I just want to be presentable and simple and not do the eye pencil thing and all that. But surely, when there is need to be glamorous or something, I surely do so.

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

with

Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770

julietbumah@gmail.com

I’m destined for a Sam

am examines Kim’s phone, turning it back and forth as if it will tell him everything he seeks to know. His heart aches. What if the accident is very bad? What if...what if... what... He remembers his mother and the fact that she would have turned to ‘her Father in heaven’ if she found herself in this situation. He murmurs some prayers and turns to the young man who has been observing him all this while and said, “Thanks er...er... bros. What happened? How did the accident happen? Where?” “I didn’t witness it,” the young man replied, standing aside as the man in suit moves forward. Sam turns questioning eyes to the man in suit. He wonders who he is and what he has to say. He looks so respectable...and rich. “Good evening. I’m Dr. Sam. The cab your wife was travelling in rammed into my car at an intersection. The cabbie also sustained injury. I’m very sorry. The doctors are doing their best. They’ll be fine,” the man in suit, Dr. Sam said. “I hope this evening will turn out good. By the way, I’m also Sam, by name,” Sam said to the two men. “I’m Godfrey,” the young man said. “My pleasure,” they murmured almost in unison. A nurse walks towards them from the emergency ward. Dr. Sam asks her coolly, “Can we see them?” The nurse nods and said gravely, “Follow me.” Kim is lying motionless on a bed. Her head covered with bandage. The doctor is standing by her bed. “Good evening. I’m Dr. Jide. I’m in charge of the patient,” the doctor said. Sam murmurs something. He is not really there. His mind is elsewhere. He remembers what his mother said. She said they will get married and that Kim will have the baby. As he observes Kim’s immobile body on the bed, he wonders if all that will come true. She’s praying for them, he’s sure. God will answer her prayers concerning them...but he’s still afraid. He could hear voices. Dr. Sam and the doctor are discussing after the introductions. He can barely understand what they are saying because he isn’t paying attention. He feels a lump in his throat and clears it discreetly. “Is she okay,” He asked the doctor, his heart thudding. “We need to observe her for some hours,” the doctor said, adding, “Let’s talk in my office.” He leads them out of the ward. As they step out of the ward, Dr. Sam said, “I will like to see the other accident victim too.” “Oh sure, Sam said, not because he really wants to, but because he’s scared and wants to postpone whatever bad news the doctor may have for him. Godfrey and Dr. Sam look at him.

They had thought he wanted to object. Without a word, the doctor takes them another ward. Sam walks like one in a trance. Has the accident affected her pregnancy? He fears to ask. The cabbie is awake. His two hands are bandaged. He seems okay though. “Good evening doctor, he said, looking at his visitors. His eyes light up as he sees Godfrey and Dr. Sam. “How are you doing? Much pain? “ Dr. Sam asked. “I’m fine sir. I’m very fine, except that my hands don’t feel like they belong to me,” he said. “No problem, you’ll be alright. This is Sam, the husband of your passenger,” Dr. Sam said, looking at Sam. A shadow flickers across the cabbie’s face. “I’m sorry sir. It was my fault. I lost concentration momentarily. I pray that madam will be well, soonest,” he said. “Amen,” they all murmur. Sam feels something tug at his heart. The cabbie must be an honest man. It’s rare to see a man accept responsibility without being prompted in a situation like this. He pats him on the back. “We pray she gets well soon,” he told the cabbie. ***** “She is stable. She has a head injury, caused by something sharp on the dashboard. But not something too serious,” Dr. Jide said. They are in his office.

“She’s pregnant,” Sam said. He’s so afraid that he slurs. “Yes, nothing wrong with the pregnancy. We’re also being careful. We only administer drugs that won’t tamper with it. She needs a lot of rest. At 16 weeks, she needs to take things easy,” Dr. Jide said. It’s seems as if a nice smelling perfume has been sprayed inside the doctor’s office. Everyone is suddenly in a light mood. Guess the news that the pregnancy is safe eases some ache. “Thank you doctor. Thank you,” Sam said, meaning it. Four hours later, Kim is sitting up in bed. She can talk very well because she’s feeling almost okay but she pretends she’s not too well. She doesn’t want to talk too much yet. She’s still so scared of what happened earlier in the day. Are the gods of Sam’s people after her? Was that accident a warning to her not to tamper with the pregnancy? If that’s the case, then some other things Sam said about his tradition will be true. Gosh! What did she get herself into? And that doctor that the cabbie ran his cab into! Is he handsome! She wishes that they met under a more conducive atmosphere. He’s so cool and calm...a doctor and also named Sam! It seems she has something for people called Sam -Samuel, Samson, she’s been through four already and now a Dr. Sam! She had pretended to be feeling very weak when he ran a finger along the bandage on her head. It

was so cool. She sure felt weak at the knees, only that she was lying almost immobile on the bed. She had looked into his eyes and she’s sure she saw warmth in there. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm Sam holds on to her right hand, massaging it unconsciously. Then she remembers her phone... and her bag and the fact that she has the receipt of the bill she paid for terminating the pregnancy in her bag and panics. “Did you get my phone? How did you know I’m here? My bag...did you get it,” she asked him. “I have your phone with me here. I don’t know if the young man that helped to bring you here picked your bag from the cab. The cabbie is also here. I’ll find out from them, if you don’t mind,” Sam said, wondering how she got the strength to talk now. “Yeah, please do. Ask them. How is the cabbie? Hope he’s not too bad?” She asked. “No darling. I’ll go find out about your bag,” Sam said, standing up. “Er...er...can I have my phone...er... please,” she said. “The battery is dead. I need to look for a charger...” Sam said. “Don’t worry, let me have it,” she said, stretching out her hand. Sam drops the phone into her hand and goes to search for Godfrey. ********* I hope I’m not missing something here. Or do you think I am? Let’s meet here on Sunday. •Send your observations to: julietbumah@gmail.com

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Body&Soul

Uber chic ombre hair Biwom Iklaki ‘The beauty of a woman begins from the crown of her head.’ Of course your head is your crown and special attention must be paid to it. Since it is considered the starting point of your beauty rating, give it special treatment, window dressing if you like. Lately, the love for sexy, silky hair extensions has led ladies through the ombre lane. It simply refers to any hair style with two or more tones/colours. One is spotted at the roots while the other colour can begin anywhere from 3-5 inches from the crown, to just the tips of the hair. Ombre colouring can be found in hair extensions, (synthetic and ‘human’) and even on kinky and dreadlocked hair. It is playful and draws attention to the face of the wearer. The variety also gives it a wider appeal as it can range from ash, red, blue, purple, green and blond. Be careful spotting this look if you work in a restrictive corporate environment. However, if you cannot resist the appeal of the sexy, glam, ombre fad, you can always conceal the wild colour by rolling the hair in a chignon.

Body&Soul

ijab is a fashion item you can adopt if it goes down well with you. It’s a veil which covers the head and chest, worn particularly by Muslim females in the presence of adult males. In many Muslim countries, it is compulsory for women, being their Islamic dress. It embodies not only physical but metaphysical dimension. Many ladies wear Hijab as a fashion statement whereas for many, it is a compulsory

Zaynab Taiwo

item to go with their daily outfits. Some only wear it during the month of Ramadan because it’s a holy month and Muslims are expected to dress decently. In recent times, there are many new incoming trends in Hijab which can be referred to as scarf, when worn only to adorn the head. Hijab can also be worn to parties or occasional events like religious gatherings or spiritual seminars. There are different types of Hijab ranging from plain to printed fabrics as well as scarf which adds a decent

and sober aspect to your personality. Scarf trends change from season to season and culture to culture. Some believe that the Hijab doesn’t make a woman look corporate and official, but it’s because they haven’t seen the ones which suite them well. If you are a true lover of Hijab and scarf, then you no longer need to worry about new trends and styles as we bring to you different ways of styling your outfit with Hijab for a stylish look...always.

Trendy Hijab fashion

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

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SundayBusiness SUNDAY

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

News

Poor funding stalls federal road projects

p.24

Brands

Harpic unveils All-in-One thematic campaign p.28

Features

Online shopping rapidly taking root in Nigeria p.25

Market&Mall

Lagos Computer Village can’t survive unstable naira – Chairman p.30

Paul Ogbuokiri Head, Business paulogbuokiri@newtelegraph online.com

How Buharinomics may affect Nigeria’s economy P

Paul Ogbuokiri

resident Muhammadu Buhari’s bold step penultimate week to rescue states which are neck deep in debt, particularly over the backlog of unpaid workers’ salaries, has been described as an unprecedented gesture by analysts. However, there is the issue of how the President will raise about N2.2 trillion to fund his likely agenda of welfarist capitalism. The issue is even made more poignant when the funding of the two major social programmes he promised Nigerians during his campaign come up - payment of unemployment benefits and free school feeding. Worried by the accumulated workers’ salaries in 18 states, Buhari approved the release of N713.7 billion intervention funds for states as he promised after the first meeting of the National Council of State in the life of this administration. “A lot of investors looking at Nigeria haven’t realised the significance of this - it is major,” Manji Cheto, a London-based vice president at consultancy Teneo Intelligence told Bloomberg. “The breadwinner in a lot of families tends to be someone who works in the public sector. On average you’d probably have 20 to 30 people that depend on that one person. You realise how much of a disaster it is on a micro level.” Cheto, however, said the package may only provide temporary relief, as the Nigerian economy continues to haemorrhage due to low revenue from crude oil, Nigeria source of 80 per cent of its revenue and over 95 per cent of its foreign exchange. “This is the first time since 1999, since the end of military rule, that we have had the widespread non-payment of salaries that requires a bailout,” said Ayo Teriba, chief executive officer of Economic Associates Ltd., a Lagos-based consultancy. “It’s unprecedented in the democratic era and the gesture is a clear pointer to the direction this government is headed.” The bailout was part of a three-pronged relief package that will end the workers’ plight. While N413.7 billion represents special intervention funds, the balance of about N250 billion to N300 billion is a soft loan to states. Also, N413.7 billion ($2.1 billion) is sourced from the recent Liquefied Natural Gas proceeds and the remaining N300 billion is a Central Bank-packaged special intervention fund. The Debt Management Office is expected to assist states to restructure over N660 billion commercial loans crippling their economies. With the development, Buhari has stopped the deduction of monthly allocations to states at source. Instead, the Federal Government will “use its influence to guarantee the elongation of the loans for the benefit of the states.” But the beneficiaries of the relief package include workers in federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies who have remained unpaid for several months. However, informed sources said the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank of Nigeria may have pegged the amount needed to settle

President Buhari

The proponents of ‘Buharinomics’ further argue that Nigeria’s fourth president in the Fourth Republic is focused on running an administration with the social welfare of the citizens as his major economic policy thrust outstanding public workers’ salaries at about N250 billion. According to the sources, the President took the decision to boost the purchasing power of Nigerians, especially average and low-income earners, as well as to reinvigorate the economy. The proponents of ‘Buharinomics’ further argue that Nigeria’s fourth president in the Fourth Republic is focused on running an administration with the social welfare of the citizens as his major economic policy thrust. This is even as the Federal Government penultimate week inaugurated a 12-man ministerial com-

mittee to develop a blueprint for affordable housing for Nigerians. This, Sunday Telegraph learnt, is aimed at reducing Nigeria’s estimated 17 million housing unit deficit. According to a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Adedeji Ajibade, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. George Ossi, penultimate week in Abuja, the committee was set up due to the concern of the government over the wide gap in the sector. He noted that the delivery of adequate and affordable housing in Nigeria as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution has yet to meet the desired expectations. This, he said, has resulted in inadequate stock as a minimum of one million housing units yearly was still being expected in order to reduce the deficit and avert a housing crisis by 2020. Ossi stated that about 600,000 housing units are currently being developed annually through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement and another 240,000 affordable houses by the Federal Housing Authority; CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Business/ News

Poor funding stalls federal road projects

Paul Ogbuokiri ll is not well currently in Nigeria’s construction industry as contractors are moving out of sites of federal road projects. This is no thanks to inadequate funding of federal road projects by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. In recent weeks, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the contractor handling a section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge, has moved out of site. The sad story on the development of Nigeria’s road infrastructure for 2015 started with the approval of a paltry N22, 933,376,572, as capital vote for the Works and Housing Ministry in this year’s Appropriation Act. Julius Berger suspended work on the ongoing reconstruction of Section 1 of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project. It is also planning to close down its site and relocate equipment from its site yard near the Sagamu Interchange. It was also learnt that the company had begun downsizing its workforce currently on the project and that of the Second Niger Bridge. The contract for the reconstruction of the strategic expressway linking the nation’s commercial capital, Lagos, with most parts of the country, was divided into two sections. Julius Berger was awarded Section 1, from Lagos to Sagamu Interchange and and Reynolds Construction Company was given Section II, from Sagamu Interchange to Ibadan at the cost of N167 billion. Julius Berger has also stopped work on the Second Niger Bridge project. It was learnt that the company had in the last one month sacked over 50 workers on the site due to financial constraints. A visit to the project site at the Asaba and Ogbaru end of the bridge shows that some of the heavy duty equipment on the site had disappeared while only few security personnel and some foreign nationals were seen loitering at the site. The plant house along the expressway has also been shut. The bridge was awarded since the Shehu Shagari administration in 1979 and has since then been a subject of political campaign by successive governments. In 2006, former President Olusegun Obasanjo inaugurated the bridge. The first Niger Bridge was built between 1964 and 1965 by the French construction giant, Dumez, to link Onitsha and Asaba in the present-day Anambra and Delta states at the cost of £5m. The construction work was completed in December 1965 but during the Nigerian Civil War of 1967-1970, soldiers destroyed the bridge at Onitsha. After the war, the bridge was rehabilitated but experts have predicted that it is gradually collapsing. Sunday Telegraph also learnt that contractors have moved out of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, sections 11 and IV, which are undergoing rehabilitation and were

budgeted for in the 2015 Appropriation Act. But sources close to the Federal Ministry of Works said fund approved by the National Assembly in the 2015 Appropriation Act cannot sustain any meaningful work on the sites. The roads are the Enugu-Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway (Section 2) in Abia State awarded to Messrs Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited for N50.89bn with duration of 40 months and the EnuguPort Harcourt Expressway (Section 1) also in Abia State awarded to Messrs Setraco Nigeria Limited Construction for N39.548bn with duration of 40 months. For instance, for the rehabilitation of Lagos-Sagamu-Ibadan dual carriage way Section 1, only N400m was appropriated, while the rehabilitation of section 11 was allocated N450m. Sources close to the Federal Road Safety Corps told Sunday Telegraph that the commission had

After the war, the bridge was rehabilitated but experts have predicted that it is gradually collapsing been inundated with complaints on hiccup on the roads due to their poor state. He said, “We have told them to take their complaints to the appropriate ministry because our responsibility is to control traffic to fill potholes.” He noted that with the return of the rains, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is fast becoming a death trap. “The flashpoints are Wawa, Olowotedo and Ibafo,” he said. Prior to the commencement of the current reconstruction work, the contract for the total reconstruction of the strategic road was

awarded to Bi-Courtney Highways Services Limited (BHSL) at a sum of N82.5 billion on Design, Build and Transfer (DBOT) arrangement over a period of 25 years. However, the concession arrangement was in the words of the Minister for Works, Mike Onolememen revoked “for breaches of contractual agreement.” After the revocation of the contract to BHSL, the Federal Government went ahead to re-award the full reconstruction of the road to Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and RCC at a sum of about N162bn. The new arrangement entailed that Julius Berger should handle section I, which commences from the Old Toll Gate at Ojota to Sagamu, while RCC was to handle section II which starts from Sagamu and terminates at Ibadan. Meanwhile, Sunday Telegraph learnt on Wednesday that the Julius Berger had also moved out of

site of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos Phase II, which it is reconstructing. Apapa-Oshodi Expressway Section 2 Phase 2: Apapa-OshodiOworonshoki-Ojota Expressway Carriageway and service lanes in Lagos State were awarded to Julius Berger for N14.98bn with a duration of 15 months, while a meagre N280m was appropriated for the project in the 2015 budget. The 117km Mokwa-Bida Expressway in Niger State awarded to Messrs Triacta Nigeria Limited for N10.9bn with a duration of 24 months and the 65.5 km AkureIlesha expressway in Ondo and Osun states awarded to Messrs Kopek Construction Limited for N7.399bn with a duration of 21 months have all been abandoned by the contractors. Also, only N230m was appropriated for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Enugu-PortHarcourt dual carriage way.

L-R: AGM Commercial Services & Port Promotion, Mr. Bassey Jonah; AGM Public Affairs, Mr. Musa Iliya; Executive Director, Marine & Operations, Mr. David Omonibeke and Managing Director, NPA, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero at the recent NIMAREX exhibition in Lagos

How Buharinomics may affect Nigeria’s economy CO NT INU ED F R O M PAG E 2 3

240,000 low cost housing units under the prototype housing scheme as well as the development of new towns and cities in the states of the federation. This is coming as Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has reiterated the commitment of Buhari’s administration to implement one of its campaign promises that it will pay N5,000 each to the poorest Nigerians across the country monthly. Osinbajo, who spoke at the 10th Anniversary Lecture of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State entitled, ‘The Nigerian Economy and the Future,’ said government is “currently evaluating the best ways to collapse existing cash transfer and social welfare schemes to ensure consistency

and alignment.” He said, “Once this is completed, we will implement the first phase of this programme, using recognised identification platforms and transparent payment solutions.” While deploring the pervasive poverty in the country, Osinbajo expressed displeasure about the pervasive poverty in the country. He said, “About 112 million (66 per cent of Nigerians) are deemed extremely poor, measured by the World Bank parameter of those living on less than US$1.25 per day.” She added that it links to much of the Nigerian situation because it affects all aspects of life. This includes why over a million Nigerians die yearly of preventable diseases. Out of the 112 million extremely poor Nigerians, no fewer than 25

million of them are believed to be unemployed. To pay N5000 per month to that number of people, the sum of N125 billion will be spent to service this policy every month. An estimated N1.5 trillion will be spent on this policy alone every year. The second major social programme promised by the President during his campaign is a daily meal for primary school pupils. Nigerians debating the programme on Nairaland, an online platform, said that if the government spends an average of N100 per child in about 200 days the child would be in school in a year. With an estimated 32 million children enrolling in primary schools across the country every year, the government would spend about

N700 billion on the policy yearly. Gross annual estimated cost for both programmes is N1.5 trillion pus N700 billion, which equals N2.2trn. There is the general opinion that the problem is not about increasing the nation’s recurrent expenditure by N2.2 trillion. The main concern is that even if the government removes the subsidy on petrol and kerosene and scraps SURE-P, this will only yield only N166.5bn. If Buhari also decides to spend zero naira on capital projects and funnel the N700bn capital appropriation to the welfare programme, he will still not have up to half of the N2.2trn. Therefore, the question remains: How will Buhari raise the money to fulfill this social welfare pledge?

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Business/ Features

Online shopping rapidly taking root in Nigeria

Stanley Ihejigbo

nline shopping may not be completely new phenomenon in Nigeria but rapid activities going on in that digital world in recent times, is definitely a threat to the customary shopping methods in Nigeria. But Managing Director of Slot Nigeria, Mr. Nnamdi Ezeigbo, said though online shopping is becoming trendy in the country, he said there is no way it would affect the conventional shops, adding that the company has opened over 50 shops in the country and the online shopping would assist the sales through those shops close to the customers According to him, Slot went on online to serve its customer better. According to him, customers can buy the company’s phone from any location in the country. Ezeigbo said that even if the customer does not have a credit card to make payment online, he can still pay at his or her door step on delivering of the good. He said the challenge of online shopping is that whenever a person, he expects delivery in a short time, hence online shoppers are mainly customers who do not have the time. He added that even in the developed world where online shopping has taken root, they have malls where people go often for shopping. Looking at the recent launching of lofelofe.com, the online shopping is not only on electronics or home appliances as the new platform would provide various products and a place to channel items that people no longer need to those who need them. In his view a fast food restaurant operator, Mr. Tobias Igwe, said that bankers, oil workers and his other high profile customers, made their orders online because he introduced it to them as part of marketing strategy. He added that the online sells has opened his business to those customers, he would not have been able to reach. Igwe, said no matter how online shopping develops and be embraced by Nigerians, people will continue to visit food restaurants to have launch and relax. Mr. Kunle Adeyemi, a businessman said that in other clams, online shopping yet families from time to time go for shopping in a mall and plazas as a kind of fun and culture, “that cannot be taken away from any society,” he said. A house wife, Madam Joy Isioma, said it will take a long time for the online shopping to displace the traditional shopping methods because it will take a ;long time before everybody will have access to internet or want to indulge in the luxury of shopping online missing the opportunity of haggling with the seller till he gets a good bargain. She added that the online shopping would not be any threat to conventional shops or market for a long time in Nigeria because most customers buy things on credit which cannot happen online. Today, some customers have become so used to shopping online that they depend on it as part of their lifestyle. According to Raphael Afaedor, Chief Executive Officer of supermart.ng, a grocery online store, ”customers buy their entire grocery needs for the week at one address and get it delivered straight to their doorstep. Lots of these customers have cut down their visits to the local supermarket significantly thereby saving them some quality time. According to him, there is an under-

standing that customers spend too much time at grocery shop; easily over three hours per week, between going to multiple stores, then a visit to the local market just to get the products they want to buy. Because Supermart.ng aggregates the entire available inventory both from the local market and supermarkets at one address customers are able to fulfill their entire basket which also ensures suppliers make money. For Evangeline Wiles, the Managing Director of Kaymu.com, in the past three years, online shopping has revolutionized consumers buying habits. More and more Nigerians are embracing e-commerce and the lease of life it provides. Online shopping places the consumer’s purchasing power at the click of a button and he is not limited by time and place as with retail shopping. It’s easy, fast and convenient, he said.. He said this is partly because of the introduction of cheap Smartphone and cheaper data plans. Also most ecom-

merce businesses have been able to build up the trust factor allowing people start their search of a product or service online without fear of been scammed. Using Carmudi as a case study, the Public relation officer of the firm said the firm has seen a very significant increase in its page visits since its existence and can only attribute this to the fact that online shopping has become a convenience and also because people have come to view carmudi as a trusted platform. “We also noted that the millennial (between 18-34 years old) are more active in the ecommerce space. 35 per cent of searches on the carmudi website come from this age bracket. This group is the first to be born straight into the digital generation. The internet is not a thing to Millennia; it is just the norm so it is only normal for that online shopping will continue to increase.” Sunday Telegraph learnt that Konga, one the household names in online shopping in Nigeria, started by selling beauty, personal and baby care products

to online shoppers in Lagos. The company grew quickly with the rapid expansion of product categories and geographic reach. Today it delivers products to every state in Nigeria and now has a massive array of over 200,000 products listed for sale on its site. Public Relation Officer, Tomiwa Akande said, “We have a strong social media followership of close to two million people”. Since the opening of the Konga Marketplace to small and medium size businesses through its SellerHQ Marketplace in 2014, over 20,000 traders have registered on the site. Konga.com, whose revenue grew 450 per cent from 2013 to 2014.” Likely growth, predicted three years ago is becoming a reality as online shopping by urban consumers is more than double; this is according to demographics from these platforms. Explaining reason as; digital influence is rapidly expanding to small urban towns and rural areas, thereby, increasing the number of mobile users in country.

Airtel Africa partners Samsung B harti Airtel, the world’s third largest telecommunications services provider with operations in 20 countries across Africa and Asia on Thursday launched an application challenge for startup developers. This is as it seeks to attract the ‘next big app developers’ into the Airtel group of companies. The challenge - a partnership between Bharti Airtel, Singaporean Telecommunications Company, Singtel and smartphone company Samsung - seeks to attract developers in Africa and Asia who will partner the companies to launch applications on the two continents. Announcing the partnership, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Christian de Faria, said the challenge reiterates the company’s commitment to empowering youths to realise their

potential in various sectors including Information Communication and Technology. “This initiative is a great opportunity for developers in Africa to come up with innovative mobile apps that directly touch individual consumer ’s needs. We hope to partner with likeminded individuals who will come forward and work together with us to come up with apps that will help us deliver the best smartphone experience for customers,” said de Faria. Under the partnership, Airtel Africa will provide all operational support by running the campaign promotions while Singtel and Samsung together will organise a two- day mentorship programme for regional winners and the finale in November 2015. The five-month app challenge will see participants develop consumer-centric

mobile applications that will leverage on mobile network services – mobile, data, carrier billing, location and SMS. The deadline for applications submission is September 5, 2015 after which two African winners will be selected to participate in a Startup Mentorship Programme in October 2015 in Singapore. The overall winners will be announced in November 2015 and expected to commence assignment with Airtel/ Singtel group of companies in 2016. According to a 2014 Flurry Analytics study, mobile applications command 86 per cent of the time that the average mobile consumer spends on their smartphone while smartphone users spend an average of 2 hours 42 minutes on mobile devices with app usage accounting for 2 hours and 19 minutes of this time.

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Market loses 2.15% WtD

he equities market continued on a downward slide during the week, as trading activity was dragged by negative investors’ sentiment. The equities All Share Index (NSEASI) declined by 2.15% WoW to peg the YtD return at -10.41%. Market breadth (0.21x) tilted in favour of the decliners, with 13 stocks advancing against 61 decliners. Despite the relatively shorter number of trading days in the week, volume traded declined by just 6.09% while market turnover increased week on week by 28.48%. CAVERTON emerged as the top gainer for the week, advancing by 7.89%, to settle price at NGN3.69 for the week. The ticker was trailed by ETI, FO, UNITYBNK, and DIAMONDBNK which recorded respective gains of 4.76%, 4.50%, 3.83%, and 3.29%. On the flip side, TRANSEXPR was the highest decliner for the week, paring by 22.92% to close at NGN1.11. Other top laggards were CWG, TRANSCORP, OANDO, and AGLEVENT which declined by 18.09%, 15.20%, 14.17%, and 13.57% correspondingly. In the week, STANBIC, NB, CADBURY and NEM released their Q2 performance scorecards. The companies, save for NEM, posted unimpressive results, largely in line with our expectations. We expect to see an influx of more companies’ results in subsequent weeks, which might further drag returns. In our opinion, the prolonged dampened mood in the equities market is due to dearth of policy direction by the current government coupled with investors’ skepticism ahead of the MPC meeting scheduled for 23rd and 24th of July 2015. We expect the outcome of the MPC meeting, inflow of H1:2015 results as well as policy actions or pronouncements from the government to dictate the direction of trade in the coming week. In this report, we review events in the economy, laying emphasis on performance of different segments of the financial markets, while presenting our expectations for the week ahead. Fixed Income Brief: CBN acts to ease liquidity pressures on FX The fixed income space encountered more bearish sentiments from investors in the week. However, pockets of bargain hunting and profit taking were recorded on both Treasury bills and bonds. Average yield on Treasury Bills settled at 13.77% (+0.32%), with yield on the 1M T-Bill (+2.22%) advancing the most to peg at 12.33%, while yield on the 12M T-Bill (-0.38%), pared the most to peg at 14.77%. Sell pressure outweighed demand in the Treasury bonds space, as average offer yield change for the week was +0.12%, and average yield settled at 15.18%. The Treasury bond auction held in the week was largely undersubscribed, as only NGN44bn of the initially proposed NGN70bn was sold by the DMO. Stop rates on the auctioned FEB2020 (NGN28bn) and JUL2034 (NGN16bn) re-openings were 15.289% and 15.299% respectively. We expect decisions by the MPC on key variables such as the MPR to have a material impact on market activities in coming weeks. OBB and OVN rates pared by 2.82% WtD on the average, holding at 8.08% and 8.75% respectively, while average rate on NIBOR tenors settled at 14.28% (-0.98%) WtD. This tempered activity, in our estimation, was due to increased system liquidity from Open Market Operation (OMO) maturities worth NGN124.49bn that hit the system on the last trading day of the week. The CBN, on Wednesday, sold USD80mn to BDC operators at NGN196.95/USD, which can be sold with a maximum spread of 3.50% to the clearing rate. However, the Naira depreciated by 3bps in the week, as mid-price settled at NGN197.50/USD in the interbank market, while the currency continued to lose ground against the greenback in the parallel market.

Agric sector: Counters stay bearish The Agric sector stocks stayed bearish, mirroring last week’s mood, with the MERIAGR index paring by -8.73% WoW to further drag the Year-to-Date to 14.66%. Three (3) stocks waned in value, while the remaining two (2) stocks traded flat.

…as skepticism heightens ahead of MPC meeting

PRESCO emerged as the sector’s top underperformer, as the counter pared by 8.26% to close at NGN31.19. In the same vein, OKOMUOIL and LIVESTOCK pared by 9.40% and 0.99% respectively. Other stocks in the sector – FTNCOCOA and ELLAHLAKES – traded flat during the week. The erstwhile resilience of agricultural sector stocks has been dragged to a bearish mood, in recent times, by the apathy and the lackluster performance in the equities market. However, we expect that specific news flow such as Q2: 2015 earnings releases, if impressive will drive the sector to gains in coming weeks. Banking Sector: MERI-BANK Index pares by 2.51% WoW The gains recorded by some banking stocks on the final trading day of the week brought the WtD return as measured by our MERIBank index to -2.51%, after reaching -3.86% as at Wednesday. Sector breadth for the four (4) trading days in the week pegged at 0.36x, as four (4) stocks (ETI, UNITYBNK, DIAMONDBNK and UBA) recorded gains, while eleven stocks declined in value. The top losers for the week were ZENITHBANK, UBN, WEMABANK, SKYEBANK and FBNH, with respective losses of 6.49%, 6.06%, 6.00%, 4.87% and 4.39%. We attribute the sector’s negative return for the week to uncertainties regarding the possible outcomes of the next MPC meeting, which has been re-scheduled for 23rd and 24th of July. While the market expects a relaxation of FX trading rules, the unavailability of a viable alternative makes the adoption of same impractical. We therefore expect the MPC, in the upcoming meeting, to retain policy variables. The losses posted in the week may also be attributed to expectations for H1:2015 results, which are expected to be weak given the decline in income generation for most banks especially from non-interest sources, as well as the increased cost of funds and risk across the sector. While we are not optimistic about the sector for the rest of the year, we advise investors to trade with caution, and employ a more long-term approach. Consumer Goods: NB’s PAT declines by 10.02% YoY

Investors’ apathy towards the sector counters continues to pressure prices downwards, with our Meri-Consumer Goods index recording WtD and YtD returns of -3.70% and -15.72% respectively. UACN and GUINNESS were the only gainers for the week within the sector, recording price appreciation of 2.47% and 1.57% accordingly. AGLEVENT, HONYFLOUR, DANGFLOUR, FLOURMILL and DANGSUGAR recorded the highest depreciations in value for the week, after paring by 13.57%, 13.31%, 10.29%, 9.60%, and 9.37% respectively. The earnings season for the sector has begun, with NB, CADBURY, and CHAMPION releasing Q2:2015 scorecards. NB’s result showed an increase in revenue of 7.19% YoY, and profit after tax decline of 10.02% YoY, while CADBURY’s revenue declined by 7.72%, with a loss after tax of NGN250.716m (120% YoY decline). Also, CHAMPION recorded a turnover growth of 14% YoY, while also recording a loss after tax of NGN14.579m (101.65% YoY growth). The sector performance is closely in line with the general market, and we do not anticipate that there will be a resurgence in the shortterm. Nonetheless, we opine good buying opportunities for long term investors still remain. Healthcare Sector: No price gainer in the week The sector closed down for the fourth consecutive week, as the MERI-HLTH index pared by -0.04% Week to Date, to settle the Year to Date return at 8.40%. Only four (4) stocks recorded price depreciations, while other counters traded flat. EVANSMED emerged as the biggest underperformer for the week, declining by 12.95% WoW. Following closely were NEIMETH, MAYBAKER and FIDSON with respective losses of 8.63%, 5.00% and 4.89%. We ascribe the dreary mood in the sector to the general sentiment in the equities market, as investors continue their flight to safety amidst the gloomy state of the economy. We however, advise long term investors to take advantage of stocks trading below their fundamentally justified prices ahead of market recovery.

Insurance sector: NEM release impressive Q2:2015 financial result. The insurance stocks had a bearish outing during the week, as the sector’s index waned on all four (4) trading days. Measuring the sector performance by the NSEINS10 index, the sector pared by 1.17% WoW, to peg the YtD return at -5.17%. Four (4) stocks declined in value, while all other stocks traded flat. CONTINSURE with a 6.36% loss, emerged as the top loser during the week, while LINKASSURE (-1.96%) CUSTODYINS (-1.72%) and NEM (-1.49%) trailed in that order. In the course of the week, NEM released more than impressive Q2:2015 results. Gross Premium Earned (GPE) grew by 10.86% YoY to NGN4.79bn, while Profit after Tax also appreciated significantly by 45.13% YoY to NGN1.58bn (vs. NGN1.09bn in Q2:2014). However, the news was not adequate to sway investors’ sentiment in favour of the counter. While investors await other earnings releases in the coming week, we expect the bearish sentiment to persist, and so advice investors’ to blend their optimism with caution. Industrial goods: No sector gainer in the week In line with the bearish trend in the market, none of the stocks in the industrial goods sector recorded gains during the week ended. Six (6) stocks declined in value while others traded flat, bringing the sector’s WtD and YtD returns to -0.46% and -12.95% respectively, according to our Meri-Industrial index. CCNN led the laggards for the week, with a 9.39% drop in value to NGN10.4, while BERGER, ASHAKACEM, PORTPAINT, WAPCO and DANGCEM shed 7.77%, 4.97%, 3.00%, 1.96% and 0.18% accordingly. Although sector returns remain volatile owing to incessant profit-taking activities by stakeholders, as well as growing investor apathy to the stock market, we urge stakeholders with long investment horizons to take position in fundamentally justified and attractively priced stocks. Oil & Gas Sector: Bearish activities persist Bearish sentiments on the sector stocks from the previous week were sustained, as the Oil & Gas sector once again closed negative. WtD change as measured by the NSEOILG5 index was -2.58%. Three counters closed positive, while four counters waned in value. FO outperformed peers, advancing by 4.50% to settle at NGN188.10, while TOTAL and MOBIL followed with respective price gains of 1.84% and 1.35%. OANDO, ETERNA, SEPLAT, and MRS also featured on the laggards’ chart, paring WoW by 14.17%, 6.41%, 3.37%, and 1.74% accordingly. Other stocks traded flat. In the week, Iran and the P5+1 group finally arrived at an agreement regarding the Iran nuclear deal, with implementation expected in November. Consequent upon this, the price of Brent crude declined by 1.53% WoW, to peg at USD57.83pb. We opine that given the anticipation of increased supply of Iranian oil (though not immediate), pricing of the commodity might remain below USD70pb for an extended period of time, barring any major uptick in global demand for crude oil. Services sector: CAVERTON leads gainers after 2weeks of inactivity The services sector aligned with the mood in the equities market, as sector breadth of 0.33x tilted in favour of six decliners, against two stocks that appreciated in value. The MERISER Index declined by 4.60% WtD, dragging YtD return to -7.78%. Following a 2-week hiatus, CAVERTON led the gainers with a price appreciation of 7.89% to close at NGN3.69. ABCTRANS followed with a 1.96% increase. On the other hand, TRANSEXPR led the losers with a 22.92% decline, followed by NAHCO (13.45%), LEARNAFRICA (8.80%), RTBRISCOE (7.79%), and ACADEMY (4.21%) in that order. We believe that the bearish mood might persist into the coming week, especially as investors await the outcome of the MPC meeting, and implications for the economy, upon which activities in the services sector is dependent.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

SundayBusiness

Okwudirism – My Success Quotes (2) Success Nuggets Victor Okwudiri 08037674300 (SMS only)

31. ‘Values’ speaks of what you stand for; what you represent. 32. People should be able to identify you for godly and goodly virtues. 33. Place virtues (character) above money and material things. Re-examine your values. I believe you will grasp a fresh passion for living if you do so. 34. Stardom does not make stars. Stars make it to stardom. 35. We hear statements like, “When I become that, I will do that.” My response is a big “No!” The doing comes before the being. If you don’t start doing it now the little you can, you may never become it. 36. Don’t wait until you become it. ‘Be’, first. Then you will ‘come’ to limelight. That is what it means to be ‘become’. 37. The moment you start ‘being’, you have started ‘coming’ to your destination of greatness. This principle is what I call ‘The Mystery of Limelight’. 38. Before you seek ‘spotlight’, cleanse yourself of every ‘spot’. 39. Stop seeking stardom. Rather, be a ‘star’. That way, you will be segregated to the ‘domain’ called ‘stardom’. 40. There is no place in this world called ‘stardom’. The word ‘stardom’ is only used in reference to a set of people who

have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavour (a human galaxy of stars). So, if you want to make it to stardom, distinguish yourself. 41. Assuming, without conceding, that there is a place called stardom, I’d like you to consider this: in the word ‘stardom’, the ‘star’, which comes first, speaks of the person, whereas the ‘domain’ (abbreviated ‘dom’) speaks of the place. Now, I want you to know that the person (star) is more important than the place (dom), because places are meant for persons. It follows, therefore, that being a ‘star’ is more important than getting to the ‘dom’ (domain). 42. Make a commitment today to excellence and continuous capacitybuilding. 43. The Future is now. 44. Today is the tomorrow you talked about yesterday, and will be the yesterday you may talk about tomorrow. 45. Every second of the day counts. I, therefore, recommend to you the ‘per second’ principle as a pattern for successful living. 46. We are like arrows shot by God from eternity, through time, and will eventually arrive on the other side of eternity. 47. In our world governed by time, everything is on the move. As such, to remain relevant, you must be on the move too. 48. Nobody has a monopoly of ideas. 49. Thoughts are like airwaves. They are like radio waves. All one needs to do is to position an antenna to receive the signals. Similarly, all one needs to do to catch an idea is to leave an open mind.

In our world governed by time, everything is on the move. As such, to remain relevant, you must be on the move too 50. This is the thought process - precept, concept, product. 51. The same idea that goes through your mind could go through someone else’s mind, and, if you don’t act on the thought quickly, someone else might act on it and take the patent for it, whereas you conceived the idea first. That is the disadvantage of procrastination. 52. There is something about acting in the heat of passion. It is like eating food when it is still hot, or ironing your clothes while the iron is still hot. It makes more sense. 53. One way to secure the future is to work with deadlines. 54. He who does not work with deadlines may get dead in the line (of duty). 55. It takes a Heart to face the heat of life. 56. A young body with a heart that is FRAIL is bound to FAIL. 57. Mind is more powerful than might. 58. What you need to survive a struggle is not muscle, but mind (a brave heart). 59. Old is not synonymous with cold. 60. Grey is not synonymous with grave. 61. Age should not be a cage. You will succeed.

Difference between rich and poor The Big Picture Julian Atufunwa 08032810713 (SMS only)

n President Barack Obama’s inaugural address on January 20, 2009 in Washington D.C, he said, “The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital line that feed our commerce and bound us together. We will restore science to its rightful place and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun, the wind and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All these we can do and all this we will do. There are some who question the scale of our ambitions who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans – their memories are short.” If you read between the lines, you will see the difference between the rich and the poor. Riches and poverty are a state of the mind. Again, the make up or the quality of a person is determined by his/ her words. In his (Obama’s) speech, I see a goal-oriented person, a person that

believes nothing is impossible, a person of change etc. That is how the rich think. Let’s see more differences between the rich and the poor. • The rich think big, while the poor think shallow, The poor focus on how to feed their nuclear family, while the rich think of how to meet the needs of not just their families but the nations. The rich think big but they start small. • The rich don”t give excuses, They take responsibility for their actions. While the poor give countless excuses as to why they did not do what they were supposed to do. The poor are so keen on blaming everyone else except themselves. • The rich make plans but 86 per cent of the poor don’t. • The rich don’t have time for trivial matters like gossip. They have better issues to think about, but the poor talk about people and events. • The rich believe they are in control of their lives but the poor believe life is out of their control. The rich set in motion activities that will better their lives but the poor allow life to happen to them. • The rich never give up easily. They are rugged, dogged, resilient but the poor give up too easily, A little challenge or setback makes them quit. The rich follow through their goals until they see them come to pass. • The poor always feel they have learnt everything but the rich never stops learning. They pay every now and then to acquire more skills and gather

information that would boost their capacity • The rich initiate change and also prepare for change. The poor are always uncomfortable with change. They don’t see it coming. Even when they do, they don’t prepare for it often they are trapped. • The rich make money work for them while the poor work for money all their lives. • The rich know that life is all about risk, so they take calculated risks. They understand that by not taking a risk, they have risks already. The poor don’t even dare. • The rich have multiple streams of income. The poor only have one or two because their minds are not enlarged enough to multitask. • The wealthy give and give again but the poor withhold more than they meet. They hoard. • The rich seizes opportunities or create them but the poor passes through opportunities many times. The poor see problems but the rich see solutions, problems solving is key to wealth. • The rich make friends with the serious minded and goal-oriented people because these people spur them to aim high. The poor are intimidated by the rich. The poor believe the rich make their money through fraudulent means. Therefore, resent them. • The poor is always negative in their words but the rich mind what they say. The wealthy is always positive and it is reflected in their circumstances.

UACN boss counsels on affordable housing Stanley Ihedigbo

anaging Director of UACN Property Development Company (UPDC), Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, has said that affordable for Nigerians is not realisable now. Speaking at the Nigerian-British Chambers of Commerce breakfast meeting held recently in Lagos, Ogunniran said the cost of building materials in the country is prohibitive and will derail the plan. “Many building materials we have in this country are imported and with the rise in the exchange rate of the naira against the US dollar, they are getting more and more expensive,” he said. According to him, other factors affecting cost of housing in Nigeria include the limited availability of skilled manpower in the sector. “This has made the few competent hands that can handle all classes of building overstretched even as hiring them costs a fortune,” he added. Ogunniran also said lack of infrastructure, high cost of power generation and inclusion of some of the raw materials in building industry among the list of 41 items the Central Bank of Nigeria barred from accessing forex, has raised Nigeria’s housing deficit. With a meagre eight per cent contribution to the country’s GDP by the real estate sector and ranking of Nigeria as 86 out of 102 in the Global Real Estate transparency index, Ogunniran called on government to address thorny issues affecting the sector. Issues such as non-availability of good title on land, thorny legal issues, family squabbles over land and the exploitation of the Land Use Act as a revenue generating goldmine by state governments were also outlined as challenges by Ogunniran. In his response, the President of NBCC, Prince Dapo Adebule, promised that the chamber would assist in lobbying for the real sector reform bill to be passed into law by the National Assembly. He also promised that a UPDC team would be in the delegation of the chambers to the Presidency for NBCC’s decoration of President Muhammadu Buhari as its grand patron.

Staff promotion brews trouble in NDE

ome staff of National Directorate of Employment criticised the recent promotion exercise carried out by the company, saying most of those qualified for promotion did not benefit. The staff, who would not want their name published, alleged that the management of NDE without recourse to civil service rules and regulations decided to promote some staff of the directorate who were neither due for promotion nor did they attend promotion interview. They alleged that one of them was suddenly promoted from grade level 16 to grade level 17. “The unfortunate aspect of it was that those who attended the interview were not promoted because there was no vacancy. This person was promoted without her attending the promotion interview because she was not due having spent only two years on grade level 16; therefore was not invited. Now she’s a director. “That is not all. The management suddenly promoted eight state coordinators in the North Central, North East and North West to grade level 16. One of the state coordinators (Zamfara State) was promoted from grade level 14 to 16. Some officers in the NDE were denied promotion due to ‘lack of vacancy.’ Some of these state coordinators who got automatic promotion had spent only two months on their previous grade levels,” they alleged. They called on President Muhammadu Buhari, the NDE board and the Trade Union Congress to intervene, saying the staff of the directorate had not been able to cry out because they afraid of being victimised.

SUNDAY

BRANDS SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Harpic unveils All-in-One thematic campaign

Deborah Olayode

etermined to maintain its market leadership position, Harpic is reinforcing its tipple-powered impact for toilet solution with a new thematic campaign tagged: ‘Harpic All in One.’ Speaking at a media conference in Ikeja, Lagos, where the new TVC and the brand Ambassador, Helen Paul, was unveiled, Reckitt Benckiser’s Marketing Director ,West Africa, Mr. Oguzhan Silivrili, said that the main goal of the new campaign is to enlighten consumers on the superiority of Harpic over traditional toilet cleaning methods. Silivrili said: “We know that consumers want products that can remove tough stains, kill germs and freshen their toilets. This is why you see some people buying detergent, bleach and toilet fresheners for their toilet. This campaign is good news to such consumers. They will now realise they can conserve their cash for other things since they do not need to buy three different prod-

ucts for their toilets. Now, they can get all they need in one product- Harpic.” On the choice of the brand ambassador, Silivrili explained that since the company places strong premium on the importance of educating and informing its consumers, the firm had to dig deep based on consumer preferences through research to identify a special celebrity whose character is congruent with our brand. “We all will agree that Helen Paul will create a great impact in the minds of all our consumers with her double personality profiles that made her the ideal candidate to reach out to different facets of our consumers in this campaign and beyond. In the next few days, Nigerian consumers would be interacting intimately with Harpic as Helen embarks on the Harpic All in One Challenge where she would be putting our traditional toilet cleaning methods to the test to prove Harpic efficacy to our consumer’s through Mystery Home visits as well as other door- to- door activities.” In her response, the brand ambassador expressed her joy for the honour of be-

Indomie kicks off ‘Flash & Win’ promo

ndomie has commenced the Super Pack Flash & Win Promo. Consumers, according to a statement from the company, stand a chance to win cash prizes everyday during the course of the promo. The promo, which is slated to last for eight weeks, will see consumers win N100, 000 cash prize everyday via daily raffle draws, while at the end of the month, one lucky winner will be rewarded with N1million cash prize in a mega draw. Indomie will also give out N30 million worth of recharge cards to consumers. To take part in the promo, consumers are simply required to buy the Indomie 120g Super pack. A unique phone number can be found printed on the seasoning sachet inside the 120g packs, the statement added. Participants are further required to flash the unique numbers after, which their phone number would be registered to take part in

the daily and monthly raffle draws where they stand a chance to win. On the promo, Public Relations/Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, said it was embarked upon to engage and reward consumers for their continued loyalty to the brand. He noted that that the promo was part of the brand’s several initiatives lined up to reward consumers. Ashiwaju said: “Indomie as a brand is always delighted to engage and reward our consumers through promos like this. As a brand, we would always engage in promos and other activities that would go a long way in bringing joy to the hearts of our consumers who are our biggest stakeholders. “It should also be of note that this Super Pack Flash & Win Promo is strategically designed to run nationwide, as Indomie appreciates the value of all its teeming customers irrespective of their age, ethnicity and location.”

ing engaged as the Harpic Brand Ambassador. “To have been chosen as the face of Harpic amongst the galaxy of Stars in Nigeria is humbling and encouraging,” she said. Helen added that she was poised to bring joy to consumers and drive home all the important messages the brand wants to convey in this campaign. Reinstating Harpic’s

commitment, Marketing Manager, Harpic, RB West Africa, Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi Omotola, said that in the last few years, Harpic, had been in the forefront of educating Nigerians on issues of toilet cleanliness and hygiene. “Nigerian consumers can readily recall the Harpic Experience Moments where sets of activities were lined up to reach

one million homes yearly across 16 cities within the country to educate consumers about how to keep a clean and hygienic toilet. Also, during the world toilet day we saw Harpic Mobile Toilet Experience Trains that were rolled out to increase access to clean toilet mostly in public places where toilets are dilapidated or nonexistent. The idea is to reach the 34

million Nigerians who do not have access to toilets. This is part of a 2.5 billion (40%) global population of people without access to toilets,” the marketing manager said. She added that Harpic was not relenting on the journey of breakout innovations in toilet cleaning as evident with the recent innovation of Harpic Allin-One toilet solution.

L-R: Commercial Manager, Apapa, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, Idowu Adedoyin; Head Teacher, Mrs. Margaret Imokhodu; Teacher of St. Theresa Primary School, Apapa, Lagos, Mrs. Anthonia Akude and Corporate Communications Manager, NBC Limited, Akomen Omijeh at the certificate presentation ceremony after a one-year Teacher4Change Project by Stephen Adams Social Reformation Foundation in Lagos…on Friday

Chivita 100% reiterates benefits to consumers

hivita 100% will continue to delight and nourish consumers across the country, its Managing Director, Chi Limited, Deepanjan Roy, has said. In a statement made available to Sunday Telegraph, he said the company places premium on consumers by ensuring that they get optimum nutritional value from Chivita 100%. “We employ the most advanced technology in the production of fruit juice and ensure that it is packaged in the most hygienic and convenient form available anywhere. Our technological process ensures that the juice retains its natural fruity composition and is of the highest quality,” he said. “In an increasingly health-conscious world, many brands have risen to the challenge of meeting consumer needs with

innovative solutions. Today, it is gratifying to note that beverage manufacturers like Chi Limited, makers of Chivita 100%, have made it easier for everyone to keep fit, by creating beverages that are simply healthy and affordable. In spite of stiff competition and uncertainties in the marketplace, Chi Limited has endured to build a formidable brand that is a huge delight to fruit juice consumers.” Also, according to a renowned nutritionist, Dr. Adeleke Adelakun, “Nutrition is a key enabler to meet almost every development goal for human beings, and we cannot over-emphasise the role that natural foods without artificial preservatives and refined sugars can play in achieving this. Chivita 100% fruit juices are naturally nutritious and are usually fortified with nu-

trients like vitamin C, calcium and vitamin D. They are considered a “nutrient dense” beverage because they contain far more nutritional value than other beverage choices per calorie.” For a health and lifestyle expert, Angela Maduka, she said regular consumption of Chivita 100% orange flavour has helped her maintain a healthy mucus membrane, skin and good vision. “This is because oranges contain very good levels of vitamin A and other flavonoid antioxidants such, which are known to have antioxidant properties. It has also been established that oranges are a good source of B-complex vitamins, which are essential because the body requires them from external sources to replenish itself.” Similarly, brand analyst, Emeka Nwobi, said: “In

Nigeria traditional consumption patterns are rapidly changing as more consumers are embracing fruit juices with innovative forms and flavours. Many of the products achieving the highest growth rates are those riding on the seeming impact of taste for health obsessed juice consumers. Consumer trends also show a concern for high sugar content in many fruit drinks available. “In this regard, Chivita 100% fruit juice stands outs with no added sugar and preservative contents. This has endeared the brand to millions of fruit juice lovers across the country.” Chivita 100% fruit juice according to the statement, is available in five variants of real pineapple, real apple, real orange, orange pineapple and orange mango.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

SundayBusiness/Brands

Actv launches cam-card for smart tvs

he latest entrant into the pay tv market in Nigeria, African Cable Television (ACTV) is set to break into the market, despite stiff competition in closing the gap between a dominant player and market followers. With the brand’s promise of innovation and affordability to the lowend market, ACTV has launched the first CAMCard for satellite Smart TVs, a few months after it introduced the first cardless HD/PVR decoder. The Conditional Access Module (CAM) card is an electronic device, which equips an integrated digital television, popularly called satellite Smart TVs,

which has the ability to capture and view satellite video channels directly without the need for a settop box or decoder as it is popularly known. According to the brand handlers, Actv, in order to bring this product to as many Nigerians as possible, has entered into a partnership with LG and has already sold 5,000 of the product in just a few months. The pay TV Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mr. Joseph Chitanta, explained that globally new ways of delivering quality video contents were being deployed and Nigeria could not be left out.

Posterscope makes debut in Nigeria

Dele Alao n Out-of-Home (OOH) communication agency, Posterscope, is set to be officially launched into the Nigerian market. Managing Director, Posterscope Nigeria, Dan Oshodin, said this in a chat with the media. The managing director said Posterscope’s arrival in the market is bound to cause a significant shift in how the medium was considered, as the company deploys new systems and methodolo-

gies that put consumers at the heart of OOH planning and buying. To herald the entry, Oshodin said Posterscope is partnering the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) to host key stakeholders in the Nigerian advertising industry in a thought leadership conference where Posterscope experts from around the world will discuss how technology, convergence and connection were redefining the way brands use out-of-home media. Tagged ‘Pioneering

Change OOH Conference,’ the event, which will hold next week in Lagos, will feature Posterscope’s Global Insight Director, David Gordon. Gordon was the man who helped midwife Route, the UK’s OOH audience measurement system and OCS, Posterscope’s OOH Consumer Survey, which is also set to be launched in Nigeria. Other speakers expected at the conference include President, OAAN, Charles Chijide, Development Director, Posterscope, Sub-

Saharan Africa; Bruce Burgess, Chief Operating Officer of Isobar; Vikrant Tandle and Managing/ Creative Director, Etu Odi, a creative agency, Uzoma Okoye. With 53 offices in 32 countries, Posterscope, is one of the world’s leading media agency with specialist focus on out-of-home communication and a better understanding of emerging technology and consumer behaviour when out-ofhome and how these two combine to create new opportunities for advertisers.

Ad agencies set for 42nd AGM/congress

he Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) has concluded plans to hold its 42nd Annual General Meeting/Congress in Osogbo, Osun State. The theme for this year’s AGM/Congress is ‘Nigeria Advertising, What Next?’ The theme, according to a statement, seeks to further provide a professional platform for a truly intellectual and practical discourse on the need for the tripod of the advertising practice to further understand the emerging business issues and its effects on business

relationship. Newly inducted members of the Association, Interactive Media Limited, 7even Interactive Limited and Agile Communications Limited, will also be given certificate of membership during the Gala Nite. Executive Board members of the Association are elected during the AGM/ Congress hence; election will be conducted during the 42nd AGM/congress to elect officers of the association. The AGM will start from Thursday 23rd to Saturday, 25th July 2015.

Google, MediaReach OMD collaborate

he Chief Executive Officer, MediaReach OMD, Mr. Tolu Ogunkoya, has said that the partnership between his company and Google Nigeria has been taken to a new level, with the recent hosting of Google @ mediaReach OMD. Ogunkoya, in a statement, said the recent event titled: Google@mediaReach OMD, was unique as it happened in Nigeria for the first time. He explained that the event was developmental and experiential as it focused on demonstration of new products like Google Card Board (Augmented Reality), Google Now, andCromecast. Ogunkoya said that there was a deal on building digital capabilities between Google and MediaReach OMD before now. The recent collaboration between the two companies, he expalined, was just taking the bilateral relationship to the next level on various Google products. He said the event targeted leveraging YouTube beyond advertising and creating content from the consumer

context and brand connect in the area of Hygiene, Hub and Hero content which consumers would like to see coming from the brand. Besides, he said that the joint event focused on Connected Consumer and role of Digital, as the line between Offline and Online are blurring because consumers travel within physical and virtual world effortlessly and our Media Strategy should reflect this. “MediaReach OMD has been one of the lead buyers of Google in Nigeria. It has been an ongoing joint effort of Google and mediaReach OMD to build Digital capabilities, both within the Agency and within the marketing team of our clients, titled as Digital Days, which has been happening for a while and Google @ mediaReach OMD is very different from Digital Days.” He said the objective of this effort is to bring more collaboration between Google and mediaReach in which the clients will directly benefit, it’s about creating Best-in-Class examples in-market, which the world will see coming out of Nigeria.

L-R: Company Secretary and Legal Adviser, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Angela Omo-Dare; Chief Executive Officer, Geometric Power Limited, Prof. Barth Nnaji; Vice Chairman, Afrigem Integrated Utilities Limited, Samaila Zubairu; Deputy Managing Director/ Chief Risk Officer, Diamond Bank, Caroline Anyanwu; Head Strategic Accounts, AMCON, Kamila Omokide and Company Secretary, Diamond Bank Plc, Nkechi Nwosu, after the signing ceremony of Transaction Implementation Agreement for the recapitalization and restructuring of Aba Geometric Power Limited in Lagos…recently.

Life beer doles out N3m to 12 entrepreneurs

ife Continental Beer from the stable of Nigerian Breweries has given additional N3 million cash grant to 12 young entrepreneurs within the South-East to boost their business ideas. Life Beer had earlier given out N3million to 12 young entrepreneurs in its on-going ‘Life Continental Beer Progress Booster Radio Project.’ The Head of Brewery, Ama, Enugu, Mr. Abiodun Ajayi, in a statement, said the brand had earmarked N14.5 million grants to boost 50 young entrepreneurs, who reside and hail from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. The 12 second set of winners are Mr Ekenne Okpadile (Anambra), proposal on domestic and commercial cleaning services; Mr. Uzochukwu Okwor (Enugu), proposal on Photography; Mr. Onyinye OnyedikaOrizu (Anambra), proposal on DJ Turn-Table and Miss Miracle Akagha (Abia), proposal on mobile small fries. Others are: Miss Chinwe

Ottor (Anambra), proposal on giant snail farming; Mr. Maxwell Madubuike (Enugu), proposal on palm oil production; Mr. Christian Udeh (Anambra), proposal for paint making and Mrs. Chinwendu Nwoye (Anambra), proposal on fashion designing. Handling over cheques of N250,000 to each of the 12 winners in Nigeria Breweries, Ama, Enugu; Ajayi urged the winners to ensure that their investment is yielding enough returns to make them become employers of labour. He said: “With this, life has supported 24 talents since the commencement of the programme in May and 26 more to go. These young entrepreneurs whose business ideas have been adjudged worthy of Life Progress Booster prizes, will each receive N250, 000 grant to bring their business ideas to life. “As you receive these cash grants today, we expect you to succeed in the business line you have chosen. Make judicious investment of the

money given you and ensure that your investment is yielding returns and your business capable of making you an employer of labour as you trudge on in your business journey. “If you succeed in taking your business idea to the next desirable level, you stand a chance of going

further to win more money (additional N250,000 to be won each by eight winners). The panel of experts that assessed and judged your business proposals will be monitoring your progress and they will be there to mentor and provide valuable advice when necessary.’’

Okhma wins marketing rights for Calabar Carnival

ross River State Carnival Commission, the agency responsible for overseeing the annual Calabar Carnival, has announced Okhma Global Limited, a marketing consulting firm based in Lagos, as the Lead Marketing Company for the carnival. Responsibilities of the newly appointed agency according to a statement, include; to increase the fund drive by more than 80 per cent of current revenue accruable from marketing and also provide Marketing and PR consultancy/advisory, strategy implementation, media con-

tent creation, production, advertising and Sponsorship/ partnership acquisitions. Calabar Carnival festival in Nigeria, also tagged: ‘Africa’s Biggest Street Party,’ was created as part of the vision of making Cross River State in Nigeria, the number one tourist destination for Nigerians and tourist all over the world. The carnival, which runs from December 1 -31, has boosted the cultural mosaic of Nigerians while entertaining the millions of spectators within and outside the State, and boosting industry for all stakeholders.

SUNDAY

Markets&Mall SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Lagos Computer Village can’t survive unstable naira – Chairman How tasking has it managing business and people? Over two years since I assumed office, I have come to terms with the view that human beings are very difficult to manage; even more than business. Human beings are dynamic and complicated species. You cannot really predict them. At the same time, our managerial skills have been challenged and put into practice. Don’t forget that at Computer Village, you will see people from all walks of life - a mix of the educated, semieducated, non-educated and touts. In the market, I have come to see leadership as a call to both sacrifice and service. We have to build a relationship with individuals, factoring in their background, literacy level and needs. We have a lot of miscreants here; we have a lot of fraudsters here too. Every day we are confronted with customers complaining about how they have been duped by these miscreants who sold phones and computer accessories to them. On this issue, we have a working relationship with the community police. Where there is a need to arrest, we do that. Where there is a need to involve our task force we also do that. We work on this philosophy that if one customer is lost due to fraud, then a million dollars has been lost in the market. How can you describe the successes and challenges of the market? The association has become cohesive since our inception. We have fixed the roads and this has impacted positively on our customers. We have created a better business relationship with our customers and associates. We have also waged a war against the ‘fufu boys’ (those who specialise in deceiving innocent customers selling phones stuffed with fufu or cassava paste). We have kept our eyes open, watching closely so that they do not deceive more customers. We have broken more grounds with the relationship we have established with the Nigerian-Mexican Chamber of Commerce. We have held several meetings aimed at promoting this relationship. Mexico is one of the world’s leading Information and Communication Technology manufacturers. They promised us tax reduction and the introduction of a variety of new businesses. This is as a result of the business relationship we initiated with them. In future, the relationship is aimed at bringing them to open manufacturing plants here. Government should help us deal with miscreants. Government should come and take miscreants away from the market. In the past, they beat up our customers. The emotional pain our customers suffer when they are duped cannot be

Mr. Joseph Akindipe is the chairman of Idowu Lane unit of Lagos Computer Village. In this interview with CAMILLUS NNAJI, he speaks on the rapid expansion of the market, the falling value of the naira and sundry issues. Excerpts;

Lagos Computer Village

quantified. Business people, buyers should be wary of those doing business along the streets. They should walk into shops and request to see the owner of the shop before doing any transaction.

it is simply not working. Do you want a market that is not working? Business people should understand that there is a common goal to meet. Business people think of profit and that is what is on their minds.

In terms of revenue generation, how can you score Computer Village’s contribution to the government’s purse? Computer Village generates high income for the government. For instance, an importer may be bringing in goods worth N5 million and spend as much as N500, 000 to clear it from the port. One computer, for example, weighs 3-5kg; 100 computers will weigh as much as 500kg, you can pay as much as N500, 000 to bring in those computers in form of tax. But when imported, our customers are not flexible with reality. This time around, the dollar is very high, impacting more on SMEs. But at the end of the day, when you increase your price to suit the change in foreign exchange, the customers will never pay more than what he envisaged as the actual cost of the item.

What strategy do you have against fires? We have put in place machinery to checkmate this. We have the numbers of the Lagos fire service too. Our security men are detailed to patrol the entire market day and night and the have the mandate to lock up any shop that has its lights on. We have also worked on electrical connections, because we believe this is one of the causes of fire outbreak. Generator usage has been reduced because we have instructed that every line should have one

What is the update on government’s planned relocation of Computer Village? We have not had any meeting with the current Lagos State Government on that. The truth is that Lagos State Government does not want to spend money on relocation but still wants it to happen.

Akindipe They prefer private participation in terms of funding. Relocation does not favour business people. We have tried to see how this will work. Take an instance from Tejuosho and Oshodi markets,

or two heavy duty generators to power all the shops. In other words, we have placed a strong surveillance on possible causes of fire outbreak. What measures have you taken on sanitary condition of the market? Our sanitation strategy is relationship-based. We relate with Ikeja Local Government officials on this. We work with chairmen of each of the buildings in the market. We make sure, compulsorily, drainages are cleaned and swept. We relate well with Lagos Waste Management Authority. We pay up to date which means when they are not measuring up. We put them under pressure. If refuse is not packed here in this market within 48 hours, the whole environment will be messy.

Mizbeach opens shop in Agege Market Stanley Ihedigbo

ne of the leading phone dealers in the country, Mizbeach Nigeria has opened its shop in Agege market, Lagos, saying the move is in line with its expansion plan across the country. The firm explained that the expansion drive was part of effort to reach out to a lot more Nigerians and also to remain competitive. Speaking with Sunday Telegraph,

the branch manager, Mr. Idowu Adeyemi , said Mizbeach phones are quality products , which no customer would regret of buying from the company’s shops nationwide. He said, “We sell in wholesale quantity to a wide range of resellers that come to us from across the country and effectively cater to the personalised end user market by always providing our esteemed customers with high quality GSM phones and handsets at the most competitive prices.

“Our mission is to ensure that every person that comes in contact with a Mizbeach location leaves with a very pleasant and exciting experience,” he added. “Consumers are also assured of genuine phones products and every purchase is backed up with a two-year warranty and after sale service. This masterpiece is expected to foster a deeper and more meaningful connection between customers and the Mizbeach Nigeria,” he said.

SUNDAY

Politics SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2015

The Sunday Interview

Jemibewon: Federal character should be dropped p.32, 33

Interview

It’s too early to criticise Buhari, says Umeh p.34

Interview

Wada: PDP‘ll return stronger p.35 Olonisakin

Rivers as theatre of legal fireworks p.37

T © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Buratai

Insurgency: Task before new service chiefs Of all the tasks ahead of the new service chiefs, Emmanuel Onani writes that tackling Boko Haram and ensuring maritime security are going to be the fiercest

Biyi Adegoroye Assistant Editor biyi.fire@yahoo.com

Ibas

he Nigerian Army, since 2009, has been battling to preserve and protect the territorial integrity of the country from unrelenting attempts by the Boko Haram sect to forcefully enthrone a Caliphate in the North-East, preparatory to the imposition of Sharia. The Boko Haram sect, which was founded by the late Muhammed Yusuf, has grown into a very radical sect, which deadly activities have become a source of national and global concern. Reports say over 15,000 people have been killed by Boko Haram fighters since 2009, when the insurrection began in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. Apart from the brutal deaths, the Boko Haram insurgency has also destroyed property worth billions of naira, even as over one million people have since been displaced from their homes, according to the National

Emergency Management Agency. The coordinating and disaster response agency, had said, among others, that ”... In contrast, in Borno State, the Internally Displaced Persons’ population has however increased since April 2015 and has reached over 1.4 million...” Besides killing and maiming people, Boko Haram became so daring to the extent that it started seizing some territories in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, after subduing the military, in some cases. Though, the Nigerian military was able to degrade the Boko Haram ranks, retake territories, and dislodge the fighters from their Sambisa Forest stronghold, it appeared there is a relapse in the not-too long push that had turned the tide against the sect. There are reports that in the last few weeks, at least 400 people have lost their lives due to renewed suicide and gun attacks by Boko Haram. It is against the backdrop of obvious upsurge in the activities of Boko Haram, that analysts and experts have said more needs to be done by the new Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Abayomi Olonishakin, Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai and the rest sercie chiefs to stem the ugly tide. Intelligence gathering The new COAS, who is an infantry officer, must strengthen the intelligence gathering capacity of the Nigerian Army, as a means of nipping in the bud most of the pending

attacks by suspected Boko Haram fighters. To achieve this, however, Buratai must build confidence in the locals, who must be persuaded to key into the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency war. Luckily, the Army Chief hails from Borno State - which is the hotbed of the Boko Haram activities - and so, must galvanise support for the military. Welfare as priority As Buratai settles down, it is important for him to accord priority to the welfare of officers and soldiers, who are prosecuting the ongoing war on terror in the North-East, and others battling criminal gangs in the NorthCentral, as well as oil theft in the Niger Delta. This, to all intents and purposes, must be given deserved attention, as enhanced welfare boosts the morale of troops on the frontline. The thought of adequate remuneration, motivates a soldier to give his all, knowing full well that even in the event of death, his family would be catered for by the authorities. It has also been argued that cases of indiscipline, which had given rise to such offences as mutiny, cowardice, desertion and the like, will be a thing of the past if officers and soldiers in the theatre of operation are guaranteed of their welfare- prompt payment of stipulated allowances and terminal benefits to their families, they will display greater commitment to defending the nation. CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2015 S

The Sunday

Jemibewon: Federal chara Maj-Gen. David Medayese Jemibewon, a retired Nigerian military officer, is an accomplished man. He is a former governor of the defunct Western State, an erstwhile General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1st Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army and later Minister of Police Affairs. In this chat with ONWUKA NZESHI Jemibewon who clocks 75 years tomorrow, speaks on critical national security issues Let’s get started with the most current issue on national security. What is your view about the recent change of guards manifesting in the appointment of new service chiefs? I would like you to be more specific in the area of the appointments you want me to comment on because change is a normal thing; a constant situation in human life. Human beings themselves are never static; life situations are never static and change is a necessity for any organisation that wants to achieve some form of development or improvement. I therefore think that what happened was a normal thing. Those they changed, replaced some people at a particular time and change must be a continuous process. Six months ago, President Muhamnadu Buhari was not even the President of the country. Then he was elected and sworn into office; these are different forms of changes. Even when we talk of constitutional procedure and democracy, they

are meant to bring about progressive change. You must have seen the names of the new service chiefs and where they came from. Do you think this is the right team that Buhari needs to combat the security challenges facing Nigeria? I should think so for various reasons. I looked at the names, particularly the Chief of Defence Staff. That is the highest position in the Armed Forces and the person appointed is a Major General. He is also a young person. There must be reasons why he was chosen from among his colleagues. First, joining the Army as a cadet is where there is a level playing ground but once you get to the Nigerian Defence Academy, your career is dependent on performance. You cannot say that because I started with this man, we were course mates therefore we must be promoted at the same time and to the same rank or you must have the same appointments. It’s not possible. Only one person is going to be Chief of Army

Staff; only one is going to be Chief of Air Staff and only one is going to be Chief of Naval Staff at any particular time. At that beginning, cadets are put together but after a period of time, you now have those who will go to the Navy, Army and Air Force. But in treating them, you treat them as course mates. Don’t forget that some of those who held these positions in the past were full generals. Some were three star generals and now you come to a Major General as Chief of Defence Staff. I’m sure he must have had good records, good performance and good reputation. I think that I’m impressed. I don’t know any of them but I think it’s a new dimension and I don’t see anything wrong in it. There are protests in certain quarters about the appointments not confirming with the federal character principle. There are complaints that none of the service chiefs is from the South-East. Does this really

Jemibewon

matter in appointments of this nature? In fact, I am not comfortable with so many things in this country. We became independent in 1960 and for the unity of this country, the constitution emphasizes federal character. But I think we ought to have put a time frame on the application of this federal character. We ought to gradually reduce it until a point comes when you consider everything on the basis of national character. I want people to let me know the difference between federal character and national character. It is very important. Are we saying that in the next 100 or 200 years we should still be talking about who comes from where and what language he speaks? I think we need limitation. If they had said federal character would last for 50 years when we became independent, we would have been through with it by now. Maybe we could have given ourselves 75 years but after that I think we should talk of the nation rather than one section of Nigeria. I even ask this question: when people go on operation and troops are killed, do we die by federal character? Or where people have not been killed on

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acter should be dropped federal representation, do we just say bring some people where less people have been killed and we kill them on the basis of equality? So I think we ought to put a time limit during which thus federal character thing would be phased out first us to now come to national character. You see when people start looking at who is appointed to where, we create problems, particularly in the military and the judiciary. These are professional institutions that competence, professionalism and character should be the basic foundation in considering people. Not only that, in the Armed Forces, we have what we call course mates, just like you have classmates. In admitting people into the Nigerian Defence Academy, you make sure that it is evenly spread and there is federal character but beyond that is performance. I have been Chairman of a selection committee in the past and you find that even in those days when perhaps it was five cadets per state, there were states who couldn’t fill their five positions because they didn’t have people who qualified. So what used to happen at that time was that states that may have more than five, what you just did for record purposes was to use their surplus to fill the gap in the states that couldn’t fill their required numbers. The excess is deemed to have been loaned to other states. In fact a policy was made at that time that only states that borders such states that you bring the extra. But with time, this same state that couldn’t meet its quota maybe five years ago, may suddenly come up and can now produce more than is allowed by the system. They will then remember that there was a time they couldn’t meet their quota. At time you must now restore their quota because they now have enough candidates to fill it. When you are considering people for promotion, particularly when they have become senior officers, you consider them in group, the same manner that they entered NDA and how they have been making progress. In considering them for higher positions, it is important you don’t bring somebody terribly junior above somebody who is senior just because you want to balance regional equation or federal character. You have to go class by class. If a state at the beginning had only two upon five, then you are now considering people, the state that had five upon five is likely to be more advantaged. But it is not a permanent thing. It is our duty to educate the society about some of these things. Just before the handover of power to the new administration, the security situation was a bit calm and Nigerians were beginning to think that peace had returned. However in recent weeks, there has been a resurgence of bombings across the country. What do you think is responsible for this development? The foundation of any organisation or project is important. If the foundation is wrong, until you uproot it completely and start afresh, anything built on it is likely to either collapse or won’t stand well. So what is happening now is still part of the effect of the wrong beginning in terms of the approach that those in authority took against Boko Haram. Of course, somebody who is in charge of an organisation or inside a house knows more of the problems within the structure than somebody coming from outside. This is particularly so when the person coming from outside has no guarantee that he will get there. He cannot start planning because he does not know where the roof is leaking. He wants to be there first, see the problems and then start making quick plans to rescue the situation. Thereafter, he will make long term plans on what to do about the situation. When I read in the papers that Buhari is slow, I start wondering. What should he do to give the

impression that he is fast? Buhari came to meet a situation. He has to study the situation; he has to get briefs from those who had been in charge. You don’t just get those briefs and completely believe in every aspect of the brief. You have to find a way of verifying the authenticity of these briefings. In the process leading to these, there is the possibility of the authorities trying to combat the security situation but slowing down a little bit to make a proper assessment rather than a hurried approach. This in fact can become very catastrophic and people will blame the same system. Of course, the rebels or insurgents would also want to take advantage of this change, a small dislocation. They know that from the language of the man coming, he is not going to take nonsense and they are likely to face serious problems in the next few months or so. They have taken advantage of the change of government to launch what could be the last phase of their efforts. In a situation like this, losing one life is as bad as losing 20. I believe that in the next three months, the situation will not be the same. I am not giving you a date because I am not in government or at the war theatre, But I’m saying that as we go forward, the situation will be better. You seem to have a lot of confidence in what the new administration is doing on security. But what has Buhari done significantly differently from what Jonathan did on security? The difference is that Jonathan was there for more than four years; Buhari has just been there for less than three months. It’s a major difference. It would be ridiculous to compare performance on less than 60 days with a performance of six years. So that is the major difference. What are your impressions of President Muhamnadu Buhari? We can’t get a better material particularly judging by his background and my knowledge of him. Even in the army, he never condoned corruption. He may not know, but I was worried for him even when he was in the army because he was critical of government even at that level. But he alone can’t do this job; he needs the support and determination of all Nigerians. Let all of us do our own little bit in our own little corner. In our homes, offices and everywhere we may find ourselves; we are the ones that can raise the level of sanity in the society. It is not the job of one man. How do you see the move by this administration to fund the Multi-National Taskforce located in N’djamena, Chad? Why do we not have such a military base right inside Nigeria where Boko Haram is terrorising the population? First, you must understand that the President has more information than you and I on security. You see, a security man who is to secure a landlord and in doing that job, sits in the living room of that landlord, his chances of securing that landlord successfully are very remote. By the time agents of insecurity enter the sitting room, he has lost the battle. But to even bring it better home, in an operation so many things are involved administratively. Usually, there will be casualties and some people who have fallen casualty in the crisis might survive or not depending on the time they spend in getting to areas of first aid or treatment. If your line of communication is too long, it will be impossible for casualties to receive the quick first aid they need. Also, in terms reading the situation and reacting to reinforcement demands by people who are on the frontline, it is faster with a forward operational base. I want to believe these might be things considered before some of these decisions were taken. Like I said earlier, the President

When people start to look at who is appointed to where, we create problems, particularly in the military and the judiciary has more information than any one of us and militarily, it’s the right decision. Some Nigerians have attributed the recent resurgence in terrorist attacks to a recent pronouncement where President Buhari ordered the dismantling of military checkpoints across the country. Don’t do you think that that pronouncement was a tactical error in managing the security challenge? Number one, I do not believe that it is as a result of that statement because Boko Haram had increased their activities before the removal of these checkpoints. Also from what I read in the papers, his spokesman has said that he never gave instruction for the removal of checkpoints. Number three, assuming he even gave such an order, there must have been reasons for it, Ordinarily, in a situation where war has not been declared, a road block is not the work of military men. It falls within the ambit if police responsibilities. Then the police requires the cooperation of the citizenry to give them information and support. These people who are involved in some of this criminality- bombings, armed robberies and kidnappings, live within the society. We know that Boko Haram is a different ball game but in every act of criminality, the police require information, intelligence and assistance. That is why they say the police are your friends. If you have a friend you must relate with him to ensure he succeeds in his assignments. You were once the Minister of Police Affairs. Given the road we have travelled with insecurity, do you think the removal of military checkpoints and their replacement with the police is the best option at this time knowing that we have done anything extra to retrain and equip our policemen for the new war? First of all it is just like some statements that we hear every day. Sometimes, we hear people saying that this country is not ready for this and is not ready for that. When shall we be ready? Give a man a responsibility, give him the support he needs; give him the materials he needs to do his job and then watch what happens next. Of course, if with all the facilities made available to him, he does not perform, you fire him and get somebody better. In that process, you would see that the society would gradually begin to get better. If you are saying that until society attains perfection we should not do anything, the question would be when would this perfection be attained? In a few days from now you will be clocking one more year in life but you seem to walk with a spring and power that one may mistake you for a serving military officer. Is it the special injection they say they give to you soldiers that is at work? If they give us such an injection and I left the Army 32 years ago, and the injection is still working, then it must be a serious one. In my view, I think what has happened is this: in whatever position you are, whatever position God has endowed you with, you ought to also make a little effort to build on it. Like I always tell people, the

dress you are wearing; the dress I’m wearing that people admire you or me in could be the same dress that we would wear and people would run away from us if it is not washed and is exuding a terrible odour. You may just have one shirt but if you are sensible, at night you wash it, iron it, the following morning you wear it, they will think that you have a dozen of it. I think that God has endowed me with good health and until I had an accident when I was a minister, I used to do some exercise. But interestingly, last Sunday, my daughter challenged me because she does a lot of exercise to keep fit. She said we should go to the National Stadium to jog and I just went with her. There, she told me that I should aim at running round the pitch four laps and that would amount to one mile; which is something she did herself. I did my best, and I made it. She kept saying: ‘Daddy, I am proud of you. I thought you wouldn’t be able to make it.’ So, my good health is the making of God and no doubt my military background has also helped through our training. But then don’t forget that there were people who were very junior to me in the military who are dead. There are also those who were junior to me in the military that can’t move the way you have described my movement. I think we have to thank God for everything. Where exactly were you on the day of the February 13, 1976 coup? Of course, I was in Ibadan, which was my duty post. Even up till now, if you give me a responsibility, I will discharge it to the best of my ability. I was never found wanting in any responsibility I was given throughout my stay in the Army. I was as committed as I could and I think everybody in that administration was committed. So you can imagine that when it happened, we just felt that look, there was no hope for this country if such a leader could be hacked down in broad daylight. Did that incident influence your retirement from the Army in any way? Not really. I retired in 1983. In fact after that incident I remained in the service until Obasanjo handed over to the civilian administration of President Shehu Shagari. It was after four years of Shagari and the elections resulting in his second term that I left the service. Before the expiration of Shagari’s first term, I had already put in my letter of retirement when I thought I had had enough of military service, but President Shagari invited me and persuaded me to hold on a little. I think that information must have reached him that I was planning to go. Some people must have told him that maybe, I didn’t like his government or whatever and that may be why I wanted to leave. So he invited me. Imagine! May God continue to bless that man. I don’t know why that every time that Nigeria has opportunity of having a good person as leader, we miss it. He invited me; ordinary me, soldier! President! I think he told the Permanent Secretary and the Permanent Secretary told the Chief of Army Staff who was then Gen. Wushishi and they tried to find out why I wanted to leave the army. Could it be I didn’t like his government? Luckily for me, having being a governor in Ibadan, a few people knew me. Chief Adisa Akinloye who was then the National Chairman of the National Party of Nigeria, the party in power at that time, knew me. So he invited me on one occasion to Lagos and he wanted me to brief them on what can make the army support the government of the day. From what he told me, Mr. President discussed it with him and he told him that he knew somebody reliable that he can discuss it with. So when I got to Lagos, Chief Akinloye and I met in the house of a friend of mine. It’s now history.

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Politics

It’s too early to criticise Buhari, says Umeh Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chief Victor Umeh is a life member of the Board of Trustees of the party alongside former APGA National Secretary, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi. In this interview with WALE ELEGBEDE Umeh speaks on the new leadership of APGA, the crisis in the All Progressives Congress and the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration Recently, you handed over the National Chairmanship of the All Progressives Grand Alliance to Dr. Victor Oye. Many are worried that Oye was until three years ago, a member of the Progressive Peoples Alliance may not be quite knowledgeable about APGA affairs. What is your reaction? Victor Ikechukwu Oye is somebody who has the capacity to lead APGA. He has enough experience to discharge the duties of that office. In electing him into the office of National Chairman of APGA, we were conscious of the challenges that lie ahead of his tenure. We were convinced he can do that. He is somebody who is well educated. He has Masters Degree in Communications, and he is a doctoral fellow in Communications from Oxford University. So, he is somebody you cannot wish away. Moreover, like you rightly said, he’s been around government. He is also a seasoned journalist. So, he is somebody who understands the dynamics of his office and will be in a position to have firm control of it. That’s our expectation. For me, we will continue to give him all the support that he will need to make APGA a strong party. We are all in the party with him, even though our tenure has expired. We will pray for him and his colleagues. One thing you cannot take away is that no two individuals are the same. Everybody has his own innate qualities, capacities and dispositions. We are very hopeful that he will bring his own endowments from God to bear on the job, and where necessary, we will be there to give a helping hand. The party is there for all of us and we will be working collectively towards the advancement of the party’s objectives. Though I have left office as National Chairman of APGA, I am a member of the Board of Trustees of the party, so long as I remain a member of the party. That is to say that if I choose to be a member of APGA till death and APGA is still there, I will be a member of the Board of Trustees till I die. So, you see that we are part and parcel of the party. Apart from that, we are part of other larger bodies in the party, like National Executive Committee, the National Caucus and the National Convention. So, at all material times, including the Board of Trustees, we are still part of the decision making processes of the party, myself and the former National Secretary, who exited from office with me, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi. But these are purely constitutional things. These are provided for in the party constitution that it should be that way. So, people should give Dr. Oye a chance to prove his mettle. It is our prayer that he will surpass us in his achievements. Good enough, we have taken the party out of the troubled waters. Our leadership was dotted with crises for a long time, but we have been able to use the machineries of the court to clear out all those distractions. So, he is coming in on a very strong pedestal, on a clean slate, no legal hangover. The one that is outstanding at the

Supreme Court is just a matter of course, that of Maxi Okwu and that one will die off. So, that being the case, he is not inheriting any litigation against his leadership. So, he will be able to concentrate. Unlike the huge distractions we got from our pioneer chairman, Chekwas Okorie, and along the line Maxi Okwu was imported by former Governor Peter Obi and they used all kinds of processes to disorganise the party. So, under Governor Willie Obiano as leader of the party and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr. Oye’s National Working Committee will focus on how to build the party, rather than how to contend with internal crisis. Many people think that because of the strong support that the Peoples Democratic Party got from APGA in the presidential election, the PDP should have adopted you as their candidate in the senatorial election Let me say clearly that Jonathan lost the presidential election in the South-East because he mismanaged the support he got from the stakeholders from the South East. Number one stakeholder in the SouthEast in any election is APGA. Because he took our support for granted, he planned the execution of the election against APGA and he failed in the South-East. I’m sure by now, he should be taking stock of what happened to him in that election. Had he displayed a mutual spirit in that election, the story would have been different today. The plan was to wipe out APGA in the South-East and hand over everything to PDP. He was deceived in that thinking by the enemies of APGA including the former governor of Anambra State, who was on a vendetta against APGA and some other disgruntled elements, who were around him, who told him that if APGA c a n be

Umeh

dispensed with, they will have a free run. Remember that Peter Obi was made the Deputy Director-General of Jonathan’s campaign organisation in charge of the whole Southern Nigeria. And when he came into that assignment with animosity against APGA, he railroaded Jonathan to failure. In Anambra State for example, he never spoke with the Governor of the State who was in command of all the political structures in the state. He wanted to use all the federal machineries to muscle out everybody and claim invincibility! Of course, there was no way it would have worked. They resorted to massive rigging with force. Apart from this fact, he was not able to mobilise support for Jonathan cohesively, because I have seen PDP people who also complained, he couldn’t mobilise the South-East zone, neither the South-South nor South West because he was in charge of the whole South. I met somebody who was a member of the presidential campaign council, who told me that they never had one meeting with former Governor Obi with a view to planning how to actualise Jonathan’s victory. So, that was the extent of poor management of that exercise. I believe Jonathan had learnt a clear lesson. O n e thing that nature abhors is that you do not p a y good

deeds with bad deeds. Because we were campaigning for him with all our hearts and some manipulators in the PDP who were overtly ambitious for their own positions in the National Assembly elections got him to believe that we were not even supporting him. These were the stories we were told after the election. They inundated Jonathan and his wife with stories that APGA was supporting APC and therefore they were given all the logistics support, the Police, the Army including INEC to work with them, and they went ahead to return themselves and allowed Jonathan to fail. In the South -East, you have 15 senators, all PDP. They used those machineries to manipulate themselves into those positions and in the House of Representatives. Their master, they abandoned him. So, he lost that election in the South-East. Comparing what happened in the South-East in 2015 to what happened in 2011, in 2011, Jonathan got over five million votes. But this time around, he couldn’t get up to three million votes in the whole SouthEast, because the elements were after themselves. I have explained this elaborately in the past. So, that was it. As for PDP fielding a candidate against me in my constituency where I contested for Senate, despite the fact we didn’t field a presidential candidate, it exposes them to public judgment. That was a show of how they can carry others along. It was not only that they did not reciprocate that support we gave to President by not fielding a senatorial candidate in my own case; they also went out to make sure that they used everything available to manipulate and rig the election against me. Again, I would not have gone for that arrangement because it would have been selfish on my part in view of the other National Assembly candidates of APGA. I was confident that the APGA candidates would beat the PDP candidates in a free and fair Election. So, we were more interested in having credible Election than the supposed single concession. Anyway, I have left everything to God because man proposes but God disposes. When they finished that exercise, PDP had the biggest loss. The loss of the presidency was the hugest loss the party had suffer. That is why the party is scattering, in disarray because they left the main prize to pursue little things, and the little things consumed the main prize. So, I don’t know, but that is what happened. We are in the tribunal. We are very hopeful that justice will be done. Already, their cases are wobbling at the tribunal because when you steal, you don’t add up what you have stolen. We are patiently going through the process. By the end, we will see how it will come through. Do you think that President Muhammadu Buhari has been rather too slow and too insensitive to the yearnings of Nigerians as some people claim? I think it is still too short a time to assess the performance of the President of a country. What we have been used to in the past had been 100 days in office assessment of what people in government have done. I think that CONTINUED ON PA G E 3 6

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2015

Politics

Wada: PDP‘ll return stronger Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada (retd) in this interview speaks on his journey so far as the chief executive of the state, the challenges facing the state and issues that led to the Peoples Democratic Party’s defeat in the last elections. IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN was there Kogi State will be going into another governorship election in November this year. That means you would have been in the saddle for four years by then. How has it been, taking into consideration your promises, on assumption of office, to complete ongoing projects? Thank God for his mercies. We have been there for three and a half years now and it seems just like yesterday. The time spent so far has been full of challenges; a lot of challenges during the period. I should say we started on a very solid foundation of coming up with a blueprint for the transformation of our state. We’ve done lot to try and implement that agenda, starting with the completion of projects that we met on ground. The essence of it was that because all those projects were being executed for public good and with public money, I thought it was only proper that we complete the projects for them to be put to public use. Leaving them half or partly done, having sunk money into them, would have been a waste of money. Having completed majority of those projects, we then took another informed decision that we should split resources available between completing some of the remaining projects and also starting new ones. That is a path we have taken and so far so good. We have done a lot of work in terms of creating a peaceful environment and enhancing security for our people and ensuring an environment where enterprise will thrive and people will live in peace and tranquility with one other. We tried to unify our people for a common purpose of development and transformation of the state by being fair in the distribution of amenities and projects across the three senatorial zones. We tried to attend to the needs of our people in an equitable manner and this has helped to propel our agenda for the unity and transformation of the state. We have done a lot of infrastructural projects, rural development projects, water, electricity, roads, hospitals. We have focused on agriculture because we believe in it as a job creation area. Anybody can go into agriculture; so we have created opportunities to improve the wealth of our people in agriculture and the message is getting across that that is the way to the future. One area your critics have been harping on is that there is nothing on ground to show to the people as your achievement. They are also saying that Kogi is moving towards a failed state; that it can no longer pay salaries. What is your reaction to these things? In politics, you should expect all kinds of accusations from your opponents. But let us start from Abuja which belongs to all of us: Go to Kogi House, opposite Abia House, in the Central Business District, Abuja, I am building an 11-storey Kogi House and it is now on the fourth floor. We started it barely few months ago and it is going on - something that all citizens of Kogi State will be proud of. That is just here in Abuja and you know they say the morning tells the day. If we can do that in Abuja, imagine what we have done in our state. That plot was there before I became governor and we are making sure it is built and completed. If you come down to Kogi State, I am building a university teaching hospital. It is a tertiary institution and the structure is there for everyone to see. We are building an ultramodern mega motor park in Lokoja, which is at an advanced stage now

and hopefully in the next three months, we will be in a position to complete it. There is a very modern vocational training centre, which we are building in partnership with Korea Development Agency. It is a development institution and is on the verge of completion. Sometime next month, we will be able to commission it. And we are building a dual carriage bypass to Lokoja so that if you are coming from the east, going to the north, you don’t have to go through the city of Lokoja. You can bypass it. If you are coming from the north and going to the western part of the state, again you don’t have to go through the town. It is a 16-kilometre road, it’s a big project. We are building 500 houses in Lokoja and about 218 of them are almost completed. Again, we hope to commission that in the next two or three months. We have built 272 housing units in Lokoja for those who were displaced by flood and some have moved in. We are building several roads across the state; township roads in Moppa, Egbe, Isonlu, Kabba, these are all ongoing. In the east, I flagged off Ankpa township road a few days ago. Already, we’ve done Ojoku road, Okura road; the dualisation is going on. We are building zonal hospitals. The other day I was in Obangede, which is in the central senatorial district, to see the progress of work. We are building four of such zonal hospitals across the state and there are several health centres we have built. We have done more than 300 motorised boreholes across the state; electrified more than 400 villages across the state; built and renovated uncountable number of schools and we will build more. These are projects, which people can see. So, if my critics say we are not doing much, you can come and see. You shouldn’t expect our opponents to praise us. When you talk of development, it must be measured with the resources available to the state. Is Kogi a failed state? You talked about a failed state? No. Kogi is not a failed state. We have paid salary every month during the last week of the month since I came into office until May 2015. And that in May 2015, we had challenges because the allocation that came in was N2.7bn and we need N3.1bn to run our affairs, salaries and the like. There was a shortage and ordinarily, whenever we have such challenges, we take an overdraft and pay but at a point, you have to face reality. That was when we were challenged and couldn’t pay for one month. As we speak, Kogi State owes only one month’s salary. So, anybody who says we are a failed state is not being factual. It is the prudence with which we have managed the resources of the state that has enabled us to pay our salaries between 25 and 27th of every month since I came into office in January 2012. And nobody had complained of non-payment of salaries before now. So, I don’t know where people are getting that information that we are not paying salaries. We are one of the states that has been paying salaries regularly since we came into office but the economic challenges we are facing as a nation are obvious to everyone and I think we should be commended for the efforts we’ve made in that regard, including our ability to carry out some infrastructural projects along with this salary commitment over the last three and a half years.

Wada

How have you been able to manage the security challenges in the state? It’s not magic; it’s all about a sense of purpose and commitment. When I came in, believing in the rule of law, I took a clear posture that we’ll not tolerate violence, that violent crimes would be punished and there’ll be no sacred cows; everybody will be prosecuted according to the law and we urge people to behave well and be law abiding. We also empowered the police and other law enforcement agencies, Army, DSS, paramilitary organisations like immigration, prisons, civil defence etc. We encouraged and empowered them and in some cases, we bought four wheel vehicles for them; provided them equipment and finance where necessary, to operationalise their efforts and thereafter, when people are arrested big men cannot succeed in getting them bailed. And the message spread that anyone who commits crime in Kogi State will be punished according to the law and that the governor is not going to interfere with justice. I’ve never interfered; I’ve always allowed the law to take its course. Once this was clear, all those people who were causing trouble -who felt they would be bailed a few days later and go back to commit more crime found that there was only one way now in Kogi State: enter jail and you stay there; you don’t come out to cause more problems for society. So with that posture, it was clear to everyone that you cannot abuse the law and get away with it. And I must commend the security agencies for all their efforts in preventing crime in Kogi State. But you also know by the location of our state, our location is very strategic, you have 22 states that pass through Kogi State everyday going to the north or south and that way, of course they will drop both the good and the bad people along the way to stay with us. Due to our central location and with some of the problems in the northeast part of the country, people tend to move to come and settle in Kogi and that is part of the challenge. And I must be honest with you, I was contacting several governors in the north who were facing security challenges to get ideas from them on how to keep our state safe and that helped a lot in coming up with strategies to help us maintain peace and security in the state and these are some of the strate-

gies we adopted in stamping out crime in the state. And recently, there were incidences of kidnapping and I want to commend the inspector general of police who deployed very quickly, 350 cracked police men who came to our state, stayed with us for about two and a half months and they’ve been able to bring the crime of kidnapping under control. Now, our people can walk about with a lot more confidence. A lot of the criminals have been rounded up and are all facing the law right now. We believe that the incidence of kidnapping in our state has been drastically reduced and it will stay that way. The governorship election is around the corner. Last April, you lost a lot of political structures, with a lot of people defecting to the All Progressives Congress. How do you intend to re-strategise to be able to win the election? With regards to the last elections, obviously, we learnt a lot of lessons in terms of what we should have done, what we shouldn’t have done, what the opposition did, what we could have done better. I can tell you that a lot of studies and consultations and meetings have been going on and we are re-strategising on how to ensure that we win the next election. Obviously, an interview like this is not the best place for me to divulge our strategy but we learnt some hard lessons and we are taking very concrete steps to make sure that we have a better result in the coming election by the grace of God. What has been your greatest challenge in government? I have come a long way in life; I’m not a very young man and I see this job as a temporary one for four years. If one is lucky, maybe eight years and you go back to your normal life. I have tried my best as a governor to live a normal life - knowing that if I’m lucky and alive in good health, I’ll come back to live a normal life. I’ve not allowed my office to disorganise me or make me believe that I’m bigger or better than anybody, I’m here to serve and I’ll do my best to serve. The biggest challenge is satisfying the number of people who want C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3 6

Politics

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

‘It’s too early to criticise Buhari’

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 4

Buhari’s critics are getting it wrong. With the revelations coming out from the former administration, it is obvious that any person who will want to succeed will want to walk very carefully. You have to thread very cautiously. You have to know what you have inherited before you take decisions on what to do. During the campaigns, there were promises of great changes to be made. But on assumption of office, what we have been reading from the presidency about what they inherited from their predecessors, obviously they will need time to get their acts together. Too much damage was done to the system. It’s playing out, because within the week of Buhari’s inauguration, Nigeria had no light. Everywhere in the country was in darkness. And that was a regime that succeeded another regime that spent all together about $20billion on power. The week they were handing over, darkness enveloped Nigeria. That is a little summary of what you would expect in other areas. I won’t join the bandwagon of armchair critics. Buhari needs time to organise himself and steer a course of action for this country. Many people have started giving him task to perform. I know that he has a will that

can deal with the issues as they portend. One thing that is clear is that knowing his antecedents, he will not tolerate corruption. It’s an area he needs to put a final death knell on – corruption in public service. That is the greatest expectation Nigerians have of him. If you ask me, I cannot say that he is a world-class economist. I know he will be able to assemble a team of economic experts that will be able to deal with the challenges of the economy. But on issue of corruption, he has the will and the strength of character to confront corruption. And if he is able to deal with this monster; he would have contributed so much towards Nigeria’s movement or departure from the very bad old days. So, what we do is to keep praying for our President for God to give him good health, for God to give him the energy, for God to give him the vigour he needs to confront the various problems facing the country. If you ask me, I will tell you that Buhari is doing very well. Without planning, he will fail. He may have planned on things he will do. But on getting to office, he saw there was no way he can start running without first of all sitting down, standing up like a child and learn to walk and then quick pace. What he

is doing is in the nation’s interest. I believe he will succeed. How do you see the crisis in APC, especially the schism between party leadership and principal officers in the National Assembly? I think it is a clear manifestation of the weakness of the political institutions we are running in Nigeria. For democracy to be successful, it has to have very strong institutions. Which are these institutions I am talking about? The electoral commission, the electoral body, the political parties, and so on. What we have in Nigeria has been very weak political institutions, and it is through political parties that you produce leaders for the country. When political parties are weak, there is very little you can do to succeed in any democracy. So, what played out in the National Assembly is crass indiscipline on the part of people who were elected on political party platforms. They got to the National Assembly and turned their backs on their parties. Nobody will blame PDP for cashing in on an opportunity to become relevant because in the National Assembly, you cannot write them off. The PDP has good number of senators and House of Representatives members, even though APC has more. But in such a situation, you

cannot be asleep because politics is very dynamic. Something can trigger rebellion in any political system. So, what happened at the take-off of the present National Assembly was a clear manifestation of acts of insubordination by the legislators. When you begin to disobey your party, you are pretending that you won the election as an independent candidate. That is not allowed in our constitution.

Wada: PDP‘ll return stronger C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 5

my attention, who want improvement in their lives, who want me to do one thing or the other for them. Of course, I try my best but generally, it cannot be enough because they are so many and the resources and opportunities are so limited. However, what keeps me going is my conscience. I go out everyday knowing that I’ve done the best I can for that particular day and looking forward to the next day. That is how I have been able to navigate through the challenges of office. But are you going to contest in the forthcoming election? I am getting close to answering that question but I’m not there yet. I’m getting close to the point that I will give a categorical answer but I’m not there yet. PDP suffered a heavy defeat in the last elections. As a PDP governor, what do you think the party did wrongly or could have done better? There was a cry for change in our country, PDP having been in power for 16 years. People felt there was a need for change. There wasn’t really much PDP could have done to overcome the change mantra that was blowing across the country. Buharimania took over and there was very little PDP could do. There was so much criticism of the efforts of PDP and it was difficult at that point for PDP as a party to have done much better than it did. I think we should commend the PDP for its effort and with time, the PDP will find its feet and do better in future elections. There is this notion that you cannot win election in Kogi unless you have a killer squad. Is this true? I am not a typical politician. I am a normal human being who has come into politics. I believe in fairness, justice and equity and I treat all human beings with respect. We are all equal before God; so I don’t live the life of a larger than life person or politician. I treat everyone with respect and if people say because of my gentle mien and profile and my pursuit of justice and equity that I won’t win election, may God give me the opportunity to stand for the election and pray for those people to stand with me and they will see the result. I believe that God Almighty will stand behind me to win if I stand for election.

Obaze

There is an ongoing controversy over which senatorial district in the state should produce the next governor. What is your stand on power rotation? Rotation was a major issue even at the last national confab and ideas were proposed. For me, it’s about equity; it’s an issue of fairness. No particular tribe has the monopoly of leadership of any state. I believe in power rotation and I believe it is an equitable thing to do but there is a process. I am surprised that people only bring this point or topic up whenever we are close to an election and to me, it belittles the significance and essence. And I think our leaders need to get together over a long period, work out modalities, technicalities and a proper way to approach this issue, and have some understanding.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2015

Politics

Rivers as theatre of legal fireworks W ith the recent court injunction and counter-injunction in Rivers State following the dissolution of the elections of 22 local governments, penultimate week, are indicators that the political gladiators have returned to the trenches. By their actions, the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress have dragged the judiciary into the quagmire, creating a legal lacuna with serious impact on the nation’s democracy. For the past one year, Rivers State has been the vortex of various crises. In the build-up to the elections, it was a theatre of war as rallies were attacked regularly by gunmen leading to the death of scores of people. Besides, the state judiciary was enmeshed in a controversy about the appointment of the Chief Judge, a development that was further exacerbated by a year-long strike by judiciary workers. Months after the elections which saw the ouster of the All Progressives Congress and ushered in Governor Nyesom Wike, the crises continued at the elections petitions tribunal which has been relocated from the state to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. While that subsists, the legality of the election of 22 out of 23 local government executive in the state in the twilight of Mr. Chibuike Amaechi opened another chapter to the crises. Before the council elections on May 23, 2015, the PDP had approached a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, praying it to declare illegal the conduct of the local government elections. The presiding judge, Justice Lambo Akanbi restrained Amaechi and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission from conducting the elections. The electoral commission had discountenanced the ruling and proceeded with the elections though boycotted by the PDP, it returned all candidates of the APC. Everyone knew, however, that the elections would open another chapter in the crises, because from all indications, the PDP government was determined to dissolve all the councils after its inauguration. The question was when.

The Imo experience Crisis associated with local government dissolution is not peculiar to Rivers State. Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State had, in his maiden broadcast to the people of the state after his inauguration in 2011, announced the sacking of the elected council chairmen, and later appointed transitional committee chairmen to run the 27 council areas in the state. But the council chairmen challenged their removal from office at an Owerri High Court, arguing that the governor had no constitutional power to sack them. Consequently, the court, presided over by the then Chief Judge of the State, Justice Benjamin Njemanze, held that the governor lacked the powers to remove council chairmen from office. The state government, however, appealed the judgment. But the Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri, on July 5, 2012 reinstated the council chairmen and councilors. The court upheld the decision of the lower court. Presided over by Justice Uwani Abbaji, it also nullified the appointment of transition committee chairmen by the governor to replace the sacked council chairmen. She further noted that the local government system was a creation of the constitution and any action on the system should follow constitutional provisions. The court held that the governor had no right to remove democratically elected chairmen from office, and ordered that the local government chairmen be re-instated. The court, in its unanimous decision, fur-

The judicial lacuna created by the order of the National Industrial Court restraining a Federal High Court from adjudicating on the legality of the May 22 local government’s elections in Rivers State is the crux of this analysis by BIYI ADEGOROYE

Governor Wike

ther restrained the governor or any of his proxies from interfering in the administration of the local government system in the state. Grudgingly, Okorocha allowed the council chairmen to return to office, but starved them of funds till their tenure elapsed some months later. Wike’s actions Upon assumption of office, observers were not in a quandary as regards Governor Wike’s next move. As a lawyer whose wife is also a judge in the state, he was not oblivious of existing judicial precedents and dangers of taking hasty actions. It was a fate accompli that he would revert to the court which had earlier granted a pre-election restraining order. Bearing in mind the fact that he gave the earlier injunction restraining Amaechi and RSIEC from conducting the election, no one was taken aback when Justice Akanbi in his verdict penultimate week declared in his judgment that the conduct of the council election was illegal, and that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, disregarded a subsisting court order by conducting the election in the first place. In his view, the pre-election case which he delivered judgment ought to have discouraged RSIEC from conducting the election, stressing that the conduct of the electoral umpire was an “abuse of the law.” He said his judgment was aimed at defending democracy. This evidently formed the legal basis for the dissolution of the councils by the Governor Wike. Expectedly, on the day of the judgment, the state witnessed another round of chaos following a bomb scare outside the court. That was when security operatives discovered a bag of explosives around the court premises. Twist in the case Expectedly, while the APC declared the judgment as “sad and unfortunate,” the PDP said that by the verdict, the court has “once more strengthened the confidence and trust of the people in the Nigerian judiciary as the last hope of the common

Amaechi

man.” Chairman of PDP in the state, Felix Obuah said the judgment was a welcome development. Armed with the verdict which nullified the election of the 22 APC chairmen, the state Assembly wasted no time in empowering Governor Wike to appoint caretaker committee chairmen, which he did. Instead of taking the verdict in good faith, the APC, after series of meetings approached the National Industrial Court in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State. Making good its resolve not to honour the High Court judgment, it sought an order restraining the governor from dissolving the councils. The party’s Publicity Secretary, Chris Fynebone, anchored its position on a court injunction restraining Justice Akanbi, Governor Wike, the Rivers State House of Assembly and other relevant parties from taking any further action on the councils. Fynebone said the defendants “were in possession of an interim Order of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria given in writing under the hand of Justice J.T. Agbadu-Fishim, holden at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on 22nd day of June, 2015… “…The Order also restrained the Inspector-general of Police or his agents and proxies from enforcing any purported action detrimental to the existence of the 23 chairmen and councils in Rivers State,” he said. But a PDP chieftain, Harry Nana, faulted the position of the APC, urging the party to abide by the court’s ruling in order not to cause chaos. He said that no society makes progress by disregarding court order. He noted that Amaechi deliberately conducted the council election less than a week before he left office in order to create problems for the Wike administration. Judicial aberration Interestingly, the presence of armed policemen at the entrance of council headquarters in compliance with the orders of the National Industrial Court, is one issue that is not only seriously affecting governance in the state but has been described as uncalled for.

Appraising the development in Rivers State, various lawyers and political commentators have described it as a power show and attempts to promote illegality capable of causing judicial anarchy. One of such lawyers is Fred Agbaje, a constitutional lawyer. He said that the recent situation where the National Judicial Court issued an order restraining a Federal High Court on election matters “is an aberration and such actions would amount to a nullity.” He said that by its name alone, the NIC can only hear cases related to labour, salaries and employment issues; hence “its recent orders amounted to dabbling into issues that are outside its jurisdiction.” Agbaje noted that though Federal and State High Courts as well as the NIC are courts of co-ordinate jurisdictions and powers, the National Industrial Courts have no jurisdiction over elections matters but industrial issues, as clearly indicated by its name. In the same vein, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who does not want his name in print lamented that the resort to a NIC in Yenagoa was not only suspect and an indication of desperation by the petitioners, but the case is even more “laughable when the court which has no jurisdiction over election matters gave an order on such issues.” He said the verdict was another instance of abuse of exparte motions, and a negation of an earlier charge by the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, that the judiciary should never allow itself to be used to truncate democracy. Quoting from the CJN’s warning to chairmen of Elections Petitions Tribunal and indeed other judges before the last elections, he said “Never; never again will the judiciary be used to truncate our democracy.” He said an interpretation of that warning was that Nigerian judges had been used for that purpose in the past an ex parte order. He pleaded that both the Bar and the Bench must watch what they do, must not allow “our profession to be used to stultify our nation’s democracy.”

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics

When Arogbo stood still for Kuku

Babatope Okeowo,

P Akure

olitical parties and status in the society paled into insignificance recently when immediate past Chairman of Presidential Committee on Amnesty Programme and Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku was hosted by his friends and community after what they called a meritorious service to fatherland. At a church service and reception held at far flung coastal community in Arogbo in Ese-Odo Local Government area of Ondo State, it was a gathering of political strange bed fellows as members of Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressive Congress mingled freely just as low and mighty in the society socialised at the two in one event. At the well-attended ceremony was the State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro, members of the Ondo State cabinet including Chief of Staff, Dr Kola Ademujimi, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Labour and Productivity. Also present were members of the state House of Assembly led by their Speaker Rt. Hon Jumoke Akindele, APC chieftains Chief Olusola Oke, Princess Oladunni Odu and former warlords which include Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) and High Chief Bibopiri Ajube (aka Shoot at sight). PDP chieftains were led by the Chairman, Clement Faboyede; Dele Akinyele; Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Prince Mike Omogbehin; Tunde Akindehin; Prince John Ola Mafo and Kennedy Peretei. Other dignitaries in attendance were former PDP Chairman, Ebenezer Alabi, Commissioner for Environment, Sola Ebiseni, former Chairman of Akure South and the state Coordinator of SURE -P Chief Adedayo Omolafe, the immediate past Director General National Sports Commission (NSC) Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, former Education Commissioner Princes Oladunni Odu, politicians from the APC, PDP and traditional rulers across the state. Some exmilitants who have acquired training in foreign lands were also in attendance. Irrespective of political party affiliation and social status, the dignitaries gathered at the coastal Arogbo community to welcome back home and celebrate one of their illustrious sons, Kuku who had served as the Special Adviser to the former President Goodluck on Niger Delta Affairs and the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Governor Mimiko, who spoke at the reception described the former Amnesty Chairman as a man who has the love of his people at heart and loved by all. He said Kuku is one of the dependable politicians in the fold of the PDP in the state who had helped not only members of the party but people from the state. According to him, Kuku believed that help must not be withheld from those who sincerely need it. He lauded him for bringing unprecedented development to his kinsmen in Arogbo, stating that all the good comments about Kuku were total truth and cannot be faulted. His words: “Let me confess before everybody here. I listened to every comment passed on this gentleman and I marvel about his uncommon gesture to develop his people and the community. I can only say I am only here to endorse what everybody had said. And I also set him before other politicians and political appointees as a good example of how well you can serve your people and use your office to impact positively on the generality of the people.” Similarly, a community leader in Arogbo, Owei Pius Peretei attributed the notice-

Speaker Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon Jumoke Akindele and Kuku at the thanksgiving service

L-R: Senator Yele Omogunwa; Governor Mimiko and Kuku at the reception

able development in the whole Arogbo Ijaw to Kuku’s gesture. He specifically commended Kuku over the concrete pavements within the community. According to him, the wooden bridges connecting one house to the other have all made way for paved roads while the whole of Arogbo is illuminated from one end of the community to the other with the aid of solar power street light which was executed by Kuku. His words: “He has brought unparalled developments here in the last four years. He has touched the lives of our youths moving them from the creeks to classrooms and being gainfully employed after dropping arms. The lives he has touched today will be for the development of this country in no distant future.” Also, a former Deputy Majority Leader in the Senate, Abdul Ahmed Ningi said the performance of Kuku in office was unprecedented. He said “the present administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari might ask for Kuku’s service because he has performed creditably as the Chairman of Amnesty Programme.” While describing Kuku as a rare gift to mankind, Ningi said: “I have followed the Amnesty Programme under his leadership and I can say that Kuku was made for the programme. Life prepared Kuku for such responsibility and that was why he succeeded. I’m extremely happy with his stewardship during his stay as the chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.” His words: “Kuku strikes me as a person that is different and real, who doesn’t pay lip service to duty. We need him to con-

tinue to serve. If President Buhari requests for his service, please tell him not to turn down such invitation. The good work must continue. I have not come across a man as loving and dynamic as Kingsley Kuku. It is just a matter of time before President Buhari will call on you to come and help continue the Amnesty Programme.” Speaking during the thanksgiving service at the First Baptist Church, Arogbo, Pastor Zilly Aggrey described Kuku who is rumoured to be interested in the state governorship position as a good ambassador and an illustrious son of the community and the state that the people are proud of. Aggrey, who is the founder of Royal House of Grace International Church, Port Harcourt commended Kuku for putting God first saying the gift of life, the grace to achieve and the ability to succeed are factors that propel thanksgiving. The cleric noted that many have occupied similar positions as Kuku but came back with stories of woes. He appreciated God on his behalf that the Special Adviser “went, saw, conquered and returned home in peace to the embrace of his kinsmen.” He stressed the importance of appreciating God and admonished all leaders to exhibit humility, and to always have at the back of their mind that nothing is permanent in this world. He urged all leaders who have found themselves in the corridor of power to always leave a memorable and positive impact on their immediate society. Sounding philosophical, he said the life of a man should not be measured by the magnitude of materials things he had been able to acquire, but by the many lives he has touched positively “How far an individual

can go in life depends on their ability to act tenderly with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant with the weak and strong, because a day may come in their life when they will be there for them too, saying there’s a price for loyalty.” The clergyman, who described Kuku as a very humble personality, said the young man has been able to change the face of Arogbo Ijaw community within a short period of time, noted that Kuku has touched many lives both within his immediate community, the state and the country in general. Aggrey said Kuku has written his name in gold and would always be remembered by his kinsmen for the good work and honour done for the state and the nation while he served as the Chairman of the Amnesty Programme. While urging Nigerian leaders to always give priority to the welfare of the people in their immediate environment, the clergyman declared that “one day you will be called by your people to give account of your stewardship” He noted that Kuku was able to hold the special thanksgiving service at home because he had been a good ambassador of the Arogbo Ijaw community. His words “This man we are holding thanksgiving to God on his behalf has made a mark. He made gains through dedication to service. That is why we are all here. What he has done while in charge of the amnesty programme will be spoken of from one generation to another, because humans are involved and many of those who are involved are relatively young. “The Amnesty Programme has achieved more than what many thought and with time, the effect of it would be felt, especially when pilots, engineers and other professionals trained through the programme return home to contribute to the country’s economy. You risked your life dealing with hard ijaw boys who fear nobody and you survived as a leader. It’s worth celebrating.” Responding after the eulogies poured on him, Kuku said he was fulfilled as a public officer having served the nation and the people for a period of four years and four months. His words: “I have satisfied my people and that was the reason I can come home after leaving the office as Chairman Presidential Amnesty and Special Adviser to Mr. President on Niger Delta Affairs. As for me, I have said repeatedly that I am able to succeed through your prayers and by standing by me all through the period. I have come before you to say Thank You Lord for sparing your lives and mine. I am alive not because I am better; we are alive because of grace and mercy, and we must never take it for granted. Our appreciation must be reflected in our attitude of gratitude”. Kuku urged his people not to use his performance and achievements in office to judge others political office holders that would come after him. “My performance and the creative empowerment of my people so far will be a challenge to other political office holders that will come after me. Though, my advice to the people is that they should not use my own as a bench mark because it all depends on the foresight of such person and also depends on the kind of appointment or position such a person is holding. An elated Kuku said was particularly grateful to Governor Mimiko for honoring him with his presence. “It is not always easy to see your governor at all time. I approached him to attend the thanksgiving and he came to honour me. And to all the people that came from near and far, I am indeed very grateful,” he said.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2015

Politics

Imasuagbon’s return to APC and battle for Edo 2016 Cajetan Mmuta Benin

he thrills and frills that characterised the campaigns that led to the epical contest and agitations for who takes over which seats at the presidency, national and state houses of assemblies among the various political parties during the 2015 general elections have come and gone, yet the echo reverberates. For the All Progressives Congress, it is victory after its fold struggled to scale the hurdles while for the Peoples Democratic Party, its members are licking their wounds. They are yet to come to terms with the tragic loss and realities of such unceremonious exit from the corridors of power at the nation’s seat of power, Aso Rock. In Edo State, while the ruling APC now savours victory after a narrow escape from what would have been the biggest disaster had its leaders and members not made deft moves to shock the PDP, the center would not have held politically in the state. The seeming inability of APC to win over whelmingly in the residential polls notwithstanding, the supposed opposition party’s smartness with the crushing defeat at the April 11 state house of assembly election in which the APC secured 21 seats while PDP got three seats respectively. The APC’s victory at the center with President Muhamadu Buhari’s emergence ignited hope and brought relieve for Edo State. And its people to add to the dogged fight put up by the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole to keep the state on the path of history. That joint feat at the state and federal levels, particularly, of Oshiomhole’s testimonial achievements and added to the APC’s change mantra,

had sparked loud and jaw-dropping mass movement of key political actors within the camp of the PDP to the ruling APC from across the three senatorial districts of the state. Last week, the former governorship aspirant under the PDP Barrister Kenneth Imasuagbon formally announced his exit from the opposition party and to join the ruling APC in the state. As an astute politician, philanthropist and educationist, Imasuagbon’s return to the fold of progressives has further depleted the political fortunes of the PDP in Esanland, an area considered as the stronghold of Chief Tony Anenih in the central senatorial district of the state. Loud and memorable as the event was, he and his hundreds of supporters were received by the APC leaders and members in ward one and two in Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government area amid fanfare because of the testimony of his consistency, doggedness, philanthropy and political sagacity. Imasuagbon today stands out as a popular politician and a founding member and one of the major financial pillars of the then Action Congress, which later metamorphosed into ACN and is now the APC. He joined the PDP under which platform he contested for the party’s gubernatorial primaries in 2012. The renowned lawyer and philanthropist because of his annual ritual of distributing rice to the less privileged and people of the state which has formed part of his philanthropic gestures in all the three senatorial, had long before the 2015 elections declared his resolve to dump the PDP to rejoin the APC. He left the Action Congress after he was armtwisted in the 2007 governorship race in the state and joined the PDP fold. Since then, he has remained a key political actor that boosted the party till he took the

plunge to finally pitch tent with Oshiomhole’s APC. Findings revealed that the Ewohimiborn politician was reportedly saddened by how PDP sidelined him in all the political appointments, particularly, at the national level when it mattered most. This was especially since he worked hard and relentlessly towards seeing the party through its thick and thin with effective mobilisation of his hard-earned huge financial resources. Besides, as a proprietor of world class Pacesetter Group of schools, he has proven his mettle in human capital development through the award of scholarships to some deserving youths in the state, and is set to make history towards occupying the Dennis Osadebay Avenue Government House Benin City come 2016. Although, the stakes are high given the quality of contenders to the number one seat in the state, Imasuagbon has promised to join forces with Governor Oshiomhole in the task of rebuilding the state and is determined to pay the price for this onerous task with passion. This he has demonstrated in his disposition towards uplifting the standard of living of many across the various political divides and classes. Speaking at the colourful ceremony, Imasuagbon expressed gratitude to elders and people of Ewohimi for the warm reception accorded him and appealed to the people of Esan to continue to support the administration of Governor Oshiomhole. He said, “I joined APC since January this year but we have not had the opportunity to celebrate it due to the elections. But thank God we are celebrating today. I wish to reassure the people of my ward, LGA & Edo State in general that your sacrifices would not be in vain. I promised to

continue to sacrifice my time, energy and resources as I have done over the years in adding value to the lives of Edo people. He stated that he was indeed “proud of our Edo ancestry and the laudable works being done by our governor, Oshiomhole, describing the governor as a true leader and mentor of the people. He said that, “Oshiomhole is our leader and mentor and we will continue to celebrate him for all he is doing for our people. My advice to Edo people is that we should remain steadfast in our belief in the creation of an egalitarian Edo State and that by so doing we will achieve the Edo State of our dream by the grace of God and good governance.” Imasuagbon was ushered into the APC fold by the leader of the party in the council and brother to the late first lady of the state, Mr. Victor Eboigbe and the chairman of the APC in the council, Bar. Chris Aghughu. Eboigbe noted that Imasuagbon had since joined the party but that the occasion was just to celebrate his return and home coming. The APC council leader expressed the joy that his coming would add value to the ruling party in Edo Central and the state as a whole having worked hard as a young man with vision and mission As strategies, lobbies and schemes intensify within the ruling party for the likely anointed candidate whose choice rests solely on the Iyambo-born politician and former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, it is believed the governor will not make any mistake that may spit the fire of hate and disunity within the ranks of the ruling party. Though there are many contenders from the zone, they will need the support of the populous Edo South senatorial zone to actualize of their aspiration and dream for the governorship seat of the state.

Insurgency: Task before new service chiefs C O N T IN U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

Equipment upgrade Another area that waits for urgent attention is the procurement of modern weapons and other military hardware that will confer superior offensive power on troops battling to run Boko Haram out of town. The recent attempt to procure weapons through the back door from South Africa led to the seizure of about $9.3million. That the nation resorted to make that quick purchase was a reflection of the dire need for weapons at that particular time. Since then, there has been a commendable upgrade of equipment, but this must be taken to a higher scale, as a way of preparing the Nigerian military for any post-Boko Haram operations. Effective inter-service synergy The compelling need for a robust synergy among the Army, Nigerian Air Force, the Police as well as the Department of State Services (DSS), cannot be over-emphasised, in view of the asymmetrical nature of the Boko Haram insurgency. There must not be room for rivalry of any sort, as the larger interest of Nigeria must suffice at all material times. Even in the period of peace, co-operation among the services is vital for internal security more so when security is central to national development. Security awareness Again, the military must, as a matter of urgency, galvanise relevant agencies into sensitising the youth on the danger

There will be a paradigm shift from the way the counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism war is currently being prosecuted of aiding or abetting any form of violence whatsoever. The support and cooperation of the civilian population should be sought and obtained for effective security. As a way of targeting the minds, efforts must also be intensified towards de-radicalising those that have been caught to be involved in heinous acts like terrorism, criminal and anti-social behaviour. More sophistry in pipe line security In view of the fact that oil remains the mainstay of the nation’s economy, the service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police must ensure security of this black gold. The Nigerian Navy, without any further ado, must rev-up its activities in the Niger Delta with a view to reducing oil bunkering and crude theft to the barest minimum. This can be achieved by introducing more scientific and modern approaches to the fight against oil bunkering and piracy on our waterways. Protecting this national resource in the nation’s territorial waters as well as curtailing piracy is

Abubakar

of great importance. Maintenance of military checkpoints Observers believe that it is important to underscore the importance of military checkpoints at unusual times like this, when suicide bomb attacks, are on the rise. The implication of dismantling military checkpoints in “volatile” states can be seen in what transpired in Jos, Plateau State and Zaria in Kaduna State, few days after a presidential directive for their removal. To be sure, military checkpoints, apart from serving as locations where frisking of vehicles and their occupants are carried out. They also delay and deter suspects on suicide mission, who are known to always work with targets and time. It appears the new COAS, upon who lays direct operational responsibilities for

the Boko Haram war, is eminently qualified to up the ante. A senior military officer, who preferred to remain anonymous, said: “The General Buratai I know will definitely lead the Army to defeat Boko Haram within a reasonable time frame, and the confidence of Nigerians and the international community in the Nigerian Army, will be restored. “Take this from me: He must do better, because there will be a paradigm shift from the way the counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism war is currently being prosecuted. More intelligence gathering will be activated, while the locals, where these people sometimes hibernate, will be made to appreciate the importance of trusting the Army and also obliging troops privileged intelligence information. “We definitely will witness a dramatic turn-around in the next few days and weeks. I tell you something; it wasn’t for nothing that General Buratai was appointed as the first Commander of the reinvigorated Multinational Joint Task Force, which headquarters is in N’Djamena, the Chadian capital. The source added that the fact that he was previously the Commander of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry in Jaji bears eloquent testimony to his ability to deliver, especially at the crucial stage of the nation’s history. The challenge before the new service chiefs is indeed enormous. Nigerians look up to them to leave nothing to chance, but to rise to the situations and restore the nation’s pride, not only by reclaiming lost territories from the insurgents, but also guarantee internal security.

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics

Villa Notes

When Lion of Bourdillon stormed Aso Rock

emmyanule@yahoo.com

Anule Emmanuel

resident Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday night hosted chieftains of the All Progressives Congress and leaders of other 13 political parties to the breakfast at the presidential villa. The group is among several other visitors that had joined the President after each day’s fasting since the start of this year’s Ramadan on Thursday, June 18. He also had a similar gathering with members of the diplomatic community that Wednesday. In the Vila, this style of having to commune with the President (Christian or Muslim) during the periods of fasting has become customary. Obviously, Tuesday’s breaking of fast by the President and the APC group who were led by the former Lagos State governor, Ahmed Bola Tinubu was to thank them for the dogged fight they had put in the campaigns and election that ushered in the new government particularly at the federal level. They came in their numbers and of course had no problems with security clearance at all entrances into the villa, right to the new banquet hall as Mr. President’s special guests. As early as 6:30pm, the guests both Christians and Muslims had started converging in the lobby of the hall located just beside the President’s office. As they arrived, some Muslim faithful proceeded straight to the President’s mosque where they held prayers for the hour before the merriment. Among early arrivals were former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and chieftain of the APC Chief Audu Ogbe, former governor of Rivers State Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and former governor of Bayelsa State Timipriye Sylva.

Buhari

Tinubu

When the Muslim faithful were done with the prayers, they were ushered in to the hall by Tinubu himself. He appeared to have been the rallying point for the guests. In fact, I watched keenly to observe that everyone wanted to have a word with him. My curiosity indeed necessitated the need to find out the veracity of commentaries filtering the air that the Lion of Bourdillon as he would later be called in the hall must have lost his strong influence in the corridors of power. Although, he had remained silent since the leadership crisis at both chambers of the National Assembly broke out, the belief is that on the knowledge of the President himself, the former Lagos governor’s overbearing influence was gradually being whittled down. Far from it, the receptive mood of the President, displaced in his facial expression as he engaged Tinubu and the other guests who shared with him some delicacies on the high

table depicted an atmosphere of strong bond in friendship. Interestingly, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity blended it up with outpouring of eulogies to the APC national leader. He did not hesitate to point out at the gathering that Asiwaju was the Architect and leader of APC, the Lion of Bourdillon. He also described him as the Jagaban of Nigeria, a title, which has gained prominence, especially among Tinubu’s numerous followers and political allies. This chieftaincy title was bestowed on the former senator by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Haliru Dantoro III, the Emir of Borgu (New Bussa, Niger State). The hall was filled with loud applause as Mallam Garba introduced Tinubu to speak on behalf of the guests. One could see the hilarious mood of the President as he extended pleasantries with Tinubu and smiled with the others dignitaries

on the table. With him were Ogbe, Ameachi and other personal friends of the President. The signal in the message was clear to those who cared to understand that against insinuations, the bound between the President and the former Lagos governor remains intact. Politicians know their ways. For them, interest is the only permanent thing. When it was time for the President to speak, again, he singled out Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande who although were not present at the event for praises. He lauded their resilience and visionary thoughts that led to the merger of several political parties which formed the APC. In a chat with State House Correspondents, Tinubu himself dispelled rumour that something had gone wrong with his relationship with the President. Asiwaju left no one in doubt when he said “I believe in what the President believes in, I respect him and I stand firmly loyal to his cause. So you can go to any length of speculation what you might want, I have not responded to all of that because I understand the President and the President understands me clearly.” Clearing the air on speculations that he has been making unnecessary demands on the party and the President he said: “I have no demands. If you understand what party politics and leadership is all about, it is about loyalty and commitment to the values which the leadership believes in.” He said. With what played out during the breaking of fast as the President and the APC leaders met, indicated to the unabashed commitment of the party leaders to rebuild the party so that it could deliver on its promises, the wrangling and jostling for position notwithstanding. Maybe, those peddling the rumour for clandestine purposes would have to seek other strategies as they push for relevance in the present government.

INEC’s timetable for Kogi, Bayelsa gov elections INEC Diary ezekatchy@yahoo.co.uk

Onyekachi Eze

he Independent National Electoral Commission, last week, released timetable for the conduct of two governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States. According to statement signed by Chairman, Information and Voter’s Education Committee of INEC, Dr. Chris Iyimoga, the governorship elections will hold in the two states on November 21 and December 5, 2015, respectively. “The political parties and aspirants are to further note that the conduct of the party primaries to nominate candidates for election shall be between August 25 and September 15, for Kogi and September 7 and 30, for Bayelsa State, while the last day for submission of the list of candidates (CF002) and the personal particulars of such candidates (CF001) for governorship and deputy governorship candidates, shall be on November 14, 2015 (Kogi) and October 7, 2015 (Bayelsa),” the commission added in the statement. The two elections will be the first to be conducted by INEC since the last general elections. It is also the first to hold since the retirement of Professor Attahiru Jega as the commission’s chairman. The April 11 governorship election conducted by INEC was the least disputed in the history of election petitions in the country. INEC conducted elections in 29 out of 36 states. At least, two governors, who lost the election quickly congratulated the winners and indicated interest not to contest the outcome. This was indication of transparency and credibility of the election. It is expected that the commission will continue to improve in this performance in the

Wada

DIckson

subsequent elections. There is no doubt that the Kogi and Bayelsa polls will be a litmus test for the present INEC leadership, being the first after Prof. Jega. But the signal from election stakeholders, especially the opposition Peoples Democratic Party gives serious concern. Incidentally, the opposition party is not worried about the present composition of INEC. Rather, it is opposing the appointment of Mrs. Amina Zakari as acting chairman of INEC. PDP said Mrs. Zakari has consanguineous relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari. Besides, the party said the acting chairman was once a staff of Afri-Project Consortium, a company well associated with President Buhari. She also worked as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Social Development and later, that of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Federal Capital Development Authority, when Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, now governor of Kaduna States under platform of All Progressives Congress, was FCT Minister.

Just last Thursday, PDP said it will find it difficult to accept the outcome of an election conducted by INEC with Mrs. Zakari at the helm of its affairs. Beside PDP’s opposition, the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States might pose some challenges. The first is the composition of the election management body. When Jega retired on June 30, six National Commissioners went with him. Before then, 16 Resident Electoral Commissioners, whose tenure had expired, left the commission. INEC management body is composed of chairman, 12 National commissioners and 37 RECs. With the retirement on and before June 30, the Commission’s management is now composed an acting chairman, five National Commissioners and 21 RECs. According to section 8(4) of Decree 17 of 1998 that established INEC, eight out of 12 National Commissioners (including the chairman) shall form a quorum at any meeting of the commission, where valid decision will be taken.

However, section 8(8) of the Decree, said: “The validity of any proceedings of the Commission shall not be affected by any vacancy in its membership or any defect in the appointment of a member or by reason that a person not entitled to do so took part in the proceedings.” That is why the meeting of July 9, 2015, where the decision on Kogi and Bayelsa governorship was taken, was a valid one. This, notwithstanding, between July 21 and August 11, INEC National Commissioners will be reduced by yet three members. This means that, except the retiring National Commissioners were re-appointed or the body is reconstituted by the president, the commission will be left with an acting chairman, two National Commissioners and probably, less than 21 RECs. In this case, will INEC be legally constituted to conduct governorship elections in Kogi and Baylesa States with only an acting chairman, two National Commissioners and 21 RECs? INEC, in its bulletin, VOLUME: 1 N0. 751 of June 25, 2015, said despite the retirement of Jega and six National Commissioners on June 30, the commission still forms a quorum to hold any meeting in accordance with section 153 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigerian. According to the provision of the constitution, the quorum for such commission “shall be not less than one-third of the total number of members of that body at the date of the meeting. “But even as the Commission is being depleted, following the progressive expiration of the tenures of National Commissioners, its work will continue apace and uninterrupted because it can always form a quorum,” the statement assured. It is, however, hoped that all contending issues will be resolved before November 25, when the Kogi governorship election will hold. INEC cannot afford to lose the confidence it currently enjoys among Nigerians and the international community.

Life SUNDAY

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Across 21 countries for peace Two Dutch youths, associates ride bicycles on special mission to UN

Flora Onwudiwe wo Netherland youths , J:Lt Van Schanyik and Teun Meulepas, are building bridges by riding on bicycles to more than 21 countries. They are interacting with youths to know their priorities and convey their messages to the United Nations in New York in September 2015. Building Bridges began in February 2015 from Amsterdam, Holland, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Morocco, Senegal, Mauritania, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Togo and stopped over in Nigeria at the Lagos office of the United Nations. Schanyik told Sunday Telegraph that travelling across different countries was to get messages from youths on issues affecting their lives. They also decided to reach out to local policy makers. He said that they chose not to pass the night in any expensive place in all their countries of focus because they need to get closer to the youths and to know more about them. He recalled how they met one Mohammed who told them the story of his life. “I met Mohammed in Morocco and he told us how he left his parents and family because he was looking for money. ‘I want to earn an income myself. I want to help my parents. I cannot find a good job or earn some money. I have decided to leave for Europe,” he recalled Mohammed as saying. He (Schanyik) said two weeks after the meeting, they heard how young people perished while crossing the sea. “We heard of young people dying in the sea. That could be Mohammed, the young man who was looking for a better future. He did not have better opportunities to get a job in his country. So Mohammed is not the only man who is leaving for Europe to get a better job. We have 55 per cent youths that are unemployed.” Explaining the rationale behind the tour, he said, “We started this project like a child’s play. We were drinking one evening and we said to ourselves that why can’t we start a project on building bridges; to know how youths from other parts of the world feel about their lives. “A project of this kind would interest the United Nations because we are talking about United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. My home government is aware of the project and we are all going to meet in New York.” The two young men said their tour is a voluntary project, financed by them. Schanyik explained that the choice of the phrase ‘Building Bridges’ “was to get other youths for us to build bridges for ourselves.” Also speaking, Meulepas said, “We did not train for this. The first time we rode on bicycles, our legs were swollen; but now we don’t feel it. We do not have the skills for riding bicycles. Not everybody can ride a bicycle. We have a lot of friends trying to learn how to cycle.” He said they rode on bicycles for over 17,000 kilometres from Spain to Morocco and had to get a boat to get to Dakar, the capital of Senegal. Meulepas said they also had to cross land borders to get to Ivory Coast, Lome

The youths at United Nations Information Centre, Lagos

in Togo and then Lagos before heading to Cameroon. Julio Atti, who rode along with Meulepas and Schnayik from Lome to the UN’s Lagos office, said, “What inspired me on Building Bridges was the involvement of the youths. The voice of the youths is being discussed at local and international levels. “In Africa, the population is 65 per cent. I don’t know about Nigeria but it is close or even more. In this part of the world, the voices of the youths need to be heard, so long as we are talking about sustainable development. “We need to be included so that what we are planning today, tomorrow we will find ourselves in it. There is a need for youths to participate in the discussion to contribute their capacity to solving their problems at the local, national and global levels,” Atti said. Speaking further, Atti, who also runs an NGO in Lome, said that in each country they passed through, they held consultations to hear the voices of youths who do not have access to the Internet or are out of

We did not train for this. The first time we rode on bicycles, our legs were swollen; but now we don’t feel it. We do not have the skills for riding bicycles. Not everybody can ride a bicycle. We have a lot of friends trying to learn how to cycle school; as well as their history, the realities of their governments and what they think about the sustainable developmental goals that will be adopted in September. A German Student, Jonas Lassau, who is studying in Scotland but on internship with the United Nations Information Centre, said, “I am part of the Building Bridges. I cycled with them from Amsterdam to Brussels at the beginning of the tour and I

am now joining them in Nigeria. I will also join them in Cape Town, South Africa.” Lassau, who is the health safety coordinator of Building Bridges, said that they were on the road for three months and two weeks; and altogether spent 170 days in the 14 countries they had visited. The Senior Economic Attaché, Netherlands in Nigeria, Mr. Taco Westerhuis, commended the two young men for being courageous in travelling by road to different countries before coming to Lagos. Westerhuis, who has been working in Nigeria for the past two years, said, “It is a reflection of Netherlands’ vision and the strong relationship between the two countries and that is exactly what the youths have demonstrated.” Concerning the project, he said that “Nigeria is growing fast in terms of the economy; but it is not spreading widely as expected.” Also speaking, the Country Director, United Nations, Mr. Ronald Kayanja, said, “There is hardship and they want to see that the condition of lives is improved. Those are the eight goals which are supposed to be achieved in 2015. The Members of the Council will meet to argue on these goals and we shall use as our target for the Sustainable Developmental Goals.” He added, “Some countries have achieved the goals and others have not and now we have difficulties in the new set of goals for 2030. There are 17 goals that will be discussed in September 2015 in New York. We have realised that young people are not fully informed about what is going on. So, their participation is not encouraging. Building Bridges aims at moving to many countries to draw attention to the use of Sustainable Development Goals. “As they are in Lagos, the message we want out there is, young people of Nigeria, something is happening. We are developing youths in Sustainable Developmental Goals. This year, at least, we want you to be interested. “The 17 goals that are being developed will be confirmed in September 2015.”

CO NTINUED O N PAGE 42

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Business News

Tech+ Conference: Uber offers incentives to participants, visitors Edwin Usoboh

s part of efforts geared towards en riching the experi ence of participants in the forthcoming Technology Conference and Exhibi tionTech+, global tech nology company Uber has announced a N5, 000.00 discount for all Tech+ event guests when signing up for Uber service. In a recent statement, Uber announced all TECH+ guests would re ceive a discount on rides from any part of the Lagos Metropolis up to the value of N5, 000.00. The Tech+ two-day event promises real life interaction, net working, engagement and exposure to the best of technological innova tions and trends. According to General Manager Uber Lagos, Ebi Atawodi, after each guest has registered for the event, he or she will get a Uber new user promo code. This promo can be used when signing up for Uber to get a dis count off their first Uber ride. Voucher value is N5, 000.00 which will be credited to the customer’s first ride once they register with Uber. Uber is a leading player in the technology ecosys tem with a global presence and appeal in over 300 major cities in 60 coun tries spread across North America, Central and South America, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. In a related develop ment, Nigeria’s premier

e-commerce company, Ju mia is set to reward guests to TECH+ Conference with a range of mouthwatering surprise gifts in a new reward scheme dedicated to the event. TECH+ powered by MTN Nigeria Communi cations Limited with the theme, “Leadership in Digital Technology”, will hold on July 24 and 25, 2015, at the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event is organised by Connect Marketing Services, Nigeria’s leading Marketing Services and

consumers and business es, manufacturers of prod ucts, service providers across diverse segments of the information and communication technol ogy (ICT) industry and ancillary fields of human endeavor, hardware de signers, manufacturers, innovators and policy makers, among others. TECH+ Conference and Exhibitions will feature exhibitions, gaming ses sions, the digital school, programming, plenary and break-out sessions as well as panel discussions to be led by high profile

speakers drawn from lo cal and global brands. Some of the speakers include Jim McKelvey (co-founder of Square), WaelFakharany (Google X Middle East and Africa), Nicolas Martin, CEO, Ju mia Africa, etc. Meanwhile, interested exhibitors have been urged to take the advan tage provided by Tech+ platform to give maxi mum exposure and vis ibility to their brands and to connect with the largest gathering of consumers under one roof. TECH+ is powered by

MTN Nigeria with spon sorship from Huawei, Jumia, Coscharis Motors, Samsung, Google, Uber and Terragon Group. Partners include Enplug Africa, Atlantic Exhibition and Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA). The exhibition will cover products and ser vices in various areas such as healthcare and wellbeing, automobile, entertainment, education, computing, Smart Homes, Wearables, Security, gam ing, 3D Printing, and dis plays, among others.

L-R: Marketing & Communications Executive, Trarragon Marketing Company, Maureen Ogah; Mr. Ayo Olugbade of Atlantic Exhibitions; Head of Communication & PR, Jumia, Bertille Guitton; MD/CEO, Enplug Africa, Mr. Alabi Mako; and CEO, Connect Marketing Services Limited, Mr. Tunji Adeyinka at the media unveiling of TECH+ Conference and Exhibitions in Lagos recently

Agencies jostle for UNICEF branding job

NICEF has begun directly contact ing agencies around the world in its effort to unify its disparate branding around the globe. The United Nations children’s charity ap proached agencies di rectly in the last few days as it seeks a global network, preferably one that has offices in New York and Geneva, cam paignlive.co.uk reports. The brief is for global communications and strategy, with a contract length of three years. UNICEF’s communi cations and fundraising are currently managed on a country-by-coun

Consumer Engagement Company in association with a rich partnership ecosystem in the technol ogy sector. TECH+ will be a gather ing of all things technol ogy and it is positioned to enable all participants appreciate and experience the transformative power of technology through op portunities on offer to ex plore new frontiers in the deployment of technology towards achieving both personal and corporate goals. Attendees at TECH+ will include technology

try basis and the charity wants to be more con sistent with its messag ing. The winning network will create a global brand identity as well as develop fundraising campaigns. It will also be charged with grow ing UNICEF’s online presence. UNICEF currently uses a range of agen cies for creative cam paigns, having worked with Atomic London in the UK and Forsman & Bodenfors in Sweden, the report added. The organisation did not respond to Cam paign’s request for com ment.

Mahindra focuses on Africa’s potential Paul Ogbuokiri

ndia’s largest util ity vehicle and tractor producer, Mahindra & Mahindra, is gearing up to maximise the potential it sees in the African con tinent. The company has estab lished a new business unit specifically focused on emerging opportunities in Africa. South Africa will act as a core business hub for the new initiative. The busi ness unit will be headed by Ashok Thakur, currently CEO of Mahindra SA. Establishing the new busi ness unit is a significant vote of confidence in Africa, and will see Mahindra estab lishing additional business hubs in Kenya, Nigeria and Egypt. The business unit will act as a centralised distribu

tion channel for all products currently manufactured within the group, including utility vehicles, tractors, gen erator sets, trucks and twowheelers. It will also include the trading and services of Mahindra’s agric portofolio. This centralised approach will also allow Mahindra & Mahindra to identify and address the specific needs and requirements of indi vidual African markets, and to customise and engineer its products accordingly. According to Ashok Shar ma, a group executive board member of Mahindra & Mahindra who controls the new initiative at head office level, the four African hubs will allow Mahindra to inte grate more closely with the markets it is supplying by effectively becoming a local company, staffed by local

employees. The new business unit will also create new synergies as far as distribution, the sup ply chain, spare parts, ser vice, advertising and brand ing are concerned. Mahindra already enjoys an active presence in 20 of the 50 African countries, and growth in these markets has maintained double-digit levels over the past four to five years. The new initia tive will unlock the potential for much more aggressive growth, with a 10-fold in crease in business possible in the next five to seven years, Sharma believes. Heading up the newlyestablished business unit will be current Mahindra SA CEO, Ashok Thakur, who will report directly to Shar ma. Thakur is well-versed in the particular challenges of

the Southern African and Af rican markets, having been at the helm of the local sub sidiary for the past six years. The extremely diverse and highly competitive na ture of the South African vehicle market has become an acknowledged proving ground for automotive ex ecutives, many of who have gone on to take up senior positions in a global context. “I’m looking forward to taking up my new position, and tackling the challenges it represents,” Thakur said. “There is no doubt that the African continent holds tremendous potential, and the new African business unit will place Mahindra in a very strong position to strengthen its African pres ence, and to contribute sub stantially to the continent’s growth.”

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

All weather Rock boat shoes

Vanessa Okwara

oat shoes are the unbeatable style for this season. These convenient slip-ons are ultra-comfortable and you can wear them with just about anything casual. And they’re designed for wet and dry surfaces, so you won’t slip if you get caught in a downpour. Boat shoes are often mistaken for loafers in their designs but there are marked differences between them. Boat shoes have a wide, round toe and a thick rubber outsole with shoe laces while loafers’ most defining

characteristic is that they do not have laces. Men’s boat shoes are practical and sartorial choice for that casual sporty look. Defined by a rubber sole and lace fastening that detail around the side and back, the boat (or ‘deck’) shoe has grown to become a vastly admired option with men of all ages, emerging in recent years as the definitive shoe for the stylish man. They are breezy and act as the middle ground shoe between sandals and tennis shoes. Since boat shoes are so versatile, you can pair this popular menswear trend in various ways. Think of the boat shoe as your all-weather, all weekend and after-hours shoe. The boat shoe is a casual style and considered a shoe of leisure, not of business – keep it

away from the boardroom and formal events. For a relaxed city look, men’s boat shoes work perfectly with Bermuda shorts, jeans and chinos. When it comes to clothes matching, style experts suggest that boat shoes be worn with sportier ensembles that may include clothing such as Polo shirts and Golf shirts or khaki shorts. On the weekend, try them with white jeans and a sun-bleached sweatshirt and during the week, pair them with light-wash jeans, corduroys, or chinos and an Oxford shirt for an ideal ‘casual Friday’ look. The good thing about boat shoes is that worn without socks or dressed up or down, they vibe with everything. Regular cleaning can keep boat shoes new and last for longer time.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Body&Soul

Why do men find it harder to forgive infidelity?

ometime ago, social media sites buzzed with the disgusting pictures of a man who paraded his wife naked on the streets of Festac Town in Lagos because she cheated on him. According to the story that came with it, he caught her in the very act of adultery and decided she was the scum of the universe and deserves to be publicly disgraced. He stripped her and forcefully dragged her all over the town amidst boos and woos from the cheering crowd that gathered to witness the ignominy of a fallen woman. This man made the wife he spent dowry on a spectacle of shame as people shared and posted the pictures of her nakedness on their Facebook walls and blogs. There is an adage that says when a man is bitten by a dog, it is not newsworthy but when a man bites a dog, then it becomes news. This is the same treatment the story of a cheating wife receives especially in Nigeria. People accept the news of a man cheating on his wife as normal occurrence but cry blue murder when a woman is caught cheating on her husband. In fact, a guy arrogantly told me that a man who does not cheat on his wife is not a full blooded man! According to his hypothesis, ‘how can a man enjoy eating only Egusi soup for the rest of his life? He also needs to taste Vegetable and Ogbono soup once in a while because variety is the spice of life.’ I took him up on his theory and asked why the same supposition should not be given to women since God did not create their taste buds differently. He vehemently disagreed and even spits profanities

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and punishment for any woman that ventures into such acts. This is the kind of reaction that usually greets the subject of wives cheating on their husbands. You see men raising their voices and suggesting what they will do if they find out their wife is cheating on them; yet they go about cheating on their wives with other women without batting an eyelid. From what I gathered, the reason they find it difficult to forgive a cheating wife has to do with the male ego and pride. Men are simply possessive and territorial in nature. To him, it is incomprehensible to forgive a cheating wife especially when

Cheating for men often tends to be opportunistic— they’re in the wrong place at the wrong time and cheating doesn’t necessarily mean anything emotionally

he provides for her needs and does not fail to perform his conjugal rights with gusto. But women ask: You guys cheat all the time and women forgive you. When it’s reversed, why can’t you forgive? For a betrayed man, it’s an offence against his manhood. It goes right to the core of his identity. A man also feels it is a heavy slight on his manhood if he discovers that his wife preferred sleeping with another man while still married to him. He will immediately believe she no longer finds him attractive or his prowess in bed is not good enough for her. The questions men usually ask include: was he better than me in bed? How long has the affair been going on? Is she in love with her new lover? Was she sleeping with both of them at the same time? These questions make the man’s blood to boil with anger, jealousy and total resentment of the woman. Cheating for men often tends to be opportunistic—they’re in the wrong place at the wrong time and cheating doesn’t necessarily mean anything emotionally. In fact a man can sleep with a woman today and not

remember her name again. Men believe women are emotional beings and can only have an affair if they are emotionally involved with the other man and not just for sex and so find it difficult to accommodate such behaviour. All the same, the bitter truth is this, no matter how much a guy cheats, there’s always one special girl he loves so much. The moment he finds out the girl cheated on him, it feels like the end of the world and more especially if the cheating happens to be in her matrimonial home. Forgiveness is indeed a hard nut to crack when it comes to the issue of infidelity, especially for men. Yes, she did a dastardly thing by cheating on you with her colleague in the office or with an old flame but that should not make you throw away years of happiness you have established with this woman. Nobody is above mistake, including you. If she shows remorse for what she did and begs for forgiveness, please find it in your heart to do so. To err is human to forgive is divine. I would call a man who forgives his wife of infidelity a REAL MAN. This type of forgiveness basically brings some meaning to the vow “I will love her in good and BAD times. Divorce is not the solution!! Rather, forgive her and see how you can weather the storm to a better relationship. Forgiveness restores your relationship with your partner, brings healing to your broken heart and bridge the gap such emotional upheaval must have wrecked on your marriage. •Send your views to the email above!

Serena, scientists and secret social sexism

ow respected are our women folk since the universal declaration of human rights in 1948? One will think that with all the advancements in education and the activism of such great women as Funmilayo Ransome Kuti (Nigerian female activist who was the first to drive a car), Emmeline Pankhurst (Suffragette who fought for the voting rights of women in Britain) and Eleanor Roosevelt (The American First Lady who elevated the position and was key to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948), the world is more educated as to women’s rights and equality in general. However, how wrong can we be with that assumption as the events of the past weeks, two key events actually, have proven that the world is still as paternalistic as the dawn of creation. While the world was mesmerised by the power and guile of Serena Williams on the green grass of Wimbledon and everyone watched as she became the greatest tennis player bar one (she will soon add an “n” to the beginning of that one), a senseless and most probably jealous racist Internet troll only had her physique to point at for her success. Some guy called Rob went on twitter and said “the only reason for Serena’s success is because she is built like a man.” Excuse me? She is not talented? She is not dedicated? She is not graceful as a woman? Who is this guy? Like I said, Rob confirms the stereotype of what men thinks the female body should be like. To him, a woman should still be delectable, fragile and elegantly weak. I beg to disagree

and Rob is someone I think should be sent back to the stone age. I bet Rob is just concerned with his potbelly full of beer while Serena gets to flaunt a toned body fit for a goddess. I need not worry about Rob though as he got the greatest “ela” from Harry Potter writer, J.K. Rowling, who posted a picture of Serena in designer gown and said, “My husband looks just like this in a dress. You are an idiot.” How accurate. I am sure the guy is just frustrated. Serena Williams provided the best answer to Rob at the winner’s ball when she danced with the male champion, Novak Djokovic, and flaunted all her feminine assets. Mine, one look and she can be no more womanly than the girl next door. And Rob, nothing has been heard

of him since. In the past, my first instinct would be to recommend education as an alternative for this kind of person. However, it seems male chauvinism is so entrenched in the hearts of some people that education is incapable of rooting it out. And that brings me to my second incident which happened a few weeks earlier. Scientist and Nobel Laureate, Sir Tim Hunt, was invited to a conference of female scientists in South Korea and what a mistake that proved to be. Little did the organisers realise that he is a secret male chauvinist and they found out in the hardest way possible. Standing up to address the audience in a speech filled with egotism more than science, Professor Hunt declared:

While the world was mesmerised by the power and guile of Serena Williams on the green grass of Wimbledon and everyone watched as she became the greatest tennis player bar one, a senseless and most probably jealous racist Internet troll only had her physique to point at for her success

“Three things happen when women are in the science Lab; you fall in love with them, they fall in love with you and when you criticize them, they cry.” Whoa, hold on. I am sure the mouth of everyone in the room must have hit the floor in amazement. The rest of the speech pretty much asked all women scientists to quit the lab and return to the kitchen. I am a firm believer in the out of the hearts abundance, the mouth speaks and the erudite professor simply professed the secrets of his heart. I know for a certain that he does not represent the fellows in academia as scholars such as Hannah Arendt, Joan Sangster, Elizabeth Grosz, Oyeronke Oyewunmi and Catherine Acholonu have argued with facts the role of women from the western and African perspectives. I am just wondering what all the years of education has done to him. His education has failed to refine him and I am now just wondering what he must have taught his female students. While I do not support the call to rescind his Nobel prize as I believe he earned it through his work and not words, I believe he must refund the conference organisers their fee and travel cost as I do not think it is right for them to pay such an hefty appearance fee only to be insulted. And since education is never complete in a sense, I recommend a gender and race relation course for Prof. He sure needs it. And to the rest, the female body is still a working and human body and as long as it is found in honourable disposition, I don’t see why it must be inferior to the male body. We still have a long way to go in education on this subject.

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul with

Wole Adepoju 07037763410

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Rumbles in DAAR communications H Tunde Ayeni

Good times for Tunde Ayeni

awyer, investor and business magnate, Olatunde John Ayeni, by virtue of his status and size of his pocket has been the darling of many who look up to him as their role model. His influence and high wire connections are not in doubt because he calls the shots in his own right. The businessman, who is the chairman of Skye Bank, has been able to keep his private activities out of public glare. But that unconsciously came to an end in the buildup to the last elections where his actions gave him out as one of the backers of the former President Goodluck Jonathan. Tunde’s name was everywhere after he donated billions of naira to the campaign project of the former president. His name is coming up for mention in this medium, not on the basis of the loss he recorded by putting his money into a failed project, but for something that calls for celebration – being fulfilled as a father. His daughter recently took a step towards becoming a qualified legal practioner as she was days ago enlisted in law school in Abuja. The girl who has a penchant for fashion like her mother who runs Divine Elegance Fashion, is taking after her parents who are both lawyers even though they are not in practice.

Coscharis boss elated

he man with the Midas touch behind the well established and thriving auto c o m p a n y, Coscharis Maduka Motors, cannot be pushed aside when names of successful business gurus are up for discussion. It is evident that he has met the requirements to be regarded as a master of his game. The self-made billionaire, due to his conservative nature, has managed to stay away from the limelight most people in his shoes would do anything to hug. Maduka came to the consciousness of many when a business deal between him and another money bag, Ifeanyi Ubah of Capital Oil, went sour. This time, he’s in the news for a reason that is worth celebrating. Like it’s the wish of every parent to see their wards get married, Maduka penultimate weekend invited family, friends and well-wishers to Lagos where his

igh Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi’s media organisation, Daar Communications, which is the parent company of Africa Independent Television, Ray Power FM and Faaji FM is arguably one of the most popular and most patronised electronic media organisations around. It has been in existence for about 20 years. The organisation came under serious attack not too long ago based on the role he played, using the television arm to attack opponents of former President Goodluck Jonathan. This was during the buildup to the elections. Prior to that time, the marine engineer turned media mogul had bequeathed the chairmanship of the organisation to his son, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr. But the high chief was very much in the picture in the buildup to the elections which made the supposed chairman only a figure head. Raymond Jnr. has since resumed his position as the chairman. His resumption, according to dependable source, created what would have been an upheaval but was nipped in the bud. It has eventually brought about a new dawn in the organisation. In the spirit of restructuring and blocking leakages, Dokpesi Jnr. was said to have read the Riot Act to top officials in the organisation as well as demanded clarifications on a number of operational activities that included the financial status of the company. These acts by the new man at the helm of affairs were said to have rattled the senior officers of the company so much that documentations are now being taken more seriously. The shakeup, it was also learnt, affected the signatories to the organisation’s account. According to a source, the shakeup got to its crescendo when Raymond Jnr. allegedly sacked two top officers - his step mother, Tosin Dokpesi and Tony Akiotu. The reason for their alleged sacking could not be ascertained but the decision was said to have been rescinded when his fatherwaded in.

son, Maduka Jnr., took Tope Odutola as his lawfully wedded bride. The ceremony was not less of a society shindig as all trappings of such events were in abundance.

Kayode Ajulo back to school

egal practitioner turned politician, Kayode Ajulo, is in the news. The young and vibrant lawyer, who is the national secretary of the Labour Party is an alumnus of one of the best secondary schools in Ondo State, Aquinas College, Akure. Recently, Ajulo went back to the school where he was moulded into a shining star. Decked in the school uniform, Ajulo spoke with its pupils and implored them to study hard, be focused and aim at becoming agents of change and progress in the larger society. He did make an impressive donation to the school and also gave scholarships to some of the pupils. On the other hand, as the final leg of Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State’s tenure inches closer and interested politicians are gearing up for the battle of who takes over mantle of leadership from him, Celeb Lounge has learnt that Ajulo may have come under intense pressure from those who believe in him to signify his interest in the Ajulo plum job.

Kofoworola Bucknor spotted

aving been diligent and became successful in her line of duty, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele’s unflinching principles have stood her out among her peers in mainstream politics. This paid off as she was made the running mate to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy at the Kofoworola inception of democracy. She the depueventually became ty governor of Lagos State. Unfortunately, she did not finish the first term with her boss as she was eased out by the state house of assembly. That seems to have since relegated her to the background as she has not been very relevant politically. Meanwhile, her conservative nature has only further kept her in the background and she’s hardly seen even at public functions. However, it was a glamorous and exquisite Kofo that was spotted recently at the wedding of Femi FaniKayode’s daughter in Lagos.

Funke Buknor Obruthe’s worry

unke Bucknor Obruthe’ event planning company, Zapphire, could be said to be among the highest ranking in

the field as is evident through its profile and long list of highly placed clients. That is by the way for the Lagos-based, dark skinned legal practitioner and society personality. Any close watcher of the lawyer would have noticed that something has been worrying this society lady. She has taken to all avenues available to her to express this worry. Funke, through her social media channels, commended the action of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control when its officials swooped on upscale Lagos restaurant, Chocolat Royale, and shut it down for allegedly flouting rules and regulations. Funke never ceased to talk about the closure while it lasted. As if she placed a tab on what was happening as regards the restaurant, Funke took to her social media channels to condemn NAFDAC’s plan to reopen the business concern, even when only few were privy to the information. In the same vein, she cried foul as regard how the business place was let off the hook. The question on the lips of many who are in the know of Funke’s disposition towards Chocolat Royal is whether there was an issue b e tween Funke a n d t h e owner of the Buknor p l a c e , A m i n Moussali?

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Body&Soul

Thinking

Aloud

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Kenneth Imasuegbon stages comeback

Memo to Barack Obama

ike a few states of the federation where governorship elections are billed to take place later in the year and sometime next year, Imasuegbon the political atmosphere in the Heart Beat of the Nation, Edo State, is gradually assuming a new tune. Gladiators, who are interested in taking over the mantle of leadership from Governor Adams Oshiomole are beginning to prepare the ground in earnest. One of the prominent politicians in the state, Kenneth Imasuagbon, is back on the track to chase his dream. Kenneth, it will be recalled, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party in 2007 when the governorship ticket of then Action Congress eluded him and was clinched instead by Oshiomole. He has since returned to the fold of the progressives, joining Oshiomhole’s All Progressives Congress, where he intends to slug it out with other intending aspirants for the governorship ticket.

Danjuma Goje losing grip

mmediate past governor of Gombe State, Danjuma Goje, Danjuma is one of the well-established and most popular politicians in the state. The facts are there to buttress the fact that he’s not just a stakeholder in the political arena of the state but he’s a factor to reckon with as far as the politics of Gombe is concerned. But his influence and hold on political happenings in the state may have been dwindling going by what his fate has been in a while. Goje, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, was recently expelled from the party for alleged anti-party activities. Since then, he’s been battling with the negative effect the measure is having on his career as a politician. Meanwhile, he’s believed to be working with the faction standing against the party’s interest in the National Assembly leadership tussle. But unfortunately for him, his political fortune may dwindle the more if drastic measures are not taken. The straw he’s holding on to in the group appears to be backing down from its hard stance as the party seems to be gaining ground gradually.

Tinubu, wife excite followers

neasy lies the head that wears the crown. That seems to be the most appropriate way to describe the situation in which the National Leader of

I the All Progressives Congress and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has found himself since he played a pivotal role in the victory of its presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari. He was taunted by many when Dr. Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara flouted party arrangements in their quest to become Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives, respectively. Tinubu recently cleared the air on rumours that he was at loggerheads with Buhari. The Jagaban Borgu has not allowed the tense politicking in the party to overshadow his compassionate side as. Through his foundation, Tinubu distributed rice, groundnut oil and cash to less privileged members of the society, mostly women, as a way of reaching out to them in the month of Ramadan. The gesture was not limited to Muslims alone but was extended to all and sundry while there were special packages for the physically challenged. His wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, did not fold her arms and watch her husband give out goodies alone. She also distributed decoders to people of her senatorial district to make the Ramadan a memorable one for them.

Onwubuariri’s sleepless night

ne of the youngest lawmakers O in the House of Representatives, Obinna Onwubuariri (PDP, Okigwe

North), may have been having sleepless nights as regards feelers from the election tribunal. The situation has not favoured him so far. His lawyers failed to secure a favourable ruling in his prayers for the tribunal to strike out the petition filed by Mathew Omegara of APC. Instead, July 25 has been fixed for the hearing of the petition. Obinna, according to dependable sources, tried another strategy tio secure his seat by reaching out to some community leaders to prevail on Omegara for an amicable settlement and the withdrawal of his petition. Since Omegara has ignored the pleas, all is now set for the tribunal to announce its final decision.

have listened to several comments and opinions concerning the decision of the United States government to legalise gay marriage in God’s own country. At first, I felt unconcerned. After all, I’m not an American (I only go there for short holidays). Besides, it is the choice of those who practice gayism to be part of it anyway. So I had no reason to give myself undue headache. But I was shocked to the marrow after realising that there are plans by American government to pressurise the Nigerian government to drop its anti-gay laws. The U.S Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, on Monday stated that the Obama administration is committed to pressuring Nigeria and other countries where anti-gay laws exist, to banish such laws. Greenfield was said to have announced the news during a live web chat with journalists in Washington, DC. International Business Times reports that “Obama has adopted protection of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community as part of its foreign policy agenda.” The comments credited to Greenfield stated that “As a government, it is one of the highest priorities and strongest values that discrimination against anyone based on their sexual orientation and gender identity is wrong. We believe human rights should be available to everybody.” Thomas-Greenfield said during a live web chat with journalists in Washington, D.C., according to Gay Star News. “As a policy, we will continue to press the government of Nigeria as well as other government who have provided legislation against the LGBT community.” I strongly believe that Mr. Obama is derailing, if he has not completely lost focus. A man who has refused to reciprocate the respect Nigeria has for his country by visiting us, is now proposing gayism to us! This is incredible. Bishop T.D. Jakes, founding pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, also spoke on the Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage during a service on Sunday, June 28, 2015. Jakes informed worshipers at The Potter’s House in Dallas that he had been ‘bombarded’ by various people wanting to know his thoughts on the Supreme Court’s ruling last Friday that state bans on gay marriage are unconstitutional. “I’m not really as concerned about this as a lot of people are,” said Jakes during service on Sunday, according to a video excerpt of his remarks published online. “I’m really not as concerned about it. I think that we should not lose our mind about the world being the world and the Church being the Church. This is not a news flash. The world is gonna be the world and the Church is gonna be the Church, and you have to understand the difference.” The influential megachurch pastor, bestselling author and film producer went on to explain to his congregation that the Supreme Court, as a worldly institution, has one job: to uphold the rights of all Americans. “The Supreme Court is there to make a decision based on constitutional rights and legalities that fit all Americans. They are not debating Scripture,” he said, which led to applause from the congregation. “They are just not debating Scripture,” Jakes repeated. “I guarantee you that they were not in there looking at Romans 1 and First Corinthians this and weighing it against the policies. We have bought into all this rhetoric about America being a Christian nation,” Jakes said. He went on to suggest that indeed America has a lot of Christians in it, but the country is

governed as a democracy and not by theocratic principles. “But what we do need to watch is that our religious freedom is also respected and protected so that we don’t have to get caught up in the winds of the world and go the way the world is going,” Jakes added. “So we need to watch that as we grapple with an ever-changing society, and our society is becoming more and more pluralistic. “ “There’s nothing to say that Christianity will be the dominant religion in this country. I hope it will. It’s up to us,” he added, going on to say that Christians have “stopped witnessing” and “stopped winning souls” and continue to isolate themselves from people who do not “believe like we believe.” That runs against what Jesus commanded His followers to do, he insisted, adding, “Jesus said go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every living creature.” “So we need to change as a Church too. We need to start reaching out to all types of people and preaching to them and ministering to them and sharing our faith with them. I don’t mean on Sunday morning. I mean in the mall, I mean in the grocery store, I mean while you’re getting your hair done. It’s time for you to be a real Christian. I mean a real Christian, and win people to Jesus Christ. And you can start in your own house,” Jakes admonished his flock and the countless others watching the service via livestream. Jakes, 58, rounded up his remarks by informing worshippers that “God is still in control” and giving them a stern warning about God’s judgment. “The Supreme Court makes its decisions based on the Constitution, debating the constitutionality of any particular issue. But I must warn you, God does not judge you by the Constitution. He judges you by the Word of God. So while the Supreme Court is looking at the Constitution, you better search the Scriptures …,” Jakes said. This interesting prayer was given in Kansas, USA, at the opening session of their Senate. It seems prayer still upsets some people. • Woe to those who call evil good, but that is exactly what we have done. • We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. • We have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it Pluralism. • We have worshipped other gods and called it multiculturalism. • We have endorsed perversion and called it alternative lifestyle. • We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. • We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. • We have killed our unborn and called it choice. • We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. • We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem. • We have abused power and called it politics. • We have embezzled public funds and called it essential expenses. • We have insitutionalised bribery and called it sweets of office. • We have coveted our neighbour’s possessions and called it ambition. • We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. • We have ridiculed the time-honoured values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Body&Soul

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Wine & Dine

Taste it better slightly cold Ibukunoluwa Kayode

ne glass is too cold, one glass is too hot, and one is just right...hopefully you’ve already experienced how wildly different your coffee, tea, carbonated drinks or soda tastes at different temperatures. The same applies to wine. Also, some of the more delicate floral aromatics in fine wines are completely subdued at overly cool temperatures or burn off too quickly when the wine is too warm. Red wine tastes better when served slightly below room temperature from 53-

69 °F (light red wines like Pinot Noir taste better at the cooler end of the spectrum) White wine tastes great from about 44 – 57 °F. (zesty whites on the cool side and oak-aged whites on the warm side) The Sparkling; affordable sparklers do great at 38 °F – 45 °F (serve exceptional Champagne and sparkling wines at white wine temperatures) Whatever the party is all about, it is necessary to serve your wine at a temperature that delivers freshness to the palate with lingering notes and a smooth finish. You decide, if you drink affordable wine most of the time, serving it slightly chilled will disguise most ‘off’ aromas. Take note, wine above 70 °F will start to smell more alcoholic because of increased ethanol evaporation that occurs as the temperature rises. So, be cautious when cooling your wine.

Yamarita with spicy prawn sauce Biwom Iklaki

e are at the peak of the season for the last of the old yams before we begin to harvest and celebrate the New Yam. Of course, depending on which axis of Nigeria you come from, this could vary anytime from late July to October. The good news, however, is that the yams available now are either rotting or dried to a concentrated sweetness. Although some people have argued that the best are the almost rotting ones because the semi-rotting smell gives it a distinctive aroma. At this point, making yamaritas with yam will be a meal to die for, which is why we will prepare the yamaritas with seafood (a personal favourite). INGREDIENTS ½ kg large prawns ½ tuber yam (peeled, sliced in wedges and parboiled) ½ cup flour 2 tsp curry 2 Eggs Bell peppers (chopped) Sweet corn 4 red bonnet pepper (pounded) 1 bulb onion (sliced thinly) 4 cloves garlic (crush with knife to enhance flavor) Ginger (pounded) Oil for frying Stock cubes and salt to taste PREPARATION Mix curry with flour and 2 pinches of salt, set aside. Beat eggs and set aside. Heat up your oil in a frying pan. Roll each yam wedge in the flour mix and dunk in the egg mixture. Put in pan and

fry till golden brown. Take out and drain in a tea towel or kitchen rolls. Heat 3 table spoons of oil in another pan and sweat the onions, then add peppers, sweet corn, salt and stock cubes. Add the prawns and stir to

mix. Cover the pan and let simmer for 5 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic last and stir. Taste for seasoning. Leave for 2 minutes and it is ready. Serve with yamarita and a bottle of white wine.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Body&Soul

RazzleDazzle

Abiola Alaba Peters

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Hottest Nigerian celebrity baby mamas

It seems that some ladies do not see anything wrong in having children out of wedlock. When such ladies are able to net a ‘celebrity’, they just don’t mind dropping a baby or more, even if a ‘nuptial plan’ is never in the picture. Few weeks ago, we brought you some celebrities with more than one baby mama. Today, ABIOLA ALABA PETERS unveils the hottest Nigerian celebrity baby mamas, their faces and all you need to know about them Sophie Momodu

Twenty eight years old Sophie Momodu is a cousin to acclaimed international journalist cum politician, Dele Momodu, the CEO of Ovation Magazine. The Abujabased lady, together with Momodu O.B.O, Davido, welcomed their daughter in May 2015. According to reports, Davido and Sophie kickstarted their relationship in July 2014, when she got close to superstar during one of his trips to Abuja.

Sandra Okagbue

Awarding winning artiste, Flavour, and his Nigerian model and baby mama, Sandra Okagbue, welcomed their baby girl on September 28, 2014. The ex-beauty queen is from the Obi Okagbue royal family of Onitsha, Anambra State. While he has stated it

Okagbue

severally that he is not getting married to any of his baby mamas, Flavour is expecting another child from Sandra’s rival/colleague, Anna Ebiere Banna. Sandra Okagbue currently runs a beauty shop in Lagos.

Oluwashola Ogudugu

Not much is known about Shola Ogudugu, the lucky girl who became popular when she got pregnant for pop star and former EME act, Ayo Balogun aka Wizkid. She is a graduate of Houdegbe North America University, Cotonou, Benin Republic. Anna Ebiere Banna The proud mother of Boluwatife Bayelsa State-born former (Wizkid’s son) was listed as one of the most popular girls on campus in 2009 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Anna Ebiere by Dynamix Youth Awards. The Banna, is currently light-skinned, pretty damsel resides overseas warming in Lagos. After proving to the pop Banna up for the birth of star that he’s the father of her baby, her first child with she has moved on with another guy. highlife singer, FlaShola got cozy vour. with Wizkid after a perThe Nollywood formance in actress, who was her school. crowned MBGN at the age of Their romance 18, featured in one of Flavour’s brought forth Bolupopular love songs, ‘Golibe.’ This watife. After denimarked the beginning of their re- als and paterlationship, few months after she nity tests, the had confirmed their romance on Pakurumo social media. The one-time Special c r o o n e r Assistant to a former governor of e v e n t u Ogudugu Bayelsa State took in for the Naba- ally acnia crooner and has since relocated c e p t e d to the UK, where she’s expected to responsigive birth. She was expelled from bility for school due to the pregnancy. his son.

I’ve been in politics for seven years - Desmond Eliot

on. Desm o n d Olushola Elliot has said it took him seven years of hardwork before he was elected an honourable member of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The award winning actor, producer cum director while addressing a cross-section of Nigerian students on the basic requirements for success, said politics, for him, started seven years ago. “It took me seven good years to secure a

seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly. That is the truth. It didn’t happen just like that. I had to work and work. It started when I met one of the governors who won his case at the election tribunal. There I met him and pleaded to work with him and even more. Eventually, he accepted me and offered to introduce me to the leaders of his party. “I met the leaders of the party and they taught me how to go about it; what and what to do. I made sure I obliged and stuck to the rules and today the rest, they say, is history,” Elliot said. On what Nigerian youths must do to succeed, he said, “There is a need for every Nigerian youth to be skilled. It is very important, because the truth I will tell you all today is that there is no job anywhere, not even in government. In less than six weeks

in my office as an honourable member of the house, I can tell you, I have received over 100 CVs as if I am the one creating jobs. “Please, let us be employers of labour. Let’s learn a trade or something. It could be carpentry, fashion, anything you enjoy doing, and if it’s music or movies, make sure you have the right orientation. For example, I have been in Nollywood for years, despite being at the peak of it, it was just two years ago I had to take out sometime to go and do a professional course in acting and directing; after which, my career changed for good. So, I am urging everyone of you to take the bull by the horn. “Do not take chances, there’s a life out there. After your few years in school, a jungle which if you must survive it, you got to face it, taking the right steps,” he told the cheering crowd.

Moyo Lawal, Ali Baba in Mannie’s video, ‘Woman’

annie the host of the Morning Show on Cool FM has returned to his first love, music. For Mannie, singing comes naturally and he has a lovely and unforgettably sexy baritone voice. Mannie, 10 years later, has teamed up with legendary singer of the music group, The Boys.

Mannie’s song is titled, Woman, and was written by he and Hakeem The Dream, and recorded in the Gambia in 2014. ‘Woman’ is a song of hope for every woman trying to find a reason to hold on to love regardless of the circumstances. It is set in both ancient and modern times.

In the video, Mannie created a setting depicting a time long ago. He and Hakim were slaves who stole from the rich and were being punished by the king, Alibaba. They met his absence on the day of a great feast. The king’s daughter (Moyo Lawal) received the slaves in the king’s absence.

Mannie being a creative individual had to create costumes that look traditional but different. The second location, Elegushi Beach in Lagos, features lots of dancing and a surprise ending. The costumes were designed by Diggers Couture, stage by Dominic designs and the video was directed by Avalon Okpe. Woman will be released next week.

08062622328

Edwin Usoboh 08028101185

My ex wife was a big error - OAP Freeze

ontroversial On Air Personality, Freeze, whose real name is Ifedayo Olarinde, has been in the news recently for the wrong reason - his marriage to the mother of his two kids is finally packing up. The Osun State-born, in an exclusive chat with an online news portal, SDK, said although he’s not perfect, he won’t accept responsibility for a crime he is innocent of. He claimed his estranged wife is bent on destroying his name. According to the Cool FM star, many had earlier discouraged their relationship but he turned deaf ears all because he was in love with Ope. “I am not perfect, not even near, but I will not take blame for a crime I didn’t commit and won’t allow my name to be destroyed by this woman “Ope was raised by a single mother who had seven children from three different fathers. Everyone discouraged the relationship pointing out her mother’s situation and warning me that this might lead to a character flaw in Ope but I was in love. By the time I understood the enormity of the damage done to her by her upbringing, it was already too late and she was pregnant with our first child. I decided to get married to Ope, turning a deaf ear to numerous warnings of the consequences of such an action. From the first year of marriage I started seeing her true character. She talked without any respect whatsoever and would fight me and hurl curses like a market woman, while saying ‘it is better I curse you and hit you than for GOD to strike you!” He said. The light skinned father of three said his parents have been married for 40 years and never considered divorce as a way out. So he kept on enduring the violence. On why he accused a woman who bore him two kids of adultery on social media, he said, “Adultery is one of the most difficult things to prove but if a married woman keeps late nights, has unwholesome friends, comes home tipsy regularly and makes calls to strange men at ungodly hours within her husband’s home, eyebrows will definitely be raised...” While some fans felt that Freeze shouldn’t have accused his wife publicly, actress, Alex Okoroji, said he did the right thing. Alex, in her Random Musing blog on Facebook, said, “It’s not even the content of the interview that is my focus or the contradictions, some supposed ‘superb minds’ claim exists... or the part where people say he shouldn’t air his DIRTY laundry in public. Okay, if you are up for using the carpet to cover up your pile of dirt...COOL... but be sure that one day it will spill. If you don’t EXPOSE it yourself and take the trash out, one day a visitor will help you expose it and embarrass you completely, in the process of offering to take it out on your behalf... just because it STINKS. In other words....I am all for EXPRESSION...I am all for exorcism of one’s personal DEMONS, if it will help the person receive closure and feel free.”

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Celebrations!!!

The lost camel

nce two merchants lost a camel. They met a traveller and asked him if he had seen it. The man replied he had not. “But was your camel blind in the right eye?” Said he to them. “Yes, he was”, replied the merchants. “Was it lame in one left foot?” The man asked again. “Cer¬tainly it was,” said the merchants. “Was its front tooth missing”? said he to them.” Indeed aye” said they. “Was it loaded with honey on one side and with wheat on the other?” “That is just how it was loaded,” they answered. “Please take

us to it.” “But I have not seen your camel,” said the man “and I do not know where it is.” The merchants got angry and said, “Then how could you tell us so exactly everything about our camel?” “That is my secret,” said the man. The merchants took him to the king who asked him where the camel was. The man replied that he had not seen it. At this, the king asked him how he knew so much about it. The man answered that the camel had eaten grass only on the left side of the path. So he knew that it was blind. The marks of its one left foot

Crossword puzzle

were faint. This showed that the camel was lame. While eating grass, it had left a little turf in the middle. So he learnt that it had lost front teeth. There were ants carrying grains of corn on one side of the path and flies eating honey on the other. The king was satisfied with his explanation and let him go. The King then turned to the merchants and said, “This man has made use of his eyes to look at things. You have eyes too. Use them. You’ll find your animal.” And he sent them away Moral There is a good explanation for everything. w w w. p r e servearticles. com

Yay! Aima Longe is 1!

She loves red colour and Dora the Explorer, but her parents gave her a fabulous Ladybird themed bash to mark the day. God bless you baby!

Gags Why did the boy sprinkle sugar on his pillow before he went to sleep? Ans: So he could have sweet dreams. Why did the robber take a bath? Ans: Because he wanted to make a clean getaway. What did the judge say to the dentist? Ans: Do you swear to pull the tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth. Why did the boy tiptoe past the medicine cabinet? Ans: He didn’t want to wake the sleeping pills!

What do you get when you cross a fridge with a radio? Ans: Cool Music. What goes up when the rain comes down? Ans: An umbrella. Why did the belt go to jail? Ans: Because it held up a pair of pants! What kind of lights did Noah use on the Ark? Ans: Flood lights!

SUNDAY

Faith 51

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Sermon The power of sacrifice p.56

News BSN board meets p.58

Rolving Worshipper

CTL: An enclave of water, oil, deliverance p.53

Nigerian Christians reject same-sex marriage–Omobude National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Dr. Felix Omobude, was in Ilorin, Kwara State, recently on a familiarisation tour. In a brief chat before meeting church leaders, Omobude spoke with BIODUN OYELEYE on some issues affecting the church, particularly, the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria Why are you in Kwara? I am in Kwara State to strengthen the church. As can be seen, the Pentecostal movement has grown in leaps and bounds across the nation. It is growing alongside some challenges so my visit is with the aim of putting our home in order, strengthening our values, projecting into our future. I am here to propagate the gospel that we inherited. I am here also to let our people know that peace is very relevant and very much needed if we will have an atmosphere to worship God. I believe that God knew that we can live together and he did not compel everybody to believe the same way. As a leader of the Pentecostals, I am appealing to all our people, asking them to live peacefully with their neighbours. We can change this nation and we must have the right attitude.

I agree that Nigerians have a right to be anxious. I do not think anywhere in the world that curbing insurgency has any quick fix. I don’t know anywhere in the world that there is a short cut to solving insurgency state. If he feels that is the best thing then Nigerians should give him the benefit of doubt. Many people have criticised between the close fraternity of religious leaders and politicians. What is PFN’s position? I think that we must all understand that as humans, there is some politics in everybody. I have heard people accuse CAN of this and that. I am part of the leadership of CAN. I represent our own group in CAN. I can tell you that PFN, which I represent, is not on sale to any bidder and we will try to toe the path, to be fair. Yes in the PFN, we have leaders who have political persuasions and they have a right to their political persuasions. I think that maybe religious leaders should not now attend any invitation of politicians so that we can stay clean? I don’t know. For me integrity is what a man of God represents and that is what I am pushing in my trip across the states.

The renewed Boko Haram attacks have left many dead. Nigerians are asking whether we are really winning the war or not. What is your thinking? Nigerians must recognise now that Boko Haram is our common enemy and we must not just point at government. We have an enemy in the house. I agree that Nigerians have a right to be anxious. I do not think anywhere in the world that curbing insurgency has any quick fix. I don’t know anywhere in the world that there is a short cut to solving insurgency. I would appeal that Nigerians should give our government some time. I believe no responsible leader can go to sleep and forget that there is a problem when the house is burning. They are working. So I think we should give them some time and cooperate with the security forces so that we can defeat our common enemy.

Tai Anyanwu Head, religous Desk titus.anyanwu@newtelegraph online.com

President Muhammadu Buhari just sacked the service chiefs. Is that a way out? He is the Commanderin Chief. We all voted him; I mean he is our President and we gave him the mandate to steer the ship of the

Omobude

There are several criticisms of integrity among PFN members. What are you doing to CONTINUED ON PAGE 53

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

The Ever-Winning Ministries International, Ikeja, Lagos, held an anointing service and special prayers for families and friends recently at the church premises. Here are some of the faces there. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

L-R: Rev. Mrs. Laura Ojigiri; Pastor Ndubuisi Okwum and Pastor Alfred Oluwole, during the special prayers and anointing service for families and friends, at the Everwinning Faith Ministries Int’l, Lagos

Mr. Henry Abimbola, member of his family and friends at the event

Mr. Henry Abimbola, receiving prayer and anointing from the Senior Pastor, Solomon Ojigiri, during the special prayers and anointing service

Mr. Henry Abimbola, family and friends at the anointing service

Businessman donates buildings, bus to church A s part of efforts to appreciate God’s goodness, a businessman, Deacon Iyke Kalu, has donated some buildings, bus and a generator to Behold He Cometh Pentecostal Church located at Ajah, Lagos State. Speaking at the dedication of the buildings, comprising an administrative block and ministers’ quarters in Lagos, Kalu said the donation was his way of thanking God for his goodness and mercies upon his life and those of his family members. “All I have been in my life is by God’s grace. So, in order to appreciate and show my faithfulness to Him, I have to put my resources and invest in the kingdom of the Almighty God,” he said. He added the buildings, church bus and generator were a token of appreciation to God for all He has

A cross-section of guests

done in his life. “First of all, I want to tell you that there is no amount of resources you commit in building the house of God that is enough. We all own the totality of our lives to Him. And what I did was to make sure that whatever I put in place for the house of God was the best and, better than my own home, because God deserves the best. “We have churches everywhere, but I have been affected by the gospel of this particular church. I received a miracle that turned my life and family around,” he said. Kalu expressed his love for the ministry “because it is a place where the unadulterated word of God is preached.” He added that this is why he decided to establish the church branch in Lagos.

Dispelling the notion that he might leave Christ Royal Family Church, where he he currently worship, Kalu said, “Christ Royal Family Church is my church, it is where I belong, is where I started as a Christian when I first came to Lagos. I want you to understand that donating buildings or establishing a church for the kingdom of God doesn’t change anything in my life because the body of Christ is one. My vision is to invest and contribute to the kingdom of God without segregation. “As long as this is the house of God and they need certain assistance which I can provide. I will gladly and unrelentingly do it for any church. For your information, I have helped so many churches in this country that I have never attended their services,” he said. He noted that this was not the first time he is donating buildings to a church. “I have built and donated buildings to St. Simon Spiritual Church in my hometown in Abia State. I have built more than two churches in Lagos though I’m not a member of any of those denominations. But I have found out that this is what I have to do to increase the kingdom of God,” he stated. When asked if there is future plan for him to be a general overseer of a church, he said that if God decide to make him a minister, then he will make himself available for the work of God. “Let me put this right, we can serve God in different capacities. We cannot all be preachers. God is one. Some people are called to be preachers; some to be prophets and some to be evangelists. I have a deep passion for God. If I have a passion to build this house for God, it doesn’t means that I must be a pastor or preacher to exhibit my passion for God,” he said. Speaking earlier, the church’s General Overseer, Rev. (Prof.) Emmanuel Agwu, said that only God rewards any man for his deeds or gifts. He commended the businessman for his gesture and prayed that the good Lord would always provide for him and his family.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Faith

CTL: An enclave of water, oil, deliverance Dominic Adewole ASABA

“B

y this anointing, I say, let the Holy Spirit of God - the Father, God - the Son and God - the Holy Ghost heal everyone anointed with this oil, deliver them from every demonic oppression and grant them infinite miracles in Jesus name, Amen.” With the invocation of this authority by Prophetess Victoria Obidinma Okonkwo, thousands of people are believed to have been healed and delivered of their infirmities at the Christ The Lord International Ministry (CTL), situated at Ubulu-Uno in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta state. Sunday Telegraph learnt, after a tour of the place of worship, being presided over by Prophetess Victoria, that the church fully relies on the scriptural testimony of Naaman, who was cured of his leprosy in 2 King 5-10 through the efficacy of prayer, faith, water and anointing. This is also recorded in James 5:4 for healing grace. In the words of the founder and President, Rev. Godfrey Obidimma Okonkwo, and his wife, Prophetess Victoria respectively, the church, which stands on a two square miles is known as ‘the City of God, the New Jerusalem and the City of Solution built on the Lord God in 1984 after an encounter with Christ the Lord.’ The inspiration to kick start the ministry, according to the prophetess, was first received in December 1974 at T.L. Osborne’s crusade held at Idia College Compound in Benin, Edo State. “In February 1984, when an American evangelist, by name, Richard Roberts came to Benin for a crusade, I was then the Principal of Asoro Grammar School, Benin-City and my husband was the Managing Director of Govic Group of Companies Limited. Despite our work, we vowed as usual to fast and pray for four days during the crusade for God to grant us miracles. “Having seen the miracles, we were so convinced about Jesus, that it became our greatest priority in life to get people to know Him. We knew what the miracles we got did for us as it convinced us of the deity of Christ Jesus and brought us much closer to God, than we were before the crusade experience. That was how the ministry was born,” Prophetess Victoria stated. Prophetess Victoria says, “The sickness you are carrying belongs to the devil because Jesus has healed you by His stripes. The power backing up that word, which has been deposited in CTL, is life and not death. The Spirit of Deliverance, which was deposited in the ministry may manifest during the anointing or thereafter.” At a recent crusade of the ministry, Prophetess Victoria said, “Joy flows in my heart when a sinner repents and those bedevilled with unclean spirits are let lose and healed with Christ’s stripes (…He was chastised for our iniquities and by His stripes, we are healed) as recorded in Is. 53:4-5.” The growing influence of the ministry on Wednesdays and Thursdays, according to Prophetess Victoria, is because the ministry is not being run like any other.. Hence, she was categorical that the end time is responsible for the proliferation of churches today. She enumerated three cardinal processes leading to deliverance from demonic oppression to include one, casting out of the evil spirit that is behind the sickness through what she

described as ‘tongue words.’ Two, the application of water or oil (as the case may be) on the converted person to repair what has been damaged by the evil one. And finally, waiting patiently for the miracle to happen, which she said, “may be immediate or within 48 hours.” One Jonathan Emeka Nnadi, who recounted how he miraculously survived chronic kidney failure on his sick bed at Madeke Memorial Hospital, Nkpor,

Anambra State, said he gave his life thereafter to Jesus. The encounter of one Johnson Agbo, an 86 year old man, from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, who was suffering partial stroke and was bedridden for over three years was a testimony to the fact of the anointing efficacy. His finest hour came on Thursday, July 9, when he bounced back on his feet. A large crowd of worshippers, including the Sunday

Telegraph reporter, watched with bewilderment the healing carried out on two teenage girls - Faith and Nneka. They were said to have recovered from paralysis. Prophetess Victoria, who voluntarily retired as a principal after putting in 19 years in the profession, said the benediction she impacts on the congregation is efficacious enough to heal the brokenhearted among them.

Presiding Pastor of Faith in Christ Mission, Gbagada, Lagos Assembly, Pastor (Mrs.) Olubunmi Salami (centre) flanked by Pastor (Mrs.) Funmi Ogayemi (right) and Prince Idowu Oyefusi at a Press Conference announcing “A Day with Jesus” crusade holding at Gbagada Recreational Ground, Lagos

‘Why we opposed divorce’ CO N T I N U E D O N PAG E 5 1

clean the house? I told you, that is one of the reason why I am in the state. But we must also note that we are a very big and large family. The Pentecostals, whether you agree with me or not, represent the fastest growing church arm in the country today. There is hardly any city, village or hamlet that we are not found. Unfortunately, it is almost like a kingdom with many kings but we are trying to talk to ourselves. We are trying to identify the bad eggs. As a matter of fact, the PFN has launched a database because we want to know our leaders. And if anyone becomes unruly there must be some measure of discipline and all that in the body. That is what we are trying to fix. We may not get everything altogether fixed because it’s a fellowship that works by law. There may be many churches that bear Pentecostal church but are not really members of the PFN. They are on their own so if a man has done bad and because he answers a Pentecostal church on a signboard, that does not mean he belongs to the PFN. How do you think you can help the public to know those who belong to PFN? Well, it’s part of the reasons I am here. We have a constitution and above all we have the Bible. So if anyone walks disorderly, we will know through our state chairmen who by extension know those in the state all down to the local government and even the ward levels. So we can identify who is whom. And I have told our leaders that if you come into leadership, you believe the Bible the way we believe; the major things we believe, that salvation is by faith in Christ. We believe in oneman-one-woman-wife, etc. All our leaders know so if you join us and abide by it but

Omobude

somewhere along the line you divert and say for instance that you can marry many wives, we have a right to de-list such a person and disown him. The United States has just legalised samesex marriage. We have many Pentecostal preachers who go there and there are fears they might import that doctrine to our land. Well, many Nigerian scientists go to America, many Nigerian actors go to America. I can also tell you that many American pastors still also believe in our core values of one man one wife, who is a woman. For the PFN, we do know that this is a free society but for us we believe in one

man one wife, who is a woman. There was a move sometimes ago over the taxing of churches. What is PFN’s position? It is very unfortunate that we can reason that way. People have not thought...When these government people are happy, they need a pastor to pray for them. When they are sad or they lose somebody they need a pastor to bury them. Now they have forgotten the many humanitarian endeavours that the church is involved in. The stand of the PFN is that if a church is doing business, of course it should pay tax. For instance, if a church owns a hotel, they should pay tax on the business. But for a church that is registered as a non-profit organisation, that to me is unrealistic, it is not right. The days are over when Pentecostal ministers only bought cars or lived flamboyantly. Now we have Pentecostal pastors setting up schools and hospitals. Many of them have humanitarian outfits trying to give back. The church stands for enlightenment, healthy living, good neighbourliness and many of our people now know that it is not just about wearing a suit or changing cars. They are developing the people and that is the new phase of PFN. The increasing rate of divorce in our society is alarming. What is the stand of your fellowship? It is condemnable. It is unfortunate. PFN stands for enduring marriages; marriages that last. We do not support divorces. It is unfortunate that these things that were alien to us, even traditionally, I mean our traditional values have taught us that when you marry, you are there to stay and build the marriage so divorce is not an option in the Pentecostal faith. We don’t support it.

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

Truth out of season

Evil may have its hour but God will have his day - Archbishop Fulton Sheen

rebels” (Ez. 2: 3-7). Prophet Amos in his turn had a rough time too. When he was heckled and harassed by Amaziah to stop speaking the words of Yahweh, he responded with a heavy oracle. “Now hear the words of Yahweh...Your wife shall be made a harlot in the city, your sons and daughters shall fall by the sword, your land shall be divided up and given to others, and you yourself shall die in a foreign land” (Am. 7:16-17). That pretty much is the life story of all real prophets.

The travails of prophecy Being a prophet generally requires depth of thought vision and even spirituality. Every authentic prophet must, at some point in life, confront sin and Godlessness. Some prophets get advance warning of their challenge, others do not. God admonished Jeremiah: “Do not say: ‘I am still young’, for now you will go, whatever be the mission I am entrusting to you and you will speak of whatever I command you to say. Do not be afraid of them for I shall be with you to protect you. - It is Yahweh who speaks” (Jer. 1:7-8). Ezekiel’s introduction to mission was not any easier. On seeing a vision of the likeness of Yahweh’s glory, he was told: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a people who have rebelled against me.... Now I am sending you to this defiant and stubborn people to tell them ‘this is the Lord Yahweh’s word’... But you son of man do not fear them or what they say for they will be as thorns for you and you will be sitting on a nest of scorpions....Tell them what I say, whether they choose to listen or not for they are

Same for the Suffering Servant Long before Jesus came, Israel looked forward to a Saviour who would make everything easy for all. From that point of view, Jesus began well. When he picked up the scroll in the temple to define his mission, he proclaimed soothing words: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and news sight to the blind; to free the oppressed and to announce the Lord’s year of mercy” (Lk: 4; 18-19). That music to the ears of his listeners did not last very long. It soon became obvious to them that the kingdom of God was going to mean much more than sweets and sugar. It would also be about suffering, perseverance, sacrifice, justice and truth. So, Jesus began to speak less-palatable truths. “If you want to follow me, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me. For whoever chooses to save his life will lose it, but the one who loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matt. 16:24-25). Jesus even declared that he had come because of the truth. When queried before Pilate,

Firm Faith:

Right Reason Most Rev.

Emmanuel A. Badejo fradebadejo@yahoo.

0803 949 4219 (SMS only)

You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (Jn 8:14). Those who embrace the truth, who proclaim and promote it may have a hard time and suffer pains

he said: “For this I was born and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is on the side of the truth hears my voice” (Jn. 18:37). Jesus had earlier stated his very identity: “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but through me” (Jn. 14:6). The disciples died for the truth. Straight after Pentecost the disciples of Jesus demonstrated their commitment to the truth. Stephen was stoned to death as the first martyr of the Church for affirming the truth about Jesus (Acts 6,7). Peter and other disciples, arrested by the authorities, harassed and admonished to quit the business of preaching the Gospel, retorted; “Better for us to obey God rather than any human authority” (Acts 5:29). They paid dearly for their choice. Paul upped the stakes: “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel” (1Cor. 9:16). Enumerating the troubles he had seen in the service of the gospel, he demonstrated that few could have seen worse. “The beatings I received are beyond com-

parison. How many times have I found myself in danger of death!” (2Cor. 11:23) He then stubbornly declared: “I am certain that neither death nor life, neither angels nor spiritual powers, neither the present nor the future, nor cosmic powers, were they from heaven or from the deep world below, nor any creature whatsoever, will separate us from the love of God, which we have in Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Rom 8: 38-39). Truth still travels on gravel roads Only such passion for the truth can save Nigeria today. Among us, truth needs disciples, heroes, and knights, committed to its battle and subsequent triumph. Though the transforming power of truth is undisputable, the process of that transformation is tortuous. It is a permanent challenge to all true prophets, be they clergy or laymen, men or women youth or adults. Jesus said: “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (Jn 8:14). Those who embrace the truth, who proclaim and promote it may have a hard time and suffer pains. But they are the ones who “create” a better world, not the Jack the Rippers, the Al Capones, Adolf Hitler’s or Idi Amin’s of this world. Those who would say nothing for the truth should not stay smug. Truth is not only violated by falsehood, it is just as well outraged by silence. We must all actively commit to enthroning the truth. God and history never discard the records of such choices. That fact determines the worth and measure of each person’s existence. I hope you are asking yourself this question right now. What is my existence on this earth

Ordained for exploits Insight Rev.

Femi Akinola

www.thehebrewsng.com

01-790 3163; 0808 584 5864

o matter your current situation, I would like to remind you that you are ordained for exploits, though it may tarry. If God has promised you a great future, then you must hold Him by His Word and hold on to this word. God can handpick a particular individual in a family for exploits. We have heard of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the Bible stresses that God ordained Joseph for exploits and the life and testimony of Joseph actually confirmed this. “This He ordained in Joseph (the savior) for a testimony when He went out over the land of Egypt. The speech of One Whom I knew not did I hear (saying),” Psalm 81:5 (AMP) God who made heaven and earth has ordained you for greatness and has attached testimony to your name, but you must know how to get it. There are things you engage in that are capable of ruining your destiny opportunities in experiencing the wonders of testimonies of God in their lives. The Bible says, ‘my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.’ The goal of this piece is to teach you to become a testimony magnet and how you can live and be a wonder to your generation. My prayer for you is that whatever you lay your hands upon shall flourish

and prosper in Jesus name. Testimony – A sign of your heritage in God Testimonies are proofs that you are serving God; without testimonies in the life of a man, there would be more questions that answers in your life. Anybody or power asking questions about what you have to show for your service to God, the God you have served faithfully will answer you speedily in Jesus name. “I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD. I will tell everyone that you alone are just.” Psalm 71:15-16 (NLT) “And it shall turn to you for a testimony.” Luke 21:13(KJV) Whatever it is you are going through now, God says it shall turn around for a testimony. The most effective medium of evangelism is testimony because one testimony is enough to earn you a seat among kings and nobles and even silence your enemies forever. You need exploits to stand tall among your mother’s children and those asking ‘where is your God.’ It is just what you need to tell them, ‘come and see!’ What are they coming to see if there’s no testimony? You need testimony to prove to the people that your God is able to do abundantly and exceedingly above what you might think or ask. Before the end of this year, what you have least expected and that which has been considered impossible and dead in your life, the Lord will use His Name to announce your testimony in Jesus name. Watch out for these!

I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD. I will tell everyone that you alone are just.” Psalm 71:15-16 (NLT) In your quest for testimonies and exploits, there are Biblical principles which you must embrace as they relate to your life and destiny. Life can be easy if Godly principles are adhered to. Some time ago, my life was characterised with fasting and prayers which did not take me too far until I was able to lay hold on deeper light and understanding. When you know what to do you become an envy to many. From now on you will not pray and fast in vain in Jesus name. There are things you must fight against if you want to experience testimony in all realms of your life; these I call anti-testimony odds. You must watch out for them and let the Holy Spirit empower your spirit to deal with them and I see God giving you victory against these in Jesus name. § The spirit of doubt: “If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God (Who gives) to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.”

James 1:5 (AMP) Doubters can hardly receive anything from the Lord; it is common knowledge to see people believe reports of men but readily doubt the word of God. When doctors, lawyers or even spiritualists give them a report or news, even though it is unpleasant, they believe; however, they find it difficult to believe the God who created the heaven and the earth. How do we know? It shows in people’s attitude towards God’s word. Doubters have no future with God. They end up empty and poor and will always be at the mercy of others. “He said, Come! So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus. But when he perceived and felt the strong wind, he was frightened, and as he began to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me (from death)!” Matthew 14:29-30(AMP) The storms of life will come just to make you doubt God’s word just like Peter doubted the word of Jesus on the sea. When the storms of life come, know for sure that you are approaching something massive and that is the exact time that the devil would attack with the spirit of anxiety and doubt. Every storm making your faith to stagger and doubt the word of God, I command it to be calm in Jesus name. Peter would have set a record and become the first to walk on the water just like Jesus, but for doubt. I cast every spirit of doubt out of your life in Jesus name. If you are going to see testimony and demonstrate exploits in your life, you must believe in God’s ability to do the impossible. To be concluded!

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Faith

It takes the Master’s stroke Mystery ofAnxiety Bishop

John Ogbansiegbe

0803 341 6327

bedience is always the forerunner of every miracle. There is no miracle without God first. The types of things that God will tell you to do are things that are within human capacity, reasoning and rationality. God did not create man as a robot which must be manipulated before action. Robots and TV are programmed to be controlled and manipulated with remote control and computer buttons. Every man is in ownership and possession of his will power.

Each time you obey God, you are giving Him meat to eat. This was why our Lord Jesus Christ said: “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me and to finish his work” – John 4:34. Our Lord Jesus Christ is also God. It naturally follows that His meat is also God’s meat. Since He feeds on the praises of His children, it then implies that God’s meat on top of His food is the obedience of His children. At the marriage in Cana of Galilee captured in John 2:7-8, when the host and celebrants became stranded because of the insufficiency of wine, Jesus ordered His servants to fill the pots with water. The Bible recorded that they obeyed and

filled the pots to the brim. Jesus told them to put the water in the vessels and serve it to the guests. As the apostles obeyed without question, the water turned into wine. Hallelujah! Indeed, certain expected miracles meant for you will never take place until you do what God wants you to do. When your righteousness is fulfilled, your heavens will open. When our Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled His righteousness before God, His heavens opened and a voice said: “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased” – Mathew 3:7. Until your righteousness is fulfilled in obedience your heavens cannot be opened. Examine yourself spiritually as you are reading this piece. Ask yourself this very important question: What is that thing which God has told me to do, which I have not done and which has hijacked, delayed and suspended the manifestation of my miracle? “And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your

We have toiled all the night and have taken nothing.” He was actually saying that they had explored every avenue and means at their disposal, utilised every technique; yet all to no avail nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake” – Luke 5:1-6. It is important to note and appreciate, however, the professional experience and background of Simon Peter which prompted that portion of scripture. He had been a professional fisherman. He and his brother, Andrew, grew up probably by the lake of Gennesareth. The terrain and the daily activities around the lake were quite familiar to them, and they possessed relevant techniques and expertise that professional fishing requires. At this particular hour, Simon had called back his team after an unsuccessful day and night toiling, to give their nets a wash. The holes may have been blocked and consequently prevented an enclosing of fishes.

Simon properly summarised their situation when he said: “We have toiled all the night and have taken nothing.” He was actually saying that they had explored every avenue and means at their disposal, utilised every technique; yet all to no avail. They had laboured throughout the night, which is the normal time for fishing, but their efforts yielded no fruit. Their patience had run out, their abilities resulted to futility, and their labours had been in vain. “We have taken nothing” was the end of their struggles. Their conclusion must have been that there was not a single fish in the vicinity of the waters that night. And so they decided to wash their nets and go home to get some rest. It was against this background that the Lord said to Simon: “Launch out into the deep and let down your net for a draught.” The Lord had spoken. That word must not return to Him void. The word of God is the solid foundation upon which the world is resting. And His words are bound to be Yea and Amen. Whatever He says must come to pass, “Launch out and let down your net for a great catch.” The situation at the lake was quite discouraging. Peter’s several years of experience with the same lake, and all the proven techniques they employed failed. There was no new wave that could have driven in fish from larger waters. Peter therefore concluded that it was over. Don’t conclude yet, child of God. Your miracle is on the way.

Giving: The law of return the of

Oracles God

Frank Oboden Olomukoro frankolomukoro@yahoo.com

0703 362 1866

iving evokes a multiplier effect no matter how little or how big. “But this I say, he which sowed sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sowed bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” The farmer that sows only few seeds on his vast acres of land will only reap corresponding to what is sown, the large acres of land notwithstanding. That is simply why God abhors the sluggard, the lazy and the excessive sleeper because their input is almost nothing. So they end up living in poverty. Poverty is a scourge. It is reaped by those who consistently fail to sow seeds of success in their vineyard. “Whatsoever he does shall prosper” Psalm 1:3. The sluggard sows absolutely nothing so nothing to harvest. The law of return depends wholly on how much you give. “Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete with it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38). The return is usually greater than what is given. What is sown is multiplied several

times. This is why we must imbibe the basic understanding why believers are encouraged to give. Giving must not be under compulsion or done grudgingly. It must proceed from a ready and willing heart. In fact, God loves those who give cheerfully and generously. These are the factors that enhance the law of return as a benefit to the giver. We believe that now, at the end of the time of grace, all things in everyone’s personal life and in the church are being brought back into their rightful order before God and that the complete restoration in all areas is indeed taking place. As it was with the first Christians who believed the pure word of God and carried the divine love for the truth in their heart, that is how it will be once again at the end among the true children of God. We belong to the Lord with everything that He has given us and are only stewards of what was entrusted unto us. Dear Brothers and Sisters, precious friends, we only have a very short time left on this earth. Let us first seek the kingdom of God, and all the other things we might have need of will be granted unto us. Let us give cheerfully and generously, not out of obligation, but simply because of gratitude to the LORD. RECEIVERS NEVER GET ENOUGH Givers never lack. Always, they smile home with the showers of blessings poured from the windows of heaven filling their store houses. On the other hand, receivers are stranded with lack, with insufficiency, with peanuts that trickle in, that are never enough to meet their basic

We belong to the Lord with everything that He has given us and are only stewards of what was entrusted unto us. Dear Brothers and Sisters, precious friends, we only have a very short time left on this earth

needs, let alone being a channel of blessing. This is primarily because they don’t possess an attitude or drive to sow into their own farm land and into the Kingdom of God. They indeed have a farm land but fail to sow their seeds and wait for a harvest. They are therefore known to be eaters of their sowing seeds what is known in modern parlance as their capital. Therefore, there is no store house or barn where harvested crops are kept. In the scriptures, God never spoke or made a statement on what you stand to benefit as a receiver. Luke 6:38 says: “Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, running over, shall men give into your bosom.” In His choice of words, God never said give and you shall receive, that that will make you a receiver. He carefully used the appropriate words and terms - give and you shall be given. A giver will be given. It will take a giver to adequately give to a giver. Since a giver is not a receiver, it follows that he has positioned himself to be given. As long as the flow of investment is sustained, the inflow can never

be cut off. How much can a wayside beggar give to another? Nothing, because he is always in a state of lack; so he will never have enough to part with. There are many who possess the spirit of a beggar but are not found sitting by the wayside. Being by the roadside or byway begging is an indication of perpetual lack. If the beggar breaks away from the tradition of receiving to investing or sowing then his entire life style will change. Giving attracts God’s favour. It connects you to those who will channel you to a place of abundance. Receivers have no dream, no aspiration, no vision so investment and mission are lacking. Hence, no projection for expansion and growth. By these no return is expected. The law of return caught up with Nabal, being a self-centered man, for failing to give when it was utmost necessary. It cost him his life. God personally smote him dead. He also lost his wife, Abigail, to David. The windows of heaven are shut to a receiver. Givers abound in the scriptures - the likes of Abraham, the Lord Jesus Christ, the woman of Zarepath, Mary Magdalene, to name a few. All received abundantly in return for giving at critical moments. Joseph may not have given money but he gave his time, his strength, and life in the services he rendered in Portiphar`s estate and the prison. He was rewarded accordingly beyond the stretch of his imagination. We are at liberty to give without withholding and surely the natural law of return will apply.

CO NTINUED O

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

The power of sacrifice

Wisdom of God’s World

Pastor Nnadiaso Promise Jomo

Email: info@wisogc.org

+2347044799358 (SMS only)

GEN. 22:9-19 says: “And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen. And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast

done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba.” The worst you can do to yourself is to find yourself with a pastor who cannot make you knowledgeable about the things of God. Salvation of man is a result of Jesus sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. If the Lamb did not die for the world, no other sacrifice or offering could usher in the salvation of man. What is sacrifice? Sacrifice is giving something valuable in order to get or do something more important or valuable for another person. Sacrifice must be something that cost you pain; sacrifice also means the act of offering something to a higher being. A lesser being gives sacrifice to a higher one. Idol worshippers offer things to their gods but believers offer sacrifice to the Almighty God. The incident in Gen 22:9 is a typical example of sacrifice to the Almighty God; and which culminated to what is now known as Abrahamic covenant. God did not actually want Abraham to kill his son but He wanted to show us the incident that must happen in the future. Abraham went for the sacrifice alone because in the journey of destiny,

If you can sacrifice, you can decide what your family will look like; every sacrifice of blood is everlasting. The strength of every sacrifice lies in the covenant you need no one’s opinion on how to go about it. Abraham went without telling the wife because a man can easily give up on his children but a woman cannot. So was it when Jesus was crucified, God turned His face away but Mary the mother of Jesus never left Jesus to be alone. Abraham went alone with his son because he already knew that Isaac was the sacrificial lamb. When he was about to slay his son God made a confession and said that “now I know that you love me.” What one says doesn’t matter, but what you do does. Sacrifice ushers you into a miracle that you never can imagine or bargained for. Sacrifice shuts the mouth of powers that threaten you. Anything man wants to do for you and demands for a sacrifice is because he wants to appease the gods and to allow them trouble you at his own convenient time. If you can sacrifice, you can decide what your family will look like; every sacrifice of blood is everlasting. The strength of every sacrifice lies in the covenant. Prosperity only responds by giving. When you give a servant of God something whether he prays for you or not, you have stirred up something in him. God always wants

something from a man before He can walk with him and trust the man. Sacrifice provokes spiritual manifestation. The spirit controls the physical. Wicked men use carved images to control humanity and whether you like it or not you can’t break it except with the power of God. Three things sacrifice demands: 1. Willingness 2. Obedience 3. Faith In sacrifice, somebody must not push you to do it. It must be of your own will. You need to also be ready to sacrifice. Faith is very important when it comes to sacrifice. Abraham’s preparation to kill his only son could not have placed his trust in God’s sharper focus. Abraham believed that God could not take Isaac his son from him. Hebrew 11:17-19. The angel of the lord calling Abraham was not just the Angel but God Himself. Exodus 3:2, Acts 7:30:12. God asked Abraham to offer his son just as a test; which he passed. James 2:21:13. Instead of his son he offered a lamb. The idea of atonement was introduced, which could find its fulfillment in the death of Christ. Isaiah 53:4-6, John 1:29, II Corinthians 5:21:15-18. In the Abrahamic covenant, the Lord directed it to the issue of the land. Covenant revokes things that we lost In Verse 16-17, He said “I Will surely Bless you” Gen 17:7-9, Hebrew 6:13-14. He possessed the gate of his enemies. Geneses 24:60. In verse 18, all nations shall be blessed through him and any one that curses him shall be cursed and anyone that blessed him shall be blessed. Acts 3:25.

Why I pray in the night (2) Word of Life

Bishop

Moses Kattey

moseskattey@yahoo.co.uk

0808 770 7486

IT ALL STARTED IN THE NIGHT, THE PROBLEM You have now been told that something happened somewhere in the night and the problem started. How do you want to be told that the sacrifice or the prayer that caused the problem was at night while you were enjoying your sleep? Have you seen any church or ministry that does not hold vigils? How do you see it? Have you seen any Christian that does not like to attend night prayers? How do you see him/ her? Such persons like the word of the Lord quoted above as a joke. Night prayers are indispensable. While a woman was sleeping, her neighbour exchanged her child with a dead one. They reported the matter to King Solomon. One of the women said she had a baby, and on the third day, her mate also gave birth to her own child. Hear directly from her: 19. And this woman’s child died in the night; because she overlaid it. 20. And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom. 21. And when I rose in the morning

to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear (1 Kings 3). 2. Exchange was done at midnight “while thine handmaid slept.” Do you know that for many persons, they go to bed at night alright but by the time they wake up in the morning, the baby disappears from the womb, job is lost, child is sick, husbands, have gone, opportunities lost, victory turns to defeat, etc. They lost these blessings to those who refused to sleep at night - may be praying, sacrificing, planning or doing some other spiritual things. This is one reason people pray at night. A group of youths planned to demonstrate against a contractor. The contractor said the youths met up till 11p.m, planning the demonstration. The contractor met a pastor and reported what was happening to him. The pastor prayed in the night sowing “tares among the wheat” of the youths. Early the next day (4a.m), the youth leaders came out to lead the demonstration. They saw nobody, even up till 6a.m. The youth leaders felt that the contractor must have gone for prayers somewhere. They went to meet the pastor who agreed that the contractor came for prayers and he prayed overnight that the demonstration should not take place. That was what happened at night “while men slept.” GIDEON FOUGHT AND WON IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT It was not just that Gideon fought the Midianites and won at night, but

the important thing was that the Lord gave him the instruction to do so at night. And it came to pass the same night that the Lord said unto him, Arise get thee down unto the host for I have delivered it into thine hand (Judges 7:9) In his wisdom, the Lord instructed the army of Israel to strike “while men slept.” Gideon, for his part, did not mind forfeiting sleep to attack the soldiers. So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch, and then had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hand (Judges 7:19). The battle was fought and won at night “while men slept.” If they know you are awake they will not succeed. They enemy must ask: Do they pray at night? The answer to this question makes them continue or cease in the plans against you and your people. SAMSON ESCAPED AT MIDNIGHT You and your family have the chance to escape from the enemy at night by night prayer. Spend hours at night in prayer. The Philistines were planning to capture Samson in the morning. Learn to fight and capture at night. Before morning comes, ensure you have escaped. Also, if your enemy will escape from you, it must be in the night. Learn to keep watch at night. 2. And it was told the Gazites, saying, Samson is come hither. And they com-

passed him in, and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the night, saying, in the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him. 3. And Samson lay till midnight, and arose at midnight, and took the doors of the gate of the city, and the two posts, and went away with them, bar and all, and put them upon his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of an hill that is before Hebron (Judges 19:2, 3) Do not say I will do this or that in the morning. Do it first at night by praying. Do not let your enemy have the upper hand at night when you are sleeping. In the night the victory for the sleep in the day and pray at night. DAVID WON AT NIGHT: SPARED SLEEPING SAUL Saul, his general, Abner, and all his soldiers pursued David to capture him. Saul’s strategy was to sleep at night and fight in the day, but David fought at night and slept in the day. Those who rest in the day and fight at night always win. 8. So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear struck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him. 12. So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s bolster; and they got them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked; for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the Lord was fallen upon them (1 Samuel 26:8, 12) ....to be continued next Sunday.

ON PAG E 5 6

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Faith

What an irony of faith Taming your Emotions Bishop

Lawrence Osagie 0806 325 0667 www.powerlineministriesinc.org mail:powerlineministries@mail.com

our struggles will amount to nothing without the help of God. Your smartness, your beauty will be treated as trash without the backing of God. Your connections become unprofitable if God does not back you up. My beloved of God, Luke chapter five just gave us a clear analysis of what life can be without grace. Simon was a fisherman from childhood. He has always been involved with his father, going to the high seas in the middle of the night, engaged in one trade all his entire life until Christ met him. Simon didn’t go to any university; fishing had always been his profession. He learnt it from his father and became a trader – such a big business that he had partners but the experience here shows that there was a night things didn’t work out well despite the experience of Peter and his partners. Does it not happen in businesses and projects today? The very thing that sustained his life and his family suffered a setback. Peter’s own may have been for one night. Yours may have been for one month, a year ago and whatever time dispensation. My scripture tells me he

toiled all night, suggesting that he was not a lazy man. He was a workaholic. He knew labour to the core, he was a professional, he was not a novice. He knew the act of the game. He was in business all night, at the right time. But you see, professionalism without God leads to frustration. Hear me child of God, if you can drink this cup this time and allow it saturate your life, and make it the bedrock of your life: your choice and dealings, there is no way you can fail. I assure you that you will in no time become the envy of your generation. In spite of all he knew, in spite of all he had: the boat, the net, the partners, the right mindset and strength not sick or feeble yet things didn’t work out well. Peter had everything in place but yet he was profitless – there was no result coming. Liken him to a typical brother in the church who sows all seeds, sings all songs, prays all the prayers yet, he is always listening to other people’s testimonies but never testifies. And that can tell you what was supposed to the frustration of Peter - business failure. In the midst of all this, you can discover the symptoms of business failure. The boat was now empty because the fishermen had gone out of them. When a man begins to abandon the tools of his trade, it is a reflection of frustration. They abandoned their boats and were washing their nets, suggesting that they had given up for the night - “It’s over we are returning home empty.” They packed business tools and were ready to return home empty and the Master walked into the scene.

Thrust out a little bit so I can use your boat. The same boat that couldn’t deliver to you, give it to me to use. And this is the crux of the matter; that Jesus is able to make a way where there is no way. He can turn around what is not working to fruition God is so faithful that at such a point when you are about to throw in the towel and give up, grace will step in. The Bible says Jesus pleaded with Simon. He actually begged him, He appealed to him – “Please let me use your boat. Thrust out a little bit so I can use your boat. The same boat that couldn’t deliver to you, give it to me to use. And this is the crux of the matter; that Jesus is able to make a way where there is no way. He can turn around what is not working to fruition. When you are frustrated and things are not working out for you and then God is making a demand on you; you never know what rank is up in that demand. And this is another mystery. Many times when a life-transforming miracle is about to happen, circumstances demand that there is something you need to offer. It could be your belief or simple obedience. It could be

giving something that is not convenient. But many people would intentionally refuse. The widow who fed Elijah had some flour to eat as her last meal when Elijah showed up. Instead of giving to the poor woman, Elijah asked the woman to feed him first. What an irony of faith! Jesus said: Make available your boat for me to use. Peter had good reasons to refuse. He had had a bad business night and could out of frustration refuse to open up. But that is the attitude of a man who doesn’t want to go far in life. Throw away your ugly past and accentuate the positive. Yesterday may be bad but today is another opportunity. When the grace of God is about to be delivered to the hands of a man, it calls at such a critical moment when it is so easy to refuse. For refusing the demands of grace at that time means shutting your doors against grace. Grace will never announce to you that it has finally come. He never makes such an announcement. That’s the Holy Ghost for you. He comes in quietly; when the doors are open to Him he settles. Listen to me; no man goes beyond the level of the grace of God that is available to his life. Grace said: “Hey! This thing has frustrated you. Give it to me, thrust me out a little bit and let me use it.” If this message has blessed you, you can get more at the Powerline Bible Church. We invite you; worship with us Powerline Bible Church Glass House, Odolowu Bus Stop, Ijeshatedo, along Mile 2- Oshodi Expressway, Lagos.

The overwhelming blessing Power Arena Rev.

Chidi Anthony

0808 757 6773

ne day, I was preaching in church, suddenly the generator went off. And there is a level one reaches in the realm of the spirit that one would not need to be cut you off. When the light went off that day, I dropped from the realm of the spirit. I was highly annoyed. So, I stood without the microphone, and told the congregation that we would have to buy a new generator for the church. I told them that it would cost about N150,000. And I requested for only 15 people who could give the church N10, 000 each. Before I finished speaking, people rushed to the altar, they were more than 15. The same man I am talking of also came out. He said to me “Papa, I want to talk to your ear,” and I wondered what he was going to tell me. He said, “Tell all of them to go back, I will not buy that kind of generator, I will buy a Lister engine.” I asked, “do you know what you are saying?” He said “Yes” emphatically. At that point, I wanted to tell the others to go back, but I reasoned that their money could serve other ministerial purposes and then they get the corresponding blessing. So I told the brother that I will tell the people that he is buying the

Lister, but would not send them away because their money would be useful. Then, they won’t get offended that they were sent back. We quickly enquired about the cost of the Lister engine. The brother said that after buying the Lister for about N1.2million, he would be left with only N300, 000 in his account. “Rev. Chidi Anthony, I have emptied my account to buy this generator. Talk to your God to replenish my account.” I said no problem. That day my eyes opened by force, and I saw God. I said to God, “My father, I am not begging you this time. God you must do this because of your son.” Then I looked at the young man and said to him: “Go” and he left. I did not know that two months later, the young man ran into big money. Now, I had an undeveloped property in Isheri area of Lagos that I got when one Chief Patrick gave it to me in exchange for my Peugeot 506. The chief was so in love with the car that he convinced me to sell it to him while I paid the balance for the land in instalments. One afternoon just after I had paid the last instalment, my phone rang. The man who was taking care of the property told me that some people were trying to trespass on the property. I thought it was a joke, but when I got to the land, they had already marked it out just ready to sell it. I cried out and told God that this was the first meaningful thing I had done in life. “Why should you watch these people take it away from me?” Just while I was crying, my phone rang, and it was the voice of that same brother that had bought the Lister for the church. He asked me if I could come to his house

My father, I am not begging you this time. God you must do this because of your son.” Then I looked at the young man and said to him: “Go” and he left. I did not know that two months later, the young man ran into big money at Lekki Phase 1 right away. I said I could not. He said: “Man of God you need to come.” He tried to persuade me to come over, but I told him that I was not in a happy mood then. Then I asked what the problem was. I told him that relating the problem would not solve the issue at hand. He insisted that I must do so. I told my wife that the brother had asked me to come to his house but that I was not in a good mood. My wife assured me that if the land was really mine, God would not watch me lose the property to intruders. She persuaded me to go. We went to Lekki Phase 1. It can be a difficult thing for a pastor to tell his problem to church members. When I arrived at his residence, I didn’t know when I told him about the intrusion into my property. After hearing me out, the brother casually said, “This thing is not a problem. Go and start a structure on the land. When you start

building the trespassers will leave.” I told him plainly that I did not have the capacity then, especially because the land is swampy. The brother said to me: “Wait, I am coming.” He climbed upstairs. When he came back, he dropped a light envelope on my laps. He said, “Take that envelope and go and start a structure on the land. “ It was a very light envelope. So I thought that this brother had added more problems to my problem; but a voice said to me: “Open the envelope.” Another said: “Why not pretend as a pastor and when you get into your vehicle you open it?” Then the first voice prevailed and I took the envelope and opened it before him. Inside the envelope was a Zenith Bank cheque made out in my name in the sum of N20 million. That voice said to me, “Chidi Anthony, see it now.” My brother’s house was chilled with extra efficient air conditioners in place, but at the same time, sweat was dripping down my body because I was seriously overwhelmed. Since I was born, I had never seen that kind of money before, how much more handling it. I hear about millions on television. When I saw the money, the brother invited us to the dining for some refreshment. I replied that which food is greater than this; that he should let me go. Inside me, I feared that he might change his mind while I was eating. I left that place immediately. ...to be continued next Sunday. Come and experience the power dimension as we worship God at Kings in Christ Power Ministries International, 17 Jubilee Close, off Taiwo Street, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos.

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

Commanding the supernatural by the power of the tongue (3)

The Voice of Dominion by

Bishop David Oyedepo

7747546-8 (SMS only)

elcome to another week on your regular column. We have been exploring how our words determine our place in the realms of the supernatural. This week, we will examine what makes our words powerful. Firstly, it is important to know that what we say is what we see and what we cannot say, we cannot see. Moreover, what we say can completely devalue the revelation we receive from God and His Word. Thus, the signs we command are the products of our words. Remember, the Bible says: Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat

the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21; See also Mark 11:23). Therefore, it is important to know that we command the supernatural by engaging our tongues effectively according to the terms of scriptures. This is because what we declare is what God confirms. Moreover, whatever is too big for our mouths is too big for our lives. However, it is important to recognise that it is not just saying the words that make it work, but saying it boldly, openly and unashamedly (Mark 8:38; Psalms 119:46; Romans 1:16). The moment we stop saying what we want to see, we stop seeing it. What are the virtues inherent in the words we speak? •

The words of our mouths are creative after the order of Christ

Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour (Genesis 1:1-31; Proverbs 18:21). •

The words we speak are prophetic: The problem is not the issue; what we say is what determines the happenings in our lives (Isaiah 14:24; Mark 11:23; 2 Peter 1:19).

• Our words are reproductive: Our words are spiritual seeds sown into our future. What we say today is what we will see tomorrow. Again, we understand that God’s Words are seeds; thus, when we engage same, our future is guaranteed (Genesis 8:22; Luke 8:11; 1 Peter 1:23). Therefore, the tongue is a mystery that we engage to be in command of signs. The challenges of our lives are not the issue; it is our declarations that determine whether that situation remains a problem or a solution. This is because God cannot do anything outside what we say. Thus, we must be careful what we say because a misuse of our tongues can lead to disuse of our lives (Psalms 81:10-15; Luke 21:15). Therefore, by the power of your tongue, I decree your long awaited miracles delivered in Jesus’ name! Are you born again? This means, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!” For further reading, please get my books: Releasing The Supernatural, Walking In The Miraculous, Commanding The Supernatural. I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail:feedback@ lfcww.org

BSN board meets Tai Anyanwu

he 48thnational board meeting of the Bible Society of Nigeria will come up in Warri, Delta State from July 20 - 23. The society’s Deputy Manager, Church Public Relation, Benjamin Mordi, made the announcement in a statement to media houses in Lagos. He explained that Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, will declare the meeting officially open after a solemn service scheduled to hold at First Baptist Church, Warri, on July 21. He added: “The meeting, being hosted by the Southern Zone of BSN, will be presided over by the National President of the Society, Dr. Aaron Nuhu. Among other things, the board meeting will discuss past and future activities of the organisation concerning Bible work and as well examine her accounts for the past one year. “The General Secretary of BSN, Rev. Dare Ajiboye, is expected to present his report for the year under review to the board at the meeting.” Also expected at the board meeting “are the Patron of BSN, Gen. Dr. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, trustees, national officers, delegates from across the country and senior members of the management team of the organisation,” Mordi said.

SUNDAY

Sport 59

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2015

Football

Employing Oliseh is NFF’s biggest blunder, says Chidi Nwanu p.60&61

Ugoka: De Tigresses will break 10-years drought at AfroBasket

Dapo Sotuminu

U-23

Siasia, LeRoy battle for supremacy p.63

Golf

Osun to get another top class course, courtesy Olashores p.62

Football

Arsenal win Asia Trophy p.63

Deputy Sports Editor Dapo Sotuminu daposotu@yahoo.com

igeria’s Obianujunwa Ugoka is looking forward to make her first appearance at the senior level at the 2015 AfroBasket Women’s Championship and she’s taking aim at the continental crown. For the 12-team event which has been fixed for Yaounde, Cameroon from September 24 to October 3, the 6-feet-1, 172-pound power forward who plies her trade with Italian side Lavezzini Parma, said Nigeria’s qualification in their two-leg FIBA Africa Zone 3 games against Cote d’Ivoire last month in Abidjan was a team achievement. And this was possible as her teammates played their hearts out to pick the ticket. The 22-year-old who played a pivotal role, scoring 14 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to lead Nigeria in the second-leg game noted that the Nigerian team has a bright chance to win the upcoming African championship in Cameroon. “We have players and the team that can compete with any team in Africa,” said the former Virginia Tech Hookies player. Nigeria have been drawn in Group B along with Senegal, reigning champions Angola, Guinea, Algeria and a team to be determined through the wild card system. Since De Tigresses’ last title earned in 2005 on their home soil in Abuja, the Nigerians have not reached the podium of Africa’s biggest women basketball tournament. Ugoka thinks it is time to end their ten-year drought from the AfroBasket Women podium. “Nigeria is one of the great basketball nations in Africa. We have to make our comeback at international level. And I think the only condition is to win the tournament this year,” she said. Nigeria’s assistant coach Adewumi Aderemi seconded Ugoka’s thoughts. “We are chasing our third continental title and looking to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics,” he said. The tournament will serve as a qualifier for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The winner of the tournament will secure automatic qualification, while the teams that finish second and third will book places to participate in the 12-team FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT). Ugoka, who is one of eight children, grew up in Lagos. She relished her mother’s white soup and pounded yam, as well as her rice and chicken dishes. Ugoka learned English in school. She also grew up speaking Igbo, one of Nigeria’s native languages, and “Broken English,” a form of English used by Nigerians both with and without education. She loved to play soccer. But when she was a teenager, she spotted some members of Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team who were headed to a practice. She decided to follow them. “I’ve never seen such tall people in my life,” she recalled. “I was a little bit tall. I saw them playing basketball and I was like, ‘Oh, I think I can play this.’ “That was the same day I switched to basketball.” In 2009, she was one of about 60 players invited to the Hope4Girls Africa basketball camp in Ogun State, Nigeria. The camp was founded by Mobolaji Akiode, who played basketball for Fordham and the Nigerian Olympic team.

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sport

Employing Oliseh is NFF’s biggest blunder, says Chidi Nwanu

Dapo Sotuminu he employment and unveiling of former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, as the new handler of the senior national soccer team by the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, received rave media attention with majority of the country’s football stakeholders applauding the federation for taking the right step in the right direction after the sacking of former coach Stephen Keshi. But a former teammate of Oliseh in the USA 94 World Cup squad, Chidi Nwanu, has a contrary view. Nwanu who is also based in Belgium just like Oliseh believes strongly that the NFF made a grave blunder picking the least qualified coach for a world class team as big as the Super Eagles of Nigeria. “After the football federation sacked Keshi, who is a well-qualified coach to handle the national team after his stint in Togo and Mali, the best bet would have been to meticulously search for a world class manager for the Eagles. I mean a coach that has achieved in international football. This would have been most appropriate as we can’t wait to see Nigeria occupy its rightful place in world football. It is sad to see Nigeria drop from the class of contenders to participants at the World Cup. “It was however shocking to see the NFF despite having believed modern day football administrators in charge of affairs in the football house still preferred to toy with the national team employing an experimental coach like Sunday Oliseh. Nigerians are tired of experimentation which started during

the era of coach Christian Chukwu some years ago, by today the Eagles should be definitive and that cannot be achieved by the latest action of the NFF. Chidi Nwanu, who had 20 caps for Nigeria and was part of the squads for the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the 1988 Summer Olympics, said: “It is only in Nigeria that you can hear someone say it is either you give me the senior national team job or nothing. You never would hear such a comment anywhere in the world except in Nigeria and by a Nigerian. This can only happen this way in Nigeria. When people no longer know their worth, they can settle with anything. I am surprised that Nigerians are still not aware of the fact that the Eagles is a world class team that must be coached by a world class tactician. You see, experience is the best teacher. Why didn’t they start with Oliseh coaching the Junior National team, the Flying Eagles, before now? Please read Dr. Amos Adamu’s article on the difference between Keshi and Oliseh published in one of Nigeria’s newspapers.” The former Anderlecht FC of Belgium defender noted that now that Nigeria has hired him, there is nothing anybody can do about that, but the basic fact remains, we should leave Oliseh to do the job he has been given by the NFF. But incidentally he seems not to be ready for that as I listened to his first comment when he arrived in Nigeria making a big mistake openly criticizing Keshi and highlighting his faults. Despite the situation Keshi put himself, he still has an edge over Sunday Oliseh. “But I don’t understand why Oliseh thinks that analysis on television is enough qualifi-

Chidi Nwanu closing up Maradona at the USA 94 World Cup

cation for the national team job of Nigeria. That reveals the kind of people who are running our football. No dream, no vision and no foresight. How could anyone think like this handing over the Eagles’ job to an inexperienced fellow, we only need to wake-up! “The Bible says, it is not those that says Lord, Lord that will enter the kingdom of heaven but those that do the will of God. It’s not in words but in deeds. Let the NFF board members be honest to themselves, can they really compare Oliseh with Keshi or Amodu Shauibu?” He noted: “Let’s reverse the case a bit. Assuming Oliseh is the president of the Nigeria Football Federation will he employ someone with his own current experience as the national team coach? The Truth is always bitter, but somebody must say it. What I am doing right now is simply a

constructive hammering. Not taking it in good faith, will reveal that it’s all about him and not about Nigeria. The only club Oliseh handled in his entire coaching career is RCS VERVIETOIS. This club played in the First Provincial League. In our own understanding in Belgium, it’s Division 5. Oliseh spent only nine months in this amateur club that even went bankrupt. This is all his experience as a coach and he has just been employed as chief coach of the Nigerian national team. It’s even ridiculous thinking about it. A FIFA Licensed Manager here in Belgium called it the joke of all time. “That is exactly what I am saying. The position of the national team coach is simply too much for Sunday Oliseh. When someone begins to ask for something bigger than him, it’s a sign of immaturity. It’s just like me asking a pilot to let me control the flight just because I have passed the theoretical test of flying. If he accepts, that would mean crashing the

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Sport

Sunday Oliseh

plane and killing everyone on board. “This same Oliseh was bragging on his blog that I, Chidi Nwanu was one of the revelations of the 1994 World Cup. Saying that, he was in the national team before me, but unfortunately for him, someone with the real record challenged him but until now, he has not been able to apologize for speaking out of point. This statement only reveals his character.” The Olympian stated that he would hit on Oliseh’s credentials as a coach when the time comes. It was wrong for the NFF management not to seek advice before employing a coach. I kept wondering why the employment was made such a secret. We know everyone in top flight coaching career here in Europe. I believe we can be a good guide to selecting a coach for our national team. I am not a coach and I am not in the competition to coach the Super Eagles, but I can help to get a good coach. Nwanu stressed that: “Oliseh’s character would obviously find him out.

Sunday Oliseh tackles Maradona at USA 94 World Cup

Sunday Oliseh Personal information Full name: Sunday Ogochukwu Oliseh Date of birth: Sept. 14, 1974 (age 40) Place of birth: Abavo, Delta State, Nigeria Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) Playing position: Defensive Midfielder Senior career: 1989–1990: Julius Berger 1990–1994: RFC Liège 1994–1995: Reggiana 1995–1997: FC Köln 1997–1999: Ajax 1999–2000: Juventus 2000–2004: Borussia Dortmund 2003–2004: VfL Bochum 2005–2006: Genk National team 1993–2002: Nigeria Teams managed 2007: Eupen (Sports director) 2008–2009: Verviétois Nigeria 2015:

One part of that character is already in display. He came into Nigeria with a foreign assistant, a Belgian meaning he does not trust anyone over there in the country. He disassociated himself from his own people. No one at the moment can predict his full character since he has no coaching record. Wait and see, just wait and see. “Really, if the Nigerian federation had done the right thing employing a world class coach for the Eagles, top Nigerian ex-internationals across Europe including myself would be readily available to give positive advice towards ensuring the success of the national team. But as it were at the moment, there’s no need giving advice to someone who wouldn’t listen. It’s really better to keep quiet because Oliseh always thinks he knows better than everyone. Whoever wants to advice Oliseh is wasting his own time because he won’t just listen, as he believes his knowledge is always superior.” Chidi Nwanu disclosed that Oliseh’s coaching certificate has a question mark which the Nigerian federation does not know about. “The answer is not for now. The NFF should have known that before now. They should have asked and verified before they appointed him. “The NFF Technical Committee should think of what they were told about Oliseh’s European License. To coach the kind of club Oliseh handled in the Belgian First Provincial League, you don’t need a European License. The truth is that the European A License is for top clubs and national teams with certain conditions. I also heard him say as a member of the FIFA Technical Study Group that he has been teaching coaches around the world and as such with his employment, he would definitely impact on Nigerian coaches. Please, let him tell you people some of the coaches he has trained and since when did FIFA start to train coaches,” Nwanu who is now a Pastor in Belgium said from his base in Europe.

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sport / News

Golf Weekly Osun to get another top class course, courtesy Olashores T Stories by Ifeanyi Ibeh

he south-western Nigerian state of Osun will soon join the small list of Nigerian states with more than one top class golf course following plans by the Olashore family to have in place a first of its kind facility. Osun state already boasts of the impressive MicCom Golf and Country Club, in Ikirun, but the serene town of IlokoIjesha, already renowned as the base of the nationally acclaimed Olashore International School, will soon rival the former in the sport of golf. Penultimate weekend, in a bid to increase interest in golf and make Nigeria a potential golf destination, the Olashore family, in conjunction with the Royal Park Hotel, formally got underway plans to establish a world-class golf course in IlokoIjesha with a presentation of the planned 18-hole course to be situated on 35 hectares of land.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman, Board of Governors, Olashore International School and Royal Park Hotel, Prince Abimbola Olashore, made known his plans to make IlokoIjesha, his hometown, a “a golf and tourism destination.” This, he added, would have a rippling effect on other nearby tourism sites, including the Ijesha waterfall, and other UNESCO heritage sites. Also speaking at the event, the chairman of the Interim Golf Committee, Prince Tayo Haastrup, extolled the virtues of the sport, saying: “Golf is relaxing and great for networking. We thank God we are having the first of its kind golf course in Iloko-Ijesha.” Prince Haastrup’s committee has the task of fast tracking the completion of the golf course and bringing it up to worldclass standards. Other members of the committee are Hon Gbenga Onigbogi, Chief Akin Akinola, Dr Akin Moses, Mr

Seyi Onajide, Mr Kunle Ogunbufunmi, Mr Tunde Fagbenle, Mr Oluseyi Lufadeju, Mr Femi Feyide, Arc Ayo Onajide, and Prince Lekan Olashore. He added: “This will not only boost the interest in golf outside the big cities, but it will also promote leisure and overall wellbeing. This will be good eventually not only for the people of Osun state, but for the game of golf at large.” The golf course will be a stone throw from the Olashore International School, and Prince Bimbo Olashore, while speaking on blending education with leisure and lifestyle, reiterated that they are a continuum. He said: “Lifestyle is a blend of what you do socially and family wise, while education is a life-long teaching that doesn’t stop. If you do sports in an education centre it means you are learning in an environment that promotes a definite lifestyle. “Golf is a social game for networking and character building.

Prince Bimbo Olashore

Though people see golf as expensive and a game played by the upper class, it teaches patience and peace of mind. And that is why we want to introduce it to our children at a tender age,” he added. With that in mind, the Principal of Olashore International School, Mr Derek Smith, added: “I think golf is a great sport for the children to learn, and it’s really interesting.

On the game, you learn self-control. Now that there’s going to be a golf course here, everyone has the opportunity to learn lessons in the morning, before school hours, in the evenings, and during weekends. In spite of the fact that we have competitions round the school, I think some of our students can partake in the competition.”

2016 Olympics: Golf urged to adapt anti-doping code

G Prince Bimbo Olashore (left) and other golfers inspecting the golf course under construction

Comedian mocks Woods in presence of ex

oel McHale dissed Tiger Woods in his hilarious opening monologue at the 2015 ESPY Award in Los Angeles — right in front of his ex, Lindsey Vonn. Starting the show off with a string of jokes, “The Soup” star had the whole crowd laughing — especially with the quip he made about PGA legend, Tiger Woods, 39. But Woods’ former flame, Lindsey Vonn, 30, was sitting front row for the event. “Jordan Spieth is having a big year. He’s in Scotland hoping to win his third major champion-

ship. Many are calling Jordan Spieth the new Tiger Woods — which is great news for golf,” Joel quipped, before adding the punchline: “And terrible news for the future Mrs. Jordan Spieth.” He added, “Is Lindsey behind me right now?” he asked. “She wasn’t married to him. Is she mad? She’s in front of me, too. All right. Great.” The camera then panned to Lindsey’s face, which was plastered with a HUGE smile. The skiing champ then started laughing.

Tiger Woods with ex-wife, Elin

olf must become fully compliant with the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) code, according to R&A chief executive Peter Dawson. The European and PGA Tour do currently conduct tests on urine samples collected during tournaments, but more stringent procedures will apply from May next year as golf gets set for its first appearance at the Olympics since 1904. WADA’s testing protocol allows for urine and blood testing in and out of competition. All players in a testing pool determined by the Olympic Golf Rankings are required to provide their whereabouts on an hourly basis from 5am to 11pm for the 13 weeks leading up to the Olympics. Asked if such procedures should remain in place after the Olympics, Dawson said: “It’s a matter for the Tours which anti-doping policies they want to operate. I would certainly urge that golf moves towards being WADA compliant at all times and right across the world, and I think the game of golf is working towards that.

“That said, it’s still my belief that we don’t have a major drug problem of any kind in the game of golf, but we certainly can’t afford to be complacent and we must continue to test fully.” He added: “As far as the Olympics is concerned... sometimes the testing will be done by the Tours, sometimes by national anti-doping organisations. But in that testing, it will be expanded from that which golf normally does into blood testing and into the full range of wider banned substances.” Last week Scott Stallings was suspended by the PGA Tour for three months for violating its antidrug policy. The 30-year-old American reported himself to the Tour after realising a supplement he was taking to combat chronic fatigue was prohibited. The Golf Channel reported that Stallings was advised by his doctor to take DHEA, an anabolic agent that is the precursor to testosterone production, but did not produce a positive test at the Humana Challenge in January.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 19, 2015

Wike promises Dream Team $100,000 for goals

ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has promised to pay $100,000 for every three goals the Nigeria U-23 team scores against Congo in today’s CAF U23 Championship qualifier in Port Harcourt. The Governor revealed this when he visited the players in their camp to motivate the team and promised to reward them with cash as they score in the game. The Governor, who recently offset the backlog of wages of Dolphins, Sharks and Rivers Angels players and officials, said he will give the coach Samson Siasia-led team $30,000 per goal and will sum it up to $100,000 for every three goals they score against coach Claude Leroy-led team. The CAF U-23 Championship scheduled for Senegal in December will serve as the qualifiers for the 2016 Olympic football event. Meanwhile, late comer Umar Aminu has made the 18-man squad for today’s CAF U23 Championship qualifier against Congo in Port Harcourt. The ex-Flying Eagles striker was released late by his Turkish Super League side, Osmanlispor. Musa Yahaya, Taiwo Awoniyi and Godwin Saviour, who featured at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand last month, are also on the final squad for the Sunday showdown.

Ethiopia’s Dibaba sets world record

thiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba powered down the homestretch to set a world record in the women’s 1,500 meters at a Diamond League meet in Monaco on Friday. Dibaba collapsed to the ground in apparent disbelief after crossing the line in 3 minutes, 50.07 seconds - eclipsing the longstanding mark of 3:50.46 set by China’s Qu Yunxia in 1993. Roared on by a cheering crowd on a warm night at Stade Louis II stadium, the 24-year-old Dibaba crushed her personal best of 3:54.11 -- the leading time this year, which she set last week at a meet in Barcelona, Spain. “I am very happy the time is so fast, very happy for this record,” Dibaba said, moments after milking the applause from the crowd. “Finally all of this preparation is paying off.” Despite being nearly four seconds slower last week in Barcelona, Dibaba felt sure she could get the record. “With the training I did in Barcelona, I knew I was going to break it,” Dibaba said through a translator. “I’ve worked hard to get here. I would like to thank all the people who helped me.” Dutchwoman Sifan Hassan was a distant second in 3:56.05 with American Shannon Rowbury third in 3:56.29.

Sport / News

Siasia, LeRoy battle for supremacy

Today’s Senegal 2015 qualifiers match between Nigeria’s Dream Team and their opponent from Congo is very important to the handlers of the two teams, Samson Siasia and Claude LeRoy. For Le Roy who supervised many conquests on the African continent and last year, his Congolese side did the unthinkable, beating the Super Eagles of Nigeria 3-2 at home in the opening qualifier of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. The defeat eventually cost Nigeria the defence of the title in Equatorial Guinea. While for the Nigeria U-23 trainer, Samson Siasia, he said he believes he knows the magnitude of the challenge of playing against the Congolese, as he has perfected his acts to nail his opponent to the cross with as many goals as possible in the third round first leg of the Senegal 2015 qualifiers at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt. Siasia spoke in this interview ahead of today’s cracker How ready is your team for the African U-23 Championship qualifier against Congo today? We have been preparing all this while and should be ready for Congo today. We are aware that they are a good side with some professional players but we are not scared of them. What we need to do is to have our tactical plans in place and execute them on the match day; the most important thing is for us to create chances and convert them. We are expecting a very good game. You sound confident and not worried about the fact that it

was the Congolese that shut out the Black Meteors of Ghana in the previous round? This is not a Ghanaian team but a very good Nigerian team; we respect the Congolese and I want to believe they would respect us too. We have been together for about eight months now and we are not doing badly; we have already qualified for the African Games Brazzaville 2015 and want to qualify for both the African U-23 Championship and the Olympics as well. We are hopeful and I would be happy if we can create and score as many goals possible here (Port Harcourt) ahead

of the second leg. How important are the players (Taiwo Awoniyi: Dele Alampasu; Yahaya Muhammed) you drafted from the Under-20 for this assignment? Every player here is important and we want everyone to be focused on this assignment. The last time we played at home, we couldn’t score against Zambia despite the fact that we created about 16 chances. Congo defeated the Super Eagles at home the last time they came to Nigeria, how do you do see your chances since Claude Le Roy is also the coach of the Congo U-23 team? This is not the Super Eagles; this is the Under-23 team and they are not going to beat us. We won’t allow what happened to

Arsenal win Asia Trophy A rsenal stepped up their pre-season campaign with an impressive 3-1 win over Everton in the Asia Trophy final in Singapore. Arsene Wenger handed a debut to new signing Petr Cech and saw goals from Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil secure his side victory in front of a crowd of 53,000 at the National Stadium. Everton midfielder Ross Barkley scored a late consolation, but the result was never in doubt. Walcott’s pace took him clear of Everton defender Seamus Coleman in the 22nd minute and the Arsenal striker was able to toe-poke home the game’s opening goal. Cech pulled off a fine save to push Steven Naismith’s firsthalf effort on to the crossbar, but Cazorla cut inside on the edge of the penalty area to drill home a low shot and double Arsenal’s lead in the 58th minute before Ozil slotted home a third four minutes later.

Barkley’s emphatic finish made it 3-1 in the 75th minute, but it did little to paper over what had been a disappointing Everton display.

Arsenal had sealed their place in the final by beating a Singapore Select XI 4-0, while Everton won through against Stoke after a penalty shootout.

Super Falcons’ forward, Francisca Ordega (17) and assisted Ny Ngozi Okobi (10), Heads towards the goal during a Rio 2016 Olympic qualifier between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, in Abuja …yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

the Super Eagles happen to us. The plan for today’s game is to score as many as four goals against the Congolese so as to reduce the tension for the second leg which is also very important to us. Your last game against Zambia ended in a scoreless draw in Abuja. What are you looking forward to from the fans on Sunday in Port Harcourt? We are expecting a large turnout at the stadium today to cheer us to victory. The fans have been very friendly since we arrived here for our final preparation for the match against Congo. Hopefully, we shall not disappoint the fans here and Nigerians on Sunday. We would do everything possible to secure a comfortable win.

Banned FIFA official to appear in court in US

top former FIFA official is due in court in the U.S. to face racketeering and bribery charges in a corruption case that has sent shock waves through the soccer world. Prosecutors say Jeffrey Webb will be arraigned in federal court in Brooklyn. The 50-year-old Webb was among seven FIFA officials detained in Switzerland. The rest are fighting extradition. Prosecutors allege the defendants plotted to pay bribes of more than $150 million over a 24year period. The payments were tied to the award of broadcasting and hosting rights for the World Cup and other tournaments. Since the indictment, Webb was banned provisionally and replaced as the FIFA vice president from the North and Central American and Caribbean region. Webb also was president of the regional governing body CONCACAF.

SPORT Employing Oliseh is NFF’s biggest blunder, says Chidi Nwanu

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FAITH Businessman donates buildings, bus to church

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Buhari and serious issues of governance (Part 1) STARTERS Let me confess that I am aware of some commentators’ argument that it is too early in the day to assess President Muhammadu Buhari’s thrust and style of governance. After all, they argue that he has only spent about 50 days out of the expected 1,460 days of his four-year tenure. That may very well be so. But, a proverb in my Weppa-Wanno, Etsako language (I disagree with some irredentists who try to label my language a dialect), states that, “oto laza le aghua noa khi ukpuwah” (It is the very day a puppy is littered that people would decipher if it would develop a curved tail). In other words, the morning tells the day. Although he has himself publicly confessed that he cannot be expected to perform optimally at the same pace, and with he same vigour and strength, as when he was Governor of old Borno State at the youthful age of 33 and later, Head of State at 40, it would be most uncharitable, even disingenuous to accuse him of senility, or anything near it. Far from it, President Mohammadu Buhari (PMB) is still very agile and quick witted. After all, octogenarians (near nonagenarians), such as Chief E.K. Clark, Chief Olaniwu Ajayi, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Richard Akinjide, San, et al, stormed the Nigerian National Conference in 2014. Their intellectual prowess, coupled with their plenary and Committee contributions to all issues were such as to leave us, the younger generational elements, panting and gasping for breath. Indeed, 85-yearold Alhaji Ahmed Joda, (one of the famous “super permanent Secretaries” of the Gowonian era, step out, Chief Philip Asiodu, Chief Allison Ayida, et al; more on this later), headed PMB’s transition Committee. Not a few Nigerians believed however, that the slow pace of the Committee’s work was ascribable to its gerontocratic leaning. I have no opinion here! THE BUILD UP OF EXPECTATIONS The campaign mantra of the APC was “change”. It was APC’s campaign that former President Goodluck Jonathan had performed woefully, below expectations. The party tagged him clueless, lily-livered, and that he ran a very corrupt administration. Many, nay, most Nigerians, bought this heavy propaganda. Social media activists, especially, took Jonathan to the cleaners, tearing him to pieces, tarring him with the paintbrush of shame, odium and gross underperformance. The build up was high. The anti-corruption mantra was held aloft like a banner of victory. The taming and extirpation of insecurity, root and branch, was orchestrated like a stuck record (remember PMB’s famous “I will lead form the front”). He was believed because he is a retired Military General and former Head of State.

The

Nigerian Project

MIKE OZEKHOME san, ofr mike.ozekhome@yahoo.com 08094777755 (sms only) matches. Nigeria then stood still and on tenterhooks on weekends. A pin drop could be heard in any of the stadia where these legendary clubs played. Fans and spectators figuratively stopped breathing. Ace commentators, Ernest Okonkwo, Tolu Fatoyinbo and Folorunsho Ishola blared, their names. “Chairman” Christian Chukwu, “Mathematical” Segun Odegbami, “Chief Justice” Adokie Amiesimeka”, the Atuegbu brothers, Haruna Ilerika of Stationery stores of Lagos, Emmanuel Okala, Felix Owolabi, Mudashiru Lawal, Bright Omokaro, Friday Elaho, and Joe Erico, amongst others, held sway. Sam Garba Okoye, Ismaila Mabo, Yakubu Mabo, Benedict Akwuegbu, Olayiwola Olagbemiro, Sam Pam, Ifeanyi Onyedika, Ogidi Ibeabuchi, Christian Madu, Jossy Lad, Amusa Adisa, Samuel Ojebode, Joe Appiah, Moses Otolorin, Kunle Awesu, Alabi Aisien, Kadiri Ikhana, Sunday Eboigbe, George Omokaro, Agboinfo, Sylvanus Oriakhi, and Henry Ogboe, reigned supreme. Sorry, pardon me, if I digressed too far off as this write up is not about football. It was to show the passion with which the clubs played, and the high expectations of Nigerians. Football in those days was food. It was life. Nothing else mattered. It was the oxygen Nigerians breathed. Glued to small radio sets and the 4 pm black and white television sets, Nigerians watched with bated animation as these clubs slugged it out. Enemies suddenly became friends. All Nigerians were united. No foe. That was the same way Nigerians expected PMB to hit the ground running. They expected him to be, not just a magician in the mould of Professor Peller, but also a miracle worker in the mould of Chris Oyakhilomen, all rolled into one. The stakes were very high during the campaigns. They are higher today after his unexpected victory. THE ANTI-CLIMAX However, barely 50 days into PMB’s administration, Nigerians (read the print and social media, watch TV analysis and

President Buhari

columnists’ opinions), are beginning to ask many questions. Were their hopes misplaced? Were they hallucinating? Are they in a state of somnambulism, or having feverish nightmares? Reasons? They cannot see signs of the promised “change”. Nigerians are not the most patient people on earth. They love quick-fix-it attack on issues, with “immediate effect and automatic alacrity”. Nigerians cuddle panache, glamour, colour, razzmatazz, and the fanciful. They even love the drama of actions, even if merely playing to the gallery. They yearn for populist actions, the type of IBB when he rejected the IMF, even though he later forced down their unwilling throats, the bitter pill of structural adjustment programme (SAP). Nigerians are seeing an anti-climax. And they are surprised and deflated. Was this the change they voted for? They are wondering! PMB’s MANY MISSTEPS, THE FAUX PAS When he took the oath of office on 29th May, 2015, PMB made one of the most

BUSY BODY

memorable quotes of the century of “I belong to everybody and I belong to no one”. Some placed it in the pantheon of Murtala Mohammed’s great speech, “Africa has come of Age”, delivered on 11th January, 1976, at the OAU extraordinary meeting, warning the West, including America’s Gerald Ford, to keep off the internal affairs of Africa, while castigating the evils of apartheid. After this great outing, most Nigerians expected a national broadcast as to the thrust and policy direction of his government. None came. None has come till date. Only haphazard, piecemeal, fire brigade statements on sundry issues, at sundry occasions. No rhythm, no rhyme, no clear message. PMB, are you hearing me Sir? AND NOW THIS... THE FIRST APPOINTMENTS – A MISSTEP Then, came the first two appointments. First, Mr Femi Adesina (erstwhile President, appointed Special Adviser on Media Affairs (SA). Then the shocker: Mallam Garba Shehu introduced duplicity with his appointment as Senior Special Assistant (SSA), for the same media job. Many Nigerians wondered why the duplication, for any of both gentlemen were eminently qualified to serve as his spokes person, Shehu having also been a past president of NGE. “Where was the cut in government spending?”, they wondered. Nigerians queried why, at least, there was no pretence at making Garba an SSA on Communications and Strategy. Just something different. Why regurgitate PDP and GEJ’s Ruben Abati, Doyin Okupe and Ahmed Gulak? Where was the change, with both spokespersons already publicly contradicting each other? AND THIS... Are Nigerians, PMB, APC, Proprietors and Managers of the old football clubs of those glorious days, Enugu Rangers, Raccah Rovers of Kano, Mighty Jets of Jos, Bendel Insurance football club of Benin, IICC shooting stars of Ibadan, Stationery Stores football club of Lagos, and the Nigerian Football Federation, reading, digesting and utilising these tips, these Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 “The Great Gatsby” recollections, where, in his magnum opus, this celebrated Author explored the themes of idealism, resistance to change, social upheaval and decadence, amongst others? For their future improvement? All from the unputdownable weekly Sunday sermon on the Mount of the Nigerian project, by Chief Mike A. A. Ozekhome, SAN, OFR?

• Follow me on twitter @ MikeozekhomeSAN

By Aliu Eroje

SOME COMPARABLE REMINISCENCES The build up was what was expected of Enugu Rangers vs Mighty Jets football club (of Jos), or Raccah Rovers vs NNB, Bendel Insurance football club of Benin vs IICC shooting stars football club of Ibadan football championship final encounters of the seventies and eighties. I was then in the Secondary school and University. National stadium, Lagos, Ogbe stadium, Benin City, Liberty stadium, Benin City, Adamansigba stadium, Ibadan, Kano stadium, and Jos stadium, Jos, were a must to watch these 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 Hotlines: (Lagos 0902 928 1425), (Abuja 0805 5118488), Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: EMEKA MADUNAGU.