Saturday, july 2, 2016 binder1 by Newtelegraphonline

News

Politics

Interview

STREET HAWKING Buy or sell in traffic, risk 6-month jail term Pg. 7 –Ambode

FORGERY Buhari's aides won't testify against Saraki, others Pg. 7 –Enang

TURKEYTERROR ATTACK I was 5 metres away from death –La Campagne boss Pg. 11

SATURDAY Saturday, July 2, 2016

Vol. 3 No. 864

Sanctity of Truth

/newtelegraph

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

RUMBLE IN POLICE

N150

Mbu, Manko, Ringim, 18 other AIGs retired PAGE 4

THE LIST

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

Mbu

Manko

Bolanta

Bus driver kills twin schoolgirls in Ogun

Bala A. Hassan Yahaya Garba Ardo Irmiya F. Yarima Danladi Y. Mshebwala Tambari Y. Mohammed Bala Magaji Nasarawa Musa Abdulsalam Adisa Bolanta Mohammed J. Gana Umaru Abubakar Manko Lawal Tanko Olufemi A. Adenike Johson A. Ogunsakin Adenrele T. Shinaba James O. Caulcrick Olufefemi David Ogumbayode

Hassan

Pg. 8

Ikpeazu

Ogah

INEC: Ikpeazu's appeal lacks stay of execution order

Pg. 5

l This illegality won't stand –Gov Sierra Leonean Deputy High Commissioner abducted in Kaduna Pg. 7

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

Comment

Contents | 02.07.16

Eagles: The harder they come

ough times await the Super Eagles in the bid to qualify for their sixth World Cup. The road to the 2018 Mundial in Russia became even rougher following the draw recently which put them in the same group as the Desert Warriors of Algeria, Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and Chipolopolo of Zambia. On a good day, these fellow African teams do not come easy and have each given Nigerian fans more heartbreak than they could handle. At the moment the Eagles are not a team to admire having failed to qualify for the Africa Nations Cup for the second time consecutively. It therefore becomes worrisome that these perennial foes are coming once again. There is every reason to fear the Algerians who are ranked as Africa's best today. The North Africans have rediscovered their form and are climbing higher and faster. Memories of 1981 are still fresh with the Eagles and their supporters. On the way to the Espana World Cup, the Desert Warriors humiliated Nigeria home and away. The first leg in Lagos ended 2-0. Nigeria had beaten the same team 3-0 in Lagos to win the Nations Cup a year earlier. To guarantee victory in the World Cup qualifiers, Captain Christian Chukwu was recalled from retirement. The American-based duo of Thompson Usiyen and Andrew Atuegbu was also invited alongside Christian Nwokocha and Tunji Banjo from Europe. Algeria had no respect for big names as Lakhdar Beloumi and Rabah Madjer ran rings round the defence of the hosts. The second leg away was even more dramatic. Para-psychologist Gabriel Okonzua urged the technical crew to hand over the captain's band to overlapping defender Okey Isima. It did not happen. Skipper Segun Odegbami lost leadership in the air to Shooting Stars team mate Muda Lawal. Leyton Orient star John Chiedozie and Aloysius Atuegbu regained their positions and Isima scored a goal. That was not enough. Algeria won 2-1 to advance 4-1 aggregate. That scar has not left Nigerians and their national team even after the Eagles gave the Desert Warriors a 4-1 drubbing away in a 2006 World Cup qualifier. It is still not as painful as an All Africa Games grande finale loss in 1978 and a Nations Cup pounding in 1990. Cameroon is one nightmare of a name. The Indomitable Lions were preys in the 1970s. Nigeria began playing in the World World Cup qualifiers before the Central Africans. The Eagles debuted on the way to Chile '62. When the Cameroonians joined

en route Mexico '70, they were trounced 3-2 in Yaounde by Nigeria after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. And that was the last time Cameroon was stopped from making further moves in the World Cup by the Eagles. The next confrontation was painful. Dutchman Clemens Westerhof had taken over from Wonderboy Paul Hamilton and barely knew his players. He dropped Peter Rufai at the airport and overlooked Sunday Eboigbe. David Ngodigha took Rufai's place in goal. During the game, he was injured. Reserve goalie Aloysius Agu was not prepared for a debut. He borrowed kits from Tajudeen Oyekanmi. The Eagles lost away to François Oman Biyik's header and missed Italia '90. And that was the next match after Sam Okwaraji died at the National Stadium, Lagos, playing against Angola. His team mates had promised to beat Cameroon to relieve compatriots of the sorrow that followed that unfortunate incident. However, the worst news about the Indomitable Lions is that they are Eagles' Nations Cup nemesis. Three times in the grand finale, three losses. In the sub-region, in the North and at home. Nigeria lost to Cameroon at the Cote D'Ivoire '84 Nations Cup, at Maroc '88 and again at Nigeria/Ghana 2000. Zambia forced General Yakubu Gowon to disband the Eagles in 1973. This was a team that had won the All Africa Games soccer gold earlier in the year and was renamed Golden Eagles as the Head of State put on the green and white jersey and shorts to join in a group photograph when they visited Dodan Barracks. The Chipolopolo (then known as KK Eleven) thrashed Nigeria 5-1 in Lusaka with Joe Eric in goal on the way to Egypt for the Nations Cup in 1974. History should embolden the Super Eagles who have now been put in a tough World Cup qualifying group. The tough must get going so the national team must be tough to grab the sole ticket. In the recent past, they could not perform against minnows. In the midst of African football giants, let them fight like elephants. If the grass must suffer that must be the lot of Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia. The NFF must wake up from deep sleep. Playing these big names demands maximum concentration. The team must not be distanced by those who should be administering the game. Nigerians are tired of crises and excuses. If the government fails to act decisively by causing the NFF to appoint a coach in the next couple of days then the sports minister should tender his letter of resignation should the Eagles fail to fly again.

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 (Leave of Absence)

Editor n Ayodele Ojo Editor, Sunday n Juliet Bumah Editor, Saturday n Waheed Bakare Deputy Editor n Vincent Eboigbe

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 News Editor, Saturday n Ndubuisi Ugah

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

Ballet flats trend

INSTYLE

Ballets flats are all-time classic and comfortable pieces of footwear. They have survived fashion trends and fit perfectly whenever women want to stay comfortable and exude class. They are incredibly stylish and designed to be super comfortable, that is why people are shopping for them

}15

Simple but unique for Igbobi

Mystyle

Ifunanya Igbobi is a young fashion designer who is also an ex-beauty queen, model manager and CEO of Weckx Design International. She forecasts that jumpsuits will trend in the second half of 2016. She talks about her fashion philosophy, the need to dress appropriately and more

}17

Interiors

Sliding glass doors A sliding door is a type of door which opens horizontally by sliding, usually parallel to a wall. They are normally made with glass. A move to styles such as vintage, retro and rustic is part of the major reason why sliding doors are finding space in contemporary homes. You could try it

}18

Susan Peters’ style

SHOWBIZ

Nollywood actress, Susan Peters, has stopped courting controversies as she did before she got married. The vivacious actress speaks about sundry issues including her surprise marriage, movies she’s working on and a more

}34

SPORT

A basketball star’s swansong National basketball team captain, Olumide Oyedeji, is a the twilight of a brilliant career and he takes time to reminisce about the journey so far; the joys and pains, the climax at Rio Olympics next month and what happens after that

}28

THE ARTS

Lagos’ tourism drive In a bid to showcase its tourism potential and boost the state's economy, Lagos State Government has said eight films produced in the state will be selected to feature at the forth coming international Toronto Film Festival in Canada

}37

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

Having attained the Biblical Three

Scores and Ten Years, I, your beloved wife, our wonderful children/grandchildren and daughtersin-law wish you a very happy 70th birthday. Your life is truly worthy of celebration, having passed through many valleys of death and come out unscathed. Your life and ministry have impacted positively many marriages, families, hopeless and down-cast individuals. We had encounter with poverty, want and death, but through your unflinching faith in God, and His overflowing grace, we are whom we are today. The milk of human kindness you drop on others shall always return to you with divine replenishment. It is not because you possess all the wealth in this world, but because you love and care. And surely Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goodness and mercies shall always follow you. Amen.

Rev. Omeaku Cole Chiori

Happy

70th Birthday

Your darling wife, Julie Cole Chiori, and Children Peter, Ossy, Gift, Kalu, Uche, Daniel, Alison and our grandchildren

Daughters-in-law: Mrs Lara Peter Cole, Mrs Joy Paul Cole, Mrs Stephanie Uche Cole Once more

Congratulations

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

Police Commission retires Mbu, 20 other AIGs Emmanuel Onani and Onyekachi Eze,

T Abuja

he Police Service Commission (PSC), has approved the retirement of 21 Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) of Police, who were senior to the new Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, as at the time of his appointment. Among the AIGs affected in the exercise, is a

former Commissioner of Police (CP) in Rivers State, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu. It will be recalled that Mbu had a running battle with former Rivers State governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, during the campaigns leading to the 2015 election. Among other AIGs retired, according to a statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, are: Bala A Hassan, Yahaya Garba Ardo, Irmiya F Yarima,

Danladi Y Mshebwala Tambari Y. Mohammed,.Bala Magaji Nasarawa, MUsa Abdulsalam, Adisa Bolanta, Mohammed J Gana, Umaru Abubakar Manko,Lawal Tanko,Olufemi A. Adenike, Johson A Ogunsakin, Adenrele T. Shinaba,James O. Caulcrick, Olufefemi David Ogumbayode, Edgar T Nanakumo,Kalafite H. Adeyemi, Patrick D Dokumor, and Sabo Ibrahim Ringim. "The Police Service Com-

12 die in Bauchi-Kano road accident Nankpah Bwakan BAUCHI

t least 11 personnel of a private security outfit, Danga Private Security and one other on Thursday died in a ghastly motor accident at Kafin Liman village along the Bauchi-Kano Road. The Commandant of the Danga Security Outfit, Alhaji Yusuf Hassan, said the accident occurred at about 5.00 p.m. at Kafin Liman Village, along Bauchi Ganjuwa road in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Hassan described the accident as act of God, saying

“nobody is expected that it would happen. It happened when we are returning from Ningi to Bauchi, I was in my car and the Hilux that had an accident is conveying my personnel is few kilometres ahead of us collided with a tanker that lost control and killed 11 personnel. “I have never seen death of this nature in my live, the 11 personnel received Prayers of janaizza at Gwallaga Mosque Friday and they were buried according to Islamic right at the Bauchi Central Cemetery along Gombe Road.” When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the state’s command of

the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Rilwanu Sulaiman, confirmed the incident with the casualty figure to journalists in Bauchi. He said the accident occurred at about 5pm during a head on collision between a petroleum tanker with registration number GML-534-XA, which was heading towards Ningi and a Toyota Hilux vehicle convening Danga Vigilante group heading to Bauchi. Rilwanu said the accident occurred at Kafin Liman village, along Bauchi Ganjuwa Road in Ganjuwa Local Government Area.

mission has approved the retirement of 21 Assistant Inspectors General of Police who were senior to the new acting Inspector General of Police, Idris Ibrahim, before his appointment. The affected AIGs are "Chairman of the Commission, Sir, Dr. Mike Mbama Okiro congratulated the affected officers for their meritorious service to the nation and wished them well in their new endeavours," the statement Ogunsakin said.

Shinaba

Facebook scammer impersonating ex-Lagos PRO arrested

he State Investigation and Intelligence Bureau (SIIB) of the Lagos State Police Command has arrested a serial Facebook scammer, one Peter Ajani, for using the name of former Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ngozi Braide, a Superintendent of Police, to defraud people. Recall that similar incidents happened in 2013 when Braide held sway as the command's first female PPRO, where about seven fake Facebook accounts were opened in her name and used to defraud innocent citizens. Already, a cursory glance on Facebook as yesterday revealed that a

whopping 22 fake Facebook accounts have been opened with her name with different introductions. The fraudulent accounts have since been yielding money for the perpetrators, who demand for monetary gains from their unsuspecting victims. In this present case, the 29-year-old from Yemetu Ataadorin, Ibadan, Egbeda Local Government Area, Oyo State, was said to have successfully defrauded several people of thousands of Naira before he was arrested. The suspect was said to have been operating several accounts in Braide's name, even though she

does not operate any social media account. Although they have been operating the accounts successfully, Ajani was arrested after he duped a teacher (name withheld) with the Benue State Government of the sum of N80,000. The teacher was said to have made contact with one of the dubious Facebook account and was told to bring money to influence his appointment in the ongoing police recruitment scheme. The victim said he never doubted their authenticity because they had apparently registered the number they called him with Ngozi Braide's identity.

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

INEC: Ikpeazu’s appeal notice lacks stay of execution order Ndubuisi Ugah, Igbeaku Orji, Victor Mba, Johnchuks Onuanyim and Charles Onyekwere

with agency reports

n a move aimed at clarifying the stalemate occasioned by the issuance of Certificate of Return to Mr. Uche Ogah as governor, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday reversed its earlier position and admitted receiving a notice of appeal from Abia State Governor, Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu. The commission said the documents it received did not contain a stay of execution order, to stop the issuance of a certificate of return to Ogah as the next governor of the state. The electoral body had on Thursday morning issued a certificate of return to Mr. Ogah as directed by a Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday. Justice Abang Okon had ruled that Ikpeazu submitted fraudulent tax docu-

•This illegality won't stand –Gov •SEPA reacts to tax document ments when he filed papers to run for governorship ticket on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ogah was Ikpeazu’s main challenger in the governorship primaries conducted in December 2014, and had asked the court to nullify Ikpeazu’s candidacy on the basis of the tax default. On his part, Ikpeazu said he had appealed the ruling, and that he remains governor. But on Thursday, INEC said it issued a certificate of return to Ogah because it had not been served Ikpeazu’s notice of appeal. After the state government released evidence countering that claim, the electoral body said the notice was submitted at the wrong INEC department. Documents released by the government showed that Ikpeazu’s notice was received and acknowledged by one Saleh Ibrahim, a senior clerical officer at the commission’s legal department, at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

In an explanation to Premium Times yesterday, spokesman for INEC, Nick Dazang, said Ikpeazu’s failure to provide a stay of execution order left the commission with no choice than to issue the certificate of return to Ogah. He said since Ikpeazu’s notice was not deemed sufficient, it had to, as a matter of policy, execute the judgment of the high court. “I discovered that INEC received Ikpeazu’s notice. However, it did not contain a motion or order of stay of execution. In the circumstance, and in deference to the previous court order, INEC as a responsible regulatory (body) has no recourse than to issue Mr. Ogah the certificate of return,” Dazang said. “By law, a certificate of return is supposed to be issued within one week. Also, the commission has decided as a matter of policy to obey all subsisting court orders. That means if the court were to issue a contradictory order, INEC has no option than to obey.”

But Abia State AttorneyGeneral, Umeh Kalu, in an earlier statement on Thursday night, said the governor’s legal team included the notice of stay of execution order with the appeal notice delivered to INEC. “I have a proof to that. Saleh N. Ibrahim, Senior Clerical Officer at the Legal Services Department of the Commission’s Headquarters, Abuja, who stamped the Notice of Appeal and Injunction with the Commission’s official stamp by 12.50pm on June 29, 2016.” This illegality must stop -Gov Speaking on the development, Ikpeazu described the stalemate as an illegality that would not stand. Addressing journalists on the development yesterday at the Governor’s Lodge Umuahia, Ikpeazu said he would contest the matter to the Appeal and the Supreme Court levels if need be. He said: “Even if it was a death sentence I don’t think I will be executed without the

President Muhammadu Buhari (right), in a handshake with some diplomats at the State House…on Thursday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Sola Adeyemo and Kunle Olayeni

he Ogun and Oyo states police commands have denied reports that there are violent armed robbery attacks along the Lagos Ibadan/ Expressway. Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, denied that armed men wearing military uniforms had taken over the Ogere end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Adejobi, a Superintendent of Police, said the state command had before now deployed more than 20 patrol vans with armed policemen along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, particularly at the Ogere Old tollgate and flyover to ensure adequate security for lives and prop-

right of appeal. I want to reassure the public especially, Abians that we are okay, we had temporary setback when somebody who did not run an election surreptitiously arranged and got judgment which sought to upturn the arrangement in the state. We are baffled by the urgency and the desperation to bounce into Government House.”

APGA backs court ruling The leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) leadership in the state has backed the court ruling that disqualified Ikpeazu and the certificate of return given to Ogah. In a statement signed by the state’s chairman of the party, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, said the crime for which Ikpeazu was sacked was a serious one against the state. Ex-NBA boss backs INEC Former Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Nsukka chapter, Mr. Gerald Eze, has said the INEC is right by obeying orders of court of competent jurisdiction as a body estab-

Nigerians and creating crises in the riverine areas of Ogun State, the InspectorGeneral of Police, Ibrahim Idris, had ordered the deployment of an appreciable number of additional men to augment the strength of police personnel detailed for the special operation in the affected communities in Ogun State. “The additional men deployed to Ogun State command by the InspectorGeneral of Police comprised men from Police Mobile Force and Counter Terrorism Unit from the Force Headquarters Abuja. “The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge

of Department of Operations Ogun State, Bello Makwashi, who received the men on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State, had deployed them accordingly to fortify the security arrangement put in place within and around the affected communities including Arepo, Ibafo, Imuti, Elepete, Simawa/Redemption Camp Road, Ajegunle in Ogijo among others. Similarly, the Oyo State Police Command dispelled news that some brutal armed robbers dressed in Army uniform were terrorising motorists along the Lagos/Ibadan, saying that

SEPA backs Ikpeazu over tax documents Meanwhile, the South East Progressive Assembly (SEPA) has thrown its weight behind Ikpeazu, insisting that available statistics and evidence did not in any form suggest that the governor either forged his tax clearance or evaded payment ahead of the election. SEPA in a statement signed by its president, Ebere Uzoukwa and made available to journalists in Abuja, noted: “The attention of the SEPA has been drawn to yet another judgment by Abuja Federal High Court presided by Justice Okon Abang which asked Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu to vacate his seat for Uche Ogah over alleged tax evasion.”

Sea pirates kill three AGIP staff in Bayelsa

unmen, suspected to be sea pirates, have killed three workers of an international oil company, Nigerian Agip Oil Company, in Bayelsa State. The incident, it was learnt, occurred on Wednesday at a work station in the creeks of Nembe around Obama flowstation operated by Eni Oil, a parent company of Agip. A security source, who

Ogun, Oyo Police: No robbery attacks on Lagos/Ibadan Expressway erty of road users. He also disclosed in a statement that the acting Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, had ordered deployment of more operatives to fortify security in the wake of militant attacks on some borderline communities in the state. The PPRO, therefore, urged residents who had fled the affected communities to return as normalcy had been restored. The statement reads: “With a view to strengthening the security structures in Ogun State to tackle the activities of armed men suspected to be militants, who have been killing innocent

lished by law, in issuing a certificate of return to Ogah as new governor of the state. Eze stated this yesterday in Nsukka, while speaking on the matter. He said: “INEC did the right thing to issue the certificate of return to Ogah as directed by the court. The commission is established by law and must obey court orders.”

the news emanated from the fear created by the incidents in Ogun State and some parts of Ikorodu in Lagos. The command’s PPRO, Mr. Adekunle Ajisebutu (SP), told Saturday Telegraph that: “The news is not true. We have always been monitoring and parading the Expressway within our zone and we have not recorded any incident of such. “What people are panicky about is as a result of the attacks that happened within the last two weeks in some parts of Ogun State.'' It is not in Oyo State. We are on top of the situation, ensuring that such nefarious activities don't happen.”

craved anonymity, said the victims were two engineers and a driver. The source said the three workers were ambushed and killed along the creeks while carrying out repair work on Agip pipelines that were destroyed some weeks ago. He said: “The sea pirates, who operate in the area, carried out an ambush on the oil workers. The area is a notorious place where gunmen operate freely.” When contacted, the Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) , Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Desmond Agu, confirmed the attack, saying it took place on June 29. He said already, the search team of security operatives had recovered two dead bodies and their corpses had been taken to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, by ambulance. Agu said: "The search team, made up of Civil Defence, Navy, Army, gunboat crew and others left Obama station at 0915 hours on Thursday in search of the bodies of killed Agip personnel. “About 1100 hours, the dead bodies of two killed personnel were discovered in Oguama River close to Oguama community in Bayelsa. They were taken to Ogbia jetty for onward movement to Port Harcourt.”

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 july 2016

FG moves against Boko Haram, IPOB, Avengers

l ‘Biafra’s mandate from God’ l DSS ‘arrests’ suspected militants

Ndubuisi Ugah he Federal Government has disclosed of plan to deploy all the four International Radio Monitoring Stations (IRMS) across the country to counter “illegal radio broadcast” by Boko Haram, Niger Delta Avengers and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The disclosure came on a day the Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday said it had arrested some suspected Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) militants.

Jang ‘sponsored’ protest against grazing reserves –Lalong alleges Anule Emmanuel, Abuja

lateau State governor, Mr. Solomon Lalong, has accused his immediate predecessor, Mr. Jonah Jang, of sponsoring street protests in the state against a non-existent plan to establish grazing reserves. Lalong disclosed this yesterday while speaking to State House Correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said the anti-grazing reserves protests were futile as the relevant stakeholders had already agreed on the establishment of cattle ranches in its place. Lalong noted that the ranches would be funded by the state and federal governments while it will be open to everyone who intends to rear cattle and not just for Fulanis alone. He said: “Well that protest is just by a few ethnic groups we have done a lot of consultations from traditional rulers to religious leaders to youth organisations they all accepted that we should adopt ranching in Plateau State. “What they are protesting is grazing reserve but we are not talking about grazing reserves what we are talking about is ranches. So those who attended the workshop knew what was done.” Lalong said: “This is the Presidency, let me say it and am going to publish it, the man who introduced and is causing that confusion is Jang who incidentally was the one who introduced grazing reserves on the Plateau with a gazette in 2009 that is the gazette I am going to publish. “If you said if we have to bring peace in Plateau State you have to introduce grazing reserves and grazing routes, why is he turning round again and instigating people against what is being done, and trying to give an impression that it is the President that is introducing it? It is not the President, it is an option to every state to key into the concept of grazing ranch.”

Investigations revealed that the IRMS facilities are located in Azare in Bauchi State, Gusau in Zamfara State, Ipaja in Lagos State and Ogoja in Cross River State. But reacting to the move to block the radio stations, IPOB said it would achieve the fight for a sovereign Biafra nation peacefully, because its mandate was from God. Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, who read the riot act to the groups, said the Federal Government was in the process of rehabilitating the moribund IRMS and would, thereafter, deploy them to counter any radio or internet broadcast capable of undermining the country’s national security. Speaking through a statement issued by his media aide, Mr. Victor Oluwadamilare, Shittu said: “The IRMS are strategically located in various parts of the country as security surveillance to monitor radio broadcast activities, so as to guide against illegal use of the radio frequency airspace for unauthorised broadcast by proscribed groups, political and ethnic motivated dissidents. “The Federal Ministry of Communications has ade-

quately appropriated for rehabilitation works on the IRMS facilities across the country in the 2016 Federal Government budget and has consequently warned against any illegal occupation and acquisition of any fraction of land on which these infrastructures are located.” However, IPOB’s spokesman, Mr. Emma Powerful, said: “IPOB family members worldwide under Mr. Nnamdi Kanu promises to restore Biafra through a peaceful means because it is a divine project from Chukwuokike Abiama (God Almighty) which no human being can stop. “The killing, torture, intimidation and arrest of Biafrans cannot stop our resolve towards the restoration of Gods projects.” Kanu is the leader of IPOB and is currently being tried by the Federal Government for treason. In a related development, the DSS in a statement said the ‘Avengers’ were the militant group responsible for recent attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta. The DSS in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mr. Tony Opuiyo, said one Selky Torughedi, a suspected

member of NDA and associate of embattled leader of the Niger Delta warlord, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), was arrested for planning to assassinate a serving military officer in Kaduna State. It said another suspected member of the NDA was arrested while planning to carry out attacks on oil installations. The statement reads: “In a bid to stem the activities of vandals in the Niger Delta, this service effected the arrest of Selky Kile Torughedi, on June 17, 2016, in Calabar, Cross River State. “Torughedi is an ex-militant and suspected member of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), and was arrested for planning to assassinate one MB Yahaya, a serving military officer. “Torughedi, who is a close associate of Tompolo had already conducted surveillance at the residence of Yahaya in Kaduna, preparatory to his plot when he was intercepted. He is also fingered as a sponsor of pipeline vandalism in some states in the south-south region. Suspect is currently assisting the service, with critical leads.” Meanwhile, the DSS said

it had arrested one Christian Oluba (aka Sensor), another suspected militant with the NDA. “Sensor was arrested while perfecting plans to carry out explosive attacks on critical oil and gas pipelines, including critical storage points,” he said. Also “arrested” was a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who was planning, alongside his colleagues, to carry out attacks on the Computer Village in Lagos. “Meanwhile, sequel to increasing threat posed to public peace by the activities of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), this Service arrested one Chidiebere Onwudiwe, a graduate of Mechanical and chemical engineering and known member of IPOB, on 22nd June, 2016. “Onwudiwe and his associates within and outside the country were planning to carry out coordinated attacks against religious bodies/edifices, police-check points and the computer village in Ikeja, Lagos state, with Improvised Explosive devices (IEDS). The suspect was apprehended while making logistics supplies for their nefarious plan.

Representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Kogonan Sokoto Alhaji Danladi Bako, commiserating with Mrs. Ucha Madueke, at the Abuja residence of Late Chief Ojo Madueke…yesterday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Babatope Okeowo, Musa Pam, Uchenna Inya

he states excluded from the list of ambassadorial nominees sent to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari for confirmation have kicked against the exclusion of indigenes from those states. Ondo, Ebonyi, Plateau and Bayelsa states were conspicuously missing from the list dispatched to the Senate. It was on this grounds that the upper legislative chambers declined passing the list, saying it did not meet the criterion of federal character. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir Lawal, in defending the list, had stated that the states had no qualified career diplomats. But the Commissioner for Information in Ondo State, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, said the reason given by Lawal was not tenable and acceptable to

Revealed: How MTN sliced billions off its NCC fine Ndubuisi Ugah with agency reports

resh facts emerged yesterday on how telecoms firm, MTN hired former United States Attorney General, Mr. Eric Holder, in January to help it reduce a $3.9 billion fine imposed in Nigeria over unregistered SIM cards. Five months later, it struck a deal to pay less than half of that. An online news portal, Reuters reported that the entrance of Holder, who stood down as attorney general last year after presiding over some of the largest corporate settlements in American history, marked a change of strategy for the South African company. MTN dropped a threemonth legal challenge against the fine and, according to government sources and letters seen by Reuters, asked the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, to put forward a proposal for a reduced fine to the communications regulator, the official authority in the dispute. But the regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), rejected the proposal as unjustifiable, documents show, but three months later it accepted a broadly similar deal. Reuters was unable to determine the role, if any, that Holder played in the change of heart. It was gathered that MTN, Holder, Malami and the NCC all declined to comment on the negotiation process. There is no indication that any individuals acted improperly, and companies have often reached settlements with regulators in Nigeria. The National Assembly had criticised the nature of the settlement process, saying it set a precedent for other firms dealing with Nigerian authorities.

Ambassadorial list: Ondo, Plateau, Ebonyi flay FG

the people of the state. He said the reason was: “Untenable, unacceptable and stands logic on its head. It stands logic on its head that no Ondo State indigene is qualified as ambassador in the government of All Progressives Congress (APC). It is preposterous and unacceptable to every right thinking indigene of the state. It injured the sensibilities of everybody and we are sure the SGF cannot be correct. “The state that produced Ambassador Oladele Akadiri, Prof. Olu Agbi, among others could not be said not to have technocrats that qualify as an ambassador. “This shows that Ondo State is just mere statistics in the calculation of APC-led Federal Government. It is not tenable that Bornu State has three nominees and Ondo State has none. It shows nepotism, favouritism in the fold of APC. “What is the place federal character and quota system

in these postings? Other states have benefited and Ondo State has not, they should tell that to the marines.” Similarly, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State said the state had over qualified persons to be appointed as ambassadors. According to him, the fact that no Plateau State son or daughter made the 47-man ambassadorial list is unfathomably surprising because the state has very many qualified persons to be considered for ambassadorial appointments. Lalong Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Mark Longyel, said whatever was the criteria that was used, there is absolutely no way that the Federal Government could not find a Plateau State son or daughter that is qualified for the post. “Whatever it is, the list is skewed and unacceptable to the state; that explains why Senator Joshua Dariye (Plateau State) screamed blue murder when the list got to

the Senate," Longyel said. Lalong said ordinarily, no state should be omitted from such a list and Plateau cannot be one; so the list should be discarded and a fresh one drawn up,” he said. Ebonyi State also voiced strong reservations about the non-inclusion of an indigene of the state in the list of ambassadorial nominees. In a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Dr. Emmanuel Onwe, the state expressed dismay over the development. “The dangerous pattern of blatant sectionalism that has characterised the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari right from its inauspicious inception must exercise the minds of every Nigerian patriot. “Regardless of the flimsy excuses offered by the apologists of Buhari’s tribal impulses, the appearance of proHausa/Fulani favouritism in appointments into federal

positions is inimical to the delicate balance that is crucial to the nurturing of a pluralistic society. “The notion that Ebonyi State was overlooked in the nomination of potential envoys on the basis that the state lacks career diplomats flies in the face of common sense. “There are Ebonyis who have been ambassadors for four years, six years and more. It takes less than that number of years to attain a doctoral degree. What other experiences that have been garnered by such people? “Are we seriously suggesting that an ambassador for six years with a track record of solid achievements is suddenly not good enough for exactly the same job under the Buhari dispensation? Of course I speak as a member of main opposition (PDP) and there are not in existence in Ebonyi State matured APC voices. Otherwise, how could such arrant nonsense be allowed to pass unchallenged?"

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 july 2016

Ambode: Buyers, hawkers in traffic risk six months jail term …victims to also face N90,000 fine

Muritala Ayinla agos State Government yesterday said henceforth, anyone found selling or buying in the traffic gridlock would be liable to six months jail term or a fine of N90,000. The government said from July 1, it would commence a total enforcement against street trading and street hawkers, saying the law banning their activities across the metropolis would take its full course. The state Governor, Mr

Akinwunmi Ambode, who said this at a live interview session on Television Continental (TVC), said the renewed enforcement was in line with Section One of the Lagos State Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law 2003 which restricts street trading and hawking in the metropolis. While sympathising with the family of a street hawker who was knocked down by an articulated truck while trying to evade arrest from officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) along Maryland Bus stop on Wednesday, Ambode regretted that the situation led

to the destruction of public assets. He said: “It is not in our DNA to allow someone to just die by road accident or the way it happened in respect of the incident. But beyond the fact that we lost one person while crossing the road as a result of evading arrest by KAI officials, I need to tell Lagosians that over 49 buses were actually destroyed and it is costing us like almost N139 million to put those buses back on the road.” Ambode said the State Executive Council has resolved to enforce the Law, which according to him

makes both the hawker and the buyer liable of the offence. He added: “The issue is we need to enforce our laws because we already have a law in respect of that and then there is a clause in it which says the buyer and the seller are both liable and that we are going to fine them either N90, 000 or a six month jail term. “What we are doing on traffic is that we are introducing new strategies to eliminate traffic but Lagos being a cosmopolitan city, you cannot totally eliminate it but now this is the case, in the next few days, you will

Police allay fears over bombing of Third Mainland Bridge l Urge fleeing Ikorodu residents to return home

Muritala Ayinla, agos State Police Command yesterday allayed fears of possible attacks on the Third Mainland Bridge, describing the threat as mere speculation orchestrated through the social media. The police also urged fleeing residents of the troubled part of Ikorodu

areas which had suffered frequent attacks by the suspected Niger Delta militants to return to their houses, saying everything had been done to restore peace to the area. Speaking with Saturday Telegraph, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mrs. Dolapo Badru, urged residents to go about their normal business without fear, adding that the police would ensure no breach of law in the area.

She said: “The threat remains a speculation as far as we are concern. But rest assured that the police are always on top of the situation as far as security of the state is concerned. If the civilians are security conscious following the rumour then, what do you expect of the police, whose job is to ensure the security of lives and property? What we are saying is that we are not relenting in our effort to provide the needed security

in Lagos and beyond. “But I must also remind you that we are in the era of social media where anyone just put whatever he or she likes in the social media irrespective of whether the information is credible or not and people disseminate such rumour.” She urged fleeing residents of areas recently attacked by suspected militants to go back to their houses, adding that a combine team of security operatives have been deployed to the area to forestall security breach.

L-R; Member, Board of Nidus Aquilae Hospital, Dr. Yemisi Akindolie; Chief Executive Officer, Reddington Hospital Group and member Board of Nidus Aquilae Hospital, Dr. Adeyemi Onabowale, wife of the Senior Pastor, Fountain of Life Church (TFOLC) , Ilupeju, Pastor Nomthi Odukoya; Senior Pastor, TFOLC, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya and Chief Medical Director, Nidus Aquilae Hospital, Dr. Bode Abass, at the re-dedication of the hospital initiative of the church, in Lagos...yesterday

Forgery: Presidential aides not witnesses against Senate –Enang l Apologises for AGF’s aide's comment

Chukwu David, Abuja

he Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, yesterday said President Muhammadu Buhari's aides were not witnessing against the presiding officers of the Senate in the prosecution for alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Orders. He also apologised to the Senate on the statement credited to the Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution, Mr. Okoi Obono-Obla, that the Upper Chamber had no jurisdiction to invite the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in respect of the forgery prosecution. Enang, who made this apology while clarifying his actual role as a witness in the

prosecution of the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, told journalists in Abuja, that he was listed as a witness, to explain procedure for amending the Senate Standing Orders. The politician, who was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business in the Seventh Senate, noted that he was brought into the matter because of his position in the last Senate because the Rules and Business Committee superintends over the rules and business of the Chamber. He said: “Further to false publications and insinuations that Presidential Aides have been Iined up against the presiding officers of the Senate and others in the prosecution relating to the Standing Orders of the Senate 2015 citing me as one of those thus lined up, l hereby state as hereun-

der; “That this is false in all material particulars. That I was the chairman of the ‘Rules and Business Committee’ of the 7th Senate which ended plenary on June 4, 2015 and the 8th Senate was inaugurated on June 9, 2015. “That upon a written petition to the police on the subject of alleged forgery of the STANDING Orders by some Distinguished Senators of the 8th Senate the lnspector General of Police through one D l G DIG Dan Azumi J. Doma wrote to the Clerk to the National Assembly vide his letter dated July 1, 2015 requestinq him to ask the under mentioned key officials of the 7th SENATE to have an audience with the under signed on or before 6th July 2015; “Senate President, Deputy Senate President Majority Leader of the Senate, Clerk of the National Assembly, Clerk of Senate, Chairman‚

Business Rules, and Secretary, Business and Rules Committee.” Enang said it would be wrong for anyone to misconstrue his current involvement as a witness in the alleged forgery trial of the leadership of the Senate. On the offensive statement credited to the Special Assistant to President Buhari on Public Prosecution, Obono-Oblo against the Senate committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and legal matters, Enang apologised to the upper chamber. He said: “I heard the statement by the Special Assistant to President on Public Prosecution Mr Okoi Obono - Oblo and I want to apologise to Distinguished Senate, to the Committee on Judiciary and to the distinguished Senators because that statement ought not to have been made and the Attorney General is the Attorney General of the Federation appointed by the President and cleared by the Senate and responsible to the Federation.”

see on the street of Lagos signs that will be warning you that buyers and hawkers should be aware that there are consequences.” He said his administration had also concluded plans to roll out a massive campaign which would warn both motorists and hawkers of the restrictions and the penalty for defaulters. “We will be watching out for buyers and sellers and all we need is just scapegoat. Don’t buy plantain chips or any other item in traffic from July 1, buyers beware.” He said aside the environmental hazards associated with the activities of street traders and hawkers alike, they also pose great security and health risks. “A whole lot of people who are hawkers, when you check them, I understand from intelligence that there is a cartel. Some people buy fake products and then bring the products in and then give these boys to sell on the street and come back to make returns in the night. “So, what I want to advise Lagosians is that most times when you think you are buying something of quality on the road, be rest assured that those things are fake product,” Ambode said. He, however said much as the state government intends to be civil in enforcing

the law, some recalcitrant persons try to subvert the process, hence the need to ensure total compliance with the law. Asked what plans the government has unemployed graduates who have taken to street hawking, Ambode said his administration has launched a N25billion Employment Trust Fund, urging them to access the fund. The governor while answering questions on future plans of his administration assured that greater attention would be given to the health and education sectors, while empowerment for the youth and elderly would also get the needed attention. “In the last eight years, while the immediate past governor actually did a lot to improve on health, you will also see that what he provided is not even enough to cater for all the people coming into Lagos. “Now, this second year, I can tell you freely that we are facing majorly the health sector, education sector, the issue of elderly people and then the youths. We believe that in the next twelve months which we are starting from now, you will see a major escalation of the quality of the facilities we are going to provide in our hospitals,” the governor said.

Again, Ese Oruru appears in court ‘covered’

or the second time, Miss Ese Oruru, the minor, who was allegedly abducted and forcefully converted to Islam and married off in Kano by one Yunusa Dahiru, appeared again yesterday at the Federal High Court Yenagoa, Bayelsa State where she testified in secret. At the resumed hearing at the FHC siting in Yenagoa, her parents and journalists were not allowed to witness the court’s proceedings. Ese, who was brought to the court under tight security, appeared in hood, as her head and face were covered with brown scarf. She was hurriedly ushered into the courtroom, just as policemen prevented journalists from taking her pictures. But a source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said she was briefly cross-exam-

ined by the defence counsel led by Kayode Olaosebekan, before Justice A. Nganjiwa adjourned the matter until July 8, for further private hearing. Meanwhile, indication has emerged that Dahiru, alias Yellow, the accused person, who is still in prison custody, might get bail on Monday. His lawyer, Kayode Olaosebekan, said the processes to perfect his bail condition had reached an advanced stage. Olaosebekan said: “We are still working on the bail and we are trying to perfect the bail conditions. The court is in the process of verifying sureties and we hope that by next week Monday, Dahiru will be out.” Yunusa has been in prison custody due to his inability to meet the bail conditions of a level 12 civil servant, a traditional ruler from Bayelsa State and a surety of N3 million.

Sierra Leonean envoy kidnapped in Kaduna Ibraheem Musa, Kaduna

he Deputy High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to Nigeria, Major General Nelson Williams, was yesterday kidnapped along the Kaduna-Abuja Road, on his way to the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji. According to reports, the envoy was billed to attend the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 38/2016, because a Sierra Leonian student was among the graduands. Efforts to get the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Admau Ibra-

him, to respond to our correspondent’s inquiries were fruitless as at press time. But highly placed military sources confirmed that the diplomat didn’t attend the graduation ceremony and he neither sent a representative nor an apology. It would be recalled that the spate of kidnapping along the Kaduna-Abuja necessitated the former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Asare, to deploy the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Ballah Nasarawa, to Kaduna to address the situation. About three months ago, an Army Officer, Col Samaila Inusa, was kidnapped around NNPC junction at Chikun Local Government Area, while he was driving with his family.

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

Kano bails out LGS with N1.2bn to pay workers salaries Muhammad Kabir KANO

ano State Government yesterday said it had released N1.2 billion from its internally generated revenue (IGR) to the 44 local government areas in the state to augment their federal allocations, so that they can pay their workers salary for the month of June. The state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, explained that the move became necessary as the declining monthly allocation to the councils from the Federation Account is no longer sufficient to pay salaries, let alone address other development issues. An online news portal, Premium Times reported that the Director General of Media and Communication to the Ganduje, Salihu Tanko Yakasai, said Ganduje disclosed this during a Ramadan Iftar with the management of tertiary educational institutions in the state. The event, which was

attended by his Kogi State counterpart, Alhaji Yahya Bello, said the only option let for states was for them to look out for more IGRs, in order to withstand the current economic realities. He recalled that during the immediate past administration, the state government used to have a balance of N4 to N5 billion after paying salary monthly, pointing out that with the dwindling capital receipts from the Federal Government now, his government was compelled to look inwards in order to remain afloat. To closely coordinate its earning and expenditure therefore, Ganduje said the Treasury Single Account (TSA) was indispensable for his government, noting that although it would affect tertiary institutions in the state, it would not put them in a disadvantaged position. “Whenever you collect your revenues, declare them. We will then release the money to you for your day to day activities,” the governor maintained.

Alleged fraud: Fani-Kayode, others’ know fate on Monday Akeem Nafiu

ustice Sule Hassan of a Federal High Court in Lagos will next week Monday decide on the bail applications of a former Minister of Aviation and the Media Director of Goodluck Jonathan 2015 Presidential Campaign Organisation, Femi FaniKayode and three others who were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N4.6billion fraud. Apart from Fani-Kayode, other accused persons docked on a 17-counts charge by the anti-graft agency are; former Minister of State for Finance, Mrs Esther Nenadi Usman, one, Danjuma Yusuf

and a company, John Trust Dimensions Nigeria Limited. The judge adjourned for ruling on the accused persons' bail applications after listening to the arguments of lawyers for the defence and prosecution. Arguing their clients bail applications, the defence lawyers; Ferdinand Odi (SAN), Ifedayo Adedipe(SAN) and C. I. Ndukwe, urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the accused. In his submissions, Nenadi’s lawyer, Ferdinand Odi (SAN), said his client was abroad when she learnt that the EFCC wanted to see her and that she came from abroad on her own to report to the commission.

KADUNA

IKEJA Nigeria ready for agric devt Hajj: Lagos urges pilgrims to –Buhari submit e-passports

NEWS IN BRIEF

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday declared that his administration was poised to unroll greater-than-expected measures to keep the country green. Buhari made this statement during the launching of the 'Keep Kaduna Green Project in Kaduna. The president represented by Amina Muhammed, minister of Environment revealed that Nigeria had the highest rate of deforestation in the world. He said: “Environment is one of the six core pillars of this economy, thus underscoring the importance to the Change Agenda. The initiative in Kaduna State today is a clear example of state government contributing to the environment component of our economy.

MAKURDI Benue to partner NCPC

Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has said he would support the Nigeria Executive Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Muftau in exposing farmers to the Agricultural Okoya, has requested pilgrims who advancement of Israel. intend to embark on 2016 Hajj to submit He disclosed this in Abuja, during a courtesy their E-Passports to their coordinators visit to the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Rev. at the pilgrims Board. Tor Uja. He promised to organise some farmAccording to him, “intending Pilgrims ers who would go to Israel and come and help are expected to start the submission the State to improve its agricultural strength. of their E- Passport on Friday, 1st July, Ortom further assured that he would also 2016, to enable the Board commence strategize with the Executive Members of processing of visas for a hitch free Hajj.” his cabinet to go on pilgrimage to Israel to He added that intending pilgrims are to pray for themselves and for the state so that submit the original E-passport, as well as they would all be on the same page. a photocopy of the data page, adding that He said: “We will continue to support the delay or ignoring to submit will affect the Commission within the available resources”. processing/documentation negatively. He equally affirmed, “we will continue to Okoya thereafter informed the general partner and work with you, the activities public that Y2016 Hajj forms are still of this Commission are very critical to available for purchase. Christian life’.

The total number of matches played by Mexico in Brazil 2014 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

10.05m The percentage of the population of Gibraltar under 15 years in 2001. Source: Itu.int

23%

The percentage of the population of women above 60 years of Gibraltar in 2001. Source: Un.org

Bus driver kills twin sisters going to school in Ogun Kunle Olayeni

Abeokuta

ragedy struck yesterday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, when a commercial bus crushed two twin sisters to death on their way to school. The victims, Khadijat and Mutmainat Edunjobi, were knocked down at Ita Oshin area of Abeokuta about 8am, alongside their elder brother, Toni. Saturday Telegraph learnt that the ill-fated bus, a Toyota Picnic with registration number Lagos KTU 175 DZ, lost control while approaching Ita Oshin from the Sango end of the LagosAbeokuta Expressway. The bus ran over the pupils, killing them instantly and injuring their brother. Sources said the driver of the bus, Adewale Ojo, attempted to escape from the scene but was promptly arrested. A mechanic, who was

an eye witness, told our correspondent that he and other sympathisers took the corpses of the eight-yearold twins and their injured 14-year-old brother to the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta. The mechanic, who simply gave his name as Alani, said the wounded brother was responding to treatment at the hospital. He said: “We heard a sound and we quickly rushed down before we realised that a vehicle had knocked down some pupils in school uniform. “We immediately stopped a taxi and took the children to the hospital and the nurses tried their best. But they later confirmed that the girls were dead.” When contacted, the state Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Adegoke Adetunji, said the incident was a lone accident. Adetunji explained that the road mishap was

L-R: Co-Founder and President, Goge Africa Foundation (GAF), Mr. Isaac Moses, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni; Actor, Mr. Basorge Tariah Jnr. and Co-Founder and Vice-President, GAF, Mrs. Nneka Isaac Moses, during the GAF Career Guidance and Counseling in Lagos… yesterday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

caused as a result of dangerous driving, adding that the driver lost control and ran over the pupils. The FRSC boss stated that the driver of the vehicle attempted to escape from the scene but was promptly arrested and taken to the Lafenwa Police Station in Abeokuta. “We got the report of the

accident, which happened around 8am, at Ita Oshin area of Abeokuta. We gathered that the Toyota Picnic bus with registration number KTU 175 DZ was coming from Sango,” he added. Adetunji urged motorists to always drive safely and put into consideration the other road users while behind the wheels.

No court can remove Sheriff –Ojougboh Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

ormer National ViceChairman (South-South), of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, has boasted that no court can remove the factional chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, from office. Ojougboh who has been appointed by Sheriff as his Acting Deputy National Chairman, at a press conference, hinged his reason on Thursday's judgement by Justice Okon Abang of Federal High Court, Abuja, which declared the May 21 national convention in Port Harcourt illegal. But spokesman of the National Caretaker Committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, said the injunction granted to Ali Modu Sheriff group by Justice Abang was of no effect . Ojougboh also revealed that the factional Chairman is ready to handover but he must not be disgraced out of office. "As far as I am concern, Ali Modu Sheriff is ready to step down but he doesn't want to be disgraced. He

must be given the opportunity to sit at a convention where he will handover properly. And this is what we have told the governors, what is fair is fair. "Ali Modu do not say that he wants to continue to be chairman but what he said, look, I want to handover to a democratically elected chairman of the party that is elected by the people and not appointed. As far as the law is concern, Sheriff is chairman today but he is ready to convene a convention to handover," Ojougboh stated. Adeyeye, said in a statement, recalled that two courts had sacked Sheriff from office before last Thursday's judgement. “We believe it was granted in error by misrepresentation to his lordship. Two judgements given this week by two justices of the FCT High Court and Federal High Court are to the effect that Sheriff was never even a chairman of the PDP. He was described as a busy body in one of the judgements. How can the court then grant an injunction to a busy body who has no locus in the party?"

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 july 2016

Cephas Iorhemen, MAKURDI

ndications emerged yesterday that the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. Terkimbir Ikyange; his deputy, James Okefe; Majority Leader, Mr. Benjamin Adanyi and the Deputy Majority Leader, Nick Eworo, may be removed over allegation of misappropriation of N750 million car loans for legislators. Saturday Telegraph had gathered that the deal involving the leadership of the assembly reared its ugly head shortly after the inauguration of the present eighth assembly when Governor Samuel Ortom through the Speaker, awarded the contract of N750 million to Okefe, who is a car dealer, for the supply of cars to the lawmakers at the cost of N13.9 million each. Investigation revealed further that when the money was credited to Okefe's account, the House resolved that any member who is not interested in the car should be given an equivalent amount to buy any car of his or her choice. But shortly after the resolution was taken, the Speaker allegedly connived with the trio and denied other members of their rights, a development that sparked off crisis. It was further gathered that rather than give each member

Alleged N750m fraud: Benue Speaker, others ‘may face impeachment’

l Ortom backs EFCC probe N13.9 million to purchase cars of their choices, the cabal took home the lion share of N13.9 million and doled out only N10 million to the aggrieved members without a car each. Some of the aggrieved members, according to findings are Terseer Adzuu, Terkaa Ucha, Kester Ikyenge, Tor Aye, and from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) respectively, while only one PDP lawmaker benefitted from the largesse. Saturday Telegraph gathered that as a result of the development, the top shots are being quizzed by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly perpetrating high level corruption in the assembly. It was gathered that the son of a top government functionary in Ortom's cabinet who also bided for the supply of the vehicles for the lawmakers, is reported to have masterminded the petition to the anti-graft agency against the House leaders. The Speaker, Okefe and Adanyi were earlier asked by

the commission to cough out N450 million or otherwise resign honourably and face trial at the EFCC. The speaker was alleged to have duplicated fake vehicle plate numbers for some of the official cars for the lawmakers, an issue the EFCC is said to be investigating too. Findings from the assembly has it that as a result of the corrupt deal raging in the assembly, members had suspended sittings till date and are on recess to enable the affected members clear the allegations before the anti-graft agency before reconvening for normal sittings. It was gathered that while the crisis rage, aggrieved lawmakers and other All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers were reportedly collating signatures to commence the impeachment process of the speaker whom they said has allegedly brought the image of the house to disrepute. Already, Ortom on Thursday lauded the EFCC for arresting and investigating Ikyange and three principal officers of the assembly.

He said: “Yes, it (the arrest of the lawmakers) is a good thing. It is part of the process. They are under investigation by the EFCC. “From day one, I brought up a slogan that, ‘if you chop money, money will chop you’. We have to be careful and I have sent signals to all that nobody is above the law. “If you do wrong, you will go your own way. As far as I am concerned, they are under

Workers urge FG to announce new poly rector

orkers at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State are angry with the Federal Government over the delay in announcing a substantive rector for the institution four months after three names

were shortlisted for President Muhammadu Buhari to choose from. Leaders of the workers expressed concern that the delay might be a ploy to bring on board an external applicant to head the institution even though the three shortlisted candidates are from within the school. But chairman of the Aca-

IBADAN 234 illegal patent medicine shops sealed off The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) yesterday said it had sealed off about 234 patent medicine shops in Oyo State. The Director, Inspection and Monitoring, Mrs. Anthonia Aruya, told journalists in Ibadan, that the council’s monitoring team sealed off the patent medicine shops in Ibadan, Iseyin, Oyo, Saki and Eruwa and Igboora for non-compliance with necessary regulations and directives. “The shops were sealed off for noncompliance with to our regulations and directives by our monitoring team,” she said.

demic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Dr. Sola Adeniyi, said the unions would resist any candidate announced that is outside the three internal candidates shortlisted. Adeniyi, who addressed a press conference on the issue, also dismissed a recent claim by a group which claimed there was disagree-

FCT CBN empowers 1,500 youths

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Thursday in Abuja flagged off the pilot phase of the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YEDP) aimed at empowering 1,500 youths with a total of N2.5 billion loan. The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, in his remarks said that the inability of youths to access funding for businesses had been the bane of entrepreneurship. Emefiele said entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths had been hindered by low capacity and funding which has made many of them opt for white collar jobs which are not even available. “These challenges have continually made many youths to jettison their laudable ideas in pursuit of white collar jobs,” he said.

investigation. Let us see the outcome we would have. “As far as I am concerned, my government will not shied anybody who is corrupt and who is found wanting. Myself as the governor and every other lieutenant are open to scrutiny; there is Freedom of Information Bill and people are allowed to get information from these sources.” The governor, however, warned against peddling of

false information against government officials. He cited an example of a recent allegation of illegal transfer of $2.4 billion levelled against his government, saying there was no substance in the claim. “The only thing is that there is no point telling lies and peddling falsehood against leaders. Like I heard somebody said, we transferred $2.4 billion into an account."

Umahi faults Elechi’s rejection of N29m car gift

Uchenna Inya, ABAKALIKI

bonyi State Governor, Chief Dave Umahi, yesterday faulted his predecessor, Martin Elechi, rejection of a N29 million car gift to him. He also told the former governor that he was not behind his persistent interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged misappropriation of public funds while in office. He was reacting to a secret letter written to him by Elechi rejecting the 29 million naira

L-R: Corps Public Education Officer, Imoh Etuk; FRSC Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi; and Head Media Relations and Strategy, Bisi Kazeem, at a press conference in Abuja ...yesterday.

Biodun Oyeleye, Ilorin

ment among the unions over the matter. He said the individual purported to have signed the statement was not a staff of the school as his name is allegedly not on the monthly nominal roll. There is palpable tension on the two campuses of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Offa Local Government Area over the delay in the appointment of rector.

FCT FasholalaudsOHCSFonhousing

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fasola, has lauded the efforts of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) in sensitising public servants to access affordable housing under the Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH) programme. Fashola disclosed this while declaring open a two-day Affordable Housing Summit in Abuja. The minister urged civil servants to key into the scheme and take advantage in order to access affordable housing. Fashola said the Federal Government was considering the option of encouraging skills development and the use of technology as vehicle for sustainable and affordable housing in Nigeria

NEWS IN BRIEF

Prado SUV car gift he gave to him, which leaked recently and also to the allegation by the former governor that he (Umahi) was behind his ordeal in the hands of the anti-graft agency. It would be recalled that Umahi was deputy governor during Elechi’s second tenure in office. The governor spoke during an Agricultural summit with Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) held at Akanu Ibiam International Conference Centre Abakaliki yesterday. He admitted he was sometimes drafted into a monitoring team if there were engineering difficulties in some projects during Elechi's tenure, saying he saved N1.6 billion when he was drafted to Agba bridge project and equally helped revive Oferekpe water project when it had almost came to a halt. He said it was the Secretary to the State Government’s (SSG) own choice of words to have stated in the government's letter to the former governor that the car gift was in recognition of his role in the promotion of democracy in the state and for other meritorious services. He said the cars gift were meant for former governors and a former Senate President and was never for any other reason. He said the contractors which the former governor

said he pursued were not genuine and no sincere government would have worked with them. Umahi said rejecting the car was not the best as Elechi had written to him when he assumed office to give his wife two cars which he quickly obliged. He also faulted where the former governor said in the letter he never advised him, saying: “How can I advise somebody who does not take advice and never change his mind when he says something? “I advised him on the case of NigerCem and the clergy men also did which by now, Ibeto would have revived the company but he refused.” Umahi said part of the petitions that have made Elechi regular visitor to EFCC was written when both were governor and deputy respectively and was never from him (Umahi). The governor said he had appealed to EFCC to leave Elechi because of his old age with a promise that if there was anywhere they found him wanting in money, he (Umahi) was going to pay, noting that he made the promise because of the fact that he brought him to leadership but pointed out that the gesture to rescue the former governor from the hands of the graft agency was in exception of his children.

Court grants ex-Adamawa gov Fintiri bail Tunde Oyesina, ABUJA

he Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday granted bail to a former Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, in the sum of N500 million. The Federal Government had on Thursday arraigned Fintiri on a five-count charge bothering corruption and money laundering offences. Fintiri, however, pleaded not guilty and prayed the court to admit him to bail. Delivering ruling in the application, the trial judge, Justice A.R. Mohammed, held that the prosecution failed to show reasonable cause why the defendant would not be granted bail. The judge rejected the claim of the prosecution led by Mr. Peters Aso that the former governor would jump bail if granted, adding that the claim cannot be sustained because the defendant did not jump the

administrative bail granted him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court, however, ordered the defendant to produce sureties in like sum with prove of property ownership in Abuja. The sureties are also to deposit title deeds of the property with the court alongside two recent passport photographs. The court also ordered the defendant to deposit his international passport with the court and can only travel outside the country upon receipt of permission of the court. Meanwhile the trial was adjourned till October 6 by Justice Mohammed. Fintiri was on Thursday, arraigned by EFCC on a five-count charge bordering on money laundering of about N2billion. The former governor was alleged to have defrauded the state government to the tune of N970 million and another $4.830 million during the three months period he managed the state as acting governor.

City & crime update

Voices How would you react if you discover that your spouse is spying on you? p.12

Juliana Francis peratives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris’s Special Intelligence Response Squad (IRT), have arrested a suspect, who claimed that he took to robbery because he was desperate to pay his children’s school fees. The suspect, Mojeed Ogooluwa, 34, aka Terminator, said he was an executive of Tricycle Operators Association, working at Ketu, Lagos State, before he was suspended. Ogooluwa, a father of three, said the suspension came just as school children were preparing to go back to school. He added that within weeks, his financial situation worsened. His said: “I became an armed robber because I couldn’t pay my children’s school fees. I was an executive of Tricyce Operators Association in Ikosi Isheri Unit, Ketu. I held the post of financial secretary. We are affiliated to the National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW). My job was to monitor the movement of tricycles around Ketu. I was to ensure free flow of traffic. “I earned N5000 weekly. In January, I was suspended from work. When it was time for me to pay my children’s school fees, I couldn’t pay. I became frustrated.” He explained that he was agonising about what to do next when he walked into an Indian hemp smoking joint one day, at Ketu, to smoke and met two men. They introduced themselves as Agu and Mutiu. They got chummy and soon he was spilling out his troubles. Attempting to assist him, they told him about car snatching operations. They asked him if he knew how to drive, he replied in the affirmative. A deal was struck. Ogooluwa became a member of the gang. Ogooluwa added: “We exchanged phone numbers and agreed to meet by nightfall. When it was night, we met at Ketu Bus Stop. I was expecting only Agu and Mutiu, but they came with other guys. They came with Lekan Texas and Yahoo Foreign. They told me that the house where they wanted to snatch the car was not too far away. We decided to go on foot.” They hadn’t walked for long when Agu and Mutiu said they had reached their destination. They pointed to the targeted building. He recalled: “Three of our gang members had guns. Time was around 1:am. We were able to gain entrance into the house by scaling the fence. Immediately we entered the compound, we smashed the door. Two of our members, who were armed, went into the apartment. I waited outside. A few minutes later, they returned with the key of a Toyota

SATURDAY, 2 JULY 2016

My kids’ school fees forced me into robbery, says suspect Camry car. We all drove out with the car. But on our way, we intercepted a Toyota Corolla on CMD Road, Shangisha and snatched it from its owner.” They continued on their escape, now in the two cars. They were soon speeding along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The plan was to head to Ilorin and sell the cars to already waiting buyers. But patrolling policemen crashed their party. Ogooluwa recounted: “A police van appeared from nowhere and attacked us when we stopped to buy food. The policemen started shooting; we all scampered in different directions. A bullet hit Mutiu in the abdomen. We abandoned him and the vehicles and ran away into the bush. The police followed us, but they stopped when they couldn’t apprehend us. I quit after that operation.” The victim of that fateful night’s robbery attack was 37-year-old Iyiola Shola, a civil servant. The robbers stormed her home on March 8. According to her, the robbers were arrested and her car recovered because of the fasting and prayers she embarked on after the incident. The bandits stormed her Ketu home and dispossessed her of cash, jewellery, mobile phones, laptop and a Toyota Camry car. After reporting the incident to the police, she embarked on prayers and fasting. She also carried out a series of night vigils. Two months after the incident, she got a call from her husband that the car had been found in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He also told her that two of the robbers had been arrested by IRT policemen. Recalling the robbery, Shola said: “I was in my room, sleeping with my kids around 2: am, when five armed men burst into my room. They pointed a gun at me and demanded money. “I didn’t know how they got into my compound, but I told them my money was inside my handbag, which was on the dining table. Two of them took me downstairs, while others ransacked my room. When we got to the siting room, I found my younger sister already lying faced-down. One of them picked my car keys and asked for the one to the main gate. I gave it to him. They entered into my car and started shooting sporadically into the air as they zoomed off. They suddenly drove back. It was as if they left

something behind. One of them jumped out of my car, picked up the item and left.” Some minutes after they left, a police patrol team showed up. They told Shola neighbours called them. She narrated her experience and gave them detailed description of her car. The police immediately sent out radio messages. She said: “The next day, I went to Alapere Police Station, which was closer, to make a formal report of the robbery. But the policemen at that division didn’t assist me at all. Some even told me to forget the car; that the robbers must have taken it across border to Republic of Benin. I felt helpless when they said this. I decided to pray. I told my husband not to tell people that my car was stolen, because I knew God would get it back for me. I fasted, prayed and held night vigils and God finally answered me.”

Revealing how the robbers were nabbed, a police source said: “The suspects were arrested when a team of IRT operatives, trailing a notorious gang of robbers that specialised in car snatching within Lagos and Ogun States stormed the gang’s hideout, in an Indian hemp joint close to Ketu Tipper Garage and arrested two members of the gang. The members were identified as Mojeed Ogooluwa, aka Terminator and Toheed Waheed. “The suspects confessed to the robbery at Shola’s residence. When we asked where they kept her car, they told us that they were intercepted by policemen from Ogun State when they were on their way to Ilorin. They said they were going to Ilorin to sell the car. The police killed one of their members and recovered the car. We followed on that information and found the car at Ogun State Police Command.”

Suspects

Ughelli South celebrates first constituency/town hall meeting Isioma Madike

he people of Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State witnessed a novel constituency briefing/town hall meeting organised by a member of the House of Representatives, Reuben Rume Izeze, on June 23. Izeze used the occasion to brief his constituents on the various progressive strides he has made as their representative and to convey his people’s aspirations and yearnings to the Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. The event, which was the first of its kind in the constituency, was

chaired by Chief E. D. U. Obofukoro. It commenced about 11am with an opening prayer by Archbishop God-Dowell Avwomakpa (The Spiritual Father-of the-Day). There was a robust attendance of prominent men and women from the constituency. They range from traditional rulers, political leaders, intellectuals, community elders, technocrats, religious leaders, traders, youths, students and party faithful. Some of the dignitaries, who displayed rare wisdom, leadership traits and positive impacts at the event, are the Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta

Central, Chief A. P. Fovie, Deputy Chairman, PDP, Delta State, Chief Amos Itihwe, Commissioner representing Ughelli South, Udu, Uvwie and Urhobos in Warri South and Francis Aguonigho, and the immediate past Chairman, PDP, Ughelli South. Others are Paul Etaiga, Chairman, Ughelli South Council, Chief A. F. Desi, Chief David Adasen, Dr. Adogbeji Ideh, D. M. Siakpere, Thompson Ovwere, Chief Emmanuel Ejenake and Evan Johnson Boro. Also present were Chief Akpo Oguma, Princess Eloho Ogbon, SA, Women Affairs to Governor

Okowa and other community elders as well as vibrant youth leaders. Chief Obofukoro lauded Izeze’s commitment in attracting meaningful development to the constituency. This was shortly followed by a brief comment by Omonemu who extolled the legislature’s love and passion to bringing significant improvements to his people and communities. “He was the only House of Assembly member in Ughelli South that visited all the 69 communities in Ughelli South Local Government Area during his campaigns,” Omo-

nemu reminded the gathering. The event climaxed when Izeze gave account of his stewardship which kept everyone glued to his passion and love for his people. He x-rayed his one year journey as a legislature, unfolding his progress and challenges since his inauguration on June 8, 2015. Some of his visible landmarks include: Setting up a Constituency Office situated at Iwhrekan road, Otu-Jeremi aimed at providing a link between the Government and the people at the grass-root, placing 17 constituents on monthly salaries in the Constituency office both in Ughelli South and Asaba.

City&crime update

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JUly 2016

Describe for us your experience particularly the time that you were at the airport? My flight came in from York City at about 12.10 in the afternoon (Monday June 27) and my flight back to Lagos, Nigeria was not until the next day (Tuesday June 28, day of the attack) for 2.10pm. I had scheduled the flight that way so that I could hold some meetings in Istanbul. I went to town to hold my meetings and do some sightseeing (City tour). I came back to the airport and I decided to stay at the business lounge because they have basically all the amenities there. A place to sleep, a place to shower and as a matter of fact they have a mini golf course there, a billiard table, screens to watch movies and unlimited food and drinks. So, I knew that I will be well catered for. I decided to come back in about 9. But passing through the system and going in and five to 10 minutes after we had sounds of gunshots and instantly I recognised the sounds to be that of AK 47. Then there was immediate response. Immediately after the response there was a humongous explosion because one of the terrorists had detonated a bomb. Of course, you had stampede, thousands of people running and then the second bomb went off. Then the third bomb went off. Everybody had to be kept in a holding area. It was a bloody affair, very, very bloody because everywhere was drenched with blood. And of course, what do you expect when 45 people were killed and hundreds of others injured? What went through your mind when the first shots went off and then the subsequent ones; what were you thinking of at that point in time? Well, I am not easily fazed by the sound of gunshots because I am familiar with gunshots. I really wasn’t agitated but I knew that we were under attack and instantly I knew that it must be terrorists attack. But I was wondering in my mind ‘what is the mission?’ Is the mission to just attack police officers or to kill people?’ That was what was still going through my mind when the first bomb went off. I had moved away from the area and we were already running, everybody was on top speed and unfortunately children were trampled upon, all kinds of stampedes. When the first bomb went off I knew that the second one was going to go off because it is usually two bombs that these people (terrorists) operate with. I did not expect the third one, I thought it was going to be double explosions but it ended up being three major explosions. It was very scary, very callous and very wicked. When it all died down and the terrorists were killed, I think about three of them, one or two were killed and I think the last one killed himself because he detonated the bomb strapped onto him. They started a process of evacuation but I think even they were not too comfortable with the fact that people would still be at that airport because they were not sure anymore and they were shocked that they could be penetrated in that manner. They were shocked that they had the audacity to come into the airport. They were not really sure who was who, so they decided to evacuate everybody from the airport. What was amazing for

Turkey terror attacks I was 5 metres away from death – La Campagne Tropicana boss Otunba Wanle Akinboboye is the founder and president of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Corporate Guard and Motherland Beckons, Atunda Entertainment and many others. He was at the Atakurk International Airport in Istanbul, Turkey, when terrorists attacked the place earlier in the week, but he miraculously escaped to recount the horrific experience to ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA. Excerpts… me was the speed of that process because you can imagine 10, 000 people trying to go through like about 10 immigration exit points. You can imagine the chaos with 10, 000 people at the same time trying to go through 10 exit points. Because the other police officers were busy with evacuation, they immediately started a clean-up exercise. I left about 3.30am, the whole thing started by 9am and the evacuation started about 12noon to 1pm. I happened to be one of the first 50 people that left. I was reading the direction, the way they wanted to move and I was trying desperately to get out. Because I was not comfortable with the way we were all clustered together. There could still be one or two of them (terrorists) there waiting to detonate a bomb. So, I was really worried as we were all clustered together trying to go through that immigration point and you don’t know who is who. We were just about two, three or four black people, Africans that I could sport. But luckily when we got out of the terminal building there were taxis that were already provided free of charge and there were buses, lined up to take people to anywhere they wanted to go. I had to just pick any hotel and they took me to that hotel.

What I took away from it was that it was magical, it was miraculous. That is the word, miraculous. Later I went back to the airport, because I just said ‘let me go back and see what was happening’. Luckily I had checked my bag straight from New York to Lagos so all I had on me was my carryon luggage. I took that with me to the airport to just get an idea of when the flight would leave. I got to the airport I think about 5.30am in the morning (Wednesday June 29) I didn’t see any one single spot on the floor, everywhere was cleaned up and even some broken glasses had been fixed. If I had not been there I would not know that anything had happened. Everybody was on queue; the crowd there was greater than that of the previous day. The first flight left I think about 3.45am that morning and our flight left at 2.30 in the afternoon right on the dot. In one hour they had done the security sweep, the bomb sweep and they had confirmed that the environment was clean and safe. And flights were back. It was quite mind boggling for me. My first experience. My visa I got online, as it took me three minutes to process my visa online. It was a learning curve for me. I was particularly blown away by the level of high tech management of the situation. But looking back now how close to death would you say you were? Well, I could have been any of the 45 people because we were all together. We were just the lucky ones, they were to take with them all the thousands of people there; that was their intention because they were ready to die and take as many people as possible with them. I was less than five metres away from the person that died. It is a large airport and we were all inside. This shows you that it could have been anybody because those of us alive were all lucky. So you would say you are happy to be back home, safe and sound? Well, I think so. You have to be happy to be alive. We were just lucky because it was so sudden. It happened so fast, some police officers lost their lives also.

Akinboboye

What flight were you on back to Nigeria? Turkish Airlines.

Was it the same Turkish Airlines that took you to the US? Yes, it was Turkish Airlines, Lagos Istanbul - New York and my return was New York - Istanbul – Lagos. Eight, nine hours from Istanbul to New York and about six and half hours from Istanbul to Lagos. I am just grateful to be alive. What is the lesson in this for you and perhaps for Nigeria too? The first thing is about crisis management, accepting that something has happened and act very fast to make sure that it does not destabilise the system or spread further. Ataturk International Airport is about the second largest airport in Europe; you are talking about an airport that even before you enter they screen you. It is not like the case here where you go straight to the counter because most airports you just go straight to the counter to check in. But before you get to the counter you will go through thorough security checks because as you enter the first thing that you encounter is security checks. With all of that they (terrorists) were still able to penetrate because they have signed to die, and how do you kill people that want to die? How do you scare people that are not afraid of death? They have signed off already. The lesson for us in Nigeria and those of us waiting for security to be 100 percent before we start tourism development, we don’t really know what we are talking about because security anywhere is not full proof or 100 percent. So, the lesson is that you must make sure that the right things are put in place, the right structures are in place. You must also make sure that you have a response time to take care of issues. The absence of that is what people refer to as lack of security. They know that things would happen but how quickly can you respond? How quickly can you recover? How quickly can you react and how quickly can you solve problems? Everybody knows all over the world that there is nowhere that is 100 percent full proof. The World Trade Center and Pentagon were attacked. So, nowhere in the world can be completely safe. If this had happened here in Nigeria one week after we would not be able to pick up, and would still be talking about what has happened. But these people (Turkish) were prepared because it is like they knew that it might happen. They were prepared for it. You recall that when you (the reporter) and I spoke, you said ‘don’t go near the airport, go to where you think you are safe. Stay in the hotel, listen to the news and make sure everywhere is safe before you go near the airport’. But who would have thought that a few hours after the attacks flights had taken off from just the same airport.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Voices

2 JULY 2016

How would you react if you discover that your spouse is spying on you? I will scold her

I will call her attention to any suspicious move

I need to find out the reason for her action

There is a saying that a cheat wouldn’t want to be cheated. If my wife becomes infidel she would think I am too, but if I notice her spying on me I would scold her and if she refuses to yield to my warning, then I will have to call on our marriage counselor maybe they can talk to her.

I wouldn’t give room for that at first because once I allow it then it continues. So I would rather call her attention to any suspicious movement or act I see for clarification than to spy on her because I might not get the true result once she notices I am spying on her. —Obieze Johnpaul,

To me it’s a matter of understanding, if I truly love her; I need to know why she is spying on me, perhaps there might be a reason because I’m not just concern if she spy on me or not but the reason behind it and by this we both can then resolve the differences.

—Pius Uhonmo,

—Etim Morgan, civil servant

civil servant

self-employed

I won’t allow room for that

I won’t tolerate such act

I will allow for peace to reign

Why should my spouse spy on me when she didn’t pay her bride price? No, I wouldn’t allow that. But before I do that I will make sure I am innocent of her accusations and claimss. —Rey Abbey ,

I wouldn’t allow such because I wouldn’t do that to him even though in the actual fact men are mostly unfaithful in the game of friendship than women. But they can be more jealous and aggressive if they become suspicious of their wives.

Some time in marriage just to make peace reign as the man and the head of the house, you just have to allow the woman have her way on some issues else the union will be surrounded by troubles. But if after allowing her, she still wants to make trouble then I will opt out and put a stop to it. —Ogedengbe Blessing,

self-employed

I will not be bothered

—Aransiola Idowu, civil servant

I will also spy on him

civil servant

I will not be bothered about it in as much as I know who I am. It’s only a man that is not responsible or sincere to his spouse that will be doing that. —Princess Blessing,

She should be ready to bear the consequences But for peace sake I will allow her and whatever she gets out of it. She should be ready to bear the consequences either for good or bad. —Yazid Adamu,

civil servant

I will feel bad

businessman

I will feel bad about it most especially if I know I am innocent and I don’t spy on him. I will make him see reason why he shouldn’t act that way but if he persists then I have no choice knowing he is the man and he pays his dues. —Blessing Osas ,

If only I am a cheat

businesswoman

If I am a cheat then I will suspect my spouse of being a cheat too. It is usually in women’s nature to suspect their men with or without facts. —Alexzander Hero, civil servant

I won’t make any trouble out of it instead I will do same to him and see his reaction before I will know or think of what to do because I see no reason why he should spy on me if he is a cheat.

—Funsho Okunboyejo Myers, businesswoman

I won’t bother about it Most times my husband spy through my phone text messages even while I am away he do pick my calls and I don’t see anything wrong with that. It’s a matter of trust and understanding when I know I don’t cheat on him so why would I be afraid. There would only be a problem when I know am not faithful, but if not then I won’t bother about it. —Olayinka Dauda, businesswoman

compiled by: JOHN EDU

WeekendBliss

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

N O P U E S O L C ONYERINMA DR. AMAM

HELPING THE VULNERABLE FIND A VOICE After four decades away from motherland (Nigeria), Dr. Amam Onyerinma a.k.a. Dr. Ama, a topflight educationist, a life coach trained in the West, and the author of ‘Successes Don’t Fail’ is back in the country to ‘help fix’ Nigeria. She believes many Nigerians need help but still live in denial of the obvious. In this interview with LANRE ODUKOYA, she speaks about the prophylactic impacts of life-coaching among sundry issues.

Why are you returning to the country now that most people are relocating abroad? The reality is, wherever you go in the world, there are issues, so you have to put that in perspective. All over the world, there are issues, but the point is, there is work to be done in Nigeria and it is time for Nigerians to do the works for themselves. You can’t have foreigners work for you all the time, they are not obliged to look out for the well-being of the country. I am a Nigerian, I may not have grown here, I may not have lived here for over 40 years, but I am a Nigerian. So, I have work to do in Nigeria and that is why I won’t stay back abroad. Nigerians are very religious people and there is a huge number of clerics they listen to, do you think they’d listen to

you as you have no pulpit to mount? I believe so, there’s room for multitude of professions, as I said, I am a coach and I am also an educationist and an author. My path is not one of going on the pulpit to preach to people, it’s my work, it’s my actions, by my actions, you should know what I stand for and what my goals are as a person. You know there are different types of coaches; my type of coaching is more transitional, personal and business coaching, that’s where my niche is. I like to work with the youth, women and business people, so, there is room for all types of coach coaches. You have been away for 40 years, how much do you know the problems of the youth, adults and the country?

Instyle

I know because I read and I do come to

Figure-hugging body-con © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

p.15

The Arts

Nigeria, so I do know what is going on. In what way do you intend to pass your message across to people? First of all, I have written a book that was released this year; it’s a book that is available for everyone and anyone to read. Secondly, I like to speak at functions that empower women, men and children. I do more than motivational, I’m very realistic to what is going on, the truth is, we need to find solutions, achievable solutions and reasonable solutions, it’s more than just the rat race, it’s taking action. I am a philanthropist to support curses and my curses now are women and children, specifically, children with special needs. They are very dear to my heart.

the rural areas? Yes I do, it’s all work in progress. Areas like some creeks in Niger Delta where the youth have taken to arms and you say you want to work with the demography, how do you intend to do that? Well, first I have to get into dialogue with them, but I have to start with the youth in the areas that I know. So, I am starting in Lagos, that is the place I am familiar with, but hopefully, we can have a movement that is going forward. How do you get to the rural places when most of these programs are to run in Lagos, Abuja and other big cities? It is a team work, we will do it together.

Do you intend to take your message to

Lagos to boost culture, tourism potential with eight films at Toronto festival p.37

continued on page 14

Hospitality

TV & Radio

p.41

p.36

Lion in the Sun: For the perfect exotic treats

Relationship between executive and legislature

Close Up

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

'I beg to differ on men's superiority' C o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 1 3

All these require financial muscle, how do you intend to get the funds? You just asked me a very personal question and I want you to understand that I have a mission and a goal in life and I will get it done. What ignited your passion for helping women and children, how did it all start? I’m an educationist and my PhD is in education, I have bagged a PhD for over 20years. I have always been passionate about women, as a child, I spent a few years in Nigeria and I could see the disparity between men and women. I was very fortunate to have a father that believes that everyone has the potential to be whoever they want to be. So, we were encouraged to be ourselves and to receive the best of education, you can imagine, so I grew up in the time that girls were not educated to the level that I was. But my father thought it was an investment and it has paid off. So that is the little story about myself. I have been incredibly passionate about women, particularly ‘the abused ones’, I don’t stand for any form of abuse or disregard of women, we are equals and I know that some men don’t believe that, but I know that we are created equally in this world and each of us has a role. I’m passionate about the women having a place at the table, a place where there male counterpart make things happen. So, domestic violence is a ‘no-no’ for me. African culture creates some inhibition against women already, how do you think gender parity can be achieved? Having a voice, I want women to have a voice, African women have a voice and have always had a voice. And it’s the colonials that took away that voice and the men just carried on what the colonials did, we’ve always had a voice. There was a war in 1929, the Igbo women war, what was that war about? It was the women standing up to say they wouldn’t pay taxes. We have always had a voice, we just allowed it to be silence.

does that mean the woman cannot be the leader of the family? What if one is talking about a nuclear family? I beg to differ. Both mothers and fathers have a right to speak, recognize and participate in the raising of the children and all other domestic affairs. Could you please tell us about your growing up? I was born in England, lived there for a while and then returned to Nigeria, I was in Nigeria for a few years, attended Holy Child Secondary School until we went back to school in England, and from there, I moved to America to pursue my university studies. I grew up with my parents, but I was in boarding school and I travelled a lot. Which of your parents influenced you the most? Both of them have influenced my life and other people as well, my father encouraged my love for education, so he encouraged and supported that. My mother taught me to be a strong woman and to stand up for myself, and for others who cannot stand up for themselves. My late uncle inspired my love and desire to achieve the best for myself, and then, I have had some wonderful teachers, high school teachers and university teachers who helped me learn not to question knowledge and help to understand what you look for when somebody gives you some information. You don’t have to accept everything that’s given to you as right, you can question it, and you can pick what works for you, and you take it from there, so I am influenced by many people. Have you ever encountered some of

The path for everyone is different, it’s about knowing your path, and what it is you are here to do

How do you handle male admirers? Well, I appreciate people recognizing the gift I have been given, but I always give credit to my parents. And in terms of handling admires, I treat them as equals. How about your beauty routine? I drink a lot of water. I drink probably 10 to 12 bottles of water a day. I try to sleep as much as possible, I cannot tell you that I sleep eight hours a day, that could be a lie, but I do rest as much as I can. I consume Aloe vera juice, I use native black soap, I use ‘ori’ (shear butter) like everyone. Although I mix my ‘ori’ with lavender and peppermint, lavender helps me sleep well and the peppermint is for the aches and pains in my joints. And I try to stay positive, really and truly, I try to live mindfully. I am very aware of my thoughts and actions, so I wish everyone the very best. I try not to get upset, I really just like to live a healthy life and again and I can survive on hot water and lemon. But the ‘holy books’ establish the position of men as the leaders of homes to whom women should be submissive… And I tell you, if you have a family where the father is not around, where the father is not capable of doing things,

Dr. Ama

the people you grew up who weren’t to have formal education? Yeah sure, there are some places I go, the level of success my friends of old have varies and it all depends on what people do with their lives from that moment. So some people are more successful than the others, but when you talk about financial success or other fulfillment, that also varies. I know people with unhappy marriages who are not fulfilled. If they don’t have a way out or they don’t feel they have a way out, that is some setback on its own and there are other emotional and spiritual successes. So the path for everyone is different, it’s about knowing your path, and what it is you are here to do. Since you came back from the U.S., have you met some of your old friends who are not happy? I know some people who are not as accomplished as others, yes! Have you been a life coach all your life? No, I actually became a life coach 12 years ago. I went into the coaching academy, went into the process and got certified. There’s a process for becoming a life coach, I know many people use the word “Life Coach” but truly, there is an international organisation that was ascribed to set boundaries on how we interact with people and work with our clients and others. It’s almost like psychologists; they have the association and the guidelines that they follow. We meet regularly and we have

conferences and seminars, where we talk, so there is a body for life coaches. Before you became a life coach, what were you doing? I am an educationist, and I still am. I never gave up on it, because even in life coaching, you are still teaching people, you are still educating people, whenever you get the chance to read my book, you will see that it is educationally built on the framework of coaching. What was your first degree? My first degree is in anthropology at the University of Rochester, New York, my second degree was also in anthropology, but my doctorate degree is in education from the University of Southern California, and many more. Do you practice as a school teacher? No, I don’t teach, I made a conscious decision not to be in a classroom. Why did you make such decision? It’s because I like my works to be done at a greater level, so I am always into curriculum; and coming up with the right framework for children and teachers, so I am on the other side of the fight. Would you like to partner individuals and some corporate bodies in offering life coaching? Most likely, I can’t do it all by myself, I am a strong woman, an African woman, but I can’t do it all by myself. Do you also have a life coach? I have a life coach, and I can call on her and as life coaches, we are allowed to reach out to other life coaches when we sense we also need help.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 july 2016

Figure-hugging body-con Deborah Ocheni

rom skin tight pencil skirts to figure-hugging dresses and even form-fitting high waist jeans, the body-con silhouette will have you showing off your shape if you choose to partake in the body con trend. A body-con is a figure hugging garment that clings tightly to the body. They are usually made of a lycra and polyester blend to give them enough elasticity to hug the figure smoothly. The thought of tight, figurehugging clothing probably inspires fear in the majority of women, but it shouldn't! Most body-con pieces are actually pretty flattering, due to the fact that they suck you in while smoothing out your shape.

TIPS zz Try wearing Spanx (Jessica Alba swears by them) or even high-waist sheer footless tights under anything you feel is too tight or short. zz If you're wearing a tight item of clothing, it's a good rule to balance it out with an item that is loose. zz A tight bandage dress is a great option for slim ladies but it shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be an everyday wear. zz For normal wear, it's best to decide what assets to flaunt and cover the rest. zz Flaunt minimally; when flaunting your legs and butt, keep the cleavage under wraps for a classy look. zz What you wear with your body-con is almost as important as the body-con item itself! For city chic look, pair body-con dresses with bombers, boyfriend blazers, or jean jackets. zz A thicker fabric gives more support than a very thin one and finally avoid visible pant line when wearing body-con.

Ensure that it is more about striking a balance between showing-off your hot body and keeping it classy, so choose conservative shoes when dealing with body con; think pointy high heel shoes or boots. Go dark because these styles are so form fitting, it's best to opt for a dark colour if you're feeling shy about showing your shape. Black, dark gray, brown, navy, and even deep purples and reds are all great colour choices for body-con pieces.

Instyle

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 july 2016

ACCESSORIES TO LIVE FOR

The ballet flats Deborah Ocheni

ou think you will go sloppy in flats? Never, because they are all-time classic and comfy. This comfortable piece of footwear has survived fashion trends and fit perfectly on women's feet whenever they want to stay comfortable but still want a touch of class. When you think comfort and chic, think ballet flats. They are incredibly stylish and designed to be super comfortable; that is why people are shopping for ballet flats. Ballet flats look great

when worn with skinny jeans or cropped trousers; in doing this, throw on a cable-knit sweater in a fun print, or a T-shirt and a blazer. Ballet flats work just as well for dressier moments too. A pointytoe ballet flat lends itself to more fancy occasions, and the shape of the toe helps elongate the leg, making dresses and skirts a great match for the shoes style. Ballet flats look best when you dare to bare. Team them with shorts, skirts or dresses that fall above the knee, or cropped pants that reveal your ankles. A quick application of fake tan will get your legs flash-worthy in an instant.

TIPS zz Balance is essential when combining ballet flats. If your flats are monochrome, you can be more daring and go for floral pants or jeans. zz On the other hand, if you are planning to wear ballet flats with jeans and a white shirt, a great way to give some style to your look is by adding a bit of colour with a colourful scarf. zz Elongate your legs with a pair of nude coloured ballet flats worn with bare legs, or long leggings matched to the same colour as your flats. zz When wearing cropped pants, or boyfriend jeans, roll the cuff to finish at the skinniest part of the leg above your ankles. zz A statement necklace, large cuff, bold belt, cocktail ring or bright tights can add the wow factor to the entire look.

Instyle

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 july 2016

MY STYLE

Simple but unique Ifunanya Emmnuella Igbobi is a young fashion designer with A-list clientele base; she is nominated as the most fashionable female of the year for GrandEminent Award. In this Interview with Deborah Ocheni, the ex beauty queen (Miss fashion), model manager and the CEO of Weckx design international forecast that jumpsuits will trend in the second part of 2016, her fashion philosophy, the need to dress appropriately for events and more. What is your style sense? Fashion designing is just my lifestyle, my style is very simple and at the same time unique. When it comes to fashion, would you say your physique works to your advantage? Yes it does because body physique is very important in whatever you wear. In my own case, my physique is a special attribute because it’s not everybody that can pull what I wear and come out as nice as I would. What determines the kind of outfits you wear? I am a lover of black colour and details; the event I am going for determines what I wear basically. Taken you back to your wardrobe, what king of outfits take up most space? Jumpsuits and diner wears because they work perfectly for my physique and I have them in almost all fabrics. How easily do you get your fashion items in Nigeria? I shop both locally and internationally. While shopping which fashion item catches your fancy? Jumpsuits and shoes, I am addicted to shoes. Is there any accessory that holds special appeals to you? Coral beads What is your idea of colour combo? I believe you can wear things that have to do with mixture of colours. Colours works well depending on the way you put it together. How do you love your makeup and hairdo? I am a kind of person that dress the way I want to be addressed, I love to have a perfect facial looks for a perfect dress. Do you consider any fashion item indispensable? No, everything is dispensable. Do you have a signature perfume? No I don’t Is there anything you are unlikely to be

Beauty Deborah Makoji

ow, there are many ways to get soft hair and a number of products that can help out. You can either use a conditioner to get that soft feel, or go traditional with nutrient-packed fruits and oil mixtures. Sometimes it is best to allow nature work it’s magic on your hairs so, here are two natural treatments to get soft hair. Coconut Milk Treatment This treatment can work great for your hair. It is good for pro-

caught wearing? Bikini and crazy jeans, I don’t like the shredded looks. What informed the decision of going into fashion designing? While I was growing up, I put up pieces of clothe to design something for myself. Fashion is something that I have passion for right from when I was young. How has been the experience so far? After unveiling my clothing line Weckx Deign international last year, it has been a wonderful experience, God has been faithful and the level of patronage is encouraging regardless of the nation’s economy fall. As a designer, do you have any of specialization? I deal basically in female dinner wears (couture) and casual wears. Who are your popular clients? I wouldn’t like to expose them to the public but I have the likes of Yemi Alade, Chidinma and top beauty queens. What are you offering differently from other fashion designers? There is always room for similarity in fashion but what I offer is different from what other fashion designers gives. For instance, most people believe that every red carpet show must be with dinner wears but I feel that, it is not all red carpet show you wear diner wear. I clothe people for red carpet show in a unique way that will stand them out among their co wearing diner wears. I design uniquely and gorgeous in such a way that it will suite the event you are going for while defining your personality. How did you come up with the name Weckx and what is the message behind? I am popularly known as Emyweckx, I started as a model but I am now a model manager. My dad called me the name for the first time when I designed something nice to show how impressed he was with my creation, I don’t know how he got the name but it so inspirational and I love. As a model, which crown do you have to your credit? I won Miss Fashion Nigeria and it was cool because the crown gave me the confidence that I am on the right track to break fashion records. Has fashion taken you anywhere? It has taken me to places but I cannot say I

am satisfied because I still want more. Which celebrity do you wish to clothe soon? I have a lot of them like; Beyoncee and Kim Kadashian. What inspires your various creations? Creativity and my immediate environment How do you handle difficult clients? Slow to anger is the way because some of my clients are so difficult to satisfy. What is your advice to those hopping to attain the height that you are now? You need to have a dream and work very hard to actualize the dream. Calm down, learn and believe in yourself. Is there any outfit that is likely to trend in the second half of 2016? Jumpsuits, we have different kinds jumpsuits, there are jumpsuits of 2000, 2005 and we have a whole lot of it in beautiful classy design this days so expect mo of it in the second half of this year. What do you think of Ankara? Ankara is African and there is need to promote it. Would you say government has done enough for the fashion industry? I believe the government is trying but there is room for improvement.

Facts There was a period, when Christian Louboutin shoes were available with baby blue soles. These were related with an intention to enable “something blue” for brides-to-be but was very short-lived due to certain trademark issues. Today it is common to see women and girls in short hair. But decades ago, if a woman is spotted in short hair, she was considered to be an unfaithful wife. Umbrellas were invented initially to shade people from the sun and not from the rain. Umbrellas were invented initially to shade people from the sun and not from the rain.

Natural ways to get soft hair tecting hair against the sun’s harmful ultra violet rays and is packed with fatty acids and protein to help reduce breakage and damage, while getting it soft. Ingredient • 1cup of coconut milk • 1 peeled and mashed avocado • 1 tablespoon of natural honey Usage Mix everything together, apply the mixture to hair after you have shampooed your hair and massage it into your scalp. Then wrap

your head with a small towel you may decide to pre-heat the towel in a microwave for 20 seconds) and leave on for 15 – 60 minutes. When the time is up, wash it out and style as usual. Avocado Treatment This is another great way to get soft hair. The avocado is a super fruit with hair softening, moisturising and conditioning powers. Packed with fatty acids, protein and amino acids, it will kick dryness out and save the day.

Ingredients • 1 peeled avocado • 1 egg yolk • 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil Usage Put the ingredients in a bowl and mix them together until you get a smooth mixture. After shampooing, massage the mixture into your hair all the way to your scalp and leave it in for 20 minutes. When done, rinse out and style as usual.

Interiors

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

Space saving sliding glass doors Deborah Ocheni

ave you noticed that sliding doors are back in a better form? They say that fashion is cyclic in nature and trends tend to repeat themselves once every 20 to 30 years. Do you know that the same often seems true in the case of home design as interior décor? Interior accessories and hues that were shunned in the early ’90s for a more ‘modern’ look are now making a comeback. One of the most popular trends in recent times has been the desire to turn the contemporary home

into a relaxing, personal sanctuary that is detached from the fast-paced urban jungle that surrounds it. A sliding door is a type of door which opens horizontally by sliding, usually parallel to a wall. They are usually made with glass. A move to styles such as vintage, retro and rustic is part of the major reasons why sliding doors are finding space in contemporary homes. Sliding glass doors are efficient, space saving and minimal. They are perfect for homes with minimal space since the door can close and open without being too bulky on the space. This type of door also allows a lot of

natural light that illuminates the home, as well as a lot of fresh air. They are usually large and mostly twice as large as regular doors, so it would be easy to pass through it or even move things around. The magical thing about this type of door is that it gives the impression and illusion of more space since glass creates optical illusions; they are a very great idea for small rooms to make them seem larger and comfortable. Sliding glass doors can be placed almost anywhere in a home, from a bedroom door to a bathroom door or even as a divider between a living room and a veranda.

TIPS zz For starters, the sliding door adds a unique texture to the contemporary living space that turns it into an instant focal point. zz There are different ways you can tweak the sliding door to ensure that it feels appropriate in a posh, cultured living area. Picking a door in a stain of wood that complements the colour palette in the room is a great start. zz If you already have a rustic theme going in your home, adding sliding glass doors will be made easier. zz The sliding door also saves up on precious square footage when compared to conventional doors that need additional room to swing open. zz Sliding glass door seems perfectly at home even in modern living rooms and often ends up becoming the showstopper in an otherwise monotonous setting.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 july 2016

Banky W, fan in war of words p.34

ShowBiz

Apologise, pay N5m to Okoroji –court orders Onyeka Onwenu p.35

If I act nude, mum will say they're 'following me from village' – Susan Peters Nollywood actress, Susan Peters, has stopped courting controversies as she did before she got married. The vivacious actress speaks with LANRE ODUKOYA about sundry issues including her surprise marriage, movies she’s working on and many more. How has life as a married woman been? It is a different thing entirely. The things I used to do as a single lady, I can’t do them anymore. What are some of those things you no longer do? Just the normal things you want to do as a single lady, you can’t do them because people will talk. People will say she's married. So I tend to be cautious when I do anything at all. What has marriage changed about you? Nothing! I'm just adding weight. I don’t understand. Why have you been adding weight? Are you pregnant? Huh? Why are you asking? What's your own? You will see it when it gets bigger, so wait. As an actress, what do you think should change about Nollywood? Honestly, I will give Nollywood credit because even before I joined the industry we looked up to actors that started it. Now, as the days go by, we keep growing. We are no longer in it for the money but for the recognition. You feel delighted when they say your movie is nominated and you actually win an award. And even if you don’t win, the fact that you get nominated, that’s a win for me. So I give Nollywood credit. There are still some lapses. We need not to cut corners so that we can actually achieve. If you have a low budget movie and you know you don’t have enough money to shoot it, then don’t shoot it instead of taking people on set and putting them into slavery. That's what I think. People should actually get their budget properly done and then they get their movie done because as workers we should get paid. Even the bible says that a labourer should get paid his wages. It’s in the bible.

set and they don’t get paid or they have to do some other things to get on the job. That's totally wrong. Those are the areas I think should be checked. Does your new status influence the kind of roles you take now? Not really. I'm an actress. My husband met me in the job so he should support the job. It doesn’t prevent me from doing what I used to do. The only thing is, there are some other things I would not do the way I used to when I was a single lady. That's it. But every other thing about my job still stays as it is. I take the same roles I take before. Would you act nude? I have never acted nude. That has been a ‘no-no’ for me even before I got married. That's not even it. I've never acted nude and I've never been in support of acting nude. Of course you could take off some clothes but not to the extent of going totally nude. It is not in our culture to go nude. If I try that, my mother in the village would react. She will say the people in the village have followed me to the town. So it’s not in our culture.

When you play too much, of course they will. But I'm a happy person, I'm a people's person but I could be very blunt. Don’t step on my toes because I could sting like a scorpion. What would someone do to be considered as stepping on your toes? Actually there is a whole lot. In this day and time, if you want to go by what people do, you will just keep hitting your head on the wall every day. You just need to learn to overlook some things. Because even in the house, you have people who will get on your nerves let alone outsiders. You just have to learn to let go. That's it. In the movie Sound of Poverty, you acted as a less privileged person. What message where you trying to send across? The message in that movie actually is for people not to look down on others because somebody who is poor today can be rich tomorrow. And if you have friends among your peers who are not well-to-do, you should always carry them along and don’t stab them in the back. It is a message about friendship and how it should be cherished. What are you working on now? I'm actually working on two projects right now. I’m doing a job with Rock Studios and one with Emen Isong.

People think for you, acting is all about humour… That means you don’t know who Susan Peters really is. I've got a great sense of humour. You don’t know that.

What would you say about the issue of piracy? In fact, that issue is a disease that we have to be looking for the cure every year, or every minute or every second. It's something that can't be cured. That's the truth. Even Hollywood has pirates, it’s just that our own doesn’t want us to make money when we produce our films. What do you think should be done about the menace? I think there's a whole lot in the portal at the moment because now we can take our movies to the cinemas, which is a way not to get them on CDs on time. So when it gets to the cinemas and it goes online, and then it takes a while before it comes on DVD, you must have made a bit of money. But as time goes on, I think they will find other ways to fight piracy because it's just like stealing. For somebody who steals, it will take the grace of God for that person to actually stop stealing. It’s really affecting us. Because of them, we can’t put our movies out in the market properly. We have to put them out in bits. What does 2016 hold for you? 2016 started slow. The Buhari economics is affecting everybody and we are hoping that the change has come to stay and it will get better. It is still early in the year so we have a long way to go. We are hoping that as time goes on, things will turn around for good. Specifically, what are some of the things you would want the government to focus on? They should hasten up with all the promises they made to the people because they promised change. I know the government is doing its best but they should try harder. It appears Nollywood is more celebrated in other countries than in Nigeria. What is your take on this? I think we need to do more of awareness for our own kind of movies. Those days, we didn’t watch TV series but nowadays they are coming up and we are into it. The two jobs I'm working on are TV series. Losing Control is a TV series, same goes for Husbands of Lagos. And they are very interesting. There are other people too producing TV series, so if we have lots of content coming out, people will want to watch. It is because we don’t have much going on in that regard that people watch Telemundo and stuffs like that.

But don’t people take you for granted?

Are you saying some producers owe you? No, they do not owe me but there are lots of stories about people who go on

Susan

20 Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

Vibes come only with live performances –Sound Sultan earned him plaudits Olanrewaju Fasasi, a.k.a. Sound Sultan’s strides have writer, actor, comedian as a frontline hip hop act. He is a rapper, singer, song the lure of commerce, his and recording artiste. Not one to wax albums for rs continue to resonate songs like ‘Jagbajantis’, ‘Prayer’, ‘Orobo’ among othe ODUKOYA with his cult-like fan base. He speaks to LANRE about his evergreen repertoire and recent works. Why did you decide to be part of the ‘One Africa Music Fest’ concert? I decided to be part of the concert because I’m not a hater; because I like working for money and again, I’m African and I’m proud. I have been dreaming and fantasising about this kind of thing forever. I have my show. The first time I performed in the United States it was somewhere in Manhattan; they call the place Soubise. I would like people to Google Soubise and you will find out that the best performers in the world have performed in that place. This form of concert is something I have been craving for and I’m glad we have one now. How do you like performances, live music or the DJ mix? I am a lover of live music performance because through that you appreciate the artiste handling the microphone so much; my love for live music cannot be measured; it makes you loosen up and connect with the audience much better than when you do the regular DJ mix. What’s your take on people who are of the opinion that live music is dead in Nigeria? Let me say something: When you say live music is dead, it is not true. Live music will be live music forever; live music cannot be dead. If you don’t bring it to the forefront, it’s still there living somewhere. There are lots of places that if you want to listen to live music, you can get them you know, so if you are not putting it on a major show, it’s all loss. You know for me as an artiste, I do not feel myself when I perform without my band, I do not feel myself, I’m not inspired, I’m not motivated and I feel like I’m short-changing the people listening to me. So for me, I would rather play live music. Your kind of music is usually timeless, how have you been able to achieve that? It all boils down to God’s blessing and favour over me and my career in the past years and now. If I say I can explain how I have been able to do it, it is all lies. Allah has been very wonderful to me.

Sound Sultan

How do you feel with the reception since the release of your song ‘Hello Baale’? That song is like six years old and I brought it back to life with a video and that song was released on

my album, “Back from the Future”. So anybody that can think deep will understand that I came through 2016 in 2010 to make a song and I sold it to you in 2010 you didn’t like it and then I said ‘I will wait for you in the future for you to gravitate towards it and understand it’ and that’s how my music is. And here it is, everyone likes it in 2016. What about Naija Ninjas, it’s not as vibrant as it used to be, why? Naija Ninjas, I just feel that everybody has the time. For my artistes, everybody is working really hard, like my new artistes, Cam or Blaka. Blaka has a new video out featuring Iyanya and a young girl. It’s a very wonderful video. And I have something in the works that I don’t want to disclose yet, that people will find out much later. Of course, our music production was wonderful. It sold, we must say that we made money from our music. Are you pushing the brand as you ought to? What brand? The Naija Media brand especially the music brand Do you mean the record label? Yes, the record label…. I want you to understand that the label is more of an incubator. By the time we get the full service of what we are trying to work, you would have forgotten that you were dancing to Sound Sultan. Most of the artistes I’m grooming now, I don’t want to start making noise about them. Let your work speak for you; I always tell people, do not make noise but let your work speak for you. It is very delicate for the interviewer to say ‘ha I don’t know when so and so happened’. You have to go sieve information because if you have your DJ playing 120 songs per minute, you will never hear my music, that’s what I will say. You need to on your own do a research, and I cannot overstretch the emphasis on the fact that you already know that music is one dimensional in Nigeria right now. After your joint movie with your brother ‘Head Gone’, any plan for another movie production? I just gave people the information on our work, ‘Hello Baale’, and people were like, ‘wow’. My brother is in Sweden. He should be back soon and we will start production later in the year hopefully. Head Gone is just a stepping stone, you will definitely be getting more from us.

Clinton’O drops visuals for new single, Story

Riding on the wide acceptance his single, Story, has garnered, budding artiste, Clinton Adewale Ajose, better known as Clinton’O, has shot a video for the track. According to the UK-based artiste, who had a brief hiatus from the industry, his return is fuelled by a desire to concentrate on furthering his music career. Backed by Cool Records, Clinton’O describes his style of music as The Afro R&B, a genre which reflects in the new track. Story, also the title of his debut album, which features Nigerian super producer, Coublon, follows the sojourn of the young artiste from his childhood in the streets of Lagos to doing music in faraway Manchester in

the UK. “I enjoyed working with Coublon. I really think he will be the one to cement and solidify my sound. I believe the key influence in my music was derived from my childhood environment of Shita/ Surulere where I grew up with my two siblings. That era exposed me to Fuji music. Every other day, it was King Ayinde Wasiu. I didn’t know it at the time, but I do now,” he said. He also revealed that collaborators on the Story album project are Leeds and Manchester-based producer, Victor Oyewole and Solid Sound, among others, who will be credited upon the completion of the project.

Shot in locations around Lagos, the video is directed by Mex and, according to the artiste, this spices up the lyrics of the song. Apart from music, the multitalented entertainer is also a painter and a footballer. “I’ve done a couple of things I am proud of. From putting together an exhibition to playing for The University of Bolton football team; but when you are of a certain age you know what’s yours and what’s not. I’ll always remain a visual artist, that’s a part of my creativity that needs to be expressed but I’ll be hanging my boots and picking up the mic,” he added. His previously released singles include the club banger, Something Else.

Clinton'O

Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 july 2016

Moriento: I was paid N2, 000 for my first show Though emerging singer, Ifeoluwa Daniel Ayeni who prefers to be called Moriento in showbiz, still has a long way to go, he is certain he has what it takes to dominate the industry. The Philosophy graduate of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba, Ondo State, speaks with Saturday Telegraph Why did you venture into music? I started music at a very tender age. I discovered I was passionate about music and it was what I enjoyed doing at all times. My mother told me that as a child I loved to express myself - my thoughts and emotions through music. In primary school too, Command Children School, Kaduna, I was always with sticks, miming, singing and drumming. It continued like that. What kind of music do you do? This is hard to answer. I am exploring creative writing, which puts me in a rapper/songwriter category. However, I see myself as a ‘chameleon,’ which is probably the best description for me. I always delve into multiple genres and I can sing and use my voice in different ways. I enjoy making traditional songs, music that takes me into myself and allows deep expression. Interpretation of good

Moriento

music is exciting to me, it could be rap, hip hop, highlife or R&B. How do you get inspiration to make music? I find it quite easy to compose songs. If there is something you love doing and you keep doing it, it becomes part of you after sometime. For instance, if you are a mechanic and you keep doing the job properly, after some years, you would be able to disassemble t h e e n gine of a car

and reassemble it. So I can put up good lyrics anytime. There was a day my CEO sent a beat to me and asked me to work on it. After listening to the instrumental, I wrote the lyrics, recorded it on the phone and sent it to him. The next day, we went to the studio and did the song. That’s just one instance. Mostly, I get inspiration from my own immediate environment. How did you come about your stage name, Moriento? The name ‘Moriento’ was given to me some years ago by a close female friend, a Latino. She called me ‘Moriento’ whenever we were together. Out of curiosity, I asked her the meaning and she said it was a name for attractive and sexy black men in Spain. I fell in love with the name from then.

before he died. Unlike other kids, my parents were not against my music. But the support didn’t come without the usual condition of having good grades in school. What have been the challenges doing music? Like every other brand, the major challenge is promoting my songs, which is all about finances and logistics. The journey has not been easy because in Nigeria you need a lot of money to make music. The first time I got paid for performing was when I was still an undergraduate. I was paid N2, 000. There was a time I received N20, 000 too. Since Chibana Entertainment signed me, there has been a difference. They get me quality studios, I work with top class performers and I get my job done by A-list producers and sound engineers. Though I still face some challenges, it can’t be compared with my situation before now. Who are your friends in the industry? I like everyone, both young and old. I recently featured Joe El of Kennis Music on a track I would be releasing later this month. He has been nice to me. When he listened to my song, he said I sounded like the American rapper, Jay Rule. I like to listen to songs from other artistes like 2Baba, Vector, Falz, Wizkid, Davido, Patoranking, Yemi Alade and many others.

How did your parents react to your decision to do music? My family members are huge fans and very supportive. Though my mother is no more, she believed in my ability and understood me well. She liked to see me performing. My mother wanted to do music not far from Christianity. She always advised me that I should let my music be unique. My father before he passed away was sceptical about the music industry. There was a time he called me and said he didn’t want me to focus only on music because musicians were not respected in the society. But he later gave me his blessings

Can you tell us about your new single? The song is my debut since joining Chibana Entertainment. ‘Aye Dun' is a combination of two Yoruba words, which means ‘life is sweet.’ The track is a rendition of my life, my struggles, my dreams and aspirations. The song is to tell people that life is good if we live it well and in the right manner. I’m working ahead for my forthcoming album, but I’ve got two singles lined up for release later this month. Where do you hope to be in the next five years? I am driven to be the best at what I do. Chibana Entertainment has been helpful by providing an environment where I have the opportunity to develop my skills and build my career. My goal right now is to keep pushing myself beyond any limits, keep breaking all barriers and overcoming obstacles. I see myself as a brand who is going to promote African heritage and push out strong messages from Africa to the world. I also see myself giving back to the society that has shaped me by helping the poor, orphans and the less privileged. I advise young musicians like myself to believe in their dreams because challenges are bound to come their way to the top.

O u t &A b o u t

Eight Lagos films for Toronto Film Festival in September Eight films produced by Lagos-based directors would be showcased at the Toronto Film Festival, which is scheduled to hold between September 8 and 18 in Toronto, Canada. Addressing journalists in Alausa, Lagos, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the eight films do not necessarily have to be about Lagos. He said, “The importance is that the selected films must be by filmmakers who are based in Lagos. We are only interested in the creativity and the talent you are exhibiting as a Lagos-based filmmaker.” He, however, stressed that Lagos State government was fully involved in any collaboration to celebrate the city and market its potential. “What this government policy implies is that it would promote any initiative that projects Lagos as the home of film making in Nigeria and before the entire world,” Ayorinde said. On his part, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Folorunsho FolarinCoker, said the ‘good development’ was in line with government’s policy that entertainment could be used to create employment and improve revenue generation in the state. “This falls clearly in line with Governor Ambode’s mantra of THESE which stands for Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Sports for Excellence.” Speaking on the decision to spotlight the films and Lagos at the festival, the Artistic Director, TIFF, Mr. Cameron Bailey, said much of the films produced in Lagos had not been showcased in Toronto, explaining that the idea was to seize the opportunity of this year’s festival to begin a new dawn for Nigerian films and filmmakers. “We have had films like Tunde Kelani’s ‘Abeni’ at the festival and ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’, a collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. But I think this is an opportunity to do more and to go bigger. So, what we are doing this year is a spotlight on the filmmakers who live and work in Lagos. We have been so impressed with the ingenuity and creativity of individual filmmakers who have made the Nigerian film industry one of the largest on the planet,” Bailey said. Though the Nigerian film business has gone global, Bailey noted that the next step was to fully integrate it into the international film industry. He added that the selection process of the eight films were still ongoing.

Wasiu Alabi Pasuma to celebrate ‘Eid al-Fitr’ in London Fuji music star, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, has been in the United Kingdom since Ramadan fasting began. It has however been confirmed that he would headline an Eid al–Fitr show in London before returning to Nigeria Billed to hold on July 7 at Unit 2 CLIWOM Building, 709 Old Kent Road, London, the event is packaged by UK leading entertainment outfit, BnS promotion. Muslims in the UK and fans of the selfstyled Oganla of Fuji music are expected to grace the event.

Pan African soccer tournament on July 16

Afro Music Festival is set to hold a soccer tournament tagged Pan African Soccer Tournament on Saturday, July 16, at USC Brittingham Intramural Field , Los Angeles, United States

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Social Media Craze TravelTourism Trending

Gist

Photos Controversies

Anita Okoye is a proud woman

nita Okoye, wife of Psquare‘s Paul Okoye, took to her Instagram page to share how she quit her job this year to embark on some personal projects. Anita shared the statement with a photo, saying: “This quote

Anita and Psquare

resonates with me because at the beginning of 2016, I found myself unfulfilled in my 9-5. Life was a bit robotic, mundane. I felt limited. I never knew I would be an entrepreneur, but I knew I didn’t want to be sitting behind a desk all day. The creative in me wanted some shine and I had to answer. Quitting my job, was a huge risk, financially and psychologically. I swapped my high heels & blazers for sneakers and hard hats. I have no regrets, no looking back. I’ve been taking it one day at a time, it’s not been easy, but I’m nearly ready to reveal my new projects”. Paul and Anita Okoye held their star-studded traditional wedding on March 22, 2014, in Port Harcourt. 10 months later, they made it legal at the Ikoyi Registry, Lagos, on January 22, 2015. The union is so far blessed with a son, Andrea, who was born on April 11, 2013.

Banky W, fan in war of words

P Anita

opular Nigerian music star and E.M.E record label boss, Bankole Wellington aka Banky W, on Tuesday engaged in a twitter fight with one of his fans identified simply as Omo Alhaja. The fan on Twitter seemed to have taken offence with Banky W’s recent radio interview with Urban96FM. Banky revealed to everyone the type of woman he liked to spend the rest of his life with . He said: “I am fine with being single and not in a hurry to walk the aisle. I think people don’t give much attention to marriage but the ceremonies and I am not going to let that push me until I am ready. My kind of woman is someone that is beautiful, she has to be

Kaffy at 36

In pregnancy, Ivie Okujaye looks gorgeous

hough Nollywood actress, Ivie Okujaye, only shared some photos on Instagram to reveal that she and her hubby were expecting a baby girl, it is hard to ignore how beautiful she looks despite being heavy. The would-be mother took to the social media platform with photos of her cradling her bump. She captioned one of the images: “Our very own Baby Girl! We can barely contain our excitement as we prepare for her arrival!! #GodisAmazing *SugarSpice &EverythingNice* #ChildhoodBestFriends #FriendsForever #BabyGirl #Family #GirlChild #MummyToBe #DaddyToBe.“ She captioned her last post, “#Avizzle #BabyGirl … just have to say a big big thank you to God. It’s been an extremely easy breezy fit healthy experience and I do not take it for granted. True story, God Rocks!!! And I’m rocking behind him in my sneakers” Okujaye was married to her husband in the Abuja home of her parents On April 17, 2015.

beautiful because that is what will first attract me to her and she must be God fearing. She must have a sense of humor and be independent. She must love music, she mustn’t necessarily know how to cook because I enjoy cooking myself. She should be ambitious, have a career and have her money. No one wants a lazy woman.” His fan, Omo Alhaja, took to his Twitter handle, saying: “I overheard you that, you can’t marry a normal person, a girl from poor or low background. If you truly said that, you are a big fool.” Banky W immediately took to his Twitter account to reply his fan. “I didn’t…but you’re a bigger fool for jumping to conclusions, believing everything you hear and tweeting me this crap,” he reacted angrily.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

igerian leading dancer, Kafayat Shafau-Ameh aka Kaffy, marks her birthday on Thursday with a sexy photo. With the image, she wrote: “I thank God for another year. I thank God for another opportunity to look at the world ahead of me stoop, project, focus, aim and conquer!! I thank God for sustaining my life, giving me more opportunities to make others happy, appreciate His presence, His power and essence. My life is a testimony of God’s grace as every step of my existence has His imprint. Here I am everyone, I celebrate with you the day God gave me as a gift to humanity and that is what we all are. We are precious in His sight. Happy birthday to me and all born in this great month of June.” The 36-year-old mother of two who shot to fame in 2006 after setting a Guinness World Record also shared a birthday cake on the photo-sharing, videosharing social media platform.

Kaffy

2 july 2016

Ivie

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Young Telegraph

TOPIC

2 JULY 2016

with DEBORAH OCHENI

With love and understanding

Marrying an older spouse

Age is nothing

Age is nothing but a number. Age really does not matter but maturity and understanding are crucial, but I personally prefer someone that is older than me

Yes I can if there is love and understanding, age is not a yardstick for marriage. BLESSING IGWE

CATHERINE ONEH

He must be older than me

If there is love and understanding

Yes, so long as there's love, understanding and respect. She must see me as her husband and not her younger brother.

I will if the guy is older since am a lady but I cannot marry a guy I am older than. He must be older than me, so that I can respect him.

ODE JOHN

ACHENYO PEACE

Age is not a barrier

If I am treated like an elder one

I am not too comfortable marrying somebody that is older than me but if that is the will of God, age is not a barrier.

I can marry someone that is older than me if she treats me like his age mate or her elder one. I hate it when wives brag to their husbands that they are not age mate.

PRINCE JAY DANIEL

UDALE NOAH

If the love is real…

Why not?

It is all about love; age has no bearing where there is real love. life is all about personal interest. As for me, just pour your love on me and forget about the age.

Why not, I can marry somebody that is older than me but not an old man at any rake. The age difference should not be too much.

MAKOLO MARK

The older the better

Yes I can marry an older spouse; I prefer them to the junior ones because they are mature in their dealings. ELIJAH EZE

MERCY OBASI

It’s an avenue to learn

Yes I can, it’s even better because he knows so many things that you don’t know and that will be an avenue for you to learn about life and other things. OCHENI GRACE

Special Features

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

Six days after suspected pipeline vandals unleashed mayhem on residents of Imushin, Ita-Oluwo along Ogijo, on the outskirts of Ikorodu, they swooped on the neighbouring Elepete, Igbo-Olomu and other border communities of Lagos and Ogun states, turning the environs into a bloodbath. ISIOMA MADIKE, who just returned from a tour of the areas, reports that the neighbourhoods are now under siege as the people and the security agents dispatched to keep peace now live with their hands in their mouths

or the peaceful and agrarian communities in the border of Lagos and Ogun states, fear seems to have taken a permanent residency in the neighbourhoods. Since the first attack of the localities which claimed about 15 persons on June 17, many residents had fled their homes. The matter was made worse after the second and most deadly massacre in which over 50 souls were feared dead within the villages. The vicinities are today a shadow of what they used to be. They are now ghost areas. The affected villages are Oke Muti, Elepete, Ajegunle, Ola Imam, Ereko junction, Igbo-Olomu, Pakisa and Magbon. All commercial activities are grounded in the settlements as schools, churches and mosques are locked. Also, under lock and key are shops and markets. The 18 villages making up Imushin are currently deserted. A source in one of the communities, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a large number of the victims were landlords. “They have also scared away others who have come to help us develop these places. As you can see, a few of us who have the courage to hang around now live in fear. And those that ran away are refusing to return for fear of being attacked the second time. In fact, people have fled their homes; they appear at night to loot our properties. Other rough boys

AFTER ELEPETE/IGBO-OLOMU MASSACRE

Ijaw militants took some corpses away –Eyewitness within the areas have also capitalise on the crisis to join in the looting of properties and other valuables. “Of course, their fears are not misplaced; the suspected pipeline vandals appear and disappear at will, especially at night. In most cases they engage the security agents who are stationed here to maintain peace in gun duel. We are now like people in a war zone,” said one of the Community Development Association (CDA) leaders of Elepete, who refused his name in print for fear that the attackers might come after him. Following the tension occasioned by the killings, curfew has been imposed from six in the morning to six in the evening in the affected areas. No one goes to the communities for fear of being caught in the middle of gun battle. Even Okada riders run from the localities as they claimed some of their members lost their lives when they were caught unknowingly in the cross fire.

For the few who may be willing to risk going to the communities, they charge almost three times the normal fare. There are four mobile police checkpoints scattered within the vicinities. The few people that mill around the area, are searched to their bones. “We do that because this people appear like any other person in the communities. But behind their innocent looks are ulterior motives. They usually hid guns and other dangerous weapons. So, we are being very courteous. “They have been attacking us since we are posted here. In fact, we are pleading with the authorities to beef up the security here so as to give the people the confidence to return to their homes. Any day we live here is a bonus, kind of. We are also humans with families too and have blood running in us,” one of the mobile policemen on sentry, who craved anonymity, told this reporter. The fear, however, was not enough

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JUly 2016

Interview Why I can never be a coach, businessman – Oyedeji p.27

Sport Splash

Global EURO 2016: Germany coach not wary of nemesis Italy p.28

Super Eagles' Moses Simon (left)

Idah: Current Eagles can be as strong as 1994 set if… Charles Ogundiya

x-international, Peterside Idah, has said the current crop of Super Eagles players can be as strong as the 1994 golden generation if only the country can get a good coach that will help them achieve their potential. The former goalkeeper of the Super Eagles says the country is blessed and is beginning to have some great players coming up, who are young and very hungry for results. “We are blessed with a lot of talents, we have players that are now doing well in Europe and all we need is to find someone that will harness those talents and put them together,” he said. “I have been having a long fight with the Nigeria Football Federation, this is the time for them to do the right thing, they need to get us a good coach and make sure the players are happy.” He expressed the belief that the Super Eagles could qualify for the world cup despite the group of death the country finds herself. The South Africa-based football pundit said the group was called the group of death because of the presence of top nations that included Nigeria. According to him, the Super Eagles are still a force to reckon with in African football and that the administrators just have to do the right thing for the country's national team to achieve success.

The Team Ajibade Olusesan l Co-ordinator

Charles Ogundiya l Correspondent

•Says Nigeria will qualify for 2018 World Cup •Tells NFF to sort the issues of coach, logistics out fast He also called on the NFF to quickly get a coach for the national team whether a foreign coach or a local one because the qualifiers are just around the corner. He however advised them to resign if they continue to cry about lack of funds to hire a coach or prepare the team for the World Cup qualifiers. He said: “We have the team to qualify for the World Cup. I think we can qualify from that group. It was termed group of death because Nigeria is in the group. “We still remain a super power in football not minding the fact that we have not qualified for the last two AFCON, we are still one of the best nations in Africa. We can surely qualify. “I never believe in foreign coaches, but when you speak with the people in-charge they said we don’t have a good coach in the country, they are in charge of the game so they know what they are saying, but mine is we just need to qualify. “If you have a coach that will help us to qualify, then bring him fast. The responsibility of those in charge is to manage the sport, so they must source for funds to pay the coach and prepare the team. “They were elected to lead and if they cannot, they should resign; if as a leader you cannot lead, you cannot source for funds, you cannot source for sponsors, then you resign. “When you are elected to run an

organisation, it is all because of belief and trust, they must look for money. The issue of no money should not come up, they must cut their coat according to their size and get us a coach that will take us to the World Cup.” The former goalkeeper turned-pastor also said to really make the qualifiers easy for the team, the issue of home ground must be sorted out immediately. He said playing in Kaduna today, Port Harcourt the next day, does not allow for the players to play very well. Idah added that with most of the national team players currently playing in Europe, it would be difficult for them to cope with the harsh weather encountered during home games. He is of the opinion that with victories in all the home games and a few points away from home, the Super Eagles will be in Russia. “Firstly we must have a venue for our home games, the issue of moving from one state to another should stop; the players must be comfortable where they are going to play their home matches. “If we want to be playing in Port Harcourt, Calabar or anywhere, it must be concluded now. When we get the venue right, then we make sure we win all our home games and pick a few points away from home, we will Idah definitely top the group.”

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JUly 2016

Nigerian League Rendezvous BY CHARLES OGUNDIYA

NPFL LEAGUE TABLE Team

PTS

1 Wikki

2 Rangers

3 Rivers Utd

4 Kano Pillars

5 Sunshine

6 Enyimba

7 Akwa Utd

8 Abia Warriors

-3

9 Lobi Stars

10 IfeanyiUbah

-1

11 El-Kanemi

-2

12 MFM FC

-1

13 Warri Wolves

-4

14 Nasarawa Utd

-5

15 Tornadoes

-3

16 Shooting

-11

17 Heartland

-4

18 Plateau Utd

-6

19 Ikorodu Utd

-19

20 Giwa FC

Wikki Tourists Nura Mohammed (right) vying for the ball with Heartland’s Ogbugh in a recent league game

MATCHDAY 25

Wikki, Rangers in top of the table battle T he Nigeria Professional football League MatchDay 25 will witness a great battle between the two top teams on the table, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi and Enugu Rangers, in what promises to be an explosive battle. Wikki currently top the league table with 41 points after 23 matches and a victory against second placed Rangers, who are just two points behind, will see the Bauchibased side increasing their lead at the top. There was clamour by football fans for the match to be shown live on television to reduce bad officiating as the match is very crucial to the integrity of the League Management Company. The Lagos State derby between MFM and Ikorodu United will come up at the Agege Stadium on Sunday as the Olukoya

Boys begin their three games behind closed door punishment. The club was punished by the LMC after their last home game against Shooting stars of Ibadan ended in chaos. For Ikorodu United, the battle for survival continues as they are currently bottom of the league table with 13 matches till the end of the season. The club recently appointed former Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorunmu, as one of their assistant coaches. IfeanyiUbah will be home against Sunshine Stars of Akure, and they will be buoyed by their 2-2 away draw against Shooting Stars of Ibadan in their last game. Sunshine will however bank on the form of striker, Dele Olorundare, to wreak havoc on their hosts on Sunday.

Nasarawa Utd vs Rivers Utd IfeanyiUbah vs Sunshine MFM vs Ikorodu Utd Enyimba vs El-Kanemi Lobi vs Heartland Akwa Utd vs Kano Pillars Abia Warriors vs Plateau Utd Wikki vs Rangers Tornadoes vs Warri Wolves

Rivers United will travel to Lafia to keep a date with Nasarawa United while Lobi Stars will play host to Heartland of Owerri. Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves will slug it out at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, with Enyimba also hosting El-Kanemi Warriors in a mustwin game for the People’s Elephant after their CAF Champions League loss against Mamelodi Sundowns. Former champions Kano Pillars will travel to Uyo for their game against Akwa United with Abia Warriors hosting Plateau United in the other match.

Enyimba to focus on the league – Anyansi •As commissioner promises N completion of Aba Stadium soon PFL defending champions, Enyimba of Aba, will be focusing more on how to move up on the league table after losing their second game in the CAF Champions League. According to their chairman, Felix Anyansi, they are returning to the league this weekend to get the maximum points at stake. Enyimba will be hosting El-Kanemi Warriors on Sunday and a win in that game will push them up the league table. The champions currently occupy the 6th position on the table. “We can’t continue to dwell on the loss in South Africa, the players need to gear up for the task ahead,” Anyansi said. “They must get the maximum points starting from our home game against El-Kanemi.

They can do it and I have told them that we are down but not out of the Champions League.” Meanwhile the Abia State’s Commissioner for Sports, Chinwe Nwanganga, has said the Aba Stadium will be completed soon for the team to return back home. He also promised the support of the government for the team despite lack of funds in the country. Nwanganga said: “The major problem delaying it is funds, nobody wants the team to play outside of Aba, because it is not doing

the team any good not even the fans too. “God willing, between now and August, we will be able to finance the project very well and Enyimba will return to Aba. “The management lacked nothing; despite the paucity of funds, at the government level we are still doing our best to make sure the team excels.”

Platinum, top NPFL clubs seek Nigerian star's signature Charles Ogundiya

he profile of Nigerian Star, Olajide Taiwo, continues to rise in far away South Africa as some top clubs in the country are looking forward to signing the youngster. Currently with second division side, Young Stars, the former Remo Stars player scored 12 goals in all competition for the club in the recently concluded 2015/2016 Vodacom League season. According to his manager, Makhosini Soganile, he is already in discussions with PSL side, Platinum FC, as they seek to sign the player for the new season. Soganile also revealed that some Nigeria Professional Football League sides were also asking about the player with a view to signing him. “We are in serious discussions with Platinum although newly promoted FC Baroka are also asking questions about him,” he said. “Some top clubs from Nigeria are also thinking of signing him on till the end of the season, but we are looking at the best place for him where he can develop his game.” Taiwo started his playing career at a tender age of 15 when he Gateway Feeders in 2008 before moving to Ikosi Isheri Football Club, a Lagos State Junior League side. He had the opportunity of teaming up with t English Premier League side, Manchester United, in 2011 when he joined Taiwo their youth team, but his inability to secure a work permit however stopped the deal after spending nine months in England. He went back to England in 2013 and was on the verge of signing for S h e ff i e l d United, but the issue of work permit again put paid to the deal. Since coming to South Africa however, he has been performing beyond expectations and was named the most committed player of his club recently. “I am just enjoying my game for now and hopefully get something better,” he said. “Every player’s dream is to play in Europe, although I was disappointed when the Manchester deal failed to materialise, but I know God knows best for me.”

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JUly 2016

Why I can never be a coach, businessman – Oyedeji Olumide Oyedeji is the longest-serving basketball player in the Nigerian national team; he has been in D’Tigers team since 1997 and led the team to their first ever Afrobasket championship title in 2015. He has played in the NBA with Seattle SuperSonics and Orlando Magic; he has also featured in the Greek, Russian, South Korean, Spanish and Chinese leagues among others. He is currently with London Lions in the British Basketball League. The former Ebun Comets player, In this interview with SEKINAT OLAIYA, said the Nigerian side could shock the world at the forthcoming Rio 2016 Olympics. How has the journey of basketball been for you over the years? First of all, I give glory to almighty God for the journey so far; it’s not by my might or power, it’s by His grace. I thank God for an injury-free career, although I had been here and there, I didn’t have a big injury that would set me back in my career. I have been so blessed, I acquired all I have through basketball. God has given me everything in my life, name, fame, security and a wonderful family. Could you rate Nigeria’s chances in the basketball event of the forthcoming Olympic Games? I think Nigeria's chances are bright, we just have to have a certain preparation, more support and motivation, and when players are motivated, we will definitely do our best. On current form, who are the players to drive Nigeria? The players that would drive Nigeria are everywhere; we are determined, vocal, dedicated and unique right now. At the last Olympics, Nigeria lost ‘ridiculously’ to the United States of America, what is the missing thing in African teams compared to the West? I will say that was not our day; the Americans were dominant in the game because that was their day. The Brazilians were beaten 7-1 by Germany at the last football World Cup and can we say Brazil was bad; it was not just their day and these things happen in sports. We have played against Argentina who were number seven in the world, we have played some teams who are number five and six and we lost maybe by three points. So, the game against the U.S should not be used to rate us. To be in top 12 in the world and make it to the Olympics was a great achievement. What’s your personal expectation; would you retire after the game or you are going into business? I am not going into business, I am not a businessman and I can never be one. I love this sport with passion, I love basketball, and I probably want to administer the sport after my retirement. My hands are full right now, my foundation is already a job, I want to invest my time in the future of the young boys and girls, I want to give life and hope to the underprivileged ones through my foundation. Providing a helping hand to the underprivileged probably is going to be my chance to take

Nigerian basketball to the next level. Right now my hands are full, I am a FIBA executive member, I am a Nigerai Olympic Committee stakeholder, I am a Laurel ambassador. My hands are full right now and I would love to keep doing my humanitarian job. I would keep changing lives and investing in the future. Recently, the Spanish embassy denied the female national team visas to participate at the FIBA U-16 World Cup; we had this kind of problem even during your time, what is your take on this? I don’t know if it is a crime to have a green passport. Is it a crime to be a Nigerian? Unfortunately most athletes have been treated shabbily, treated like crap by the embassies. For example, there was an athlete who was supposed to go for the Olympic qualifying tournament in Turkey, she was denied a visa and look at what our athletes go through when they want to go to Europe or South America for a tournament or whatever, they can’t get visas, it is sad because we use sports to promote the image of this country. What are our legislators, our people out there, and the ministry of foreign affairs doing? Is it because the majority of them have official passports? What about other people that don’t have? The people that actually

I don’t know if it is a crime to have a green passport. Is it a crime to be a Nigerian? Unfortunately most athletes have been treated shabbily, treated like crap by the embassies

deserve official passports don’t have them; those who are investing their lives, future in this country. Those people in government will say they are serving the country are getting paid, they get pension. A player gets no pension after they have used him in his youthful years to serve this country. When would their country serve them? So, this is a problem. Some people will sit in their offices and embezzle money, steal allowances of players and athletes and make them suffer and sadly these individuals still get pension, they still have diplomatic passports. The embassy situation is really ridiculous because the hope of these youngsters has been dashed. They have been working on this for the past years after Madagascar Cup looking for this platform to go out there to showc a s e

their talent but that was cut short. The embassy was talking about human trafficking while the NBBF gave them everything they requested for. I think the lawmakers need to look into this but sorry to say I don’t think they really care about what these kids are going through, it is a shame we are folding our arms looking as if nothing happened. Do we have legislators, ministry of foreign affairs? Did they know or read about this in the newspapers, and what action have they taken? Somebody who wants to serve a country has just been denied such opportunity and when the country is expected to step in, that did not happen; we can’t continue like this, it has to stop. They just have to investigate this; they should stop embarrassing Nigerian basketball. This is heartbreaking for these kids are tomorrow’s future. Now you denied them of what they deserve; if these children are your children, how will you feel? Do you intend relocating permanently to Nigeria after your retirement? Sure, but not to play. I have been playing professional basketball out there for so long and I will come back home soon but not to play in Nigeria again; there is no place like home. I am coming back home to give back to the youth. On a lighter note, you are handsome, tall, dark, you have fame, not just in Nigeria, but in the world, so how have CONTINUed on PAGE 31

Oyedeji

Wenger

Wenger. “He’s been working in this country for over 20 years so he knows our game, our players and how we want to approach the game as well, if not better, than anyone.

urprise Euro 2016 quarter-finalists Iceland want a fairytale ending to their run, like the one that Leicester City enjoyed when they stunned the soccer world by clinching the Premier League title this season, team coaches said on Wednesday. Leicester, with no big

Leicester City," Iceland joint coach Heimir Hallgrimsson told reporters. "They played on their strengths and we are trying to play on our strengths. "There is the same team spirit in both teams. We are willing to work for each other." While Iceland had already exceeded expecta-

Underdogs look to emulate Leicester

iverpool legend Robbie Fowler has urged Football Association bigwigs to snap up Arsene Wenger. England are searching from a new manager following the Three Lions' shocking Euro 2016 campaign. Roy Hodgson quit in the aftermath of his side's dismal 2-1 defeat against Iceland on Monday. And Fowler, who was capped 26 time for his country, believes Wenger is the answer. “Roy Hodgson quit in the aftermath of his side's dismal 2-1 defeat against Iceland on Monday” “I’m not one of those people who thinks the England manager must be English and it’s encouraging to hear the FA saying that they will consider a foreign manager," he told oddschecker. "I know we’ve been down that route before with Sven Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello but I really think the best man for this job now is Arsene

Fowler backs Wenger for England job

G Germany will

ermany's dismal record against Italy in major tournaments is not a source of trauma for the world champions, who will face their international nemesis in the Euro 2016 last eight, coach Joachim Loew said on Tuesday. The Germans, who are four-time world champions and have also won three continental crowns, have always lost to Italy in World Cups and Euro knockout rounds, including in the 1970 World Cup last four, the 1982 World Cup final, a 2006 World Cup semi-final and a Euro 2012 semi-final. The 2012 defeat was under Loew and was especially bitter, with the Germans, favourites at the time, exiting the competition following a 2-0 loss to the Italians. "We have never beaten them

Howedes:

in a tournament but we have no Italy trauma," Loew said. "I do not rate the past too much. "They are now a different team. That's all cold coffee. A fresh espresso is better and I hope it tastes better on Saturday," he said, taking a sip from his own coffee. Italy advanced to the last eight with a 2-0 victory over holders Spain on Monday. Loew, who led Germany to the 2014 World Cup title, said his players, who beat Italy 4-1 in a friendly in March, would be fully fit and rested when they faced the Italians in Bordeaux. "We don't fear them. We know what we can do and if we do it then we have a good chance to win it," said the coach.

Germany coach not wary of nemesis Italy

EURO 2016

Nice, was close to signing with Sevilla but the two French newspapers reiterated that PSG is in fact closer to hiring the services of the Frenchman.

Ben Arfa

Subotic

otic joining Liverpool have slashed making the Red’s favourites to sign the 21 year-old according to popular German bookmakers Bwin.

Liverpool favourites to land Subotic urgen Klopp’s former defender at Borussia Dortmund, Neven Subotic, has confirmed he’ll be leaving the club and after a series of overnight bets in Germany the bookies now see Liverpool as favourites to sign the player. While Sunderland are also interest in the Serbian, Liverpool were also linked with the player in January.

Beck

est Ham are said to be interested in making a move for Besiktas right-back Andreas Beck, according to Eurosport. Hammers boss

Slaven Bilic has been locked in talks with his former employers at Besiktas regarding signing both Gokhan Tore and Atiba Hutchinson but has now added Andreas Beck’s name to his wish-list. The 29-year-old signed for Besiktas last summer from Hoffenheim for a fee in the region of €1.75m and impressed for them, making 42 appearances in all competitions as they won the Turkish Super Lig title.

West Ham show interest in Beck

rench newspapers Le Parisien and L'Equipe revealed on Thursday that midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa is getting close to signing with Paris Saint-Germain football club. Ben Arfa, if the deal is sealed, will be the first signing for PSG under the command of new coach, Unai Emery, reports Efe. The player, whose account has ended with

Transfers Ben Arfa set for PSG move

Global Football Special www.newtelegraphonline.com

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Sport SATURDAY

2 JU

tions, they were ready to face France in much the same way as they did England. "This was a game for them (England) to lose. All the pressure was on England," Hallgrimsson said. "They mocked us a bit before the game but we had nothing to lose. When you go into a game like that, you can be relaxed and show your best.” taly defender Mattia De Sciglio expects a “harder, more difficult game” against Germany. The Azzurri defeated Spain in the Last 16 of Euro 2016, but now face the world champions on Saturday, having lost 4-1 to them earlier this year. “We’re trying to prepare in the best way, as we did against Spain,” De Sciglio said in a Press conference today. “It will definitely be a harder, more difficult game. They’re world champions. The strength of our group means we can cause them problems though, if we target their weaknesses. “They attack with a lot of players, we have to show a lot of concentration when they get close to the edge of our box. “We’ll have to be good and get going again immediately, but if we work well we can cause them problems. “We’ve been doing a lot of video analysis to prepare for this game, to see how to press them depending on the situation, even when we’re in possession.”

be harder –De Sciglio

Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva has applied to world athletics governing body IAAF to compete at the Rio Olympics despite Russia's ban, athletics authorities in Moscow said Thursday. "Isinbayeva sent her application on Wednesday," Alla Glushchenko, the spokeswoman for the Russian athletics federation, told AFP.

Yelena Isinbayeva

Swedish court of appeal has found six men, including three former players of the Kristianstads FF club, guilty of match fixing after one of the players admitted his involvement. Two men found guilty of bribing the players to influence the outcome of games between October 2013 and June 2015 were given jail terms of 12 and 14

months, while the players themselves and another man involved in bribing them were placed on probation. The ruling overturned an earlier district court verdict. One of the players admitted to having received a bribe while the others denied any involvement, with the court deciding that the first player was telling the truth. "The player is credible.

Six found guilty of match fixing in Sweden

names in the squad, finished ahead of far more illustrious English clubs in what was one of the biggest upsets in club football. Iceland, in their first major tournament, have already taken the competition by storm, advancing past the group stage and then beating England 2-1 on Monday to set up a quarter-final clash with hosts France. "I think I would like it to end like it ended with

Rafael Nadal, the 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist, and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki were among those named in the provisional entry list for the August Rio Games by the International Tennis Federation.

Rafael Nadal

SPORT BRIEFLY

Infantino

The Kenyan midfielder signed a five-year deal with Spurs last week to become Mauricio Pochettino's first signing of the summer. Wanyama, 25, will bolster Tottenham's options in midfield ahead of a campaign that will see the north Londoners attempt to build on the third-place Premier League finish they achieved last term.

purs and Premier League champions Leicester City are both reportedly keen on bringing in Iceland defender Ragnar Sigurdsson. The 30-year-old centre-back has helped Iceland reach the quarter-finals in their first major tournament, and has been linked with a move away from FC Krasnodar. The Daily Mirror state that he has at-

UEFA has been working very closely with the NADOs of the participating nations in order to implement the best possible testing programme in the run-up to – and during – the finals. The 2015/16 season also brought the introduction of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) to monitor players over time, and provide intelligence for target testing.

Daniel Ricciardo has formally confirmed that he will remain with Red Bull until at least the end of 2018, after Team Principal Christian Horner revealed the Australian's long-term deal earlier this month. Ricciardo, who turns 27 on Friday, intimated prior to the Canadian Grand Prix that he would look elsewhere if Red Bull could not guarantee fighting for the title across the next few years.

Daniel Ricciardo

pre-tournament and between matches at UEFA EURO 2016. All 24 qualified teams have been visited by doping control officers from UEFA and national anti-doping agencies (NADOs). Samples have included blood, urine and serum, and have been analysed by the WADA-accredited French anti-doping laboratory at Chatenay-Malabry, close to Paris.

Sigurdsson

tracted interest from German powerhouses Schalke and Wolfsburg, but would prefer a move to the Premier League and is rated at £4million.

Tottenham, Leicester move for Iceland’s Euros star

Wayama

T ottenham defender Toby Alderweireld is "excited" by Victor Wanyama's arrival at White Hart Lane ahead of next season.

Alderweireld 'excited' by Wanyama's arrival

The odds of Sub-

No positive doping test at Euros

total of 1,818 samples have been collected from UEFA EURO 2016 players since UEFA's anti-doping testing began on January 1 this year. All sample results received so far have been negative. Some 354 samples collected during the competition at matches can be added to the 1,464 out-of-competition samples – both

De Sciglio

ermany defender Benedikt Höwedes admits to being “surprised” by Italy at Euro 2016. Antonio Conte’s side were decried as the worst Azzurri squad ever to enter a major tournament, but will face Die Mannschaft on Saturday after knocking-out holders Spain. “Tournaments always throw up one or two surprises, look at Iceland for example,” Höwedes told the DFB’s official website. “They are having a phenomenal European Championship, no one would have predicted that. Italy are similarly surprising, just look at how they attacked against Spain. “They never stopped running and constantly put their opposition under pressure. Our task is quite clear: We have a very important game that we need to win, against a very good opponent. We’re in a good position.

G Howedes

Surprised by Italy Y TELEGRAPH

Uly 2016

Lifestyle of Sportsmen

Sport

Joshua credits Nigerian dishes for his success

B Joshua

Joshua once revealed that he stays in touch with the country of his parents, Nigeria. Joshua was born in Watford to a Nigerian mother and father. He grew up for much of his early years in Nigeria before returning to UK.

Conte (right) with wife

Unveiling Conte’s wife

hen Graziano Pelle fired home to put Italy 2-0 up in the dying seconds against Spainin the last 16 match, Antonio Conte lost the plot. The excited Italy boss, who will become Chelsea manager later this summer, jumped on top of his dugout as he went wild in celebration. Apparently, Conte was trying to run to his wife, Elisabetta Muscarello.

usty playboy model Carla Howe has exclusively revealed she flirted with Euro flops Nathaniel Clyne and Kyle Walker at the SAME time But she has also been sent suggestive messages by Tottenham and England defender Walker even though she’s made it clear she is not interested as he has a long-term partner and child. She met Liverpool star Nathaniel last summer and according to a friend of the busty model, they met up a few times after he started following her on her social media. In messages seen by the Sun Online sent while Nathaniel was in Russia with Liverpool in November, he asked her where she is from and teased her that she will need cooking lessons if she is going to serve him up some Caribbean food – before boasting that he has his own chef. While she met Spurs and England star Walker back in May at a Penthouse party She then asked him when they are going to meet up again and he told her the next time he’s in London, but then asks her to come up and see him in Liverpool. They settled on a secret rendezvous in London at Christmas time and the friend told us: “They met at the Sanderson Hotel and shared a kiss but when he tried to get her to go to a room with him, she said no. “He has been very flirty with her but Carla is not an easy girl, she didn’t even have a drink that night, she wants to date him properly.”

Howe

Rooney’s wife fumes over son's Sun cover

ayne Rooney’s wife Coleen has branded the photo of her son, Kai on the front page of the Sun Newspaper as absolutely shocking. Following England shocking loss to Iceland on Monday, June 27, which knocked them out of Euro 2016, the

Kai

2 JUly 2016

MODEL CONFESSES FLIRTING WITH TWO ENGLAND FLOPS

ritish boxer Anthony Joshua has credited Nigerian dishes for his successes. The Nigerian-born British boxer last weekend defended his IBF world heavyweight belt thanks to a trademark knockout of American challenger Dominic Breazeale. Unbeaten heavyweight champion Joshua, 26, floored Breazeale twice in the seventh round before the referee waved off the bout as the British star improved to 17-0 with a 17th knockout in London last Saturday. It is his first title defence since dethroning Charles Martin in April. In a video that has emerged on Twitter, Joshua while responding to some questions about his mother land, Nigeria says eating pounded yam, eba and egusi is the secret of success.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

UK sun used a photo of a heartbroken Kai on its front cover. ‘DUMBS GONE TO ENGLAND’ was the headline along with a photo of a heartbroken Kai. Rooney’s wife and son were present at the stadium when England lost and she wasn’t happy with Sun Newspaper’s decision to use the photo. "Yes I've seen that front page and it's absolutely shocking!!" She further defended herself after fans trolled her over England's performance in Euro 2016 insisting she was just as "gutted" as the fans.

Mikel, WAG in passionate kiss

Mikel and Olga

uper Eagles captain John Obi Mikel and his girlfriend, Olga Diyachenko, are still going very strong. For his holiday, Mikel Obi and Olga have been spending a lot of time together with their twin daughters, Mia and Ava. The couple and their babies are currently vacationing at a choice location and it seems they are having lots of fun. Olga posted a photo of her and Mikel kissing passionately; 'misbehaving at la playa,'” she wrote alongside the picture. Diyachencko and Mikel started dating in 2013 after reportedly meeting in London where her millionaire father runs a chain of businesses.

Stories courtesy : Dailymail

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JUly 2016

'Mum's strictness kept me away from girls' CONTINUed from PAGE 27

you been able to cope with the ladies? I give glory to God and my mum. My background has been really religious. When I was young, I hated my mum so much because she always beat me and asked me to go to church. If I didn’t go to church then I would not eat, so of course I would be forced to go to church. Therefore, what I couldn’t do when my mother was there, why should I do it behind her? Which is the same thing I am imparting on my kids. I believe in love which you cannot share with two people, and to be very honest with you, I am a role model. I want to be a person, father. I am for do as I do not do as I say. It’s really tough and difficult but I give glory to God. I am not claiming to be a saint but I just try to be disciplined and focussed. What’s your greatest moment with female fans? I have had crazy stuffs but God is giving me knowledge and understanding, so I use this to overcome them. What you are not going to eat, don’t smell it, so I try to avoid it. So are you comfortable with the preparation for the Olympics? Comfortable? No! As Team Nige-

rian captain, with the situation of the country right now, we just have to keep praying. So, as a leader, you find a way forward to battle the challenges. I wish we had started earlier, nevertheless with circumstances in Nigeria, I hope we can do better but there is nothing anybody can do, we just have to cope with it. Have you ever thought of becoming a coach after retirement? I am not going to be a coach, I have confidence that I can be a great coach but I don’t want to be one. There is a difference between having selfconfidence to do something and the willingness to do it. Coaching is time-consuming. Basketball has taken 19 years of my life, I have family, moving around 10 to 11 months in a year; my kids are growing, my family is not here that means I am still not going to be with them again if I dabble into coaching. I have an opportunity to go far and work with the Nigerian basketball board but coaching? Jesus Christ! No. What’s your greatest moment in basketball? Every day is a greatest moment in basketball, I've had injury-free career

Oyedeji

I am not going to be a coach, I have confidence that I can be a great coach but I don’t want to be one

Rio Olympics: Which athletes have withdrawn over Zika fears?

orld number one Jason Day became the latest top golfer to withdraw from August's Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games because of Zika virus concerns on Tuesday. The 28-year-old is the seventh major champion to rule himself out of consideration, with Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Vijay Singh all scratching ahead of Rory McIlroy, with Graeme McDowell declaring his absence last week. The reason for my decision is my concerns about the possible transmission of the Zika virus and the potential risks that it may present to my wife's future pregnancies and to future members of our family. While it has always been a major goal to compete in the Olympics on behalf of my country, playing golf cannot take precedent over the safety of our family. I will not place them at risk. The decision mean Australia's top three golfers have now withdrawn their names from consideration for the Games with world number eight Adam Scott blaming his busy schedule and Marc Leishman, who is ranked 39th in the world, also citing Zika.

I feel bad, I wanted to play and finally decided against it. It’s in the middle of the Tour over here and I’m trying to figure out my game

Jason

Golf is returning to the Olympics for the first time since 1904, but a number of big names have pulled out due to Zika concerns. The news of Day's withdrawal will hit hard and will raise further concerns that, after a 112-absence, the sport will not last past Tokyo 2020 on the Games’s roster. So far no female golfers have declined to take part in the event. Zika, the mosquito-borne virus, can cause crippling birth defects and has also been linked to the neurological disorder Guillain-Barré syndrome. The World Health Organisation's emergency committee on the disease has said there is a "very low risk" of the Zika virus spreading further internationally as a result of the Olympic Games in Brazil.

and so I've had lots of great time. My most memorable was when I got drafted in the NBA and when I made it to the Olympics, after winning the Afro Basketball. Are your children in sports? Yes, my first and second sons play soccer while my first girl is into baling and my second daughter plays basketball.

Athletes who pulled out over Zika fears Jason Day - Golf (Australia) World number one Jason Day became the latest top golfer to withdraw from August's Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games because of the Zika virus just over a month before the beginning of the event. Rory McIlroy - Golf (Ireland) Rory McIlroy issued a statement, one week before Day did, announcing that he would make himself unavailable for selection due to health fears over the Zika virus. The Northern Irishman is planning to start a family with his fiancee, Erica Stoll, and worried about the links between Zika has and defects among newborns. My health and my family’s health comes before anything else. Even though the risk of infection from the Zika virus is considered low, it is a risk nonetheless and a risk I am unwilling to take. Vijay Singh - Golf (Fiji) I would like to play the Olympics, but the Zika virus, you know. I feel bad, I wanted to play and finally decided against it. It’s in the middle of the Tour over here and I’m trying to figure out my game. Tejay van Garderen - Cycling (United States) American cyclist Tejay van Garderen is among a handful of athletes outside of golf who also cited Zika as the reason behind not going to Rio. Although the risks associated with the Zika virus can be minimal and precautions can be taken, my wife Jessica is pregnant, and I don’t want to risk bringing anything back that could potentially have an effect.

Mcllory

Stephen Curry - Basketball (United States) Basketball star Stephen Curry also decided to skip the games. He did not specifically cite Zika but noted "other factors" played a role in his decision.

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

World Cup qualifiers: Zambia match crucial – Echiejile

Ajibade Olusesan

uper Eagles defender, Elderson Echiejile, has said that it is important for the team to come out of their first match in the 2018 World Cup against Zambia unscathed to put them on sound footing for qualification from the group. Nigeria is in ‘Group of Death’ after the Eagles were paired alongside Algeria, Zambia and Cameroon and will open their campaign away at Lusaka against the Chipolopolo of Zambia in October. Echiejile in a chat with Saturday Telegraph said the opening fixture was key to their campaign and picking at least a

point from the trip would do their qualification’s campaign a lot of good. “I agree with you that we need to get something from the game. We are condemned to qualify for the World Cup after failing to make it to two African Nations Cup. A lot of Nigerians see our group as very tough but it is not impossible for us to qualify. We just have to go into every game with positive mind, starting from the first match. “It is going to be tough in Zambia but we are not afraid. The Zambians have a lot of experienced players too, remember they won the Nations Cup few years ago, but we will be determined to go there and get good result,” he said.

I would say Nigeria has about 30% chances of qualifying. Algeria is the strongest African team and Cameroon is one of the best. So, our chances of making it are very low especially with the current situation in the football federation. All we need is determination from the players and prayers. If the players are determined and focused, we can make it. With God all things are possible. Abiodun Olokode, Student

Echiejile

Michael Moses storm US for circuits

print king Usain Bolt has praised efforts by athletics chiefs to clamp down on doping in the build-up to August's Olympic Games, saying that "most athletes are clean". In an interview in Thursday's Times of India, the Jamaican was confident of adding to his bulging medal collection in Rio and shrugged off the vow by one of his main rivals, the American Justin Gatlin, to win gold. Gatlin is being allowed to compete in Rio despite having served two doping bans while Bolt could also find himself up against former world champion Tyson Gay who was suspended for doping in 2013. The decision to bar Russian athletes from the Rio games for their country's state-sponsored doping has underlined the scale of the problem facing the sport but Bolt said he believed the battle against the cheats was being won. "I believe the majority of athletes are clean and athletics is doing a good job at catching the ones who aren't," Bolt told the newspaper.

We have talents to make it

Golden Boys of Iyana Ipaja and debutants Junior United FC of Ijegun. To reach this stage, Golden Boys beat Global 3-0 in the quarterfinals while United beat defending champions Onigando Football Academy 2-1. Elsewhere,Rozie walloped CFT 5-0 while Crystal overcame Saamy FC 5-4 after penalty shootout. Meanwhile Grand Patron of the competition, Mrs Clementina Doregos, has commended players and officials for the dedication and fighting spirit exhibited during the competition despite the Ramadan festival.

Majority of athletes are clean – Bolt

Ajibade Olusesan

Moses

igeria tennis star, Michael Moses, has concluded arrangements to move to the United States of America to continue his development. The player told Saturday Telegraph shortly after claiming his first CBN Tennis Open title that he wanted to play in major circuits in the US so as to gain enough experience and improve on his game. He said there were not enough tournaments in the country to help him grow and he was excited at the opportunity of moving abroad. The player who won the 2014 edition of the Governor’s Tennis Cup said that his ambition was to pick ATP points. “I thank God for winning

the CBN Open, it was a tough tournament because, the players in the competition were strong. It was my ambition to win the tournament, because it is the oldest in the country and now my focus is shifted to another thing, I am planning to go to the United States to play in circuits. “I have to continue developing as a player and my trip to the US will offer me so much opportunity, I have to start picking more points,” he said. He added that players needed financial support to develop. He said: ‘'going for tour and attending circuits like this requires a lot of money, we need assistance from the corporate body and wealthy Nigerians to be able to achieve our dream.”

Legend of basketball success excites Ghana stars Sekinat Olaiya

T Bolt

Saturday Telegraph’s AZEEZ IBRAHIM spoke with some Nigerians who expressed divergent views on the chance of the Super Eagles of qualifying for 2018 World Cup .

We have outside chance

Abesan Cup enters semis

emifinal of the Abesan Cup comes up this weekend as last year's finalist Rozie FC of Aboru take on Crystal of Ijeshatedo for a place in the final. The match billed for Saturday at Keda field Abesan Estate, Ipaja will be preceded by the novelty match between organisers led by its Coordinator, Tayo Adeyemo and coaches and team managers of participating teams. The novelty match which started in 2010 is meant to foster relationship between organisers and team owners. The second semifinal is between

2018 World Cup: Nigerians divided over Eagles' chances

he captain of Ghanaian veterans’ basketball team Alex Ofosu has expressed excitement after his side defeated Ibadan Team with the score of 22 – 18 points at the final of Legend of Basketball tournament at the Rowe Park Sport Complex, Lagos recently. Ofosu said he was delighted his side won the competition which was organised for network-

ing and sustaining of friendship among retired basketball stars in Africa. Ofosu said beyond winning the tournament, bonding with former players across the continent was a worthwhile experience. “It was a fantastic experience and I am happy we came here and won the tournament,” he said. “This is a good initiative and I hope government and corporate body can key into it. I played against Nigeria during my active days and it is exciting to relive those memories.''

es, definitely. We have talented players in the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi and others. And also our interim coach is one of the best in the country. He has served as assistant to most of our former coaches, he has gained enough experience. So, if he is given the job, I think we have a chance to make it. What we need is that our players should be determined, focused and confident. And most importantly, they need to believe in themselves and we all should support them. Alli Abubakar, Security guard

Economic crisis will affect the team

don’t think we can qualify because of economic, political and financial state of country. At the moment, there are no funds in the football federation and all this would affect them. Our group opponents are well stabilised, they are focused more than we are. It would only take a miracle for them to make it. Idanne Justice, Driver

The coach must go for best legs

hope they qualify but in this country, players are not selected based on form but other unimportant considerations and that may affect us. Selecting incapable players is a problem; they should be chosen based on their current form and performances. Ifeanyi Okocha, Restaurant owner

Special Features 33

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

armed policemen and military personnel patrolling the area to restore peace and calm frayed nerves. A community leader, who requested anonymity for fear of attack, said the vandals targeted those perceived as enemies assisting the police to stop them from operating in the area. “There was a killing a few days ago. I reside at Ajegunle but I have fled my home with my family. These vandals brandish sophisticated weapons and they are ever ready to shoot anybody at sight. They don’t fear anybody; not even the policemen. We were fast asleep when they came the first day. I counted over 18 corpses before I fled my house. I have never seen such killings before. They fled with the corpses. We are appealing to the government to send more security agencies to come to our rescue. “The Ogun State deputy governor was here on Tuesday with heavy security. Her security guards were more than the ones on ground here. But even at that the woman was visibly afraid. She confessed that she never knew the communities are that populated. Though she was moved to tears after seeing the destruction by the vandals,” one Okada man, who identified himself, simply as Toye, told Saturday Telegraph. According to information gathered, the vandals entered the com-

to prevent the brave mobile policemen from taking this reporter round the communities where he observed various bullet holes in houses, shops and the only transformer in Elepete, which, according to the policemen, are the mark of what the suspected vandals did during the attacks. “The first thing they did was to destroy the transformer so as to keep the communities in darkness. You know that evils thrive in the dark. And it worked for them as they have continued to attack us. They even killed the wife of the Elepete phase 2 CDA chairman four days ago (Tuesday). Fear has, indeed, become our lot for some time now.” Elepete is in four phases and not up to 25 people from the communities of well over 250,000 inhabitants have returned to their homes. The Baale of Igbo-Olomu also deserted his palace as he only comes for serious deliberations now. “You can see the palace has

almost become totally abandoned. The Baale don’t frequent here any longer. I think he is trying to be careful too. That he is a Baale does not mean he would expose himself unnecessary to avoidable danger,” said an octogenarian who has a petty shop adjacent to the palace. It was gathered that the vandals targeted landlords and local vigilante men in the communities, killing them with members of their families. They were also said to have made away with the corpses as they escaped into the creeks. The killings has persisted despite the presence of policemen from the Lagos and Ogun states’ Commands said to be working in a joint operation with men of Operation AWATSE, a military joint task force deployed to the area. According to findings, although the communities have become ghost towns as residents who survived the attack had fled their homes, heavily

munity on Thursday night, June 23, to organise a candlelight service for their departed fellows and started shooting sporadically as a mark of respect for their dead collogues. That attack was a follow up to an earlier one on June 17, in which 15 persons were killed. During the first attack, they reportedly promised to return for more killings and the latest siege on the communities implies they had honoured their vow. Due to incessant armed robbery attacks in the community, landlords were said to have mobilised themselves, formed a vigilance group and had made bonfires at strategic points and were on foot patrol when the vandals swooped on them. “They came in through Elepete Phase 3 around 10pm on that fateful day. “They went to Ola Imam and Igbo-Olomu where some vigilantes were keeping watch. They opened fire on them and killed many of them at once. Thereafter, they marched to Oke Muti, Bolorunduro, Ajegunle, and fired at people. They killed as many in those areas too. They are from Ebute creeks. Like I said earlier, we were outside keeping vigil over incessant armed robbery attacks and had bonfires in some areas. When they came and sighted the bonfires, they opened fire on anyone on sight. It was indescribably,” another resident added.

PHOTOS: ISIOMA MADIKE

Sportsplash 34 Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 july 2016

I bullied guys a lot while growing up

Nigerian Idol’s protégé, Naomi Mac, has shown her ability even though she’s yet to make an apreciable impact in showbiz. The talented, petite singer shared her journey so far with Saturday Telegraph. You just released a single; could you tell us about it? I am actually very excited about the new single, titled ‘Ori Mi,’ which means my head. It was released on Monday. Pheelz produced and featured as a vocalist on the song. It is actually his debut as a singer and he did a great job of it. The song is about positive vibes. It carries prayers and also talks about the hustle in the music industry. It is about how artistes struggle and work hard to make a name in the industry. Why did you settle for Pheelz as the producer? When you listen to the song, you would agree with me that it is the type Pheelz does. I have heard most of his songs and I like to work with good producers because I want a perfect job. I thought he would give me the best and he did just that. It seems you are happy with your growth? The journey has been amazing and cool, though not exactly easy. I came second at the Nigerian Idol in 2011 and took third position at The Winner Is, which was held in South Africa in 2014. In March last year, I was signed to a record, House One Music. I have been releasing singles since then, including ‘My Heart’ and ‘Mojo.’ I just released a new song: things are getting better for me. How lucrative is music for you? We are just working for the art, love for music and money. Music is a process; you just don’t get into it and become successful. Though many people believe that winners of talent shows don’t do well in music, I know some of us who are doing well. We have Chidinma, Iyanya, Praiz and a few others. How come singers who passed through Nigerian Idol are not on your list? I won’t say Nigerian Idol singers are struggling, but it depends on how individuals make use of their opportunities. Those things I learnt at the reality show has really helped me, but they were not the only things that made me who I am today. It added to my value, profile and many other things. I garnered experience from all the shows I have attended, no doubt about it. You are petite by nature; how do you feel when people look down on you on the basis of that? People don’t undermine me. Of course I know I have a small stature, but I also love the way I am. A lot of people understand that it is not about your look, it is about the talent inside you. The size doesn’t really matter, but what you can offer does. Did you suffer from bullying while growing up? I was quite tough growing up. I used to bully guys a lot. It was funny because I was the small one and a girl too. I feel you are yet to hit the right button despite your push; how do you intend to make a huge impact in the industry? No man is an island. Before I got signed to a label, I had no team; I was doing everything I did alone. Things have since changed. I now have a team of people I work with, we are just going to put things together and pray to God we get it right. Just like the sky is saturated with stars, you will never see a star covering another. The sky is wide enough for all stars. The industry is wide enough to take everyone. We have people who are coming with different talents, sounds and we have people in the world who like to listen to new sounds.

desires? I want to win awards and make a good mark. An artiste’s dream is to win Grammys and I want to win one too. The Grammy is the like the peak of our career as musicians. It is a big deal, especially for musicians in Africa. You don’t look like someone getting married anytime soon… Did I say I am not ready for marriage? When I am ready, I would do that. I believe in marriage and family. If my parents didn’t start a family, I won’t be here. At the right time I would start a family, though I can’t say when. But marriage is a beautiful thing created by God. If I am ready to settle down, my fiancée and I must agree on certain things. I don’t want to marry a man who is not supportive of my music. It is even a process; I cannot meet someone today and get married to him. We need to know each other well. Did your parents encourage you to pursue music? My parents have been supportive from the beginning. I started singing with my sisters while my father was our manager. My father took us to different shows, but he had to retire after a while. He is still supportive of my music, though. It seems music runs in the family? We are all singers in the family. We are eight children, six girls and two boys. I have a brother who does rock music while my sister, Grace Mac, is actually on the ongoing The Voice Nigeria. My father started as a singer too. How do you describe your music? It is basically known as Afro Soul; you know we have different genres of music now. But all my songs mush have African touch. I am an African and I promote African culture. How do you handle male fans who want more from you? My fans have been cool, though there are people who go to the extreme in doing things. I grew up in the midst of guys and I had many of them as friends; so I understand how to relate with men to an extent. Fans have made musical videos for me without making demands. They have said many annoying things to me as well for not replying their messages on social media. When your fans are connected to you, they want to be at the centre of your career. But I appreciate my fans because I am doing the music for them.

What are your top

Naomi

E A FAN DID TO M

– Panshak Zamani aka Ice Prince

ans have done many crazy things to me really. At my last show in Swaziland, there was a clique of three girls that we met in Kenya fwho fled to Swaziland to see my performance. They are all cousins. It was really crazy

and I didn’t expect it. Like I said, I have had so many awesome experiences over the year. I decided to tell you this experience because it is still fresh in me. It happened on May 28. With girls, I just stay on my lane and I try to stay honest. One of the reasons I do reply DM (direct message) on twitters or Instagram. Most times when I open my DM, the first five messages are just rubbish.

They make me to be uninterested in other messages on my DM and the messages might be important. I just try to stay away from things like that. I have a girlfriend and I am good with her. My first love is music and that is all I put my heart into. Even when girls come around us in the studio, they just chill. I am saying the truth, you could ask about me from people that know me well.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 july 2016

LANRE ODUKOYA

SHOWBIZ TODAY

‘Apologise, pay N5m to Okoroji’, court orders Onyeka Onwenu

he legal tussle between Chief Tony Okoroji and Ms. Onyeka Onwenu had finally climaxed. A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja last Thursday, June 30, ordered frontline singer and politician, Ms. Onwenu, to pay the sum of N5million as damages for defamation of character to Okoroji, former President of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON). Delivering judgment in Suit No: ID/935/12 filed in 2012, Hon. Justice I. O. Akinkugbe (Mrs.) also ordered Onwenu to tender an unreserved public apology to Okoroji to be published in Vanguard Newspapers and www.vanguardngr.com, the website of Vanguard Newspapers. Reacting to the judgment, an excited Okoroji who was in court said, “Once again, as has happened several times before, the courts have come to my rescue, proving that despite what may be said to the contrary, you can obtain justice in Nigeria. This has taken close to four years of going in and out of court but at the end of the day, I must thank Hon. Justice Akinkugbe who the Almighty has again used to do justice for her professionalism. I must also thank my lawyer, Mr. Justin Ige, for

Onyeka

his commitment and thoroughness. I have committed much of my life to fighting for the welfare of every musician in Nigeria and protecting the interest of all including Ms. Onyeka Onwenu. In the battle, I have spared myself no inconvenience or discomfort and countless times, I have had to risk my life, my reputation and the welfare of my family. Working with my colleagues at COSON, we have made available to musicians across Nigeria hundreds of millions of Naira as we set out with the building of the most professional, transparent and accountable organization in the history of the creative industries in Nigeria, something that was considered impossible just a few years ago.” He expressed further grief; “I wish I never had to take Ms. Onwenu to court. I consider every Nigerian musician including Onyeka a member of my extended family. Onyeka however left me with little choice. I went to court in self-defense. Till today, I do not know what wrong I did to Onyeka Onwenu. As someone I considered a close colleague and friend, I was shocked at the level of hatred she had generated within herself to justify her all-consuming campaign of lies without foundation to destroy

Okoroji

the one thing she knows that I cherish most; my integrity. Every appeal to Ms Onwenu to reconsider what she was doing fell on deaf ears. Onyeka Onwenu has known me for many years. She knows very well that under no circumstance would I take a penny that does not belong to me but it suited her purpose to project me to the world as a thief. Onyeka knows that I am a stickler for rules and order but it made her happy to tell the world that I am lawless and a despot. I know that very few people will believe this: three years ago, Onyeka Onwenu went to the Police Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) in Ikeja to wickedly report that I was chasing her around at night in a red Jeep in her neighbourhood with the intent to assassinate her! This crazy report with absolutely no foundation was made a few days to my birthday (December 22) and Christmas. I have little doubt that the intent was to have me suffer in jail during my Birthday, Christmas and New Year. It took the wisdom of the police authorities and the intervention of elders in the music industry such as Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, Prof Victor Uwaifo and Dr. Ben Ofoeze to save me from the wickedness carefully planned for me by someone I had treated with so much respect and love as my sister and friend.” Reacting to the judgment, ace broadcaster and well known friend of Okoroji, Mr. Patrick Doyle, said “Some will recall that I publicly cautioned Onyeka Onwenu when she began her ill-advised war of attrition against Chief Tony Okoroji. I told her that she was taking on the wrong guy. She refused to listen. Now, the chickens have come home to roost and she has to pay for her attempt to destroy a good man”.

Davido’s fresh tattoo reads daughter’s name, Imade

Davido

KN boss, Davido surely had his rough moment with his baby mama, Sonia, who is the niece of Ovation Magazine boss, Dele Momodu. After several fights and days of hurting each other, the duo finally placed the happiness of their daughter ‘Imade‘ ahead and settled their differences. Time passed and both started living their lives apart but were jointly caring for their daughter. In a recent post, Davido shared a photo of himself with the name of his daughter, Imade, boldly etched on his arm. Well, he probably revealed more than he wanted us to see as another tattoo was spotted above his daughter’s name which reads ‘Sweet Mother’. It’s unclear if that part is meant for his late mum or the mother of his only child.

08059296445 lanre.odukoya@newtelegraphonline.com

Toyin Aimakhu’s ex, Johnson, in fresh paternity scandal

hat Toyin Aimakhu and ex-husband, Adeniyi Johnson parted ways unceremoniously is no news. It was a rough parting for the duo and its backlash was one drama too many. Recently, photos of him and Yoruba actress, Seyi Edun, were frequently seen online, and when rumors began flying round that they were an item, both debunked the tale. An angry lady online has been raining curses on the actor she disclosed is responsible for Seyi Edun’s pregnancy and hers which he convinced her to abort. Further checks revealed that her page was empty, there was no photograph, she wasn’t followed by anyone neither was she following anyone, an indication that the page was solely opened to expose the dirty secrets of the actor. But to all these, Johnson has kept mum. Johnson and Edun

TURNING P INT Shadrach Adeboye aka Shaydee

oining EME has made a huge difference in my musical career. It gives me a big platform to get to more people and fans. Though I was doing pretty well before I joined them, my label then was not as big as EME. Since it was new, it was normal that I needed to put in more efforts than being on a bigger platform. I met Banky W when the EME’s team came to a show at the University of Ilorin and I performed right in front of them. Though I had known Wizkid and Skales before then, Banky W was impressed with my performance. He later called me and asked what I do. We got talking from there and I started visiting them to make music.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

TV&Radio

2 JUly 2016

with Deborah Ocheni

Relationship between the executive and the legislature

Host, guests and hostess

alaxy Today is a programme that offers educating and informative content; it is aired on Galaxy TV daily at 10am. The last edition of the programme focused on the relationship between the executive and the legislature. In a Skype conversation with Hon. Evangs Bipi, the chief whip, Rivers State House of Assembly, said: “the relationship between the executive and the legislature is very cordial, the reason being that the governor does not interfere with the activities of the legislature and judiciary.” The programme’s host says there is a report about the inability to restructure Nigeria, and Sola Omolayo, public affairs analyst, speaks on what the inability to restructure Nigeria portends for the country. “As of now, we are still going back to the past. People talk of 16 years and forget the fact that there must be 13 years before 16 years, and if you are unable to analyse what happened within those 13 years of ‘siddon look’ or in the words of Fela – ‘one step forward and another step backward’ there won’t be headway. We have not been able to analyse the events that took place in that period of time and because of that, we might not be able to do justice to the democratic dispensation now.” Unfortunately, we are dealing with 16 years which was kind of scrappy, a period when we were neither here nor there and they are beginning to play politics with those 16 years and another 16 that is coming in the future. That is the elementary truth and that is why we cannot actually say who a democrat is unlike in the days of the Chief Obafemi Awolowo; although we were very young but the young boy on the streets understood what politics was all about then. The difference between what we have now and what will be in the coming days is not too different from the military era, and this is what we must nurture before we begin to prepare ourselves for the real civilised environment we are looking for. Merging forces with strangers without knowing who those strangers are is

We have not been able to analyse the events that took place in that period of time and because of that, we might not be able to do justice to the democratic dispensation now not a guarantee to success based on the agenda that is not even known to any of you; that is the mess and politicians will continue to have their way whereas the citizen will always have their say in this dispensation”. He also lamented that young people these days cannot define the kind of government the country is running and that some legislators don’t know their duty. “Ask a young boy the kind of government we are running now, they can’t even explain. They don’t know about the local government power not to talk of the state rights; so there are problems and that is why when they are campaigning, a legislator will tell his people ‘we are going to give you light and water’ without even knowing that those things are not even his duties; these elementary things is troubling”.

FACE BEHIND THE VOICE

Cool FM’s twirlz, Jen-Nze

ennifer Uchechi Nzewunwah popularly known as twirlz,JenNze is a graduate of Sociology from the Covenant University Ota-Ogun State. Radio for her, has always been a form of expression and a platform to share and promote honest and sincere messages. It provides an opportunity to contribute her own quota to the society through the mass media in a fun way. She is an assertive, confident team player who adapts easily and pays attention to details in everything she does. To her positive feedback, constructive criticisms, effective communication and honesty are the core values. She started radio professionally with Kiss FM Abuja, before finding her way to the station of her dream (Cool FM). The women she looks up to in the business are Angie Martinez, Oprah Winfrey and MC-Lyte. She likes to quote Louisa May Alcott: "I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship". And it captures her world view.

Programme summary

ONTV

TELEVISION

TVC

Saturday 7:00 Hossana Hour 8:00 Boom Box 10:00 On the Town 11:00 Between the Lions 12:00 News 12:30 Video Fashion 1:00 The Big Issue 2:30 Fireworks 3:30 Golden Chance Lotto 4:40 Boom Box 5:00 Hyperchondraic 5:30 Stand by Me My Beloved 6:00 Boom Box 6:30 Project Your Poise Show 7:00 Teju Baby Face Show 8:30 Fenz Championship 9:00 Sillent Noise 9:30 Events Diary 10:00 News 11:00 Play on Repeat Now Sunday 7:00 Hosanna Hour 8:00 Nollywood English 10:00 News 11:30 Sports Week 12:00 News 12:30 Nollywood English 2:30 The Sunday Interview 3:30 Golden Chance Lotto 4:30 Excellent Leadership 5:00 Hitlist and Cruising 5:00 Vivid View 6:00 Stand Point 9:00 Pastor’s Teaching 9:30 Ogun 10:00 News

Saturday 7:30 Crocadoo 8:00 The Indomitables 8:30 Pocahontas

9:05 Arambara 9:30 Village Square 11:05 Snakes and Lizards 12:00 Souncity Top Choice Videos 1:00 Hitz 1:30 Pavitra Rishta 2:35 Village Square 4:10 Movie 5:35 Los Rey 6:20 Spice Most 7:00 News Headline 7:10 Footprints 8:00 Pulse 234 8:30 Spider 9:00 Spice Specials 9:30 Soundcity Party Mix 10:30 Omnisport Sunday 8:00 Hutos 9:05 Arambara 9:35 Village Square 11:05 Snakes and Lizards 12:00 Soundcity’s Global Countdown 1:00 Hitz 1:30 Pavitra Rishta 2:40 Village Square 4:10 Movie 5:35 Los Rey 6:30 Glam Mamas 7:05 Before 30 7:30 Saints 8:00 Sunday Paparazzi Show 8:30 Spider 9:00 On the Couch 10:25 Omnisports 10:50 Movies

CITY FM 105.1

RADIO

Saturday 6:00 Saturday Breakfast Show 8:00 Weekend Update 8:30 Growing Up Matters 9:00 City Talks 10:30 Don-Digy’s Corner 12:15 The City Kids Show 2:00 Fan Zone 3:30 Soccer Wrap 7: 00 Encounter with Grace 8:00 Round Table 11:00 Elisha Baza Show

Sunday 5:00 Praise in the City 5:30 Christ Embassy 6:00 Sunday Praise Show 3:00 Music Culture 6:00 Singspiration 8:00 Only the Hits 9:00 Once Upon a Time 10: Refresh

RADIO LAGOS

Abuja Update

Naija FM (93.9) Sunday @ 9:35am

It is a programme that looks at trends and occurrences in Abuja with recorded reports, outdoor broadcasts and phone-in interviews.

Crime watch TVC (channel 418)

Sunday @7:30am

It is a programme that gives an insight into police and crime activities.

This weekend

Jen-Nze

Saturday 75:10 Audra Aro 5:20 Iwure Aaro 5:25 Waasi Idaji 6:15 Nigba Ti Wa 7:15 Asayan Iroyin 9:10 Idan Orita 10:15 Ara Ewe 12:00 World News 1:00 Mooko Mooka 1:30 Lere 2:00 Oyin Momo 2:30 Ogegele 3:00 Odo Iwoyi

Sunday 6:15 Oro Igbala 6:30 Oro Iyin 7:00 Personal Paid Announce- ments 7:15 Asayan Iroyin 7:30 Ase Ibi Mimo 10:15 Eba mi Dupe 11:10 Mukulumuke 5:30 Rotimi Akinwole on FM 9:00 Obirin Ologo

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

The Arts

2 JULY 2016

Lagos to boost culture, tourism potential with eight films at Toronto festival

Muritala Ayinla n a bid to showcase its tourism potential and make boost the state's economy, Lagos State Government yesterday said eight films produced in the state will be selected to feature at the forth coming international Toronto film festival in Canada. The state government said it would not only showcase the state as tourists’ destination in Africa but also expose the creativity and extra-ordinary potential inherent in the state. Briefing journalists on the readiness of the state government to showcase the Nigerian films produced in the state to the world in the festival, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, his counterpart in Tourism Arts and culture, Mr. Folarin Coker who disclosed this, said the main objective behind the move is to project tourism potential of Lagos to the world at the festival. The duo spoke alongside the artistic director Toronto film festival, Mr. Cameron Bailey, saying the move was in line with the present administration’s efforts to make the state a hub for tourism. According to Ayorinde, the eight films to be selected do not necessarily have to be about Lagos, but films produced in Lagos. Ayorinde said: “What is important is that the films that will be selected will be films by film makers that are Lagos based it won’t matter what subject matter you are dealing with, it is about the creativity the talent you are exhibiting as a Lagos based film maker that Toronto is interested in."

Tony Okuyeme

he stage is now set for 8th edition of the Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Awards, as calls for entries have been announced for the awards which will hold on Friday August 19. Announcing the call for entries at a media briefing on the 8th NB’ Golden Pen Awards held on Tuesday June 28, the Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, said the awards, launched in 2008, aims to celebrate the growing partnership between Nigerian Breweries and the media and in recognition of the support the company has enjoyed over the years. He said that in agreement with the distinguished jury of the award, they have elected to maintain the modalities used over the years in rewarding and celebrating outstanding Nigerian journalists this year. He added, “We are therefore happy to announce that Education, Youth Empowerment and Talent Development will remain the theme for this year’s awards.” According to him, articles and photographs that are focused

The Commissioner said the state government would be fully involved in any collaboration to celebrate the city and market its potential as well as appreciate the talent of the motion industry. According to him, "What this government policy implies is that the government will promote any initiative that will project Lagos as the home of film making not only in Nigeria but in the entire world.” On his part, Mr. Folarin Coker, who said the move falls in line with government policy of using entertainment to drive home consumption and improve the revenue

generation in the state, also hinted that the government is collaborating with Federal Government to build a car park at the new museum to help drive tourism. The commissioner said that plans were on to take over dead public spaces such as under the bridges across the state and develop them for residents to exhibit and develop their talents. Also speaking, the artistic Director Toronto film festival, Mr. Cameron Bailey, who said that the event hosts about 500,000 people yearly,said that the partnership with Lagos for the festival was to

further consummate the bond between Lagos and Toronto and on a larger scale that between Nigeria and Canada. “There are many people in Lagos State who make their home now in Toronto, and we are huge fans of film. The Toronto international film festival has become over the years, the largest festival in the world. We are host to about 500,000 ticket buyers every year at the festival. “The public in Toronto loves film but we don’t get enough in Lagos and that is why I am here today to begin to change that,” he added.

L-R: Bailey, Ayorinde and Coker

NB Golden Pen Awards announces call for entries

on Education, Youth Empowerment and Talent Development published in 2015 in Nigerian newspapers are expected to enter for the award. Entry opened on Tuesday June 18, and will end on Friday August 19. The 8th edition of the award will hold on Friday October 28, where winners will be announced. He added that winners in the three categories “will receive the Golden Pen Award, and gift items and the following cash prizes: NB Golden Pen Reporter of the Year (N1,000,0000); The Golden Pen Nigerian Breweries Report of the Year (N500,000); The NB Golden Pen Photojournalist of the Year (N500,000); First runner up, NB Golden Pen Report of the Year (N300,000); Second runner up NB Golden Pen Report of the Year (N200,000); First runner up, NB Golden Pen Photojournalist of the Year (N250,000); Second runner up NB Golden Pen Photojournalist of the Year (N200,000). “The Golden Pen Awards stands out as our modest contribution to the growth of the Nigerian Media,” he added. He also noted that the award,

christened Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Awards was introduced to promote professionalism and objective reportage of events in Nigeria. “This award is also meant to reward such journalists who abide by the fine ethics of the journalism profession. In March 2014, we gathered here to announce plans for the 6th Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Award. That 2014 edition was the beginning of the

expanded platform that draws attention to critical development areas by rewarding journalists who excel in reporting in themed areas. “Over the course of our 70 year history, we have increasingly registered our footprints across the country with our innovative brands, our socio-economic investments and our corporate social responsibility projects.” According to him, Nigerians

L-R: Past Winner, NB Golden Pen Awards, Mr. Anthony Akaeze; Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem; past winner, NB Golden Pen Awards, Mr. Canice Opara; Managing Director/CEO, Neo Media and Marketing, Mr. Ehi Braimah and Corporate Communications/Public Affairs Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Patrick Olowokere, during the 8th Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Awards press conference in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

remember such projects as the Beyond the School programme; the Creative Writing Workshop; the National Arts Competition and the several donations and commissioning of classroom blocks and learning aids we have facilitated across Nigeria. “You have supported us to etch in the mind of Nigerians such reality shows as: ‘Star Music the Trek’; ‘The Maltina Dance All’; ‘The Gulder Ultimate Search’ and ‘Amstel Malta Show Time’. We also will not forget the countless mentions you have made of our ‘Goldberg Fuji t’o bam’, ‘Legend Taste and Tell’, ‘Life Progress Booster’ and our several other consumer engagement platform currently running across Nigeria. “In that year and also in 2015, we rewarded journalists such as The Nation’s Seun Akioye, the New Telegraph’s Hussaini Sulaiman, Tell Magazines’s Anthony Akaeze and the New Telegraph’s Godwin Ireke, top winners in the Reporter of the Year and Photojournalists of the Year categories of the Award in 2014 and 2015 respectively, for their works that drew attention to Education, Youth Empowerment and Talent Development.

FRED NWAOZOR

“O

h Lord,” Lola soliloquized in a state of solitude. “I have waited so long for this!” She lamented ungratefully. Mrs. Lola Adegoke, a 39-yearold mother of four who was yet to conceive a male child, had been faced with enormous unbearable matrimonial pressure that she was forced to speak to her creator just like an ingrate would. No doubt, her 10-year-old marriage to her childhood friend Mr Seun Adegoke had made the said young man to see life as an unfair situation, thus each moment of his ‘miserable’ life was preoccupied with agony and unbridled emotional seizure. His unending sad mood became so annoying that one could wonder if a female child didn’t worth it, or what actually was in a male child that couldn’t be found in a girl child. “Please, my Lord,” she continued. “Just give me a male child so that my husband would be happy.” She was actually seated on her matrimonial bed, her face faced upward directly toward the room ceiling. “Just a male child, Lord.” She landed, gushed out tears. Few seconds later, Seun walked in, sat close to her. “Lola,” he called, without minding the fathomless tears on her face. “I have a plan.” He hinted. She stared at him, surprised. She wondered if the situation had gotten to a point that her supposed hubby would never mind her sorrowful physiognomy. “What do you mean?” She managed to utter. “I have been thinking.” Seun rode on, staring at the cemented floor. “Thinking of what?” Lola enquired, quickly wiped out the tears with her bare left hand. The pink single wrapper she tied up to her chest level could sense that all wasn’t well going by Seun’s countenance. “Something very important.” He answered vaguely, continuously tapped his right leg that was in a brown lather slipper on the floor. “I am all ears.” Lola informed apprehensively, wore a weird face as if her mind could absorb any news regardless of its gravity. “Well,” the sad looking Seun uttered. “I have decided to bring in another woman.” “In this house?” “Yes, of course.” “Besides,” she retrogressively said. “What kind of woman are you talking about?” “A second wife, of course” “Second wife…?” “You heard me,” Seun frankly cleared the air, paused. “Isn’t it clear you can’t give me a male child?” he asked rhetorically. Lola gushed out tears again. “This is not a matter of crying.” He thought aloud. “You just have to see reason with my intention.” Therein, she wept bitterly and helplessly.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

ShortStory

2 JULY 2016

frednwaozor@gmail.com +2348028608056 Follow: @mediambassador

Mystery of life

“You have been nice to me since I got married to you,” he confessed. “But, ten years isn’t ten days, neither is it ten months.” There was absolute tranquility. “We can’t continue like this,” he continued. “Can’t you see?” He landed, looking into her pitiable eyes. He attempted to wipe her tears with his hands. “Leave me alone.” She ranted, stood up and walked away. One week later, Seun tied the knot with Titi. Practising polygamy was something he forbade right from childhood, but he had broken that vow. Those who knew his person from Adam wondered why he couldn’t wait for at least a little more time. Besides, they were of

One week later, Seun tied the knot with Titi. Practising polygamy was something he forbade right from childhood, but he had broken that vow

the opinion that a woman gave birth to what her hubby inserted into her womb. Funnily enough, four years on, Titi couldn’t conceive even a child let alone the awaited gender. It was like a mirage to the entire Adegoke family including Seun’s aged parents who persuaded him to pick a second wife. Consequently Titi accused her sister-in-law, Lola of being responsible for her purported barrenness; the abrupt accusation aroused uncontrollable uproar in the family that Seun got estranged with her (Lola), though she alongside her children was still living in the same house with him. Prior to the aforementioned estrangement, Seun had got-

ten married to another lady, his third wife. The separation occurred barely three weeks after he brought in the third woman, Funmi who was already impregnated by him before the marriage. Fourteen days after the misunderstanding between Seun and Lola, the latter was confirmed pregnant for her fifth child; no one could imagine that the former was still sleeping with her having gotten married to two other different women. The intriguing game men play. Subsequently, Seun overlooked Lola’s pregnancy with the view that she would still deliver a baby girl when due, thus he was only mindful of Funmi’s pregnancy. What she (Funmi) needed to do was just to name her want and it would be delivered at her doorstep within a twinkle of an eye. The scenario proceeded unabated that Lola couldn’t bear the humiliation any longer; her four female children were her solace as the intimidating circumstance lingered. Eight months on, Funmi the third wife successfully gave birth to a baby girl. The news was a big shock to Seun who anxiously waited at the hospital’s waitingroom prior to the childbirth. The awful reality, which befell a nervous wreck on his person, kept him speechless several days afterwards. 1987, which was the year of the incident, appeared to him like twenty years back, 1967 precisely, when he lost his two siblings to a road carnage in broad daylight. As God would have it, one month later, the heavily pregnant 43-year-old Lola delivered a bouncing baby boy. Her estranged husband, Seun couldn’t believe the news regarding the mystery of life the moment it was brought to him in his matrimonial home. He hastily ran to the hospital, which was situated very close to his home, in only knickers and bathroom slippers to embrace his ‘lovely’ wedded wife whom he had forsaken for a longtime. Amazingly, on her part, Lola forgave him as soon as she caught sight of him in the distance while in her hospital bed. At this point, Titi who couldn’t fathom the miracle was still purportedly barren. She needed not an interpreter to notify her that her presence or services were no longer needed. Thereafter, Seun outrightly divorced the makeup wives, Titi and Funmi having renewed his matrimonial vow with Lola. However, he promised he would be remitting alimony to the latter for the upkeep of her baby girl till she grew up. • Nwaozor novelist, playwright and poet, is Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research & Career Development - Owerri

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

Travel & Tourism

LE MERIDIEN IBOM HOTEL AND GOLF RESORT

Vista Restaurant introduces live cooking station

CHEF'S CORNER

ista Restaurant remains Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort enticing eatery what with its luscious and beautiful setting and the services on offer! Meal hours at the restaurant are usually fun time with its range of delicious African and continental dishes creativity the magic for many of its guests. It is always a delightful and savoury treats from the chefs and his kitchen staff. Now the hotel has lifted its gastronomic game a notch higher with its recent introduction of live cooking station to heighten the flavour of its cuisine offerings. According to the hotel management, the new addition is in fulfillment of its promise to spice up its cuisine offerings to guests. “As one of our primary focuses is cuisine, we infuse passion into our dining experience in order to provide guests with cultured touch points at every turn thus providing them with the element of discovery as they dine at Vista. “Our live cooking station offers guests the opportunity to experience a variety of exciting food options pre-

pared by our professional chefs while they dine and appreciate the theatre of it all. “We offer you the chance to compose your own soup with options varying from Afang, Atama, Editan, Okra, Edikang Ikong and more. You can also choose your own condiments from our display and add goat, beef, chicken, smoked fish, fresh fish, crayfish, ponmo and many more.” “Every preferred selection is then tastefully prepared, extravagantly garnished and creatively presented with your choice of swallow or rice to excite your taste buds for a more explosive experience. “Our aim is to introduce you to the unique cuisine experience our destination has to offer. For curious and creative minded diners seeking to explore Nigerian cuisine, discover and enjoy the satisfying taste of freshly made soups at Vista Restaurant.” Located in Nwaniba village, outskirts of Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State, with serene, naturally and fascinating landscape, the hotel is well apportioned with different treats and facilities, including offering one of the best golf courses that comes with all its elements in the country.

Live cooking station in action

ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA Editor, TRAVEL&TOURISM iroandy@ymail.com

TRAVEL BEATS

Tourism Ambassador Santana calls for private sector investment Ghana’s Tourism Ambassador, Abeiku Santana Aggrey, has called on the country’s organised private sector to invest massively in the tourism sector so as to get the country to the number one spot of tourist destination in Africa. Aggrey, who is not only a tourism promoter and top entertainer but also a radio host, made this called during a radio programme, Viasat1’s Morning Show when he hosted the country’s Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, on the ongoing 2016 edition Ghana Carnival, which ends tomorrow. “Tourism is a significant contributor to economic growth and development, if we can get all hands on boards,” he said, adding that would make it easier and faster for the country to attain the topmost position on the continent as the government’s efforts alone could not lead to the top.

Leader of the Abuja Mbayesh Community in Ushongo Benue State, Mr. Alphonsus Amenger presenting congratulatory card to Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Rev. Tor Uja while others watch with admiration.

CityBlue Hotels Appoints Vernon Page as COO, to birth in Lagos soon One of hospitality industry's veterans, Vernon Page, with over 22 years of Pan-African and international exposure, has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer of CityBlue Hotels even as the group announced the opening of its fifth property in Africa, CityBlue Kiriri Garden Hotel & Suite Bujumbura, Burundi. The elated Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the group, Jameel Verjee, made these disclosures. Page, a South African national, began his career in hospitality as a financial controller almost three decades ago with Holiday Inn, followed by appointments with Sun International, before moving to become director of finance with the Sheraton Pretoria. He then became finance manager for a five hotel chain in South Africa before making his way to Europe to take over the reigns as chief financial officer of a major real estate developer handling not only hotels but also shopping malls, residential, offices and F&B outlets. He then spent the next four years working with a two funds in the Middle East and Africa before moving into an operational position in Lagos, Nigeria, where he was to spend the next three years establishing with his partners Hotel Partners Africa as their CEO.

Travel Personality Bankole Bernard: Eyes on the aviation world

p.40

Aggrey acknowledged that it is a major source of foreign exchange, employment and government revenues. As he revealed that “in 2013, the direct contribution of the Travel and Tour industry to Ghana’s GDP was US$1.34 billion, representing 2.8 per cent of GDP. The number of jobs directly supported by tourism was 124,000 and Travel and Tour investment amounted to US$303 million in 2013. Ghana’s tourism industry development indicators have increased over the years. International tourist receipts increased from US$970 million in 2008 to US$1.7billion in 2013. Also the number of annual international visitors to Ghana is now roughly 950,000 and is expected to grow to 1.5 million by 2024.” However he said all Ghanaians must come on board to ensure accelerated advancement in the industry. The industry he added should not be left in the hands of government alone.

Hospitality Hospitality

Lion in Westown the Sun:Hotels: For the perfect Entices exoticwith treats bumper p.41 Ramadan offerings

p.41

Verjee stated that: “We are thrilled to welcome Vernon Page to the CityBlue family and look forward to working with him as we grow the business across the continent. With operations now in three African countries and a dozen pipeline deals in place with one hotel planned to open every 90 days, we are building a worldclass team to support a growth rate beyond most hotel groups across Africa and we will only be able to fulfill our vision by the very best in the industry joining our management team.” The new COO, who will be based in Uganda, said of the appointment: “Having watched the impressive growth of CityBlue from afar since 2013 and now having been working with the team since March 2016, there is no doubt of the tremendous scope for its growth across East and West Africa and I look forward to helping Jameel and the team fulfill the long-term vision of the group.” Following the formal opening of its Burundi’s hotel yesterday, on July 1, the group is set to birth in 10 other Africa countries, including Nigeria in the next 36 months. The other countries are: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and Cameroon.

Destination

Nigeria Tourism: Harmony of the Sea: Stakeholders point Thrills of a lifetime pathway cruise to growth

p.42

40 Travel&Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

BANKOLE BERNARD

Eyes on the aviation world Bankole Bernard is the managing director of Finchglow Travels Limited and president of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA). A banker-turned-travel operator, he speaks with ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA of his new found love for the travel industry

Driven by passion for travel ith a guaranteed today and bright prospect in the banking world where he has risen to the position of a branch manager and in line for the topmost spot, Bernard turned his back on the riches and fame and took a huge leap into the uncertain world of travels, which to him was an uncharted waters because he had neither experience nor knowledge of travel then. His drive was simply passion, as he informs that “I vied off into aviation industry 10 years ago when I left banking where I was doing very well.” Your discovery is that his passion was deep seated and not by spur of the moment. “I have always had passion for travel so I decided to go into aviation industry by going through the downstream sector of the industry, which is running a travel agency. My travel agency was opened in 2006 and from 2006 we grew from having staff strength of about five to about 80 and from one location to about eight locations.” By all standards, those are great strides for an agency, which is just 10 years. This achievement appeared not driven only by the professionalism and value that he has added to his operation but also by his belief that with volume in sales of tickets and many outlets, one is certain to maximise the accruing benefits of the industry. “Distribution is the secret because the more distribution channels that you have the better your chances of becoming a big player there,” he discloses, adding that “so for us we have to open up more channels, as of today we have five offices in Lagos, two in Abuja and one in Port Harcourt. Hopefully before the end of the year we are going to Onitsha to make sure that our impact is felt everywhere in the country.’’ Gaining global exposure and experience One of the things that have worked for him is the fact that he decided to gain global experience and exposure as he realised that travel is a global industry and to succeed you need a foot hood in the world hence he frequented many of the global platforms. “We started off as a travel agency and I realised that I have a whole lot to learn so I was travelling out to acquire experience from all the travel exhibitions across the world. I was constantly visiting the World Travel Market (WTM), I visited Arabian Travel Market (ATM), ITB Berlin and another one in France,” he reveals. A deal with FCM It was in the course of these visits that

Bernard

he struck a partnership deal with one of the world acclaimed travel distribution and destination management companies, which made his company one of the few travel agencies in Nigeria with global affiliation. “I was visiting and seeing how I want to play in the industry, so it was in one of those visits that I was able to strike a deal with one of the top global travel management companies called FCM, a subsidiary of Flight Centre, which is based in Australia. “I have the exclusive franchise in Nigeria,” adds Bernard. Travel is a mega business The NANTA president admits that at the onset of his sojourn the whole idea of setting up a travel agency was something to hold onto while learning the ropes and digging deeper in understanding aviation business. “When I started off in 2006 I just wanted to run a travel agency, something to keep me busy while trying to understand the industry because the whole idea was that I wanted to float an airline, at least, that was what I had at the back of my mind.” However, no sooner than pitching his tent did he realised that travel was a multi-faceted business: “Thinking that travel is just a very small business but when I got into travel I realised

TRAVEL PERSONALITY that it is not as small as I thought. It depends on how you want to play. “I realised that business travel involves a lot of knowledge acquisition and technology acquisition that would help you to propel the business to another level. Because in the travel industry a lot of spends are made and companies are looking for travel management company that has the capacity to manage their travel budget, to keep to their travel policy and ensure that they keep proper data of their travels.” A mixed blessing A decade into the journey, Bernard describes it as a mixed blessing with the harvest of the good and the bad: “It has been rough and it has been good and I give glory to God. Having started in 2006 with staff strength of five and growing to staff strength of 80 and still growing more, it just revealed that once you stay focused at what you do and you challenge yourself on a daily basis you would realise that in no time you will hit the top. “For me, it is not a competition about you trying to be ahead of others rather it is a competition of you trying to be better. So, every day you work towards getting better than what you were before.

BACKGROUND Bankole Bernard is an enterprising travel operator who cut his teeth in the industry a decade ago and since then has matched on with devotion and uncanny faith in birthing a dreamed travel agency, Finchglow Travels Limited. The agency is fast spreading its tentacles not only across Lagos but the country with eyes on the global scene through its affiliates, FCM, a subsidiary of Flight Centre based in Australia. With over eight offices and still counting as well as a global affiliation, Bernard, who recently emerged as the national president of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), perhaps the youngest travel agent to occupy that extorted position in the history of the vibrant and robust travel trade association, for his age and that of his agency, has achieved a feat, which is not common placed. A former banker, Bernard career in the banking industry spanned Ecobank, defunct Metropolitan Bank as a branch manager and also the defunct First Atlantic Bank where he was saddled with the responsibilities of managing two branches at the same time: Iddo and Okeira -both are heavily populated and famed commodity markets in Lagos.

Ten years ago, he decided to jettison the banking world despite the rich prospect for the aviation world with the hope of becoming one of the biggest players in industry and own an airline that would be a force to reckon with. The road to this encompassing and idyllic dream is a long one and this Bernard knows too. But unfazed by this, he decided on the journey by taking the first tentative step when a decade ago he set up a travel agency, Finchglow Travels Limited, which today has become a household name in the industry and known for its professional and exceptional service delivery. For him, the travel agency is just a stepping stone to the global vision of conquering the aviation world. The next step for him in his well calculated move to bestride the aviation world is setting up a cargo operation, which hopefully would open the window to him eventually and enable him to fulfil his dream of owning an airline. He has also blazed the trail as the president of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) a platform, which he hopes to use to improve on the welfare of travel agents, engage the government and ensure professionalism as well as respectability for the operators among others.

Wrong perception of travel agents “The major challenge has always been the perception. The perception of the general public of what a travel consultant is. When I got into the business I found out that the general public just perceive the travel consultants as layabouts, drop out from school, retired women and not so serious minded individuals. “Coming in at that point in time you really do not have so many people that you could consider as people that we could look up to. Just a very hand few of them and so for me I have to work through to make them understand that travel has gone beyond that. It has gone beyond just buying ticket and seeing the person as a tout. “It is a service that is needed by everybody that intends to travel. So, people think that travel is just a business for anybody, no; it is a tough business that requires all hands to be on deck. Any slight mistake messes up an entire business. “I can even conveniently say that travel is a lot tougher than banking. I have experienced banking and it only brings out the aggression in you but travels gives you sleepless nights because you are dealing with different people around the world and the time zones differ. The bigger picture The bigger picture for him is owning an airline but 10 years after his strides, is he relenting on the dream and satisfied with where he is now? The answer is emphatic no, as he tells you that the dream is still very much alive. “That is still in the picture. For instance, IATA just started cargo clearing house in Nigeria, which is a new thing just like when the Billing and Settlement Plan (PSB) started in Nigeria. “So, we are still looking at this area and see how we can increase our profit margin and expand our horizon. Not only passengers but we can do cargo as well and be able to stamp our foot in the aviation industry. Not only that if time permits us, we might now even say we can acquire our own airlines to start the distribution of goods within west coast because the distribution of goods within the west coast is still a huge challenge.”

Travel&Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

W 2 JULY 2016

e arrived the resort late in the day after a wearisome ride on the road plus about an hour or so flight from Wilson Airport, Nairobi, Kenya, via Diani, on this fateful day in the month of March. The first thing that hit you is the fact of the peaceful nature of the resort’s location. The stretch of road is populated mostly by hotels and resorts of all sorts. Solitary and lonely as well. In fact, we missed our way to the resort as the guide and driver could not easily locate it but for the hotel's manager, Philip A. Chai H. S. C. who offered direction on phone. Putting all that behind you and finally making your way into the resort, you are awe struck by its spell bounding and soothing nature. Picturesque and exotic, all roll into one. It is something out of this world and like what one has never seen or experienced before in all my years of travels across the world. It natural and cosmetics opulence and the sheer delight of its open spaces, unique environment and freedom that play at your senses easily relaxes one and makes you want to go on quick discovery and exploration of this pearl- like resort. Located on Marine Road, in the coastal town of Malindi, which is one of Kenya’s most exciting coastal tourism circuits, you are animated by its rich blend of traditional African architectural appeal infused with the somewhat cultural influences of the Arabians and Indians and nestled amidst frangipani, bougainvillea and coconut trees, as well as spiced by sophisticated and plush facilities. Owned by an Italian, Flavio Briatore, who is a former Formular One driver and business mogul, it once served as his private residence where he played host to kings and nobles but it is now devoted to the use of celebrities, political figures and many others as well as tourists who can afford this luxuriating, expansive and expensive resort. And just adjacent The Lion in the Sun is the Billionaire’s Club owned also by Briatore, which serves as the playground of the rich and famous just as the resort itself. Rooms Delineated into block of houses of some sorts with each boasting exclusive and detailed facilities, the resort has seven suites and seven superior rooms and two singles in the main building and four different villas in garden –like setting. The

event centre

factfile

LION IN THE SUN

For the perfect exotic treats Lion in the Sun is one of Kenya’s most valued and prized boutique resorts, which offers amazing and fascinating sceneries, facilities and treats, writes ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA

Resort's enchanting outdoor setting

HOSPITALITY interior is superlatively designed with attention to details and fitted with high taste amenities, all exuding a blend of artistic and enchanting pull. Pools and garden The resort offers you a taste of the sun and sea, two basic elements of nature in its well created swimming pool, which is available in each of the houses. Also, is an appealing garden with luxuriating natural appeal.

Appealing beach front scenery

Beach For a turbo – charged intercourse with natural water then a visit to the beach is recommended as the resort has a private beach offering the best of nature, located few metres away from the Malindi Marine Park, some distance from the resort.

The Vantage Point opens for business

Located on Acme Road, Ikeja business district of Lagos, The Vantage Point, has opened for business. Swelling the ranks of event centres in the centre, TVP enjoys a beautiful and creatively design setting and boasts modern facilities and equipment devoted to hosting of events and meetings of different kinds. The sound system and electrical fittings are of classical and standard quality while its offers among others comfortable lounge and changing room, spacious parking lot, spacious and modern restrooms, friendly, safe and secured environ-

ment, 24 hours power and suitable environment and facilities for the physically challenged. Scheduled events list: zz Wedding receptions zz Birthday parties zz Business conferences zz Trade fairs/exhibitions zz Product launches zz Business dinners/luncheons zz Corporate Events/seminars/workshops zz Training sessions zz Annual general meetings

Food It gastronomic treats are perfect blend of continental dishes with Italian offerings of all sorts topping the list and interlaced by local flavours and ingredients. The outdoor restaurant offers you a rich view of the beautiful and colourful outdoor with dinner hours enjoyed under a candle lit setting. Gymnasium The resort boasts a small state-of-theart gymnasium that is fully equipped with an instructor to help you through the grind. Also, Kinesis treat is available. Thalaspa Henri Chenot With exotic and palatial outlook, this is one of the most exclusive and time honoured offerings of the resort that you may never get anywhere else. This section offers a range of aesthetic and thalassotherapy treatments to soothe tired bodies. In collaboration with Henri Chenot, the Spa utilizes the renowned ‘Henri Chenot Method’ combining advanced clinical and physiological techniques with the

principles of ancient Chinese medicine to unblock energy channels and achieve equilibrium in the human body. The spa also provides guests a special bio-light diet-made up of local organic products and rich in vitamins and minerals. It packages comprise a personalised bio-light diet, six messages and six hydrotherapy treatments, six mud therapy treatments and six hydrojets and one facial treatment. Nightlife Night life at the resort is never a dull moment as you could hold a private party or soirée here otherwise the town of Malindi offers you heavy dose of night time activities across its many leisure spots such as bars, night clubs and even the beaches both private and public beaches where beach night parties are common affair. Most Nigerians visiting this region would easily fall in love with it because of its bursting night life and boisterous night clubs. We sampled one of the night clubs and rocked to Nigeria music.

NEW TELEGRAPH PARTNER HOTELS B E N E F I TS There are lots of benefits to derive as one of our partner hotels. For enquiries and details on how to join the programme, please contact Andrew Iro Okungbowa: 08023152195, e-mail: iroandy@ymail.com

FESTAC, LAGOS

LAGOS

ABA REE DANIELS HOTEL AND SUITES

29, OROLEYE CRESCENT, OFF ABEL ORENIYI, OFF SALAVATION RD, OPEBI, LAGOS

Travel&Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

HARMONY OF THE SEAS

Thrills of a lifetime cruise

DESTINATION

Harmony of the Seas owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines last month made its pre-inaugural debut in the cruise business. VICTORIA SOLUADE, who was one of the guests on the cruise, writes on her experience

Background s the pioneer and leading wholesaler of cruises in Nigeria, representing 18 cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, I was privileged to lead a team from Nigeria which included media and cruise agents to an invitation-only pre-inaugural cruise hosted by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines aboard the brand new and largest ship in the world, Harmony of the Seas; between June 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7. It was an exciting time indeed and the experience was awesome. Arrival in Barcelona I arrived Barcelona a day before to avoid any incidence like flight delay/cancellation depriving one of the lifetime opportunities. It will be the second inaugural cruise that I have explored. The first one was aboard Quantum of the Seas in October 2014, which sailed out of Southampton, England. The weather on my arrival day in Barcelona was pleasantly warm and bright, with a slight breeze. So, we decided to visit Las Ramblas and the waterfront to check out what was on offer. It turns out there was a vintage car show in town, but by the time we got around the event, our camera and phone batteries had gone dead and lifeless. That was disappointing. We, however, spent the

evening window shopping and enjoying the various displays by actors at the street market. I even got myself a selfie stick at the market for a steal. Onboard the ship The next day we took a cab to the harbour, checked into the ship and hit the ground running in order to experience as much of the ship as we could during the two days exploration. This ship is huge. It belongs to the Oasis class, but is wider than Allure of the Seas, which has proved quite popular with Nigerian guests. She came with a bold and unexpected lineup of experiences found nowhere else on land or sea. An architectural marvel, Harmony of the Seas combines the distinct sevenneighbourhood concept that Royal Caribbean's Oasis class of ships are known for with some of the most modern and groundbreaking amenities. Innovative features include The Ultimate Abyss, a thrilling slide 10 stories high, the tallest at sea and robot bartenders. We spent some time at the Bionic bar enjoying drinks prepared by these two robots. There were virtual balconies with real-time views of the destination for interior rooms and VOOM, the fastest internet at sea, so that guests can stay connected, stream their favourite entertainment and share their adventurous moments. With unparalleled entertainment in the air, in water and on ice, guests will be kept busy with exciting high-diving, acrobatic and aquatic performances in the deepest pool at sea at the iconic Aqua Theatre; an ice show extravaganza and by far the major highlight for me, the Broadwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hit musical Grease. Royal Caribbean International is the first cruise line to feature fully licensed, Tony Award-winning Broadway produc-

Travel&Tourism 43

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

Soluade (2nd left) with some Nigerian tour operators onboard

We had so much fun that at the end of the cruise many of us really did not want to leave. The crew had to practically shoo us out of the ship after many announcements asking us to disembark

tions and now the line has brought Grease to Harmony of the Seas. It was thrilling to watch and I recommend it to anyone who has booked or plans to sail on this ship. Imaginative dining in the ship’s 20 venues include the widest variety of cuisine from Wonderland, a whimsical culinary adventure for the senses, to the popular Jamie’s Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Could you believe that I was so busy trying to absorb so much I only got to dine at Coastal Kitchen and the Main Dining? However, I believe the food served in the other restaurants was good as I did not get any complaints from my team.

WORLD World’s greatest 17 waterfalls (1) Few geographical features exemplify the beauty and power of nature as dramatically as majestic waterfalls. The sight of tons of water spilling over the edge of a cliff or cascading over rocks never fails to impress. While the grandest falls deserve a prominent place on any bucket list, a waterfall doesn’t have to be the tallest, widest or most voluminous to make it a worthwhile travel destination. From powerful cataracts plunging over steep precipices to multi-step cascades tumbling gently into a series of pools, here are some of the world’s most amazing waterfalls. Gocta Cataracts (17) One of the tallest waterfalls in Peru, the towering Gocta Cataracts near the city of Chachapoyas remained unknown to all but the locals who live beneath it until 2005 when a German engineer named Stefan Ziemendorff stumbled upon it while hunting for pre-Incan ruins. Today, the two-tiered cataract has become a popular tourist attraction, thanks to development in the area by the Peruvian government. Trails now make the waterfall easily accessible by foot or on horseback, and every room in the small hotel built near the base offers scenic views of the magnificent cataract. Sutherland Falls (16) Located near the beautiful fjord of Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most popular travel destinations, the lakefed Sutherland Falls descends in three cascades into the glacial lakes of Fiordland National Park. While sightseeing tours by air offer glimpses of the remote falls, visitors who take the time to hike the famed Milford Track are rewarded with the best views. A 90-minute walk from the Quintin Public Shelter on the 53-kilometre (33-mile) route leads hikers to the base of spectacular falls.

Painful disembarkment We had so much fun that at the end of the cruise many of us really did not want to leave. The crew had to practically shoo us out of the ship after many announcements asking us to disembark. It had been an intense two nights with little sleep. Harmony of the Seas is perfect for generational holidays – Onboard leisure setting

from grandparents to tiny tots. Everyone will find something to interest them. Book a date Due largely to the great revues she received, the ship is already fully booked for her Mediterranean voyages. Therefore, all new bookings will be for her Caribbean itineraries from November 2016 onwards. Holders of Nigeria Passports will require multiple entry USA visas for these winter itineraries. As always, I strongly recommend that guests book well in advance of their sail dates. Soltan Travel is positioned to help you get the best available deals on this ship or any of the other 18 cruise lines we sell.

Sample meals

SEE THE

Harmony of the Seas itineraries She will homeport in Barcelona, Spain, and has already embarked on the first of 34 seven-night sailings in the western Mediterranean on June 7, exploring some

Tugela Falls (15) The Drakensberg Mountains in the Royal Natal National Park in South Africa is home to a series of five connected falls that collectively make up Tugela Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. The water descends in leaping falls over the stunning Amphitheatre, an imposing wall of rock that is a popular tourist attraction in its own right. A six-hour trek up the Tugela Gorge crosses back and forth across the river, leading hikers to the top. A less challenging trail takes visitors to the foot of Tugela Falls for full views of the five-tiered waterfall.

of Europe’s most beautiful locations. In November 2016, Harmony will arrive at her homeport of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from where she will offer seven-night eastern and western Caribbean sailings. The newest member of the fleet will join sister-ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, sailing from Port Canaveral and Port Everglades respectively, on the east coast of Florida. Profile Harmony of the Seas is classical and the latest leisure cruise ship in the world with astounding statistics, such as built in 2016; passengers capacity, 5, 400; decks, 16 encompassing 226, 000 tonnage; line class, mainstream; length, 1, 187 feet and beam, 154 feet. Other are: Average speed, 23 knots; inside cabins, 2, 210; number of crew, 2, 394; outdoor pools, four, several numbers of spa and casino and restaurants with America icon grill, Izumi Hibachi and Sushi as well as AquaTheatre, which has among others water shows ad aerial acrobatics and boasts 2, 747 staterooms with 5, 479 guests at double occupancy. *Victoria Soluade is managing director of Soltan Travel and Tours Limited, Lagos Nigeria

Tugela Falls Nohkalikai Falls (14) Situated near the town of Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on the planet, Nohkalikai Falls is categorised as a plunge waterfall, which means that the water loses contact with the rock as it pours over a cliff on the edge of the Himalayas. The tallest of its kind in India, Nohkalikai is fed by rainwater collected in the forested plateau above, so its volume changes dramatically according to the time of year. In the dry season, the water spills tranquilly into a turquoise-green pool. During the monsoon, the water crashes into a tumult of white spray.

Culled from www.touropia.com TO BE CONTINUED

Sportsplash 44 Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 july 2016

Celebrity RÈsume

Name: Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua Stage name: Sheyi Shay Background: She was born and raised in London, England to Nigerian parents. Her mother hailed from Northern Nigeria and her father is a native of Ife. She has two elder brothers and an older sister. Schools attended: Command High School in Maryland, Lagos and University of East London Music debut: Age 14 First record company: No Apology, a record company affiliated with George Martin (commonly referred to as the "Fifth Beatle"). Reaction of parents to music: Her mother wasn't a staunch supporter of her musical ambitions. She wanted her to become a doctor or lawyer, but before her she told her to focus on her music career and put God first. Her father was very supportive. Men tors: Moth er, Matt hew Knowles, 2face Idibia, Beyoncé, Tina Turner, Sound Sultan, Wizkid, and Omawumi . Genre of music: Afropop and R&B Album: Sheyi or Shay Inspiration: Day-to-day happenings, real life experiences, things I see, things I feel and whatever I come across generally. Major achievements: Supporting Beyonce Knowles at her “I am” UK tour in 2009/10, being featured on Coke Studio season two, her reality show on TV and being on CNN African Voices. International collaborations: She has worked with a number of musicians, including Justin Timberlake, Brian Michael Cox, Darey, Bilal, Michelle Williams, Chip, Rob Knoxx, H-Money, and Cameron Wallace. Awards: Best New Musician of the Year (Female), 2013 City People Entertainment Awards State of origin: Osun State

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JUly 2016

FaceOff

Oyo govt, NLC exchange punches p.46/47

Politics

45 We have women who can bring the country back on track â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Oyesoh

p.48

Executive, legislature rift good for Nigeria â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mahmood Muhammed Mai'jama'a Mahmood is the Managing Director of Garu Micro-Finance Bank in Bauchi State. In this interview with ALHASSAN YUSUF, he speaks on the current financial challenges facing some states among other issues. What do you see to the controversy that surrounded the budget before the presidential assent? The issue of the budget is something that always take a lot of attention of Nigerians. Budget is something that you do in order to focus on businesses of government, what you intend to do within the period, usually a year, that is when the budget is being proposed. And I think the misunderstanding that happened between the executive arm of government and the legislature is quite commendable, because when you don't have things like this happening, that means there is something going on. But now, you hear that the budget has been taken to the president and the president has sat with the Vice President to scrutinise the budget page by page to ensure that what they have sent to the National Assembly is what it has returned, and also try to understand or to see if there is any increase, which of course they discovered. They realised that there was an increase in the budget and raised some questions and then sent it back to the National Assembly, I think that is good for this administration, because when you don't have people having this kind of problems, you tend to think there are some underground dealings that Nigerians are not aware of. But you know this issue, so many Nigerians came to know about the budget and how the budget was processed, how budget was prepared and the stages that the budget passed through before final ascent by the president. I think at the end of it, we are going to have a very good system for the country. Is the bail-out for states justified? Yes, the issue of bail-out has become necessary, because the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is not much. You find only few states generating IGR that can take care of their activities. So the bail-out has to come because of the economic situation that the Federal Government found

OLALEKAN OSIADE Assistant Editor 08033076969 lekanosiade@gmail.com lekanosiade@yahoo.com

ÂŠ Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

itself when the APC government took the mantle of leadership. The bail-out helped some states to pay outstanding salaries of workers, but still the president has given directives that no deduction should be done for that month, so that they will able to use the money from the Federal Government allocation account to pay outstanding salaries. Although, governors have also asked for 18 months moratorium from the Federal Government so that they can be able pay all out outstanding debt, and also pay salaries as and when due, the bail-out has helped some states but there is still need for the government to further look at the issue of moratorium so that they can be able to work. The Federal Government need to pay money owed states, like money expended on the construction of federal roads and some federal projects undertaken by different states. Some states constructed airports, with their money which the government need to pay back so that they can be able to use that money to carryout some meaningful projects for their people. Despite the bail-out to assist workers, why do you think there is still hardship among the workforce in many states? If you can recall, most of the states in the federation were owing workers salaries. An example is Osun State, owing nine months salaries. Plateau State in the North-Central was owing about six months or so, even in Bauchi, I think it was about three months when the new administration came in. When they came they had to embark on verification of workers, so that they can be able to reduce to block loopholes. Looking at the small amount of the allocation these states are getting as a result of fall in the price of crude oil, this is why various states of the federation decided to embark on verification of workers, to ensure they are paying genuine workers and not ghost workers. The verification exercise has actually helped because it has actually exposed a lot of shady deals that were done previously. Things were not being done properly and you have to agree that the verification exercise has made people to sit up and know that this administration is not actually coming to do things like the previous administration but they want to ensure that there is transparency and there is accountability in everything. What is the main objective of your bank? The main objective of any micro-finance bank is to assist the poor, the small entrepreneurs, so as to increase their

The Federal Government need to pay money owed states, like money expended on the construction of federal roads and some federal projects undertaken by different states

Mahmood

capital base for them to be able to improve their business activities. What we are doing is to ensure that we go round and identify this class of people who need our services and assist them by giving them soft loans so that they will be able to grow their businesses and also encourage them to inculcate the habit of savings, because the aim of the CBN is to ensure that people inculcate the habit of savings and discourage them from keeping money at home under their pillows and mattresses. How long have you been in operation? Garu Micro-Finance Bank started as a community bank in 1993, that is about 23 years of existence. In 2005, the CBN came out with the frame work to guide the operations of micro-finance banks in the country. They called for community banks to become micro-finance banks, so Garu has migrated from community bank to micro-finace bank in 2005 and since then we have been operating in the state. As a matter of fact, Garu has been in the forefront of micro-finance banking in the state, even during community banking, Garu has been the number one in the North-East, having a total number of 24,000 clients, and about the numberone of micro-finance bank in the state especially the active ones. We have about 13 micro-finance banks in Bauchi State,

although not all local governments are involved. The robbery attacks on banks have drastically reduced as against what we had in the past. Is there any explanation for this? There are some factors that we can look at and why they are happening. The level of poverty is high, most especially in the North-East. There are some people who are extremist, they tend to look at religion in different way. And there are people in the society who are armed robbers, you know, that is there own business, they have taken to vandalism, to go and break into banks and steal money. But thank God for now, since the inception of this administration, this issue is no more, and I believe it is the effort of security which has been tightened. There was a lot of effort to improve the security and civilians are also very conscious of the security around them, so I believe that is what has reduced the breaking into banks. There are issues because if you look at the North-East, you will discover that there are still a lot of places where insurgents have broken into the banks, they are still closing those banks. We are appealing to them that since we are now experiencing relative peace, the banks should come and operate in those areas.

FaceOff

46 Politics

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JUly 2016

Oyo govt not selling public schools â&#x20AC;&#x201C;SSG

The relationship between the government and labour unions had been cordial until recently. At what point did the relationship go awry? We have been having good, smooth relationship between the government and the labour unions. However, we had an education summit based on the government's tremendous passion for education in the state and the essence was actually to re-engineer the necessary reforms with a view to transforming the education status of the state currently with the 31st position of our candidates in the school certificate examinations if not the first, but among the best three in the 36 states of the federation. In fact, the report that was submitted actually encouraged us to move further in our repositioning and transforming agenda to ensure that we are able to put in place whatever is necessary and imperative to improve the performances of our children. One of the recommendations was to look into the possibility of improving the management of our public secondary schools and to ensure that the supervision assumes a wider dimension in terms of quality, and again in terms of infrastructural provisions and in terms of learning environment. This also informed our establishment of agricultural facilities in all the three zones of the state. In a bid to make our people enjoy the government more, we called the stakeholders forum with the intention of participatory management of the schools on June 1. However, what we saw on the day of the forum was an invasion of the venue. As a matter of routine and protocol, the SSG would have to lead others to the venue. We got in there to see that the place had been disrupted with thugs, labour leaders singing, chanting and drumming, and eventually got into the hall, disrupting the sitting arrangement, sending the invitees away and turned the place upside down to the extent of destroying the government property. And we felt all such was unnecessary, ill-informed and crude. You could see how I was dragged out of the place, chased out and humiliated. But for the security guard that ferried me out of the place, only God knows what could have happened. They were also actually invited as stakeholders such that one wonders what informed their action. At least the police witnessed what happened and that was why the police invited them and they were charged to court.

Was there any disagreement before that day? There hadn't been any labour dispute with this government, we have always been in agreement on the payment of workers' salary. We have a subsisting agreement and the government has never reneged. You can imagine how the governor had stayed with the agreement with the labour as salary was being paid in staggered form every other month. Initially it was 90 per cent, and later 100 per cent. Even some colleagues of the governor in some parts of the country had blamed him for this. But the governor in his wisdom as the leader of the government resolved that we should do whatever we had to do to ensure that whatever came to us is disbursed accordingly to ensure that workers are taken care of. That was the position before they disrupt the government activity. One of the grievances was that they were not carried along. It is most untrue. The labour leaders were indeed invited. And if at all they

Alhaji Ismael Olalekan Alli is the Secretary to the Government (SSG) of Oyo State. In this interview with SOLA ADEYEMO, he speaks on why the Abiola Ajimobi government is proposing private partnership for public schools in the state. Excerpts: policy but just an initiative. Despite the disruption, we put up an advertisement inviting all stakeholders including labour to come for the rescheduled forum held later, but they did not attend. Interestingly, the NUT submitted a memorandum at the meeting brokered by Oyo State House of Assembly. So, who is fooling who? Let us be honest, nobody should be hypocritical. Let people know where the government is coming from and where labour is going to. They used the students as canon fodders. That is not responsible.

were not, that did not give them the effrontery, the right to disrupt government function. They needed not do that at all. That was not the level of understanding and intelligence the labour should demonstrate. Government will not get into their own premises and disrupt their activities. Government is a representative of the people. So, in actual fact, their action was an affront to the governor and not only that, it was an affront to the people of the state, more so that there was an advertorial inviting stakeholders to the forum. What else would the government do apart from inviting them, acknowledged by their officers that they were duly invited; displayed on the screen of the television. So. Nobody would deny that labour and indeed all stakeholders were invited to the forum. They were properly and duly invited; directly or indirectly invited. That is even not the issue. The issue went to the extent of using the teachers and the students to demonstrate. The labour leaders themselves organised an illegal protest of students in both primary and secondary schools who were led into the roads to sing all sorts of songs against government and indeed against the person of the governor. That was most indecent, most unbecoming of the people in civilised community. This is a pace setter state, not a state for brigands, but a pace setter for excellence. How come you are charging N250,000 for the form to be purchased by interested stakeholders? The N250,000 was specifically for those who will participate and partner with us in the management of secondary schools. The advert said that the money was for anybody who would pick up the form, and not every attendee. And the forum was to get the stakeholders informed and intimated of both initiative, not the policy. This has not become a policy and the media should help in this direction. We never said it was the government

Were they wrong in accusing you of plotting to sell public schools? Some stakeholders that attended the forum acknowledged that the initiative was well-conceived and that they were misled. Even, the national leaders of the union from Abuja attested that their action was based on assumptions. How do you base information on rumours and assumptions when we hadn't indicated that we were going to sell the schools? We never Alli said that any school has been sold. Why would they spread such erroneous information that the government had sold the schools? Where is the evidence, where are the receipts? In fact, what they have done was more than misinforming the people. They have incited the people against the government. But notwithstanding their action, the government still said its doors are open. That was why we still invited them to the rescheduled forum. That was why we said that memoranda can still be submitted. It is still open and not a policy yet. And that must be emphasised. Some people said the issue had been politicised. Do you agree? Well, the public is there to judge, journalists and the media are there to judge. If they started by saying that they were not invited to the forum and disrupting the programme to the extent of now linking it with labour issues, what are we then talking about. Let us call a spade a spade. We never had trade disputes, and they just went on illegal strike. The labour laws are there. On our part, we know that what they have done is illegal. Why are you not withdrawing the matter at the Magistrate Court knowing that labour gave that as part of conditions to meet the government? The governor gave them the assurance at the parley brokered by the House of Assembly, that the matter would be withdrawn. After telling them all they needed to know, the governor gave them the assurance that the litigation could be vacated, but whatever the olive branch the governor has extended to them deserves some level of reciprocity. They started the

We never had trade disputes, and they just went on illegal strike. The labour laws are there

industrial dispute and later they were talking about paying salary. Well, you can see and you can judge by yourself and the public can read in between the lines. Since federal allocation has dropped tremendously, what is the way out? Things won't continue like this. There were better options the government had proposed to labour which the labour did not take. The governor even said, okay, let us share whatever came from the Federal Government among the generality of the workers so that everybody will take something home in whatever percentage that could be possible, but labour said no. Whose interest are they then protecting if the government said such and you said no. Another option was to down size, but the government said it was not going to retrench and the labour also said they did not have interest in that. And then the next option was staggered salary, so that whatever comes this month would be shared among certain category of workers, and that was what we have been doing consistently. Initially, it was 90 per cent, and later 100 per cent. So, what are we talking about? We have kept our own side of the bargain; we have kept the faith. So, by withdrawing the services of their members, that is bad faith. To us and to the whole world, we are re-strategising; we are re-positioning to the effect that we are trying to shore up our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to ensure that something better could be done. The little we are getting now like 1.2 or 1.3 is what we are managing to conduct government activities. We are yet to pay our road contractors, don't forget that less than one per cent of the population of Oyo State constitute the labour force on whom the total allocation we get from Abuja is spent. So, the little we get is what we are now spending on developmental projects, and even on debts. And if you add the N1.2 or 3bn that we get on monthly basis with the N2bn or thereabouts that comes from the Federal Government, adding up to about N3.2bn, that will not be sufficient for the N5.2bn bill that we spend on salaries every month. And don't forget that in our first term something like this came up and we were paying salaries as at 21st, 22nd of the month; we did promotion; we paid 13th month salary to every worker for three good years consecutively. Building loan, vehicle loan, housing loan- all increased by 100 per cent. So, what has the government not done? In fact if we have those monies in our bank accounts, we won't be having this kind of problem. When it was good, they knew what to do. But now that it is bad, they must adjust. That is what the whole world is doing now. But they are saying that it will be a situation of uncertainty. So, what do we do having tried all strategies? They have to adjust. Let us adjust our taste; let us adjust our appetite so that at the end of the month, everybody can take something home from the meagre resources. When do you hope to invite the labour again to discontinue the strike action? Well, the choice is theirs and that is why we said that our doors are opened for dialogue. The governor had appealed to them, so, since you withdrew services, it means you are not productive; you are not contributing. Withdrawing services itself is a contradiction, and at the end of the day you will expect to be paid when you have not contributed. It shouldn't happen and so the earlier they get back to work, the better.

FaceOff 47

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JUly 2016

Your opposition to the Oyo State Government’s proposal on partnering with some private individuals and organisations has continued unrelaxed. Why? It is on record that Governor Abiola Ajimobi said during his electioneering that his policy on education would take after the previous administrations’ policy of free education. He said that the government of Oyo State would do everything possible to ensure children of school age in the state have access to education with no stress in term of cost. In his first term as governor, Ajimobi tried to pursue this promise to a logical conclusion. Shortly after he assumed office in the second term, government kept complaining about paucity of fund. According to the government, funding education as promised became very difficult. I remember that at a time when government had to call a meeting of stakeholders in education, parents, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) were represented. At the meeting, they complained bitterly about shortage of fund to run free education and stakeholders agreed that instead of leaving the whole responsibilities to government, the roles should be shared. The attention of government was drawn to the fact that it should stop paying pupils’ fee for West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE). It was agreed that parents must carry the responsibility because if there will be any benefit from the pupils’ success, the parents will be the direct beneficiaries. Government promptly agreed to this recommendation to stop paying WASCE fees for pupils. At another meeting, government said the load in terms of funding of education in the state was still huge for it to shoulder. We advised that the governor should call on parents to commit a little fee to the education of their children and to monitor their academic performance and it was agreed among all stakeholders that parents should start paying N1,000 for each pupil per term. Don't you think that N1, 000 is a paltry sum? That arrangement has been on ground for some time now, but the expectation of labour is that the government should have given the stakeholders a feedback on how much was collected and how it was utilised to improve on the facilities in our schools. This was our agreement but government did not do it. What we saw instead was government coming up with a new policy, inviting stakeholders to express interest in partnership and ownership of public secondary schools. When we saw this in a newspaper on May 25, labour felt worried. What caught our attention mostly was the idea of ownership. If it is all about partnership, it could take any form. You can call on alumni to contribute to the progress of their alma mater. It could be calling on parents or the community to build classrooms, toilet or buy instructional materials. This is what we understand by partnership. But when it was becoming ownership, we suspected some foul play and sharp practices. If care is not taken, it is possible for the government to

Olojede

Ajimobi wants to kill education in Oyo State –NLC boss Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Waheed Olojede, in this interview with SOLA ADEYEMO insisted that labour was averse to the initiative of Governor Abiola Ajimobi because the way the government went about the process fell short of its claim that schools were not meant to be sold. Excerpts:

transfer public schools to private hands. Isn't there a law that governs the ownership of public schools? The Edict 14 of 1975 clearly stated that government decided to take away schools from private owners because of their inability to do the right quality of education. That law that transferred schools to government hands is still potent. If the law has not been repealed, and government is taking action to return schools to the owners, it is a betrayal and a rape on that law. If the government knows the rule of law, it will not propose that policy. If you go ahead and do it, it is like returning public property to private individuals because over several decades, peoples’ taxes have been spent on those schools. That will not happen in this state. The laws of the land allows establishment of private schools. That is why we have many private schools in our land today. What makes the difference between the public and private schools is the fee. Those that cannot send their children to private schools because of the exorbitant fees they charge there have the option of public schools where they charge only N1000. If you transfer public schools to private hands, it is like taking the schools away from poor parents. That will not happen in this state, we have told government to encourage people to establish more private schools instead of taking the public schools. But the government made it clear that it was just a proposal and that only 31 schools are involved The point we are raising is that if each of the previous administrations in the state had been handing over 31 schools to private hands, will Ajimobi meet any school in the state? It is important to prevent any bad policy from happening because once it happens, it will create a big issue for subsequent government to handle. If government claims that it is just a proposal, why did it take a decision behind stakeholders to charge N250,000 application fee from in-

terested people? A decision was reached and it was singlehandedly taken by the government. If someone is paying N250,000 for application, you can imagine how much that person will pay for a school. Eventually, the high fees that will be charged will take education away from the reach of the poor masses. We don’t consider this as a proposal because the decision should have been taken after the stakeholders meeting. They said labour was invited to the meeting but you disrupted it. The advertorial was published on May 25, 2016 but there was no letter of invitation to labour from the government until 4pm on May 31, 2016. The meeting was held on June 1, 2016. When we did not receive a letter from the government before the day it was sent, we held a meeting and came up with a communiqué where we informed the government of our opposition to the policy. That was when it thought of sending a letter to us which was only received by the clerk. By then, we had perfected our strategy to go on a peaceful protest. I only saw the letter after we were released from Agodi prison on June 2, 2016, we were invited by the police and seven of us were arrested immediately. The government was never serious about inviting labour to the stakeholders meeting, and that is the plain truth. How could you be having a peaceful protest and at the same time damaging property? We only went on sensitisation rally and before we embarked on it, we wrote a letter to the state Commissioner of Police, informing him of our intention to stage a peaceful rally to sensitise the public to rise against the policy of selling our public schools as proposed by the government. In our letter, we stated our itinerary that we would go through some popular schools and end up at the venue of the meeting to inform prospective buyers and sellers that our schools were not for sale. We were given police protection

If you transfer public schools to private hands, it is like taking the schools away from poor parents. That will not happen in this state

throughout and they led us out of the meeting. There was no disruption and that was why there was no arrest made at the scene. Is it true that chairs were destroyed and the SSG beaten? It is all lies. No chair was damaged and Ali was not beaten by anybody. If you see the front page of some dailies the following day, the picture used was taken from the venue and all the chairs were intact. Government should stop misleading the public. With your opposition to the proposal, have you proferred an alternative? We have always been doing that. The NUT has a tradition; once a new government comes into power, we send our proposal to the government to address failure in education sector. To address this issue of school transfer, NLC through the national body submitted a proposal to the state government. They cannot deny that. Government said that the ongoing strike is illegal because it did not follow the rules regarding trade disputes. Aside that it appears your main concern now is the salary payment and not the school issue. In the first place, the strike is not illegal. What led to this strike was the noise generated when the leadership of labour in this state was incarcerated in Agodi prison. The national leaders heard about it and came to the state. We were in prison when they came, they then realised that six month salaries are being owed workers by the state government. They were not happy that after the workers demonstrated understanding, their leaders were clamped in prison. The strike was called by the national leaders to protest non-payment of salaries and the government proposal on education. The government has also accused you of instigating pupils to protest. In our address to the government, we made it clear that teachers did not send pupils out to protest. The pupils were only expressing their fundamental rights knowing that if schools were sold they would be at a great disadvantage. By the time they were on the streets, we were in prison. So, it will be wrong to accuse us of instigating th protest. But government said it has not got the money to pay the backlog of salaries. Do you think government was shirking its responsibility? There is a social contract between employee and employer. The contract is that if I serve you, you must pay me. It is not the business of the employee to know how government will get money to pay workers who have already rendered their services. So, they should pay workers. But when is the strike going to be called off to allow for more negotiation? The strike is intact and sustained. It is also effective by our estimation. That is why thousands of our members resume at the labour secretariat everyday for congress since it began. We cannot say when it will end since the government has refused to answer our demands. That is it.

Politics

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JUly 2016

We have women who can put the country back on track – Oyesoh Joy Oyesoh is the National Coordinator of Women Situation Room Nigeria (WSRN), a networking initiative that prepares women for mainstream politics. She is also the president of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. She speaks with DEBORAH OCHENI on the need to diversify the economy, among other issues. Excerpts... There are so many women out there nurturing the desire to join politics but feel timid to pursue that desire. What is your advice to such women? The starting point is having the dream, and the next thing is actualising the dream and for you to actualise your dreams, you need to be with the right set of people to network well because networking helps. Iron sharpens iron, when you are with the right people you can build your capacity. What is WSRN offering differently from other groups that seek political support for women? The political arena is not saturated, the space to fill is so large and the space that women are occupying is still very minute because you will find out that most women group shy away because of the stereotype believe that women are limited to do some things, and there are political boundaries they are not meant to cross. Meanwhile everything we do is politics. As humans, all we do is political but women keep saying I don’t want to participate and that is because we have not been able to make the linkages between the mainstream and the domestic politics, but they are all interconnected. Even though ours is called the Women Situation Room Nigeria (WSRN) we have attempted to define what room and situation is as an allencompassing entity. What steps are you putting in place to nurture the initiative? In Nigeria and most African countries, we tend to individualise processes and it is not sustainable by so doing but when you institutionalise processes, it makes it sustainable in such that if someone exit; the structure will still be there for someone else to fill in the gap. We have geo political zones coordinator representing institutions, so it is not built around individuals. How will you access President Buhari administration so far? One year is too short a time to access constructively bearing in mind that they did not start up early but that is not to say we are not asking for more. Even in the appointive positions, we are not satisfied with the number of women in office because in the last administration, we did a whole lot better with female appointments and we want to move forward because we have a lot of women that has the capacity. Do you think Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB is fighting a just course? Well, to the extent that con-

stitution says that people should have freedom of expression, if for instance the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) say they want to implement something, there is nothing wrong with that according to our constitution and there is nothing dialogue cannot resolve. I am a peace activist and I am also a pace builder; I believe you cannot solve violent situation with violence. If people are agitating that they want to leave they have the right to self determination but the question we should ask is why they are agitating to leave; you need to give them a hearing and address those issues as to why they want to leave. I have never believed in violence and I will not stand for violence, violence may solve the problem on the interim but there is definitely going to be a break down along the way, there is a lot we need to do and that is what WSRN is all about, as individuals, we have responsibilities; let us not give up on the country. We must take back Nigeria and everyone must be involved. Do you think Nigerian women are prepared to face critical political situation? Capacity has nothing to do with being male or female, it is because we always tie capacity to being a man; we are all human beings and your exposure to certain condition and environment is what impact capacity to act in certain instance, it is not because you are a man or a woman and so because we have structured certain believes and roles for men or women; for crying out loud, Hillary Clinton is a woman and this has not affected her capacity. I am not naive to say that every woman is a leadership material but we certainly have women who have all it takes to put this country back on track. Do you think this is the best time to remove fuel subsidy owing to the present economy situation? For anyone to make a choice you need to look at thing holistically; what led us to this point? Where are we going from here? So there are different things you need to check, you can’t make decision in a box. I personally like the removal of fuel subsidy because people were using the fuel subsidy to enact the rule of corruption and fraud. We need to restructure our country, why are our refineries not working? These are some of the questions we need to ask ourselves before we can fix things in this country. We can’t continue with short term measures, we ought to have fix our refineries and get them working. We lack maintenance culture; we

industry employs more people than the oil sector. Our fashion industry is awesome, we keep saying we want to diversify but what are the plans! How have you been coping in terms of funding WSRN? We started it last year with the support of United Nations Women and they also got support from the EU and some other organisations. This year, we have decided to build on the good will we have been enjoying and that is why we are also looking at organisations contributing their quota that is why we introduced WSRN App because we realised there are so many people that want to join the process. With the App you can connect to us and share ideas easily. What is your advice to those wishing to attain the height that you are now? Never give up, if you believe in your dreams, you have to pursue it because where there is a will, there will definitely be a way. What was growing up like? Growing up was fun, I got to realise what I want at a very young age because of my background; I grew up in a family where specific roles were not assigned to men or women. We rotate roles and I learnt how to negotiate in the process of swapping of roles.

Oyesoh

We are not satisfied with the number of women in office because in the last administration, we did a whole lot better with female appointments and we want to move forward

keep building without maintaining what we have on ground, we need to have a shift in paradigm about what development is and have an idea about comprehensive human security. Until we start looking at how each sector is connected and let the people have a say as to how policies should be framed, we will not get it right. Now that fuel price has dropped, which other sector do you think we can rely on to boost our economy? Over dependent on fuel is what got Nigerians to the point that we are now, we did not diversify our economy. When I look at the tourist attraction in Nigeria, I weep. We have a lot that will enable people to come in but then the security. You can start developing the tourist sector section by section. What of agriculture and entertainments? There is a lot Nigerians have aside oil but we are focused on making it fast. To boost the economy, there is need for us to strategies, the youth is the critical part of our productive work force, when you don’t engage the youths constructively, what you have is what you get. We have a whole lot of unemployment in this country and entertainment

Does your background influence who you are now? It does, a whole lot; that is what made me who I am now because looking back, all the processes I went through developed me to be who I am now, it helped fuel my passion because the desire to break out of the norm became so high as a result of my background. What informed the decision of going into politics? I am not in active politics, the thing is you cannot change things without beign on the table where decisions are been made. If you look at the family where the woman have no say as to what happens in the family, there will always be a variant with the family where a woman contributes substantively to decision making processes and so I realised that for us to have a change, there is need for reorientation as to the role of women. Gender roles are social construct and because we keep repeating the same thing, people now think you are not supposed to do this and that because you are a woman. We internalise and enact all this narratives. How do you relax? I enjoy listening to music and I dance a lot.

News Extra

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 july 2016

Nobody knows whereabouts of Chibok girls –Buratai Ndubuisi Ugah with agency reports

hief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has reiterated the resolve of the military to rescue the abducted Chibok girls while decrying the “politicised nature” of their abduction since 2014. Speaking at a press briefing organised as part of ‘Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2016’, Buratai said the whereabouts of the over 200 girls remained unknown, according to an online news portal, Africanews.com. It would be recalled that over 200 students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State were abducted by the

outlawed Boko Haram sect in April 2014. Since the girls were abducted over 24 months ago, only two of them have been successfully rescued about a month back. Amina Ali Nkeki and Sarah Luka (even though activists have disputed that Luka is a part of the Chibok school girls, clarifying that she was abducted in the Chibok community but not among the school girls.) But speaking on the possibility of rescuing the girls, Buratai said: “The issue of the Chibok schoolgirls has been politicised. Ours is professional duty. We will keep looking out to rescue more. “We’re still searching for them and by the grace of God, if they are still alive, we will rescue them. Today, nobody knows their where-

abouts. The military is very much interested in information that would enable us to rescue the girls.” He debunked doubt expressed by many against the facts that thousands of captives have been freed by the army since launching an onslaught on the terrorists since President Muhammadu Buhari ascended the presidency in 2015. On the reported rescue

UYO A’Ibom dissolves LG transition c’ttees NEWS IN BRIEF

CHANGE AND CONFIRMATION OF NAME

mbah

I formerly Known and addressed as MISS OGBONNA GRACE OYIRICHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MBAH GRACE OYIRICHI. All former documents remain valid. Slok Nig. Ltd. and the general public please take note.

alawarifa

I formerly known and addressed as NENGIA ERASMUS MICHAEL now wish to be known and addressed as NENGIA ERASMUS ALAWARIFA. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

OGUNBULE

I formerly known and addressed as MRS. BASIRATU OLUWASHOLA OLOWOSHAGBA now wish to be known and addressed as MISS BASIRATU OLUWASHOLA OGUNBULE. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

SALIMONU I formerly SALIMONU AJADI ARIMOH now wishes to be known and addressed as SALIMONU AJADI. All former documents remain valid. ECO BANK and general public should please take note.

wilcox

I formerly known and addressed as ISAAC EBIEBI now wish to be known and addressed as WILCOX DIEPREYE ZACCHEOUS. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

AKPULU

I formerly known as IBE CHARITY now wish to be known and addressed as AKPULU CHARITY. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

JOSEPH

I formerly JIMOH DAVID SUNDAY now wish to be known and addressed as DAVID SUNDAY JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. ECO BANK and general public take note.

HOPE

I formerly known as AKIKAYE ABIYE JOHN now wish to be known and addressed as HOPE AKIKAYE JOHN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

INYANG

PORBENI

I formerly known as MISS MERCY ANTHONY ASHIEBI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MERCY I INYANG. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as ALBERT TONY OYINIMOMOEMI now wish to be known and addressed as PORBENI TONY OYINIMOMOEMI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

GEORGE

AKPAN

I formerly known as MISS IFIE OZE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IFIE GEORGE. All former documents remain valid. First bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

I formerly known as DOMINIC RITA POLYCARP now wish to be known and addressed as POLYCARP PEACE AKPAN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

of over 5,000 residents in the troubled North-East, the army chief said all territories hitherto held by the insurgents had been recovered and under the control of the army, yet, the girls were nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, the army has intensified its combat with the Boko Haram sect by insisting that it had recorded a ‘technical victory’ over the sect. The army hinged its

Akwa Ibom State Government has dissolved its 31 Local Government Transition Committees with effect from yesterday, a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Etekamba Umoren, has said. He stated that the dissolution was in conformity with the Local Government Administration Amendment Law 2016. Umoren directed the 31 transition committee chairmen and members to handover all government property in their possession to the most senior officers in their respective local government areas. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the dissolved LG transition committees were inaugurated in January.

victory as at December 31, 2015, against the fact that all the local government areas held by the insurgents in the three worst hit states, (Borno, Yobe and Adamawa) had been recovered. An operation code named ‘Lafiya Doole’ Peace is a necessity - has seen the Army take the fight to Boko Haram on land and partly through the Air Force. The army claims the

IBADAN N115m IAR&T fraud: Court adjourns hearing to Sept 27

Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, on Friday adjourned till Sept. 27 further hearing in the trial of accused persons in the alleged N115 million frauds at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T). Ayo-Emmanuel adjourned the case after listening to the prayers of Isa Salawu and Yetunde Adegboye, counsel to the second and the third accused. The counsel separately prayed on behalf of Bola Alabi, counsel to the first accused, who told the court of his intension to discontinue with the handling of the matter on behalf of his client. Alabi, who appeared as counsel to Prof. Benjamin Ogunbodede, the first accused, said he was discontinuing as the counsel in the case shortly after the court opposed his application to stay further proceedings.

terrorists are now restricted to the Sambisa forest which the army is clearing gradually. Based on this, the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) group which continues to ceaselessly demand the rescue of the girls alive has stated that they would officially respond to the comments of the Army chief relative to the army’s ability to rescue the girls.

LOKOJA We’ll pay civil servants with correct data

Kogi State Government yesterday directed the appropriate bodies to revert the increment in the grade levels of their staff to their former status. It also directed it to send the updated information to the appropriate quarters for salary payment A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on New Media, Mr. Gbenga Olorunpomi, said the affected bodies are the heads of Teaching Service Commission (TSC); Science, Technology, Technical and Education Board (STTEB) and the Health Management Board (HMB). According to the Auditor General of the state, Alhaji Yusuf Okala, about 1,700 staff from these organisations covering 75 schools and hospitals have their salaries ready but a final check revealed that many of them had higher grade levels and steps inflated.

Buhari’s wife donates food items to less privileged

Dan Atori, MINNA ife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari, yesterday donated food items to less privileged people in Niger State as part of efforts to support and carter for the downtrodden. Aisha while donating the items in Minna said the distribution of the items was intended to cushion the effects of the economic hardship in the country. The President’s wife, who was represented by the Niger State governor's wife, Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello, distributed 1,000 bags of rice,

chinwendu

I formerly known as MISS OBIOMA CHINWEDU CHICHI CYNTHIA now wish to be known and addressed as MISS OBIOMA CHINWENDU CYNTHIA. All former documents remain valid. The WAEC, UNN and general public should please take note.

MOTAILATU CHURCH OF GOD Presents

Prophetic Landmark SUMMIT DATE Sunday July 3, 2016 (Midday) VENUE Church Premises Lagos District Headquarters, Host Motailatu road, off Ogundele DEWO AKINA S REV. JAME Ave. Ogo Oluwa B/Stop, 08037188392 Oke Ira, Ogba, Lagos.

Also join us every Wednesday 7-9am for SUCCESS HOUR

1,000 gallons of vegetable oil, 1,000 cartons of tomato paste, 1,000 cartons of specially packaged garri and 1,000 cartons of custard. She said: “This gesture is to the less privileged people and those living with disability, widows and the vulnerable in the 25 local government areas of the state.”

Buhari urged Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, especially in the fight against corruption. “It is true that although some of you might be going through some form of hardship right now, we need to persevere a little more because if we exercise pa-

tience with the government, very soon we will all see the dividends of the change that we have been anticipating, because sustainable change is truly a gradual process,” she said. Earlier, Bello had commended Buhari for making the donation in the spirit of the Ramadan fast.

Wife of Delta lawmaker rescued by military, ex-militants Gabriel Efeduku, Ughelli

ife of Hon. Michael Diden (Ejele), member representing Warri North constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Mrs. Cynthia Diden, was on Thursday rescued by the men of the Nigerian Army with the effort of some former militant generals, following a tip off on their hideouts.

The kidnappers who had abducted the lawmaker’s wife last Sunday, in Warri, had, according to a source, contacted the family and demanded for N500 million as ransom, but later came down to N200 million as at yesterday. According to one of the ex-militant general (name withheld), brother to a senior journalist in the state said: “We are loving people of Delta State and kidnapping is a slap on the faces of ex-militants across the country hence we decided to hint the Nigerian Army of the kidnappers’ hide out so that

together; we can conquer and we did.” When contacted the state Police Public Relation Officer, Mrs. Celestina Kalu, confirmed the report, saying Diden had been rescued from the kidnappers’ den. Reacting to the development, the Publicity Secretary of Sapele Political Vanguard, Dr. Prince Orhomonokpaye, thanked the former militants for giving information to the military, which led to the rescue of Diden, urging them to continue in the spirit of sportsmanship to the state.

Robbers kill engineering student in Yenagoa

Chris Ejim, Yenagoa unmen suspected to be armed robbers yesterday killed a final year engineering student of the Niger Delta University (NDU), Amasoma, Mr. Obele Wilson, to death. Wilson was reportedly attacked along the Sani Abacha Expressway, Yenagoa, at the branch of a commercial bank. The hoodlums, armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, were said to have rounded up Wilson and some bank customers within the premises of the

bank, dispossessing them of their cash, mobile phones and other valuables. It was learnt that before the ugly incident, the victim was in the business of electronic processing of NDU's screening forms for admission seekers. An eyewitness said the deceased student was in the bank premises to solicit customers from persons who bought the NDU forms from the bank. The source who wishes to remain anonymous said that the deceased reportedly argued with armed robbers and they became furious and in the process gunned him down.

“The killing of Wilson was very painful. He was a final year engineering student who was in the business of processing screening forms for admission seekers. “He was on the premises of the bank to look for customers from among those who purchased the forms. “Some armed robbers stormed the place and started collecting people’s valuables and cash at gunpoint. Wilson was said to have argued with them in the process they shot him,” he said. However, when sympathisers rushed the victim to hospital, he was confirmed dead before getting to the hospital.

Extra Sportsplash 50 News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Ondo, Labour reach agreement on strike B Babatope Okeowo, Akure

arely a month after workers in Ondo State embarked on strike over unpaid salaries and allowances, the labour unions in the state have suspended their industrial action. The suspension of the industrial action came after four days of intensive deliberations between the state government representatives and organised labour. They eventually reached a truce in the early hours of yesterday. Chairman of the state Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Mr. Sunday Adeleye, announced the suspension of the action, which had crippled all government activities while the strike lasted after the labour and the government parties signed the agreement to end the crisis. While the trio of the chairmen of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mrs. Bosede Daramola, Trade Union Con-

Yoruba, Ijaw leaders seek restructuring of polity

Wale Elegbede oruba and Ijaw leaders, yesterday in Lagos, reiterated the need for the restructuring of the polity, stating that the review and adoption of report of past constitutional conferences including relevant sections of the 2014 National Conference report would douse tensions in the country. In a communique issued at the end of a meeting between the two ethnic groups following recent killings at Lagos and Ogun communities, which police authorities attributed to Ijaw militants, the leaders said the two ethnic nationalities are not at war. The communique, jointly signed by Chief Ayo Adebanjo, leader of the Yoruba delegation and leader of the Ijaw delegation, Chief Albert K. Horsfall,noted that: “The Ikorodu incidence underlines the urgent need for state police, the restructuring of Nigeria and the need for the review and adoption of all past National conferences incuding but not limited to the relevant sections of the reports of the 2014 National Conference reports.” Horsfall, who read the communique, said: “Informed by the need for peaceful coexistence and sustainable development of Ijaw and Yoruba nations, this meeting was initiated by elders from both nations to address issues of mutual interest for peace and well being of two great civilisations. “In the past few months, there have been some developments which are of utmost concern to the two nationalities, some of these issues include but not limited to recent spate of violence in some Yoruba territories, the social and economic state of the Nigerian nation and the future of the people of the two nationalities in the co text of the emerging trends in the country.”

gress (TUC) Chairman, Mr. Soladoye Ekundayo and JNC, Mr. Sunday Adeleye, signed on behalf of the labour, the Head of Service, Mr. Toyin Akinkuotu, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Yele Ogundipe and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), signed on behalf of the government. After deliberations and based on the available funds, 11-point resolutions were made by the parties focusing mainly on the payment of outstanding salaries and other issues bothering on workers’ welfare. It was resolved that the January 2016 salary be paid in full immediately to all staff in the mainstream of civil service, parastatals, Hospital Management Board (HMB), Teaching Service Commission, state pensioners and all local government staff and primary school teachers and pensioners. The parties also resolved that March 2016 salary be immediately paid in full to primary school teachers and local government staff on Grade Level 01-10 in view of the fact that available funds cannot pay all categories of workers in that sector. In addition, it was agreed that the February 2016 salary

be paid in full to all health workers in HMB just as judiciary workers should be paid January and February salaries in full while all staff in the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) should also be paid February to April salaries. The resolution read: “It was

also resolved today that all outstanding arrears of salaries and pensions shall be offset as a matter of priority from the refunds and reimbursement embloc “That subsequent salaries should be met as Number One priority from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Statutory Allocations, budget

support loans, refund reimbursement and other sources. “That government should step up efforts towards increasing its IGR to complement its dwindling allocations from the federation accounts as a way of meeting its financial obligations, especially in prompt salary payment,” Adeleye stated.

ouths numbering over 2,000 yesterday grounded business and other activities in Oba Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State over the controversy surrounding the sale, acquisition and development of the proposed site for the state’s international airport. The youths who gathered in large numbers at the palace of the traditional ruler of the town HRH Igwe Peter Ezenwa (Ezeokpoko I) of Oba were aggrieved about the abandonment of the

The JNC chairman also stated that the parties agreed that no worker should be victimised, retrenched or retired on account of any strike and ‘that government should progressively interface with the organised labour regarding the implementation of this agreement and other matters incidental thereto.”

Director, Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa, (IHRDA) Gaye Sowe; Gender and Economic Justice Officer, Oxfam, Doris Ikpeze; Head of Programmes, Oxfam, Constant Tchona and Legal Officer, IHRDA, Oludayo Fagbemi, at a training workshop on ‘Strategic Human Rights Litigations for legal Practitioners’ in Abuja…on Wednesday

Anambra youths protest over abandoned airport project Okegwo Kenechukwu Onitsha

proposed airport by the past state administrations and as such were opposed to the plea made by the traditional ruler and the elders of the community to stop the youths from selling the land. The youths said they are happy with the Governor Willie Obiano’s administration and applauded his decision to return the land to the community since the project is no longer realisable. The monarch told journalists that the youths of the town mostly the Oba airport land owners have invaded the land measuring about 580 hectares, selling it at a giveaway prices

without waiting for the state government which promised to return 25 per cent of the land to the community. Ezenwa argued that since the land had not been returned to the community it would be an act of brigandage, and unlawful for anybody to go and start selling the land for whatsoever purposes. He said since the state government had withdrawn from the proposed airport project the community had been waiting for the state’s Surveyor general to give the final demarcation on the 25 per cent of the 580 hectares of the land it promised to return to the owners.

The monarch also pointed out that most of the youths masquerading as land owners in the abandoned project land have no land there but are being sponsored by some land speculators who deceive them by giving them peanuts. In his remarks, Chairman of Okpuno/Umuogali Welfare Development Union, Mr. Onyeka, Eneda, told journalists that the youths of the area had for years been subjected to untold hardship as a result of poverty and had decided to sell the land belonging to their families to help cushion the effect of the present economic hardship in the country. He said: “The traditional

ruler invited the youths this morning and printed and distributed placard to us and directed us to go and demolish the land we sold to Chief Nwabueze Umeh aka Offia Afuluego Okija and his union which they are developing now but we said no! That we have no misunderstanding with him and the transaction we made with him was made in good faith.” When asked whether he is aware that the land is still the property of the state government, Eneda said he led the buyers to the traditional ruler during the transaction and he (Igwe) told them that they had not settled with the state government but "I think he went and settled with the government."

Dickson receives new JTF commander, warns against misconduct

Chris Ejim, Yenagoa

ayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, yesterday cautioned the new commander of the Federal Government security out-

fit in the Niger Delta, code named, “Operation Delta Safe” to be professional in addressing security challenges in the region. A statement issued in Yenagoa by his Chief Press

BENIN CITY Edo registers 50,000 farmers for CBN loan N EWS IN B R IEF

2 july 2016

Edo State Government has screened and registered no fewer than 50,000 farmers for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) loan in the 2016 cropping season. Edo North Zonal Manager, Edo Agricultural Development Programme (EADP), Mr. Abubakar Sule, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Auchi yesterday. Sule said of the 50,000 farmers, 25,000 were from Edo South, 10,000, Edo Central, while 15,000 were from Edo North. He said the CBN loan was being facilitated by the state government, adding that the individual farmers needed to belong to a cooperative society to be a beneficiary.

Secretary, Daniel IworisoMarkson, said the governor issued the warning when he received the new Commander of the Joint Military Task Force, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie.

FCT Cattle ranches: NSCDC to deploy 5,000 personnel

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday said it would deploy 5,000 personnel to man the proposed cattle ranches across the country. This is contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson of the corps and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja. The Commandant-General of NSCDC, Mr. Abdullahi Gana, while briefing the management team and personnel of the corps on the recent development at the National Headquarters. Gana said: “The trend of insecurity and the rising crisis between the farmers and cattle herdsmen in various parts of the country has resulted to destruction of lives and property of the citizenry.”

He emphasised the need for the law enforcement agents to be neutral in dealing with criminal activities. While commending the Federal Government for retaining the headquarters of

the “Operation Delta Safe” in the state, Dickson said the operations of the security outfit, especially its maritime component had a crucial role to play, as the state was predominantly riverine in nature. The governor, who OGBA expressed confidence in the ability of the officers and men Maduekwewasaconsummate of the new command, called politician-Daniel The immediate past governor of Ogun State, for non-interference in their Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has described the late activities in the interest of former Minister of Transport, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, as a consummate politician whose demise national peace and stability, closed another significant chapter in Nigerian because of the strategic political history. position the Niger Delta Daniel in a condolence message issued by his media officer, Ayo Giwa, expressed shock on the occupies in the country. news of Maduekwe’s death which according to On its part, he said the him left a big vacuum in the political landscape state government would of Nigeria. continue to support security He stated that Chief Maduekwe was one accomplished politician who has served the nation agencies in the fight against in various capacities, rendered incalculable criminality and brigandage services and left behind enduring legacies that such as kidnapping, piracy will remain relevant for a long time to come. The former governor then offered his heartfelt and the willful destruction of condolences and sympathies to the family, strategic national assets, with relatives and those who share in the grief of the loss of the great politician and ask God to grant its attendant degradation of him a peaceful rest. the environment.

News Extra

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JULY 2016

Ambode’s wife, Sosan task women on leadership

Temitope Ogunbanke he wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode and former Lagos State deputy governor, Princess Sarah Sosan, yesterday charged Nigerian women, especially the youths on transformative leadership to bring about positive change in the country. Speaking at the opening ceremony of three-day retreat for young women from tertiary institutions in Lagos State on transformative leadership organised by Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC), Sosan and Mrs. Ambode, said it is high time Nigerian women led the country economically and politically. Sosan said women should aspire to make positive impacts in the society and ensure that they take leading role in leadership position without subjecting themselves to second posi-

tions. “There is a lot of power in women and they should make impact in what they are doing. We don’t want second position; we want to lead because we have what it takes to lead to bring positive change to our society,” she said. Mrs. Ambode who was represented by Mrs. Idowu Mohammed urged young women to emulate women icon who have distinguished themselves in their respective careers. The Executive Director of WARDC, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, in her opening remark said her organization over the years has spearheaded initiatives aimed at increasing young women’s participation and representation within political party structures by demanding for change, engaging in deliberate recruitment of women into political parties, developing young women’s leadership skills as well as mentoring the next generation.

Pastor asks court to dismiss N22m suit against lawyer

John Chikezie

pastor, Dr. Chris Kwakpovwe, has asked a Lagos High Court judge, Justice Samuel Candid-Johnson to dismiss a N22 million suit initiated against by a lawyer, Miss Tamara Egbedi, over an alleged broken tooth, describing it as an alleged conspiracy to obtain money from him on a non-existent fact. Egbedi is claiming N22million in damages and cost of treatment for the alleged injury sustained in one of the church’s services held at the national stadium, Surulere. The lawyer in the suit LD/359/201 joined the Registered Trustees of the Chapel of Liberty also known as the Voice of Liberty Ministries alongside the pastor, claiming compensation for alleged injury.

She is asking the court to award damages for the’ teeth’ injury allegedly sustained by during an anointing service organized by the church at the National Stadium in the following sum: N1, 454, 000 being special damages, N20, 000, 000 being general damages and N1, 000, 000 being the cost of completing her medical treatment following the alleged injury. But Kwakpovwe, while being led by his lawyer, Anthony Mukoro, adopted his sworn statement of defence and told Justice Candid-Johnson under cross-examination that the claimant may have allegedly conspired with others to obtain money from him as a result of the church’s benevolence. He said about 12,000-15, 000 people came for the crusade programme which was held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium for the first time and that there was arrangement for controlled outside sittings such as nursing mothers, the sick and it was well organized.

HP commits to zero deforestation by 2020

Stanley Ihedigbo merican multinational information technology company, HP Inc. has announced a commitment to achieve zero deforestation by 2020. All HP brand paper and paper-based product packaging would be derived from certified and recycled sources by 2020, with a preference for virgin fiber from certified sources of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). According to a statement from the company office signed by the Public Relations Officer, Susan Vander May, the pledge is one of 2016 goals outlined in the company’s latest Sustainability Report released recently. It stated that HP’s new goal reinforces its leadership position among global companies.

“According to Forest 500, only 8 percent of companies have an overarching zero or zero-net deforestation commitment. This goal highlights HP’s ongoing efforts to help customers make responsible printing and purchasing decisions that lower the environmental impact of their operations. This zero deforestation pledge also reflects the breadth of actions the company is taking to address the effects of climate change. “Climate change is the most challenging environmental issue of our lifetime. HP is committed to being an environmental steward; therefore, we continue to measure and reduce the impact of our products, operations and supply chain activities,” HP’s Chief Sustainability & Social Impact Officer, Nate Hurst, said.

Senator Ben Collins Ndu (left) and Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, during the burial ceremony of late Gerald Eneasato at Udi…yesterday PHOTO: ENUGU STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Crisis rocks OAU over dissolution of Governing Council, VC’s removal

Mojeed Alabi he crisis rocking the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), IleIfe, Osun State took a new dimension on Thursday night, when the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, reportedly announced the dissolution of the university's Governing Council and cancellation of the appointment of Prof. Ayobami Salami as the institution’s substantive vice-chancellor. This decision, which is the Federal Government's response to the persistent protests by the university's non-academic workers over alleged manipulation of the appointment process, has been reportedly viewed by the new vice-chancellor as an infringement on the university autonomy as contained in the ASUU-Federal Government 2009 agreement. However, Salami who is the 11th vice-chancellor is said to be thinking of approaching

a competent court of Law to challenge his removal, arguing that having been duly appointed by the Governing Council with an appointment letter issued, only a competent law court can sack him from office. The protesting members of the university’s chapters of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) and the Senior Staff Union of Universities (SSANU) have once again occupied the ground floor of the university's Senate Building in celebration of the new development, describing it as a positive step towards resolving the many contradictions facing the 54-year-old ivory tower. When Saturday Telegraph called the Chairman of NASU, Mr. Wole Odewunmi, to seek his view on the latest development, he requested that our correspondent should call back, as the background voices of the jubilant workers made him inaudible. Meanwhile, the leadership

of the institution's chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has refused to comment on the matter, saying it was too early to rush to the media. The Chairman of the chapter, Dr. Caleb Aborisade, explained that the congress would react appropriately soon. But in his reaction, a strong member of the union at the national level, who craved anonymity, said the decision of the Minister was not only a violation of the ASUU-FGN agreement on university autonomy but also a violation of the academic freedom as enshrined in the Ethiopian convention document. “I want to believe there are many anti-democratic forces in the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari who are bent on taking this country backward. “This is the second time this kind of aberration is being committed. You recalled

FG urged to secure citizen’s lives and property

Adewale Ajayi he Oloja of Lagos, Chief Adebola Disu –Ige Kosoko, has advised the Federal Government to pay more attention to the security challenges threatening the peaceful co-existence of the citizens of the country. Briefing journalists in his palace on Lagos Island as part of activities marking his 80th birthday, the monarch advised

the Federal Government to empower the Nigerian Navy, so that they can mount more security check on the water ways. Speaking on how to end bombing of petroleum pipelines by the Niger Delta Avengers, he said there might be the need to have aerial surveillance of the areas the petroleum pipes are laid with helicopters. He said: “There might be need to have Ariel surveillance of all areas by helicopters, where there are petroleum –products pipelines; especially the creeks which are not easily

JALINGO Ramadan: Ishaku admonishes peace NEWS IN BRIEF

Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, has urged people in the state to desist from any form of differences and live in peace with one another for the state to prosper. Ishaku said this during a Ramadan breakfast dinner he hosted at the Government House to conclude the daily fasting with Muslims. Saturday Telegraph reports that the Ramadan breakfast dinner had in attendance the both Muslim and Christian leaders, traditional rulers, government functionaries, politicians as well as individuals in the state. Addressing the gathering, Ishaku said the essence of the event was to foster unity amongst Muslim and Christian communities in the state.

accessible. A very strong joint security of both the military and police must be put in place in such areas, to avoid a resort to land invasion, when waterways become non-feasible for use by the criminals.” Disu-Ige Kosoko also charged Nigerians to report any criminal in their vicinity, stressing that protection of lives and property in our society can be compromised if people fail to report criminals around them to the police and other security agencies. He also commended La-

ILORIN Ahmed constitutes visitation panel for Kwara varsity

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has approved the constitution of a visitation panel for the Kwara State University, Malete, to look into the affairs of the institution and make appropriate recommendations for improvement. A statement issued yesterday in Ilorin by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Isiaka Gold, said the seven-member visitation panel is headed by Prof. Saka Nuhu, while Mr. A. M. Odetokun will serve as the secretary. Other members of the panel are Dr S. O. Ajayi, Mustapha Hussain Olarewaju, Alhaji S. A. Musa, Mr. O. J. Fabiyi and Mr. H.A. Gegele. Gold stated that the panel was made up tested academics, technocrats and bureaucrats who were selected because of their experience, clout, integrity and ability.

the last time the vice-chancellors and governing councils of about 13 universities were abruptly dissolved? Following the strong criticisms that followed the action, the President himself apologised and retracted it. But this same illegality is being committed again. I think it must not be allowed to stand,” the source said. The source also noted that only a competent court can remove the new vice-chancellor and that the dissolution of the entire council was beyond the power of the minister, saying there was no vacuum in the university’s council membership. “The Federal Government by Law is empowered to remove its appointed four members of the Council while the two representing the congregation and the four representing the Senate are expected to stand having been democratically appointed through an internal arrangement,” the source added.

gos State government and Oba Rilwan Akiolu for their efforts at preserving the legacies of late king Kosoko, and also thank them for assisting in resolving the crisis within the Kosoko family, “it has been peaceful within our renowned family, as I have stretched out hand of love and fellowship to those who were then in the opposition, we have become united and that has further project our name Kosoko. This is a confirmation that there are no more disputes among us, the dispute has been resolved by Lagos State government,” he said.

BRUSSELS EU budgets $5.8 billion on migration in 2017

The European Union's 2017 budget should include 5.8 billion dollars in migration-related expenditure, the bloc's executive said on Thursday. The EU said it has proposed a spending plan unaffected by Britain's referendum decision to leave its bloc. The 28-country bloc has been struggling to bring migration under control after more than 1 million people arrived in Europe in 2015, with many fleeing war and conflict in the Middle East. “2017 budget should include 3 billion euros for actions in the EU such as bolstering the bloc's border, coast guard; improve border management and reforming asylum rules. “A further 2.2 billion euros should be spent outside the bloc to address root migration cause.

Perspectives

2 JUly 2016

Russia 2018: Eagles to be or not to be?

n about three months time the Super Eagles will kick off their quest to make it a hat trick of consecutive appearances on the biggest stage of global football, the World Cup, which is taking place in Russia in 2018. But standing in their way of them adding Russia 2018 to their appearances at South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014 is very formidable opposition in the shape of three former African Cup of Nations winners in Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia. For many Nigerian football fans their blood pressures have not remained normal since the draw was made a fortnight ago in Cairo, Egypt. Naturally we are all worried by the fact that with such strong opposition what chance if any do the Eagles have in upsetting the apples’ cart and grabbing one of the African continent’s five World Cup tickets. On paper the odds look very heavily stacked against the Eagles upsetting the apple cart. Of course a number of examples abound were the Eagles have been placed in much easier groups and still yet managed to struggle to qualify. For instance Nigeria had a very favourable draw in the race for South Africa - Tunisia, Kenya and Mozambique - but still gave millions of fans high blood pressure as they laboured to qualify - and in the end needed help from Mozambique to eventually make it to South Africa. The South African nation beat closest rivals Tunisia 1-0 in Maputo on the day the Eagles triumphed over Kenya 3-2 in Nairobi. Nigeria made it by just one point over Tunisia. Eight years before then Nigeria was in the same group with Sierra Leone, Liberia, Sudan and Ghana and only scrapped

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

TS from the Sidelines 08050498544 (sms only) tunsul2@gmail.com through to Korea/Japan 2002 courtesy of a 3-0 win over the Black Stars in the final match played in Port Harcourt, which meant they topped the group by a lone point ahead of Liberia. But while the qualification mountain does look very formidable, we should not forget how the Eagles were able to pull the chestnut out of the fire in other qualification ties – and qualification for USA’94 readily springs to mind. Grouped along with stalwarts like the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire and Desert Warriors of Algeria the Eagles were able to secure the ticket ahead of these two giants despite losing their opening game to the Elephants in Abidjan. The Eagles stormed back with two impressive 4-1 home wins over Cote d’Ivoire and Algeria before surviving a nail biting final qualifier against the Desert Warriors in Algiers, which ended 1-1 and secured the USA’94 ticket. Of course following Friday’s draw both Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials and members of the Eagles were quick to boast that Nigeria would be in Russia. NFF President Amaju Pinnick said that preparations must begin immediately and “we must make good use of every single

day”. “It is a tough draw, but then I have always said that you have to beat the best to get to the World Cup,” Pinnick said. “Now we have the draw, we know how to prepare. The preparation has to start right now and we must make good use of every single day.” But unfortunately we’ve become used to such talk as just hot air because often times it is the same people who conspire to dash our dreams through their actions – or lack of them. We all remember how both NFF officials and Eagles players assured the nation of progression to next year’s Nations Cup finals in Gabon, especially after our no-show at the last edition in (Equatorial Guinea). But when AFCON 2017 kicks off Nigeria’s flag will not be fluttering in the breeze along with the flags of 16 nations because the Eagles bungled their qualification! So for Nigeria to be able to defy the odds, the NFF must get its act together secure the nation a decent coach and put proper logistics in place to ensure that the Eagles’ build ups and trips for the qualifiers go smoothly. The Glass House has to also ensure that the issues of bonuses and allowances for

the qualification series are properly spelt out and settled so that it will not be a distraction during the campaign. How this will be achieved only God knows because it has suddenly become a recurring decibel with the senior national football team. On the part of the players, they too have a big role to play by not only making themselves available for the games but also arriving on time in order to allow the coach tinker with his tactics and formation before the game proper. But the biggest role they have to display is to show proper commitment to the cause – just like they do when they play for their various club sides. However, should they (players, NFF, luck and prayers from Nigerians) pull off the ‘mother of all upsets’ then they will forever be in Nigerian football folk law. And just like my former editor, Mitchell Obi ‘crafted’ in his reaction to the draw on Facebook: “If Nigeria could go through this group and qualify then Africa can think of her first ever World Cup semi-finalist in the Super Eagles. Never has a World Cup qualifying draw been so pitiless and discomfiting for a nation so passionate about the game. At the risk of sounding alarmist one can start looking ahead to Qatar2022. But even as I know like Sierra Leoneans that football is like biscuit and you never know where it can crack I resist the silent urge to be optimistic about a mystique optic which this qualifying route portends. Long live this congregation of former African champions and three World Cup been-Tos. A draw has never been so merciless. Of course on paper and form. Take care my brother and pray hard without ceasing till 2018!” So lets all pray and keep our fingers crossed!

Pre-marital heartbreak management (part 1)

ou once had someone that meant everything to you. Your marriage plans had reached advanced stage. You had introduced the person to everybody as your spouse-to-be and people had already perceived you as inseparable husband and wife, even though you were not officially married. Suddenly, the person lost interest in seeing you, staying with you or even picking your phone calls. Because your whole life was already wrapped around the person’s company, the new situation looks like a dream that you are praying to wake up from. The investment that has just gone down the drain is unquantifiable. There is emotional torture. There has been loss of financial investment in the person’s education or some other project area. As a lady, perhaps you have even lost your virginity to this guy. Obviously, a vacuum has been created in your heart, affecting your productivity at work and your health. People ask if you are okay and you pretend to be okay. Then, they ask after him or her and you do not know what response to give. Some of the LOVE unbelievers and divorcees who notice your traumatic mood over the broken relationship, add to your pains by blaming you for giving your heart to or loving someone, as if you have committed a crime by doing so. They neither feel what you feel nor understand your problems. You now feel so lonely and your entire daily schedule has changed into no particular pattern. There is mental devastation and emotional confusion. Even neighbours and associates are mocking you and accusing you of not knowing what is good for you. Maybe pregnancy or a child outside wedlock is even involved. This is heartbreak. Is

Marriage Clinic with Albinus Chiedu 08038117704 (sms only) marriagecanwork@yahoo.com there any way out of this condition? YES. First, you must understand that there is nothing new under the sun. You are not the first person that has experienced premarital heartbreak. You are not going to be the last. Secondly, you may not necessarily be in this condition because you have done something wrong. You may be going through this just because challenges like this are a part of life experiences that shape an individual to become a balanced personality. Do you feel lonely? You are not alone. There is an invisible living superior personality that is always standing by you. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear” (1st Corinthians 10:13) God allowed this challenge to come your way because he knows you can handle it. Do not disappoint him. Job did not disap-

point God. Remember? When this thing happens to someone else with less grace capacity, the person could even die; but not you. You are too loaded with strength and cannot yield to devil’s discouragement. Your future is too bright to be put off by the misbehaviour of one unreliable individual. You are too special to God. From now on, always ask yourself: “What is God saying about my situation?” This is more important than whatever any man or woman thinks or says. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). “Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God. Believe also in me” (John 14:1). If you are just coming out from a failed premarital relationship, the first thing to do is to seek healing from the wounds and not to jump into another one. The wounds need time to heal. If you go into another relationship with that baggage, it would mean going to stream with a broken pot. You will keep fetching water with it but the pot will always be empty before you get to destination. You need to fix the broken

part of the pot before you can use it to fetch water successfully. Now, how can this healing be found? It can be found through salvation in Christ Jesus. It is only when Jesus comes into your life that there can easily be a transformation by the renewing of your mind (Roman 12:2). There is also solution in forgiveness. You forgive that person who has offended you, not because of the person, but because you are now being controlled and pay allegiance to Jesus Christ and not to yourself. You forgive because the person you refer to when you say “The Lord is my Shepherd...” (Psalm 23:1) has commanded so. The sheep does not argue with the Shepherd. Does it? Then, learn your lessons. Write them down and pray over them as you adjust your mindset to comply with Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” If you change the way you look at things, things will likely change the way they look. It is funny that people attend a university for four years to study a course towards a career practice that they could drop after a few years. If you study law for instance, after some years of practice, you could decide to forget about wigs and become a musical artiste. It is not so with Christian marriage. Yet, only a few people bother to seek information and knowledge on what the marital institution entails. Meanwhile, a marital relationship is expected to last for the rest of one’s life. Seek knowledge. Read godly books and attend marriage seminars. You could register for our Marriage Preparatory Programme in Lagos. It will help you.

Perspective

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JUly 2016

Buratai: A gallant soldier and his financial prudence

‘C

hange is here!’ This was how an online news portal put it when the picture of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Tukur Buratai, doing push ups with some soldiers in Damaturu, Yobe State, went viral on the internet last year. Buratai who had just then been appointed as the COAS by President Muhammadu Buhari chose to spend his Sallah holiday with troops stationed at 27 Task Force. He challenged the troops to do push ups as a way of convincing pessimists particularly those who think the stock in trade of a typical Nigerian Army officer is rendezvous at pepper soup joint, guzzle bottles of beer, discuss women and perhaps plan coups. The COAS was as fit as a fiddle in the video of the contest which was also available on the internet. Some soldier-cameramen who accompanied Buratai to the venue also did a good job as they ensured that the battery of flash from their digital cameras did not miss the COAS who did his push ups effortlessly. Buratai’s message was clear: gone are the days when Nigeria will have a COAS whose protruding belly will be in competition with that of a nine-month pregnant woman. Since July 13, 2015, when President Buhari appointed him, Buratai has proved to be a soldierly officer. Even his enemies will agree that it is under him that the dreaded Boko Haram became largely decimated. Even though there are occasional lies and exaggeration by the Nigerian Army about its gains on the insurgency, the COAS men have shown gallantry worthy of commendation. But a group, ‘Concerned Soldiers and Officers from the North-East', stirred the hornets’ nest when it urged the president to investigate the alleged financial malfeasance perpetrated by Buratai. The group said Buratai’s various assets including two houses in Dubai, the United Arab Emirate, are not commensurate with his earnings even as a General. However, the Nigerian Army rose in defence of Buratai through its acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel

Waheed Bakare on Saturday

09056089320 (sms only) waheedbakare2003@yahoo.com Sani Kukasheka Usman, that the COAS and his family own two houses that were paid for in instalment through personal savings in 2013. Besides, he said the army chief has consistently declared all his assets including the N120 million Dubai homes in his assets declaration form as commander, Multinational Joint Task Force and as COAS. Going by the tough stance of the Buhari’s administration, Buratai is a lucky man. The Minister of Defence, Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (retd.) in a statement by his Principal General Staff Officer, PGSO, Brigadier General Mohammed Ahmed, gave the Army chief a clean bill of health. The minister blamed “some disgruntled elements” who wanted to distract the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces from the successes in the war against terror. The minister’s stance is a lifeline for the COAS who hitherto promised to maintain silence. Buratai branded those seeking his probe as the defeated Boko Haram terrorists who are now using the cyberspace to continue with their attacks against the military institution and government of Nigeria. Buratai broke his silence on Tuesday at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, while fielding questions from journalists during a press briefing on the activities lined up for this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2016) with the theme “Optimising the Capability of the Nigerian Army to Meet Contemporary Security Challenges.” Dubai is the hottest place to invest in properties and Nigerians are among the

biggest investors. With its world class service in almost all aspects of life such as first class airports, robust security system, uncompromised healthcare facilities, Dubai is synonymous with a life of luxury. It is not surprising that a place that was a desert about 20 years ago, has turned out to be one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Property investment in Dubai has also been buoyed by the UAE’s duty free regime. This is what one gets in a country where leaders put on their thinking caps. While one expects our leaders to replicate the Dubai magic back home, they prefer to go to that country to enjoy its life of luxury. There is nothing wrong if they choose to buy properties in Dubai or elsewhere provided they use their legitimate earnings to do so just like we are made to believe that Buratai bought his properties through savings. Kudos to the Nigerian Army for admitting that Buratai owns two houses in Dubai. The only bone of contention is the alluded financial prudence of the COAS that enabled him to buy two choice proper-

While one expects our leaders to replicate the Dubai magic back home, they prefer to go to that country to enjoy its life of luxury

ties with his “personal savings.” In a country where people do anticipatory declaration of assets, the army’s position did not say anything new. The defence was short of telling Nigerians how long it took Buratai to save N120 million to buy those houses. Tongues are already wagging that the precipitate haste with which the Federal Government gave a clean bill of health to the COAS could cast a slur on the president’s anti-corruption crusade. How painstaking was the government’s investigation to warrant its conclusion within a short time after the allegations were levelled against Buratai? Before I am labelled as a cyber-terrorist, let me admit that before I judge Buratai, it is necessary to walk a mile in his shoes. Financial prudence that will make a public officer in Nigeria to save N120 million is an uncommon feat. This is why I think it will also be good for the COAS to teach Nigerians some lessons on what it takes to be financially disciplined. If Nigerians are too many, then soldiers at the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Lagos, should be taught finance management preparatory to their disengagement from the service so that they can within their meagre salary know how to save enough money to enable them to build a house not in Dubai but may be in remote areas like Ajangbadi or Okokomaiko in Lagos. If Buratai heeds this call, posterity will forever remember him as the man who taught Nigerians to be financially prudent. Unless the COAS gives us a breakdown of this uncommon modest achievement, I will regard him as the man who did not wish his fellow Nigerians good. For me, it is a good thing to own a house in Dubai. It is difficult to explain or even rationalise that a public servant saved N120 million to own same. The idea of whipping up unnecessary sentiment and putting the blame on imaginary cyber terrorists is dead on arrival and not enough as an alibi that Buratai actually saved money within his legitimate earnings to acquire those properties. Nigerians deserve more convincing further explanation.

Islam and the consequences of aberrant knowledge Sheikh Habeebullahi Adam Al-Ilory

he Tafsir we had is hinged on moderation. Muslims must be moderate. We don’t have to be extremists. Fanaticism isn’t Islamic, we don’t have to be brutally aggressive. We must be able to co-exist with men and women of other religions. What we’re trying to do is to avoid portraying Islam in bad light. We shouldn’t portray the prophet badly. So, anything we see that portrays the holy prophet in a bad light is not part of the religion- it’s a mismatch, an intrusion. We should eliminate that because the Quran is the only material with authenticity of the standard to live by and the constitution the Lord has placed in our hands to worship and serve Him. It’s also the standard to live by so as to have a pleasant account to give when we finally meet God. Then God says He is the one who gave the Holy Prophet the soundest character and the virtues are what He admonishes us all to emulate. The Holy Prophet is exemplary in all ways. And his virtues cannot be found elsewhere other than in the Quran. That’s why we must flee every appearance of evil. We

Al-Ilory

can’t live outside the scope God gave us to see the Holy Prophet. We are not contributing enough and God wants us to do more. God wants mankind to contribute positively to the world He created. And Islam has brought knowledge. If we look at where Muslims are located all over the world, we’re not delivering the message as aptly as the Quran requires us to do. When terror is unleashed anywhere and it’s investigated- they’d blame it on the Muslims. That way, are we constructing or destroying?

God wants us to construct. He wants mankind to be productive in all facets. In terms of knowledge, we’re supposed to lead while others follow. Talking about the evolution and speed growth of technology, what exactly have we produced to help humanity? Sadly what we portray is negativity. It’s the reason we resolve to find the root cause of this ugly trend. If there was any other book that’s different from the Quran, we should get it and review that book if need be. Quran has given us ideal virtues. In one of the Hadiths, Aisha was asked that as the last wife of the Holy Prophet who loved him, what exactly are the good virtues of her husbandshe answered, “if you want to know his virtues, see the Holy Quran and all the good virtues it preaches.” So, why are we seeking anyone else to describe the Holy Prophet to us? These are the things contained in our message. Cannibalism has become the order of the day in Nigeria today and it’s sinister. Some are even violent towards women, their neighbours, communities; militant groups are proliferating. So, all these are not Islamic at all. This is the objective of our Tafsir this year. There is nothing new in what I dis-

cussed in my lectures. Scholars all over the world did similar things in the past. It may all seem new to some or most Nigerians, but this to the best of my knowledge has been from time immemorial. Aberrant knowledge is what’s responsible for most of these vices. I’m not the first person to say that there are weak Hadiths. But our people tend to ignore that part; perhaps some didn’t even know or have heard about it before. That is the reason I brought it back to the fore here in Nigeria. If people even take the discipline to ‘google’ it, they’d find sufficient information on it. For the avoidance of doubt, people may visit: www.quran-islam.org or search ‘false hadith’ on google. Some have been there as far back as the evolution of the internet. Many people derive knowledge from surfing the internet. One can pick so much to buttress one’s arguments from various websites. Anything scholarly and any matter around the world can be searched from the internet. Many Alfas had argued this but some of our people are just festering in evil and what I would call ‘contaminated water’.

•Al-Ilory is the head of Markaz Arabic and Islamic Centre, Lagos

World News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JUly 2016

Missing Kenyan lawyer found dead T

he body of a Kenyan lawyer who was representing a client making a complaint against the police has been found. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) said Willie Kimani's death was a "dark day for the rule of law in Kenya". Kenya's police have often been accused of brutality and they have been blamed for a series of extrajudicial killings. The police chief has ordered the arrest of three police officers suspected of being involved in his kidnapping. The three police officers have been detained over the disappearance of the lawyer and his client Kimani, who was 32,

went missing along with his taxi driver and client after a court appointment over a week ago, the LSK said. One other body has been found but there are conflicting reports as to who this is. A rights group said the bodies of the lawyer and his taxi driver were found in a river northeast of the capital. Rights groups said they believe foul play is behind the disappearance of the men and their driver, and demanded an investigation into that and other allegations of police corruption and heavy-handed tactics. A police spokesman had no immediate comment on the arrests, which were

Kimani

reported by the Standard Newspaper and other media. The lawyer, Willie Kimani and his client Josephat Mwendwa had filed a complaint alleging that Mwendwa had been shot and injured by police in April. Mwendwa was then charged with a range

of offences, including possessing drugs, gambling in public and resisting arrest, rights activists said. Both men went missing along with Joseph Muiruri, a driver who picked them up after a court hearing on June 23. US-based International Justice Mission (IJM), which Kimani and Muiruri worked for, said their two bodies were found in the Ol-Donyo Sabuk River to the northeast of the capital. Mwendwa's whereabouts were still unknown. The relationship between Kenyans and their police force has always been an uneasy one. Just a week ago, the National Police Service spokesperson came out to ask Kenyans to change their perception of the police.

Court annuls Austria presidential poll

ustria's highest court has annulled the result of the presidential election narrowly lost by the candidate of the far-right Freedom Party. The party had challenged the result, saying that postal votes had been illegally and improperly handled. The Freedom Party can-

didate, Norbert Hofer, lost the election to the former leader of the Greens, Alexander Van der Bellen, by just 30,863 votes or less than one percentage point. The election will now be re-run. Announcing the decision, Gerhard Holzinger, head of the Constitutional Court, said: "The challenge

brought by Freedom Party leader Heinz-Christian Strache against the May 22 election... has been upheld." He added: "The decision I am announcing today has no winner and no loser, it has only one aim: to strengthen trust in the rule of law and democracy." Austria's politics have been thrown into confu-

sion. One of the most controversial and polarising presidential elections in recent history will have to be re-run. This is a moral victory for the far-right, anti-immigrant and Eurosceptic Freedom Party, which launched the legal challenge last month after alleging "terrifying" irregularities.

Brexit: Tensions over UK-EU trade negotiations

K and EU politicians yesterday gave very different accounts of how the UK's Brexit negotiations should proceed. The EU's Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmstrom, says the UK cannot begin negotiating trade terms with the bloc until after it has left. "First you exit then you negotiate," she told BBC Newsnight. But the BBC understands other EU Commission officials privately believe it is "inconceivable" that trade talks would not start before the UK's exit. One of the candidates to be next UK Prime Minister, Liam Fox, called Ms Malmstrom's stance "bizarre and stupid", saying the Brexit talks would include trade. But the BBC's Chris Morris in Brussels says Ms Malmstrom's view of two consecutive sets of negotiations appears technically correct. At the EU summit this week, the 27 government leaders (without UK) agreed that the Brexit "divorce" talks should begin and end before any talks on a new settlement for the UK, Chris Morris says. Brussels sources told our correspondent there was a real determination among the leaders not to

mix the two. The statement from the 27 said they wanted the UK to be "a close partner of the EU". But they also spoke of an agreement to be "concluded with the UK as a third country". The phrase "third country" means the UK postBrexit. Outside the EU, the UK would trade with the bloc under World Trade Organisation rules, pending a possible new deal on free trade. WTO conditions would mean trade tariffs and non-tariff barriers, as the UK would no longer be in the EU single market. Not until a new Conservative leader is elected, who will replace David Cameron as prime minister by October. Then it will be up to the new leader to decide when to trigger the EU's Article 50, the procedure for withdrawing from the EU. Article 50 sets a twoyear deadline for withdrawal from the EU. But the detailed negotiations on the UK's future relations with the EU could last years longer. Much depends on who wins the Conservative leadership. There are also divisions in the Leave camp over which of the UK's current EU arrangements should be kept.

Syria rebels retake key town

nsurgents yesterday seized a strategic town from the Syrian government forces in the western coastal province of Latakia, a monitoring group and the rebels said, in a rare advance for them in the area. The Syrian government forces had captured Kansaba in February, part of a wider advance in Latakia's northern countryside at the time, backed by Russian air power. Fighting picked up again in the area after a ceasefire deal later that month brought a temporary lull. The truce has mostly unraveled throughout areas where it took effect in the west of the country. The al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front was among the groups that retook Kansaba, which had previously been an important base for the insurgents. The town overlooks much of the mountainous Jabal Akrad area close to the Turkish border, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The British-based monitoring group said it was part of a wider offensive

launched earlier in the week. Nusra Front said in an online statement that an alliance of Islamist rebel groups including itself had captured Kansaba and a number of other villages, seizing several tanks and artillery guns. It was a rare gain for rebels in Latakia since Russia intervened in the five-year Syrian conflict on the side of President Bashar al-Assad last September. Northern Latakia borders Idlib province, a stronghold for insurgent groups including Nusra Front. Further to the northeast, in Aleppo province, Nusra Front and other Islamist insurgents have recently launched heavy attacks against government forces and their allies, including Iranian troops and Lebanese Shi'ite Hezbollah fighters. Latakia's coastal areas, including the provincial capital city of the same name, are the heartland of Assad's minority Alawite community and are also home to a Russian air base.

Some protesters carrying yellow umbrellas, symbolizing pro-democracy movement, during a protest march in Hong Kong

Thousands protest in Hong Kong as China tensions simmer over booksellers

ens of thousands of Hong Kong residents marched in protest on the 19th anniversary of the financial hub's return to Chinese rule on Friday as tensions simmer against Chinese authorities over the abductions of Hong Kong booksellers. Some waved banners criticising Beijing for the crossborder abductions as acts of a "totalitarian" regime, as

well as calling for the release of leading dissidents, chanting for democracy and for Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying to step down. Several hundred scuffled with police outside Government House, with police using pepper spray to keep them back. Organisers said 110,000 people took part in the march, while police put the figure at 19,300. The July 1 protests are

considered a barometer of public sentiment toward Beijing, with the former British colony due to hold citywide elections in September. The city has been unnerved over the past year by the disappearances of five booksellers who specialised in works critical of Chinese leaders. One of the men, Lam Wing-kee, who was detained for eight months by Chinese agents and re-

leased last month, criticised Beijing for "violating Hong Kong's rights" through illegal cross-border enforcement operations. The tactics have raised fears of Communist Party rulers in Beijing eroding the so-called "one country, two systems" formula, granting Hong Kong a high degree of freedom and autonomy since its 1997 return from British to Chinese rule.

Sport Extra 55

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

2 JUly 2016

Sport Serena ignites Dosu: Judge Siasia by Country Club Olympics not friendly games Slaming

ll roads lead to one of Nigeria’s premier club, Country Club, Ikeja, as tennis prodigy Serena Teluwo, celebrates her 10-year birthday on Saturday,today. The light– skinned tennis wizkid, who has stunned the domestic tennis scene in recent years, had a training stint in Spain and London in 2013, where her tennis potential received tremendous boost after playing against experienced and older players. Serena had the opportunity of hob-nobbing with the Williams Sisters, Serena and Venus, during their three-day tour of Nigeria in November 2012 at the Lagos Lawn, Tafawa Bale- w a Square, where she was embraced by her idol and namesake, Serena William, who gave her a cap as souvenir. In a career spanning half of her age on the courts, Serena had received invitation to play in Dubai, the commercial nerve – centre of the United Arab Emirate which unfortunately could not be honoured because of her midterm examination in school in 2014. Since then, Serena has been taking tuition under quality coaches and has with effortless ease dominatSerena ed against her mates.

Adekunle Salami former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Jose Dosu, has urged Nigerians not to judge national U-23 coach, Samson Siasia, by the friendly matches played so far. Dosu argued that it would be unfair to judge Siasia and his boys now while the entire team is still a ‘work in progress.’ Rather, the former international stated that the coach should be judged by the results to be posted at the football event of the Rio Olympics Games. Dosu said: “We should be fair to Siasia and the boys. They are only preparing for a competition and there is bound to be ups and downs. Things cannot be smooth like that. I believe the coach is trying to build a strong team. “By now we should have faith in some of our coaches. Siaisa has won

silver medals at the Olympics before. He knows what to do and all he needs now is the support of all of us.” The Atlanta ’96 gold medallist also urged Nigerians to appreciate the battle Siasia and the Nigeria Football Federation were fighting to get players for the event. Olympic Games football is not in FIFA calendar and it is not compulsory for the teams to release players except there is understanding between the clubs and the coach or the country’s federation. “It has been tough generally. We all hear and read how some of the players expected to go are either pulling out or are not released. Let’s be positive and hope for the best in Rio,” Dosu stressed. Alex Iwobi of Arsenal and Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester City have been ruled out of the games due to club commitments.

Giggs quits Manchester Utd after 29 years

yan Giggs has ended his 29year stay at Manchester United by agreeing a settlement with the Old Trafford club. United are expected to release an official statement in the coming days. Giggs, 42, had a year remaining on his contract as assistant manager but new boss Jose Mourinho intends to fill that role with long-time friend Rui Faria. Unable to reach agreement over another role at the Premier League club, Giggs, who made a record 963 appearances for United, has decided to move on. Cardiff-born Giggs has his UEFA Pro Licence, a mandatory qualification for managing in the Premier League, and has never made any secret of his desire to move into management.

Giggs

Linked with Swansea last season, he felt he was ready to manage United, having served his apprenticeship under David Moyes and then Louis van Gaal. Giggs joined the United academy on his 14th birthday, turning professional aged 17 in November 1990 and making his first-team debut against Everton on March 2, 1991.

Neymar extends Barca contract for five years

eymar will stay with Barcelona after signing a five-year contract, the club have announced. The Brazilian's release clause has been set at 200m euros (£167m), rising to 222m (£186m) in the second and 250m (£209m) for the final three. Manchester United and Paris St-Germain were both reported to be interested in the 24-year-old. Neymar has scored 55 goals in 93 La Liga games since joining from Santos for a reported fee of £48.6m in 2013. On Thursday, Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu confirmed talks were being held, with Neymar declaring on Twitter he was "very happy to continue

living this dream". The forward has also scored 46 goals in 70 appearances for his country. Since moving to the Nou Camp, he has won two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies and the 2014-15 Champions League. Barcelona were forced to pay a £4.3m fine in June because of mistakes in Neymar's transfer from Santos.

Neymar

Wimbledon: Juan del Potro stuns Wawrinka Juan del Potro

uan Martin del Potro has recorded a shock secondround win to knock fourth seed Stan Wawrinka out of the men's singles at Wimbledon. Del Potro secured a 6-3 3-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 victory over the Swiss player. The Argentine is 165th in the rankings after missing more than two years because of injury p ro b -

lems. Del Potro, who is in the same half of the draw as Britain's Andy Murray, will next play either France's 32nd seed Lucas Pouille or American Donald Young. Former US Open champion Del Potro, 27, reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2013 but the former world number four is playing in his first Grand Slam since the Australian Open in 2014 after having three wrist operations. He struggled early on as Wawrinka, 31, claimed an early break before comfortably taking the opening set, but Del Potro fought back well to take the second.

Adekunle Salami adekunles@yahoo.com 08050498539 (sms only)

Russia 2018: No margin for errors

igeria is a very interesting country. Our leaders are never short of words each time they fail in their responsibility. This is no longer strange to us because it has happened in various spheres of our national endeavours. For example, England Manager, Roy Hodgson, did not waste time in throwing in the towel after Three Lions of England crashed out of the ongoing Euro 2016 tournament. On June 24, the draw for the Russia 2018 World Cup was conducted in Cairo, Egypt and Nigeria was drawn in the same group as Algeria, ranked 1st in Africa, Cameroon, ranked 8th and Zambia ranked 17th on the continent. Nigeria is ranked 11th. Many people hate to evaluate teams based on FIFA rankings but one cannot completely ignore it. Algeria has been very consistent in the past two years and they were the best African team at the last World Cup in Brazil. If we are not going to look at the rankings, can Nigeria boast of better record than Algeria in the past two years? The answer is no because if we evaluate with all competitive and friendly matches played, the North Africans are better. And so after the draw, the players have been talking about their readiness for the challenges ahead while the federation has also said it was ready to go all out for the ticket. Talk is so cheap. It costs nothing to make a statement but it’s important to look well before one takes a leap. Group B where Nigeria found itself is very tough. This scenario would have been avoided if the federation worked with the coaches to place Nigeria in the Top 5 in African rankings. It is a shame that Nigeria will be out of the best five not to talk of Top 10 in Africa. Gracious God! That was why the country was in pot 2 while the top rated teams were in Pot 1. A deliberate effort with Grade A games, competitive and friendly, could have helped but that is gone now and I hope we learn from it. How do we get out of the group as the top team especially without a coach? Sunday Oliseh resigned in February but we are in July and still no substantive coach appointed for the team. That is bad enough. It means between February and now, there has been no progress. If a permanent coach was named after Oliseh’s exit, we could have qualified for the Gabon 2017 Nations Cup. It is a fact that three different coaches handled the team in the Nations Cup qualifiers so far and yet another coach will handle the last match against Tanzania which is of no significance to us. Going forward, it is evident that lack of planning has been our bane in football administration. I am aware the NFF is closing in on a foreign coach. If truly the federation is going for Paul Le Guen, it will be a great decision because he was a former coach of Cameroon and he has in recent time filed out teams against Algeria and Zambia. However, the NFF will have to provide Le Guen, or any other coach named, an enabling environment to excel. For example, Iceland is a country of about 300,000 people and with Lars Lagerback, they have been able to surprise the world at Euro 2016. This is the same Lagerback that handled the Eagles in 2010 without success. How can we explain this? There are many issues attached to the chances of Nigeria winning the sole ticket is Group B. This cannot be handled in one week and so I will take the issues one after the other. This is an overview that has shown us that we have to intensify efforts to qualify. There are issues about players’ selection, venues for the games, the mentality of the players and the fixtures. The NFF’s role is another topic entirely. The body must avoid owing players and officials salaries and bonuses. Above all, Russia 2018 is a must for Nigeria. The current board of the NFF has given us enough excuses after failing to achieve the expected results. This is another tournament and from the start, the would-be coach and the board should take the Russia ticket as a case of win or bust because there is no room for any mistake. If we fail to get this ticket, the coach should go and the board of the federation should also resign so that we can start on a fresh note.

SATURDAY

SATURDAY, 2 JUly 2016

Sanctity of Truth

DESTINATION

PERSPECTIVE

Buratai: A gallant soldier and his financial prudence

Harmony of the seas:

Thrills of a lifetime cruise

p.42

p.53

Buffon, Neuer r a w â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s r e p e e k in T

Adekunle Salami

he over 42,000 capacity Stade de Bordeaux is expected to witness amazing fireworks this evening in France as Germany and Italy clash in the quarterfinals of the ongoing 2016 European championships. Ordinarily, this fixture could pass as the final of the tournament or a World Cup final because of the pedigree of the two teams that have eight World Cup trophies between them. They have won four each. The two teams have been impressive in this tournament with no particular player standing out due to their respective teamwork. In this crunch encounter, we are going to see a big war between two of the best goalkeepers in the world; Manuel Neuer of Germany and Gianluca Buffon of Italy. Neuer, 30, is widely regarded as the best keeper in the world today. He played a vital role in Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victorious run at the

N150

last World Cup in Brazil. He has won the UEFA Champions League, The Super Cup and World Club Cup in the colours of Bayern. The German keeper was third world best player in 2014 behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He is yet to concede one goal after four games in this competition and Coach Joachim Low will bank on him to maintain this form. His brilliance will easily remind one of Oliver Kahn who also did well for both Germany and Bayern. Buffon is 38 years old and he is still waxing strong. Italy is noted for producing great keepers as well with Dino Zoff retiring from football after over 40 years. Buffon also won the World Cup in 2006 in Germany. In the ongoing Euro Cup, he has conceded only one goal in the 1-0 defeat suffered against Ireland in the final group match. Despite his age, Italians will rely on Buffon to display brilliance for the Azurris to earn a semifinal berth. The performance of each of this two will go a long way in the determining where the pendulum of victory swings in the match which promises to be highly explosive.

SPORTS WORD SEARCH

The 2016 Rio Olympic sporting activites Handball Gymnastics Athletics Badminton Basketball Boxing Rowing Diving

Football Fencing Rugby Hockey Golf Judo Volleyball Biking

Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off ACME Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234 1-2219496, 2219498. Abuja Office: Orji Kalu House, Plot 322, by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert Hotline: 01-8541248, Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: WAHEED BAKARE.