New telegraph sunday, february 28, 2016 binder1 by Newtelegraphonline

APC, Senator behind Ogoni killings –Wike US advisers may train Nigerian troops in}? Boko Haram fight }5&7

Political malady hinders Nigeria’s }? -Okiro greatness

... as court intervenes

SUNDAY Sunday, FEBRUARY 28, 2016 Vol. 3 No. 739

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Sanctity of Truth

/newtelegraph

Nobody Can hang rev. king, says son

N150

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

NEWS

Buhari: I can’t change Nigeria alone lPresident plotting to islamize Nigeria -Gov Fayose }6&10

Oghenekaro Itene

May he rot in hell - Victims 1,639 awaiting execution - Prisons Nigeria needs more hang men CPA pastor prays against his return

CCB aids Asset Declaration Fraud -Investigation }3

Don’t blame us for the sins of others - Officials

I got my first kiss at 14 }36

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Contents | 28.02.16 BODY & SOUL

Power of pedigree Having lost his parents to political martyrdom for Nigeria’s democracy, Jamiu Abiola hasn’t wallowed in self pity

}24

POLITICS

Little respite After a battle that lasted for about a week, Peoples Democratic Party resolves to work with Sen.Ali Modu Sheriff for three months to avoid worsening the party’s declining fortunes

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BUSINESS

Unpredictable naira The rapidly falling naira after hitting N400/US$1 two weeks ago, gained over 30 per cent early last week

}47

FAITH

PFN quits squatting After 30 years, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) can boast of a roof over its head

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SPORT

Team Nigeria NOC Sec Gen, Tunde Popoola, is optimistic that Team Nigeria will do well at the Rio 2016 Olympics

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Magazine

Suya business Nigerians pay no heed to WHO’s warning that suya might cause cancer

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SUNDAY

Editorial

President Buhari’s vacation

ess than a year into his presidency, Muhammadu Buhari began his first official vacation last Friday. It is going to be short and snappy since he is expected to resume in the next five days (Wednesday February 10, 2016). In the course of this rest period he is expected to do some health checks in Europe. The health side of the vacation has attracted wide attention. While some wonder why he has chosen to embark on leave at this time when there are pressing matters begging for quick attention, many believe President Buhari deserves some quiet to strategise on how to move the country forward. There is no law barring the President from fixing his vacation at will, whatever he deserves to do with his time is constitutional. The task of managing the affairs of a nation like ours is not something that should be left in the hands of someone who is not in good health. Therefore President Buhari or any other person who occupies that exalted position must be fit at all times and in the right frame of mind. The Constitution is clear on the terms that precede a Presidential vacation. Mr. President is on top of the situation as he formally informed the Senate and the House of Representatives through the Senate President and Speaker of the House respectively. Having done that whatever critics say does not affect the legality of his action. It is too early to condemn this trip and equally begin to raise alarm bells since as mere mortals no human can claim to be so healthy especially when the brief includes taking decisions that will affect not just a country or sub region but the world at large. The President has been touring the globe meeting with world leaders and institutions in what some would call Shuttle Diplomacy. This vacation is also significant because for the first time, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has been offered the opportunity of working as the President although in acting capacity. And since government does not operate in a vacuum the nation stands to lose virtually nothing. Prof. Osinbajo will do exactly those things the Presidency promised com-

patriots so the Change agenda will not suffer any drawback for voters preferred the Buhari Osinbajo ticket to others. It is the same All Progressives Congress (APC) in power. We expect smooth operations within the Presidential Villa and beyond. For those who claim to belong to a particular camp and believe the Vice President has had less attention in the present administration, this action by President Buhari has shown clearly that there is not going to be a clash between politicians loyal to the President and those who look up to the Vice President for patronage. Therefore this vacation has also helped to douse tension in the polity. The Constitution has been followed to the letter and the message is that this government believes so much in the order of protocol. In some states, we had instances of governors not handing over to their deputies anytime they embarked on trips outside the country for more than two weeks or when on leave. However, we would be disappointed if President Buhari’s vacation would be spent overseas when we have enough attractions in the country that are suitable for a short rest. This government that preaches diversification of the economy should also encourage growth. Sites like the Obudu Cattle Ranch, Ikogosi Warm Springs and the Yankari Games Reserve are good enough for Presidential comfort. Holidaying in any of these wonderful places will send a message across the world that we are getting serious with tourism. The huge disappointment will come should President Buhari do his medicals in Europe. Our hospitals maybe in a terrible shape but it must take the firmness of a leader to bring them back to the stage of modern technology. The National Hospital Abuja or the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) must be made to attract patients like those who are in power and even foreign dignitaries. We wish President Buhari well all through this short vacation and we pray that when he resumes as President Nigeria will benefit from his experience. Our economy should move from the doctor’s theatre to the people’s expectation.

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

Funke Egbemode

Managing Editor, Business & Strategy n Yemi Ajayi

Managing Editor, Publication & Operations n Emeka Obasi

Managing Editor, South n Emeka Madunagu Managing Editor, North & Abuja n Laurence Ani

Editor n Ayodele Ojo Editor, Sunday n Juliet Bumah Editor, Saturday n Waheed Bakare Deputy Editor n Tunde Sulaiman

Bureau Chief, Abuja n Onwuka Nzeshi Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam Asst. Editor, News & Politics n Biyi Adegoroye

Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed Sales/Circulation Manager n Oyebanji Abiodun Head, Arts & Creative n Ugochukwu Nnakwe Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY, 2016

News

CCB aids asset declaration fraud, says CSO Onwuka Nzeshi Abuja

he Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), has been accused of aiding and abetting corruption among political office holders and other public servants in Nigeria. The Bureau allegedly encourages false or anticipatory declaration of assets. Since the rebirth of democracy in Nigeria 16 years ago, only a few cases relating to false declaration of assets have made it to the tribunal, but it is doubtful if anyone has been convicted of the offence. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) and the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act made it mandatory for all Public Officers whether elected, appointed, recruited or contracted to collect, fill and sign an asset declaration form at the beginning of their tenures. According to the law, every declarant is required to declare his/her assets/ liability, including that of his spouse(s) who is not a Public Officer and children under 18 years of age and must submit same to the Bureau within 30 days of the receipt age of the forms. The rule further stipulates thus: “You are to declare only those assets and liabilities you actually own at the material time of filling the form. Do not declare any assets/liabilities you are anticipating to have before actual acquisition. All properties/assets acquired outside Nigeria must be stated clearly with the value of the said assets in the currency of the country where the property is situated. After the completion of the form, the declarant must personally go and swear to the declaration before a High Court Judge nearest to his work station before submitting it to the Bureau.” The law stipulates that every public officer should make the declaration on assumption of office, and at the end of his term of office, which is usually an interval of four years for Public Officers on continuous government employment at the federal, state or local government levels. Sunday Telegraph investigation revealed that anticipatory declaration of assets has been rampant, but only a few have been brought to the knowledge of the public. Sources close the bureau told Sunday Telegraph that often times, CCB officials encouraged public servants to engage in anticipatory declaration of their assets to make room for the assets they would likely acquire while in office. The Coalition Against

Don’t blame us for the sins of others - CCB Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), a group of civil-society, community-based and other non-governmental organisations with the objective of fighting corruption and corrupt persons, recently accused CCB of complicity in the perceived fraud in the asset declaration process. The coalition alleged that officials of the CCB were giving politicians and top civil servants unfettered access to tinker with their assets declaration documents in the bureau’s custody. According to CACOL, some politicians have allegedly approached some unnamed CCB personnel to help them correct some of the anomalies discovered in their assets declaration forms. The rush to amend their asset declaration forms, it was learnt, followed the arraignment of the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, whom the CCB accused of false declaration of assets. Saraki is currently standing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal on charges relating to anticipatory declaration of assets while serving as Governor of Kwara State in 2003. However, another civil society organisation, Vanguard for Transparent Leadership and Democracy (VATLAD) has dismissed the allegations of complicity of CCB officials as mere speculations. Director of VATLAD, Engr. Emmanuel Igbini, said though the idea of complicity was popular, it might not be the case. “You have to convince me with facts and not generalized statements. It is as

Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu (2nd from left); Chief B.B. Apugo (Middle); Senator Chris Adighije; Chief Tony Ukasanya; Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu and Hon. Chibuike Jonas, at Apugo’s residence in Umuahia on Friday. Photo:Gbooza.com

good as alleging that every politician is a thief and involved in money laundering, every journalist collects brown envelopes and so on. The issue of false asset declaration is a moral thing and must not be viewed from this conspiracy angle where those who work in CCB would be made scape goats,” he said. Meanwhile, the Code of Conduct Bureau has dissociated itself from widespread allegations that some of its officials were conniving with some corrupt politicians and other public office holders to perpetrate false and anticipatory declaration of assets in the country. The agency said at the weekend that it cannot be held liable for the sins of any public official

caught in the web of nondeclaration or false declaration of assets as the rules have been clearly spelt out in the asset declaration forms, which it normally issues to public office holders and civil servants every four years. Head, Press and Protocol Unit of CCB, Mrs. Iyabo Akinwale, said it was wrong to blame false and anticipatory declaration of assets on officials of the bureau. According to Akinwale, officials of the bureau cannot be accomplices to this crime because they have nothing to gain from the falsification of assets by public office holders. She attributed the phenomenon of anticipatory declaration of assets to ignorance and corrupt po-

litical culture on the part of public officers, adding that there should have been no need to indulge in such practices when the public official knows the law. Akinwale denied knowledge of any allegations of complicity against the officials of the bureau, saying the official knows the implications and stood to gain nothing from a public officer who falsified his assets. According to her, it would not be of any benefit to an officer to help a person make an anticipatory declaration. Akinwale who could not provide statistics to show the frequency of incidents relating to false and anticipatory declaration of assets, admitted that it does occur but that the agency would

only take established cases to the tribunal. Rule 10 in the guidelines for completing the Assets Declaration Form states thus: Also note that all declarations made by a declarant are subject to verification by the officers of the bureau authorised for that purpose. It however did not state whether anomalies such as false and anticipatory declaration of assets should be corrected by the declarant behind the scene. Akinwale admitted that the code requires the CCB officials to verify the assets declared by a public servant in his/ her form, but there is no provision to invite an official whose form contain anomalies to correct them.

Army reopens Borno highway after three years T he Nigerian Army announced on Saturday that it had re-opened all major highways linking Maiduguri, Borno, with other parts of the country after being shot for about three years due to suspected Boko Haram terrorist attacks. Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), announced this at the launch of Army Combat Motor Bikes in Damboa, headquarters of Damboa Local Government Area of the state. Buratai said that the army will work towards securing the lives and properties of motorists plying the roads. “From today the road – Maiduguri-Damboa and Damboa-Biu highway will be opened. “The road is going to be entrusted into the hands of

the Brigade Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade,” he said. Buratai added: “I do not want to hear any case of attack on innocent civilians or motorists on the road henceforth. “Our troops will be on alert 24 hours to ensure that the road is kept open.” He said that the Nigerian Army had also re-opened other highways, including the Maiduguri-Bama, the Maiduguri-Mafa-DikwaGamboru/Ngala roads, among others. “All other major roads have been re-opened to motorists in the state. “We deliberated before ensuring that the roads are opened and the people that ply the roads and indeed the residents are safe.

“Those who left should come back, I know that the Borno State Government is doing something and the Federal Government is doing something too on the issue,” Buratai said. He explained that the launch of the Motor Bikes was aimed at beefing up security on the highways to prevent attacks on innocent persons. “I am here to formally launch the Motor Bike Battalion of the Nigerian Army, we see it as a first multiplier to the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists. “We intend to use the Motor Bikes effectively to ensure that our roads are kept safe and the terrorists are pursued anywhere they go,” Buratai said. He added that the Motor

Bikes were fitted with fire power and communication gadget for effectiveness. “This is a first multiplier with added fire power with the speed as well as the communication that is being added to the bikes. “The reach of these Motor Bikes will be a very important element in ensuring that our troops maintain the initiatives and continue the exploit what they have so far achieved,” Buratai said. “So as the roads are reopened now people should be able to move freely and we will do our job to ensure that they are secured.” Buratai also launched the posters of the second batch of the Boko Haram most wanted terrorists. “We are also launching the second batch of Boko Haram

most wanted terrorists on our list. “The choice of Damboa is not by accident; it is deliberate knowing the centrality of Damboa in this operation,” he said. “The vigilantes here will play important role in identifying these terrorists. “We will send the posters across the country to ensure that those that have run away will be fish out. “We call on the public to look at the posters carefully, identify and report any person they can recognise and report accordingly. “We want to appreciate the support of the public, indeed all Nigerians, because we received tremendous support in the first set of 100 pictures and many of them had been identified and arrested.

SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

Why Rev King won’t die yet

Biyi Adegoroe Johnchuks Onuanyim & Chijioke Iremeka

he Nigeria Prisons Service yesterday confirmed that 1, 639 inmates are awaiting execution in various prisons dotted across the country. According to the Public Relations Officer of Prisons, Mr. Francis Emorde, the last time the Service carried out execution was 2013. He also explained that the reason behind the delay in execution was as a result of the state governors’ unwillingness to sign execution papers for the sheriff to carry out the order. He also confirmed that despite Friday’s Supreme Court ruling upholding the death sentence passed on Rev. Emeka Ezeugo, aka Rev. King, the governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, would still have to sign the necessary document for the execution to be carried out. However, according to figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Rev King has just joined the growing number of people waiting for their executions to be carried out on death row. NBS figures shows the 16 people were on death row 2007, 92 in 2008, 31 in 2009, 56 in 2010, and 72 in 2011, with the latest statement from the Prisons Service confirming that the figure has swelled to 1, 639. Thus, with such a large number of people on death row and very few hangmen in the country, there are indications that Rev, King may stay much longer on Mother Earth, while waiting for his turn to face the executioner. Besides, the failure of many governors to sign death sentence is another possible reason for the delay. The Criminal Procedure Act of each state provides that governors should affirm death sentences of condemned criminals before execution. Only four death row inmates were executed in 2013. And since then, no state governor has confirmed any death sentence. However, shortly after President Goodluck Jonathan urged state governors to sign death warrants for death row prisoners on June 16, 2013, four prisoners were executed, including Thankgod Ebhos, a father of three. All four individuals reportedly still had appeals pending when executed, which is a violation of both Nigerian and international law. In per capita execution rate in 2013, it was one execution per 41,650,000 persons.

In spite of human rights activists’ efforts to abolish the death penalty globally, it appears to be gaining more popularity in many countries. A report from Amnesty International shows that 1,925 death sentences were issued in 2013 and the figure rose to 2,466 in 2014. The dramatic rise is due to the number of the death sentence issued by countries seeking to tackle crime, terrorism, and internal stability. In Nigeria, 659 death sentences were recorded in 2014, a jump of more than 500 compared with the 2013 figures - 141. The surge in 2014 can be attributed to the mass death sentences passed on soldiers, who were convicted of mutiny in the context of the armed conflict with Boko Haram terrorists in the North, by military courts. Incidentally, Nigeria leads the chart with 659 death sentences, Egypt follows closely with 509 and Pakistan rounded off the top three lists with 231 inmates to be executed in 2014. However, it appears that capital punishment has failed as a preventive measure against crime in Nigeria A statistical appraisal of crime rate in Nigeria by the Department of Statistics, Abia State Polytechnic, shows there has been a significant growth over the years and if not checked, it will keep rising May he rot in hottest part of hell, say Rev King’s victims Two of the five girls assaulted in 2006 by the convicted General Overseer of Christian Praying Assembly, Rev. Emeka Ezeugo, (popularly known as Rev. King), have applauded the confirmation of his death sentence by the Supreme Court, stating that he should ‘rot in hell.’ The duo, who pleaded anonymity, because they are still single though in their late 30s, said the that the confirmation of the death sentence of the two lower courts was the greatest source of joy they have ever received since the notorious incident, 10 years ago. “I have moved on and the last thing I want to discuss is the impostor, Emeka’s death sentence. I have my name, my family and business to protect,” one of them said. “But one thing I can say is that justice has been served. May he rot in the hottest part of hell, at least for setting ablaze and killing Ann Uzuh.” On Saturday, June 22, 2006, King set on fire Vivian, Uche, Chizoba, Jessica, Kosisochukwu and Ann over alleged fornication. While Kosisochukwu sustained

1, 639 inmates await execution, says Prisons Nigeria needs more hang men May he rot in hell- King’s victims serious burns, those of Ann were fatal. The second of the ladies, who spoke with our correspondent, said the confirmation of the death verdict was indicative of the fact that though the wheel of justice may be slow, it will still catch up with the wicked any day. “We are vindicated, at least, everyone can now see. He committed all manner of atrocities in the name of God, and during the trial at the Chief Magistrate Court, Botanical Garden, Ebute Meta in Lagos, he even slapped one of us. Now that serves him right. He should be served the same bitter pill he forced down the throat of Ann,” she said. “Please, I am granting this interview with you because of the confidence I have in your professional judgment. I have the right to remain silent because even his church members have been embarrassing us on the streets

because we gave evidence against their pastor and we know this conviction will only worsen that. Do not use my name - that is the only thing I have left. “A number of journalists have been calling us to get our reactions. Even some of us have to switch off our phones. It has been that bad, but at last, this nightmare is over. We have moved on,” she said. It’s a triumph of justice, CP Balogun The then Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Lagos State Criminal Investigations Department, Panti, Yaba, Mr. Olayin Balogun, who investigated the murder of Ann Uzuh, has described the death sentence on Rev. Emeka Ezeugo as the triumph of justice. Speaking with Sunday Telegraph on Saturday, Balogun, who retired as Commissioner of Police in Edo State in 2012, said he was

“very very elated by the verdict” because he did not expect the Supreme Court to overturn the death sentence handed on King by the lower courts because of the preponderance of evidence before it. “We investigated the murder and my Homicide Section gathered undeniable evidences which linked King with the crime. The pathologists, morticians, forensic experts and police detectives collaborated, compiled a solid case file and weighed the evidences before presenting them to the Directorate of Public Prosecution” he said. “Besides being a police officer, I am also a lawyer and I worked on the case with another lawyer, the then Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs. Bola Ikhile and we were able to present undeniable evidence against him.” Balogun said he also refused to be intimidated on

the matter by Rev. Kings church members who not only deified him and adopted his name, but also mounted pressure on him, claiming that he was detaining a ‘man of God.’ On Saturday, June 22, 2006, the foreboding event with cataclysmic consequence occurred at the residence of Rev. King located off Osolo Way at Ajao Estate, Lagos. The deified Reverend King had accused his six female inner members of the church of fornication. He subjected them to serious corporal punishment. Not satisfied, he sent one Rev. Kelechi to fetch him a ‘jerry can’ of fuel from the generator area. An infuriated King sprayed the fuel on the girls, especially Ann Uzuh, and set her ablaze. She later died from her injuries of which the reverend has now been convicted of murder by the Supreme Court.

Nobody can hang him –Son Resident pastor prays against King’s return Tai Anyanwu and Debora Makoji

n spite of the death sentence slammed on the General Overseer of Christian Praying Assembly (CPA) , Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeugo (aka Rev. King), one of his diehard godsons, Austin King, has hinted Sunday Telegraph that it is humanly impossible to hang the condemned cleric. Austin made this claim during an exclusive interview with Sunday Telegraph in Ajao Estate, Lagos, yesterday. The claim comes as a swift reaction to the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the death sentence by hanging earlier handed down by the Lagos State High Court and affirmed by the Court of Appeal. Austin said: “I am holding unto what my daddy told us three to four years ago, that he ‘has not come back to this world to be hanged by anybody again except he hangs himself’. I joined this church as a little child; I am now 33 and married. I have no reason to doubt my daddy because I can testify that many of his prophesies concerning my personal circumstances have come pass,” he said.

The godson also dismissed speculations that CPA may cease to exist as a church if Rev. King is eventually executed by hanging. “You hear people clapping inside the church. We have been having our normal activities after the Supreme Court’s judgment. Today (yesterday) St. Peters group is meeting but unfortunately, you cannot go into the church because only confirmed members are permitted to do that,” he explained. A barber whose saloon is located few compounds from CPA, affirmed that the church is likely to remain in operations since members are preparing to celebrate the convicted man of God’s birthday today. “They have already killed one big cow in preparation for the celebration of the convicted man of God’s birthday. The celebration is tomorrow (Sunday) and that made it the third cow they have killed this year,” he said. However, the lawyer in charge the case still urges members to keep hope alive. “The lawyer in charge of king’s case is beckoning on members to keep faith alive

that king will come back to them alive to continue from where he stopped meanwhile, the same lawyer assured them on Wednesday (February 24) that the case has been concluded and king is coming back. They held a super unique vigil the following day (Thursday) to celebrate the news from their lawyer as they sang and clapped all through Thursday night. As for the church, I think it will continue to operate because they have branches almost in all countries of the world. They have been operating even while the man was in prison so I don’t think the ruling will affect the operations of the church but we are happy with the way they operate now; at least our mind is at rest compared to when king was here,” the barber said. Who would assume headship of CPA with Rev. King out of the way? Austin said: “Rev King is still our leader and he always sends his sermon to all branches of the church. But a neighbour who wouldn’t want to be named, alleged that the CPA headquarter’s Resident Pastor, Sylvester King, is happy with the latest development as it is an avenue for him to

enrich himself. He said, “The man in charge now is happy with the ruling of the court because he is the only one in charge now. One of the convicted man’s younger brothers do come here every Sunday to collect proceeds made from offerings and what we do not know now is whether the church will continue or the property will be handed over to family members”. The added that the resident pastor had been praying aloud personally against Rev. King’s return. He said that he was sure because he is one of the closest neighbours to the Resident Pastor. “When king was around, we see corpses in the canal behind the church almost on daily basis, who knows what would happen if he were made to return alive? His conviction to death by hanging is a prayer answered,” the neighbour said. Meanwhile, CPA members are celebrating Rev. King’s birthday. The members slaughtered a cow to entertain members and guests, but Rev. King would not be part of the feast as he would definitely celebrate within the confines of his prison.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY, 2016

he Pentagon is considering sending military advisers to Nigeria to train local troops to fight Boko Haram insurgents and boost security in the violence-wracked nation, a US official said Friday. The defence official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the US military made a string of recommendations after Nigeria’s leaders asked for help determining “possible courses of action” in the fight against the Islamist militants. One recommendation was to send a group of US advisers -most likely special operations troops- to Nigeria to train local forces. They would not be in a combat role, reports AFP. Such a mission would be a resumption of an earlier Pentagon effort that Nigeria stopped in late 2014 amid US concerns of suspected Nigerian army abuses and its failure to protect civilians. The two countries also had strained diplomatic ties stemming in part from the US blocking Nigerian efforts to buy Cobra attack helicopters. The official said ties have improved under the new Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari, who has vowed to do more than his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, to fight Boko Haram. The New York Times first reported the potential deployment Friday, saying the Pentagon was poised to send “dozens” of special operations advisers to Maiduguri, capital of North East Borno State. But the defence official downplayed the speed of any deployment, and said

News

Boko Haram: US advisers may train Nigerian troops the operation was still being discussed. “I don’t think anyone is ready to approve anything today,” the official said. “Recommendations were made, these are still being assessed.” The Pentagon later said in a statement that there were “still a number of decision points yet to be resolved with regard to the full assessment across the US government.” The US military already has about 40 personnel in Nigeria performing a variety of functions including embassy support and military training. “These same type of advise-and-assist operations are ongoing across the African continent,” the statement read. “US military advisors are working every day to assist African partner nations in providing for their own defence and enable regional solutions to collective problem sets.” Yan St-Pierre, an expert with the Modern Security Consulting Group (MOSECON) in Berlin, said the presence of US and other troops in Maiduguri could trigger a limited number of attacks in the area, adding to the already very high security risk. “It could indeed encourage more attacks on Maiduguri and its vicinity, but the presence is too minimal to become a ‘dog whistle’ for

Kalu salutes new FIFA President

illar of Sports and former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, yesterday, sent a goodwill message to the new FIFA boss, Gianni Infantino, describing his emergence as the beginning of a new phase in world soccer. Kalu praised the delegates for swinging votes in favour of the 45 - year-old Swiss who has also promised to take the game to cleaner heights. He said: “FIFA needs a new phase and the election of Infantino shows that those who manage football understand the psychology of the followers. The result would surprise even the new President himself. That is football for you.” The ex-Abia State Governor would have been part of the race, especially after local and international stakeholders called on him

to make a bold move since no African has occupied the plum position. Men like former FIFA president Sept Blatter; CAF boss, Issa Hayatou; former FIFA Executive Committee member, Amos Adamu, and soccer, Ambassador John Fashanu, looked up to Kalu to have had a crack at the top job in world football. However, while thanking them for believing in him, Kalu felt there were more pressing issues at home that needed to be sorted out. He assured that he would yield to their desire at a later stage. “I am happy now that things can only get better. Infantino is not an outsider, coming as Secretary General of UEFA. He also has a lot of energy to put into the job,” Kalu added.

terrorists,” he said. “Where it could become interesting is how the Nigerian population will react to this. Some see it as the Nigerian army to admitting it is not able to do the job, others see it as another form of foreign intervention.”

The US embassy in Nigeria said in 2014 that it regretted the end of the training program, which was offered following Boko Haram’s abduction of 276 schoolgirls in north-eastern Nigeria. A number of foreign powers sent surveillance and

intelligence specialists to Nigeria to help the military search for the 219 teenagers still held. US advisers and special operations troops are playing a growing role in the global fight against Islamist extremists, including in

Iraq, Syria and Libya. The US military is also active in Niger, where it uses drones to watch over the broad strip of Sahel territory on the southern side of the Sahara. The pilotless aircraft also monitor Boko Haram.

L-R: Chairman, Bwari Area Council, Mr. Peter Ushafa; representative of the FCT minister, Dr. Babatope Ajakaye and Esu of Bwari, HRH Ibrahim Yaro, during the inauguration of Community Household Environmental Sanitation in Bwari Area Council in Abuja …on Saturday. PHOTO:NAN

Osinbajo, Sanusi disagree over naira devaluation

he Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Saturday, reaffirmed the position of the Federal Government that the country’s currency would not be devalued in spite of pressures to act otherwise. But the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr Joseph Sanusi, replied that delaying the devaluation was akin to postponing the evil day. The positions were taken at a town hall meeting that the Vice President held with his co-tenants in the Victoria Garden City (VGC) on the Lekki-Epe axis of Lagos. At the widely attended and thought provoking event, Osinbajo insisted that devaluation was not on the table, adding, “that is the position of government”. According to him, the CBN will operate in line with the speech delivered by President Muhammadu Buhari, after he was elected to come up with flexible exchange rate to be supported by strong monetary policies. He said that the foreign exchange policy of government was to stop unnecessary consumption of imported goods and promote local manufacturing. However, Sanusi, a VGC resident, advised the government to either devalue

the currency or stop the confusion between the official and parallel market exchange rates. He said that allowing an official rate at N97 per dollar while the parallel market sold for over N300 was ‘distractive’. “Naira is already devalued and government not accepting it is postponing the evil day,” Sanusi said. Osinbajo also said that government met a falling revenue profile in May 2015, which was down by about 70 per cent, compared to the same period of the preceding year. He also said that in spite of the high cost of about $22 to produce a barrel of crude oil now selling at about $33 dollars, no fewer than 38 per cent of the foreign reserve was spent on importing petroleum products. He noted that the previous administration was spending about N20 billion on food importations annually, which reduced the nation’s foreign reserve drastically from about $40 billion to about $25 billion. As a result, he said, the present administration was bent on diversification of the economy from crude oil to agriculture and solid minerals production. Osinbajo said the focus on agriculture was to make Ni-

geria self-sufficient in rice, poultry and palm oil production as well as develop the entire agriculture value chain to create wealth and jobs for the teeming youth. The vice president further said that the administration‘s targets 2018 for complete reliance on refined petroleum products, adding that the petrochemical industry, railway infrastructure and provision of other infrastructure were atop the priority of the federal government. He told the VGC community that the major areas of focus of the Buhari administration were security, governance, anti-corruption and economic rejuvenation. According to him, Boko Haram insurgency had been degraded as a ‘military might’ although pockets of suicide bombings still take place. “This is a challenge we must tackle going forward but the other challenge is the over 2 million people displaced by insurgency who need resettlement,” he added. He said the idea was to re-settle the people in their farming occupation first, but that would be after the entire North East land had been de-mined. He said government was mindful also of the agitation

by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), pipeline vandalism in the South-South and the Fulani-farmers clash in some communities, all which pose security threats. Osinbajo restated that in governance, corruption was a critical issue because “the whole system, both public and private, is replete with corruption which has become the rule rather than the exception.” He recalled the armed purchase scandal “where a huge amount of money was spent but unfortunately it went into private pockets”. He recounted that fake Armoured Personnel Carriers and fake bullet proof vests were purchased for soldiers thus endangering the lives of anti- terrorism combatants. “Unless we seriously fight corruption through a systematic rebirth of our public system, the future of the country is in grave danger,” Osinbajo said. He said the administration had a robust plan to uplift education standards through the recruitment of 500,000 additional graduate teachers to serve in the rural areas, development of materials for teacher education and focus on science, engineering, technology and mathematics education.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

holds birthday Buhari plotting to ‘islamise’ Mugabe bash amid drought Nigeria, Fayose alleges P

Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

he Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari is plotting to Islamize Nigeria despite the fact that the Constitution makes the country secular. Speaking in Port Harcourt yesterday during the thanksgiving service organised by the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on the victory of Governor Nyesom Wike at the Supreme Court, Fayose said that the plot to Islamize Nigeria will fail. He said that it was not mere coincidence that Buhari was joined in Saudi Arabia by five state governors who are all practicing Muslims.

He said: “They have started subtle moves to make Nigeria an Islamic nation. This was done in 1984, but it failed. It will fail again. I am Peter the Rock, the governor of Ekiti State, and there is nothing that they can do to me. “Why did five of them go to Saudi Arabia to wait for Mr. President? This nation cannot be made an Islamic nation.” He said it was time for more courageous Nigerians to speak out against the government of Buhari, which he noted, has deceived Nigerians with the slogan of ‘change’, and only succeeded in making life difficult for them. Fayose said that he will continue to speak his mind and that no one can intimidate or incarcerate him for speaking his mind. He said that the judges

of the Supreme Court were courageous by saving Rivers State from being destroyed by desperate politicians, adding that the state has returned from Egypt. He said that PDP will bounce back in 2019, because the change the APC chanted has worked against the people rather than uplifting their lives. He said: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice. We made mistakes, the people asked for somebody to lead them at all cost. Nigeria got what change gave them. Today, that change has become one chance. “PDP will bounce back. I am sure the people know where to look. They (APC) are here by chance, they will go by chance”. Also speaking, the chairman of the PDP, Ali ModuSheriff, said that the party

remains alive, and will bounce back in 2019, noting that God allowed the APC government to come on board in order for the people to make comparison with the PDP government. He said: “What we are trying to put on ground will get us to the promised land. That is getting power again. From what the generality of Nigerians are saying, they will give PDP a chance again.” He commended the Supreme Court for standing firm, stressing that the country would have been in chaos if the apex court had not intervened with its judgment. The PDP chairman said that even the opposition was happy over the victory of Wike at the Supreme Court, noting that the people of the state were angry and wanted to reclaim their mandate.

resident Robert Mugabe marked his 92nd birthday at a nearly $1 million party organised by supporters on Saturday, drawing criticism from opponents who said the celebrations in a drought-stricken area were an affront to ordinary Zimbabweans. Africa’s oldest leader, Mugabe turned 92 on February 21 and shows no intention of stepping down, much to the frustration of feuding members of his ruling ZANUPF party who have been long trying to position themselves for his succession. Thousands of party supporters gathered next to the Great Zimbabwe ruins to pay tribute to Mugabe, the country’s only leader since independence from Britain in 1980. Mugabe, who was accompanied by his wife,

Grace, and their children, released 92 balloons and sat listening to poetry readings, songs and chants by supporters hailing him as an African icon and a visionary. A giant cake made to look like the ancient ruins for which Zimbabwe is named was set out in a nearby marquee. School children, foreign diplomats, government ministers and security chiefs were also present. Pupurai Togarepi, ZANU-PF’s youth leader said 50,000 people were expected to attend and defended spending $800,000 on the birthday celebrations. “Money is not the issue here. You cannot put a price on the contribution of President Mugabe to the history and development of this nation. All these things are worth more than money,” Togarepi told Reuters.

Sanusi hails Dogara, says Reps pro-people Philip Nyam Abuja

Officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps screening candidates entering for the first batch of 2016 UTME computer-based test in Bwari, Abuja…yesterday . PHOTO:NAN

ENUGU Musician extends charity to Church

N EWS I N BRIEF

A musical artiste, Mr. Chinedu Okoli, popularly called ‘Flavour, on Saturday donated musical instruments to the church where he started his career. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Flavour decided to give back to Church of God Mission, the church where he discovered his talent and started his musical career. In a statement obtained from his Instagram by NAN in Abuja, the famous artiste expressed gratitude to God and appreciated the church. ``There’s always something to be thankful for. I thank God for putting me in a position to touch lives positively with my music. ``The road to success is never ever easy, yet with faith, hope, determination and resilience it really is possible to achieve your dreams, goals and ambitions. ``It was a pleasure going to thanks giving service at my church, Church of God Mission, Enugu; where my love and passion for music grew from here. `I’m grateful that I can now show and extend my gratitude to my church community,” he said.

LAGOS FG advises social media on code of conduct

The Federal Government has advised the social media practitioner to set up code of conduct to regulate their activities in order not to lose credibility as a platform. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gave the advice on Friday night when he declared Social Media Week closed in Lagos. ``Social media itself must understand that power without control is destructive. I think the social media needs to set up code of conduct. The power of social media is something that cannot be ignored but unfortunately today it has become a big destructive. Families, marriages have been destroyed just for the fun of it. ``Therefore, I advise the social media that for them to be credible you must be self regulated, but this government will not pass law to regulate you,” Mohammed said. The minister said the federal government was prepared to diversify the economy through creative industry, and culture and tourism sector. He said the provision of infrastructure such as power, road, rail system, security and other amenities was critical to the promotion of culture and tourism in the country.

KADUNA FG challenges private sector

The Federal Government on Saturday challenged the Organised Private Sector to come up with new ideas to turn Nigeria into an industrial giant. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechuku Enelemah stated this in Kaduna, at the opening ceremony of the 37th Kaduna International Trade Fair. He said that the administration would accommodate new ideas for inclusive and sustainable economic development of the country away from oil. According to Enelemah, the task of transforming Nigeria into an industrial giant cannot be achieved without the needed collaboration with the private sector. “In this regard, the ministry of industry, trade and investment will welcome ideas, suggestions, proposals and initiatives from all stakeholders on how to chart the path for an inclusive and sustainable economic development”. He stressed that such contribution would go a long way in assisting the administration to review and update existing development policies and strategies to enhance the industrialization of the country.

he Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi ll, has described the Eighth House of Representatives under the leadership of Hon. Yakubu Dogara, as one that is propeople. Sanusi gave the commendation when he received a high-powered delegation raised by the speaker, led by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon Al-Hassan Ado Doguwa, to condole with the people of Kano State over the recent fire outbreaks in two major markets in the state; Kurmi and Singa Markets. The Emir, represented by a senior councilor of Kano Emirate, His Highness, Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, described the effort of the House of Representatives in reaching out to the people of Kano State at their trying time as generous. The Emir added that Dogara and his members are the “peoples’ balm” which provides relief for the Nigerian people from their difficulties. He thanked the delegation for their timely response over the inferno, and pledged his emirate’s support for the speaker and his team. Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Alhassan

Ado Doguwa, explained that they were mandated by the speaker to visit Kano to convey their sympathy over the unfortunate incidents. He told the Emir that the eight assembly shall at all times be responsive to the yearnings of people it represents. The delegation of lawmakers also visited the affected markets where they assured the victims that the House will complement President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to help them. The Chief Whip, who lamented the worth of the properties lost in the inferno, urged the victims to accept their fate and pray against future occurrence. He also promised the affected marketers that the House of Representatives would do everything within its powers to complement President Buhari’s succour to them. The speaker’s delegation thereafter proceeded to the Kano Chamber of Commerce where they held an interactive session with the stakeholders on how best to utilise the commercial potentials in the state.

CHANGE OF NAME Mbaedeh

I, known and addressed as Mr. Emmanuel Ozor Mbaedeh, is the same person known and addressed as Mr. Emmanuel Ozoemena Mbaedeh. All document bearing my former names remain valid. General public please take note.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016

News

Wike accuses APC, Abe over Ogoni killings

Port Harcourt

l Don’t play politics with security –Abe

ivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has blamed Sen. Magnus Abe, and All Progressives Congress (APC) for the recent killings in Ogoni, noting that it was due to the desperation for power that Abe and the APC invited soldiers to raid some communities in Ogoni. He said that it was unlawful for soldiers to be unleashed on innocent and unarmed civilians in a situations that could be handled by the police, just as he said that real political leaders don’t need soldiers to move around and canvass for votes among their people. Wike noted that as the

chief security officer of the state, he would not approve the deployment of troops to any part of the state on issues that could be handled by the Nigerian police. But in a swift reaction, Senator Abe said it was unthinkable that the governor made such allegations against his person, noting that the former was trying to play “politics with the security of the people.” According to him, Wike knew the level of insecurity in the area and had once supported the invitation of the military to assist in ensuring security in Ogoni land, only for him to reverse his position.

Emmanuel Masha

“At some point, he called for investigations into the incident and now he failed to wait for outcome of the investigation only to point accusing fingers on me. It is very clear he is trying to make political capital out of the killings,” he said. But Wike pledged to support the security agencies in the fight against crimes and criminality in the state, but not the killing of innocent people as was the case in Ogoni by troops, adding that as a politician who is loved by the people, he does not need to be protected by soldiers. He said: “Nigeria is a democratic society. I don’t

want the Army to protect me. The Police are there to protect me. Army is to protect the territorial integrity of the country. If there is a problem in any parts of the state, police should be sent there. Anything outside this is not acceptable”. He warned that Ogoni has a peculiar story and that it should not be provoked. “We should be careful with Ogonis because we know what they suffered in the past. Ogoni people should not be intimidated about what will happen in March 19. “Magnus Ngei Abe knows me very well. I call on him to come back to PDP

and we will consider what to give to me in 2019 but not now.” Wike warned officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) that wants to rig the forthcoming rerun election should write their will, because “we will fight every armed robber to wants to come and steal our vote. “I call on my brothers in the APC to join me in fighting armed robbers who want to come and steal our vote. As INEC official, you must conduct a free and fair election. Rivers people will resist you if you come here to rob them of their vote”. He said that the opposi-

tion was plotting a situation to cause chaos in the state so that the federal government could declare a state of emergency in Rivers. Speaking on his victory at the Supreme Court, he said that before the judgment, there was a plot to arrest and detain the leaders of the PDP in the state in order to weaken the party’s base. Wike said: “God saved lives. I saw the manifestation of God in our lives. Your evil machinations did not materialize…The enemies are still adopting several strategies to come to power. They are planning to cause confusion.”

Fashola urges African leaders to develop agric Caleb Onwe Abuja

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State; his wife, Rachel, and Director of Protocol, Austine Udude, at a civic reception for the governor by the Old Afikpo Union at the Government College, Afikpo, on Saturday.

FGC Warri molded me for great responsibilities, says Ambode Muritala Ayinla

agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday, said his achievements in life are easily traceable to the values he gained at his alma mater, the Federal Government College (FGC), Warri, Delta State. Governor Ambode said all the knowledge and discipline impacted in him during his secondary school days in the College contributed largely to who he is today. Speaking at the Golden Jubilee grand reunion of FGC, Warri, his alma mater, Governor Ambode urged his

old school mates to come together and ensure the vision of the school is kept alive. Governor Ambode, who went down memory lane said, “Indeed, my becoming a governor can be attributed to what I gained and learnt from this school. We must come together, all of us to ensure that the vision the establishment of the school must not die. “So, it is a great honour to all of us to return here after decades and celebrate this 50th anniversary. We are benefiting from the vision planted years ago. I want to assure the Principal that we are going to bring back the good old days of this school.

Governor Ambode also used the occasion to restate the commitment of his administration to revamp the educational system in Lagos, saying that it will go a long way to shape the future of the next generation. He said his government will stop at nothing to ensure that students are exposed to quality education, which according to him will go a long way to determine how far they go in life. He said: “Let me remind you all that the focus of my administration on education remains steadfast and consistent because no nation toys with the future of her youths. So in Lagos, edu-

cation is given high priority in the scheme of change because it’s the growth and development is to invest heavily in education”. Earlier in his address, Professor Godini Darah, also an alumnus of the College gave reasons why the establishments of Unity Schools have brought about unity and progress in the country. He said the establishment of FGC in Warri, just like any other Unity School in the country was not in vain. “We must make sure that the vision that was introduced 50 years ago remains solid and active,” Professor Darah said.

he Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has urged African government leaders to make more commitment in the agricultural sector as a long term measure for sustainable development. Fashola, who spoke at the just concluded UN-Habitat 3 African Regional Meeting in Abuja, told the participants that one of the most potent way to deal with urbanization is to “slow it down” by providing robust infrastructure in the rural areas. He reminded African leaders that the need to focus more on agriculture and develop the rural areas within the continent cannot be overemphasized. He said that since the foods that people in the urban centres eat are produced by farmers in the rural areas, they should be supported with good infrastructure. Our farmers need to be

encouraged and supported to stay and grow food, employ local people, and provide food security for all. The best investment in public goods, including public health, education and infrastructure, has traditionally been around the cities and the big towns, he said. Fashola further said that Africa needs the support of the international community in its quest for development, but should leave the realms of empty talks that are not backed with positive actions. According to him, African leaders ought to rise and make decisions that will define what quality and standard of life they want and not wait for anybody to set priority for them. On addressing the New Urban Agenda which is the global focus now, Fashola advised the participants to clearly define what they want and consider their various countries’ unique peculiarities and distinct settlements development.

Al-Makura sacks lawyer over Facebook posts

asarawa State Governor, Tanko al-Makura, has ordered the sacking of the state counsel a ln the justice ministry, Ruqqayat Tijjani Usman, over two Facebook posts deemed critical of the state government. Usman, who posted her sack letter on Twitter on Friday, said she was summoned by the governor to explain two Facebook posts in which she asked government to explain its strategies against Lassa fever after the death of a nurse, Oshafu Ibrahim. She urged the state gov-

ernment to tell the people how it was combating the scourge. However, she was summoned to the governor’s office and issued a sack letter shortly after. The February 25, 2025 letter titled ‘Termination of Appointment,’ was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Civil Service Commission, Daniel Agyemo, on behalf of the acting chairman. The letter, with reference no. NCSC/S/DIS/015/Vol. 1/77, did not give reasons for the action.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

2016 UTME holds amid tight security Mojeed Alabi

With Agency Reports

he 2015 edition of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) commenced yesterday across the country and eight foreign countries without any major hitch reported from most of the centers. Sunday Telegraph learnt that as the examination commenced seamlessly in Lagos, security was biffed up in Benin city before the commencement of the examination; while the monthly sanitation exercise delayed early take-off of the exams in Kano. The examination, which has been divided into two splits by the Joint Admission and Matriculation

lMonthly sanitation programme delays commencement in Kano Board (JAMB) -the body in charge of it, is scheduled to hold within 14 days. Out of the 53 accredited centres in Lagos, a total of 30 centres, which are part of the Split I stream, hosted candidates yesterday and will run until Monday, March 7, when the remaining 23 centres will commence operation. But, for some minor hitches relating to candidates not printing out the right e-registration slips containing their centre and registration numbers, and temporary network issues, the two-hour 45 minutes examination went smoothly in many of the centres visited by Sunday Telegraph. Some of these centres in-

cluding the West Midland Communication Limited Electronic Test Centre located at Adebayo Akanade Building Complex, Ikeja; Electronic Test Centre at the JKK Building on Ikorodu Road, and the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Centre, were free of hitches. However, the network issue at the Huntville Technology Limited Centre, Anthony; and the Merit Land Group of Schools, Badagry, had delayed the commencement of the examination considerably. At JKK, the JAMB Supervisor, Mrs. Fatima Mohammed, said a total of 295 of the 300 candidates assigned to the centre reported early

for the examination, saying there were neither technical issues nor problems with compliance by students. “We started 11.25am. We had no issue with any equipment as both our scanners and biometric machines worked perfectly. The candidates also came in on time. The systems were perfect; and we had no issues with impersonation,” she added. The Coordinator of the National Headquarters Lagos Annex of JAMB, Dr. Beatrice Okorie, said only candidate with number 157, Akinola Jolayemi Damilola, did not show up for the examination out of the 180 assigned to the YABATECH centre where she

supervised. She said the candidates came in as early as 8.30am and the examination started by 12noon. Save for a brief downtime with the Local Area Network (LAN) of the centre, the examination went without hassles. However, across the 19 centres in Edo, including Benin city, the capital, men of the Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were present at the centres visited. NAN reports that the Police and the NSCDC jointly deployed a total of 167 officers to various centres across the state. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),

Mr Abiodun Osifo and the NSCDC Spokesman, Mr. Efosa Ogbebor, said that they provided 101 and 68 personnel respectively to ensure peaceful conduct of the examination. They said that the personnel would be on ground throughout the six days the examination would last. This even as the exam which was supposed to start from 11 00am in the morning started in Kano at 1.00pm due to the monthly sanitation exercise. The Zonal Coordinator of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Kano, Hajiya Karimatu Abubakar, disclosed this shortly after the commencement of the examination.

UniAbuja graduates 25,000 ...Ekwueme, Tinubu others bag honorary degrees Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

ore than 25, 000 students of the University of Abuja, yesterday, graduated in the university’s combined convocation with eight of them receiving first class honours. The university last conducted convocation in 2009 and yesterday’s event was a combination of six academic sessions during which 2,324 undergraduates bagged Second Class Upper division. This was as former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme, former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, two former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justice Maryam Aloma Muktar and Justice Idris Kutigi bagged doctoral degree honoris causa. Deputy Senate President,Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Senator Abdulfati Buhari,who chairs Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Crime bagged Ph.Ds. Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Micheal Adikwu stunned the graduands and participants when he advised them not to go about looking for white-collar jobs as there was none in existence. He said the harsh economic realities had eroded such prospects, noting that they must plow back their academic resources into becoming self reliant and contribute to the over-

all growth of the nation. His words, “It is important for you to appreciate that many of you are going into the job market when the nation is faced with serious challenges in both the economic and social sectors of the society with equally serious demands on the citizens. “I urge you to use your personal initiatives and seize the opportunities that still abound in the country to be self employed. This is a sure way to pull ourselves out of the present economic downturn which the unfavourable global economic situation has forced on us”. One of the awardees, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who responded on behalf of other recipients said the need for fundamental restructuring in the country both politically and economically necessitated the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. He said the government was committed to lifting of 20percent of Nigerians out of poverty within the first four years of this administration. The University of Abuja, in its 28 years of existence has been embroiled in turmoil most of which had been instigated by external and internal political interference. Owing to its location in the nation’s capital, FCT, students and parents alike had been alleged to use monetary gratification to secure admission in the institution.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), in a group photograph with students of Federal Government College (FGC), Warri, Delta State, during one of the programmes lined up for the 50th anniversary of the school... yesterday.

Lagos stops pilgrimage sponsorship

NEWS IN BRIEF

Lagos State Government, yesterday, said it would no longer sponsor pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem. The government said the fall in the price of oil and the need for the state to invest more on infrastructural development and capacity building necessitated the decision. The state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef made this disclosure while addressing some Muslim faithful in Ikeja. Dr AbdulLateef added that the present economic indications had made it difficult to continue to finance Hajj rites performed by an individual now that about N1million is required for such sponsorship. He said:”It is better to invest such an amount in the public schools or hospitals for the benefit of Lagos residents and Nigerians at large” “Individuals intending to visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah as well going to Jerusalem should be prepared to bear the economic implications involved, as the state government is resolute about cutting wastages.

South-East is criminally marginalised in 2016 budget –Sen. Nnaji Chukwu David Abuja

he Senator representing Enugu-East Senatorial District, Gilbert Nnaji, has decried what he described as criminal marginalisation of the South-east in the 2016 budget estimates currently before the National Assembly. Speaking with journalists in Abuja at the weekend, Senator Nnaji said the treatment given to the region in respect of fund allocations to developmental projects was condemnable and undeserved by the area. He noted that the region had contributed immensely to the economic development of the country. The lawmaker, who is the Chairman, Senate Committer on Communications, was particularly

worried about the deplorable state of roads in the South-east vis-a-vis the paltry of funds provided by the federal government for the roads in the area in the 2016 Appropriation Bill. He said: “I made it clear to the minister of power, Works and Housing, that we are shortchanged in terms of budgeting in the ministry of works because if you watched in the last administration, South-east declared state of emergency on roads because of the bad shape of the roads in the entire region. “It is unfortunate that nothing was done and some of the roads, most especially Enugu-Ontisha road, is completely impassable now. There is no car moving there, it is only the road that goes through old Enugu-Onitsha that motorists are now using”.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016

News

Dickson stops sales of Bayelsa property Pauline Onyibe Yenagoa.

he Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson has ordered the immediate suspension of the ongoing sale of properties belonging to the state. He also constituted a threeman committee to ascertain the level of compliance with due process in the sale of such assets. A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the committee is expected to compile a comprehensive list of all the government assets that have been removed or sold and advice government on the appropriate action to be taken, regarding such assets The chairman of the com-

mittee is Head of Service, Dr. Peter Singabele, while the Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters, Chief Boma Spero-Jack is member. Deacon Markson Fefegha is the Secretary. The committee, which has six terms of reference, will look into all ongoing auction sales, determine the list and physical state of the equipment and items at the time of sale and unveil the identity or identities of all the auctioneers involved. Dickson, who charged committee to submit its report within two weeks, directed all permanent secretaries and chief executives to submit all documents relating to the sale of government assets in their ministries, departments and agencies to the committee.

NEWS IN BRIE F

Bayelsa TUC gets new Exco

Table Water Producers at war with govt over alleged N50m debt

Why fire damaged Millennium Plaza – Fire Service PRO

The Trade Union Congress Bayelsa State Council over the weekend elected its executive council members to run the council for the next three years with the former chairman Comrade Tari Dounana being re-elected. Conducted at the NUJ Press Centre, Yenagoa during the Council’s 5th Triennial State Delegates’ Conference, Sunday Telegraph observed that it was a free and fair election. The election, which was conducted in the presence of some National and zonal officers, also saw Comrade Save Nugbani emerging Vice Chairman, Richard Ajibino Auditor, Ogbotobo Fiezibe Financial Secretary, Abah Dressman, Assistant Secretary, Tochukwu Ehimafie, Secretary Women’s Wing and Egba Osomuo got the post of the Public Relations Officer. However, the post of Treasurer is still vacant because PENGASAN that is supposed to produce the treasurer walked out of the election angrily saying that they wanted the post of the Secretary and not treasurer.

Osun State Water Corporation and the state chapter of Association of Table Water Producers of Nigeria are now at each other’s throat over the claim of the former that the latter is indebted to it to the tune of over N50million. The General Manager of the Corporation, Mr Gbenga Owojuyigbe in a press briefing yesterday, said that the Association is owing the corporation that much; but the Association through its Chairman, Prince Ademola Adeyeye, debunked the claim saying, it was not true. He argued “The association has only option of drilling bore holes for their businesses instead of enjoying government’s services.” According to him: “Claims that my members owed about N50 million is baseless as less than 30 out of about 110 members are using the state water corporation for their production. “Many members of the association did not even have access to the state water corporation as they solely depend on borehole water.” However, the water corporation insists that they are owing it over N50million and threatened to take action if the debt is not cleared. Meanwhile, the Association has hinted that people of the state should be prepared for an increase in the cost of their product as the current price of N100 is not enough to cover their production costs.

An official of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) Abuja, Mr Collins Elechi says delay in sending message to the Fire Service was responsible for the serious damage of the Millennium Plaza. Elechi, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) made this known to the News agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday during an interview. Elechi therefore appealed to members of the public not hesitate to call fire fighters once they notice fire outbreak, saying that delay in calling fire fighters increased the level of devastation at the plaza. Members of the public should note that every fire outbreak has the potential to consume everything if not quickly nipped in the bud, as late call on fire fighters made the plaza razed down. Put distress call across to appropriate authorities when there is fire outbreak and tell them the kind of materials under threat, as well as the cause of the outbreak. This will help them to know the kind of chemical to use for effective impact on the fire,” he said. The PRO said that the fire outbreak did not extend to other buildings around the plaza due to frantic efforts of the fire fighters from federal and state fire service as well as organisations around the area.

Cameroon army kills 92 militants in operation with Nigeria

ameroon’s army killed 92 members of the Islamist militant group Boko Haram and freed 850 villagers in a joint operation with Nigerian forces, the government of Cameroon said on Friday. The operation in the Nigerian village of Kumshe, close to the border with Cameroon, was conducted under the auspices of the multinational force fighting Boko Haram, the statement from Communications Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary said. “Two Cameroonian soldiers were killed (during the operation) by an accidental mine explosion. Five other soldiers were wounded,” Bakary said, adding that the army captured weapons and ammu-

nition and found a centre for production of homemade mines. There was no immediate comment from Nigeria or independent confirmation of the operation or toll, reports Reuters. Boko Haram seeks to carve out an emirate in northeastern Nigeria and has staged a campaign of suicide and other attacks in Cameroon, Chad and Niger over the past year, including killing as many as 1,000 in Cameroon. The U.S. military calls Boko Harm the most violent extremist group in the world. The group gained global notoriety for kidnapping more than 200 schoolgirls in Nigeria in 2014 and is thought to have killed over 15,000 people over six years.

L-R: President, Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), Dr. Alimi Bello; Representative of Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Bashir Shehu; Minister of State, Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar; Vice President, Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Ahmed Rabiu and Vice President of KADCCIMA, Hajiya A. Dankaka, at the opening ceremony of 37th Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna… yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Okorocha accuses NDDC of short-changing Imo Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

overnor Rochas Okorocha has accused the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of fraudulently short-changing Imo State and her people, adding that he was shocked to hear that billions of naira had been spent on the 272 projects claimed to have been cited in the state which are nowhere to be seen. Okorocha spoke when the new Managing Director of the Commission Mrs. Ibim Sememitari paid him a courtesy call on Friday in

Owerri while on a two-day working visit to the state. The governor regretted that the NDDC, which was established to serve member states, was turned into an ‘Automated Teller Machine (ATM)’ for some PDP parliamentarians and bigwigs from the state. “I am shocked to hear that the NDDC has over 272 projects in the state for which billions of naira were also said to have been spent. I would like to have the list of the projects, the contractors handling them and where they are sited, because Imo people would also be shocked to hear this.

Let us know the projects, their sites and the amounts paid on each of them. “The truth is that these projects could exist only on paper because the popular impression here is that the NDDC abandoned the state and her people, while releasing money meant for projects in the state to some PDP elements from the state in Abuja who shared the money with the contractors,” he said. Speaking further, the governor said: “NDDC should not be partisan, people from the NDDC states should be provided with services required, despite

their political affiliations. Frankly speaking, the state has not benefited or felt the impact of NDDC because no visible project has been put on ground for years. At a point, I thought about pulling the state out of the NDDC and alternatively demand that the money meant for the state should be remitted to her directly.” Okorocha noted further that, “the NDDC has remained a nightmare to Imo people. With the new management, the state can now partner NDDC with the hope that things would begin to work out fine. And in the Commission’s

budget, the management should look at the areas of power and rail lines linking the NDDC states. The Commission should not be constructing boreholes, and just renovating of schools and health centres.” He described the NDDC as an abode of corruption before now, and expressed the confidence that the new management has all it takes to correct the blunders of the past administration, requesting that contract papers given to contractors should be copied to the government henceforth, to enable the government monitor the project effectively.

Speaking earlier, Mrs. Sememitari told the governor that she was in the state to brief him on the activities of the Commission in the state, adding that Imo State is the first state she would be making such a visit to and said the Commission has executed 272 projects in the state since inception going by the records available to her. She said the Commission would partner the state government especially on the issue of identifying areas where the state is in dire need of certain projects to avoid unnecessary duplications.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News African health ministers pledge improved access to vaccines

N EWS I N BRIEF

African health ministers, political leaders and technical experts have pledged to ensure improved access to vaccines to reduce child mortality, morbidity and disability in the continent. They also pledged to keep immunisation at the forefront of efforts to reduce child killer-diseases. A statement by Kamyar Jarahzadeh of Global Health Strategies, said the leaders made the commitment at the maiden Ministerial Conference on Immunisation in Africa, held from February 24 to 25 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Global Health Strategies is a sub-unit in the World Health Organisation (WHO). The conference was hosted by WHO Regional Offices for Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean in conjunction with the African Union Commission. The statement noted that the commitment was necessitated by the fact that a recent WHO finding showed that one in five African children lacked access to needed and basic life-saving vaccines. “The WHO report also shows that routine immunisation coverage has increased considerably across Africa since 2000; measles deaths declined by 86 per cent between 2000 and 2014. “The introduction of new vaccines has been a major success. However, three critical diseases including measles, rubella and neo-natal tetanus remain endemic. Many countries also have fragile health systems that leave immunisation programmes vulnerable to shocks,’’ the statement said.

Bookies back DiCaprio to win first Oscar

Leonardo DiCaprio is expected to finally take home an Academy Award this weekend - at the sixth attempt. The 41-year-old star is favourite to win the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in the epic and gruelling The Revenant. DiCaprio, who has been nominated four times for acting and once as a producer, is up against Bryan Cranston, Michael Fassbender, Matt Damon and Eddie Redmayne for the coveted statuette. He has already won a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance as guide Hugh Glass. But snubs by Hollywood’s most significant movie body is all the more personal because DiCaprio was born and raised in Tinseltown. His biographer Douglas Wight told Sky News: “This was someone who certainly wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth, wasn’t handed fantastic roles in a plate. “He’s had to work for everything he has got and I think that’s what makes his achievements all the more remarkable. “There’s probably snobbery in the Academy because he’s this pretty boy guy who entered through the mainstream with roles in Romeo And Juliet and Titanic and he’s had to work even harder to get proper recognition that a lot of others landed with a gritty role.” Film buffs say DiCaprio has faced stiff competition when nominated for movies like The Aviator and The Wolf Of Wall Street. Brian McLaughlin, a producer and instructor at LA’s film school, said: “I think it was just timing, he was just up against tough competition, not that he isn’t this year. “The Academy also rewards a body of work in a sense, I’m not sure that is always viewed as fair but that’s the reality and he deserves it this year and I think the safe money is on him getting it.”

Anambra adopts new technology for long lasting roads Pamela Eboh Awka

he Anambra State government is currently experimenting with a new technology that will lead to the construction of longer lasting roads in the state. Governor Willie Obiano made the disclosure on Saturday at a demonstration of the use of the technology on a short road linking the state secretariat complex to Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka. He said that the new technology was expected to boost his administration’s effort at finding a lasting solution to the challenge of constructing durable roads. We just want to experiment with this short and busy road and see how it can withstand heavy traffic before we can begin to adopt it for internal roads within the urban and nonurban areas,” he said. The governor explained that after the experiment, the road would be placed under close observation for six months to see whether it would withstand heavy traffic. “And if, eventually, we are convinced that such is the case, then we will begin to

apply the technology in the construction of roads in the hinterland and other areas,” Obiano assured. He said that the test being done on the short stretch of road was at no extra cost to the state government. Mr Telforn Soden, representing West Incorporate; the owners of the technology, said that the product was a road stabiliser which had been in use in many parts of the world. “We built roads in South Africa that have been there for 25 years. All that may be required is just resurfacing. “We have built roads in Turkey, Sudan, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia and many parts of eastern Europe,” he said. Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Chief Law Chinwuba, had said that the new technology was expected to drive down the cost of constructing roads in the state by 50 per cent. He said that the state government decided to adopt the technology as part of fulfilling its mantra of doing-morewith-less cost. “Anambra has the best network of roads in the country but what the state has to figure out is the way to maintain the roads.’’

Moro’s detention, a political vendetta, says group Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

L-R: Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; National Chairman, United Progressive Party, Chief Chekwas Okorie and his wife, Chinelo, during the interment of Chekwas’ mother, late Lolo Regina Ugonma, at Alayi, Abia State... yesterday.

Buhari: I can’t change Nigeria without everyone’s support Dan Atori MINNA

resident Muhammadu Buhari has said that changing the country is not a magic wand for him alone but for all Nigerians. Buhari, who said this yesterday during the 25th Convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, stressed: “We all have to work for the desired change.” He said: “As you all know, our administration came to power on the promise of change. Changing our society from the path of corruption in high and low

places is a task we all must be committed to. “It is not a magic wand that a single leader alone can use; we all have to believe in it and we have to work for it. Indeed, inculcating the virtues of honour, integrity and discipline are essentially the duty of the family and educational institutions.” He stated further that: “The turn of events that we witnessed last year in our country’s democracy gives hope that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria”. President Buhari, who was represented by the Director of Science and Technology, Federal Ministry of Education, Sunday

Gandy Chega, charged graduating FUT students to see their certificates as a testimony and not just as meal ticket. Accordingly, he said: “Students should get the grades they deserve when they earn it, and students should not get the grades they do not deserve when they have not earned it.” Meanwhile, President Buhari on Saturday concluded the lesser Hajj to end his visit to Saudi Arabia. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the President and his entourage performed the final Dawaf, which is the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’aba seven times, and offered sup-

plications Allah to round off the pilgrimage. Buhari and members of the delegation have since left Saudi Arabia for Qatar to attend the meeting of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), before returning to Nigeria on Monday. The President departed for Doha, the Qatari capital from Jeddah International Airport at about 3 pm local time. Before his departure, Buhari was received at the King Abdulaziz International Airport by a high delegation of Saudi officials led by the Governor of Jeddah, Prince Mishaal Bin Majed Bin Abdulaziz.

wo Idoma socio cultural groups, known as ‘Idoma Collective’ (IC) and the ‘Opiatoha K ‘Idoma, yesterday said the detention of former Interior Minister, Comrade Abba Moro “is a political vendetta orchestrated by the ruling party”. Moro was arrested last week by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the 2014 botched recruitment exercise of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) where many graduates lost their lives and millions of naira allegedly extorted from the applicants. Secretary General of Idoma Collective, Dr. Adakole Elijah and his counterpart in Opiatoha K’Idoma, Mr. Adoka Adaji in separate statements in Makurdi, expressed worry that the continued detention of Moro has given the Idoma nation sleepless nights and called on the EFCC to charge him to court within the stipulated constitutional requirement of 48 hours or release him unconditionally. Dr. Adakole, who particularly decried the manner in which the commission was

handling the situation, appealed to the Commission to deploy all constitutional means in dealing with the case. “If other Nigerians have been arrested and charged to court within 48 hours there is no reason for the EFCC to hold unto Abba Moro for eternity. If you fail to follow the constitution then you are breeding anarchy which will not exclude anybody, including EFCC operatives. “We view the arrest and the refusal by the EFCC to charge him as a deliberate witch hunt, arising from the colossal defeat inflicted on the ruling party, APC during the Benue South rerun. Similarly, the Secretary General of Opiatoha K’Idoma, Adoka Adaji, in a reaction, urged that he should be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction for adjudication for anything short of this amount to breach of his fundamental human rights. Adaji lamented that since the inception of the present administration, the people of Idoma nation had been victimized for no fault of theirs, adding, “as a minority we have always done our best in any given assignment without blemish”.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

OPINION Why states deserve upmost attention Peter lwegbuka Vincent

do not know how many Nigerians read The Guardian on Sunday of January 17,2016 on the states of the federation entitled: ‘Failed States: A Narrative of Nigeria’s Skewed Federation’, pages 19-20. Knowing my countrymen as I do, very few probably read it, as reading is not the hallmark of Nigerians especially it’s adult population which interesting enough often complain that the young ones don’t read. Nevertheless, it is a report we should all read, in the hope that it can help us all to focus attention on the states and figure out how to save the states and indeed the federation that is if the states can be saved. Nigerians continue to expand considerable energy on the central government with little attention paid to the states. No state governor or government is harassed, abused, probed, questioned, pressurised or ridiculed as the president and the Federal Government. You can even see that in the current fight against corruption. The All Progressives Congress (APC) which won the 2015 elections came to power with the promise to reduce the cost of governance and bury corruption among others. Even if one is not happy with the process adopted by the Federal Government and its agent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, in the current war on corruption, they are at least doing something. Nothing is happening in the states where they are considerable evidence that the states are in trouble among others because of corruption and mismanagement of resources. Equally, while the APC government has effected some cosmetic reduction in the cost of governance, most states have actually increased the cost of governance through creating more ministries and appointing more aides. Nigerians should wake up to the fact that the states matter. Believe it or not, Nigeria’s growth rate would have been fastest, stronger and more

sustainable if the states were substantial developed. This is why the states matter and why more attention needs to be paid to the states. It is because we have failed to pay collective attention to the states that the states are failing and why successive governors since 1999 have left the states worse off than they met them. If you probe further, you will appreciate that not only does the states matter but that it is imperative we engage in serious discussions about the future of the states many of which are not viable. From the federation account, the states and local governmental collect 47 and 32 per cent but you cannot see this on the ground. The situation is even worse in the states that collect additional 13 per cent as derivation fund. It was the state governors under the Rotimi Ameachi-led Governors Forum that compelled or forced Presidents Umaru Yar ’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan to share out the savings in the Excess Crude Account, and why today we do not have enough in the kitty to protect the naira or to cushion the effect of the dwindling oil price. As we are all eager to find out what happened to the money approved by the last president for arms purchase for the military, would it be out of place to demand what happened to the millions of Excess Crude Account monies collected by the states? There are many reasons the states matter but let’s look at just three. In terms of education, the Federal Government has very little involvement in primary and secondary schools which are almost the sole responsibility of the two lower tiers of government. In fact, the Federal Government has about 120 secondary schools called Federal Government Colleges. In contrast, some states like Ogun and Delta have more than 1, 500 secondary schools each. If the quality of our university products is bad, unemployable and worrisome, the states should bear the bulk of the responsibility for the poor state of education in the country. While a number of former governors

spent millions in rehabilitating schools and building mega schools, they paid very little attention to the most important item in the education value chain - teachers. In almost all cases, no serious effort was made, has been made or is being made to improve the quality of teachers or to pay them well and as of when due. Consequently, in a number of states, teachers are perennially on strikes over poor conditions of service. The situation is not different in state owned universities. It is the same situation in the health sector where collectively, the states have more hospitals than the Federal Government. In almost all cases, rather than expand and improve on what they met, including strengthening the capacity of the medical personal, incoming governors embark on building new hospitals which, if they manager to complete them, soon begin to suffer from lack of quality staff and equipment. I do not know of any state in Nigeria, where doctors and other health personnel work for 12 months uninterrupted. They are on strike for most part of the year, complaining of poor pay, delayed payment of salaries and other legitimate benefits and poor conditions of service. Interestingly enough, it is these same states that cannot pay civil servants, teachers, and doctors pay student’s scholarship, keep the environment clean or indeed provide any basic services that are agitating to have their own police forces. What a recipe for disaster! It is, however, in agriculture that the states matter most. Repeated efforts to persuade successive state governors since 1999 to focus on growing agriculture in their respective states because of its multiplying effect have yielded very little results, more because, there is some cheap money that can be collected monthly from Abuja. In addition, unlike such infrastructures as roads, schools and hospitals which are easily visible and can boast the popularity of a governor overnight, the benefit of agriculture does not fit well into our election circles.

Despite this, huge sums are budgeted for agriculture but are never released to grow agriculture. There is a report that indicated that 2011 and 2015, the South-South governments collectively budgeted about N97.5 billion but spent about six percent. Indeed if state budgets are studied annually, the nation will be shocked at how the states have squandered scare resources, opportunities and stunted Nigeria’s growth and development. In most states, once budgets are passed by the rubber stamp state houses of assembly, which are in perpetual league with the state governors, they are captured and locked away and the keys hidden by the governors. Money is only released based on the fancy and personal interest of the governors. Any conversation on the future of the states must include whether the current state structure should remain or be replaced with the current zonal structure and how this can be accomplished. If we lack the will to undertake any political engineering, then we must embark on some serious reforms that would among others, determine whether the local governments should stay, be abolished or reformed for effective service delivery, whether the state houses of assembly should operate on part time basis. Discussion must focus on how to rebuild the civil service and other institutions of states which are getting weaker by the day. The final challenge is how to effect leadership changes and bring on board leaders with the vision, capacity and knowledge to transform the states into strong economic zones. In order words, regional economic cooperation and integration must be part and parcel of the new structure as no state today has the resources to act alone. What we must not do, at least for now in the name of true federalism is to grant the states more resources or more responsibility. •Vincent, a public analyst writes from Port Harcourt

Reviving the education system in Nigeria Seth Nwogu

he importance of education anywhere in the world can never be overemphasized. It is a well known fact that the system of education in Nigerian is in a very bad shape today. One pointer to this fact is that students who are supposed to be studying, no longer read but resort to bribing invigilators and other corrupt parties concerned, in order to pass examinations and graduate. This trend has been observed even in the primary schools where parents pay teachers in order to have their kids promoted to the next class. Since this is so, why then do we crucify our government over lack of jobs when we have mostly “half-baked” students roaming all parts of the country. We are architects of our own destruction. Taking a brief glance at the universities and other higher institutions of

learning, students not only give bribe or “sort” the lecturers, but the female ones also go to the extent of sleeping with their lecturers in order to get unmerited ‘A’s in their results. Sometimes I wonder why people like that bother going to school at all since the purpose for which they are sent to school is not achieved. Let me not be in a hurry to prosecute the students alone. The teachers, yes! Even the lecturers should share part of the blame too because they see their jobs as a family goldmine and means of satisfying their carnal desires - very

shameful indeed. Of course, to every problem, no matter how heady it may seem to be, there is always a solution. In order to see that our rotten education system becomes history, I suggest the following: Firstly, the ministries of education both in state and federal levels should wake up from their slumber and come up with policies to checkmate this pitiable development. Secondly, anyone caught engaging in this shameful act should face the lawful punishment attached to such crime. In fact, every case of malpractice should be treated as a capital offence as the

The ministries of education both in state and federal levels should wake up from their slumber and come up with policies to checkmate this pitiable development

product of such malpractice aims to turn students into a menace to the entire society. Lastly, I suggest that there should be an independent third party set-up in schools and universities to monitor the activities of every Tom, Dick and Harry as far as education is concerned and report misconduct to the appropriate authorities for prompt action - something similar to SERVICOM or code of Conduct Bureau. May I also appeal to parents, teachers, lecturers, fellow students and every single Nigerian out there, to join hands and fight the rot in our education system, because I believe that education remains the key to building a great nation. Nigeria can be great, but it demands the efforts of all of us. Let us remain good citizens. •Seth Nwogu is an SS2 student of Light House High School, Owerri.

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El-Rufai, what about the Almajiri in Kaduna?

Way forward for Nigeria

Dear Editor, It was heart-warming to hear in the news that Nasir El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State has flagged off a programme of feeding school children in Kaduna. The governor said that 60 per cent of the funds were coming from the Federal Government while 40 per cent is from the coffers of the state. We are not too interested in where the money for feeding our school children comes from, as long as they are fed and taken care of. At some time past, I have suggested that all state governors use a part of their security votes to feed school children. But this particular governor has said that the money for feeding of school children comes from funds from the centre and the state. Who am I to complain? Thanks, Governor El-Rufai. But my worry is that the feeding will likely be restricted to children in government schools. Will children in the Quran schools also be fed? They should. What about the thousands of children in the north of Nigeria – the Almajiri children who tradition and culture and religion have cast out like dirty pieces of rags without a daily baths, meals and proper recreational amenities for their mental and physical growth? Please feed them, please! I will also suggest governors from the entire country must start their own school feeding programme for primary school children as well.

Dear Editor, On the way forward for Nigeria and Nigerians, I have a prophetic message and strong conviction in God Almighty, that He (God) is ready to help Nigeria and Nigerians, if the scripture in 2 Chronicles 7:14, which says “If my people who are called by my name, humble themselves, and pray and see my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land” is anything to go by. “For not from the East or from the West and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, but, it is God, Who executes judgment putting down one and lifting up another,” Psalm 75:6-8. submit ourselves, therefore, to God. Resist the devil and He will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near has solutions to Nigeria’s problems... hence Nigeria is in God’s hands. We should be fervent in prayers to God and put our trust in God and the people should repent their sins from the leaders (rulers) to the followers. The love of money is the root of all evils. With absolute trust and hope in God, we shall be delivered. No sensible Nigerian will object to the war against corruption, which President Muhammadu Buhari government has named among its major concerns. For Nigeria to grow, the monster of corruption must be defeated. Nigeria is a country endowed with rich human and material resources that can make us a developed nation. On the economy, the best way to go is to diversify our economy. Nigerian leaders had failed the masses, hence, the tension in the country - vis-avis- unemployment, poverty, bad governance, hunger, ignorance, moral decadence, rape, poor infrastructure and bombings among others. Therefore, Nigerians must be involved in governance and nation-building to demonstrate our concern to the welfare and well being of the nation.

BOB ETEMIKU

A personal note to LAWMA Dear Editor, In 2007, in the wake of Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration, the idea of a ‘Mega Lagos’ was the drive. To the effect of which, a part of Oshodi common market became a heritage garden. And at least, one part of the state, possibly not in whole but a part felt the effect of this mega drive. Living on the Island then, I noticed it was a tough battle getting this done on the Island. For a shift in the taut curve could cause a break of the Island society. But this I suppose was an easier thing to achieve in Ebute-Metta, as it was usually a ‘mega lodge’. One of the anti-mega statuses that needed to be dealt with on the Island then was the commercial activity of the ‘Bola boys.’ Well, properly called, they are Omo’bola. Not Omobola a proper noun of the Yoruba name (but pronounced as /re re ‘mi do/ with

GET THEM YOUNG…Children skating at the National stadium Lagos.

the accent on the 3rd syllable.) They were the ones who help to collect rubbish at a fee and disposed of it to wherever. Owing to bad road networks of the island it was not possible for state waste managers to come in to collect the refuse, hence the ‘Bola boys’ helped a great deal. Coming to the mainland, Ebute-Metta dotting some years now, I never set my eyes on the ‘Bola boys’ until recently. The waste managers were always coming even up till now, only that their services are not efficient. And the ‘Bola boys’, I supposed are taking advantage of this. Ebute-Metta has a record of one of the few metropolises in Lagos that has a good blueprint before its execution. Hence it has a very good road network, well-spaced housing among other metropolitan features. But the defect in the waste management system started sometime last year when the only point for collecting refuse at Makoko junction was banned from use. So, the Lagos State Waste Management (LAWMA) had to come to the front of each house to collect the waste. There are two problems noticeable here: they come at wrong times when corporate workers would have gone to work and refuse mount unnecessarily in peoples’ homes to the effect that scavengers (or so I think) now see an economy in what was once forbidden. I saw a woman down the street patronising

one lately. A plea to Lagos State Government and especially LAWMA, please kindly include Saturday mornings as one of your service days in Ebute-Metta. Remember a little leaven, leveneth the whole lump. A Mega Lagos our concern. KARIOLA MUSTAPHA, EBUTE-METTA, LAGOS

2015 Ogun Christian pilgrimage in retrospect Dear Editor, I will like to commend the Ogun State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board for the successful conduct of the December 2015 Jerusalem Pilgrimage for Christians in Ogun State. The exercise which had a total number of 179 pilgrims as participants was hitch- free. The state government put in place necessary infrastructure to ensure that the pilgrimage went on smoothly. It also ensured the inclusion of security personnel and health professionals on the pilgrimage. Worthy of mention is the professional way the Board conducted the processes involved. They were prompt, efficient and thorough in the discharge of their duties. Indeed the immense benefit of the pilgrimage is unquantifiable. Aside from the fact that it was an opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation and

rediscovery, it also afforded the pilgrims an opportunity to physically witness the places that they have read about in the Bible. I will like to implore the pilgrims not to forget the lessons learnt from the pilgrimage and they should let it reflect in their day-to-day conduct. TEMIDAYO AGIDA, EWANG ESTATE, ABEOKUTA.

Time to unbundle Nigeria Customs Service Dear Editor, The new measures to ensure transparency in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) took a new turn the other day as the Comptroller-General, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd) ordered officers of the agency to declare assets. This drive toward effective public service delivery in NCS is a welcome development as it is pivotal and underscores the seriousness of President Muhammadu Buhari’s on-going fight against corruption. Pivotal in the sense that it is nearing one decade since the Act establishing the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) came into force – a legislation that empowers CRFFN to regulate standards of training and certification for freight forwarding practice but cedes licensing to NCS. Today, the freight forwarding reform machinery still appears to be in need of a lot more than a new

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

spray of paint and, this development, experts have linked to unresolved jurisdictional issues between CRFFN and NCS. Since inception in 1958, NCS has over the years developed into a monopoly overseeing a complex network of businesses ancillary to her core function as regulator, manager, and collector of duties of custom and excise for Nigeria. Besides, the unique role of the ports as the gateway to the nation’s economy has further placed NCS at the hub of international supply chain of goods and services. Consequently, import, export, shipping, clearing, forwarding, haulage, and every other aspect of the business of shipping begin and end with NCS. Following the reform, the Federal Government enacted the CRFFN Act in 2007 to address one component of the system that is most visibly lagging behind world best practices – freight forwarding. Nigeria’s competitiveness in freight forwarding practice has continued to be in question as touts and miscreants make inroads into the industry. The case for training and certification is strong. The unbundling of NPA has impacted positively on the ports and by extension, the economy. Unbundling of NCS would add new impetus to the mandate of CRFFN to rid the ports of touts by enforcing training and certification as prerequisite for licensing and freight forwarding practice. CHIGOZIE CHIKERE, LAGOS.

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Execut ve How was your early life and educational background? I attended my primary school in Mushin, a place called St. Michaels. That’s where I grew up. May be I would say that we were the early ‘Area Boys’ then, but ‘areas boys’ with responsibility and dignity because we were very hardworking. The school was under the administration of Archbishop J.A. Hagae, the then Archbishop of Lagos. We were well brought up at St. Michaels. Thereafter, I attempted completing my secondary school education in Mushin but it didn’t work. Unfortunately, the war drums started. We relocated to the East and I had my secondary school at Mbaise. We had well committed teachers but the war caught up with us and we were away for three years and couldn’t write our school certificate exams. Consequently most of my classmates in Lagos finished before me. Eventually, war ended and in 197071, we had our school certificate. I went into senior seminary and was there briefly and came over to Lagos, where I worked briefly and then got admission to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1974, where I studied finance. I came out with a Second Class Upper division. I did my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, Ibadan. How did you journey through your career? Then, while I was in the university, there were already appointments waiting for me. I had appointments from the Nigerian Customs Service, the Navy, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Air Force among others. I had a problem choosing one. I worked a few weeks with the CBN and left. One day, I was invited for an interview at First Bank. When I got there, I started displaying those appointments that I had and they asked why I was doing that? I said sir, I’m just coming out the university fresh to explode in the banking industry with my theories, but I’m looking for the company that will pay me the most. And they asked, like how much? I told them that I’m well endowed and mentioned N12, 000 per annum, as at 1979. They screamed and said so you want to earn more than your managing director? And I said, sir, I’m bargaining with you, if you happen to give me that amount, and I earn more than MD does not make me the MD. I’m still doing my job and he is doing his own as the MD. I said may be, at that time, you didn’t bargain well with your employer. And they all laughed and said you can go. I came out and thought I have lost this job. But to my greatest surprise, two weeks later, I got a letter of appointment from First Bank Plc., where I had my first experience in the banking sector. I later left and joined the Broad Bank Plc., as their pioneer Regional Manager. From there, I went over to Progress Bank as a General Manager under Herbert Orji, who didn’t stay long. When he left, I went to US to get some people to help me restructure the place but Imo people wrote a petition against me saying that the bank they suffered to set up, I have gone to America to bring my friends to deprive them of their rights.

lCurrent position: MD/CEO, Six Regions Hotels Consultant

lPrevious position: Public Affairs Manager, Golden Tulip Hotels

lState of origin: Imo

lProfession: Hotel Administrator

I love egusi soup with eba - Okechukwu Unegbu Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Maxifund Investment and Securities Limited and was President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) from 2002 to 2004. The 2015 Gubernatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Unegbu speaks to CHIJIOKE IREMEKA on his childhood pranks and achievements So, some of the guys I brought in resigned and left and I followed suit. When you left; did you have any other job in mind? No, I went, thinking of what next to do, Alhaji A.O. Otiti, who was then Deputy Governor of the CBN saw me and asked me to start up a stock brokering firm. I told him that I don’t have money, but he said I shouldn’t worry about money that I should start it. Then, I couldn’t get the operation license. When I told him that it was difficult for me to get license, he said I should come and go to Abuja with him. He was the Director General of Security Exchange Commission for over 12 years. I went and bought ticket for the man not knowing that he had bought his own ticket. So, I took my staff and when we got there, he refused to sit down until they gave me the license. I came back to Lagos and I was shocked. I thought he was going to Abuja to do something different not knowing it was because of me. He warned me not to do anything bad. While I was doing this, I was appointed to restructure Citizens International Bank. So, I

was invited to CBN and was briefed on the new job. I called my wife to tell her about the development and she asked me to do it since I didn’t apply for it and they invited me. She maintained that it meant that they had confidence in me. Again, I called Otiti, who asked of my wife’s opinion and asked me to come and see him. He sat me down for one hour advising me on the new job. He prayed for me to succeed. Of course, I succeeded because I brought the bank to Spring Bank the rest is history. What’s your funniest experience as a child? There was this Baba carpenter, one elderly man that we used to know. Then, I used have some friends and usually, I do well academically, but other don’t. This Baba told us that he was going to give us medicine to clear our heads so that we will be passing exams. He told us that late Akintola was intelligent because his grand pa gave him the medicine that cleared his head. He said we will be more intelligent than Akintola. We bought into his trick and contributed money. In turn, he gave us black soap and demonstrated to us how to use it. At the end of the term, I passed and others failed. One of us got angry and went to him to collect back his money. Baba asked him how he used the soap after explaining, Baba told him that he (my friend) made mistake. Baba asked me whether I passed I told him yes and he asked how I used the soap? I demonstrated it and he said I got it even when I was saying what he didn’t tell us. He called others ‘ode’ (Yoruba for dunce). That was how we lost our money. This one of the things we did while growing up. I tell you, our growing up was sweet. Do you have any favourite meal? I really can’t say. I like any good African meal. I grew up in Yoruba land and I eat amala but in Igbo land, I like egusi soup with eba. African food is so fresh. I love eating fresh food. What are your hobbies? I like playing tennis a lot, photography and I like writing. Can you cook very well? Yes, I cook well. Of recent, my wife travelled and I had

to send somebody to the market to buy things we will cook. I prepared the food we ate until my wife came back. What domestic chores do you like undertaking? I like water running through my palms. My wife and I work. One day, we came back and she was tired and couldn’t do anything. I went into the kitchen and started washing dishes. One of my age mates came looking for me and I asked him to wait so that I could finish washing the dishes and he said, ‘you, washing plates for a woman and she is sitting here?’ I told if he could not wait for me to finish, he could leave and come back later. He couldn’t believe it. Outside there, he will say a graduate and lecturer of law, washing plates for his wife; this woman has finished him with medicine. I enjoy doing this. When I was serving (NYSC), I was the main cook. So, how did you meet your wife? Funny enough, I saw Rita before I went into the university but there was nothing happening. Then when she came to UNN, I started toasting her. I help her to do registration and when I spoke to her she said that her father warned her that she is coming here to study and told her too, that my father told me that I’m coming here to be stupid and that was how we started and eventually I proposed to her and she accepted. I left school for youth service; I thought I would never see her again because there was no phone to communicate then. But one day I ran into her and we connected again. You are married with how many children? My marriage with Rita is blessed with six male children. Rita retired as deputy registrar West African Examination Council (WAEC). My father didn’t have any girl too. Who were your parents? I’m from Ogbeahala, Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. My parents are late Mr. John and late Mrs. Monica Unegbu. They were good people. They didn’t beat or flog but their eyes alone will always tell you what you are supposed to do. That is why I said that to be good citizens; it has to start from the home. We are eight; I’m second to the last. How is like, having six boys at home? It’s good. Hahaha, it’s my wife that they harass but fortunately, they are all for her. They shower love on her because she is a nice woman. Women are very important, if you have a good one in your house. What type of perfume do you wear? No particular one. Anyone that my wife brings, I will wear. Do you like any sporting activity? Yes, I do my jogging and it keeps me going.

SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

Political malady hinders Nigeria’s greatness - Okiro

Chijioke Iremeka t was indeed, a funfilled evening at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos, as the Board, Management and Staff of Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited, held her maiden Achievers’ Award to honour the 13th indigenous Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro. The well attended occasion drew men and women from all walks of life to the event centre, including the top brass members of Nigeria Police Force (NPF), who stormed Lagos State and event centre for Okiro, out numbering civilian guests in such an occasion, where the celebrity comedian and compares, Seyi Law, thrilled the guests. Of course, the legendary Police Band was there, keeping the evening alive with soft melodious songs in different Nigerian languages. On the lighter note, Seyi Law, in his comic way, also bought a time from the band, which allowed him to minister a Yoruba juju song, while the guests watched him displayed. Again, with a heavy fanfare from the Police Band, the long awaited Awardee, the former IGP and current Chairman Police Service Commission, walked in with his entourage at about 5:16pm, dressed in agbada (native attire), while paparazzi (photographers) ‘feasting’ on him photographically. The occasion, which made the right kind of meals available for the guests and all, also featured an interview section on the stage, where group of journalists were given the opportunity to throw a number of questions at the Awardee, which begged for clarification. However, with the rendition of Nigerian National Anthem, the stage was set for the nation’s number one cop, the current Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, who described the Awardee as a thoroughbred, take centre stage saying Okiro has been a part of his professional evolution and he was eying his enviable records. Arase, who doubled as the chairman of the occasion, said the Awardee is a man with vast literary acumen, who has authored several books of different genre, including ‘Peace and the Nation,’ ‘Surviving the cities,’ ‘The Legal implications of the Mismanagement of Public Funds in Nigeria,” and ‘Overcoming Security challenges.’ Speaking of his former boss and senior colleague, he said, “Many may not

know that I served under him as Principal Staff Officer, during his tenure as IGP in the course of which, he moulded me and prepared me for the leadership of the Force, which fate has today, bestowed on me. From my long-drawn personal and professional association with Okiro, I can boldly sum up his personality as a ‘benevolent but tough cop.’ “Beyond these, even in his current capacity as the Chairman of PSC, Sir Okiro has demonstrated his passion for an efficient Police Force and has been displaying exceptional leadership skills in complementing the efforts of the leadership of the NPF in the drive towards restoring police primacy. “Aside being a well-deserved recognition of his track record as a leader per excellence, the Achievers’ Award is a clear testimony and deserved reward for the patriotism, trademark courage and intellectual excellence which Sir Okiro has consistently epitomised. The conferment of the Award is also a loud and clear statement on the enviable record of service, impeccable integrity and rich profile of Sir Okiro. “I feel proud to lead the entire Nigeria Police Family to join the New Telegraph Newspaper and indeed, Nigerians locally and in the Diaspora, to celebrate this icon christened, Sir Mike Okiro. The award goes beyond him. As one of our own, the pride is shared by all members of the Nigeria Police Family most of whom he mentored and most of whom see him as epitome of professionalism and leadership.” More so, Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief of Daily Telegraph Publishing Company, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, who described Okiro as a reference point, said the Achievers’ Awards was designed to celebrate consistency and long track record of contribution to different sectors of the economy, saying that the award was bestowed on Okiro for his contribution to the NPF, whose welfare initiatives in the Police Force will remain reference points in years to come. “The New Telegraph Achievers Awards is designed and birthed to remind us the positives about us. We are not a people without role models. Yes, we have rough edges and there are things we need to improve on immediately but we need to encourage one another and work on our national minds before negative thoughts take over. “Our first awardee, Sir. Mike Okiro chose to become

L-R: Sir Mike Okiro, Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase and Mr. Oyetunde Majekodunmi at the event

a policeman even when he had offers to be a lecturer, Assistant Secretary in the Rivers State Government, Features Editor of the Tide Newspaper and Graduate Assistant in the University of Port Harcourt. He rose through the ranks, gave a good account of himself and retired as the Number One cop.” As part of his achievements in the office, she said: “Sir Mike Okra was the IGP, who brought the AK 47 rifle into the Nigerian Police. He was the IGP that built a Mobile Police Training School in Ila-Orangun, Osun State and two Police Secondary Schools with boarding facilities in Katsina and Akwa Ibom states. He is one of the few Nigerians cleared by the ICPC after being accused and investigated of all a long list of sins that didn’t stick.” Also the Chairman of the Board of New Telegraph, Dr. Idi Farouk, said the award was just the beginning of the long list of what the company would do to

identify Nigerians of note, who have contributed to the development of the country. However, responding to the award conferred on him, the ex-Police IG, Okiro, commended the New Telegraph for coming up with the Achievers’ Award, which according to him, was a distinctive and worthwhile means of galvanising and motivating elite Nigerians to thrive for excellence. He said: “In 2010, General Godwin Abe, former Minister of Interior and later Defence, told me that one day, Nigerians will honour and celebrate me for what I did for them. That day is today (Friday). Our country has suffered due to dearth of institutional development, social cohesion and political malady, which stunted our march to greatness in spite of the awesome human and natural resources at our disposal. “The Achievers’ Award event is a unique way of celebrating high achievers and projects a sublime innovation. Such have the propen-

sity to push more Nigerians to add the needed impetus in their work, knowing that the society through the media would one day recognise and applaud their worthy and selfless deeds. “The management of the New Telegraph Newspapers deserves commendation, first for their professional ethical standard, which is legendary. This has earned the great respect from many discerning Nigerians for always avoiding sensationalising issues and going the extra mile to thoroughly investigate facts before going to press. I urge you to maintain the tempo, as it would continue to project you in good light and win you more admirers. “The organisers must be commended for coming up with this distinctive and worthwhile means of galvanising and motivating elite Nigerians to thrive for excellence.” Identifying with Okiro, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Udom Ekpoudom (rtd), who described

him as a rare gem, said apart from being a team player, as he made sure he carried everyone along, he was very fantastic operationally. Ekpoudom worked closely with Okiro, rising from the rank of Commissioner of Police to Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) and capping it all with a move into the DIG cadre before leaving the force. Also, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone Two, Bala Hassan, also commended Okiro for his visionary leadership. AIG Hassan, who supervises the Lagos and Ogun police axis, credited Okiro with the setting up of the Anti-Terrorism Squad and the proliferation of Police Mobile Squadrons. “Sir Mike Okiro has done quite a lot for the police. He created the Anti-Terrorism Squad and increased the number of police mobile squadrons. He also founded the Anti-Terrorism School. This same leader boosted the population of the special branches,” he added.

2015: Investors moved N2.2trn from Nigerian economy

he confidence to invest and make profit in Nigeria has dropped drastically over the last year, with investors withdrawing over N2.2 trillion from the economy in 2015. According to statistics from Nigeria’s Data Bureau (NBS), as quoted by Quartz Africa, investor confidence in Nigeria rose significantly between 2010 and 2013, only to take a little dive in 2014, and a drastic drop in 2015. When Goodluck Jonathan was announced acting president of the country in 2010, following the illness and subsequent death of

Umaru Yar’Adua, investing interest in Nigeria rose by N1.17 trillion. In Jonathan’s second year, and after a “successful” presidential election, investing interest rose by N396 billion to an approximate N1.6trn. By 2013, investing interest in Nigeria had risen by N2.65trn to N4.22trn. In 2014, towards the build-up of the 2015 general elections, which predicted endless doom for Nigeria, some investors withdrew their monies from the Nigerian economy, leading to a drop from N4.22trn to N4.1trn. In 2015, however, there

was a drastic withdrawal of investing interest in Nigeria, and according to NBS, investing interest declined by N2.2trn in 2015. Some investors blamed it on the uncertainties that surrounded the 2015 elections, while many others blamed it on the lack of policy direction in the first five months of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Data from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) show that investors were voting their monies out of the economy prior to the election, but immediately after the relatively free and

fair poll, they brought the monies back. Then, three months before the election, NSE lost 8.40 per cent of its worth, only to regain 8.30 per cent in a single day after the election. By March 31, 2015 – while the election results were being collated – the NSE market capitalisation was at N10.718trn, but it rose to N11.62trn after Buhari’s victory. The bullish phenomenon was called ‘Bullhari.’ As at December 31, 2015, the market capitalisation was down from N11.62trn in April to N9.85trn, according to TheCable

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

Sen. Yusuf

The Sunday Interview

Buhari’s foreign trips justified p.17

If I were President Buhari… p.38

Why we defy govt orders –Shiites p.18, 19

Politics Onyekachi Eze Abuja

he controversy over the adoption of former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was simply a dress rehearsal of what would play out at the party’s forthcoming National Convention. Sheriff scored 60 votes out of 71 National Executive Committee (NEC) members present to emerge as replacement of Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu who resigned as PDP National Chairman in May last year. The appointment was in accordance with Section 47 (6) of the PDP Constitution, which empowers NEC to fill a vacant position with a person from the zone where the officer comes from. Sheriff’s emergence had faced stiff opposition from party stakeholders. Those who opposed him said his emergence did not comply with the PDP Constitution. The Board of Trustees (BoT), which is conscience of the party, said “Senator Ali Modu Sheriff is not suitable to be the National Chairman of the party for now,” while the PDP Former Ministers’ Forum said its rejection of former Borno State governor as National Chairman was due to “the illegitimacy that brought him into power. “We felt that the process deployed to appoint National Chairman was flawed. In the first instance the person who presided over the meeting was barred by court injunction and to the best of our knowledge that injunction has not been lifted,” it said. Besides, one of the former Ministers, Femi Fani-Kayode, in an article titled: “Who is bewitching PDP,” has expressed his vehement opposition to the emergence of Sheriff. He said: “Modu-Sheriff is … the erstwhile godfather and sponsor of Governor Shettima Ali, the present APC Governor of Borno State (until they fell out), he is a man that has a very deep and profound relationship and association with Idris Deby, the President of Chad and he is a man whose son is married to the daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari. “Yet it is not his connection with Chad that gives me cause for concern. Rather it is his role in the establishment of Boko Haram. The truth is that appointing him as our Acting National Chairman is like appointing Jack the Ripper as the leader of the Conservative Party in Victorian England. “Kudos must go to the elders in the PDP Board of Trustees, a number of State Party Chairmen and a number of key individuals in the PDP Ministers Forum for taking a courageous and noble stand by rejecting and resisting the imposition of this abominable monstrosity,” he said. This allegation, which portrayed Sheriff a as baggage to the PDP because of his alleged link with Boko Haram, is one the chairman found unacceptable. Sheriff has since promised to teach Fani-Kayode a lesson for making negative imputations on his name. Supporters of Sherrif also said that since no established criminal case in that regard has been put against the party chairman, this allegation falls in the realm of conjecture, because even a member of the APC who has a pending case of link with Boko Haram is today a sitting senator at the National Assembly. Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, former Political Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, had obtained a judgment from an Abuja

Biyi Adegoroye Assistant Editor biyi.fire@yahoo.com © Daily Telegraph Publishing

Company Limited

PDP and truce that saved Sheriff’s neck

Sheriff

High Court against Prince Uche Secondus who was then the PDP Acting National Chairman. Secondus and the party appealed against this judgment. PDP lawyer, Emeka Etiaba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said in a statement that the appeal is to set aside the ruling of the court for lack of jurisdiction. “Contrary to the insinuations made to the effect that no Stay of Execution is pending at the Court of Appeal, the Court of Appeal on Monday, February 2, 2016 will hear the Application for Stay of Execution in Motion No. CA/A/24/MI/2016. This Motion came up on February 2, 2016 whereupon the court ordered parties to file written addresses. “I seize this opportunity to debunk the lie that the Judgment of the lower Court by any stretch of imagination declared Alhaji Ali Gulak the National Chairman of the party. The Court only ordered that a member of the party from the North East including Alhaji Gulak be appointed National Chairman to complete the tenure of former National Chairman, Alhaji Muazu who resigned. This appointment was to be made by the party’s NEC and NEC went ahead to elect Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and not Alhaji Gulak. “On the argument that Chief Uche Secondus, who as the Deputy National Chairman cannot preside over the NEC meeting that elected Senator Ali Modu Sheriff by virtue of the Judgment of the FCT High Court, I state that it is an issue only a Court of competent jurisdiction can resolve and we await Alhaji Gulak Court processes,” Etiaba stated. Sheriff joined the PDP from the All Progressives Congress (APC) towards the end of 2014. The PDP constitution gives a minimum of two years membership for any new member to aspire for an elective position unless granted a waiver. The new National Chairman said he was given such privilege, which enabled him contest the Borno Central senatorial election on PDP platform in 2015. Though he lost the election but he was not disqualified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Professor Adewale Oladipo, PDP National Secretary confirmed that he signed sheriff’s waiver letter as directed by the former National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu. Apart from the BoT and PDP Former Ministers’ Forum, other organs of the party, which rejected the former Borno State governor as National Chairman, were the National Assembly Causus as well as

Mimiko

zonal and state chairmen of the party. On the other hand, Sheriff enjoyed the support of the Governors’ Forum. Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State who is one of the governors fronting the former Borno State as PDP National Chairman said he “supported the processes that led to the emergence of Ali Modu Sheriff because I believe in him and for those who may be aggrieved for one reason or the other; I plead that they should sheath their sword in the overall interest of our party. “Most importantly, the reality that we must all face is that we are in a peculiar situation and such a situation deserves a peculiar approach. “What the party leaders have done, therefore, is to tackle the present situation in our party with the most appropriate solution and we must all stand by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, who is our present solution to our present situation. “The All Progressives Congress (APC) knows Senator Ali Modu Sheriff’s capacity in terms of political network, being a three-term senator and two-term governor, and must be afraid that with such a person as the PDP Chairman, their regime of lies will be over soon.” His Rivers State counterpart, Governor Nyesom Wike is also a staunch supporter of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff. Sheriff’s emergence was therefore a clash of interest between the governors and other interest groups in PDP. In the run up to the PDP National Chairmanship, Senator Girigiri Lawan (National Vice Chairman, South-East, Ambassador Wilberforce Juta (a BoT member), Mohammed Abba Gana (former minister), Senator Sidi Kumo (former minister), Shehu Gaban, Mohammed Wakil (also former minister) and Modu Sheriff (former governor and former senator) were contenders to the position. The appointment of the chairmanship position was a test of might by the various interest groups. The NWC members wanted Senator Girigiri Lawan who, as a member of party leadership, would protect their interest; while the former ministers preferred Mohammed Wakil or any of their members. Tanimu Turaki, at the opening of PDP Former Ministers’ Forum in Abuja on Tuesday, said, “We feel more than ever that this assembly have everything it takes in this hall to become the party’s chairman.” This underscored the reason behind the convening of the meeting. The meeting, which later went into a prolonged closed door session, CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

t w s e c f

s e u o e y g s t f r ” , f u , e r n

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

politics James Eze

or the Igbo resident in Lagos, Friday, February 19, 2016 will remain memorable for quite some time; not so much for what it was but for the hope it represents. As they trickled into the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre to share an evening with Chief Willie Obiano, the Governor of Anambra State, it is doubtful whether most of the members of the Aka Ikenga, League of Anambra Professionals (LAP), Ndigbo Lagos and other Igbo groups who came colourfully dressed knew what to expect. It was a special evening, made more so by Obiano’s two-year account of stewardship which he came to share. But Obiano did not waste time in setting the agenda. With his eyes firmly set on the crescendo, he began by pointing out that the event was a home-coming of sorts to him. “. I bagged both my first and second degrees from the University of Lagos and for over twenty five years, I lived among you here; pursuing my career from the oil and gas sector to banking. Over the years, I made friends here; evolved into a man here, got married and ended my career on a glorious note here. And when I answered the call to serve our beloved State as governor, I got the highest support, encouragement and prayers from you people here.” After establishing his rootedness in the Lagos community, Obiano made a bold admission of his own humanity with an appeal for forgiveness by so many friends and well-wishers who “felt neglected or disrespected by their inability to reach me since I took on the full weight of my office.” Quoting Archbishop Desmond Tutu that “forgiveness says you are given a chance to make a new beginning,” the governor expressed his sincerest regrets and pleaded for a chance to make things right with anyone who felt done in by the bureaucracy of his office. It was a classic mea culpa that is rare among Nigerian leaders. But it proved very effective for its purpose, soothing frayed nerves and setting the stage for a very lively evening. Before he plunged into the full range of his two-year Account of Stewardship, Obiano showed enough presence of mind to recall a cardinal vow from his inaugural address. Modulating his voice to meet the occasion, he quoted the passage that “the time has come to prove to ourselves that the entrepreneurial spirit for which our people are known all over the world can take firm roots at home; that together as one, we can be masters of our own house!” He also recalled that he had assured the people that “under my administration, we have no choice than to decide whether we are truly the sons and daughters of our fathers and true heirs to their long history of pioneering excellence!” He therefore submitted that his achievements in the past 23 months had sufficiently “answered the question of whose children we are.” From this premise, the governor launched out a detailed account of his achievements that covered his economic blueprint known as the Four Pillars of Development with its thirteen Enablers. He deliberately spiced up his account with verbal queues that were carefully laced with Igbo language to elicit reactions from the audience and sustain interest in his narration. His effort drew intermittent applause that bloomed to a crescendo when in conclusion he appealed to Ndi Anambra from across the world to lend a hand in building the state. Pointing out that Anambra had become the safest state in Nigeria, Governor Obiano declared that “the future is looking brighter and brighter but with your assistance and belief in the government of Anambra State, we can take possession of our tomorrow from today.” The applause that followed reverberated in the huge hall and set the stage for the documentary that offered a graphic account of his stewardship, aptly titled, “Two Years of Excellence.” The documentary is the Obiano

When Ndigbo celebrated Obiano in Lagos

Governor Willie Obiano (2nd left), wife, Ebelechukwu, (3rd left), Chief Anyaoku (right) and other dignitaries at the event

story, told from multi-perspectives including his commissioners, key industrialists, farmers, helicopter pilots down to ordinary citizens who bore witness to the change that the governor had wrought in the state in two years. It was the documentary that tellingly drove home the fact of Obiano’s high achievements and erased all doubts about his administrative competence. Consequently, when the documentary ended, what was originally designed as a Question and Answer session to enable the governor get a first-hand feedback from the people became a one-sided flow of praises and encomiums for him. The feedback was understandably much but the most remarkable came from the former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku. For one who is not known to make easy comments on Nigerian leaders, Anyaoku’s comment on the night was possibly the greatest endorsement Governor Obiano has received from Anambra’s numerous distinguished citizens. Said he: “Whenever I visit home, I see

evidence of Governor Willie Obiano’s activities. Driving from Enugu to Onitsha and Obosi, the evidence stares me in the face. In my last trip I was passing through Awka and there was Chief Obiano commissioning one of the bridges. And this evening, what we have all seen struck me deep because what we have all seen in the documentary confirms my view that in Governor Obiano we have a governor with a vision for the state and much more important than that; with a strategy. And as was said earlier, I would say jidekwa k ‘iji! I suspect that when you say to somebody that he should hold on to what he or she is doing, it means that he or she is doing very well. So I say jidekwa k’iji. And finally, on behalf of the aging group that I represent here, I want to thank you, Your Excellency for the excellent work you are doing in our state and indeed when I go to other states you have given me the reason not only to be proud but also to boast.” As would be expected, Anyaoku’s vote

of confidence drew a very loud applause. But Anyaoku was not alone. Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah, the Chairman of Capital Oil and proprietor of Premiership Club, Ifeanyi Ubah FC who also ran against Obiano in the last gubernatorial race was full of praises for him. Thanking the governor for an excellent performance, Mr. Ubah declared – “Tonight, we have all seen from the documentary that we watched, why Governor Obiano is The Sun Governor of the Year. I contested the gubernatorial seat with him and it was a keen contest. But what we want is the progress of Anambra State. I am not a sycophant. I have seen that Governor Obiano is not a greedy governor. He is a contented man. Contentment is the key word. Let’s move the state forward. Following the same line of appraisal, famous Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie wondered whether there would still be some work left for Obiano’s successor to do after he had served two terms in office if he maintained the same work rate throughout his years.

PDP and truce that saved Sheriff C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5

however, failed to reach a consensus on who to present as Senator Sheriff’s replacement. In a communiqué after the meeting “the forum calls for the conduct of congress at all levels of the party leading to the national convention to be held on March 28, 2016 so as to return power to the people.” Though Ambassador Juta is a BoT member, there is no expression that the board, in opposing Sheriff’s adoption, wanted any of its members to occupy the position. After its meeting last Thursday, the board noted that as the conscience of the party, the BoT has “the moral capital to re-invent the party due to its unity of purpose and internal cohesion.” The BoT, which later reversed its earlier decision not to support Sheriff’s adoption, in a communiqué signed by former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, disclosed that this was informed by “its desire to ensure the unity, cohesion and future successes of the party.” The governors’ forum has for long been the dominant group. It has always decided who becomes the party’s presidential candidate and the National Chairman.

And now that PDP has lost the presidency, the funding of the party is expected to come from them. And by stroke of fate, PDP has secured oil producing states to the chagrin of the APC. The Governors’ Forum, though not a constitutionally recognised organ of the PDP, had been playing a key role in the affairs of the party even when PDP was in government. It is not likely that any other group is going to displace them. When PDP was in government, the interests of the pressure groups were galvanised, and any group that lost out was compensated with federal appointment. And now that the party no longer controls the affairs of the country, the various interest groups will have fight for their own interests. The controversy over Sheriff’s appointment has been laid to rest thereby saving the neck of the former governor, observers believe the action was taken in the general interest of the party. A prominent party leader said: “This is a bad time for the PDP to have leadership problem, rather, it is a time to ensure internal harmony and cooperation. It is a time when the overall party interest should be above per-

sonal aggrandizement.” “As a party in opposition whose prominent members are having cases in court, it is a wrong time to go to war with a divided house. Hence, the party has to unite behind Sheriff at least for now, in the overall interest of the party” he said. This peace of the grave yard immaterial, the contending groups will likely return to the battle field in the forthcoming National Convention. Going by the statement of the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, a new National Chairman of the party will emerge in May this year. That is the time frame given to Senator Sheriff and the National Working Committee (NWC) to conduct and elect new leadership of the party at all levels. The Governors’ Forum, the National Assembly Caucus and the newly formed PDP Former Ministers’ Forum, will like to determine who emerges national leadership of the party. Who wins at the end will depend on the amount of resources deployed and the contacts made. Indeed, politics is an aggregation of interests.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

politics The nation’s economy is currently witnessing a worrisome nosedive. What do you think is the way out of this quagmire? To be frank, the economy has not been doing well for quite a long time, and this is a fact we must accept. The simple reason is that we have not gotten the fundamentals of running the economy right. What are these fundamentals? You cannot rely on one product to sustain the economy; the product that is not dependent on the internal forces or external forces. Nigeria has no control over the external forces in determining the revenue from the only product that we mainly export, which is crude oil. Now having said that, this budget is trying to shift emphasis from oil to the other sectors like economy, agriculture, solid mineral, tourism, etc. That is what this budget of change is trying to achieve. Successive governments have been talking about increasing tariffs on luxury products. How can this government achieve this without hurting the common man? Luxury is not for the common man; it is for the rich few in this country, and the only way to curtail them is by increasing surcharges and duties on them, to make them very expensive, so that only those who can afford should pay for them. I am not saying people should not enjoy their luxury items, but not at the detriment of the common man. So, let them pay for the luxury items. For example, we have luxury vehicles imported into this country, and these luxurious vehicles are virtually sold cheap; cheap in the sense that a vehicle of N20 million is likely a primary hospital being built with N20 million. So, one person is riding a vehicle which ought to have given us a hospital. And if we go by that argument, you can see the quantity of luxurious vehicles that are imported into this country. Do we need them? We don’t even want them. But if somebody says he has the money and he wants it, let us double the price. If somebody says he wants to enjoy a luxury of N20 million, let him pay N40 million for the vehicle; and let’s see if they can continue to do that. I think if we can price our luxury very well, then we will be able to have a shift of resources from the rich to the common man; and that is what we really want to do in this country. With the focus of the current administration on agriculture, solid minerals and other nonoil resources, how soon do you see Nigeria getting out of this problem? It is not going to be immediate; it has to be a period of three to five years for us to have an effective move from crude oil to agriculture. All these things are a function of us raising a formidable savings for us to create a long term funding in our banking system because our banks are only lending forward for five years maximum; three years, two years but they don’t have funds that are long term in nature. So, we have to build a solid source of supply for long term fund. For example, why can’t we talk about life insurance policies in this country? A life insurance policy all over the world is a source of long term funding. That is why everywhere in the world insurance companies own banks. In Nigeria, it is the other way round until Lamido Sanusi came in; because they are not long term funds. How many of us pay even our third party insurance policies? How many of us pay the comprehensive insurance policies? Let us imbibe the culture of having long term funding by putting products in the insurance companies that will give us long term funding, for our banking system to benefit from. Once we have those, then the banks can lend, loan like agriculture, they give loan to finance solid minerals and they will also have a very reasonable rates instead of this exorbitant interest rate. Another way to look at it, in running the economy is that taxation becomes a very fundamental instrument. Let’s tax luxury items. Property insurance, very few people look into it. I don’t know whether the National Assembly complex is insured because these are areas we have to build solid form of long term fund for us to invest. About N5 trillion pension fund is lying idle according to the Minister of Power. Why can’t

Buhari’s foreign trips justified –Sen. Yusuf Senator Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf, Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, in this interview with CHUKWU DAVID, speaks on the economy, corruption in the country and President Muhammadu Buhari’s foreign trips It is the Vice-President that is the head of the economy, and not Mr. President. So, he is leaving him to head the economy and take good grasp of the economy. Again, the President cannot send the Vice-President to go and meet the President of another country; it is the President that should meet another President. If the President continues to globe-trot as he is currently doing, when will he sit down to tackle the problems in the country? Certainly, am sure that it is not going to be too long before he settles down. You remember Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s first term? That was precisely what has happened too. This man is coming at a time when Nigeria is having all these challenges, and then he has to renew his relationship with other heads of government of various countries in the world. Therefore, am sure that very soon he will settle down and then we can move ahead with the running of the government of Nigeria.

Yusuf

we use it because it is a source of long term funding but because of trust people think that pension fund should not be used in problematic areas? But with this kind of administration that we have under President Muhammadu Buhari, I think we can trust the government in being able to put in this long term funding to develop and finance long term projects. And with that we gradually shift; even the private sector will enjoy borrowing from banks long term and at cheap interest rate. Since the Senate ordered for a reversal in the recent increment on electricity tariff, the relevant companies appear to have reduced supply, just to suffer Nigerians and perhaps force them to accept the rate. What is your take on this? It is really a very pathetic situation in the sense that pricing of electricity has been an issue in this country for a long time. If you don’t price it right, how do you get entrepreneurs to come and invest? That is in one side; on the other side is that there has been inefficient form of financing electricity in this country. People do some random studies and then come and impose electricity tariff on people. We should have a better study to find out what price is efficient for electricity in this country. Secondly, people are not paying for electricity in this country. The distribution companies are owed billions of Naira by consumers: military, police and other branches of the armed forces, owe so much money. They are not paying. How do you expect entrepreneurs to put in their money to survive to give us stable electricity? I am not saying that is a justification for frequent of increase electricity tariff; the laws say that they should negotiate with stakeholders. Let them negotiate and then agree. What I don’t like is the unilateral increase in tariffs. If they sit down with stakeholders and then negotiate and find a better price, that will be wonderful and we will move from there.

Nigerians are worried about the frequent foreign trips of President Muhammadu Buhari. What is your take on this? In my opinion, I don’t think the trips are too much. We have too many contending problems in this country. Sometimes I wonder how the man will even sleeps; I do think if I were the leader of this country, how am I going to wake up tomorrow? What am I going to tell Nigerians? Every issue in this country is contending with the other. It is not an easy thing to fight corruption. And then our monies are stocked outside this country by those who stole them. And you must extend hand of fellowship to all the countries or to some heads of states or leaders of their countries who can help you retrieve these monies. Then our oil price is going down, and it is the only product that we have. We are a member of OPEC; Saudi Arabia is a strong member of OPEC. So, I think that by the time you extend a hand of fellowship to very many countries, you will have a better way of actually running your economy. Another issue as I have always said, I don’t know how much you can remember, many years back when Nigeria fought to bring down of apartheid in South Africa; Nigeria played major role. Now, between apartheid and corruption, which one is worse? Certainly, you will agree with me that corruption is worse than apartheid. So, we need an international community’s intervention in how we fight corruption in this country. Therefore, I think it is better the President goes outside the country to have a grasp of the international community to assist in how we fight corruption in this country. So, his trips are not too many. Some people are saying that he should delegate the Vice-President to attend to these issues while he stays back to attend to the worrisome domestic problems facing the country. What is your take on this? I agree, who is the head of the economy?

It has been established that President Buhari has traveled to 43 countries in nine months. Are you not worried that he is virtually running the country by proxy? Remember, in the trips of Obasanjo, he was able to help us get waiver of the foreign loans from $32 billion down to about $12 billion. So, the trips paid off. If he had not done those trips we wouldn’t have gotten the waiver. Now, we are anticipating that with President Muhammadu Buhari making these trips, we might get grasp of fighting corruption and good way of recovering all the monies that are stocked outside this country. We are going to get help in terms of security; you know we have a lot of insecurity in the country today. So, we need international partners to come and help us to finance the fight against insecurity in this country. We also have problem of shortage of infrastructure in this country. We need Mambila Hydro power. This is the only place in this country where we can generate 3000 mega watts of electricity. Do you know how much they require to fund it? Maybe some $4 billion to $5 billion. Where will the money come from? So, we need some international partners who will look into this. We agree with them and they come and give us the needed assistance. President Buhari’s foreign trips may have surpassed Obasanjo’s in number but not in number of days. If you calculate the number of days Obasanjo spent outside during his time, and the number of days that Muhammadu Buhari spent outside the country you will find that that of Buhari is lower. But on a serious note, we need international community to help u. I was reading the other day that about 100 pilots Kano State Government sponsored their training abroad are now back; they are all commercial pilots, but they have nowhere to work. They deployed them to go and teach in secondary schools. Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso did his best. We need pilots in this country and he sponsored 100 people to go and read how to fly. They came back but no job. Today, no airline employs commercial pilots unless if he is rated. Hitherto, it was the responsibility of the airlines to employ and then send them for rating. Now they are saying no, tell me your rating. Even those that are rated have no job. So, we need the assistance and understanding of the international community.

politics

The Sunday Interview

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Why we are defiant of Malam Ibrahim Musa has been the Editor of Almizan newspaper, a Kaduna-based Islamic publication, for close to 20 years before becoming the spokesman of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, after the clash between soldiers and Shiites last December which led to loss of lives. In this interview with IBRAHEEM MUSA, he articulates why Shiites will not appear before the Commission of Inquiry which was set up by Kaduna State Government to find out the remote and immediate causes of the clash which occurred in Zaria

The commission of inquiry which Kaduna State government set up to probe the clash between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria and soldiers, which led to loss of lives in December, has commenced sitting last Monday. Why did your group boycott the sitting and by so doing lose the opportunity to tell the world your own side of the story? The Islamic movement believes the commission looks more like an “Indictment Commission” rather than an “Inquiry Commission,” because of the following indisputable facts: First and foremost, some members of the commission have vested interests against the Movement in particular and the Shi’a in general. Thus, by law, they should be automatically disqualified from participating or serving in the commission. Secondly, Kaduna State Government has demonstrated bias and made pre-mediated conclusions against the Movement. Thirdly, the Nigerian Army, which is ably represented in the commission too, has vested interests in seeing that the truth of what they did doesn’t come out, given the grievous allegations of massacre, illegal detention, rape, arson and wilful destruction of properties being levelled against it. Above all, the Movement is not represented in the membership of the commission. The composition of the commission has no local or international human and humanitarian rights groups. But Dr Jibrin Ibrahim, an activist of international repute is on the commission, so is Mrs Khadijah Gambo, a gender activist. In addition, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, an Under Secretary of the United Nations is also a member of the commission. Don’t these personalities represent the ‘’local and international human and humanitarian groups’’ that you refer to? No, they don’t because we expect the presence of prominent local and international human right bodies like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch on the commission. We would also like to see the presence of Nigerian human rights organisations like Access to Justice and MURIC. These are bodies that are known to have fought various governments on human rights violations. They are more credible because of their antecedents. Whatever your grouse with the commission, don’t you think that it should have been proper to appear before it and table them? Or better still, why don’t you go to court to challenge the composition of the commission instead of boycotting it? The issue at stake is that the fairness, independence and impartiality of the commission as required by Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are in doubt. The rule of natural justice require, inter alia, that where likelihood of bias can reasonably be inferred or discovered, whether directly or indirectly, from the surrounding circumstances, then fair hearing is not observed. This is because justice should not only be done but must be manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to have been done. As for going to court, we are still consulting with our solicitors on the matter, especially regarding who we are going to drag before the courts, and also which court we will be taking them to. We are even contemplating going to the International Court of Justice in Hague. Did the Islamic Movement of Nigeria send any memorandum to the commission, even though you have decided not to appear before it? We haven’t sent any memorandum, because we have been denied even access to our leader, Sheikh Zakzaky. The commission sent a letter to us on February 2, 2016 urging us to submit memorandum to it. Our solicitors, comprising the learned Femi Falana (SAN) and Barrister Festus Okoye, wrote to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, requesting to meet Sheikh Zakzaky. He, however, directed them to the headquarters of DSS. They went there and after all formalities, they were turned back. We are of the firm view that our team of lawyers must see

Musa

the Sheikh and get instructions and proper briefings from him before the period for the submission of memorandum elapses. This is in view of the fact that Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky is the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria. He is also the spokesperson of the Movement as well as the custodian of its properties and documents. It’s curious that your legal counsels are both Christians. Do you think they will understand the nuances of the case, seeing that they are not Muslims? The two legal luminaries I mentioned are not the only lawyers that are representing our organisation; they are just the leading counsels. We do have Muslim lawyers in the team. I can give you the name of Barrister Husain Ibrahim. In any case, the atrocity committed by the Army in Zaria is not a religious problem, it is just a case of the Army proving to citizens that it is above the law. There is no law in Nigeria that says if the Chief of Army Staff is stopped on a highway as they claim, which we dispute, soldiers can fire on civilians for two days, killing over a thousand. The judicial commission is not going to probe whether our activities are in line with the Islamic law; so there is no need hire a Sheikh to defend us. To us, Christians are our brothers in humanity and also our neighbours in the country, so why shouldn’t we hire them to defend us? Apart from Barrister Ibrahim which you mentioned, are there other Muslims on your legal team? Or did you approach some Muslim lawyers who turned down your

briefs? From your question, probably you don’t even think that there are lawyers among us. Far from it. There are many lawyers who are active members of the Islamic movement. We are ordinary followers of Islam. We are not different from any Muslim in pursuing his day to day means of livelihood. We are engaged in various professions. We are not a sect or a closed group that abhors this and that. We only abhor that which Islam forbids. And what Islam forbids is known to everybody. So, unlike Boko Haram, your group is not against Western education? The Islamic Movement has never been against Western education since its inception about 40 years ago. Look, our leader is a graduate of ABU Zaria. Sheikh Turi, who was shot during the carnage in Zaria and still his corpse has not been handed over to us is a graduate of University of Maiduguri and the International Islamic University in Sudan. Dr. Mustapha Sa’id is a medical doctor, who has been missing since the military attack on Sheikh Zakzaky’s residence. Within the movement, there are university lecturers, engineers, Doctors, Islamic ulama, businessmen, who are all excelling in their chosen endeavours. Moreover the Islamic Movement and Boko Haram are poles apart. First and foremost, we are not a product of Western security agencies. Boko Haram and ISIS are all products of the war against Islam which is being waged

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

The Sunday Interview

govt orders –Shiites globally. And the Islamic Movement is not. In terms of faith, we follow the teachings of the household of the prophet, who are termed Shia, who believe in the totality that there is no compulsion in religion. But the Boko Haram are followers of what they call Sunna. So, we are completely different in all facets of organisational approach and methodology. Also the Islamic Movement is the only religious group that is independent of any government subvention. That is why we can tell those in power the truth, for they don’t pay us, let alone dictate the tune for us. But we know of some Islamic religious organisations that have taken from the largesse dished out by Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd) from the arms-gate controversy of late. What evidence do you have that the chairman and some of the members are biased against your group as it was widely reported? Point of correction, the Chairman of the Commission is not being accused of bias against us. Rather, there are three members that we have enough evidences that they are not only biased against the Islamic Movement, but they even wish its members dead. In fact, the military attack on the Movement in Zaria was what they have been advocating for decades in their speeches and writings. Those that we are against their being in the commission are Professor Umar Labdo, Professor Salihu Shehu and Malam Salihu Abubakar. From the writings of these people, they can best be described as a bunch of religious bigots, who are calling for the killings of Shia Muslims and Christians in Nigeria. Visit the Facebook page of Prof Umar Labdo, you will see who he really is. So, what business do they have with the commission? You also disagreed with the decision of Kaduna State government to set up the inquiry because, as you had argued, it is also a party to the crisis. The Federal Government which you prefer to set up the commission is also linked to the crisis because the Army is one of its establishments. Why do you prefer the Federal Government to Kaduna state government? It is not that we prefer the Federal Government setting up a commission of inquiry to the state government’s. Our demand is for the establishment of an impartial Judicial Commission comprising representatives of human right groups, but not people who are known enemies of the Islamic Movement. How can you explain the fact that other parties involved in the crisis have representatives on the commission but the Islamic Movement has none? The Army, Police, Kaduna State and the Federal Government are fully represented, but not even a sympathiser of the Islamic Movement is on the commission.

they endorsed the action of the soldiers. According to them, the arrest of Zakzaky has liberated them from bondage. Is it correct to say that your group was harassing the residents? It is not correct that Sheikh Zakzaky and members of the Islamic Movement have been harassing their neighbours. If it is true, the Sheikh will not have stayed there for over 15 years. Not only that, those that are complaining were paid to say what they said against the Sheikh. But if they care to go back to 2011, it was the Sheikh that prevented the sectarian fight that erupted after the elections from reaching Gyellesu. Many Christians sought refuge there. Ask the Christian community in Zaria, they can testify further on this. And it was the Sheikh that stopped the infighting amongst the gangsters. He brokered truce between them, touching on the Islamic spirit of brotherhood. That singular act made Gyellesu almost crime free. Not long after his absence, following the Sheikh’s arrest, the neighbourhood is now returning to its former self – a den of criminals. But it was alleged that your sect had mounted road blocks all over Gyellesu and whenever the Sheikh drives around Zaria, his convoy disrupted the free flow of traffic. How true is this allegation? The allegation is false. It is true the Sheikh has a convoy, but it is not like the governor’s convoy or that of the Minister. Look, Sheikh Zakzaky has millions of followers, which means he also has many enemies, that necessitate his moving in convoy in case of any eventuality. But the convoy never prevented others from using the road. In fact, we have our own trained traffic controllers, who used to assist in having a smooth flow of the traffic. As for road block leading to his house in Gyellesu, it was mounted after the Army killed his three sons. And immediately after the election, which saw the downfall of Goodluck Jonathan’s government, the roadblock was removed. They were mounted there as a precaution against any evil plot against the Sheikh by the government and its agents.

Who are the representatives of the Police, the Army and Federal Government on the Commission like you alleged? You know the commission has 13 members or 14. I think I don’t need to mention their names and resumes, because Governor Nasir El-Rufai has done so already. But among them are retired officers of the police, the Army and the Federal Government agencies. Although officially no one said that they are representing those bodies, but an adage says “once an officer always an officer.” The people of Gyellesu where Shiekh Ibraheem El Zakzaky lived in Zaria, had addressed a press conference where

Musa

Kaduna State government has warned against public processions but your group seems to be defying that order. Last Sunday, your people held one of such processions at Mararraban Jos. Why is the Islamic Movement still holding such processions, seeing that it resulted to killings the last time it was done at Tudun Wada area of Kaduna? We are just exercising our constitutional right of assembly and protest. We have been wronged as a community, and we have the right to express our dismay peacefully. This, we have been doing all over the major cities in the North. And they have been peaceful until when we were attacked by the security agents as it happened in Kaduna on the December 15, 2015, where 14 people were gunned down by the police. We will continue to protest peacefully, this is our right, and nobody can deny us that. As a top member of the Islamic Movement, have you met with Zakzaky since he was arrested? I’m not a top member of the Islamic Movement; I’m rather an ordinary follower of Sheikh Zakzaky. Having said that, it is unfortunate that our solicitors have not met him even as I’m talking to you. Also, none of his followers has set eyes on him. We are worried over this. We will keep on calling well meaning Nigerians to intervene in this matter. How serious are his injuries, it was reported that he was taken outside the country for medical treatment. Which country was he taken to? It was a three man committee of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) that saw the Sheikh sometime early January, but since then, nobody has seen him again. According to Professor Dahiru Yahya who saw him, the Sheikh sustained six bullet wounds, and he is recuperating well. But imagine yourself being shot six times, how will you fare? With the death of Muhammad Turi and

politics

the incarceration of Zakzaky, who is the new helmsman of the Movement? Our leader is still Sheikh Zakzaky, so there is no new helmsman. The Islamic Movement is well organised according to the teachings of Islam, therefore there is no problem of leadership. Is it true that members of the movement are being harassed by security agents and that you have gone underground in order to avoid being arrested? So far there has not been further arrest of members of the movement apart from those that were arrest during those three days of orgy of violence unleashed by the army. Nobody has gone underground, because we are just like any other Muslim; we are going about our day to day activities. No any member of the Islamic Movement has committed any offence for him to be arrested. What does the Islamic Movement really want? Does it want to enthrone an Islamic state in Nigeria? Or it wants to be allowed to practise Islam the way it perceives it? The Islamic Movement stands for justice, peaceful coexistence and development not only in Nigeria, but the world over. Every Muslim wants an Islamic community, but it is not enthroned the way it is being portrayed to the world by some ubiquitous groups. But the main mission of the Islamic Movement is to practise Islam as espoused by the Prophet and his household. Is it true that Iran is mounting pressure of the federal government to release Zakzaky? Iran is not mounting pressure on the Federal Government, it just sides with the oppressed, which in this case is the Islamic Movement. Don’t forget that over 1000 people were killed by the Nigerian army within two days. This is a monumental human tragedy. Calls were made by even Britain and US, that this matter should be investigated impartially. So why single out Iran when it made its own call?

The Sunday Magazine

Suya business booms de

“P

Chijioke Iremeka

reparing and selling suya is our gold mine. We do not have any other job apart from suya making. I’m training my children and taking care of my wife from the money I make from my suya business. Lagosians eat a lot of suya and they are increasing our business,” says Jibril Aminu, a suya seller at Idi-Araba Suya community. Aminu was taught how to make the roasted meat delicacy by his late father and today, he has a number of other suya sellers that he supplies. He also confirmed increasing demands for suya despite the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) report that suya and other processed meat cause cancer. The Idi-Araba suya community is located nearly opposite the Idi-Araba gate of one of the nation’s foremost health facilities, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), on the same side with Sickle Cell Centre, adjacent the Idi-Araba mosque. “My sales have increased, especially at the weekends. We sell more at the weekends than during the week. This is because there are many events at the weekends. At night, clubbers patronise us very well because they eat the suya while they drink during parties. Sometimes, I will stay till 4am before going home and by then I would have made some good sales. Sometimes I make up to N35, 000 on a good night apart from the ones I sold during the day. Speaking on the recently released WHO study, alluding to the fact that eating processed meat was risky, Aminu said: “No, the report has not affected our business. The only time I experienced low patronage, was at initial time, when they rumoured that suya causes cancer. Some stopped coming but after few days they started coming back. Even, doctors are among our customers. If you see a doctor eat suya, you will also be confident enough to eat it too!” Another suya seller, at the same Idi-Araba, Mohammed Kaziri, who came from Nassarawa to continue his business in Lagos, said he is experiencing more sales in his business. Mohammed is also married and taking care of his family from the proceeds from the business, implying that the report has not deterred Nigerians from eating suya or kilichi. “Yes, I make a lot of money now but I

won’t be able to say how much I make but I know that I make decent money. I make suya for big men in their houses. Big men eat suya very well and they pay me well. I make suya for them during parties or ceremonies. I have been in this business for the past 20 years. I started from Nassarawa State and later I came to Lagos due to security problem,” he said. For kilichi seller, Hassan Ishaya, demand for the product has been on the increase, saying that virtually everybody likes Kilichi and makes demand of it. “May be it’s because we are few that do it unlike Suya that has many sellers. I sell to some supermarkets, which, in turn, canned them and sell to customers. “If you go to some supermarkets around here you will find packaged kilichi. I sell very well. My sales are increasing every day. Before, I used to make between N20, 000 and N25, 000 every day but since I started supplying to supermarkets, I make more. The day I will supply them, I can make as much as N40, 000,” he said. One of the sellers at the biggest suya spot in Festac, precisely, Agboju along the Second Avenue, Mr. Yakubu Adamu also dismissed the WHO report saying it has not affected his sales as Nigerians, especially people living in Festac have continued eating the meat delicacy. “We sell suya worth about N1 million in a week. Since when it (WHO report) was announced, we have not experienced any drop in the sales and we have not reduced the quantity we make in a day instead demand is increasing every day, especially during the weekends. So, it has no effect on our business”. In the same manner, he said, though suya originated from the Northern part of Nigeria, it has permeated the whole of the society, being affordable for all and available everywhere. It has been called a unifying factor in Nigeria. “Suya has become a Nigerian national meal with different regions claiming the superiority of their recipe and methods of preparation, but similar grilled meat recipes are common in many West African countries.” The hygienic condition of the way suya is prepared depends on where the consumer buys it from, according to Adamu. If for instance, a suya spot is close a dirty environment, one can easily contract disease but if one is buying in a stalls or supermarkets, where it has been packaged, he or she might

be safer. To this regard, one has to also consider where the meat is gotten from because the mallams slaughter the cows and prepare them as suya, such meat can be infected with tapeworms, pinworms or whipworms and these can be passed on to humans. Ideally, veterinary doctors are supposed to inspect the animals and do so again after the animals have been slaughtered before declaring the meat safe for consumption. This is supposed to be done for all animals and the meat sold in the market. However, many Nigerians have defied the

warnings of the WHO that consumption of suya, kilichi and other processed food are linked to cancer and continued eating the delicacy. Many of the consumers, who paid deaf ears to the report, said there is no need listening to and believing the western world reports, as the reports are not domesticated to Nigerian environment. They believe that the reports are meant for the western environment and therefore, do not affect people in Nigeria. One of such school of thoughts, Mr. James Okaro, who said there won’t be an end to the

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY February 28, 2016

SUNDAY

Body Soul S U N D AY, F E B R U A R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

Killer Whatchamacallit 18 26 Fabulous in floral 28,29

I got my first kiss at 14 –Oghenekaro Itene 36

I’m happy US named a street after my mum – Jamiu Abiola

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

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Contents 28.02.2016

COVER

Remember the saying that ‘women don’t sweat, they glisten’, you could achieve this in spite of the soaring temperatures we have been experiencing of late

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Flip-flops are similar to sandals but they do not consist of any leather straps that surround the ankle

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Wha tcham 26 acall it 18 lous in flo ral 28,29 I got –Ogh my first ki ss en 36 ekaro Ite at 14 ne

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I’m streehappy U – Jamt after S nam iu Ab my m ed a iola um

MY PASSION I love my nose, but I think men love my lips a lot; I love my lips as well because they are a good feature

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GLAM DUDES

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If you’re the type to rock statement patterns, a print featuring larger flowers will work best for you

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BEAUTY ZONE

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FASHION

I went to New York with my younger brother, my mother ’s youngest child, Adi, and we saw the street named after my mother and I said to myself, wow

TELE

The lady stares at the huge rod between his legs. He could feel the fear in her eyes. She had pulled up the blanket to check his wound. He wonders if his rod is ‘alive’. His bleary eyes follow her as she does a few things to him and hurries out

ly w ee k! H av e a lo ve

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t on his dding ligh A b i o l a , s h e si d en t W ho N ev er re bo ok , ‘T he P p er so na l li fe . O gh H i th er e! d hi s an ’ on d le u R az on ou r p as si ve ha d an am ar o It en e, is e gi st of h ow ha u ek yo en e p an ho We th ar d to e gi vi n g u s st on d lo ok fo rw in g w ee k an ee k ah ea d . It is u n- p ag ov ed fr om m ak eu p ar ti on m s w e r cu sh te fo ea a g gr in ke m ak ev en s. Ta e re ce n t gi st t to an ac tr es th st al ki n g th is fo rt u n at e th ou t ce le br it ie s n ot se or it y w ab . th e ce le br G en tr y, w h o th e ro u n d s th ei r h om es er cy A ig be ep M ke k; m en ee to w le s, it ’s no en d . T he d e be in g ab to co m ed ia n ro le ca p ti va te s u s to u D rs to m la as G p as Fr om ft ou t to o T he se ar e le y. t nor no sa st e d of ar ol n fa sh io d o th ey th e sa m e re s th e m en ’s D u d e of th e y, ho w th en lo p an m ex to s in el sa d op s. m od ot he rs ? It is s an d fl ip fl N ou ah , an d w e ex p ec t to le ad p e th ey ca n ge t it d al y se am R is k e ho fi ne d u d e. e w ee d ee d an d w he is on e ve ry d en t an d A ft er al l, th er . ow on so kn l al al re to ge th er in a ca r ac ci e L or d ca nis no he ar t th le t al on e M ek so n w as as d od ge d a bu ll et h l, e ea h y to n ot h p er h ap s p ag es qu ic kl ho m es . ha t n ? Fl ip th e w ai e ag se d an . I d ig re ss k an d L if e or at W h ed ‘W B w ee k on This week ou sp ir es th is y an e tr e t n s a r e a r u featu allit’. I g c u a yo m a as h c n er d ow la te M K O ’t p u t th is p ap on B od y an d on w o i ve Ab w ha t w e ha fo rl a ’ s re ad E nj oy th e re ad an d d on ’t u s . to ul s So ck , ba n ed o s w ri te yo u r fe J a - ge t to ve to he ar fr om yo u . lo e w xt w ee k, m i u as d at e he re ne L et ’s ke ep a bu lo u s fa m , h av e a in th e in te ri w ee k!

Wha tch

amac 26 allit 1 Besp 7 dress oke brid es al rec eptio 28,29 n Wh –K-Sy I marrie olo d my godd 36 augh ter

BED, WORK & LIFE

te o n s ’ r o Edit

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T h e Te a m Vanessa Okwara (Editor) Wole Adepoju (Snr. Correspondent) Biwom Iklaki (Correspondent) Abiola Alaba Peters Ugochukwu Nnakwe (Graphics) Edwin Usoboh (Graphics) +234 (0) 818 0515840, +234 (0) 701 110 1014 vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com, julietbumah@gmail.com

Associates

es Van

Helen Paul

Eyitayo Aloh

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016

StyleSta ker

Mercy Aigbe Gentry Glitzy mogul Biwom Iklaki

his week is all about our stylish stylist, Mercy Aigbe Gentry. This is a woman of many layers and abilities. As an actress, she is able to arrest our attention on the silver screen for hours watching her do her thing. On the red carpet, she dazzles us like the star that she is and if you follow her instagram account, you must have picked a tip or two from her very regular and stunning fashion pieces. The Edo born award winner and multiple awards nominee, has definitely done well for herself. It is also amazing that she is able to keep herself in such great shape after three trips to the delivery ward. She is definitely one who strikes a fashion cord in all our hearts. As an actress, producer and business woman, she is a role model of sorts. We love her style choices on the red carpet and even other eclectic style choices she makes. Her boutique must gain a lot of patronage just by associating with her wardrobe pieces. Who wouldn’t want to own such exquisite looks that keeps a girl’s style fresh and classy? We will just leave you with one of our favourite looks of her. This long sleeve rose quartz floor length dress with the dramatic thigh high front split gives us chills and the embellishment on the bodice definitely adds to her star power and glam. She rocked it to the premiere of her movie, ‘The victims’.

Body&Soul

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

I’m happy US named a street Alhaji Jamiu Abiodun Abiola, oil magnate, business mogul, Shettima of Borno and son of late political martyrs, Chief MKO Abiola and wife, Alhaja Kudirat, speaks to BIYI ADEGOROYE and WOLE ADEPOJU about coping with life after June 12, 1998; his book, ‘The President Who Never Ruled’, and sundry issues What is the philosophy behind your book, ‘The president who never ruled’? The philosophy is that as you people all know, Chief MKO Abiola is somebody that his life was very…let’s just use the word exciting, in terms of turbulence, ups and downs. Before he was born, a lot of his brothers had died before him, he was the one that survived. When he became a millionaire, people were always trying to spoil his reputation, say one or two things about him, despite the fact that he was very transparent, he lived exemplary life. Envy has always been something that has been hunting him because of his charisma and for a man like that, it’s very easy for the story of his life to be manipulated and to be distorted. As a son, it’s my priority to let people know the truthful account of who he was, what exactly he stood for. People

knew he was generous but you know time has gone, it’s almost 20 years now and Nigerians have a short memory, after a while they forget just about anything. I am putting it on record; this is who the man is. If you want to know who he was from the day he was born to the day he died, you get a copy of ‘The President Who Never Ruled’ and you get everything…the way he made his money, the philosophy of being generous and what was behind that philosophy. It was a philosophy that was planned. He knew what he was looking for. To build a better society, instill values, you have to lead by example. His generosity was more or less him leading by example. In the book, I explained all of that so that the records are clear. You also talked about allegations of fanaticism where he was alleged to have sunk bibles into water? Yes, I spoke about that. A lot of people are saying this was what the man was… he was a fanatic and he tried to destroy some bibles and they tried to give people the impression that he was somebody that did not like Christians which was very far from the truth. As a matter of fact, it was one of the reasons why it was important for me to write this book. If he was like that and the Christians at that time knew he was like that, there was no way that they would have voted for him as the president and his vice presidential candidate who was also a Muslim, but they voted for them because the Christians saw him as a man they can trust. So, as time went on, some people wanted to justify the annulment of the election and they spread all kinds of rumours, that was why it was very important for me to address that issue so that people can remember and keep in mind who MKO Abiola was. Some people are of the opinion that Chief Abiola was naïve and emotional and that made him loose out? Definitely! If he was not emotional, his strategy would have been more effective but for us to assume it’s easy not to be emotional takes a certain kind of person to do that and he did not have the capability because he was an emotional person. He was not a cold person, a cold person would have been more calculating, but he was not like that. He was an emotional person and that was his nature so there was no way he could have changed himself but everything

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016

Body&Soul

after my mum – Jamiu Abiola also is destiny. If he was destined to be president, even if he was emotional and he made mistakes, he would have still become president but it was not his destiny so that was why God chose for him to die the way he died. His role in the country’s history is the role of a sacrificial lamb for democracy to be achieved and he played that role very well. He was bold, he was brave, he was courageous and he did not give up. I pray that his soul rests in peace. What is your reaction to insinuation that your mum, Kudi, pushed him beyond limit because she wanted to be first lady? Well, the truth of the matter is that she was the senior wife and it was only automatic for her to become the first lady. But a real woman will always follow her husband, especially if the husband is on the side of truth and has made up his mind that that is what he wants to do. My mother did exactly what a woman is supposed to do for her husband in that situation. MKO was older than her by more than 15 years. He had a mind of his own, he had two hundred and fifty traditional titles across the entire country, he was someone that everybody knew wanted to become the president of Nigeria. Nobody can push a man like that, but if she did not even stand up to defend him after he was arrested, what would have happened? Think about it. There would have been no real resistance because she was the only one that was brave enough to stay in Nigeria and fight for him. So, your president would have been arrested, locked up and nobody would have stood up. But because of the noise she made, the government decided that they couldn’t get away with what they did so easily. It was why the American government named a street after her for the fact that she was heroic, selfless and definitely praise-worthy. It is above mundane issue like whether she wanted to be first lady…that is not even what anybody should be talking about. What happened to his investments that they are no more? What happened to his investments is what anybody can actually figure out because first, there is nobody in Nigeria that can fight the government, I mean a military government that has autocratic power, and survive. The fact that he was so smart and intelligent was what even saved him from becoming bankrupt completely or owing banks. We know how some people tried to become governors and because of that, they went bankrupt and owe banks. You can imagine somebody that won an election that was not favoured by the powers that be, got the electoral commission to announce half of the results and for the person to even go farther and fight for his mandate for years and get arrested, you can imagine the financial investment somebody like that would have made so if you ask what happened to his investments, definitely the investments were bound to be damaged and destroyed. Ordinarily, a lot of people in his shoes would have actually ended up owing many people, you would have read about them for the next hundred years that they were indebted to banks. Nobody or bank has come forward to say Chief Abiola owed them one kobo and we have to give him credit for that. He did not owe anybody, any bank or government. As a matter of fact, government owes him. You and your siblings maintain a low profile contrary to flamboyant life many expects of Abiola children. Well, it’s only normal. Like I said earlier, when something happens to you and it shakes your foundation, then you will have to look at your priorities and change your way of thinking. There is no way we can be living that kind of lifestyle you mentioned. What happened was a tragedy and when I say tragedy, I mean capital letters tragedy and it’s something that is enough to knock somebody out emotionally for a while and if you remember, it’s around 20 years ago it happened so this is what we all are still coping with

My mother did exactly what a woman is supposed to do for her husband in that situation. MKO was older than her by more than 15 years. He had a mind of his own, he had two hundred and fifty traditional titles across the entire country

in our own way and when people are In that kind of situation, it’s normal to withdraw and pick the broken pieces of their lives. In terms of being flamboyant, my father was not really flamboyant. People would say he was but he never brought us to try to impress people. We always value things that are different. We value knowledge, good character and generosity; it’s not about oppressing people and living up to a certain image so that you can look better than others. That is not our priority. Another thing is that people would have expected you to ride on your father’s goodwill to explore the political terrain? The reason behind that, like they say, everything is God’s time. This June 12 of an issue you are looking at, MKO, my father died, my mother also died but a lot of people that were involved in the issue of June 12 are still alive and I don’t think it’s even wise for anybody to come out now because these people, it’s as if they are remorseful …the same people that worked against my father are still alive today. These are people that it would be hard for them to actually change. Definitely when Nigerian democracy gets more matured, it’s going to be easier for us to come and say this is what we want to do. But that is not a priority for us. We just want this democracy to actually work and I hope it works because if it does not work it will only mean that our parents died for nothing and that is the exact thing we don’t want to happen. We want Nigeria to prosper under democracy and we hope General Muhammadu Buhari is actually able to take the country to the promise land because that is one thing that can actually rationalize the big sacrifice of my father and my mother. Did the demise of your parents affect your initial plans for life? No. It really did not affect my initial plan because I have never really put my life on anybody and said this person is going to determine what I do with life. Since I was a child, I have always been doing things on my own and standing on my own. I have always had plans for myself, independent of anybody, even my parents. Of course I’m very grateful to them for providing education and giving me good advice and direction, but in terms of how I wanted to live my life, I knew exactly what I wanted to do and that is exactly what I’m doing right now. They had always told me to think well, take care of myself and plan well so I can make something good out of my life and I’m grateful that is what is happening now. So their death did not change any plan I had for my life. How does it make you feel losing your parents to a particular cause? It’s a very tragic thing to have happened but I have also heard of people whose parents died…maybe they were travelling or armed robbers attacked the car and killed their parents but in this case, I’m even happy that they died for a worthy cause. If not for the sacrifice they made…for example a couple of months back, I went to New York with my younger brother, my mother’s youngest child, Adi, and we saw the street named after my mother and I said to myself, wow. She was born in northern Nigeria and she’s from Ijebu and yet a street in Manhattan bears her name. If you want to get an apartment on my mother’s street, you can’t spend less than seven to eight thousand dollars a month. It’s just a couple of minutes from United Nations headquarters. It’s amazing that they recognised her like that. Apart from Nelson Mandela, no African gotten that honour and I don’t think any other African will be honoured like that in this generation or even the next. So compare that to other people that lost their parents to a plane crash. I thank God that they actually died for a cause that people can say because of their sacrifice democracy has come to the most populous black nation in the world. How do you feel about the nonimplementation of the recommendations of Oputa panel as regards your parents? I’m not really surprised about it. This is Nigeria you know. Nigeria is a very interesting country and if anything is going to happen that is good, it’s going to happen by a miracle. Nigeria is not a country where anybody in his right senses will expect so much. The country is very barbaric in the way of thinking. People have

been saying MKO should be honoured but I’m not even expecting that to even happen…this is the kind of place we live in and people are even envious of the dead. What triggered your interest in writing a book and do you really speak 10 languages? You know everybody has a passion in life and everybody has a hobby. The problem in Nigeria is that they don’t even encourage people to bring out their best, that is why you find everybody going to the same area. If you ask somebody what you want, he goes like oh, I want to get a contract, I want to trade in subsidised products. People are always thinking this is the only way forward but there are other ways. The Arabic say one way should be full of pathways so you have to look inside and look at what you have. I was lucky my father sent me to a summer school in London when I was eight/nine years old and everybody in that school were from Saudi Arabia or Kuwait. My brother and I were the only Nigerians so they were speaking Arabic and we did not understand what they were saying and I felt bad because they were making fun of us. Then I met a girl that was black like myself and I was happy, thinking she was Nigerian and she started speaking Arabic and I pulled her aside and asked why she spoke like these people and she said she was from Sudan and they speak Arabic so I decided to learn to speak the language. From there, it was easy for me to learn Hausa and afterwards I learnt French, Spanish, and German. Then I learnt Italian Japanese and then I married from Maidiguri, daughter of the former IG, Kam Salem, I now learnt Kanuri, ShuArab and Indian. l often do freelance translations for ECOWAS and many American translation agencies abroad. That is why when I write a book, I write in Arabic because it’s Arabic that opened my eyes to other languages. The religion you practice allows you to take more than one wife, but unlike your dad, you have only one. The religion, like you said, allows it but it does not say you have to. This is the way I’m going, I only have one wife. You never know, in the future I might decide otherwise, but it’s not something I know for a fact that it’s going to happen or not. So I don’t want to comment on that. What kind of person would you say you are? I would say I am in between introvert and extrovert, somewhere in the middle. And aside from that, I try to be jovial but the most important thing for me is hard work. I’m a very hard working person. How appealing are material things to you? You know I’m 40 years old now. I’m not a billionaire, but I’m a millionaire on my own level and I thank God for that. I employ at least 75 to 80 people which is something that I’m happy about and I pay them their salaries on time, so I’m actually happy with the level at which I’m going and I hope it gets better.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

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Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770

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Killer Whatchamacallit 18 Juliet Bumah

ekson’s eyes flutter open. His head aches. Where is he? What’s happening? Try as he could, his brain won’t function at all. Instead, it feels like it’s full of cobwebs. He tries to move and realises that his body aches too. He is befuddled. He tries to shake his head, to clear the cobwebs, and yells in pain as needle-like sensations snake through his body. He yells again.

To his surprise, a lady in white runs in. It takes a moment for his brain to sift through the thought in his mind and his eyes to focus...his vision is blurred. He focuses on the lady, tries to say something but his throat is dry. He can barely scratch out the word, ‘water’ from his patched throat. The lady in white nods and says something which his confused brain can’t make out. The lady stares at the huge rod between his legs. He could feel the fear in her eyes. She had pulled up the blanket to check his wound. He wonders if his rod is ‘alive’. His bleary eyes follow her as she does a few things to him and hurries out. Moments later, she returns with a man. By this time, the pain is unbearable. He screams again and again. The man, calm as still water, runs his hands over his body and jabs him. After a moment, Mekson drifts until he feels like he’s falling into a bottomless pit. He opens his mouth to cry out for help but no word comes out. The two figures bent over him morph into some eerie beings. Two pairs of eyes like an owl’s stare at him. Terrified, Mekson opens his mouth very wide and lets out a bloodcurdling scream. The eyes look on, not bothered...for Mekson’s lips are actually together and no sound emanated from his throat. The eyes bear down on him and wedge him to a spot as he tries to shake free and drift away. Dr. Keith doesn’t believe in luck. Everything he owns, he worked very hard for. As a kid, what others got without effort, he struggled to get them. While in the university, a layabout friend of his miraculously performed very well during exams, even when he didn’t prepare for it. Not so with Keith, who had to burn the midnight candle, in the true sense of it. The result is that he performed very well at graduation, much better than his layabout friend. But that friend got a job before him and a better one at that! They all narrowed it down to luck. So, Dr. Keith believes that he is not lucky. If anything comes too easily to him, he becomes suspicious...just like the whatchamacallit of that accident victim which somehow fits the specification of a killer he desperately wants to lay his hands on. Could it be mere coincidence? Should he get the police involved? He picks his phone and dials the DPO’s number. On a second thought, he decides against it and cuts the line. What if he’s wrong? He would have messed himself up and if in future, he gets a lead on that case, the police may not take him seriously. No need screaming wolf when none is in sight. The DPO calls back. He stares at the phone and watches it ring out. He’s confused. The DPO calls again and

again...then a text message drops into his phone. It’s from the DPO. He sighs, picks up the phone and scrolls to the message inbox. “Good evening doctor. I missed your call. I wanted to call you before you called. We have a robbery suspect who fits into what we are looking for. I wonder if you can meet me in my office now,” the text said. Dr. Keith springs up from his couch, the accident victim temporarily forgotten. A lead on that case? Most welcomed. He dashes into his bedroom, throws a jeans and T-Shirt on, and dashes out. In less than 30 minutes, he’s at the police station. “The suspect is a serial rapist and an armed robber. Our investigation shows that he’s a member of the gang that robbed Mr. Mekson’s house. We arrested him during a robbery incident where he raped a victim. The woman is in a hospital right now. She was lucky. A neighbour of hers raised the alarm and my men that were driving by were alerted and they swung into action. Some of the robbers got away but we nabbed two,” The DPO said. Dr. Keith sits on the edge of his seat in the DPO’s office. What if he had raised a false alarm? Phew! It’s better to err on the side of caution! He would have roped an innocent accident victim into a robbery and murder case. “You don’t mean it,” he said, for lack of something else to say. For he is confused and relieved at the same time. “The only problem here is that he denied going on that robbery operation with his gang. He said he attended a naming ceremony a day before the in-

cident and had taken something that upset his tummy. The next day, which was the day the operation took place, he was too weak and the gang left without him. That was his story,” the DPO said. “What did his colleague say of that,” Dr. Keith asked. “We couldn’t get much from him. He died of a gunshot wound. He had been on our wanted list for years. He was a member of a notorious gang that terrorised residents of an estate. He left the area when we picked up most of the gang members years back. He disappeared into thin air until he was arrested yesterday,” the DPO said. “Hmmmmm...back to the case at hand. How do you know the suspect you have in your net is the rapist we are looking for?” Dr. Keith asked. The DPO smiles cynically and clears his throat and lowers his tone in a conspiratorial manner. “That suspect is a bastard, a bloody pervert. He has a huge weapon he goes with for operation whenever ‘congi’ has dealt with him for some time, he told me,” the DPO said. Dr. Keith looks blank. The DPO continues, “He is not endowed at all down there. He said women usually laugh at him. He feels so inadequate. Each time a woman points out how inadequate his whatchamacallit is, he feels like strangling her to death. Then one day, they robbed an adult foy shop and part of their loot was a giant dildo. He forfeited his share of the cash for it. He said other gang members got as much as N150,000.00 from that single heist, but he took the

giant dildo instead. His gang members understand whenever he appears with his ‘pet’ for operation. On such occasions, he is like an animal on heat. They allow him have his fun with his most prized possession. Now, you understand why his victims seldom survive. He is driven by the anger, shame and pain of rejection. All he hears when he’s using his hands to forcefully wham the woman are the taunts of women that have seen his shame. Women that only allowed him access because he offered more than triple what ‘normal’ guys give them. So, he wants to destroy the sushi so that the so called normal men won’t find that cave of wonder inviting after that.” “This is interesting. Some men who have such problems are suicidal,” Dr. Keith said. “This man is mean...a sadist. His gang members are scared of him. We are happy we have him in our net. I’m sure your mind is at rest now,” the DPO said, beaming. Something just doesn’t sound right to Dr. Keith. He can’t place his fingers on it but something nudges his mind. Can the suspect in the police net be the rapist he’s been trailing for years? When did he become so lucky that the gods now crack his nuts for him? He frowns. **** “Anything the matter?” DPO asked, studying his face. Is Mekson the proverbial cat with nine lives? Let’s find out on Sunday •Send your observations to: julietbumah@gmail.com

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016

Here Beyond

Sassy kimono craze Biwom Iklaki

he Japanese inspired style staple obviously took the global world of fashion by storm and has no intentions to stop soon. From the run ways to red carpet and street style, we see the trend gaining new grounds across the world. Social media has helped fashion to spread like wild fire fanning the flames of trends like the Kimono. It must have helped also that the 2015 MET Gala theme of China further encouraged the Kimono trend as some celebrities were seen spotting kimonos and dresses inspired by kimonos. It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end in the western hemisphere as we in Nigeria also quickly picked up on the style

and are making a good run for it. We have given it a new twist even as we imported it into our fabrics and wardrobes. We see those creating designs with Ankara fabrics and some even do so in those silk and satin fabrics designed with Ankara prints. These fabrics look much better for those who prefer the flowing look. Besides being one of the absolute darling accessories for a beach outing, there are so many other things you could do with the kimono which will explain why people will be reluctant to let go of this fashion staple. It all goes to show that what can be rocked anywhere in the world could also be considered trendy here and abroad.

Body&Soul

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 20

Fabulous in flor Vanessa Okwara

loral is traditionally a feminine trend that gives you the girly feeling that is ultra-sexy. It is a classic print that works every fashion season and hardly goes out of style. It’s one of those prints that will never get old, regardless of the year or season. It keeps evolving as ladies find different enticing ways to put it together and come out looking glam and classy. The floral trend comes in feisty colours or demure ones, mixes well with

neutral pieces, and looks fab on every body type. There are thousands of options when it comes to floral prints. They can be worn either as dresses, skirts, tops and much more. They come in a mix of varied colours from the brightest to the lightest of them. Dainty flowers, small prints, huge flowers are all a part of floral prints. However, every kind of print is unique and suits a different body type, personality and character. If you prefer styles that are simple and sophisticated, try to look for a print that features small, miniature

flowers. A small flower print is not only appropriate for the office and work place, but is a great way to bring in a feminine touch. If you’re the type to rock statement patterns, a print featuring larger flowers will work best for you. Look for bright colours, vibrant designs and eye-catching details. If you’re shorter in height and on the bulkier side, choose smaller prints. Also keep your clothes short and sweet. Choose light colours and an A-line cut for example. You can wear a top that’s the same

Editor’s current obsession

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Meltproof hot weather makeup tips

as one of the hues in the skirt sers. Add glam accessories like ement necklace. Choose accesthat contrast the prints. Pairing prints with your favourite style ls is a great way to wear floral sophistication. Kitten heels edges are both ideal options, se types of heels are modest h to be worn in both office and settings. High heels also look ally flattering with floral prints, so if you’re going for a sultry yet ok.

Biwom Iklaki

f we know anything about today’s woman, she wants to look lovely, feminine and still kick up a storm in the board room. No one wants to be the woman whose mascara and eye liner is streaking down her face before it is 2pm. No one would take you seriously and quite frankly, you would look more like a clown than brains. Remember the saying that “women don’t sweat, they glisten”, you could achieve this in spite of the soaring temperatures we have been experiencing of late. Follow the tricks below. Primer: you would do well to take the time to prime your face before you apply any makeup. This closes up your pores and gives a matte canvass to work with instead of an oily one, if you choose the right ones. This step comes before your concealer, right after you have moisturised your face. Be sure to choose the oil free formulas. Skip regular foundation: the worst thing you could do is to wear a full face of foundation. We get that you still want your full coverage, what you can do instead is to switch to a lightweight silicon-based formula which will act as a filmy barrier between your skin and the humidity. You could also try a tinted moisturiser, for those with really dry skin. SPF is a must, at least SPF 15 - 20 Cream over powder: you must know by now that when sweat and powders mix, it is never a pretty sight. Stick with silicon based cream eye shadows that would glisten after a while. This will also give you the sexy glow later in the day while locking the colour in place. Liquid liner: invest in a good liquid liner for the hotter days. They take a bit of patience to wear, but won’t budge once you get it right. They are less likely to smudge than their kohl counterparts. Waterproof your eyes: wear waterproof mascara to stay in their batting glory through the gym, pool, beach and office. Blotting tissues: these are a no brainer for summer and even those with oily faces. Just dab and go and the shine is all gone. You can also use them before touch ups to stop shine and apply some pressed powder. Use lighter lipsticks or glosses. The idea is that the less you apply, the less there would be to smear.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

dude OF THE WEEK

Magnificent in scandals and

Flip-flops Kennedy Aziagba

hese are both simple footwear for both young adults and elderly men, they are quite flexible and easy on the feet. Sometimes when we prepare to go out for a special occasion, to visit a neighbour around the corner or for church service, either we feel lazy to wear our usual shoes, boots or sneakers or we just want something simple that we can easily slip our feet into so that we could enjoy some cool breeze. Sandals are open type of footwear consisting of a sole held to the wearer’s foot by straps passing over the toes and also around the ankle, they also consist of a heel and sometimes the heel can be absent making the sandals flat. Sandals come in different types and designs, including the current favourite we have heard of that they call “Gladiator Sandals”. They are quite popular in the women’s fashion world and are gradually finding their way into the men’s world. Sandals can be

worn with a simple T-shirt and a pair of trouser which can either be jeans or chinos or a tailored cloth like the native wear, Dashiki, shorts etc. Flip flops are similar to sandals but they do not consist of any leather straps that surround the ankle, they consist of flat soles held loosely on the foot by a Y-shaped rubber strap that goes in between the first and second toes. The only difference between the sandals and the flip flops are the straps around the ankle.

Ramsey Nouah Great talent with debonair looks Vanessa Okwara

amsey Tokunbo Nouah Jr. is a Nollywood actor. He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2010. Ramsey was born in Edo State to an Israeli father and a Yoruba mother who hails from Owo, Ondo State. He grew up in Surulere, Lagos. He obtained a diploma at the University of Lagos, after which he pursued a career in acting. Nouah’s acting career kicked off when he starred in the TV soap opera ‘Fortunes’. Nouah has since then appeared in numerous films starring as the lead role. His handsome looks and numerous roles in romantic films earned him the ‘Lover-Boy’ slogan. In 2010, Ramsey won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the Best Picture Award winning film, ‘The Figurine’. Nouah is considered to be one of the most sought-after actors in Nigeria. Ramsey’s fashion style is mostly smart casuals and contemporary African clothes. He likes to look young and boyish in shorts, T-shirts and fez caps. Nouah is married to Emelia Philips-Nouah. The couple has two sons and a daughter, named as Quincy, Camil and Desiree Nouah.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016

Body&Soul

KITCHEN DECOR

Giving your kitchen character Biwom Iklaki

isney World has made a name and a tidy sum from charcterisation. People, not just children respond to favourite characters and items around them. So it is not a surprise that some will take this a step further into their kitchens. Take a bold step with your kitchen décor and do something that would make you want to go in

there and cook. Something that will make your guests compliment you again and again. Something in fact, that could elicit a gasp from anyone who enters that space. You could consider adding vinyl in arresting colours to your counter tops and even cupboards. This would focus the attention on those areas of the kitchen. Also, you could commission a mural on your wall or even refrigerator, if you are that kind of per-

son. Abstract drawings on the walls or table tops and cupboards could do the trick too. Your appliances and kitchen items are also an opportunity to make your kitchen say something about you. Inject your personality by shopping and stocking appliances in your favourite cartoons or superheroes. Saucers and teacups, mugs, knives, peelers, spatulas etc. all could be in the theme of a cartoon or character you love.

too and longed for a man’s touch which she wasn’t getting from her husband. Are there separate rules for a man and a woman in marriage? Does a man get to cheat and get away with it while a woman is crucified for same? I just need answers o!

Crazy ex ruining me

I don’t know what it is about exes that refuse to stay just that, an ex! They always find a way to poke their noses into your business. This is my rant, that my ex, after cheating on me and messing up our fiveyear love story, has the guts to come now and try to mess my new relationship up. It was a painful process getting over her and she probably knows it. She also knows that I was madly in love with her. Recently, we were signed up for a retreat at work (yes, we are colleagues too) and one night at the hotel, she comes into my room and pretends to watch TV and fall asleep. I was so mad at her. I woke her up by shaking her vigorously and she didn’t respond. She is not a heavy sleeper and that is how I knew she was pretending. Anyway, she reluctantly woke up and started inching closer to me. I got the message that she wanted something to happen between us, but I wasn’t having any of it. Once a cheater, always a cheater they say. Now, she wants to drag me down with her into her cheating hemisphere. I would have none of it. I promptly told her off and she left very angry. Next thing you know, my girlfriend calls me to ask why I am trying to force myself on my ex. She said my ex called her to talk to me that she is sorry to

Ijeoma 50years have cheated and doesn’t want cheating ways. He stopped The Nigerian Stock Exchange to spoil our new relationship payingclosed her any attention and week in the negativeeven zone their for thesex life waned. She by sleeping withthe him. I was consecutive the All Share shocked. Please,2nd what do I doweek, aswould come to my house and Index (NSEASI) 0.83% about this demon from hell? trimmed cryby and cry. I let her because I Week-on-Week (WoW). This dragged felt she just needed a listening the Year- to- Date (YtD) return of the Etim O. ear to let init all out. Looks like dex further down to -15.41%, with mar-someone to pay her she found ket capitalisation settling attention at NGN8.34tn because she stopped on Friday. In line with general market coming to mine to complain, Men should be accountable too started putting more effort into her appearances and generally My neighbour’s wife has always had a glow and look about her. told me about her husband’s One Saturday morning, my philandering ways. I never said husband and I woke up to loud anything to her but I knew long shouting and things crashing to before she opened up to me. The the floor. We rushed out to find man had been asking me out my neighbor and her husband like his life depended on it. He in a fighting contest. The gist of would be pleading for a date the matter is that he found out like a dog drooling over a plate she was cheating and wanted of meat and bones. After I gave her out of their home. I did a him a piece of my mind and double take, this is a man who what I thought about him going has been cheating for the better after another man’s wife, he part of five years that I know of, never bothered me again. I had now pointing an accusing finger? also threatened to tell his wife. Wow! What happened to all the Over and over again he cheated times he cheated and she forgave on her and she caught him. He him? Yes, two wrongs don’t would mumble an unapologetic ‘sorry’ and continue on his merry make a right but she is human

Single life issues

Relationships are hard, but being single seems to be harder on some people. I have a friend who has complained so much about the single life. She is getting older and still going on dates with men who do not seem ready to grow up. She has out-matured most of the men she meets and can often tell after two dates. She is 39 years old and she says that lately, her biological clock has been ticking in over drive and she doesn’t know what to do. She called me a few weeks ago to say that she has decided to have a child, with or without a man, she would move on with her life. She is doing well enough to support a child and doesn’t want to adopt so the sperm bank seems like a nice idea to her right now. She called me for advice and I don’t know what to tell her. The idea seems like a good one, but what if… Bimbo E. 41 years

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

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60 hearty cheers for Sarah Sosan

all the former deputy governor of the Centre of Excellence, Lagos State, Adebisi Sarah Sosan, a child of destiny and you will not be far away from the truth, especially as it relates to how the woman became a point of reference in the society today. She was born into a modest family and bred in the community of Ojo Local Government Area. As a young girl, she had always had a peculiarity that stood her out among her peers and this became more pronounced when as a secondary student, she was given a scholarship alongside a few other distinguished students. Fate and destiny would eventually come into play after her secondary school education and she was meant to progress. She had always dreamt of being a nurse or other career that would enable her sit in the office, but she eventually ended up in the classroom as a teacher, a profession in which she excelled before luck smiled at her and she became number two indigene of Lagos State for four years. She has been occupied with things that improve the lives of others since she quit office and this has no doubt endeared her to many as well as earned respect for her. The beautiful woman who has managed her home front alongside her other

engagements to the admiration of many, some days back turned 60. It was difficult for many to come to terms with this simply because the wife of a retired naval office has only aged gracefully even as she radiates facial beauty, firm health and youthfulness at heart. Attaining a mile stone age, it was natural that she would be expected to roll out drums for celebration, but she opted for a low key merriment with emphasis that friends and well-wishers should support her foundation rather than placing advertorials and celebrating her in other ways she considers less important to the wellbeing and the development of those who are the target of her foundation. Her non-governmental organisation, Sarah Adebisi Foundation, was founded to cater for women, youths and the girl-child and so much has been done to liberate them by giving soft loans to women, scholarships to the youth and awareness programs among the others. Meanwhile, basking in the euphoria of her birthday anniversary, she has been in a great mood and grateful for adding another year with members of her family and wellwishers.

Polo, game of the rich, attracts Dangote, others

ormer Chairman of Ojodu Local Development Council, Honourable James Abiodun Faleke, has long moved up the ladder in his political career as he has become a member of the lower chambers of the National Assembly -House of Representatives, where he represents a federal constituency from Lagos State. However, when you mention this politician in recent times, what readily comes to the mind is the battle for his allegedly denied mandate as the supposed governor of his state, Kogi. The lawmaker seems ready to pursue the issue to a logical conclusion as he has since put it before an election tribunal. Going by the battle for ‘his mandate’, which he’s occupied with, one would have thought the last thing on his mind would be work-

ing on a business strategy. However, from information reaching Celeb Lounge, the well-loved politician may, after all, not be putting all his eggs in one basket as he’s said to have been working on one of his business concerns which was not doing very well and was shut down. It will be recalled the amiable running mate to the late APC governorship candidate in the last governorship election that ended on a controversial note, Prince Audu, floated a multi-million naira night club in Lagos, which was shut down months after it was opened. Fresh information has it that he may have decided to reopen the high profile hangout with a partnership strategy that will enable the facility run at its full capacity and profitably too.

City big boy, Kunle Texaco, prepares in earnest

oing by the fact that a particular sport, polo, is reportedly a game that requires very deep pockets to play, it makes it natural that only those who can afford it go near it. This is why it has long been synonymous with the rich all over the world. In Nigeria, it’s not a different story as it has long been established that only the rich engage in it. Meanwhile, Lagos is one of the hubs of the game with a membership club situated in the highbrow area of Ikoyi. It has become a tradition for polo players and spectators to look forward to polo tournaments at the club because it brings so many people from all walks of life together. In the usual manner the game is held, Lagos Polo Tournament 2016, as that of this year was tagged, held last weekend. What was of interest about this edition was that much more glamour was added to it like never before. A lot of funding was committed to it and many sponsors were on ground as well as players from all over. However, what made it more interesting was the influx of who is who in the business world that thronged the venue. Ranging from bank MDs to captains of industries and business personalities of note, society faces and socialites were on hand. Richest black man, Aliko Dangote; Tunde Folawiyo of Folawiyo dynasty; Erelu Abiola Dosumu; Nike Oshinowo; top banker, Segun Agbaje to mention a few were among the important personalities that thronged the venue to add glamour to the event.

Faleke toys with new business idea

Lola Omotayo, hubby dot different pages

eautifully created graduate of San Francisco University in United States of America, Lola Omotayo, has been enjoying the status of a society face long before her partner, Peter of P’Square fame, came into limelight. But neither this nor the fact that she’s older than him were an obstacle when the cupid arrow of love pierced through them. They agreed to settle down, having had a child together, and the public has since been complimenting and commending them as the ones made in heaven even as they waxed stronger in love. The love birds may have for the first time differed on an issue, at least in public as they don’t appear to be on the same page over events that have been unfolding in their home in recent times. While Peter is being berated by the public for washing the dirty linen of the family outside as regards a feud with his elder and manager of the singing twin brother, the pretty wife took to her social media channel preaching and laid emphasis that she’s not a fighter but peace lover.

f course he was born with a silver spoon, but as a young man whose mates who were from rich homes were busy having fun, Kunle never got carried away by the fact that he was from a privileged home. Rather, while he was at the University of Ado Ekiti (now UNAD), he got himself in enterprising ventures. Although he was studying geology, his interest in entertainment made him big on campus as a show promoter. His popularity back in school paid off afterwards and he became a factor on the social scene. However, his interest transcends social life as he had become a guru in the petroleum sector, a business he understudied from his father. With great focus and rare zeal, Otunba Adekunle Adegboyega, who is better known as Texaco, had become large enough that he wanted to contribute his quota through politics and as a man of the people, his

first shot got him elected into the Ogun State House of Assembly to represent Ewekoro Constituency. Meanwhile, aside laudable projects he embarked on, he became a prominent member of the House due to his vocal status as a member of the ‘G15’ that battled the former governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, on grounds of principle. Unfortunately, Honourable Adegboyega failed to return to the House, due to certain forces. He has since switched his all focus on his business and humanitarian work. He had of course pitched his tent with the progressives in ACN and now APC, but has for long kept a low profile. Information reaching Celeb Lounge at the moment has it that the dude may have started preparations in earnest for the next dispensation on the basis of his people who are of the opinion that being a frontline supporter of the government of the day in Ogun State is not enough. They feel he needs direct participation which they believe will be more impactful.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016

RazzleDazzle

I am ready to serve my people - Femi Adebayo

awyer, actor, producer, and brand ambassador, Femi Adebayo, was earlier in the week appointed Special Assistant(SA) on Arts, Culture, and Tourism to the Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed. “I thank God for an opportunity to transform my state into a foremost tourist state that will attract foreign and domestic tourists. My fans, I need your support; leave me not,” the dark in complexion thespian posted on his instagram account. When RazzleDazzle contacted the popular Yoruba actor on telephone, he confirmed his readiness and willingness to serve his people. “Well my brother, I thank Almighty Allah for his grace upon my life, I thank my fans, families and well wishers for their love and support, most importantly the good people of Kwara State and his excellency, Abdulfatah Ahmed, for finding me worthy to serve, and I can tell you my brother, that I am fully ready and willing to serve in my capacity,” he said. Femi Adebayo has joined the league of Nollywood stars, who have held and are still holding political offices. Such stars include; Richard Mofe-Damijo, Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliot, and Ini Edo, who was recently appointed SA Tourism to the Akwa Ibom governor.

eautiful Nollywood actress and TV show host, Monalisa Chinda, has given love a second chance by getting married to Victor Coker, in a colourful traditional marriage held in her hometown in Port Harcourt, Rivers State last week. The actress bid goodbye to single motherhood in the presence of family and loved ones. She had wanted to keep the news from the press but it filtered out few weeks ago that she was getting married again. RazzleDazzle was able to corner the newly married wife for comments, “I thank God for this day, once again, I am happy, my husband has been a big pillar of support in my life and career, he is so concerned about my happiness and success, he is less concerned about the negative things people say about me, he is a great guy, loving and God fearing, I am the happiest woman on earth for finding myself in his arms, marriage is a good thing my dear” she expressed. The fair actress was married to Dejo Richards and the marriage packed up on account of alleged battery. The marriage yielded a lovely girl. Years ago, Chinda was enmeshed in a love tango with lover boy, Lanre Nzeribe but the romance lasted for only a while.

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Is AY a serial womaniser?

arlier in the week, the Internet was agog with reports that the marriage of award winning Nigerian comedian, Ayo Makun, better known as AY, might have packed up due to allegations of wife battery and infidelity on part. The comedian was alleged to have turned his wife and mother of his only daughter, Mabel, into a punching bag which reportedly resulted to her moving out of the couple’s matrimonial home while AY was still busy in the UK, working on the set of a new television series for BBC. Ghanaian star, producer and singer, Juliet Ibrahim, is alleged to be involved in the crisis rocking the over five-year-old marriage. AY, who is fully into nollywood movies was allegedly reported to be dating the light skinned tall shapely Ghollywood star. None of the parties were answering their calls or replying text messages sent to their phones as at press time.

Comedy goes to church with Acapella

My husband is a God fearing man - Monalisa Chinda Coker

Body&Soul

oung, vibrant and prominent comedian, Acapella, is set for his annual ground breaking and epochmaking gospel comedy concert, ‘Acapella live in comedy goes to church’. This year’s event, which is powered by Purple Roof Entertainment, is tagged “The Fourth Impact”. Top stars like Akpororo, Helen Paul, Gordons, De Don, Chigurl, Dan D Humorous, Aboki4Christ, Whale Mouth, Ajebo, Mouthpiece, Sam & Song, Princewill, and lots more are comedians that will be on standby to tickle the ribs of guests for the night. Music stars on the microphone to thrill guests is rave of the moment sensational artiste, Humble Smith, and multi award winning soul singer, Timi Dakolo. Other artistes billed to perform at the concert are Kenny Blaq, etc “I thank all the media for their massive support over the years, and I am urging all my fans to come out en mass and support me, as they have always done, together we have made this event the best and biggest gospel comedy concert in Lagos Nigeria. Once again, all thanks to God and to my fans, prices for the tickets remain the same ...it promises to be a night of fun” the Imo State-born comedian boasted. The concert that has kept high levels of energy and extreme entertainment is billed to host today the February 28, 2016.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Find out where that relationship is heading

f there’s one thing I detest in relationships, it is when the destination is unknown. I mean, how can you be in a ship that is heading nowhere? It might as well be heading to Iceland if the destination is not carefully mapped out. Even cruise ships, built specifically for tours and entertainment has a particular destination it’s heading to; so why not a relationship? Assumption is a killer of committed relationships. Never assume you and your partner are reading the same pages of a book just because you have shared a few mind blowing kisses and had some good times together. Sure, you love each other; you connect well and have a rather healthy relationship but are you sure he/she is the one you should marry? Being a great boyfriend or girlfriend is different from being a great spouse. Many people assume that since they get along with their partners as boyfriend and girlfriend, that they will automatically end up married and live happily ever after-Right? Well, Wrong! Every relationship is not obligated to end in marriage. There are people you meet on the road to destiny who are just great friends but they are only there to map out the layout and not necessarily your destiny helper. Women are particularly culprits in the assumption arena. Even if you have been in relationship with a guy for a long time, don’t automatically assume it will end up in marriage. The guy might be having a great time frolicking with you and marriage is the last thing on his mind. The sooner you find out where the relationship is heading the better for all concerned as it will help prevent a lot

CONNECT NG vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com of confusion and heart ache later on. To avoid this type of mistake from occurring, the first thing you need to do in every relationship you enter is to define it. Ask yourself: What kind of relationship do I really want with this person? Is it going to be platonic, friends or strictly for marriage? This way, you will know whether you are both on the same boat or not. If your heart is set on marriage, how can you tell whether your partner is thinking the same way? Well, the signs

If your heart is set on marriage, how can you tell whether your partner is thinking the same way? Well, the signs are very clear to read, if you are willing to accept the truth staring you in the face; even if it is not what you want exactly

are very clear to read, if you are willing to accept the truth staring you in the face; even if it is not what you want exactly. The first step is to throw sentiments in the air and observe all angles of your relationship- not just the wonderful parts that you want to see. If you are the type of person who would like to settle down and get married, then you are naturally going to want a partner who will have the same dreams and goals as you when it comes to love and relationships. That is exactly why you must talk about this with the person you are dating once your relationship reaches a comfortable enough point to talk about marriage and commitment. Of course, there are some relationships where it is difficult to read your partner, due to mixed signals. If you feel that your partner loves you, but not really sure whether he or she will actually agree to marry you, then the following signs are what you should look out for: • Your partner tries to change the subject or brushes you off whenever you bring up marriage. • He or she tells you that marriage is not something that he/she is too crazy

about at the moment or that relationship requires some level of patience • When they come up with classic excuses such as: ‘’I am not ready yet; We’ll get married when we have more money; I’d like to get some other things done first before marriage; We love each other, so what’s the rush?....and so on.” • Tries to change you to conform to who they want or complains about everything you do. A person either loves you for who you are or they simply don’t. Don’t allow anybody to put you in a box they created all by themselves Do not rob yourself of true happiness by thinking your partner will come around or that you can change him/her, because this usually never works and you will only end up waiting around for a man or woman who will never give you what you truly want. Don’t blame anyone when a seven year relationship ends just because you didn’t have enough courage to ask where the relationship is actually heading to. The best thing to do is to observe your partner’s behavior when the topic of marriage is broached and then trust your instincts to unravel the true destination of that relationship. When the chips are down and you’ve been able to decipher that your partner is not deeply committed to the relationship like you do, then it’s time to pack your bags, end the pity party and look for someone who will see love the same way you do. Getting married is a beautiful life experience, but only if it is with a person who wants to be in it just as eagerly as you do.

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Reconnecting to the journalistic buzz at New Telegraph

miss the newsroom; the buzz, the pressure cooker situations, the deadlines and the screaming editors. A part of me still yearn for all these excitements but I have always convinced myself it was a nostalgic feeling and I am now first and foremost, a scholar and teacher. How wrong I was. On my recent visit to Nigeria, I dropped in on my colleagues working on this title and the feeling came back. The longing, the vibe… oh I miss it all. I saw Juliet Bumah on the phone quietly but firmly rebuking a cub reporter and asking that a particular story be in before deadline. Yes, Julie, my fellow rebel on the arts page had not changed. I also saw guys running across the room with hard copies of hot stories and I watched as the editors pointed out glaring errors or omissions that makes the exclusive nothing but an Onitsha Market fiction. More work to be done.

Then, what is a newsroom without an editor screaming down the phone at a bureau correspondent? I witnessed that too. Waheed Bakare and a Bureau officer were at it and the authority had to be established. In such arguments, there is always only one winner; the editor. Waheed won but he still saw the need to be specific on why things had to be done correctly. It reminded me of my days of warring with editors, from Nduka Otiono to Murtala Sule and Ebere Wabara. Man, I thought I knew it all until I wore the shoes and it pinched like hell. I bow to all my editors and editors all over the world.

I witnessed first hand the production of a newspaper copy in over a decade and I realised the sacrifice, the pain and indeed the courage required to report and speak the truth in an environment that glorifies lies. I also reconnected with my past life on the beat. There was Tony Okuyeme, my main guy at the National Troupe and now Arts Editor. Well, he will always be an actor to me and I told him that, though he tried coining a funny title for himself -journartist. Then, Biyi Adegoroye walked into the office and it was like time stood still. He was a friend and mentor when he was at Daily Times, before moving to the Sun. We dis-

covered we were Christian brothers and it only made our professional relationship stronger. I was able to attach faces to the names I only read in newspapeprs. Tunde Suleiman, my oga at Thisday is still active and his memory, impeccable. And, what will a journey into a newsroom be without the odd moment. I had always thought Biwom Ikiaki is a man, only for this gorgeous lady to walk in and Julie introduced her as Biwon Ikiaki; awkward. Well, it is the lot of print journalists. People know the name and frame a gender in their head. I was once told by a Minister, “your name is bigger than you are.” Apologies Biwom, hope-

My visit to New Telegraph has once again convinced me that we do not respect our journalists enough. I mean, some people only think of journalists and brown envelope when in reality, the work involved in producing a newspaper is enormous

fully the bro hug we shared would make up for the awkward intro we had. My visit to New Telegraph has once again convinced me that we do not respect our journalists enough. I mean, some people only think of journalists and brown envelope when in reality, the work involved in producing a newspaper is enormous. You write, you edit, you probe, you phone to check and cross check facts, you research and then all get summarised by bribery; highly insulting. I am not saying the practice does not exist, and if a newspaper does not pay the workers who write for them, they cannot claim any ethical purity, but I have listed on this page hard core professionals who upheld and still upholding the values and principles that form the foundation of the profession. There is a reason why journalists are said to be the fourth estate of the realm, the watchdogs of the society and the conscience of a just and fair state. Because they hold everyone accountable for their actions and make people realise, there is a reward for every action. Journalists die in the course of their job and yet more follow in their part. I am proud to be a member of this tribe and yes, I may have strayed from the path of late, but if you are reading this, then you know I have not strayed too far. To all the guys at New Telegraph who made me feel welcomed and a part of the family, I say thank you and keep up the good work.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016

WINE & DINE

Body&Soul

Enjoy crisp refreshing Vodka Ibukunoluwa Kayode

hat makes an ideal cocktail? In short, it should be cool, crisp and refreshing. Since that sums up vodka perfectly, no wonder it’s a base for so many summer time sippers. Vodka’s versatility lends itself to cocktails made using seasonal fruits like strawberries and blackberries, or freshly picked herbs like basil, high-

lighting rather than hiding those vibrant colours and flavours. It also plays well with the refreshing bubbles found in Prosecco and ginger beer. Health benefits of vodka include better cardiovascular health, reduction in stress quotient, relief from tooth aches and bad breath. Its astringent nature helps in keeping the skin healthy and promotes hair growth. Vodka also possesses valuable

antiseptic, anti-bacterial qualities, helps in disinfecting the wounds and works as an effective cleansing agent. It is a trendy drink which often scores quite well on the bar menu presented in restaurants, parties or small gatherings. Attributing to the versatility of colourless, flavourless vodka which merges seamlessly well with other drinks without disturbing or neutralising the flavour

of the additional ingredients, makes it one of the preferred choices amongst alcoholic beverages. It is used in the preparation of a variety of popular cocktails such as vodka martini, vodka tonic and Bloody Mary. These light, bright sips are perfect for alfresco entertaining. Serve them poolside, at parties, dinners, weddings, birthdays or when picnicking with friends.

Gizdodo snack affair

Biwom Iklaki on’t be misled by the title; gizdodo doesn’t only have to be a snack. It contains the right amount of nutrients to constitute a full meal really. It is also very healthy as the gizzard can be considered non red meat and the dodo is fortified with irons. If you garnish with the right amounts of veggies, you are on to a dynamite dish. The other day, we were watching the Arsenal VS Barca match and with the kind of entertainment that match brought, I thought my guys deserved a treat. Out came the gizzard and some plantains and I whipped up this lovely finger food for them to wash down with choice wines and beers. INGREDIENTS 5 fingers semi ripe plantain 15 pieces gizzard Onions (chopped)

Green, yellow, red peppers /jalapenos (diced) 3 large tomatoes (chopped finely) Ginger and garlic to taste Stock cubes Salt Red bonnet pepper (pounded) Hot leaf/scent leaf (I use a bit of both) Oil for frying PREPARATION Spice and precook the gizzard until tender. Peel, cube and fry the plantains and set aside. Drain the gizzard from the stock and fry lightly or dry (your preference) and set aside. In a separate wok, bring ¼ cup oil to simmer and add your onions. Add the tomatoes and fry till you have a paste. Add the veggies, red bonnet pepper, ginger, garlic, stock cubes and salt. Cover and leave to simmer for 2 – 3 minutes then stir, taste and turn the gizzard and dodo into the wok. Stir and serve. Garnish with some slices of shallots and pepper.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

The beautiful, classy and talented actress, Oghenekaro Itene, is one rising star to watch out for in Nollywood. Having starred in one of the most successful Mnet Africa series, Tinsel, Itene is not slowing down in her career as she wows movie lovers. In this chat with ABIOLA ALABA PETERS, the Delta born reveals what many don’t know about her sex life, career and more Can you tell us about yourself? My name is Oghenekaro Itene. I’m an actress and a makeup artist, CEO Kadia Makeovers and I am currently on Tinsel. I played the role of the wedding planner. I did ‘Glass House’ with Africa Magic original films directed by Kabat Esosa. I was also in ‘Shattered Mirror’, directed by Lancelot Imasuen. I worked with great names like Majid Michel, Nkem Owoh and Ngozi Ezeonu on that particular set and I played a sub-lead. At what point in your life did you decide to go into acting and when did you start professionally? Actually, I was just a makeup artist on set when the opportunity for acting came. I have always had the passion for acting, but I just thought the right platform hadn’t showed itself. I was doing makeup for this particular job, ‘Shattered Mirror’ and Lancelot noticed me on set and they un-casted someone, tried me on set with another actress and luckily for me, they said I did better and that was how I got my first acting role. Meanwhile, I had been getting scripts to act from other movie jobs I did make-up for, but I had not really considered them because I felt it wasn’t the right time. This was the right time because Lancelot was directing and he is one great director. I really admire his works and when the opportunity came, I said yes. And for your second question, I went into acting one year, eight months ago, and God has been good to me. What has been your biggest challenge so far? Basically, auditions were my challenge before I got into Tinsel because I actually auditioned for Tinsel with the stress and all, but with time, it will pass. Do you select scripts, or you just accept everything? For now, I select jobs, knowing the fact that I am even on Tinsel platform on MNet, I don’t want to ruin everything I have gotten right now and basically, the kind of productions coming for me right now are good productions knowing the fact that I am on a good platform. Take us into your background. I have five siblings, and I am the last of the six of us. My parents are late and I am from Isoko and Urhobo in Delta State. I was born and breed in Benin. I went to the university there where I studied Biology. When you go out for auditions, do you get harrassed sexually by anybody? Never! I have never experienced that because the auditions I go for are professional auditions. When you do well at an audition, they call you back and give you a script and the script they will give you is according to

I got my first kiss at 14 –Oghenekaro Itene performance. Of all the auditions I have gone so far, I have never experienced such and I pray never to. Have you ever been harassed by lesbians? No, not at all.

ery time, but I don’t miss my service. I go to service two times in a week as an usher in my church. Most times, I don’t even think about it, seriously, when you are so spiritual, you don’t think of such things.

What length would you go for acting; can you pose nude? The thing is, if the script says go nude, it is my decision to read the script and know if I will do it or not and also know the people that will be involved in the job if they are very professional because we have so many people doing movies these days. If it is on a professional level and I know that even if I open my body, there is a way they will edit it for it not to show the whole world the parts I don’t want to be shown. So are you saying if you are to be featured on set with the likes of Genevieve, and your script says you should go nude, you would?

Do you look forward to producing your own movie soon? Yes, I look forward to directing, but I will have to do a course on that first, but those are my future plans.

When you say nude, do you mean stark naked? I’m saying, what part of your body can you reveal in a film? I can reveal just my back and not my bottom anyway. So you can’t strip for 1million dollars? No, at least not now, but we all know that change is constant. Who do you look up to in acting? When it comes to acting in Nigeria, I love Genevieve Nnaji. I look up to her a great deal. Rita Dominic is also one person I love. Nse Etim and Ngozi Ezeonu also. I’m looking forward to working with Genevieve and Rita Dominic. Who are your celebrity male crushes? For music, I’m crushing on Don Jazzy, I love his creativity. If he asks you out, would you accept? I don’t know oo! (Laughing) I’m just crushing on him because of his creativity and personality. He is very intelligent and I love intelligent people. Are you married or in a relationship? I’m not married and I am not in a relationship. I am single for now. Any hope for relationship soon or you just enjoy being single? I think for now I am just concentrating my energies on my career, but if God says it is the right time for a man to come, why not? Considering the fact that you don’t have a man in your life, how do you cope sexually? I

am a bornagain Christian. Basically, I think every human has that feeling. So when it comes, I just pray. I am a very spiritual person, I’m being realistic, I work ev-

Five years from now, where do you see yourself? Five years from now I see great things coming my way because my career is divine. I told you how it happened, so I know that the God I served brought me here and is going to take me higher, so people should be expecting great things from me. You’re 18months in the industry. What is that one thing you noticed which you are not down with and you wish to change? Basically, I think we need more good African stories. I think that is where we are losing it. Most of our movies are like western world kind of movies. I think we should do more of Lancelot’s ‘Invasion’ and Kunle Afolayan’s ‘October 1’, because we have so many traditions in Nigeria. We have 36 states, we should go to these places and explore their cultural style and do something about it. I think those kinds of movies will sell better. What else do you do aside acting? I run a makeup company called ‘Kadia Makeovers’ and I also do other businesses as well. What are your hobbies? I love to travel, cook, dance and sleep. Which Nigerian artiste’s songs do you love? I love Orente by Adekunle G o l d , Dorobucci by Don Jazzy and the Ma-

vins, and Tiwa Savage.

You top five Nigerian Directors? Lancelot Imasuen Oduwa, Kabat Esosa Egbon, Kunle Afolayan, Sunom Kura (one of the directors on Tinsel). Do you think it is helping the actor in anyway when the directors first showcase the movies in the cinema before going on DVD? Yes, I think so. The more people watch your movie, the more people get to know you and the more jobs you get as an actor, so yes, it is benefiting the actors. The producers and marketers are working so hard to spread the movie nationwide and all over Africa. At what age did you have your first Kiss? I had my first kiss at 14 by my childhood crush that happens to be late. He played basketball then. I went with him to the basketball court and that was where I had my first kiss after which I ran away. Your favorite perfume? I love Paco Rabanne for women. How do you describe your fashion sense? My style is simple, I love African wears, promoting Nigerian culture, so I wear lots of African attires. Who are those people you will love to work with? I will love to work with Kunle Afolayan, Emem Isong and other great directors. What part of your body do you think men admire the most, and which is your favorite part? I love my nose, but I think men love my lips a lot; I love my lips as well because they are a good feature. With my lipstick, I can do different colours and they will come out well. When a man compliments your lips, what comes to your mind? I’m like, oh, not again; if I don’t take time, he might kiss me, let me run away. Something like that had happened, someone just walked up to me and kissed me and I was so shocked and he said, I have watched you on Tinsel and I think I deserve that kiss.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

espite WHO’s cancer alert

false reports given to the country if Nigerians keep listening to them, saying there is no need putting these reports to mind. “I don’t want to believe these unfounded reports that foreign bodies put together and hand down to Africans to frighten us. What really do we need to believe about these bodies? They will tell you to eat this today that is good for your health and tomorrow, they will tell another thing to avoid. “I like suya very well and I won’t stop eating it. If we keep avoiding all African delicacies, what then do we eat? All these

things, to me, are hypotheses and should be treated as such. Has such report, which said that suya and other smoked meat are cancerous been there or did it just emerged? How many of our forefathers, who ate them suffered cancer? If they talk about suya because it’s burnt what will they say about the thousands of years that our forefathers spent feeding on smoked fish and meat? “At what age did they die without suffering any form of degenerative diseases? They lived above 100 but now everybody

is dying between 50 and 60 years. Then, nobody expected any death at 60 but nowadays, anyone that crosses 80 it is a celebration of life. How many of our forefathers, who ate smoked fish, meat, and roasted yam among others, died of cancer? “Please, throw that report over board for I refuse to fall for it. It’s too myopic to believe such. They should go and find a cure for the cancer, which they created by using different kinds of chemicals to process their foods and meats and not our suya. Africans are game hunters and they live by smoking and salting their meat. To me, the report is baseless.” Again, a mother of three, Mrs. Elisabeth Jimoh, said it would be hard for one to discourage Nigerians, especially Lagosians, from eating suya, saying that the products could be the source of hope in an emergency situation, apart from the fact that it’s tasty and appeals to almost everybody. “Suya helps because it appears the only food one can get late night when one is hungry. There was a day I got home late, and I had hoped to give my children soup in the fridge. But on getting home, I discovered that there was no light and the meat in the fridge had thawed and the blood from the meat entered the soup. “I thought of what to do but the only thing that crossed my mind was to get them suya and drinks. Of course, there was no eatery that was still open at that time. So, it was N1000 suya that I fed them with. For me, suya can never be done away with in Nigeria, despite the warnings.” On the other hand, the cancer research arm of WHO, under the auspices of International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) had issued a report that consumption of red meat and processed meat, like hot dogs, ham, suya, and smoked meat raises the risk of colon cancer as well as consuming other red meats raises the risk. But a number of Nigerians said the word “processed” is an ambiguous construct, which include smoking, curing, or adding salt or other chemical preservatives to modify meat to either extend its shelf life or change the taste. Some food experts, who spoke to Sunday Telegraph, said the report should give people more reason to moderate their intake of processed meat but cautioned that any increased risk of cancer was relatively small. “If processed meat is explained to imply canned and modified meat to extend its shelf life or change the taste, by smoking, curing, or adding salt or other chemical preservatives, I would reason with you but simply putting beef through a mincer does not mean the re-

Ideally, veterinary doctors are supposed to inspect the animals and do so again after the animals have been slaughtered before declaring the meat safe for consumption

sulting mince is processed unless it is modified further. “Processed meat includes bacon, sausages, hot dogs, corned beef, beef jerky, canned meat and meat-based sauces. It is the chemicals involved in the processing which could be increasing the risk of cancer. High temperature cooking, such as on a barbeque, can also create carcinogenic chemicals,” argued a food scientist at Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, Mr. Olukayode Opeifa. According to the Chairman of Disease Prevention at Stanford University, Dr. John Ioannidis, it would be an exaggeration to say based on this that no one should be eating red or processed meat, saying there’s some risk involved, but much less than smoking or alcohol. “I think it’s very important that we don’t terrorise people into thinking that they should not eat any red meat at all. “Smoking causes a roughly 20-fold increase in a person’s risk of developing lung and other types of cancer, and every year it results in about a million deaths worldwide,” he said. Sunday Telegraph learnt that a working Group of 22 experts from 10 countries convened by IARC classified the consumption of red meat as probably carcinogenic to humans and processed meat as carcinogenic to humans but Dr. Fred Erhabor said there is a problem with The Cable that misinterpreted WHO’s report to Nigerians, saying that suya is by no means, a processed meat, rather the most natural meat anyone can eat. “Processed meats are those meats that have been laced chemicals in order to preserve them so as to increase their shelf life. This is not a Nigerian problem as most of the beefs produced in Nigeria are eaten the same day, so no need for preservatives or chemicals, which are the actual carcinogens,” he explained.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

politics/columns

If I were President Buhari… Villa Notes emmyanule@yahoo.com

Anule Emmanuel

magine having an excellent idea. Also imagine how helpful this idea could be, not only to yourself but to an extended number of friends and relations. Imagine too, how unfortunate it would be, if one of those anticipated beneficiaries should be behind a plot to thwart this good intention. Nothing can be frustrating than an unappreciated genuine sacrifice. But your best friend, they say could be your worst enemy. When President Muhammadu Buhari resumed duty in Aso Rock as the fourth democratically elected leader of Nigeria since 1999, he left no one in doubt about his love and belief in the capacity of civil servants especially the bureaucrats to deliver, at least, as key assistants in the execution of government policies and programmes. For about three months, President Buhari kept Nigerians in suspense. He ran the government without a cabinet, (the Federal Executive Council). While that lasted, President Buhari explained that but for the country’s constitution, he would work without ministers and operate with civil servants who remained the engine for the implementation of government programmes. As far as the President was concerned, political appointees, especially those who occupied the positions of ministers were noise makers. “It is what we know-and which we learnt from the western system. The civil service provides the continuity, the technocrat. And in any case, they are those that do most of the work. The ministers are there, I think to make a lot of noise,” he told a foreign television station last year. During the period, President Buhari received weekly briefs from Federal Permanent Secretaries and other heads of parastatals and agencies on the true position of state affairs, so he could set in motion the direction of his government. They had a field day. Once that was over, he first sacked not less than 17 permanent secretaries and appointed a new Head of Service for the Federation Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita. This action indeed sent an early signal that something was wrong. The President may have gotten inkling that these set of technocrats he had so praised openly could be the major problem of his government. If not checked, maybe, they could stand in the way of his new agenda of purging

the Nigerian system of its cancerous corruption. Unfortunately, this has played out with the recent revelation that, yet to be identified persons in the civil service aided the padding up of the 2016 Appropriation Bill currently before the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law. Like the President himself, many Nigerians were astonished by the development which also generated friction between the legislature and the executive. At some point, the Senate had even accused the presidency of being responsible for a perceived disappearance of the appropriation bill. The other time, news filtered into the air that President Buhari’s Special Adviser on Senate Matters Ita Inang had smuggled in a different version of the budget from the one presented to the joint session of the National Assembly in December 2015. Soon after, the presidency uncovered what it described as systematic corrupt practices by top government officials

who assisted in the preparation of the appropriation bill. There are indications that the Federal Government had also engaged a few consultants from the private sector to join these officers. Whether they collaborated in this sharp practice is a subject for another day. In the near past, what Nigerians knew that budget padding was a system where top government officials including even cabinet ministers connived with members of the National Assembly (NASS) to inject certain figures into the budget with the hope of pulling out these funds during implementation. Often times, this was done during the budget defence by the respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government. Like I said, this was done with the inputs of the lawmakers. But this time, the padding was done outside of the NASS as being claimed even without the knowledge of ministers. Obviously, this is the more reason why the issue generated the controversy too. The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole had to come publicly to disown his ministry’s budget claiming that it was not what was initially submitted. But, the only known scapegoat from this crisis at the moment is the sacked Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation Yahaya Gusau. He is believed to have failed to effectively deliver on his duties. Agreed that it may not be possible for the President to peruse the voluminous financial document to scrutinise what has been imputed. The question is that what specific role did the Minister of Budget, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma play in this case? He has since been given a clean bill of health by the President himself. Notwithstanding this drama, it is critical to understand that a serious crime has been committed against the Nigerian state and its people. For me, this is not less than a treasonable felony, in this case, “a group of persons not necessarily planning to overthrow the government” but to undo government. There is a wider conspiracy to this whole thing, one that was designed to sabotage the new government which is perceived to be coming with a bang of effective force to rubbish the works of the past and present itself as a saint. If I were the President, with this revelation I would work to ensure that Nigerians begin to see the country above party lines. Presently, it is about we and them but not about the project Nigeria. This is why President Buhari needs to act fast and in fact, unmask the faces of those behind this dastardly act of budget padding which sadly is tailored to further worsen the present poor economic situation faced by the country. Nigerians need to know them. The threat to punish them is not enough.

Delta after the Supreme Court verdict Augustine Avwode

t last, it’s settled. Yes! With the pronouncement of the Supreme Court on the April 11, 2015 governorship election in Delta State, affirming Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa as the dully and legally elected governor, a whole new vista has formally opened before the good people of the state. It was a welcomed relief from utterly unnecessary distractions that the good people of Delta State and the present administration had been subjected by perennial electoral litigants for all the 244 days of the administration before that fateful Tuesday, February 2. Governor Okowa, in his characteristic humility, had, time and again, called on all opposition politicians to eschew the palpable political bitterness they have exhibited and join him to move the state forward in the overall interest of Deltans. But no, not for those whose avowed obsession was to get the governor out of Government House, Asaba, by hook or crook and in clear disregard for the pan-Delta mandate that berthed Okowa in office. The governor was, therefore, absolutely right and justified when he called on the individuals concerned, to do the needful, - apologise to Deltans for subjecting them, the state and the government of the people to such unwarranted distractions, especially, when it was apparent that they lacked what it would take to sustain their

legal odyssey. To all intent and purposes, the governor’s statement was an innocuous advice that was, unfortunately taken out of context and visited with thoughtless, provocative and irreverent response by the opposition. Notwithstanding their reaction which stands condemned, it is necessary to reecho and draw attention to another aspect of what Governor Okowa said on that very day which the opposition chose to ignore but every Deltan should dwell on. Okowa said: “We should forgive them. It is time to love ourselves, see ourselves as brothers and sisters fighting solely for the common good of our people; it is time for us to break away from the past, to begin a new partnership; it is time to have a collective approach to governance – community governance because, on our part, we promised to carry everyone along in love and unity”. Three weeks later at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service by Governor Okowa, at the Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, he reiterated the same message: “We are all Deltans and should work to move Delta State forward, we bear no grudge against anybody, we will move forward as a state and every May 29, we will dedicate it as a day of prayer and worship to the Lord, our God…and I ask for reconciliation because, we need to stay together, we need to partner together to develop Delta State.”

I, like many other well-meaning citizens of the state, believe that Governor Okowa has set the right tone and chosen the right course in the light of the post judicial pronouncement on the 2015 election in our state. The call today, is to join hands with the government in its avowed determination to develop Delta and place it where it should belong, that is, among the foremost states in Nigeria. And so, now that the court has spoken, it behooves all citizens of our great state to explore to the fullest the pan-Delta mandate freely given by the people to Governor Okowa by supporting the S.M.A.R.T agenda - Strategic Wealth Creation Initiatives and Provision of Jobs for all Deltans; Meaningful Peace Building Platforms aimed at Political/Social Stability; Agricultural Reforms and Industrialisation; Relevant Health and Education Policies and Transformed Environment through Massive Urban Renewal. We are all living witnesses to how Governor Okowa has been going about the implementation of the S.M.A.R.T agenda with consuming passion. There is no doubting the fact that he is poised to building a united and prosperous Delta State. In him, Delta has a servant-leader who is genuinely interested in working with all parties in the interest of the citizens on whose behalf he is in power. For him, where anybody stood during the election, no longer matter. Whether you belong to the 97 per cent or the five percent group,

Governor Okowa has no time for such categorisation that seeks to portray some as very important and others as inconsequential. Therefore, bickering, sabotage and vindictive tendencies that seek to divide our people should no longer have any place at all under this new dispensation, if truly we all love Delta. The Government needs the support of all and sundry irrespective of our political affiliation as it moves to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people who voted the administration into power. Now that the Court has spoken, upholding the unambiguous electoral statement earlier made by Deltans, specialists in the art of peddling pernicious propaganda should give peace a chance. All hands should now be on deck to rally support for Governor Okowa to deliver on his campaign promises of “Prosperity for all Deltans” as clearly espoused in the S.M.A.R.T agenda and which he is assiduously and uncompromisingly implementing. Now that the Supreme Court has issued the final decree as it were, we all should sheathe our swords and create a peaceful atmosphere which we need to experience prosperity, sustainable development and the eradication of poverty through the creation of direct employment for our teeming youths. A new Delta is possible, and why not? Governor Okowa has already shown that and leading the way. It is time to join the S.M.A.R.T train.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016

NEWS

NSC to protect Nigerian importers p.40

INTERVIEW

NEWS

Govt is doing something about falling naira value – Enelamah p.41

JAC models good for Nigerian roads p.43

BUSINESS

PAUL OGBUOKIRI HEAD, BUSINESS

paulogbuokiri@newtelegraph

Bourbon vessel attacked off Nigeria, two kidnapped

rench oil services company Bourbon said one of its vessels was attacked off the coast of Nigeria and two crew members from Nigeria and Russia are considered to have been abducted by the assailants. The company said 10 other crew members were back on board the vessel and safe in port. “Bourbon will continue to disclose any new information when available and verified, but will not make any further comment,” the company said. Bourbon operates a fleet of light, fast cruisers called Surfers that are used to move professionals to offshore oil and gas sites, especially in West Africa. One of its speedboats was boarded off Nigeria and three crew members were kidnapped but were later released in April last year.

L-R: Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, Chief Law Chinwuba, Commissioner for Works, and Mr. Brian Conneely, Director, West Incorporation, during the experiment on new road construction technology in Awka, the state capital...recently

Not yet uhuru as naira rebounds Naira

Paul Ogbuokiri ontrary to predictions of an all-time rise from the initial N400 (an all time low) to about 450/500, the naira, which was steadily depreciating since the beginning of this year, suddenly reversed on Monday, gaining 20 per cent against the dollar on Tuesday. But most commentators including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) attributed the development to the activities of speculators. To the CBN, however: “It is an affirmation of what the apex bank had stood for, that the naira will eventually find parity with the greenback in due course,” said an official of the apex bank who would not want his name published. Reliable sources confirmed that many BDC operators stormed banks in search of dollars after appreciation of the currency on Wednesday, a situation which made it scarce. As at Thursday

morning, the naira had risen to about 290 to a dollar as speculators still believe that the three-day consecutive rise may not be sustained by the Federal Government. However, the rebound of the naira, according to a financial analyst and former President of the Association National Accountants of Nigeria, Dr Samuel Nzekwe, means that the CBN’s drive for exchange rate stability and zero tolerance for currency speculators is already yielding the desired result. He further said that the naira had firmed as retail traders, having anticipated a cut in the official rate and stocked up on dollars, bought the local currency back after the government said it would not devalue. “The market is reacting to the president’s ‘no devaluation’ stance,” said Aminu Gwadabe, who is the President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON). Authorities had stepped up efforts to rid the market of illegal currency traders, he added. He said the many BDC operators are not sure the liquidity in the market will continue, urging government to enhance more liquidity in the market to bring the rates further down. The currency exchanged for N400 to a dollar upper Friday, before quickly returning to N375 to a dollar; and on Monday, it appreciated to N364 to

a dollar and on Tuesday, it gained 20 per cent against the dollar, exchanging at between 260 and 280 in different parts of the country. This is coming as President Muhammadu Buhari last Saturday rejected the idea of devaluing the naira, despite mounting pressure from an economic crisis caused by a sharp fall in the price of oil, Nigeria’s dominant export. And on Sunday, Chairman of Capital Oil, Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah, boasted that he could make the Nigerian currency bounce back to 200 naira to the dollar in the parallel market in 30 days. He also threatened to release the identities of those behind the current foreign exchange problems, claiming the problem was deliberately instituted by some Nigerians. President Buhari was further supported by Nigeria’s former Secretary General to the Commonwealth Nations, Chief Emeka Anyanoku, who

In my view those calling for official devaluation of the naira need to come up with a good answer to Nigeria’s basic present problematic situation with its currency

said at the recent Ondo State 40th Anniversary Symposium in Akure, said that devaluing the naira would worsen the economic situation and cause severe drain on the nation’s foreign reserves. “In my view those calling for official devaluation of the naira need to come up with a good answer to Nigeria’s basic present problematic situation with its currency. “And besides, in such circumstances, devaluation will lead to an unacceptable drain on our country’s external reserves which is already worryingly depleted,” Chief Ayanoku said. Meanwhile, the naira started to depreciate again on Thursday as speculators were said to have swooped on the market on Wednesday to mop up the excess dollars in the market which crashed the price to N280. In the morning on Thursday, the naira opened at N295 to a dollar, moved to N300 and closed at N310 to the dollar in different parts of the country, including Lagos, Abuja, Onitsha and Aba. However, the official exchange rate has closed at N197.50 following CBN’s curbs introduced late last year to defend a currency peg have restricted access to dollars. The policy shift has moved demand for dollars on to the parallel market, a flow further fuelled by speculation of a possible weakening of the peg.

Globacom boosts Lisabi Festival

he Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo has commended Globacom for elevating the Lisabi Festival to the highest level ever imagined by Egba indigenes since the telecoms company started sponsoring the event six years ago. Oba Gbadebo, who stated this at a press conference to herald 2016 Lisabi Festival activities in his Abeokuta palace, said the festival was now listed on the world map of festivals as a result of Globacom’s support and efforts of its Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr who he described as a living legend. Speaking earlier, Glo Business Director, Ogun, Mr. Ayo Ogunranti described the theme of the 2016 Lisabi Festival “Wealth creation through Small and Medium Enterprises” as germane and vital to the revamping of Nigeria’s economy, adding that Small and Medium Scale Enterprises are the engines of growth Nigeria needs to embrace, cultivate and stimulate at this crucial period in order to wade through the myriads of economic challenges confronting the nation.” He stated that Globacom holds the sector in the highest esteem, recalling that this was why the company partnered with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). A week-long programme of activities marking the 30th Lisabi Festival was announced at the press conference by the Lisabi Festival Committee 2016. The activities kicked off on Monday, February 29, 2016 with booming of guns on Olumo Rock, public mobilization by women, worodance on sectional basis and semi final of Lisabi Football Competition at MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta. The final ceremony of the traditional Ayo Game competition as well as the finals of the Secondary Schools debate and children social programmes have been slated for Tuesday, while the Inter School Quiz competition and the finals of the Lisabi Football Competition will take place on Wednesday.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS RB Nigeria commits to SCI

L-R: Harpic Brand Ambassador, Helen Paul; Marketing Director, RB West Africa, Oguzhan Silivrili and GM, RB West Africa, Rahul Murgai, at the RB/Save the Children Initiative Charity Ball in Lagos, recently.

B Nigeria has reiterated commitment Save the Children Initiative (SCI) partnership to reduced child deaths from diarrhoea in Nigeria. Speaking at a ground-breaking programme to help eradicate child deaths from diarrhoea in Shomolu Local Government Area of Lagos State, General Manager, RB West Africa, Mr. Rahul Murgai, said that the partnership with the SCI since 2013 has berthed innovative new hygiene and sanitation products to stop diarrhoea programme in Nigeria , aimed at preventing, controlling and treating the unnecessary killer. He added that the combination of RB’s expertise in product development and research, and Save the Children’s experience of delivering life-saving work have helped save thousands of young lives yearly. In his words: “Inception phases involving the research and set up of large-scale, innovative programs to combat diarrhoea in Nigeria and Pakistan are complete, and now in execution phase in a community in Lagos to fully implement the World Health Organisation and UNICEF 7-point plan to ensure comprehensive diarrhea control. “RB and Save the Children have committed to working with national governments and other partners to implement the 7-point plan by developing unique products to improve hand washing and community sanitation. This is assured as RB’s expertise in product development and research, and Save the Children’s experience of delivering life-saving work will help save thousands of young lives every year.”

NSC to protect Nigerian importers

he Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has again reaffirmed its commitment to protect Nigerian shippers against any form of extortion from service providers over arbitrary charges, saying some importers had been shortchanged because they had no knowledge of the existence of the Council. The Council, as part of its statutory role as the economic regulator of the Nigerian port industry, also harped on the need for shippers to report all genuine cases suffered in the hands of shipping companies as regards their consignments. Speaking at a one-day sensitisation programme, organised by the Council for importers under the aegis of United Marble and Allied Dealers Association in Lagos, recently, a top official from the Commercial Shipping Services Department; (NSC) Mr. Nanbol Nanle said that the job of the Council is to protect the

interest of the shippers. The compliance, monitoring and enforcement division officer noted that over the years, importers and exporters have failed to relate with the council on how to proffer solutions in resolving issues with shipping companies. He said through the Council’s protective interest for Nigeria shippers, the sensitisation programme is an eye opener for them to see reasons to report all genuine cases associated with their business. The official added that the Nigerian Shippers Council is bringing its services to the traders’ doorsteps in ensuring that there is a government institution in place to protect the interest of shippers as regards trade facilitation. He added that the essence of the workshop is to find lasting solutions to the problem associated with shippers towards ensuring best practice in international trade and trade facilitation. Nanbol stressed that:

“Whenever there is problem with your consignment please don’t hesitate to lay your complains in our office because that is why the Nigerian Shippers Council was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria”. According to him, the traders’ visit to the Council as regards arbitrary charges and delay in their consignments at the seaports attract huge benefit in the course of doing business adding that it will further reduce the cost of doing business in the ports. The Council’s official further reiterated that: “If you run into problems in the process of your import and you don’t know where to go, the chances of been ripped off will be there but as an outcome of the workshop, we have asked them to come to us with any problem. “Even before they commit themselves business wise as regards import and export they should consult us because their headache

is our headache.” He, however, expressed optimism that the traders will take the opportunity and advantage to start reporting cases associated with international trade to the Council for due consultation, following outcomes of the interaction Speaking earlier, President of the United Marble and Allied Dealers Association, Mr. Iyke Onyekwelu said that the enlightenment campaign was an eye opener for traders and importers saying that Nigerian manufacturers of such items, namely granite and tiles cannot meet the yearning demand of the consumers. He said Nigeria is not ripe enough to manufacture such items in large quantity, which in turn gave rise to such importation. He called on the Nigerian Shippers Council for more awareness programme of such, saying that the traders now have who to run to when the need arises as regards their consignments.

FG to customs agents: Register with CRFFN or lose licence

n view of the controversies rocking the freight forwarding sub sector of the maritime industry with regards to which agency between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), should be responsible for the registration of the freight forwarders, the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi has directed that all practitioners

should go back and register with CRFFN within two weeks or lose their licences. He explained that it is not the role of NCS to register customs brokers, saying any attempt to do that will be tantamount to breaking the law. The Minister gave this directive at a two-day conference on Improved Ports Efficiency in Nigeria organised by the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) in

Lagos on Saturday. Ameachi further ordered all the freight forwarding associations in Nigeria as a matter of urgency to resolve their differences with CRFFN or risk proscription. According to the Minister, the Ministry of Transportation and the Customs Comptroller General have both agreed to meet, saying that he might be forced to instruct the CRFFN to commence fresh registration of

practitioners. Ameachi said: “Let me talk to the customs practitioners, there is a law that you people are breaking and that law has to do with an agency in my ministry. “I have met with the Comptroller General of Customs and we are starting a fresh registration of all customs agents and the requirement will be to go and register there (CRFFN) before you can became a customs agent”.

Croatia’s new Counsl General to Nigeria, Mr. Damir Miskovic (L) presenting his letter to the Nigeria Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Geoferry Onyema in Abuja…recently

Firm introduces drug to fight erectile dysfunctions

hairman of Klat pharmaceutical company Limited in Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Oluoha has said that his company has pushed into the Nigerian Healthcare market a special type of drug called Ginklat that fights erectile dysfunctions while reducing fatigue in the user. He said: “It has come to our notice that stress, fatigue, lack of prolonged action; erectile dysfunctions are fast becoming a common problem with Nigerians. We decided to bring into the Nigerian market, a special type of drug rich in vitamins, ginseng and zinc called Ginklat. It is simply called the magic super vitamin.” Oluoha said those worn out by the stress of the day should take the drug which is rich in stamina and energizer. He said the drug has been dully certified and approved into the Nigerian market by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Forex restrictions hampering investment in Nigeria - FirstRand

shburton Investments, the money-managing unit of Africa’s biggest bank by value, said the foreign Exchange restrictions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are limiting its ability to increase its holdings of stocks in the country. “The foreign-currency situation has made it difficult to add more exposure to Nigeria,’’ Paul Clark, head of African equities at the unit of Johannesburg-based FirstRand Ltd., said this week in an interview. “At the moment, there are no obvious buyers of equities in Nigeria.’’ Ashburton, which holds Nigerian banking and oil stocks including Seplat Petroleum Development Co., has seen the valuation on its investments in Africa’s largest economy slump by half to $5 million, from more than $10 million in 2014, Clark said. That’s in the wake of a plunge in crude oil prices and foreign currency restrictions imposed by the government. The situation looks unlikely to change “until we see more foreign currency availability or an exchange rate at the level where the market wants to clear,’’ he said in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. Nigeria is struggling to cope with a 70 per cent-slump in crude prices since mid-2014 to below $30 a barrel. The Central Bank of Nigeria has restricted supplies of foreign currency and pegged the naira at 197-199 to the dollar since March as it seeks to conserve reserves and stem a rout of the naira.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016

BUSINESS/ INTERVIEW

Govt is doing something about falling naira value – Enelamah

The state of the economy is a source of worry to many Nigerians and investors across the world. As Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Investment, what solution will you proffer to the situation? I am a great believer in long term solution to problems, and as a country, we must be prepared to make long term plans, investing now for a better tomorrow. We should move away from the syndrome of sowing today and hoping to reap tomorrow. Nigerians have to prepare to make some sacrifices where it is required; and the most serious one that will make the greatest impact is to consume what we produce. If we are willing to say we will make the sacrifice of consuming only what we produce, we will get better in no distant time. Most advanced countries like Germany, Japan and China went through similar tough times in their history. So I am fully persuaded we will get better. Speaking for myself and the leadership of the ministry, I can assure you that we are prepared to make sacrifices when and where it is required. And franking, I am expecting that by leading by example, we will be able to carry others along the line. By the way, this is some thing President Buhari has started talking about and in a very short time, we have began to make some progress for a better tomorrow for this country.

How is government going to check the influx of substandard products into the country, even after all the efforts of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON)? We live in a global community where people are constantly trying to sell their products and we have a particular responsibility to ourselves to make sure that goods that are coming into the country are not dumped or injurious to our people and the environment. Recently, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) said that the world is competing with treasurers of the developed world, who are subsidising goods that are coming from their countries and hampering industrialisation of other countries. Again, selling of substandard goods is a very serious matter in our country. It is criminal when people sell goods that are not of the right quality and because it is sold at a cheaper price, some people may not even know that they are not of the quality. We know that we have several agencies that are involved in the effort to check this practice; SON is one of them. Nigeria is a large country with a population of over 170 million people, so I think we should use technology to fight the menace of substandard products and it is something we are discussing and would implement very soon, whether it be at the point of Customs inspection on arrival or before the goods are shipped. So, I think it is an area we can do more compared to what we are doing now. Manufacturers are complaining that they are facing difficulties sourcing foreign exchange to import raw materials. The situation according to the organised private sector is likely to lead to downsizing of workforce or total closure of factories in the next quarter. Considering the implication of the situation to the Nigerian economy, what is the ministry going to do? The restriction on foreign exchange came because of non-availability of dollars, so the quantum of forex coming to the economy is not enough to meet all our needs. Let me make a general comment about foreign exchange, every country has a responsibility to manage its foreign exchange. You can have a kind of foreign

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, in this interview with STANLEY IHEDIGBO, assures that if government signs the European Union Trade Partnership, it will not impede Nigeria’s industrialisation exchange management regime that manages the two side of the economy, the supply and demand sides of the foreign exchange, and the responsibility we have is to make sure that these two things are working. Government’s plan is to improve supply but only the a long term, through exports and I wish that sooner, we will have to keep an eye on what will increase supply in the long run. We also can improve supply in short term through foreign direct investment, so one of the things, we are doing is to create enabling environment for the foreign investor to bring in their money including foreign exchange and discussions are going on. You know that the foreign exchange regime effects the investors coming in and what will solve the problem in terms of limitation that will not hamper this enthusiasm about investment. We have engaged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)and other agencies of government. I expect that we will come to the right bordering, however, in sympathy with the agencies government points out in short term that on the supply of foreign exchange, some thing has to be done, but the bottom line is that, it will not be business as usual and to make sure that raw materials are available for the industries. What plan does the ministry have to enhance the capacity of the research institutes in the country looking at the important role they play in research and development which impacted on the growth of local industries in the past? We have been in discussions with Ministry of Agriculture and it is a priority to government on that ministry with partnership with our ministry because we are interconnected. It is important to point out that the Ministry of Technology has recently gotten support and there is a existing committee on science and technology which basically is supposed to make sure that support is given to research because every nation depends on their institutions on research. We will direct some of our finding to cover recent innovations and investment. Before now, we have had different types of intervention funds, like SME fund, and those funds have not been able to impact meaningful on the

Enelamah

growth of the economy, as it is expected. Under this government, how will your ministry make sure that such funds will foster the growth of the economy? I want to point out that though government has had enormous intervention funds before now, but I want to make it clear that as big as those numbers sound, the problems of the country are bigger. Let me use the example of the way people say that Nigeria produces so and so number of barrels of crude oil per day and when they divide it by the number of Nigerians, each person should get about one or two dollars, but when you talk about the quantum in absolute terms, it will look large. Also no matter the intention of government, there is a limit to how much it can do but have said that in the intervention, we must make sure the little we have is well utilised, so what you will see us doing, going forward is to leverage on technology and partnership with government agencies, to make sure that these intervention funds are well utilised. I know that several teams have being working on the social development fund of government and they are doing a good work as they are interacting with different agencies and stakeholders. I am confident that with quality of people I have seen working in these things and I wish they have done better in the past but we will see better result coming in the future. Although, I do agree that we need to do more and I know that this government will do that, it will also attract other players in this specific area of need. We learnt that two million traders, artisans and macro entrepreneurs will benefit from government’s proposed so-

cial development fund. How much will reach each of the targeted people? The social development programme will be rolled out for traders, artisans and macro entrepreneurs and the first thing to point out is that the programme is still in the planning stage, which is why I cannot say this is what each person will get for now. You can see that we are targeting the most substantial people and with two million people, I think we can see the result at the end of the day. It is not for the large businesses but the small ones like the traders, artisans and macro entrepreneurs and we expect the amount will be a hundred thousand or more. How will this ministry address the issue of policy shocks, because from time to time the manufacturers complain that government surprises them with new policies without any consultation? With the new government, investors want to understand where government is going, there is a period nobody understood where the government was going, and no minister was appointed a couple months after the government was inaugurated. They wanted to see the policy direction and that did not come as quick as they wanted it. But now, we are sending signals that we are not going to have policy somersault and some of the reason and that is the reason you have not seen us come up with any hasty policy. We are studying and understanding what has to be done, and included ones that we are supposed to reserve or try start a fresh policy on. Because we understand the power of consistency in policies, for example the supply of foreign exchange is one of the things, government is trying to do something about it and we have to create the enabling environment for that foreign exchange to come in and we are engaging stakeholders to make sure it happens. In view of the 1.4 billion Euros grant available for the countries that sign the European Union trader partnership, will the government still go ahead and sign the agreement which the organised private sector kicked against because they believe it will hamper manufacturing in the country? There is a draft partnership agreement with the European Union that has been signed by many ECOWAS countries, but Nigeria has not signed. The point there is that it is a very important agreement to understand and clearly articulate where we are going because it has to do with our business relationship with the EU and also with neighbouring countries. I believe it is proper for Nigerians look at the agreement and raise their concerns and the position of this government is that, we have to address these concerns going forward before we can conclude on it. Because with the role Nigeria plays in the ECOWAS region and therefore cannot afford to just act without just being guided because other countries decided that the agreement is good for them and Nigeria has to take its own view on the agreement, also by engaging with various players the region partners. The good news that those people are engaging us and we are working with the organised private sector to make sure that if we end up with the partnership, it will not halt our industrial development which is our primary concern.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS

Devaluation hampers mergers, acquisition in Nigeria – Citigroup

Paul Ogbuokiri itigroup Inc. said the value of mergers and acquisition in Nigeria, have reduced because investors are too scared to spend money when it’s expected that the naira will have to be devalued. “I see this as a year of pause,” Miguel Melo Azevedo, Citigroup’s head of investment banking for Africa, who helped sell dollar debt for countries including Nigeria and Morocco, said in an interview in Cape Town. “You will look very stupid if you buy something in Nigeria and tomorrow it gets devalued. There’s an embarrassment factor.” The number and the size of mergers and acquisitions is showing the strain. So far this year there have seen 12 deals valued at $1.45 billion compared with a year ago when there were 19 deals worth $5.62 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. “The drop-off in mergers and acquisitions could get worse,” said Ronak Gadhia, a research analyst at London-based Exotix Partners LLP. “The level of foreign direct investment has also dropped off a cliff and it’s not going to recover any time soon until policies

around the naira change.” President Muhammadu Buhari came to power in May last year, promising to fight corruption, fix the economy and tackle terrorism. What he couldn’t give assurance on was the oil price. Economic growth last year eased to its lowest pace in more than a decade and the benchmark Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index has fallen 17 per cent this year, the worst performer in sub-Saharan Africa. Nonetheless, Buhari remains opposed to devaluing the currency, arguing that it would result in higher inflation and hurt the poorest citizens. The drop in asset values “opens a buying opportunity,” said Azevedo, who joined Citigroup in 2010 from Bank of America Merrill Lynch and was involved in Bob Diamond’s initial public offering for Atlas Mara Ltd. Nigeria will likely be forced to devalue its currency and “those that have a longerterm perspective can take advantage of this. 2017, if oil comes back even to $50, I can see some resumption of normal levels of activity,” he said. With far fewer dollars circulating in Nigeria, the country’s banks are struggling to access enough for-

Saraki receives report on Nigeria’s business environment

enate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki will on Monday receive the Business Environment Legislative Review Report developed by a team of Legal Advisers to the ENABLE-DFID programme, led by Prof Paul Idornigie (SAN). A statement from the Office of the Senate President in Abuja stated that the report initiated by the Senate President was in fulfilment of the Legislative Agenda of the 8th National Assembly geared towards creating a business friendly environment in the country. The statement said: “Following the legislative agenda of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 8th National Assembly, and in consultation with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), the Nigerian Bar Association – Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) and other key private sector stakeholders; the Office of the Senate President initiated a review of the institutional, regula-

tory and legal instruments currently constraining and impeding business activity in Nigeria. “With the technical aid and support of ENABLEDFID and GEMS three programmes, a team of experts conducted a business environment legislative review covering the entire raft of legal structures affecting businesses today. The underlying objective of the review is to provide a framework for the assessment and improvement of legislation and policy affecting businesses in Nigeria,” the statement added. Prof. Idornigie led the team of legal advisers that conducted the research of business environment acts and bills and developed the Business Environment Legislative Review Report. The report is expected to propose priority legislative areas that will provide a solid foundation of evidence to set priorities for new and revised business environment legislation by the National Assembly.

eign exchange to facilitate imports, settle accounts with correspondent banks, keep up with customers’ use of credit cards internationally and meet maturing debt obligations, according to Adesoji Solanke, Renaissance Capital’s head of research in Nigeria. The biggest lenders have about 3.4 billion euros ($3.7 billion) in bonds and are faced with coupon payments of 1.5 billion euros

this year, Solanke said in a December 21 report. “It will become increasingly difficult to source enough forex to service debt repayments and a default will trigger a banking crisis,” said Robert Besseling, a Johannesburgbased executive director at business risk consultancy Exx Africa. “If a default is going to happen, it will probably happen this year. It only takes one bank to hit the wall to create panic.”

Nigeria remains Africa’s most populous country and its biggest economy. Even though its growth has slowed, the economy may expand 3.2 per cent this year and 4.9 per cent in 2017 if infrastructure investment is prioritized by the government, the International Monetary Fund said this week. Investors may be reconsidering their presence in Nigeria, but those with a longerterm view won’t withdraw

completely, Besseling said. “Looking from the outside it’s a highly under-penetrated market and valuations on assets like the banks are pitiful -- they’re so cheap you could buy them without having to get board approval,” Gadhia said. “But it boils down to a need for clarity. So far Buhari seems to have ad-hoc policies and you would need a lot more clarity before investors gain confidence again.”

L-R: Group Head, Retail Banking, Skye Bank Plc, Mrs. Nkolika Okoli; Regional Manager, Kwara & Oyo North, Skye Bank Plc., Mr. Bimbo Akorede; Guest Speaker, Managing Director, Padson Industries, Ilorin, Mr. Hezekiah Oladipo Adediji; Deputy Director/Regional Head, Taxpayer Services, FIRS, Mr. Oluwafemi Ayara and Head, Small Business, Skye Bank Plc, Mrs. Ayodele Olojede at the monthly Skye Business Seminar held in Ilorin… on Thursday

Fuel scarcity looms as govt moves to swap more oil

igeria is on the verge of another round of fuel scarcity as the precipitous decline in oil prices leaves the Federal Government with fewer options for importing fuel. Traders have warned that new fuel bookings have shrunk as importers cannot get the dollars needed to buy and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has not been able to sign agreements quickly enough to exchange crude oil for gasoline. “It has ground to a halt,” one trader said of new fuel fixtures. “Nothing is finalized ... so there is literally zero discussion going on.” Fuel shortages have occurred regularly as the country struggled to make prompt payments to importers. Cash-strapped NNPC reported a $1.3 billion loss in 2015, forcing it to increase its direct fuel imports to more than 70 per cent of the country’s needs versus about half previously. NNPC last week issued a statement urging citizens

not to panic, or hoard fuel, seeking to reassure consumers that it has enough in stock. But the looming supply problems highlight the struggle of President Muhammadu Buhari to remove corruption and introduce efficient, transparent contracts between Nigeria and the world’s oil refiners and traders. While Nigeria produces more than two million barrels per day (bpd) of crude, it refines little of it, leaving it reliant on fuel imports that are price-controlled by the government. Late last year, it effectively scrapped a costly subsidy scheme that paid importers the difference between international prices and capped local prices. The country also faces a severe dollar shortage as oil revenues account for almost all its foreign reserves. The Central Bank has imposed restrictions on dollar access – leaving physical oil cargoes as its most reliable currency. NNPC turned to its own neglected refineries, aiming to produce 30 per cent of its own fuel this year. But none

of the four complexes have run consistently, making Nigeria as reliant as ever on imports. NNPC signed deals last year with refiners Total, Varo Energy, Cepsa and ENI to exchange oil directly for gasoline and other products beginning in February. Companies including Litasco, Noble and Total had secured “spot” swap contracts with NNPC via local joint ventures in February and March. Sahara, an old hand in the swap deals, also won spot swap deals in March. Reuters reported that NNPC is trying to sign additional long-term contracts to cover well beyond the 210,000 bpd of oil that was exchanged in the past. Trading houses and refineries are eager for these; a string of them travelled to Abuja over the past month to make their case, and several also met with NNPC in London. The companies say they could quickly move vessels with gasoline to Nigeria. But negotiations are taking longer than expected, leaving a

gap in imports. “NNPC has managed to fulfil around 2.25 million tonnes,” one trader said, noting that left them around three quarters of a million tonnes short. There is some 200,000 tonnes of petrol parked offshore, but this covers just over a week of consumption. New March bookings have slowed to just over 100,000 tonnes – nowhere near what is required. With the naira falling on parallel market by almost 50 per cent, traders are loath to make a move unless they have swap contracts in hand. “We are all waiting,” another trader said.

Kachikwu-NNPC-GMD

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016

AUTO BEAT

Paul Ogbuokiri AC models, distributed in Nigeria by Elizade Autoland were recently put to test by some Nigerian auto journalists in Lagos with a view to ascertain the ride handling, quality and overall performance of the cars. The three-hour test drive, which started from the company’s corporate head office at Maryland, Ikeja, through Ikorodu Road and Third Mainland bridge, left the journalists wondering how impressive the JAC passenger cars perform in terms of road handling, fuel efficiency, comfort and safety. Before taking off, Elizade Motors Marketing Director, Olu Tikolo briefed the journalists about the JAC models, along with the General Manager for the brand, Ademola Adewunmi, saying the company knew the quality of JAC models before introducing them into the Nigerian market. Tikolo said: “We spent two and half years adapting the JAC models to the Nigerian environment and road conditions and we can tell you now that we have perfect models in JAC being sold in Nigeria”. The Elizade Motors Director of Marketing, who noted that they were out to replicate what they have done with Toyota models in Nigeria, explained that: “We have tested Toyota and we are saying that Elizade has been here, and what we want to establish is that JAC models sold and serviced by us is far more improved to compete with other established car models in the country”. Already available in the Nigerian market are the JAC J3, J4 and J5 sedans which come in both manual and automatic transmissions as well as leather and fabric options, There are also light duty truck models such as the JAC 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4 tonnes. The Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) model is billed to be launched into the Nigerian market before the end of the year. Unlike other brands that sneak into the country without their distributors carrying out the necessary tests and finding out defects associated with the brands where necessary, Elizade Autoland’s top managers said the two and half-year test-running of the brand before the full launch was important to them at the company, as it enabled them to point out some minor issues that were reported back to the plant, which have been addressed. “Many companies that tested the cars are coming back for more because of the efficiency, durability and quality of the brand,” Tikolo stated while revealing that companies like Guinness Nigeria Plc, Nestle

yundai was named the overall brand winner in the 2016 Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own Awards. Hyundai Motor ranked No. 1 among mainstream brands for its lowest projected ownership costs. These awards are based on Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own data for new cars for the initial five-year ownership period. While depreciation (or loss of value) and fuel costs may be the greatest expense incurred in owning a vehicle, there are other factors that can have a significant impact on a consumer’s budget. Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own information takes into consideration depreciation, expected fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, and state fees. “Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own information evaluates the other out-of-pocket expenses drivers will incur beyond the initial purchase price, which helps consumers choose the vehicle that best fits their needs and their long-term budget, helping

JAC models good for Nigerian roads

How to drive better STEP ONE: f you have access to vehicles of different makes and models, switch them often. This way you’ll be working on driving as a whole, not on driving a specific car. STEP TWO: Find a training lot. A disused airfield is the best idea, because it has long straight stretches (the runway), corners (turn way to runway entrance) and wide open spaces (the area in front of the hangars). If you are not so lucky as to have a disused airfield nearby, you may look for these three things separately. You may use abandoned country roads and disused parking lots that measures at least 50 by 50 feet.

Electric car revolution scheduled for 2022

he long-awaited, oft-delayed electric car revolution is now scheduled for 2022.

among others have found JAC vehicles quite appropriate in their businesses. On the perception in Nigeria about Chinese brands, the Director said: “We know that Nigerians might have their misgivings with some Chinese brands in the past, but we also know that the best way to correct perception is by performance. The quality of JAC models we have in Nigeria today have corrected the perception.” Meanwhile, the journalists that tested the JAC models gave them high marks in terms of road handling, fuel efficiency, comfort, interior space, as well as design. The shock absorbers are very solid and effective, just as the legroom inside the cars and the boot are very generous. Head of Elizade Autoland, saddled with the JAC brand, Mr. Ademola Adewunmi reasoned that the successes recorded so far with the JAC brand is not unconnected with the pedigree of Elizade in the auto business as well as the features of the brand. According to him, customers automatically enjoy three years warranty or 100,000 kilometres for all models of JAC, even as his company has well trained technicians

and spare parts to deal with after-sales issues. Founded in 1964, JAC annual complete vehicle production capacity has reached 700,000, and engine production capacity of 500,000. JAC has a national level technology R&D centre and established the first overseas design centre of the Chinese automotive industry in Turin, Italy, in June 2005. In October 2006, JAC’s second independent overseas design centre was established in Tokyo, Japan. JAC has been constantly improving product quality and the level of management, and has been named “Recommended Brand for Export “, “The Most Competitive Brand on the Market”, “Enterprise for Exemption from Export Inspection”, and “National Quality Award “by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Machinery & Electronics Products, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China, and the China Quality Association, symbolizing the company’s product quality and management level have reached the most advanced international standards.

That’s according to a report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance, which posits that in just six years, the biggest obstacle to the sale of EVs—they cost too much—will be obliterated and cars that run on electricity will cost less than those that run on dead dinosaurs. “By 2022,” the report says, “the unsubsidized total cost of ownership of BEVs [battery electric vehicles] will fall below that of an internal combustion engine vehicle.”

Apapa-Oshodi now free for traffic

fter over five years, the OshodiApapa Expressway is now open and free to the traffic.

Sunday Telegraph learnt that what did the magic was not just the commendable efforts of the security agencies to bring the terrible Apapa traffic gridlock under control, rather the biting economic situation which has hit the port industry very hard with cargo throughput decreasing, was responsible. The efforts of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), it was further disclosed was instrumental to the new situation on the main port access road.

Hyundai wins brand award

save money down the road,” said Dan Ingle, Vice President of Vehicle Valuations, Industry Solutions and International for Kelley Blue Book. “In addition to a low Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price and low fuel, maintenance and repair costs across its full model line up, Hyundai Motor also has a mid-range depreciation and insurance cost, making it the best brand in Kelley Blue Book’s 2016 5-Year Cost to Own Awards among all automakers.” Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price is the price shoppers typically pay a dealer for a new car, based on actual new-car transactions and adjusted regularly as market conditions change. Some of the models driving Hyundai Motor’s success include Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Tucson and Veloster. “Hyundai Motor’s mission is to make things better,” said Mike O’Brien, Vice President of Corporate and Product Planning at Hyundai Motor America. “Being

All-New Hyundai Elantra

named the overall brand winner in Kelley Blue Book’s 2016 5-Year Cost to Own Awards shows our commitment to create and build better vehicles across our line up. We believe every owner deserves peace of mind. That’s why our cars come standard with America’s Best Warranty, saving our owners money on what would

have been out-of-pocket expenses.” Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own information is developed using Kelley Blue Book’s Residual Values to calculate depreciation costs. Kelley Blue Book calculates total ownership costs for new vehicles by applying a sophisticated valuation methodology along with critical financial data from third-party providers.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Hidden picture

Princess Rose and the golden bird (part 1) Sergy Nikolov

any, many years ago, in a kingdom far, far away there lived a beautiful princes. She had long red hair and loved roses so much that everyone called her Princes Rose. Every evening after dusk, Princes Rose went out on the balcony and clapped her hands. A golden bird came flying out of nowhere and alighted on her shoulder. Instantly, the princess’s hair began to shine, ablaze with brilliant red light. When the bird started to warble an enchanting tune, Princess Rose joined it in a song, and everyone in the kingdom fell asleep and had sweet dreams till the break of dawn. Thus passed the years. Every evening Princess Rose, along with the little golden bird, sang a loving lullaby, so that all people fell asleep and had sweet dreams till the break of dawn.

Until one day something terrible happened. A wicked witch learned about Princess Rose and decided to curse her. “Abracadabra, Sim-Sala-Bim, may the rose’s color dim!” the witch said, and Princess Rose’s hair instantly turned as black as tar. That evening, too, Princess Rose went out on her balcony and clapped her hands. But when the golden bird appeared, her hair glowed black instead of red. The bird warbled its enchanting melody, and Princess Rose sang her lullaby. Everyone in the kingdom fell asleep, but that night they only had bad dreams and nightmares. On the following day, the saddened princess asked the bird, “Tell me, golden bird, how can I make my people’s dreams so sweet again till the break of dawn?” “Black hair in rose water,” the bird chirped in reply.

Crossword puzzle

The princess wondered at this counsel, but abided by it, nevertheless. She filled up a basin with water and sprinkled rose petals on its surface. Then, she dipped her hair into the rose water, and it instantly turned red again. That evening, when the bird perched on her shoulder, the radiant red glow of her hair lit up the night sky once more. The Princess sang her lullaby, and everyone in the What do you do when your chair breaks? Ans: Call a chairman kingdom fell asleep and had sweet dreams How does a pig go to hospital? Ans: In a hambulance. till the break of dawn. The wicked What do you get if you cross an insect witch was so with the Easter rabbit? Ans: Bugs Bunny. very angry that her curse had been broken that What bird can lift the most? Ans: A crane. she decided to cast it again.

Gags What can you hold without ever touching it? Ans: A conversation. What bone will a dog never eat? Ans: A trombone. What has 6 eyes but can’t see? Ans: 3 blind mice. What did one magnet say to the other? Ans: I find you very attractive.

Photo speaks

6 hearty cheers for Daniella Ibokette whose favourite colour is purple. She excels in quantitative and verbal reasoning and loves watching Sam and Cat on Nickelodeon. God bless you dear!

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

Naira Volatility Worsens

he Nigerian Stock Exchange closed the week in the negative zone for the 2nd consecutive week, as the All Share Index (NSEASI) trimmed by 0.83% Weekon-Week (WoW). This dragged the Yearto- Date (YtD) return of the index further down to -15.41%, with market capitalisation settling at NGN8.34tn on Friday. In line with general market mood, market breadth skewed in favour of decliners, as thirty-seven (37) stocks recorded losses, compared to twenty (20) advancers. Nonetheless, volume and value of transactions improved relative to the previous week by 272.45% and 21.79% accordingly, driven by substantial transactions on TIGERBRANDS on Monday, 22nd February 2016. SEPLAT led the advancers in the week, after the counter appreciated by 12.40% WoW to close at NGN340.00. Other top counters on the gainers’ list included, UNITYBNK (+11.67%), LEARNAFRCA (+11.11%), ETERNA (+7.95%), and WAPCO (+5.65%). Conversely, LIVESTOCK, DIAMONDBNK, SKYEBANK, FIDSON, and FCMB led the laggards, with respective losses of 12.98%, 12.26%, 10.19%, 9.29%, and 9.20% WoW. There was significant volatility in the value of the naira this week, with the currency trading within the range of NGN280 – 372/ USD during the week. This volatility of the currency at the parallel market continues to fuel discussions and anxieties regarding a possible ‘devaluation’ of the currency. In light of this, we expect the bearish trend in the market to persist as foreign investors continue to abstain from Nigeria’s financial market due to uncertainties in risk-return expectations as a result of the highly volatile and seemingly ‘mispriced’ Naira. In this report, we review events in the economy, laying emphasis on the performances of different segments of the financial market, while presenting our expectations for the coming week. Fixed Income: Volatility Heightens in the Parallel Market The longer tenor Treasury bill instruments enjoyed positive sentiments in the week, as yields appreciated across all instruments save for the 9M (-0.37%) and 12M (-1.15%) tenors. Consequently, the average yield, as at week ended, trimmed by 0.07% to settle at 5.77%. The Treasury bond space however, witnessed mixed investor reactions, with average yield appreciating on three (3) of the five (5) trading days in the week. Consequently, the average bond yield advanced marginally by 1bp WoW to settle at 10.84%, only 1.24% above the January, 2016 inflation rate (9.60%). Naira pivoted around the NGN199/ USD band in the inter-bank space during the week, appreciating by a paltry 0.01% WoW to peg its mid-price at NGN199.29/ USD. However, the local currency rate was significantly volatile at the parallel market, appreciating to NGN270/USD during the week (vs. NGN385/USD as at prior week end), before tumbling to NGN320/USD by the end of the week. This volatility in the parallel market is credited to the illiquidity of the FX. Following rate appreciations across tenors, the average inter-bank market rate climbed by 0.59% WoW to settle at 7.06%. Also, the OBB and OVN rates advanced by 0.37% and 0.33% respectively, to push average money market rate to 1.17% as at week ended.

Agric. Sector: Sector index pares by 0.03% WoW The Agric sector, as measured by the MERI-AGRI index, recorded a return of -0.03%. Despite the WoW loss, the sector index maintained positive month-to-date and year-to-date returns of 0.44% and 1.14% respectively. LIVESTOCK closed the week at NGN1.14,

…as Index sheds 0.83% WoW Given the year-to-date performance and investor’s apathy towards the sector, we do not anticipate a change in sector performance in the coming week.

having recorded a WoW price decline of 12.98%. ELLAHLAKES (NGN4.26) and FTNCOCOA (NGN0.50) remained unchanged from their 2016 opening prices, while OKOMUOIL and PRESCO traded flat during the week to retain their respective share prices of NGN30.00 and NGN34.00. We expect that investors may consider taking positions in counters with impressive dividend distribution history in anticipation of probable corporate actions to buffer portfolio performance. Banking Sector: FBNH Releases Profit Warning The banking sector finished the week down, as investors seemingly became wary of the prospects for the sector after a second bank released a profit warning. The sector index closed the week 2.72% down to further pare the YtD return (-15.84%). There were four (4) gainers and ten (10) decliners to peg the sector’s breadth at 0.40x. The gainers were led by UNITYBNK (11.67%), ETI (2.31%), and STANBIC (0.71%), while the top decliners’ list was populated by DIAMONDBNK (-12.26%), SKYEBANK (-10.19%), and FCMB (-9.20%) FBNH released an earnings update during the week in which the Group stated that “earnings would be materially below that of the prior year”. The Holdco noted that this was due to impairment charges on some specific accounts in their commercial banking business. The Holdco further stated that these impairments were revealed after the macro-driven reassessment of their assets, but stated that the Group’s insurance and asset management businesses remained strong. As evidenced, the operating environment

for DMBs has become more challenging, hence we do not believe that FCMB and FBNH will be the only DMBs to record weak financial FY2015 performances as a result of exponentially larger Loan Loss Expenses. We anticipate that apprehension as a result of recent events might result in pressured price returns across the sector in the coming week. Consumer Goods: Heavy trade on TIGERBRANDS Investors’ sentiments were largely mixed during the week, as reflected by the daily performance of the NSE Consumer Goods sector index, NSEFBT10. The index recorded three (3) days of gains, and two (2) days of declines, which consequnetly led to a positive WoW return of 0.88%. However, the sector’s year-to-date performance (NSEFBT10: -18.69%) has underperformed the equities market. Sector breadth for the week pegged at 1.50x, reflecting nine (9) gainers and twelve (6) decliners. The advancers were led by TIGERBRANDS (4.76%), AGLEVENT (3.90%), and UNILEVER (3.65%), while the decliners were FLOURMILL (-5.27%), GUINNESS (-4.24%), CADBURY (-3.70%), UACN (-2.78%), INTBREW (-2.50%) and CHAMPION (-0.35%). On the first trading day of the week, over 3.29bn units (30-day avg.transaction volume of c.73.35 million units) of Tiger Branded Consumer Goods Plc of Nigeria (TIGERBRANDS) were traded, representing c.65% of the company’s total outstanding shares. We believe that this transaction may be linked to the 15th December, 2015 announcement of the divestment agreement between Tiger Brands and Dangote Industries Limited.

Health Care: GLAXOSMITH Emerges Sole Gainer Activities within the Health sector were largely bearish, as most counters traded flat WoW. Of the rest of the sector’s consistuent stocks, there were two (2) decliners and one (1) advancer. This pegged the WoW return, as measured by our Meri- Health Care sector index, at +3.18% WoW, while the YtD return remained significantly depressed at -26.32%. GLAXOSMITH was the sole gainer for the week, recording a 3.35% WoW price increase, to close at NGN24.98. FIDSON and NEIMETH however, pared by 9.29% and 8.33% Week-on-Week accordingly. We do not anticipate significant position taking in the coming week despite the relatively low market prices of some component counters, as it is largely expected that the pessimism which has trailed most sector stocks thus far in the year may persist. Industrial goods: DANGCEM weighs sector down The industrial goods sector closed the week negative following a 2.53% decline in the Meri Industrial index. Sector activities however, showed an improvement in investor sentiments as an equal number of stocks advanced (2) and declined in (2) value. WAPCO enjoyed substantial patronage from investors during the week ended to emerge as the highest traded sector stock by volume and value of transactions. In the same vein, the stock topped the gainers list on the back of a 5.65% increase in its share price. Also, CUTIX made the list having appreciated by 4.64% to NGN84.52 in the week. Conversely, DANGCEM and CCNN declined by 3.45% and 3.33% accordingly, to close the week as the only price losers. As expected, activities on DANGCEM continued to dictate sector direction. Our outlook for sector returns, which is largely based on our expectations for DANGCEM and increased capital spending by the government, remains strong. We however, note that we do not expect the current economic headwinds to dissipate in the short term, hence reversal of fortune may be delayed. Insurance Sector: Weak Appetite Persist The insurance sector sustained losses for the 3rd consecutive week, paring by 1.25% WoW, as measured by the NSEINS10 Index. This week’s loss was buoyed by the losses recorded by three (3) stocks, while all other counters traded flat. MANSARD (-4.41%), CONTINSURE (-2.17%) and NEM (-3.75%) emerged as the top underperformers in the week, closing at NGN1.95, NGN0.90 and NGN0.72 respectively. National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) dissolved the seven-man interim Board of Directors of Goldlink Insurance Plc. inaugurated to manage the affairs of the company in November, 2012, following the discovery of anomalies in Goldlink’s FY2011 audited financial reports. The agency inaugurated a new board with three members, with Alh. Mohammed Bintube appointed as the new interim chairman. We anticipate weak sector activities in the coming week due to the dearth of positive news inflows to the general market. Oil & Gas Sector: Sector breadth closes at equilibrium Activities within the sector during the week was relatively tempered, as equal number of stocks (2) appreciated and pared in value accordingly. The NSEOILG5 index returned 2.38% WtD with the Year-to-Date return pegging at 7.07%.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS

What is Beer?

Clinical Consultant pharmacist EMMANUEL A.NWANKWO

Beer belly or pot belly means lack of physical exercise and poor diets. Beer is not necessarily to be blamed

agmerendis@yahoo.com

08148877648 (SMS only)

hat causes hangover? Studies confirm that the main causes of alcohol hangover are dehydration, changes in level of body hormone, when there is disruption of the immune system of alcohol drinkers, Higher Alcoholic content and the faster rate you drink alcohol. The faster the rate of alcohol consumption, the higher the incidence of hangover. Studies suggest that hangovers cannot be blamed on mixing drinks but on the above stated reasons, especially high alcohol content and the rate of consumption. How can I stop drinking alcohol? Is it possible? Cut back a little each day, you can go for small sizes of beer instead of the big sizes. Have a lower strength Alcohol or lighter beer and always drink a lot of water before you start drinking alcohol. According to Harvard researcher, there is strong evidence that moderate consumption of alcohol of any kind increases good cholesterol level in the body. For men; alcohol consumption should be limited to two drinks per day and women’s limit one drink per day. Remember that one drink is 12 ounces of regular beer. It is good to know that hops, yeast and grain in beer contribute carbohydrates, small amount of Vitamin B and potassium. But do not hope to get enough nutrients from beer or any other alcohol. Remember that heavy alcohol consumption will wipe out any health benefit and increases risk. Does beer give people pot belly/ beer belly? According to studies, too many calories of any kind will result in pot belly. Beer belly or

pot belly means lack of physical exercise and poor diets. Beer is not necessarily to be blamed. But remember that a can of regular beer 12 ounce contains about 150 calories and when you drink more than two cans in a day, the liquid calories add up quickly and you may not get sense of fullness. Pot belly gets worst in older people. They need less calories and in most cases they are less active. Physical exercise and dieting are recommended to reduce pot belly and decreased alcohol intake. Why is beer not sold in plastic bottles? Some people say that they have not seen beer sold in plastic bottles. The truth is that beer is sold in plastic bottles in some countries. But the question should be, why is it that we still use glass bottles and cans to store beer. Glass bottles and cans are almost impermeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide, but plastics are not, which means that your beer will go flat sooner in plastic bottles than in glass bottles. This is because the carbon dioxide in beer which makes the beer burble will easily escape from the plastic bottle and the beer goes flat, and loses taste. Also remember that plastic bottle is much more porous microscopically than glass bottle. What is container deposit legislation (CDL)? It is a law that requires collection of monetary deposit on beverages alcoholic and non-alcoholic at the point of sale. The Government may pass (CDL) for these reasons (1). To encourage recycling both commercial recycling, and create employment during cleaning up

of our environment. (2). Reduce energy and material usage waste. (3). To reduce beverage containers on our highways, roads, river, lakes, and on public properties. (4). To protect our children and animals from harm. (5). To discourage the purchase of those products by raising their initial price. What countries drink the most beer in the world? According to 2014 Huffington Post, Czech Republic, Australia, Germany, Estonia, Poland, Ireland, Croatia, Venezuela, Lithuania, Romania, Belgium, and USA. In Africa, Angola, South Africa and Namibia. According to Bloomberg studies; the more money you have beyond what you need for basic necessities, the easier it is to blow cash on fun like beer. But remember that China is the world biggest beer market. According to a report, Nigeria is the world’s second biggest consumer of Guinness beer after Britain. Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in Nigeria making up to 96% of all alcohol sales in 2014. Beer drinking is a social activity in Nigeria bearing in mind the religious and cultural differences. These are alcohol related morbidity, Health and societal costs and problems in Nigeria as in all countries of the world. Studies show a strong association between domestic violence and alcohol use. Alcohol use was involved in 51% of cases in which a husband stabs a wife. But in America, ironically American biggest alcohol producer has been sued three times for watering down the strength of alcohol. While at the same time a legislator in the state of Ohio in 2013 unsuccessful tried three times to pass a bill making regular beer to contain 21% alcohol. Does hot weather contribute to beer drinking?

The law of the price tag Success Nuggets Victor Okwudiri 08037674300 (SMS only)

otable in the history of Israel is a city called the City of David. The city was named after one of the most revered kings in Israel. There was something David did to come to prominence. At a time in the history of Israel, the sovereignty of Israel was threatened by a nation called Philistine. The Philistines had a renown gargantuan warrior called Goliath. Goliath was a terror, given his towering stature. As such, his presence was almost a guarantee of victory for the Philistines. In one of the battles between Israel and Philistine, Goliath came to the battle front and molested Israel with his words, challenging Israel to produce someone who could match him in conquest. The king and men of Israel all kept their distance. The situation lingered until David, an Israeli youth unlearned in military tactics, arrived the scene. Irritated by Goliath’s impunity at the battle field, David offered to redeem the pride of Israel. However, it was not an offer without a condition. Before he took on the task to save his nation, Israel, from the harassment of

Goliath and the Philistines, he asked “WHAT SHALL BE DONE TO THE MAN THAT KILLETH THIS PHILISTINE, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? ...” He was told what the reward was before he proceeded to confront Goliath at the risk of his life. Guess what! The little boy defeated the giant military general, a development which made the Philistines to flee before the Israelites, and brought victory to Israel. Now the lessons. LESSON 1 - God has given us talents and abilities; it is up to us to place value on them. The boldness and energy with which David confronted Goliath was from God, but it was not God who placed a price tag on the adventure. David did (actually he did the confirmation by asking). If David did not place a price tag on his God-given ability, which he wanted to deploy in the interest of Israel, he might have fought without any reward for his efforts. Friend, we must learn to place a price tag on the value we are bringing to the negotiation table. We must learn to value ourselves, else no one will value us. Interestingly, we must have noticed that people naturally attach more value to more expensive things. There is this natural presumption that, of two products that serve the same purpose, the more expensive one is more qualitative, when in truth the reverse might be the case. It is ‘The Law of the Price

Tag’ at work. Please note that I am not saying that there is no place for pro bono services (free services). Of course, charity is good. Even corporate citizens should show charity through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. That is a different thing altogether. The point made here is that the value people attache to us, our products and services are ours to create. We must stop approaching life with the mind set of ‘whatever comes to me, I will take’. No! Serious people make demands on life, rather than stay on the receiving end of the negotiation table. If you are a medical doctor, I challenge you to strive to upgrade to a medical business man. Whatever your profession, vocation or occupation is, I charge you today to pursue it with the highest business sense possible. That way, your career or trade will experience the greatest transformation you can imagine. Hear this: there is a difference between a medical doctor and a medical business man. While a MEDICAL DOCTOR is confined to his stethoscope, consulting room, hospital wards and, maybe, theatre, a MEDICAL BUSINESS MAN thinks beyond the box and effectively engages tools of entrepreneurship in a technologically advanced world with a view to offering the best medical services, thereby increasing returns. Think about it. You will succeed!

BRIEFS

Winners emerge in Astymin ‘Get Alert’ Promo Appolonia Adeyemi

s more winners continue to emerge every day in the Astymin Get Alert Promo, ceaseless accolades have begun to trail the Astymin brand from many Nigerians, including winners who emerged and are being rewarded by the brand. The promo, which commenced on the February 1, to reward Nigerians for their loyalty and support, as part of the celebration of its 15 years of existence in the country, has seen many Nigerians smiling to the bank courtesy of the promo. The promo will be on till end of 2016. The Astymin Get Alert Promo, which has been doling out N100, 000 to lucky winners every day since the commencement of the promo, is an engaging brand experience that will deliver both health and financial value to Nigerians. It is the brand’s way of rewarding consumers with total well-being for their bodies, money in their pockets and smiles on their faces. The Astymin Get Alert promo is a year-long campaign that allows interested participants to win instant cash prizes by simply buying Astymin from any nearby pharmacy and checking the body of the bottle pack for the Astymin Get Alert seal with a scratch box. The box is scratched to reveal an entry number, which will be sent to the short code, 1393 for confirmation. Instant SMS reply will confirm the entry with further instructions. Draws will be done daily and 10 winners will be selected by the system. The prize reward will be sent to the winners either through online transfer or hand collection at the Fidson Head office.

Minister of Transport, Chief Rotime Amachi and the President of Maritime Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), Mr Ismail Aniemu; at a two-day conference on Improved Ports Efficiency in Nigeria organised by MARCON in Lagos...Friday

Skye Bank, experts chart way forward for SMES

inancial experts have identified lack of knowledge among operators of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country as the bane of their success. Speaking at an SME seminar organised by Skye Bank Plc. for MSMEs operators in the North Central zone in Ilorin on Thursday, the Group Head of the bank’s Retail Banking, Nkolika Okoli, said the people had failed to access opportunities presented to them by government and finance houses due to lack of knowledge to develop their businesses. Okoli, who said funds are now available through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervention fund and the Bank of Industry, however, said that SMES were not coming forth to access the fund provided by these channels. “So, we are here to teach them how they can access these funds. There’s actually fund for SMES at single digit. “The Challenge of MSMEs is mainly lack of knowledge, including complaints about access to finance and access to market. The aim of this seminar is to support operators of MSMES to grow. Our value promise to all MSMES is that we nurture business for growth. We are consciously looking for small businesses to nurture from small to growing and to establish. “This seminar is meant for them to imbibe the knowledge they lack. So, we bring successful businessmen, consultants to share tips on how they succeed in their own businesses and teach the people on importance of record keeping, how to comport themselves, and how to obtain loan.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016

MY TURNING POINT My meat is preaching the gospel – Eucharia Anunobi p.48

INTERVIEW

Some Pastors steal predictions –Prophet Oluwamodede p.49

FAITH

SERMON

Engaging the blessedness of prayer & fasting p.51 TAI ANYANWU HEAD, RELIGOUS DESK titus.anyanwu@newtelegraph online.com © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

PFN honours Udom, Ambode, Okorocha, Ugwu, others Queen Elizabeth offers glimpse into her faith in God

Bishops’ Court

Tai Anyanwu he lady cleaner who found N12million at the Lagos International Airport and returned it to the owner, Ms. Josephine Ugwu, has been accorded special recognition for exhibiting uncommon integrity. The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) honoured Ms Ugwu along with the Governors of Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Imo states, Akinwunmi Ambode, Emmanuel Udom and Rochas Okorocha respectively for their support to the association. The award was given at the dedication of the PFN Secretariat in Aswani area of Lagos during the week. Conferring the award on Mrs. Uche, the President of PFN, Rev. Felix Omobude, said that the award comes with a cash reward of N250, 000 for being a good ambassador of Christ by exhibiting outstanding integrity. Also awarded were the mother of Pastor Wale and Paul Adefarasin, Mama Hilda Adefarin, who was decorated for raising a family of pastors; Pastor Mrs. Mercy Ezekiel for yielding the Christian Pentecostal Mission, her church premises, as temporary

PFN Secretariat for many years. Other awardees included Lt. General Joshua Dogonyaro (rtd), Elder Felix Ohiewere, and the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshihomole. According to Omobude, the dedication and award ceremony is part activities marking the 30th anniversary of PFN. While perfecting the dedication Omobude said: “Today history is being made, as we dedicate this multipurpose facility and officially commission it to the glory of God. Indeed, what can we say but to thank God Almighty for the great things he has done for us. For everything you have done, Lord, we thank you. “You gave the vision, you made the provision, and you have graciously given us the privilege of life and good health to be able to witness this day. For this and your many acts of beneficence and benevolence, we thank you Lord.” Omobude also thanked members of the PFN family, who he said their unqualified support for the fellowship and with much love and generosity had made the project a reality. “The Bishops’ Court stands tall today, as an eloquent testimony to your

commitment and fidelity to the vision of the PFN. Our Lord Jesus Christ will reward you for your labour of love and the sacrifice you continued to make in propagating the gospel, empowering Nigerians and being at the forefront of national development,” he added. The PFN President used the opportunity to count the blessings of the fellowship pointing out that PFN had become a beacon of hope for Pentecostals in Nigeria to maintain a robust naCO N T I N U E D O N PAG E 50

Today history is being made, as we dedicate this multi-purpose facility and officially commission it to the glory of God. “The Bishop’s Court stands tall today, as an eloquent testimony

nglish royalty rarely speak of their beliefs, but Queen Elizabeth II has written about her religious faith in a foreword to a new book entitled ‘The Servant’. “I have been—and remain— very grateful to you for your prayers and to God for His steadfast love,” Queen Elizabeth wrote. “I have indeed seen His faithfulness.” The Bible Society will publish the book in April marking the Queen’s 90th birthday. Three Christian charities, HOPE, the Bible Society and LICC teamed up to write the book, which gives readers a glimpse into Her Majesty’s religious beliefs. The book will not be used for commercial gain, a condition that had to be met in order for the Queen to agree to write the forward. In the foreword, she also refers to problems in the Middle East, saying the world is seeing suffering on an unprecedented scale. The queen is supreme governor of the Church of England. “So to have a monarch who talks openly about Jesus in a very relaxed and natural way, we find that a huge encouragement and hope that Christians across the country will take a leaf out of the Queen’s book and learn to talk about Jesus in a natural way with friends, relatives and colleagues, so people can discover more about what it means to be a follower of Jesus,” co-author Catherine Butcher, from HOPE, told Premier.org.

US court upholds pro-life admitting Privileges to hospitals

federal appeals court has upheld a Louisiana law meant to protect the health of women who choose to have abortions. The law requires doctors at Louisiana abortion clinics to have admitting privileges at hospitals within 30 miles The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the lower court ruling, which claimed the law violates women’s rights. Supporters say the provision requiring admitting privileges at area hospitals is meant to protect women’s health. Opponents say it makes it harder for women to get abortions. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says the law actually helps women.“Anyone who has outpatient surgery would expect her doctor to admit her to a hospital in the event of complications; women seeking abortions should have the same assurance of prompt care,” he said, calling it “a reasonable, common-sense safety measure.”

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

FAITH

My TURNING P

Roving Worshipper with Tai Anyanwu

‘The little from our little corner’

t the beginning But it wasn’t one of those of the year, churches where approach many Pastors to worshipping God is so picked up their watered down to accomprophetic clocks to give modate the current craze insights into how Nigeria for expression of liberty. will fair in the year 2016. By From the ushers to other so doing, each claimed that workers in the church, one God had spoken through could feel the aura of piety. them. With the exception of Time, however, will very few, who may be first prove those who proph- time comers, a descend esied genuinely and those dress code pervaded. For who did so just to get the the women, there were no attention of the govern- jewellery adorning their ment of the day in antici- necks. Proper hair covers, pation of favour from the no painting of lips and corridors of power. nails, and all that finesse A growing congrega- suggested the church protion, however, preferred motes decency and modto explore the avenue of eration without taking off 40 days fervent prayers, to the quality of its largely shape the nation’s destiny, sophisticated membership. in 2016. Adelugba concluded his Roving worshipper was insightful message, with at God’s Power In Action, the precision of one who Evangelical Ministries understands the value (GPAEM), last Sunday and of keeping time. He anlearnt that the Senior Pas- nounced it was the to pray. tor of the congregation, a And believe me, praying chartered accountant, Isaac was a serious business Adelugba, chose that ap- in God’s Power In action proach. Evangelical Ministries. “In these trying times, If you have seen the way when our country is pass- members of Mountain of ing through crippling eco- Fire and Miracle Ministries nomic condition, when the (MFM) pray, then you are naira is continually crash- inches closer to undering and prices of every standing what I mean. commodity are making life “If you want don’t want unbearable to the citizenry, to leave this place today the country needs more the way you came, then prayer than prophesy. sit down on your seat but “It is not as if God had if you want to pray and not revealed some future break through, stand up on events to us, but even nega- your feet as we take this tive prophecies can change prayer points,” the Senior to good ones through Pastor announced. prayers. We believe in Then he threw a couple the efficacy of prayers,” of prayer points targeted Adelugba exagainst powplained. ers against It is not as if God had When Rov- not revealed some progress of ing worshipper future events to us, individual arrived at the but even negative members venue, the con- prophecies can change and the Nigregation was to good ones through gerian nabusy in their lit- prayers tion. And the tle corner lifting members got up Nigeria to the heaven down to business, clapthrone of grace in heart ping hands vigorously and rending prayers. stamping feet real hard on The church meets at the floor in a manner that THE BUKHA, a popular suggested invisible canfast food joint on 268 Muri ker worms eating away Okunola Street, Victoria - the fortunes were being Island, Lagos. A cluster crushed. of choice vehicles parked He devoted series of within the premises prayers to economic redropped the hint about the covery for Nigeria, God’s calibre of members. intervention, wisdom for For a growing church, the present dispensation to just about two years old, chart away for good goverit’s membership of about nance in Nigeria. 300-400 was quite impresA lot happened within sive. The presence of high the amazing short time, calibre members, top pro- and I said to myself, there fessionals, technocrats, is good test here, there is business magnets attest to piety, there is focus, there the fact that its founder, an is presence of power, good accomplished Chartered understanding and infecAccountant, actually at- tious rapport here in this tracted his likes. modest congregation.

INT

My meat is preaching the gospel – Eucharia Anunobi

f anyone told Eucharia Anunobi, popular Nollywood star turned evangelist, back in her university days that she would one day take to preaching the word of God she probably would have said not possible. In her words: “I had always wanted to be an actress, but I first started as a model; then I dabbled into fashion and photography. When I was at the university, the acting talent hadn’t developed, but I prayed hard for it to grow.” Like a perfectionist, the graduate of Mass Communication, Institute of Management Technology Enugu and University of Nigeria, Nsukka English language graduate, went ahead to work on the requisite skills. “I went through the dictionary a lot and I still create time to do that. I also learnt how to pronounce words while watching TV, and I listened attentively to people who speak very well. I do a lot of self-training because I believe that if you want to be good like someone, then you have to learn to be like them. “I imitate people that speak very well whenever I see them talking. For me, I would say what has also helped me is self-training, and I still engage in such activities because life is more about improving yourself.” For Eucharia, the road to stardom came calling when she met Kanayo O Kanayo, already a distinguished Nollywood star, during an auditioning. “I went for an audition and got a role from Christian Michaels in a flick that was not eventually produced; but I met Kanayo O. Kanayo on the set and he felt impressed with my potentials. “After a while, when a character was needed to play the leading role in ‘Nneka, the Pretty Serpent’, Kanayo remembered me and told them to look for me, and that was how it all started,” Eucharia explained. But her role in ‘Glamour Girls II’, gave her the big break in Nollywood; and since then she had made over 300 films, playing major roles in most of them. But what most people didn’t know about the Nollywood star, who is loved by many and respected for her dexterity with English diction, is that beyond her hardwork, is her respect for God. “I want to say that I am

Anunobi

one of the most wonderful human beings that God created. I say this because I have been told and I know too, that I have a lot of wisdom, a lot of intellect and have ability to have empathy for other human beings. I am a very humane person, I love to love, I love to forgive, I love to feel for people.” Obviously, she took further steps to enhance her relationship with the giver of all abilities: “Again I would say, to top it all, I am a born again Christian. The day I found Christ, I found joy unlimited; from that time I was telling God, how come I wasn’t a bornagain Christian all along. “I have been born-again for almost a decade now. Nobody converted me; I woke up and decided that I should pay more attention to God. I realised then that I couldn’t have got to the stage I was without the Almighty God. So I decided I should concentrate on giving God more glory and dedicating my life to him. “At that time, I knew that the fame that came with my movies and the jobs I did was on the high

side at least by the Nigerian standard. So if I hadn’t become born-again, I probably would have been in the world. I worship with the Redeemed Christian Church of God at Ikeja,” Eucharia added. Today she is an Associate Pastor in Fresh Oil Ministry in Egbeda, Lagos. When did she decide to take to preaching? She said: “You don’t take a decision to preach. When you are called and ordained into an office that gives you the opportunity to preach, you just go ahead. I was ordained on February 5, 2012. A Christian is expected to do the work of God by loving their neighbours as themselves and preaching is just one aspect of such a lifestyle. Helping the needy around you to meet their needs is already ministry. “I would never want to be remembered as someone

The job I did was on the high side at least by the Nigerian standard. So if I hadn’t become born-again, I probably would have been in the world

who graced all the front pages of all the newspapers and news magazines in the world and did not contribute to the leading of people towards heaven. Of a truth, you will agree with me that the job that will be rewarded by God Himself is that of soulwinning. “So, why waste my fame, money, life, face, time, speaking ability to do the things that will never be rewarded? I would never wish to be remembered as one lady who covered or graced all the front-pages or a fashion star, or a fashion icon, or one with the best gown at the red carpet event, designed and clothed by the best hands in the world, with the best hair-style or make-up. “Surely, these things are good and beautiful, but they will never earn anyone a single mark before the presence of God. The content of my character and my contributions to humanity through the preaching of God’s Word (for which I was originally created for) are what I wish to speak for me when my accounts and records are opened in heaven. “I have moved from the things that don’t matter to the things that matter more, which is doing the work of my Father who created me and made me an instant star.”

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016

FAITH/INTERVIEW

Some Pastors steal predictions –Prophet Oluwamodede Prophet Samson Oluwamodede hit the into limelight for the wrong reason last year, when a video depicting some atrocities he allegedly committed was circulated. In this interview, the popular cleric at Prayer Centre Church of God heaves a sigh of relief following the declaration of guilt by the producer of the offensive video. He spoke with BABATOPE OKEOWO What came to your mind when the video CD of shoddy deeds was brought to your attention? I did not believe that anybody would do that to me until I watched the video. I was highly embarrassed. I remained calm at the initial stage, but as time went by, I saw that people were fighting in the offices, in the church and on the streets to make jest of my followers saying ‘look at your pastor, he is very fetish.’ When I heard about all that, I knew something had gone wrong. I began to pray and ask God what was happening? CD sellers were busy showing the video on the streets and market squares for people passing by to watch. One day, I was driving through the market area and I saw a large number of people watching television and when I asked what they were watching and someone said to me they are watching “Asiritu”. I was ashamed of myself that day. In the video he mentioned 12 of us but I was up and doing to ensure I protect my integrity. Apart from prayers, did you not think of taking the man to court? When the issue came out, I was waiting for others, like Pastor Samuel Abiara, whose name was also mentioned in the video to react. He also mentioned Bishop Samson Ayorinde, Prophet T.B Joshua and others so I was expecting that these people would react. But nobody reacted. I was thinking maybe because the suspect recorded the video in Yoruba language and since services in T.B Joshua’s church and other pastors are normally conducted in English, only few members may be interested in the video. Again, the video was not as popular in Lagos as it was in Ondo, Oyo and Ekiti states. Five months after, I said to myself ‘if the other people would not react, I will take steps because this may lead to religious crisis among the Christians’. So I contacted the legal team of my church and they wrote a petition to the police not knowing that other indicted men of God had already taken the same step silently. Consequently, the security operatives apprehended the suspect. When you confirmed that the man lied against you, what came into your mind? The day God arrested him through the police; I was invited to the police station. I told them that I will come the following day because I was doing a programme in the church. But an Investigating Police Officer (IPO) called me and told me that

the suspect was still telling them that if I am bold enough, I should come and face him. The Police had asked him that if he saw Prophet Samson O l u wamode d e , could he recognise him. He said ‘yes’ and said ‘the man is very tall and light in complexion.’ I was accompanied to the police station by four elders in my church. When we got there, I saw him sitting and the police asked him if he knows Prophet Samson Oluwamodede but he could not point to me among other four men at the station. It was then I said I am the Prophet Oluwamodede that he lied against. He prostrated and held my legs. I told him that he had blackmailed me for what I did not do. The police played the video and when he got to where he was confessing about my alleged atrocities, the suspect had said in that portrayal, ‘Prophet Samson Oluwamodede used to hold a programme called Marathon Fasting and during that programme, he would prepare tea for the people and that the water used for the tea was got from River Osun in Osun State’. He also alleged that I would have bathed with that water before using it to prepare the tea. At that point, I asked him if it is true that I use to go to River Osun to get water. Immediately, he said no. Is that all he said about you? Another thing he said about me was that I used to take two cows to Ilogbo-Ekiti for ritual purposes every year. And I asked him again if he ever saw me at Ilogbo-Ekiti and he said no. The third one was that he always killed humanbeings on my behalf. He also mentioned a mountain that I used to pray. He was right about the fact that I go to a particular mountain to pray. But I asked the police to allow the suspect to take us to the mountain; he said he didn’t know the mountain again. One of the elders of my church asked him, who contracted him to lie about me? He said it was the devil that pushed him to do so. He said without cursing or beating him, he had seen the anger of God and he started begging. He told us, at the police headquarters, that he was ready to do another video

Oluwamodede

CD and confess that he was lying about men of God but the Commissioner of Police said he would not release him because he may be lynched.

their hands. I said if my old members had not left, the population should have been more than this. So, I felt the impact of the blackmail.

Did you have any vision before now that someone would tarnish your image? We were in a programme in 2012, and my members can testify to that I told them that, somebody would lie against me. In 2012, 2013 and 2014 we did not hear anything until late 2015 when the suspect produced the CD. I think my interpreter; camera men still have the document of the programme but I did not know it would get to this level.

Was it the first time that someone would pick on you? From the inception of this ministry 14 years ago, people have lied against me but not to this extend.

How did the Video CD affect you church attendance? I would say that our church attendance was not drastically affected, because nearly every day, we receive new members. However, numbers of old members reduced at a time the suspect released the video CD. I think those old members of our church were a little bit confused that if the allegations were not true, I should have reacted five or six months after the suspect released the CD. How I knew the old members have reduced was during the last marathon fasting we held in the church and the population was so high and something came into my mind to ask how many of these people are just worshipping with us for the first time, and about 30 percent of them raised

Another thing he said about me was that I used to take two cows to IlogboEkiti for ritual purposes every year

Do you believe in predictions? If yes, what are your predictions for the year? Yes, I believe in predictions because I do hear from God but I stopped making my predictions public over five years ago. Let me tell you the reason I stopped telling my members about my predictions. Anytime I start telling my members about my predictions, you would see many pastors coming into my church and they would jot down all what I have said and they will go back to their own church and start telling their members that this was what God told them about what would happen in this year. They were doing this just to keep their congregation and also ensure their members’ believed in them. So I stopped making the predictions public. Since I stopped, I have never heard any of these pastors predicting again. What is your view about the corruption trial going on in the country? The best solution is to probe past and present political office holders. Before President Buhari was swornin, he declared his assets. Before late Umaru Yar’Adua was sworn-in he also declared his assets. So all elected office holders including chairmen of local governments should declare their assets before assuming office.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

FAITH

Why I use spiritual objects to heal – Cleric

Tai Anyanwu he General Overseer, Land of Grace Healing Ministries Prophet Chukwuemeka Samuel Odigbo, has admitted that he employs the use of spiritual objects to perform healing. The Pastor justified his action during an exclusive interview with Sunday telegraph in Lagos. His word: “We have some tools we introduced to interested peoples, in the Land of Grace Ministries, examples of some tools includes the fire-water, back-to-sender oil, bunch of broom, a whipping cane,

a mere-stone, or other contacts as divinely directed.” According to the Pastor, whose church is also known as ‘Cry no More’, there is nothing wrong with using such materials to perform healing for people to be free from various satanic affliction. “A prophet is a ready tool in the hands of God and God by divine can direct him to apply some uncommon things as tools or weapons or even antidotes to the salvaging of his people,” he explained. He added that during the cross-over service, he made each faithful bring an earthen pot and after

prayers same individuals scattered their pots which marks an end to their peculiar challenges; and that lots of testimonies trailed the event. Odigbo, a native of Imo State, said that his father was an elder in the Deeper Life Church; and that used to service as an usher in the church before God called him into service in his vine yard. “I travelled oversees after my primary education, while I was there I began to experience the calling of God upon my life. I often saw myself in visions laying hands on people, preaching the Gospel. “That was how I realized

that the hand of God was upon my life for a ministry. I returned to Nigeria and started the ministry five years while the church started in July 2010 with less than five peoples but today the church is crowded,” he said. What he would be doing if the work of God failed him, he said: “Never, the work of God cannot fail me and will never fail me because God cannot lie. He says in his word that I am the lord and I changeth not. He is the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Anytime I ministered testimonies are always been recorded.”

Governor Udom Emmanuel

PFN honours Udom, Ambode, Uche, others CO NTINUED F R O M PAGE 47

L-R: President Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN); Rev (Dr) Felix Omobude, presenting an award to Ms Josephine Ugwu at the dedication of Bishops’ Court

‘Extensive’ fabric collection dating back to Kings David and Solomon discovered

Timna excavation team from Tel Aviv University led by Dr. Erez Ben-Yosef has uncovered an extensive fabric collection of diverse color, design and origin. This is the first discovery of textiles dating from the era of David and Solomon (3,000-yearold), and sheds new light on the historical fashions of the Holy Land. The textiles also offer insight into the complex society of the early Edomites, the seminomadic people believed to have operated the mines at Timna. The tiny pieces of fabric, some only 5 x 5 centimeters in size, vary in color, weaving technique and ornamentation. “Some of these fabrics resemble textiles only known from the Roman era,” said Dr. Orit Shamir, a senior researcher

at the Israel Antiquities Authority, who led the study of the fabrics themselves. “No textiles have ever been found at excavation sites like Jerusalem, Megiddo and Hazor, so this provides a unique window into an entire aspect of life from which we’ve never had physical evidence before,” Dr. Ben-Yosef said. “We found fragments of textiles that originated from bags, clothing, tents, ropes and cords. “The wide variety of fabrics also provides new and important information about the Edomites, who, according to the Bible, warred with the Kingdom of Israel. We found simply woven, elaborately decorated fabrics worn by the upper echelon of their stratified society. Luxury grade fabric adorned the highly skilled, highly respected craftsmen managing the

copper furnaces. They were responsible for smelting the copper, which was a very complicated process.” A trove of the “Seven Species” The archaeologists also recently discovered thousands of seeds of the Biblical “Seven Species” at the site—the two grains and five fruits considered unique products of the Land of Israel. Some of the seeds were subjected to radiocarbon dating, providing robust confirmation for the age of the site. “This is the first time seeds from this period have been found uncharred and in such large quantities,” said Dr. Ben-Yosef. “With the advancement of modern science, we now enjoy research options that were unthinkable a few decades ago. We can reconstruct wine typical of King Da-

vid’s era, for example, and understand the cultivation and domestication processes that have been preserved in the DNA of the seed.” The power of copper Copper was used to produce tools and weapons and was the most valuable resource in ancient societies. Its production required many levels of expertise. Miners in ancient Timna may have been slaves or prisoners—theirs was a simple task performed under difficult conditions. But the act of smelting, of turning stone into metal, required an enormous amount of skill and organization. The smelter had to manage some 30 to 40 variables in order to produce the coveted copper ingots. “The possession of copper was a source of great power, much as oil is today,” Dr. Ben-Yosef said.

tional presence and inspire more people into the Christian faith. He also p;ointed out that the PFN had engaged the engaging political leadership to national development and intervened whenever there were critical moments in the nation. He urged the PFN members to keep their minds open to new ideas while being mindful to actualize the dreams and vision of PFN’s founding fathers. The Bishops’ Court was initiated by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor when he was the president of PFN. In his prayer of dedication he said: “You gave an idea that became an organisation, an association. And finally, you have put a roof over our

head. And so, we give you glory. We have come to dedicate to you this house that already belongs to you. “Every prayer that will be prayed here will be answered by heaven. Everyone that comes into this building sorrowful will find joy; every troubled heart will find peace and every one that has problem will find solution and find direction.” General Overseer of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Bishop Mike Okonkwo added: “O God, to you alone belong the glory, honour and adoration. And we declare that out of this house shall bring forth wisdom that will transform our nation, Nigeria.” The secretariat was dedicated in the name of God the father, the son and the Holy Ghost.

43 Christian Hostages Released By ISIS after Ransom

he terrorist organization ISIS has released over 40 Christian hostages.According to reports, this is the last batch of the more than 200 hostages kidnapped by the group in Syria a year ago. The 43 released hostages are currently on their way to the town of Tal Tamr in northeastern Syria. They are part of the 250 Assyrian Christians abducted by the extremist organisation in February of 2015 in Syria’s Khabour region, USA Today reported. Over the past few months, ISIS started releasing many of its hostages in batches. Originally, the organisation was asking for $100,000 for each hostage but through negotiations, this number was eventually reduced.

The latest release was made possible through the mediation of a priest from the Assyrian Democratic Association. According to numerous sources, the priest and other members of the group negotiated with ISIS leaders to lower the ransom for the hostages. However, it is not yet clear how much the group paid but according to a report from the Daily Mail, the ransom was below $18 million. “We paid large amounts of money, millions of dollars, but not $18 million,” an anonymous source who’s associated with the Assyrian organisation said. “We paid less than

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016

The essence of adoption

postle Paul being a Roman in a way understood the essence of adoption very well and he compared it to essence of God’s adoption of redeemed former victim of law kidnappers. One can conclude that the Lord spent so much on us for our redemption in order to adopt us to manage His world and estates. God sent His son, made of a woman, made under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons (Galatians 4:4,5). It was stated clearly that one of the major reasons He paid Ransome to get us out of bondage is for the purpose of adoption, to inherit His world, and wealth. The adoption in Rome Many persons conceive the idea that adoption is for childless women and men. It is not just so. Think about this logic: if a Muslim adopts a child, the baby becomes a Muslim, not a Christian. If a couple adopt a child the child adopts the religion or Christianity that the foster parents are adherent to. In Rome however, can you guess why almost 80% of the Emperors were adopted sons? Those who adopted them may have

Word of Life Bishop. Moses Kattey moseskattey@yahoo.co.uk

0808 770 7486

Can one compare the benefit of the person that God adopts to the advantages the person adopted by in Rome? well educated and capable sons, but they have to adopt for certain reasons, especially political and managerial reasons. In Rome most positions were by inheritance. There were families that produced senators. Some families produced Emperors while some produced Governors. When the emperor, Senator or Governor in office was about to retire, or in case of infirmity or death, he was by law made to produce a successor. As the leader worked round and saw a capable hand, he would nominate him but will not be accepted because he was not his son. He could only produce a successor if he brought any of his children, or adopted his candidate. That candidate must answer his name after the legal adop-

tion. Without adoption, he could not bring a successor of his choice except it was his son. As soon as the adoption process was completed, the adopted son became the first son, the inheritor of his estate and the successor. Adoption in Rome was a great privilege. This was what St. Paul was inspired to write in the Scriptures. New future, new past A man that was adopted in Rome changed his name legally, mixing his own name with his new Father’s or foster’s name. There was no such record that such a person has existed. For instance: if John Mark was adopted by Emperor Matthew Joseph he answered Emperor Matthew John Mark Joseph. If this person had a case in Court with the name John Mark, the case was gone because there was nobody answering John Mark, but Matthew John Mark Joseph. Former John Mark now has a clean record, or a new past. At the same time he has a new fu-

ture because; the estate and the political office belong to him. As John Mark, he did not have such a future or opportunity, but as adopted son, he was much more than the sons of the man that adopted him. Yet, the wealthy man that adopted him paid a price and necessary transactions were made and signed. Do you see what the Lord had in mind when He designed to adopt the victims of kidnappers? The Lord paid the price for their ransom and for their adoption. They are all spiritual transactions made by Jesus death on the Cross. You may wish to observe that in adoption as well as in ransom or redemption the person to be ransomed or adopted has no part to play. He is only to receive the freedom, the Estate and power. Compare this to what one does under school master, the law. Can one compare the benefit of the person that God adopts to the advantages the person adopted by in Rome? No way. Moses was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter And when he (Moses) was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up and nourished him for her own son (Acts 7:21).

Wounds wives and wounded

any times experiences of life condition people’s reactions. There was a lady who was into a relationship with a young man. This young man broke this lady’s heart. This bitter experience made this lady to harden her heart towards any advances of the opposite sex. When a man approaches her, she will tell him straight away “I do not fall over men anyhow. The only man I ever befriended slapped me three times and broke my heart. I hope you will not do such to me. I fear men o.” This lady built a shell around her which made it very difficult for her to relax and carry on with her normal life. When you are in a relationship, learn to forget about past wounds and disappointments. Do not drag old experiences to affect your new relationship negatively. This is what the Bible refers to as putting new wine in old wine skin. There must be a clear cut deal with any new relationship you have. Learn wisdom from your previous experience but do not allow negative experience to make you look at life in a negative way. Do not torment your partner with unnecessary

Marriage & Family Intimacy

Bishop Charles Ighele holyspiritmissioninc@yahoo.com

07066579379/09098845521 A wounded person is always irritated and in pain

information and do not harass your partner with negative vibrations from the past – forget your past wounds. The Bible says, forgetting those things behind, press forward. Press forward to a bright future. Males or females who speak and behave like the case narrated above hardly have healthy relationships. In fact, it frustrates the partner and many pack it up. Help yourself forget past wounds. A man whose heart was broken in a previous relationship vowed never to give his heart totally to any woman again. When he eventually got married to one of the best women on earth, they could not enjoy the best of each other. We are all created differently in terms of attitude, character, background, belief and so on. And these

most times form the way we carry on with life, form our opinion about issues and also make up who we are. Some people have allowed culture to mold and chart a course for them in terms of relationship while some have allowed religion or background to do the charting for them. To some, it is the experience they witnessed that had made them to take decision towards the wrong direction. Meaning that such experiences did not affect them directly but by chance they were present to observe or take note of occurrences. And these observations ended up affecting their own relationships. Bearing this in mind, we should not allow an old relationship to affect any new one. Most marriages are made up of wounded wives and wounded husbands thereby not allowing them to enjoy. The most important decision we need to make is the decision that affects our happiness and bothers

on giving us peace, joy and adding to our love lives. The moments we spend brooding over past wound would have been wisely spent healing and making use of better opportunities as they present themselves. Whenever you are hurting, it blinds your eyes from seeing anything good and it makes you to have a wrong mindset. At such moments, you are very likely to miss good chances and opportunities to wonderful relationships even as they stare at you. A wounded person is always irritated and in pain. And irritating personality is not attractive at all. Do your best to let go of the past and forge ahead with your life. Speak life to your heart and work on your emotions. Do not get moody or relapse into depression if any occasion presents itself to remind you of what you are coming out of. You should rather use your experience to pull others out of the pit of nursing past wounds. Certain things happen to us all for a reason. Yours might be to help others who are passing through that road in the future after your own experience. Learn from experience but know where to draw line. Know how to differentiate new wine from old wine. Do not rob yourself of a good life.

FAITH

The Voice of Dominion by

Bishop David Oyedepo E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

7747546-8 (SMS only)

Engaging the blessedness of prayer & fasting

e understand from scriptures that spiritual exercise, which includes prayer and fasting, is profitable in all things as it impacts on every aspect of our lives. We must also understand that fasting is one of the commandments of scriptures designed for our profiting, not punishment (Matthew 6:16; 1 Timothy 4:7-8; Isaiah 58:6-8). However, to set the stage for a most profitable engagement in prayer and fasting, we must note the following: •Prepare in the Word to approach the prayer altar: The throne of grace is the throne of judgment where the Judge of all the earth (God) is seated. It is also the courtroom of heaven where we produce our cause in prayers. As it is written: Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob (Isaiah 41:21; see also Genesis 18:25). However, it is on the basis of God’s Word that we plead our cause. This is because He grants us audience on the basis of His Word. Therefore, the stronger our reasons, the more assurance we have for answered prayers. No wonder the Bible says: Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified (Isaiah 43:26). We must understand that engaging God’s Word in prayer guarantees us audience with Him. This is why it is important to prepare in the Word before approaching God on the prayer altar because it is the scriptural basis for our demand that gives us audience with him. That means God does not hear our prayers except we are asking Him according to His will, which is His Word. The Bible says: And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us (1 John 5:14). For instance, the will of a man is his written document on what pertains to his children after he is gone. Likewise, God’s Word which is Kingdom legal tender is His will for His children and God cannot deny Himself. When we pray according to His will, we remind Him of His commitment

to us on the subject matter. Therefore, preparing in the Word to approach the prayer altar is wisdom because we rule and reign by the Word. When we are adequately Wordprepared, prayer becomes a smooth adventure. This is why Word-lazy people don’t get much out of prayer. Thus, we have a duty to search through scriptures for what commits God to answer our requests in prayer. •Genuinely forgive those who offend us: Jesus said: And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses (Mark 11:25-26; see also Matthew 6:12-15). We must be willing to forgive those who offend us because it qualifies us for automatic forgiveness with God. Moreover, if our trespasses are not forgiven, God’s hand cannot deliver answers to our prayers. Therefore, it is very important to willingly forgive, so we can clear the way for our own forgiveness and secure audience with God on the prayer altar (Isaiah 59:1-2). •Engage in praying for the needs of others: This is one of the facilitators of the heavyweight profiting we access in fasting. When we pray for the needs of others, we commit God to the release of ours. For instance, when Job prayed for his friends, in spite of his affliction, the Lord turned his captivity and gave him twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10). That means seeking the well-being of others is the gateway to our well-being. Remember, what we make happen for others, God makes happen for us. Moreover, when we water the destiny of others, God also makes ours to blossom. As it is written: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free (Ephesians 6:8; see also Proverbs 11:25; James 5:16). Therefore, as we pray for others and their trials are turned to testimonies, we have secured our testimony too (Acts 12:5-17; Philippians 1:19).

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

FAITH

Insight

D The spirit of Lazarus (2) Rev. Femi Akinola www.thehebrewsng.com

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“there was a certain beggar named Lazarus…” Luke 16:20 “Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.” John 11:1 His name was ‘help from God’. Before a person can be christened Lazarus, he must have come from a (believing) family, a family of believers, yet he didn’t receive help. The woman with the issue of blood remained anonymous but was addressed by her illness. The impotent man in the book of John was also identified by the problem he had for thirty-eight years. The two Lazarus could neither preach nor evangelise. How was he going to preach or evangelise when he was a beggar, and the other one was always sick so could not be useful to himself or to God. Both of them were identified by their problems. A wrong identity turns a person to a non-entity. Christians are associated with the Almighty God yet lots of us don’t manifest the evidence that He is the All-Sufficient One. Many people are still leading a life which is paradoxical to the Almighty God. Many answer names the meaning of which never reflect in their lives. Jabez was born under unpleasant circumstances and was named accordingly. However, he refused to accept and live with the situation and went to God in prayers, God heard and changed his situation. As a child of God, you must never be comfortable with any unpleasant situation around your life. The Bible says the rich man, while in hell, saw Lazarus at the bosom of father Abraham. For someone to be in Abraham’s bosom implies he lived a righteous life. The other Lazarus, it was reported that he was a friend to Jesus as Jesus was always coming to visit him and his sisters, yet his life didn’t change. How can you associate with the Almighty and still be in want? This is an insult to the Anointing. Both of them knew God but no one knew them. The Bible simply related their story out of many other peculiar ones to serve as a lesson to future generation believers.

DELAY Some delays are satanic strategies to short-change you. Lazarus must have been at the gate of the rich praying and hoping that one day, things will be fine. The other one staying with the sister was probably always hoping too that someday all will be well, until he eventually died. Even though he was resurrected by Christ, the Bible did not tell of or record any significant change in his life thereafter. When you observe things are being delayed unnecessarily in your life, go to God like Jabez and don’t waste away like Lazarus. Enquire from God and He will definitely show you the way out. If the two Lazarus had fought for their destinies like Jacob and Jabez, their captivity would have been turned around. Anything in your life that’s making people to question your God, God will remove it in Jesus name. SIMILARITY TWO “And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores.” Luke 16:20 “When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” John 11:4 The Lazarus according to the parable knew a rich man. He stayed at his gate all the time hoping to be helped. The rich man went in and out every day, but it was not recorded that he helped Lazarus. The rich man must have just thought; ‘since he’s always around here, I will help him later’. This is a situation a lot of people can relate to as they have in their network the contact of very great personalities, but who will never help them. Life is easy if you can meet the right people who are always ready to help you. •To be continued next week.

A wrong identity turns a person to a nonentity. Christians are associated with the Almighty God yet lots of us don’t manifest the evidence that He is the All-Sufficient One

No one can stop you

avid and Jonathan were in a covenant friendship to love and for each other for life. Mephiboshet was the only surviving son of Jonathan, but by virtue of his lameness, Saul’s linages elimination process from Kingship became completed. In Israel no one enters into kingship with any form of bodily deformity. While David was on the throne, many years passed and David did not remember his covenant of friendship with Jonathan. But one day, King David woke up from the right side of himself and remembered his relationship Jonathan. He asked: “Is there any left in the house of Saul that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” As you are reading this book, bear in mind that you shall not be forgotten forever. God shall remember you one day. Weeping may endure at the night but surely, joy cometh in the morning. David called unto Ziba and asked him some questions. He answered positively but added emphatically that he was lame. His

Mystery of Anxiety Bishop John Ogbansiegbe 0803 341 6327 (SMS Only) When God remembers you to lift you up, He will not be interested in what people call you, what you call yourself or how people see you

lameness, in Israel disqualifies him from even entering into the palace. It will be tantamount to sacrilege and pollution of the palace. David said for Jonathan’s sake go and bring him. David asked Ziba, “What is his name? Ziba answered his name is Mephiboseth. The name Mephiboseth means corrupt, decay, shame, low, while the name of his caretaker Ziba means slavery. Ammiel mean upside while Lodiba means bareness, dried place, hopeless place, a land of no pasture. Is your situation hopeless and helpless? No matter how hopeless your case maybe, no matter the de-

gree of your limitation and disability, God shall show you favour. No matter how bad your past record maybe, your change is coming. You shall be lifted and catapulted far above your present situation. They went with a presidential chariot to fetch Mephiboshet. When they got to him in Lodiba, he was filled with fear; he thought that they had come to kill him. He was a crippled man, and he also introduced himself as a dead dog. When God remembers you to lift you up, He will not be interested in what people call you, what you call yourself or how people see you. God’s will for us is supreme and can never be obstructed or intercepted by anybody or any force. They lifted him up and put him in the presidential chariot and drove him down to the palace where a kingly table of multidimensional varieties was prepared for hm. He was

privileged to eat with the king on the same table. This is an unmerited favour from God. Because of this special favour, all his father’s properties and lands were restored back to him. He possessed all his possessions. God shall give you a total divine turn around after the order of Mephiboseth. You may have cried in the past. You may have labored in vein in the past, but from now on, God shall make you smile in the name of Jesus Christ. Psalm103: 4 talks about loving kindness and tender mercies which is kindness that is mixed with love. This is a divine mixture. This is a divine concoction of favour, love, mercy and kindness, and this mixture can only come from the Almighty God who alone has the finally say about your destiny. God shall show you favour in your business. He shall show you favour in your health. He shall show you favour in the courtroom. He shall show you favour in the Embassy and everywhere. Above all, there shall be an unusual favour for you to possess all your possession in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Entrance of God’s word is life (16)

nother critical text you must carry out is to identify God’s love in the word which it was said to be God’s word. God and love can’t be separated, when it comes to God’s relationship with man. The Psalmist says as

he discovers the unsearchable love God has for man in Psalm 8:3-6 “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:” God is always looking to have relationship with his Image, he loves them dearly. Hear him in his word in Isaiah 49:14-16 “ But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have grav-

Just believe Pastor Joseph Folonusho

rlpm2007@yahoo.com

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God is always looking to have relationship with his Image, he loves them dearly

en thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” When the fullness of time came for both the Jew and Gentile to be redeemed by the LORD, his word says in John 3:16 “ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Therefore, his covenant comes with love toward man. When love is missing, it can’t be said to be God’s faith. Another text of true faith is that it contains the Most High grace. God’s favor called grace comes with his faith. Wherever you find faith, there is grace. Therefore, when you are favored by God, it shows that you have received his faith. Faith is the path or

road to grace. Romans 5:2 “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. The last text but not the least of true faith is that, true faith hides in hope. Hope is the mother of faith. In hope will you find faith. That is, the dwelling place of faith is hope. God’s word that comes with hope presents God’s faith always. Therefore, hope is promise; as promise is hope. When God’s word comes to you with promise/ hope, inside the hope or promise is the true faith. The scripture says, faith is the substance hope for, evidence of thing in the promise. All these tests will help you to examine to know a true faith Now that we can effectively identify this true faith, it behold on us as Christ’s body to know how to get this faith; we must know how to keep and sustain this faith. And

know how to covet this faith to be our faith. The scripture says, Faith comes by hearing, hearing the Word of God. You therefore need your outer and inner ear to receive this faith. The outer ear is the sense of hearing that form part of your body, while your inner ear is the ear of your heart, the dwelling place of your spirit. While the LORD will use your outer ear to put his word of faith in your mind in hope form, he needs your inner ear to write this faith in your heart. Continuous hearing will keep this faith in hope and the faith within you respectively that is in your soul and Spirit. The scripture says in Hebrews 8:10-11 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws/word/faith into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.”

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY February 28, 2016

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SUNDAY

BPL

Confusion over Oliseh’s owed salary

Man Utd battle Arsenal for encore

p.55

Ighalo misses cost hosts at Vicarage Road p.55

SPORTS

Tunde Popoola: Team Nigeria won’t disappoint at Rio 2016 •Sports is under NOC, not Sports Ministry The Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Honourable Tunde Popoola, expressed optimism that Team Nigeria would do better at the Rio 2016 Olympics, as against the country’s poor performance at the London 2012 Olympics. In this interview with DAPO SOTUMINU, he commended the country’s preparations ahead of the biggest sports fiesta in the world and was sure that the country’s name would be listed as one of the medal’s winners at the Games The 2016 Rio Olympics is five months away and there are fears that Team Nigeria may not do well at the Games. Nigerians should not be afraid that the country’s contingent to the Rio Olympics will not do well. This time around, the setting is different and the athletes are in better competitive mood compared to what it was at the London 2012 Olympics where Team Nigeria shockingly did not win any medal. I am impressed with the present state of our athletes especially the elite athletes who have been doing well in their various sports across the globe. Look at the table tennis players who went to the Olympic qualifiers to pick slots for the Games, this is highly commendable and these athletes are true patriots. The men’s basketball team went ahead to win the Afrobasket title as they also picked the Olympic ticket. Others have been doing well in their various locations outside Nigeria, while the relevant sports associations have commenced camping in earnest to prepare the athletes before the major training tour which has been scheduled for Japan. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has been intensifying training at the High Performance Centre in Port Harcourt, while some other sports are very eager to be a part of the Olympics by trying very hard to pick tickets. We have also not forgotten the Wrestling Federation under Daniel Igal. They’re doing very well. From the athletes’ body language, it is clear that, they are poised to do Nigeria proud at the Rio Olympics, which I do

not have any doubt would be achieved. The other good thing about Nigeria’s participation in this year’s Olympic Games, is the fact that, unlike the London 2012, the Team Nigeria would have the Under-23 men’s soccer team battling for honours. The team won the Olympic gold 20 years ago and they were in the finals of the soccer event at the Beijing 2008 Games. We are optimistic that they will try hard to improve upon their last outing in the Games. Sir, the choice of Japan as the Team Nigeria’s training camp ahead of the Rio Olympics has been receiving mixed reactions from Nigerians based on the fact the different weather in Japan which is in Asia, may negatively affect the athletes’ performance in Brazil, which is in South America. What is your opinion on this as an ex-athlete? My advice is that Nigerians who have been expressing worries over the choice of location for training tour, should be less apprehensive, as such would be beneficial to the country at the end of the day. We as Nigerians should be happy that the Japanese government has agreed to give the country a helping hand towards a successful outing at the Rio Olympic Games by providing a training ground for all the athletes in the Asian country. They have also promised to take charge of kitting for the Team Nigeria. This is quite commendable if what happened to Team Nigeria athletes at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow was anything to go by. At Glasgow, the athletes wore different types of unauthorized kits. There was no uniform for the country’s athletes. The wrestling team under the care of Daniel Igali had their own unique uniform which was not Nigeria’s colours. For me, I think Team Nigeria should maximize the partnership with Japan in this and the people should be positive about this. It’s the first time the Nigeria Olympic Committee is having an ex- international athlete as Secretary General. How do you feel about it? I have always agitated for people who know sports and understand it, to be involved in sports administration and management. So having an ex-athlete in sports, one will expect to see changes in line with the best practices.

Popoola

There’s a misconception about the roles of the NOC as compared with the National Sports Commission. Can you enlighten us on this? The roles of the NOC and NSC are clearly different from one another. It is just that people do not want to stay within the limits of their areas of jurisdiction. They are both clearly defined areas internationally. It is just that in this country, we do not follow the best practices. At the moment, we have the NSC and Sports Ministry which are government’s side of running sports. A government in any country has its own role to play which is more in terms of policies and providing infra-

Okagbare

structures for sports development. These roles should be guided and presented to persons who have the authority to do so. The minister and his cabinet should not be saddled with athletes’ benefits, payment et al because it is not really within their purview. The NOC basically deals with Elite Athletes. They are agents of the International Olympic Committee. If we look critically at the NSC, the Ministry of Sports and the NOC are not limited to sports, it has gone beyond this. It’s more of a replica, a micro of the IOC and deals with institutions such as sports, environment and education. The IOC doesn’t deal only with Olympics but also with kids. For instance in the United Nations, they occupy a seat even though it’s an observers seat. Continued on page 54

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sport Continued from page 53

A lot of Nigerians are ignorant about the roles of the Olympic Committee in the management of sports in Nigeria. There is a lot of misconception about roles and somehow a party wants to take over the roles of another. This happens because the other party lacks the funds to execute some things. The roles are clearly defined but there is a meeting point and its where one stops its own administration, the other commences its technical function or roles. I want to say that the NOC is in charge of sports within any particular polity and examples abound. There is actually nothing anyone can do without finance. NOC struggles to deal with the private institutions and also partner with the government to raise funds to get the athletes moving and that is where the challenge is. The Sports Commission and Ministry of Sports get money directly from the government. I must say that it’s not directly the government’s business to fund sports but rather to support. Sports in Nigeria solely depends on the government and that is very bad. Take a cue from our own Premier League Football which is the apex, the teams involved are government owned and are being funded by the government. I have nothing against it, but I will tell you that the impact of government especially in sports in Nigeria, must get to a point that what is private should be strictly private. When the government does not see sports as its priority but use it as a political game, then the states would start having problems. Things will fall apart and that ought not to be so. Clubs in the developed countries do not receive money from their governments, that’s because they have a way of raising funds. We need to adopt this method too and devise ways of building it up. I don’t know how long it will take but eventually government would withdraw from sports administration

Tunde Popoola: Team Nigeria won’t disappoint at Rio 2016 and where does that lead us to. Organisations like the NOC, should be responsible for sports but at every point in time they are not being encouraged and empowered. I have been in this seat for a while now and I know where it pinches. There are forces and challenges we are facing. Most corporate institutions are willing but it gets to a point where they withdraw. I am yet to phantom what discouraged them. Some say the Federal Government is funding and that is a complete wrong notion. The government is not funding the NOC, they are only supporting because they know the funds are not available. The NSC supports athletes because the government releases funds for them to do so. In the real sense, why was the Sports Lottery Fund established? Lottery is being used by some other countries like Britain to generate money. Anytime I drive into the National Stadium, Lagos I feel sad because I had my National Youth Corps here back then when the stadium was lively. I was here when the stampede happened in the late 70’s and that showed how the patronage was back then. It is now a shadow of its self and it ought not to be the responsibility of the government. Funding should not be an issue in the NOC, it should be something that will fall into place naturally. We need to learn how to manage resources because if we don’t make amends we will continue to go down. The government ought to be supporting the structures in the grassroots, policies to encourage people who support, for example the corporate institutions, they should enable and empower the people who have business in sports such as coaches, teachers and schools because it is their area of specialization. Imagine schools being built without putting into consideration a field for sporting activities. These are things the minister and his cabinet should be meeting and hammering on at their gatherings. Things are going the wrong way, you see that when you delve into areas that are not within your jurisdiction, you get things wrongly. How do you combine your job as a banker with duties at the NOC? Yes I work in a banking institution which is the Union Bank Plc and you must clarify that I am not a professional banker. I run the sports section of the institution and that is one institution in this country which is very unique. It takes a whole interest in sports development, capacity building and taking people off the streets. I am doing basically what I do in the bank at the NOC. We manage athletes and pay them salaries.

Aruna

You were a national team captain of the men’s hockey team. What would you say was your greatest achievement as an athlete? My greatest achievement as an athlete at the club level was clinching the Most Valuable Player’s

sports, because they are well educated. I am here today because I am learned and managing myself.

Siasia

Award in 1991 in the United States, where all the best players across the globe participated at the hockey competition. I can boast loudly that up till this very moment, no Nigerian men’s hockey team has been able to beat the record set at the All African Games by our squad. We are still the only team that won a bronze medal for Nigeria. Well, the female team got a silver in 1987. In the JF Kennedy Hockey Competition, the Union Bank Hockey Club won back-to-back for 10 years, from 1979- 1989. My generation was not too particular about money. Well, maybe the economy was better. We were having fun playing hockey. Our target was wearing the green and white colours of the Nigerian jersey. We were very focused and dedicated to playing the game. Today, the order of the day, is playing for money and players are particular about bonuses. The corruption in the system is not making people feel good about developments. Ordinarily, no athlete should be talking about getting allowances. Some countries don’t give athletes’ allowances they only give what is necessary to make you well. They provide kits, accommodation, equipment, feeding and nutrition. Britain do not pay allowances, sadly they are very close to us in Nigeria. The passion for sports should be paramount, they should compete for the country because they are Nigerians and they want to make their country proud. You were a typical example of the fusion of education and sports in Nigeria, what would be your advice to young athletes? There is no compromise one has to be educated to do sports. If you are not educated, do not come near sports. As an athlete then, out of the 11 of us in the team, nine were graduates, so you can understand what I am talking about. The other two were consistent players too who were military officers who went to school for their own kind of training. It goes beyond attending just primary and secondary schools. I read sports and I am involved in sports. The walls of university grooms one to do sports too. Sports requires thinking very fast. You need to be educated to excel in any profession. Every athlete needs sports and believe me, it’s easy to manage an educated athlete. They can think logically and make a room for easy progress. Everyone in Nigeria deserves an opportunity to go to school. NOC is striving hard to encourage as many as possible to go to school. The government should empower athletes to go to school. Free education should be encouraged for athletes. There were some persons in sports with me that time, that didn’t get themselves educated. But let us look at it now where are they? The likes of Chief Segun Odegbami and Adokiye Amesiamaka are still very relevant in

You are a board member of the Nigeria Hockey Federation, whose male and female teams failed to pick Olympic tickets at the qualifying tournaments in South Africa. What would you attribute to this failure? Before our hockey team departed for South Africa, I knew we won’t qualify not because we didn’t have the materials but because hockey is too dynamic when it comes to rules and techniques. Once you are off for over a year you will have to work hard to catch up. Nigerian hockey was out of international circuit for five years and what do you expect? Tactics and techniques have changed over the period. Nigeria is always doing last minute arrangements and preparations when it comes to sports. I was not expecting us to qualify, but it was an opportunity to learn and bring back to the board members analysis and way forward. I must say our team did well considering how they prepared for the Olympic qualifiers. In my active days as an athlete, hockey, football and athletics were the three dominant sports in Nigeria. Hockey was all over them. When the issue of artificial turf came then, it incapacitated us as hockey players. If not for the 2003 All African Games, we wouldn’t have had any artificial turf. The turf was even in Abuja where most of the players couldn’t have access to it. For many years, the players in Abuja and its environs couldn’t even make good use of the facility because it was far from town. But only in the past few weeks, some top hockey players have started playing training games at the Abuja National Hockey Pitches. Today, we have artificial hockey pitches in Port Harcourt, Yobe and Kaduna. Once it gets to the west and mid-west then hockey can gradually regain its lost glory. This is your second term in office as the NOC Secretary General. The NOC has been financially upright since you came into office. What is the secret and challenges faced? Yes, I work in a bank and I need to be careful and upright in whatever I do. I brought the bank’s ethics into the NOC. I do not compromise half measures when the issue is money. I am head strong on things that can soil my name. I have a name to protect. NOC is geared at the best and excellence is what we always want to achieve. The NOC would always resist any form of corruption in its finances. Do you still play hockey? And what is your opinion about veteran hockey? Even if I don’t handle a hockey stick actively anymore, I still play hockey in my mind. I still play hockey but I haven’t handled a stick in one year. Veteran hockey ought to be the best that can happen to any country. When the young ones see them play, they should get motivated. Some could teach the sport voluntarily. There should be a continuous passage of message. Veterans should mentor the younger players, while the current players have a whole lot to learn from the older ones. When there are no veterans, there would be a vacuum thereby no ties binding. Veteran tournament brings about unity. Such veterans in high positions of authorities can add values to the young ones, they could help in job assistance. Veteran gatherings also help in longevity of life. Interacting and mixing with people boost life span. When some top players reach certain heights in the game and retire, they tend to go into extinction and illness sets in which eventually kills them, but with veteran hockey, this is prevented.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016

Sport

Confusion over Oliseh’s owed salary Dapo Sotuminu

T Hiddink delighted with Chelsea response

uus Hiddink said Chelsea were deserving winners against Southampton and praised his side’s reaction after falling behind. Shane Long put the hosts ahead after 42 minutes but Chelsea responded well and eventually levelled in the second half when Cesc Fabregas’ cross beat Fraser Forster. Branislav Ivanovic then snatched a 2-1 victory with a late header as the Blues won back-to-back Premier League games for the first time this season.

“I think it was deserved,” Hiddink said. “We didn’t start well in the first 20 minutes, but then we got our composure and control. We should have scored with our dominance. “They got a present from our defence so we had a setback, but in the second half the team reacted very well, not just the mentality to recover the ball but also pushing the opposition back in their own half.” The win sees Chelsea extend their unbeaten league run under Hiddink to 10 matches and move up to 11th in the table.

here was confusion yesterday over the owed four months’ salary of the former Super Eagles chief coach, Sunday Oliseh, as there were conflicting reports from the coach himself and the Nigeria Football Federation over the payment of the arrears. The Eagles’ coach said after tendering his resignation letter to the football by email that, he is still expecting the football federation to pay him his owed four months’ salary and he has detailed his lawyer to follow up on this. He added: “My players, staff and I have not been paid our entitlements, as I speak to you (on Friday), my bank is yet to receive payment from my erstwhile employers. Some of my former staff and players are being owed six months. What then will motivate

these players? I have not been paid for eight months. Players bonuses, daily expenses, gear for the national team, staff allowances for food, transportation, daily expenses for me and my players, nothing has come. In short I’ve been mostly spending my money on all these things. “How can a nation as big and blessed as ours, day-in-day-out and from time immemorial not have the sense to finance her pride - namely the Super Eagles? For instance at the last Nations Cup in Rwanda, the NFF did not show up for a very long time. We were all left to our devices, no support and no jerseys, boots, or even food. I won’t even talk of my health and ticket fees. “I accepted because I wanted to serve my country. I wanted to stop the downward trend I had observed where the Eagles was concerned. I was aware that one of the causes of

that trend was the interference of the Technical Committee which selects players for an incumbent coach. Knowing that no coach worth his salt anywhere would want anybody to select players for them, I deliberately had it stipulated in my contract before signing it, that it will not be the case for me and my staff. Even so all these time, I have been clamored at and pressured to use players that will not serve our purpose any good.” In a swift response to Oliseh statement, the Secretary General of the NFF, Dr. Muhammed Sanusi, picked on the aspect where the former coach made claim that he is still being owed his salaries for eight months. Sanusi noted that, the former Eagles coach was economical with the truth as the NFF only owe him four months’ salary totaling N20 million which was paid fully on Wednesday to Oliseh’s bank account.

Ighalo misses cost hosts at Vicarage Road

atford and AFC Bournemouth played out a goalless Premier League draw at Vicarage Road, with Odion Ighalo missing the best opportunities to win the match. Ighalo came close to scoring an early opener only for Adam Federici to make a good save as Watford started well, but the hosts could not find the goal their dominance deserved. After 66 minutes Ighalo again

PREMIERSHIP RESULTS (SAT) WestHam 1 – 0 S’land Leicester

1 – 0 Norwich

S’pton

1 – 2 Chelsea

Stoke City 2 – 0 Villa Watford

0 - 0 B’mouth

missed the best chance of the game, heading an Amrabat right-wing centre over the crossbar. Bournemouth were on top after the interval and a fine Heurelho Gomes save kept out Harry Arter’s left-footed drive from fully 25 yards. Valon Behrami could have conceded a penalty for a handball, before Ighalo missed the match’s clearest chance by heading over a Nordin Amrabat cross. It was the 100th league meeting between the sides and both clubs

remain tied on 35 victories apiece after this stalemate. Quique Sanchez Flores recalled top scorer Ighalo, who was rested for last weekend’s 1-0 FA Cup win against Leeds United, while Bournemouth welcomed back Max Gradel to their squad after six months out with a knee injury. Ighalo almost gave Watford a flying start inside two minutes when he burst clear of Arter and Steve Cook, but Federici made a good save.

Man Utd battle Arsenal for encore

anchester United versus Arsenal is always one of the highlights of any Premier League season. Whilst today’s game may not be the pivotal top two clashes of the late 90s and early 2000s, it certainly looks hugely important for both sides. Especially after differing fortunes in Europe this past week. Leicester’s late late win over Norwich means this game is a must win for Arsenal, who are five points behind The Foxes ahead of kick off. Manchester United come into this encounter with Arsenal in sixth, two points below West Ham and simply have to win to hold any chance of finishing in the top four. Arsenal are the favourites thanks to an injury list that has in many ways crippled Louis van Gaal’s side in recent months. Arsene Wenger’s team chased shadows for much of their 2-0 first leg home defeat to Barcelona on Tuesday and having won the FA Cup for the past two seasons, Gooners are desperate to see their side finally bring home the Premier League trophy. To keep up the pace with Leicester and Spurs, Arsenal simply have to win at Old Trafford. With only Alex Oxlade-

Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla missing through injury, they certainly have the players available to secure victory. Manchester United are likely to play a lot of youngsters again, but with the instant impact supplied by Marcus Rashford, perhaps it isn’t the worst policy. Louis van Gaal does have Marcos Rojo and Antonio Valencia back in training. Whilst Chris Smalling and David De Gea have been tipped to make it to face the Gunners. As a result, the Manchester United side will not be quite as weak as against Danish side Midtjylland, but it will need a heroic effort to get anything against Arsenal. The big injury dilemma will centre around Anthony Martial, which could allow new young hero Marcus Rashford to start. You suspect an experienced Arsenal defence will be well too wily for Rashford. But, Memphis Depay was sensational on Thursday night and the Dutchman could be the man to make the difference. For Arsenal, Alexis Sanchez has not looked himself in recent weeks and a tough away game against Manchester United could be just the test for the Chilean superstar.

SPORT

Tunde Popoola: Team Nigeria won’t disappoint at Rio 2016

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FAITH Some Pastors steal predictions –Prophet Oluwamodede

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Just what is wrong with the black man? STARTERS MESSAGE TO ALL NIGERIANS FROM PRESIDENT BUHARI BEFORE HE LEFT FOR HIS LATEST OFFICIAL TRIP. “I am a Nigerian, & Nigeria is my country. I have no place else on earth to call home except Nigeria. If Nigeria fails, I fail. If Nigeria succeeds, I will be exalted amongst nations. Therefore I must do whatever it takes, beyond the limits of my natural abilities, to ensure this Nigeria does not fail. I will do my bit, and ensure everyone else around me do theirs. I will not be an agent of division or subversion, because in so doing I hurt not others but my myself. I will support my government to enable them have the courage to always do what is right, and where I feel they are failing, I will make my voice heard, not to ridicule or abuse, but to proffer better alternatives. I believe that the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain, and I also believe that the pains I feel today are sacrifices being made for Nigeria to rise again because only God annoints leaders and Nigeria is a blessed country...this is my stand, and may God give me the courage to always stand for what is right at all times. Amen” - President Muhammad Buhari. Beautiful speech! But even at this, the joke circulating online trust Nigerians’ creativity is when will PMB come and visit Nigeria. This is because he has visited about 24 Countries in just 9 months (300 days) in office. The President has over travelled. Let him sit back and solve Nigeria’s problems. He has so far visited 1) Niger Republic (May 2015), 2) CHAD (June 2015), 3) Germany (June 2015), 4) South Africa (June 2015), 5) United Kingdom (May 2015), 6) USA (July 2015), 7) Benin Republic (August 2015), 8) France (September 2015), 9) Ghana (September 2015), 10) India (October 2015), 11) Sudan (October 2015), 12) Iran (November 2015), 13) France (November 2015), 14) USA (November 2015), 15) South Africa (December 2015), 16) Benin Rep. (December 2015), 17) UAE (January 2016), 18) Kenya (January 2016), 19) Ethiopia (January 2016), 20) France (February 2016), 21) United Kingdom (February 2016), 22) Egypt (February 2016), 23) Saudi Arabia (Februay 2016), 24) Qatar (February 2016). NOW THIS IS THE BLACK MAN CURSED? Inspite of pre-historic evidence from the time of early man, australopithecus, that life started with the black man, he still lags behind in everything. Africa, once regarded as the “dark continent” has not done much to obliterate the tag. Nigeria, the giant of Africa, is still in a deep slumber. Thus, the historical and demeaning speech once made by former South African President P.W Botha, to his cabinet about 27 years ago. It was reprinted by David G Mailu for the Sunday Times, a South African newspaper, in 1985. Hear Botha: “We are not obliged even the least to try to prove to anybody and to the blacks that we are superior people. We have demonstrated that to the blacks in 1001 ways. The Republic of South Africa that we know of today has not been created by wishful thinking. We have created it at the expense of intelligence, sweat and blood… We do

The

Nigerian Project

MIKE OZEKHOME san, ofr mike.ozekhome@yahoo.com 08094777755 (sms only) not pretend like other whites that we like the blacks. The fact that, blacks look like human beings and act like human beings do not necessarily make them sensible human beings. Hedgehogs are not porcupines and lizards are not crocodiles because they look alike. If God had wanted us to be equal to the blacks, he would have created us all of a uniform colour and intellect. But he created us differently: Whites, Blacks, Yellow, rulers and the ruled. Intellectually, we are superior to the Blacks that have been proven beyond any reasonable doubt over the years. I believe that the Afrikaner is honest, God fearing person, who has demonstrated practically the right way of being. By now every one of us has seen it practically, that the Blacks cannot rule themselves. Give them guns and they will kill each other. They are good in nothing else but making noise, dancing, marrying many wives and indulging in sex. Let us all accept that the Blackman is a symbol of poverty, mental inferiority, laziness and emotional incompetence. Isn’t it plausible? Therefore that the Whiteman is created to rule the Blackman… And here is a creature (Blackman) that lacks foresight… The average Black does not plan his life beyond a year”. *So, compatriots, tell me what has changed in Nigeria & SA to prove this man wrong after 27yrs. AND THIS MADE IN NIGERIAN PRODUCTS??? This story was taken online. It is not mine. But, it is thought provoking. Mr David Ahmed Okoro started the day early, having set his alarm clock (MADE IN FINLAND) for 6am. While his teapot (MADE IN CHINA) was perking, he shaved with his clipper (MADE IN HONG KONG). He put on his shirt (MADE IN THE UK), and designer jeans (MADE IN ITALY) and shoes (MADE IN THE USA). After cooking his breakfast in his new electric cooker (MADE IN INDIA) he sat down with his calculator (MADE IN MEXICO) to see how much he could spend today. After setting his wristwatch (MADE IN TAIWAN) to his radio (MADE IN VIETNAM) he got in his car (MADE IN GERMANY) filled with petrol imported from (SAUDI ARABIA) and continued his search for a good paying NIGERIAN job... At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day checking his computer (MADE IN MALAYSIA), Mr David Ahmed Okoro decided to relax for a while. He put on his slippers (MADE IN BRAZIL) poured himself a glass of wine

no jobs for our teeming youths? The situation is even pathetic now when you see Nigerians (in Lagos) prefer Cotonou garri to that of Ijebu, buy cotonou pineapple and they say it is better than that of Nigeria. That is why frozen foods will be exported to Cotonou from farms like that of obasanjo repacked and imported back to Nigeria because they know Nigerians always prefer made in outside Nigeria goods . That is why you will see an expatriate renumeration will be juicier than that of his Nigerian counterpart even if that Nigerian is more certificated than the expatriate (This also happening in government parastatals). Any nation that import majorly foreign made goods/ services rather than producing their own are hurting its people.... When we keep importing foreign made products into Nigeria, we keep importing poverty into our country and exporting jobs abroad... Let’s go back to the land to grow and patronise MADE IN NIGERIA products... I cannot agree more with the above postulations.

(MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA), while fiddling with his mobile phone (MADE IN SOUTH KOREA), and then wondered why he can’t find a good paying job in... NIGERIA. He felt achy and sore in his left kneel, he decided to take one tablet of his TRAMADOL TABLETS (MADE IN BANGLADESH) to relieve the pain. Lying down on his bed and wondering why NIGERIAN External Foreign Reserve has depleted to under $ 28billion which has translated to free fall depreciation of Nigerian NAIRA to US DOLLAR at PARALLEL MARKET....... LAST LINE Fellow Nigerians, let’s us start producing, let us start buying made in NIGERIA Are you all reading and digesting this goods If our economy is to grow and cre- Sunday sermon on the mount of the Niate better jobs. gerian Project, by Chief Mike Ozekhome, How can a country like Nigeria be im- SAN, OFR? porting toothpick, cutting bud, cotton wool, matches, rubber band e.t.c? And we complain at d same time that there is • Follow me on twitter @ MikeozekhomeSAN

Cross Word Puzzle

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