Binder999 april 5, 2014 by Newtelegraphonline

Saturday Edition

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Saturday, APRIL 5, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 46

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YEMI ALADE

OJB JEZREEL

MY SURVIVAL STORY IS AN INSPIRATION p.19

POP’S NEW SENSATION p.21

$7m bounty on Shekau still valid - US officials lNasarawa killings: Civilians killed not insurgents, says Al-Makura Ndubuisi Ugah and Muhammad Ahmad Lafia

ndications have emerged that the $7 million reward offered by the United States (US) for information leading to the location of the leader of the outlawed Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, who was declared dead by the Joint Task Force (JTF), almost 10 months ago may still be subsisting, the New Telegraph can reveal. Investigations revealed that the US position on the reward was premised on

the fact that it cannot readily confirm the true status of Shekau on whose head the federal government also placed a N50 million bounty. Controversies had continued to trail the circumstances surrounding the death of the sect’s leader, whose activities have claimed more than 700 people this year alone, and nearly 500,000 displaced from their homes. Worse hit in the renewed attacks were women, children and schools which have been closed severally after a series of massacres and

school burnings. In August 2013, the JTF had issued a statement where it claimed Shekau may have died of gunshot wounds he received in an encounter with JTF troops at the Sambisa Forest on June 30, 2013. The then spokesman for the JTF in Maiduguri, Borno State, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, had in the statement, said Shekau was mortally wounded in the encounter and was sneaked into Amitchide, a border community in Cameroun, for treatment from which he

never recovered. He said the sect’s leader might have died between July 25 and August 3, 2013. But in response to an email inquiry on why the US Rewards for Justice (RFJ) has yet to revise its $7 million pledge for anyone with information that leads to Shekau’s capture, the Information Officer of the US Embassy in Abuja, Ms. Rhonda Ferguson-Augustus, said: “Although we cannot confirm Shekau’s status at this time, the RFJ reward offer remains valid.

Court remands suspected killer of ex-magistrate - ‘Yes, I killed her,’ defiant accused tells court Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State yesterday re-

manded a 21-year-old man, David Uche Idah, in prison custody for the killing of a retired senior magistrate, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Timeyin. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Immigrations hit by passport shortage lApplicants pay between N40,000 and N55,000 Oluwatosin Omoniyi

igerians wishing to acquire new international passports or the e-passport from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) are in for a hard time. The agency is currently battling with unavailability of lamination materials

needed for the passport. As a result, a privileged few pay between N50, 000 to N60, 000 to have their documents processed. Others, who cannot afford such amounts will have to wait for weeks before they could be given after the capturing process. But even at that, New

Telegraph gathered yesterday that a small quantity of materials brought in to the Festac Office of the NIS on Thursday was stolen by some junior officers. A senior official of the Festac office confirmed to our correspondent yesterday that the plans by the office to issue fresh passports to

Nigerians who had done their capturing for some weeks now were shattered early Friday morning when it was discovered that the materials were missing. “There’s nothing much we can do today again. The little material brought in yesCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Discordant tunes trail apc congress... amosun, osoba make peace p.3

Martin Agbaso

‘MY REGRETS OVER SUPPORT FOR OKOROCHA’ }45

NEWS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2014

US bounty on Shekau

Content 05.04.14

CO N TI N U ED F RO M PAGE 1

INSTYLE

SHOWBIZ

Easy Slip-ons Loafers are simple yet trendy, and could be worn with a number of attires that are not necessarily casual. They are must-haves for every gentlemen.

} 17

Bickering Actors The controversy generated by the Actors Guild’s visit to Aso Rock continues as three illustrious members engage in a bitter spat.

} 20

TRAVEL

BRANDS & IDEAS

Sublime Experience Abraka Turf Club is just an ideal getaway for this Easter holiday. But there’s something more on offer - you could watch the game of polo and take in all its glam trappings.

} 42 Cola War The unrelenting brand war between Coke and Pepsi can only get intense as the rivalry moves to a familiar marketing turf - the FIFA World Cup.

} 34

CUTTING EDGE

Business Intelligence Uchora Udoji, a consultant on organizational behaviour and human resources management at the faculty of Lagos Business School (LBS) explores the link between organisations’ collapse and manpower management..

} 18

SPORT

Eyes on the World Cup Super Eagles defender, Godfrey Oboabona, says although Iran and Bosnia may seem the weakest of the group’s World Cup pairings, both teams would not be underrated.

} 25 CO NTINUE D FRO M PAG E 1

terday have been stolen. I believe it was shared by some of our junior colleagues. It’s frustrating,” he said. Sources at the NIS offices in Ikoyi, FESTAC, Alausa, in Lagos, and Abeokuta, Ogun State, informed the New Telegraph that for some time now, officials of the NIS have resorted to borrowing lamination materials from its offices in Adamawa, Benue, Jigawa and other states “who have less pressure” on them. The development is coming few weeks after 18 Nigerians died at a recruitment exercise of the agency held in various states. A senior immigration official in Ikeja, who spoke with the New Telegraph,

Anyone who provides information leading to his identification or location may be eligible for a reward of up to $7 million. “In addition, Rewards for Justice may pay rewards for information that helps identify or locate any leader of Boko Haram or Ansaru, even if they are not currently advertised on the programme’s Most Wanted List at www. rewardsforjustice.net.” The information officer also stated that the rewards may also be paid for information that helps prevent a terrorist attack in the country. The RFJ website, which referred to him in the present tense, stated that Shakau, under whose leadership, the operational capabilities of Boko Haram had grown, had expressed solidarity with al-Qaida and threatened the US and its interests. The website reads: “On May 1, 2012, less than one week after the group bombed a Nigerian newspaper building in Abuja, Boko Haram issued a video statement threatening more attacks on local and international news outlets, including the Voice of America and Sahara Reporters, a New York-based media service. On June 21, 2012, the U.S. Department of State designated Shekau a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Ex-

ecutive Order 13224.” To further underscore US position on this, a former US Ambassador to Nigeria, Terrence McCulley, before his departure from Nigeria in August 2013, said the US had no plans to investigate the claims of the killing of Shekau even though the $7 million bounty was placed in June, 2013. In February 2014, “Shekau” again featured in a 28-minute video where he claimed responsibility for the murder of Zaria-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Auwal Albani, and threatened mayhem on oil installations in the Niger Delta, and across Nigeria. These claims have however been doubted. A few days after the JTF statement, a video featuring a man claiming to be Shekau was released, where he claimed responsibility for the attacks on two military camps in Mallam Fatori area of Borno State. The JTF debunked the claims, saying it was dramatised by an impostor to “hoodwink the sect members to continue their acts of terrorism and to deceive undiscerning minds.” Meanwhile, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has said that those allegedly killed by soldiers during a military operation about one kilometre from Keana town in Keana Local Government Area of the state

were not insurgents. Al-Makura disclosed this on Friday in Keana when he paid a condolence visit to the paramount ruler, Emmanuel Elayo, over the alleged killings. “The casualties of the Tuesday operation were herdsmen resident in Keana and not insurgents as widely reported by some national dailies,” he said. He called for the involvement of traditional rulers in mapping out strategies to guard against civilian casualties. The governor pleaded with the people of the area, especially the herdsman to remain calm and not to “take the law into their hands”. Responding, Elayo, who described the incident as “unfortunate” also confirmed that those killed were residents in his domain and who had lived peacefully with other ethnic groups in the area. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Idris Ibrahim, also told journalists that the unfortunate incident would not jeopardise the pact signed by the farmers and herdsman in the state. The commissioner who was on the entourage to Keana said youths from the warring groups were in his office on Friday to reassure him of their commitment to the peace pact initiated by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar.

Immigrations hit by shortage of passport said the shortage of materials was a result of disagreement between Nigeria and Malaysia, from where the material is sourced. It was gathered that the Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro, and his ministry have not paid some of the fees requested by the Malaysian authorities to facilitate the product’s release. It was also learnt that Germany, from where Nigeria used to import the materials before opting for Malaysia, are also putting pressure on the minister to return the supplies to the country. Senior officials of the NIS confirmed the shortage

to New Telegraph yesterday. One of them, who works in FESTAC, said: “The Malaysians said they are being owed for several months, hence they refused to supply the Nigerian government. Normally, the money paid on each booklet passport goes to the account of the Ministry of Interior, which in turn pays certain amount to the federal purse.” He said the German company, which was a technical partner of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC), lost the contract for the supplies in 2007. “Since then, they have been pushing for it; putting

pressure on any minister that comes in to return the supplies to them. But the Malaysian company that supplies it is now saying that we owe them.” Another source at Alagbon Passport Office in Ikoyi said “only VIPS now get the passports,” adding that the few materials they receive are “reserved by some big guys here for some people who can afford to pay”. New Telegraph was also told that the Lagos offices are running short of even booklets. A senior NIS official said, “It is double tragedy as we don’t have either booklets or laminate.”

The laminate is the material responsible for the protection of security details of an individual on the passport booklet. It includes the chip, the country’s coat of arms, personal details of the individual and photograph, among other details. It was further gathered that the failure of Nigeria to pay for the supplies from Malaysia is also responsible for the shortage. According to a source in Festac, for the past three months, the office has not been able to produce new passports. He said some of the officers (mostly junior) are cashing in on it, “by extorting people of exorbitant

fees ranging from N50, 000 to N60, 000.” When New Telegraph contacted the Nigerian Immigration Lagos Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Odunubi, he said although he heard about the issue, he did not know the reason for the shortage of materials. He referred New Telegraph to speak to the service PRO, Chukwuemeka Obua, who claimed ignorance. He said: “To the best of my knowledge, we have enough materials and booklet to cater for Nigerians. It is left for head of each zone to confirm shortage of materials.”

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

Obasanjo’s loyalists to participate in APC congresses DIVISION Discordant tunes trail APC congresses today Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

ggrieved loyalists of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have concluded arrangement to participate in the ward congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) holding today in Ogun State. But the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Segun Adesegun, has picked holes in the preparation for the party’s ward congresses. This, however, is coming as the state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and the erstwhile governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba, reconciled their differences ahead of the ward congresses. However, indications emerged yesterday that some loyalists of the former president attended a strategic stakeholders’ meeting of the APC in Abeokuta on Thursday and Friday. The meeting, convened by Amosun was also attended by notable APC chieftains, including Osoba and serving federal and state lawmakers of the party. Some of Obasanjo’s loyalists that attended the closeddoor meeting included the sacked National Auditor of the PDP, Chief Bode Mustapha, former factional chairman of the party in the state,

zz Ogun deputy faults process zz Amosun, Osoba reconcile differences finally Senator Dipo Odujinrin, and Obasanjo’s media aide, Mr. Tunde Oladunjoye. New Telegraph gathered that the meeting, which addressed some burning issues in the party, also discussed ways of harmonising contending interests as well as integration of Obasanjo’s men in the state chapter of APC. Following the seeming irreconcilable differences between President Goodluck Jonathan and Obasanjo, a former chairman of PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), the former president’s aggrieved loyalists in the ruling party had embarked on moves to work with the APC. Series of meetings to ensure the protection of their (Obasanjo’s men) interests were said to have been held prior to yesterday’s stakeholders’ meeting at the Gateway Hall, near presidential lodge, Abeokuta. Yesterday’s meeting was presided over by the chairman, State Congress Committee (SCC), Hon. Ope Salami, who read provisions of the guidelines for wards, local governments and state congresses of the APC for party members. According to the party guidelines, any venue so identified for any congress must be announced 72 hours prior to the time of the exercise. Salami said elections at ward level shall be by open ballot, adding that: “The electorates shall queue behind the candidate of their choice

or his/her picture or poster.” “The fees shall be paid through the accredited banks and deposit tellers shall be evidence of payment and will be required for the collection of forms. All completed forms must be returned at least 48 hours before the conduct of the election,” he added. But Adesegun, who drew attention to some lapses in the preparation for the party’s ward congresses, noted that as a result of time factor, some of the provisions in the APC guidelines were apparently no longer obtainable. He contended that the names of those who would conduct the exercise at the 236 wards had not been published for members to identify, adding that such could undermine the arrangement by the party. Before Salami could respond to the deputy governor’s observation which ignited mixed reactions, Amosun called for a voice vote on whether or not to allow journalists to continue to observe the party proceedings. The meeting was yet to be concluded as at press time last night. In another development, the reconciliation meeting between Amosun and Osoba, was said to have been forged, according to dependable party sources, to avert possible clashes among APC members across the 236 wards of the state and forestall any incident that could portray the party in bad light.

A stakeholders meeting held in Abeokuta on Thursday, to reconcile feuding members had in attendance the Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun, House of Assembly Speaker, Suraj Adekunbi, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, Senator Gbenga Obadara, Senator Akin Odunsi, Hon. Adekunle Adeyemi, Hon. Olumide Osoba, former Speaker, Tunji Egbetokun, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye and Alhaji Ola Bello, among other notable APC chieftains in the state. The meeting, held at the Gateway Hall, near the presidential lodge, Abeokuta, lasted about five hours. Some protesters also stormed the venue, demanding that primaries be held to fill party positions at the wards level. It was, however, learnt that the parley deliberated on the lingering crisis in the state chapter of APC and fashioned out measures to move the party forward as well as achieve hitch-free congresses. But speaking with reporters after the meeting, Osoba said he was committed to promoting unity among party members towards ensuring resounding victory for the APC in 2015 general elections. “We all agreed that we will follow the constitution, that where there is consensus which is the usual practice with us, there will only be congress to adopt the consensus,” Osoba said.

NEWS

NEWS EDITOR, SATURDAY:

NDUBUISI UGAH

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

The Week Ahead

APC holds ward Congress today The Interim National Executive Committee (NEC), of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed today for its ward congress, while the local government and state congresses has been slated for April 12 and 23 respectively.

2014 Federation Cup begins today The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has announced that this year’s Federation Cup will kick off with state preliminaries today, according to a statement issued by NFF’s Head of Federation Cup, Miss. Ruth David.

Police school entrance exam holds today The entrance examination into Police Secondary School, Akure, Ondo State will now hold on today, according to the acting Commandant of the school, Haruna Limanchi.

FG to announce new GDP figures April 6

Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will tomorrow announce the approved new figure for the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The new figure is premised on the fact that with a current nominal GDP of about $305 billion, Nigeria’s GDP is projected to be boosted by 40 to 60 per cent and is expected to surpass that of South Africa, which is presently $350 billion.

Apo killings: NHRC releases report April 7 The Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said it will on April 7 release the report of its investigation into the Apo killings in Abuja.

Ehingbeti 2014 starts April 8 The 7th Lagos Economic Summit tagged ‘2014 Ehingbeti’ will be held from April 8 to 10 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos with the former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, in attendance.

Lateef Jakande Road reopens April 9 Lagos State Government has said it will on April 9 reopen the Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, after it was closed for contractors to be able to complete the construction of underground drainage channel on WEMPCO Road in Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Eko Signature unveiling holds April 11 The grand opening of Eko Signature by Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State will be held on April 11 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos from 5p.m.

Keyshia Cole, Asa for Jazz Festival on April 18 Organisers of the Calabar International Jazz Festival have announced that Grammy-nominated R&B singer, Keyshia Cole and the multi-talented songstress, Asa, have joined the already star-studded line-up scheduled for April 18 to 21.

NSIA boss for BoICT lecture April 26 President Goodluck Jonathan (middle), alongside Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, acknowledging cheers from the crowd on arrival in Yenagoa …yesterday

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr. Uche Orji, will on April 26 deliver this year’s Beacon of ICT (BoICT) distinguished lecture series.

NEWS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

BADAGRY

Akran of Badagry dispels death rumours

N EWS I N BRIEF

The Akran of Badagry in Lagos State, Aholu Menu-Toyi 1, has dispelled speculations doing the rounds that he had passed on. “I wonder why people keep on saying I am dead when I am hale and hearty. I am not dead as being widely speculated on the Facebook,’’ the traditional ruler told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry yesterday. NAN reports that a similar rumour of Akran’s death was reported in July 2013.

IKEJA

LASG gives 423 free legal services

The Lagos State Government yesterday said it had provided free quality legal representation to 423 indigent persons under its Public Interest Law Partnership (LPILP) programme. The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, made this known in a statement issued ahead of the state’s 2014 Pro bono Week. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Pro bono Week scheduled for April 7 to April 11, is aimed at rendering free legal services to indigent citizens in the state.

ABUJA Pilgrims board submits 2013 reports The 2013 report of the Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem has been submitted to Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, at Government House, Bauchi. The report, which was presented by the leader of the delegation of the Christian Hajj to Jerusalem, Mr. Abdon Dalla Gin, revealed that the exercise was successful. Gin further stated that the Chairman of Christian Pilgrims Board, Chairman Christian Associations of Nigeria (CAN) among other members contributed to the success of the last year’s pilgrimage.

L-R: Former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewunmi; and Chairman, House J Hotels and Resorts, Mr. Bayo Fatusin, during the former governor’s visit to the monarch’s palace in Ogbomoso, Oyo State…yesterday

Sanusi: DSS appeals judgement Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he Department of State Service (DSS), has filed an appeal against Thursday judgment of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, declaring the seizure of the passport of suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as illegal. The DSS position is coming as the court in Lagos yesterday fixed April 11 to hear a suit filed by Sanusi, seeking to halt investigation into his tenure by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN). Sanusi had filed the suit through his counsel, Mr. Kola Awodehin (SAN). But DSS in a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Public Relations, Marilyn Ogar, insisted that it was constitutionally empowered to impound the passport of any person under investigation, by virtue of “Section 3(2) (b) of Instrument SSS No. 1 of 1999 made pursuant to section 6 of the National Security Agencies

� Ex-CBN gov files fresh suit against FRCN (NSA) Act.” The aforesaid section provides that: “The State Security Service is hereby empowered to impound and keep in its custody the passports or any other property of persons or organisations under investigation if considered appropriate by the Director General. Returns of all such seizures shall be rendered to the National Security Adviser, while such passports shall be returned to the owners as soon as the investigation is concluded.” While expressing disappointment over the judgement delivered by Justice Justice Ibrahim Buba, the statement noted that “the service has taken immediate steps to appeal this rather erroneous judgment.” Delivering judgment in a fundamental rights suit by Sanusi, Justice Buba had ordered the return of the plaintiff’s seized passport, even as he awarded the sum of N50 million as compensation for perceived injuries suffered.

The judge also ordered that the Federal Government tender a public apology to the former CBN governor, over his brief detention at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. Meanwhile, Sanusi in the suit is seeking a declaration that the FRCN constituting itself into an investigating body in a manner contained in some newspaper publications of March 24 is ultra vires in its powers. The suspended CBN governor joined the FRCN and the Executive Secretary of the FRCN as the first and second defendants. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Sanusi is seeking a declaration that the conduct, actions and decision of the defendant were ultra vires. He averred that the FRCN’s declaration in a briefing note dated June 7, 2013 and submitted to the President were ultra vires in their powers as contained in the FRCN Act, 2011. He is also wants a declara-

tion that the defendant, having reached a conclusion as to his culpability as CBN governor, indicated in the briefing note can no longer conduct any investigation on the same matter. “A declaration that the defendant’s recommendation regarding the plaintiff in briefing note date June 7, 2013 that having been removed from office as CBN governor, were ultra vires under the FRCN Act 2011. He urged the court to declare that the proposed investigation as advertised in the Punch Newspaper of March 24 was tantamount to a breach of natural justice. Sanusi, therefore, sought an order restraining the defendants or any person, body, agent, or privies, under its authority, or pursuant to the FRCN Act, from conducting and continuing with investigation or inquiry as advertised. NAN reports that the defence has, however, filed a preliminary objection, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

Prison officials foil attempt to release inmates in Edo Cajetan Mmuta Benin

here was pandemonium at the Prisons Service Command in Benin, the Edo State, capital yesterday as the officers foiled an attempt by three inmates to free themselves and others. The inmates were being conveyed from a court premises to the Oko Medium Prison in the capital town. Comptroller of Prisons in the state command, Mr. Effiom Etowa, said in an interview with journalists that the three suspects involved in the alleged attempt to release the prisoners were later arrested by the operatives of the command. The suspects in three different cars had trailed the Green Maria van conveying the inmates on their way and attempted to block the driver conveying the inmates. Etowa said the suspects had trailed the two Green Maria conveying the inmates from

the magistrate court on Sapele Road in Benin City on its way to Airport Road when they were blocked. The controller stated that 18 inmates being conveyed by the Green Maria were high profile inmates whose offences ranges from robbery to that of kidnapping. He said: “The two vehicles had been on the trail of the two Green Maria and another backup vehicle that were being used to conveyed the inmates back to prison from the court. Upon suspicion of these vehicles, my arm squad team warned them to desist from following them but they kept on chasing our vehicles even at the same speed. “It was at this turn that my arm squad shot sporadically into the air to scare them but again, this didn’t deter them. It was at this point that my officers found a way of blocking them and in the process apprehended one of the vehicles, a Hundai car, while the other, a C-class escaped.”

NURTW factions clash, disrupt peace in Ibadan Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

ome rival factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State yesterday threw residents of Mokola, Inalende and Dugbe Market in Ibadan into a confusion when they engaged each other in gun duel. Though the cause of the face-off was not known, even as at the time of filing this story, the sporadic shooting sent many people in the ever-busy market area to scamper to safety. The convoy of the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and his Imo State counterpart, Rochas Okorocha, which had just left the burial ceremony of the mother of Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), at the First Baptist Church, Oritamefa, Ibadan, and were on their way to Rochas Okorocha Foundation school at Oke Ado, that allegedly dislodged the hoodlums. According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State, Dr. Festus Adedayo, the hoodlums had been having a field day in the

area shooting and wielding machetes before the arrival of the governors. Initial information gathered by New Telegraph suggested that the hoodlums were members of rival factions of the road transport union, who were on a show of strength over an unknown matter. The governors’ convoy, according to the release, went to the aid of the scampering traders and dislodged the hoodlums before reinforcement was called from the police headquarters, Eleyele and the state crime-fighting outfit, ‘Operation Burst’. Also, confirming the incident, the Caretaker Chairman of the Ibadan North West Local Government, Mr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the hoodlums were destroying things before they were dislodged, stressing that: “immediately we heard, we sent security agents there. We are just leaving there now. I suspect a foul play.” The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Ilobanafor, a Superintendent of Police (SP), also said five suspects were arrested in connection with the incident.

Adeleke boycotts Osun PDP guber primary poll I’M OUT One of the governorship aspirants in Osun State boycotts the race Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

ne of the aspirants under the platform of the Peoples Democratoic Party (PDP) and former governor of the state, Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke, has boycotted the race. Adeleke in a press conference held in his country home in Ede, said he was going to boycott the election because there is an indication that innocent people who are his followers might be killed and that he

would not want innocent souls to be shed because of him. He stated that how would he allow innocent souls to be callously terminated by “devilish and evil perpetrators. I am boycotting the election not out of cowardice of fear but because of my followers who could be the target of the elimination. “I boycott the primary election because after consultations, there may be evil conspirator against me and my followers and I may be killed during the election. “If we don’t allow discipline to reign in the party, the future of the party may be bleak. I charge my supporters to bear with me on the development.”

Court remands suspected killer of ex-magistrate co ntinued fro m pag e 1

The accused had on Friday, last week, killed the 65-year-old Timeyin at her residence in Laderin Housing Estate, Abeokuta. David, who hails from Benue State and worked as a domestic staff of the late senior magistrate, reportedly inflicted machete cuts before killing his victim about 3:00pm. But yesterday, he was arraigned at the Magistrate Court 1, Isabo, Abeokuta, on a one-count charge of unlawful killing. The police prosecutor, Banji Sangotokun, said the accused “did unlawfully kill Olufunmilayo Timeyin by macheting her to death at Block 11, Flat 6 Laderin Housing Estate, Abeokuta in the Abeokuta Magisterial District on March 28, 2014.” Sangotokun, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, added that the offence was contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006. The magistrate, Anthony Araba, however, refused to take the plea of the accused apparently because of the nature of the case. Araba ordered that the case be duplicated pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the state. Drama, however, ensued at the court proceeding when the accused replied the magistrate in the affirmative that he killed the late Timeyin. “You are a dead person already. But one thing I want to tell you is: all your genera-

NEWS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

tions would go the way Mrs. Timeyin has gone,” the magistrate told the accused, before ordering that he be remanded in prison custody. David was arrested last week by a vigilante member and handed over to the police shortly after committing the crime. The 21-year-old, who had reportedly worked for two months at Mrs. Timeyin’s residence, was sacked after he allegedly stole jewellery, mobile phones and electronics belonging to his employer. Meanwhile, a middle-aged man was yesterday arrested following a failed attempt to kidnap a 17-year-old female student in Abeokuta. Eye witnesses said the suspected kidnapper had wanted to lure one Bukola Odunewu, a student of St. John’s Anglican High School, Kuto, Abeokuta, before he was apprehended by vigilante members. The incident, which happened about 9:50am, ignited panic among students and staff of the public secondary school who were billed to proceed on second term holiday. When New Telegraph on visited the school, teachers and students were seen discussing the matter and they stated that some vigilante members had already taken the suspected kidnapper to an unknown location. A Primary 6 pupil, Olumide Odunewu, disclosed that it was his sister who escaped from the suspected kidnapper, adding that the suspect and her sister had been taken to the vigilante office.

AKOKA UNILAG matriculates 6,488

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Rahamon Bello, yesterday challenged matriculating students to distinguish themselves in their academics so as to enjoy the institution’s motivational package for scholars. Bello spoke at the 2013/2014 Matriculation ceremony for fresh students of the university in Lagos. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 6,488 new students were administered the matriculation oath by the vicechancellor.

NEWS IN BRIE F

82.4%

The female percentage of internet users of Qatar in 2012. Source: Itu.int

BAUCHI Yuguda shuts out workers for lateness

Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State yesterday shut out workers at the state government secretariat for resuming to work late and promised to take drastic action against them. The governor said this during an unscheduled visit to the Abubakar Umar Secretariat around 8 a.m. along with the Head of Civil Service, Mr. Abandon Dalla Gin. He said there was no justification for civil servants to receive their monthly salaries when they were reluctant to do the jobs they were employed, saying this was against the rules governing the conditions of the service.

N1.48bn

The IGR realized from other revenue sources of Gombe State in 2010. Source: National bureau of Statistics

ZARIA ABU introduces e-learning

The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, said yesterday that it had introduced facilities to promote e-learning in the institution. Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, the ABU Vice-Chancellor, stated this in Zaria at the matriculation of students for the 2013/2014 academic session. He said that the university would soon commence the distribution of laptops and iPads to students, on loan, to enable them key into the new system of learning at the institution.

N6.95bn

The IGR realized from PAYE (taxes) of Kaduna State in 2011. Source: National bureau of Statistics

Nyako chides Adamawa elders over emergency rule Ibrahim Abdul, Yola with agency reports

damawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, has accused elders from the state of displaying lacklustre attitude towards the growth and development of the state, urging them to take a cue from their counterparts in Borno and Yobe states by calling on the Federal Government not to extend the one year emergency rule after it elapsed in their states. Similarly, the Defence Headquarters yesterday said it would investigate the Amnesty International’s allegation of human right abuses by security opera-

zz DHQ to probe allegation of human right abuse

tives in the ongoing operations in the North East. Nyako in a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mallam Ahmad Sajo, expressed regrets that the state elites had kept mute on the hardship being experienced due to the emergency rule slammed by President Goodluck Jonathan. “Recently, respected and responsible elders from Borno and Yobe states came together to address the Press in Abuja on the security challenges in the North East. “They called on the Federal Government not to extend the one-year-old state

of emergency in their two states. They raised pertinent questions relating to command and control of security forces under emergency rule in their two states. It was indeed a most patriotic move by a group of elders who by all standards deserve the accolades,” the statement said. He said the demand of the elders was similar to the demands the Adamawa State Government has been advancing since the emergency rule in the state was imposed. Meanwhile, the DHQ in a statement issued by Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade,

in Abuja, said: “The report titled: ‘Nigeria: More than 1,500 killed in Armed Conflict in North-Eastern Nigeria in early 2014’, contain allegations of human right abuses in the north eastern part of Nigeria. “Notwithstanding the fact that the report is not consistent with the actual situation on the ground, security authorities will ensure that the allegations as it affects government forces are duly investigated. “This will be with a view to taking necessary action to address any case of human right breach on the part of troops,” Olukolade said.

Former President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo and Chairman, Anambra State Council of Elders, Dr. Dozie Ikedife (left), and Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, during a stakeholders’ meeting between the governor and industrialists in the state… recently

NEWS

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GOMBE NDLEA arrests 45 drug suspects

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Gombe said it arrested 45 drug suspects and seized 20kg of cannabis between January and March 2014. The NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr. Aliyu Adole, who said this in Gombe yesterday, added two kilogrammes of psychotropic substances were also seized during the same period. “Within the three months, we have arrested 45 male suspects unlike last year when we arrested 31 males and two female suspects from October to December,” he said.

N EWS I N BRIEF

FCT ‘Give priority to teachers’ education’

The President of Senior Staff Union, Colleges of Education in Nigeria (SSUCOEN), Mr. Muhammad Uwaisu, has appealed to all tiers of government to give serious attention to teachers’ education in the country. Uwaisu made the appeal in Abuja, yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He was commenting on the lingering strike by the Colleges of Education Academy Staff Union (CEASU).

OSOGBO Speaker tasks students on reading habit

Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam, has advised students in the country to cultivate a reading habit to improve their knowledge. Salaam gave the advice while receiving students of Catholic Secondary School, Osogbo, at the assembly’s plenary yesterday. He said reading by students had drastically reduced and appealed to parents and teachers to promote a reading culture.

1,024m

2,749m

79.2%

The number of individuals using the internet worldwide in 2005. Source: Itu.int

The number of individuals using the internet worldwide in 2013. Source: Itu.int

The female percentage of internet users of Canada in 2010. Source: Itu.int

‘I’m a trado-medical doctor, not ritual killer’ INNOCENT Suspect alleges that she is innocent of the allegations against her Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

38-year-old woman, Mrs. Muibat Yusuf, arrested in connection with a suspected ritual killers’ den in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, has denied involvement in ritual killings. Yusuf, who was arrested on Thursday alongside her younger sister, Seun, described herself as a “tradomedical doctor.” Angry youths had on Thursday set ablaze a duplex at Akinremi Estate, Adigbe in Abeokuta where the suspect allegedly operated with her

husband, Ismail, now at large. Items recovered from the scene included a blood-filled basin, coffin, mortal, calabash, effigy, assorted charms, clothes, live scorpion and other suspected fetish items. But the state police command, which rescued three pregnant ladies from scene, stated that the burnt building was used as a baby-making factory by the suspects. Speaking yesterday, Yusuf claimed that she registered as a trado-medical doctor in Kwara State. The suspect explained that she had treated three patients since she came to Abeokuta in January. She said: “I came to Abeokuta in January, this year, from Offa, Kwara State. I used to sell baby clothes before my shop got burnt because of the crisis between Offa and Erin-Ile.”

Man slumps, dies after ‘marathon sex’ Cajetan Mmuta Benin

C Deputy Saturday Editor, New Telegraph, Mr. Waheed Bakare (right), receiving best student award plaque in feature writing (PGD 2012), from the Vanguard newspapers publisher, Uncle Sam Amuka, at the convocation of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos…recently

Borno APC congress postponed Ahmed Miringa Maiduguri

he All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress scheduled for today in Borno State has been shifted to Monday due to the non-availability of voting materials and non arrival of national officials. The New Telegraph gathered that election materials such as ballot papers, voters register and result sheets are still being expected from the national headquarters of the party which were yet to arrived Maiduguri, at yesterday. Already, the officials of state and local governments have been mobilised for the election but electoral materials and officials from the na-

zz Holds April 7 zz Kaduna, Lagos, others ready for exercise tional headquarters are not available. When contacted, the Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Auwal Hamza, said they did not postpone the congress but shifted it to April 7. He said: “As I am speaking to you now, the official from our national headquarters are yet to arrive Maiduguri and they expected to come along with nomination forms of the contestants but not as the people speculated that election material are yet to arrived.” Similarly, the APC in Lagos State last weekend complained about the fiveman team appointed by the National Congress Supervi-

sory Committee to oversee congresses in the state was on ground. Also, Kaduna State chapter of the APC yesterday urged its supporters to ignore the rumours that it had already selected officials for the various wards in the state. But speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Chairman, Lagos State chapter of APC, Chief Henry Ajomale, said plans were in place to hold successful congresses, which would begin in the wards on Saturday. Ajomale said the Dr. Garuba Abari-led team would be in charge of the ward, local government and state congresses in the state. NAN reports that con-

gresses are scheduled to hold at the local government and state levels on April 12 and April 23 respectively. Ajomale named other members of the committee as Hajia Jibril Dukku, its (Vice Chairman) Mr Kehinde Akinsoji, its Secretary, and the duo of Mr. Emmanuel Oladele and Mr Emmanuel Adedeji as members. Meanwhile, the interim APC Chairman in Kaduna State, Dr. Hakeem BabaAhmed, who spoke at news briefing in Kaduna, said it was untrue that the 17-member congress committee constituted to conduct the ward congress had since anointed those to be presented to members for ratification today.

onfusion enveloped hotel operators and most married women who suspect their husbands of amorous lifestyles in Benin City, Edo State capital as another person again slumped and died in a hotel room after bouts of sex with his girl friend.

The deceased, a 44-yearold furniture maker, Julius

Iyenakpe, died on Tuesday while making love to the woman. The identity of the lady up till the time of filing this report cannot be ascertained. This came barely eight days after a 70-year-old man died in a similar incident in a popular hotel in Benin after a marathon sex with a married woman. However, Julius Iyenakpe, a father of three who hailed from Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state, was said to have taken the lady to the hotel.

Bayelsa Assembly accuses banks of illegal deductions Chris Ejim Yenagoa

he Bayelsa State House of Assembly has given commercial banks in the state a 30-day ultimatum to refund excess charges and deductions from the state government accounts amounting to over N26billion.

The assembly gave the order following the adoption of a motion by the Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Tonye Isenah.

Moving the motion on the floor of the Assembly yesterday, Isenah said his committee had gone into investigation following public outcry over the unethical practices by commercial banks in the state, which according to him violates section 4, subsection 11 c of the code of ethics and professionalism in the banking and finance industry. He said the investigation by the committee revealed that commercial banks in the state had illegally defrauded the state to the tune of about N26 billion from excess charges and deductions on government revenue.

NECO releases Nov-Dec 2013 SSCE results Dan Atori Minna

he National Examinations Council (NECO) yesterday released the 2013 November\December Senior School Certificate Examination result (SSCE) External which recorded a remarkable improvement in English and Mathematics when compared with 2012 results. Registrar and Chief Executive of National Examination Council, Prof. Promise Nwachukwu Okpala, announced the release of the result at the Headquarters of NECO in Minna. He said a total of 61,897 candidates registered for the examination for an average of eight subjects.

he crisis rocking the nation’s polytechnics and colleges of education may not be over soon as both the Federal Government and the striking lecturers, under the umbrella of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), are yet to agree on knotty issues that led to the strike in the first place. The Federal Government yesterday said it was hoping that within the next one or two weeks at the maximum, the nation’s polytechnics and colleges of education cam-

FCT Group backs Jonathan

According to him, a total of 30,000 candidates secured credit and above in eight subjects including English and Mathematics, which represents about 48.77 per cent. The registrar particularly expressed delight at the drastic reduction in malpractice in the last year’s examination which recorded only 0.14 per cent. “The low level of malpractice is an eloquent testimony of the painstaking efforts the council has consistently made to eradicate examination malpractice,” Okpala said. He assured Nigerians that examination body would do everything humanly possible towards ensuring that it recorded zero malpractice in the coming years.

ASUP/COEASU strike may end soon –FG Mojeed Alabi

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puses would be reopened to students. It said almost all the issues had been resolved with the exception of the issue of salary arrears, which Federal Government proposed to be paid on instalment basis. The Special Adviser to the Minister of Education on Media, Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu, in a telephone interview with New Telegraph, said the Federal Government had streamlined ASUP’s 13 demands to all-encompassing four, and that the only remaining grey area the N40 billion salary arrears, which he insisted, would soon be resolved.

NEWS IN BRIE F

Coordinator of the League of Women Democrats, Mrs. Eunice Onyeka, has pledged the group’s support for the success of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan. Onyeka, who stated this during a visit to the acting President of IPMAN, Mr. Chinedu Okoronkwo, noted that the resolution of the crisis affecting IPMAN should lead to the re opening of the closed NIPCO plant, which provides over 80 per cent of petroleum supplies in Nigeria.

$9bn

The amount Nigeria loses to pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta every month. Source: Itu.int

ANAMBRA Power firm to prosecute vandals

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) yesterday said it would henceforth prosecute impersonators and people who vandalised its installations in Anambra State. The Manager of Onitsha Business Unit of the company, Mr Kingsley Aja, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Onitsha. “Illegality is illegality; anybody who is not a bona fide member of EEDC or any other electricity distribution company should know that he is committing a crime,” he said.

OGBOMOSO Onigbinde: Govt paying lip service to sports A former FIFA/CAF Instructor, Mr. Adegboye Onigbinde, has said government at all levels have been paying lip service to sports. Onigbinde told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, that in spite of the glory sports had brought to the country, government was still doing little to promote it. He said: “Is any government in Nigeria serious about sports? If truly, who among the delegates at the National Conference is representing sports?”

160,000mw Nigeria, which generates 3,500mw of electricity, needs about 160,000mw to meet the electricity development indices. Source: Itu.int

119

The total number of mobilecellular subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of Europe in 2011. Source: Itu.int

NIPCO reopens, begins loading of petrol Ndubuisi Ugah with agency reports

he Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO) reopened yesterday after 13 days of closure, following the intervention of the Department State Security Service (SSS), according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The development came as the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) attributed the prevailing fuel scarcity in Abuja to pressure from motorists in the neighbouring states. But an official of the company, who spoke on anonymity, told NAN in La-

zz DPR explains scarcity of fuel in Abuja gos that the company was reopened following the intervention of the SSS. “The meeting took place in Abuja on Thursday, where all the aggrieved parties were represented. Although the meeting continues today (Friday), SSS directed that the company should be reopened immediately while amicable resolution of the dispute would be sorted out,” said the official. The official revealed the company was reopened around 10.30 a.m, adding that the loading of petroleum products had started for distribution to marketers. He said the reopening of

the company would further ease the scarcity of petroleum products experienced in some parts of the country. NAN reports that over 200 trucks had been loaded with petroleum products for distribution to marketers. NIPCO was shut by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on March 24, following a dispute over who heads the company union. Meanwhile, the Abuja DPR Zonal Controller, Mr Aliyu Halidu, in an interview with NAN in Abuja yesterday, said Abuja receives up to 120 trucks of fuel daily, stating that ordinarily, 100 trucks

of petroleum products was supposed to serve the city without any problem. Halidu, who was reacting to recurrence of petrol scarcity in Abuja and its environs, said that there was enough supply to take care of the need of motorists in the nation’s capital city. While noting with concern that in spite of the availability of fuel in the city, there were still queues in filling stations, Halidu said the influx of motorists from neighbouring states was compounding the fuel scarcity. According to him, most motorists in the neighbouring states come to Abuja to buy fuel because of the availability of the products.

Power: FG gives distribution contractors 60 days deadline Anule Emmanuel Abuja

he Federal Government has given all contractors handling projects in the power distribution chain to deliver within sixty days or have their contracts terminated. Vice-President Namadi Sambo handed over the deadline during a meeting with the Transmission and Distribution Companies at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Vice-President mandated the Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Mr. James Olotu, to

communicate to the contractors the need to fast tract work to avoid the consequences. He said government was ready to assist new owners of distribution firms to acquire transformers to enable them to distribute power should they have need of them. According to him, arrangement will be made in such a way that the companies would buy the transformers from the Ministry of Power, while payment will be spread over a period of 15 years. The VicePresident has therefore asked the stakeholders to submit their plans on delivering energy metering within one week.

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State (fifth-left); his deputy, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (third-left); Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Bosun Jeje (left); his Finance counterpart, Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi (second left) and winners of the second batch of Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme at the mortgage draw in Ikeja …yesterday

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‘Lamido’s threat is his personal opinion’ OPINION The monarch’s position is not generally accepted by Adamawa indigenes Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

he recent threats by the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammad Barkindo Mustapha, to walk out of the National Conference if pushed to the wall over contentious issues like the mode of voting, was his personal opinion. Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, a delegate to the conference from Sokoto state and former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) made this known at a press briefing in Kaduna yesterday. “We never discussed this issue of going to Cameroon in any northern caucus meeting or in any forum,”

ILORIN

KADUNA

Kaduna to offer automatic C-o-Os

he said. Dingyadi recalled that there was a lot of heat and centrifugal forces in the early days of the conference and people retreated to their ethnic cocoons. “Most delegates forgot the fact that we were there as Nigerians to fashion out the way forward for this country,” Dingyadi said, adding that Lamido “tried to portray the feelings of certain people at that particular point in time.’’ The delegate, who described the Lamido’s threat as an emotional outburst, said the royal father’s position was “generated out of certain attacks from some other quarters.’’ On the allegation that the conference is aimed at discussing the future of Nigeria but the youth are not adequately represented, Dingyadi said that every stratum of the society is represented at the conference.

NEWS IN BRIE F

The Kaduna State Government has inaugurated the Systematic Land Titling and Registration (SLTR) project to offer automatic Certificate of Occupancy (C-o-O) to land owners in the state. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the registration is being undertaken in partnership with the Growth and Employment in States (GEMS3) programme. The state Manager of GEMS3, Hajiya Aisha Mujaddadi, said yesterday in Kaduna that 1,000 parcels of land had been registered.

5.5

The number of fixed (wired)-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of Asia & Pacific region in 2010. (Source: Itu.int)

MINNA

New technology for Traders asked to vacate Asa River bank paddy rice processing Kwara State Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Alhaji Usman Mora, has ordered sellers of fairly used upholstery materials beside Asa River, Edun junction, Ilorin to vacate for the channelisation of the River. Mora gave the directive yesterday at a meeting he held with the executive of the Association of Fairly Used Upholstery Materials in his office. He added that the order was informed by need to prevent further loss of lives and property experienced in the past due to flooding.

N6.5bn

The internally generated revenue of Ondo State in 2010. (Source: National bureau of Statistics)

The National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) in Niger State yesterday said it has developed appropriate technology for processing paddy rice into milled grains. Director, Outreach Department of the institute, Dr. Lawrence Oluremi, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badeggi. Oluremi said the technology would ensure high quality polished rice that could compare with imported parboiled grain anywhere in the world.

8.78m

The total population of Melanesia region (representing was about 0.13% of the world’s population) in 2010. (Source: blatantworld.com)

Anambra security outfit arrests four in Awka Uwakwe Abugu Awka

ollowing the inauguration of a joint security taskforce by Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State to tackle the scourge of insecurity in the state, a joint team of security forces that began operation in Onitsha yesterday arrested four suspected criminals from whom large quantities of cannabis were recovered. The joint security team of armed forces is currently raiding suspected criminals’ hideouts in parts of Anambra State, especially Onitsha, Nnewi, Awka, tha state capital and some semi-urban areas of the state.

The operation, according to sources, is part of Obiano’s initiative and avowed determination to rid the state of criminal elements and criminalities. The team members yesterday moved in a convoy and they comprised the Army, Navy, Police, Department of Security Services (DSS) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). They stormed the hideout near the Old Motor Spare Parts (Mgbuka) Market, Obosi, near Onitsha around 12 noon. It was at that location that they arrested the four suspects and recovered some bags and wraps of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp) estimated to weigh a little less than 100 kilogrammes.

Katsina gets 4,439 Hajj slots

he National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has allocated 4, 439 Hajj slots to Katsina State for the 2014 pilgrimage. The Executive Director, Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ahmad Hassan, disclosed this yesterday at a press briefing

on the preparations for this year’s Hajj operations. He said that the State Government had approved N600,000 as minimum deposit from each intending pilgrim. Hassan said payment must be made in bank draft payable to the board between now and April 15.

L-R: Managing Director, Pegco Communications, Mr. Chibuke Oforbuike, presenting Nokia Asha phone to winner of the dancing competition, Ogochukwu Nnaji; and Globacom Business Director, Enugu State, Mr. Chinedu Orji, at the Globacom pavilion at the 25th Enugu International Trade Fair, Enugu…recently

Alaafin to Kalu: Only courageous men like you can step on Obasanjo’s toes

he Alaafin of Oyo in Oyo State, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (III), has said it takes courageous men like eminent businessman and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu to step on toes, and powerful ones at that. Adeyemi spoke yesterday when Kalu paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Oyo. He said he had followed Kalu even before he became governor and knows that Kalu is a courageous man who does not mind saying the truth even at a great risk to his life. The monarch recalled the many face-offs Kalu had during his tenure as gover-

nor with the then President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Speaking further, Adeyemi said Kalu was one of the few people with courage to confront Obasanjo, whom he described as “a moving train.” He said he was once caught in the crossfire between Kalu and Obasanjo. Adeyemi, who revealed a secret he said he had been keeping for years, said Kalu helped him in running his empire with the provision of funds, adding: “In your eight years in government, you did very well. “You had money before you became governor so it wasn’t that you went into politics to look for money. In fact, I wanted to confer him

with a chieftaincy title but he ran away. And one thing he did not want me to disclose while he was governor was that he gave me a lot of money to run my own empire and government. “In so many instances, you stepped on toes. And that is the attribute of a courageous man. He even confronted Obasanjo, a moving train. I ran into one of their face-offs,” he said. Adeyemi prayed for Kalu after his speech in which he also eulogised Kalu for establishing so many businesses for Nigerians and even foreigners to benefit from. He asked God to embrace Kalu with long life so he could enjoy the fruits of

his labour. Kalu, who went on the trip with Senator Emmanuel Onwe, Bayo Fatussin (CEO of House J), Hon. Chibuike Jonas, Hon. Edozie Mbam and Akinniyi Babatunde, said he was in Oyo to “pay homage to my father.” Kalu thanked Adeyemi for standing by him throughout his “trauma” in Abia State as governor. He said this was more so during his many confrontations with Obasanjo. The former governor said he was in Ibadan to deliver the Centenary Lecture of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State chapter and felt it would not be right not to see the eminent paramount ruler.

SEGUN EDWARDS olaedwards@yahoo.com 08111813095

Companies & Stock 5 APRIL 2014

Nahco profit plunging on huge operating cost

igerian Aviation Handling Company (Nahco) Plc released its earnings report with revenues rising modestly by four per cent to N7.3 billion. Operating profit at the end of the year was N905 million compared to N1.2billion posted in 2011.This was 2012 year ended results. Profit after tax also dropped 25 per cent to N593 million at the end of the year. The company has proposed to paid dividends of 25 kobo per share based on this result down from the 40 kobo per share paid a year earlier. From the initial results posted analysts were quick to point out to increase in operating cost as well as cost of sales as both rose marginally higher than the increase in revenue during the period. The aviation industry took a big hit in recent years following the plane crash and several controversies surrounding the sector which affected growth industry wide. Passenger traffic is expected to fall in 2012 when compared to 2011 stemming from the crisis in the in-

dustry which may be a reason for the minimal revenue growth. Nahco face little competition in the industry and should actually do better despite the crisis in the industry. A silver lining in this result may perhaps be their ability to reduce debtors by half over the last year to N1.1billion. However, working capital for the period was negative as current liabilities over shot current assets. The company also has a good cash pile of about N819 million and generated a whopping N4 billion in operating cash flow. But with the dividend payout of 25kobo per share and outstanding shares of over 1.4 billion the company was expected to look for cash to pay out over N370 million in dividends (almost half their December cash balance) Results like this should be viewed in a larger context . Whilst revenue have been increasing over the years, profits had declined from about N1.1billion in 2010 to the N593million. The company posted this year. Return on earnings in the period

Recapitalisation: Operators embrace merger and acquisition

he directive issued to all operators in the Nigerian capital market by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the apex regulator of the market, to raise their operating capital base to various new levels seem to be taking its toll on the players in the market.

also dropped to 11.2 per cent compared to 15 per cent in the previous year indicating a decline in optimizing shareholder value over the prior year. Also for a business with spending up to 74 per cent in 2011 of its gross profit on operating expenses and likely growing the company looks to lack competitive advantage in an industry it solely dominates. Investors have also not taken likeness to this stock as it has declined about 2 per cent year on year to N6.40. In fact it has been on a slide over the last month dropping from N7.90 on the 4th of March. Year to

date it has gained 93kobo having opened at N5.47 and peaking at N8.8 at the end of the January 2013. The current share price represents a premium of 15.6x over its earnings per share. It is expected that the intrinsic price to be about N4 per share or 1.1x its net asset per share which is just N3.6. Holders of the stock analysts reason may consider selling as the fundamentals don’t justify the current price especially if their results continue to decline. Watch out for their first quarter results as this will give a clear direction of things to come this year.

Despite profit, Diamond needs re-tooling

here have always been the argument about Nigerian banks preferring to issue debit cards rather than credit cards. Diamond Bank being one of the findings revealed issued credit cards provided you can prove to having a steady source of income. That in many analysts’ view was evident of large scale retail banking on the back of aggressive lending that should increase risk and off course rewards. Diamond Bank released its 2012 audited accounts with gross earnings rising 34 per cent year on year to N144.1 billion. Net operating income at the end of the period was N96billion better than the N38 billion posted same period last year. The bank will go on to post a profit after tax of N22.1 billion coming back to profitability after declaring a loss last year of about N14 billion. Diamond bank’s success had more to do with lesser loan losses than it had with revenue. Yes gross earnings increased and customer deposits soared but the key factor here was the loan loss suffered in 2011. In fact if loan losses is deducted from both side then the previous year may have made a profit of N41 billion and the year under review N39billion. This simply shows how vulnerable bank incomes are when loans

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Reliable market source said the various capital market operators are contemplating different options that would make them either meet the directive of at best not lose their investment, at the end of the exercise, which New Telegraph learnt is not being given alternative consideration. Some of the options being considered by operators according to the CEO Koshare Provado, Bolanle Fisher are Merger and Acquisition, and sale of licenses by operators. She said Stockbroking firms are various stages of being consummated based on mergers and acquisitions, while issues of whose identity should be adopted or subsumed are major hurdles standing in the ways of most of the agreements.

DMO Commended for Effective Utilisation of $1b Eurobond

he Debt Management Office (DMO), has been lauded for ensuring the effective utilisation of the proceeds from the issuance of the well subscribed one billion dollars Eurobond (US$1 billion) issued last year.

Diamond Bank MD, Alex Otti

go bad. Diamond bank has lent aggressively for a whole twelve months increasing their loans to borrowers by almost 51 percent. This is at a time when the likes of Zenith and GTB were doing 10 per cent. This trend in aggrieve lending seem to be prevalent with medium sized banks. As at end of 2012, Sterling Bank had loans that was 5 times its net assets just like Diamond. Much of its loan losses a couple of years back arose from overdrafts or loans which have fallen due but unpaid. It lost about N25 billion in impaired overdraft loans compared to N8 billion this year. N361 billion (67 per cent) of the bank loans are secured by real estate whilst the rest are either unsecured or “otherwise secured”. Whether there is a risk of write offs in the coming years, as defaults are part of banking anyway. It will not be

unwise to look deeper into the quality of their loans in the coming months. The bank’s seemingly low net asset to loans ratio is an obvious sign that things don’t look good for the bank. Currently it has a negative of about N15 billion from cash generated from operations. Diamond Bank currently trades at N6.30 and the shares has rise 148 per cent in the last year. The share price

had dropped) by 10 per cent its biggest one day drop in 8 years. Analysts attribute that to expansion plans that the bank announced will cost $750 million to finance expansion and meet CBN capital adequacy ratio. The latter may perhaps have triggered the sell-off. It currently trades at less than book value (0.97) making it a candidate for a takeover or acquisition.

Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, who is also the Chairman of the DMO board, gave this commendation at the 15th Supervisory Board Meeting of the DMO, which held on Thursday at the State House Abuja. The Vice President expressed optimism that the proceeds would impact positively on the growth of the Nigerian economy, especially as it would provide the much needed funds in the areas of power generation, distribution and transmission, as well as in the agriculture, gas and aviation sectors. He charged the DMO to continue with its good works as it was a key institution in the Transformation Agenda. Earlier, the Director-General of the DMO, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo had briefed the meeting on the utilisation of the proceeds from the issuance of the Eurobond,which he noted was being disbursed to targeted sectors of the economy as directed by government.

Who is prone to cheating in a relationship, man or woman? p.12

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Rape: Obesere receives knocks for releasing picture of accuser Since Fuji musician, Abass Akande, released the photograph of the lady who accused him of raping her, commentators have expressed their views on different social media networks on the latest saga, LANRE ODUKOYA writes.

lthough Abass Akande otherwise known as Obesere is regarded by many as a lewd musician, most of his fans believed his lewdness does not go beyond what he waxes in album and perform on stage. This, perhaps, explains why many people were shocked when a 29-year-old lady, Olanike Olaiya, alleged that the Fuji maestro raped and attempted to use her for ritual purpose. According to Olaiya, the incident happened at Obesere’s Isolo-Lagos home where she reportedly passed the night on February 12. She claimed she bled for nearly two weeks and subsequently filed a report with the police. Obesere, who prides himself as the king of lewd music was summoned at Panti Police Station, Lagos, to state his own side of the story. After interrogations, he was released in the interim and was to be reporting to the station until investigations into the matter were concluded. Obesere in the passing weeks deciphered the thin line between fame and infamy as many people expressed their views on the scandal on social media networks. Weeks after, the Lagos State Police Command through its Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, exonerated the musician of the rape allegation. Braide while fielding questions from a Lagos based soft-sell magazine, Encomium Weekly, reportedly said, “As far as we’re concerned, and based on the investigations carried out so far on the matter, most of the allegations by Obesere’s accuser, Olanike Olaiya, were fabricated. Although they both admitted having carnal knowledge of each other, there was absolutely nothing to show that Nike was raped as she claimed. “It was a frame-up because the lady has refused to honour police invitation. And the doctor’s report available to us has shown that she was not raped. We’re made to understand that this lady on her own went to Obesere’s house in search of the musician. She spent the night there. While she was there, she cooked and everybody in the house

ate. People in that house have equally made statements. I think there was a mutual relationship between the two of them. Nike is a 29-year-old lady, a divorcee. I think during the period she was in the house, they had carnal knowledge of each other, and she left him after which she went to the station to allege that she was raped. “I think there was a case of mutual relationship between both parties as well as extortion attempt. Before she went to make such allegation, she had already contacted Obesere on the phone to demand certain amount that she was bleeding and so on. Obesere now invited her to a hospital. The doctor examined her and he didn’t see anything abnormal. And they said for further

I blame the girl who’s not courageous enough to get a lawyer clarification, she should go for scan. She left and never returned to the hospital.” Weeks later, to further prove his innocence about the rape allegation levelled against him, Obesere has released a video CD, titled ‘Rape Scandal’ and it has been in circulation since its release on March 17. It was learnt that the CD has sold thousands of copies. “Obesere has released the video CD which explains better what actually transpired between him and his accuser, Nike Olaiya. I learnt the CD has sold thousands of copies. Everybody wants to see the face of the girl. I also learnt that some music promoters and marketers have been lobbying Obesere for the musical video of the incident, which I learnt may be released before the end of the second quarter of the year. But I think Papa (Obesere) is just waiting for the outcome of the police investigation before going to the studio for the album.” a source ha said. Curiously, Obesere had released the controversial CD before investigations were concluded. On the reason he churned out the CDs, Obesere claimed in a recent publication, “I want people, especially my fans, to get a clearer picture of what really happened between me and Nike Olaiya. Also, the inclusion of Alhaja Bola Omo Owo’s interview in the video is to let the public know that I have nothing to hide. I am sure everybody can recognise me, but I want people to also see the face of Alhaja Omo Owo so that they will all know she’s not a fake person.

“Rape Scandal was produced to explain everything in detail. It wasn’t for monetary reason, but all of a sudden, everybody keeps requesting for a copy. By now, Nike should just come out and defend herself. Her picture is also on the jacket of the CD. Everybody knows that Papa can never rape and that will never happen. I believe that won’t be the first time Nike will be swindling men. It’s God that exposed her. That’s why she is running up and down. Everybody has seen the face of a scammer. Very soon, she would show up or be fished out.” Reacting to the development, Olaiya (Nike), the alleged victim, was quoted to have said, “Let them go ahead with their video CDs. If they like, they should come out with 10 of such, it doesn’t bother me. Very soon, the whole world will know the truth. All I know is that sinners won’t go unpunished. But I thank God I am okay now.” However, reactions have begun to trail Obesere’s use of the lady’s photograph and that of Alhaja Omo Owo who was at a time the go-between. A woman activist, Titi Obaoye-Wiloughby, argued that it was wrong for the musician to have used Olaiya’s photograph on the cover of the CD. “How could he violate the girl’s privacy by putting her picture on the cover of a CD? Secondly, it only shows how Nigerians treat women to the rest of the world. Rape victims are stigmatised and even get punished for daring to report to the authorities,” she added. “I don’t think it’s a good perception he’s giving about himself. His brand doesn’t need that at all. And I think his management should have managed the situation professionally,” an entertainment publicist, Obasijuade, said. Another online commentator, who identified herself simply as Sharon has a different view.

She said, “In my honest opinion, at this point I think both of them are looking for cheap popularity. It was all planned from the beginning.” A banker, Bolaji Amusa, disagreed with the singer on the means he’s adopting to prove his innocence. “No, I disagree that Obesere put both Omo Owo and the girl’s photos on the CD to prove his innocence. If the police have vindicated you in a matter you claimed you are innocent and same has been made public, what more do you want? I doubt if he consulted his lawyer before taking this action. It’s very immature.” Onome Ekiye, an undergraduate of Political Science echoed her sentiments, “I’m not omnipresent, but whether it happened or not, I am sure posting the girl’s photo on a CD is invasion on her privacy. I blame the girl who’s not courageous enough to find herself a lawyer. “Apparently, Obesere is enjoying the scandal and at the same time using it as a brand promotion strategy. It will help his dwindling fortune.”

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

Electricity: Residents protest ‘crazy bills’

Taiwo Jimoh

o fewer than 100 residents of Owolewa Street and adjoining streets in Oko-Oba area of Agege, Lagos, on Wednesday besieged Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company office at Vetland, Oko, to protest against outrageous bills being brought by officials of the company every month. The residents, who carried placards with various inscriptions such as, ‘Crazy bill is fraudulent,’ ‘Why do you always give us crazy bills?’ ‘The less power we use, the more money we pay,’ among others were led by Mr. Ismail Owolewa, Mr. Dosus Matthew, Mr. Mujeeb Abaja, Mrs. Modupe Pearse and Chief Salau Ogbonlogba. Apart from carrying placards, the residents also went with their past bills. Abaja, a youth leader in the area, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed concern that despite the epileptic power supply in the area residents still get bills that were not commensurate with what they used. Abaja, who asked for clarification from the officials of the company, also demanded the load shedding plan as it affected the area. He said, “We have observed over time that the majority of the residents of our streets receive ‘crazy bills’ every month despite the fact that we don’t have regular supply of electricity. Whenever they bring the bills and we queried them, the usual excuse is either some metres are faulty or bills were brought based on consumption. “About three months ago, we

IKEDC office

did not get electricity supply for almost two weeks. We had all expected that for that month, our bills would not be high. But we were surprised that the bills for that month were even higher than the previous months. “Since the company charge us monthly service charge, we feel that if some metres are faulty, it is the duty of the official assigned to do the reading to call the attention of residents affected to such faulty metres. Rather what they do is to pretend as if they did not notice the fault only for them to bring outrageous bills at the end of every month. What then is the essence of the service charge we pay every month? “We have had enough and we

feel it is high time the company looked into these issues.” On her part, Pearse said the residents ought not to be kept in the dark concerning the load shedding plan of the area. “Once we know our load shedding plan, it will give us the opportunity of knowing when we are likely to have electricity so that we can know how to plan our activities at home,” she added. Owolewa also appealed to the company to treat the matter with urgency it deserved “because people are not happy about the development.” In her response, the Marketing Manager, who identified herself simply as Mrs. Obasi, assured the residents that the is-

sues would be looked into very soon. She advised the residents to get a list of houses without metres and those with faulty ones, adding the company would ensure that those affected were given reasonable bills. She said, “As soon as you get your bills for March and there are complaint, we will look at it together and find a way of resolving whatever issue arises. The company has plans for all categories of customers and I can assure you that there are friendly bills. “We will also make available our load shedding plan so that you can have an idea of when your street will be put on and your off days.”

STREET DIARY

India nabs passport racketeers

he Indian Police on Friday claimed it had arrested three Nigerians, who prepare fake passports of African countries and forge Indian visas, according to Google News. Kelvin alias Eboy, 28, and Ibitoroko Melville, 53, were arrested on March 19, following a tip-off, while Martins Cletus Okechukwu alias Charles, 36, was nabbed on March 21 based on the information given by the suspects earlier arrested. Police recovered 20 filled and blank passports of Ghana, South Africa, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Some blank and affixed forged Indian visa stickers, seven rubber stamps of arrival and departure of immigration of Indian and Nigerian airports, stamp pads, papers, CPUs and pen drive were also found in their possession. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell), Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, said: “We got information that Kelvin and Melville were running a racket of fake Indian visa stickers and fake passports of different African countries. “The suspects were selling them to citizens of various African countries for facilitating their illegal stay in India even after expiry of their Indian visas.” On March 19, Melville was arrested from Dwarka area when he was exchanging fake passports and visas with Kelvin. The suspects reportedly said they had been involved in the trade for a long time. They told police they have other African associates, whose names were Charles, Stanley and Tenten, operating from Delhi, National Capital Region (NCR) and Tamil Nadu. Okechukwu told police he used to provide African clients to Kelvin and Melville and charged commission from them and the clients. Efforts are on to apprehend the other associates, police said.

Ijaw remember Awolowo, mourn slain students Taiwo Jimoh

he founder and President of Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG), Mr. Joseph Evah, has said the Ijaw celebrated Chief Obafemi Awolowo 105th post-humour birthday because of the contribution of the late premier of the defunct western region to education. Besides, the event was also used to mourn the students who were killed by Boko Haram in Yobe State. Evah said, “Awolowo symbolised education and 10,000 professionals were produced in the South-West through him. He also gave equal opportunity to every state. “I once mobilised Yoruba youths, Arewa youths, Igbo youths and others to Kaima in Bayelsa State for Isaac

Evah

Awolowo

Boro Day celebration. “If other region can celebrate Isaac Boro, Niger-Deltans can equally celebrate Chief Obafemi Awolowo. If you celebrate anything good, goodness will equally follow you. Awolowo believed in his people and so, Isaac

Boro believed in his people. I pray to God to give President Goodluck Jonathan economic empowerment of Awolowo.” He stated further that since the pen is mightier than the sword, which Awolowo gave to his people through

education, “the Ijaw too would imitate him.” Meanwhile, the President of the Niger Delta Blind Students Association, Mr. Meshack Oghenefego, has said there are a few deep issues that have characterised Nigeria’s existence as a country for the past 100 years. According to him, the issues range from nepotism to favouritism, corruption and the seeming neo-colonialism that have continued especially after the nation’s independence. Ogbenefego, who spoke on the theme: ‘The survival of the Nigerian student and national security; The Yobe killings,’ said the issues raised at the forum should be paid attention

to avert disintegration of the country. “I have often described Nigeria as a gallon of liquor dangling left and right with member states of Africa trying to make sure that the gallon remains standing no matter what. If the ripple effect of Nigeria’s fall, there will be serious trouble for the rest of the continent and the world at large,” Oghenefego stated. He pointed out that Awolowo among many Nigerians of his time understood in details the tool called education. “Education to me is not described as learning within the four walls of a classroom alone but transcends to any empowerment package that makes a human being independent in life,” he added.

Voices

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

Street Diary

Who is prone to cheating in a relationship, the man or woman? Both sexes are guilty

I think both of them are prone to cheat. If a man is not satisfied by his woman, he’s prone to cheat on her to satisfy his sexual urge and same goes to women too. Apart from people who are selfish and self-centered, the reason most people cheat on their spouse is because their partner can’t satisfy them. Men at times don’t have reasons to cheat but for the fact that our culture encourages polygamy.

Temi Durodola - Works with power solutions firm

It’s on both side and I think it is a personal reason. Some married men cheat on their wives because they think it is right to have a girl friend after marriage.

Serah Onyeacho PR consultant and film producer Men, prone to cheating

I believe the man is more prone to cheating. Most men have smarter than thou inclination in them. But most of the women tend to be God-fearing and may not want to commit sin that is against God’s injunction of chastity in matrimony. The only way out for men is to strive to stick to their wives and avoid adultery which is sinful in the sight of God. By this, they can build happy homes.

Adeniyi Adeogun – Banker

It’s inevitable in a relationship

Cheating is inevitable; we just have to learn how to discipline ourselves.

It’s a man’s world

In my own opinion, it’s the men. I’m not being partial; this is the truth. A typical Nigerian woman is more concentrated on her home. She has a lot of duties to perform and all these occupy her time. It is not so easy for most women to cheat because the moment we get married we try to remain in the marriage. The society condemns the women the most in case of a failed marriage. So, women try to avoid getting involved in such act but men take advantage of all these with the mindset of getting excused or pardoned. The society is harsh on adulterous women but easily bury such act when carried out by men.

Oreoluwa Mogaji

Cheating is relative, people used to say that men cheat on our spouses it may be true but I want to look at the percentage now. Women do cheat more than men this may be as a result of lackadaisical attitude of the men. Some men do neglect the wife on the basics of stress from work while those men believe that with money they can buy the heart of the woman. Men should be able to perform their basic responsibility at home both materially and sexually in order to prevent the woman from committing adultery. In a nutshell and in recent time, women are prone to cheating than men.

Best Toyin – Lecturer, UNILAG

The men

Adeola Sobogun Undergraduate

Women are guilty

Men are naturally wired to cheat

Men are prone to cheating than the women because it is in their nature to cheat as they are not satisfied with what they have. Another reason is that they find pleasure in sleeping with different women. There are some factors that can also cause this. In some cases, the man is tired of his wife or attracted to another woman and does not find pleasure sleeping with his wife anymore. Although if the woman is a working class lady who doesn’t have time for the man, the man might be feeling neglected and this can make him to find solace and pleasure in another woman. Therefore, I am of the opinion that men are prone to cheating women.

Men are distracted

easily

African men aren’t always satisfied with what they have. They are somehow polygamous in nature. Some of them who partially have the fear of God will prefer to have girlfriends. Some feels that eating a particular food all the time is not the best, so they feel like tasting others. Because men are moved by what they see, it is always difficult for them not to cheat or like ladies who can endure. They are prone to cheating because they can be easily trapped with series of gimmicks by the ladies even if they are not interested the action put on by the ladies will arouse another action from them.

Taiwo Omilani – Journalist

Men cheat more than women

Men are prone to cheating and so many things account for this these days including the obscene nature of women appearance which many men may not be able to resist. Also, African practice make men heads of the family and the result is that they do so many things believing they cannot be checked or questioned. So, in a nutshell men are prone to cheating than women.

Bello Ismail – Footballer

Men cheat more

Men cheat more because men are not always satisfied sexually. They are interested in anything skirt and blouse. In the case of a woman, she can begin to cheat mostly when the man cannot perform.

Chidiebere Lovina – Student

Men are polygamous in nature

Moyo Oyeniyi – Advert agent

Men are polygamous in nature. All men cheat. It takes the grace of God to see a faithful man but nevertheless situation can lead a woman into cheating. It might be because she wants to get back at her cheating husband or if she is the breadwinner of the family this can make her to be unfaithful to her husband. So, I will say that both men and women are prone to cheating this is because anything can happen as they say – ‘body no be firewood.’

Men are more guilty

Most times men cheat more because so many men married when they are not really ready. Because their girlfriends became pregnant in the process of their relationship they are forced to marry early and because of this most of them are always going outside.

Adedigba Johnson - Engineer

Callistus Nonso –Businessman Society endorses infidelity from both sexes

Men are more prone to cheating compared to females. Because most men still find solace in extra marital affairs due to so many reasons. Some would tell you that it is due to the pressure they face from their wives at home. In our society today it has become the norms for the males to cheat and for the women to engage in amoral behaviour.

Lai Adebayo - Ex-President, LASU Students’ Union

Men do it more

Though I am not married yet I will say men cheat more. Women also do it anyway but the difference is that while men can see any girl, even minors, and begin to develop feelings towards the girl, women can only feel sex for who they love or because they want a favour from that man.

Ijeoma Eze - Student compiled by

Mojeed Alabi, Camilius Nnaji, Olushola Ricketts and Victoria Ewoh

Showbiz OJB: My story will inspire people p.19 Travel Dreaming Big at Planet One p.40

NTWEEKEND

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05 APRIL 2014

C o n v e r s at i o n

BOVI UGBOMA:

COMEDY’S BREATH OF FRESH AIR

ABOUT MY SHOWS

I’ve had TV shows since 2007, two for that matter. I got two nominations for the maiden Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for best actor in a comedy and best writer (comedy) for my efforts in The Bovi Ugboma Show. I also did my first stand-up comedy show on March 10, 2013 and it was tagged Bovi - Man on Fire. But unlike most other shows, that was a solo stand-up comedy show. I wanted to express myself for an hour and more. I think that’s the trademark of a true standup comedian.

The veterans have named him the future of Nigerian comedy and Bovi Ugboma is unarguably living up to this praise. It’s a remarkable way to be perceived in a crowded, raucous field such as stand-up comedy particularly if your entry has been fairly recent like Bovi’s. The humour merchant reflects on his art, family and making a living through comedy. He spoke with LANRE ODUKOYA SOURCING ENTHRALLING CAST

Well, I’m an apostle of picking passionate people. First of all, I’m an actor and a producer, so I can tell who fits the role I want in character and looks. Nevertheless, acting can be guided if the script is right and the person must be willing to listen to direction.

ON SKIT PRODUCTIONS

Well, I’m just a story teller. That my recent skits are getting very popular boils down to two things. One, if they’re interesting, they would inevitably gain viewers. Two, it adds to the pedigree of its author. People now believe that if it’s me, it will be interesting. That puts me under a lot of pressure to deliver more to the waiting fans. I’ve got scores of skits and all of them have attracted impressive remarks. The latest is the one titled, The Affair, featuring Kate Henshaw. AS PROMOTIONAL TOOLS

It’s all part of the package. I’ve been doing skits for years. It has gone from a promotional tool to a money spinner. For me, this is no longer what one does to get hyped; rather, it’s talent in play.

INSPIRATION FOR SOLO CONCERT, BOVI MAN ON FIRE

Well, I feel every comedian deserves to have an album. A one man comedy show affords him that. I think it’s odd to title a show with your name and feature many other people. This year, I’m doing my show in London May 26. I want to reach out and tour the world before coming back to Lagos. MY JITTERS AT THE MAIDEN EDITION

My fear of the hall being half empty was borne out of people coming late actually. When I peeped and saw the size of the audience, I was scared until when I realized it was all part of the way we refuse to be punctual at events. The hall was later filled to a staggering capacity. But for this year’s show in London, I really don’t have fears. If I do, they just come and go. I try not to dwell on them.

LIKE COMEDY, LIKE MUSIC

They keep thinking that was a musical interlude, which is not true. I didn’t have interludes. I did my command performance and sealed it with musical acts. Since it was the first show, I needed to tread carefully. Change is a gradual process. Very soon it will be strictly comedy. So, show goers can know if it’s a musical show or comedy show they are attending. I will have just one music act this year, but that’s still in the works. The event is going to hold at the Indigo O2 and the running time for the show is two hours. WHY I’M ENAMOURED OF BASKETMOUTH

His naturalness is one of the reasons I understudied him. The ability to find humour in the driest places is another thing going for him. I learnt stuffs from watching several comedians, but I saw more similarities in Basketmouth’s style. AT PAR WITH BASKETMOUTH IN COMMERCE AND ARTS

People have also said that I’m pacing up with Basketmouth, whose acolyte I am both in the arts and commerce. Whatever you say, we must do exploits and take intelli-

gent steps to growing our enterprise. I’m not sure people will be happy to hear me say the same jokes year in year out. Besides, it’s a logistical nightmare putting up a quality show in Nigeria. They say Basketmouth never missed Rhythm Unplugged since inception, but the truth is that he doesn’t own the franchise. I never said I was going to miss Rhythm Unplugged too. That I’m not doing my show doesn’t mean I’m not going to be seen in concerts. FRESH RESOLVE ON BUSINESS AND FAMILY

The way I see it, it will be business as usual. I just want to reach out more and make money in honest ways. And I want to spend more time with my family. MY WORKS TARGET ALL THE STRATA

When they say my jokes are somewhat elitist, I laugh because that’s an unfair stereotype. I have jokes for all types of audience. Some are generic. Some are not. I’m really not into defining the types of jokes or the types of audience. I just want to do what I love doing and cut across all strata irrespective of colour, race, region, religion or tribe. ON THE TREND OF HAVING BABIES BORN ABROAD

I cracked that joke about willing to have my children born in developed nations so that at the end of the day I’d have world CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

WEEKEND | CONVERSATION

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2014

‘I CAN’T STAND COMEDIANS WHO COPY OTHER P C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

citizens. So, because I had my last child in the United States, some people started taking that message seriously. Well it was just a joke. The world is shrinking. America is a melting pot, a deciding factor in world politics and economy. I want my kids to have the kind of access I didn’t have. I’m also an entertainer with dreams of Hollywood. When that dream comes to life, I won’t have to start filing papers

been crazy about. So, when a fan approaches me, I give him all the attention and patience I can afford even though some of them get it all wrong along the line. I remember always that the major thing here is that I’m being appreciated. REMARKS FROM MY FAMILY

When I crack jokes, it’s funny to know that at home, they don’t laugh. You know a king is not respected in his own place. They are

ON JOINING POLITICS AFTER SOCIAL CRUSADE

I can’t even imagine the thought of going into politics. I don’t have the patience or pragmatism to deal with the intrigues.

HOLIDAY FANTASIES

MY PHOBIA

I think fear of failure is the phobia I’ve got. I’m sure it’s a common phobia though. INDUSTRY NAGGING CONCERNS

I really don’t have worries anymore. I like the fact that it’s providing job opportunities for youths. Those who think they can do comedy should come in. If it turns out they are not cut out for it, it probably helps them discover what soothes them. But what seems the biggest challenge is the piracy of jokes. You know how peeved you would get watching an artiste reel out your jokes what for word. So how do you describe someone who says he’s a comedian, attends a show, records you verbatim, memorize your lines and doles out just the same at another function? That’s daylight robbery.

“Those who think they can do comedy should come in. If it turns out they are not cut out for it, it probably helps them discover what soothes them”

To be appreciated is a privilege beyond description. I’m also some people’s fan too and I know how I feel when I meet anyone I’d

DEARTH OF CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS

It’s a difficult terrain, but it’s changing albeit slowly. I think entertainment is a sure route to reaching out to the masses. The more this is recognized, the more sponsorship would grow. It’s just a matter of time, we will get to a stage where this challenge will no longer be a threat. TENDING TO HOUSE CHORES

Well, I used to be a good cook but now, things are not the same, I’m lazy as hell. very supportive but to make them laugh is a different ball game. FAVOURITE FOOTBALL STAR, COACH AND TEAM

I love Arsenal, I love Messi and in Arsene Wenger I trust. My preference is borne out of the beauty attached to these three picks. I love artistry.

CHILDHOOD CAREER OBSESSION

I’ve always wanted to be just what I am today, an entertainer. I was addicted to television at a very young age. I always knew I wanted to be on the tube. At 15, I made up my mind that I was going to study theatre arts and that was exactly what I did.

THE HUMBLE BEGINNING

I started working with Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD) as his personal assistant after I graduated in 2004. Actually, working with him was supposed to catapult me into stardom in Nollywood, but he had other plans for me. Through him I honed my skills in business administration and when I was done doing the tutelage, he gave me the chance to break forth. I was sure I would do stand-up comedy at the said time but there was no

viable platform to start from. I went professional as an actor in 2007 and as a stand-up comic in 2008. But my foray into entertainment actually dates back to 2004. So you see, it depends on how much who describes me knows me. I put in a lot of years as an apprentice and a researcher before going practical. RELATIONSHIP WITH AY AND BASKETMOUTH

In 2008, Ayo Makun (AY) asked me to feature in his programme and I obliged him. When I got bored, I asked out of the billionaire thing. As for Bright Okpocha (Basket Mouth), we were acquaintances in my formative years. In 2007, I asked him to feature in my sitcom, Extended Family, and he agreed. So, once I went into mainstream stand-up in 2008, our closeness was inevitable. Apart from the fact that we complement each other intellectually, I understudied Bright from 2005 till 2008. We come up with new stuffs every other meeting. So it’s good for the business.

GROWING UP MY FAVOURITE FOREIGN COMEDIAN

COPING WITH OVERZEALOUS FANS

OTHER THRILLS

I love sports. I enjoy football and I play at least twice a week. I love table tennis and basketball. I think I love to play.

for my kids. I’ve got quite a lot of them. My family and I want to go on a cruise round the world. One of these summers, we will as God lives.

I have quite a number of them but would mention a few: Basketmouth, I Go Die and Gandoki.

Steve Harvey from the United States is my favourite comedian abroad. ROLE MODELS IN THE INDUSTRY

I’d say a modest childhood was what I had. I never lacked. And if I did, it was cushioned with love and attention. It was fair enough, I’d say.

FOREIGN ACT WITH THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON CAREER

2pac Shakur had a great influence on me in my formative years. I loved his work and his work ethic. And I could relate with most

CONVERSATION | WEEKEND

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2014

R PEOPLE’S JOKES WITHOUT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT’ of his stories because they’re nearly identical with mine.

I served with NTA Lokoja as a reporter. That’s the farthest I went.

CAUCUS AMONG COMEDIANS

MISSION

What you call cliques might just be pairs or groups of friends. I have a cordial relationship with most of the practitioners in this trade. I’m doing Julius Agwu’s show in February. If there were cliques, I won’t be there. I spend nights in the homes of I go save and I go dye. Okey Bakassi is like a father to us all.

I just wanted to entertain in the beginning. It’s like an urge one can’t control. But now that I’m more matured, I realised that my work affects lives. So, I try to entertain primarily but also use the medium as a correctional tool for our youths, our government and our system. People may laugh at our jokes but

“I’ve heard of comedians using my jokes at premium events and I didn’t hesitate to call them to order”

settled anyone. Remember, I said first and foremost, my mission is to entertain. So no matter what, I ensure everyone gets a good laugh. I’m not Bakare or El-Rufai. I’m Bovi, the entertainer. Most of the people I’ve made jokes on still hire me especially in government. So they understand my job perhaps. DEALING WITH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY THEFT

I’ve heard of comedians using my jokes at premium events and I didn’t hesitate to call them to order by confronting them with the question and then a warning. I air my displeasure basically. This applies in premium events, the ones that may end up on Youtube or CDs. Those are the only ones I take personal. PLACING COMEDY

So where is the clique? BEFORE PROFESSIONAL COMEDY CAME CALLING

I haven’t tried anything that’s not tied to entertainment and lifestyle. Before entertainment I was in the university. After graduation,

they believe most of the things we say. So that’s it, entertain, enlighten and inform our patrons are the things I do.

The art is very individualistic. So perhaps that’s why it’s slow to get a structured regulatory body. And transactions are pretty straight forward. In my opinion, comedians should belong to NANTAP because our art is theatrical. It’s like a one-man drama.

COST OF VERBAL MISSILES

ALTER EGO

I wouldn’t know if any of my jokes had un-

I’m a method actor, a writer and a moti-

vational speaker perhaps. Comedy is just a piece of the puzzle. Time will tell. REGRETS

I’ve often given that a thought. In as much as I have no regrets, I guess I’d just be more outspoken if I had to do it all again. And I wouldn’t waste time trying to please people who are desperate to make me feel guilty.

INSTYLE

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

‘My fashion comes without fuss’ Efe Omorogbe, CEO of Now Muzik, an outfit that manages the likes of 2face and Tony One Week, tells ANGELA DAVIES that style for him comes without much effort. Define your style

be caught wearing?

My style is laid back. That is being stylish without making an effort of it.

A kilt, I think. Kilt is a knee-length garment with pleats at the rear which Scottish men wear. It is most often made of woollen cloth in a tartan pattern.

What determines the kind of outfit you wear?

My mood and the occasions determine what I wear. What kind of outfits make up a larger part of your wardrobe?

Kalu Ikeagwu

Tunde Braimoh

Afeez Ayetoro a.k.a Saka

Feel contemporary in ethnic look Angela Davies

Collins Talker

or the man who wants to feel and look his best in a style that celebrates his indigenous root, you can opt for well embroidered African print outfits. These outfits could be designed with brocade, Ankara or tieand-dye as long as it is strikingly designed with embroidery that suits your taste and style. The embroidery design on the outfit could be simple or intricate and should be in colour or colours that complement the fabric. For that sophisticated look, dress to impress in contemporary African outfit which can be worn to every occasion paired with a good pair of black shoes, loafers, leather sandal or slippers depending on the occasion. However, you can also adorn a cap - fila - to complete your stylish look but this also depends on the occasion and the fashion statement you want to make.

Casuals make up about 80 percent of my wardrobe and that is because of the nature of my job and my personal attitude. Favourite piece of clothing

It is a nice pair of blue jeans. Most expensive fashion item you have ever bought

That will be a suit. Clothing item you will never

Teju Babyface

What fashion accessories can’t you do without?

A watch, the only one I actually use. Signature perfume

It is Black Orchid by Tom Ford. Signature aftershave

None. Best designer

I have none in particular. Best colour

My best colour is blue. What kind of shoes do you love to wear?

I love to wear comfortable casuals.

Omorogbe...loves to don casual attires and wear his signature perfume, TomD’ltye Ford’s Black Orchid (above)

INSTYLE

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

Accessories to live for

Loafers: The easy slip-on Loafers are simple yet trendy, and could be worn with a number of attires that are not necessarily casual, writes ANGELA DAVIES.

oafers also called slip-ons are simple, stylish and comfortable shoes because of their simplicity. The simplicity and elegance of loafers just make them desirable to wear. These trendy and easy to wear shoes do not need to be worn with socks. They come in an array of colours, fabrics and styles to choose from. They are basically casual shoes

with an elegant style so when it comes to styling loafers for men, you should wear them with classy jeans, shorts or pants with shirt or T-shirt, as well as contemporary African wears for men. There are also the dress loafers that make one look stylish and corporate at the same time which can be worn to the office. Today, many designers have designed simple but elegant loafers for every man of style. Just select and wear one that defines your fashion taste and style. Remember, every loafer has its own style.

Facts Mai Atafo’s first major debut was clothing the likes of Omowunmi Akinnifesi, Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2005, Pasuma Wonder and Wale Rubber in the Maiden Edition of the TV Dance reality show “Celebrity Takes Two”.

Pierced ears became so unfashionable in the 1950’s that they were viewed as “socially improper” for the chic woman.

Platform shoes were originally created to keep dirt away from the feet and didn’t come into fashion until 14th-century Venice. At that time, they became extremely ornate and dangerously high. Some even measured as high as 30 inches.

We can attribute the Little Black Dress to Coco Chanel. This garment is a timeless ingenious creation of simplicity and elegance.

BEAUTY

Exfoliate with black soap and sugar

xfoliation is an important part of both facials and body treatments. However, having a good facial scrub can prevent breakouts and also exfoliate dry skin. You can make your own natural facial exfoliator in the comfort of your home with only a small amount instead of visiting the spa and spending so much.

It is important to note that having a facial deeply cleanses the skin, dislodging build-up in the pores and help to break up white heads. It smoothens and refines the skin’s texture, giving it a soft, supple look and enhances blood flow to the face, giving the appearance of a fresh glow For your facial scrub today, all you need is black soap better known as ose dudu in Yoruba and granulated sugar and you will be basking in a glowing skin. • To begin, ensure there is no water on your face so that the sugar will not melt and you will feel the scrub. • Then, put a small quantity of black soap and a teaspoon of granulated sugar on your palm, massage together and then rub on your face in gentle circular motion. • Scrub softly for about three minutes, rinse off with lukewarm water and pat face dry with a clean towel. • Finally, apply moisturizer. Facial scrub good for glowing skin

Black soap

Granulated sugar

Cutting Edge NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

5 APRIL 2014

‘Organisations collapse for lack of manpower management’ Uchora Udoji, a consultant on organizational behaviour and human resources management sits on the faculty of Lagos Business School (LBS) where she has taught for over 10 years. She speaks with EBERE AMEH on the need for leadership training and other sundry management issues Do you agree that emphasis should actually be training the led, to ensure they also know their rights and responsibilities and serve as a check if the leadership derails?

has sold even the bed we are lying on. Good enough, academic institutions, particularly business schools have the ability to shape the behaviours of leaders of Africa.

Of course, we say that for you to be a good team leader, you must first of all be a good team member. This means you cannot even rise to leadership if we don’t see you as somebody who is able to follow. Therefore, organizations actually send their people very early to start appreciating contemporary management principles and to be coached for management positions. If you are somebody who is very good on the job, you tend to rise very quickly. But as you migrate into management, you realize that your functional expertise can’t help you very much. What helps is your ability to relate with people.

How often do you get persons in leadership positions attend your training programmes?

So do you think it’s still a valid notion to say the problem with Nigeria is poor leadership?

It is a whole lot of things. I think it starts from the leadership. Leadership can be held responsible, but then there is also a school of thought that thinks people actually get the kind of leaders they deserve. If you sit back and do nothing, then your leader would do nothing. One of the issues that is boiling in my head right now is the second scramble for Africa. I don’t know if you have noticed but developed countries are coming to Africa, acquiring lands. They are interested in investing and the reason is that Africa has remained largely as attractive as it was in 1884, at the Berlin conference, when the first scramble started. First of all, we are still very undeveloped, secondly we are still a virgin land, thirdly, we still have very greedy and very selfish leaders. So we are very attractive to foreign investors. We have a very good market – a very populous nation, in fact the most populous in Africa, and seventh most populous in the world, and we have huge reserve of oil and gas. We have largely untapped resources like tin, bitumen , coal, iron ore, we have so much. Nigeria in particular is very attractive because we have a government who says we are open to foreign investment. The question is are we prepared for it? These are questions that management education will help to answer. If we build very good management development programme, if we contribute effectively to research, if we try to get people to buy into the right attitude, the right value, and behaviour, if we do those things, perhaps, we will be a little bit ready for what is coming. So as we invite people to come and invest in Nigeria, we should be really prepared for it. We should have leaders who are negotiating responsibly and pragmatically so we don’t wake up one day and discover that somebody

Yes they do come in and we see that they are very willing to learn. Though we have the odd ones who come in to make you look like you don’t know what you are doing. We have people who are interested in the knowledge. The question now is, ‘when they take this knowledge away, is the environment in which they operate conducive to transfer that knowledge to the job?’ That is another huge battle. The huge cost of your programmes suggest your target is top-tier executives and politicians. Why is that the case?

The fact about education is that education is not cheap. I think that, yes, education is expensive, especially management education. However, the reason people don’t come is not because they don’t have the money. Besides, you can get managers education at different levels. Even if LBS is expensive, there are other smaller institutions that are cheaper. But really, people sometimes are not willing to pay the price to get educated and get developed. What do you think can be done to ensure the youths embrace entrepreneurship and pay less attention to job-hunting?

Anytime I open a newspaper, I find something on entrepreneurship. I think people know they can go into business to fend for themselves. The problem though is that the environment itself is very harsh. You know they say an entrepreneur ‘is a person who is willing to fall several times and rise several times’. Sadly, a lot of people are in a hurry to make money. Think about this: in developed countries when people set up a business, they give a time to grow it, they give a time to break even and a time for profit. I think that part of the problem we have is that a lot of people are in a hurry. Secondly, people have to be interested in being an entrepreneur, not just in making money. There is a huge difference between the two. The entrepreneurs should take advantage of as many organs as possible that the government has made available to help them. It is just that sometimes, they put you through a very hard part. For instance, they ask that you go for training, chances are that if you don’t have the appropriate education you won’t get help too.

So you must go through a process and a lot of people are not just willing to go through all that. How have you brought your experience to bear in what you do?

I have a passion for people development. I develop people every day, but specifically, I have organizations that have come to me and say we want you to develop our people. I have done some work with Skye Bank, Chevron, Shell, MTN Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries plc and a host of others. I am passionately concerned because businesses do not collapse because the technology was not good enough, neither do they collapse because they didn’t have money. Organizations collapse because of people. I also notice that when you speak to CEOs and ask them what is their greatest challenge, they don’t say it is technology or funding, they say it is people. If you are unable to manage people, no matter how much you invest, people can actually sabotage your effort. So, I combine my teaching and research interests with industry consulting engagements in the areas of organizational behaviour and hu-

man resources management. My industry engagements span state government units, information technology services, financial services, oil and gas, real estate and fabric care sectors. Earlier you referred to people management as emotional intelligence; does it play such a big role in leadership?

Yes, emotional intelligence can be developed. The fact is that it is more important than IQ. This is because it is the reason people don’t do well in their work places. If you have looked around, you’d find that a whole lot of people who have first degrees are not doing well at work. It isn’t because they are not smart, it is their inability to manage people. Emotional intelligence is so much more than self knowledge. There is intrapersonal intelligence, which is the understanding and knowledge of yourself, and being able to use that knowledge to get yourself to where you want to be. Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand people and being able to use that knowledge to get them where you want them to be. Emotional intelligence is a combination of both - a knowledge of yourself, a knowledge of other people and being able to get people and yourself to be where you want to be. It is very important in our leadership because the way we led 40 years ago is different from the way we lead now.

Yemi Alade In search of Johnny p.21 Peace Anyiam- Osigwe As AMAA beckons p.22

SHOWBIZ NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

5 APRIL 2014

www.newtelegraphonline.com/showbiz

OJB: My story will inspire people, not my music It is now six months since producer OJB Jezreel had a successful kidney transplant in India. In this exclusive interview with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS, he relived that experience. Could you share some of those trying moments during your ailment?

I am grateful to people who came to my aid. I am grateful particularly to God for making everything a success. But the biggest shock was that some people felt it was a scam. It initially affected people who wanted to support me until some of them had the opportunity to come to the house and hospital to see things personally. It even got to a point that I needed to prove myself, though I wondered why I should. Friends and family members really stood by me. Before the news broke, I had treated myself for three years. To my fans, it was just a case of not seeing me around for a while, but I was busy undergoing treatment. The reason I decided to keep to myself at the outset was the assurance given by the medical experts. They said it would not get to a critical stage. According to them, I only needed adequate treatment and dialysis. It was not that I was trying to hide it; I felt I had it under control. I later realised that my medical situation got so bad to the extent I could not stand. At that time, they said the situation had gone re ally bad.

What gave you hope during the dark days?

I just believed that it was not time yet. I will look at my mother’s picture in the sitting room every morning and say to her that “mama you know it is not yet the time to join you”. It sounded funny, but I had the feeling that it was not yet time. Although I did not know how and where, I was very confident that solution will come. I was not expecting it to come the way it came too. Do you think Nigerians did enough to come to your rescue?

The question is very hard to answer because the fund was raised within a week. That is the most shocking thing. The noise of the whole thing was bigger than the situation. People also contacted me from all over the world. Even as an artiste, I did not get so much attention like I did when I was sick. Were you still going to the studio?

Yes, I was. That’s how I was getting the money for my treatment, including dialysis. I would work for some months, gather money and take a rest. To a major extent, the illness affected my productivity because I was always weak and depressed. E v e n w h e n someone paid me a good amount of money, I was not so

excited because I knew the money would all be diverted to my treatment. Some believed that the urgent attention you got from the public was because of your status. Do you share such sentiment? I will not deny the fact that being a popular figure in the entertainment industry helped, but what I think really helped was that people had good things to say about me. What people feel about me made the difference. How did you feel when you heard that one of your wives was willing to donate her kidney?

Well, it was really surprising when they tried everyone we could and did not get what we wanted. I later felt that when we get to India we would get a kidney that will be suitable for me. But my three wives came out and said they were ready to donate their kidneys. When they all came out, it happened that my first wife had the highest point. It is not just the will to donate one’s kidney but the courage behind it. Words cannot express how much I appreciated what she did for me. Was it a surprise that only a few artistes offered help despite the many years you have given to the industry?

This is a business I have

been doing for more than 26 years and I have discovered that hype and reality are two different worlds. In some cases, people are willing to help but they are financially crippled at that moment. You do not expect them to come out to tell the public what they are facing. Some even came to tell me in private that they really wished to help but they do not have the financial muscle at the time moment. Also, I was not particular where I should get help from; I was just reaching out to everyone. Psquare for example helped me, but we never worked together despite some efforts. The governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, also came to my rescue and we do not have ties. Has the way you see life changed after all you went through?

I am starting to see things the exact way. I realised that some people might be smiling but feeling pains inside. I know people expect my situation will change the way I sing too. No, it will not happen. We are still going to talk about love, girls and the situation of the country. I do not think that makes us bad. The only thing which I think has changed about me is that I have become more open to people. I do not allow anything to disturb me anymore because if God wants you to survive a situation, you will surely do. During the year’s world kidney day celebration you were at the forefront; is that a reflection of your new outlook? In fact, we have started the OJB Foundation. We might not be in a position to help people now, but we can help to create awareness and educate people. For the past few months, we have been behind all awareness programmes that have to do with kidney-related ailment in the country. Kidney disease starts gradually and builds up, but once there is a regular check-up, it would be detected fast. When we did a medical check-up recently, we found out that a 14-year-old boy was having a kidney problem. Another one was a particular 16-year-old boy that had very high blood pressure. continues on page 23

20 SHOWBIZ

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SHOWBIZ TODAY

LANRE ODUKOYA - 08059296445 lanreodukoya@gmail.com

Bitter spat in AGN over visit to Jonathan

Arinze

ctress Clarion Chukwura recently registered her displeasure over comments by Actors’ Guild of Nigeria’s president, Ibinabo Fiberisima, at the last visit to President Goodluck Jonathan. And since then, several reactions have continued to trail the issue. But the AGN president has since kept mum. Chukwura’s position is that AGN is not the guild that represents the English movie actors, the Association of Nigerian Theartre Arts Practitioners ANTAP and Kannywood. Her words in a previous statement read: “I read with dismay the address of

president of AGN, Miss Ibinabo Fiberisima, on a recent visit with some notable actors and AGN officials to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. It is alarming to discover from this address, the false claims by Ibinabo that the Actors Guild of Nigeria is the only umbrella body of Nigerian screen actors; that President Goodluck Jonathan has by the ‘constant release of funds’ effected a sustained development of the Nigerian movie industry since the inception of his administration; that an AGN Secretariat located in Abuja and political appointments for actors would advance the welfare of the Nigerian screen actors. While it is not surprising that Ibinabo would display such lack of knowledge of what advances screen actors professionally in the developed world since she has not functioned consistently as an actor and has less than ten titles to her credit in a career spanning from the

late eighties.” Chukwura also criticised actors who were in her entourage. “They watched in compliance, the denigration of the integrity of Nigerian screen actors, as she read her requests literally begging for crumbs from the president’s table,” she said. For her, AGN was not established as a platform to canvass for political appointments or pursue selfish interests. She, therefore, called for Ibinabo’s resignation as AGN president. ”For her brazen use of a Guild created to serve the creative interests of a group to gain political appointment while in office, I enjoin her to follow the respectable road of her predecessors by joining the PDP and testing the real value of her self-earned popularity as an actress for political appointment…” But the immediate past president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Segun Arinze, who ostensibly gave a nod to the Aso-Rock visit, regarded Chukwura’s approach

Fiberisima

Chukwura

as unnecessary while shedding light on the roles of the guild president. Arinze said: “Absolute Nonsense! AGN presidency doesn’t stop her from taking any appointment. More so, it’s not a full time job that will distract her from her duties. It’s a board appointment. Please Ibinabo should be left alone to do her job. And she’s doing a great job so far. What’s the genesis of all this idle talk? Let’s focus our energies in the right direction. Enough of this attention-seeking statement. The graves just turned and grizzly ghouls are suddenly stirring everywhere.”

Davido preps for Nollywood debut

E-BRIEFS

Sean Tizzle set for The Journey

&B and pop star, Sean Tizzle, is back from the studio where he’d gone to assemble promotional photos. The singer’s new album is going to be released in just a few weeks and his photographs are already trending on the social media. The album will be launched in Lagos and it’s dubbed, The Journey. The album launch promises to be another convergence of top league players in the industry.

AMG music unveils new sign-on, Eskqiu

inger David Adeleke otherwise known as Davido is prepping for his first appearance in a movie. He’d be starring in a movie directed by Teco Benson. Benson’s cousin, Ikechukwu - the producer - expressed optimism and maintains that the entertainer can’t wait to get on set. “This is Davido’s first movie appearance. As the producer, I’ve been able to work out things in such a manner that it would be beneficial to us all. I’ve crafted a role that will put him in comfortable position. I know how big Davido is and I don’t want to put a lot of pressure on him because of his busy schedule and it’s just his first appearance. Furthermore, the script is in such a way that he doesn’t overshadow the beauty of the script, but to add his weight to the success of the project,” he remarked.

MG Music Group recently unveiled its new act, Salami Quadri, with stage name Esqui. Esqui, a native of Osun State who has spent most of his years in Lagos is also known as ‘’AMG BOY’’ by his fans. The name ‘’Esqui‘’ came from his initials S.Q while AMG Boy, represents his record label AMG Music Group. He has been fascinated by music since he was just a teenager. At the time, he mastered the art of lyrics recitation of songs done by popular artistes in that era. Esqui, whose talent cuts across singing and rapping, was inspired to join the

music industry after listening to the likes of 2pac, Eminem and Missy Elliot. He however started writing his own lyrics back in 2005 and found his love for afro hip-hop. The new act who just got signed on AMG Music Group 2013 has recorded a couple of songs under his new label with his major song, titled Komole. Prior to this time, he had featured in songs with artistes like with Jo’Kaynie in a song titled “Naija LA”, K solo, Hcode, Ex-O cash in, Jaysleek, EmmyAce and Ekelly among others.

Where’s Laide Bakare?

ivacious and beautiful actress, Laide Bakare seems to be hibernating at the moment after surprisingly opting out of a wedding to wed another. But it might just be a reflection of the trying times facing her husband. It emerged recently her new hubby, Alhaji Muttaru Orilowo, has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). A message on the EFCC website said the 47-year-old tycoon is wanted over a case of criminal conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretences and stealing. Laide, who split with her US-based ex-husband under rancorous circumstances, has kept her distance from public glare since the infamous news broke.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

SHOWBIZ

Johnny comes to town

Afro-pop singer, Yemi Alade, has wormed her way into many homes with her captivating video, Johnny, directed by Clarence Peters. The comic video that featured Alex Ekubo has also fuelled a tale of romance between Alade and Ekubo. The singer speaks about this and her blossoming career in an interview with LANRE ODUKOYA INSPIRATION FOR LATEST VIDEO

The inspiration for the video came from the funny storyline on which the song is based. The director, Clarence Peters and Capital Dreams, iLLBLiss, my glam squad, the cast and Effyzzie did a great job to bring it all to life. IMPRESSIVE IMPACTS FROM MY WORKS

Johnny video and other works I have out there have given me the material and platform I need to reach out to the world from an African perspective. Africa as a whole has embraced my work. I intend to begin a tour soon by God’s grace. ROMANCE TALE BETWEEN ME AND ALEX EKUBO

I don’t know what you want to hear; but permit me to say: no comment. HANDLING NEGATIVE STORIES

I simply ignore them. It’s better that way than brood over falsehood published about you. EYES ON ENDORSEMENT DEALS

I have beautiful materials that should make me clinch good endorsements. I am sure you agree too. My team, Effyzzie and I are in the process of signing up a few deals soon anyway. KEEPING FANS SPELL-BOUND

My love for my fans has no limit, they fuel me. The way legion of fans has come to accept my music humbles me and it’s why I’d continue to entertain them more with songs and good choreography. HOW I WOULD REMAIN NUMBER ONE STAGE ROCKER.

I see the need for more hard work, perseverance, health and fitness and because God is my rock, reaching the top and staying there will be a tea party. MY BEST MUSICAL OUTING

Recently, I was a guest artist at an event in Babcock University, the show took place at the school

A ride in search of Johnny

stadium. And the experience remains evergreen to me. I didn’t know that I’m that loved. It was the greatest I’ve had so far.

sonality. So, I’m trying to say that the fashion label clothes me and it inspires my looks.

teners and connect with them.

IF MUSIC STOPS PAYING

GREATEST MUSICAL INFLUENCE

Music pays well. But I already have other alternative sources of income. I also have a B.Sc in geography.

I have been doing this music thing for like seven to eight years now. I was in a girl group called Naughty Spices and my stage name then was Ginger (laughs). But I kicked off my career three or four years ago, just after winning the Peak Talent Show.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s songs caught my attention from when I was much younger, that’s why he’s my greatest musical influence. May his soul rest in peace. CRUSH ON A NIGERIAN ENTERTAINER

Yes, I have a crush on a Nigerian celebrity but I’m not giving you any name. MY KIND OF MAN

He has to possess good determination, humility, he must also be God-fearing and good looking. MOST TREASURED PART OF MY BODY

I love my entire body. I have several treasured parts of my body actually, but I think my throat is the most treasured. That’s where my voice comes from. OTHER THRILLS

I love food, fashion and fitness. AWAY FROM MUSIC

I would like to involve myself in other non musical campaigns that aim at assisting the Nigerian child. WHAT INFORMS MY DRESS SENSE

I have a glam squad that takes care of me from my nails to my hair,clothes etc. Styledbybie goes out of their way to showcase my per-

PRODUCERS I LOVE TO WORK WITH

Don Jazzy, Selebobo, Gospel On the Beat, Fliptyce, OJB, Oforeh Classics, Gray Jonz and a host of others. I believe in their art and ability to bring out the best in their clients. I always strive for the best. MISSION IN MUSIC

I believe in passing a message in every song. Whether in joy or sorrow, I love to be able to relate to my lis-

STARTING PROFESSIONALLY

IF I’D NOT WON THE PEAK TALENT SHOW

I would have deviated to be sincere with you, because I wasn’t hundred per cent keen on doing music professionally. But emerging as winner opened my eyes and made me realise that I have to make something out of this talent. Everything I do comes from the heart. I always try to make sure that a piece of me reflects in all my songs. Secondly the producer has to lace a perfect beat that gives the song the direction I want; if it’s a club joint, I give it the club banger approach and if it’s a ‘silky sheet’ beat I would give the beat the pillow case and all that’s needed to go with it. Inspiration is from my environment and experiences. MY ROLE MODELS

My role model playlist is quite long. I listen to the powerful three like you said earlier; Waje, Tiwa and Omawumi. Waje is a classic example of a perfect RnB diva, Omawumi is afro, Tiwa is a perfect afro pop singer. But outside the shores of Nigeria I listen to Maria Carey; her voice is like a projection for me, I always try to match her. I love Beyonce’s stage craft but I still take it back to Whitney Houston. I also listen to Etta James. I love listening to old songs so yes my playlist is long. RECENTLY PLAYED SONGS ON MY IPOD

You will find Seun Rere by Christy Essien Igbokwe. I performed the song a while ago at her memorial and then Coldplay’s Fix you.

22 SHOWBIZ

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SHOWBITZ WITH SONY NEME

08111813096 nemesony@yahoo.co.uk

Terry G takes the entrepreneurial plunge

THE NOMINATIONS EFERE OZAKO AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST SHORT FILM a. Haunted Soul – Kenya b. Siriya Mtungi – Tanzania c. Dialemi - Gabon d. New Horizon – Nigeria e. Nandy l’orpheline – Mali f. Living Funeral – Nigeria g. Phindile’s Heart – South Africa

elebrities are now getting street wise as they now venture into other businesses. Terry G has no intentions of being left out as he has announced his new business venture, Terry G Pure Water. He even shared a few seconds video that shows the making of the sachet water. From DJ Jimmy Jatt with his Triple J snap back hats to D’banj with his Koko Water and Koko Mobile and from what we now hear he has in the works, Koko Garri, it is surely an interesting time for those in the entertainment industry, as this may put paid to the idea of going cap in hand whenever they fall on hard times. Preparing for the rainy day is wise though.

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST ANIMATION 1. The Hare and the Lion – Burkina Faso 2. Thank God its Friday – Morocco 3. Leila - Nigeria 4. Khumba – South Africa 5. The Brats and Toy Thief – Mozambique AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY 1. Hamu Beya- The Sand Fishers – Mali 2. Potraits of a Lone Farmer – Nigeria/Denmark 3. Kushaya Ingagasi – South Africa 4. Daughters of the Niger Delta – Nigeria 5. Sincerely Ethiopia – Ethiopia Ousmane Sembene AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST FILM IN AN AFRICAN LANGUAGE 1. The forgotten Kingdom – South Africa 2. B for Boy – Nigeria 3. Omo Elemosho – Nigeria 4. Onye Ozi - Nigeria 5. Ni Sisi – Kenya AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA SHORT 1. Passage - Bahamas 2. Heaven - USA 3. Tickle Me Rich – Trinidad and Tobago 4. Red - USA AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA DOCUMENTARY 1. Finding Samuel Lowe: From Harlem to China – USA/CANADA 2. Freedom Summer - USA 3. No Bois Man, No Frad – Trinidad and Tobago 4. Through the Lens Darkly : Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People - USA AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA FEATURE 1. Tula The Revolt - Curacao 2. AZU - Venezuela 3. Kingston Paradise – Jamaica 4. Retrieval - USA AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION DESIGN 1. Northern Affair - Ghana 2. Of Good Report – South Africa 3. Ni Sisi - Kenya 4. Good Old Days: Love of AA - Ghana 5. Apaye – Nigeria AMAA 2014 ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN 1. Good Old Days: Love of AA - Ghana 2. Apaye - Nigeria 3. Omo Elemosho – Nigeria 4. Ni Sisi - Kenya 5. The Forgotten Kingdom – South Africa AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP 1. A Mile From Home – Nigeria 2. Apaye – Nigeria 3. Once Upon A Road Trip – South Africa 4. Felista Fable - Uganda 5. Potomanto -Ghana AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUNDTRACK 1. Once Upon A Road Trip 2. Onye Ozi- Nigeria 3. Felix 4. Of Good Report- South Africa 5. Potomanto- Ghana AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECT 1. A Mile From Home 2. Omo Elemosho- Nigeria 3. Secret Room 4. Ni Sisi- Kenya 5. Of Good Report- South Africa AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND 1. Felix2. Northern Affair 3. Nothing For Mahala4. Of Good Report- South Africa 5. The Forgotten Kingdom AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY 1. Once Upon A Road Trip 2. Good Old Days: Love of AA 3. Of Good Report 4. The Forgotten Kingdom 5. The Children of Troumaron AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING 1. Of Good Report 2. Accident 3. Once Upon A Road Trip 4. Potomanto 5. Felix

Anyiam-Osigwe

Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana lead AMAA nominations Infinity still a group,

otion picture practitioners from Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana are leading the pack in the race to win the coveted prizes at this year’s Africa Movie Academy Awards scheduled to take place in Bayelsa State in the next couple of weeks. The nominations into the 27 categories of the awards were announced by the AMAA jurors at a well-attended gala night which took place at the Emperor Palace Hotel, Johannesburg, South Africa. Celebrities from Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Namibia and South Africa were in attendance including representatives of the government of South Africa and Namibia while the delegation from Malawi was led by the daughter of President Joyce Banda, Mrs. Edith Akridge. South African films such as Of Good Report, The Forgotten Kingdom made good showing while Nigeria’s Apaye, Omo Elemosho, Accident, A mile from Home and Lagos Cougar placed the most populous black nation in the world in a strong position. Ghana’s Brother’s Keeper, Potomanto and Northern Affairs showed the West African country as a power house in business of film-making. Other countries that had good nominations are Kenya, Mali, Cameroun, Mauritius, Malawi and the Diaspora Africans from Trinidad & Tobago, Algeria, among the 48 countries where entries came from. Speaking at the gala night, Peace AnyiamOsigwe, chief executive officer of AMAA enjoined film makers in the continent to unite and promote the best in Africa through their works. She charged Nigerian and South African government as two giants in Africa to forge better economic and cultural co-operation. ‘’Our leaders should invest in our future and creative energy of the young people be it in music, film, fashion and other areas through appropriate funding and regulatory framework. That will make the creative industry viable just as the governments in India and United States did for their creative entrepreneurs.’’

Mrs. Ebizi Brown, director-general of Bayelsa State Tourism Development Agency whose state is hosting the event called on film makers in Africa and beyond to come and shoot their movies in Bayelsa adding that the state is ready to host a great 10th anniversary edition of AMAA. ‘’We have beautiful and exotic locations that are good for shooting of your films. Come and experience Bayelsa and we have incentives and talents that will make your work very smooth. We have stayed with AMAA in the last 10 years and we will continue as a state,’’ she said. The AMAA jury will not give award in the category for Best Film by an African Living Abroad due to quality of films received in the category which the jurors consider inadequate. The main award where winners will be announced will come up in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Some of the celebrities that graced the occasion included Ramsey Noah, Funso Adeolu, Fathia Balogun, Fred Amata, Paul Obazele, Segun Arinze, Fidelis Duker, Lydia Forson from Ghana, among others.

Terry G

Kenny k’Ore insists

embers of the gospel group, Infinity, which broke into limelight few years ago with their hit song titled, Olorioko, are said to have gone their separate ways. Two of its key members David and Kenny have reportedlyquit the group. One of the members who

left the group Kehinde Akinbode simply known as Kenny K’ore in a conversation with a satellite television station clarified that Infinity is still together but that he decided to leave. He also revealed his main reasons for leaving the group after being together for about 11 years.

Infinity group

MTN rolls out Easter like never before

he celebration of Easter will this year get a major boost from MTN, as the brand has introduced a variety of offers to uplift and strengthen Christians during the Lenten season and Easter festival. The variety of offers will enable Christian faithful on the MTN network enjoy value added services like spirit-filled daily devotionals, Bible quotes, sermons, songs and hymns. Besides the Christian Service from MTN, there are other inspirational quotes and messages from anointed ministers of God. Christian customers can also subscribe to receive anointed messages from great men of God like Bishop TD Jakes, Pastor Reinhardt Bonnke, Pastor Joel Osteen and other anointed ministers; all these through the VAS/content for Lent and Easter. In addition, a wide array of local Christian songs

and prayers abound on MTN CallerTunez including prayers from ministers like Pastor Adeboye, Chris Oyakhilome and many more. Speaking on this offer, The General Manager, Consumer Marketing, Kola Oyeyemi, said: “This is a way of showing our commitment to our esteemed customers of the Christian Faith, by connecting to them at this period of spiritual reflection and appreciation for the sacrifice that the Lord Jesus made by laying down his life for mankind to live”. He further stated that there is a roaming offer with special MTN rates to Jerusalem and Rome, to ensure pilgrims stay in contact with families and friends. The offer is one of the many ways MTN is touching the passion points of its teeming Christian customers, especially during this season, as a way of encouraging the spread of unity, love and peace everywhere its customers go.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

SHOWBITZ WITH SONY NEME

SHOWBIZ

08111813096 nemesony@yahoo.co.uk

OJB: My story will inspire people, not my music C o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 1 9

Gone are those days people felt medical check-up was only for the rich. If people are aware of their state of health in time, they will watch their diets and the way they live. How do you encourage people with kidney-related problems?

Solidstar

Solidstar to compose and perform theme song for Brazil 2014

he Nigerian Football Supporters Club has announce the ambassadorial deal with artiste Solidstar. Disclosing the deal, Mr. Paul Cole Chiori of Achievas Entertainment said, the deal will see Solidstar record the official theme song for the Super Eagles in Brazil 2014, the song will be used to unite and inspire the players on and off the pitch during the tournament. Dr. Rafiu Oladipo who represented the supporters’ club and who is also the president of the Nigeria Supporters Club in a statement said: “We needed someone who was passionate about Nigerian football and who has that gyration in his voice and who the new and old generation can relate to and it was just Solidstar that came to our mind”.

The “Skibo” and Omotena crooner with joy appreciated the football association and the supporters club and said he is humbled by Dr. Oladipo’s kind words and he won’t disappoint in the new project. “Expect something gyrating, something that will lift the spirit of the whole players, coaching staff, the supporters and the whole country,” Solidstar assured. In 2010 Solidstar won the award for best new artiste at the Nigeria Music Video Award (NMVA), for his hit single ‘One in a Million’, He is a recipient of several awards: Global Excellence Award (Most Promising Artiste 2011), Leadcity University Most Patriotic Entertainer, Osun State Peace Ambassador, Kwara State Entertainment award 2011.

Kcee enjoying the best of celebrity status

Kcee

usician, Kingsley Chinweike Okonkwo, popularly known as Kcee is presently living large. The music crooner is of course a flashy fashionista who knows how to draw gazes, gawks and glances. He was recently spotted during a visit to South Africa for a show, as photos show the Pull Over singer in an apartment well decorated in gold. There’s no question that being a celebrity comes with a lot of fantastic perks as there’s fame, fortune, luxury vacations, exotic cars, mansions, private jets and just generally getting special treatment everywhere you go.

People often ignore their health. Health is actually wealth. I think my message is more for people who are around kidney patients. They should try to understand them because it could be traumatising. At times, they could get creepy, aggressive or irritated; but it is not because they want to. The problem is that they are scared. They do not even know if they will see the next day. The operation does not even guarantee how long you are going to live. We have some cases of people who died shortly after surgeries. It is not that I do not wake up with the thought too. I also heard about people who had the operation nine years ago and they are still alive. When you were heading for the operation, what thoughts ran through your mind?

I just said to myself that if it was the end I had tried, having come this far if it was the end I had tried. And I was happy that somehow I had left a sort of imprint in the entertainment industry. But for some reasons, everybody around me was hopeful that it would be a success. I believed them too. Do you plan to make a song around your experience?

The thing is that I do not want to inspire people by doing a song. I feel that the more I tell my story and the more I share what I went through, I am reaching out to people. Someone recently told me that in a church, the pastor said the God that answered OJB at some particular time will answer their (the members) prayers. So, I think my story is what will inspire people more, not my song because my sorry is bigger than

the minutes required to do a track. What are you doing presently?

We are focusing on outreach through the foundation. We plan that before the end of the year, we can take like 20 people out for surgeries. We are going to pick them from the four major zones. Also, I am back in the studio. I am presently working with Joel, a musician signed under Kennis Music. I am out with three singles already and one (Not Afraid) is already gaining massive airplay. It is about an artiste known everywhere but who is not living a life he desires. He neither has a house nor a car, but he is still hopeful. Why are you still using mask?

When you do a kidney transplant, they reduce your immune system. For a normal cold, it could take months before it goes. So I am using this for protection. Do you have any regret?

I should have actually invested or put in more effort on OJB. It is not that I feel bad helping people but people do not look back in Nigeria. I am still relevant today because of some certain things I did in the industry. I should have balanced it. Inasmuch as I was helping people, I was supposed to be spending more time on myself too. Once people grow, they do not look back.

24 NTWEEKEND

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... a finger on the city’s pulse

LANRE ODUKOYA - 08059296445

Festus Keyamo grieves over mentor’s death

Real estate tycoon Lateef Gbadamosi’s unflinching philantropy

he late adorable Roman Catholic sister and missionary, Mother Teresa, once said: “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” And true to her sentiments, it’s just only a few among those who give today that do it cheerfully for love; many others do for self-glorification. But Chief Lateef Gbadamosi, the managing director of Alanlat Nigeria Global Company, is a man worthy of emulation. In his late 60s, Gbadamosi is widely known for his magnanimity and civility. Not for him the annoying trumpet-blowing. Yet, he has subtly and passionately touched the lives of many positively through his numerous schemes. On several occasions, this unassuming achiever has blessed many with car gifts, empowered several rural women and men with grinding machines, motorcycles while others enjoy his monetary support. Moved by his love for kids and sports, the man of means at an inter-house sports programme held by Meiran Community Primary School, at Meiran, off Lagos-Abeokuta highway threw his weight behind the pupils and their tutors. Apart from monetary support, the generous sponsor who also doubles as the Grand Patron of Purple House played an active part at the event. On his passion for kids’ sports, he says he believes inter-house sports competition is a better avenue for children to come together and discover and nurture their hidden potential to better use.

Abi and Funke

Trying times for Funke Fowler

heirs in 2011 was arguably the biggest society wedding in Lagos judging by its many spectacular trappings. Or how else would you rate a wedding partly held in Abu Dhabi with nearly most of the guests flown in chartered flight? But not all is well with the once enviable couple as there are suggestions there is now a huge strain on Funke Fowler and Abi Kuku’s marriage. Insiders insist that Funke, daughter of Tunde Fowler, the chief executive officer of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service has walked out of her marriage based on some irreconcilable differences. The pretty lady got married to Abi, son of a notable socialite, Bayo Kuku in memorable ceremony. The story went viral then that Fowler may have borne the fairytale wedding’s hefty bill in Abu Dhabi. It was an unsettling claim which embarrassed Fowler

given the sensitive nature of his job as helmsman of the LIRS. Indeed, some had suggested he nearly lost his job because his boss, the governor, was peeved by what he considered an act of indiscretion. His saving grace, the tale goes, was the former Lagos governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The colourful wedding was said to have been enmeshed in discord over how and where certain things should be done right from the outset. Sources say the misunderstandings became so intense that even attempts by the couple’s parents and other concerned parties to call them to order proved abortive. However, the happy part is that separation doesn’t seem to be on the cards as parents of the couple and other well wishers are still hard at work, trying to make sure the lovebirds return to each other’s arms.

Mike Adenuga’s daughter, Bella, gets second baby Paddy and Mike Adenuga

...Still on Mike Adenuga

Bella

Keyamo

Ex-Delta State Speaker Victor Ochei runs to Ibori

t’s a cheery news from the homestead of billionaire industrialist, Otunba Mike Adenuga. His daughter, Belinda (a.k.a. Bella), has given birth to her second child late last month. Her husband, Jameel Disu, is an executive director at Glo. We gathered, albeit lately that the christening held on Tuesday, March 25, an indication that she put to bed on Tuesday, March 18, in line with Yoruba tradition of naming children.

adical lawyer and activist, Festus Keyamo, is mourning one of his mentors, late G.O.K Ajayi, who breathed his last the previous week. Keyamo sent out this press statement to a few media friends: “The death, on Friday, of legal colossus, Chief G.O.K. Ajayi, SAN at the ripe age of 83 is an indelible and irreplaceable loss to the entire legal profession. He was truly one of the very last of the finest breed of the surviving first generation lawyers in Nigeria. He was remarkable in his impeccable forensic advocacy which he often delivered with a soft, but piercing, voice. In terms of the skills of advocacy, he was my personal hero.”

ave you wondered lately where Paddy Adenuga has been? This son of the enigmatic capitalist was a top staffer at his father’s telecom company, Glo, till about two years ago. Suddenly, after news of fall-out broke between him and his dad, he went into oblivion. Paddy, a dandy with aristocratic composure in every sense of the word remains ladies’ toast any day. His love for top of the range BMW cars is next-to-none and he would jet in and out of the superrich pubs with his hunky

security guards causing stirs everywhere he turned. While some say the young man who chose to go the way of his brother, Jide, couldn’t probably cope with his dad’s domineering presence and some administrative policies resorted to relocating abroad for a breath of fresh air, others maintain he’s running some academic programmes in the United States and would be rounding off to return to the Adenuga empire for bigger tasks. But tales about his whereabouts remain in the realm of speculations.

he former speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, is at present in a retooling mode. And all his efforts are geared towards a single goal - appeasing the former governor of the state, James Ibori, who is currently serving prison term abroad. Observers say Ibori remains a major force in the state’s politics. Those conversant with politics of the state claim Ochei’s removal wouldn’t have been possible without Ibori’s nod, even as he remains incarcerated. Details of the bust up that resulted in the former speaker’s loss of Ibori’s backing are not clear, but he’s believed to be nursing an ambition to succeed Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan. Ochei resigned on Tuesday March 18, apparently to evade impeachment. He was replaced by Mr Peter Onwusanya. Further investigation however revealed that Ochei and his supporters are working on regaining Ibori’s support to stave off the possibility that a scrutiny of his term could result in some unpleasant circumstances.

Ochei

EVERTON, ARSENAL IN TOP FOUR TANGLE

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5 APRIL 2014

Defeat to Abia Warriors, wake-up call -Anyansi

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Mba: I can repeat Nations Cup feat in Brazil

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Osaze storms the Bridge

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Eagles can’t underrate Iran, Bosnia -Oboabona Emmanuel Tobi

uper Eagles and Çaykur Rizespor of Turkey defender, Godfrey Oboabona, has warned his teammates that they must not underrate both Iran and Bosnia Herzegovina when they battle Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Speaking in an exclusive interview with New Telegraph from his Turkish base, the former Sunshine of Akure player argued

that getting better results against Iran and Bosnia would determine the fate of the team qualifying from the group. “Underrating Iran and Bosnia is like committing suicide. Getting a good result against Iran will determine our fate in the group stage. Although they look like the weakest team in our group, they will, in a way, actually determine those to qualify.

“We must learn from the experience of playing Tahiti at the 2013 Confederation Cup in Brazil where we felt good after defeating Tahiti 6-1 only for Spain and Uruguay to whitewash Tahiti 10-0 and 8-0 respectively,” he advised. The utility defender also warned that Bosnia which he described as a very compact side might be the surprise team in the group. CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Eagles lack quality players - Owolabi

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26 SPORT

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

Leaguemania with Chimaobi Uchendu princehench@yahoo.com

08114495359, 08092747532

Crown regroup for Gombe United Charles Ogundiya

rown FC of Ogbomosho say the team will be looking forward to a victory against Gombe United in a week five league match in Ibadan this weekend. Speaking with New Telegraph, Media Officer of the team, Kunle Oyeleye said the team is yet to drop a point at home this season, and they are not going to start against Gombe United. “We suffered a heavy loss against Sharks in Port-Harcourt, we cant really say this was what caused the loss, but I can tell you that some teams will have to pay for this. The boys have put the defeat against Sharks behind them, though the heavy defeat affected their psyche, they have promised to deliver this weekend. “The league is still in its early days and I can assure you that Crown will surely pick points away from home this season. We are going to Lafia after the game against Gombe to confront Nasarawa United, they should be on the look out for us because we are going there for victory,” he said.

Lawrence Akpokona

Akwa United can sustain league leadership –King

oach of Nigeria Premier League leaders, Akwa United, Emmanuel King, has dismissed claim that his side is a temporary occupant on the top spot. In a chat after they played out a 1-1 draw against El Kanemi in Kano last weekend, King said they are aware of the pressure that comes with occupying the top spot and assured their spon-

sors and fans that the vision of the team this season is on course and vowed they would pick a continental ticket at the end of the current season. “We’re where we ought to be on the log and it will continue till the end of the season. We came into the season with a game plan and it is working perfectly,” King said. “My Technical Adviser, Patrick Udoh is a master strategist and the

as professionals they would reap gains of the reforms in the end. “The reforms being undertaken by LMC are laudable, but I can see some of my colleagues grumbling. I know that soon, we shall benefit. “The English Premier League that has become a toast of all, started this way and we want to make our own league grow to that level as well.”

Sunshine Stars to compound Obuh’s woes

Kingsley Sokari of Enyimba battles two players of Angenes de Notse in a Champions League match recently

Defeat to Abia Warriors, wake-up call -Anyansi

he chairman of Enyimba of Aba, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, has said that the defeat his side suffered in Aba to, Abia Warriors of Umuahia last weekend is a wake-up call. Anyansi congratulated the Premier League debutants for the feat they achieved in Aba but asked them to show some respect to the two-time African Champions League winners by being mindful of what they say on Radio and Television. He said the defeat came at the right time when they still have time to assess the team and correct whatever anomaly that might have contributed to the loss. He said that the defeat of Chelsea by Crystal Palace last Sunday does not make them a bad team, but what

players have shown commitment so far, and we hope it continues. “So many people have described our modest lead as nothing, but we are determined to shut them up, by sustaining the lead”. He tasked other premier League clubs to strive to improve the fortunes of the league, and compliment efforts of the League Management Company, because

Anyansi

it did is to hurt their title aspirations, just like it happened in Aba. “I congratulate Abia Warriors on the win they secured in Aba, it shows they are ambitious and I wish them well,” Anyansi said. But the situation where some elements would go as far as casti-

gating Enyimba on Radio and Television stations is unacceptable. We earned the respect we enjoy both within and outside the country, and we enjoin them to follow suit. I’m happy the defeat came few weeks into the season and we shall see who will smile at the end of the season. ‘What matters now is how we finish the season, but for us to finish it well we must learn great lessons from this defeat and move on and do the right things in the next games we play. Our fans around the world are disappointed and we must restore their faith in us by winning our next games. Our focus must not change, it must remain on the ultimate prize at the end of the season’.

NPFL Matchday 5 Fixtures Sharks FC VS Dolphin FC Abia Warriors VS Kano Pillars Crown FC VS Gombe Utd Warri Wolves VS Giwa Fc Taraba Fc VS Enyimba Akwa Utd VS Nembe City Lobi Stars VS Kaduna Utd Heartland Fc VS Nasarawa Utd Enugu Rangers VS Sunshine Stars Bayelsa United VS El Kanemi Match Day 4 Results Gombe Utd 2-1 Heartland Sharks 3-0 Crown Dolphins 2-1 Sunshine Stars Nasarawa Utd 2-0 Lobi Stars El-Kanemi 1-1 Akwa Utd Enyimba 0-1 Abia Warriors Giwa 1-0 Rangers

oach John Obuh is embattled, and Sunday’s visit by Sunshine Stars to the coal city might spell doom for former Flying Eagles coach, if he fails to get a good result. He has been handed an ultimatum to win the next three matches after Enugu Rangers lost their second game of the season to newly promoted Giwa FC last Wednesday in Jos. Rangers media office, Foster Chime had hinted that the management is far from satisfied with the performance of the team hence the ultimatum. “The General Manager, Paul Chibuzor, is so worried at the number of points recorded by the coach John Obuh-led coaching crew and as a measure to check this low productivity, he has been given an ultimatum to win the next three games or face some sanctions,” Chime disclosed. After Sunshine Stars this Sunday in Enugu, the team would be making two difficult road trips to Port Harcourt and Warri for dates with Dolphins and Warri Wolves.

Obuh

SPORT

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

Edo govt appeals to Keshi over Osaze’s recall for World Cup

No U-turn on D’Tigers selection policy – Bakare Ifeanyi Ibeh

Cajetan Mmuta Benin

do State commissioner for sports and Youth Development, Mr. Chris Okaeben has urged the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi to recall Stoke City forward, Osaze Odemwinge, to the national team ahead of the Brazil 2014 tournament. Okaeben made the appeal shortly after the end of the Edo Walk For Life monthly exercise held in Benin the state capital. He stated that Osaze has demontrated appreciable patriotism and loyalty in service of his fatherland in the time past. It would be recall that Osaze who last played for the country in 2011, fell out with Keshi over some disagreements. Okaeben said, “As a state, we are forever proud of our own as long as you are contributing your quota to the development of the state, we are forever proud of him. We have no choice than to support him and to lend our voice, in speaking to the National Sports Commission, our brother Stephen Keshi and the leadership of NFF to please see the need why they should recall Osaze to the national team and add value to the development of football in Nigeria.” The commissioner added that, “Today, what he is doing in football internationally, he can also do for his country, Nigeria. I join voices with every average Edo man to appeal to him (Keshi) to please invite our brother and son, Osaze Odemwegie, so that he can contribute his best to our nation.”

Sunday Mba in action at the last Nations Cup in South Africa

Mba: I can repeat Nations Cup feat in Brazil Ajibade Olusesan

uper Eagles midfielder, Sunday Mba, has said he can reenact his Africa Nations Cup magic when the FIFA World Cup gets underway in Brazil in June. The CA Bastia of France striker emerged as one of the revelations of the last African Nations Cup. The former Warri Wolves player scored two goals including the winner in the final against Burkina Faso as Nigeria won the Nations Cup after 19 years of wait. And in an interview with New Telegraph the player said he can recreate such performance at the biggest stage if given the opportunity.

“I thank God that I got the opportunity at the Nations Cup and I seized it and I hope I can do the same at the World Cup. The dream of every player is to play at the World Cup and I am looking forward to making the squad. “You can be talking about what you will do only when you have been chosen as a member of the team. I have to keep working hard to make sure I make the team first and I have to do my best to help my country when I am given that opportunity. I thank God for what I was able to do in South Africa and I know I can do much more at the World Cup because it is always my joy to represent my country

AWC qualifiers: Falcons battle ready –Okon Mercy Jacob

uper Falcons coach, Edwin Okon, has declared that his players are ready for their upcoming international friendly against Cameroon, as well as the final African Women Championship qualifiers against Rwanda. The former African champions will take on Cameroon’s Lionesses on April 15 in Abuja before taking on their Rwandan counterparts in May in a two-legged qualifier ahead of the AWC, taking place in Namibia. Okon, who has been given a mandate by the Nigeria Football Federation to finish no less than third spot at the AWC slated for

November, said he is not under pressure to deliver. “We have resumed camp fully and the girls are good to go, he told New Telegraph in an interview “I am quite sure we would not let this country down come May when we confront Rwanda in the qualifiers. “I want to assure Nigerians that we are going to bring back the lost glory in Namibia because I believe that nothing will stop us from qualifying for the tournament.” The Super Falcons are the most successful team in the history of women’s football on the continent and Okon hopes more attention will be given to the

women’s game in the country. “I want to appreciate the NFF for the friendly match that they have arranged for us. The game, I believe, will help to put the girls in shape before our match against Rwanda,” continued Okon. “These girls are ready to deliver. All I am asking for is for them to be given equal opportunities with their male counterparts because we are playing the same football and have even won more laurels than the men have done. “They deserve to be honoured and to be treated well. If only we can be having early preparations before any competition the girls will become world champions.”

and make Nigerians happy,” he said. However, the player is supremely confident that the team would advance from World Cup Group F despite the presence of Argentina, Bosnia and Iran in that section. “It is a tough group but we would qualify by the grace of God. Many of us (the player) have not been to the World Cup before and this is a big chance for us to prove ourselves. We can’t afford to crash out in the first round. Nobody gave us the chance at the Nations Cup but by God’s grace we won it and I am sure we are going to surprise everyone again,” he said.

echnical Director of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Ayo Bakare, has informed New Telegraph that the federation will continue to pick only the best available players for national assignments regardless of whether the players are based in Nigeria or overseas. Although some of Nigeria’s best moments in basketball have been achieved with teams made up of predominantly of overseas-based players, some critics have pointed to the continuous dependence on these players for the national team’s failure to qualify for this year’s Basketball World Cup, coming up later in the year in Spain. But Bakare, who coached D’Tigers at last year’s African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, which served as the qualifying tournament for this year’s World Cup, feels it will be ‘foolish’ to make a turnaround on a policy that has served the country so well in the past. “If your objective is winning then you have to go for your best talent,” said Bakare, arguably the national team’s most successful coach of alltime. “Everybody saying we should focus entirely on the Nigerian-based players and forget about the overseasbased players will be the ones who will count off on the tips of their fingers all the players that are playing in the NBA and the Euro League that you should have brought if what they are advocating for fails. “Sometimes we have to roll with the punches and understand that whichever direction you move there will always be some people who will make it their business to criticise you.”

Eagles can’t underrate Iran, Bosnia -Oboabona CONTINUED from PAGE 25

“The Bosnia team is not just about Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibiševi who plays for VfB Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga. “There are some other excellent players who could cause damage if underrated even though Dzeko was the second top scorer of the European qualifiers behind Robin van Persie with ten goals. Bosnia finished level on 25 points with Greece at the top of Group G, but their superior goal difference earned them top spot and an automatic place in

the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Iran under former Real Madrid manager Carlos Queiroz defeated South Korea 1-0 in qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup as group winners with 16 points and continued their winning streak by securing qualification to the 2015 Asian Cup just months later as well. Argentina is another team competing for honours along with Nigeria, Iran and Bosnia in the group F of the 2014 World Cup. Nigeria’s first match is against Iran on June 12.

Drogba

ll eyes will be on Emmanuel Emenike and Didier Drogba when two Istanbul giants, Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe clash in Turkish Super Liga on Sunday. Emenike who joined the Yellow Canaries at the summer has established himself as one of the fiercest strikers in Turkey and his 12 goals ensured that Fenerbahçe are atop the league table. Coach Ersun Yanal will be counting on him as they hope to increase their 10-point gap over their hosts. Drogba has not done badly this term despite approaching his 35th year. The Ivorian has scored 10 goals and he is the second highest goal scorer for Gala this term. Only Yilmaz, with 13 goals has scored more than the former Chelsea player. Meanwhile, erstwhile Eagles player, Taiye Taiwo, will attempt

Fiorentina, Inter eager to firm up continental hopes

isit v n o t p m a h t u o S City ready for

fter stuttering recently, Fiorentina and Inter can get back on track this weekend as they seek to secure UEFA Europa League qualification. The sides sitting fourth and fifth respectively in Serie A have each suffered dips in form of late. Fiorentina have won just two of their last eight league matches, while Inter are winless in three and boast only two victories in seven. However, after sixthplaced Parma suffered a 4-2 defeat at Roma on Wednesday, both Fiorentina and Inter will be eager to cement their top-five slots. Inter welcome struggling Bologna to San Siro on Saturday and Vincenzo against Montella’s men host an eir latest win th h it W . on iders Udinese side that appear is seas y, the Merseys s with 6 th tt ki er n r ei do th on L in orth e wins all but safe from relegalham ez had Fu point of the N secutive leagu n n a ti co ar e M on fiv to as of t er se ays of tion the following day. . Rob n boas r League ce the early d atches to go ance of ca n m rt si o ith the Premie e p , m d im ti t en e rs Fiorentina were beatth sy fi the ned n to its bu in 2002. etition for rlier underli p a ea m er winding dow co es g n oy n ea lo M p e en by Milan in their last id er Dav upp r a Euro made th y hope the e enjoyed the qualifying fo av an h e Arsenal have s g av er n h n ei n to b u r home game and then G in orde The yside nhill from loanee ext season in half of Merse ic n e an lu journey dow b m to e lis th rs ta er r de drew 0-0 with Sampin d ov thei ten nten holding on to Toffees han years. Arsenal are unbea nuine title co of e ge h d T . . re h u is k de n si , fi ka n doria last time out. r u co uL cent verton p fou rward Romel eetings with E e reverse re ghting for a to fo fi m th n in ve ai ly el w er ag ra tw is d ce Inter have arguably er st m a on la a ev lves ered their clashes. How have managed 24, but earned themse were hamm eight of those t g u re- displayed even more The Gunners b le in fo , b n e la ar in ai th w ye av at st not be the last nst the xture la ill fi ai w om ag fr r ry h ts te to as n es is cl oi h p ch p t 9 Cu Man cien ho still frustrating form, how1 in their FA ger’s mind, w isplay against e Emir- an 4d en th ty W it e at e gr m en er a b rs ca h A it ey em w injury ever, losing to in-form Dec h th front of news on the unners last kend, in whic G od ee go w e e st tl av la h lit , y it ls ry C Aaron Atalanta before dropspoi as ve es Stadium. to share the t Koscielny, ffed and h at n u d h re in e au eh ce av L b n h t. s de n fi om er o n n fr fr n d Jack ping further points in of co While the Gu e semblance Mesut Ozil an ain draws with Udinese s, y, de se si r am ge R ig . b restored som e d side all once ag ed against th d and scarre Wilshere are e on a puff of wins ar and Livorno. into a battere st d oa an b h n er ca h e ot Everton d out. le e ru a th se d Everton on th el in h C eh b nst clubs like st four points victory agai A roll and are ju . d ter United an h in e a gam and Manches in h it w Gunners with them Park will put at Goodison

l a n e s r A , n o Evert e l g n a t r u o f p in to

Global Football Special

to prevent his former national teammate, John Utaka, from scoring when his Bursaspor host Sivasspor today. Utaka scored for Sivasspor at the weekend and could add to his four goals when they travel to Bursa Atatürk Stadium. Taiwo was in action when Fernabahce humiliated Bursaspor last Monday and he may play his 25th league game today. He has two goals to his credit.

• Taiwo, Utaka too

Emenike, Drogba clash in Turkey

Emenike

EAGLES FOCUS

ajibade.olusesan@newtelegraphonline.com

ajibade oluSesan

www.newtelegraphonline.com/metro

NEW TELEGRAPH

P 31 30 31 31 31 30

Serie A No. Team 1 Juventus 2 Roma 3 Napoli 4 Fiorentina 5 Inter 6 Parma

Pts 81 70 64 52 49 47

Pts 76 75 73 56 50 50 49 40 40 40 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 30 30 22

P 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31

La Liga No Team 1 Atlético 2 Barcelona 3 Real 4 Bilbao 5 Sociedad 6 Sevilla 7 Villarreal 8 Valencia 9 Espanyol 10 Levante 11 Celta Vigo 12 Málaga 13 Granada 14 Vallecano 15 Elche 16 Getafe 17 Valladolid 18 Almería 19 Osasuna 20 Real Betis

Pts 78 55 54 48 47 45 44 39

Pts 71 69 67 64 60 56 54 48 46 40 37 34 33 33 32 31 29 26 25 24

36 32 32 29 29 26 24 24 22

P 32 32 30 32 31 32 32 32 32 32 32 31 32 32 32 31 31 32 30 32 Bundesliga No Team P 1 Bayern 28 2 Dortmund 28 3 Schalke 04 28 4 Leverkusen 28 5 Wolfsburg 28 6 M’gladbach 28 7 Mainz 05 28 8 Augsburg 28 9 Hoffenheim 28 10 Hertha 28 11 Frankfurt 28 12 Bremen 28 13 Hannover 28 14 Freiburg 28 15 Nürnberg 28 16 Stuttgart 28 17 Hamburger 28 18 Braunschweig 28

EPL No Team 1 Liverpool 2 Chelsea 3 Man City 4 Arsenal 5 Everton 6 Tottenham 7 Man Utd 8 Southampton 9 Newcastle 10 Stoke 11 West Ham 12 Aston Villa 13 Swansea 14 Hull 15 Norwich 16 Crystal Palace 17 West Brom 18 Cardiff 19 Sunderland 20 Fulham

28 SPORT NEW TELEGRAP 5 apri

intracht Braunschweig could move off the bottom of the Bundesliga if they continue their recent resurgence against Hannover on Sunday. Torsten Lieberknecht’s men had looked all-but certain to return to the German second tier but have enjoyed a turnaround in fortunes since the new year. Braunschweig have lost just

BRIEFLY

oberto Mancini spent four years in England with Man City, after his move from Inter Milan, with whom he spent a successful spell, winning three Serie A titles. Currently with Turkish club Galatasaray, Mancini has come under heavy pressure since the club were eliminated from the Champions League and reports in Italian press have linked the 49-year-old coach with a return to San Siro. Turkish daily Fanatik claim have spoke to former Inter boss Hec-

Mancini in shock San Siro return

PREMIER LEAGUE Saturday Man City v Southampton Aston Villa v Fulham Cardiff v Palace Hull v Swansea Newcastle v Man Utd Norwich v West Brom Chelsea v Stoke Sunday Everton v Arsenal West Ham v Liverpool

Serie A Saturday Chievo v Verona Inter v Bologna Sunday Lazio v Sampdoria Atalanta v Sassuolo Cagliari v Roma Catania v Torino Fiorentina v Udinese Parma v Napoli

La Liga Saturday Atlético v Villarreal Barcelona v Betis Sociedad v Real Vallecano v Celta Vigo Sunday Málaga v Granada Elche v Getafe Sevilla v Espanyol Valladolid v Valencia

FIXTURES

LA LIGA Pos. Player Goals Team 1 Cristiano Ronaldo 28 Real 2 Diego Costa 25 Atlético 3 Lionel Messi 23 Barcelona 4 Karim Benzema 17 Real 4 Alexis Sánchez 17 Barcelona

BUNDESLIGA Pos. Player Goals Team 1 Mario Mandžukic 17 Bayern 2 Lewandowski 16 Dortmund 2 Adrian Ramos 16 Hertha 2 Josip Drmic 16 Nürnberg 5 Raffael 15 M’gladbach 6 Stefan Kießling 14 Leverkusen

SERIA A Pos. Player Goals Team 1 Carlos Tévez 18 Juventus 2 Ciro Immobile 17 Torino 3 Luca Toni 15 Verona 4 Giuseppe Rossi 14 Fiorentina 4 Rodrigo Palacio 14 Inter 4 Gonzalo Higuaín 14 Napoli

PREMIER LEAGUE Top Scorers Pos. Player Goals Team 1. Luis Suarez 29 Liverpool 2. Daniel Sturridge 20 Liverpool 3. Yaya Touré 17 Man City 4. Wayne Rooney 15 Man United 5. Sergio Agüero 15 Man City 6. Jay Rodriguez 15 Southampton 7. Eden Hazard 14 Chelsea

46 45 43 42 42 41 39 38 32 27 26 25 21 20

Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood won’t respond to the moans of Paulinho. The Brazil midfielder is frustrated over his recent lack of action. Sherwood said: “I pick players based on what they are doing in training, not on reputations and price tags. “I can’t be worrying if the Brazil national manager wants him to play every week. I am going to do what is best for Tottenham, not any national manager.

Paulinho

spot. Emon, who previously managed Ajaccio and has had two spells in charge of Marseille before his return to the club to work alongside manager Jose Anigo in January, is refusing to panic, though. “If we think about the future, we can not speak of a crisis. It is a state of reflection,” Emon told beinsports.fr.

31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31

TOP SCORERS

Atalanta Lazio Verona Torino Milan Sampdoria Genoa Udinese Cagliari Chievo Bologna Livorno Sassuolo Catania

BUNDESLIGA Nürnberg v M’gladbach Frankfurt v Mainz Augsburg v Bayern Bremen v Schalke Stuttgart v Freiburg Dortmund v Wolfsburg Sunday Braunschweig v Hannover Hertha v Hoffenheim

tor Cuper about the reports and the Argentine backed up the claims. “Inter are ready to ask him to come back to the club,” he said. “Mancini is not happy in Turkey and would like to return to Italy. Inter know the situation and have already started to talk with him. Soon he will receive a formal proposal.” Inter Milan are currently managed by Walter Mazzarri but heavy pressure on the Italian boss has seen him linked with a summer departure.

Marseille not in crisis – Emon

arseille joint manager Albert Emon believes the club are in a “state of reflection” and not a crisis. OM are having a difficult season by their own high standards and are currently winless in their last five league games and are sixth in the overall standings, nine points adrift of fourth-placed St Etienne in the Europa League qualifying

hampions Barcelona host bottom club Real Betis in a weekend of La Liga action that could have a major impact on both ends of the table. Beleaguered Betis have claimed only five league wins all season and are eight points adrift of safety ahead of their daunting trip to Camp Nou. Gabriel Calderon’s side will be heavy underdogs

against a Barca team whose title chances have been drastically improved by a run of four straight league wins, including a dramatic 4-3 Clasico triumph at arch rivals Real Madrid. Barca still trail Atletico Madrid by a point, and were held to a 1-1 draw by the leaders on Tuesday in the first leg of a UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

Struggling Betis face stern Barca test

at Tottenham, with the Saints seeing a two-goal lead slip in a 3-2 defeat. Manuel Pellegrini’s men sit four points behind Liverpool in the Premier League but with two games in hand. City returned from two away matches against Arsenal and Manchester United with four points, which keep them right in the hunt for David Silva the title.

Arsenal midfielderMesut Ozil is on the way back from a hamstring injury. The Daily Mail says the club’s £42.5million man has been allowed to complete part of his rehabilitation with trusted physios back in Germany. He has been completing work in the gym whilst the grade two hamstring tear heals. Arsenal medical staff are pleased with the progress Ozil is making in his fight for fitness and hope he can start training outside soon.

Ozil

once in their last six games, taking points off Borussia Monchengladbach, Mainz and most recently Bayer Leverkusen in the process. Their recent success has given them a fighting chance of beating the drop and they will fancy their chances against a Hannover side desperate to stop the rot after three straight league defeats.

Relegation battles hot up in Germany

ith the race hotting up for the Premier League title, Manchester City return home after two tough away matches, with Southampton the visitors at the Etihad Stadium. The Saints are looking good for a top-10 finish but, due to the gap to the European places, only a sensational final run would give them a chance of finishing in a Europa League place. Mauricio Pochettino’s side come into this game after a stunning 4-0 victory over Newcastle at home, in which goals from Jay Rodriguez, Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana saw them romp home. This result followed up a tough loss away

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

AS Roma coach Rudi Garcia wanted more from his players after their 4-2 win over Parma. “Let’s start from the negatives: we shouldn’t have conceded the second goal. It made me angry,” Garcia told Sky Sport Italia. “Other than that, we entertained the fans, played beautiful football, scored great goals and both teams played very well. Parma came here to win and it was a real test of their ambition.”

Garcia

saze Odemwingie will face his biggest test in Stoke ‘s colour when he arrives Stamford Bridge for a fixture between Potters and Chelsea on Saturday. Osaze is enjoying a run of form that has seen him scoring four goals in five games for the Potters and the Nigerian will be expected to cause Chelsea plenty trouble today. Though Osaze is guaranteed a place on the starting line-up of Stoke same cannot be said of his national teammate, John Mikel Obi, who is unlikely starter for Chelsea. Mikel has lost his first team shirt at the Bridge and may just play a bit part in this tie. Both Joseph Yobo and Victor Anichebe are expected to return for Norwich and West Brom respectively when the two teams clash on Saturday.

uper Eagles striker, Ike Uche, must end his goal drought if Villareal are to realise their Champions League ambition and there is no more auspicious time to do that than when they face Atletico Madrid this weekend. The former Getafe striker has not added to his 12 goals, in fact, he has not scored in his last eight games for Villarreal and that run coincides with Yellow Submarines’s poor run in the league. They have won just one of their last five matches and that is not good for a team fighting for a place in Europe. It remains to be seen if Uche and his Villrreal will rediscover their rhythm against the La Liga leaders in today’s game. Odion Ighalo could play a part in Granada’s tie with Malaga on Sunday. The Nigerian returned to action two weeks ago after a protracted injury but he’s yet to add to his solitary goal in Granada’s colour this term. He has played eleven times for the Nazaríes

Osaze storms the Bridge

Ike Uche confronts Atletico firepower

PH ON SATURDAY april 2014

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Sharapova in revealing bikini for a splash after Miami Open loss

Italian footballer to adopt baby abandoned in train

aria Sharapova was certainly looking for a break from the stress of her career as a pro athlete when she took to the beach on Tuesday in Cancun, Mexico. Pinning her blonde tresses up into a topknot, the highly recognisable tennis star shielded her eyes from the sun in a pair of sunglasses. Displaying her washboard abs in the dark toned two-piece, Maria looked stunning as she waded into the surf. At one point her bottoms appeared to get into a bit of tangle, which she quickly righted with a discreet adjustment. The high ranking tennis player was clearly thrilled to be frolicking in the warm waters as she flashed a few contented grins throughout her dalliance in the waves. The Russian beauty looked to have been joined by a friend for the beach outing, as she slowly made her way into the green waters. After her brief dip, the 6ft2in athlete enjoyed a solo stroll along the sands, her skin still glistening from the sea bath. Maria lost to Serena for the 15th successive time. ‘Despite my results against her, I still look forward to playing against her because you learn so much from that type of level which she produces,’ Maria said. ‘You finish the match, and you know where you need to improve and the things that you need to work on.’

Lifestyle

talian footballer and father-of-three Antonio Floro Flores has pledged to adopt a three-day-old baby who was found abandoned on a train. Flores decided to adopt the child after hearing how the baby boy had been left in a railway car, and contacted authorities to see if he could provide the child a home. The baby boy, aged around three or four days old, was found with its umbilical cord still attached, under the seat of a train in southern Italy last week. Antonio Floro Flores has declared that he will adopt the child, having been touched by his tragic story of abandonment in the news The child was found wrapped in a shawl and a pajama top, and placed inside a shopping bag, in the last carriage of a train which was headed towards Baiano from Naples. When the conductor of the train found him, he was taken to Moscati hospital in Avellino, where the staff of the hospital named him Francesco.

Flores and wife

Despite the circumstances of his abandonment, doctors have said the child is healthy, weighing 2.5 kilos, and tests show he was breast-fed shortly before being abandoned. Since he was abandoned, footballer Floro Flores was struck by the story, and decided to take the child under his wing, announcing his and his wife’s intention on Twitter. He said: ‘After seeing little Francesco, we followed what our heart dictated. ‘I am a father before being a soccer player, but certainly not a hero!’

Rooney goes horse racing

ayne Rooney has splashed out on another racehorse, despite two of his earlier forays into the world of racing ending in abject

failure. The Manchester United talisman and wife Colleen were forced to retire two of their horses, Pippy and Switcherooney, in December after the pair managed just a single victory between them in 23 starts. However, that hasn’t dampened the 28-yearold’s enthusiasm - although he has decided to share the cost of buying the three-year-old filly named Announcement with team-mates Michael Carrick, Jonny Evans and Sunderland defender John O’Shea.

Sharapova

Rooney

EL-Amin’s Buba tops latest Nigerian Polo rankings

igeria’s polo super star and Kaduna ELAmin chief predator, Bello Buba remains the nation’s numeruo uno in the latest polo ranking recently released by the games’ ruling authority, the Nigerian Polo Federation, (NPF). The much awaited rankings made public at the just concluded Niger Delta ‘2014 Polo Festival in the Rivers State capital city, Port Harcourt, saw the Kaduna based star maintaining his status as the highest handicap player in the country. Though he was brought down to four goals from his five-goal rating by the powerful Handicapping Committee of the NPF, Buba still reign on as the best four goal player in Nigeria. Before the recent evaluation by the highly conservative committee which is the sole authority that rank Nigerian polo players, the highly acclaimed Buba has occupied the top spot as Nigeria’s only five goal player for almost five years. His only opposition had come from his kid brother, Hamisu Buba who shoved him aside to occupy the top spot momentarily for a year, before Bello who has been playing high-goal polo with the reigning Nigerian champions, Kaduna EL-Amin for over a decade now, stormed

WITH

Chimaobi Uchendu

princehench@yahoo.com

08092747532

back to reclaim his position. With international exposures in his kitty, including the recently concluded Polo World Cup playoffs in Malaysia, the Dubai Gold Cup and other numerous outings in Argentina and Europe, it looks like the Jos born legend may well maintain the apex ranking for sometime to come. In all, about ninety polo players, drawn from all the affiliates and associate clubs of the Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) were affected during the recent evaluation whose result has been forwarded to the Federation of International Polo (FIP) and the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) for necessary notifications and ratifications. Apart from confirming Buba as Nigeria’s best player at four goals, the Dawule Baba led committee also brought other players ranging from +4-+1 one step down from their previous ratings, in what is be-

Prince Albert Esiri leading his Ashbert Raiders to Abraka assault

ing hailed as a bold attempt by the NPF to make Nigerian teams more competitive at international events. With the latest ranking, Nigeria now has about eight three goals players which include Hamisu Buba, Jamilu Mohammed, Mamuda Shehu, Ibrahim Mohammed and Dawule Baba, who remains Nigeria’s most experienced player

and the National team coach. National Team Manager and NPF Secretary, Mohammed Kyari lead the list of two goal players that includes, Kaduna Polo Club captain, Ali Hassan, Ibrahim Babangida, Ibrahim Abba, Rabiu Mohammed, Aminu Gagare, Usman Idris, Ado Madawaki and NPF Ex-Officio, Prince Umar Kabir.

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Eagles lack quality players - Owolabi Former Nigeria international Felix ‘Owoblow’ Owolabi, looks back at his brilliant career in this interview with New Telegraph’s Charles Ogundiya. He also notes that the national team currently lacks star players. Excerpts: What motivated your decision to play football?

I lived in the Catholic Mission where I got the opportunity to go to school. For fifteen years I didn’t even know who my parents were, the missionaries took me away from my parents at age four. And being a Catholic Mission child you had access to sporting facilities, and it was compulsory that you picked one sport. The missionaries were trying to convert people into their religion, which is Christianity, and one way to do that was to entice them with something. And the only thing that enticed children then was sports. So it is not just by mere chance that I got into sport; it became part and parcel of the society that at every point in time a child in a family will have to embrace one sport or another. I ended up picking football as my own sport. So the history of Felix Owolabi Akinloye is synonymous with the Catholic Mission. Sports then was used to keep the children busy, unlike today when youth in Nigeria are very restive, involved in cultism and other vices. Why football given that the game was not as lucrative as it is today?

If a child is inculcated with a set value and morals, they become part and parcel of that child. The idea of doing something for money or other material things will never arise; it is a thing that comes from your inner most part, I love this thing and I want to do it, not minding whatever you gain from it. I never knew that all my life I could be a celebrity; I never knew that football as a round leather game will bring me fame and fortune. So definitely I can tell you that I have no regrets. Rivalry between Rangers and Shooting Stars was so fierce back then. Can you recall any particular match or season that stands out?

There was never a year that I did not appreciate. It was either we were meeting in the Challenge Cup, or in the league, and so on. Rangers and Shooting Stars became great teams in the country that people were passionate about. Every year people were talking about Rangers and Shooting; our meetings were always historic. As a matter of fact, both clubs produced some of the best players ever in the country. Players like Emmanuel Okala, Segun Odegbami, the late Muda Lawal, John Efionu, Kelechi Emetiole, late Alloysius Atuegbu, Kenneth Abano and several others who played for either of the two clubs. You have just mentioned some of Nigeria’s past heroes, but they’re not really appreciated today by the nation. How do you think this trend can change?

Well, it is when we start putting the right

people in the right positions, people who also had through such experiences. It is not only in football. It is prevalent in our educational sector, health sector in every area of our endeavour. If you see anyone excelling in any area, such person needs to be appreciated. The society must change for the better. We must learn to appreciate our heroes. Adokiye Amiesimaka was masterful on the left wing for Nigeria in his heyday, is he the best player Nigeria ever had in that position?

Adokiye was an excellent player, who was able to use both legs perfectly well among those of us who played together. He was exceptional and that was a great asset to him as a foot-

baller. We had the late Kunle Awesu before him on the left flank; Humphrey Edobor and others also had their day in the sun. It is always difficult to say who the best was because every player has his own distinctive qualities. ICC Shooting Stars had so many good players, which one would you want to mention?

Everyone has his own style of play. A player like Muda Lawal was a generalissimo in the midfield; I don’t think you can ever have his kind again. Here was a player who had vision, a very creative player; he gave his life to football. Is it Segun Odegbami you want to talk about? It’s a pity that Nigerians do not appreciate heroes. There is no one among current players that can compare with these former stars. Is it Christian Chukwu you want anyone now to compare with or is it Emmanuel Okala, Ambrose who when he was in

Mikel

go al you could hardly score against him, great players. And you can talk of Best Ogedengbe or Moses Otolorin, who had a talent for long throwins. So every individual at that time had a special quality and they could single handedly win a match for club and country. The question now is how many of such players do we have today?

Manchester United junior team and I hope to see him playing for the Red Devils in the nearest future. Most of our pitches are synthetic which was the bone of contention during the friendly match between Super Eagles and the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, what is your take on this?

You see, that is why I love the Great Britain, the home of football. They always love everything natural, it’s just like the air we breadth in, it’s better than the air condiIs any of your children into tion that we get. But it is now the thing in football? vogue for countries to use artificial The Nigeria pitches, unfortunately, it is not education syshelping the teams using tem has been it all over the world. Go so bastardised. to England the clubs It is now is all don’t believe in artifiabout studies and cial pitches, but then no chance for any people will tell you sporting activities that it is not expenin schools unlike in sive to maintain and our own days when I keep asking which sports was part of the one is better? The natcurriculum. You must ural grass that you can involve yourself in one use ordinary cutlass to cut sporting activity right from or this one that causes a lot of Owolabi primary schools to the university. All injury to the players, but then everybody the same, I am hoping that at least one of my has their reasons, but I can tell you that children will pick football and let the legacy artificial turf causes a lot of injury to the continue. My first born, a girl actually played players. Again, you will not see the qualities football in her university days, and one of in a player, in terms of skills, even speed and my children Tunde Owolab is currently with those mesmerising moment during games.

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Countdown to Fifa World Cup HISTORY

Espana ’82… simply unforgettable! Vincent Eboigbe

Can Ecuador crash French party? Ifeanyi Ibeh

n paper, Group E is the weakest in Brazil 2014, and it will take a lot of hard work and luck for any of the teams in this group to go beyond the round of 16. Switzerland may be one of the top ranked teams in the monthly FIFA world rankings, but they are by no means a world-class side. Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side tough to beat and has been on the rise thanks to the emergence of some dynamic youngsters from the Swiss sides that won the U-17 World Cup in 2009 and reached the final at the 2011 European U-21 Championship. But Brazil 2014 may have come too soon for players like Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka and Haris Seferovic, who scored the goal that won the U-17 World Cup for Switzerland against Nigeria, to really shine. Group E’s other European side, France, will also be coming to Brazil with a number of youngsters led by the impressive Paul Pogba, who has established himself as one of the world’s finest midfielders since joining Italian Serie A side, Juventus, from Manchester United. But for followers of Les Bleus, the question on their mind will be which French side will turn up in Brazil? Will it be a French side capable of reaching the final, as was the case in 1998 and 2006, or a side capable of ending the tournament without winning a game, as was the situation in 2002 and 2010? It was no different for the French during the World Cup play-offs as they slumped to a 2-0 first-leg defeat in Ukraine only to win the return leg 3-0, becoming the first European

side to overturn a two-goal deficit in the play-offs. Didier Deschamps’ side do have the individual quality to emerge from this group especially with Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri currently in the form of their lives, but it must be noted that, except at Mexico ’86, no French side has been able to reach the knockout rounds of the World Cup anytime it has been hosted outside of Europe. For Ecuador, proximity to home is what they will be hoping to take advantage of in Brazil and improve on their second round appearance eight years ago in Germany. The Ecuadorians only made their World Cup debut in 2002, finishing bottom of their group. But four years later, they emerged from the group stage only to lose to England in the last 16. But with players like Jefferson Montero and Antonio Valencia tormenting oppositions from the flanks, nothing less than a last 16 appearance will be acceptable back home from the side managed by Colombian-born Reinaldo Rueda, who will be making his second appearance at football’s biggest stage after guiding little-known Honduras to South Africa four years ago. The Hondurans have qualified for back-to-back World Cups for the first time in their history but they remain in search of an elusive win after failing to do that at each of their Group E fixtures 15 June Switzerland vs Ecuador 15 June France vs Honduras 20 June Switzerland vs France 20 June Honduras vs Ecuador 25 June Honduras vs Switzerland 25 June Ecuador vs France

two previous tournament appearances in 1982 and 2010, although it must be noted that they came close to doing that against the Swiss in their last game in South Africa, following ‘respectable’ defeats to Chile and Spain. But it would be a major shock if they make it past the first round in Brazil even though they are now managed by another Colombian, Luis Fernando Suarez, who led Ecuador to the last 16 in Germany 2006.

FACT BOX SWITZERLAND FIFA ranking: 7 Appearances: 10 Best ever finish: Quarterfinals (1934, 1938, 1954) Key players: Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka Captain: Gokhan Inler Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld FRANCE FIFA ranking: 17 Appearances: 14 Best Finish: Winner (1998) Key players: Paul Pogba and Franck Ribery Captain: Hugo Lloris Manager: Didier Deschamps ECUADOR FIFA ranking: 23 Appearances: 3 Best Ever Finish: Last 16 (2006) Key players: Jefferson Montero and Antonio Valencia Captain: Antonio Valencia Manager: Reinaldo Rueda HONDURAS FIFA ranking: 36 Appearances: 3 Best Ever Finish: Group stage (1982, 2010) Key players: Carlos Costly and Roger Espinoza Captain: Noel Valladares Manager: Luis Fernando Suarez

VERDICT: Honduras will finish bottom of the group, while Ecuador will make it to the next round along with either France or Switzerland.

he World Cup in 1982 in Spain will remain evergreen on many fronts. Several of the teams that took part in this edition were great sides capable of lifting the ultimate trophy in football. It was also the championship where certain philosophies of the game began to shift. This is particularly true for Brazil. The Selecao went to Spain with a team that is still seen, over 30 years later, as arguably the greatest ever. That side never won the World Cup and so their claim to that lofty distinction is ultimately undermined. After crashing out in the second round, there was a huge soul searching in Brazil leading to a steady jettisoning of that romantic commitment to allout attack. After missing out in the last two editions, the belief in 1982 was that Brazil will make hay again in Europe. Never had a team believed so much in an allout attacking style. It was pure magic. Coach Tele Santana’s philosophy it seems was ‘you can score all you can, but we’ll score more.’ With an unbelievable array of gifted individuals, what was left was to translate it in the field of play, and they did, enjoying a charmed progress through the group stage in a fashion that had the world enchanted. Socrates, Brazil’s mastermind in midfield, strolled all over Spain and left the entire world enraptured. Zico, Falcao, Eder, Junior etc. all played their part and comparisons were made with the 1970 team. That was before the Italians came to town and threw a ‘spanner in the works.’ Paolo Rossi who was only recently released from jail scored all three goals as the Azzurris romped to a 3-2 win. Rossi would be called all sorts of names then. ‘He was labelled an offside master. But it was all sour grapes; the striker was brilliant in

Socrates, Brazil’s mastermind in midfield, strolled all over Spain and left the entire world enraptured

Rossi

dispatching Brazil in that unforgettable epic. Italy would go ahead to win the championship for the third time then, after defeating Karl Heinz Rummenigge’s Germany 3-1 in the final. Espana ’82 would remain evergreen for another reason. Most of the teams paraded individuals with exceptional talents. From champions Italy with players like Sandro Altobelli, Bruno Conti, Marco Tardelli, Dino Zoff, Claudio Gentile, to African representatives, Cameroon who paraded giants like Roger Milla, Thomas Nkono, Manga Oguene, Theophile Abega. In fact the Indomitbale Lions did not lose any match, drawing in that famous comeback against eventual winners Italy. Poland, another contender in Spain had Lato, Boniek, Zmuda, Deyna etc. The semi-final encounter between Germany and France also provides one of the highpoint of the entire competition. France featuring greats like Michel Platini, Jean Tigana, Alain Giresse, Manuel Amoros, Luis Fernandez led 3-1 in extra time. But Germany fought back to take the game to penalty shootouts which they (Germany) eventually won. The foul on Patrick Batiston by Germany goal keeper Toni Schumacher remains a low point in that tournament. Espana ’82 also marked the end of the international careers of English stars. Players like Kevin Keegan, Trevor Francis, Paul Mariner, Terry McDermott etc. couldn’t see the Three Lions advancing to the crucial stages. Norman Whiteside playing for Northern Ireland became the youngest player then to star in the Mundial.

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THE ARTS

On the Fringes of Existence: The Immigrant Question in Ndibe’s Foreign Gods, Inc. Here’s starting conversation on Nigerian literature, criticism and plagiarism with guest critic ISAAC ATTAH OGEZI’s review of Okey Ndibe...

he immigrant question in the West has been a subject of serious literature right from Equiano’s The Travels of Olaudah Equiano to Selvon’s The Lonely Londoners. Despite the increasingly dwindling fortunes of immigrants, the influx appears unabated. In the latter novel, when one of the West Indian immigrants, Galahad, could not face the harsh realities of existence in London, he resorts to snatching pigeons in Trafalgar Square to quell the grumbling stomach. The bleak prospects for immigrants, no doubt compounded by bone-chilling racism, have inspired other diasporic literature such as Unigwe’s On Black Sisters’ Street, Azuah’s Edible Bones, Adichie’s Americanah, Bulawayo’s We Need New Names and recently Okey Ndibe’s Foreign Gods, Inc. Though set in the mid-1990s, Ndibe’s protagonist Ike’s raciallyaggravated travails in the US are as poignant as the lonely West Indians in the Selvon novel of London of the mid-1950s. Armed with a degree in economics from Amherst in 1994, Ike still has the hurdle of a green card to cross since many corporate organizations will not even bother to “interview aliens unless they produce evidence of authorization to work in the US” (p. 25). To a black immigrant in the US, a green card is the passport to be a partaker in this land of flowing milk and honey. Ndibe empathized with his protagonist’s challenges on page 27 as follows: “Wherever he moved, he brought along that stubborn dream for a green card. The card was the open sesame to a befitting corporate job.” And the quickest way to circumvent this immigration problem is by marriage to a daughter of the soil irrespective of compatibility, for “the experience had taught him one lesson: that a man chasing simultaneously after love and a green card had to contend with the elusiveness of the ideal spouse” (p. 31). This is how Ike took the huge risk and got hooked to Benita. After all, “it is a risk worth taking. With a green card in his possession, he would be in line for a good corporate job.” (p. 32).

Ndibe

REVIEW Unfortunately, he has reckoned without his peculiar accent which many would-be employers find objectionable and cannot hire him. Saddled with a nagging wife with “ever-insatiable appetite for shopping”, Ike finds it difficult to make ends meet as a cab-driver in the US. Eventually, he is left a down-and-out after the divorce, with Benita walking away with his savings. One of the tenets of the Naturalist Movement in literature is that man is a function of his environment. So is Ike, a creation of his soul-less, capitalist society; America, their America. In his extremity, he resolves to go home and steal Ngene, the ancient war-god of his people and sell it to an art gallery in order to survive. The consequences of his action are unsavoury. Unlike his confident and gritty first novel, Arrows of Rain, Ndibe in this sophomore work, toddles up to Achebe for a stamp of recognition almost to the nauseating point of barefaced lifting. In fact, a reader will be exculpated if he sees this work as the composite adaptation of the older writer’s first three novels. Right from the protagonist’s arrival in Nigeria to his departure for the US in the novel, one can detect a slavish imitation of Achebe’s works. Compare the following from the work and Achebe’s novels: Pages 202 and 262: “In long-

gone days, when lizards were in ones and twos.” (P. 70, Achebe’s Arrow of God: “At that time, when lizards were still in ones and twos.”) Page 179: “When the time comes that they look for me but I can’t be found, Ngene will speak his mind about a carrier.” (P. 134, Arrow of God: “When the time comes of which you speak Ulu will not seek your advice or help.”) Page 202: “When a deity leaves what it was asked to do and starts doing something else, when it turns on the community it’s supposed to protect, or when it begins to taste for too much human blood, the people snatch up its body – its wooden body – and set it afire at the boundary of the clan.” (P. 28, Arrow of God: “And we have all heard how the people of Aninta dealt with their deity when he failed them. Did they not carry him to the boundary between them and their neighbours and set fire on him?”) Page 223: “Am I speaking with water in my mouth?” (P. 4, Arrow of God: “Perhaps, I spoke with water in my mouth.”) Page 224: “Finally,” she continued, “he told me that his dibia gave him the charm called oti n’anya afu uzo…” “It was meant to make him invisible?” (Pp. 146 – 147, Arrow of God: “He performed countless marvels but the one that people talked about most was his ability to make himself invisible…. But he never learnt this particular magic whose name was Oti-anya-afu-uzo.”) Pages 119 and 225: “Before I

could speak he slapped thunder into my eyes.” (P. 127, Arrow of God: “… in the words of Nwafo when he recounted the incident later, gave her thunder on the face.”). Pages 276: “Something stronger than Cricket surely has gone after Cricket in its hole.” (P. 219, Arrow of God: “A thing greater than nte has been caught in nte’s trap.”). Page 267: “He recalled how each ceremony lasted long, accommodating his people’s knack for talk – meandering, circumlocutory, proverb-laced talk.” (pp. 5 and 146, Things Fall Apart: “Among the Ibo the art of conversation is regarded very highly, and proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten …” [p. 4] “… One of the most infuriating habits of these people was their love of superfluous words, he thought.” [146]) Even the war-god Ngene in Ndibe’s novel is not original but one of the gods in the pantheon of Umuaro clan which Achebe made reference to on page 202 of Arrow of God, thus: “… in Umuaro in which a man might look to his right and find his neighbour and look to his left and see a god standing there – perhaps Agwu whose mother also gave birth to madness or Ngene, owner of a stream.” One other snag in the novel is the unrealized characterization of white characters, especially the white missionary, the Reverend Walter Stanton. It is as biased as Conrad’s portrayal of the blacks in Heart of Darkness. Stanton never emerges from the pitiable and idiotic caricature of the white missionary that the author painted him in a rather reverse kind of racial discrimination. For example, on pages 107-108, Ndibe describes how Stanton’s black interpreter Jacob is ill-treated by him: “… Stanton seemed to fly through the air before landing on Jacob. So ferocious was the rush that the Bible loosened from his grip, flew in the air, somersaulted, and then landed, bang, on a female’s convert’s head. His knuckles, knees and chest smacked into Jacob’s bent body. The interpreter reeled backward and then collapsed onto the floor. Unable to check his own fall, Stanton pitched forward and landed atop the spare-bodied interpreter. The converts let out a collective gasp and then looked on in hushed shock. Stanton gathered up himself and sat astride his splayed interpreter … Three dribbles of

blood dropped in quick succession from Jacob’s nose into his shirt. He stanched the flow from his left cuff.” Perhaps, the author’s intention above was to portray a raving mad colonial missionary driven to his death by drowning by a revengeful god Ngene. Ironically, the opposite is achieved by the following on pages 126-127: “He was still throwing water on his body and over his shoulder when some women and children arrived to fetch water. They were astounded to find him naked. They were shocked to find his penis even smaller than they had imagined. The children directed sly glances at him until the women hushed them away. With the children gone, the women began to make heckling sounds. They sneered and leered. They groaned and moaned. They grunted and gasped in mock-amorous hunger. Stanton appeared oblivious. At any rate, he ignored them … He shut his eyes, readied, and plunged… Stanton never resurfaced.” Undoubtedly, in the hands of a racially-sensitive European reader, Ndibe cannot escape Achebe’s label of Conrad as a “thoroughbred racist” in this work. One of the accusations by Western critics against early African writers was that the novel was alien to them as an art form as the latter were short-distance runners like quickly-ejaculating men more acclimatized to the short story owing to their oral traditions. It appears that no generation of African writers suffers this inferiority complex than the present crop of African writers who write needlessly beyond where a full stop would have done a perfect job. The reader’s nerve is stretched to a breakingpoint when Ndibe displayed a total lack of reader-consciousness to know when he has overdone the description of the conflict between the worshippers of the ancient war-deity and the extreme Pentecostalism of Ike’s mother’s church. As a die-hard protégé’s homage to his master Achebe, Ndibe allowed the chief priest of Ngene to ramble on unceasingly and boringly. This makes the novel largely over-written and lacklustre. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Ndibe’s Foreign Gods, Inc. is a commendable snapshot on the immigrant life in the US and a subtle indictment of her racism. It also shows the inimitability of Achebe and the danger of any attempt to imitate him by an acolyte which will be as good as committing a literary hara-kiri.

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Coke, Pepsi marketing warfare rages The age-long rivalry between Coke and Pepsi has been reenacted with both cola brands using this year FIFA World Cup as marketing turf for the battle. DELE ALAO writes

or Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, both soft drinks giants of American origin, the battle over who controls the cola drink market is a constant phenomenon. Both companies over the years and across the globe have exploited various marketing strategies to undo the other for their cola brands. Coke from the stable of Coca-Cola and Pepsi from the stable of PepsiCo are known to be arch-rival in the battle for the control of cola drink market. Coca-Cola and Pepsi Cola are also known in Nigeria as the two major cola drinks fighting for the attention of consumers. Though, CocaCola seems to be winning the battle against Pepsi in Nigeria. For instance, Coca-Cola Nigeria is leveraging on the forthcoming World Cup to further push the sales of the brand. The brand, in a national consumer promotion which kicked off recently will take 22 consumers to Brazil, among other gifts items. Though, Pepsi on its part with Airtel Nigeria is running a promo, which many observers in the industry said was not “too good at a

he ‘war’ between Legend extra stout from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc and Guinness extra stout from Guinness Nigeria Plc has been rekindled. This follows the recent re-launch of Legend at an impressive event in Lagos. Legend now wear a new look in new staniol cover with metalized labels. Furthermore, the stout brand, regarded as the fastest growing in Nigeria, also announced the 2014 edition of its REAL DEAL National Consumer Promotion. The colourful event took place at the Eko Atlantic, Lagos. Speaking at the event, the Sales Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Hubert Eze, described the new Staniol as a milestone in the lifespan of Legend Extra stout which he described as one of Nigeria’s most enduring brands. Eze said that the rich history of Legend Extra Stout is replete with innovation because the brand continuously focuses on optimum consumer satisfaction. According to him, this factor that is responsible for Legend Extra Stout’s status as the fastest growing stout brand in Nigeria.

point Coca-Cola is using the World Cup platform.” Meanwhile at the global level, both brands are set to take their ongoing battle for sales to this year’s World Cup with both launching global campaigns to reinforce their ties to football ahead of the tournament. FIFA sponsor Coke is launching what it claims is the “largest” marketing programme in the history of the company to act as a test turf for future brand building initiatives such as real-time marketing and Beacons technology.

To this end, a digital “One World, One Game” film was launched few days ago to introduce the main phase of the push following its launch at the turn of the year. The Wieden + Kennedy Sao Paulo-created documentary focuses on how four football teams from different parts of the world overcame difficulties through their love of the sport. It is backed by a series of short “Where Will Happiness Strike Next” films captured during Coke’s Trophy Tour. Coke is underpinning the content drive with its first global real-time marketing activity. Chief marketing and commercial officer at the Coca-Cola Company, Joseph Tripodi, said: “Through ‘The World’s Cup’ campaign, Coca-Cola wants to celebrate real people playing football, demonstrating how the game is a force for a more inclusive and connected world.” The campaign comes amid a wave of civil unrest in Brazil as protesters rally against the government to improve key services. Non World Cup sponsor PepsiCo, is looking to steal share from Coke this summer with its own football effort. The drinks maker has brought on board FC Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi, who is likely to be one of the stars of the tournament, to front its 2014 #FutbolNow campaign. The campaign spans nearly 100 companies and sees it also promote brand ambassador’s Janelle Monae’s remix of David Bowie’s He-

Legend Stout renews ‘hostility’ with Guinness Stout The Sales Director commented: “What we just unveiled today is the culmination of one of the most successful social media campaigns which kept Nigerians guessing for weeks. We also had a tour bus traversing the length and breadth of Lagos, creating awareness about this unique packaging re-launch. We presented the BlackREALvolution as a movement; and it is indeed a movement for consumers that yearn for more in terms of satisfaction and quality.” He added: “As we all know, the only constant thing in life is change. And for the change to be meaningful, it has to be an upgrade. Today, Nigeria’s fastest growing stout brand, the REAL DEAL, Legend Extra Stout is being upgraded. Dear REALvolutionaries, join me as I officially welcome Legend Extra Stout in a new premium packaging with Stanoil

and metalized labels!! When you go to your favourite restaurant or bar to savour your favourite stout, Legend Extra Stout, be sure to look out for this new packaged product. Even though Legend Extra Stout is being re-packaged, the great taste which our numerous customers have enjoyed all these years remains the same. Legend is the only full brewed stout in the Nigerian market with a unique bitter taste and longer lasting foam head, giving it the authenticity to be called ‘The Real Deal.” He said the new Staniol and metalized label represent quality and the ‘premiumness’ of the Legend Extra Stout brand. Mr. Eze noted that it affirms the unique positioning of Legend Extra Stout as the stout of choice for the sociable, modern, ambitious and courageous Nigerian, yearning to enjoy the finer things in life

roes. The cover soundtracks, an advert featuring Messi alongside fellow World Cup hopefuls, Robin van Persie, David Luiz, Sergio Ramos, Sergio Aguero and Jack Wilshere. The advert follows Icelandic rapper Stony as he travels through Rio playing the remixed tune on everyday objects such as Pepsi bottles. Fans are able to unlock original moments at various points in the advert. The TV spot is backed by a “The Art of Football” documentary exploring Pepsi’s art collection combining street art, photography and football. On his part, global chief marketing officer for beverages at PepsiCo, Kristin Patrick, said the campaign aims to build on its “long-history” of working with the “world’s best football talent. Previous efforts have also featured Spanish striker, Fernando Torres, alongside Aguero and Messi. “Our content plan to capture this spirit celebrates the creative passion of footballers with music and how both of these awesome forces inspire us to Live For Now. This year, we are giving fans a totally unique and immersive experience of their own,” he added. Both brands are hoping to use excitement around the World Cup to generate loyalty and sales from emerging markets. Coke’s revenue dropped two per cent for the year to 31 December, while PepsiCo saw beverage sales tumble across established markets such as the Americas and Europe. and living life to the fullest and standing out of the crowd. He assured consumers that drink the newly packaged Legend Extra Stout that they can be rest assured that they are consuming the stout brand which has been produced under the highest standard of quality using the best of the natural finest ingredients. Eze also used the opportunity of the Staniol launch to announce Season 3 of the REAL DEAL National Consumer Promotion. Speaking on the promo mechanics, Mr. Eze said: “For the 2014 edition, Legend Extra Stout National Consumer Promotion is bigger and better. This time around, beginning from the 7th day of April till 7th day of June, 2014, Legend is taking 30 lucky consumers to Dubai to shop for gift items worth up to a million naira each in an all-expense– paid trip. The 30 lucky winners will emerge through series of transparent raffle draws that would be held at different locations across the country in the course of the promotion.

Life Experience: ‘I joined Alcoholics Anonymous to find a husband’ p.36 Love News ‘I fell in love with his dog first’ p.36 NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

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Love Confession

MODEL OF THE DAY

‘Office romance caused split with my wife’

Name: Nicole Tel: 08138880724

Romance in the office is not always a good idea, especially when you are married. For this writer, office romance was a recipe for disaster, as it led to the breakup of his happy marriage.

ometimes I think that I’ve got no right to feel bitter, but mostly I just feel angry. Yetunde and I met at the university and had a great connection. We’re both accountants, but I work in a bank, while Yetunde works in a large firm. I had never been faithful to Yetunde, even in the first month of our marriage. I had always had women outside, but I was always discreet. We had a major row when she decided she wanted a child and I didn’t. I felt that we should wait a little bit longer to enable us save more money, but she talked me into it. Just four months after our wedding she got pregnant, and that was when I first met Jane. Jane was a high-flyer in our division of the bank. Jane was absolutely stunning and within days we plunged into an affair which consumed us both. It started after working late one night, while we were trying to grab taxis in the rain. We were both under her umbrella, laughing because I was so much taller than her that the rain was pouring straight down her neck, and then I kissed her. Her response to my kiss was to lead me into a dark open shop not too far from the roadside. The shop was empty and smelling but we tore at each other’s clothes in a frenzy I had never experienced before. In the taxi afterwards we frantically sorted our clothes and parted at the nearest bus stops to our homes, where I tried to smarten myself up before going home to meet my wife Yetunde. Yetunde was already in bed but had to open the door for me even though she complained that I had come home late. While in bed that night, I sat up for hours. If Yetunde hadn’t been pregnant I would have left her then. Instead, that was the beginning of three years of ecstasy and agony at the same time for me as I fell into the arms of Jane, my mistress at the office. Jane and I were totally professional in front of our colleagues, but we took risks in other ways I still cannot believe. Jane would make an appointment with me through my secretary, come in with a

file, lock the door and take her skirt off. We frequently ate in a restaurant downstairs from our office which many of our colleagues used, but I doubt any of them also regularly had passionate encounters at the dirty backyard of the restaurant. I lived in fear of getting caught as I would have been instantly sacked, but nothing could have stopped me. The riskiest time was at a conference, when I went into the men’s restroom to ease myself and Jane followed me right into the toilet despite knowing that if anyone opened the door we would be exposed at the conference venue and sacked. It wasn’t just a physical thing, mindblowing and addictive though that was. Jane was a challenge in every way, good at her job, fascinating to talk to and great fun, though always ready to stand her ground and fight. I finally told her about Yetunde’s pregnancy three months before the baby was born and she was furious not just about the baby but because I had lied to her that my wife had fertility problems and could not conceive. She even punched me, but I almost enjoyed that, since I was so besotted by her that any physical contact at all was exciting. When Tom was born, I was in heaven. Jane was obviously very hurt by my instant love for him, and Yetunde was starting to question the distance between us, so I felt very torn between my wife and my mistress. Life was a constant juggle between my son, my work, my wife, and Jane — until she said she was no longer happy with just an affair, so she was applying for a transfer. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing her, so I promised her I would leave Yetunde. The next few months were hell, as I left my wife Yetunde, rented a flat and tried to organise seeing Tom my son as much as possible. Yetunde simply couldn’t believe it. Although I said I’d only recently met Jane, she didn’t believe me, and asked if we’d started our affair while she was pregnant. I denied it, but I don’t think she ever believed or forgave me and the next few years were full of family quarrels and meetings aimed at reconciling me and my wife whom I had abandoned. So I was surprised when Jane said she wanted us to get married officially, because she had always said marriage and children weren’t on her agenda. I wasn’t keen, but eventually agreed to marry her. The following year I was genuinely taken aback when Jane said she wanted a baby.

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This time I was adamant that a baby wasn’t part of our agreement since my estranged wife, Yetunde, already had a child with me. The arguments raged for months between me and Jane, alongside our still wild attraction to each other, until she eventually said she would leave me and have a child with someone else if I didn’t agree. So I agreed, and Emmanuella was born three years ago. I love my daughter as much as my son, Tom. But since becoming a mother, Jane now changed completely. Jane only had time and energy for other things apart from me, and this reduced our love making to only once or twice a week. Motherhood had now made Jane a boring partner. No sexy underwear, no flirty games, no interest in being whisked away for a romantic weekend and no naughty erotic gestures like before. We still enjoy the children and work together, but I look at this beautiful woman who has caused me as much pain as pleasure and I don’t know her anymore. Life isn’t all about sex or attraction but sex was a really big thing for us and now it seems that the only thing that brought us

together no longer exists. It is really pathetic that I’m now begging for sex and attention from Jane. I feel so short-changed and full of anger that at times I hate Jane. All that passion and excitement should be the only thing that could justify the pain we caused to Yetunde, my wife. I should have known that good sex is only a fleeting or temporary pleasure which doesn’t last forever, because I’ve ended up back exactly where I started — in a marriage where I miss hot and wild sex. It’s not as if I and my wife didn’t have a sex life. We actually had, but I was blinded by the sweetness of the different sex positions which Jane specialized in. That was what charmed me and made me dump my wife. Now, I’ve realized that sex isn’t everything, and that even a woman who is a sex bomb today may turn out to be a boring mama or old woman tomorrow. Nothing lasts forever. I regret leaving my wife to marry Jane because of sex. I should have considered other positive things about my relationship with my wife and remained with my wife.

36 LOVE&LIVING

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

Love News

Wooed by picture of his dog zz ‘I fell in love with his dog first’

n animal lover met her husband-to-be on a dating site after falling for the online profile picture of his black pet labrador. Katie Beddo, 31, from Darlington, County Durham, immediately thought ‘his owner must be a bit of a laugh to do that’, and decided to get in touch. Farmer Richard Craggs, 30, had been on Match.com for months without success, so for a laugh switched his profile image to one of his pet pooch George. But when dog-lover Katie spotted it she was so smitten by the cute Labrador she contacted Richard to praise him for his wit and adorable pet. Five years on and the pair have married, have a 12 week-old

daughter Bethany and live together at Katie’s home. George the dog even had an important role at the wedding as their ring-bearer, carrying a cushion in his mouth down the aisle. Primary school teacher Katie said: ‘I always wanted a dog so when I spotted George online it made me laugh and think ‘Aww how cute!’ ‘I had only been on the site for a few weeks when I spotted the bizarre profile picture of George. ‘When I clicked on it and read Richard’s profile the idea he had used George’s picture really tickled me so I contacted him through the site. ‘I messaged him saying ‘Does your dog know you are

Love Songs

Life Experience

SONYA SPENCE

Jet Plane

All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go. I’m standing here Outside your door. I hate to wake you up, Just to say goodbye. As the dawn is breaking, It’s early morn. The taxi’s waiting, He’s blowing his horn. Already I’m so lonely, I could cry.

Love Poem

Kiss me and a smile for me, Darling tell me that your wait for me. Hold me like you’ll never, never let me go. I’m living on a jet plane, Don’t know when I’ll be back again, Oh babe, I hate to go. It’s so many times, I’ve let you down. etc...

TIMOTHY AKINLEYE 08098668480

Beauty Beyond My Reach A thousand words melt at my nib In attempting to paint thy beauty. But I know just enough to know that: Venus de Milo, though an epitome of elegance, Has no tender arms to hold. Mona Liza may be nice to behold, But no life stirs her fairness And her cold mind, Never as quiet as thine. Goddesses are truly fine But their finery are no man’s

Romantic Jokes

looking for love?!’ ‘We got on great straight away and just weeks later went on our first date and two months later he even joined my family on holiday in Spain. ‘As we jetted out he asked me ‘So do I tell people I’m your friend or your boyfriend?’ ‘I said ‘Go on then... my boyfriend’ - and that was that.’ Richard’s pet George is a proper working dog and helps him out on his brother and parent’s family-

treasure And whereas, precious stones may shine, Their spectre, Are matchless to the luster in thy large blue eyes. And so: if ever beauty be food A large portion of you I will ever ask for And were elegance drinks be, Wine and gin will I shun. But then, be that as it may, That, thou hardly advertise, Is all I strive to put in verses. Send your poems with your name to ireto007@yahoo.com, call 08131161840

Hot Breakfast

An old couple celebrates their 50th wedding anniversary in their home. “Just think,” the old man says, “we were sitting here at this same breakfast table, naked as jaybirds, 50 years ago.” “Well,” the old lady snickers, “what do you say -- should we get naked?” The two immediately strip to the buff and sit back down at the table. “You know, honey,” the little old lady says slyly, “My breasts burn for you now as they did 50 years ago.” “I’m not surprised,” replies the old man. “One’s in your coffee and the other is in your oatmeal!”

Words of Wisdom: Hold on to your love.

“M

y name is Amanda,” I started, “and I’m an alcoholic. I started secretly drinking when I was 15, and now have found that my job and my life are both suffering. Nobody knows I drink, except my liver, and I want to change.” The lies flew out of my mouth, just as I had rehearsed them. I used the pain of my latest heartbreak to present the tears that were needed for the impact I had hoped for. Once I had finished, everyone applauded, with Claudia, the coordinator giving me a comforting hug as I left the podium. Why was I there? Not to bear my soul about a made-up disease, but to finally meet a man worth meeting. Someone whose life depended on being sober. Someone with enough selfesteem to not disappear into a bottle every night. Someone with goals, determination, strength, backbone. I am a widowed woman of 36, with two small children to bring up on my own. I have unsuccessfully dated men who decide that going for a drink is the only entertaining night we could have. Even a night at the movies has to end at the pub. I am over it. I don’t like drunks. I don’t like the personality changes that happen after a few drinks. I don’t understand

run farm in Yarm, North Yorks. As well as hooking Katie and Richard up, George also had a vital role in their nuptials when they tied the knot in the leafy North-East village of High Worth in December 2011. Katie went on: ‘About 18 months after we first met Richard proposed and we married the following year at the local church. ‘George was the ring-bearer and looked so adorable. ‘Now we have [our daughter]

beautiful Bethany and George has his own daughter, a two yearold black Labrador called Ebony.’ Katie admits she may never have found Richard or George after dismissing at first the idea of going on a dating site. ‘The idea that Richard had to use George’s picture really tickled me so I messaged him “Does your dog know you are looking for love?!”’ Courtesy: dailymail.co.uk

‘I joined Alcoholics Anonymous to find a husband’ I think I fell in love with him before he spoke, and as he told me later, he was in love with me it. I couldn’t even begin to guess how many slurred pick-up lines I have heard when I am out with the girls, delivered by sickly sweet alcoholic breath. It’s not what I want in my life, or my children’s. I scoured many AA meetings in different suburbs to find the right group of people. I knew exactly what I wanted — a man who had been sober for at least a year who had started to rebuild his life successfully. Someone who would appreciate the love and support of a ‘kindred’ spirit. So how does a single woman meet a man that won’t rely on alcohol to boost his personality? One who has recognised the problem, and lost a lot because of it. Someone whose life mission was to be sober and stay that way. My parents were alcoholics, my sister, and even I had flirted with the disease in my early twenties. So, as shameless as it appears, I did the only thing I could think of to find my ideal partner. His name was Matt, and he was the most beautiful man I had ever laid eyes on. As he spoke, he did so with strength, humility, and shame at the past. But he was proud of himself for his “now”. He had stayed single and sober for three years. He was a man who had nearly lost ev-

erything. I feared that my heartbeat could be heard from where he stood. He was just so perfect. His wife had left him and he was fired from his $150,000 a year job. It took him three months of dancing with a bottle of scotch before his “light” went on. His children refused to see him because they didn’t love the drunken daddy anymore. He lost his children, his wife left the state, and a counsellor took him to AA. His beautiful blue eyes told of the heartbreak he had suffered at his own hands, his strong handsome jaw portrayed his sullen resolve. His well-built body showed the health he now enjoyed after being sober for so long. I think I fell in love with him before he spoke, and as he told me later, he was in love with me. The next six months were a whirlwind for me. At that meeting, he introduced himself to me and we became inseparable. Within eight months, we were married. It’s been two years of bliss for me now. I cannot imagine life without him. I just adore the man, from the minute I wake up, to when I drift off in his arms. I’m never wondering where he is, nor fearing that dreaded drunken punchline I had heard so many times before. I still go to the meetings with him, we don’t stand up to speak so much anymore, and we sit there for the support and guidance that Matt thrives on so much. If he ever found out, I don’t think I would be able to live with the consequence. So, I just keep it as my little secret. We all have to have them, don’t we? Courtesy: ninemsn.com

LOVE&LIVING

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

Relationships & Love Advice

Love Education

“My fiancé lied to me”

What is Vaginal Discharge?

Dear Love Doctor, I am Ebere from Enugu State. I live in Port Harcourt and I am a student. This is my story. I am in a relationship with a guy and he is my first love. He is from the Northern part of the country. But after a year of honest devotion and pure affection, I found out that he has two children and the mother of his children still lives in his house in Lagos while we have fixed a date for our traditional marriage. But all along, he has been lying to me that he is not married and that he has no child. Should I quit or go on? What should I do? From Ebere. Love Doctor’s Advice:

Dear Ebere, it’s rather ridiculous that you have been dating a man of whom you know little or nothing about and yet you decided to rush into marriage with him. It is rather unfortunate that you have been a fool for love. The fact is that a partner who hides the truth from you from the beginning or when the affair begins to get serious certainly cannot be trusted. You do not know who

you have been dating and as a result, I strongly advise you to suspend the socalled traditional marriage. Again, if the mother of your man’s children still lives in his house, it is very likely that she is married to him. In other words, you must have been dating a married man who probably wants you as a second wife. From the look of things there is still so much more you need to know about that man because he has apparently hidden it all from you. The fact is that if you don’t know who you’re dating, then you won’t know who you’re married to. That simply means you’ve been sleeping with a stranger for the past year. They say that love is blind, but that does not mean being ignorant as you’ve been. The lesson in this is that you must try to know your man well next time, instead of rushing into marriage with him. If you want daily love tips or advice, download The Color of Love Guide on your iPad and iPhone. Search for ‘Color of Love’ on your Apple App store now and download the App. *Send your comments/stories to Love Doctor. E-mail: ireto007@yahoo.com If you’re in a crisis, call for help: 07031028714, 08131161840 or 08023700641. For free marriage/relationships counseling, call Love Doctor Mike 07031028714, 08023700641 or Chris 08023913619. Visit www. romancestory.org

Love Crime

Convicted sex offender arrested for Walmart toe sucking incident

ops last night announced the arrest of a convicted sex offender for allegedly sucking the toes of a female Walmart shopper as she tried on shoes inside a North Carolina store. Michael Anthony Brown, 31, was collared yesterday and charged with assault in connection with the unsettling incident Monday morning at a Walmart in Lincolnton, a city about 40 miles northwest of Charlotte. Brown is pictured in the adjacent mug shot. After investigators publicized the toe licking–and released photos from a Walmart surveillance camera–a police officer from another North Carolina city recognized Brown, who cops reported is “a registered sex offender that has been charged with similar crimes in the past.” Booked into jail on a felony count, Brown is being held in lieu of a $50,000 secured bond.

aginal discharge serves an important housekeeping function in the female reproductive system. Fluid made by glands inside the vagina and cervix carries away dead cells and bacteria. This keeps the vagina clean and helps prevent infection. Most of the time, vaginal discharge is perfectly normal. The amount can vary, as can odor and hue (its color can range from clear to a milky white-ish), depending on the time in your menstrual cycle. For example, there will be more discharge if you are ovulating, breastfeeding, or are sexually aroused. The smell may be different if you are pregnant or you haven’t been diligent about your personal hygiene. None of those changes is cause for alarm. However, if the color, smell, or consistency seems significantly unusual, especially if it accompanied by vaginal itching or burning, you could be noticing an infection or other condition.

According to North Carolina records, Brown was placed on the state’s sex offender registry in mid-2004 following his release from prison (he served time for an “attempted rape or attempted sex offense” conviction). Courtesy: truecrimetoday.blogspot.com

Source: m.webmd.com

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Lovers’ Answers Game: The rule: Ask the opposite sex one question about love, and choose your lover from the top 3 answers. A girl via 08187450076 is asking all men: “How would you know that the person you are relating with loves you?” *Call Mike: 07031028714 to send questions or issues.

Blackberry Connection

A girl wants a cute guy for a relationship. BB PIN: 750918FC. • Connect with Mike on WhatsApp or BlackBerry Pin: 7ab29e22 or 21978F71 for details on how to send your BlackBerry or Smartphone Connect request. • Call Mike on 07031028714, 08131161840 or 08023700641 to link up and for direct hookup.

38 LOVE&LIVING

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

True Confession from Overseas

I set my flatmate up for a robbery to get her out of my house!

hen I bought my first house, I was thrilled to finally be out of not only the renting game, but the share-house game. I had found more often than not the experience of sharing with complete strangers to be a nightmare. Countless times throughout my twenties, I’d answer a “room for rent” ad in the paper, or a bookshop window. My new housemates and I would spend the first few days toasting to new friendships, and three weeks later I’d find myself really living with psychotic control freaks or the world’s biggest slobs! Buying my own place seemed like the perfect solution to end the merry-go-round of freaky flatmates. Unfortunately, not long after I’d bought, interest rates started to sky-rocket, and I realised I was going to have to take in a border. I knew I couldn’t accept just anyone, it had to be the right person. And that person seemed to be Danielle. Danielle was bubbly and sweet and fun. She seemed perfect. How wrong I was. Within just a few days it became apparent that Danielle was not all that she seemed. She was going to be the

Danielle was bubbly and sweet and fun. She seemed perfect. How wrong I was. worst flatmate of all! A couple of days after she’d moved in, I came home late one Friday night to find the flat reeking of booze and cigarettes. I was horrified that every corner of my home seemed to have been tainted by the foul odour. I opened every window in the house, and went to bed, tossing and turning. I didn’t want smokers in the house; I’d specifically advertised the place as a “non-smoking” apartment. She was going to have to live by this, or leave. It was as simple as that. Or so I thought. Danielle made a huge song and dance about how she had the right to do whatever she wanted in the room she was paying for. I tried to get her to compromise, to smoke outside in the courtyard, but she refused — and also refused to move out. I didn’t know what to do. I had no idea how to force

Wedding Traditions:

her out. I knew enough from my renting days that she had rights as a renter, that would probably mean I’d have to give her months of notice, and I didn’t want her in there another minute! I gave her three months’ notice, and got my solicitor to organise an eviction notice, but it seemed that since my confrontation she was smoking nearly everyday, often with many of her friends. My flat began to smell like a cheap pub! If she’d just smoked outside, I wouldn’t have even cared but I couldn’t stand coming home to the pungent aroma of stale nicotine. It made my head spin, and I felt sick. My perfect home had suddenly become a place I didn’t even want to be around anymore. I knew I had to drive Danielle out, and as quickly as possible. But how? Friday nights seemed to be party night for Danielle and her friends. I felt like I was literally living in a hotel, there were so many empty beer and wine glasses lying around. Then there was her boyfriend. Joe was the stereotypical crim if ever I’d seen one. No job, tats from head to toe, foul language pouring out of his mouth. He looked exactly

Church allows nude worship

The Blackening of the Bride: Scotland

nitially the bride-to-be was the one who was blackened or humiliated by her friends but now the groom is also blackened in many cases. The bride and the groom are taken by surprise or may be by shock and covered with foul and disgusting substances. The friends cover them with any gross they can think of. It can be curdled milk, rotten eggs, spoiled curry, smelly fish sauces, molasses, mud, flour, sausages, syrups and feathers. After being blackened he or she or both of them are either tied to a tree or taken to the local streets and the pubs with the friends clanging the pots to announce the wedding. Scots believe that this humiliation prepares them to face all the difficulties and humiliations that may come across them as nothing would be more humiliating throughout their life. Courtesy: weddingsinthesky.blogspot.com

like the people I saw on the crime stoppers posters at the local train station. And that’s what gave me the idea: what if I set him up to look as though he’d done something wrong? I already knew that Danielle had given her thug boyfriend a key. All I had to do was wait for them both to be out of the house. I would rob it myself! A few weeks later, the opportunity presented itself. I knew that while I was at work, Danielle had a job interview and Joe had mentioned he was going to see some mates. I quickly doubled back and, making sure no one was home, grabbed the television, some CDs and a few pieces of jewellery (all mine) and stuffed them into the car. Then I continued on to work, a little late, but with the perfect alibi. Then, when I got home, I rang the police to report the “burglary”! I was disappointed to find that

church in the US state of Virginia has taken the bizarre decision to allow its congregation to attend services in the nude. Pastor Allen Parker, the leader of White Tail Chapel in the town of Southampton, said he came to the decision to allow naked worship after concluding the clothing requirements of other churches were overly ‘pretentious’, and decided his own flock should be free to forgo such materialism if they desire. He believes he is in good company too, claiming many of the most important moments in the Bible happened while the protagonists were nude, including Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Speaking to CNN, Mr Parker said: ‘When he [Jesus] was born he was naked, when he was crucified he was naked and when he arose he left his clothes in the tomb and he was naked.’ ‘If God made us that way, how can that be wrong?’ he added. Mr Parker is believed to have drawn at least some of his opinions on nudity from the book of Genesis, in which Adam and Eve were originally described as ‘both

Odd news naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” It was only after sinfully eating forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge that Adam and Even are said to have seen their nudity as shameful, at which point they sowed fig leaves into loincloths. Although the church allows worshipers to attend services fully naked, many have decided they would rather continue to attend fully clothed, particuarly when in mid-winter, while others opt to just

Joe didn’t have a criminal record, but he also didn’t have a very good alibi — the friend he was visiting was well known to the local police. Whilst no one was very keen to charge Joe, I firmly insisted that I believed he was responsible, and told Danielle that if she didn’t move out and take all her nasty friends with her, I would at least pursue civil action for my stolen property. Danielle agreed to leave almost immediately. It turns out she wasn’t so sure that Joe hadn’t done it anyway! The flat was soon all mine once again. Without a border, I felt the pinch financially, but it was a small sacrifice if it meant having my home back. A few months later, my new partner moved in and at last I’d found the perfect flatmate. But I still tell him what I’m capable of, just to keep him on his toes! Source: Womansday. Call Mike:+234-703 102 8714 if you have a story.

reveal their breasts or genitals. The idea is that nudity is ‘the great equaliser’, reminding all those gathered in the church that they are simple human beings and that, beneath any personal wealth or glamorous outward appearance, they are all more of less the same beneath the clothing. ‘There’s not a feeling that you have to be better than one another, physically. We’re humans, we have scars, we have what we have. It’s learning to love and accept that,’ Mr Parker says. And the pastor leads the church by example, standing in his pulpit without a scrap of clothing as he reads stories from the Bible to the faithful gathered in his small rural church. Source: dailymail.co.uk

Travel&Tourism ON SATURDAY NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

www.newtelegraphonline.com/travel

HOSPITALITY The Bon Voyage Hospitality Collection is fast becoming a household name for luxury in the Lagos hospitality scene with its D Palms Airport Hotel raising the bar, reports ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA.

Destination Get lost in the dream world of Abraka Turf p.42

Travel Personality ‘Being less conscious of my gender has helped’ p.40

ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA, EDITOR, TRAVEL AND TOURISM andrew.okungbowa@newtelegraphonline.com

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

5 APRIL 2014

: l e t o H t r o p r i D Palms A k c e b r u o y t Luxury a

HE number of boutique hotels offering upscale luxury products and services in Lagos is fast on the rise, a good sign for a city on the cusp of being a megacity. The government of the day has left no one in doubt of its readiness and devotion to this single objective. The management team of Bon Voyage Hospitality Collection seems bent on achieving a name for luxury collections with its addition of D Palms Airport Hotel. The Ajao Estate-based hotel, which is just about five minutes from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, boasts high taste and commitment to providing the best options for its numerous guests. With its vantage location, the hospitality home sure holds up itself as a strong contender for the many business travellers parading the city, the growing colony of adventure seekers and the local residents who surely can try out a new option in their quest to enjoy the best of hospitality. Flaunting a pleasant architectural design, the hotel has ample space to play with, which in itself attracts attention and stoke curiosity with regard to what this structure has within its interiors. You probably don’t have to wait long to discover this as the moment you step through the glass door, you are welcomed by an opulent display of sort. A roomy, breezy and well crafted reception with the attendant behind the counter curtsying and warm smiles beckoning as you try to catch your breath a little and take in the unfolding scenery. Pleasantries exchanged and a little banter then you are escorted by the janitor, Alfred, a courteous young man with a genial personality. The general manager, Joachim Ologunleko, turns out to be a familiar face and so the conversation took on a different tone and soon moved on to accelerated pace after the catching up. The hotel has 112 rooms comprising standard, executive and executive suit, all well–apportioned, spacious and fitted to taste to guarantee the comfort

hotel Ex terior view of the

and different faces of

the interior (inset)

and luxurious feel that Ologunleko says the boutique hotel is designed to offer its guests. “We are not just only a business hotel, but we combine that with leisure as well. So we have to ensure that we provide the best of facilities and comfort for our guests who are most discerning and deserve the best. The competition is getting stiff by the day,” he said, “and so, to get ahead of the crowd, you must parade the best option so as to attract guests and enjoy a comfortable occupancy level.” The occupancy rate it records presently may not yet be what it expects, but Ologunleko insists that for a somewhat new outfit less than three years, the record is an impressive one. The managers hope the target level would soon get to the mark as it continues to entice the market with its premium product and services. Perhaps one of the advantages enjoyed by the hotel, according to the general manager, is the fact it is almost designed like a resort, providing a home away from home feeling, adding that this is one qual-

ity of the hotel that distinguishes it from the pack. ‘‘It is almost like a resort hotel,’’ he said, as he then went ahead to reel out its array of facilities, ranging from its swimming pool, located at the courtyard with a sit out area and serene setting for anyone to relax; the sports bar where guests can savour a pleasant mood and watch their favourites games in the company of others. The lounge bar also comes into the picture with its attractive and breezy setting, the gymnasium has an instructor while the aerobic room completes the picture of a trendy hotel where the wellness and wellbeing of the guest score high. Dining and wining is another interesting feature of the home with its Royce Restaurant. The executive chef, Gideon Taiwo Sinha, leaves no one in doubt of the fact that when it comes to menu, the hotel is no pushover. According to him, it is the best around because it provides whatever food the guest so wishes. The hotel serves the standard African and continental dishes, yet still say leaves

room for some Nigerian delicacies such as nkwobi and isiewu. But to savour these local delicacies you have to visit the hotel on Fridays, even though Sinha says you can actually get the order any other day. It prides itself as a business conference and social events centre with its three different facilities hosting events of diverse nature and timbre. The three conference facilities combine offer over 600 seating capacity with the Tower Hall as the premium conferencing and banqueting venue. As explained by the general manager, events planners are assured of personalised and excellent services to ensure the best offerings. Ologunleko stressed the point that some of the unique selling points of the hotel include its almost secluded location, which makes a good hide - away spot to ‘disappear’ because it enjoys quiet and serene scenery, it is luxury and comfort personified. And don’t forget this, it looks after you so well as no other spot do, concluded the general manager.

40 TRAVEL&TOURISM

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

CHEF’S CORNER

different requests, views, opinions and tastes and you are expected to meet their needs otherwise you are a failure, he affirms. ‘‘I will go as far as it is possible to please and satisfy them,’’ says this dreamer whose vision in life is to make it to the top. ‘‘My dream as a chef is to someday move beyond the burner and become the general manager of a recognised establishment and, also, ‘‘also to be the CEO of a company by the grace of God,” he said. We had to round off the talk because his kitchen staff were becoming impatient over the brief absence of their boss which, in their estimation, has been rather long.

Dreaming big at Planet One Every chef takes pride in their culinary skill. Samuel Asuquo, the assistant chef at Planet One, Maryland, Lagos, is no exception as evident in this encounter with ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA.

OUNG and energetic, sous (assistant) chef Samuel Asuquo after over half an hour conversation does not only leave you with the impression that cooking is a lifetime passion for him, but that he is sure footed about his culinary skill and that your satisfaction is a premium concern of his hotel. ‘‘We don’t just cook, but rather we take the people into consideration when making our menu. That is why we cook with spices like ginger, garlic, cinnamon and mustard seeds as well as other special ingredients, which increase or aid improved healthy living style,’’ he reveals as he warms up to you. Motivated by the need to improve on the eating habit of the hotel’s clients, Asuquo says the hotel employs the services of a nutritionist whose duty, among others, is to ensure the kitchen adheres to the international standard. ‘‘The nutritionist checks and ensures we cook with the right ingredients and that all the ingredients are in their right proportions and making sure that people eat balanced diet.’’ Having established the ground norms for the kitchen operations he then went into the details of the menu set. Just like any other standard restaurant, African and continental dishes rule here, but the manner of preparations and options available make the difference here as they have over the

years been dedicated to offering special treats to their guests. According to him, these special packages or chef ’s delight comprise several dishes, which are not part of the regular menu. ‘‘The aim is to entice our guests by offering them new experiences and not to bore them with our regular menu,’’ he said, adding that great care has been taken to research into and put these packages together for the delight of their numerous patrons. As a result they boast a blend of special recipes which include the Spaghetti Arebita, which Asuquo reveals enlists spaghetti, tomato sauce, chicken and chips accompanied with red wine. There is also the Beef Stregonaf comprising shredded beef in a creamy mushroom sauce served with either rice, chips or matched potatoes, accompanied by the regular drink of one’s choice. On the African score, the special packages include Ekpang kukwo, which he describes as a typical African dish (common with the Efik) made from cocoyam, water yam, all wrapped in a cocoyam leaf and cooked with periwinkles, dried fish and palm oil. But just in case you are not cool with any of these, Asuquo says not to worry as you can also try out any of these: Planet One pizza, Planet One Special and Executive Plata, all of which he says are unique to the hotel as you can

BACKGROUND

Asuquo

never find them in other places. Planet One every day’s service, he says is ala carte while buffet is served when necessary, explaining that it is dependent on the number of guests, which usually should not be less than 25 and on

the request of the guests, especially clients on business conferences and other social events. ‘‘I feel very happy,’’ he says of his sojourn so far while admitting that the job of a chef is not any easy but challenging as people come with

The Calabar–born chef comes alive when talking about his romance with the kitchen. ‘‘I come from a background of cooking family because I started coming right from when I was a teenager. I found cooking so interesting and I derive joy from it.’’ He has his mother to thank for his career path, describing her as his mentor, motivator and the one who influenced him. To drive home the point, he tells you that his mother is a career, she owns a restaurant and runs both indoors and outdoors services. After his secondary school education and caught by the bug of cooking, he enrolled at the NICO Catering and Hotel School where he obtained a diploma and also added a certificate in computer to it in 2005/2006. From thereon, Asuquo set his sight on high beginning with Tinapa, where he honed his skill between 2008/2010. In 2010, he moved to Obudu Mountain Resort where he worked for about six months after which he decided to move to other challenges and environment. He moved over to Enugu where he started out with City Park Luxury Hotel as head chef. Yearning for new challenges, he relocated to Lagos in 2012 and worked as head chef at Le Pans Continental Hotel in Lekki between 2012 and 2014. He only recently moved over to Planet One where alongside the executive chef, a widely travelled and well – skilled Nigerian they daily put smiles on the faces of guests who visit their restaurant.

TRAVEL BEAT

Celebrating the Earth Hour at Le Meridien Ogeyi Port Harcourt FOR about one hour last Saturday, the usually well–lit and aesthetically inviting Le Meridien Ogeyi Place, Port Harcourt was partially thrown into darkness, almost like eclipse of the light between the hours of 4.30 and 5.30pm. It was in observation of the world Earth Hour, which was celebrated across the globe with millions of people and various organizations and bodies, especially hospitality outfits switching off the light for one hour as a symbolic gesture under the slogan ‘use your power.’ The campaign is not only focused on friendly use of the environment and its protection but also to raise funds for environmental projects. At the Le Meridien Ogeyi Place, it was a celebration of some sort as the hotel organized a dedicated event for staff and guests to mark the occasion as the hotel’s light was dimmed and candle light used.

Le Meridien Ogeyi Place during the Earth Hour celebration

THE Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Lagos Water Regatta has disclosed that preparations are in top gear for the hosting of this year’s event, which is billed to hold on Easter Sunday (April 20) at the waterfront pier on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos. It is the fifth edition of the yearly event, which has become one of the celebrated events in the tourism calendar of the state. The theme for this year is, Lagos: Splash the Excitement, which is meant to celebrate the aquatic splendour of the state. Speaking on the event, the chairman of the local organizing committee, Olusegun Jawando, said it is a showpiece of what the various water–based communities in the state has to offer to the people in terms of its cultural and recreational packages. According to the chairman, Lagos Water Regatta is part of the activities marking

Lagos Water Regatta on course for Easter Sunday the 2014 edition of the Lagos Black Heritage Festival, adding that ‘‘the regatta is a private sector led initiative with support from other corporate bodies and the state government to promote the tourism potential of the state.” Over 20 communities from across the state are expected on parade, which would feature large fishing boats, ferries, barges and other marine vessels adorned with colours and decorations depicting the social, cultural, traditional folklore and occupational aspects of the Lagos people. Various prizes would be presented to the participating teams and individuals at the end of the boat fiesta.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

TRAVEL&TOURISM

TRAVEL PERSONALITY

‘Being less conscious of my gender has helped’ General Manager of Prince of Anthony Hotel, Mrs Gbemisola Sijuade speaks with ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA on being at the helms in a sector largely dominated by men

he first impression you get on meeting Mrs. Gbemisola Sijuade is that she seems a strong-willed person. Indeed, you can’t possibly have over two decades experience in the hospitality trade without such inclination. This experience helped as she set out to implement her employer’s lofty vision for the Prince of Anthony Hotel. It’s thus not a surprise that the Anthony Village, Lagos-based hotel has experienced a remarkable growth in just a few years. On this morning, her skill as a hard negotiator was evident. The hotel’s generator needed a tuneup and her technician and the maintenance man were needling her neck to approve a quotation. Given the expedient situation, the expectation was that she would not hesitate to approve. But to the consternation of the two men who were becoming impatient, she launched into a hard bargain, raising queries and reducing the prices of each item on the list. At a point she even had to resort to getting a second opinion on the items as she put a call through to other suppliers. After much argument and persuasion from her, the two work men had to defer to her final judgement on the matter. Satisfied and elated by this feat, she turned around to the reporter, beaming. ‘‘My brother, you can see that this job is not an easy one. You have to stand your ground at all times because you need to control your cost otherwise you would end up with nothing here.’’ Her deft performance this morning is a pointer to why her staff has a high regard for her and carry out every of her biddings. Even her colleagues hold her in high esteem because she has been able to prove her mettle in a maledominated industry. Sijuade’s foray into the sector was not a planned move. It was necessitated by exigencies and ever since her entry. She learned fast and rose quickly through the ranks to the top. ‘‘It was by accident and not by design because I didn’t study catering and hotel management at school. I found

myself at it just like any other job seekers then after finishing school, I started looking for job and it was then the most lucrative and available one that I could get,’’ she revealed. She started out at an outfit that specialize in swimming pool and later went to work for a security and computer firm from where she made her move to the hospitality sector. Since then she has never looked back. She had also worked at Hotel Support Services Limited (HSSL), one of the leading Nigerian hotel management chains. While at HSSL she worked at the Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Blue Ribbon Hotel, Hotel Royal Damgrete, Umuahia, and the Women Development Centre Lodge, Agege, Lagos. She later left HSSL and showed up at Governors Hotel, Omole Estate, Lagos, from where again she moved after some years to the Prince of Anthony Hotel, her present station. ‘‘I have gone round a bit,’’ she

Sijuade

says of her stint at the various places she has anchored. ‘‘It has been good,’’ but admits it hasn’t been without challenges. ‘‘I think what has been helping me to sail through is the passion I have for the industry,’’ she adds. Apart from the passion, she puts her success and staying power down to her natural flair for hospitality and treating people with care and warmth. ‘‘Naturally I am a very hospitable person, I like to care for people and I like to make people comfortable. So I think my passion for the job has really been helping me to surmount the challenges in the industry.’’ She has been involved in so many start–ups, the list include the Blue Ribbon, Hotel Royal Damgrete and the Women Development Centre Lodge as well as the Governors Hotel. For her, the latter stands out in terms of the success story and landmark achievements. ‘‘Talking of a situ-

ation where I have to start a hotel from the scratch and get it to autorun - that will be the Governors Hotel because that was the greatest experience for me.’’ According to her, the hospitality sector is a very viable industry, but noted it is yet to be tapped by both the government and the private investors. ‘‘It has not really been tapped into either by the government or the individual. There is a lot of money to be made but right now we are not looking at it that way and that is why it has not been developed the way it should be.’’ She bemoaned the difficulties the lack of infrastructure is causing the operators. ‘‘You find out that in this business anybody that has to be in it has to provide his own road, water, security, and basically everything because if you don’t then you are wasting your time and investment. Then there are several taxes, this have to be looked into for the business to be realistic in terms of viability.’’

Coming this far as a woman, she expresses appreciation to God for her family, who she reveals has made it possible for her to keep both the home front and the office. ‘‘I thank God for the family that God has given me because it is a very understanding family. ‘‘I will say that I have paid my dues in the sense that I have had challenges with raising my family before now in terms of my children and the job. But now my children are grown up, which makes it less demanding for me.’’ Despite this, she explains that every available time is spent with the family. She cites her commitment and focus as qualities that have brought her this far. ‘‘I will say that what it needs is just your determination and focus because in this industry there is no gender. I regard everybody as men because when I’m with my male colleagues I don’t behave like a woman but I behave like one of them.’’ Playing second fiddle is a mindset she abhors completely. ‘‘I won’t allow anybody to relegate me to the background; my voice must be heard, we are all at par. I am fulfilled and happy because I have never regretted working in the industry. If I have my way I will do it over and over again. Because, I’m enjoying what I’m doing and that is the easiest way to make money.’’ Asked what she considers the secret behind her vivacious disposition, she says: ‘‘I eat very good food. I may not eat three times a day but I eat quality food – fruits, salad, and I try as much as possible to sleep well because when I sleep well I get a lot of strength from inside. And, naturally, I think God has just created me to be a very energetic woman. I’m very hyper-active and it is only when I can’t get up that I know I need to rest. But as long as I’m on my feet, it is a rat race, I’m just good to go.’’ For sure, she is busy. But she still finds the time to indulge in her pastimes. ‘‘Once in awhile I party and I party hard because I love dancing and I love watching Nigerian films. I like musicals and I read books, inspirational and business books.’’ The mother of four and University of Maiduguri graduate of English and linguistics sums up her inspiration this way: ‘‘what inspires me basically is the need to be different, the need to carve a niche for myself and the need to be outstanding. Those inspire me a lot because I want to be outstanding and let people know that I am different.”

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DESTINATION

Aerial view of the Turf

Get lost in the dream world of Abraka Turf Abraka Turf Club is an elixir for rejuvenation, writes ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA

T is not every time and all places in Nigeria that you are guaranteed the serenity and luxury that you are treated to once you are locked up within the walls. Not walls, really, but the iconic and luxurious world of Abraka Turf Club, located at Oria – Abraka, Delta State. Abraka does not offer much if you’re looking for those telltale landmarks peculiar to cosmopolitan cities. But thanks to the presence of the Delta State University within its precinct, the town has a new sheen. But that is not really the true story of

Savouring a meal

Abraka or what it is that makes it attract the visit of the well–wheeled, faces in Nigeria and across the world. Many of these visitors come unheralded and in most cases under the cover of night. The attraction for these faces is the Abraka Turf Club, which by its very design is removed from the prying eyes of the community - the norm when the university is in session. Driving along the old Sapele–Agbor road and then making a detour to Oria–Abraka through the sometimes lonely road to the

club, for the first time visitor, nothing in sight gives an inkling about what to expect - that is until you drive through the main entrance and is confronted by security personnel. The breath of fresh air and the breezy nature of the slick and scenic environment are a welcome relief. As you move further, casting your gaze afield you are overwhelmed by the unfolding aesthetics, which is mostly amplified if you are lucky to be guided by the debonair promoter of the club, Albert Esiri, who never fails to impress. You come away with the impression and feeling that Esiri has super imposed his taste for the good life and sports on this little enclave carved out of his laidback countryside. As an avid connoisseur of polo and a respected player of the game, the motivation at the beginning of this dreamed and iconic world of his was perhaps a hideaway to enjoy his pasttime with a couple of his friends. Besides being a personal and family getaway and a place where he plays the good host to his friends and business associates, the club has over the years promoted the game of polo, which actually is one of the features to savour at the club. A couple of his friends and polo enthusiasts with family and other admirers find solace here every April, specifically during the Easter period to enjoy the game of polo under an enlivening atmosphere. It’s usually an occasion to savour because of its high scale entertainment packages with the best entertainers from across the country. This transforms the

Enjoying a game of snooker

mood from a mere gathering of polo buffs to a rich blend of sport and entertainment, thereby raising the bar and making it a must attend event for close members of the club and Esiri’s circle of friends. And for the community, this time of the year is a major highlight of the people’s calendar. At least some of them get to see up-close some of the big names in the society, from politicians to top business figures. This one man’s past time has in recent years been elevated by the Nigerian polo community as one of the top ranked events in the prestigious Nigerian Polo National Tour. With the Lagos Polo International tournament ending on a celebrative and high note last month as all the big names in the polo field made appearance, all eyes are now on Abraka as the next stop. With Easter just a few days away, Abraka will come alive as the club welcomes the best of teams and players in the Nigerian circuit, international invitational terms, best entertainers, friends and families to what has become a yearly communal fiesta for this somewhat exclusive community of equestrians and polo buffs crafted by the benevolent patron, Esiri. This apart, one of the uniqueness of the polo feast is the fact that the club also has the tradition of inviting one of the big wigs in the political administration as special guest of the occasion. For this year’s event, the name is still kept under wraps, but certainly it will be one big harvest of fun for the few who will be invited to the big party. For Esiri, who is the chief host of this

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Interior of one of the guest rooms

high level fiesta of some sort, it is once again an occasion to display his skill as a patron and impresario of not just the game of polo (he would take to the field along with members of his Ashbert Raiders team); his reputation as a connoisseur of the good life because guests would be treated to a selection of foods, drinks, leisure and entertainment packages. Background

Spanning over 1,000 acres of land, the club is nestled against a tropical forested land with the River Ethiope, a shouting distance away from the lush greens of the club. It is this combination that gives it a idyllic character, which makes the vast landscape a rich collage of artistic creation of some sort. Its breathtaking nature and the possibility of being lost in the “wild” once within the enclave is what perhaps makes the club an enchanting world. Then when you put the upscale facilities, the services and other features into view, what you get is what the club management has promised - “experience another world”. It caters to both business and leisure travellers with focus on luxury and treating guests to the best that nature offers. The lush greens, which makes it an eco–friendly hideaway, provides for ample hiking, walking and safari as well as nature trail for nature enthusiasts. Accommodation

It features different style of accommodation types, which are by the nature of design, fittings and facilities simply exotic and masterpieces for the comfort and relaxation of the guests with no expenses spared apparently to give the club’s accommodation a surreal air. They include the Luxury units, which are ba-

Deep swim at Ethiope river

“With Easter just a few days away, Abraka will come alive as the club welcomes the best of teams and players in the Nigerian circuit” sically single rooms fitted with queen-sized beds and feature such amenities as flat screen, cable satellite, ipod docks, massage showers, courtyard barbecue bar and a private back garden. There are the chalets and detached units with classic design and display, featuring king size beds, furnished lounges, single balconies, flat screen and cable satellite among others. There are also luxurious duplexes fitted and furnished to taste with such amenities as massage showers, cable satellite and flat screen, balconies and lawns for breakfast and dinner set up among others. The super luxuries are the bungalows, which are three bedrooms built like private villas and fully equipped with the best of luxurious facilities such as a spa baths, massage showers, bathroom gardens, flat screen and satellite and a private courtyard. The bungalows are actually suited for family use because they have ample facilities to cater for a large group.

ing, squash and biking, horse riding, snooker, quadbike, movie library, reading room, massage bed, gazebo, pool bar and volleyball. Safari

Forested nature and lush greens make a nature trail and safari, especially the River Ethiope end with a walk way leading to it. Cool swimming, canoeing, scuba diving, and fishing as well as kayaking are all possibilities here. There is as well a large platform created across the river for relaxation and partying for those who wish to enjoy the natural pull of the forested area. Special events

It is a well–laid out destination for such activities as corporate retreats, seminars, workshops and conventions, camping, weddings and celebration of anniversaries of all sorts. Given its natural appeal, it has become a veritable place for creative and academic workshops and retreats with some creative, fine and applied artists finding it’s a good place to further hone and develop their skills. Bruce Onobrakeya’s “Harmattan” workshop, among others, often holds here where the club itself hosts writers retreat. It also provides a good location and scenery for film makers and other visual producers and photos shoot as the setting is perfect fit. Club membership

Leisure

The club by its design affords a world of leisure activities with no dull moment for anyone. Amenities in this regard include two championship golf courses, swimming, tennis courts, a games room featuring card games and table tennis among others, archery, clay pigeon shoot-

Esiri

Besides catering for walk–in–guests, it offers membership to the public for regular use of its facilities. It offers membership for individuals, families and corporate organizations in the following categories: Gold, purple and corporate with each conferring certain privileges and benefits on the members.

Meeting Esiri zz Executive chairman, Ashbert Beverages Limited with interest in oil and gas and property zz Publicity shy and avoids the limelight zz Investment in small businesses zz Polo enthusiast and player zz Maintains stables across the world zz Formerly a non–executive chairman of Veritas Geophysical (Nigeria) Limited, subsidiary of CGGVeritas zz Earned his stripes with the Heguy family of Argentine and other renowned polo families, bodies and players across the world zz Known for his trademark beret

Parting Shot

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5 APRIL 2014

You have made a positive mark on soul music, but given the apparent drift to commercial songs, how would you describe your genre?

Well, I am not doing badly and I know few people who are doing well too. The first person to please in anything you do in life is yourself. In creativity too, the first person you want to please is yourself because it gives you the confidence that you need to sell your idea. For example, If I am selling a product and inside me I do not like it, It would be hard for me to convince people to buy the idea because I do not believe in it. I do music because I want to be heard for a very long time. I do not do things because of the instant benefits. I do not even think there is a genre of music known as commercial. Have you done enough in the industry?

I am always doing the best I can. When I meet people and they tell me they want to do music, the first question I ask them is: Do you want to do music or you want to really do music? These are two different things because music takes all your time. It takes more than what it is trendy outside because they are enjoying it. It takes hard, gritty work if you really want to be around for a long time. Also, you must have the knowledge and know the business part of it because it is not something you just do for fun at the end of the day. It is not about knowing how to sing; you have to know the business part of it too. You have to earn from it; it is your job. At any point in time, you have to be better than who you were before. You have to make sure people keep talking about you. In fact, the whole essence of what you do is for people to continue to talk about you. If you continue to repeat the same thing, people will definitely get tired along the way. When I wake up every morning, I want to learn something new. I have learnt how to handle the piano now but it takes a lot of discipline. You can try to play a key for two hours but once you get it, it is hard to forget. They call it the “memory of the fingers”.

‘I thought I would end up playing football’ The mood at the Intercontinental Hotel on the night of March 29 was ecstatic as crooner Timi Dakolo thrilled fans with beautiful soul music at One Nite: Live and Unplugged, a monthly music concert series. OLUSHOLA RICKETTS spoke with the 2007 winner of West African Idols things. I learnt how to deal with human beings with different temperaments. It taught me how to be quick in decision-making. We just had a few days to prepare for a song we would be performing for the benefit of the judges, ourselves and the viewers who were watching at home. When they brought the list of songs, you had less down one hour to pick a song you think would be suitable for you. The show taught me that whatever you are doing, there is another side of it. There is a life somewhere it affects. Music is just not a combination of sounds; it is a feeling. Whenever you are performing, perform like you flopped the last time. What then gave you the edge?

I was actually confused because some of us already had it at the back of our minds that we might not win because we had no one to vote for us. But we

What is delaying your second album?

As I said earlier, I do not rush to make music because I want my songs to be evergreen. I want people to be able to listen to my songs in London, Nigeria or any other part of the world and feel good. I have just one album, Beautiful Noise that came out 2011. I like to present my ideas in very unique and creative ways. I take my time to write music. I am working on my new album now. I have singles like Iyawo Mi, Wish Me Well, among others. It is almost ready; we just have to go back and look into some little things. With Iyawo Mi, I just wanted to appreciate my wife; what we have been through together and what she has also been through. It was released on Valentine’s Day.

How would you describe talent hunts generally?

What talent hunt does is to keep you in the eyes of people for a very long time and that is a very great advantage. The opportunity it gives, many would spend millions to achieve it but we got that for free. You don`t have to win; you could ride on the leverage. This is also one thing politicians want and pay a lot for. The position it places you is more priceless than winning the event itself.

Compare yours and present reality shows?

We are different people. I do not really want to compare because the irony is that I do not watch TV much again. The only time you will see me watching TV is probably when Arsenal is playing football. I am a die-hard Arsenal fan. I also see movies too, once in a while. How have you been able to avoid scandals?

I do not really go to social places or clubs except there is something happening there. I stay at home and I keep to myself. I smell trouble from afar and I try to avoid it. I am also happily married and I like being around my children. How do you deal with female fans?

I let them know we are just friends and nothing more. What were your dreams as a kid?

I used to think I would end up playing football. I played football morning and afternoon and we participated in competitions too. I can still remember how painful it was when I fell and hit one of my hands on the iron used for the goal post. Sometimes, I still feel the pain. Did your parents encourage you to do music?

You could not mention it at home that you wanted to be a musician; it is not possible. I did not inform them I was going for Idols at home. I lived with my grandmother then, so I left without with their knowledge. I loved music as a kid but I grew up in family that placed serious emphasises on education ahead of anything else. So after they struggled to pay your school fees, you could not tell them you wanted to dump education for music. How do you unwind?

I play video games and I like to play with my children Any advice for younger singers?

The reason God puts instincts in every man is to save us from mistakes but often, we do not listen to our instincts. I urge them to always trust their instincts and believe in themselves. Everybody else can be wrong but your instinct cannot be wrong.

How has being the winner of West African Idols help your music career?

The truth is that music was never something I wanted to do before the show. I wanted to work in an office though I know that it would be very hard for me to sit down in a position for a long time. The show taught me to listen, learn, be patient, etc. Apart from the music opportunity it gave me, it taught me about life in general. We were like 10 people living together from different backgrounds and different ways of looking at

believed that since we were there and we got everything for free, we should remain there every week to continue to enjoy all the benefits. But after a while, I realised that people got connected to me, and people could see me and remember me. So, I decided that anything worth doing is worth doing well. My connection to people made the difference in a distinctive way. It was an awesome experience. I don`t know what West African Idols did that they got the whole attention of Africans, both the young and old. Our own edition was so different.

Any regret?

I will never regret life. How would you like to be remembered?

Dakolo

I want to be remembered for the good music I make. I want to be remembered as a man that took all his chances. I want to be leave behind great music for generations to come.

Tribute Celebrating David Mark at 66 p.47 Milestone Remembering Funmi Olayinka p.47

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AYODELE OJO MEETS Martin Agbaso

‘The best way to correct my error in supporting Okorocha is to send him packing in 2015’ Tell us about the leadership crisis that has been rocking your former party, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA)?

What you perceive as a leadership crisis is a mere storm in a cup. Chief Victor Umeh remains the national chairman of APGA and Peter Obi is the Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman. The so-called Chekwas Okorie crisis was there when we won the elections in 2007 and 2011. So, the Maxi Okwu palaver will be resolved before the 2015 elections. Governor Rochas Okorocha, who was elected on APGA platform, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Will this development weaken the party?

One,Okorocha left with his campaign structure called “Agenda” but all original APGA members are solidly in APGA. The success of APGA and election of Governor Willy Obiano in Anambra has energised our people. The Imo electorate is registering in their numbers into APGA. You are regarded as leader of APGA in Imo State but former Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho recently said he does not recognise your posi-

Chief Martin Agbaso, an astute politician and controversial businessman, claimed he was schemed out of the Imo State governorship election in 2007and spoke to AYODELE OJO, about the failings of Rochas Okorocha, his regrets for supporting the governor’s election and his resolve to govern Imo State in 2015.

tion. Is he passing a message?

I’m constrained to react to trivialities. Our people say a ‘wise chicken that arrives a new home usually stands on one foot and watches events before it starts demonstrating rascality’. We in APGA recognised Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Eze Igbo Gburugburu, as our leader. We now recognise Chief Peter Obi, immediate past governor of Anambra State as our Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman. If anyone doesn’t understand this APGA way of doing things, it is definitely his or her business, not mine. My concern is how to create sustainable economic empowerment, open windows of opportunity, and strong support for our elderly and pensioners. Given today’s reality, every community, local government, federal

constituency, senatorial district and state must bring their best qualified and most driven people forward to contest for various political offices. We must elect people whose primary interest is to serve the interest of Imo citizens. The government can no longer be a platform for people to solve their personal financial problems. How is governance in Imo State today?

The state of road infrastructure, education, health, water and recreation is deplorable. The morale of the teachers, civil and public servants are low. Not much has changed since then. My vision then and now has remained the same. Our immediate concern, that requires urgent intervention, is the number of young men and women, who, in spite of their education, are not gainfully engaged in any form of economic activity. We cannot sit around and overstretch their threshold; otherwise the social challenge will be quite enormous. It is against this background, we must seek someone who is capable and motivated to lead. The challenges we have in our hand does not make room for people whose businesses are in trouble and want to use state resources to sort them out. The state of our state, in plain terms, is depressing. The civil service structure has been destroyed. Our state is the only state in the federation where there is total disregard for due process. It is a state that has no iota of planning. Every activity is on ad hoc basis – 90 per cent of the time – it is an issue of trial and error. Confidence of the citizenry has never been so shaken. Nothing

“The government can no longer be a platform for people to solve their personal financial problems.” done in the state is subjected to empirical analysis. And of course, flagrant abuse of rule of law is common. Specifically, are you contesting the 2015?

Well, in very clear terms, I will contest the Imo governorship in the2015 election. As you all know, in 2007, I set out to massively rebuild the infrastructure in my state. At the time, we had over 900km of state-owned roads to pave and an excess of 1400km of local government roads to stabilize. Then, approximately 80 per cent of the public water scheme was dysfunctional. We had over 1200 primary schools that needed to be refurbished and made fit for learning. Seventy per cent of our secondary schools were a shadow of what they were 30 to 40 years ago. The industrial centres, set out in the different parts of Imo, had become overgrown by weeds and hide-outs for miscreants. The morale of our teachers, public servants will be described as low at best. We had 18 general hospitals that were mere consulting rooms. Our state was very depressed as a result of the teeming unemployed young men and women. These were my concerns then and they remain my concerns today because nothing has changed, apart from the latest television and newspaper razzmatazz. However, what has become urgent is the near explosive situation of over 400,000 young educated, but unemployed men and women. This alarming situation will get worse if not checked immediately. My mission, therefore, is to create wealth by tapping into our enterCONTINUE D ON PAGE 46

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‘I was eager to prove to Iwu that my victory was no fluke’ CON T IN UE D F RO M PAG E 4 5

prise, industry, and entrepreneurship. To get every able adult in Imo engaged in productive effort that will stimulate the local economy and expand opportunities across the board. I am driven by capacity and willingness to reposition Imo State into a secure industrial, agricultural and commercial hub of Eastern Nigeria. Look, in this region, we have a 50 million people-economy and huge disposable income. The potential for growth given the ongoing reforms in the power sector – with Imo in the middle – is enormous. Therefore, we need a sincere and very competent manager to drive the affairs of Imo State for the common good of our people. We must restore the confidence of our people in our government and ourselves. That is why I am offering myself for the governor of Imo State in 2015. But critics say you negotiated your election in 2011 with Governor Rochas Okorocha. Was that so?

One of the most difficult decisions I ever had to make was whether or not to support Rochas Okorocha in the 2011 election. At that time, I have spent three and a half years in different courts in the land to establish if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had the power to cancel an election that was adjudged the freest and fairest by all that I had won in 2007. I was not mentally, physically, or financially ready to contest the 2011 elec-

tion. This man came to me with the Bible in one hand and documents showing his education foundation in the other. His plea was for me to allow him to run, since I wasn’t, to be governor for only four years. After which he would proceed to run for president. No other person approached me for such support. My thinking was that, since this man was training other people’s children with his own funds, he could do a lot more if placed in authority. There were no pecuniary considerations whatsoever for my support. Second, I was eager to prove to Maurice Iwu, the former INEC chairman, that the election I won in 2007 was not a fluke, that I could even win by proxy. That APGA was the party of choice in Imo. I had no crystal ball to look into the future and see the heart of the man. If I knew that Okorocha would turn out to be a man that would falsely accuse my brother, Jude Agbaso, just to impeach him as the deputy governor, with the sole motive of destroying ‘the brand’ ahead of the 2015 election, I would not have supported him. This whole talk about negotiation is just designed to give me a bad name. The only issue of trust that can be addressed here is to determine the man or woman that Imo people can trust with their future and that of their children. The person who can quickly address all the infrastructure issues, provide massive employment and empowerment and restore our confidence in ourselves.

“Our people want a governor who can provide a safe and secure environment to enable us return to the old tradition.” The idea of parents still catering to their adult children must stop. It is against our tradition. The young must take care of the elderly and not the other way around. The pride of the Igbo man is to show off his accomplishments at home; it is called “aku ruo ulo”. But that no longer happens because of insecurity in our region. Our people want a governor who can provide a safe and secure environment to enable us return to the old tradition. You were instrumental to Okorocha’s election in 2011 yet, you want to push him out of office. Didn’t you know him well before?

Again, you are under the perception that I have a crystal ball and that I have the capacity to see the future and tell how a man will behave tomorrow. That is impossible. A man swears with the Bible that he was a philanthropist. That he wants to prove that Obasanjo was wrong when he sacked him from the Nigerian Airspace Management

Agency (NAMA) on the grounds of corruption and that he would do his utmost best; picks a good testimonial from Imo State that he would present to the Nigerian people as his curriculum vitae to run for president. That sounded plausible to me. I deployed my all, hoping that Imo State would improve. However, the unfortunate turn of events is regrettable. I never intended or wished to offend Imo people. And to this, I do apologise. The best way to say ‘I am sorry’ to Imo people, is to send Rochas packing in 2015. Why does Okorocha not deserve a second term?

Okorocha has neither kept faith nor lived up to any promise he made to Imo people. But that is not what we are faced with in this interview. Imo people will want to know how Imo can be industrialised and windows of opportunities opened for our young people. We are a very industrious people; all we need is a very committed leader. One who would not lie to the people but establish platforms for the development of both local and regional economies. Our teachers, public and civil servants must be motivated. Our pensioners must be reassured; our students must be guaranteed a bettertomorrow. That is the way forward. CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

‘I’ve no fear about 2015’ You seem confident about winning the governorship election in 2015, where do you derive your confidence from given?

I am not going to address the 2007 injustice any more. I am going to dwell on how to put Imo State on the right track. The Imo electorate is quite educated and robust. My call on them and prayer is that they see my commitment to them as absolute. I have remained resilient; I have shown courage and I have been consistent. I only ask for an opportunity to showcase my God-given talent. I am confident that in spite of the misadventure of 2011, they will choose me for what I stand for. What would be your focal point if elected governor in 2015?

Agbaso

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2014

The provision of infrastructure for Imo is not my headache. I know how to provide it; I know exactly how much it will cost and how the funds will be generated. My focus, which you may

call flagship, is how to engage all Imo citizens, who have the ability to work in meaningful production; how to empower them and how to develop a local economy that will metamorphose into a secure and strong regional economic hub. I am excited at the opportunity of turning Imo State into an industrial, agricultural and commercial centre. I am motivated by the fact that this laudable vision is achievable. I will unveil in the coming days when I declare my gubernatorial ambition in Owerri a master plan and contract to empower 150,000 young men and women within 24 months or I will resign as governor. Do you nurse any fear about the 2015 elections?

There are concerns here and there but not enough to shake or derail our democracy. There is no fear whatsoever. If I had any fear, I wouldn’t embark on this project. With regards to our election in Imo, we have improved on our strategy of what we did in 2007 and 2011. As they will say in the streets: ‘No shaking”.

Are you bringing any track record into governance?

By my academic training, I am an economist. Professionally, I am a financial analyst and investment consultant. Look at the business I have built in construction, oil and gas services. I have set up enterprises that started as single unit centres but now grown into large chains nationwide and beyond. These are businesses that I have built in the last 23 years, without government patronage. The growth of my businesses is derived from forces of demand and supply. We have shown steady growth in spite of the economic downturn. Apart from the management of my businesses, we have shown clear leadership in the management of human resources with all organisations and institutions that I am associated with. We single-mindedly built APGA since 2006 to date. We have maintained integrity of this mass movement to the point that all and sundry now find it attractive to join and now win elections.

MAKING A MARK AT 66

Dayo Thomas

ome business executives, and by extension politicians, have diverse reasons why they don’t celebrate their birthdays. To some, celebrating birthdays is nothing but a big distraction from their most important engagements. Others feel that celebrating birthdays amount to self-aggrandizement and giving self a glory not deserved. The weight of this argument notwithstanding, history allows for a generous space for exceptions. And the merits of those arguments, though noteworthy, cannot subtract anything from the fact that celebrating the achievements of someone like Senator David Mark is, indeed, desirable. It is not for the purpose of noise-making or self-aggrandizement. Rather, it’s meant to celebrate aspects of people’s life in order to encourage those who may pass through similar paths in the journey of life. Nothing encourages better, than knowing that those who faced similar challenges that one is currently facing came out of them better persons. It’s also one of the ways of encouraging certain individuals who have inspired uncommon trends in any giving society. A possible biblical support for this argument is found in Psalm 90, verse 12 :“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom”. It’s very important for politicians like David Mark to celebrate their

TRIBUTE

birthdays, especially now that voters in Nigeria are dailybecoming more self-esteemed and would not look down with benevolence on anyone who has made unwise use of previouschances. It’s my strong conviction that the Senate President has, to a greater extent, enlisted himself among distinguished statemen in the country; people worthy of celebration. When achievers refused to allow others know about their achievement, especially politicians, they are indirectly incapacitating the voters in making right choices. This is even more important in a country like Nigeria where voters know next to nothing about candidates or the ideological leaning of their parties; yet they must make a choice. It will also help enriching the information at the disposal of chroniclers of Nigeria history. This is because political philosophers have wrestled with the problems of how to recruit and secured the services of a good leader in the world. It has not fully succeeded in Africa, which is why our electoral results do not always represent the best the continent can offer. Structural deformities along with the antics of the elites usually combine to making it difficult to secure the services of visionary and patriotic leaders. But beyond these limitations dearth of infor-

mation has been a major factor affecting voters’ability to make the right decision. So, not making this information available to the general public might be a disservice. David Mark straddles being a God-fearing Christian with a strong passion for justice and equity. He was first elected Senate President on June 2007, and re-elected as the Senate President for the second time at the floor of the Senate Chambers, on the 6th of June 2011, making him the first ever Senate President to achieve this historical feat in the history of Nigeria. He has brought to bear on the floor of the house his profound experience and superlative intelligence. His disposition has helped, a great deal, to bring stability to the Upper Chamber that was notable for its incessant change of leadership. He has not only brought stability to the senate he has helped to restore trust, confidence and honour. It’s to his credit, that the senate was able pass many impactful bills that are too numerous to mention here. He is noted for promoting national interest over self. This he emphasized greatly while leading review of the constitution, Mark urged his colleagues to set aside their personal interests and focus on the interests of Nigerian people. Mark, with his uncanny bravery and sense of patriotism, had rebuffed the United Kingdom and

the International Community to keep their aid when they threatened fire and brimstone during the same sex marriage saga. As a Military Governor then in Niger State, Mark, in his quest to reduce high level of illiteracy and poverty among women, promoted girl child education in the state. This he did by making education compulsory for all girls and encouraging entrepreneurship in the rural areas. David Mark, as the Minister of Communications in 1987, introduced mobile phones and digital telephones systems in Nigeria. He started the city coding system; removed Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) from the Civil Service Structure; improved the welfare package of their workers and built two ultra modern digital earth stations from internally-generated revenue without recourse to the Federal Government. During his tenure as Minister of Communications, NITEL stopped receiving subsidy from the Federal Government and operated purely from its own generated revenue. It was also able to

make profit and even contribute to the federation account. David Mark is not just a lover of sport but a promoter of same. He is remarkable to be one of the major supporters of the Super Eagles. He is also known to be the only one in Africa who has built a standard Golf Course and made it free for all and sundry. David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark (born April 18, 1948) is the President of the Senate of Nigeria and Senator for the Benue State constituency. He is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Prior to his senatorial career, Mark was a military governor of Niger State, he was then a Major General. Many well-wishers have been pouring out encomiums of the personality behind the name David Mark and I wish to joy my voice to wish him a very happy birthday. I also pray for a clearer vision, inspiration and a divine wisdom that he desire to actualise the mission that fate has entrusted upon him. Thomas is senior legislative aide to the Senate President

FaceOff

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

5 APRIL 2014

APC, Nasarawa govt rigged LG election –PDP chair What is your assessment of the justconcluded local government election in Nasarawa?

Although the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made away with nine local governments, we are still not satisfied with the way and manner the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) handled the conduct of the exercise. In the first place, materials were sent to respective polling units very late. Secondly, after the election, the returning officers were in the process of collating the results and declaring the winners when NASIEC instructed them not to collate the results in most of the places. It was done because PDP was overwhelming winning with over two-thirds majority votes in nine local governments at a stretch without headache. So, for me, even though we are returned winners in four local government areas in the state namely Keffi, Kokona Nasarawa, Eggon and Keana, the exercise can be described as shameless and shameful. It was shameless on the part of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the state and shameful on the part of the NASIEC Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Modibbo, who reneged on his earlier promise to be an unbiased empire. It was very unfortunate; he has lost his integrity and should bury his head in shame. How did you come about the nine local government won by PDP?

That was why I said it was shameless on the part of NASIEC chairman because you see these nine local governments I am talking about included Doma, Nasarawa, Lafia. The officers that were in charge of collating results in these three local governments were nowhere to be found after the election was concluded. We learnt that NASIEC had instructed the returning officers that anywhere the PDP is leading; they (returning officers) should abscond. That was what happened. But in six local governments including Obi and Akwanga certificates of return were issued to PDP candidates. So if not for the instruction given, six chairmen would have been sworn in for the PDP in the state. Our candidates in Obi and Akwanga were given certificates of return yet they were denied. The chairman had earlier, during most stakeholders’ meetings with political parties, said that as long as pronouncements (results) have been made at the local government areas as enshrined in the Electoral Act, only a competent court of law or the tribunal that can quash such election results. But he reversed that of Obi and Akwanga. That is what baffles us. What is PDP planning to do now?

We are yet to meet as a party because

Nasarawa State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Yunana Iliya, in this interview with MUHAMMAD AHMAD accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the state government of rigging the local government election in the state.

beating everybody and even tore my cloth. So, the materials were returned to the Divisional Police Office (DPO) but after a while he handed the materials to the APC agent that came and went away with them. But despite that, out of the seven electoral wards where the election was conducted in Toto, PDP won seven councillorships but because of the confusion that ensued nobody was on the ground to collate the results as there were no presiding officers on the ground. They all absconded and went away with their results. However, we have seen the results and PDP was all ahead. But we learnt that an aide to the governor later went back and was sharing certificates of return to the APC councillorship candidates even where elections did not hold. That was what happened in Toto Local Government. For that, Toto should have been declared inconclusive owing to the fact that in some areas, elections didn’t hold so that we will be given the opportunity to go and cast our votes. But because they knew that there is no how they can even win a single councillorship in Toto they resorted to violence. Do you think it was because of the deputy governor they declared Akwanga inconclusive?

Iliya

We learnt that the governor shed tears because PDP won Lafia Local Government we are now compiling reports and as soon as the reports are ready, we will take a decision and whatever decision we take will be made public. Are you ready to go back to the poll for rerun if NASIEC decides as such?

In the two local governments in which certificates of return were given to our candidates, we are not prepared for any rerun because you can never eat your cake and have it. The laws are very clear about the electoral process. Those who declared PDP winners are agents of the electoral body, NASIEC. So, what right has the chairman of NASIEC to cancel those results that were made public in those local governments? For these two local governments, we are not prepared to go for any rerun. Even in Nasarawa Local Government, I learnt that the returning officers who were taking away are now bringing back the results in bits because their conscience is hunting them. We are waiting to see what the

chairman will do about that. We learnt that there was a scuffle in Toto; can you tell us what actually happened?

What actually happened was that election materials were sent to Toto a day before the elections but they couldn’t start distributing the materials until 1:30pm and when they got to the respective wards to be distributed to units something happened. In Shege and Katakpa wards, right in front of the police station we saw vehicles were hired to convey the materials to polling stations. We learnt that those vehicles belong to APC members. When PDP members came out, they ran away and party agents that followed them were stopped at the checkpoint by soldiers. So, they escaped. Also they brought material to two other wards very late and even went ahead and changed list of presiding officers sent from NASIEC. When they called for presiding officers for a particular polling unit, two people came out and we questioned the rationale behind that. That was when we discovered that there was a different list apart from that of NASIEC. When we started asking the supervisor what was the problem, the thugs started

The reason is that they did it deliberately so as to give the impression some stakeholders of PDP didn’t win their local governments. By so doing, they want to give the impression that those PDP stakeholders don’t have any political influence. For instance, I am from Toto and if not for the resistance and fight we gave them you would have started seeing write ups against me, the deputy governor, former Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma, saying we didn’t win Doma. They will say the Speaker of the House of Assembly didn’t win Nasarawa and that Senator Suleiman Adokwe couldn’t win Obi Local Government. We knew all their strategies but they have forgotten that they can no longer deceive the people. That was why no APC stakeholder came from the national secretariat of the party during the election because they knew they have lost Nasarawa already. What happened has shown the whole world that PDP is in control of the state and on the ground. We learnt that the governor shed tears because PDP won Lafia Local Government and he had to beg and doctored the results in favour of APC. We knew he did that to target us and to create crisis. But we resolved among ourselves that those looking for good thing in life don’t need to go into war before we get it right. In Awe Local Government, the entire materials were snatched and brought back to Lafia and thumb printed in hotels across the state.

FACEOFF | POLITICS 49

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 april 2014

We’ll challenge councils won by PDP – APC leader

Arch. Stanley Buba is the Interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State. In this interview with MUHAMMAD AHMAD, he accuses the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of manipulating the just-concluded local government elections.

How will you assess the local government election held last Saturday?

I feel very happy because the old order of winner takes all has been reversed and crumbled in Nasarawa State. The trend that the ruling party is declared as winner will now stop. So, I want to believe that other states will take a cue from us, that if other parties win election they will allow their victory to stand. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is accusing your party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the state government of using Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) to rig the election in some parts of the state. What is your take on this?

That is far from the truth. If there is anybody that rigged the election, it is the PDP. That is why we will challenge even those areas they won at the tribunal. We organised primary elections, they didn’t do that, we went round campaigning they didn’t. So, any politician that does not campaigning is planning mischief and any party that does not conduct primary elections is also up to a mischief. So, I want to believe even those local governments they said they won are questionable. I don’t want to reveal the information we got of how they even won those four local government areas. We are going to challenge them at the tribunal. So, we didn’t rig. If we had wanted to rig, I wouldn’t have dissipated energy to tour the entire state in three days. So, PDP was not supposed to contest the election?

Morally, they are not if we are to go by the Electoral Act. There was room provided for campaigns and primary elections, yet they didn’t do that. I don’t think NASIEC or anybody can bring reports of such activities by the PDP and how they came about their candidates. They thought the way they handpicked people, NASIEC will do the same to handpick local government chairmen without following due process. Who in your opinion should be held responsible for the rigging?

Clearly, the PDP should be held responsible for rigging the council election. As I said, anybody who wants to do something you will see him preparing. So, I still maintain that the PDP has not shown any democratic record right from conduct of the primary elections. We campaigned everywhere, we dissipated energy. You could see the crowd that came out; if we are up to mischief we wouldn’t have wasted our time to come out. If a farmer wants to plant seeds, you will see him clearing the farm before he

plant those seeds but when the reverse is the case, then obviously he wants to steal from those who had worked hard to earn their sweat. With four local governments declared for PDP and six for APC, is your party not gradually losing ground?

You know that the entire state assembly is almost PDP. In fact, at the state and national level, PDP has more political office holders; we (APC) only have our governor but they have House of Assembly members, senators and a minister. You know we even lost some National Assembly members although we also got one from them too. Secondly, if you even look at the gap with which Almakura defeated the then sitting Governor Aliyu Doma, it was very minimal. PDP has been on the ground for over 15 years and APC is not up to six months. We should be applauded that within short period we are able to achieve this feet. Within a short period, we are able to defeat them and have more chairmen. I think we have tried. What do you think the results portend for APC in 2015.

It means the APC is going to equity with clean hands. So, nobody will accuse us of rigging. That is why they say if you are going to equity, go with clean hands. Since we are able to concede where we lost, it means we will not allow the PDP to rig and it shows that in 2015, Nigerians will get wiser. I can assure you that when the results were declared there were a lot of PDP members who phoned and send text messages that they are likely to join us seeing what we did. They did not believe that we could concede defeat. When we were saying 13 over 13 during our campaigns, they thought we are going to rig not knowing what we meant is that our target is to win the 13 local governments.

If we had wanted to rig, I wouldn’t have dissipated energy to tour the entire state in three days. go ahead and declare such results. A local government has 11 wards; you only used seven and left four out. Practically, it is not fair and I think that is the reason why it declared the election inconclusive.

There are accusations that Akwanga local government which was earlier declared won by PDP was declared inconclusive to humiliate the deputy governor that just defected to PDP?

Your party supporters were alleged to have vandalised PDP vehicles on the day of swearing-in of new local government chairmen.

When NASIEC said some local governments were inconclusive like in Akwanga, it mentioned four wards where votes are up to 30, 000 and those votes are enough to overturn. So, you cannot

This is not true because the swearingin was billed for 9am but when the PDP elected chairmen were not around we told the governor to wait for them and he did.

I think somebody was trying to create confusion because our detractors never thought we would conduct local government election. So, when they saw everything going smoothly and peaceful they tried to cause crisis. After all, it is elected chairmen that are supposed to be sworn in not hoodlums. Do you accept the outcome of the elections?

Yes we do. As a people who followed due process, we are still expecting our candidates and they have started coming to complain. So, we will look at those with genuine complaints because we have agents on the ground. I don’t want to mention anything here because we are aware of a local government where the problem was just computation. So, we are going to check all the abnormalities and wherever we have problems we will approach the tribunal to seek redress.

50 POLITICS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2014

‘The North should not bring religion into politics’ Albdulmumini Yau Musa, Chairman, Jonathan/Sambo Consolidation Group argues that President Jonathan deserves a second term. He also told Muhammed Kabir that Vice President Sambo’s clout remains undiminished. What are your hopes and aspirations for 2015?

My party, the PDP is strong and formidable and we are hopeful. We may have had some crises but we have overcome and will definitely win the 2015 elections. I will tell you that the PDP, as a national party, with presence in all the 774 local governments across the country, compared to other parties, especially, the APC which is the most vocal opposition party, you will find out that that their presence is not even in half of these councils. The crises that is going to engulf the APC will definitely bring it down. The problems of insecurity and other challenges will be taken care of before 2015 and Jonathan will win convincingly. What are these challenges you envisage?

You know we had the problems of what you called the seven so-called problem governors that defected. And that defection has been reversed; we are even having more people coming in to join us. In the case of Sokoto State; the deputy Governor, (Alhaji Shagari); former governor, Mallam Attahiru Bafarawa; former governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau; deputy governor of Nasarawa State and many others. You can see that the president is moving round the country and many people are enrolling in the PDP. Don’t forget how the former leadership of the party was relieved and today we are better off for it. President Jonathan’s presumed reelection bid has generated some controversy. What is your take on this?

The constitution permits the President two terms of four years each. Why are people talking as if his decision to contest is wrong. Don’t forget, that the last two years of four years belonged to late President Yar’Adua. He might have been sworn in with Yar’Adua but the constitution is clear that he was sworn in for two terms. What the constitution said is that you will have two term of four years so the two terms he completed when Yar’Adua died cannot be considered as a complete tenure. This is his first tenure constitutionally and he has the right to contest again. I think the cases in court in this regard which he has won testifies to this. But some people are kicking against the judgment, insisting that Jonathan cannot go for a second-term because he allegedly signed an illegal agreement with some faceless northerners not to re-contest in 2015? You see, the constitution is supreme. There is nowhere in the constitution that says you are incapacitated if you are sworn in thrice. The constitution says if you serve two tenures of four years you cannot go for a third term. The president did not do two tenures, so that argument cannot hold. He was sworn in after Yar’Adua died. He can be sworn in again because the constitution is unambiguous. Jonathan is legally right to go

Musa

for a second term. Do you share the sentiment that the dismal record of PDP in Vice President Sambo’s region diminishes his impact in the government?

You see, most of the people saying that are echoing concerns from some other quarters. They want to have a shot at the vice president’s job and you see you, there has been a lot of resistance from the North-West. There were a lot of defections, not because Sambo was not doing enough but because they have introduced politics of tribalism and religious bigotry which is actually what is happening. You may say that the North-West generally is between 80 to 90 percent Muslims. So what? The VP is not doing much but whoever is in that seat is going to face similar problems. And don’t forget, we have this campaign that Jonathan is not a Muslim and does not deserve to be voted for, and it is this factor that you can use against Sambo, that he is not doing enough, but I am telling you that he is doing much and doing his best to make sure that Jonathan wins the region and it is because of his efforts that people like Bafarawa, Shekarau and many others defected to the PDP. Namadi Sambo is one of the best vice presidents this country will ever have. He is dedicated but because of the politics of religion and tribalism, some people even believe that Jonathan is a minority, hence why should he be allowed to rule us. Sambo is the most loyal VP you can have and for the ppresident to perform effectively, he needs more Sambos. If 2015 must be secured for Jonathan, the Sambo joint ticket should be upheld. He has performed to the best of his ability and helped the government seriously. But in Kaduna, we have seen people defecting from the PDP. Do you still believe he has grip over his state?

The 2000 people that were alleged to have defected to APC, when you look deeper, you will find out that it was just propaganda. The APC in Kaduna, like elsewhere, are very good in propaganda. Samba is still holding firm to his state and trying to explain to people that politics is not religion and it should be devoid of religion. Kaduna is a PDP state that the party will win resoundingly in 2015. Talking about religion, people say President Jonathan uses religion as a political tool. Do you share this view?

I think if the president visits churches and tells the congregation that I have done this or that, I don’t think there

is a religious dimension. What the president does is to tell people that we have done this or that for you, but there is no time the president condemned Islam or any section in the churches. What he did is to tell people that we have done things for you and I think that as a leader, he has the right to spell out what he does for his country and state what his policies and programmes are. It is only the Northerners that are using religion in their campaigns. Can you be specific about those you say are using religion against Jonathan?

You see, this is a general thing because you can easily find out even some clerics in mosques that are saying you should not vote for a non-believer or a Christian. Politicians are using that to their advantage, the whole North is manipulating religion politically because Jonathan is not a Muslim. This tendency, if not checked, portend something dangerous. Nigeria is veering into a dangerous political dimension. If you introduce religion into politics, you are like dividing the nation. So the earlier we discarded this ugly trend, the better. Why do you think PDP deserves another chance given the many crises across the country?

The first tenure of Obasanjo was spent campaigning for Nigeria to be assimilated in the comity of nation. He tried his best. Yar’Adua came in and unfortunately he couldn’t complete his tenure, and the Jonathan transformation agenda is working. Look at the 13 new universities which should be given the chance to mature. The contract for the second Niger Bridge has been signed and the administration has almost completed the dredging of the River Niger. President Jonathan should be given the chance to consolidate. Nigeria will see wonders, the man is working. The APC is not a threat; In Kano, Shekarau will checkmate Kwankwaso. In Sokoto, in Kwara, and even in the SouthWest, I am sure they will repeat what they did to Nuhu Ribadu in 2011, they will reject APC and vote for Jonathan. Buhari will fail because his loyalists will not vote for the party, and Kwankwaso that has been against the South will not been accepted because he has been against them on the issue of onshore-offshore dichotomy and other issues. Do you think Kwankawso can face the South after working against them for such a long time? I don’t see how APC can win.

POLITICS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2014

Only the electorate can assess their Representatives - Victor Ogene You have been in the House three years now. What have been your achievements?

Well, I am one of those who believe that an examiner or a candidate for an examination should not score him/herself. The best assessment for public office is and always should be by the people. And because all the people hardly ever get together to do this kind of assessment, the constitution behoves journalists to undertake that task, holding the governors, those in government are accountable to the governed. So, naturally, I would expect that for any individual who is asked to score himself or herself would give to self a hundred percent because when you look in the mirror, the image you see is a reflection of who you are. But having said that, because you are not from Ogbaru and you do not operate from Anambra State, I may be compelled to lead you into the world of Ogbaru in terms of my representation. First and foremost, when I entered the fray as it were, I made it clear that I was not going to be sharing money because I was not coming into the field as a money bag. Secondly, I told the people that I was not going to build skyscraper, because it was not in my line of duty to do so. However, I still have my campaign pamphlets because I asked them to keep it safe and secure; that that would be the basis upon which they judge my tenure at the end of my tour of duty. First, I offered to give my people a voice within the larger Nigerian spectrum. By that I mean, in not too recent past, when you ask anybody from my own sub-ethnic group within the larger Igbo nation; the Ogbaru people are on the banks of the great River Niger, and when you ask where are you from, and we say we are from Ogbaru, the next question is where is Ogbaru? You now begin to explain that it is where the highlife king, Stephen Osita Osadebe comes from. If the person does not catch the drift, you now say okay, do you know Prof. Ben Nwabueze, the foremost constitutional lawyer, you say yes that is where I come from, close to Onitsha. But I said that because we are a proud people and we ought to be a lot more visible, and I started that even right from the campaigns by setting up the Ogbaru Voice, a community tabloid, which we have sustained. We are into our fifteenth edition, and we give it out free. Besides giving it out as an identity for an Ogbaru man, it also serves as a kind of feedback position for our representation. So, whatever we do, we put it there alongside other community based stories. Then moving from there, on the floor of the House of Representatives, we also have not been quiet. Virtually everybody, the other 359 members now know Ogbaru. At the mention of the word Ogbaru, you know it is in Anambra state, associated with Hon. Victor Afam Ogene. So, through my interactions with the media, contributions, Ogbaru now has added impetus. What have you done in terms of empowerment?

Yes, when you are talking in terms of impact through representation, I did offer that I would try my level best to give

Victor Afam Ogene represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State. A member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, he told CHUKWU DAVID in Abuja that he has impacted his constituency well. we brought and several others. How many bills and motions have you sponsored in the past three years?

Ogene

a helping hand to the poorest of the poor. And by that, I mean the weakeat segments of the society: the widows, the women folk and the youth. And what did I do? I started by gathering a hundred widows and gave them a little empowerment. We may not know it, ten thousand naira can get somebody start a little trade. So, I did that in 2012 with a hundred widows. And at the same event, I gave twenty physically challenged persons twenty thousand naira each to also start something because they have an extra hurdle being physically challenged. Then I moved from there to say that it will not be wise to always give handouts to youths, even though since I entered, I pledged my salaries to some youths. As at today, I pay fifty people ten thousand naira per month at the end of each month. The one for the last month was paid on the 30th of March. So, we have done that religiously. But beyond that, we need to give them something on a sustainable level. Should I leave this position, or if anything happens to me, there will be a shock that goes through those fifty people if they relax with that ten thousand naira, and that will be quite telling on them. So, we decided to set up the Fidelis Ogene Memorial Foundation in memory of my late father, who was an educationist and lover of youth. And what that Foundation did was to train people for three months in conjunction with the National Directorate of Employment, NDE. Then we started with seven trades namely: computer appreciation, fashion and design, catering, hair dressing, barbing, electrical installation and GSM repairs. At the end of the day, we had one hundred and fifty of them that scaled the training. About one hundred and sixty-five of them actually enrolled for the training, but at the end of the training period, one hundred and fifty of them successfully scaled through the vocational training. So, on the 9th of March, 2014, those sets of trainees graduated. And what they got was a certificate, certified by Fidelis Ogene Memorial Foundation and

the NDE for having undergone that threemonth training. And we did not leave it at that; we decided to empower them with work tools. So, for the computer appreciation trainees, we gave them laptops that were also fitted with the requisite programmes. The computer people were fifty. Then we have about twenty-five gas cookers for these who did catering; each cooker was fitted with an oven so that they could bake, we have kits for GSM repairs, the lamp and all the equipment everybody needs to do GSM repairs. Then we have hair driers for the saloon people; we distributed two hundred and fifty sewing machines to the fashion people, we have tools for electrical installation, complete tool box for any kind of wiring both conduit and surface; the small generator and clipper for the barbing. So, that was done on the March 9th, but besides the one hundred and fifty of them, we decided to empower about three hundred and fifty men and women, including some war veterans, people who fought in the war and they are there by giving some of them one hundred grinding machines that they could use on a commercial sustainable basis. Did the Anambra State Government or the Federal Government fund the hall?

It is the Federal Government that funded it. Though I am from Anambra but am representing the state at the federal level, at the National Assembly. So, it is obviously not the state government. That hall has a generating set. We have also attracted a hundred computer sets from the Federal Government for Ogbaru High School, Ogbakuba. We also gave hundred computer sets to the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Atani Campus, where their computer department is. There have been several interventions. We have built three garri/ rice processing cottage industries in Oguikpele, Amiyi and Mkpotu. We have two hospital projects ongoing in my constituency. So, the projects are there. We also have transformers that

In the House itself, we have moved no fewer than 11 motions single-handedly and they all scaled through. We have about five bills in the works. Two have undergone first reading; that is the compulsory pre and post natal care for every Nigerian woman pregnant with child in government hospitals. There is another one, which is Traffic Warden Service Bill. As it is today, no traffic warden in Nigeria can go above the rank of an inspector, and I think that that does not tell very well of us a nation. Since 1975 that we have the traffic warden in place, there is no motivation for them to go above the rank of an inspector, and I thought that it is not good enough. The bill has undergone first reading. We have several others. The last of it is the National Broadcasting Commission bill to regulate the practice of broadcasting, to have a minimum standard. You know with the licencing of different broadcasting organizations, we need proper laws to regulate the entry and conduct of broadcasters. Tell us your next target in politics?

Speaking for myself as an individual, I have no target. My target is to serve my people faithfully for the four years they have kindly given me the mandate to do. Are you going to ask your people to give you another chance?

Well, even before I make up my mind to go back to them, on Sunday March 9, which I was talking about, the last major event that I held, luckily on that day the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives , the Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha was in attendance as the special guest of honour. The chairman of my political party, Chief sir Victor Umeh (Omadike Ndigbo) was in attendance; my political leaders, including the Secretary to Anambra State Government, Chief Oseloka Henry Obaze was also in attendance. The leader of Ogbaru political caucus, Chief Dubem Obaze was in attendance; the party Chairman in the local government, Onochie Obiora was also in attendance. Do you mean that the members of the National Assembly are not seeing the confab as a rivalry project?

Rivalry in what sense? Ideally, the question should not be for the National Assembly, it should be for the Executive because, if you are talking of legitimacy in terms of making laws, the constitution that we operate that I know that is in existence today is the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as (amended). And in Section 4(1) of that Constitution, it says clearly that the legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be vested in the National Assembly for the federation, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives. And that has not changed. And nobody is contesting these powers of the National Assembly.

For The Record

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5 APRIL 2014

Nigeria: A nation in quest of credible leadership A Lecture Delivered by Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (MON), Former Governor of Abia State, at the Centennial Celebration of Nigeria by the Oyo State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) held at The Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Thursday, April 3 Preamble Let me pose introductory questions. Who is a credible leader and what is credible leadership? My simple definition of this concept is the type of leadership provided by the late Nelson Mandela of South Africa. And what are the attributes: selfless service, accountability, transparency, equity in the management and distribution of national resources, vision, incorruptibility, statesmanship, sustainable development and evergreen legacies. Essentially, these are the canons on which other elements of credible leadership rest. Once these fundamentals are in place, a leader can hardly go wrong. Unfortunately, these basics are acutely lacking in the lower rungs of our country’s administration hence the non-existence of what I call popular credible leadership. Still on legacies, the Yoruba sub-nation will continue to remember the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo till eternity because of his Credible Leadership most especially in the area of educational opportunities and empowerment. It is indeed a global testament. Also in this Hall of Fame, in no particular order, are: Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Sir Tafawa Balewa, Chief S. L. Akintola, Dr. Michael Okpara, Alhaji Aminu Kano, Dr. Akanu Ibiam, Alhaji Murtala Mohammed, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Kuti, the leaders of the Aba Women Riot and many others in their distinguished category. All these eminent and great nationalists replicated the same measure of credible leadership in various parts of the country and Nigeria generally. Can we ever have the likes of these men and women and others of their calibre again? May their revolutionary and transformative souls continue to rest in peace. If the present generation cannot improve on the track records of these great nationalists, can we at least emulate them? Nigeria and history can never forget them because of their Credible Leadership antecedents. This should serve as a food for thought beyond this hall for all of us. In the circumstance, therefore, we need to start shopping for credible leadership in various spheres of our nationhood ahead of the 2015 elections. This is the time to start the search as part of our collective civic duty. When we keep quiet and recline, bad men take charge while we remain despondent and hapless until the next polls in 2019! Let me briefly talk about the President Goodluck Jonathan presidency. Going by media reports and criticisms, a lot of Nigerians have misconceptions that President Goodluck Jonathan is not doing very well. The enormous task of ruling this country is not a child’s play. If you ask me, President Jonathan is performing creditably to the best of his capacity. Of course, if it were not so, you know me, I would tell you without fear or favour. I am in position to know whether he is doing well or not. Overall, he deserves commendation for the progress the country is making under in the face of daunting challenges from every direction. Governing a complex nation like ours is not a picnic. Nigeria needs credible leaders who will ensure justice, equity and respect for human rights. Therefore, let me use this NUJ forum to appeal to Nigerians to join hands to salvage Nigeria through the election of credible persons to lead the country. The opposition movement must be vibrant in this country so as to evolve credible leadership. Otherwise, the ruling party may

become complacent and rest on its oars. It is the media that has the constitutional responsibility to create the platform for such robust interface between the opposition and governing parties. The opposition that will guarantee credible leadership cannot be strong and effective if we do not have an equally credible media. In my mind, the essence of Credible Leadership is to ensure a better and secure life, a peaceful environment and prosperous future for the citizenry. We need a Credible Leadership that will foster the country’s unity. Such leadership will connect the people with the resources and harness our potential, while ensuring the betterment of the Nigerian society. The present crop of leaders seems to be failing the nation and the people are becoming increasingly doubtful if indeed we have leaders! And to worsen matters, first-generation leaders are still mostly the ones calling the shots. If you go through the National Conference delegates’ list, for example, you will be amazed by the number of men in their 80s still trying to determine the type of future that is suitable for the Millennial Generation. What fresh ideas can these sleepy, old men offer on the way forward? There can be no Credible Leadership until these men begin to gradually withdraw and allow the younger generation to take charge. Qualities of a Credible Leader? Being a credible leader sounds simple: just walk the talk. One of the things I have learnt in our country is that being credible is not as simple as it sounds. Nigeria’s future depends on Credible Leadership. The six qualities of a Credible Leader that I will prescribe are: Accountability, Transparency, Honesty, Level-headedness, Objectivity and Fairness. Any leader who is guided by these characteristics is unlikely to go wrong. All that will be required are firmness, consistency and uprightness in managing the quality variables. Once a leader sacrifices any of these leadership constituents, there is bound to be a dislocation that could undermine Credible Leadership. All the attributes must synergize for optimal benefit. A leader must build and maintain visible credibility for himself or herself through trust and integrity. Credible Leadership delivers results. Journalists’ Roles in the Enthronement of Credible Leadership? The 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) recognizes the importance of the principle of checks and balances in governance

and guarantees this by making the three arms of government independent with all the tiers having oversight functions over one another—even if not fully effective. In the same way, the Constitution makes the Press the Fourth Estate of the Realm with a statutory duty of monitoring governance and keeping a tab on the three arms of government. In carrying out this function, the Press holds the other estates accountable to the public. For me, this is a major role that should be taken seriously. But in practice, what do you get? Members of the Press that are supposed to be neutral allow extraneous and counter-productive factors like ethnicity, religion and political affiliations to influence their professional practice. In the circumstance, issues are looked at with subjectivity, thus making a mockery of the hallowed role of the Press in any society, not just Nigeria. Let me use this golden opportunity to appeal to journalists to retrace their steps and toe the line of professionalism so that Credible Leadership can be well rooted in our country and institutionalized such that it becomes an integral part of our national life. Our success or failure as a democratic entity with Credible Leadership rests squarely on your shoulders. At least, our evolutionary record testifies to this. If only the journalists in the country could reflect on their constitutional responsibility and pursue it with commitment and objectivity, we would have solved our leadership challenges by half. Gratifications through brown or white envelopes, land and other gifts, contracts and other undue favours diminish the journalist’s reputation and cast aspersions on his or her integrity. Such inducements do not last and affect not just professionalism but professional growth. There is nothing wrong in a journalist being appreciated after doing his work—not before. Once a journalist descends so low, he loses respect in the eyes of the public without knowing it. There is dignity in being a thoroughbred professional who lives above pecuniary challenges even in poverty. A good name is better than ill-gotten wealth. I also blame most media house proprietors who either do not pay their workers well or owe even the poor salaries they pay them for months. This trend inevitably exposes the journalist to corruption. Even when this is not the situation, there is a tendency to cut corners. So, you can imagine what will happen when salaries are poor and not forthcoming at all. My Yoruba is not perfect: omo mi gbodo jeun (my child must eat) as long as I work. Employers of journalists should meet their obligations to them to drastically reduce corruptive inclinations. We cannot be talking of evolving credible leadership in our country when the catalysts of change—journalists—are in the lurch, roundly ravaged by pressures of survival. A hungry man cannot be interested in the character of his national leaders or how they are thrown up for the exalted offices. We must put the horse before the cart for sustainable Credible Leadership. All other components for the realization of this national goal must equally be strategically structured. Credible Leadership cannot stand on its own. It needs vital props to firmly stand. The reason for this advocacy is that to be credible a leader must know what he is talking about. This is not always easy. Many leaders do not know exactly what is involved in Credible Leadership. Often the younger the leader, the less easy it is to know the nuts and bolts of what’s involved in credible performance. One reason that being credible is so important is that lack of credibility is very damaging to the leader’s ability to persuade the country to strive for high credible performance. But more broadly, not being credible silently erodes confidence in leadership and the willingness of citizens to live up to the spirit of patriotism. Unfortunately, leaders usually have very little sense of how credible they are. This is because, like all of us, leaders tend to judge themselves by their intentions. But others don’t judge us by our intentions. They judge us by our actions. So a leader can have the best of intentions and feel that he is really walking the talk while at CONTINUED ON PAGE 53

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the same time others see him as a non-performer. Being credible, that is, believable to other people in the country, sounds easy but is not. Becoming a leader that people trust takes work. So, what do credible leaders do to build real and enduring credibility? And how can a leader know if he or she is truly credible to the country? In my experience, credible leaders know what they are talking about and practise observable behaviour that demonstrates their commitment to good governance. Such behaviour include showing a willingness to admit their mistakes to others, consistently representing and supporting the overall interests of the citizenry. They also give honest information about credible performance even if it is not well received, ask for ideas on how to improve their own performance, and act consistently in any setting. Becoming a Credible Leader Most leaders I have worked with are good-hearted and have the right intentions. This is the underlying foundation for credibility and an excellent place to start. However there is no substitute for knowing what you are talking about and many leaders often do not have a well-grounded understanding of Credible Leadership. They don’t know how it plays out at lower levels in the country and what they should do to make sure it work optimally. The good news is a successful credible leader does not need to be a leadership expert. He or she just needs a basic grasp of how leadership works in the country and their role in supporting it. Best Practices in Credibility Leaders can take several steps to work towards more credible leadership: Most leaders with credibility problems are unaware of them because they have been blinded by their own good intentions. An honest self-assessment of your actions helps you “walk the talk”, ensuring consistency between what you say and what you do. Asking others to give you input on your performance as a national leader is an even more powerful method of learning about your credibility. Soliciting and listening to this kind of feedback can be a strong first step in building credibility. Another important step is to give time to thinking about the hard cases where you might be tempted to trade Credible Leadership off for other considerations; or to neglect it because of other pressures you are under. Setting leadership expectations that don’t take into consideration all of the other demands that people already have on their plates can inadvertently make a leader look as though he or she doesn’t care. People experience this as lip service to Credible Leadership because they do not hear the expectations as real, given the competing demands. Credible leaders have a clear appreciation of where good performance fits into strategic objectives, gather information on the state of the country, and deal realistically with competing priorities. They use information about the real state of the country to make wise resource allocation decisions and to communicate leadership objectives with an understanding of all the demands people face. Many otherwise articulate leaders are uncomfortable being out in the public arena talking about leadership because they are afraid to reveal how little they actually know about what is involved in leadership. However, the reality is that leaders do not need to have all the answers; their role is to ensure that the conditions are right for leadership expectations and excellence. Leaders can build their credibility by starting out just asking questions using various frameworks. By acting on their interest and demonstrating a willingness to learn, they can actually gain credibility rather than lose it — and become experts in their own right. Leaders need to put in place consistent consequences for leadership activities. Many leaders are so busy that they do not follow up their expectations and vision with mechanisms to ensure that people’s actual activities are consistent with the vision and expectations. Inevitably, this undermines the leader’s credibility because what this looks like to people is that what the leader said was not

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important enough to him or her to follow up on. Therefore, that leader must not have really cared about it. It was just words. Credible leaders use tools such as monitoring, feedback, and recognition to reinforce expected leadership activities and remove barriers to getting them done. Although credibility is difficult to earn, it can be very easy to lose. Many citizens are unforgiving. It is not uncommon to hear a story illustrating how little credibility a leader should be accorded. Yet upon further questioning, the story frequently turns out to be about an incident that happened years ago. This just illustrates why the leader must be quite religious about all of the foregoing practices. A benefit of this is that credible leaders gradually gain the leverage to make the citizenship culture more forgiving. As they gain trust, they earn the benefit of the doubt. Benefits of Credible Leadership Credible leaders enjoy a stronger presence in the country and wield more power of influence than their less credible colleagues. Credibility correlates with perceived stature as a leader. Being a leader who enjoys the benefit of the doubt because he or she has earned credibility makes everything else easier. Such leaders don’t have to be perfect. They can be human and forgiven for their shortcomings and errors since they have demonstrated that they are open to feedback. And the benefits of credibility spill over into other performance areas besides leadership. This is because credibility is usually attributed to the leader as one of his or her personal attributes; it goes with that person in whatever areas he or she acts. Used in conjunction with other best practices such as vision, communication, and accountability, credibility can establish a foundation for excellent leadership performance for years to come. Can Nigeria ever have again a leader like the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who selflessly impacted on the lives of his people in a manner that no other citizen has done till date? This sage remains the symbol of Credible Leadership not just in the South-West but the entire country, as he is a memorable reference point. His efforts led to the massive education of people from this part of the country. This is the hallmark of leadership—if he had lived like today’s leaders, nobody would be remembering him today with profound nostalgia. I urge journalists and other professionals to emulate Chief Awolowo because if we get our act together, we can get other leaders with the qualities and attributes of this sage. Conclusion Nigeria does not have a dearth of credible leaders. We have not identified the right persons yet. What we lack are altruistic leaders who are not driven by crass opportunism. What we need are leaders who can make a difference, touch people’s standard of living by poverty reduction. We need leader who live exemplary lives, keep to the social contract and leave developmental legacies. I do not agree that we are a nation in quest of Credible Leadership: once we get credible leaders, naturally Credible Leadership becomes a fait accompli. We must make a distinction between ‘Credible Leaders’ and ‘Credible Leadership’—they sound alike but are not the same and one cannot substitute for the other even as one is a precondition for the other. Let me end this lecture by underscoring the fact that the onus to introduce Credible Leadership in this country is on Nigerian journalists as architects of public opinions and compass of the common Will. I urge them today to take up the gauntlet. I thank the leadership of the Oyo State Council of the NUJ who made this interaction possible and everyone in the audience for your precious time and attention. May we all be credible leaders wherever we find ourselves, whether in private or public life. Once more, I thank you all for listening.

Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (MON)

Remembering Funmi Olayinka Nduneche Ezurike

ntil the loss of my younger brother Chuzzy in March 2005, I could easily describe myself as a victim of Thanatophobia; a phobia associated with the fear of death. This is a relatively difficult phobia. Most persons in their teens are afraid of the noun death. I was always scared of attending funeral programmes especially of close relatives; the entire funeral lilt of hymnals and processions were all sour realities that gave me nightmares long after the burial. Age has however opened my eyes to a life that transcends this space called earth. Regrettably however is that since after she had gone, many more women are still falling to cancer. Breast cancer is currently held as the most common cancer in Nigeria. “One or two in every 25 Nigerian women are said to be at risk of breast cancer, but higher risks exist for women who are older than 45 or older than 30 at birth of their first child, and women with family history.” In the below 5 leadership lessons of Funmi Olayinka, I summarize some of the lessons and values I learnt from her while she lived. Lesson 1: It pays to always look good and feel good at all times Funmi believed that looking good and feeling good go hand in hand. If you have a healthy lifestyle, your diet and nutrition are set, and you’re working out, you’re going to feel good. This was her life. Her dress sense and elegance were true to her belief and background as the daughter of a famous and successful textile dealer. Right from her days in United Bank for Africa (UBA) when I first met her serving as the Vice President of Association of Corporate Af-

fairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), Funmi radiated such self-confidence and dress sense that no matter how short or skewed a meeting is designed to be one would often find himself asking, ‘’so madam what do you think’’ such was the magnetic aura she exuded as a corporate executive. Lesson 2: Focus Primarily on the Masterbrand rather than the product brand The ease with which she was able to form a formidable force with Mrs Bisi Fayemi was amazing. I recall soon after their swearingin on October 2010 I had asked her ‘’how do you intend to cope with the Governor’s wife, whom I had distantly reckoned as equally radiating the qualities of an alternate Deputy Governor’’ Funmi had replied in such pleasant declaration suggestive of warmth and confidence, ‘’Egg head, you don’t know her too well’’. Indeed in a rare show of hand holding Mrs Funmi Olayinka and Mrs Fayemi, were such tour de force working fiercely to elevate womanhood through sponsorship of gender equity based legislations. That was indeed the big picture. Lesson 3: Always invest in others and give them opportunities to Excel Funmi learnt very early the gains of grooming and empowering leaders rather than delighting in rented followership. She invested so much in people and expectedly reaped from same. She believed that by investing in team members you are able to create multiple folds of leaders. Our team in UBA was a ‘’do it now’’ squad which made compelling impact in the early days of brand consolidation in 2005. Nduneche Ezurike is a Communication Specialist and Research Panellist of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council

54 PERSPECTIVES

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Leadership is cause Alex Ogundadegbe

t the small but prestigious Jaria Hotel in Accra, Ghana, you can see planes coming in to land at Kotoka international Airport. A frequent flier from Nigeria can recognize which plane belongs to which airline. Jaria is located in a middle class residential area called East Legon and just in the neighbourhood of the hotel you can view the massive mansions that the residents gladly affirm are built by some of their star footballers. I have had Ghanaians proudly point to massive houses of Michael Essien and Asamoa Gyan just to mention a few. Officially there are over two million Nigerians resident in Ghana. John Dramani Mahama, the president of Ghana has a lot in common with Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the president of Nigeria. Both leaders were VPs and they took over from a president who died in office. Mahama and Jonathan are also from minority groups. Analysts of both countries would probably say it is impossible for them to attain the highest office of the land of their countries. But fate seems to have smiled on them. The centrist republican democracy of Ghana immerses enormous

powers in the president’s office, so does the lopsided federalism of Nigeria. Mahama has in addition assumed the office of chairman of Ecowas, giving him a platform to extend his “new Ghana” agenda to the intergration of the 16 countries in the sub region of West Africa. Goodluck Jonathan is equally influential with the massive economic power the Nigerian nation wields over the sub region. At the prestigious Ghana Institute for Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) located right next to the University of Ghana, the leadership faculty introduces its key lectures with a thought provoking phrase: “Leadership is cause everything else is effect”. Mahama and Jonathan would be regarded as men of destiny by people who are wont to look at fate of nations from a prophetic perspective. But their major excuse would be in spite of their massive powers, time limitations and the problems of their respective countries would hamper them from furthering the cause of the free flow of goods and services and the one currency dream of West Africa. By air, road and sea there is massive trade activity taking place along the West Coast of Africa. A majority of the goods are unfortunately imported from outside of

Africa bringing massive pressurized competition to the goods produced in the Ecowas countries. Ghana and Nigeria have had their textiles on the brink of collapse because of Chinese traders who bring in cheap and substandard goods and rub shoulders with traders in the markets of Makola in Accra and Idumota in Lagos. The governments of both countries seem to be at a loss about how to boost trade. Ghana is Africa’s second largest producer of cocoa behind Ivory Coast and Nigeria ranks first among oil producing African countries. Both countries are currently suffering from oil gloom and doom. Takoradi oil fields have made life unbearable for many Ghanaians in the marine sector and real estate rates have gone through the roof. Poverty is still rife in both countries in spite of the fortunes of natural resources. If Leadership is cause and every other thing is effect then the leadership of these “prosperous “countries ought to find a way to overcome their challenges and like our motivational speakers are wont to say, “turn them to stepping stones. At a seminar in East Legon we were discussing business concepts with a delegation from Nigeria when the lights went off. We remarked jokingly, “you people have brought

BUSINESS SENSE ALEX OGUNDADEGBE alexogundadegbe@gmail.com

NEPA with you to Accra!” While bemoaning the plight of Nigeria because of the lack of electricity, we often ignorantly retorted that “Ghana recently celebrated 10 years of uninterrupted power supply”. Nothing could be far from the truth. In the past Seven years Ghana has had interruption of electricity and various government commissions have traded blames over the cause. The good thing about it is that the Ghana government has sought lasting solutions to the outage by trying to expand the capacity of the gas plants in Tema and Takoradi. This it is hoped would hold pending the time the West African Gas Pipe line will take off fully. Mahama and Jonathan are both saddled with the headache of attracting investors to their countries. Mahama appears to have it easier. Ghana is relatively stable in terms of electricity and security but Nigerians 160 million populace places the oil rich country in a position of envy being the largest market in the sub region. The ultimate solution to the eco-

nomic woes in Africa in general and West Africa in particular is the unification of some sorts. Bob Marley sang it and he was right, Africa desperately needs to unite. Mahama and Jonathan could work this out if they both get second terms. Their countries command the largest amount of resource in West Africa at present. There has to be a way to channel these resources to the advantage of the sub region. The Cedi and the Naira have both taken a battering in recent times. Decreased exports from the countries, declining investors’ confidence and strains on foreign direct investment are all contributory factors. How does a government make the business flourish? The environment has to be stable. Electricity has to be up to par, security of lives and property should be available and judicial redress of people who have been cheated out of their money has to be addressed promptly. In these areas Mahama’s country is stronger than Nigeria. Mahama has more time before the next election. Ogundadegbe is a farmer, speaker, teacher and journalist.

The National Conference: My absence, Nigeria’s loss

knew it will come to this. I had stated very clearly in my last discussions with Umaru Dikko that we would only have very credible discussions at the National Conference if and only if I would be in attendance. Of course, like everything Nigerian, we threw quality out of the window and went ahead to select octogenarians who used the opportunity of the air conditioned hall to catch their beauty sleep. Apparently, the power reforms have failed to catch on, so we still sleep in darkness and heat. That is why we have had a sleeping galore. This conference to me has been a big waste of time so far. I do not believe that anything concrete can come out of it. Some people have threatened to walk out, others have threatened to break away from Nigeria, some are fighting for allowances and others have achieved a lot simply by showing that despite ill health, they can stand while making their empty delivery. This has been a massive rehabilitation exercise. All sort of characters have come out of the wood works to help us secure our future. People who have played very credible roles in putting us as a country where we are right now. The other day, I saw DSP Alamieyeseigha making a statement at the conference. What exactly would he be talking about? I have ceased being surprised by anything this country throws at me. We have so many Nigerians making giant strides in all facets, but yet these people were bypassed for these dinosaurs who do not even understand what the current issues affecting us

EDGAR’s WORLD JOSEPH EDGAR josephsamsponedgar@gmail.com in a global economy are. The world has gone digital and global. This is the largest market in Black Africa. The GDP is looking strong, inflation has been curbed, teledensity is at its highest, the entertainment industry is bringing in millions of dollars annually, our banks and other firms are giving Fortune 500 firms a run for their money, the question should be how we consolidate on these gains, how do we build a strong political structure that would not only sustain these advances but further entrench them. I wanted to go to this Conference. I wanted to bring to national consciousness the issue of obesity amongst our women. That to me is of paramount importance, much more important than all what I have been hearing being discussed at this conference. Our women are spending millions daily to lose weight. They all want to look slim. They forget that to the African man, the more full figured you are the better appreciated you will be. This issue together with the issue of skin lightening should have

formed the major points of discussion. We as a people must come together to take a firm position on these matters and the National Conference would have given us a perfect platform to address this issue once and for all. What does Falae and Osoba know about these issues. You see why we are wasting our time on this conference. But permit me, as a political illiterate, I thought the National Assembly was the platform that gave democratically elected people an opinion to not only discuss our issues but also make laws that would govern our association and daily lives? So why this duplication? I was on vacation in Uyo for some time now hence my lack of input and the need for me to add my own two pence. You see we love to help each other. We always look forward to complicating matters and reopen old wounds that is supposed to have healed. As I see Alamieyeseigha, all that comes to my mind is the female costume he was said to have escaped from London in. I have passed through immigration in London many times ,

so I wonder what he must have put in his bra that the X-ray machines failed to detect. Did he put foam or oranges. That was risky sha. Can you imagine him seated with a sexual pervert on that six-hour flight, with the man not knowing that it was the Governor General in disguise but thinking it was a gorgeous kalabari woman? What would he have done, would he have opened up and risked arrest or played along kissing the guy and promising him heaven when they land? I’m rolling on the floor in laughter as I write this. That is the conference we have been saddled with. A comedy of errors, a platform for rehabilitation and a strong vehicle of distraction. That money would have been better used in improving our infrastructure and bettering the lives of average citizens. It is not too late to salvage. I could be immediately drafted to take over the leadership from the Chairman, who I believe does not have a Twitter handle nor ever heard of Google Plus. If appointed, I will do my very best to steer the conference towards people friendly issues. Issues like, how to get cheaper television to the people, how to get women to stop dieting and maintaining their robust figures, how to repeal the same sex marriage act because I believe in the sanctity of marriage whether between a man or his stone or between a woman and her hair dryer, how to get an Akwa Ibom man into the Presidency and finally how to get Oprah Winfrey to visit my mother in Uyo. So, Egbon Jona, I await your call. My bags have already been packed.

Luleha tourney thrills Amodu

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ormer Super Eagles coach, Shaibu Amodu, says the third edition of the Iuleha Football Festival, which ended on Saturday in Uzebba, Edo State, will help discover more football talents in the state. The coach, who helped the Super Eagles qualify for the 2002 and 2010 World Cup tournaments also heaped praises on sponsor of the competition, Frank Ilaboya, for initiating the event. Amodu alongside the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, and the Okumagbe of Iuleha, Oba Ayo Omobare,

received Special Recognition Awards for their contributions to sports and youth development in Edo, at the colourful closing ceremony of the event. “I am impressed with what I saw and Ilaboya deserves commendation. If we have events like this in the rural areas in the state, it will help in talent discovery for the state football development progamme. I will continue to give the Iuleha tournament my backing,” Amodu stated. Cup donor Ilaboya, who is also the Vice Chairman, Edo State FA, said with the quality of play displayed at this year’s event, he was hopeful that the

olden Eaglets handed out a 6-0 defeat to the Super Falcons in an early morning game at the NFF/FIFA Goal Project Pitch on Friday. The match was an opportunity for the Golden Eaglets’ coaching crew to watch their new recruits under match situation and they responded well despite having a week following their screening exercise. The lads would soon take the initiative after the Super Falcons had taken the kick off. Chidera Ejuke grabbed the curtain raiser in the 6th minute with a tap in off a pass from Kehinde Ayinde. He was back 10 minutes later when he rode through the Falcons’ defence for his

second goal of the day to end the first half 2-0 in favour of the budding Eaglets. Coach Emmanuel Amuneke brought in some fresh faces in the second half leaving behind Henry Daniel, Kingsley Michael, Joshua Auta and Dauda AbdulGaniyu. Henry would turn to Falcons’ tormentor as he broke freely from the right flank. Six minutes after the restart, he fed new comer, Paul Obasi to score Eaglets’ third goal. It was Henry again that provided Michael with the pull out to slot the ball behind the Falcons’ net for the fourth goal in the 41st minute. He would later cap his fine performance barely a

football competition would soon start producing players for Nigeria’s national teams. “Through events like this, talents are discovered and I am happy doing this for my people. I promise to sustain the tournament and it is our sincere hope that it will produce future stars for our state

Awoniyi leads Flying Eagles to Morocco

aiwo Awoniyi, Alhassan Ibrahim and Musa Yahaya will lead the Flying Eagles 20-man squad to two tune-up matches in Morocco this weekend. Awoniyi and Ibrahim each fired a hat-trick in a test game on Thursday in Abuja which the country’s U20 team won 12-0. The new Flying Eagles under coach Manu Garba will play two friendlies

against their Moroccan counterparts on Wednesday, April 9, and another game two days later. Both teams are preparing for 2015 African Youth Championship qualifiers next month. Nigeria face the winners of the match between Kenya and Tanzania, while Morocco take on the winners of the clash between Togo and Equatorial Guinea.

The squad to Morocco Goalkeepers: Adamu Abubakar, Abdulazeez Abubakar, Emeka Nwabulu Defenders: Aliyu Abubakar, Wilfred Ndidi, Prince Izu Omego, Ifeanyi Nweke, Mustapha Abdullahi, Zaharaddeen Bello Midfielders: Abdullahi Alfa, Akinjide Idowu,Ifeanyi Matthew, Samuel Mathias, Musa Yahaya, Anthony Omaka, Bernard Bulbwa Strikers: Taiwo Awoniyi, Alhassan Ibrahim, Suleiman Abdullahi, Abubakar Lawal Coach: Manu Garba

Amodu

Golden Eaglets whip Super Falcons 6-0 G

PSG confirm Ibrahimovic out

SG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will miss the return leg of their Champions League tie against Chelsea FC after being ruled out for a month. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was substituted in the 68th minute of the match

against Chelsea after he felt muscular pain and caused some worries amongst the PSG supporters. Laurent Blanc was unsure about the extent of the injury at that moment and insisted that he needed rest in the post-match interview. “Zlatan felt a slight muscular pain; I’m not sure whether it’s his calf or his hamstring. We’ll have to look after that but it will require a certain amount of rest.” – The PSG manager said after the game. Now it has been confirmed by PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi that the Swedish international will be out of action for a minimum of four weeks due to a thigh injury.

minute later when he guided the ball into the net after collecting a through pass from Orji Okoronkwo But it was Okoronkwo who scored the final goal of the match when he got a through pass from Henry yet again. Speaking after the 60-minute duel, Amuneke said the lads have substance to build upon in the days ahead, insisting that nobody has been guaranteed a place in the team yet. “We are impressed not because of the number of the goals we scored but because the boys have started showing what they have been learning in the last few day,” said the former African Footballer of the Year.

Taiwo Awoniyi dribbles an opponent during the last U-17 World Cup in UAE.

Ramsey returns for Everton

rsenal manager Arsene Wenger says midfielder Aaron Ramsey will return to the squad for Sunday’s Premier League match against Everton at Goodison Park. The 23-year-old Wales international scored 13 goals in 27 games before suffering a thigh injury in the 3-1 victory at West Ham on Boxing Day. “Having someone like Ramsey, who can help the team be successful, is very important,” said Wenger. “He has worked very hard in training [but] what he lacks is competition.” Ramsey, who signed a new five-year contract in March, returns as Arsenal’s season enters a crucial stage. The fourth-placed Gun-

ners are just four points ahead of Everton, who have a game in hand, and face Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on 12 April. After a 6-0 defeat at Chelsea and 2-2 home draw with Swansea, Wenger felt his team had “turned a corner” with the 1-1 draw with Manchester City at Emirates Stadium.

Schumacher has ‘conscious moments’ - agent

1 champion Michael Schumacher is showing “moments of consciousness” after months in a coma, his agent has said. Sabine Kehm said in a statement to the media that he was “making progress”, adding that they remain “confident”. Doctors in France have been working to bring the seven-time champion out of a medically induced coma. The 45-year-old German suffered a severe head injury in a skiing accident in the French Alps on 29 December. “We are on his side during his long and difficult fight, together with the team of the hospital in Grenoble,” Ms Kehm said in the statement. “We would like to thank

you all for the continuous sympathies. At the same time we again ask for understanding that we do not intend to disclose details.” Last month Schumacher’s relatives said in a statement that he had been showing “small, encouraging signs”.

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he distinguished British journalist, Jon Snow of Channel 4 Television, described him as “earthy” and Andrew Harding of the British newspaper, The Guardian, described him as “agricultural.” Neither word is flattering. But they both agree that he is “wily”, and that is quite some praise. My own considered opinion is that he is astute, possessed of raw intelligence, unafraid and downright dangerous. Love him or loathe him, he is also the most important figure in Nigerian history – by some distance. And history does not measure importance against a catalogue of positive achievements. This is President Olusegun Obasanjo, the writer of historic letters. His letter of 2nd December, 2013 to President Goodluck Jonathan was the most significant in Nigerian history. To that extent, therefore, it offered a fantastic opportunity, irrespective of its damning contents, for Jonathan to rise and sparkle like a sun-struck silver. A mere conventional reply to it was a colossal misjudgement and, as it turned out, the reply was over-personalised, waspish and irascible. The historical nature of Obasanjo’s letter, the weighty nature of the allegations, and the extraordinary relationship between the two men all combined to situate the letter in a context in which it called for a state of the union address by Jonathan, not a tepid, grudging and self-righteous reply. For historical comparison, when President Barack Obama’s presidential bid in 2008 was engulfed in the Jeremiah Wright controversy, threatening to blow his carefully constructed campaign to smithereens, he did not write replies or opinion editorials. The occasion called for something epochal and the history-obsessed Obama obliged. He gave a stirring speech on race relations in America that was regarded, even by his most ardent foes, as one of the most compelling and significant speeches on the subject ever made by an American. The speech, entitled “A More Perfect Union”, entered the lexicon of Great Speeches. Obama’s stature as a budding statesman soared. He simultaneously killed the controversy politically and won a powerful moral victory. For those who are ignorant of the fact, Obasanjo is a remarkable writer of historic and momentous letters. In August 1986, he penned an open letter to the then British Prime Minister, Mrs Margaret Thatcher, in which he effectively accused the closet racist Prime Minister of blatant racism and crime against humanity over her ignoble complicity in the atrocities enacted through apartheid in South Africa. This is Obasanjo fulminating with acerbic devastation:

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2014

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Obasanjo’s letter to Jonathan: It called for a state of the union speech

BROADSIDE EMMANUEL ONWE agubata@aol.com

for the Negroid gander? “Your concentration on the economic effectiveness of sanctions is disingenuous if not hypocritical. “I must tell you that many people around the world view your continued opposition to sanctions as founded on instinct, not logic and as displaying a misguided tribal loyalty and myopic political vision. “Those who seek to minimise sanctions and their effect will have the blood of thousands, if not millions, of innocents on their hands and on their consciences. My heart will be heavy but my hands will be clean. Will yours?” [Excerpts from: An Open Letter to Mrs Margaret Thatcher from General Olusegun Obasanjo, former Nigerian Head of State, and co-chair of the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group on South Africa]. At the death of Thatcher last year, this letter circulated widely and aided in her ridicule and diminution, even in death, in Africa. At the death of Jonathan, and may God keep him long and well, Obasanjo’s letter will resurface and gain prominence in the protocols of his dirge – as it will do in Obasanjo’s. And Jonathan’s reply will equally surface and instantly pale in comparison. He was misadvised to miniaturise himself in the speculum of history.

LIPSTICK

Yes, everyday is potentially an occasion for a state of the union speech, but the letter offered a singular opportunity; it concentrated the attention of the nation, it stoked expectations and heightened appetite for disclosures, for answers, explanations and, above all, assurances that our commanderin-chief was in charge and that grand larceny, moral turpitude and depravity, as alleged, had not seized the land. It was an occasion for a state of the union affirmations. It was the perfect moment for the president to tell the nation, in personal and personable terms, that when he is criticised unfairly and unjustly laced with malice and bad faith; when opinion is paraded as fact; when there is blatant hostility towards reasoned, structured and careful thought, he feels a certain measure of sadness and regret. But that our republic and the constitution that undergirds it allows for legitimate and fact-based criticism. He could have assured us that he was committed to building a safe and peaceful country and to securing the freedom to think, to create, to flourish and enrich our individual selves and the society as a whole. That he is daily striving to build a society where ignorance, vice and poverty shall not fester but one in which our children shall luxuriate in plenty and in knowledge; where

success shall be founded on service and not on graft; where honour shall be bestowed on the noblest among us and not on the brigands and public pimps whoring in private jets; where order shall rest not on force but on the integrity of the social contract that bind us together. Our country is a monument and every age must place a stamp, no matter how small, on a small corner of this monument not only to decorate it but as a small measure of tribute to the dream of a nation, and the promise of a united people embarked on a tough, strenuous, hard and laborious journey to their promised land. To the merchants of division, separatism, bigotry and vengeance; to those who seek, through anarchy, to bring about a state of paralysis upon this union, he could have reminded them that we are united by more than divide or separate us; we are all the descendants of Abraham and, therefore, carry the genetic gifts of grace, faith and devotion to duty. The men of violence who are determined to drive a sword into the very heart of our republic are going to meet a resolute and irresistible force of justice. That he will deploy all the might of the Nigerian nation in the defence of her citizens and their property across the length and breadth of this land. Those who seek peace will find accommodation and peaceful partnership with his administration. Those who are wedded to force of arms and violence will not escape the reckoning. The retribution of justice will be brought to them, no matter how far they run or long they hide. Craft it whichever way you damn well desired, but the occasion called for a towering performance by the C-in-C through embracing the challenge and suffocating it. Instead, Obasanjo owned the moment and had the President for a cannibal’s breakfast. What a pity.

BY CHUKWUEMEKA EMENIKE

“It was difficult enough for me as an African and especially as a Nigerian to contemplate exchanging pleasantries with those responsible for the institutionalised oppression of so many of my brothers and sisters. “Is sauce for the Aryan goose not sauce Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off Acme Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234 1-2219496, 2219498. Abuja Office: Orji Kalu House, Plot 322, by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert hotline: 01-8541248, Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: Laurence ani. All correspondence to PMB 10000, Ikeja, Lagos.