Binder1 sunday march 30, 2014

Sunday Edition

Sanctity of Truth Sunday, March 30, 2014

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Vol. 1 No. 40

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Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in politics and business

NEWS

Life

ON SUNDAY

Insurgency: Jonathan blames Borno, Yobe, Adamawa govs, external forces

Boko Haram doesn’t scare me – Japanese student hiker } 12

Sanctity of Truth

Page 15, MARCH 30, 2014

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT www.newtelegraphonline.com/body&soul

Happy Mothers’ Day!

Beautiful mothers step out in style

}6

2015 presidential ticket

I remain eternally grateful to my mother –Senator Grace Bent

Buhari, Atiku tear APC apart

lTinubu schemes for Buhari lIkimi, Ogbeh, Sheriff back Atiku lFashola, APC Governors search for neutral candidate }3

A petrol tanker after it landed on two vehicles on Iyana Isolo bridge, Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO:SULEIMAN HUSAINI

‘Dead man’ may emerge traditional ruler in Imo Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

I’m not broke – Ifeanyi Ubah }46

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he proposed presentation of staff-of-office to nearly 600 traditional rulers in Imo by Governor Rochas Okorocha has thrown several communi-

ties in the state into crises with several suits challenging the process of emergence of the new monarchs.

There is however some peculiarity in the case of

Itu autonomous community in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area, where, besides alleged irregularities in the selection process of the Eze,

Nigeria may lose part of Taraba State to Cameroon, says Rep. Sam-Tsokwa }3

which is being contested in court, the community is clearly outraged by the activities of some ‘power brokers’ in the area accused of “ruthlessly plot-

ting to foist on the people, one Emmanuel Chimaobi Nwaimo, whom, as at his last public appearance in CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

NUJ demands release of abducted The Sun Editor }6 Catholic priest, teacher escape lynching in Edo }10

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MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

In the morning of Nigeria’s 2nd Century, with an eye on 2015, a year seen as a defining milestone for the country, New Telegraph brings an intense, informed focus on 500 politicians (men and women) that will determine the nation’s course.

In “2015: 500 Politicians To Watch,” New Telegraph, Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in politics and business X-rays and presents the well-known and dark horses in the political arena from across the country – contenders whose trajectories will shape the 2015 general elections.

“2015: 500 Politicians To Watch”

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

Ike Abonyi and Wale Elegbede

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he desire of the leading opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to enter the 2015 elections as a united political family may be stillborn, going by the glaring division already prevalent in the party over who emerges the National Chairman and who picks its presidential ticket for 2015.

New Telegraph on Sunday gathered from dependable sources that the leaders of the party had broken into factions behind their choice candidates. It was also learnt that the vested interests may mar the party’s May 24 National Convention, where national officers are expected to be elected.

An indication of this development emerged at a very crucial meeting on Monday March 24 in Abuja hosted by a chieftain of the party and a former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Garuba Ghadi.

At the exclusive interactive meeting of the APC Contact Committee held at Rockview Hotel, Wuse 2, the former deputy governor told his audience of the undercurrents in the party and how if not well managed might lead to a a major crisis in the party.

Ghadi warned that the APC was becoming engulfed in crises, adding that the party was gradually heading towards avoidable collision among its national leadership.

He highlighted the major area of conflict as the inability of members of the National Convention Committee to agree, as they were divided by their vested interests.

Ghadi revealed that the issue led to an open disagreement between APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and erstwhile governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff, during the last NEC meeting of the party.

Tinubu had reportedly wanted to personally handpick its members, an action which did not go down well with Sheriff and some other senior APC leaders.

New Telegraph on Sunday gathered authoritatively that APC is currently divided along the lines of vested interests within the party. For instance, Chief

Buhari, Atiku tear APC apart Tom Ikimi, Chief Audu Obeh, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, and Sheriff, among others, are backing a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, to pick the party’s presidential ticket.

To make their dream come through, they want to ensure that Ikimi emerges as the substantive National Chairman at the planned National Convention.

But Tinubu is said to be

rooting for Gen. Buhari and wants a former governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun, to emerge as the APC National Chairman as the position has been zoned to the South-South.

New Telegraph on Sunday learnt that Tinubu who is afraid that should Ikimi emerge as the APC National Chairman, Atiku could ultimately secure the APC presidential ticket,

is scheming to thwart the South South.

The former governor of Lagos State is said to now prefer the incumbent APC Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, to emerge as substantive national chairman. He sees this as the only way for him to continue holding sway in the party.

According to our source, the current Tinubu posi-

tion negates the earlier decision of the leadership of the party that members of the Interim National Exco should not contest for any offices in the substantive executive at the National Convention.

Meanwhile, New Telegraph on Sunday learnt that as all these are going on, a strategy committee led by Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, is work-

ing for the emergence of a neutral person as the party’s presidential candidate.

In Fashola’s group are his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi; Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Mallam Aminu Masari.

This group is also enjoying the support of governors who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party led by Kano State

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Moments

L-R: General Manager, DStv Media Sales, Africa, Cheryl Van Rensburg; Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe; Deputy General Manager, DStv Media Sales, Africa, Kholeka Maringa, and Regional Director, MNet Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, during the DStv media sales showcase in Nigeria, in Lagos…on Thursday

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Cerebral Palsy Centre, Nonye Nweke; Principal, Social Worker Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Mrs Titi Tade; Group Head, Cowry Banking, Heritage Bank, Mr. Davidson Regha; and Founder/CEO, Benola Cerebral Palsy Initiative, Air Vice Marshal Femi Gbadebo, during a lecture and awareness campaign on cerebral palsy organised by the Cerebral Palsy Centre in partnership with Heritage Bank Limited, in Lagos...on Thursday

MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

L-R: Director, ATO Architects, Ugo Chris-Aluta; Principal Partner/ Managing Director, Ayoola Tokunbo Onajide; and Director, Ekaete Bassey Fujah, at the celebration of ATO Architects’ 25th anniversary in Lagos…on Thursday

L-R: Senior Project Officer, Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network (L.E.A.R.N), Mrs. Tonne Saheed; Specialist, CSR, Etisalat Nigeria, Mrs. Tola Oduyemi; Director, Education District 1, Lagos State, Mrs. Doyin Oyelowo; and Principal, Girls Senior School, Agege, Mrs. Elizabeth Osadola, at the 10th Etisalat Career Counselling programme held in Lagos…on Thursday

L-R: Second Vice President, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Dr. Bolarinde Patunola-Ajayi; former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nsima Ekere; and Founder, Visafone communication Limited, Mr. Jim Ovia, during the 44th Annual Conference of NIESV in Uyo …on Thursday

Representatives of Valparaiso University, Indiana Graduate School, Ms Linda Oyewopo (left) and Mr. Abbey Badejo, after presenting Indiana Graduate School Award for Education and Culture to Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed (right), in Washington DC...on Thursday

L-R: Manager Recycling, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mrs. Tolulope Adeyo; Head, Public Affairs and Communications, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, Mrs. Yanju Olomola; General Managing, Special Duties, LAWMA, Mrs. Abimbola Jijoho-Ogun; and Technical Services Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited (CCNL), Mr. Lawrence Alau, at the NBC sponsored LAWMA Recycling Club Quiz Competition and Exhibition held at the LAWMA Simpson Yard in Lagos…Thursday

L-R: Director, Brands and Marketing, Airtel Nigeria, Obinna Aniche; Arsenal Legend, Ray Parlour; Arsenal FC’s Partner Services Executive, Luke Wilson; and Director, Corporate Communications & CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Emeka Oparah, at a media session with sports Journalists in Lagos...on Friday

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

L-R: Associate, National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria (NCCN); Ms. Nihan Siriklioglu; Chief Executive Officer; National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria; Mr. Chika Mordi and Senior Adviser, Economic NCCN; Ms. Nneka Ekwuozor, at a Press Conference held by the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria in Lagos...on Wednesday

L-R: Guest Speaker, Chief Mike Ozekhome; Director Federal Highways; Ejike Mgbemena; President, AES, Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu; Chairman, AES Excellence Club, Mrs. Nike Akande and Maj. Gen. Patrick Ogah, during the Quarterly Business Dinner and Inauguration of the AES Abuja Chapter at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja...on Thursday

R-L: President, Oodua Chamber of Commerce, Iyalode Alaba Lawson; Managing Director, Tricontinental Oil Services, Prof. Toyin Ashiru and National Treasurer, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Thomas Awagu during the opening ceremony of the chamber’s leadership workshop on alternative sources of Energy in Lagos… on Thursday

L-R: Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Tanwa Koya; Head Girl, Agidingbi Junior Grammar School, Tomisin Oludele; Chairman, LSWRC, Taiwo Sebiola; School Principal, Sherifat Mohammed; and Head Boy, Jida Idris; during the presentation of gifts to the school, to mark 2014 World Water Day, in Agidingbi, Lagos…on Friday.

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Moments

L-R: Financial Controller, Stanbic IBTC, Tosin Odutayo; Director, Mrs Ifeoma Esiri; Head Teacher, GRA Primary School, Ikeja, Lagos, Mrs. Bridget Osayande; Chief Architect, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Olabodunrin Oki; and Education Secretary, Local Government Education Authority, Ikeja, Alhaja Risikat Shittu, at the commissioning of a library donated by Stanbic IBTC to the school, in Lagos…on Wednesday

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Domestic Banking, Ecobank, Joe Mbulu; Group Executive, Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, Visa, Kamran Siddiqi; Group Executive Director, Domestic Banking, Ecobank, Patrick Akinwuntan; Country Manager, West Africa, Visa, Ade Ashaye; Acting Group Head, Cards and Electronic banking, Ecobank Nigeria limited, Eric Coffie; and Development Manager, West Africa, Visa, Holly Jones, during Visa’s management team visit to Ecobank’s head office in Lagos on Friday

Head Girl, Temple School, Ilupeju, Lagos, Ike Oluwa Ali-Balogun (middle), presenting some gift items to one of the Officer of Heritage Homes, Mrs. Esedafe Grace, during the pupils visit to the Home in Lagos… on Friday. with them is the Teacher, Temple School, Mrs. Dorcas Jakpa and other pupils

L-R: Past President, Nigerian Association of LPG Marketers; Emmanuel Aguele; National, Mr. Basil Ogbuanu; Managing Director, Pipelines and Product Marketing Company, Mr. Haruna Momoh; and Executive Vice Chairman, Techno Oil Limited, Mrs. Nkechi Obi, at the just concluded NALPGAM Conference in Lagos

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MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

News Umar Mohammed, Abdulwahab Isa, Nurudeen Yekeen

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resident Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday in Bauchi took a swipe at governors of states suffering the scourge of Boko Haram insurgency, saying they were not fit to hold their positions.

The states are Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

Although he stopped short of naming them directly, Jonathan said at the Peoples Democratic Party’s North-East Unity Rally that the said governors had failed their people.

He wondered why the same governors would come to Abuja to complain about bad governance when they could not ensure that children in their states were well educated.

“Sometimes, governors will come and say we have some issues because of bad leadership. Bad leadership from whom?”

“If we have security challenges from either Boko Haram, kidnapping or whatever, these are people who couldn’t go to primary

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he Nigeria Union of Journalists, has called for the unconditional release of an Associate Editor of The Sun Newspapers, Mr. Ebere Wabara.

NUJ also called his arrest and detention by the police as clearly showing that despite 15 years of uninterrupted democracy, the Nigerian government is yet to move away from the antidemocratic legal practices that characterised its former military regimes, where indiscriminate arrests and prolonged detentions were

Boko Haram: Jonathan blames Borno, Yobe, Adamawa govs, external forces l It’s time for you to resign – APC schools, who couldn’t go to secondary schools and they have no homes and criminals now recruit and use them.If you see them, they wear rags but they carry rifles that are worth more than N250,000 and somebody gives them food to eat so that they can have strength to kill.

“The Federal Government does not control primary schools. The Federal Government does not control secondary education and a governor has been on the seat in that state for eight years and there are people that can’t go to secondary school and you say bad leadership.

“Who is a bad leader? Is it the Federal Government?

I make sure each state has a university. That is the responsibility of the Federal

Government and I have done it.

“Somebody cannot do his job for eight years, he still has so many children

who could not go to primary school, who could not go to secondary school and you open your mouth to talk about bad leadership.

“Is it the Federal Government or Mr. President that will put your children in the primary school and secondary schools?

“I have done my part. We will make sure that we fund these universities.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

A section of Garki model market gutted by fire in Abuja ….yesterday.

NUJ demands release of abducted The Sun Editor the order of the day.

In a statement by national secretary of the body, Mr. Shuaibu Usman Leman, it said Wabara was arrested Friday by police officers in his house in Lagos and was detained briefly at the Aguda Police Station before being transferred to Abia State to face charges

“So, a state governor that his people don’t go to school and all of them now carry weapons to kill people, you should be ashamed to talk about bad leadership.

of sedition. He said that the union is further worried that this arrest and detention runs contrary to common sense and the law as no country which prides itself on its democratic credentials should be seen to be arresting and detaining its citizens indiscriminately.

“It is unfortunate that

the government of Abia State had openly shown its bias in this case as everything conceivable is being done to frustrate the release of Ebere Wabara and to prolong his detention while his family continues to be psychologically traumatised. We vehemently protest over and repudi-

ate the actions of government and authorities who make a mockery of the freedom of expression and commitments to pluralism and democracy when they encourage a culture of impunity and lawlessness against the media,”he said.

He went on to say that, “holding journalists like

Wabara clearly carries the imprint of Military regimes, and we hasten to caution our Leaders who are beneficiaries of the struggle by the media to entrench democracy to avoid such acts of impunity if we desires to succeed in our quest for national development, and the import of this must never be lost on such Leaders.”

He called on the government of Abia State to release Wabara unconditionally as the time to stop such acts of impunity is long overdue.

‘Dead man’ may be named Imo community’s monarch CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

October, 2013, was in an alleged vegetative state; and now believed to have passed on owing to a terminal ailment.”

The community in a petition to Governor Rochas Okorocha dated March 27, 2014 and signed by 48 community leaders led by Major T.A. Chukwunoyem Rtd. and Nze E.U Nwosu, stated that they had it on good authority that the said Emmanuel Nwaimo

had since died but was being shielded away from the community by Prof.

Uzodinma Nwala whom they allege has an Ezeship ambition that would be advanced if the staff is presented to a dead man.

Their petition reads in part: “Chief Emmanuel Nwaimo got affected and infected with a strange disease that has rendered him comatose since October 2013. Nobody has seen him in public or at work or

any where since then. Information available to us shows that Nwaimo has joined his ancestors and is being kept in mortuary

by Professor Nwala who has Ezeship ambition, so that after the presentation of Staff-of-office to a dead person; they will announce his obituary and start planning for his successor.”

According to the petition, the ezeship stool, by the constitution of the community rotates among the three

sections of Amaovu, Amaiyi and Agu-Akuru-Ezea.

Their late Eze was from Amaiyi while Emmanuel Chimaobi Nwaimo is from Agu-Akuru-Ezea, being the succeeding community.

They argued that if the staff-of-office is presented to Nwaimo, it would be by constitution the turn of Amaovu where Nwala comes from, to produce the next eze when Nwaimo’s death is announced. The commu-

nity maintained that by this, Nwala would have denied Agu-Akuru-Ezea, their turn as king, and put himself onto the ezeship stool of the community.

They alleged that the familiarity between Uzodinma, Dr. Ifeanyi Nwachukwu who is the Commissioner for Public Utilities and Governor Okorocha was the reason a second plebiscite was ordered after Eze Ben Adindu, the choice of the

community, emerged in a fair process.

Their petition further reads, “We know that Professor Nwala is close to Your Excellency, the Governor; we also know that our brother Dr. Ifeanyi Nwachukwu is also very close to the Governor.”

Efforts to reach Nwala were unsuccessful as his mobile line was switched off yesterday night.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

News

Supreme Court varies earlier judgment

•Restores disputed property to Eletu family, Lagos Tai Anyanwu

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n a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has varied its earlier ruling in one of the most protracted legal battles over ownership of 216.758 hectares of land between the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family and Eletu families of Lagos State.

While delivering judgement in the matter, the apex Court gave right of possession of 10 hectares of Osapa land located with-

in the prime properties of Lekki axis of Lagos to the appellants (Eletu Family), but varied the ruling and increased the portion accruable to the Eletu family to 216.758 hectares.

The judgment puts paid to the land tussle that has spanned over two decades.

By the decision, the Court varied an earlier judgment it had delivered last year in which it awarded 10 hectares of the land to Eletu family.

Delivering his ruling, Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen said: “By a motion filed on 23/12/13, the applicants/judgment creditors prayed the court for an order reviewing the judgment of this court in Appeal NO. S.C. 146/2005 delivered on the 12th day of July, 2013 by varying the consequential order of 10 hectares given in favour of appellants (Eletu Family) to 254.558 hectares of the land claimed by the appellants

in their counter-claim less the smaller portion of 37.8 hectares conceded to the Lagos State Government in the Terms of Settlement in Suit NO. M/779/93 i.e. 217 hectares.”

Justice Onnoghen held that by the provisions of Order 8 Rule 16 of the Rules of the Supreme Court, though the court can’t review any judgment once given and delivered, it can vary the judgment or order so as to give effect to its meaning or

intention.

“In the instant case, the intention of the court is to grant the applicants their counter-claim to the 254.558 hectares of land less the 37.8 hectares conceded to the Lagos State Government in the Terms of Settlement in suit NO. M/779/93, bringing the total entitlement of the ap-

PDP organises two-day retreat for party publicity secretaries in Yenagoa Chijioke Iremeka

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L-R: Speaker, Gombe State House of Assembly, Alhaji Inuwa Garba; Vice President, Namadi Sambo and Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, at the PDP rally in Bauchi …yesterday.

2015: Former Anambra guber candidates set to dump parties

Govt dismisses fear of Ebola virus spread in Nigeria

Leo Sobechi

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Araise the tempo of con-

s politicians continue to

cerns for the 2015 elections, two governorship aspirants from Anambra State, Senator Andy Uba and Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, are said to be finalizing plans to dump their parties.

While Senator Uba is associated with talks for an eventual berth in All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA) Dr. Ubah who contested the last November governorship election in the state on the platform of the Labour Party, (LP); is on his way to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).

Sources close to the two political bigwigs told New Telegraph on Sunday that Senator Uba has decided to quit the PDP due what he called declining enthusiasm and negative sentiments of

its leaders to his continued relevance in the party.

“The situation had become so bad for the distinguished Senator such that on his approach people who he helped in yesteryears to access top political positions now jiggle and observe ominous silence. It is an open secret that the loss of camaraderie between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the incumbent is rubbing off negatively on Dr. Andy Uba,” the source explained.

Expatiating further on the rationale of Senator Uba’s planned defection, the source added that the fact of former governor Peter Obi’s exit from power and influence in APGA made the party attractive for the Senator pointing out that APGA offers better alternative for him to re-contest for the Anambra South Senatorial seat he presently occupies in 2015.

he Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, on Saturday dispelled rumour of the outbreak of Ebola virus in Nigeria, saying surveillance has been intensified to prevent occurrence.

A statement by Mr Dan Nwomeh, the Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the minister, said that the attention of the ministry was drawn to a media report on the disease in Nasarawa State.

“The minister’s attention was drawn to a recent media report about an alleged death of an affected person in Nasarawa State.

“The report is not true and should be disregarded.

The said case is yet to be diagnosed and confirmed as Ebola virus.

“The general public should please note that the authority to confirm the outbreak of

disease epidemics rests with the minister of health. ``The institution that is mandated to investigate the outbreak of diseases and advise the minister of health is the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC),’’ the statement said.

It said that based on available information from the NCDC and the minister of health, there was no outbreak of Ebola virus in Nigeria.

The statement said Nigeria had the capacity to diagnose the disease if it appeared in the country and the NCDC was currently studying outbreak trends of the virus.

The NCDC had mobilised rapid response teams and developed a detailed response plan that included a comprehensive health education and health promotion to sensitise Nigerians, the statement added.

plicants to 216.758 hectares.

“The above being the case, the consequential order in the judgment aforesaid shall now read: ‘The appellants are entitled to the statutory Right of Occupancy over 216.758 hectares’. Every other consequential order(s) in the said judgement stand”, the court ruled.

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embarking on a two-day special retreat for the party publicity secretaries in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

The programme is billed to run from Wednesday through Friday, according to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the State government, Daniel IworisoMarkson.

The retreat will to take place at Ijaw House, along Sani Abacha Expressway, by 9 AM each day and will feature discussions on harmonising strategies for the party’s communication system for effective dissemination of PDP’s activities, policies and programmes.

According to the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Olisa Metuh, accreditation of participants, drawn across the country, will take place at the venue of the retreat.

In his solidarity message, the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, the host, said the idea of the retreat is a visionary one, noting that it would strengthen the communication machinery of the party and position the party for greater advancement at all levels.

“It’s a brilliant idea to have a retreat for this caliber of key officers of our party; and I believe it would further enhance ongoing efforts aimed at deepening and strengthening the internal workings of the PDP. This will also enhance the party’s desire and com-

mitment towards delivering the dividends of democracy to all at various tiers of government,” he declared.

Meanwhile, during monthly Praise Night at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa, the governor tasked public office holders to impact positively on humanity, says service to man is service to God. He urged those in authority to see such positions as platforms to impact positively on humanity.

He enjoined them to reflect on their struggles and achievements in life, saying that power comes only from God and service to God can be achieved through service to mankind.

According to him, political power should not be regarded as a means to an end but rather as an opportunity to improve the overall wellbeing of the people they are meant to serve in fulfillment of God’s purpose on earth.

“Monthly praise night is a period to express appreciation to God as a government, for His mercies and blessings upon the State and country as a whole as well as the support being enjoyed by his administration,” he added.

However, Pastor Tamarakuro-deinyefa Eyidoude said praising God for His goodness is one of the greatest gifts one could offer to the Lord to attract more blessings.

He expressed optimism that through the instrumentality of praise and worship, God would continually elevate the Ijaw Nation and urged Governor Dickson to sustain

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MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

News

Oyo PDP unites parallel excos, vows to send Ajimobi packing in 2015 Sola Adeyemo, Ibadan

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lders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state yesterday rose from a reconciliation meeting in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, announcing a fuse of the two earlier parallel executives of the party into one.

The chieftains in the meeting held at the Iyaganku residence of the former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief yekini Adeojo, submitted that the party was now one with the executive of Yinka Taiwo recognised.

They resolved that with

the fusion and unity among them, the administration of Senator Abiola Ajimobi would be dislodged in 2015 and PDP would reclaim the state lost in 2011.

Speaking on behalf of the chieftans, Adeojo said the party had unanimously endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for second term, stressing that contrary to the series of criticisms against him from the opposition, the president had done a lot to better the condition of Nigerians.

Even though some of the party elders like the former

governor Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala were not in attendance, their representatives were in attendance.

Similarly, members of the factional group led by the Minister of State for FCT, Ms Jumoke Akinjide, were present.

Speaking the minds of the elders, Adeojo said: “No governor had ever done it twice in Oyo, not even Bola Ige. We have come together to show Ajimobi the way in 2015. Irrespective of what they say that he has done, PDP wil push him out. And we are by the decision assuring President goodluck Jonathan of our

support for his second term ambition”.

Those who attended the meeting are Yinka Taiwo (State Chairman), Senator Hosea Agboola, Senator Teslim Folarin, Alh Yekini Adeojo, Prof Taoheed Adedoja, Chief Bamidele Dada, Hon. Muraina Ajibola, Chief Sunday Ogunlade, Dr. Jelili Adesiyan (Minister of Police Affairs), Elder Wole Oyelese, Alh Kunmi Mustafa (factional chairman), Asimiyu Alarape, Olawale Atilola, Alhaji Adebisi Olopoeniyan.

Others are Hon Segun Odebunmi, Mrs Ayoka La-

wani, Alhaja Bosede Adedibu, Amb. Yomi Akintola, Hazim Gbolarumi, Hon Olawale Atilola (former Speaker, House of Assembly), Hon Segun Akinloye, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) former ProChancellor, LAUTECH, among many others.

Sultan visits Vatican The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has been nominated as a speaker at a symposium on Cultural Diplomacy and Religion in the Vatican City of Rome.

The symposium is to hold from March 31 to April 3.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Dickson

Omoregie, Country Representative of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) in Abuja.

The statement was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.

The ICD said that the symposium would explore the use and potential of inter-faith dialogue to promote discourse with the ultimate goal of global peace.

It said that the symposium would provide a forum that would unite religious leaders with politicians, diplomats and academics in order to create cultural platforms.

UN offers to block finances trace to terrorism Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

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he United Nations (UN) has promised to block any source of funding it traced to financing terrorism in Africa.

However, while it pledged doing that yesterday through an assurance by UN Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson , it said that controlling of arms in Africa remains a headache for the region which it must device strategy to deal with.

Eliasson assurance came on the heels of President Goodluck Jonathan earlier assertion that terrorism in Africa had external financing

backing.

Briefing Journalists yesterday in Abuja at the ongoing African Union Conference of Ministers of Finance, Economic and Planning, UN scribe say that UN will not go to individual countries to control arms noting that it is within the powers of the countries to fight terrorism domestically but assured that United Nations will tighten the loop on the terrorism funding.

While condemning killing of innocent souls especially school children as recently massacre in Bauchi and some parts of North East, he urged government do device a multiprong approach in combating the menace.

Mambila dam will create jobs, says Maku

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he Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, said in Bauchi on Saturday that the proposed Mambila dam in Taraba state would create about 200,000 job opportunities when completed.

Speaking during the North East Zonal rally of the PDP, the ministersaidthattheFederalGovernment had concluded plans for the construction of the dam.

“The study for the dam has been completed and the project is expected to commence soon.

“Seven billion dollars would be spent in constructing the

dam, which would be the largest hydro-electric dam project in the continent, “he said.

He said that when completed, the dam was expected to generate over 3,000 megawatts of electricity, to stabilize power supply in the country.

Maku also said that the ongoing construction of Kashinbilla dam, also in Taraba State, was almost completed.

He said that the dam was expected to generate 40 megawatts of electricity,in addition to providing water for irrigation,industrial and domestic purposes.

L-R: Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; South African Minister of Finance, Mr. Pravin Gordhan and Executive Secretary, African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), Prof. Emmanuel Nnadozie, during the African Ministers of Finance meeting in Abuja …on Saturday

NAFDAC partners NYSC over consumption of fake drugs Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

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n realization of the fact that indiscriminate use of substandard and unwholesome drugs usually takes place in motor garages, the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has partnered with National Youth Service Corps members to nip the menace in the bud.

The agency, which had started the enlightenment programme at various mo-

tor parks in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State hopes to replicate it in Oyo and many other states in order to achieve a healthier society.

The State NAFDAC Coordinator, Mrs Juliana Abayomi, who spoke with journalists in Ibadan on Saturday, disclosed that during her campaign at Maraba and Offa motor park, she elaborated on the inherent dangers associated with consuming fake, adulterated and sub-standard products which include loss of relevant vitamins in the body, increased chances of having

cancer, loss of iodine in the body resulting in goitre, or in the worst case, death.

She further stated that NAFDAC officials and those of other regulatory agencies recently went round Kwara North Senatorial for inspection and monitoring, disclosing that some water manufacturing outfit, patent and pharmacy stores in the locality were punished because of their unwholesome practices.

She therefore warned operators to adhere strictly to set standards and avoid

jeopardizing the health of the residents and their businesses.

“It is as bad! When someone takes fake drugs, it could result to death. God knows how many lives that have gone as a result of sub-standard drugs” she lamented.

Re-echoing her boss, Dr. Paul Orhii’s recommendation, Abayomi also advocated stiffer penalties like death for fake drugs producers, importers and peddlers as a measure to curb nefarious practices that could ultimately lead to mass deaths.

9

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

News

Katsina, Zamfara govs to hold special security meeting

K

atsina State Government has concluded arrangements to convene a special security meeting with neighbouring Zamfara on ways to fight crime and attacks on villages which left over 100 people dead.

Governor Ibrahim Sh-

ema, who said this at a meeting with his Zamfara State counterpart, Governor Abdulaziz Yari, at the Government House, Gusau, expressed the concern of the two state governments over the increasing criminal activities where large number of heavily armed hoodlums

invaded villages, maimed and killed several community members.

He said security effort would particularly be concentrated on the Rugu forest of Katsina State and other suspected criminal hideouts in the two states.

“We will not allow these

criminals to overpower us and I will like to assure our people that very soon they will witness positive changes on security issues,’’ Shema said.

While explaining that Fulani people could not be said to be perpetrating and organising the attacks as

alleged, Shema maintained that the Fulani were known as peace loving people. ``The Fulani are more concerned about their herds, their wellbeing and moving the nation forward,” he said.

In his remarks, Governor Yari of Zamfara also expressed his government’s readiness to cooperate with Katsina state to curb criminal activities and ensure security of lives and property.

“These killings must be

stopped by all means and all those involved be brought to face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

Yari expressed confidence in the rejuvenated partnership between the two states, noting that it would further bring more development to the two states.

He enjoined other neighbouring states to join hands with them so as to make criminal operations highly impossible in the area.

Man arrested for threatening to kill NULGE president Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

A

First Lady of Lagos State/Chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola (middle) speaking with members of the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN); Mr. Ojo Ishola (right) and Mr. Michael Obiora (left), during the Touching Lives Initiative programme organised by COWLSO in Lagos.Others are members of COWLSO

Olubolade, others to meet Jonathan over outcome of Ekiti guber primaries Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

D

espite the presentation of Certificate of Return to former Governor Ayodele Fayose by the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) confirming him as the candidate of the party in the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State, some aggrieved contestants in the primaries have protested to President Goodluck Jonathan.

New Telegraph on Sunday gathered that the aggrieved 13 aspirants took their case to President Goodluck Jonathan, claiming the exercise which was

coordinated by former Rivers State Governor; Dr Peter Odili, was riddled with irregularities.

Top among the protesting aspirants are former Police Affairs Minister, Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, Ambassador Dare Bejide, Senator Gbenga Aluko and others allegedly went with some PDP leaders from within and outside the state who they hope would be able to speak in their favour.

A PDP stalwart who spoke to our correspondent in confidence said they hoped to meet the President latest by Sunday, having booked an appointment with the President through

the Chief of Staff, Gen. Jones Arogbofa.

The aggrieved aspirants were unable to see the President last week because he was out of the country on official engagements, and was busy in Bauchi yesterday; hence the choice of today’s meeting Meanwhile, Adeyeye has said nobody has emerged as the consensus candidate among the 13 former aspirants in the primaries.

In a statement from the Director General of Prince Adebayo Adeyeye Movement, signed by Bisi Kolawole said: “The 12 aspirants that met in Abuja Friday did not unanimously agree on anyone as a consensus can-

didate.”

Kolawole, who said agreement on consensus candidate must be unanimous, added that only five out of the 12 aspirants supported one of the aspirants, adding that, “a situation where only five very weak aspirants supported one of the aspirants, cannot be regarded as a consensus agreement, rather, a consensus takes into consideration the strength of the aspirants.”

He said the ideal thing was for the aspirants to call for the implementation of the Chief Bode George’s Committee Report, which all of them signed to abide with.

29-year-old man, Kolawole Onibile, has been arrested by the police in Ado-Ekiti for allegedly threatening to kill the Ekiti State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Mr. Bunmi Ajimoko.

According to the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr. Felix Uyanna, who paraded the suspect before newsmen in Ado-Ekiti at the weekend, the incident took place in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti East Local Government Area of the state.

Onibile, the CP said, called Ajimoko with a hidden telephone line and told the union leader that he had been contracted by some people to kill him, but he reportedly told Ajimoko that he had a rethink on the assignment because of the benevolent manner the labour leader had dealt with him in the past.

The suspect however, told Ajimoko, who served as the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) few years ago, that he would spare his life only if he paid N150, 000 into a particular account.

The money, Onibile allegedly said, was what those who sent him on the mission promised to pay him.

The police chief said that

when Ajimoko reported the matter to the police, he was asked to play along with the suspect and the sum was paid into the given account.

“My men who have been monitoring the situation followed up with contacts with necessary agencies and the suspect was arrested inside the banking hall of an old generation bank in Ado-Ekiti after he had withdrawn N145, 000 from the money.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect has several bank accounts opened with different names. He also has lots of identity cards with different names but same picture. The suspect confessed to the crime, but claimed that he was not sent by anyone and never meant to kill the victim.

“He said he devised means to threaten the victim and obtain money from him when he ran into financial difficulties knowing that the victim can afford the stated amount,” the CP said.

Speaking to newsmen, Onibile said he committed the crime because he needed the money to pay his children’s school fees and do the ceiling of his apartment.

The police chief also said his men also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from three suspected criminals who were conveying the weapons on a motorbike marked Ondo KAK 139 QB along Ado-Ilawe Road.

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MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

News

Flight 730: Chinese plane spots three new floating objects

Amaechi pledges more funding for RSUST • Varsity graduates 4,298

•Australia says objects cannot be verified or discounted •Relatives and friends of the passengers tortured by the uncertainty

Joe Ezuma

A

G

Chinese aircraft flying over the search zone for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, yesterday, spotted three objects floating in the sea, including two bearing colours of the missing plane, but it was not immediately clear whether they were related to the investigation, officials said.

The Chinese aircraft, Ilyushin IL-76, spotted the objects, a day after several planes and ships combing the newly targeted area closer to mainland Australia, says China’s official Xinhua News Agency.

Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein told reporters near Kuala Lumpur after meeting several families of passengers on the plane that there was no new information on

the objects spotted, which could just be just sea trash or could be from the jetliner, which went missing three weeks ago.

“I’ve got to wait to get the reports on whether they have retrieved those objects… Those will give us some indication,” said Hishammuddin, who was accompanied by his wife and children as he visited the relatives at a hotel in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Meanwhile, erlatives and friends of the passengers said they were tortured by the uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones, as they wait for hard evidence that the plane had crashed.

“This is the trauma of maybe, he’s dead, maybe, he’s not. Maybe he’s still alive and we need to find

him. Maybe he died within the first hour of the flight, and we don’t know,” Sarah Bajc, the American girlfriend of U.S. passenger Philip Wood, said in Beijing.

“I mean, there’s absolutely no way for me to reconcile that in my heart,” she said.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said that objects cannot be verified or discounted as being from Flight 370 until they are relocated and recovered by ships. “It is not known how much flotsam, such as from fishing activities, is ordinarily there. At least one distinctive fishing object has been identified,” the agency said.

The three objects spotted by the Chinese plane on Saturday were white, red and orange in colour, the

Xinhua report said. White and red were among the colours on the outside of the missing Boeing 777.

An image captured a day earlier by a New Zealand plane showed a white rectangular object floating in the sea, but it was not clear whether it was related to the missing jet or was just sea trash.

Flight 370 disappeared March 8 while bound from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, and investigators have been puzzled over what happened aboard the plane.

Newly analyzed satellite data shifted the search zone on Friday, raising hopes searchers may be closer to getting physical evidence that that the plane crashed in the Indian Ocean with 239 people aboard.

Port Harcourt

overnor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State on Saturday assured the authorities of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology of more funding so as to enable the university to sustain and consolidate its drive for excellence.

This is as the university graduated 4,298 Bachelor’s and 526 post graduate Degree holders in its 26th convocation.

Amaechi whose speech was brief as the visitor to the University, while appreciating the depreciated funding of the University in recent times, explained that it was due to the reduced federal revenue coming to the state.

He then promised that with the recent improvement in the federal revenue to the state, his administration would raise the funding of RSUST. He added that he had approved the contract for the construction of the university’s School of medicine at its new site at the greater Port Harcourt City .

In his convocation address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barineme Fakae said that the theme of the 26th Convocation was “a celebration of excellence.” He said the university had made giant strides in areas of infrastructural and academic development, staff and students welfare as well as other innovations aimed at expanding the frontiers of learning and knowledge in the university.

“We at the helm of affairs in this university’s drive for excellence have the responsibility of establishing a convenient learning environment for our students. This is why we have worked with our consultants to develop a welfare package which we have tagged RSUST Student Welfare Fund to enable our students access a limited amount of fund , should they have need for it and pay back within thirty days without interest attached. The fund is mainly to ensure that students do not get distracted because of insufficient funds while going through their academic activities on campus”, Fakae emphasized.

Grazing land: Ebonyi CAN warns FG Leo Sobechi

A L-R: Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Pro Chancellor/Chairman of Council, Osun State University, Osogbo, Prof. Gabriel Olawoyin; and former Vice Chancellor, Prof, Adebisi Balogun, during the third Convocation for the Conferment of First Degrees and Award of Prizes at Osun State University, Osogbo …yesterday

s concerns refuse to abate over the menace of Fulani herdsmen, the Ebonyi State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) has warned against plans by the Federal Government to establish grazing reserves to cattle breeders in every state

Catholic priest, teacher escape lynching in Edo

• Boy, 14 electrocuted Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

T

ension mounted in the ancient capital town of Benin City, Edo State on Friday as a 14 year old primary six school pupil was electrocuted in the early hours of the day.

The boy whose name could not be obtained was electrocuted at the Oguola Primary School located inside the same

premises with Father Tansi Catholic Parish on Aburime Street close to New Benin Market, off New Lagos Road in the state capital.

New Telegraph on Sunday gathered that the inicident occurred when the class teacher (name whitheld) sent the boy out of the classroom to the field to cut grass as punishment for yet to be ascertained reasons at about 10 am.

It was further learnt that as the boy was cutting the field grass near the statue of the late Father Tansi, he picked up an electric cable connected to the church building and was suddenly electrocuted.

The cries for safety from the pupil were said to have attracted people within the church as well as pupils and teachers to the scene who quickly raised an alarm for possible help.

Our reporter gathered that until his sudden death, he was a house help to a relation, both of whom hail from Aguleri in Anambra East local Government Area of Anambra State.

Aggrieved people from the nearby market had swooped on the priest in charge of the Catholic church, Rev. Father Salami and the teacher.

The crowd accused the church of alleged cause of the boy’s death as the cable was

said to be connected to the church building and served as an extension of power source for as security light outside the building complex.

However the timely arrival of policemen attached to New Benin Market police station saved the situation.

The Divisional Police Officer of New Benin Station, Olubunmi Otitoola when contacted on the incident on phone failed to answer his calls.

of the country.

The umbrella body of Christian religious denominations noted that the plan could trigger unbridled agitations by other ethnic and trade groups which may lead to unimaginable let down of peace and unity of Nigeria.

Ebonyi CAN’s stern opposition was contained in a statement released to journalists Friday and signed by the state Chairman, Rev. Emmanuel Nshi, Reverend Scamb Nwokolo and Reverend Father, Felix-Uche Akam, Secretary and Director Legal and Public Affairs respectively.

Stressing that such a proposal was likely to spark off agitations from other ethnic, professions, vocations and interest groups that may be prompted to demand for a niche to practice their occupation in every states, CAN warned that the establishment of the reserves would create more problems than it was meant to solve.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

News

Imo

Buhari, Atiku

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Our source said that members of the party especially leaders at the state level are enmeshed in confusion as they wait for direction from their national leaders.

When contacted, the interim Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, told our Correspondent in a brief text message said that if there is any perceived scrambling for the chairmanship position of the party, it is a sign of internal democracy within the party.

Mohammed said: “Is this not a healthy sign and that contrary to the fallacy being perpetuated by our political opponents internal democracy is thriving in APC.”

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson; his deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah (Rtd); and the Speaker, Konbowei Benson, during the state’s Monthly Praise Night, at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa...on Friday.

He did not reply a text message sent to his mobile phone.

Commenting on the develpment, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, said the Itu community had done the right thing by petitioning the appropriate quarters. Noting that theirs was not an isolated case, Onwuemeoda said there were several other communities that had petitioned over the ezeship matter, all of which would be addressed. He expressed confidence that Governor Okorocha would attend to the petition and based on its merit, take the appropriate action to quell the crisis.

Boko Haram: Jonathan blames Borno, Yobe, Adamawa governors, external forces CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

“They are deceiving Nigerians and that must end.

“We must expose ourselves to all Nigerians but that time is not today,” the President said.

The insurgency has grounded schools in the three states and displaced thousands of primary and secondary school pupils.

Many schools have also been burnt down by Boko Haram insurgents.

Jonathan urged all governors to ensure that all their children are enrolled in school up to secondary level.

He also assured party members that the PDP is the only party that is truly democratic where they can achieve their political ambitions without having a ‘godfather’. According to him, more than 60 per cent of Nigerian politicians who are great mobilisers are in the ruling party, urging them to continue to support the party.

He added, “Let me reassure our PDP family that nobody should deceive you. PDP is the only democratic party. PDP is the only party where God

is our common father. You don’t need any ‘godfather’ to make you get what you want.

“More than 60 per cent of Nigerians are in PDP. No matter how people use the media to deceive you, we know ourselves. We know the politicians in this country. We know who is a politician, who is a mobiliser. More than 60 per cent of these people are in PDP. “PDP will continue to rule.

“We will surely reclaim Adamawa State. “If some people are leaving, they are just leaving with one vote. Adamawa is for PDP and we will surely reclaim Adamawa State.

The North East is for PDP.” Also speaking at the rally, the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu; Vice President Namadi Sambo; Senate President, David Mark; and other party chieftains all enjoined the members to continue to support President Jonathan and to return their states in 2015.

Others at the rally were PDP governors from the zone; the PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman, Governor Godswill Akpabio; Chairman, PDP Board of

Trustess, Chief Tony Anenih; and top government officials.

However, the All Progressives Congress, to which the three governors belong, has advised Jonathan to resign, since he cannot handle the security challenges in the zone.

APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, told New Telegraph on Sunday that Jonathan ought to have resigned as the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces in view of the huge security votes and state of emergency declared in those states.

He said, “Who is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces today?

It is President Goodluck Jonathan. As a matter of fact in decent climes, President Jonathan would have resigned or been impeached for incompetence as despite the huge sums voted for security and almost one year of state of emergency declared in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states he has failed woefully to bring the situation under control.”

Vice-President Namadi Sambo said the Federal

Government had approved the counterpart funding of $1.7 billion for the Mambila Hydro Power Plant in Taraba state to provide 3,050 megawatts of electricity for the North-East.

Sambo also said the construction of the multibillion naira Kafin Zaki dam in Bauchi State had been approved.

He gave the assurance that the schools shut in the North-East as a result of the insurgency would soon be re-opened.

The host, Governor Isa Yuguda, had earlier appealed to the Federal Government to reconsider the issue of Kafin Zaki dam.

He explained that the dam would provide two m i l l o n j o b s , two m i l l i o n to n s o f r i c e , over one mil lion tons o f wh e at i n a d d i t i o n to c o tto n p r o d uc t i o n and sugar cultivation, among others.

At a separate event in Abuja yesterday, Jonathan alleged that unnamed ‘external forces were behind the menace of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Africa. He said the primary aim of the external forces was to dis-

rupt economic progress recorded by Africa.

Speaking at the African Union Conference of Ministers of Finance, Economic and Planning, the President noted that some external forces envious of the fast pace of African economies, coming next to Asia, were bent on destroying the continent by sponsoring terrorists.

He said the type of arms carried by terrorists and the ragd they put on as cloth obviously gave them out as a group being financed by external forces.

“Whenever we mention security, I always wonder, sometimes when you look at the characters that carry these weapons in the turbulent areas including the northern part of my country. You see a young person carrying an AK47 that cost approximately more than $1000, but the total things he wears is not up to $50.

“So where is the money coming from that they are buying such expensive weapons and very poor boys carrying these weapons to kill, destabilise our societies and increase

our problems in terms of economic development of the continent? “There are some external forces that don’t want Africa to grow, and they are providing these weapons,” the President added.

To tackle the problem of terrorism in Africa, he said there was the compelling need to engage the youths by providing them with jobs and tasked the ministers to take it as a challenge.

“We need to redouble our efforts to open up more opportunities for youths”, he said.

Jonathan noted that the industrialisation drive of the continent would not make much impact in the absence of infrastructural development.

He stated that his administration had initiated policies aimed at developing infrastructure such as power, roads and railways.

Ealier, Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, said the time had come for African countries to present a common position for the industrialisation and development of the continent.

12

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30 2014

Life

Miyu Suzuki in Mali

Boko Haram: I’m not afraid of travelling to northern Nigeria -Japanese student Miyu Suzuki, a Japanese student hiker, who has travelled to over 30 countries by road, spoke with YEKEEN NURUDEEN on her experiences and how Nigeria affected her.

Actually, I haven’t told them, of course they are Protestants; may be they will be shocked first but I’m sure they will understand. In Japan, we eat pork, we drink alcohol a lot. There’s also boys and girls relationship, just like European countries.

Everything will change in my life.

Why are you in Nigeria?

Actually no. I don’t have a boyfriend. Now, I’m planning to work in some Arabic countries I am sure I would find a suitor hopefully.

So are you looking forward to marrying a Muslim?

I

have been travelling because I want to know what’s happening in countries of the world and I want to meet people.

I want to know the culture of the people, religion and politics.

Are you not scared of the insurgency and activities of Boko Haram as you are going to Kano and Maiduguri?

I am scared a little bit but even if I was in Japan or any European country, I don’t know when death would come or how I will die. I want to be a journalist and would want to work in a media company to improve my skills and to be a good journalist; you don’t need to be afraid.

How long have you been on the road now?

It has been 10 months since I left Japan and I have visited more than 30 countries from Japan, China, Khazarstan, Idonesia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Armenia, Turkey and many countries in Europe. I am just coming from Morocco and now I am in Nigeria.

Why do you choose to travel by road?

I wanted to see the scenes from the window. If I take a cab or taxi, I can talk to many more people than flying in an aircraft.

Though my mode of travelling is difficult, this expedition means a lot to me. I usually meet many people. They all help me. I never feel alone, I never feel depressed.

At what point did you develop desire to go on this adventure?

The main reason is that I wanted to see the reality. When I was in Japan, I was subscribing to a magazine and there was such gap from the people I know from some countries like Syria, Iraq and what is being reported in the media. Most people in Japan know Africa through the media narrative; that it is a continent of poor countries where people are just fighting each other but now I have not seen people fighting here. I have met many good people in every country I visit. I know of course they bad people too but it is also the same in Japan, Europe and everywhere.

Miyu Suzuki

me. When I was in Afghanistan and Iran, I didn’t tell them I was there until the day I was leaving. I just call and them and say ‘hey sorry I am in Afghanistan now, hey sorry I am in Nigeria now. Now they trust me and understand what I want to do.

How do you get funds for your travel?

Since I was seven years old I have been saving money because my mother told me to save money for my marriage in future. Now I am the money I saved. Also when I was in high school and the university, I did some part time jobs to save money for traveling but I always travel by road.

What is your religious faith?

What were your parents reactions when you informed them of your plan?

Actually, I was a protestant Christian. After I traveled to Islamic countries, I changed my mind. I got to know that Islam is a very great religion. People think Islam is an extremist religion for fundamentalists and terrorists but Islam is a good religion; there is hospitality and Muslims are mild. Their mode of worship impresses me a lot. So I have made up my mind to convert to Islam in Kano. I have some friends waiting to receive me in Kano. A friend from Mauritania who works in Kano will help me to convert me to Islam. May be I may choose Maryam as my new name.

First, they refused to allow me on the ground that I am a woman and would be travelling alone. They always worry about

How do you think your parents will react to the fact that you are converting to Islam?

You had an encounter with the Taliban while in Afghanistan, were you not scared of being hurt?

Before I met members of the Taliban group in Afghanistan I was a bit afraid. Some Afghans I talked to told me that the Taliban were in control of the country. I never talked to any member of the so-called terrorist group but when I met a member of Taliban, he told me he owns some NGO’s to equip women with some skills. My impression of Taliban and other Islamic groups like Al-Qaeda is that many people want to change the impression of it being a terrorist group.

What is your impression of Nigeria as a country and the people?

Nigeria is a kind of culture shock. For example, in Lagos, I went to a lounge bar and restaurant; it looked like just European countries. People gathered together dancing. It didn’t look like an African country. Nigeria to me is the most developed African country I have ever visited. Also Ghana is developed but Nigerian people are more fashionable. I went to Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana but Nigeria is the most developed country of them all. In other African countries, people usually wear traditional clothes; women wear head scarf and long skirt but here many girls are wearing jeans, T-shirts .So Nigeria is a very interesting country.

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Today is Mothering Sunday and in celebration of the special day for our mothers and there is now way to measure the role mothers play in the lives of everybody. As Nigeria celebrates the Centenary this year, today’s edition on Centenary Series celebrates some of the women, mothers and Heroines that shaped Nigeria, writes Ahaoma Kanu

Nwapa

Williams

Women that shaped the Centenary

Muktar

Ekpo

Flora Shaw rs Flora Shaw Lugard has definitely written her name in Nigeria’s history. Not only was she the wife of the first Governor-General of the country, Lord Lugard,she is the one that gave Nigeria her name. A British journalist and writer, Shaw is credited with having coined the name “Nigeria”. She achieved this while researching for a shorter name that would suit the agglomeration of pagan and Mahomedan functioning under the official title, Royal Niger Company Territories. In an essay, which first appeared in The Times on 8 January 1897, she suggested the name “Nigeria” for the British Protectorate on the Niger River. For this singular feat, she sits on top of the list of women that shaped Nigeria.

Shaw

Kwali

Onwenu

Akunyili

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association in 1945 when she attended meetings in place of her husband to discuss discriminatory practices of the colonial administration in the city to fight cultural and racial imbalance in administrative promotions till she passed on, she was always a voice that always rose up against any form of discrimination in any guise.

Margaret Ekpo When it comes to women who stood up for human rights without daring what the consequences would be during the colonial administration, Margaret Ekpo would fit into that definition. From her first direct participation in political ideas and

Fumillayo Ransome Kuti If there is one woman in Nigeria who walked the talk, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti represents what fighting for civil right means. Before Rose Parker defied the whites to remain seated inside a bus, the Lioness of Libasi, as she is called, had long showed the colonial administrators that she is the kind of woman who stands her ground she is described as one of the most prominent leaders of her generation. She was a very powerful force advocating for the Nigerian woman’s right to vote and campaigned against the arbitrary taxation of the people of Egba.

Little wonder her children followed in her lineage and all stood for the right of the people against any oppressive government.

Captain Chinyere Kalu The history of the Nigeria aviation industry cannot be complete without the mention of a young lady who, in 1978, obtained her private pilot license from the nation’s premier aviation college, and became Nigeria’s first female pilot. Miss Chinyere Kalu not only make history, she opened and tore down the walls of limitation against what women could achieve and inspired a lot of women across Nigeria making them know that women can make a difference in any chosen career without fear.

Prof. Grace Alele Williams: Regarded as the Iron Lady, Prof. Grace Alele-Williams made history as the first Nigerian woman to become the vice-chancellor of a Nigerian university when he assumed the post at the University of Benin. At a time when students all over the country were at daggers drawn with the government and the University of Benin being one of the eruption centres in series of riots CONTINUE D ON PAGE 14

14

Kalu

Aba women

Igbokwe

Ajunwa

Women that shaped the Centenary

Iweala

against government policies, Alele Williams weathered the storm at the institution in a reign that is described as being a model. Up till today, she still commands respect across ivory towers all over the nation.

Ladi Kwali The great British playwright, William Shakespeare, may have had Ladi Kwali in mind when he composed the famous verse, Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them. Ladi Kwali achieved greatness through the art of pottery. From designing clay pots with unique and astonishing designs in her village in Gwari, Abuja, she became a known figure around the world with her works getting critical acclaim when it was showcased in London in the early 1960s. From a humble interest in a traditional occupation, Ladi Kwali established herself as an authority in the art of pottery that today, so many auditoriums, streets and buildings are named after her.

Aba Women The first constitutional amendment that came about through civil rights movement occurred in Aba in 1929 when a group of women, led by Ikonna Nwanyiukwu Enyia, confronted the Warrant Chief, who dared to enforce the obnoxious law then by the colonial masters, that women should start paying taxes, like their husbands. That confrontation led to what is referred to as the Aba women riot of 1929. Through their heroic struggle, the law was abrogated not only in the region but in other parts of colonial Nigeria.

Adichie

Etiaba

Flora Nwapa At the time that Chinua Achebe unleashed Things Fall Apart to the world and broke down literary barrier in the world, Flora Nwapa consolidated by telling the literary community that Nigerian women could write as well as their men. Her novel Efuru published in1966 is among the first English-language novels by a woman from Africa. She remained until her death, a feminist that writes from a woman’s point of view and is regarded as the mother of modern African literature.

Dame Virgy Etiaba In the Nigeria political wall of fame, Dame Virgy Etiaba has a portion among history makers in the country. After working for 35 years as a teacher in a career service that took her to Kafanchan, Aba, Port Harcourt, and Nnewi, Etiaba emerged the governor of Anambra State in November 2006 to February 2007 and became the first female governor in Nigeria’s history.

Onyeka Onwenu Known as the elegant stallion, Onyeka Onwenu is one woman who has excelled in all the areas she has ventured into. From the time she took up a job in the media and tackled corruption through her programs, to when she picked up the microphone and took the music entertainment industry by storm in releasing songs that not only had melodies that were endearing but lyrics with a message to society she continues to be an enigma anyday.

Kuti

writChioma Ajunwa-Opara, When all thought her world was down following her ban from athletics due to an alleged substance abuse, Chioma Ajunwa took a leap of faith that landed her gold at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, USA. Her victory put Nigeria’s name in the achievers list in the history of Olympics. Whatever doubt people had about her vanished after she proved herself and became the first Nigeria athlete to win an individual Olympic gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, a record which she still holds till today.

ing.

Christy Essien Igbokwe Her life story will make a blockbuster movie. From being a housemaid that was severally maltreated, Christy became an international musician and once had to make the great Diana Ross wait for her to finish in a studio.

Christy’s songs did not only make hits in Nigeria but went beyond borders and put a female Nigeria voice on an international level. Christy touched the lives of Nigerians in so many ways through her music, acting and philanthropy.

She is the first female president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN).

Chimamanda Adichie Chimamanda Adichie is a lady that brings pride to every Nigerian citizen anywhere in the world. From her literary works, she has kept alive that fire that the first generation writers like Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka and so on lit in Africa. Within a short time, she has not only comfortably etched her name in the world literary scene; she has inspired a whole lot of Nigerian young people to be confident in their

Prof. Dora Akunyili She epitomizes excellent stewardship and served her country selflessly. There is no doubting the fact that in years to come, Prof.

Dora Akunyili’s name will still elicit good feelings from people when it is called. Akunyili brought sanity into industry when she assumed appointment as the Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) of Nigeria by fighting and eradicating counterfeit drugs and unsafe food both domestically and internationally.

Justice Miriam Aloma Mukhtar Aloma Mariam Mukhtar a jurist extraordinary and a woman every Nigerian woman should celebrate. From being the first female lawyer from Northern Nigeria, first female judge of the High Court in Kano State judiciary, she became the first female justice of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria. She went ahead to become the first female justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria as well as the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Dr. Ngozi okonjo-Iweala Give it to her; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala deserves recognition for championing the efforts that got Nigeria a huge debt relief. Having worked as a renowned economist who became one of candidates to replace a World Bank president, she has served Nigeria as Finance minister and has inspired so many women in the country to have a mind-set of achieving in

Sanctity of Truth

ON SUNDAY

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Happy Mothers’ Day!

Beautiful mothers step out in style

I remain eternally grateful to my mother –Senator Grace Bent

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Happy Mothers’ Day

MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

e t o N r’s o t i d E

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routines Sustainable workout t fas u while yo

or y th at

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Contents 30.03.14

-Senator Grace Bent

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BEAUTY

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GLAM DUDES

2014

s’ Day Happy MotHer

Billionaire Couture is an exclusive label created for the rich by Italian lifestyle tycoon, Flavio Briatore

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Body&Soul

Cool swim wear

Do they dress huwan they go to the pool? es with the Kate Robin Adani the right costum We have water is one in ry accessories? big splash in the squeal in necessa week for you way to make kids few collections this pool or the a excitem ent The to pick from. ful splash till place to catch Do have a wonder beach is just the such fun. when next week. look kids How do your

A

l Bayo Adeoye l Vanessa Okwara l Biwom Iklaki +234 (0) 811 675 9770, +234 (0) 701 110 1014 chibumah@yahoo.com julietbumah@newtelegraphonline.com

Associates

H.E. Toyin Ojora Saraki

Omu Obilor

Funmi Azike

Stanlee Ohikhuare

BED, WORK & LIFE

He felt a million hands caressing his body at the same time. The hands lifted him and the cloud turned into a storm and as the thunder clapped, he screamed

With

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SUNDAY MARCH 30,

Corals and precious stones -gold, diamonds and crystals - have been incorporated into the beadwork to give them a richer quality

} 21

&

Fitness SS WELLNE Funmi Azike

l Juliet Bumah

ACCESSORIES

You have to hydrate from the inside-out, so drinking water will help keep your hands hydrated and prevent dryness

SUNDAY

T h e Te a m

FASHION Nigerian mothers look their best on Mothers’ Day } 22&43

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this fasting period, Sports till in the spirit of routines should suspend your favouYou do not have to ditching your workout don’t as possible. Startyou are fasting; just be avoided as much can rite sport because while at it. For instance, a workout routine out for ing and stopping While wear yourself the tennis court, opt more challenging. rather than avoid make fitness goals And a break from vigorous a doubles instead of a singles game. it is pertinent to take yourit is don’t have to kill fatigue/exhaustion, even at that, you workouts to avoid the intensity your current fitness for every point, reduce are going for self advisable to maintain like you intensity workouts. of your game, it’s not level with moderate other caution applies to Same n. is relative to Wimbledo leisurely and not competitively sports, play Ideal workout intensity state/fitness level. an individual’s physical workout is vig- at least for now. tell your However, you can unable to make a senDaily Grind orous when you are and long, fitness your breath. GenerFor you to live well be tence without catching workouts require of life. It should not ally, vigorous-intensity and cause rapid should be a way class. gym or aerobics effort restricted to the a large amount of increase l ble workouts from a substantia You can get considera activities while breathing along with moderate -intensity day to day in heart rate. With sing your normal warriors’ require talk but unable to you fast. Even ‘prayer workouts, you can fight the intensity worklevel of fitness to Moderate. ble exercising considera a while or ene amount of effort invite the maid back outs require a reasonabl as accelerated devil. You can’t because you are on is not slave everyone around and your heart rate more now that your energy a fast. What you need to do is rest which makes it ideal require due to reduced calorie between tasks especially ones that level is not as high the stairs, cookefforts like climbing the consumption. ion’, here are little your car, mowing ing, laundry, washing To avoid ‘fitness deteriorat workouts that your grocceries, trimming some moderate -intensity fitness level lawn, carrying that activities are your the flowers etc. These can help you maintain such while doing and as you can even sing this fasting season. fatigued. Also, being should not make you distract you from will not only help active Aerobics e and sustained you might experienc the hunger pangs These are rhythmic stages of a fast, it will muscle groups esespecially in the early movements of large to surprising levels. legs and hips which also boost your energy pecially in the arms, and cardiovascular propel the heart, lungs to fitness, health and oxygen effectively You can’t get the systems to transport when are fasting workouts from Aerobic benefits all parts of the body. dur- other accruing full ‘sick leave’. Properly stay fit and active you turn it into a an effective way to -intensity workbecause they can combined with moderate ing this fasting period closer long without any result- outs, a proper fast could take you be carried out for goals faster than anaerobic exercises to some of your fitness ing fatigue. Vigorous/ skipping, competiBut please note, every you can imagine. like jogging, running, bicycling (more than metabolic activity in the body involves is tive swimming and with aerobic exwhich unavoidably replaced water be of can use the 10mph) engage in walking, bicycling sweat when we ercises like brisk/fast and lost through As such you swimming activity. leisure physical of any form (less than 10mph), of water to improve need to drink plenty dancing. dehydration before, stamina and prevent any of the after you engage in In the Gym Howtread- during and as above. such discussed Cardiovascular machines steppers, and workout routines fast (total stairs are on a complete mill, elliptical trainers, ef- ever if you and water), you can ergometers provide abstinence from food stationary bikes or during the workouts when body constantly fective moderate-intensity Like hydrate the but keep a small bottle le speed/incline. non-fasting hours set at a comfortab of the intensity differs from handy if you have to perform any the mentioned earlier, workouts during if you are able to hold person to person but of moderate -intensity treadmill at a speed a hours. on ion non fasting a conversat six, then that’s modereight and incline at the fast, may God Even I could do that As you continue ate intensity for you.

Till next season but now speed answer all your fitness prayers. before the fasting do. to manage can is all I week, stay fit. six and incline five adjustments to your Make the necessary well. other routines as

et an d on a re gu la r di nd . It th e ea gl e, he n I was wea ne d wob bl in g ar ou was th e stor y of It e. lif r fo te d a ba by du ck k’ gh oo ba by si db e it an th , til ‘h y ed un m en be ca m e t ha d happ It flew ar ou nd ha . w od ed fo r is al fo g re in w he r du ck se e yo u he n ea gl e wen t hu nt By th e tim e m ot id m ot he r du ck .

“D ck d, du On e day, ba by d ke by as ba e e gl up an d co nt in ue m ot he r ea an d sn atch ed th he r ju st lo oked ot e w ith its ca tc h, m m swoo pe d on it ho Its t . go ng it hi n d, “Not ot he r. e ai r. W he by ea gl e re pl ie tu rn ed to its m ea gl e was in th it sh ou ld be re t di d sh e do?” Ba at ha th ’, ay.

W ? od by ‘fo ba at r th on e an d flew aw ld no t ea t yo u to ok he th em , sn atch ed d, e sa id th ey wou on ie gl d pl ea re pe r e oo he gl ot sw ea M It ea tin g.” n away. Ba by ic ks fe ed in g. ke ch ta as on w up ve d by ha ce ba ll n he r , “We’ by ea gl e ch an he r he n di d whe ot he r ea gl e sa id An ot he r day, ba aske d wha t m ot aten in g m e.” M r re he th ot d m an g its in e, m ab us W he n it go t ho w n, sc re am in g, Pg. 49 m pe d up an d do hi le we re aten ed m e, w “M ot he r he n ju th r he ot m se k who ne r.” we ea t th e ch ic th e ch ic k fo r di d, “W hy wou ld ke as d an d se ri su rp ck Ba by ea gl e was sa id no th in g? ” ha t m ot he r du who se m ot he r do no t kn ow w ck e w du t by bu ba do ed ll sh e’ re tu rn do ne ever yt hi ng ot he r he n ha s .” ”M d, an ie m pl s ar nt re ou e er gl ng M ot he r ea a ‘su ck lin g’. I le is a ve ry da an m t ie qu A whe n I was st ill d. o, p. I in ag ea m s r ch ar he ye an y in ha rb ou rs y m any, m an s m ake a wom or es st sn at ou th ul e er m qu so ld ity an d bl es s he r ul My m um to ar nt th at ga rr ul , I le ar nt ...Go d le nt I ar it. le I om ... fr er s th m any le ss on lip s fir m ly to ge m uc h w ith my ur le ar nt to ‘say’ so t as ide to ho no rs’. day ha s be en se to t ith an d ot he r m ot he bu w ay s ce yd ifi er he r sa cr ec ia te d ev to day, rewar d sh ou ld be ap pr m ot he r ha ppy a Re al ly, m ot he rs e ak M . em sp ec ia l fo r th th em . M ake it er s. m em orab le words an d pray nd ot he rs a happy ki m ng hi is w vi si ts , gi fts , in ld e re st of th e wor ul cr ew jo in s th Th e Bo dy & So ce le brat io n. ’ Day! H ap py M ot he rs

You know a successful woman by how well she takes care of her children and husband

MARCH 30, 2014

S

a st ce , sh e to ld m e others! by my m um . On s le ta g in G o d b le s s m ld ou of ch arac te r- m du ck .

COVER

Day Happy MotHers’

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

Happy Mothers’ Day

Dainty beads are still in vogue Biwom Iklaki

T

he African look is one of the easiest yet trickiest to style. Evidence is in the use of beads to beautify traditional African attires.

In Nigeria, beads have evolved in their versatility so much that they have contemporary appeal and can be styled with both traditional and modern looks. There is a bold yet dainty touch that beads give the overall mien of the traditional ensemble.

Depending on the material used, the price and use of beads vary.

Corals and precious stones -gold, diamond and crystals - have been incorporated into the beadwork to give them a richer quality. Some cultures use them to create crowns or just pieces to distinguish royalty, some for weddings, artwork and even personal style.

Here is a tribute to our fab mothers and their personal bead style...!

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Accessories

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Happy Mothers’ Day

MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

I remain eternally grateful Former political adviser to one time People’s Democratic Party’s National Chairman, Audu Ogbeh, and Assistant Producer for NTA Kaduna, Senator Grace Folashade Bent, talks about her mother, life and career in this interview with BAYO ADEOYE You were able to break the ethnic barrier in 2007 when as a Yoruba woman, you were elected into the Senate to represent Adamawa South.

What was the secret?

First and foremost, I thank the Almighty God and, again, my husband who gave me the opportunity to endear myself to the hearts of the people.

He helped me to work my way and gave me the privilege to showcase my potentials to the people of Bachamma. My husband is Bachamma and they are the largest tribe in Adamawa State. I became part and parcel of the people and went the extra mile in associating with them in good and bad times and I was able to use the wisdom of God to adapt. It was not easy, it was Herculean. But God made it easy for me and I began to take care of them, I began to see them when it was good or bad. When they wept, I wept with them. When they laughed, I laughed with them. I began to do a lot of community work to display my philanthropic gesture to them.

If there was any problem, I put it on my head and found a solution to it. So, they began to see good leadership qualities in me. And I later went into active politics. And this became a tool of expression that I could use to further endear myself to them. I then used my foundation, Gracelight Foundation, to take care of their needs. I became a political adviser to the former PDP Chairman, Chief Audu Ogbeh, and that was another platform to worm myself into the hearts of my people in Adamawa State. When they beckoned on me, I called my husband. But my husband did not like the idea, he just laughed it off. But he didn’t reject it outrightly, he told them that he would think about it.

My husband is not a politician and he always says that he will never want to be one. He always tells me that in the military, you know who your enemies are, but in politics your best friends could be your worst enemies. We have lots and lots of hypocrites, so he never liked it. But I told him that he should not worry because God has called me and He protects and guides whom He has called and He will give me the grace to go through it. After so much pressure, he succumbed and that was it. But even then, I didn’t get it on a platter. It was tough; they wanted me to run for the House of Representatives. But I said to them that I would not limit my God. I contested the primaries with nine strong men and defeated them, and one of them was my husband’s close associate. After the primaries, they came with the ethnic issue, saying I am Yoruba from Osun, forgetting that I am Adamawa by marriage and entitled under the constitution to contest. My campaign was tough, dynamic and strategic, I went to every part of my constituency.

My husband was in charge of the campaign organisation, which my friends nicknamed ‘the engine room’. But above all, it was the love those people had for me that helped me out.

Can you tell us some of your achievements in your constituency while in the Senate?

I have lost count of what God has used me to do in my constituency, Adamawa South. By the grace of God, I can tell you that my electoral promises during my campaign have been over-shot. I have done so much and I am still doing more. You don’t need to be in government before you can serve. I have pictures to show for it. Be it water, educational aid, empowerment, electricity, health. I keep on donating drugs, hospital equipment, theatre equipment, beds and all sorts to them till date. As the Chairman of the Committee on Environment, I have been able to attract a few projects to my constituency because we have a lot of erosion and desertification problems there. I have been able to influence projects to address these problems. As a senator, I don’t have a vote but I should be able to use my office to influence projects to my constituency. I used my little salary to make sure that I made positive impact in their lives. I have even gone ahead to dip my hand into my husband’s money to positively affect their lives. This interview will not be complete without talking about my engine room, which is my husband. I think that he is one of the best things that happened to me after my salvation as a Christian. He is always there. It’s not easy as a female politician to be able to manage your home and to manage your political life, it is a Herculean task. But I have an understanding family. My husband is a retired soldier. He is the tactician, you know, an average army officer understands tactics, he was an instructor in

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

Happy Mothers’ Day

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to my mother -Senator Grace Bent the army. He pushes me to the field, and I go and get results.

I must give kudos to the engine room, which is Jackson Bent.

The man after the heart of God Almighty, a wonderful man that God has blessed me with and I am always proud to say that anytime, any day. You can call me a bridge builder from the South West of Nigeria to the North East. I have crossed the bridge and that is why they call me the bridge builder. I thank God Almighty today for using the people of Adamawa South who believe in me. Adamawa South has made a statement in Nigeria that in spite of our diversity in language, diversity in culture and so on and so forth, God has not made a mistake to bring us together as an entity. Adamawa State has set an unprecedented pace in the history of our democratic experiment, that it is possible for a woman to be married to a particular locality and get totally integrated into that society.

Would you say not being an indigene of that state worked against your second attempt at the Senate?

Yes, it did. But unfortunately, the few elites who were doing this propaganda of not hailing from Adamawa State just did that for their selfish interests. I have never seen myself outside of Adamawa State. I have always been Adamawa in good and bad times. And that resulted in my unusual landslide victory in my first attempt. As I have said, the governor never allowed my primary election for the second term to hold for reasons best known to him. The people did not really have the opportunity to say that we don’t want this woman. That was what you would hear from the likes of the late Paschal Bafyau who later realised his folly and apologised and reconciled with me before he died. May his soul rest in perfect peace. If we continue to carry politics of ethnicity and religion into our day-to-day relationship, the end result will be counter-productive.

Adamawa State has really set a precedence in this country.

They have proved to Nigerians that it is not about where you come from. I remember that when some of my opponents raised this issue that this woman was a Yoruba woman, the electorate just called their bluff.

My constituency of nine local governments, which is the largest senatorial district in Adamawa State, has about 24 different ethnic groups and two major religions; yet, they put all sentiments of ethnicity and religion aside to vote for me massively. And I am telling you, if I contest for another elective position in my constituency, I will win over and over again. My constituency enjoyed my representation and they have told me that they are waiting to return me. The beauty of democracy is what we have experienced in Adamawa State and if other states will take a cue from here, you will see the greatness of Nigeria. My legacies are on ground in Adamawa State. I did not take them to Osun State. I used my senatorial position to develop my constituency and its people and I will do more if given the chance again. It is archaic of anyone to think ethnicity in politics. People don’t run such politics again.

If you sample the opinion of 10 Nigerians, you will realise that seven out of them are inter-marriage compliant. So, interethnic marriage is a silent integration that has been taking place in this country. The dilemma of women married outside their locality is that when they want to venture into politics or when they want to look for federal political appointments, politicians begin to use “non-indigeneship” as a weapon. It is ridiculous! Obama’s father is from Kenya for God’s sake.

Why is America prospering? It is because America encourages other tribes, languages, races, foreigners, to come in and develop the country. It is about who you are, what you can do and the contributions you can offer the society you find yourself in. And that is the only way Nigeria can move on. I know the few people that were beating the ethnic political drum are regretting it now. They are very negligible.

Ask Prof. Jubril Aminu. I am still loved by the people of my constituency. Let us start talking about merit rather than ethnicity. That is the only way forward for Nigeria. Nigeria is a great country with so many credible people. Let them come out and contest rather than mediocre people parading the political scene.

You were an activist right from school. How did this start?

Yes, I have been an activist positively working against injustice, and protecting the downtrodden, to the voice-less and giving people hope, assisting them to be what they want to be.

Basically, I found that politics is a veritable platform and tool for me to express and implement some of my philanthropic activities. This has been possible for me because of my innate love for politics. Like what I told you about my school days of being involved in politics, I was the Financial Secretary of the Students’ Union, University of Calabar and I think that was the launching platform for me. I have got this thing in me from childhood. I have always been the one to fight for the rights of the people. When friends in primary and secondary school were being humiliated or harassed by friends or the opposite sex, they ran to me. I would jump into the ring and before you knew it, we would have brought ourselves down. I have that aggressive nature that they always ran to me for help. So it is something God Himself has put in me for the benefit of others and it is a thing I am always grateful to God for. I always tell people that politics is a very positive force that we political elites should use very positively. Not to oppress or suppress the masses, not to use as a weapon of injustice but use to impact the lives of the downtrodden, as a bedrock of service to humanity.

Basically, it is something I am happy doing whether in office or out of office. You play politics at the national level, you play politics at ward level. Whether you are appointed into office or not, you play your politics to impact people positively. I have seen politics as a very clean game. When people call politics a dirty game, I just look at them and shake my head and tell them there is nothing dirty in politics, it is the political actors who play politics for their own selfish ambitions that make politics look dirty and that is the long and short of it.

What role did your mother play?

She is a wonderful woman!

She gave me a very disciplined upbringing that has continued to shape my life till date. Of course as a young girl, one felt really bad and was always angry feeling the treatment was too harsh. But today, with the benefit of hindsight, I remain eternally grateful to my mother for everything.

My mother is my precious gemstone that is unquantifiable. Till date, she still sees me as that her little girl, always on her knees day and night praying for my husband and I, my children and grandchildren.

Who can you compare to a good mother? No idol like my mother.

I can see you are not wearing any make up… (cuts in)

I don’t wear

make up whenever I am at home, but I do whenever I go out. Mind you, I don’t like heavy make-up.

Are you fashionable?

Of course I am, but I am not crazy about fashion and I wear what makes me happy and don’t follow fads. But as a socialite, you will definitely love my dress sense, fad or not.

When it comes to good dressing, I am at home. (Laughs) As a mother, a wife and a politician, how do you cope?

Well, it is not a very easy task as it were, but I need to let you know that a woman cannot professionally be successful.

The success of a woman is holistic and can be measured by how well she fares on the home-front. You can only know a successful woman by how she takes care of her children and husband. So that should be the guiding philosophy for every woman as a wife, and as a professional. I have been able to strike the balance with the help of God and my husband who believes in me and understands me very well.

Even when I was in the Senate, he never worried about my tight schedules.

Happy Mothers’ Day

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with

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Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770 chibumah@yahoo.com

‘I want you for keeps, my love’ P

atra laid in Pius’ arms. He was snoring gently. She felt so good. Making love with him had been a great experience. He took her to hitherto unimaginable heights and back. She couldn’t imagine that a sheathed man could give her such pleasure. She reached for the pack of sheaths on the bedside table and read the label. ‘Ribbed for best pleasure. Made with the best materials to give users natural feeling...the sensation is real and protection is absolute.’

Patra smiled. She really needed the protection...but not against pregnancy! It had become obvious that she had problem with conception. Why did the doctors tell her that her womb et al were in good condition? Richie’s secret family was proof that he was fertile and she was responsible for their unfruitful marriage.

Tears rolled down her cheeks. So Richie knew all this while that she was the problem? Hmmmmmm! He felt the best way to handle it was to build a family outside and pretend all was well inside? She made no attempt to clean the tears and they made a mark on the pillow.

She was angry and sad at the same time.

Pius shifted without opening his eyes. She moved out of his arms. She gazed at his strong body. His ribbed torso was so tempting and she ran her fingers along, caressing his naked body, feeling the muscles. Her hand travelled down until it got to the man and hesitated briefly before feeling it lightly. She could feel its instant response. She watched, mesmerized as it tensed and then, like a snake enjoying a cool afternoon sun in the field, it raised it head slowly, getting more turgid. She didn’t realise she had been caressing it all the while.

“Patra, this is adultery. You are living in sin.” It was her conscience scolding her. She withdrew her hand immediately and it sprang up. It was then she felt Pius’ hand on her back. She had been so engrossed that she didn’t hear him moan. His hand on her body chased away her conscience. Her hand inched back to the erect man who was nodding invitingly at her. As she touched it gently, Pius moaned and grabbed her. He caressed every part of her body and got her so high that by the time he left her momentarily to sheath, she was shaking uncontrollably.

As he lowered himself into her, they both moaned loudly. She had known that Pius was a very gentle horse and this time around, he made every nerve in her body tingle with pleasure.

She responded the way she was dead sure she had never done in her life -with total abandon. For once, she opened her mouth and said all the silly things she had ever wanted to say and with her hands, she did all the naughty things she had ever wanted to do to a man’s body. He pulled out and she arched her body and took him back. He pulled out again and again and she took him back each time...then she felt it. It was as if she was cresting on a wave, it came again and again...

Pius rode on gently...gathering momentum. Then the cloud gathered. He had never felt this before. He was sure he had lost his senses. He felt a million hands caressing his body at the same time. The hands lifted him and the cloud turned into a storm and as the thunder clapped, he screamed. Patra was also screaming. They went into spasms and the cloud cleared. When they calmed down, they looked at each other, surprised. They both had never felt this kind of passion in their individual lives.

“Patra, I’m sorry. I will never leave you. I feel so sad for your husband. But for once in my life, I’m going to be selfish. I will have you for keeps or die doing that,” Pius said in his heart.

“This is a sin I’m sure I’ll commit again an again,” Patra mused, pushing him off her.

Pius looked down and swore.

“What is it,” Patra asked.

“The sheath,” he replied, groping on the bed. He found it on

the bed. Neither knew when it pulled off.

She jumped off the bed and moved to the bath on shaky legs. She felt warm and sticky between her legs and panicked.

It was obvious everything went into her.

Pius stood at the door and watched her wash off. His forehead creased into a frown.

She looked up and saw him.

“You poured everything into me,” she said alarmed.

“I’m sorry my love. It wasn’t intentional. I lost it and didn’t know when the sheath pulled off. I assure you, I’m clean. I donate blood at the National Hospital every three months since I lost my wife. I donated one a day before we met. We can go to any hospital of your choice for tests to confirm that I’m clean,” he said.

Patra noted the worry in his voice.

“I’m clean. My childless state makes me visit the hospital almost on a weekly basis. I do all the tests and take every treatment recommended,” she replied.

“But what about pregnancy? Are you safe? Pius asked and she gave a short mirthless laugh.

She said, “I used to think it was possible. For six years, I’ve been with Richie. Five out of those years, we have been trying desperately for a child. Nothing happened, not once. I believed it could happen until I got to know that my husband had a family outside. He has a daughter already and the lady is pregnant again. What does that tell you? That I can’t conceive!”

She was surprised that she didn’t cry. She also didn’t feel angry again.

“Let Richie enjoy his children. I wish him well. No man wants a barren woman,” she added.

“But I want you. I want you for keeps, my love,” Pius said, and meant it. ***************** Richie shifted uneasily on Patra’s bed. “Who is this Facebook friend? Why is he asking my wife such intimate questions? How come my wife knows so much about such intimate things?

What else does she know? That I spurt impotent fluid? So I can’t impregnate a woman? Who is Cherish’s father? Who is Ruth sleeping with?” Questions and more questions danced in his brain.

“Oh my! This torture is killing. I’ll see another doctor to-

morrow.”

He ignored the glass on the table and swigged from the bottle of cognac. He gulped three times and shook his head as the spirit burnt his throat.

He picked the laptop again and with shaky fingers, scrolled to the next question.

Royalty: Can there be sexual satisfaction without emotion?

Patra: There can’t be sexual satisfaction if there’s no ‘connection’ with the man emotionally. That connection leads to a desire which invariably is satisfied if the man knows what to do. Most times however, the right words, the right touch, lead to great sex.

Royalty: There is so much talk about cyber affairs among married people. Wonder where our society is heading to.

Patra: Hahahahaha...you’re wondering where our society is heading to? The rocks of course. On a more serious note, cyber affairs among married people is on the increase. A man and his wife may be on the bed, the wife will be chatting with a cyber lover, while the man is doing same. It was bad enough with Facebook and the rest, it’s now worse with the BBM. Royalty: What do you understand by ‘telesex’?

Patra: Telesex sounds like sex by telepathy, which I think phone sex is anyway. It is more like making love in your mind because you’re imagining that your partner is by you and that your hands are your partner’s. Simply put, for a man, it’s like masturbating, only that you are obeying the sugary voice of your female partner...I need to clean the house now. Chat later.

Royalty: Thanks dear. You have been of immense help in this research. I may drop some questions for you. I’ll appreciate if you answer them when you can. Will send you a copy of the book when published.

Richie exhaled audibly and laughed.

“So it wasn’t personal? I had worked myself up for nothing!

Now I know how jealousy can choke a man to death. Phew! I trust Patra wouldn’t have done anything silly. Hahahahahahaha.”

He swigged from the bottle again and frowned. How come Patra knew so much about sex?

He longed for Patra’s touch. *************** Hmmmmmmm! If only Richie knows!

The series continues next Sunday.

MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Happy Mothers’ Day

21

Body&Soul

Tender hands

Biwom Iklaki

D

id you ever shake hands with someone and went…ouch!? It happens, yes it does. Some people, even those with desk jobs, have hard, calloused hands.

Makes you wonder what it’ll feel like, shaking hands with a mason.

When hands are not well cared for, especially during the dry season, they tend to become dry; many crack with signs of premature ageing.

Here are a few tips on how to get and keep soft palms.

1. Use soaps and hand creams that contain glycerin. They will draw water to the skin and help hydrate your hands.

2. Hand creams that contain Vita-

min C, licorice or alpha-hydroxy acids can help protect your hands from overdrying.

3. Drink plenty of water. You have to hydrate from the inside-out, so drinking water will help keep your hands hydrated and prevent dryness.

4. Hands that are over-dry, cracked or chapped should be covered with petroleum jelly and put in a pair of cotton gloves. Do this before bedtime and sleep with the gloves on. You will wake up with soft and healed hands.

5. Remember to moisturise a few times a day, using a healing hand cream.

One that contains Vitamin C or aloe vera is a great choice.

Happy Mothers’ Day

22

Body&Soul

MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Beautiful mothers Vanessa Okwara

I

t’s Mother’s Day. A day set aside every year to honour mothers all over the world for showing unconditional love to their children from birth until adulthood.

Mothers are truly special

Erelu Bisi Fayemi

Dr. Kema Chikwe Folorunsho Alakija

and worth celebrating.

They are loving, caring and make untold sacrifices for their children. They nurture world leaders and the best of tomorrow.

It’s no wonder the world set aside a special day each year to give men

EDITORIAL

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

Our VISION

To build a newspaper organisation anchored on the sanctity of truth.

Our MISSION

To publish a newspaper of superior value, upholding the fundamental ethics of journalism: balanced reporting, fairness, accuracy and objectivity.

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Sanctity Truth Sanctity of ofTruth www.newt e le g r aphonline .com

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

SUNDAY, March 30, 2014

The dangerous slide to anarchy

he growing insecurity in the country is a dangerous slide towards anarchy. Apart from the incessant attacks of Boko Haram insurgents in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, so-called Fulani herdsmen seem to be on a killing spree.

Several communities in Katsina State on March 11 and 12, 2014, were raided with 117 people dead, 37 injured and 708 displaced.

The recent death toll in Kaduna State was 200.

Benue State too has not been spared, as on March 23, 2014 about 55 people were killed and 200 communities sacked in a bloody clash between Tivs and Fulani, at Gbajimba, the headquarters of Guma Local Government Area. This year alone, the suspected Fulani herdsmen have killed several people across Plateau State. For instance, on January 6, 2014, 33 people were killed in Riyom Local Government Area; on March 6, this year, 16 people were killed and about 200 houses burned in the state.

Also, a new source of concern is the Biafra Zionist Movement (BZM) which attacked the Enugu State Government House with the intention of hoisting the Biafran flag. The occasional bombing of oil installations in the South- South indicates all is not well. Similarly, cases of kidnapping in the country are on the ascendancy. The country has never had it so bad security-wise in recent times and a climate of uncertainty pervades the air. Government has given several explanations about what it is doing to curtail the insecurity in the country, but

there seems to be no end in sight to the growing killing spree. A country cannot allow its citizens to be killed on a daily basis as though there is an absence of law and order.

The helplessness of the security agencies to deal decisively with the various security problems in the country has helped in no small measure to embolden the perpetrators. This coupled with the lack of trust amongst the various ethnic nationalities constitute a fundamental threat to the country’s stability. The reason for the activities of the Fulani herdsmen is not particularly straightforward to understand and interpret, but whatever the situation may be, whether for economic expansionism, local imperialism, pent up animosities occasioned by years of disagreement or rivalry or perhaps religious and political undertones, the resort to violence is wrong, unlawful and unwarranted.

At this point there are some questions

Governance is serious business and anything that affects the lives of the people must be accorded topmost priority and attention. Government must learn to have respect for human lives at all times.

It is a basic responsibility of governance

the security agencies should have been able to provide credible answers about the so-called Fulani herdsmen. Where do they come from? What are they fighting for?

Where do they get their weapons and arms from? Where are their camps? Where do they receive their trainings from? Who are their sponsors? What are their motivations? What is the relationship between these suspected Fulani herdsmen and the Boko Haram insurgents? The claim that insurgents are disguising as Fulani herdsmen is worth thoroughly investigating.

The point must be emphasised that, in the case of Bauchi, Kaduna and Plateau States, the various reports of the commissions of inquiry set up in the past to look at the immediate and remote causes of these kinds of attacks were never made public and therefore not implemented. There is apparent lack of political will on the part of the political class to honestly and transparently tackle the problem of internal insecurity in the country; as some of these leaders could be part and parcel of the problem. There are too many lethal weapons in the hands of so many people and those carrying out the attacks have become a law unto themselves.

The situation has assumed a frightening dimension with the threats of retaliation by victims of earlier attacks and government’s inability to arrest the ugly trend.

Religion and politics as well as base sentiments have been severally manipulated by this clique to advance their diabolical agenda. The official response to this crisis

in the past has been redistributive, reorganisational, regulative and repressive, which more often than not has been a fillip for further crisis. Government needs to be more open, democratic, less draconian and look at the larger picture in a more holistic and comprehensive manner. It must wake up from its seeming deep slumber and look for ways and means of tackling the twin problems of poverty and unemployment in the country. Both are reaching a crescendo with serious negative implications on the existence of the country.

Besides, the security agencies should be restructured, reorganised and made more professional, and properly equipped and trained to be able to carry out their duties and responsibilities without any excuses. A situation where militant groups, insurgents and terrorists have superior weapons and security personnel will have to hide and dodge on siting these groups is totally unacceptable.

Governance is serious business and anything that affects the lives of the people must be accorded topmost priority and attention. Government must learn to have respect for human lives at all times. It is a basic responsibility of governance. A case where government and its security agencies are helpless and the citizens now resort to self-help is terrible and unimaginable and is the flipside of the culture of impunity.

It could herald a slide into anarchy. These senseless wanton killings must be stopped now.

BOLAJI TUNJI Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief IKE ABONYI Deputy Managing Director FELIX ABUGU Managing Editor, South SULEIMAN BISALA Managing Editor, North GABRIEL AKINADEWO Editor, Daily LAURENCE ANI Editor, Saturday EMEKA MADUNAGU Editor, Sunday LEO CENDROWICZ Bureau Chief, Brussels MARSHALL COMINS Bureau Chief, Washington DC SAM AMSTERDAM Editorial Coordinator, Europe EMMAN SHEHU (PhD) Chairman, Editorial Board JOSEPH ONYEKWERE News Editor (Sunday) PADE OLAPOJU Production Editor TIMOTHY AKINLEYE Head, Graphics ROBINSON EZEH Head, Admin.

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MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

OPINION Kidnapping: Can it be eliminated in Nigeria?

Ejike E Okpa II

I

n earlier views expressed on the subject of security and its relationship to economic development, I opined that no nation can claim to be prospering when crime is done at will and its law enforcement not equipped or committed to minimising the occurrences. Lawlessness in Nigeria is seen as a right of those that want to do what they want as there are hardly consequences for bad behaviour or conduct in the nation; all things being equal and considered. When elected and appointed officials often do as they wish and use the instrument of state to propagate and perpetuate unbecoming conducts, common criminals join the ranks even if it’s in ‘underworld’ capacity.

Since the return of civilian rule in Nigeria hinging time frame from 1999: kidnapping, a criminal vice that was highly unheard of during the military has become an industry on its own. Accusations and allegations that those in power use this nefarious act to intimidate political enemies and instill fear so no one questions their conduct, may not go without some truth. But again, family members of elected and appointed officers have also been victims. The whole country or a good part of it especially the southern states, have experienced kidnappings such that there is siege mental-

ity. For foreigners, especially those working in the oil sector, it has led to increased cost of their presence in Nigeria. While Nigeria has the lowest oil production cost per barrel, it incidentally has the highest operating cost as a ratio of revenue to operating expense. The implication is that Nigeria spends more than its counterpart oil producing countries on security as a charge on revenue, in turn lowering net benefit to the national treasury. For those that track loose and weak security facilities in developing countries that rely on foreign technical support, for kidnapping incidents the market reacts with an increase of 2% - 5% in the cost of doing business in that country. That added cost lowers the net benefit, meaning that Nigeria is always losing money.

Whatever are the reasons for the existence of kidnapping, it is time for the leadership and the led to commit to nipping it. It signals a bad image for Nigeria and makes cost of doing business and living expensive. The question, can Nigerians rally to deal with kidnapping?

Yes, they can and should. Then how does the nation’s leadership go about nipping kidnapping?

There are several ways to deal with kidnapping, as it is a crime committed with the criminal demanding ransom in order to release one kidnapped. Nigerians must separate kidnapping of a family member who fakes their own abduction

to extort money from a family member.

Even though such may be seen as a family matter, they should be prosecuted for creating sham and falsehood which inadvertently negatively affects moods in the community. Nevertheless, kidnapping occasioned by criminals calls for a tougher approach and stance.

Since ransom demand is made via phone call or letter or in-person demand, it should be a no-brainer for a committed law enforcement and alert public wanting to nail kidnappers. But the question again goes back to Nigerian law enforcement agencies. Are they trustworthy? If the accusations and allegations point to a law enforcement that colludes with criminals, no amount of sophistication and public involvement will end the act.

Criminals in any form are not ghosts.

They are persons known to the communities they operate and they have beneficiaries. What dents criminal enterprise is a committed public that sees how damaging such acts affects their quality of life and decides Enough Is Enough. In the case of Nigeria, Enough is Never Enough as conducts are often permitted and allowed to go unchecked such that they become a tradition. But assuming there is a commitment to nail kidnappers, here are some suggested approaches.

Phone Companies - Every operating phone company in Nigeria must have picture identification of each subscrib-

er with finger print, and each assigned number linked to an address of the subscriber.

A tall order, as most Nigerians that live in rural areas have no identifiable address as we know it in developed nations. Be that as it may, there should be a way to tie one to a location. Every subscriber must sign an affidavit saying they are purchasing the phone for their use and not for someone else, all these done at the point of obtaining a phone. Even though this will be hard because many Nigerians have no address but again, they do not all live on the street, it has to be required. Violation should trigger heavy fines on the phone company or cause them to lose licence.

Nigeria Police should have tracer capacity to track any call that makes ransom demand such that through use of GPS, the area of the criminal can be zeroed in and reinforcement assigned to the area. The way it works, once a ransom demand is made, the victim’s family informs the police so they have the phone call linked to the tracer to begin tracking. But if the police are not trusted to hold information in confidence as they do their investigation, the system will not work. It is not uncommon to hear that some members of the police are in bed with criminals.

To be Continued

NIS tragedy and fate of unemployed graduates Gidado Yushau Shuaib

A

s a student, I still have the fear of tomorrow after graduation if one could get a job or die while searching for non-existing vacancies.

In fact as many have lately observed, we are now sitting on a timebomb when millions are unemployed.

A 2012 survey by the National Bureau of Statistics put Nigeria’s youth unemployment figure at 54 percent. This means one out of every two young people who should be gainfully employed is unemployed. That’s frustrating and scary.

Imagine that over 693,000 applicants all over the nation chasing 4,500 jobs in the Nigeria Immigration Service , out of which 19 died at the test and hundreds fainted from stampede and exhaustion. They came looking for jobs, in a country that has mastered the art of hoarding jobs. They found

death instead of jobs. Many horrible pictures and videos from the incidents across the federation went viral online. There is therefore a lot of condemnation over the exercise.

There are many questions demanding answers: How will the families of the victims be compensated? What is the future of our unemployed youths?

What is government doing to address unemployment in the country?

Government needs to recognise the plight of unemployed graduates and not waste time and money on issues that are not important to the development of this country. We are not unmindful of the fact that President Goodluck Jonathan has rolled out a number of programmes to tackle unemployment, like YouWin and the SURE-P Scheme among others which are yet to provide the necessary infrastructure for their tenability. There is also a Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan (NIYEAP) which was launched under President Umaru

Yar’Adua in 2009 but is stillborn. The efforts have been negligible compared to the scale of the problems on the ground. Of course the Federal Government should not take all the blame for unemployment woes. The states and local governments must also take responsibility for job creation.

Meanwhile, government at all levels should evolve a programme or a system that could be called YOUTHFUND where it can provide grants or soft loans as capital to youths to set up an enterprise. With such gestures the beneficiaries would be able to fend for themselves and reduce the rate of crime caused by idleness of the unemployed youths.

There is no big deal working with government as there are innovative schemes which youths could benefit from and become independent and render services to the society at large.

The youths should also take advantage of acquisition skills provided by the government to be self-employed

and contribute meaningfully to various sectors of the economy.

The unemployed graduates shouldn’t be over ambitious in the sense of wanting to make it ‘big time’ but they could start from any smallscale business to fend for themselves.

By the way what is wrong in farming or driving a cab and even street cleaning for legitimate income? For sure, such jobs which some may consider as ‘odd jobs’ are far better than robbery, prostitutions and criminal activities.

Meanwhile considering the condemnations trailing the immigration recruitment exercise which resulted in death and injury to some of the applicants, government should provide compensation for the families of the victims as well as reschedule the repeat of the exercise that could be easily done online.

•Gidado Yushau Shuaib Mass Communication Department Baze University Abuja gidadoshuaib@yahoo.com

Hardball ‘Nigeria may lose part of Taraba to Cameroon’ p.28

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

MARCH 30, 2014

biyi adegoroye, ASSISTANT Editor, Politics biyi.fire@yahoo.com

Interview Elumelu: Why I want to govern Delta State p.27

25

Politics ON SUNDAY

Missing funds and culture of impunity The recurring incidences of ‘missing’ public funds and investigations by the two houses in the National Assembly exposed a growing culture of impunity, writes PHILIP NYAM

S

ince the National Assembly resumed plenary this year, both houses have been saddled with investigations into various complaints, petitions and allegations of corruption. These investigations have so far brought to the fore sordid revelations either about wanton waste of public fund or outright embezzlement.

Most of the investigations are being carried out by the committees of the Senate and the House on Public Accounts, which are seperately looking into the multitude of queries raised against ministries, departments and agencies of government by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation, are ongoing but with unpredictable result.

Expectedly, the investigative sessions are characterised by ‘hide and seek’ game by those involved. This period is indeed a season of probes especially for the lower chamber. The figures involved are mind-boggling and people wonder whether these were actual cases of sleaze in which public funds are channeled to private pockets.

Granted, some cases of negligence might have crept in, and the allegations have to be supported by facts, there is a growing suspicion that some of the funds might have been kept to finance elections. Also, the declining rating of Nigeria by international anti-corruption agencies have made the issue very disturbing. But how far can these investigations impact on the fight against corruption and good governance in the country? What action should be taken against the culprits to prevent the growing culture of impunity?

Missing $20 billion First it was the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Lamido Sanusi had during a public hearing last Tuesday told the

Jonathan

Senator Mohammed Makarfi-led Senate Committee on Finance that the NNPC was yet to account for $20 billion from the total of $67 billion oil sales receipts from January 2012 to July 2013.

But the claims were denied by the NNPC, saying that it submitted all the documents on domestic crude and subsidy claims to the Federal Account and Allocation Committee, FAAC. Also, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Corporation, NPDC, a subsidiary of the NNPC, disclosed that the allegation that $20 billion was not remitted to the Federation Account is false, blaming the loss of revenue on inadequate funding of oil exploration activities by the Federal Government.

Information Minister, Labaran Maku, speaking after the Federal Executive Council meeting, explained why the government had kept mute on the issue. The minister said since monetary figures were involved, the government could not just be responding flippantly to the allegation by Sanusi.

The government’s spokesman stressed that the minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, and the NNPC were in a better position to provide answers to the allegation. He urged members of the Nigerian public to be patient for Okonjo-Iweala and the NNPC to respond

Okonjo-Iweala

to the allegations.

“I’ll caution that we be patient for the institutions of government to respond. You’d recall that the CBN governor first claimed that $49 billion or thereabouts was missing and inquiry shows that was not so. Now, he has been making further claims and the NNPC has been responding. I don’t have the facts now to answer your questions,” he said.

While the NNPC claimed it expended the $20 billion on subsidy on Kerosene (which has not been available at the said N50 par litre), over about five years, the Senate Committee ordered a forensic audit of the account of the NNPC to ascertain the veracity of its claims.

Missing N59.6 billion As if that was not enough, another case of missing fund reared its head penultimate week. The House public accounts committee was compelled to declare this amount missing when both the Budget Office and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation had claimed that the money was disbursed to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), whereas the commission denied knowledge of the fund. NNPC officials led by the corporation’s Chief strategist, Dr. Timothy

Okoro who appeared before the committee denied knowledge of the receipt of the N59.6 billion.

According to the NNPC, all attempts to make the budget office and AGF do a formal letter stating that the said N59.6bn was not cash backed failed. Chairman of the committee, Hon. Adeola Olamilekan, also confirmed that Delloite, an accounting firm, had in its report claimed that the money was released.

Following this confusion, the committee has summoned the Accountant General of the Federation, AGF, Mr. Jonah Otunla, the Acting Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mrs. Stella Alade; and the director general, Budget Office.

N19.7 billion police fund Recently, Sanusi also claimed in his reply to the query from the Presidency that the apex bank paid N19.7 billion to the Nigeria Police to purchase a helicopter. Sanusi had in a written response to government’s allegation of financial recklessness against him that the police project, which also involved buying other security equipment, cost N19.7 billion, and that it was carried out “upon the instruction” of President CONTINUED ON PAGE26

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MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Politics / Cover

Missing funds and culture of impunity C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 5

Goodluck Jonathan.

But when the House summoned the police, in the course of investigating into the Police Equipment Fund account, the Inspector General of Police who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Air Wing, Ilesanmi Aguda, denied knowledge of the huge amount.

He advised that queries on the whereabouts of the Police Equipment Fund should be addressed to the Ministry of Police Affairs.

Following the denial, the committee chairman ruled that “if the IGP and the ministry deny receipt of the said N19.7 billion, then the committee can rightly assume that the money is missing, until proven otherwise. All the major actors involved in the alleged transaction, including the CBN, have a case to answer.”

N24 billion pension fund The House committee after opening up the issue over the Police Equipment Fund, extended its searchlight to the Police Pension Fund, where it took on OkonjoIweala.

The committee insisted that N24 bilion was actually missing from the Police Pension Fund and challenged the minister to a public debate, saying that she was either ignorant of the facts of the transactions or trying to mislead the nation by maintaining that the money was still intact. Okonjo-Iweala, for her part, insisted that the money was not missing.

Olamilekan, who was incensed at the minister’s position, said, “we invited you people to appear before this honourable committee on these serious transactions involving tax payers’ money running into billions of naira and the new DG of Pension Transitional Arrangement Department was honest enough to say that she just took over and that there was no document to back up the disbursement of the N24 bllion.

“We further requested for more documentation in order to get to the root of the matter only for the minister to come up with a press statement that the money was not missing. We challenge her to a public debate where all the media houses will be present and will be live on all television stations, so that Nigerians will know whether or not the N24 billion was not missing”, he declared.

He said, “All these documents being bandied about in defence of the missing N24 billion are fraudulent, forged and fake and can’t stand the test of the time. They have nothing to do with the missing money; come to think of it, the minister claimed that the money

Alison-Madueke

was kept in an account, in which bank and how much was the interest since it was kept in the bank? She also claimed that the money had been paid into the treasury, where is the official receipt issued to that effect?”

Minister’s N10 billion private jet expenses Another investigation that has caught public attention is the alleged wastage of N10 billion on the arbitrary charter and maintenance of a Challenger 850 aircraft for non-official use by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke. This investigation, which is due to open this week was necessitated by a resolution, arrived at following the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Babatunde Adejare (APC, Lagos).

Adejare argued that reliable evidence available to him indicated that Alison-Madueke allegedly sunk the sum of N3.120 billion into the maintenance of a private jet dedicated to the service of herself and her family.

He alleged that the sum of 500,000 Euros (N130 million) was spent every month on the plane’s maintenance.

He also noted that in recent times Nigerians experienced acute fuel shortage due to “dwindling national revenue which has reduced the quality of governance and deprived the people of dividends of democracy”.

According to him, the minister’s action contravenes the Fiscal Responsibility Act “and all other laws on fiscal discipline”.

NNPC, in response to the national umbrage which greeted the report, denied reports that it chartered air-

craft for the personal use of AlisonMadueke. Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Omar Ibrahim, said it did not charter any aircraft for the exclusive use of the minister or any particular official of the corporation.

The corporation noted that this practice of chattering aircraft is common and acceptable in the local and international business environment in which it operates, and “there is nothing prohibiting NNPC from owning or chartering an aircraft. On the contrary, by the enabling legislation, NNPC is empowered to “hold, manage and alienate moveable and immovable property and enter into contracts or partnerships with any company, form or persons which in the opinion of the Corporation will facilitate the discharge of the said duties under this Act.’’ Many Nigerians and anti-corruption crusaders have been roundly outraged by these scandalous cases of corruption such that they are tempted to believe that corruption is now a norm in the country. More disturbing is the fact that this is happening amid large scale infrastructural deficiencies and abject poverty. Unlike what it was years ago when the nation made some improvement in its rating by Transparency International, the fight against corruption has since plummeted.

Former member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, described this rate of corruption as very disgusting, claiming it seemed the presidency is shielding the NNPC. Calling for an anti-corruption move akin

to the one by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, he said: “We have Prof.

Fabian Osuji, who was Minister of Education during the same Obasanjo regime. Osuji was removed from office over his alleged involvement in the N55million bribery for budget scandal. We have Senator Adolphus Wabara who was also removed as Senate President following the same bribery scam. The story should not be different in the current dispensation.”

A Lagos lawyer, Joel Ndubuisi, called for thorough investigation into all the allegations in fairness to all concerned to ensure that no one is unfairly punished. He said the amount of money involved is stupendously high to be swept under the carpet.

A retired judge, who sought anonymity said: “The figures coming from the various probes are mind blowing and they represent a very negative report for the image of the nation. What every reasonable Nigerian wants is a thorough investigation into the allegations and any culprit found in the process should be brought to face the law.”

Other observers believe that it is saddening that while the standard of living of an average Nigerians keeps dwindling, those in position of trust have continued to help themselves at the expense of the hapless citizenry. It shows that Nigeria is hemorrhaging and only a committed and sustained campaign and fight with government strong support would salvage the ailing economy.

‘NASS should conduct useful probes’ Hon Abayomi Sheba, a lawyer and journalist, was a member of the House of Representatives. He is a commissioner in the Federal Character Commission. The senatorial aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party for the Ondo South Senatorial District spoke with BIYI ADEGOROYE on his ambition and series of probes by the National Assembly

Y

ou were a member of the House of Representatives from 19992003. What do you make of the current probes from the House and the fact that they have not produced any result?

It is a time and resource-wasting voyage! If I may ask, where are the reports of all these probe panels? We saw the dramas and intrigues in Hon. Ndidi Elumelu’s Power Probe panel, also the Hon. Farouk Lawan panel and the Arumah Oteh saga. The only lesson learnt from these panels is that our politicians and leaders should first

remove the log in their eyes before removing the speck in the eyes of other people. He who goes to equity must go with clean hands and he who seeks equity must also do equity. We must show commitment and determination to cleanse the country of corruption and corrupt practices both in the executive and legislative arms. Reports of probes must be made public and offenders adequately punished.

The fortunes of your party, the PDP, are dwindling by the day. Is that the end of the road for the party there?

These are surmountable chal-

Sheba

lenges that shall be overcome soon.

There is need to strengthen our internal democracy mechanism so that most popular candidates emerge at all times. Imposition of candidates was our bane and we

must do everything humanly possible to stop it if we want the party to develop. If we strengthen our internal democracy, it will instill confidence in the system. The opCONTINUED ON PAGE29

27

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

Politics / Soapbox

2015: I’m best candidate to govern Delta –Elumelu Chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, speaks on some development issues in the polity and his intention to run for the office of governor of Delta State in 2015. BIYI ADEGOROYE was there

W

hy do you want to be governor of Delta State?

Firstly, you must have that passion for your people; you must believe that your people deserve the best and that you think you represent them.

If I take a cue from what I have been doing in the House of Representatives, in the opinion of my constituents, I have represented them well.

I did first term and it was my good representation that informed their letting me represent them the second time. Then you would now look at those things that you can do given the opportunity to represent them.

I know that there is a system in place now, which is the existing government, I intend to ensure that we continue from where that government will stop, to ensure that whatever project or transformation drive that commenced from the existing government will continue with our own government and I will do whatever I will do based on the manifesto of my party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

The issue of power shift has continuously dominated debates ahead of the next governorship election in Delta State, is it true that you are in an agreement on power rotation as being said?

I do not want to talk about the issue of agreement but rather an understanding - in understanding, it is natural that if the other two senatorial districts have had their opportunities, it is also given in understanding that the last one yet to be considered should morally be considered provided that that it is not tribal; provided that it is for the unity of the state; provided that the intent is not based on bias, then morally I will support such, because what we want is to have peace and continuous unity in Delta State.

Even where such understanding is given to your senatorial district, there are already too many aspirants jostling for it. Don’t you think you may end up having a house divided against itself?

The constitution allows everybody to aspire, you cannot stop anybody. Fundamental human right gives provision that you should allow people say their minds. So if anybody is aspiring and hopes to govern his state, I don’t see anything wrong in that. It is left for the electorate to look among them who they think will best serve their purpose.

Secondly, I’m aware that there is a system that is being put in place to look at all the aspirants; to look at their reputation, look at their antecedents and come up with sizeable number that can best represent their interest.

Then let me say this, ruling a state or having an ambition should not be a do-or-die affair. If the process is completed and I do not emerge from that process I intend to support whoever that emerges from that process because what is important is to move the state forward. It is

leagues from Delta State; we have 10 members of House of Representatives and three senators.

The 10 members myself included, each time we are doing ou budget I work with them and ask them what they want for their federal constituencies and I have successively done that for almost seven years. You can imagine what that means in Delta State in terms of infrastructure.

Do you think you have what it takes to get the ticket?

In summary the answer is yes. Why do I say yes? This is my seventh year at the National Assembly; I have never had any tribunal case as an elected person. That goes to say that my people have totally and always supported me and believe in my representation. First, I have fought for the cause of Nigerians. I led a team that investigated the power sector and tried to unearth the rot in the power sector and in effect we found out that out of the $16 billion that was earmarked for that project, $13.28 billion was mismanaged and I reported it. However they have done it, history will judge all of us. What is important is that I have done my bidding to ensure that Nigerians are given electricity. That Elumelu is why power has been not about selfish interest. It is not about ethnic hearing and has considered it, after the budget privatised and it is embedded in my recomissue or about self-empowerment; it is about we will meet at conference to agree on differ- mendation that there was need to create an atthe people of the state. ences that we may have in the provisions that mosphere that will yield profit. In 2007, when I Having been Chairman House Committee on is in the bill. These are the foundation that we came on board all the power institutions were health for some years now, what have you have laid to ensure that healthcare services are put together. The first project that I had opporbrought to your people in terms of projects? provided. In terms of physical infrastructure, I tunity to do in 2008, I created 11 distributions, When I came on board, we did not have a have 42 wards in my federal constituency and seven generation and one transmission stations. regulatory system to control and administer there is no ward that does not have one project Why did I do that? I did it because I felt that since the conduct of health institutions, so what or the other that has been executed either by EPSR Act of 2005 had already established that I did was to bring up the Health Bill and to way of solar, grid extension of electricity, com- there should be an entity called a generation ensure that it is passed into law for checking prehensive health centre. company or a distribution company, so I didn’t and regulating the conduct of health instituAs a matter of fact, at the moment, there see why PHCN should be called a coordinating tions in Nigeria. It has gone into consideration is one of the biggest cottage hospitals under agency. stage. I understand that my colleagues in the primary health care that is being built in my That was why in my opinion when I was Senate have passed theirs. Once we finish our federal constituency. The project is almost doing the budget I created Shiroro, Egbin, Kanji, budget, we would of course pass our own and gulping N1.2 billion. It’s the first time in the his- Omotosho, all of them in sub-heads in approwe will go into conference to harmonise the tory and I believe that when it is completed the priation. Then, I created Ikeja, Eko, Benin, Jos differences and send it to Mr. President for presence of Mr. President and my governor will and all the 11 distribution networks. It was from his assent. Another one is universal coverage, be required to see that something could hap- my tenure we brought about discipline in terms which states that every Nigerian, irrespective pen in this place and that the government of of appropriating money to those agencies and of who you are is so covered. In effect, one is President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is working. that led to the Federal Government privatising covered in a case that there is mishap in your Also, we have had town halls built across the the sector so that we don’t lose funds. This was health. The Federal government is required 42 wards, empowered youths and women who because we looked at it and asked ‘ how we can through National Health Insurance Sceme to are into petty trading. Most importantly, what be losing so much without one kilowatt of elecregister every Nigeria and subsidise what they has been causing crisis in the society that has tricity being contributed to the national grid? pay to get health services. The existing law led to the death of some people is the issue of And when we looked at the level of sabotage, it now doesn’t provide for that; it only makes employment. I can authoritatively say that my was mind bogging. If I had done that for NigeriNHIS a player instead of being a regulator. So constituents have been employed in different ans and have also created seven sub-stations in I sponsored a bill called National Health Insur- agencies, not only the health sector. I have also my local governments within four of my seven ance Commission, (NHIC). NHIS is a scheme gone beyond my constituency in distribution of years, it’s a challenge to anybody who is coming itself and shouldn’t be an organisation, so we whatever that is called dividends of democracy. to take over my seat. I believe that all that I have have embodied that scheme into NHIC and the I did that because I believe that it is not proper done in the process of representing my federal bill has been passed in the House of Represen- to be selfish, it’s good to look at the generality of constituency qualifies me to be nominated as tatives and we have committed it to Senate for the people. In my distributing things that come the candidate of the PDP for the governorship concurrence. The Senate has done their public to the state I work hand in hand with my col- position in my state. I understand Delta, so the knowledge of the various ethnic groups is there.

I understand Delta, so the knowledge of the various As we speak, we have touched the 268 wards in Delta State. I did that because I believe that ethnic groups is there. As we speak, we have power belongs to the people; they should have touched the 268 wards in Delta State that power.

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‘Nigeria may lose part of Hon. Albert T. Sam-Tsokwa, representing Donga/Ussa/Takum and Special Areas federal constituency of Taraba State, is the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Rules and Business. He spoke with PHILIP NYAM on a wide range of issues

H

ow does it feel being a representative of your people at the National Assembly? What has been your experience in the last seven years?

First and foremost, it is a privilege to be accorded the status of a representative of my people. I’m highly honoured because for one to be a representative, it must be by the consent of the people and in agreement with your people.

And for my people to trust me with two terms is a thing of joy. When I was a child, each time an elder asked me to go on an errand, I felt so proud because I considered it as a form of recognition.

So, that childhood feeling is still embedded in me.

Therefore, representing my people and sometimes making decisions on their behalf is a rare privilege and a thing I will cherish forever. I feel humbly proud that my people asked me to represent them for eight full years. It has been very challenging because I represent thousands of my constituents with different needs, interests and backgrounds. Given the fact that resources are very scarce, it has been very challenging reconciling and harmonising the different conflicting interests of my constituents.

How did you come about representing your people?

I started off as a small farmer because I am the son of a local farmer. I trained as a teacher and from teaching I became a lawyer. If you look at these three professions, they are serviceoriented. Farming is service; teaching is service to the people and law is service to the people. I was on scholarship and after serving the state government for one year, I resigned because I felt that as a private lawyer, I would serve the interest of the people better than being a state counsel. I still practise within my locality; I did not go to any city. I didn’t make money but I’m fulfilled that in the course of this service, people came to realise that I can be trusted and that was how I came into politics.

In terms of legislation; what is the state of your stewardship? How many bills and motions have you sponsored?

I’ve sponsored quite a number of bills and motions that touched on the lives of Nigerians and some of them have led to a change in the policy of government. I have over 15 bills including the Nigeria Academy of Science Establishment Bill, Chartered Institute of Certified Secretaries and Reporters of Nigeria Establishment Bill, Nigerian Institute of Translators and Interpreters Bill, National Assembly Service Act (Repeal and Reenactment), Institute of chartered Trustees Bill, Extra-Budgetary Expenditure Prohibition Bill and the National Examination Malpractices Bill. Others are Remuneration of Former Presidents, Heads of Federal Legislative Houses and Chief Justices of the Federation Bill, and the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Act. I have sponsored almost 20 motions. Some have been passed by the House and some are at various stages of consideration. For example, when the CBN wanted to introduce a N5000 note, I spon-

Sam-Tsokwa

sored a motion and the House adopted it calling on Mr. President to halt it. As we speak, that is a thing of the past. When the FRSC came up with the new vehicle number plate policy, which had no human face because it said people had to change immediately, I moved a motion and the House passed a resolution on it and the FRSC had to modify the process and even reduce the cost. Now, Nigerians are happy and the FRSC is also happy about it.

You were part of the sixth Assembly under the leadership of Speaker Dimeji Bankole, which was characterised by rancor and fighting among members. We do not get to see such a scenario in the present House. What is the secret?

The secret lies in the emergence of the leadership. Before the Seventh Assembly was inaugurated, the leadership, that is presiding officers, was imposed from outside and was therefore doing the bidding of its masters. You will recall that there was an attempt to impose leaders on this current House at the beginning and the House resisted, and then the leadership that emerged was on popular votes and sup-

port. The loyalty of the leadership is to Nigerian people and not to any individual and that is the secret behind the stability in the House. I will use this opportunity to recommend that at all levels of government, leadership recruitment should be allowed to emerge from the people rather than imposition. Where leaders are imposed, they cannot be accountable to the people; they will only be accountable to the kingmaker.

The earlier we realize this, the better for us. That is why there is stability in the House of Representatives and things are progressing smoothly.

I can conveniently say that Nigeria has never had it so good. The seventh assembly may not have done fantastically but I can say it has done better than the previous assemblies.

Although the primary objective of the legislature is to make laws, people still expect legislators to provide for their constituents. What have you done for your constituents?

Like you rightly said, legislation is principally and basically about law making while the executive is in charge of policies and their implementation in terms of development. But

as representatives of the people, we support what the federal, state and local governments are doing. Like the Poverty Alleviation Programme, the Subsidy Re-Investment Programme, are meant to affect and transform the lives of Nigerians. As a legislator, I have to make my own contributions. I have given out over 100 vehicles to enable my constituents to have some kind of livelihood. Some of the beneficiaries use it to enhance their transportation while others use it for commercial purposes. I have also given out over 200 motorcycles to the youths; I have facilitated the education of a number of youths in my constituency and I have personally sunk more than 50 boreholes.

Through the Millennium Development Goals, we have been able to ensure that some classroom blocks, health centres and rural roads have been put in place. And through the rural intervention constituency projects set up by the special cooperation of the nine legislators in the National Assembly from Taraba State, we have been able to do 50 kilometres of a federal road; remaining 30 kilometres. And because of dwindling resources, we have not been able to

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Taraba to Cameroon’ continue. Only recently, I moved a motion on the collapse of Chanchangi bridge on Wukari Road; a federal Trunk ‘A’ road. The road has long been neglected and it is this road that the nine legislators have rehabilitated 50 kilometres. My motion was adopted and the House agreed that there should be provision for the reconstruction of the bridge and completion of the remaining 30kms in this year’s budget.

I heard the minister of works on radio saying that road has been completed. I think it was a slip of the tongue and I intend to see Mr. Minister and tell him since he had already said it, he should make sure that the road is completed. I would like to use this medium to appreciate the President for siting the Kashimbila Dam in my constituency although it is meant to serve the entire country. I am sure my people will benefit far over and above other Nigerians.

Don’t you think defections will affect the unity of the House?

Defections are basically political party issues. When we came in June 2011, we were not all PDP. We had ACN, Accord, Labour, ANPP etc. We came in a coat of many colours and if in that state we were able to speak with one voice, the defections can’t affect our unity in the House. The issue of the unity of the House is not affected by this because if you see the position of the House on issues, we act based on national interest and not on party lines. Interests of our parties are paramount but if the interests of our parties are in conflict with the interest of the people, party interest will have to cave in.

As chairman, Rules and Business Committee, we would like to know why some motions seem to be repeated.

Nigeria is vast and if you bring an issue or an incident that occurred in your place and two months later, the same thing occurs in my constituency, nothing stops me from bringing that motion again. Where the rule forbids it, we stop it but where it allows it, we carry it on.

For example, our rule says you cannot reopen debate on an issue the House has resolved in a session. And our session runs from June to June. So if the House has resolved on an issue and no action is taken on it, at the end of June action can be taken on it. So it depends on what subject that is being repeated and at what time it is repeated. There is no harm in repetition if that is the only way to get attention from the executive to act on an issue.

What do you think the widespread violence and insurgency in the North-East, as well as kidnapping and pipeline vandalism in the South-East and South-South portend for 2015?

Before now, Nigeria was like heaven but it was after the civil war that we started experiencing armed robbery. When insurgency started, we took it for granted. I therefore ask Nigerians to take it upon themselves that the responsibility to be alive lies with us. Once we so resolve, if we notice anything unwholesome, we will call the attention of the security agencies. We should all agree that it is our collective responsibility and not only the government.

We must cooperate with government officials and security agencies. And like Speaker Waziri Tambuwal said, I think it is time to reconsider the issue of community policing, the old native

police and state police. Some people may argue against it but considering what is happening today there is need for this. After all, these things happen in communities.

Do you have confidence in INEC’s ability to prosecute the 2015 elections?

Do we have confidence in Nigeria? If you have confidence in Nigeria, you will have confidence in institutions in Nigeria. I am a diehard Nigerian. We did not invent these socalled problems we have. What we are going through, other nations have gone through them and survived. So we will also survive. I believe in Nigerians and where you have such people, majority will use their intelligence for the good of the society while others use theirs negatively. Jesus Christ had 12 disciples but only one brought problem. The Independent National Electoral Commission did it in 2011; I am expecting something better than what it did in 2011. Like I said, the issue of free and fair elections cannot be left alone in the hands of INEC. I am hopeful that 2015 will be better in spite of the current challenges.

What are these ‘special areas’ attached to your constituency all about?

It is an unfortunate thing because nobody is bothered about it. The smallest tier of governance is the local government. So, every village and community belongs to a local government but the Special Areas do not belong to a local government. They are between Takum, Ussa and Katsina Ala. They are not in Katsina Ala

The Special Areas do not belong to a local government. They are between Takum, Ussa and Katsina Ala. They are not in Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

Local Government Area of Benue State; they are not in Takum Local Government of Taraba State; they are not in Ussa Local Government Area of Taraba. In fact, if they were at the border, they would have declared to be part of Cameroon. They are sandwiched inside Nigeria; they have no local government and this happened under the military government. Under the civilian administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo nothing happened; former Governor Jolly Nyame did nothing about it; instead he called them “Jolly Nyame villages.” Meanwhile, they are recognised in terms of population as part of Taraba State. When the 2006 census was conducted, they refused to participate because Taraba State government will use their figures and obtain money from the Federation Account and they will not benefit from it. At that time they were called the “orphan villages”.

They were eventually counted and if you look

at what is gazetted, you will see the 16 local governments of Taraba and an asterisk. So Governor Danbaba Suntai came in 2007 and constituted them into Special Development Areas and I contested the 2007 elections and INEC returned me for Takum/Ussa/Donga and Special Areas Federal Constituency. So, it is not my creation. The federal government knows that the area exists and does not belong to any local government because if you take the census figure, their population is credited to Nigeria but it is not credited to any local government in Taraba; it stands on its own-16 local governments plus the special areas make up Taraba State.

Like Siberia, everybody knows where it is but nobody wants to go there. Everybody knows there is a problem there and nobody is ready to solve it. This is how all problems in Nigeria start. One day some youths would wake up and say we cannot be in Nigeria and not belong to any local government and problem will start. Let me appeal to the Federal Government to accord this people their constitutional and democratic rights. We cannot be practising democracy and denying part of us their privileges. They vote for president, governor but they are not represented in the state assembly and local government elections. So, what type of democracy and constitutionality are we practicing –by denying Nigerians of the right of franchise? Let us give it attention and nip this problem in the bud.

‘NASS should conduct useful probes’ CONTINUED ON PAGE29

position in the South-west has offered nothing and our people have seen the need to return to the centre. We must not bungle this opportunity again! PDP must take over governance in the south-west region come 2015.

What are the chances of the PDP regaining the South-West in 2015?

As President Goodluck Jonathan and the national chairman of the party have declared, we can regain the South-west in 2015. This is realisable because the opposition did nothing in terms of developmental projects in the region. Go to Ondo State for instance and compare Dr. Olusegun Agagu’s era with the present Labour Party government. There is nothing to write home about.

Our people are wiser and more enlightened today. So no amount of ethnic sentiments being canvassed will sway their votes come 2015. It is time to go back to the centre so as to bring development to our people once again. We are working round the clock to return PDP to power in South-West Nigeria.

How had the PDP performed in the states where it is ruling?

The PDP is delivering democracy dividends. Go to Delta and Akwa Ibom states and you will know what I mean. PDP shall continue with its good work nationwide.

The revolution in the telecom/GSM industry is a major dividend of democracy. There is commitment on power delivery so as to

boost power supply. The peace enjoyed in the Niger Delta has also led the increment in oil production thereby improving the revenue derived from oil. The infrastructural decay inherited from the military is being addressed. Roads are built across the states and rural areas are opened up so as to bring development to the grassroots.

You want to contest for Ondo South Senatorial District seat in the next elections.

What have you identified as their needs and how do you intend to meet them?

Ondo South without doubt is the economic nerve-centre of Ondo State. The economic potential and resources that abound in the district must be fully harnessed and utilised properly for the people. The district

has the longest coast line in Nigeria. The Federal Government shall be encouraged to commence a seaport in the district so as to have an alternative to the Lagos seaport that is always congested. This will promote commerce, employment and industry in the state. Agagu’s blueprint on the Olokola Project and the development of the economic potential of the district shall be revisited. As a senator representing the district the enabling legislations and laws that will encourage the industrial transformation of the district shall be pursued. The district has the second largest deposit of tar sand and bitumen in the world. Efforts shall be made to bring this to national and international focus. The glass sand in the riverine area of the district shall also be brought to focus. The infrastructural decay in the district shall be addressed through legislation by appropriating funds for the development of the area. With the development of all this economic potential, jobs shall be created thereby improving the standard of living of our people.

The experience I got in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003 and over the years has indeed prepared me for this task. As an honourable member, I chaired the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation for four years. As a Federal Commissioner in the Federal Character Commission, I am the chairman of Environment and Petroleum Resources Committee.

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Politics Biyi Adegoroye

I

n response to the challenge posed by Peoples Democratic Party National Adamu Muazu, the leadership of the party in the South-West has said it has set all machinery in motion to regain the party from the hands of the All Progressives Congress in the coming elections.

The party under the aegis of the Conference of State Chairmen in the South-West said the party has not only worked on aggressive reconciliation of its aggrieved members in the geo-political zone, it has embarked on organisation and mobilisation to reclaim the states in the zone.

Chief Adebayo Dayo, chairman of the PDP in Ogun State, and chairman Conference of Chairmen of the party in the South-West, revealed that the fact that all chairmen of the party in the six states in the zone are collaborating for the success of the party for the first time was a pointer to the unity in the party.

As an evidence of the collaboration, he said, recently when Senator Iyiola Omisore declared his gubernatorial ambition in Osun State, all chairmen and notable members of the party in the zone were in attendance to give support, in addition to the reconciliation and mobilisation efforts.

“We are aggressively carrying out the reconciliation and mobilization of our aggrieved leaders and members, and many prominent ones are returning to the fold to give their full support to the party. Recently a prominent woman leader of the party in Ogun returned along with several others” Dayo said.

The chairman said that all prominent members of the party would gather at the

PDP state chairmen intensify efforts to re-claim South-West

George

Muazu

grand South-West reconciliation rally of the PDP which will hold at Liberty Stadioum in Ibadan, Oyo State on April 25, to officially welcome all of them back and chart a new way forward to achieve the dream.

Speaking with New Telegraph on Sunday, Secretary of the Conference, and Chairman of the party in Ondo State, Prince Tayo Alabi, while the respective states are “working as-

siduously for the victory of the party, an Organisation and Mobilisation Committee, under the chairmanship of Prince Buriji Kasamu, is pursuing same for the zone.”

On the status of the party in Ondo State, Alabi said “PDP is now united in Ondo State; we have reconciled all aggrieved leaders and resolved our differences, such that we are now on the same page. Even those who worked

against the party in the last election have now returned.’

“As we speak, notable big names in the party in Ondo State like the former Nigerians Ambassador to Greece and Australia, Prof.

Olu Agbi, Senator Bode Olajumoke, Senator Gbenga Ogunniya, Segun Adegoke and Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim and anyone who ever had an axe to grind with the party have returned to the fold” he said.

Alabi currently, all elders of the party, youths and party caucuses in Ondo State, have been holding meetings and strategizing on various ways to win the bye-election in Ilaje-Eseodo on March 15, following the recent death of one of the member of the state house of assembly.

Asked about how the poor performance of the PDP governors in their respective states has been their albatross and loss of votes, he said that could not be said of Ondo State, stating that: “The performance of late Governor Olusegun Agagu and his monumental programmes will ever the benchmark for anyone to meet and surpass.

“He constructed roads, rebuilt schools and even constructed jetties and highways into the sea; but such cannot be said of the current governor whose major achievement is an intra-city water fountain which has now run out of water,” he said.

‘Akwa Ibom’s next gov should come from Eket’ Biyi Adegoroye

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gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa-Ibom State, Mr. Robert Umoette, has urged party leaders and stakeholders in the state to ensure that Eket Senatorial District produce the next governor for equity and fair play.

Speaking with New Telegraph on Sunday, Umoette, who is the Managing Director of Duran Nigeria Limited, said this is necessary because the rest two senatorial districts – Uyo and Ikot-Ekpene have produced the governors since the dawn of democracy in the country in 1999.

While Obong Victor Attah from Uyo was elected in 1999, the current Governor, Godswill Akpabio, from Ikot-Ekepene emerged in 2007, and his tenure which he said has brought tremendous development to the state, will elapse in 2015.

Umoette, who was reacting to Akpabio’s statement that stakeholders will determine his successor, noted that while he is not averse to that posture, the “right thinking stakeholders and elders” should ensure that their choice was informed by justice, equity and fair play.

“If the first two senatorial districts have produced the governor since 1999, we do not need any prophet to tell us that Eket District, the third leg of the tripod should produce the next governor of the state. And as it was when it was zoned to those each of those districts, the federal constituency of the district should produce the governor,” he said.

On his programmes for Akwa Ibom State if elected, he promised to build on the achievements of Akpabio in the area of infrastructural development carrying out industrial development of the state. “I will carry out transformation of the education, health and agricultural sectors, to the benefit of the entire people of the state.”

My pre-occupation is the development of the power sector,

whereby the Ibom Power Plant will be used first to grow the state’s industries, and by extension its economy, before the rest will be sold to other states: partner with banks to assist the state’s indigenes with sound business plans with soft loans, in partnership with the state to ensure judicious utilization of fund and a flexible repayment plan.”

“As a private sector person who attended university in my own state, I have international partners with who I can collaborate to continue the transformation work of Governor Godswill Akpabio.

I will make the state the tourism hub of the country, by transforming the hospitality industry to the best of its kind in the world.”

He said: “When elected into office, we will do all we can to ensure that all groups and interests are carried along via representation in government. We will partner the security forces towards updating them with modern gadgets/communication equipment plus constant training and partnership with local and foreign security agencies. This is important for investments towards industrialization to be achievable, peace and security is of paramount importance followed by infrastructures and steady power supply.”

“We will extend the free education to tertiary state institutions while ensuring the development of schools to meet modern requirements as regards schooling environment/structures, ICT, science laboratories/facilities, creative arts, libraries, etc. We will also support increased vocational skills development towards human capacity development. We will ensure contact training and re-training of teachers,” he said.

As regards programmes for the youths, he plans to engage them “in lots of sporting activities which will warrant sporting infrastructures development while also training them to be future entrepreneurs and business leaders.”

On the possible impact of the defection of some PDP governors to the APC, he said the party will come out stronger as it was in the past, especially since they are

outgoing governors, saying that: “As their tenures come to an end, their power diminishes, and people do not take them the way they did previously. A lot of internal disrespect will even come in within the ranks of the state. In any state, the party is very strong and it was on the platform that they were elected in the first place.”

“According to him, the people are loyal to the party and it is quite unreasonable to imagine that the party followers will leave en-mass to follow the decampees.

Nonetheless, on our part, we are working strongly to reassuring and uniting all party members in the country to ensure the party’s victory in all the elections from now till 2015,” Umoette said.

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Grounded Villa shuttle buses

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ne major attraction for first-time visitors to the Aso Rock presidential villa some years back, was the efficient free transport system within short distances. Aside the serene environment, once cleared through the rigorous security process normal in such high places, government had made available 18-seater buses to pick and drop visitors around the vicinity.

This of course provided an organised system where most visitors, high profile dignitaries inclusive, did not necessarily need to drive right inside in their cars. The ready option was there to park outside at the car park.

The buses usually would commence operation week-days as early as 8am to close around 6pm, conveying both visitors and staff into and around the premises. Of course, it was an appreciable service. Incidentally, junior staff below levels nine in the civil service are not allowed entry into the villa in their private cars. They depend heavily on these buses and in this way, vehicular traffic is reduced to the barest minimum.

But the buses are no more. For staff in the lower cadre, it is more than a nightmare currently. They would depend heavily on car owners. Waiting to get such a ride or ‘lift’ could last for several hours. In fact, not every private person is disposed to providing this kind of gesture.

Some sections of staff have wondered whether the gradual disappearance of the shuttle buses is part of government’s measures to cut down on the cost of governance.

T

Anule Emmanuel It is also not clear if such development could have come as a result of systematic failure and poor management. It is obvious however that the buses are needed.

Observers believe strongly that the provision of an essential service in the oval office

is not out of place. The global law on workplace (health, safety and welfare) regulations, after all, states clearly that employers must provide ‘suitable and sufficient’ welfare facilities for the well-being of their employees while at work.

Those who introduced the shuttle bus system in the villa may have understood clearly the advantages inherent in an efficient staff welfare scheme. By the system, you save man hours often wasted when staff have to find their way into the villa by themselves.

Another factor that cannot be neglected is security. At this very period where there is growing security concerns, having a shuttle bus arrangement control under the watchful eyes of top villa security apparatus will be more preferable to the current situation. It is therefore imperative that a second thought should be considered to bring back the buses.

What FEC failed to address on NIS test tragedy

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aturday, March 15 indeed will remain unforgotten in the minds of those who also lost loved ones to the unfortunate stampede during the NIS recruitment test around the country. No fewer than 20 people including pregnant women died during the exercise.

Like most Nigerians who have criticised the poor handling of the exercise by the relevant authorities including the ministry of interior and the NIS, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) last Wednesday devoted a special time to mourning the deceased and reflecting on how best to avoid a re-occurrence of such avoidable deaths.

In briefing State House correspondents on

the outcome of Council deliberations, Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, confirmed that cabinet members were deeply touched by the sad incident. A major decision taken by Council as directed by President Goodluck Jonathan which is presently generating wide debate is the cancellation of the recruitment exercise and announcement of automatic three employment slots each for families of those who died during the NIS recruitment.

According to Maku, those who sustained various degrees of injuries would also get automatic employment in to the immigration service.

The issue which FEC has failed to address is

the N1,000 which applicants paid to participate in the exercise. In fact, inquisitive reporters at the presidential villa did not fail in confronting the information minister with this question.

There are indications however that Jonathan may have directed the minister to return funds generated from the exercise to the national treasury.

But investigations within the villa revealed that the interior minister is presently faced with an image problem of managing what is described as a monumental fraud Comrade Abba Moru must really be embattled at the moment. Most Nigerians are calling for his outright sack.

Elections and words of caution for the media

he media can do and undo; they can make an individual and institution or mar them.

English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton wrote that: “The pen is mightier than the sword,” while Napoleon Bonaparte said: “Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets.” Though the latter uttered the statement while fighting to repress the press, with the spread of even electronic media today, the power of the press is quiet enormous.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose , courageously admitted this fact. Fayose who is currently the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming governorship election in the state, promised to court the friendship of the media if he wins “because the media destroyed my (last) government”.

The fact is that it is difficult for the electoral process to succeed without the media. At every stage of election, the media plays an important role. This was captured succinctly recently by the United States Deputy Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Mrs. Maria Brewer, when she stated that the media in a functioning democracy “tells us important things, like how electoral reform is going and what progress is being made. Also the media report on the positions candidates take on the issues and what they are doing to keep their commitments.”

Perhaps, it is based on this that the National Broadcasting Commission and the Independent National Electoral Commission last month organised a forum with the theme: “Broadcast

INECDiary Onyekachi Eze

While the media is adjudged as a vital instrument in enthroning political culture, it can as well be used in negative ways Media Coverage of Elections: A Preamble for 2015”. At the occasion also, an 81-page report on media coverage of the conduct of the 2011 general elections was presented.

Election stakeholders and chief executives of media organisations present at the event were in agreement that for election to be credible the electorate need to have an accurate view of the electoral process. And this cannot happen without the media.

In the 2011 media coverage report presented by the pioneer Director General of the NBC, Dr. Tom Adaba, which had 333 respondents in 12 local government areas that cut across the country, 29 per cent of the respondents said they got information about the election through the television, 60 per cent from the radio and 11 per cent

from newspapers. This further underscores the importance of the media in the electoral process.

The media can also act as agenda setter for political discourse, and at the same time, have the power to influence or sway public opinion.

As tribunes, the media can uphold and defend the rights of the downtrodden in the society.

Speakers at the forum shared this view that while the media is adjudged as vital instrument in enthroning political culture, it can as well be used in negative ways.

Former Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN), Justice Mohammed Uwais, who chaired the occasion, cautioned that the media could become a source of crisis in the polity if they are not properly directed. Uwais, while acknowledging that “the media provides the platform for public debates, dissemination of information, expression of opinion on political and social issues, setting agenda on societal issues and enlightenment”, however, lamented that in the past, government-owned media were accused of giving coverage to only the ruling political parties to the exclusion of opposition views.

He regretted that now, private media owners are being accused of promoting partisan propaganda that endangers unity of the country. Some media practitioner have also compromised their professional ethics and become warped in their judgement and writings and have become vehicles for propagation of falsehood and serve the interest of jingoistic politicians with big wallets.

Uwais advised practitioners and media proprietors to put aside their interests and biases for the good of the country in the forthcoming elections.

In the same manner, the United Nations representative in Nigeria, Dr. Dauda Toure, cautioned against hate words by politicians as reported in the media, saying it has caused many wars across Africa. This places a heavy responsibility on the shoulders of the editors who are usually very matured quality control managers.

Although the NBC had come down hard on some state government owned broadcast media establishments, which blacklist or deny opposition parties access to air their views, social media blogs have continued to wreak havoc. A serving minister recently said that there was a lot of negative and untrue information been disseminated by some internet bloggers that could destabilise the country.

It is therefore timely to continue to use the media for development and constructive criticism, while media practitioners and owners thread with caution in the general interest of the nation.

32

MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

National Conference

Delegates not empowered to impose referendum on Nigerians –Mantu Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ibrahim Mantu, was a key player in the 2005 National Political Reform Conference whose report was thrown away by the National Assembly. Today, he is a delegate to the National Conference but he is not so enthusiastic about its proceedings and outcome. He spoke with Onwuka Nzeshi on the contending issues at the conference. Excerpts.

W

hat is your view on the voting benchmark and referendum controversy?

To get the correct views of Nigerians, I think it would be a very good thing to pursue it because when you reflect the views of the majority of people in anything that you do then you will meet the expectations of the people. I think that those who are actually calling for a referendum, their effort is to make sure that we capture as much as possible, the views of the greater majority of Nigerians. I think it is a very good idea but the question is do we have the locus standi?

The legality is actually the problem and that is perhaps why the President in his inaugural speech was appealing to the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure that they include referendum in the current process of amending the 1999 Constitution.

If that happens, we can then have the locus standi for taking our report to a referendum.

But most of us here are talking as if we were duly elected and representing the people. We don’t have the moral strength to talk on behalf of the people because nobody elected us to be here. We were just handpicked by those who were asked to hand pick people. So you are here may be because you are very close to your governor; you are here because you are ex-this and ex-that like some of us and people feel that you are still relevant in your zone. If really we are to bark and bite, then we should have been elected to a kind of constitutional conference.

But this is lacking that kind of moral and legal strength.

Are you saying that the constitution of the conference delegates was faulty ab initio?

As you notice, this is the first time we are having this kind of conference of handpicked delegates. I believe that if the delegates were elected, they would have had more reasons and more moral strength to talk on behalf of the people. They would have the mandate of the people to represent them here. As faulty as the National Assembly elections may be, they are still the authentic representatives of the people. It doesn’t matter how faulty the elections were as long as the mandate is derived from the people.

The lawmakers passed through the due electoral process and were declared winners by the electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission. So they have a right to do a lot of things on behalf of the people. I have a feeling that if the

members of this confab had been subjected to elections by the people, then we would have had people who would have truly said they are representing the people.

Are you saying that without the National Assembly endorsing the proposed referendum and incorporating it into the Constitution, the delegates here would have wasted their time at the end of the three months?

At the moment, only the National Assembly has the right to amend or alter the constitution as the case may be and that is why the President in his inaugural speech was actually massaging the ego of the leadership of the National Assembly to try and capture referendum in the Constitution. Right now, if you say you want to conduct a referendum, where is your source of authority? But if the constitution now provides for a referendum before the conference takes its decisions then the constitution becomes the authority upon which those decisions will take effect.

What would be your advice in terms of what should happen to the outcome of this conference?

As far as I am concerned, I want people to realise that the nature of our selection shows that we are elder statesmen and that we are not going to allow selfish interests to override national interests. They believe that the people who have been assembled here are actually going to be to a large extent, true representatives of the people even without being elected and would put national interest first. If we put the nation first, nothing would be too much for you to make sacrifice. If you and I travel out of the country now and at the airport we are asked where we are from, we will both say Nigeria. I am not going to say, I am from Plateau because our nation comes first before any other form of identification. So what we are trying to do right now is to put our nation first. Let us first of all regard ourselves as sisters and brothers. If we regard ourselves as one people, then there would be love and if there is love we would not like to harm one another. But if you look at it we are all Nigerians and by extension, we are also human beings and you also know that there is no factory any-

where in the world where human beings are manufactured.

Only God in heaven creates human beings and all of us are God’s creations. Whether you are Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba, Muslim or Christian, you are a creation of God. We all come from the same source and that God decided to give us the opportunity to belong to one geographical area or the other is not our making.

If God had wanted he would have created us all Igbos throughout the world not only in Nigeria. He could have created us all Yorubas or Fulanis if he had wanted it that way. God has the power to do so but he did not do that rather he gave us the opportunity to come from diverse backgrounds.

Even in religion, environment has a lot to do with faith. If I had been born in China or India, I probably would have been a Hindu and practising the religion that most people in those areas practise. So what is important is for Nigerians to realise that poverty does not know the difference between a Christian and a Muslim. Poverty does not know the difference between an Igboman and a Yoruba man. Disease does not know the difference between a Christian and a Muslim. It does not know the difference between one tribe and the other. All these things that dehumanise us and make life not worth living are the things that all of us as human beings should get together and fight. We should sink our differences and unite in the fight against poverty, disease , illiteracy and other things that make life not worth living. If we pool our resources together we would be able to succeed but if we allow the things that divide us to prevail, we will not succeed as a people. We cannot change our tribes, languages and where we come from.

Mantu

Now why should we allow these things that we cannot change to become obstacles to our progress?

We would like you to be specific on the way out of this stalemate over the voting procedure at this conference. Do you support the agitation of the North for three quarter majority or the South’s clamour for two thirds majority?

As far as I am concerned, we have been clearly told by Mr. President that we are supposed to arrive at our decisions by consensus.

That is the ultimate. But of course there is a fall back position and that is the nearest to consensus which is three quarters. If we are honest and sincere; if we shed our narrow and parochial interests as well as our tribal interests, there is no one item at this conference that we would even have an argument on because what is good for you is good for me. What is good is good and what is bad is bad. So obviously, if we just try and digest everything and we arrive at a consensus level it would be good for the nation and what is good for Nigeria is good for all of us.

What is your vision for Nigeria?

I am a Nigerian and I thank God for making me a Nigerian. Secondly, I am a human being and I am here to support what is good for Nigeria because I didn’t ask God to create me in the North. If he had wanted, he would have created me in the East. Indeed, I feel more at home in the East than in any other part of this country. So for me everywhere is home. What we should do is to make every part of this country habitable. We don’t want crisis of insecurity here and there.

33

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

National Conference

Nigeria is a huge killing field, says Adegbuyi Chief Bisi Adegbuyi is a lawyer and delegate at the national confab, representing Ogun Central Senatorial District. In this interview with Johnchuks Onuanyim and Jude Opara, he speaks on issues being addressed at the confab

W

ith the little that has happened in the confab since it began, do you think the purpose for its convocation will be achieved?

It is early in the day to say whether we will be able to turn around the fortunes of Nigeria. A lot of factors would determine that. Chief among them will be the patriotism, dedication, sense of justice, fairness, equity and fair play of the delegates. As they say, ‘morning shows the day’, but what we are doing currently is to look at the fundamentals of the confab itself. What do l mean by that? I mean the rules that will guide and regulate the activities of the confab as a whole and particularly the activities of the delegates. It has been intense and contentious and it should be expected. When you have an assemblage of 492 people from different backgrounds, different cultures and different orientations, you can’t but have disparity tendencies because we are different people. Therefore, you expect that everybody will come with his own agenda. Agenda that are not uniform. But what l believe we can do is to take the greater interest of Nigerians into consideration and do what the teeming populations of Nigerians expect us to do, and that is to put Nigeria on the part of sustainable development and economic growth, without in anyway jeopardising the unity of Nigeria.

But generally, l think if you ask an average Nigerian his demands from the Nigerian state, I am sure he will tell you not unity, he will tell you his well being, his progress and the fulfillment of his wishes and aspirations. Therefore, I am optimistic if the delegates are not from the moon (and I believe they are not), and I also believe that they are not immune to the various developmental challenges facing the Nigerian state. An average delegate is not safe because Nigeria is not safe and that is the truth of the matter. You will agree with me that the protection of lives and property is the single most important responsibility of government. But what do you hear, 70 killed in Benue State, 100 killed in Borno State, etc. Nigeria has become one huge killing field. If we think that what is happening in Borno and Yobe will not get to where we are, we must be deceiving ourselves because injustice to anybody anywhere is injustice to everybody everywhere.

One of the problems that this confab may encounter by Nigerians assessment is regional agenda. Do you think otherwise?

Ordinarily it ought not to be a problem if we have the right attitude, the right practice and

the right requisite diplomacy t o push whatever agenda we have. Regional agenda is not in itself reprehensible. It is not suppose to be an albatross. Regional agenda in my own view presupposes federalism and if we had had regional government in the past, which made available the greatest goods to the greatest number of our people when Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the Premier of Western Region.

What we need to do is to take cognisance of the exultation of Mr. President in his address.

He said that we must do some form of introspection and what does that mean? It means to do self examination and a reflection. When you do reflection, you will look back and take stock of where we are coming from. In Yoruba land where I come from, we have an adage that says: if a young child falls he looks ahead of him, but if an old man falls, he looks back to determine what went wrong.

So the lessons of yesterday can form the bases for the wisdom of tomorrow. Regionalism engenders development in Nigeria. Ask an average Hausa man, he will tell you the golden years of administration and governance that he had ever seen or read were the years of Ahmadu Bello as the Premier of Northern region; ask any Yoruba man of which l am proudly one of what his opinion are regarding the golden years of administration in Nigeria and he will tell you it was when Chief Awolowo was first the leader of government business and then Premier of Western Region - when the first television station in black Africa was established, when Universities of Ibadan and Ife were first class universities and world rated universities.

When Obafemi Awolowo introduced the fundamentals of free health program that the World Health Organisation put in place in 1970, our hero (Awolowo) had done that in 1952. So the evidence is overwhelming that the way to go is the way of regionalism, but I must quick add that regionalism and self determination are not mutually exclusive. Put it in another way, you

can push unity; you can proceed on a journey of unity without necessarily sacrificing self determination. One will not disturb the other. If anything they complement each other.

It is obvious also that some people would not want this regionalism or true federalism as the case may be. What strategy do you think that those who are pushing for it can adopt to make it succeed?

The strategy we can adopt in my considered view is to find the way of convincing our brothers and sisters from the northern part of Nigeria and make them see reasons. I do not share the view that everybody from the north does not want true federalism. I do not share that view.

Let us not forget that we must as a matter of extreme urgency adopt a strategy elicited by the former President of United States of America, Bill Clinton. He made an analogy and I want our brothers and sisters from the North to please take note of the analogy. President Clinton told the Republicans that they could not at all times be immune to what the Democrats are always asking for within the American political configuration. You know the Democrats will talk about Medicare and social security, while the Republicans talk about immigration and stuffs like that.

These are policies that seemingly are diametrically opposed to each other. Well, he has told us to find the middle of the way approach, therefore we must relate that analogy to our brothers and sisters from the North that yes we are advocating for regionalism; we are advocating for autonomy but it would not be to the detriment of their wishes and aspirations because they have their genuine fears. Their genuine fears is that yes you have oil, you are making money readily and easily, whereas they have made all attempts to get oil from the North, they

If we think that what is happening in Borno and Yobe will not get to where we are, we must be deceiving ourselves because injustice to anybody anywhere is injustice to everybody everywhere

have not achieved any major success. Their fear is that if you stop the current arrangements, what happens to them? Therefore, we have said there could be transition period between now and the time they will explore and exploit mineral and whatever resources in their domain.

What they need to continue to run their economy would still be made available to them in terms of money collected federally. But it is important to tell them that oil itself is wasting assets, whether it would take 20 or 30 years, someday it will dry up and if this oil dries up, what happens to the people in the North? I made bold to say that in all parts of Nigeria you have one form of mineral resources or another. It is just for us to change this mentality of consumption to production. After all the richest man on earth does not sell oil. The guy that invented Facebook is not selling oil but he controls billions of dollars. Same thing with many others.

What one is saying is that this culture of rent collection cannot in anyway be sustained. It is like a beneficiary of a will, what we call testament disposition.

If he does not add value to that will, he will soon realize that all the assets in the will will be extinguished. If you do more of production, adding value to the will, then you can continue to enjoy the benefits till kingdom come. That is why we must continue to share this with our brothers and sisters in the North and to also tell them that in the event that we can’t agree with ourselves people will be dismarried because United Nations itself by virtue of African Charter on Human’s Right has encouraged people to embark on self-determination. The truth of the matter is that nobody can stop people from determining their fate. It is natural for people to want to pursue to logical conclusion what they believe are their wishes and aspirations.

Therefore, one must put heads together.

Nigeria can be reworked; Nigeria can be reinvented and the way to do it is to change this orientation of collecting rent from the federal government, what my friend, the governor of Ekiti State has referred to as ‘feeding bottle federalism’.

Kiddies Teens with Kate Robin Adanihuwan

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY 30, MARCH 2014

34

08066519657 (sms only)

Hello Kids, Its Mothers’ Day today, I want to encourage you to treat shower your mother with love and respect because you all are sweet children and because mummy is always cooking lovely dishes for us. We need to learn how to eat these delicacies with good table manners. We can make her a lovely paper crown in our own little way of showing her she is a queen. Till next week, HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY!

My Mother Who sat and watched my infant head When sleeping on my cradle bed, And tears of sweet affection shed?

My Mother.

When pain and sickness made me cry, Who gazed upon my heavy eye, And wept for fear that I should die?

My Mother.

Who taught my infant lips to pray And love God’s holy book and day, And walk in wisdom’s pleasant way?

My Mother.

And can I ever cease to be

Mummy’s Crown

Affectionate and kind to thee, Who wast so very kind to me, My Mother?

Ah, no! the thought I cannot bear, And if God please my life to spare I hope I shall reward thy care, My Mother.

When thou art feeble, old and grey, My healthy arm shall be thy stay, And I will soothe thy pains away, My Mother.

Mfon Nso, Basic 3, Little Lords and Ladies, School, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos.

Every queen needs her own crown! Help your kid cut and glue this adorable paper craft.

Instructions: Print out the crown on cardstock or regular paper and cut it out.

Put glue on the end tabs. Place each extension on the appropriate end and glue into place. Measure the crown around a head, then tape or glue the ends of the extensions together. You can cut off part of extension, if necessary.

Use bobby pins to secure the crown to the hair for a sturdy hold.

Iredia Elegon, Basic 5, Victoria Children School, Ijesha, Surulere, Lagos.

Table Manners for kids

Y

oungsters may know how to sit still, use a napkin, and how to cut with a knife and fork, but do they really know proper table manners? Social events are prime occasions for kids to demonstrate appropriate table manners. However, far too many parents somehow assume that their kids will know how to act, what to do (and not to do), and how to exhibit proper table manners--only to be embarrassed by a youngster’s double-dipping, slurping, or demonstrations of finger-lickin’ good! You’ve taught them almost everything they know up to now, so take time and teach them table manners basics that will dazzle at the next occasion. Here’s how to get started: At the table, pull out a seat for a guest and hold it, help them scoot to the table. Boys can do this for ladies or girls, and boys or girls can do the same for older guests as a sign of respect. } Place the napkin in the lap, sit up straight and near the table. Be sure, not to plop their elbows on the table. } Practice table manners such as passing food, asking for something rather than reaching across the table to get it (and risk spilling a drink or worse), and to take only as much as you know you’ll eat. The proper table manners protocol is to pass food from left to right (counterclockwise). } How tables are set up, where forks, knives and spoons go, why sometimes there are utensils above the plates and what particular order means (using the outside utensil first). Proper table manners are for everyone to be served and the host/hostess to pick up a fork to begin eating. } There are no-no’s of “double-dipping,” slurping, licking fingers, or the ever-tempting dragging a finger across the side of an item to taste it (i.e. icing on the cake). } Practise sitting up straight and not hunched over, and remember to bring food from your plate to your mouth and not hunker down over it.

To be continued next week.

LEARNING CORNER Arrange the following words in alphabetical order: Zoo, watch, danger, valley, tax, box Sing, small, sat, spell, south, strong Try, trust, tree, tray, tremble Uniform, universe, unity, unify, union Produce, provide, profit, propose, promise Time, timid, tinker, tight, tiny Student, study, studios, stupid Another, animal, arrive, arrival Singing, single, singlet, singular, sinister Nowhere, nothing, none, north, number

Markets & Malls Traders decry poor sales in Lagos, Onitsha p.42

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

www.newtelegraphonline.com/politics

News Africa’s future depends on policy makers –AFC p.36

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

MARCH 30, 2014

Media Nigeria’s PR industry not fully developed -Ekine p.41

35

Business AZUBIKE NNADOZIE, ASSISTANT Editor, SUNDAY

azubike.nnadozie@newtelegraphonline.com

ON SUNDAY

Airlines don’t bribe government officials to approve routes –FAAN F

ederal Airports Authority of Nigeria has explained that no airline, whether foreign or local needs to offer bribe anybody to operate any route in the country.

While denying the allegation that Emirates Airlines had not

been operating from Abuja because some key people in government had not been bribed, spokesman for FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, stated that such an allegation was totally untrue and baseless.

Reacting to a statement credit-

ed to a former director general of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr. Tony Iredia that he, Iredia, was informed by an official source that the airline could not fly from Abuja to Dubai until Nigerian officials are “seen”, a euphemism for bribe, Dati said Ire-

dia was relying on an unofficial source. He stated that the veracity of the information “is doubtful as it cannot be confirmed.”

He said, “One can say categorically that the issue of ‘seeing’ aviation officials, in which bribes are supposedly collected in exchange

for routes is totally absurd.”

He explained that international routes are subject to bilateral agreements signed at ministerial level.

Dati stressed that routes operated by commercial airlines are usually determined by economic factors rather than political considerations or sentiments.

“If the Abuja to Addis Ababa route, for instance, is not profitable for the airline, it would not operate it. It certainly has nothing to do with greasing the palm of anybody.”

Dati noted that the aviation reform initiated by the erstwhile minister of aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, “is a plus to the impact that the idea of transforming the Nigerian sector has CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

Inside

L-R: Senior Brand Manager, Maltina, Wole Adedeji; Chief Executive Officer, Corporate World Entertainment, Ayodeji Makun; Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Kufre Ekanem; Chief Executive Officer, Laughter Incorporated, Gbenga Adeyinka; and Marketing Manager, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Sampson Oloche, at Maltina Laugh Out Loud briefing in Lagos...Wednesday.

Passion grows business – Kamson Azubike Nnadozie

P

assion has been identified as a key critical success factor for aspiring business people. Making this assertion recently on the Fidelity SME Forum, a weekly radio programme organised by Fidelity Bank Plc, was the founder of Sweet Sensation, Lady Kehinde Kamson, who said that she had always had the passion for cooking, baking and food service generally.

“I like to try out recipes and I

had a mother who taught me same and she was a good example. So, the business had to be food because that was what I had a passion for and that’s another point I would like to share with aspiring business people.

“It’s good to look out for money, but it’s also good to satisfy your passion,” she said.

On why it took long to open an outlet of Sweet Sensation, she said that every good thing has to start with some degree of experience.

“There is a learning process

that you cannot compromise and it comes with every territory and if you then patiently struggle through the process, then you will come out victorious,” she added.

Kamson maintained that there is no right time to go into business rather it depends on the type of maturity the business choice requires. Some businesses, she had, may require extreme maturity which entrepreneurs cannot really cope with except they are able to learn from a skill acquisition centre. “Businesses require

different skills and temperament.

While one is young, it’s true that making children comes in the way in the case of mothers, but with determination, you can truly succeed,” she added.

She said there are a lot of challenges confronting business owners, which people out there don’t see. “We in the business and in the industry know what the challenges are. Like I said earlier, energy is the first challenge. Energy, because of its cost and because of CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Chidoka

FRSC warns against fake vehicle documents pg 39

Ogbeifun

National Seafarers’ Development Programme is faulty

pg 37

36

MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Business / News

Africa’s future depends on policy makers –AFC ‘Passion grows business’ C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 5

the replacement constraints. The money spent on diesel is staggering and am sure you know that.

“It’s more so for a multilocation shop where it’s all repeated. The replacement of the generators themselves is tiring.

Generators will work two years maximum and they are worn out because they’ve been working day and night. We have some locations that we don’t even have PHCN power supply.

“You can imagine what operators like us face. I know it’s a national problem but you are restrained to price increment to cover your cost. And that is why you would notice that generally, some operators are already closing down branches, trying to adjust to the situation and keep only the thriving outlets going rather than let the slower outlets drag the ones that are doing well.”

On lessons people should take away from her beginning, Kamson said the start is always a struggle, which must necessarily be so because if one does not learn the intricacies of a business, then he cannot fully understand it.

“We were lucky back then that the market was not particularly competitive as at the time I started. And I was young and full of ideas, I was also strong and passionate about whatever I did, and I had the support from my husband to do whatever I wanted to do.”

Fidelity SME Forum is a deliberate attempt by the bank to resuscitate the Small and Medium - scale Enterprises (SMEs) and create a new generation of entrepreneurs with the “I can do” spirit in Nigeria.

This is not only seen as the bank’s believe in SMEs as a growth catalyst but also a clear commitment to efforts aimed at revamping the Nigerian economy. The weekly radio programme, essentially seeks to empower Nigerian entrepreneurs with knowledge, know-how and expertise that will help them build successful businesses. This it does by bringing renowned entrepreneurs to the show on weekly basis to share their experiences and encourage potential and existing entrepreneurs.

This is aside the other financial, legal and business advisory services the Fidelity Managed SMEs Business renders to customers.

Azubike Nnadozie

C

reator of the BRICS and MINT acronyms, economist and former Chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Jim O’Neill, has said that Africa’s future depends on the continent’s policy makers doing the right thing.

Speaking at the Africa Finance Corporation’s inaugural Summit held Tuesday in Lagos, O’Neil tabulated the ‘right thing’ to include working to create better governance, reducing crime,

fighting corruption and delivering improved infrastructure.

According to him, infrastructural development is both a defining challenge and a standout investment opportunity for Africa and investors around the world. For example, he said Nigeria is growing at seven per cent despite poor access to power, adding that decent power could boost economic growth to between 10 -12 per cent. “There is no reason why Nigeria should not become one of the G20,” he added.

The Lagos summit, which attracted more than 500 leading thinkers from government, academia, business and finance, engendered energetic debate on both the opportunities and the challenges of the African infrastructure landscape.

Infrastructure in general has been estimated to have the potential to add an average of two per cent to Africa’s economic growth rate over the next decade as investment is brought to bear to bridge the current circa US$40 billion per annum investment deficit.

L-R: Winners of second Johnnie Walker Step Up to the VIP Lifestyle promo, Mr. and Mrs. Chimezie Ekwebelem, receiving keys of the BMW car won by them from the Brand Manager, Johnnie Walker, Mr. Amaechi Okobi, in Enugu...recently.

In his own submission, President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, Andrew Alli, told the summit that the sheer number of people at the forum, who were passionately engaged in the debate on infrastructure and what it means for the future of this great continent, was inspiring.

“Our vision at the AFC is to bridge the infrastructure divide and seek a strong return for our shareholders at the same time. We believe our core role comes at the earliest stage of project conception and development.

While international capital will be fundamental in bridging the investment divide, that capital will have nowhere to go if Africa does not focus on the development of bankable, sustainable projects.

“By focusing on supporting project development and using our local knowledge and sector expertise to identify and mitigate risk we come in to transactions at an earlier stage than many investors. Our role is to accelerate the number of viable, bankable projects across the continent, creating the market for other forms of capital that will follow, and ultimately bridging the investment divide that exists.

We believe landmark transformational projects can yield financial dividends every bit as powerful as their social ones and our success to date demonstrates this,” he added.

USTDA, Honeywell sign $514,000 UNESCO, Always launch pact for petrochemical development programme for Nigeria

T

he U.S. Trade and Development Agency and Honeywell Group Limited have announced the signing of an agreement in total worth of $514,000 for a project that will assess different product streams for fertilizer and petrochemical facilities in Nigeria.

The grant will finance feasibility study which includes an analysis of alternative petrochemical facilities such as fertilizer chemicals, methanol and petrochemicals that could produce ethylene, propylene, or benzene products.

The Deputy Chief of Mission Maria Brewer signed on behalf of USTDA $257,000 grant agreement while Dr Teddy Ngu signed on behalf of Honeywell Group with a contribution of $257,000 toward the completion of the study, for a total project cost of $514,000.

Ngu during the signing ceremony stated, “The Honeywell Group strongly welcomes the opportunity to partner with USTDA in funding a study to assess opportunities in the petrochemicals sector.

“The Group plans to move into this industrial sector is premised on our strong track record of building successful and sustainable

Nigerian businesses. In addition, Government policies are increasingly focused on opportunities that effectively utilise the Country’s gas resources.

“We believe our initiative will lead to an attractive and executable project which will stimulate employment and economic growth throughout Nigeria. This partnership will help kick start our initiative and we look forward to continuing to work with USTDA to achieve our goal of developing a world-class gas-based industrial complex.”

The study will recommend which of these facilities should be included in the proposed gas-based industrial complex, the size and scale of the facilities, the sources of feedstock and the optimum location for the various options.

In addition, the study will assess the domestic and international markets for the output of the facilities, as well as the capital costs required, which could exceed $3 billion.

The feasibility study will assist Honeywell Group in helping to realize Nigeria’s potential within the petrochemical market.

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s part of its corporate social responsibility, Always, a brand of Procter & Gamble has launched a new literacy project for girls and young women in Nigeria, starting from March 10, 2014.

Known as ‘Empowerment of girls and women through the use of ICTs in Literacy and Skills Development,’ the program which was launched in collaboration with UNESCO aims to provide 60,000 Nigerian illiterate or very poorly educated girls and young women in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with basic literacy and life skills over the next three years.

According to the project plan, more than 850 facilitators will be trained to provide literacy classes in a traditional classroom environment, while the Nigerian Television Authority would broadcast it to the public via TV and radio lessons.

This programme not only marks the successful continuation of the UNESCO and Always partnership of providing literacy classes for girls in Africa but also strategically complements government’s efforts to revitalise literacy in the country through a self-benefiting funds-intrust project with UNESCO known as ‘Revitalizing Adult and Youth Lit-

eracy in Nigeria.’

“The partnership between UNESCO and Always on this project will go a long way to ensure that girls are given every opportunity to succeed in life,” said Director, UNESCO Regional Office in Abuja, Professor Hassana Alidou.

“Education is the investment for any nation especially to encourage girls to go to school as staying in school is a fundamental factor for success.”

George Nassar, Managing Director P&G Nigeria, says, “Being part of supporting education of Nigerian girls and young women makes us very proud. Always brand purpose is to advocate for and empower women to live life to its full potential. We are committed to support Nigerian girls and women to thrive.”

Mrs. Temitope Iluyemi, P&G Government Relations Associate Director for Sub-Sahara Africa noted that the partnership between UNESCO and Always in executing the program is a perfect fit as the two organizations share very similar objectives with regards to female empowerment, adding that both organizations are also very passionate about female empowerment in Nigeria presently.

SundayTransport

37

PAUL OGBUOKIRI,

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNRDAY

paul_ogbuokiri@newtelegraphonline.com 0802-779-0557

30 MARCH 2014

PAAR: Shittu, others decry delays in releasing cargo

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he President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Prince Olaywola Shittu, said on Tuesday that the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, introduced about four months ago by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is fast-tracking goods clearance at the ports, but said there is yet no solution to the hiccups caused

by PAAR. He told New Telegraph on Sun-

day that the PAAR processes are in tandem with international best practice, enhancing trade, economic competitiveness, revenue collection and border security.

He however, decried delays at the ports after they have completed PAAR processes, but stated that PAAR, unlike the Risk Assessment Report (RAR), has made cargo clearance easy.

He said the intelligence report by

Customs Investigation Unit (CIU), System Audit, the State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), shipping firms and other stakeholders was being studied by Customs to identify high risk shipments. The ANLCA chief noted that PAAR provides a timely multidimensional risk analysis at every stage of Customs processes and is a critical to clearance procedure.

The delay associated with the

release of cargo, despite the introduction of PAAR, the ANLCA chief said, should be blamed on some importers who, he said, make wrong entries, and some Customs officers, who are determined to corrupt the system.

He said the Intelligence component of PAAR is facilitating the management of data across multiple agencies as part of the Integrated Risk Management Approach by Cus-

L-R: Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore O. E. Uwadiae; DG/CEO, NIMASA, Mr. Ziakede Akpobolokemi; Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Samuel Alade; and the Executive Director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development, NIMASA, Capt. Bala Ezekiel, when the FOC paid a courtesy visit to NIMASA recently.

toms and other security agencies.

Shittu, said that some of the hiccups in PAAR are caused by non-availability of bench-mark by Customs and the failure of some importers to declare their goods correctly. “The issue of bench-mark is very essential so that importers will know the amount they are going to pay for a particular container they are importing and PAAR would be more successful,” he said.

But, a freight forwarder, Mr Deji Pitan, said PAAR has not translated to quick clearance of goods from the ports. Some Customs officers, Pitan said, they still query PAAR after it had been issued and subject containers to physical examination, thereby delaying cargo clearance.

The officers, he alleged, subject their cargoes to physical examination to extort importers and their clearing agents.

But Customs National Public Relations Officer Wale Adeniyi said PAAR provides a standard format for classifying goods.

According to him, the Common External Tariff Concordance had been linked to the Customs PAAR for easy navigation and accurate classification.

Interest rate on new ship Stakeholders criticise loans at historic low NPA’s N3.5bn boats to Navy

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takeholders in the maritime industry on Wednesday criticised Nigerian Ports Authority over the three patrol boats it donated to the Nigerian Navy last week.

They said that the $20 million (about N3.5bn) which the organisation said the three small boats cost is outrageous and completely out of place with the current prices of such boats in any shipyard across the world.

The three boats donated to the Navy, according the Managing Director of NPA, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, consist of one 32-metre OCEA, christened NNS Dorina (P101) and two other 17-metre MANTA boats named NNS Torie (P258) and NNS Egede (P259), which are fitted with unique operational features and capacities.

The bigger one was built in South Africa, while the other two smaller ones were built in Holland. But Mallam Abdullahi did not disclose the names of the shipyards where they were built.

According to the National Chairman, Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders

Importers and Exporters Coalition, Chief Osita Chukwu, NPA has its core responsibility to the shippers, which it should carry out first before donating boats to the Navy.

He said that the statutory function of the Navy is to secure the Nigerian territorial waters “and it is properly provided for that role in the Federal budget. If it needs extra funding, it knows where to go. Navy cannot depend on denotations to discharge its duties,” he said He said NPA has not fulfilled it responsibility in the concession agreement with the Terminal Operators.

He said that it is the responsibility of NPA to provide light to the ports, but the Terminal Operators are depending on generators. “The common user facilities in the ports are not in proper shape. Whenever we confront the Concessionaires over their failure to provide adequate facilities in their terminals, they blame NPA,” he said.

President of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Chief Eugene Nweke, tasked

NPA to make public the names of the shipyards where the boats were built to enable Nigerians independently verify the cost. He said that in this modern era when information technology has reduced the world to a small village, keeping the names of the shipyards secret, means that there is something to hide.

Also, President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, said building the boats outside the country and donating same to the NN which already has shipbuilding capacity is not in the best interest of Nigeria’s economy.

He said though donating the boats to the Navy for the security of Nigerian waters is not a bad gesture from NPA. “Since the Navy started building ships that meet international standards since last year, what NPA should have done was to give the contract for the building of the boats to the Navy Commercial Shipyard Limited. By so doing jobs will be created and the Yard will continue to improve,” he said.

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fter years of anaemic economic growth and record low interest rates, banks are scrambling for shipping trade assets in the hope of reaping higher returns.

That has pushed interest rates on new ship loans to historic lows, said an executive of German transport finance specialist DVB, Ralf Bedranowsky.

DVB is charging its best clients less than 200 basis points above the Libor interbank lending rate, while the majority of its clients still face coupons of 250-350 basis points above Libor.

“We expect credit margins for ship loans to continue to shrink”, Ralf Bedranowsky told a news wire on Tuesday.

“Some banks are pushing into the market trying to put the cheap funding on their books to work. That will continue to put pressure on margins”, said Bedranowsky, who served as Deutsche Bank’s head of shipping until changing to DVB last year.

Private equity investors, too, are increasingly turning to the sector, scooping up ships or buying into ship loans often with a view to taking control of the asset through a subsequent debt for equity swap.

Many buyout firms team up with shipping groups to access sector expertise. Among others, private equity group Apollo and Germany’s Rickmers group recently set up a joint venture to buy used ships.

“Currently, we are seeing a peak in private equity investments in the shipping sector. They not only buy used ships but also acquire contracts for the delivery of new ships from shipping companies not taking delivery of the vessels”, Bedranowsky said.

Earlier this month, ship investor Scorpio said it made $50 million on a sale of seven oil tankers that are still under construction at Korean shipyards.

According to media reports, the vessels were bought by General Maritime, which is backed by Oaktree Capital. General Maritime and Oaktree were not immediately available for comment Investments in shipping assets do not come without risks. The sector is still struggling to recover from the worst slump on record, in which a weak global economy and an oversupply of vessels have pushed dozens of shipping firms into default or restructuring.

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MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

SundayTransport

National Seafarers’ Development Programme is faulty - Ogbeifun Chairman/ CEO of Starz Group, Mr. Greg Ogbeifun, spoke to PAUL OGBUOKIRI on the dearth of skilled manpower in the Nigeria maritime industry

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hat is the core business area of Starz Group?

Starz Group is wholly indigenous shipping company. We own ships that specialise in off-shore marine services to Nigeria’s deep water oil and gas industry. We also operate a shipyard in Port Harcourt, where we handle repairs of boats and small sea crafts.

You speak about maritime manpower development with passion. How are you using your company to realise some of your dreams in the industry?

When we got one small service ship, about, 650 tonnes some few years back, as the CEO, I ordered that we must take four cadets onboard the vessel which has just a 13-deck capacity.

When we got a bigger ship, I said the number be increased to eight.

We have through the process produced our first female marine engineer, and we will soon produce more.

Is this policy a form of charity, giving back to the society?

No, it cannot be said to completely charity, because we benefit from the training too. The cadets we train come back to work for us. They are the must loyal staff and the most efficient because they know your ship in and out. So we benefit more from the training.

At what cost is your company doing this?

Yes, it costs us money to produce the marine engineers. When they complete their sea time, we send them back to school, pay their school fees and continue to pay them allowances until they complete their training. We take them back until they complete their certification.

That is extra-money I would have put in my pocket and gone on holiday. But that was the type of training I got from Shell. That was the

Since NNSL was unfortunately liquidated many years ago, the disappearance of the fleet of vessels that provided sea training opportunities and cadets training in Nigeria, has led to a huge gap in maritime human capacity development in the country.

training given to the Nigerian seamen when NNSL was still around. While the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron was carrying out the pre-sea academic training of the cadets, NNSL was the main training ground for the bulk of Nigeria seafarers; NPA and NNPC were training a small fraction of the bulk at that time.

The six companies approved by government to benefit from the Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund have not accessed the fund till now.

When the name of my company was mentioned among the six, I was dancing, but after the dancing, nothing happened.

I don’t know why government is hoarding the money which does not belong to them.

What they are they doing is wicked and criminal. The money we learnt is about $300m now.

It is not their money. The money belongs to ship owners who are paying two percent of the income from all their shipping activities in the Nigerian waters to the fund.

You and other stakeholders have been talking of dearth of maritime manpower in the country. What is the true position of things?

When the NNSL, the national carrier that had 30 ships in its fleet was sailing all over the world, it produced so many skilled mariners to the highest international standards and overtime created employment and training berths for seafarers.

Since NNSL was unfortunately liquidated many years ago, the disappearance of the fleet of vessels that provided sea training opportunities and cadets training in Nigeria, has led to a huge gap in maritime human capacity development in the country.

In those days, MAN Oron provided pre-sea training for the cadets, while NNSL provided them the 12 months sea time training.

So, while MAN is Nigeria’s only internationally recognised maritime training institution, it continues to give pre-sea training to cadets, but there are no ships to fill the gap created by the demise of NNSL. The gap created need to be filled by substitute fleet of vessels.

The non-existence of a viable indigenous fleet has left shipping solely in the hands of foreign players with very few indigenous firms able to participate, resulting in huge loss of revenue to government and elaborate capital flight that could be used to develop local shipping firms.

What is your assessment of the National Seafarers Development Programme?

I am a professional marine engineer, trained

by Shell Tankers in the United Kingdom. I am one of those who think that Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme as presently structured is a failure and will remain a failure until we do the right thing.

No fewer than 2500 cadets are now receiving their pre-sea training in foreign maritime institutions.

Yes. That is why I am saying that out of the 500 vessels on our waters, you take just 100 conservatively. Let’s assume that four cadets on each of the 100 vessels, that is 400 cadets undergoing training already. You can go to MAN and say I have 400 sea time training onboard vessel for you. Let me have the timetable of your cadets, when they are coming out so that we can place them.

You were quoted as saying recently that it is not the responsibility of government to train seafarers. Can you expatiate what you mean by that?

Yes, in every other part of the world seafarers training including onboard sea time training is the responsibility of the ship owners and shipping companies.

This is precisely because after the training, the seafarer gets to work for the ship owner and the shipping company for their commercial interest. Secondly, the seafarers and the cadets become identified with the company training them.

Why should the government use its resources to train people I will employ and use for my commercial benefits? It doesn’t make sense. I must contribute towards training my workers.

That is why Starz has this policy.

In the case of NSDP, the cadets are sent out of the country to different maritime institutions all over the world and after that, their placement on ships for sea time training becomes a challenge.

These cadets have no identity with any shipping company. When they finish school work, these countries send them back to Nigeria to get their sea time experience. Some of them come to us. The people who got the contract of sending them out (because it is business), will not come to us to us to provide shipboard opportunities for these children to get their sea time.

For my view to be proved wrong, may I request NIMASA to provide statistics of cadets who have gone through the institution since inception, the officers that have been produced and their current placement in ships in Nigeria or outside Nigeria.

What do you think should be the best way to tackle Nigeria’s maritime manpower deficit?

I was in a presidential committee on maritime with the Minister of Transport as chairman. I suggested that what needed to be done was for NIMASA to set up a committee similar to the Merchant Navy Training Board in the UK. It will be a committee of seasoned retired seafarers with some relevant officers of NIMASA to harness the huge vessel capacity in our waters for sea time training of cadets after their school work either from MAN Oron or abroad.

The committee can monitor the ships in our waters, engage ship owners to make available training beds, get the data base and approach the training institutions for their cadets needing sea time and match these two.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

SundayTransport

FRSC warns against fake vehicle documents Paul Ogbuokiri

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ector Commander, Lagos State, Mr. Chidi Nwonta, said on Thursday in Lagos that driving vehicles with fake document is an offence, saying the commission will arrest and prosecute offenders.

He said a lot of Nigerians innocently carry fake vehicle registration documents procured from touts, and that many people only realise their folly when they are stopped on the road by law enforcement agents.

Nwonta further said that anyone caught with fake driver’s licence or vehicle number plates would be treated as someone caught with fake naira notes or fake international passport, adding that all these are security documents that are even needed for personal official documentation.

He advised Nigerians not to pay cash to anyone to process vehicle registration documents or do it by proxy, adding that they should pay in banks where a code is generated to process driver’s licence, while the holder’s picture and finger prints are captured at the FRSC office.

“There is no short cut to getting driver’s licence or number plates because the process is digitalised and uploaded into the FRSC website and national data bank where no fraud-

ster can manipulate it. It will also make it difficult for a traffic offender to hide even if he or she decides to run from being prosecuted.

“Also, stolen vehicles with fake number plates will be difficult to retrieve because FRSC will have no records of the vehicle. Patronising touts also denies government revenue accruable from vehicle registration, otherwise called road tax.”

Nwonta further advised state

governments’ boards of internal revenue to stop treating driver’s licence and number plates as revenue matter, saying it has gone beyond that and now a serious security issue.

He also appealed to Nigerians to be patient enough to cope with internet challenges while processing their vehicle registration, advising that they should not because of the delay patronise touts that even charge

more to process fake documents.

Meanwhile, the Corps Legal Adviser, Assistant Corps Marshal George Olaniran, has commended the Federal High Court, Lagos for conceding that the FRSC has statutory powers to design and produce the number plates. He said that the commission would appeal the court’s verdict on FRSC’s powers to set deadline for a change over to the new number plate.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Habibat Lawal; P&G’s Global Government Associate Director, Sub Sahara Africa, Mrs. Temitope Iluyemi; and Chief of Garki, FCT Abuja, Dr. Usman Uganku, at the launch of UNESCO new Literacy Programme for young girls and women sponsored by P&G in Abuja...recently

NPA to update Nigeria’s 36 states, airports to be linked by rail hydrographic data M

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he Nigerian Ports Authority says it will partner the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office to update the hydrographic data and information of Nigeria’s navigable channels.

To this end, NPA and the UKHO have started preliminary meetings and contacts to review and update all existing hydrographic survey charts of Nigeria’s navigable channels.

Managing Director of NPA, Malam Habib Abdullahi, said this on Wednesday in Lagos, when he received the head of UKHO, Rear Admiral Tom Karston, in his office.

He said that with the historical relationship between Nigeria and United Kingdom, UKHO’s assistance to NPA was most timely and appropriate.

Abdullahi also said an update on Nigeria’s hydrographic chart should be able to capture recent strides and efforts by both the Federal Government and the private sector in the nation’s maritime domain.

He said that it was regrettable that recent progress reports on the

draught of Nigeria’s channels and innovations by the private sector in the development of the deep seaports were not noticed by the world maritime operators because they were not captured in recent hydrographic charts.

He said Nigeria’s economy grew rapidly in the last four years, and the volume of shipping had consequently continued to improve because of patronage by neighbouring and landlord countries.

Head of the delegation, Rear Admiral Tom Karston, earlier said that NPA and UKHO have common government and commercial outlook.

He also said that he intended to use the opportunity of his meeting with NPA to establish long term port development plans and proposals with Nigeria.

Karston further said that the United Kingdom Hydrographic office collects data on Maritime boundaries, seaports channels across the world, produce charts to assist ships sailing across the world.

inister of Transport, Sen. Jdris Umar, said the Federal Government plans to connect the 36 states of the Federation, all airports and seaports in the country with railway lines.

He said at this at the opening of the 12th edition of the Intermodal Africa Exhibition and Conference which held in Lagos, saying that that will complement the existing road infrastructure in the country.

He said the objective of government in this regard is to establish a safe, efficient, affordable and seamless intermodal transport system in

line with global best practices while creating an enabling environment for Public Private Partnership.

He also said that in order to sustain the dredged Lower River Niger channel, a contract for the dredging of River Benue is currently being processed for final consideration and approval by the Federal Government.

“This will further guarantee the sustainability of the Lower River Niger channel and expand our inland waterways,” he said, adding that a number of a number of river ports are also being developed with the port at Onitsha completed and commissioned.

BW Offshore, Addax sign agreement on FSPO

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W Offshore a leading global provider of floating production services to the oil and gas industry have announced the signing of a pact with Addax Petroleum,an affiliate of the Sinopec.

The firm said in a statement that it had signed an interim agreement for a six year extension for FPSO Sendje Berge with Addax Petroleum Exploration Ltd.

BW Offshore said the firm period had been extended to Q1 2018, with options until Q1 2020 with the agreement secures operational continuity while awaiting final contract approval

by Nigerian authorities.

BW Offshore is the world’s second largest contractor with a fleet of 14 FPSOs and 1 FSO represented in all major oil regions world-wide.

‘Airlinesdon’tbribe governmentofficials toapproveroutes’ C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 5

made on the Nigerian society.

“There is confirmation that there was/is still a need to transform Nigerian aviation in order to move it forward and compete favourably with other countries,” he said.

Dati recalled that in the last three years, the Ministry of aviation did a lot to open new international routes for Nigerian aviation. He pointed out that in 2013, the ministry successfully negotiated and signed a bilateral air service agreement with the State of Israel thereby ending several decades of lack of direct flights between Nigeria and Israel.

He also said the Federal Government had granted approval to Jordanian Airlines to fly direct between Lagos and the Jordanian capital, Amman.

“Nigerian aviation authorities also recorded the first direct international flight from the South-East when President Goodluck Jonathan commissioned an expanded and remodelled Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

On that occasion, an Ethiopian Airlines commercial aircraft operated a direct flight from Enugu to Addis Abba.

“So the transformation of Nigerian aviation is multi-faceted and it indeed addresses all the areas. It is on record that the aviation ministry has been at loggerheads with a few individuals with fraudulent concession agreements and contracts through which the country was being milked by these private businessmen.

“The cancellations of these concessions and the consequent return of those duties to the aviation agencies have resulted in a phenomenal jump in government revenue from the aviation sector by more than 1,000 per cent.”

In addition, he said plans had been concluded to build five new state-of-the art international terminals at five airports including those in Lagos and Abuja.

“Presumably, these airports would be able to rival those at Dubai. But more importantly, these would satisfy the needs of Nigerians especially for cargo facilities that can handle perishable goods meant for export. This would help generate foreign exchange and improve the lot of Nigerian farmers,” he said.

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MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Future of the Equities Market

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he equities market has defied expectations of positive returns in the first quarter with the index losing 1.83% and 2.5% and 3.47% respectively in January, February and March respectively.

The dominance of sell pressures amidst pockets of marginal gains in the quarter was prompted by negative impacts of policy pronouncements from global and domestic regulatory space. While the stock market has taken a plunge having lost 7.25% YtD, bond yields maintained a band of 12.9% to 14%.

With the mood witnessed in the market, the questions begging for answers by every value seeking investor remains; has the market bottomed out?

How further south can it go? While we note that sentiments are still weak as investors are wary of taking bets on the market, we see the equities market at the current level presenting attractive opportunities for a re-entry. However, investors should stick to some level of caution ahead of further policy decisions and closely track the market especially as the election year draws nearer.

15% CRR on Private Sector Deposits Preferable to 100% on Public Finds Total deposit of Nigerian banks as at December 2013 was NGN13.354trn with 56% being private sector funds vs.

44% for the public sector. At 75% CRR on public funds and 12% CRR on private funds, the banks can create risk assets from a combined deposit base of c.NGN8trn. A hike to 100% CRR on public sector funds would have pulled banks’ deposit base down to c.NGN7trn.

The CBN instead opted to raise CRR on private sector funds by 300bps to 15%,

…how low can it get?

thus mopping up over NGN200bn from the bank.

Although it might have initially seemed that the quantum of funds to be directed away from the banks might be larger given the greater level of their exposure to private sector funds (compared to public sector funds). However, the 3% hike as opposed to additional 25% on public funds will be more favourable for the banks with respect to available funds they have to both create risk assets and invest in high yielding fixed income instruments, thus reducing a possible further downward pressure on earnings in 2014.

MPR, Reserve and Import Cover: Playing the Scenarios The last MPC meeting was concluded with a decision to keep the MPR at 12%±200bps. While we think the final policy decision of the MPC to the current reality is a little contrasting to their meeting deliberation, we review the past communiqué of the MPC in a bid to play a scenario on the possible direction of the MPR, reserves position and attendant impact on market expectation going forward.

Going back in time, the MPC in its October 2011 meeting, amidst declining oil prices and foreign reserves, increased FX demand, fiscal dominance and capital flow reversals raised MPR from 9.25% to 12% by a vote of 8 to 1.

CBN data suggest that the reserves has been declining consistently on a daily basis by an average of 0.3% (- 13.38% YtD). Though oil production continues to zigzag, MPC stated that there may be signs of accretion to reserves. However, the continuous existence of risks

on the horizon that can accelerate the capital reversal implies that the outlook on reserves suggests further downward pressure should the CBN resort to the RDAS as the only measure to sustain the naira.

On the assumption that the reserves will continue to tumble if capital reversal persists at the current rate, our projection indicates that by June 2014, the reserve position may average USD30.834bn. This number corresponds to about 6 months of import cover (vs. 8 months currently). Consequent on this, the monetary authority may be left with few policy options but to raise the MPR as was the case in October 2011 when a similar decision was taken, in the face of analogous event.

If this subsists, we expect a higher yield environment in the fixed income market, which should attract more capital inflow and may impact positively on the equities market given that currency devaluation is not near- to mediumterm option as noted by the CBN.

bottomed out as some stocks set new lows while some others were trading close to their 12-month lows. Despite the MPC’s announcement of a hike in CRR on private sector deposits, the market witnessed a fair turnaround on 25th March and this might may have been triggered by the relative attractiveness of the local market (current P/E ratio of 13.62x compared to 14.50x in December 2013).

In our view, the recent upward trend in the market may be sustained as the earnings season continues especially given relatively attractive dividend yields with heavyweights such as GUARANTY (6.12%), UBA (7.17%) and ZENITHBANK (8.16%) already leading the pack on releases so far. We also think investors may key in to stocks with sound fundamentals but appear cheap at current levels going by share price trend. Hence, we are modestly optimistic on the second quarter and advise that investors keep an eye on the market particularly as events that may switch market direction unfold in Q2:2014.

Nigerian Equities Market Nigerian markets remain an Currently Defying Expectations attractive destination for FPI Contrary to the mildly bullish expectations for the Nigerian equities market in H1:2014, 2014 so far has been marked by negative sentiments resulting in the 7.25% loss to date. Investors exhibited little, and in most cases no reaction to strong 2013FY earnings releases, corporate declarations and attractive dividend yields particularly on financial services stocks.

Given the momentum with which the market has shed points in the first quarter, Nigerian equities appeared to have

Despite the influx of negative news and the attendant impact on trading decisions, the market remains attractive compared to peers in the African equities basket; Nigerian P/E (13.62x) remains the cheapest in the basket save for Botswana that has a P/E of 9.9x. Return on Equity for the Nigerian stock market at 19.14%is also remains the second highest amongst its peers, trailing only Botswana (26.47%) and thus further buttresses the attractiveness of the local bourse.

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Market Report Market May Rebound on the back Impressive Corporate Actions It was anticipated that corporate actions will be the major driver of the equities market in Q1:2014; however, this has not been the case. Investors’ sentiments toward certain counters after releasing fantastic results and corporate actions as was seen in the case of ZENITHBANK (c.8% div. Yield) have been unfavorable.

Whilst we hold the view that these sentiments may have been due to apprehension concerning the MPC meeting which was by then anticipated, we note that the few expected impressive corporate actions for 2013FY will help give market a breather in the near term as experienced with STERLINGBANK, WAPCO and CCNN in the past week. In the medium term, despite the major drags in political and economic policy environment, we are of the opinion that subsequent favourable

regulatory pronouncements will help swing the current market mood to the positive region.

Conclusion Given the breather in regulatory headwinds following the policy pronouncement of MPC during the week, we are of the view that the financial market (particularly equities) may begin to swing within the positive direction. Whilst the QE tapering and the general negative sentiments in our view are still prevalent, we are believers of the positive upturning impact of compelling attractiveness of equities (given their current low levels) and pockets of striking corporate actions.

We therefore expect the market to begin to gyrate within the positive territory in the near term while we stake that at current market valuation (P/E 13.62x), the bottom of the bearish swing may be near or perhaps over.

Business / Media

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hat factors influence clients in choice of Marketing Communication/Advertising companies to employ?

First is the goal or objective of the client behind seeking an agency, and then the understanding that the agency has the required competence to deliver on the need of the client.

Nigeria’s PR industry not fully developed -Ekine Akonte Ekine is the Lead Strategist/CEO of Absolute PR Ltd, a brand and reputation management firm based in Lagos. In this interview with Azubike NNadozie, he speaks on the challenges affecting the industry

It is a common thing to hear PR, marketing communications/ advertising practitioners use the word ‘Strategist’ to describe themselves. Who really is a strategist?

According to Wikipedia, a design strategist has the ability to combine the innovative, perceptive and holistic insights of a designer with the pragmatic and systemic skills of a planner to guide strategic direction in context of business needs, brand intent, design quality and customer values. Simply put anyone who can think through a challenge and provide solution is a strategist.

What role do you think marketing/PR practitioners could play at the on-going national conference?

I cannot speak for them on this.

It is best for the man who wears the shoe to explain his comfort or discomfort.

They should contribute to the debate on improving Nigeria and if there are empirical evidence to be shared on various perspectives for the improvement of the country they should share them.

What skills do you think are prerequisites for a would-be PR practitioner?

How much is Absolute PR worth and who are your key clients? We are worth a great deal in terms of human capital and business. Worth is also relative.

As a PR practitioner in an age where social media is fast taking a lot of jobs and rendering a lot of professionals redundant, do you feel threatened? What future do you see for the global/Nigerian media industry?

What is your impression about the public relations industry in Nigeria as presently constituted, are we in the ideal market yet?

Even Nigeria is not an ideal country so the subject of ideal runs through every part of the country.

Public relations is not an exemption in this case. However, there is hope for improvement in the practice of public relations. We have the NIPR and PRCAN trying to ensure improvement at various levels from academic through quality of practice. There is a huge room for improvement and individuals and regulators are doing things to ensure the manifestation of a robust quality industry in the long run.

advertising, marketing communications and public relations. Does this always have positive impact on the bottom line?

Ekine

Where do you draw a line between a marketing communications practitioner/outfit and a purely public relations person/agency?

What challenges do you face daily as chief executive of a PR firm?

It is a thin line and you have to look well to see and understand as well as appreciate the differences as they are interwoven in service

offering and structural set up.

Challenges differ from quality of brief to paucity of knowledge.

It is the same challenge faced by every chief executive office of a business in human capital and other resources management and deployment.

The big advertising agencies try to operate a one-stop-shop for

The world is a place for competition and it can only help everybody to improve. The future of the media is great and that is why New Telegraph is now on board.

A lot of start-ups die easily.

What is the secret to growing a successful marketing communications business?

Success is a journey and rather than focus on the death of an enterprise we should consider it as a temporary challenge to function right in the scheme of things.

After over a decade in communication management, spanning roles in media, industry and consulting, what are your regrets?

I am yet to have any regret but I have always wanted challenges and that’s what I wake up and ask for some new challenges to conquer.

We have the NIPR and PRCAN trying to ensure improvement at various levels from academic through quality of practice. There is a huge room for improvement and individuals and regulators are doing things to ensure the manifestation of a robust quality industry in the long run.

MARKETS&MALLS

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MARCH 30, 2014

Tel: 08027790557

Traders decry poor sales in Lagos, Onitsha •Call for interest-free credit facilities Chijioke Iremeka

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raders at Onitsha Main Market and Ogbaru Main Market Onitsha in Anambra State are lamenting low patronage for goods and services in the market, which some of them ascribed to reduced activity after Christmas and New Year celebrations.

During New Telegraph on Sunday’s visit to the market to feel the pulse of the traders, it was learnt that a number of them were howling for low patronage.

While some could not figure out the reason for the low patronage, others attributed it to the lull usually experienced during the early months of a new year.

Ogbonna Uzor, one of the traders said, “I think the market is dull because there is no special ceremony in the country’s annual calendar. We just finished Christmas and New Year celebrations, so, everybody is relaxed. Well, we are expecting another season to come in a few weeks because of Easter.”

Also, some of the traders want interest-free credit facilities to enable them increase their business horizon. They also want the government to fix their market’s streets and roads to allow customers move freely in the market.

Here are the echoes from the market:

…Market is dull The former President General, Ogbaru Main Market, Onitsha and current PG OMATA, Ogbaru Zone, Eugene Ogene deals in provisions and beverages: “Market is dull generally. I do not know the reason but this is one thing we experience every year by this time.

But it will improve with time, it is not going to be like this all year.

There is a time and season for everything under the earth.

“The little problem here is that shop rent is quite high and some people do not make the huge amount of money they paid for shops, especially those of us that deal in provisions. This is because we sell provisions with little profits but others, who sell other classes of products, may be making it at the end of the year.

“Also, bad roads affect our activities in the market. Our streets and markets roads are due for tarring and this is why we are calling on government to come

A section of Onitsha Main Market...on Friday

to our rescue. Each time it rains, everywhere will be in a state of mess.

We also need electricity to enhance the work of our security operatives, especially at night. For long we have been doing this. We have a big power generating set just to ensure that the market is well lit at night. And most of the areas are not connected. Electricity in the market does not get to many places.

…Some people are making money from poor electricity – Ifeanyi Ogbonna, cosmetics dealer For me, the major problem here is power supply. Electricity is not well distributed to all lanes, which ought not to be so but some people use it as an avenue to enrich themselves by exploiting others. If the government can fix the roads for us it will be fine.

I also need to mention that the rent is also high though varies.

Some of us that are on the road pay less but others in the plaza pay higher. So, there are choices to make.

So traders’ financial strengths determine what happens. As for me, where I am, is what I can afford for now. And I do not need such an expensive shop for cosmetics.

In the main time, market is dull. Usually, after Christmas and

New Year celebrations, people do not come to market as such; their frequency to the market is relaxed, possibly waiting for Easter to come again during which the market will bubble.

…We need micro-loans from the government IkechukwuOkafor sells padlocks and keys.

According to him, capital is business. With high capital, one would achieve a lot but with small capital outlay, there is a limit to which one would do in business.

In any way government can help us, we will appreciate it.

Above all, market is thriving.

I am selling my products and making profit. I wouldn’t say that key has season, any time one’s key goes bad he replaces the key without waiting for a special day.

Our roads are bad and some shops in the market are leaking.

More so, when it rains like this, it makes the bad roads impassable and this would discourage them from coming to market.

We need renovation of the buildings. The house rent is okay for me. Security is also needed in the market, though the ones we have are trying.

•Same story In Lagos At Odunade Building Materials Market in Lagos, traders also complained of poor sales.

For Chimobi, the managing di-

rector, Sonsmonic Nigeria Limited at Allied Bond by Odunade footbridge, who deals in different types of sanitary wares and plumbing materials, such as bottle trap, Jacuzzis and toilet bowls among others, business is dull.

Asked why business is dull, he said the season for building materials hasn’t come. “We make more sales towards the end of the year because most people want to move into a new apartment, either because of Xmas period or just ‘New Year’ gift for themselves.

“Also, the rainy season is setting in gradually and most people will stop major construction work except the roofing sheets and plumbing materials. But then, we are pushing it. God is faithful.”

According to him, one of their major challenges in the market is the incessant brawls by area boys, who are in supremacy battle to control market road. The battle is between Masalasi Boys and Market Street Boys. Masalasi wants to take away the control of Market Street from the Market Street Boys in order to control the money that comes from offloading of goods in the market.

He noted that each time they fight, the market will close immediately.

...We are paying too much tax here Another small-scale business-

man in Agric side of the market, said the tax system is killing them in the market. “A number of people come here to collect levies, others fees and taxes yet we do not know who is who and what all these are about. The Agric Market Union has not been able to effect much change on this,” he said.

Steven Ventures, is into plumbing and toilets fittings at Agric. Asked about sales, an official said, “Well, sales wise, we are trying our best, but it seems the government is not releasing money and that is why we do not see more people in the market.

“I do not have a customer base.

Anybody that comes to the market, I will try to call the person to my shop and convince him to buy from me. Sometimes it works and other times might not,” he quipped.

Big-boy importers are killing us...

For Mr. Joe Okudo at Marble, there is unhealthy completion between the importers in the market and the low capital businessmen. “They import and also retail. Of course their prices will be lower if they import directly from abroad. We buy from them so you can understand what I mean by that. It’s not their fault though, everybody wants to sell and make more profits. But business must go on.”

Happy Mothers’ Day

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

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Body&Soul

step out in style and women all over the world the opportunity to publicly declare their love for their mothers and pay tributes to these unsung heroines. Children get the opportunity to spoil their mothers with all kinds of gifts and loving gestures.

This is the day mothers in Nigeria come out looking their best in traditional attires such as George, Iro and Buba, Aso oke, Ankara, lace, wrappers and other African regalia.

We join the rest of the world to wish all mothers in Nigeria a happy Mothers’ Day!

Senator Remi Tinubu Abike Dabiri-Erewa

Fatima Abdulrahman

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Body&Soul

Happy Mothers’ Day

Elevate your style with Billionaire brand

Vanessa Okwara

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ake your footwear collection to exquisite new heights with these lovely shoes from Billionaire Couture. Billionaire Couture is an exclusive label for the rich created by Italian lifestyle tycoon, Flavio Briatore. He brought to reality the vision of

a confident fashion label that epitomises masculine haute couture for everyday use.

These shoes are handmade with real leather lining and soles. They are a pleasure to slip into as you head out for that special evening event.

They are crested with the Billionaire logo in front, giving them that distinct flam-

boyance that only comes with the Billionaire Couture brand.

Raise the bar after dark with these exquisite shoes and add tailored trousers to the mix to complete a sartorial ensemble. You can also wear it with a bespoke suit and bow tie for the definition of contemporary elegance.

MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Happy Mothers’ Day

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Body&Soul

Capturing The Moment with Stanlee Ohikuare stanlee@stanleeohikhuare.com

Composition tips W

hen composing, ignore details. Focus more on the path your eyes follow; the converging point of the light as well as the source from whence it is dispersed.

Be sure to exclude everything not directly contributing to the image.

Ensure that the interplay of light and darkness is balanced enough to give your eyes a resting place. If your eyes can not find a spot to rest in an image, then the composition is faulty.

As you compose, only look at the boldest, broadest and most basic shapes in your image in a common and mundane way. Then look for the exceptional within the initial mundane framework.

Nothing in an image is what it seems. Even though viewers might say “see the beads around her neck and wrist,” but when composing, it’s simply an orange or red shape you are using for no reason other than as a color blob in your image.

When composing, forget the subject. You are using every item in the image as a compositional element,

exactly as you’d arrange pieces of puzzles to make an interesting collage. However, in a situation where there is a Human Subject, GESTURE can help with the composition by creating lines of action. In Art, this expression is called contra posture!

Move the camera forward or back to fit your elements as you want them – especially if you are using a prime lens (for example a 50mm lens as used in this image).

Move left or right, and especially use the forgotten dimension of moving up and down, to re-arrange items in your frame as you want them.

Only when you get these basics right does anything else matter. One of the best ways to judge the composition of an image is by viewing it in black and white. In the variants of the shot with the maiden, which of the shots has the weakest composition?

You can send your response and reason to stanlee@stanleeohikhuare.com.

Happy Mothers’ Day

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Body&Soul

Me, broke? Never, says Ifeanyi Ubah C

apital Oil boss Ifeanyi Ubah, has denied rumour making the rounds about his financial situation after the Anambra State governorship election which he lost to the newly sworn- in governor, Willie Obaino.

Celeb Lounge put a call through to the billionaire and denied being broke. “ I have read several news on the pages of newspapers, soft sell magazine and on the internet saying I am broke and I have started selling off my assets, how can that be true? I am a rich man and I remain rich no matter how much I spent during the election.

with

H

F

ormer military governor of Ondo State, MajGen Ekundayo Opaleye (retd.), has joined the league of top retired officer who are investing heavily in business.

The Ogun State-born exsoldier has set up a confectionery company-Opec Resources. This, Celeb Lounge learnt through a reliable source. The company which is based in Abeokuta, Ogun State has since come out with its first product-Tanji Yogurt-while other products will follow soon.

Opaleye was a former military governor of Ondo State,

from August 1986 to December 1987 during the regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. He was a member of a Special Military Tribunal set up in 1986 to try officers accused of plotting a coup against Babangida in December 1985.

In August 1986, he was appointed governor of Ondo State, and held office until December 1987. Opaleye was also appointed commander of the OAU Neutral Military Organisation later in his career.

Opaleye was made an Owu Erunmu chief (Balogun Erunmu) by the Oluroko of Erunmu Owu.

08014867475

bayoolunla@yahoo.com

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Hajia Habiba Abubakar’s heart of gold

Ekundayo Opaleye invests in confectionery

Bayo Adeoye

Deji Adeleke supports brother’s ambition

I am not broke and I will never be. I am on holiday attending to my family’’ He said.

The businessman was a man about town before the last November election in his state where he contested under the umbrella of Labour Party, but after losing he ran back into his shell and refuse to come out since then.

This however brought out the insinuation of him being broke.

ajia Habiba Abubakar is one woman who is very popular in Abuja and its environs for her philanthropic gestures. She has influenced a lot of people positively and this has endeared her to many people in the capital city.

The founder, Foundation for the Elderly and the Poor (EAP), Celeb Lounge gathered, spent millions of naira on elderly women recently. She was also said to have paid school fees for some students and awarded scholarships to brilliant students from poor families.

The easygoing and kindhearted philanthropist who wrote a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President, David Mark and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, seeking for a bill for free Medicare for the elderly, has got more awards for her charity activities than any other woman from the northern part of Nigeria.

MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Yem Kem boss moves into new mansion

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his is a good time for natural health practitioner and boss of Yem Kem International, Akintunde Ayeni. He has finally achieved one of his dreams -to live in a world-class mansion. The Ekiti State-born Ayeni moved into his architectural masterpiece estimated to have cost N500m, recently.

A source informed Celeb Lounge that the mansion situated in Gemade Estate, Egbeda, Lagos was built on one acre of land. It has many facilities including a gym, swimming pool.

he Adeleke family is leaving no stone unturned to actualize the ambition of their brother, Adetunji Isiaka Adeleke who is gunning for Osun State top job in the forthcoming election later this year.

Celeb Lounge gathered through a source that billionaire and chairman of Pacific Holding, Deji Adeleke, is finacing this project. And has vowed to do anything possible for Senator Adeleke to get back the job he lost in 1993.

It was also gathered that the same Deji bankrolled his campaign way back in 1992 when he won the race against his NRC opponent and he is ready to do it again.

Meanwhile the Ede Osun State born ex-senator governorship ambition has raised lots of dust in the state as some PDP loyalist are accusing him of being a clog in the wheel of Senator Iyiola Omisore’s ambition.

Pastor Adefarasin mourns I

f there is one man that suffered heartbreak over the death of broadcaster, Femi Segun, it is the flamboyant man of God, Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on The Rock Church.

Celeb Lounge gathered that the pastor was moved to te ars and was down for several hours when he

learnt about the death of his good friend and ardent worshipper in his church.

Femi, the son of the popular author, Mabel Segun, was involved in a power bike crash on Wednesday March 19.

He was rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where it was discovered that he suffered injuries to his spinal cord.

We gathered that family members wanted to fly him abroad for better medical care, but his condition nedded to be stabilised but sadly. Femi did not make it.

Happy Mothers’ Day

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

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Body&Soul

For us, communication is key -Chico and Joy Ejiro

Chico Ejiro is a well- known producer and director in Nollywood while his wife of 16 years, Joy, was also a producer before she delved into business. They spoke with BAYO ADEOYE Marriages hardly last in the entertainment industry. What is the secret behind yours?

Chico: One thing about life is planning and focus, but it is improving now as people in the industry are doing everything possible to keep a good home.

When I say a good home, I mean a home of their dreams. Back to your question; I thank God that I have a good wife, a fantastic wife. There is a key factor that makes marriages work. Apart from having a good wife, you have to plan your life together with your wife. You don’t live a life that doesn’t belong to you.

You don’t live a fake life. Some people live above their incomes. You don’t buy a Hummer simply because your friend is driving one; and ladies too, you don’t buy a Gucci bag because your friend has one. These are some of the issues that affect marriages. Some actors live a make-belief life. That you play a rich man in a movie doesn’t mean you must live that life in reality if you don’t have the money. One thing again is that you must understand each other and allow her to practise her passion. My passion is football and nobody disturbs me when I am watching my football, I support Arsenal. My wife likes going out with her friends and I don’t disturb her, but we communicate a lot. I tell her everything about my business. We share our bad and good times together. In marriage, communication is the key. Again, I don’t enslave my wife. Sometimes I go to the market to buy things and cook and don’t always wait for her to do the cooking; unlike some men that wait for their wives to do everything.

Joy: It is by the grace of God. We started as friends and we talked about lots of issues. We started like friends, then he became my boss and later my husband. So it is very easy. We work together, we talk about issues. I don’t really see him as my husband. I see him more like a friend, a confidant, somebody I can relate with anytime. Anytime there is an issue, he is the first person I call. Everything around me is Chico. We talk a lot, so it is very easy.

long because the pressure was much.

There were pretty and big girls that were ready to marry me simply because I am a star. You know these days in Lagos, women marry men and would be ready to do anything for you. But I am grateful to God that I was able to manage the early stages that were considered very difficult and crucial. No marriage is perfect; you have to have a formula and structure to make your own marriage work. We’ve been married for 16 years and I give God the glory.

Tell me how did you meet her?

Chico: I was working with my boss then, Opa Williams.

We were shooting a talk show -Two Can Play- at the University of Lagos in 1994.

She was a student at the university; she was one of those students that attended the show.

After the event, we got talking.

Joy: I didn’t know anything about Nollywood. I was fresh in Lagos. I came to Lagos in 1992 from Benin as a young girl for my admission in Lagos. I heard about the talk show and I was among the audience. I was among those who were asked some questions which I answered correctly. After the show, he came to me and introduced himself as Chico Ejiro.

I said, ‘So what can I do for you’?

He introduced himself as a movie director, but I was naïve, I didn’t know anything about what he

said. He said he was the director of a television soap opera - Mega Fortunes but I told him I wasn’t watching Nigerian programmes. But after that, we got talking and we became friends.

You met in 1994 and married in 1998.

Why did you take that long to legalise your union?

Chico: We were planning. We didn’t want to rush into marriage and rush out. This happens most times in marriages. We didn’t want that to happen.

We needed to plan it well.

Joy: We started living together shortly after our meeting. We were live-in-lovers before we finally got married in 1998. So we have been living together for 20 years.

When you approached her, did she take you serious, being an artiste?

Chico: Initially, no. But after sometime, when she saw my commitment, she succumbed. Before I met her, I had 15 girlfriends. She was not even among the first 10. Those girls were big girls and were dying for me because of my name in Nollywood.

Joy: I didn’t take him serious, not because he was an artiste. I was naïve. I was just a very young girl. I was a fresher in Lagos.

How did she sweep you off your feet?

Chico: She is a neat and hardworking lady. Unlike other girls who just came, slept and went away. She would come to the house, wash my clothes, clean the whole house and cook for us. And she is down to earth.

Joy: His house was always dirty and I spent much of the time cleaning the house. You know men are sometimes dirty and careless about cleaning the house.

If you are to come back to this world, will you marry her again?

Chico: Yes, I will. She is a fantastic woman. I would love to be with her again and again.

Joy: Yes I will.

How long have you been married?

As an African man, is he romantic?

Chico: We have been married for 16 years. I won’t lie to you, when I married 16 years ago, I never believed the marriage would last this

Is an African man romantic? I ask you. But sometimes Chico is.

But his own kind of romance is to go to the market and cook for me.

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GLOBAL fashion

Happy Mothers’ Day

Marilyn Monroe’s N209m form-fitting dress

Biwom Iklaki

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any fashion collectibles have been known to be sold at exorbitant prices. None has been deemed as valuable as the dress worn by the blonde bombshell, Marilyn Monroe, to deliver a sultry ‘Happy Birthday’ serenade to President John F. Kennedy on May 19, 1962. A flesh-coloured, curve-hugging, jewel-encrusted dress so tight and sheer that, according to legend, the icon was sewn into the gown and wore no underwear. Whoa!

This one - of-a-kind sheath was purchased in 1999 by a Manhattanbased company, Gotta Have It! The company’s President, Robert Schargen’s response when he was asked why he spent a fortune on a piece of clothing that originally cost $12,000, was, “We stole it!” as he boasted that he would have paid twice as much.

He bought the dress for $1, 267, 500! Over N209million...#phew!

MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Happy Mothers’ Day

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

Cool swim wear Kate Robin Adanihuwan

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big splash in the water is one way to make kids squeal in excitement The pool or the beach is just the place to catch such fun.

How do your kids look when

they go to the pool? Do they dress in the right costumes with the necessary accessories? We have a few collections this week for you to pick from.

Do have a wonderful splash till next week.

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Happy Mothers’ Day

Sustainable workout routines while you fast S

till in the spirit of this fasting period, ditching your workout routines should be avoided as much as possible. Starting and stopping a workout routine can make fitness goals more challenging. While it is pertinent to take a break from vigorous workouts to avoid fatigue/exhaustion, it is advisable to maintain your current fitness level with moderate intensity workouts.

Ideal workout intensity is relative to an individual’s physical state/fitness level.

However, you can tell your workout is vigorous when you are unable to make a sentence without catching your breath. Generally, vigorous-intensity workouts require a large amount of effort and cause rapid breathing along with a substantial increase in heart rate. With moderate-intensity workouts, you can talk but unable to sing while exercising. Moderate-intensity workouts require a reasonable amount of effort and your heart rate is not as accelerated which makes it ideal now that your energy level is not as high due to reduced calorie consumption.

To avoid ‘fitness deterioration’, here are some moderate-intensity workouts that can help you maintain your fitness level this fasting season.

Aerobics These are rhythmic and sustained movements of large muscle groups especially in the arms, legs and hips which propel the heart, lungs and cardiovascular systems to transport oxygen effectively to all parts of the body. Aerobic workouts are an effective way to stay fit and active during this fasting period because they can be carried out for long without any resulting fatigue. Vigorous/anaerobic exercises like jogging, running, skipping, competitive swimming and bicycling (more than 10mph) can be replaced with aerobic exercises like brisk/fast walking, bicycling (less than 10mph), leisure swimming and dancing.

In the Gym Cardiovascular machines such as treadmill, elliptical trainers, stairs steppers, and stationary bikes or ergometers provide effective moderate-intensity workouts when set at a comfortable speed/incline. Like mentioned earlier, intensity differs from person to person but if you are able to hold a conversation on a treadmill at a speed of eight and incline at six, then that’s moderate intensity for you. Even I could do that before the fasting season but now speed six and incline five is all I can manage to do.

Make the necessary adjustments to your other routines as well.

Sports You do not have to suspend your favourite sport because you are fasting; just don’t wear yourself out while at it. For instance, rather than avoid the tennis court, opt for a doubles instead of a singles game. And even at that, you don’t have to kill yourself for every point, reduce the intensity of your game, it’s not like you are going for Wimbledon. Same caution applies to other sports, play leisurely and not competitively at least for now.

Daily Grind For you to live well and long, fitness should be a way of life. It should not be restricted to the gym or aerobics class.

You can get considerable workouts from your normal day to day activities while you fast. Even ‘prayer warriors’ require a considerable level of fitness to fight the devil. You can’t invite the maid back or enslave everyone around because you are on a fast. What you need to do is rest more between tasks especially ones that require little efforts like climbing the stairs, cooking, laundry, washing your car, mowing the lawn, carrying your grocceries, trimming the flowers etc. These are activities that you can even sing while doing and as such should not make you fatigued. Also, being active will not only help distract you from the hunger pangs you might experience especially in the early stages of a fast, it will also boost your energy to surprising levels.

You can’t get the fitness, health and other accruing benefits from fasting when you turn it into a full ‘sick leave’. Properly combined with moderate-intensity workouts, a proper fast could take you closer to some of your fitness goals faster than you can imagine. But please note, every metabolic activity in the body involves the use of water which unavoidably is lost through sweat when we engage in any form of physical activity. As such you need to drink plenty of water to improve stamina and prevent dehydration before, during and after you engage in any of the workout routines discussed above. However if you are on a complete fast (total abstinence from food and water), you can hydrate the body constantly during the non-fasting hours but keep a small bottle handy if you have to perform any of the moderate-intensity workouts during the non fasting hours.

As you continue the fast, may God answer all your fitness prayers. Till next week, stay fit.

MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

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Fitness WELLNESS Funmi Azike With

Football Okpodu ended my national team career -Judith Chime p.52

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

www.newtelegraphonline.com/sport

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Brazil Jairzinho: Brazil lack star quality p.53

Dapo Sotuminu, Deputy Sports Editor dapo.sotuminu@newtelegraphonline.com 08099400190, 08038154192

Golf Willy targets more wins after Otukpo victory p.54

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Keshi: Bench warmer Eagles best for Brazil 2014

John Obi Mikel

Stephen Keshi Victor Moses

Dapo Sotuminu

S

uper Eagles chief coach, Stephen Keshi, has declared that he will be comfortable using Eagles’ star players who are warming the bench in their various clubs in Europe to his own advantage at the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

He stressed that, the fear of some Nigerians that most of the country’s top players being considered for the Brazil 2014 Mundial are bench warmers in Europe, does not affect anything in the Eagles.

“The fact that our star players like Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike, Mikel Obi, Elderson Echejile, and some other stars whom we bank on for soccer glory are not getting regular playing time does not mean that they are unfit. They train in their clubs every day, but are not just fielded for competitive games.

“What I need is for the players to have team chemistry and play strictly to specific patterns as instructed by the coach. It is about desire and the ability to play well.

“If the players are not getting playing time in their clubs, I can’t control that. It is unfortunate that players like Mikel, Moses and

Emenike are not playing, but the last time I World Cup at the expense of Cameroon that saw Mikel play for Chelsea, he was sharp on paraded all their world class players.” the ball; that is okay for me.”

Keshi said that top Nigerian players who The former Eagles captain stated that, are scoring goals for their various clubs in there was never a time he said he won’t fea- Europe are working for the huge salaries ture Nigerian players who are bench warm- the clubs pay them. “They are paid to score ers in foreign clubs. “If they are not good goals, so it’s not something extra-ordinary. enough to get first team jersey in Europe, Of course, if they don’t score, the clubs will they are good for me to execute my plans. keep them on the bench.

“Once a player is good, determined and “If they replicate their killer form playing intelligent such a player would play in my for Nigeria that will be great. So, the fact that Eagles team even if his European club re- Osaze Odemwingie and Ike Uche are scoring fuses to play him. I was a victim myself, so vital goals for their clubs in Europe does not I know where the shoe pinches. I played in give them automatic tickets to play in NigeEurope and I know what is happening.” ria’s World Cup team, it goes beyond that.

Keshi disclosed that, he had a lot of such “A complete player must be excellent on players in the Malian and Togolese teams the field of play and also equipped with good when he was their chief coach. They character. If a superstar player were very good but did not lacks good character, he ? command regular shirt is incomplete. DisNOWnated K U in their foreign clubs. cipline will propel i O ing r u DID Yorocco elim d I used them promithe team to great toss M he That on a coin nds for t nd nently and got reperformance in u a ia o p r s i u n n C o u sults.

Brazil, coupled i T ficat 70 World ounds for i l a u “I used these with their dedicaq 9 r and 1 ification pics 2 6 l 9 players in the tion and work ethics.”

1 g qua 968 Olym n i r u Hawks of Togo and Keshi who revealed d the 1 qualified for the 2006 that Stoke City striker, Osaze

Odemwingie, has apologized to him for his offensive tweet in the past, insisted that, Ikechukwu Uche is not a team player and may not earn a recall to the Eagles. “He was in my team at the 2013 African Nations Cup in South Africa and he refused to be a team player. I have decided not to talk much about him again.

“I can say it again that no player in the Super Eagles can entice me with money.

God has blessed me and I am comfortable.

Before all the players in the present Eagles team started their professional careers I had finished playing big time football in Europe, so none of them can entice me with money to influence getting a regular shirt. I have also seen a lot of people come around with money asking me to feature their players in the Eagles and I said ‘no’. If I wanted money, I would have gone to Equatorial Guinea where they offered me a package twice bigger than what the NFF is giving me.”

The Eagles coach noted that, if the names of Osaze Odemwingie and other top stars are listed in the Eagles squad for the 2014 World Cup preparations, they still have to fight for places in the team. The indicator of this is that, no automatic shirt for any player.

Continues on page 54

52

MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Sport / Stars of Yesteryears

Okpodu ended my national team career –Judith Chime

Judith Chime popularly called ‘Kamala’ because of her huge size, was Super Falcons’ first choice goalkeeper for many years. She kept the goal for Nigeria in three African Women’s Championships, two World Cup finals and one Olympic Games soccer event. She told DAPO SOTUMINU that she was prematurely retired from the Falcons by Coach Sam Okpodu in 2002

Chime

F

ormer Super Falcons goalkeeper, Judith Chime, said she was sent out of the national senior women’s team at a time she never planned to retire from active football “When the Nigeria Football Federation, employed coach Sam Okpodu, he had his plans and never looked at my direction for the goalkeeper’s role. He preferred younger keeper like Precious Dede, so I had no choice than to throw-in the towel and hastened the process of hanging my boots.

“At that time, I had played in almost all the top clubs in the Nigerian Women’s League except Jegede Babes and took consolation in being an international soccer star playing in the Falcons, but the new coach sent me into early retirement.”

She noted that, the grace she had in 2002 was that she had secured admission to study abroad.

“I got a scholarship to study abroad through a former Enugu Rangers Football Club player by name Totty Okoro who was based in the United States. He was my coach in school then. I jumped at the opportunity to further my studies abroad before I became a laughing stock in Nigeria. When I resumed school in America, I started coaching youth and adult players, and also volunteered with the university to coach their goalkeepers. That was how I survived.”

Chime, whose first club as a professional player was Young Stars FC of Lagos based in Ajegunle, described her playing days as a soccer player as awesome, wonderful and huge fun. “Trust me, words cannot describe

JUDITH CHIME’S PROFILE Clubs: Young Stars FC of Lagos 1991, 1992-2002 Ufuoma Babes of Warri, Pelican Stars of CALABAR , Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt.

National Team: Super Falcons 1991 to 2002.

National Team caps: 45 FIFA World Cup finals: China 91 World Cup, Sweden 95 World Cup, USA 99 World Cup. Olympic Games: Sidney 2000 Olympics.

African Women’s Championship: Nigeria 98, South Africa 2000.

Honours: Nigerian Women’s League titles 1992 to 2000, Challenge Cup title 1992 to 1998, Nations Cup title 1998 and 2000. those days which you were also is a witness as a sports reporter. My brother and my best friend were the main reason why l played football. l was more into table tennis.

The goalkeeper got her first invitation to the Falcons in 1991 ahead of the FIFA’s Women’s World Cup in China when coaches Paul Hamilton and Bonfrere Jo were in charge. It was ahead of the team’s preparation in Holland.

She stated that, the rivalry in the mid 1990’s among Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt, Jegede Babes of Lagos, Ufuoma Babes of Warri and Pelican Stars of Calabar was indescribable.

“This was when women’s football was taken very serious in Nigeria and the fans come out in large number to watch matches.

Back in the days, one is more concerned about

being called to national team. When you get an invitation, it was a big deal, so you are not bothered if you are first or second choice, but what gladdened my heart was that l knew I was a fantastic goalkeeper. I waited for my time and when it came I grabbed it with two hands.”

Judith’s most memorable game in the Super Falcons was a friendly game against Ghana in 1998 ahead of the USA 99 FIFA Women’s World Cup. “We went for that match against Ghana without the chief coach, Ismaila Mabo, because he went for a coaching course and his assistant Joseph Ladipo popularly called ‘Jossy Lad,’ May his soul rest in peace, was in charge of the team. Coach Peter Egudia worked with him too.

“Knowing how national team players behave especially those ones who think they’ve made their names in the team, it was very hard to do what one knows how to do best. The super regulars easily draw up the team list, but during one of our morning training sessions, coach Jossy Lad shocked everybody when he came out with a different first eleven.

“Nkiru Okosieme wondered why l was so excited and she kept asking me why, but l kept laughing. When the team list for the match against the Black Queens was called, they were all surprised that my name was the first. Kikelomo Ajayi also made the first team.

That was our first time. It was a big deal for me because coach Jossy Lad told me not disappoint him, as nobody wanted him to use me as the number one choice keeper. But said he had confidence in his decision. “l told the coach to relax and have fun while watching me make him proud. It was real fun as l had several team mates who believed in me. Players like Yinka Kudaisi, Prisca Emeafu, Rita Nwadike, Mavis Ogun, and my role model Nkiru Okosieme. l did not disappoint any of them and Jossy Lad felt on top of the world knowing he never made a wrong choice and the game ended 1-1. That was how I grabbed the first choice place in the Falcons.”

She described long term chief coach of the Super Falcons, Ismaila Mabo, as a principled man to an extent.

He knows his job. And he sure knows how to get things done.

But there are some certain things about him that I cannot comment on, I respect him.

“There are so many fun memories to share, but all l can say right now is that l was blessed to be a part of the Super Falcons team when l did. I enjoyed the training, team prayers and many more.”

The former Nigeria goalkeeper lamented that the Falcons are fast losing the tag as the giant of Africa.

“Nigerians kept asking why the Falcons do well in the continent, but failed to impress at the world stage. l asked myself some time ago after l moved to the United States what had happened to the Falcons. We have talents but we have lost the desire to what matters the most. Our main problem is that, when we are going to the World Cup we do not prepare our mind to win, it seems like we are happy being participants.

Getting the Falcons to where they are supposed to be at the world stage is not a difficult task, but putting the right people who knows what it takes to bring glory home is a difficult task.

Coach Mabo almost brought glory as he had ladies that were ready to make history.”

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

Countdown to Fifa World Cup

53

Jairzinho: Brazil lack star quality

Neymar

Dani Alves

Oscar

Marcelo

4

4 years ago, Jairzinho carved out a piece of FIFA World Cup history as one of the stars of Brazil’s celebrated 1970 side.

The dashing winger known as the “Hurricane” remains the only man to score in every round of the tournament, notching seven goals in six games as Brazil swept to victory in Mexico.

But as his homeland prepares to host the World Cup for the first time since 1950, the 69-year-old veteran is dismayed by what he sees as a lack of star quality in Brazil’s class of 2014.

“I can only say today there is a lack of stars in Brazilian football,” Jairzinho said in an interview. “In 1970, we had practically 11 stars out there on the field. We were the only team in the world who had five No10s out there playing together. But football has changed - it was much more attack-minded then.”

If Jairzinho has his way, however, that might change in the years to come. Three years ago, the Brazilian legend launched his “Hurricane” talent factory in a northern Rio de Janeiro favela known as “Gaza strip.” Twice a week, Jairzinho coaches youngsters who dream

of escaping poverty to forge a career in football.

“I have been trying to put something back into football for the past 20 years - especially by helping the disadvantaged,” Jairzinho said.

In all, 285 children come to the centre, says Jairzinho’s assistant Jorge Eiras.

The youngsters are full of enthusiasm and manage a few tricks, which impress the likes of visiting agent and 1970 Swedish international Jan Olsson, who has his eyes on Fernando da Cunha Custodios, clearly a talent in the making.

I have been trying to put something back into Thiago Silva football

for the past 20 years - especially by helping the disadvantaged.Jairzinho on giving back to game through his football centre “I came to Brazil a year ago to play football and get an education,” says the 16-year-old Angolan, who has designs on turning professional. “I have seen videos of Jairzinho. To be trained by a world champion who was on the best Brazilian side of all time is an immense honor. He is a great teacher he teaches us things with great delicacy and patience”.

Jairzinho says some of his charges may well make it professionally. “But the main goal is to educate the man and show him how to serve society through respect.”

The joy of working with youngsters, meanwhile, reminds Jairzinho of his own celebrated youth, when a Pele-inspired Brazil became the most celebrated and beloved side in history over the course of a magical World Cup campaign.

“The memories come flooding back every time I see these kids looking for their place in the sun,” says Jairzinho. “Many people considered me the best player at that World Cup. I’m in the history books as the only player to

score in every game at a World Cup - seven goals in six matches.”

Could his record be equalled this year? “It depends on (Lionel) Messi, Neymar, (Cristiano) Ronaldo and the other scorers,” he says. Jairzinho remains a close friend of Pele’s, often talking to each other to swap views on Santos and the national side.

“I played two World Cups with Pele (1966 and 1970) and we had a good relationship which we retain to this day. Our friendship has remained,” he said. And despite bemoaning the lack of stars in the current Brazil side, he still believes they will triumph in this year’s tournament, citing home support as the crucial factor. “The strength of support is very important for the morale of the group,” he contends, while saying he also thinks Argentina, Germany and Spain have good trophy chances.

54

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

30 MARCH, 2014

Keshi: Bench warmer Eagles best for Brazil 2014

E-mail: ifeanyiandrewibeh@gmail.com Tel: 08085973490

WITH IFEANYI IBEH

HOLE IN ONE

Willy targets more wins after Otukpo victory

Elderson Echejile

C o ntin u e d fr o m pa g e 5 1

He also spoke about the continued invitation of the likes of Brown Ideye and Ahmed Musa despite the incessant complaints by Nigerians that the players should be dropped.

Keshi said the two players are very good and they will keep improving.

“What I see technically you can’t see. Ideye and Musa work assiduously for the Eagles and we can’t throw away the players because they didn’t do well in one or two games.

“Ideye scores in his club in Europe but we are still surprised that he has not been able to replicate that form playing for the Eagles. Nigerians must be patient with him. When he starts scoring important goals for Nigeria, we shall all enjoy him. The same goes for Musa. He is also a brilliant player and he has been a very important member of the Eagles team over the years.

“Chelsea superstar, Fernando Torres, was in a similar situation after his world record move from Liverpool for $52million. He failed to perform for over one year, yet the club was patient and allowed him time to play himself into the team, which he eventually did. And today he is an asset to Chelsea.

“We must be patient with these players,” the coach pleaded.

He noted that the relationship with his employers, the Nigeria Football Federation, has been very cordial, and added that, he was not given any target for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil contrary to the believe that the Glass House gave him a mandate to get to the semi-finals of the Mundial. “When I was employed in the Eagles, the team had not qualified for the World Cup then, so I am not on any hot seat. But, I have set a target for myself and I need not disclose this to anybody.”

Keshi who is only living African to have played and won the Nations Cup as a player and a coach stated that If after the 2014 World Cup, he is given the opportunity to stay as Eagles’ chief coach and the condition is good, he would take the job. “It is all about livelihood, I must feed my family. But let’s wait until after the World Cup, then I can give the appropriate answer,” Keshi said.

G

ift Willy who emerged victorious at the annual ULO Golf PRO-AM tournament held at the Otukpo Golf and Country Club, Benue state, is hoping he can add more tournament wins to his kitty this year.

He carded a total score of 284 points over 72 holes to emerge overall winner of the event bankrolled by Chief Uche Luke Okpuno ahead of Ghana’s Emos Korblah, who finished five shots off the pace of Willy. Former Nigeria Order of Merit leader, Oche Odoh, finished in third place.

“I was happy winning in Otukpo. I played quite well during the tournament and I hope this leads to more victories at home and abroad,” said Willy, a resident professional at the

Port Harcourt Air Assault Golf Club.

He however had kind words for the rest of the field, especially the duo of Korblah and Odoh, saying: “Everyone out there gave their best, especially Korblah and Odoh.

They really pushed me to give my best because with those two lurking around, you can’t afford to let down your guards.

“They are two of the best in the country and I hope I can get more victories this year.”

He stated that, it is getting tougher to win tournaments, as everyone out there wants to win, so I am delighted to win this one. Hopefully, I can get more wins but it is going to be tough, very tough,” stressed Willy.

Tiger Woods no longer invincible -McDowell T iger Woods may feel he is not far from returning to his best form, but Graeme McDowell believes the world number one has lost his aura of invincibility.

The American cemented his place as one of the all-time greats in the golfing world when he won 14 majors from 1997 until 2008. However, his US Open win at Torrey Pines in 2008 was the last time he won a big one as he went through a slump and some personal woes over the next couple of years.

Although he returned to form in 2013 and regained the top spot in the world rankings, 2010 US Open champion, McDowell, is one of many players who believe he is no longer invincible.

“He is lost that sort of force field of invincibility around him,” McDowell told PGATour.com. “The aura is not as strong. He is Tiger Woods, still the greatest player ever in my opinion.

“I don’t remember the first time I played with him, (but) there was a real ‘wow’ factor. He was playing a different sport than me. But guys

get older, stuff happens.”

He added: “They out there with the believe that he is unbeatable because the positive press that happened for 10 years has been replaced with some negativity. There’s a belief level now that you can be 19, 20, 21 (years old) and capable of doing it at the biggest level.”

Gift Willy

Makelemi sets sights on more professional events

T

he Director, Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria, Festus Makelemi, has disclosed that his major priority this year is to have more top quality professional tournaments on the Nigerian golf scene following his re-election.

Last weekend, Makelemi was returned unopposed for another two years as head of the Nigerian PGA by members at the association’s 2014 Annual General Meeting in Otukpo, Benue State.

And he has stated that his mission in the next two years is to strengthen the golfing calendar.

“We will be working to position the PGA to attract more

Tiger Woods

tournaments,” said Makelemi, a resident professional at the Shell Golf Club, Ogunnu.

“The quality of our game has been on the rise, a lot of good players are emerging on the scene and the only way to keep the momentum is to have more quality tournaments.”

There has been an increase in recent years in the number of tournaments on the Nigerian golfing calendar, a lot of them with huge monetary incentives, and Makelemi feels having more tournaments will go a long way in improving the living standards of members of the PGA. “If we can have more tournaments on the calendar and get to a stage where we will be having two to three top tournaments every month, it would go a long way in improving the playing quality of golfers in the country and their living standards,” said Makelemi who is also keen to improve the level of discipline in the Association.

He noted that for the PGA to get more events and attract corporate supports there is the need to instill greater discipline within the ranks.

“It is vital and that is an area I will be seeking the cooperation of the players while we are in office,” he said.

55

MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Sport / News

Rooney, Mata inspire comeback win for Man U

C

M

anchester United ended a week of frustration on and off the pitch in fine fashion by beating Aston Villa 4-1 on Saturday.

Much of the game’s build-up had been dominated by a planned protest against David Moyes’ management of the struggling champions, with a plane trailing the message ‘Wrong One - Moyes Out’ flown above Old Trafford during the contest.

A midweek defeat to local rivals Manchester City was the latest of United’s setbacks in a tough season, tipping some fans over the edge.

And the turbulent atmosphere around the champions was heightened further as Ashley Westwood’s second goal of the season gave Paul Lambert’s side a shock lead.

However, Wayne Rooney - so often the bright light in United’s faltering campaign - dragged the hosts in front with a double before half-time, taking his tally to six goals from his last six league games.

Any home jitters were put to rest 12 minutes into the second half as Juan Mata scored his first United goal, with Emem

Rooney

the home fans responding with rousing renditions of pro-Moyes chants, before substitute Chicarito rounded matters off late on with a typical poacher’s finish after good work from Adnan Januzaj.

The win keeps United within reach of the top six and also serves as a perfect tonic ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against holders Bayern Munich.

Moyes was warmly applauded onto the pitch by the Old Trafford faithful, as those inside the stadium aired their backing of the manager, and the planned fly-over passed with little incident two minutes into the game.

helsea FC of England midfielder, Mikel Obi, has told the club management that he would leave this summer after his long struggle to play in the first team has failed so far in the on going season.

The Nigeria international has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge since Nemanja Matic’s January arrival and he is believed to be growing increasingly frustrated not playing regular football for the club.

The 26-year-old has only featured twice since the Serb rejoined and appears to have little chance of forcing his way into Jose Mourinho’s plans between now and the end of the season. Mikel, who has made over 300 appearances for the Blues since joining from Norwegian side Lyn Oslo in 2006, is already attracting interest from Turkish side Galatasaray, while several Italian clubs are also likely to be keen.

The midfielder still has three years left on his Chelsea contract, an indicator that he would not come cheap for whoever decides to make a move for him, with Mourinho likely to want around £6million for the experienced man.

Jude Opara Abuja

A

Mikel

Obasi, Eneramo score vital goals T wo Super Eagles fringe players, Chinedu Ogbuke and Michael Eneramo, propelled their clubs in the European league to victories.

For Ogbuke, it was a goal plus an

Akpabio’s investiture well deserved -Ekpo

T

he publicity secretary of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Ben Ekpo, has described the investiture of Sir Emem Akpabio, as the patron of Akwa Untited Football Club of Uyo as well deserved. Ekpo said Akpabio’s love and passion for the round lather game and his support for youth sports has not been equalled by anybody in the state.

He called on other well meaning indigenes of Akwa Ibom State to learn from Akpabio. “ I’m happy that Akwa United management deemed it fit to honour an illustrious son of our state, who had committed his personal resources to the upliftment of sports in Akwa Ibom state.

I want to urge him not to rest on his oars with this award as there are many more coming.

Green’s second term in NFF shaky

Frustrated Mikel vows to dump Chelsea

Obasi

assist from the Nigerian star which helped his club, Schalke 04, to victory at home against Hertha Berlin in the German Bundesliga. The match was played at the Veltins-Arena.

His right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right to the bottom right corner courtesy of an assist from Joel Matip put his side ahead in the 16th minute of the highly entertaining encounter.

With just 28 seconds into the second half, the former Lyn Oslo of Norway player provided an assist for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar who doubled the lead for the home side with a left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner.

The 27-year old Nigerian was replaced by Anthony Annan in the 83rd minute and got a standing ovation from the Die Königsblauen fans.

Schalke 04 are placed second on the Bundesliga table with 54points from 28 matches.

On his own, Eneramo scored to help Karabukspor beat Besiktas 1-0 in a Turkish Super Lig game.

The Nigerian scored the only goal of the game in the 90th minute to subject his parent club, who loaned him to ‘Kara’ in January, to a defeat away from home.

The 28-year-old has now scored four goals in 10 appearances for Karabukspor.

Egwuekwe, Maduabuchi arrival boosts Warri Wolves in Tunisia Chimaobi Uchendu

T

he arrival of Captain Azubuike Egwuekwe and Josiah Maduabuchi in Tunisia ahead of the make or break second leg tie against C.A.Bizertin was celebrated by the players and Officials of Warri Wolves, who had thought the duo might not make the second leg trip.

According to the Media Manager Moses Etu, Azubuike who got married last weekend could not travel with the rest of the team while Jo-

siah Maduabuchi was left behind due to paper works.

Upon arrival, Azubuike expressed happiness that he had made it at last and vowed to use his experience to guide the team to victory.

Etu, however, said there is no truth in a story published by an online medium that the Club is owing players and that the Club travelled with 16 players to Tunisia.

‘It is unfortunate that people could go to to destabilize our ar-

rangement to have a good outing in Bizerte by coming out with a false story, when all hands should be on deck to see that the team qualifies for the next round.

PREMIERSHIP RESULTS (SAT)

Man U. 4 - 1 C’Palace 1 - 0 S’ampton 4 - 0 Stoke City 1 - 0 Swansea 3 - 0 West Brom 3 - 3

Aston Villa Chelsea Newcastle Hull City Norwich Cardiff

head of the August 2014 elections into the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, a source in the football federation has disclosed that the appointment of Amoni Biambo as the chairman of the Electoral Committee would make it difficult for the chairman of the Technical Committee, Christopher Green, to get a second term.

Our source who is a member of the football family from the South South zone of the country told New Telegraph on Sunday that since one cannot eat his cake and have it, it may not be that easy for the chairman of Rivers State Football Association to return.

Our source who pleaded anonymity told our reporter that despite the fact that Biambo hails from Rivers state the same as Green, does not mean an automatic ticket for him.

He also claimed that despite the rumour making the rounds that the new minister and Green are the best of friends, it does not mean an automatic ticket, as there are rules which govern the electoral process.

“In the South South, we have agreed to zone the positions in such a way that there would be harmony.

The agreement is that if you represent a particular state either in the NFF or the league board, you are expected to step down after one term for another candidate to be presented.”

CAF Confederation Cup: Bayelsa United qualify for group stage

N

igeria’s representative at the CAF Confederations Cup competition, Bayelsa United, on Saturday at the Sapele Staduim qualified for the Group stage of the competition on 3:2 aggregate after defeating visiting Mine FC of Zimbabwe 2-0, haven lost narrowly in the first leg in Bulawayo last week by 2 - 1 Goals from Jafar Buhari and Azubike Okechukwu send the Restoration boys to the round was all they needed to book a place in the next stage of the competition Bayelsa, who reached the semi-finals of the same competition in 2009, will know their opponents from the CAF Champions League in the next round of the competition after Monday’s draw by CAF. The overall winners of this round will qualify for the mini-league stage of Africa’s second-tier club competition.

Interview Assign more roles to mothers -Odubiyi p.61

56

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

MARCH 30, 2014

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

www.newtelegraphonline.com/faith

TAI ANYANWU, titus.anyanwu@newtelegraphonline.com 0706 438 0029

Faith ON SUNDAY

Celebrating women on Mothering Sunday

Ezekwesili

TAI ANYANWU

I

n the words of Agather Christie, “A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity; it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.”

A woman, said Julius Dolapo in his own tribute ‘Motherhood,’ “is like a backbone. She complements a man’s weakness, helps him develop his strength and build ideas for his dreams to come alive.”

He adds, “The man can only see the big picture but the woman helps him to walk through the challenges while getting to the big picture.

As a wife and mother she pays attention to details that her man would overlook. For the man to be successful in his endeavours, most times, those details must be put into consideration.”

In the days of adversity, a mother’s rugged patience and ability to carry on with love and grace speak eloquently of her inner strength.

Given the harsh economic realities of our time, today’s mothers can no longer afford to sit back and fold their arms. Like the man, today’s mother works either at home or at at a job, to provide support for her family. On the home front, she combines taking care of the house, doing the dishes, the laundry, cleaning and cooking as well as taking care of her children and meeting the needs of her husband even when she is worn out.

Little wonder then that a former Vice President of the World Bank for Africa and a distinguished mother, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, speaking at a gathering of Daughters of Destiny in Lekki, Lagos last week, elaborated on God’s purpose

Fayemi

for creating the woman.

According to her, a woman is created as a unique person to fulfil certain purposes; to ensure continuity of mankind; as well as replenish and dominate. For this purpose, the woman was crafted with certain realities such as occupying a large place in a man’s heart, having an awesome power of influence and the strength of a heroine against all odds. All these realities imputed into the woman are part of God’s purpose of positioning the woman to help her man achieve purpose in life, Ezekwesili explained.

In her own speech at the Daughters of Destiny Conference, wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, stressed on the need for mothers to rise up and show themselves as good role models to their children.

“Mothers should be ready to be good role models to their children. As a governor’s wife, I attend many occasions; I do attend many weddings that I find time to observe how people carry themselves at such events. It is disappointing to see that virtually every woman has this habit of chewing gum in public. Gum chewing should be done in the privacy of our houses, If we don’t want our girls to be chewing gun in public; then mothers should desist from the habit publicly,” she stated.

A mother, Mrs. Nimo Christian, speaking on the significance of Mothers’ Day, said, “Let me start by pointing out that not many people may have known who Mrs. Okonjo Iweala’s husband is. The same may also apply to Dora Akunyili and other great women of our time.

These are women who are respected in the society, having performed excellently in different positions of leadership.

“These women were not discouraged by their husbands; most men are actually the

Chukwudelu

ones dragging their wives back. I am sure that if many women are given the opportunity they would also excel. I like to say here that it would have been better if it were a woman leading us in Nigeria; because, I’m sure women will do better ruling this country than men.

Also speaking, a cleric in Assemblies of God Church, Pastor Victoria Osisioma, said, “In the home I will advise men to always listen to their wives because they look at issues and reason things from a brighter perspective. Most men can testify to it, especially those who have made great mistakes due to the fact that they didn’t learn to take their wives’ advice at the right time.

“Quite a lot agree that they really regret not heeding their advice. So, I will say that behind every successful wise and listening man is a woman.”

Wife of a cleric, Rev. Adamma Chukwudebelu, said, “Unfortunately, everyone in skirt or wrapper is not necessarily a mother. Of course, there are mothers by mistake. When a mother fails in her duties or roles, she has lost what qualifies her as a real mother. Genuine mothers are role models any day, place or time.”

As people celebrate Mothers’ Day worldwide today, New Telegraph on Sunday appreciates and gives kudos to our dear mothers for their love, sacrifices, support and positive influence on their children, husbands, sisters and brothers.

Minister in charge of ECWA Victory Arena, Ajah, Lagos, Dr. Olufemi Oluniyi, believes that men and women are indeed equal.

“That any of them has to perform better simply has to do with the opportunity available to them,” he declared.

President of Tender Hearts Family Support Initiative, Pastor Taiwo Odubiyi, counsels that na-

tions need to recognise the power and influence that mothers have and assign more sensitive roles to them in government.

To be agents of change in the society, she adds, mothers need to appreciate the qualities and abilities they possess.

“They need to know that they can get things done if they so desire. God created them to be able to love and have compassion. They also have the power of influence. In 2Timothy 1:5 in the Bible, godliness and faith in God were passed on through three generations. Lois was godly and she passed it on to her daughter Eunice who in turn influenced her son Timothy to be godly,” Odubiyi said.

She pointed out that mothers were also strong, adding that many of them had gone through troubles and trials yet they survived, overcame and were able to demonstrate inner strength that could be used to change the society.

To achieve the needed change in our society, Odubiyi says, “Mothers need to first of all, do a good job of teaching and raising their children properly. This change starts from home and as the Bible says, when the children grow up, they will not depart from the way. It’s important that mothers take their responsibility seriously, as doing a good job of it will eventually reflect on the society.

“They have to be available, be involved in their communities and what is going on in the society just as they are involved in their children’s lives.”

Mothers should also be ready to show themselves as good role models as the society is filled with dubious examples, she stated.

Odubiyi urged mothers to rise up and model with integrity, be ready to step out to speak out.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 23, 2014

Word of FAITH by by Apostle Clement Mrs Joy Clement Ogbonna Ogbonna apostleofgraceinwof2010@gmail. apostleofgraceinwo com, 08035525852

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woman is an entity you can’t do without no matter how holy you are. A woman is needed in every ramification. Even God and Lucifer used a woman to carry out their plans.

The woman is a strong vessel that brings forth children.

God had to make a man (Adam) to sleep in order to push out a woman while a woman has to be awake to bring forth a child. We need a woman in our lives, family and destiny.

Who is a Woman?

Many don’t know who a woman is. A man is not complete without a woman. The usefulness of a woman is beyond the

kitchen, bedroom and farmland.

Read Genesis 2 vs. 19, Adam could not pick the elephant, pig, bird or any of the animals as his wife. A woman is a divine idea of God. It was God’s eternal ideal using man as a means of transforming his raw materials called WOMAN. A woman was not created in Genesis 2 but was created when Adam was created.

A woman was hidden in Adam.

The final creature.

The first pregnancy of a man was a woman that he was carrying in his womb, which was revealed in Genesis chapter 2. The woman has attracted features which make her to be attractive to man. God created a man and

A woman of honour called him male. He put him to sleep and created a woman. A woman is a man with a womb and her womb is the gateway through which God passes to bring forth great and mighty men, both in the kingdom of God and the entire society at large. A woman is the icing sugar on a cake. They are the solution to loneliness in mankind.

God was not satisfied until He created a woman and He took time to fashion her. As a woman, you are not a nonentity, you are not a second class citizen, you are not an earth worm and you are cannot be deregulated to the dust. No woman is inferior. She is a womb-man by which God actualises His activities.

Women are involved in the enlargement of any organization because they accept good news faster than men. Every woman is a man, when a man looks at the woman, he is looking at himself. When you avoid a woman, you are avoiding yourself and you cannot avoid yourself and succeed in life. Therefore, we can boldly say that a woman is simply an extension of man with some distinguished features to make her different and attractive to the man.

In Luke 1 vs. 26, a woman was needed for a

Reject privatisation of public trust (1)

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ontinuing from last week, this column is really not about the Church in politics. No, it’s about the Church and the State. Those of us who are majoring in the field of Biblical public affairs have found that there are few materials in this field from where you can draw inference. The Holy Spirit is shining the light, that this is the way to go. Jesus Christ preached a complete gospel by which He affected lives and families. He actually brought into existence what is today called Christianity. These are ‘little Christs’, which is the Church. He also affected nations. He actually insists that “the end can only come after that this gospel of the kingdom has been preached to every nation.” We can then see clearly as we dig deep into Scripture that God has a three-tier governmental approach. These are the family, the church and the state.

The idea of state is a reference to the system of government adopted by a nation. It could be theocracy, democracy, authoritarianism (paramount rulers like kings), communism etc. There are variations of each model. In the reference to the gospel of the kingdom being preached to every nation is a clear reference to every people or group bound by a shared language, culture and usually bequeathed by the Almighty God as a natural resource. The natural resource in my view as well as to all well-meaning people is the common patrimony of these nations.

May we also mention here, as we lay the grundnorm for our discourse in this long journey in this column, that a country is simply a reference to a geographical expression as in land mass. Someone said that God loves common people and that is why he made so many of them.

As we look at history, we see that the sum total of history is His Story. How else can we analyse that nations rise or fall other than on how the nations place emphasis on how to provide for, protect and promote the interest of the greater majority of her people? The Holy Bible declares, “It is an abomination for kings to do wickedness for it is righteousness that establishes a throne.” Again cursed is any that withholdeth corn from the people. I am saying from

the Scriptures mentioned above that the only way to guarantee the continuity of any form of government is that the government must be and clearly be seen to be on the side of the people. It must be a government that is inclusive, a plural state that is accountable and clearly non-extractive. Let’s see the story of Venice, a historical masterpiece that confirms all we are pontificating so far.

The Self-Destruction of the One In the early 14th century, Venice was one of the richest cities in Europe. At the heart of its economy was the colleganza, a basic form of joint-stock company created to finance a single trade expedition.

The brilliance of the colleganza was that it opened the economy to new entrants, allowing risk-taking entrepreneurs to share in the financial upside with the established businessmen who financed their merchant voyages.

Venice’s elites were the chief beneficiaries. Like all open economies, theirs was turbulent. Today, we think of social mobility as a good thing. But if you are on top, mobility also means competition. In 1315, when the Venetian city-state was at the height of its economic powers, the upper class acted to lock in its privileges, putting a formal stop to social mobility with the publication of the Libro d’Oro, or Book of Gold, an official register of the nobility. If you weren’t on it, you couldn’t join the ruling oligarchy.

The political shift, which had begun nearly two decades earlier, was so striking a change that the Venetians gave it a name: La Serrata, or the closure.

It wasn’t long before the political Serrata became an economic one, too. Under the control of the oligarchs, Venice gradually cut off commercial opportunities for new entrants. Eventually, the colleganza was banned.

The reigning elites were acting in their immediate self-interest, but in the longer term, La Serrata was the beginning of the end for them, and for Venetian prosperity more generally. By 1500, Venice’s population was smaller than it had been in 1330. In the 17th and 18th centuries, as the rest of Europe grew, the city continued to shrink.

Faith

divine programme. At old age, Elizabeth delivered John the Baptist who was the forerunner of Jesus. In Judges 13, a woman gave birth to Samson and He used a virgin (woman) to bring forth Jesus. God needs a woman because she is an extension of man. She is a partner to God and also an extension of God through Adam.

Genesis 3 vs. 1 shows that Satan is also interested in a woman for the fulfillment of his evil purpose. A woman is therefore an important vessel needed by all.

A man needs a woman for fulfillment. Judges 4 vs. 4. A woman should be a defensive city.

When God created man, he called them male and female. When Adam named the animals, it was both Adam and Eve that did it. “Mr. man you are not alone, there’s a woman in you.” Your breakthrough in life will not come from far but within you because God the father, Son and Holy Ghost is within you. Therefore God has to beautify and adorn a woman to change and perfect her world.

So, you are a woman of honour.

You can worship with us @ Word of Faith Int’l Church. No. 66 Ohanku Road, Aba, Abia State.

CHURCH in Politics by Oscar Ossai

The story of Venice’s rise and fall is told by the scholars Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson, in their book, ‘Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty’, as an illustration of their thesis that what separates successful states from failed ones is whether their governing institutions are inclusive or extractive. Extractive states are controlled by ruling elites whose objective is to extract as much wealth as they can from the rest of society. Inclusive states give everyone access to economic opportunity; often, greater inclusiveness creates more prosperity, which creates an incentive for ever greater inclusiveness.

The history of the United States can be read as one such virtuous circle.

But as the story of Venice shows, virtuous circles can be broken. Elites that have prospered from inclusive systems can be tempted to pull up the ladder they climbed to the top. Eventually, their societies become extractive and their economies languish.

That was the future predicted by Karl Marx, who wrote that capitalism contained the seeds of its own destruction. And it is the danger America faces today, as the one per cent pulls away from everyone else and pursues an economic, political and social agenda that will increase that gap even further — ultimately destroying the open system that made America rich and allowed its one per cent to thrive in the first place.

You can see America’s creeping Serrata in the growing social and, especially, educational chasm between those at the top and everyone else. At the bottom and in the middle, American society is fraying, and the children of these struggling families are lagging the rest of the world at school.

Economists point out that the woes of the middle class are in large part a consequence of globalisation and technological change. Culture may also play a role. In his recent book on the white working class, the libertarian writer Charles Murray blames the hollowed-out middle for straying from the traditional family values and old-fashioned work ethic that he says prevail among the rich (whom he castigates, but only for allowing cultural relativism to prevail).

There is some truth in both arguments. But the one per cent cannot evade its share of responsibility for the growing gulf in American society.

Economic forces may be behind the rising inequality, but as Peter R. Orszag, President Barack Obama’s former budget chief, told me, public policy has exacerbated rather than mitigated these trends.

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MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Sermon & Faith

The Moment of

Grace

Timothy Akinleye

1. What a friend we have in Jesus!

Who for the love unequalled for us Came to die even as sinners yet we were 2. Oh what greater love there is For one to give his life That his friends may live.

3. His glorious home above In all majesty, honour, glory and power He came without pump and pag eantry.

4. Coming through the manger, Sharing a stable of raw and Beats of sheep for lullaby.

Former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili, addressing youthst at the recent Deeper Life Church youth empowerment prgramme held in Lagos.

All will be well with Nigeria -Bishop Kwakpovwe Stories by TAI ANYANWU

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ublisher of Our Daily Manna and General Overseer of Manna Prayer Mountain Ministry International, Bishop Chris Kwakpovwe, has given the assurance that all will be well with Nigeria; even though the country’s present socio political and economic circumstances may seem gloomy.

The bishop gave the assurance at

the month of March anointing service held at the Inter-Denominational Ministry Centre in Ogudu, Lagos.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Enough is Enough - This Nonsense Must Stop’, Kapkovwe said, “There is no doubt that all will be well with Nigerians and the country as a nation no matter the present challenges they may be going through”.

Speaking later in an interview, his

wife, Rev. (Mrs) Flora Ejiro Kwakpovwe said that Our Daily Manna, has been affecting many lives and generations world-wide.

“ODM devotional booklet has be a of a daily faith lifter as well as a daily terrorist to Satan and his cohorts.

“It has successfully touched millions of lives around Nigeria and the world at large,” she added.

Wale Adenuga’s Worship for Change reaches out to orphans

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orship for Change, social responsibility packages organised by Nigeria ace movie producer, Wale Adenuga, has put smiles on the faces of 120 orphans and children with special needs.

The outreach recently donated N3 million to the special children after a successful concert organised to raise funds for charity.

The Worship for Change benefit concert was held at the Shell Hall of the Muson centre in October, 2013. Famous national and international including Artistes Bob Fitts, Muyiwa Olarewaju, Flo, Freke Umoh, PITA and Psalmos performed at the event.

New Telegraph on Sunday gathered that funds raised at the concert were in excess of N3m.

According to our source, N1.55 million was donated to the Centre for Destitute Empowerment, Idimu, Lagos which caters for 82 children - orphans and kids with special needs.

The other N1.55 million went to God’s Will Orphanage, Ayingba, Kogi State, having 45 children.

The convener of Worship for Change, Wale Adenuga, said it has helped to raise tremendous awareness and disbursed over N20m to provide support for thousands of children through its yearly concert since inception in 2006.

The beneficiaries include Hearts of

Gold Hospice, Surulere; Arrows of God Orphanage, Ajah; Hephzibah Orphanage, Badagry; Patrick Speech and Language Centre, GRA Ikeja; Society for the Safety of the Insane and Destitute (SO-SAID); Total Child Educational Foundation, Surulere and Raco child and rural care, Ibeju, Lekki, Adenuga explained.

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6. He came, he fought he conquered: Not the Roman rulers of the day Not the Temple priests that be.

7. Not as a warlord in running battle, Not as a judge in the Roman court guided by the sword But as Prince of Peace anointed with power of the Word.

8. Oh what a candid King, what a humble Husband What a tender Teacher, what a pure Preacher What a serving Master, what a loving Leader.

9.

What a gentle General, what a tender Terror What a divine Darling, what a glorious God What a memorable moment, what a gracious grace.

10. Rejected by His own, desired by the gentiles The dishonoured Prophet, the deserted Temple Honoured without, despised within.

HGM holds monthly crusade igher Ground Ministry International says the March edition of its monthly crusade will be used to revive the mandate of Jesus Christ according to Luke 4.

Founder of the ministry, Dr. Ayo Oyaronbi, said in a statement that the crusade, scheduled for Monday March 31, 2014 will be used to open the eyes of those who are unaware of the works of the powers of darkness.

Oyaronbi, who explained that both rich and poor are plagued by ‘utter blindness’. noted, “Many people love darkness more than light and are afraid that their evil works may come to light and be exposed.”

For this purpose, the ministry is hosting its monthly fasting and prayer pro-

5. That all: rich and poor High and low To him access may gain.

gramme with the theme, ‘Uncommon Mercy’ to open the eyes of the people to the truth and to set people free from various categories of captivity.

“The programme is targeted at reviving the mandate of Jesus Christ according to Luke 4 when he went to synagogue on a Sabbath day. The book was given to Him to read and He found the place where it is written: the spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor,” the statement said.

The March edition comes up at the church auditorium at 1, Agnes Adeniran Close, Off Risikat Majaro Road, U-turn B/stop Abule Egba, Lagos Abeokuta Expressway, Lagos. The event will start at 9am and last till 3pm.

11. Miracle Worker, Greatest Physician Submissive in life, victorious in death Glorious in holiness, fearful in praises.

12. Led to the cross like an lamb Nailed, crowned, pierced on His side That the Fount of Life from Him may flow.

13. To you I look in submission and in awe To you I give my life to live for Thee And to bask in the joy of victory.

14. The Victory of the Cross The abundance of life eternal in your death The Moment of Grace in the garden.

This is a reflection on the moment of grace whereupon Christ died for us.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

Power of the WORD by

Mrs Izuchukwu Chukwudeb elu izuchukwudebelu@yahoo.com or phone +2348028390885, +2348056027044.

A Holistic Approach or we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. Therefore, I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. II Cor. 13:9-11.

I believe in a holistic approach.

We are not just arms and legs, eyes and ears, a heart and a brain, but complete human beings. The whole person goes to work and the whole person comes home. We take family problems to work and work problems to the family. What happens when we take family problems to work? Our stress level goes up and our productivity comes down. Similarly, work problems have an impact not only on our family but on every aspect of our lives. Personal, professional and social problems impact each other.

I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites?

So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes

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above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands. II Cor. 11:21-33.

Apostle Paul was a genius of his age because he was able to adapt to any situation, condition or environment he found himself. No wonder he was able to affect the great and the mighty across the then Asian continent, his persecutors and op-

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Faith

Winning attitude positions notwithstanding. I have been privileged to explore Paul’s missionary journey across Israel, Italy, Greece and Turkey. He was a kingdom Lilliputian of no comparison. You are not disadvantaged and don’t make people think you are. Let me ask you: Are we born with attitudes or do we develop them as we mature? What are the factors that form our attitudes? If you have a negative outlook on life because of your environment, can you change your attitude? Most of our attitudes were shaped during our formative years. While we were born with tendencies toward temperaments, there are three factors that largely determine our attitude formation. These are the terrible E’s of attitude: Environment, Experience and Education.

In the next article we shall evaluate each of these factors individually.

And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them. And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria. II Kgs 2:24-46.

You are not to be a captive of your environment. Environment consists of the following: School – peer pressure, Social environment, Home – positive or negative influence, Traditions and beliefs, Cultural background, Work: supportive or over-critical supervisor, Media – television, newspaper, magazines, radio, movies, Political

Christian Fasting

lot of us fast for different reasons but not all kinds of fasting are acceptable to God. As a child of God or a Christian, there is Christian fasting.

That is according to Matthew 26 vs 40-41 where the Holy Bible talks about true fasting. This is a story about when Jesus was about to be crucified and his disciples were supposed to pray. But they were weak and Jesus was telling them they needed to fast and pray. Why? Because a lot of people are in dry fasting in Matthew 25 but there is a greater fasting that if we do it according to the Scriptures, you see a greater result.

What is fasting? It is the denial of physical nourishment for the body.

The first purpose of fasting is to subdue our flesh. The second is to break every hindrance as a child of God. Lastly, it is to overcome temptations of all kinds. That is why the Bible tells Christians to pray so that they wouldn’t fall into temptation. An example of that can be seen in Romans 7vs 18-25. So the way the Holy Spirit can help us overcome the lust of the flesh is by bringing the flesh under subjection through Christ (Rom 8vs1-14). So, the only way you can

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be free from the flesh is by fasting. You have to have the spirit of God in you. Galatians 9 also talks about how you can have the spirit of Christ.

It is not the kind of fasting where a lot of people will show that they are fasting. It is not the type that when people talk to you, you will tell them, “Don’t you know I’m fasting?”

Everybody will know and they will begin to have mercy on you. Such a fast has no reward because people will be praising you that you are trying for doing seven, 20, 30 days fasting, instead of the glory to be given to God but you have collected all the glory.

According to Galatians 5vs 17 it explains that any time we feed our flesh and hold our spirit what will happen is in chapter 5vs 19 of the same Galatians. So, we need to fast so that the spirit man will grow and subdue the flesh.

Fasting makes someone to be righteous because it is the kingdom of God and joy in the Holy Ghost. It gives peace of mind and joy from inwards. In Daniel 9vs 2-3, Daniel was waiting upon the Lord. He was fasting for 21 days

environment, among others.

All these environments create a culture. Every place, be it home, organisation or country, has a culture. For example, you have probably been to a church where you find staff from workers and managers to sales clerks alike are polite, helpful, friendly and cheerful. Yet at another ministry or shop, you find the staff to be rude and discourteous. You go to a home and find that the staff are rude and discourteous. You go to a home and find parents and children well-behaved, courteous and considerate. You go to another home where everyone is fighting like cat and dog. In countries where the government or political environment is honest, generally you will find that the people are honest, law abiding and helpful.

And the reverse is true too. In a corrupt environment, an honest person has a hard time.

Whereas in an honest environment, a corrupt person has a tough time, in a positive environment, a marginal performer’s output goes up. In a negative environment, a good performer’s output goes down. Culture in any place always goes from the top down, never from the bottom up. We need to step back and look at what kind of environment we have created for ourselves and those around us. It is tough to expect positive behaviour in a negative environment. In societies where lawlessness becomes the law, honest citizens become cheats, crooks and dacoits. Take

some time to evaluate how the environment that you are affects you, and the one you create affects others. If a church environment you find yourself is not conducive for you to freely access God and do His will, you need not to wait for any prophecy before you relocate. You can never get your way right in a wrong environment. When Jesus went to preach to His own people in Galilee, they disdained Him. He marvelled at their unbelief and relocated to preach to others who had faith in Him. Even Paul told the Jews that their blood was on their heads when they reviled and opposed his doctrine. Stop pretending to be fulfilled in a wrong environment because in the actual sense you are not. Environment is strong factor in the school of winning. Wisdom demands that you clear off from a wrong environment before it clears you off.

Joseph cleared off from the unholy environment occasioned by his master’s wife. Wisdom says ‘flee when you should.

EXPERIENCE And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake. And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it. And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me.

Prophetic Unction by Samuel Daniel

www.globalgraceonline.org, 08060143296.

until when the report of what he was fasting for came down. Some people think that fasting can give them what they are looking for.

No! The fasting you are doing is to subdue your own flesh so that you will not be carnal. It’s like someone that wants to go and cut a tree and you sharpen your knife so that it will get sharper.

Fasting sharpens your prayer life and makes you more stronger.

There are things you need to do when fasting and they are stated here: 1. You must confess all your sins 2. You must humble yourself

before the Lord 3. You have to study the word of God 4. Forgive others their sins 5. Don’t accuse anybody 6. You must complete your fasting. Your fasting should not just be a religious fasting but a Christian fasting that can break yokes. Finally, we will read Psalm 119 which is an important verse for prayer and fasting. If you follow a religious fast, you will do it the way your church usually does it.

But Christian fasting should be followed in order to be rewarded.

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/ Faith Sermon Interview

MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

‘Can’t eat your cake and have it’ Hour of LIBERATION by

Chidi Anthony Tel: 08124284979

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hat is your purpose for coming to the church of God? Some people are here to collect miracles and run away. That is why a crippled will be healed in the church and after you will never see him in church again. Jesus healed 10 lepers and only one came back to say thanks to the Master. Jesus asked a question, ’What about the other nine?’ That means the other nine where after miracles and immediately they received theirs, they went their own way. Jesus speaking in the scripture say, “Behold I have given power to thread upon serpents and scorpions and over all the powers of the enemy. By no means shall anything hurt you.”

He said first; ‘I see Satan falling like lightning. Then He said I give you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and all the powers of the enemy. Listen.

Who are those who will receive the power? The power will be upon only those who believe. As the Bible says, whoso believes shall cast out demons. It says this power is given to everybody.

It is you who will train your mind to believe or not to believe. Hear me, the power has been given to

you to tread upon serpents and scorpions. What are the serpents and scorpions? They are problems that confront people. Those things that want to stop you from moving forward.

God said, ‘I have given you this power to trample upon them; but that you can only exercise this power when you know who gave the power to you. Am I communicating? It is only when you know that God who gave you that power that you can exercise the power.

If you know and serve that God who gave you that power when you pronounce that word it will have effect. The Bible said in the book of Isaiah 54:1, “No weapon fashioned against you shall prosper. “ Everything Tom and Harry, so far as you have entered into church one day, knows the quotation. Even unbelievers know that quotation. But why then is every weapon fashioned against some people prospering in their live?

When you go down the scripture, the Bible says that this thing is the inheritance of those that serve Him. That means that if you are not a servant of the Most High, if you are not a believer that power is not meant for you. If you

are not a real child of God, there is no need for you to quote that scripture because it will never work for you. It will not have any effect in your life, because it is meant for believer. Who are you and what kind of life do you live.

Jesus said don’t rejoice because you can perform miracles; don’t rejoice because things are working fine for you; but rejoice because your names are written in the book of live.

Most times, it appears that pastors do not have problems.

But I am going to tell us something about why it looks so. Pastors do have their own fair share of problems of the world. It appears so because pastors have heard about a lot of problems. For instance, my office is meant to listen to people’s problems and care.

Sometimes I will have mountains of needs, up to not having provision for the next meal for me and my family. And while I am listening to other peoples’ problems, I will come across someone who has not had anything to eat for the past two weeks. Then I will change my pattern of prayer and say, then you Jesus.

There are kinds of problems I hear about in the course of my daily counselling and I wonder if these things happen at all. But to you who is not used hearing problems of a bizarre nature, when such befalls you, you complain as if God has abandoned you. God cannot abandon you. I have never seen

Importance of reading with revelation (2)

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ow do you interpret: for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the prince of peace. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood - Isa 9:6, 1Tim3:16, Matt 1:23, Acts 20:28. Do you mean you have proper interpretation of these scriptures and still lack the revelation that: there is only one God Almighty whose name is Jesus Christ; there are no three persons in one God; the Jehovah of the Old Testament is the same Jesus Christ of the New Testament; and God Himself who has power to do all things died to purchase us with His own blood? Have you not read: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptised everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost;

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And he commanded them to be baptised in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. When they heard this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. And all the men were about twelve. - Mark 16:16, Matt 28:19, Acts 2: 38 and 41, 10:48, 19:5 and 7. Are you sure you have excellent interpretation of these scriptures and still: refuse to be baptised; baptize infants by sprinkling their faces with water; baptise in the titles of father, son and Holy Ghost; organise classes with examination for baptism or hold to your deceptive opinion that since the thief on the cross was not baptized, baptism by immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ Who died for us, is not important.

Do not be confused, the scripture we read says baptising them in the name, not names. The above scriptures made us know that the apostles got the interpretation that the name of those titles is Lord Jesus Christ and that was why they baptised people in the name of Lord Jesus Christ. The Almighty God decided to use those titles of Father, Son and Holy Ghost to fulfill His divine purposes in creation, redemption and continuation of His life in His children, knowing that without Him we can do nothing.

Check the Bible, all the baptisms were done in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.

The evidence that you gladly believe and receive God even Lord Jesus Christ as your saviour is to submit to baptism. Also if you are not baptised the way others did it in the scriptures we read above, your sins will not be

someone who serves God that God has abandoned. You can’t serve God and go hungry. The problem people have today is that they put their hands into wrong doings in order to make money, because they are afraid of the future.

There was a young man that had been serving for God over seven years. He was the best worker in his church for over seven years; and because he waited for God to bless him, he thought that God was too late. So he went to his friend who led him to where he went to do medicine for money. He use dhis manhood to do the money ritual. They gave him a big coffin to keep in his house. He kept the coffin inside his ward robe. He was told that after three days, the coffin would be filled with money.

After three days, he opened the ward robe and it was filled with money. He was very happy, rejoicing and thinking about many things he would do with the money such as buy land, cars, houses. And as he was yet thinking, he heard a knock at the door. He opened the door and behold, DHL delivered a letter.

An oil company where he had submitted his CV for a plum job had called him to come and start work. He was to have a Camry latest model as his official car, a duplex as official residence and a salary of over N1 million. He did not know what to do. He ran down to the baba that did the money rituals for him, saying,

baba return back my manhood, I don’t want again. And baba said to him, it is already too late.

That moment you decide to backslide might be your moment of elevation. If you think that I am making up this story, go to the internet and log on to the Church of Satan; check out all the prominent musicians of this world. You will find out that majority are members of the Church of Satan; because they want to make money, become famous that is why they die quick. The Bible says what shall it profit a man to gain the world and lose his life? I am not afraid of he who can kill the flesh but I am afraid of he who can kill the flesh and also kill the soul.

Who are you, and what life do you live? The scriptures say, by strength shall no man prevail. If God did not guard a city, the guard watches in vain. Allow God; put God first in whatever you are doing. Jesus says Satan has fallen; power and authority has been given to you, one thing you should also bear in mind is rejoice not because things are working fine for you, but rejoice because your name is written in heaven. We have heard stories about people close to us that died suddenly. Nobody knows whose turn it would be next. But if you die now where will you spend eternity? The best thing that can happen to someone is that after you die, you should go to the place where you will have eternal peace.

Mysteries of God by Luke Okafor

remitted and God will not give you His Holy Ghost that shows that you are saved and belong to Him. You must decide now to whom you belong to. The interpretation of the above scriptures regarding baptism is clear, simple and its disobedience has damnable penalty. It is as serious as that.

Have you not read: Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

But I suffer not a woman to teach nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home; for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. But if any man be ignorance, let him be ignorant- 1Tim2:11-12, 1 Cor. 14:34-35, 38. Do you have clear

interpretation of these scriptures and still permit shame in your church by allowing women to usurp authority as preachers, deaconesses and reverends.

The scripture above gave us the interpretation that this New Testament record of the position of women in the churches of God is the same in the law (Old Testament). Our women are highly respectable and intelligent but the God some of them claim to serve forbids them to usurp authority in churches. It is only proud, overzealous, carnal and disobedient women that read this clear command of God and still retain their titles of preachers (teachers, pastors, evangelists and bishops), deaconess, reverend etc. Esther and Ruth did not write the books of Esther and Ruth.

Okafor writes from Christian Ministry of Reconciliation, 10, Bode Joseph Street,Ifako, Lagos.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

Interview

Assign more roles to mothers - Pastor Odubiyi Pastor Taiwo Odubiyi is the President of Tender Heart Family Support Initiative, Vice President of Still Waters Church and a multiaward winning author on relationships. She urges mothers to arise, empower themselves and play their role as agents of positive change in our society. She spoke to TAI ANYANWU What does celebrating Mother’s Day means to you?

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elebrating Mother’s Day means appreciating and honouring mothers and motherhood on a particular day, and I think it’s a wonderful thing and very appropriated. This wonderful being called Mother needs and deserves to be celebrated. This is why the Bible says in Proverbs 31:31 “Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her own works praise her in the gates!”

I am grateful to God as every mother should be for the privilege to be called ‘Mummy.’ It is the Lord’s doing and definitely not by power or might. And as the Bible says, this great thing that God has done shall be forever, nothing can be added to it or taken away from it.

On that special Mother’s Day, I take time to do three things: thank God for His goodness and mercy toward me and my family; reflect on what and how I a m

doing as a mother; reach out to other mothers around me, to put a smile on their faces.

As I tell the women in my church, every married woman should know that she is a mother. If she doesn’t have a child yet, she’s a mother to every child around her, while she’s waiting for her own. It’s a matter of time.

What are your expectations from your husband and children on mothering Sunday?

It’s good to be celebrated and appreciated.

Every mother will expect to be honoured that day and it’s easy to understand why. She does a lot and sacrifices a lot. I will expect my husband and children to celebrate me too and this is very Biblical. Proverbs 31:28 says, “Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her.”

I know my family will tell me how much they love me. Whatever they give me or do for me is okay by me because the truth is that whether they give me a gift or not, God has made me a mother to not only my children but several people around me. They love me; I am their mother; that is enough for me.

What makes you proud to be a mother?

I’m always grateful to God and proud when I consider the number of lives I have affected positively and will still affect in my journey of motherhood.

Seeing my children doing the right things and knowing that my efforts are not in vain makes me happy.

I’d like to encourage mothers at this point to not give up on any of their children.

They should be close to them.

Have you ever

felt like, ‘Oh, how I wish I were the man here.’ I would like you to talk about peculiar challenges that mothers have to cope with?

No, never. It has never occurred to me to think that way. I know my purpose in life and I am proud of whom God has made me, a woman and a mother. A woman can feel that way or be resentful if she is not happy in her marriage or she’s not getting enough support from her husband. When a woman is overworked or she feels used, then she may moan in distress, “Oh how I wish!” But I’m married to a Godfearing man who loves me and cares for his family. He also knows his role and plays it well.

But there’s no doubt that mothers face some challenges that are peculiar to them.

Some of them are: 1) Today’s mothers have to work, either at a job or at home. With the economic situation, mothers can no longer sit back and fold their arms. They are looking for what to do to make money to support the family. Yet they are expected to handle the home front well. 2) At the same time, mothers have to take care of the house, do the dishes, the laundry, the cleaning and the cooking. 3) They have to love and take care of their children, see to their homework, and train them.4) They must love and meet the needs of their husbands even if they are worn out by the end of the day.

Some husbands don’t assist their wives with house chores. 5) Mothers are also expected to be perfect and good examples to their children and if anything goes wrong, they are blamed.

Yet mothers are coping well with love and patience. Indeed, they deserve to be appreciated.

In our society today, it is evident that the value system has suffered a negative plunge. Where have we missed it?

Mothers used to be in the shadows, only to be seen but not heard but they actually have a lot they can do to bring a positive change to the society and the world at large. Due to the incredible work mothers do at home and even at work, the level of success they achieve, the strength and influence they have, they can be agents of change in the society to check corruption, violence, and destruction.

Nations need to recognise the power of influence that mothers have and assign more mothers to key positions in the government.

It is believed that mothers can make the necessary difference. Could you tell us the roles of a mother as a change agent in the society?

To be agents of change in the society, mothers need to know the qualities and abilities they possess. They need to know that they can get things done if they so desire;

God created them to be able to love and have compassion. They also have the power of influence. In 2Timothy 1:5 in the Bible, Godliness and faith in God were passed on through three generations. Lois was Godly and she passed it on to her daughter Eunice who in turn influenced her son Timothy to be Godly. Mothers are also strong. Many of them have gone through troubles and trials, yet they are still standing. They survived and overcame, and this shows inner strength that can be used to change the society.

To achieve this change, (1) mothers need to first of all, do a good job of teaching and raising their children properly. This change starts from home and as the Bible says, when the children grow up, they will not depart from the way. It’s important that mothers take their responsibility serious, doing a good job of it will eventually reflect in the society. (2) To further affect the society, they have to be available. (3) Be involved in their communities and what is going on in the society just as they are involved in their children’s lives. (4) Be good role models as the society is filled with dubious role models.

Mothers have the power of influence. Mothers should rise up and model with integrity. (5) Be ready to step out to speak out. Talking is easy yet very powerful and can achieve a lot.

Why is it said that women are their own enemies?

Human beings generally can be their own worst enemies if care is not taken. Our destiny is in our hands and not in anybody’s hands.

What people think about themselves and their abilities matter, and most of the time, their thoughts are what stop them in life.

Do you imagine women taking advantage of their enormous influence, number and power of mobilisation to change Nigeria’s political landscape as messed up by the male race?

Women have the power of influence and they are a force to be reckoned with. But if a woman is ignorant of her ability, she can achieve nothing. Sometimes women claim they are not allowed to work but most of the time, they are the ones limiting themselves.

Some women feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities at home. As such, they don’t want to do anything else or concern themselves with what is going on around them.

They feel they don’t have time or energy to do any more.

But women should rise up, empower themselves and see what they can do to bring a positive change in the society.

A little they do can go a long way. From experience, when women are put in positions of authority and power, they perform well and are less corrupt. Because they are women, they are more intuitive.

Therefore, in taking decisions, they can take advantage of it and excel better with quick results.

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MARCH 30, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Faith

The Voice of

Dominion by

Bishop David Oyedepo

Phone: 7747546-8; E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

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ast week, we learnt about the pathways to light, how to engage in target study and the proof that you have found light. This week, we shall be examining, How To Engage Revelation For Exploits, and Revelation as master key to exploits.

How To Engage Revelation For Exploits: • Look out for relevant resources in your areas of interest: Look out for relevant resources; it will open you up in the areas of your deficiency to know what to do; because knowing what to do is what engenders exploits.

There are men who are light bearers and by their light we see light. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light (Psalm 36:9). In spite of the wisdom and understanding of Daniel, he said, “I Daniel understood by books…” (Daniel 9:2).

• Reach out for those who have obtained what you are striving to obtain: Look out for those who have what you are looking for. There is nothing new under the sun; ask for the steps

they took and take steps after them and you will command the same order of results. Only those who mind history make history. The smartest of men are those who are hunting for biographies in areas of their pursuit. So, don’t be slothful, go after those who have obtained, and you will get there (Hebrews 6:12).

• Give yourself wholly to the things you have found: Give yourself to what you have found during your search for light so that they can produce maximally in your life. When you do that, your profiting will appear to all.

Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all (1Timothy 4:15).

What you get from any act of obedience is a function of your spiritual understanding of it; it is not just obedience that counts, understanding also counts.

The good news today is that your struggle is over, in the name of Jesus!

Revelation: Master Key To Exploits: Revelation is no respecter of nations; wherever light shines, darkness

Understanding The Master Key To Exploits! (4) bows. Revelation commands the same authority anywhere under the sun. The problem is not with the nation that we live in, or the occupation we engage in; the problem is inadequate illumination to dominate our situations. Nothing dominates life situations like divine illumination (John 1:5).

Our access to light requires the empowerment of the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Jesus was empowered with the Spirit of wisdom, counsel and knowledge, which made Him of quick understanding. He became supernaturally intelligent, so He had the capacity to comprehend spiritual things. If Jesus needed to be empowered by the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, then you and I also need to be empowered.

The master key to exploits is the Word of God; not just the word, but understanding of the Word. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Proverbs 4:7). It is our depth of understanding that determines the degree of production. Thus, spiritual understanding is our greatest asset, as believers, in the journey of life, because our destiny is limited by our insight.

Revelation changes our levels and these changes are unending. Increased revelation leads to increased exploits. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord(2 Corinthians 3:18).

No darkness can challenge the authority of

The power of your circumstance

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he righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” Ps34:17-19 At every point in the life of a man, there arise crisis capable of making a mockery of his faith or trust in the Almighty. That situation you are passing through, if not properly managed, could influence you negatively. A covenant child of God could find himself in uncomfortable circumstances, but when he cries to God, the assurance is that God will hear him and turn his situation around. Circumstances are unpleasant situations which come into your life and often demean or bring you lower than your original status.

“And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment” Matthew 9:20 Here’s the story of the woman with the issue of blood for 12 years. This situation had redefined her, bringing shame and disgrace into her life. This continued unabated until she was able to touch the hem of Jesus garment.

She endured the pain, shame and agony and her faith in God saw her through.

Situations of life could silence you if you lack the knowledge to handle them. Your present condition might be an embarrassing one, but refuse to give up, for God will surely settle you sooner than you expect. Everyone faces such circumstances at different times and levels. The three Hebrew boys were thrown

revelation. No situation can resist the power of revelation (Hebrews 1:3). It is revelation that brings about elevation. If you want to be elevated, go for revelation. No one ever climbs higher than the level of revelation he has encountered.

Friend, the grace to engage revelation for exploits is available to those saved. You get saved as you confess your sins, forsake them and accept Jesus as your personal Saviour and Lord. If you are set for this new birth experience, please say this prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. I cannot help myself. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood.

Deliver me from sin and satan, to serve the Living God. Today, Lord Jesus, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You, for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! I will conclude this teaching next week. The Exceeding Grace of God shall be your portion this year, in the name of Jesus!

Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, you can get my books — The Force Of Freedom, Walking In Dominion and Born To Win. 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., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m. and 10.45 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.

into a fiery furnace for refusing to disobey God, failing to bow to the graven idol of Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den for doing the will of God. The children of Israel encountered the Red Sea in the course of walking in God’s agenda. But the most interesting part of all these circumstances was that God was readily available to deliver them, putting their adversaries to shame.

Beloved, there is no situation you are in now that God cannot change if only you call upon Him in faith and sincerity of heart.

There is no gainsaying the fact that unpalatable situations of life are potent enough to make even the toughest of men go haywire.

“Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad…”(Ecc7:7) Of a surety is it that circumstances of life are capable of making a child of God disenchanted, but surer is the fact that God is presently present to deliver them, thereby proving Himself.

The Bible says, oppression makes even a wise man mad. That circumstance that will make you leave the presence of God, I see Him de-

liver you this moment in the name of Jesus.

The way and manner in which you approach or manage the circumstance you find yourself per time will determine how you end in destiny. John the Baptist in the course of his assignment publicly announced the emergence of the Messiah (John1:29-31). However, he soon found himself in a situation; “Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” Matt11:2-3 The same John, Christ’s forerunner, introducing Him to the world, now has allowed his circumstance to becloud his reasoning. After John the Baptist made this statement, even Christ Himself was disappointed.

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” Matt11:4-6 God can take away your tears only if you refuse to be offended in Him. Each time we display acts of this nature, the Almighty becomes disappointed because the end result of it is often destruction. Never allow your present situation make you think of finding alternatives.

The king of Israel was critically ill and had to go and enquire from Beelzebub, the god of

Ekron, whether or not he would recover (II Kings 1:2-4). Friends, your attitude and decision will determine whether you will overcome your situation or you will be swept away with it. Don’t indulge in the sin of idolatry because of your condition. God might delay you because He wants to prove something through you.

Don’t lose your confidence in God because you are not going to die in that situation. God might only be using the situation to humble you, prove you or know what is in your heart; whether or not you would still remain faithful.

If God cannot help you, no one can. Your situation is not the conclusion of your life, your story will surely change. Repent and have a rethink.

Know the mind of God concerning your situation (Jeremiah 37:17). Do whatever He tells you.

Don’t conclude like John the Baptist. Develop a fighting spirit, prove to the devil that you are stronger than the problem. Touch the altar of God with quality sacrifice. Recognise that you are not alone because God is with you. He will surely see you through in Jesus name.

PRAYER POINTS  As the Lord lives, I shall see the end of my trouble and affliction!  I shall not seek any alternative outside God concerning my troubles!  Every circumstance of life taking me to the camp of the enemy, expire today by the blood of Jesus!  Holy Spirit, renew my strength to fight and win battles that have captured my breakthrough!

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY MARCH 30, 2014

THE Oracles of God by

Frank Oboden Olomukoro frankolomukoro@yahoo.com

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igns, wonders, miracles, healings, prophecies, speaking in tongues, forth-telling etc. are spiritual fire works used by God as veritable tools to announce His awesome presence and deliver His messages. These are like lightning before the thunder. They are attractions on the mountain to compel the attention of a target audience to the scene of occurrence awaiting delivery.

When Moses saw the burning bush and yet the bush was not consumed, it was a spectacular sight. He got attracted. When he turned to look, the voice of God rang out. Exodus 3:1 – 10.

What was the message? “Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people, the children of Israel out of Egypt”. Do you know some sects have made a doctrine out of this? Because God told Moses “remove your shoes, where you stand is a Holy ground” they refrain to wear shoes? The attention, the emphasis given to signs and the likes by preachers and church leaders has taken the juice out of the overwhelming importance of the word of God, which is God Himself; whereas signs are mere attributes.

Signs and wonders are not the

same as the word of God (Scriptures).

The gift cannot equate as the giver.

Incredible as they may be, they are supernatural works that are indeed not accruable to human power or the laws of nature. They are attributable to the divine God, the original miracle worker. This is the bad news; the devil does signs, wonders, miracles, healing, speaking in tongues and prophecies too through his false ministers (pastors, prophets, apostles, teachers, evangelists and preachers) and members. Wherever there is a true vine, the false vine stands by as a counterfeit, imitating the original seed and you must have discernment of the Holy Spirit to decipher the Spirit of Truth from the Spirit of error, the false vine – 1 John 4:1 – 3. Where there is an Abel, the true vine, Cain stands by as the false vine. So are Jacob and Esau, Jesus and Judas, standing side by side; that is what to expect in every revival.

We must not major or dwell on signs and wonders. Good as they maybe, they are only a spiritual mirage. If we do so, we stand on false ground and are liable to fall into the pit of damnation. I concede that signs and miracles are exciting, captivating and hold the onlooker spellbound by

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Faith

Signs and wonders virtue of their spectacular results, profound and remarkable feat and extraordinary phenomenon and marvel. That is why they are highly priced tools of deception in the hands of the devil. After every wonder, notwithstanding the healings, the raising of the dead and the telling of the A – Z of your past and future life by the respected minister, be sure to ask, what is the message? Read Deuteronomy 13:1 – 5 “If there arise among you a Prophet, or a dreamer of dreams and giveth thee a sign or a wonder. And the sign or the wonder came to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them. Thou shall not hearken unto the words of that Prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the Lord your God proveth you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your Soul.” God is saying in effect; consider the message, the scriptures, over and above the signs or wonders.

In Acts 8:9 – 11, we are told of a sorcerer who was a great preacher but he was a wizard. “But there was a certain man called Simon which before time in the same city used sorcery and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one.”

(Not God taking the glory) to whom they all gave heed from the least to the greatest, saying this man is the great power of God. The instances of the Prophet, the dreamer and this great Evangelist (Simon the sorcerer), if one may ask, where did they lead the people to?

No where! Not even to God. Their intent and purpose is not to serve God’s interest but their own interest and gratification. But notice Phillip in that same city of Samaria, he projected Christ, his Master, not himself.

Through the power of God, the people were delivered, healed and it caused great joy and testimony in their lives in the city. But more importantly, they repented of their sins, were baptised by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ and later were baptised by the Holy Ghost.

A divine secret t gives me great pleasure today to open up on a divine secret. I’m talking about a secret embedded in the reality of God. When she first emerged, she came as a surprise gift to Adam.

Some say she is ‘double filtered’, and I dare say it is true; Adam being formed from the earth and she being formed from Adam. That is double filtration.

As a result of this, she comes out as a finer, refined, smoother, supple, attractive and beautiful version of the creation called man.

This was done on purpose because she is meant to appeal to the senses as a subtle fulfillment of companionship.

Much of her beauty lies in this basic difference she came as a compliment and not a competitor. In this, God did wonders by primarily demoting strife of supremacy in a man/woman relationship.

She was also made “weaker” by design in order to create room for the ‘expansion’ programme of the Lord to be accomplished.

But this weakness is also a fundamental style and foolproof ploy of God to hide big things inside small packs.

You know, one of the attributes of God is to use the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.

This simply means that she was ab initio elevated to the status of a ‘co-creator’, an extension of divinity.

Whenever God wants to incubate a generational wonder, He does so by confiding in the woman. And

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for a whole nione months she will carry that secret and be trusted to deliver. She always does!

Eventually, when this wonder arrives, she takes up the unique work of a nurturer. When men realised this truth they aptly said: “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.”

That is a great responsibility.

Now, that makes me wonder why there should be any confusion in their roles. She already has her hands full joining forces with the man to increase multiplication.

But then she has an elastic nature that gives the ability to stretch forth and birth more than her soft nature suggests. You can trust her with secrets and her wisdom is something else. Her knack for deep insight is unparalleled.

Joechebed, Moses’ mother, was the one that threw him into the River Nile in order to preserve him. This would look irrational, but it’s only a person who knows more than her contemporaries that can take such a risk.

Without consulting anyone, she knew what to do and it worked out.

Do you know why? It’s because a divine heavenly secret has been dropped into her consciousness.

She swung into action because she saw that Moses was more ‘goodly’ than all the babies slaughtered

by Pharaoh.

Stronger than her looks, the woman can hide and bear pains. She is no stranger to it. The travail

Phillip put God (Eternal life) into their lives and drove out devils (spiritual death) from their lives. Simon Peter and John at the Beautiful Gate caused a great attraction when in the name of Jesus Christ, a notable man that was lame was healed and he walked and leaped.

Acts 3:1 – 19. The onlookers were filled with wonders and amazement at that which happened unto him.

Hear what Peter told the people in Acts 3:12. “Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? Why look ye earnestly on us as though in our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?” He anchored the message in Acts 3:19 “Repent ye therefore and be converted, that your sin may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”

On the day of Pentecost, in Acts 2, there was this spectacular sign of “a mighty rushing wind” accompanied by the “speaking in tongues.” It was a remarkable feat and “interpretation of the tongue.”

It was profound and phenomenal. Great spiritual fire works that created a feeling of surprise and curiosity sparked off the gathering of the proselytes.

But down in Acts 2:37 – 40, the Gospel message Peter preached struck conviction in the hearts of the people until they asked “what shall we do?” Peter led them unto water baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ same day and the baptism of the Holy Ghost. If you are just a miracle seeker, how much God will bless you; dashing from one church to the other, great as that may be; you may be chasing shadows. Your soul is God’s ultimate target, not necessarily your body even though it is important.

“What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his soul?” Jesus once told the seekers of miracles in John 6:1, 26 & 27 “and a great multitude followed him because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased but Jesus told them ‘labour not for the meat, which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth into everlasting life.

Revelational LOVE by

Franca Anyanwu

08033408354 or email: francaanyawu@gmail.com of child bearing can bear such witness. Yet she is such a joy to be with, as she radiates beauty all around her. This might sound trite but let me still say it; she multiples whatever you give her. Give her a seed and she presents to you a baby; give her some change, she serves you a buffet. Give her a house, she turns it into a home and makes you the king therein.

But here is another dangerous secret: don’t try to give her anger because you might receive rage in return.

Love her and she opens up paradise. She is so resourceful with her time and so creative in her abilities. Meet her in the corporate world, and you see an epitome of integrity.

She is a woman, the sunshine of her world. In a class of her own, she is complex in Him who created her and a compliment.

She came out from man but gives birth to men God can never make mistakes.

She is not an afterthought, she came last of creation, so that her presence would be appreciated. The Holy Bible describes her as ‘an help meet.’ A help is not crippled either physically or spiritually, else she would not be a help at all.

But she is a play thing or toy for any man; neither should she see herself as one. She is meant to marry and compliment a man; not to marry a fellow woman!

No, that is an abomination.

A woman that sees all she is meant to be should be all that she is created to be LOVE YOU WOMAN You can worship with us @ Divine Heritage Ministries Int’l.

No.142 Aba-Owerri Road, Aba, Abia State.

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T

oday in this column, I’m dwelling on a recommendation for all the delegates at the on-going National Conference.

They should look for the third alternative solution to some of the problems that would crop up in the course of deliberation at the conference. We would be deluding ourselves to think that it would be smooth-sailing during the conference.

Of course, it won’t. There would be arguments, intractable issues would come up.

And as a delegate, the Lamido Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Mustapha threatened, things could get to a stage that could lead to some delegates staging a walk out. It has happened before. But all these could be avoided if the delegates adopt the third alternative.

Third alternative is not my creation; I am only drawing the delegates’ attention to it. It is a book written by renowned author of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey.

For about three days last week, delegates at the conference failed to agree on the critical issue of the voting pattern to adopt in reaching decisions.

President Jonathan, while inaugurating the conference, had suggested consensus or in the event of the failure of that, to settle for 75 per cent agreement. But this became a subject of heated debates as some preferred President Jonathan’s suggestion while a few believe that two-third majority would just do. Human Rights lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, justified the stance of the two-third majority proponents thus: “Let’s take a scenario where 74 per cent votes for an issue, less than one (1) per cent of what is being suggested, it means that that issue would not sail through.” He noted that vital decisions all over the world are always based on two-third majority and that a lot of work still had to be done even to attain such two third majority.

On the other hand, the supporters of the 75 per cent majority hinged their argument on the suggestion by the president. This view was captured by the visibly angry Alhaji Mustapha, who said the delegates should follow the rule set by President Jonathan. He went further to threaten that the north would not hesitate to stage a walkout and should the country disintegrate, well, Cameroun is there for him and his people to melt into, just the way Boko Haram insurgents have always done. The inability to agree on this major issue eventually led to the conference adjourning.

With the large number of people sitting to decide on the future of the country and the way to go, most of us know that it would not be an easy task. This is especially the case considering the different world views of the delegates, the ethnicity factor, whether we like it or not, and most importantly, the agenda which some of the delegates came with which would

SPORT Sanctity of Truth w w w. new tel eg rap ho nl i ne. co m

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

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Third alternative solution for confab delegates

Nigeria on my mind Bolaji Tunji 0806 601 1075 (SMS ONLY) bolaji.tunji@newtelegraphonline.com

When solutions are arrived at through the third alternative principle, everybody is a winner and the country becomes better for it. Time wasted in arguments or adjournment as the confab did would be avoided Kutigi, confab chairman

definitely influence their contribution on all the major issues to be discussed. Of course, it would be unrealistic to imagine that a South South delegate would see the issue of resource control the way a northern delegate would see it. In the same vein, issues of federal character, marginalisation would differ among the delegates depending on which of the zones is making his or her own contribution to the debate on such a delicate issue.

But there is ready solution to this, which is what Covey, in his book, The third alterna-

MAMA LASISI

tive suggested.

Covey introduces a different approach to conflict resolution and problem solving. It is quite simple, the first alternative according to Covey is ‘my way’, and the second alternative is ‘your way’.

Conflict occurs when the two sides fail to agree on which way is better. Hence, the suggestion of the third alternative as a way of resolving the problem.

How does it work, Covey gave four distinct steps, the first step is understanding yourself, it is when the individual has got

this right that he turns to others which is the second step. Here, you are expected to view others the way you view yourself, give them the respect you expect for yourself, do not see them as sub-humans or different from you or lacking in wisdom or intelligence as yourself. Most importantly, see the other person with the “respectfulness in which he sees himself.”

After this step is the next stage/step of understanding the other person and his views. Covey noted that interests are not obstacles to each other but principles required to be understood by the two parties involved to generate a solution for both.

The next step is the process of arriving at synergy, which involves four steps; Ask the third alternative question; Define criteria of success, create third alternatives and arrive at synergy.

Much as I would not want to bore readers with long treatise or academic exercise, I believe it is essential that we understand Covey and try to apply the principle.

For the author, the principle is something that could be applied to every facet of our lives - home, work, society and the world.

Most of the conflict we have in the world today could be solved if we have tried to explore the third alternative solution to issues. To Covey, some people do not even know that a third alternative exists.

When solutions are arrived at through the third alternative principle, everybody is a winner and the country becomes better for it. Time wasted in arguments or adjournment as the confab did would be avoided.

The subtle threat by Alhaji Mustapha, which is quite unbecoming of a royal father, would definitely have been avoided. I therefore recommend The Third Alternative as a must read for all our delegates.

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By Aliu Eroje