Sunday, april 24, 2016 binder1 by Newtelegraphonline

EFCC invites Mba, others over alleged N3. 4bn }7 fraud

We’ve lost everything we had – Lagos fire victims …Nigerian Customs Training School, 200 houses destroyed

SUNDAY Sunday, APRIL 24, 2016 Vol. 3 No. 795

Sanctity of Truth

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Tension in states over abuse of bailout

Foluke Daramola

}3&4

Biafra existed 500 years before Nigeria, says IPOB }4

…slams police over murder allegations MASSOB laments }3&4 division in Kanu’s group

Nude actors can’t go far in }42 Nollywood NEWS Abductors of osun Perm. Sec., Director demand N15 million ransom

lNot true, says state Head of Service }4

magazine

Former lagos deputy governor, Jafojo dies at 80 }13

SUNDAY APRIL 24, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Contents | 24.04.16 BODY & SOUL

Stylish PR magnate Adetokunbo Modupe, the brain behind flourishing PR firm, TPT, opens up on his life and style

}20&21

POLITICS

Crossroads Though he was brought in to rebuilt the party, Sen. Ali Modu Sherrif 's ambition in the Peoples Democratic Party now puts the opposition party at the crossroads

}24

BUSINESS

Currency woes Nigeria currency swap agreement not end to exchange rate challenges facing the naira

}43

FAITH

State of nation Our current national afflictions are but for a moment say Apostle Alexander Bamgbola

}31

SPORT

No regrets Super Falcons star, Onome Ebi, says she doesn’t have any regrets dropping out of school to play football

}53

Magazine

Quit notice My Landlady gave me a quit notice for thinking I was dating her daughter in-law

}8&9

SUNDAY

Editorial

Arepo’s nascent killing field

or the umpteenth time, Arepo Town, the sprawling community in Ogun State which hosts some oil pipelines of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has assumed notoriety as a killing field, was in the news again last week. This time over the killing of three men allegedly by some military personnel attached to the Operation Awatse. The trio, Biodun Muhammed, Jason and Ola were allegedly arrested at a bar around Voera Estate by the soldiers and taken to the bush where they were allegedly shot dead. Their decomposing bodies were found two days later, floating in a river by residents of the area. The bloody incident drew the ire of some residents of the area, including Muhammed’s wife, Motunrayo, and several others, who took to the streets to protest on part of the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, causing a traffic gridlock that lasted for hours. The Divisional Police Officer, Ibafo, CSP Muhammad Lawal and his men had a hectic time restoring normalcy in the area. Expectedly, the Defence Headquarters denied culpability of soldiers in the killings. Col. Rabe Abubakar, the Director of Defence Information said: “To accuse soldiers of any of the killings is unfair. There is no iota of truth in that. I have received the details and I can tell you that there was no sign of gunshots nor was there anything to show military personnel or operatives engaged in Operation Awatse were responsible.” It is regrettable that several lives have been lost in the past one year or so either in the hands of pipeline vandals or sheer criminals. Two years ago, three engineers of the NNPC were killed in the same area by the highly armed vandals while trying to repair a burst pipeline, just as four operatives of the DSS, including Kayode Oladimejo and Ugo Nnaemeka lost their lives in a sting operation in the same area last September. Also last year, nine policemen of the Inspector-

General of Police’s Pipeline Monitoring Team were severely dealt with by vandals while a new bride was also cut down in the crossfire between security agents and the criminals. Truth must be told, the recurrent brazen conduct, lawlessness and criminality of the vandals, who brandish sophisticated automatic Kalashnikovs (AK-47) and sundry weapons are unacceptable and very condemnable. These acts of gross economic sabotage and the previous wanton killing of law enforcement agents constitute an affront which must have informed the deployment of soldiers to the area. The denial by the Defence Headquarters is immaterial; killing in cold blood of these unarmed men allegedly by soldiers is equally barbaric and worrisome. Without ruling out the fact that available information on the issue is still scanty, it is instructive to say that security agencies are trained officers who operate in accordance with internationally recognised rules of engagement. While they have the powers of arrest, the most lawful thing was to hand them over to the police who have prosecutorial powers. Coming at a period when the International Criminal Court is said to be on the verge of preparing a charge sheet against some Nigerian soldiers for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the prosecution of the war on terror, besides pending sundry cases of human rights abuse by the military before the National Commission for Human Rights, the latest action deserves thorough investigations. The beauty of democracy is in respect for the rule of law, sanctity of human lives and on no account should anyone resort to the rule of the jungle or extra judicial killings. Most importantly, the Federal Government and Ogun State government must take urgent action against the recurrent killings either of security operatives or civilians in Arepo, to avoid a major bloodbath of unimaginable proportion.

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

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Managing Editor, Business & Strategy n Yemi Ajayi

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 24, 2016

NEWS

Reps have 2 versions of Grazing Reserves Bill Paul Ogbuokiri and Philip Nyam

he controversial Grazing Reserves Bill was at the weekend confirmed to have passed first reading at the Federal House of Representatives, even as the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara has reportedly mandated the Committee on Rules and Business to schedule a date for the commencement of debate on the bill. There are two different versions in the House. But in reaction, Igbo socio-political group, Igboekulie, vowed to sustain the campaign to dissuade the National Assembly from passing the bill. Sunday Telegraph learnt that a version of the bill which is titled, ‘A bill for an Act to establish The National Grazing Route & Reserve Commission to establish, manage and control grazing routes and reserves in all parts of Nigeria and for other incidental matters thereto’ is sponsored by Hon. Karim Steve Sunday, representing Yagba East/ Yagba West/Mopa-Muro Federal Constituency of Kogi State. This bill has passed first reading in the House and was consolidated on March 15, 2016 with ‘A Bill for an Act to Create Cattle Ranches under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Act, Bill, 2015’ sponsored by Hon Dickson Tarkighir, representing Makurdi/Guma Biyi Adegoroye, Cephas Iorhemen, Steve Uzorechi

here was tension in many states in the country yesterday over some state government’s failure to defray several months of workers’ salaries even after receiving billions of naira as bailout funds from the Federal Government. The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offenses Commission, (ICPC), had disclosed that about 27 states received humongous amount of money from the Federal Government as bailout funds, whereas some of them either failed to clear arrears of workers’ salaries or diverted same to other accounts. The ICPC report stated that while Adamawa had outstanding staff salaries and emoluments of N9,578,360,000.00 and received N9,578,360,000.00 as bailout fund, it only disbursed N2,378,360,000.00, leaving a balance of N7,200,000.00 from the money collected.

Federal Constituency of Benue State. The essence of the bill is to establish a National Grazing Routes and Reserve Commission, which shall acquire lands in all the 36 states of the federation for the purpose of grazing and ranching. It further states that the aim is to curb incessant conflicts between nomadic herdsmen and livestock farmers and settlers in Nigeria. A member of House of Representative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Sunday Telegraph, yesterday, that the bill basically authorises compulsory acquisition of land by the Commission and requires that state governments shall facilitate such acquisition for the purpose of contributing to grazing routes and reserves for the country. Snippets from the bill sighted by Sunday Telegraph show that the Bill contains 35 clauses: Part I contains provisions on how the Commission is to be established, its officers and their tenure, funding and basically governance. Section 1 establishes the Commission as a corporate body capable of suing and being sued, and capable of acquiring property. It situates the headquarters of the Commission in the FCT, Abuja and requires State Governments to provide situation for offices in the States under the Ministry of Agriculture or Lands. On funding, Sections 6 provides for Federal Govern-

•The bill must fail - Igboekulie ment allocation to a fund to be established by the Commission. This fund will be used to take care of the administration costs of the commission, re-imburse its members, pay salaries etc. The Director-General will be the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the Commission. The bill requires the 36 State Governors to transfer identified land to the Commission for use as grazing

land. The Governor shall then issue an Order stipulating the limits of the land acquired and the interest transferred. The bill provided for notices to be issued and or served on the affected citizens, Igboekulie which two weeks ago warned Nigerians on the dangers the bill poses to the peaceful coexistence of the country, in a statement by its President, Prince Ben Onuora, con-

gratulated Nigerians for mounting pressure on their senators to speak up on the status of the bill which was reportedly sponsored first in 2008 by senator Zainab kure of Niger State. A second version of it was reportedly reintroduced in 2011 but was thrown out by the senate. The statement titled National Grazing Reserves Bill: Denial by Senate not Enough; “Even if we are to

believe the claim that the bill is currently not before the senate, it does not imply that it cannot be resurrected tomorrow. Also, though we are yet to hear from the House of Representatives, it is clear that they have the right to pass the bill and seek the concurrence of the senate to make it a law. The battle is not quiet won yet.” The senate on Monday said it does not have the bill.

President Muhammadu Buhari flanked by the Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari (6r) and the leader of delegation, Chief Philip Asiodu; and the Head of Service to the Federation, Mrs. Winifred OyoIta (5r) when the President granted the Body of Retired Permanent Secretaries audience at the State House, Abuja. PHOTO TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Tension in states over bailout fund •We are vindicated, says Osun PDP •Benue Deputy Gov should resign - PDP •Enugu got only N4.2bn - SSG Similarly, Bauchi, which has a debt profile accruing from staff salaries and emoluments of N14.8billion, for which it received N8.6billion as bailout fund, disbursed N8.4billion with a balance of N195,011,616.74. The state claimed not to owe salaries as at September 2015. Benue, with total debt of N12,503, 439,787.48, received N12,503,439,787.48 as bailout fund. It disbursed N10,852,536,702.96 with a balance of N1,650,903,084.52. Analysis of the documents submitted revealed a double payment of N37,760,000.00 in favour of the office of the Deputy Governor. This double payment is presently being investigated. “Cross River State is yet to submit her actual

debt profile. The state received N7,856,400,000.00 as bailout fund and disbursed N3,140,883,040.77, leaving a balance of N4,715,516,959.23. However, the state claimed not to have outstanding salaries to workers as at 19/11/2015,” the report said. Ekiti State’s total debt accrued from staff salaries and emoluments of N3,000,266,146.64 The state received N9,604,340,000.00 as bailout fund and disbursed N9,213,816,252.55 with a balance of N390,613,747.56. The state owed one month salary as at October 28, 2015. Imo State is said to have diverted the N26 billion it collected into a nonsalary account, while Osun State, which received N34,988,990,000.00 bailout fund, only dis-

bursed N18,677,244,582.20 leaving a balance of N16,311,765,418 billion as at November 2015. The Commission is currently verifying allegations that Osun State public servants have only been paid salaries up to July 2015. The disclosure sparked a lot of tension in Osun, Benue, Imo and other states yesterday. The Osun State chapter of the PDP said it had been vindicated by the ICPC report which categorically indicted the state government for “squandering the N34.9 billion bailout funds.” PDP said further that a comprehensive analysis carried out by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in conjunction with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), had re-

vealed that Osun is among the states that deliberately lied that they were owing their workers huge debts when the reverse was the case but still did not pay their workers when the money was released to them by the Federal Government. However, the Chairman of the Osun State Chapter of the NLC, Comrade Jacob Adekomi, said that workers have received their take home pay up till January 2016, in line with the disbursed allocation from the Federal Government, adding that the union has been monitoring payments. In Benue State, politicians across various political divides expressed worries over the payment of N10billion out of the N12billion received for the payment of workers’ salaries, and

condemned the diversion of N2billion and over N70 million with the latter mysteriously paid into the bank account of the office of state Deputy Governor. A PDP chieftain, John Ikyenge, called on the deputy governor to resign. Governor Samuel Ortom, who was on President Buhari’s delegation to China, has not returned to the country as the allegation continued to generate controversy in the state. But in a swift reaction to the allegation, the state government denied diverting the said amount of money, explaining that the quoted amount of N37, 760, 000 million is the statutory sum paid monthly to Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, which is owned by the CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

SUNDAY 24 APRIL, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

NEWS

Abductors of Osun permanent secretary demand N15million Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

Speaker Of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara (left) presenting Relief materials to Mallam Madu Gwoza, an Internally Displaced Person (Idp) from Gwoza as he led a delegation of Members of the House to visit the Idps Camp in Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State…yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Biafra existed 500 years before Nigeria, says IPOB …slams police over Anambra murder allegations .MASSOB laments division in Kanu’s group Steve Uzoechi, Charles Onyekwere

he Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared that Biafra existed for over 500 years before British colonialists created Nigeria, adding that Biafra would inevitably be actualised by the instrumentality of international laws. A statement by the spokesman of the group, Mr. Emma Powerful, stressed that IPOB has the right to pursue the independence of Biafra land under international law. Explaining that IPOB members are Nigerians by citizenship but Biafrans by indigenous identity, Powerful cited the United Kingdom where Scots, Welsh, Irish and Anglo-Saxons maintain their indigenous identities as different people, but are of British citizenship. The statement read in part: “The ancient map of Africa in 1662 showed the three kingdoms in West Africa from where the new country called Nigeria was created by the colonial masters. The three kingdoms were the Kingdom of Zamfara in the North; Kingdom of Biafra from the East and the Kingdom of Benin in the West.” The statement added, “The three kingdoms existed on the map of Africa for more than 500 years before Nigeria was created in

1914. The kingdom of Biafra and Benin shared common boundaries and had the Atlantic Ocean in the South with direct access to the sea, through their bays known as Bight of Biafra and Bight of Benin.” Also, IPOB has challenged the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, Mr. Hosea Karma, to prove the culpability of the group in the crimes being committed in the state. In a statement made available to Sunday Telegraph and signed by the spokesmen of the group, Dr. Clifford Iroanya and Bar. Emma Mmezu, the group accused the commissioner of fabricating lies against them. The statement read in part, “Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, condemns the fabrication of lies against the IPOB credited to the Anambra State Police Commissioner, Mr. Hosea Karma, that the challenges he has in the state is IPOB. “Mr. Hosea Karma wouldn’t have involved IPOB in his fabricated lies because he cannot prove to the world how IPOB was involved in any killing, maiming, raping of women, kidnapping and the destruction of farmland and properties like the Fulani herdsmen in the contraption called Nigeria.” The group accussed Karma of “perfecting plans with the APC agents to be

giving to the public, the bad impressions that IPOB was involved in an illegal activities.” The group added, “We IPOB worldwide are now calling on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, to remove or sack Mr. Karma in Anambra State if he wants to have clean record before he retires.” Meanwhile, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has expressed concerns over the internal crisis rocking the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Condemning the activities of persons it described as fifth columnists, the group expressed worry that there may be enemies within the ranks of IPOB. In a statement issued in Owerri by the MASSOB leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu, he noted that claims and counter claims of leadership in IPOB is creating serious tension and loss of faith in the group and diminishing the ultimate objective and focus which is the actualisation of Biafra. Madu urged the leadership of the Nnamdi Kanu led IPOB and Supreme Council of Elders of IPOB under the leadership of Rtd. Justice Eze Ozobu, Colonel Achuzie and Dr. Dozie Ikedife to sheath their swords and stop making caricature of Biafra now that the Biafran struggle has garnered global attention.

“This lingering war of words is not healthy for our struggle. The architect of this crisis, which is the Nigeria Government, as our oppressor, will see this crisis as a viable window to launch an international diplomatic campaign of calumny against the actualisation of Biafra. This is their grand plan”, the MASSOB leader warned. Madu recalled that a nottoo-similar development of this nature occurred in MASSOB years back when its former leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, sabotaged the Biafran struggle; grossly betraying trust and nearly destroying the motivation behind the Biafran self determination struggle. Rather than sustaining a crisis situation, Uchenna Madu urged the Nnamdi Kanu led IPOB, Uchenna Madu led MASSOB, Lower Niger Congress, Supreme Council of Elders of IPOB, Biafra Niger Delta Groups and Washington DC based Organisation of Emerging African States (OEAS) to aggregate their efforts, energies and strategies toward the release of Nnamdi Kanu, whom he described as a major arrowhead of the new Biafran struggle. “Biafra is bigger than anybody. Until we start building serious synergies and form a common Central front among the genuine and selfless Biafran groups, Biafra actualisation may take longer period.”

bductors of the two top Osun State Government staff and their driver kidnapped in Kogi State on Friday have demanded for N5million ransom for each of the victims. Sources close to a family member of one of the top civil servants told Sunday Telegraph that the abductors have been contacting their family members. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Adebimpe Ogunlumade, Director, State Audit, Mr. Tajudeen Badejoko, and their driver, Mr. Oladapo Arogundade were kidnapped by unknown gun-men along LokojaOkenne road in Kogi State

last Friday. All efforts to get further reaction to the kidnapped case from government circle proved abortive but, it was gathered that negotiations were on between the abductors and the families of the affected workers to secure their release. While responding to the text message sent to him to confirm insinuations that ransom had been placed on the officials, the State Head of Service, Mr. Olayinka Owoeye, simply denied the information saying “far from the truth.” Meanwhile, family sources who insisted that discussions had been on added that the state government was trying its best on the matter to effect the release of its top civil servants.

Ooni’s grandmum goes home Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

he remains of the grandmother of Ooni Of Ife, late Queen (Mrs.) Mariam Ayeyemi Ogunwumi, was yesterday, interred at Ile-Ife, Osun State, amid joy as royal horse riders led the corpse to the cemetery, where it was entombed. The burial of the 104-yea old grandmother, who was committed to mother earth at 2.00pm, attracted crowd including first class traditional rulers and other personalities from far and near. In his sermon at the fu-

neral service, the Bishop of Ife Anglican Diocese, Right Reverend Olubunmi Akinlade, said, “It is imperative for us all to live a life worthy of emulation so that we can leave a good legacy for generations after us. We have to ensure that we live a righteous life. Though, it may be difficult, we have to strive and ensure we lead a good life.” Reading from the book of Job chapter 19, verse 25 through 27, the cleric called on Nigerians irrespective of religious creed, tribe and political inclinations, to strive and live an exemplary life during their sojourn on earth.

Tension in states over bailout fund

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Benue State Government. The Commissioner of Finance, Mr. David Olofu, in a statement defending the allegation, released to journalists in Makurdi, insisted that what the antigraft agency described as “double payment in favour of the office of the Deputy Governor” was actually two months’ payment made to the football club through the office of the Deputy Governor (who is chairman of the club) as is usually the case over the years. Commissioner for Information in Imo State, Chidi Ibeh, also dismissed the alleged diversion of bailout as rumours emanating from the opposition. “The bailout was judiciously used for what it was meant. Recall that as at last December, no single worker in the state was being owed, even the moribund agencies. So it is cheap blackmail

to suggest that the bailout was diverted,” he said. Enugu State Government, on its part, said it only received N4.2 billion from the Federal Government as bailout fund for the settlement of outstanding salaries, subventions and pensions for public servants in the state. In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Elder G.O.C Ajah, the state said that when the bailout fund was received, “a dedicated bank account was opened for the fund and a committee comprising leaders of organised labour in the state, representatives of the state government and pensioners, was setup by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to oversee the disbursement of the fund.” Contacted for clarification on the report, ICPC spokesman, Mr. Folu Olamiti, failed to answer his calls, neither did he respond to text messages.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 24 APRIL, 2016

NEWS

Dapo Sotuminu and Muritala Ayinla

he residents of Agoro district, in the Okobaba Community, Ebute Metta, Lagos State, were full of lamentations as 200 of their houses were gutted by fire in the early morning of Saturday, and thousands of the people were rendered homeless. Also, properties worth millions of Naira were completely damaged as fire gutted the Nigerian Cuatoms Training School. Some sawmills and shops located inside the Agoro community were also burnt, leaving the owners to sell what was left of their belongings to scavengers who took over the rescue activities at the scene of the incident. One of the residents whose house was totally gutted in the inferno, Ganiyu Awodele, a 35 year old artisan, told Sunday Telegraph at the scene of the incident that the fire started at about 1am after electricity was restored. “There was power failure from 10pm and when power was restored at about 1am, the light tripped off again, only for us to start hearing shouts of fire in a nearby house. “What we heard was that electrical sparks caused the fire. Before we knew it, the fire started spreading fast because of the closeness of the buildings. The houses are too tight together. So, this made it to spread very fast. Everything I have worked for in my life had been burnt in the fire. I don’t know where to start from after years of hard work to put my properties together.” Despite losing all his properties, Awodele said his consolation was that no member of his family was affected by the fire. “No life was lost, as all my family members were rescued by neighbours who reacted promptly in the rescue operation,” he said. He noted that the fire would not have spread so badly if the people had come together as a group to fight the fire. “Instead of fighting the fire not to spread, the people were busy rescuing their properties. And before they returned from where they took their valuables to, the fire had wrecked serious havoc. That was why we had about 200 buildings burnt to ashes.” Another victim, Rasak Olusile, a 32 years old carpenter, told Sunday Telegraph that his carpentry shop and his house were gutted in the inferno. He revealed that all his work tools had been burnt, same as his personal belongings. “As I am now, I don’t have anything I can call my own, not even a house

We’ve lost everything we had –Lagos fire victims …Customs Training School, 200 houses destroyed

to keep my family. I have been staying at the Agoro district of Okobaba since I was born 32 years ago and I can tell you that, we have never been badly hit with such fire disaster before. This is the biggest ever to happen in Okobaba. And bad enough, it has taken everything I have worked for in my life. We don’t have water in our community, this would have helped us to fight the fire before it went out of hand.” A miserable Olusile told our reporter, “When the fire started at about 1am, we started hearing explosive sounds from the building where the fire started, but no one could confirm what it was, but I can tell you that each time the explosive sound increased, the fire expanded. “The disaster wouldn’t have been so bad if the fire service had responded promptly. When we called the fire service at Ebute Metta, they said they could not help us as they did not have water to fight the fire. So we now called the Fire Service at Alausa, Ikeja, from where help eventually came, but this did not come until one hour after the fire started. The damage was so bad when they got here, but they still tried their best to quench the fire, which they eventually did at about 4.30am. “If not for the fire service, the damages would have been more. We lost millions of naira worth of properties,” Olusile said. The Baale of Agoro, Okobaba, Chief Musbau Amole, told our reporter that, the fire disaster consumed half of his community. He expressed his sadness on the incident which he said was becoming too rampant in the Okobaba area. “The disaster was so much because, our people built their houses with wood and the space in-between the houses is nothing to write home about. I was called on my mobile phone about 1am when the fire started, but I could not reach there until the fire service came to the rescue, it would have been more disastrous. “We want to appeal to the government to come to the aid of those who lost everything they have worked for. And also help us to establish a fire service point close to Okobaba. The issue of fire outbreak is becoming too much in Okobaba, but the past time we had it so

bad like this one that happened on Saturday morning was in 2016.” As at the time of filling this report, nobody could ascertain the cause of the inferno which had rendered many homeless. While some blamed the incident on land grabbers, saying that some disgruntled individuals deliberately set the community on fire, others said the inferno might have been caused by illegal storage of Premium Motor Spirit also known petrol in some of the buildings. Speaking with Sunday Telegraph, the state’s Director of Fire Service, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, said that the agency couldn’t confirm the cause of the incident,

saying that the communities, which according to him, were made up of make-shift buildings, were already on fire when the agency received the emergency call. Fadipe said: “The fire started around 10:30pm on Friday, we battled it till early this morning, (yesterday morning). The buildings were made up of wooden make-shift structures used as commercial residential purposes. Tree trucks from Isolo, Sari-Iganmu and Ojo were immediately deployed to the scene. “When we got there, we observed that the fire was much, so we were busy battling the fire. We couldn’t investigate the cause of the fire,” he added.

Fadipe added that the Nigerian Customs Training School fire occurred around 1am and lasted for several hours. According to him, part of the storey building which first-floor was used as training centre and the ground floor as warehouse collapsed and compounded the difficulty encountered in managing the emergency incident. Fadipe, who said that excavators were still working on the burnt and collapsed custom building as 5:30pm yesterday, also confirmed that no life was lost in the incidents. Also speaking on the fire incident at Nigeria Customs Storage, the General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management

Agency, LASEMA, Mr. Michael Akindele, said that proper investigation would be conducted on the incident. According to him, the Agency received a report via the Emergency Control Room. He said: “There was no loss of life nor injury sustained at the scene. However properties worth millions of Naira have been lost. Three training classes were completely burnt. While the main training complex of about 10 classes were salvaged Operatives of the Agency, Lagos State Fire service from Ikeja, Ilupeju and Alausa with NPF were on ground.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (right) in a handshake with Chairman, Council Of Africa Tax Administration Forum, Mr. Gershem Pasi during a meeting on Council Of Africa Tax Administration Forum at Presidential Villa , Abuja at the…Weekend

Boko Haram: Why US failed to assist Nigeria, by Power

nited States’ Permanent Representatives to the United Nations, Ambassador Samantha Power has identified corruption as the reason US failed to assist the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan in its fight against the Boko Haram insurgency. Speaking at a press conference at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola on Saturday to round off her visit to IDPs camps in Adamawa State Power said that even through her country was not fully involved in attempts to curtail the Boko Haram menace, but was

investing in the security aspect of Nigeria. She said the US government was monitoring the political will of the Federal Government then to tackle the insurgency and was not really comfortable with the corrupt tendencies that were associated with the issue of those fighting the insurgency. However, things changed once the government was voted out. “But, when the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government came on board, the U.S recognised his full commitment to stop the insurgency and the anti-corruption crusade, the US had no al-

ternative than to back the present administration, “The US, as part of our new resolve and commitment is now training a battalion of soldiers that will soon return home to face the insurgents headlong. The battalion will be a high performing one equipped with the American terrorism combat and techniques on their return,” the Envoy revealed. She commended Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger under auspices of Lake Chad Commission for their collaborative effort in fishing the Boko Haram insurgents. “The United States ac-

knowledged the seriousness of these countries in their combined efforts against terrorism and it is paying off now,” Ambassador Power said. However, she was quick to advice troops to ensure that communities liberated from the insurgents are will protected so as to give the returnees hope of beginning a new life. The Ambassador announced that her government had approved an aid package of over $60 million to the four countries in the Lake Chad commission to enable them rehabilitate the areas destroyed by the insurgents.

SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

news

Refineries get functional crude delivery pipelines to boost fuel delivery Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

t was cherry news for the nation’s oil sector yesterday as the Minister of State for Petroleum and Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC), Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, commissioned the first ever privately built multi-billion naira crude oil pipe line that will convey crude oil directly to Warri Refinery from Esacrovos near Warri the commercial town of Delta State. Dr. Kachichukwu, who

performed the commissioning, said with the underwater crude oil pipeline, the age-long challenge of pipeline vandalism that had threatened country’s oil pipelines would be a thing of the past as access to crude to the refineries would not be disrupted any longer by vandals. The feat is coming after about 10 years of delay in repair of the vital crude delivery line following its destruction by saboteurs leading to some of the problems confronting the oil sector over non availability of petrol for use by

millions of citizens. According to Dr. Kachikwu, one of the problems why the refineries have not been producing at optimal capacity was because of the incessant vandalism of pipelines and the use of marine vessels. He said with the new initiative, Warri Refinery will have regular supply of crude; same thing with Port Harcourt Refinery which will also be supplied through the Bonny terminal. Kachikwu expressed satisfaction that with the breaking of the jinx of pipe-

line vandalism the nation’s three refineries would now have refined petroleum products and in the process drastically reduce the scarcity of the petroleum products across the country. The chairman, Ocean Marine Solution, Captain Hosa Okunbor speaking with newsmen shortly after the commissioning, attributed the completion of the multibillion naira project to the sincere effort by President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure total reform in the country’s oil and gas sector. He noted that the feat was the first time in the last 10

years that crude will delivered to the Warri Refinery through pipe-lines. He explained that the concerted effort by his firm led to delivery of a similar project between Bonny and Port Harcourt Refinery, expressing strong confidence that with Warri, Port Harcourt and Kaduna refining petroleum products, the scarcity of the product would soon abate to relieve motorists across the nation of the unfortunate circumstances they found themselves recently. Okunbor said: “Today we are very glad that for the first time over 10 years we are able to deliver the crude line between Escravos and Warri and crude is now flowing

through the pipelines which was an impossibility over the years. We thank God, you saw the minister, the refinery people were glad, NNPC were rejoicing and we as a company are also rejoicing for what God has used us to do. “For me, I am so glad because sometimes there are certain things you achieve that are more than money. We have created serious value for this country using our own resources,” he stated. The business magnate commended President Buhari for the resilience and determination in his drive that has continued to yield positive impact in rebuilding the nation.

FG moves to meet Nigeria’s rice demand, says Ogbeh Abubakar Abdul Birnin Kebbi

T The Hope Alive Child Care Initiative and family of Mr. Udebu protesting the death of Mrs. Ngozi Udebu allegedly caused by negligence of the hospital’s staff in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos... Saturday PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Ondo Council Poll: PDP in comfortable lead Babatope Okeowo Akure

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has taken an early lead in the council election results so far released in some units and wards in Ondo state The All Progressives Congress (APC), failed to stop the election as the Federal High Court sitting in Akure struck out cases, instituted by the APC, for lack of jurisdiction and abuse of court process. In her ruling, Justice, Folashade Olubanjo said the Federal High Court does not have jurisdiction of cases involving the conduct of local government elections under the purview of state governments and its relevant agencies. Olabanjo added that it would amount to judicial pettiness to proceed with the suit when issues on the dissolution of the former councils were still pending before the Supreme Court.

According to the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, 14 political parties participated in the local government elections. The chairman of the commission, Olugbenga Ige, noted that the number was initially 15, but PPA later announced its withdrawal, citing its inability to field candidates for the election. Some of the results collated so far are: Abana ward 08/05 Idanre: Councillor: APC 0 PDP 371, Accord 4 ACD 3 PPA 1 Abana ward 08/05 Idanre: Chairmanship: APC 0 PDP 362 Accord 10 ACD 1 Unit 16 Igodan-Lisa, Okitipupa LGA Councillor PDP 148 LP 0 APC 0 void 1 Unit 16 Igodan-Lisa, Okitipupa LGA Chairman PDP 144 LP 02 APC 0 Unit 14 (Methodist Primary School) Igodan-Lisa, Okitipupa LGA Councillor: PDP-241 LP-04 APC-0 Void-07 Unit 14 (Methodist Primary School) Igodan-Lisa, Okitipupa LGA Chairman:

PDP-248 PPA-01 APC-0 Void-03 Lumeko unit 005, Ode Aye, Okitipupa LGA, Councillorship: APC 0 PDP-269 Accord- 02 NCP03 Void-05 Lumeko unit 005, Ode Aye, Okitipupa LGA; Chairmanship: APC 0 PDP-272 Accord- 01 NCP03 Ward 7 unit 20, Yaba Ondo Councillor: PDP 288 LP 1 APC 1 Void 2 Rejected 3 Chairmanship PDP 285 APPN 1 APA 1 Void 6 Rejected 5 Unit 15 (Methodist Church), Igodan-Lisa, Okitipupa LGA Councillorship: PDP – 280 LP – 6 APC – 0 Unit 15 (Methodist Church), Igodan-Lisa, Okitipupa LGA Chairmanship: PDP – 270 LP: 7 APC – 0 Oke-Anifon. 02 Unit 002 results; Councillorship APC 0 ACD 01 LP 05 MPPP 01 PDP 201 PPA 01 Oke-Anifon. 02 Unit 002 results; chairmanship: ACD 01 APC 01 APGA 01 DPP 01 KP 01 LP 03 PDP 201 PPA 01 Chairmanship Result at Methodist High School Pilling Unit: APC 0 PDP 333

Accord 10 PDM 2 Unit 19 Ward 4 omolere ijapo extension, Akure South LGA, Chairmanship result: PPA 1 APC 0 LP 1 PDP352 Ward 1, Unit 7 Aponmu /Olokuta, Chairmanship: APC 0 PDP 90 SDP 2 NCP 2 DPP 1.

he Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe, Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele and top management of the Bank of Agriculture have reiterated the need for the nation to increase its rice cultivation and production for local consumption and in order to serve as a foreign exchange earner. The Ogbeh and Emefiele spoke in Kebbi State while on an assessment of the Anchor Borrowers Scheme which was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari last year. Speaking to newsmen shortly after the assessment of one of the participating rice firm lands at Zuru, the Minister of Agriculture said that government is working towards meeting Nige-

ria’s seven million tonnes of rice needs. “I’m happy with what I’ve seen here, I commend the Kebbi State government, CBN Governor, Bank of Agriculture and the committee for doing a nice job and ensure that our economic has being diversify and make food available to the masses,” Ogbe said. In his remarks, the CBN Governor, Emefele said that under ABP over 78,581 people were engaged in Kebbi State; while the state government has 70,871 of that number; 5,000 farmers were registers under Labana while 2,710 were under Umza. The CBN Governor further added that they are trying to feel the gap while urging Nigerians to be patient as agriculture is a major priority in ensuring economic sustainability.

Group lauds AI’s kick against death penalty Juliana Francis

non-governmental organisation, Integrated Coalition for Human Rights, has praised Amnesty International for kicking against death penalty in the world, especially Nigeria. In a statement signed by the group’s coordinator, Dr. Raphael Umoren, the group said the death penalty was bad in any legal system. According Umoren, a lot of injustices had been done under the guise of capital punishment, including

death of many innocent people. He said: “This is the time to sanitize the system and draw the attention of world to the obnoxious issue of death penalty. In Nigeria, we have recorded several cases where justice was perverted and people sacrificed in the altar of pecuniary considerations. If not for the discretion of our democratic governors, many more would have been murdered the same way. A case in point which needs urgent attention is the miscarriage of justice against the Founder and

General Overseer of Christian Praying Assembly, Rev. Chukwuemeka Ezeugo a.k.a Rev. King, who was recently sentenced to death in Nigeria.” Umoren further said: “King’s case was a travesty of justice and not in tune with modern day trials. The trial, prosecution and the eventual conviction by the Supreme Court of Nigerian falls short of all known legal procedure which warrants death sentence.” According to him, the group has called on the powers that be, to commute the sentence without delay.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY 24 APRIL, 2016

Nigeria to become Africa’s highest cement exporter in 2018 - Dangote

Taiwo Hassan

igeria is set to become the highest exporter of cement in the next two years, President/Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has said. Dangote, who stated this, while receiving The Guardian ‘Man Of the Year 2015’ award in Lagos Friday, added that his cement company has begun massive investments in major African countries to boost its capacities in the cement industry on the continent. According to him, it was the Group’s intention to consolidate on the expansion of cement branches on the continent in order to place Nigeria as a force to reckon with in African. He said the Dangote Cement story began when

former President Olusegun Obasanjo called him and other eminent Nigerians that it would be advisable to look beyond the shore of Nigeria and invest abroad through opening of various industries. His words: “I think one of the highest achievements of Dangote Group today is merely opening these cement factories outside Nigeria. I remember the first time when former President Olusegun Obasanjo left office and he took me there to Tanzania because they have been looking for cement we produce here in Nigeria in their country. Obasanjo took us there; myself, Aig Imougkhede and Femi Otedola, who was supposed to join us then to go and invest outside Africa. “When we announced at that time that we are going to do a million tonnes of cement

the guys couldn’t believe it they said these Nigerians have come with this their 419 thing again. Now, almost every single month we receive letters from African leaders saying we should come and assist them because it was something that was disturbing them. “You know, one thing about cement is that it is a product that (everybody) right from the President to a security guard at home worry about its prices, even though they are not building houses, because they will relate it to the rents they pay. That is what we have been able to do,” he said. African’s richest man explained that Dangote Group has impacted positively on the lives of many African countries, adding that despite its investments they were also able to reduce cement prices in the countries

of its operations. “In addition, what we have achieved in every country we operate today, we have taking the prices of cement down just like what we did in Nigeria on the first of September last year by almost 35 per cent and also get free transport but that has also helped because of the volume.” Speaking on Group’s cement sale target, Dangote said that the Group hopes to achieve 70 per cent sales target by the end of the year. He added that despite the economic downturn in the country, the company has recorded 45 per cent increase in volume of cement sales. In her welcome address by Chairman/Publisher, Guardian Newspapers Limited, Lady Maiden Ibru, said that the award was given to Aliko Dangote for his true excellence, industry and vision examplary.

News

CNPP to Buhari: Your change mantra is hardship to Nigerians Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has observed that barely a year into the administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government; Nigerians have been subjected to untold hardship. CNPP also noted that the frequent travels of President Muhammadu Buhari abroad in quest for foreign investors amount to effort in futility as no investor will entrust his hard earned resources to bad managers. In a statement on Saturday by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezeugwu, the Conference advised President Buhari to sack all former governors in his cabinet and appoint technocrats to run his change agenda if wants to succeed in attracting foreign investment into the country. According to the CNPP, unless the former governors serving in his cabinet were removed, the image of the regime will remain tainted with corruption, notwithstanding the anti-corruption

war of the administration. “For President Muhammadu Buhari to succeed in his change agenda, all former governors in his cabinet must be sacked to create room for technocrats to run his government if he must succeed.” CNPP recalled that some of the former state executives left their states with empty treasury, leading to the bailout loan by the Buhari administration just to enable their successors pay salary arrears of their workforce. The conference noted that the former governors not only left their respective states with empty treasuries but also in huge debts. “It is imperative that Mr President relieves the former governors of their positions and appoint technocrats to give the administration a fresh face as their presence in the government has left it tainted with corruption,” the statement added. It reminded President Buhari that foreign investors he is labouring to attract will not come as most of them have the records of some of the former governors that ran their states aground.

EFCC invites NBC ex-chairman, DG over alleged N3. 4bn fraud Emmanuel Onani Abuja

Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi exchanging banters with his Kaduna State counterpart, Governor Nasir el- Rufai, during the Nigeria Governor’s Forum meeting in Abuja on Thursday. Photo: EBSG

CAN Elections: Youth Group alleges moves to truncate ECWA President’s candidacy N EWS I N BRIEF

A group under the aegis of Christian Youth Integrity Group (CYIG) Saturday alleged the sharing of N7million each to some selected TEKAN Leaders and few other Christian individuals in Kaduna in a bid to truncate the candidacy of the ECWA President Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Gado, who is seeking the CAN National Presidency. They warned the CAN leadership at the national level to tread with utmost caution in order not to do anything that is inimical to the unity of the church and Christian community. The Christian Youth Group stated this in a statement signed by its President Yilpinna Dapwatda and Secretary Sunday Guktur and made available to Sunday Telegraph in Jos Saturday. The group said the observe with pains and dismay the way and manner some CAN and TEKAN leaders are manipulating their way as well as cajoling some well-respected, innocent and Godfearing clergymen to gain support as the CAN elections draw closer.

FG distributes empowerment I didn’t arm-twist Okowa, says tools to insurgency victims Commissioner Federal Government on Saturday distributed empowerment tools to associations and victims of Boko Haram insurgency in Adamawa. Presenting the materials which comprised grinding machines, water pumps, tricycles, wheel chairs and block moulding machines at a ceremony in Yola, the Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF), Mr Babacir Lawal, said the gesture was to assist them with something to depend on they tried to settle. Lawal, who was represented by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Policy Development and Analysis, Alhaji Ibrahim Bapetel, said government was concerned about the welfare of displaced persons and would to take steps to ameliorate their sufferings. He tasked beneficiaries not to sale the items but to make maximum use of the items to generate revenue for their benefit and that of their communities. Also speaking at the occasion, Rep Abdulrahman Shuaibu of Mubi/Maiha Federal Constituency and his counterpart representing Gombi/Hong Constituency, Rep Yusuf Buba, lauded the measures being taken by federal government and its agencies in assisting victims of insurgency in the state.

Delta state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, Saturday denied threatening his boss, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa with a resignation attempt. The Commissioner, who said his attention was drawn to a “mischievous” publication by an online news medium on the saga, he did not threaten to resign his appointment because he has no grouse with the governor’s decision to split his ministry. A statement signed by his Media Assistant, Sam Ijeh, in Asaba said much as the Commissioner do not want to dignify obvious yellow journalism with a response, it behoves on him to make clarifications to disabuse the minds of the unsuspecting public. “The entire report is baseless, unfounded and tendentious. The story exists only in the figment of the imagination of Sahara Reporters, a medium very well known for its brand of terrorism journalism which it dubs as citizens journalism, whatever that means. “For the avoidance of doubt, Mr Ukah enjoys a good working relationship with His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and is irrevocably committed to helping the Governor achieve his goal of prosperity for all Deltans,” the statement read.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has invited the Board of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for interrogation, over their alleged role n the N3.4 Billion scam rocking the agency. Sunday Telegraph gathered from highly placed sources, that the affected Board members, are expected to start appearing at the Commission’s headquarters from Monday. During the interrogation, operatives will demand explanations on the sale/lease of the spectrum to a telecom giant for $171million (about N34,114,500.00) and how 10 percent broker fees amounting to an estimated N3.4bn, was allegedly paid Technology Advisor. One of the sources, who spoke in confidence with Sunday Telegraph, gave the names of those likely to be quizzed as follows: Prof. Herbert Orji (chairman), Mohammed Kabir Umar, Mike Iheanetu, Yakubu Busa Buji, Ebenezer Ayorinde, Isa Badamasi Dahiru, Prince Dennis Sam, Jude Nnodum, SAN, Emeka Mba (ex-DG) as well as Peter Dam) who is the representative of the Ministry of information. “The board members are going to be questioned in

batches and the first batch is expected to appear before a crack panel of investigators on April 25. “They are expected to be questioned over issues surrounding the sale/lease of the spectrum to telecoms giant MTN for $171million (about N34,114,500.00) and how 10 per cent broker fees amounting to N3.4bn was paid Technology Advisor even before presidential approval,” the source said. The source further disclosed that the “board (allegedly) approved the payment at December 4, 2014 meeting, but did not seek presidential approval until May 15, 2015. The approval for the sale/lease of the Spectrum eventually came on May 21, 2015.” He noted that: “Contrary to the impression created by the NBC, sources disclosed that MTN claims it did not know Technology advisor who claimed to have raised funds for the company. “The spectrum was sold to MTN. There was no auction. MTN is licensed to broadcast and the spectrum was leased to it for 10 years at the rate of $171m. There was no broker in between”, the source said. The credible source wondered “where the Technology Adviser came into the picture, and on what basis did it collect the N3.4billion broker fee.”

The Sunday Magazine

My landlady evicted me for daughter-in-law “I

Chijioke Iremeka was given a quit notice to vacate an apartment that I just secured and spent my life savings to furnish because my landlady thought I was dating her daughter-in-law. Truly, her daughter inlaw was in love with me but we weren’t dating.” This was the initial fate that greeted Benjamin Obiora, when he was posted to Lagos for his one year compulsory National Youth Service Corps. He got an apartment in a family house, where his landlord lives with his son, whose wife was lusting after him. Perhaps, Ben didn’t do what he supposed to have done until the situation got out of hand that he had to vacate his newly acquired apartment. Many young men dating married women, thinking they are cash cows, better and more mature on bed, are facing similar fate today. But after reading these mindboggling confessions of those who thought they could reap where they didn’t sow, others still contemplating doing such, might have a rethink. May be for poor understanding of marital vows and lack of fear of God, cases of marital infidelity have been on the increase. It has been the order of the day, especially among the newly married couples. Many reasons go to explain why this amoral act is thriving in the society. The chief of them all is loneliness, followed by pressure from friends, greed, lack of sexual satisfaction from one’s spouse, immaturity, commitment to past relationships, and not knowing where to draw a line in new relationships among others. However, a survey conducted by Durex, a well-known condom manufacturer, placed Nigerian women top of the list of global adulterers, beating 35 other countries, including Western nations, sampled in the marital infidelity test. However, many people described the research as a false-laden. Pastor Victor Okafor, Senior Pastor Vision of God Bible Church, Festac, who had seen the world as an unbeliever, said there was no justification for anyone to go after another man’s wife, saying it’s an abomination in the sight of God and a serious crime to humanity, which can lead to death of the intruder. “It’s wickedness in the highest order for you to go after another man’s wife, not to mention your friend’s wife. We live in a world that men sleep with their friends’ wives and return to smile with their friends. Women are snatching their friends’ husbands and in most cases, kill their friends to inherit their husbands. But all are evil and there is no reason for anyone to do so,” he warned. Notwithstanding the warnings, Benjamin, the Corp member, who lost his apartment for contemplating stepping into this side of life, continued his narrative: “Her daughter-in-law, Joke, was close to me because we lived like one family. She entered my apartment and left at will. I was also helpful to them, including her husband. “In some cases, she would cry to me

that she didn’t have baby’s food and I would give her money to buy. We lived like one good family but one day came, when we were sitting outside on a long bench, together with her husband, leaning on the wall, I discovered that somebody was rubbing my back!. “I thought it was a mistake but when I paid close attention to what was happening, I discovered it was a deliberate act by Joke. I didn’t move away from the bench but at the same time, I had sworn never to sleep with a married woman. So, after that day, and may be because I didn’t stop her, she started getting closer to me. I have never experienced such but I was enjoying the fact that a woman was wooing me. I was feeling like a superstar but I didn’t want anything. “Another day, she came to my apartment and kissed me and I responded. And with this, she was advancing. We discussed sexual feelings and all that but believe me, I didn’t mean to sleep with her. I was enjoying the whole thing. I wanted to see how she would kick start the whole process. In my actions, she saw a green light, but I was just being a teaser. “We continued like that for some time until one day when I came back from work, after taking my bath I slept off naked, covering myself with a big white towel. She entered my room and lay by my side and started touching me. I opened my eyes and tried to get up but she pressed me down. “I couldn’t shout because the story will turn against me should people gather.

So, I managed to escape by pleading with her to allow me have my bath before making love to her so that I can enjoy it. Though she insisted that we must do one before going to have my bath, I prevailed. “I rushed to the bath room and told her to leave my room else I will call her husband. It was then that she left and I came out and locked my door. If not for God, I would have committed that day. But the one that earned me a quit notice happened early in the morning. “One morning, I was preparing to go to work and there was no water. So, I had to go to the well to draw water, tying my white towel. Unfortunately, Joke came out to fetch water too, tying white towel. May be, when I entered my apartment the husband sighted me, thinking she was the one and rushed down from upstairs and intercepted her. He accused her of coming to my room. It was so embarrassing! “So, there was noise everywhere that I hurriedly left for work. To cut the story short, by the time I came back, I was summoned by my landlady, who didn’t believe my story even when the husband believed me. Two days later, I was given a quit notice and the whole scenario got me so upset that I hated the lady in question yet she never gave up on me, saying that I made her to love me and now wanted her to leave. “So, that was a big lesson for me. I don’t do it and it was like this, if I had done it, who knows what would have happened. Now, I don’t have any business with any married woman because

the embarrassment was much. They defamed me and that made me to stand strong with my initial resolution on not dating any married woman.” For Joseph Adegoke, he got the beating of his life for sleeping with another man’s wife. He was locked up in a police cell for one week after being thoroughly beaten by neighbours, where he swore never to do such again. “It was my friend that lured me into it. A woman in our neighbourhood has been seeing my friend, Jerry and I together. According to Jerry, one day, she called Jerry and told him that she wanted me to be her pet. I rejected it because she is a mother of four. But my friend would not let me be. He came and told me that the woman was ready to pay and his continuous pressure made me accept her proposition. “I accepted but it wasn’t me. I tried to muster that courage to do it. The first time I went, I succeeded but second and last time, I was caught by the neighbours and I was beaten up. When her husband came back, I was taken to the police station, where I spent seven days before I was bailed. And since then, I swore never to do it again no matter the amount involved,” he said. For Kelvin Igori, dating married women is not a big deal but it comes with a price. They are ready to do anything for you but they can kill if you misbehave. They hate the way they love. They will stop you from doing other things to be around them when their husbands are not at home. “See, if you want to do this business,

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 24, 2016

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

dating her

‘It hurt badly’ Kenyan survivor recalls terror of female genital mutilation

you have to be strong and firm. Sometimes, it’s on a contract basis that has expiring date. If you come to the National Stadium in Surulere on Saturday morning, especially during environmental sanitation, you will understand what is happening. You think all those rich men’s wives that visit there are for the sake of the exercise alone? Story! Some of them are there for macho guys that can massage them. “Many of them come to pick macho boys, which they call ‘pet’ or ‘Chubby.’ It’s not a new thing. If you get close to them you will find out that some of them have not had s.x with their husbands for months because of their husbands’ tight business schedules and they are ready to do anything for that. They jump from one country to another. “Some just want you to do it that morning and after that nothing again. If you see them on the road, they will act as if they don’t know you but when you exceed their expectations, they might keep you. When you read on pages of newspapers that some guys are looking for sugar mummies, what goes through your mind?” My wife knows my girl friend In another development, a married chief said: “My father warned me to avoid going after another man’s wife if I must be prosperous in life. He also told me to respect terms of agreement I have with anybody in business and outside business. But on one occasion, I have defaulted though wasn’t my fault,” said Njoku, a politician. He continued: “I will not lie. I slept with my ex-girl friend when I didn’t know she was married. We had lost contact for long and we met again, the feelings were very strong. One thing led to another and we did it. When I realised she was married, I was angry because she didn’t tell me. But she said I shouldn’t worry that they just did her introduction. “Again, I like being plain in what I’m doing. I like openness. I have a girlfriend and my wife knows her. My children also know her and with that my female children are free discussing their relationships with me. So, I’m open to them. “In one occasion, when my girlfriend was ill, it was my wife, who is a nurse,

When my girlfriend was ill, it was my wife, who is a nurse, that treated her. So, she is aware of her. I like being open in things I do. I told her so that I won’t be embarrassed the day she runs into me with my girlfriend that treated her. So, she is aware of her. I like being open in things I do. I told her so that I won’t be embarrassed the day she runs into me with my girlfriend.” Asked whether he had had a crush on married women, Bashiru Olonisakin said: “Those, who are going for married women risk their lives. A number of people have lost their lives and valuables, dating another man’s wife. “In Yoruba land, there is what is called ‘magun,’ a kind of charm that husband puts on the ground and when his wife crosses it, it becomes biding on her and fatal for any man that tries to sleep with her. This is done when a man wants to protect his wife from other men or when the woman is suspected to be cheating on the husband. When this is done, anybody that sleeps with her will have one form of illness or the other which will end in sudden death. “This has killed many people without knowing the cause of their deaths. But I tell you, I have never done it and will never do it. It has no cure. Any man that sleeps with that woman will die by hitting his head on the ground or even shouting water! water!! Or saying something that will attract attention to him. “He might be shouting give me water, but the moment you give him, that is the end of him. Some it will cause them to somersault three times and die. Is this what I want to risk? Sleeping with a married woman is a bad thing to think of. This is the way traditional Yoruba man controls infidelity among his wives. Similar things are available in all part of the country. Married women are sacred cows.”

ivian Koya is a 15-year-old Maasai girl living in Sekenai village in Narok county, near the famous Maasai Mara National Park Reserve in Kenya. As she gazed at the open grassland of Maasai Mara which stretches far, the young girl’s mind went back to the past, recalling something that happened four years ago which she would rather forget. “I was in 4th grade the day I came home for my holiday in August, my parents told me I would to be circumcised and married to a man of 45 years old. I was only 11 at that time,” Vivian told Xinhua in a recent interview. The circumcision was carried out in her family’s shabby mud hut by some old ladies from the community. Vivian was not the only victim of the painful practice as two of her elder sisters were circumcised at the same time. “They used a razor blade. We were circumcised according to the age, they started with my sisters, they cried, I was the last one because I was the youngest. When I realized it was my turn, I screamed but could do nothing, after that I bled for two hours,” Vivian recalled, with tears in her eyes. The circumcision that Vivian underwent is known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia. FGM and early marriage has been outlawed in Kenya since 2011, however, in some Kenyan communities where tradition is firmly entrenched, the century-long practice is far from coming to an end. “It hurt badly but it was a must,” Vivian said, adding if she stood up to protest, she would be considered disobedient. The pressure from her parents muted her as well as her sisters, one of whom fainted after the circumcision and was sent to hospital. FGM is closely linked to early marriage and could lead to health problems including severe bleeding, increased risk of HIV transmission and complications in childbirth; worse still, the psychological harms caused by the practice could become a lifelong trauma to the girls. For Maasai girls like Vivian, the destiny seems to be settled once they were born, there is no big value attached to them other than “being cut and given out to men for cows,” said Esther Dapesh, Vivian’s primary school teacher, who rescued her from being married off to the old guy. “By the time I knew about Vivian’s trouble, I felt bad enough that I couldn’t stop the cutting. So I have to stop the marriage, but I could not go alone, because I knew it would become a fight, people were not ready to part with the tradition,” Dapesh said. Fighting against the traditional custom is not an easy task as the conflict with the

parents of the girls could become risky and violent. Dapesh, who has committed in rescuing her girl students since 2000, had many of such an experience. “There was one time the parents came to our school and threatened to kill me with their spears,” she said, revealing that in the eyes of Maasai people, she is a woman who challenges the tradition and a trouble maker. To rescue Vivian, Dapesh sought help from Moses S Kasoe, an assistant chief of Sekenani Sub-Location in Narok County. Under the government’s pressure and with the teacher’s persuasion, Vivian’s parents had finally given up the plan to marry her off. “The toughest part is to change people’s mind, we’ve held some meetings to sensitize people to the fact the practice is illegal and harmful, however, the practice still persists,” Kasoe said. According to Hon. Linah Chebii Kilimo, the chairperson of Kenya’s Anti-FGM Board, one of the major challenges facing the fight to end FGM is the practice is performed with a lot of secrecy. Community members are usually not willing to report the matter or testify in court, thus denying the prosecution the needed witnesses. Another challenge, according to Kilimo, is the practice is seen as a natural and beneficial tradition that is done in the girl’s best interests. This limits a girl’s incentive to come forward to raise concerns or talk openly about it. She suggested enhanced dialogue to help the communities in moving forward with the law enforcement, since some community leaders and councils of elders have spoken openly against the law. As a way forward, Kasoe appealed for mobilization of more resources to build additional boarding schools and rescue houses to shield the girls from being exposed to FGM and early marriage. The latest data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) shows at least 200 million girls and women have been cut worldwide, with the majority of them living in sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab States, the practice is almost universal in Somalia, Guinea, Djibouti and Egypt, with levels above 90 percent. According to UNICEF, early marriage rates are particularly high in Eastern Africa countries, like Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia, but also in other African countries, such as Malawi and Mozambique, where the rate is over 50 percent. For Vivian, difficulties remain on the way to achieve her goals, which is also true for the battle to eradicate FGM and early marriage in Africa. •Courtesy Xinhua

SUNDAY APRIL 24, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

NEWS

Osinbajo blames fuel scarcity on insincerity of oil marketers Temitope Ogunbanke

ice President Yemi Osinbajo has blamed private oil marketers for the ongoing fuel scarcity crisis across the country. He alleged private marketers of diverting supply of fuel given to them by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), thereby causing the fuel supply crisis currently being witnessed in the country. Speaking yesterday at a town hall meeting organised by the United Action for Change at Lagos Airport, Ikeja, Osinbajo said the challenge being faced in the oil sector as it affects the fuel scarcity was based on the fact that NNPC currently imports all the supplies needed in the country, unlike in the recent past when it was only responsible for just 50 per cent of the need while the independent marketers provided

the other half. He said the NNPC had to do so, because the independent marketers could not source the foreign exchange to make the imports, noting that some of them engaged in the diversion to make more profit for themselves. Osinbajo also assured Nigerians that the present administration is currently looking at ways of easing the crisis and making fuel available in the next few weeks through the option of encouraging co-location and allowing more private refineries to come on board. “Having only public refineries is also a problem. Private refineries run better. We are asking for private investment in co-located refineries. How to deal finally with fuel scarcity is now what we are dealing with, to make the scarcity a thing of the past. It shall be done,” he said. The Vice President while answering questions from the participants at the town

hall meeting declared that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government is irrevocably committed to the change it promised Nigerians no matter how anyone might look at it. He said Nigeria now had a leader in Buhari, who is honest to bring about the needed change. “The question of change is irrevocable no matter how you look at it. It is not a mere desire; our country can’t continue to go the way we had been going before. Should you lose hope, let me say you should never. This is the best opportunity. The change we are undergoing as a nation is irreversible. It was never just a slogan. We are determined and committed to that change,” he assured Nigerians. The Vice President also described marginalisation agitators and promoters of religion or ethnic division

as political jobbers who were out to satisfy their personal interests rather than the collective interest of those they claimed to be working for. “I feel strongly that those who use religion to cause division want to do so for personal for personal benefit alone and are not interested in the advancement of the country but self. When people say I belong to the South-West and South-West has been marginalised or say I belong to the NorthWest and North-West has been marginalised. You will find out that those people are looking for positions for themselves. They don’t even care what happens to the South-West or NorthWest they claim they are fighting for,” he said. He said what Nigeria need at this moment is unity and harmonious living among people of diverse background and not division on the basis of religion, tribe or ethnicity.

Mrs. Buhari presents food items to IDPs Ahmed Miringa Maiduguri

n her efforts to cushion the hardship faced by the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), in the North-East, the wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari has distributed food items to 500 IDPS living within the host communities of Maiduguri metropolis and Jere. Mrs. Buhari also called on individuals, groups, cooperate and international organizations to continue to donate for the well being of IDPs in the North-East. Mrs. Buhari, who was represented by the Wife of the Borno State Governor Hajya Nana Kashim Shettima while presenting food items to 500 IDPs living within the host communities of Maiduguri metropolis and Here Local Government area held at the Government House Maiduguri called on the beneficiaries not to sell the food items. Hajiya Nana Shettima who is the Chairperson, Aisha Buhari Committee on IDP in the North-East said “we convey you the message of the wife of

the President, she shares in their pains and sorrow and call on you to always pray for full restoration of peace so that you go back to your communities.” “I also appeal to those who have the means more especially wealthy individuals, cooperate organizations, groups, international organisation to donate for the well being of the IDPs in the NorthEast,” She stated. She also called on the IDPs to always pray for their leader to so that they will have the health and courage to serve them better, more especially in trying moment like this. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Rhoda Sand thanked Mrs. Buhari and her committee for the gesture, stressing that this was the first time she was benefiting from such gesture and prayed for the God to continue to protect and guide them, so that they will do more to the people of the country, more especially the women folk. Each beneficiary got one bag of rice, Indomie, Superghetti, maggi and N1,000 as transportation.

UNILAG bans students’ unionism ahead of May 2 resumption Mojeed Alabi

Members of Junior Chamber International during their clean-up Lagos activities at Ipodo community, in Ikeja Lagos...on Saturday

Economic hardship: Govt urged to stress-test institutions Philip Nyam Abuja

gainst the backdrop of the current economic depreciation, international economist and chief executive officer of TL First Group, Dr. Olu Olasode has called on leaders at all levels to rethink strategies, realign priorities, block leakages and stresstest institutional readiness for rebound and growth. Speaking at a media workshop for National Assembly correspondent in Abuja on ‘Enhancing Governance and Rebuilding

Culture’, Olasore stated that “economic downturn provides opportunities for repositioning, strength and growth”. According to him, the changing national economic landscape requires leadership that is proactive, understands the dynamics of change and can formulate responsive actions to deliver sustainable improvements. He urged leaders and organisations around the world to find effective and sustainable ways of bouncing back from global depression and staying ahead

of the game. Meanwhile, world’s leading economic forecaster on economic trends, Prof. Richard Scase has emphasised the need for leaders in both private and public sectors to seek innovative ways to harness new opportunities. Scase, who will be speaking at a two-day workshop to be held in Lagos and Abuja between April 27 and 28 and May 3 and 4, said this can be achieved by understanding the recent development in governance and leadership, and the ability to embed

sustainable solutions. Participants at the workshop will include board chairpersons, permanent secretaries, managing directors, chief executive officers, operational directors, heads of units, senior management staff in public and private sectors. Organisers of the workshop, TL First Group is a leading global consulting group with over 40 years of delivering organisational, transformational, financial governance, economic growth and leadership development across government and businesses.

xactly three weeks after the institution was closed over students’ protest, the management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has announced Monday, May 2, as the resumption date for academic activities. The school authority also announced the dissolution of the students’ union executive council and the legislative council, insisting that the faculty and departmental students’ associations will, henceforth, be working with the students’ affairs division to attend to students’ welfare. This was the outcome of an emergency meeting of the university’s Senate, which considered the report of the investigative panel on the protest by the students, and the recommendations of the committee of provosts and deans on the matter. In a statement issued yesterday by the university and signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Senate and the Council, Dr. Mrs. Taiwo Ipaye, the first semester examination in the ongoing 2015/2016

academic session of the institution will commence on Monday, May 9. The statement added that returning students must sign an undertaking to be of good behaviour, and must be properly endorsed by their parents or guardians. “Students are reminded that the award of degree of the University of Lagos is made to persons, who are found to be worthy in ‘learning and character.’ Therefore, locking of the university gates or invasion of any facility during any protest is hereby prohibited. Students that violate this regulation shall be expelled forthwith from the university. “Students are to complete the undertaking form from the university website and get it notarised; parents and guardians are to complete the parents’ indemnity form. Completed undertaking form, which must be notarised and parent’s indemnity form should be submitted at the various departments and a clearance obtained. The clearance would be required to gain access into the examination halls,” the statement reads in part.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016

OPINION Why are we so blest, yet poor? Andrew Iro Okungbowa

‘N

igeria is on the march again.’ I am sure many people will still remember this refrain, which was once popularised by the former Social Democratic Party (SDP) during the military era of former President General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB). The present situation in the country, which is the untold hardship being inflicted on our souls by the perennial fuel crisis and added to it the failing power casting a pall over our national space as well as the economic crunch with the naira playing a roulette on us all. Many commentators are wont to say that we have never had it this bad and rightly so because we are in a new political and democratic regime led by President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). A regime that rode into power under the slogan of change mantra and so many promises and in the process demonising every other party and achievements whatsoever that this country has ever recorded over the last two decades or more. With the high moral latitude, sterling qualities and statesmanship as well as the much talked about stellar elements of the president one would have expected that all the ‘wahala’ of this country would disappear right from May 29, 2015 when President Buhari took the oath of office. As a matter of fact that was the promise and

the impression that they gave to many Nigerians and we all bought the dummy sold to us. But almost a year after, the nation is not by any stretch of imagination on the road to the much touted Eldorado, rather what we have witnessed so far is more metaphoric and a play back to the biblical days of kings Rehoboan and Jeroboan with many Nigerians already clamouring for the ‘return’ of the much demonised regime led by former President Goodluck Jonathan that the APC labelled a ‘clueless president.’ Just like the late Iroko, Professor Chinua Achebe, postulated in his book, ‘The trouble with Nigeria,’ the problem is that of leadership. As the present suffering in the land. Looking at modern day Nigeria from the eras of General Olusegun Obasanjo, late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and now Muhammadu Buhari, which one of these people can we truly say schooled themselves in the art of leadership and had a clear cut vision and stratagem of making Nigeria a great nation? I strongly feel we will never truly become a country and realise our full potential until we discard what I would like to call ‘boju boju’ leadership who are bereft of ideas and intellectually lazy in their approach to state matters. Doesn’t it beat the imagination of anyone that for over two decades we have not been able to solve the problem of fuel crisis and energy? We just keep moving in a circle with

none of our rulers being able to devise the best means either in the short or long term to get us out of these two hydra-headed issues. The so called diplomatic shuttle by the President as Lai Mohammed would want us to believe are for economic reasons and burnishing of our image, however, many believe that they will never yield the magical result. We all saw that during the era of Obasanjo who spent the first term of his two tenures globetrotting. Direct foreign investment can only flow in when your house is in order and your people have faith in the system and invest heavily in it. That is when foreign investors would take the cue and join in the train. No real investor needs any president to woo him to invest in his country rather it is the incentives in place and opportunities available that draw investors. In the global and African index of favourable countries with easy of doing business our beloved Nigeria leads from the rear whereas a country such as Rwanda, which was almost over run by genocide war over 20 years ago, has risen from the ashes to become one of the countries in Africa with the fastest growing economies and leads in the easy of doing business. The difference in all these countries, including our West Africa neighbour, Ghana, which once shared the same blighted country and hope with us, is leadership. Leaders with audacious dreams and penchant for delivering on the corporate dreams and aspirations of

the people and driving their countries and the people by sheer exemplary living and not by rhetoric and slogans have been our lots all these decades. Nigeria remains a land full of potential but without anything to show for it. Just like the Johnny Walker pay off – ‘keep walking’ and like zombies that legendary Afrobeat King Fela Anikulapo Kuti sang about despite the ‘tears and sorrows’ in the land, we just keep walking ‘suffering and smiling.’ One year into this administration what many of us can hold onto is the media war on corruption as if that is all there is about the change mantra. For me, the war against corruption simply is a reflection of that bad leadership and it shows that if we continue like this we wouldn’t get it right. But where was the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) when all these infractions where taking place? How come they never rose to the occasion then to stop these acts only for them now to bring up all these cases in a bid to please the president or merely responding to the ‘body language’ of the president. Pray, which country runs its affairs on the body language of the president but Nigeria? Herein lies the tragedy of this country. Why are we so blest but yet poor? Nigeria I hail thee and God bless us all still! Andrew Iro Okungbowa is on the staff of New Telegraph

Powering Nigeria: Understanding the funding challenges Musa Mohammed Biu

“A

ccess to electricity is fundamental to opportunity in this age. It’s the light that children study by; the energy that allows an idea to be transformed into a real business. And it’s the connection that’s needed to plug Africa into the grid of the global economy. You’ve got to have power.” – Barack Obama – 2015. Currently rated as Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria has an installed electricity generation capacity estimated at 12,522MW but has an available capacity of only approximately 4,500 – 5,000MW, to meet the needs of a population of more than 170 million and a country with a GDP growth rate of 2.11%, as of January, 2016. South Africa, which Nigeria overtook as the largest economy, relatively, has an installed electricity generation capacity of approximately 50,000 MW, with a population of about 53 million – a little over one third of Nigeria’s. The situation is best expressed through a 2009 study which found out that over 97% of Nigeria’s firms experience over 196 hours of power outage per month. This is equivalent to eight full days of lack of productivity. For firms that depend on power, it means they have to service their power needs for one third of the month, using very expensive selfgenerated power. It is important to highlight that, even with the new tariffs; on-grid power is still cheaper than all self-generated power. Industrial and Commercial electricity tariffs are N40.70 and N35.80 per kWh, respectively and averagely. Self-generated electricity is estimated to cost between N59 and N83/kWh. Thus, whether we like to admit it or not, the deficiency of the lack of constant power supply will continue to remain a significant draw-back to the growth of our domestic economy and its attractiveness to investors. Prices of goods and services from those who take the risk to go into business in this environment will remain relatively high compared to the same in business environments that are not burdened with this challenge,

thereby rendering our products and services uncompetitive. This is because the cost of power remains a significant part of the total cost of production and is transferred to the end-user of the products and services. Our rapidly growing population means that there is a rapidly growing need for electricity for residential and industrial use. Thus, our electrification objective as a nation should, therefore, be beyond meeting the estimated need of those currently connected to the grid but also address those who will need power in five years’ time, due to the population increase. Experts have projected that for our economy to grow at a rate of 10%, our power requirement must reach 30,000MW by 2020. An objective that seems to be so out of sight and maybe unrealistic, when we remember that we barely manage to generate 5,000MW today. This figure will also need to move considerably upwards to 78,000MW by 2030, less than 14 years from now. The United Nations estimates that our population is expected to exceed 258 million by then, a 52% increase from 2012. Our electricity power needs will continue to grow exponentially and we cannot expect to address it on the back of a broken model or on government funds. Very few sectors are as capital intensive as the power sector globally. To give a fair idea of how capital intensive it is, Nigeria spent approximately $30billion, between the period of 1999 and 2013, to bring generation from about 2,000MW to the current levels. A more conservative estimate that will see Nigerians who are currently connected to the grid receiving approximately 18 hours of uninterrupted power by 2020 is for our generating capacity to be boosted to 20,000MW, with the requisite gas supply and transmission infrastructure in place and complimented by an expansive and reliable distribution network. The power sector reform process in Nigeria has recorded successes on many levels but this is not easily evident, because the final product, power in homes and businesses, still remains as elusive as ever. The frustration of

Nigerians is therefore understandable. This, however, does not subtract from the fact that the critical foundations for the reform, that will translate to power for this populous nation and this large economy, which have laid. As a matter of fact, that is where the main attention ought to be. To attain even the conservative 20,000MW by 2020, it is estimated that the sector will need investments to the tune of $40billion. Of course, since this is now a privatized sector, the funds have to come from private investors who, as a reasonable expectation, need to see where the value lies for them, in terms of the recovery of, and recovery on their investment. So what is the role of the new tariff in all this? For many Nigerians, the perception surrounding the new tariff has largely been driven by a view that it is to help fund the business of the current new owners who did not have enough funds before buying up the assets or who seek to exploit the consumers. It is, however, important to point out that electricity is no different from any other commodity that we purchase. Nor is its production and commercial principles different from the other sectors of the economy. To produce electricity requires investment in infrastructure and operating expenses. Such investment is typically and universally driven by the operator’s access to debt funding (because equity funding is typically more expensive and would drive the tariff higher). For lenders to provide such financing, the underlying transaction must be bankable. In other words, the lender must see the cashflow projection that would provide the assurance that the operator can pay back the borrowed funds. Thus, if there is no costreflective or market-priced tariff that realistically captures the cost of production, it would be virtually impossible for operators to access financing. Furthermore, healthy revenue recovery is a fundamental requisite for any equity investors. It is no different for the electricity business. Even more important is that the requirement for a market-priced tariff is not specific

to only the distribution companies. Indeed, only 24% of the market revenues go to the distribution companies. The balance of the revenues go upstream to the other market participants in the value chain – transmission, generators (who take the lion share), gas suppliers, the regulator, etc. In stark terms, an inadequate or non-market-priced tariff means that the commercial sustainability of the value chain is jeopardized. The transmission company is unable to wheel the supplied power, due to limitations of an unstable grid that is beset with either obsolete infrastructure or limited lines; the generator is limited in producing power, as a result of either failed turbines or lack of gas supply that is tied to its inability to meet its obligations to the gas supplier; the gas supplier is unable to supply gas, because there are no revenues forthcoming from the generator, to enable the exploration for new wells or maintenance of the gas processing plants, etc. As long as the market continues to suffer liquidity issues that are tied to whether or not the tariff is one that will commercially sustain the value chain, it is difficult to see how the sorely needed investment that is needed to rectify the decades old negligence of electricity infrastructure; the increased generation that will lead to both improved supply and lower tariffs; increased gas supply that will drive the increase in electricity generation, etc. will come to pass. From the information above, it should be easy to reach the conclusion that tariff is not just for the existing players in the sector or just for the distribution companies. The electricity market in Nigeria has so much potential for investors and for consumers too. For the win-win that we all need to be created, however, we need to look beyond the teething problems currently being experienced as part of exiting an old inefficient and corrupt system, to one that will eventually take us to the goal of increased 24/7 uninterrupted power supply. Biu, writes from Kano

Sunday Mail

SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

thesundayletters@gmail. com and sundayletters@ newtelegraphonline.com

MAIL BAG

* Letters to the Editor

The Sunday Telegraph

Dear Editor,

MS SONNIA AGU, LAGOS

A dangling electric pole at Oba Akran Road , Ikeja, Lagos

SOS to Fashola on Badagry Expressway Dear Editor,

It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of commitment that I write to draw your attention as Minister of Power, Works and Housing to the pitiable and parlous state of the Badagry Expressway in Lagos. As the immediate past governor of Lagos State, you are no doubt familiar with the state of the Badagry Expressway, a road under reconstruction and expansion by the Lagos State Government. While the laudable project over which Lagos has committed huge sums of money drags on with missed deadlines of completion of the first phase which terminates at the Okokomaiko area of Lagos, the remaining portion of the road from FESTAC to Badagry has become a ‘road to hell’, characterised by pot-holes, ravine, craters and completely failed portions which are impassable. Its negative impact on residents is far-reaching that we have regular nightmares. The state of the road and the fact that it is a sub-regional highway amounts to a national shame. Badagry Expressway is the gateway to a number of West African countries, namely, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Niger and Burkina Faso. The road is the first narrative on which we are as a people – careless, disorganised and hopeless. While we expect the time

the expansion project being shouldered by Lagos Sate Government would be completed, I appeal as a concerned resident in this area to your high sense of responsibility to please deploy your ministry to carry out some measure of rehabilitation work on the road for ease of movement. This will certainly spare us the agony of another raining season. SYLVESTER ODION AKHAINE, LAGOS

The need for deposit insurance Dear Editor, When most people have a headache, they reach for the nearest pain killer and pay little attention to the reasons behind the headache. This strategy usually ends up providing them with immediate, yet temporary relief as the headache returns shortly after the medication wears off. This creates a vicious cycle of over-reliance on drugs without ever fully solving the problem. A holistic approach would first look at the underlying symptoms causing the headache and by treating those symptoms ensure that the headache is treated. This analysis can be applied to many areas of life because people tend to gravitate towards a quick-fix rather than seeking lasting solutions. The quick-fix or lasting solution analogy is, therefore, applicable to the Deposit Insurance Scheme (DIS) component of the nation’s financial safety-

net. The Deposit Insurance Scheme (DIS) is a financial guarantee to protect depositors in full or in part in the event of bank failure and also to offer a measure of safety for the banking system. The objective of DIS is anchored on the fact that the issue of depositor protection has become an indispensable feature of the financial safetynet arrangements worldwide. There are two deposit insurance systems for protecting depositors’ funds and one of them is called a Paybox. A Paybox only empowers Deposit Insurers to pay depositors up to the maximum insured amount in the event of closure or failure of their banks. This gives depositors a degree of confidence to keep their money in banks, trusting that should anything go wrong, their deposit insurer has guaranteed their funds. However, the limitations with this method are that, just like Panadol will only relieve a headache without treating its underlying conditions, the Paybox system does not treat the underlying conditions that lead to a bank’s failure which could snowball into a systemic crisis affecting other banks, and by extension, the entire financial system. When you contrast the Paybox with a Risk Minimiser with extended mandate, you have a case of treating the symptom versus preventing or treating the problem at its source. The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) is a Risk Minimiser that has the mandate to not only pay depositors their money up to the maximum

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To President Muhammadu Buhari This letter is not written in a spirit of disrespect, hate, nor is it motivated in any way by racial bias, ignorance or mediocrity, but out of a genuine and sincere motive. When I first heard about you in October 2014 from a notable Nigerian who implored me to vote you, his reasons were that you are a ‘disciplinarian, a man of excellence and integrity.’ Indeed, you won and everyone was on his toes, trying to play fair and transparent because they knew you to be a no “nonsense person”! Almost a year later, and things are back to the same, rather worse, what happened sir? What went wrong? You were meant to be the Messiah – our legend – our Saviour – the one who brought change! But Mr. President, it seems to me that you have little faith in Nigeria’s ingenuity, our capability, exceptionality and patriotism, etc. We were all ecstatic when we had uninterrupted power supply for over a month. People started up small scale businesses, lives started changing, people were happy and we didn’t care about the amount we were charged! I understand that the office you hold is one that demands patience, wisdom, understanding, intelligence. I also understand that these things take time, and you also come across to me as one who will starve now to enjoy later, i.e. – a father who would sow a seed, plant a tree, nurture it even though he may never live to sit under the shades of that tree. This is what I think of you sir! President Sir, you can start by giving us uninterrupted ‘power supply.’ Let this be the one thing history will remember and commend you for! My children’s children can study you as history, “The President that stood his ground and gave us light” Time is running out for you and the horrible thing is that it’s running out for Nigerians too. This isn’t the time to blame your shortcomings on opposing political parties, but a time to prove that you are different!! And you meant what you said when you took your vows.

(

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

insured amount in the event of a bank failure, but the Corporation also monitors banks’ operations in order to facilitate their safety, soundness and stability. Because NDIC is a Risk Minimiser which carries the risk of insuring banks’ deposits which crystallise upon failure, it is empowered to carry out effective supervision of banks in conjunction with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and offer financial and technical assistance when necessary. The NDIC is, therefore, able to keep an eye on the source of potential distress and work towards averting it before it escalates into a real ‘headache.’ However, in the event that the NDIC is unable to prevent the headache, for example when a bank goes under, the NDIC is also empowered like a Paybox to provide immediate relief through prompt payment of guaranteed sums to depositors. The Corporation also pays liquidation dividends to depositors whose balances are in excess of the insured limit and other claimants such as creditors and shareholders when it realises the risk and physical assets of the bank. Currently, the NDIC pays a maximum guaranteed sum of N500,000 to depositors of closed deposit money banks (DMBs) or non-interest financial institutions while each depositor of a closed microfinance bank (MFB) or primary mortgage bank (PMB) is paid a maximum guaranteed sum of N200,000 NUSRAH WALI, ABUJA, FCT

Dear Editor, I was having a phone conversation with my mum the other day and she happened to be quite upset about the fact that two people she knew who had been ill for a couple of days and bedridden were unable to go to the hospital because they had no money to pay for consultation and treatment. On hearing this, as a public health professional I got even more upset than she was. In this present day and in a very rich country like Nigeria, how could people not have any spare money to take themselves to hospital when terribly ill and secondly why should a basic hospital consultation be so out of reach of the people? What is happening in the country? Is our lack of accountability so bad that the system is not concerned about people dying daily in their homes because they do not have ‘money’ to go to the hospital? There is gross disregard for lives. It is every man for himself despite the fact that we have leaders who we seemingly voted into power to look out for our best interests. Well, to carry on with the story, my mum gave out some money – a few thousands each and a few days later they returned happy and much better to say thank you. If an individual could make this sort of change happen for people; an individual who is not in power, who is not responsible for the lives of the people, how much more our leaders? That same day, I had cause here in the UK to visit my General Practitioner (GP) to get some repeat medication for my kids. The visit to the GP was free, I got the prescription for free and the medication for free for as long as I intended to use it. This free GP consultation is for everyone irrespective of age or social class. No wonder people are so desperate to leave our country Nigeria. Change would only begin to happen when our leaders make the lives of the people their responsibility, when one wealthy man takes the plight of the less privileged around him as his responsibility and when the wealth of our great nation Nigeria is put to work for the benefit of the people. Think about it. EWAMO AIBANGBEE, ABUJA. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HEARD! SEND YOUR LETTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHS TO THESUNDAYLETTERS@ GMAIL.COM. LETTERS SHOULD NOT BE MORE THAN 200 WORDS AND MUST HAVE THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE SENDER

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016

Yobe: Boko Haram on horseback kill IDPs Hassan Jirgi Damaturu

uspected Boko Haram militants on horseback were said to have attacked Zango Village in Gulani Local Government Area of the Yobe State, killing over 10 people, including returnee Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The attack and casualty were confirmed by the vigilante, resident in the village. According to the vigilante member, who pleaded anonymity, the attackers set

houses ablaze and shot indiscriminately at people trying to escape the raging flames. The source said: “The gunmen come around 1:55am and started burning houses. Those, who tried to escape, were chased on horse back and were shot dead.” Another vigilante, who escaped the attack, said that similar attacks took place in the neighbouring villages, where over 30 villagers were killed by Boko Haram. “Days back, the militants sacked a cluster of villages around that areas, including

Gurum and Dokshi, where three people were killed and many others injured. Those injured are currently receiving treatment at Damaturu Specialist hospital,” the source said. The IDPs resettlement committee headed by the state Deputy Governor, Eng. Abubakar Aliyu has assured the returnees of their safety, saying that the government would do everything possible to provide them with needed amenities and protect their lives and property.

Also, the Deputy Governor has distributed 1200 bags of rice, 400 cartons of vegetable oil, 200 cartons of soap, 20 bags of oil, 50 wrappers and 50 other clothing materials to the residents. However, Alhaji Muktari Ibn Ali Gangarau, pleaded with the state government to help them rebuild their clinics, schools and water supply to the people of the areas, saying some of the people were in tears after they returned to their ghost town which they left almost three years ago.

news

Former Lagos Dep Gov, Jafojo, dies at 80

ormer Lagos State Deputy Governor, Chief Rafiu Bakare Adeyefa Jafojo, died yesterday evening at his Ikeja residence. He was aged 80. He is to be buried today at 2.00pm, according to family source. Jafojo was born on December 6, 1935. He attended Alafia Institute, Ibadan, and Christ High School, Ilubinrin, Lagos, where he wrote the West African School Certificate Examination and passed with flying colours. He started his working career in 1959 as a Building Inspector with the Ikeja Town Planning Authority. He went to England in 1961 in the company of his friend, Chief Ayo Otegbola. He gained admission into Hackney Technical College, England, to study Building Engineering, three years after. He obtained a National Certificate in 1966, after which he moved to Brixon School of Engineering, where he graduated with a Higher National Certificate in Building. In 1969, he proceeded to the Northern Polytechnic, Holloway (now University

of North) London, where he bagged an Advanced Certificate in Building Technology in 1970. Jafojo was a student-activist and a member of the West African Students Union. He was a prominent member of the pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation, Afenifere., In 1978, when the Army prepared to return the country to democratic rule, Jafojo joined the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, a party founded by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. His ambition was to be a lawmaker. He collected a form to represent his Agege Constituency in the state House of Assembly, in order to realise his dream. However, mother luck smiled on him, the late sage, Chief Awolowo, encouraged him to join the then governorship candidate, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, as his running mate. The joint ticket worked; they won the election. Thus on October I, 1979, Chief Jafojo, alongside Alhaji Jakande, was sworn- in as the first democratically elected Deputy Governor of Lagos State.

Bayelsa civil servants lament nonpayment of salaries Pauline Onyibe Yenagoa

T L-R: Former Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Adamu Aliero; CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe and Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, at the assessment tour of ANCHOR Borrowers Programmes in Kebbi State over the weekend

N EWS I N BRIEF

‘Why we are offering IDPs scholarships’

Ondo, BEDC sign MoU on power outage

Fuel scarcity: DPR seals four petrol stations in Abuja

The Chief Executive Officer of the Yomi Otubela Foundation, Chief Abayomi Otubela, has explained the reason behind the Foundation’s decision to award scholarship (day and boarding) to IDP children and qualified pupils of public and private schools within the country, saying it’s part of efforts to support the government’s efforts at rebuilding the North-East and offer the victims fresh hope for survival. He said the initiative, which is in partnership with Media Trust Limited, publishers of the Daily Trust titles, will also give opportunities to other pupils with deep knowledge of Mathematics, who may be willing to take part in the Foundation’s qualifying examination scheduled to hold in June. At a media briefing jointly addressed by the management of the Foundation and the Southern Operation Office of the media house in Lagos, they commended the Federal Government efforts at restoring peace to the troubled region, saying the task of rebuilding the nation cannot be left to government alone. In his address, Otubela, who doubles as the National Deputy President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, explained that since the initiative was instituted in 2012, many pupils have benefited from the scheme, including Master Stephen Amosun, who is currently writing his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASCE).

The Ondo State government and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) yesterday signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to end power outage in Ondo South senatorial district of the state. This is coming almost two years after the six local governments in the district were discontented from the national grid following their refusal to pay their electricity bills. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Rotimi Adelola signed on behalf of the government while Mr Ernest Edgar signed for the electricity distribution company. The state government according to Dr Adelola has taken charge and commenced the process of returning power to the affected areas as it met with officials of the power distribution company with agreements already reached to end the power crisis. Both Adelola and Edgar agreed that power would be restored to the affected communities starting with Odigbo Local Government Area following which a committee would be set up to reconcile the accounts and facilitate payment of all due debts to the power distribution company.

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has sealed four petrol stations in Abuja for hoarding, under dispensing and other sharp practices in selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). DPR Zonal Operation Controller, North Central, Alhaji Mohammed Usman, told newsmen while monitoring some filling stations on Saturday that DPR would continue to sanction those engaged in sharp practices. Commenting the fuel scarcity situation, Usman said most of the filling stations visited had products to sell, adding that there was no need for the long queues witnessed in the city. The Zonal Controller said the DPR had directed that henceforth, there should be no reserve of fuel for the so called ‘special customers.’ Mr. Ademola Abraham, a motorist, at NNPC Beulah, commended the effort of the DPR in ensuring that the products were dispensed fairly. “We have been here (petrol filling station) since 6a.m but they refused to sell to us. Yesterday, we saw them discharging products but yet they have refused to sell,” he said. Another motorist, Abdulrahman Sani said that they spend over five hours at the NNPC Gauiyya Affiliate station before they could get the product.

he Association of Senior Civil Servants in Bayelsa State has expressed sadness over the state government’s refusal to pay workers’ salaries for three months, even when there were reports that the government had received Federal Government allocations till March, 2016. The association, who stated that the state government had borrowed sufficient funds to pay all workers in the state, wondered why they have not

been paid. In a communiqué signed by the Association’s state Chairman, Comrade Tari Dounana and the Secretary, Comrade Ebi Sikpi, yesterday, in Yenagoa, the Association said the government should come up with measures to pay all other outstanding salaries to date to in order to cushion the harsh economic situation in the state. The association also advised the state government to reduce the number of political appointees to enable her meet up with other financial obligations.

Land: Estate agent raises alarm over encroachment Taiwo Jimoh

n estate agent, Alhaji Mutairu Owoeye, has raised the alarm over encroachment on hectares of land on Lakowe Village, Ibeju Lekki, by unknown persons. Owoeye, who spoke with reporters yesterday in Lagos, advised people interested in buying the land to ensure they buy from genuine owners, who have relevant documents. He said one of the interested parties, Golf Company, approached him as an estate agent to work on the land. Owoeye said before he accepted the offer, he had verified the claims of the company and he could confirm that all the papers presented

to him were genuine. He said: “On the land issue, government gave some people land. I am working for the company. They have their Certificate of Occupancy on the land; they have every document that backed up the property. “It was Golf Company, which contracted my company to work on the land because some people have encroached on it. Immediately they briefed us about the state of the property, we wrote a petition to the police to stop the trespassers. After we achieved this, we went ahead to verify their claims including the court enrolment order and discovered that everything was genuine.”

SUNDAY APRIL 24, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Execut ve After 11 months, the man on the street is yet to feel the impact of this administration. What’s your advice to President Muhammadu Buhari as his first anniversary in office draws near? To be very honest with you, things are not well with Nigeria today. All the economic indices are saying that. Interest and exchange rates have skyrocketed. You can hardly import. Now, fuel scarcity has resurfaced. Many things we thought we have conquered have resurfaced. The economy is in serious dislocation. We were rated the biggest economy in Africa during the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration but I don’t think that could be said of Nigeria of today. There are so many reasons for these. First of all, the former administration was lackadaisical about so many things. Jonathan had good intentions for this country, I must say, but he was not able to monitor the officers that worked with him to the extent that the treasury was looted to unbelievable rate. We had oil boom and the gains that were supposed to cushion the effect today vanished into thin air. The South East was the worst hit in Jonathan’s government. When you look at the impunity with which the treasury was looted, you will be amazed. My advice to Buhari is for him to eschew brotherliness, favouritism, tribalism and nepotism that are rocking his government and rule Nigeria as one Nigeria. Nigeria has been bestowed on him and he is the father of all. He is not the father of the northerners; he is the father of all. If you look at his appointments, you will see Buhari as a sectional leader. He will see good brains in West, South and East but he will not make use of them. They argued that he appointed those that will be loyal to him but loyalty is no longer profitable to the country. If loyalty does not amount to prosperity, it must be discarded. There is no single Igbo man in his security council, even during and after the war. Lack of fairness and equity are the bane of corruption. If you want to fight corruption, which all of us are in support of, we must fight these things first. Fight nepotism and tribalism. If you eschew meritocracy and go for mediocrity, then, it’s the highest level of corruption. I want the President to reorganise his government and know that people that are there are not competent enough to rule

NB almost named Amstel Malta after me – Chief Anselm Njoku Chief Anselm Njoku, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Jokanse Scientific International Limited, is an All Progressives Congress’ chieftain and state Ex-Officio member of South East Peoples Democratic Party, Lagos. He spoke to CHIJIOKE IREMEKA on his exploits in Nigerian Breweries and his private life the country. Yes, he is fighting corruption but the common man must have food on his table while fighting corruption. Nobody will take exception to the fact that corruption is being fought and there is no fuel, no food, no power supply and prices of goods and services are going up in geometric progression. This level of fuel scarcity now, we never had it in this country. We are being realistic with the issues and if anybody wants to advise the President, let him advise him right, just as I’m doing so that tomorrow, he can come back for another term and he will be remembered. We wanted him to be our President because of his antecedents as a military man, but now, he has to be schooled that there is a difference between military and democratic governance. He must relate with the judiciary well, likewise the house. There is no second class citizen in Nigeria. The economy of Nigeria is commerce-driven and before the industrialisation comes, the commerce that drives the economy should not be amputated. So, can we take a journey into your family background? Sure! I ’ m f r o m Umuokp u Ibeku, OkwuAto in Abor Mabaise Local Government Area

of Imo State. My parents are Chief Jonah Nwaru and Mrs. Ezinne Njoku. My mother had 11 children – three males and eight females. I’m the seventh child. My father was a butcher who brought the Hausa herdsmen in my town. He used to trade at Umuahia, the Abia State capital. He encouraged them to bring cows to Umuahia and from there, he opened Afo Obe (Market) in Abor Mbaise, the biggest ranch and slaughter house in Mbaise. My father with one Willy did that. Also, my grandfather, Nwaru, was a Warrant Chief. He was among the Warrant Chiefs in Aba during the 1929 Aba Women’s Riot. Kingship has been in my family. Is that why you have a number of Chieftaincy titles today? I wouldn’t say so but not unrelated. I’m an Igbo man that loves Nigeria and that is why I have chieftaincy titles across the major ethnic groups in Nigeria. The first Chieftaincy title I got was from Oba Alausa, Ikeja (Akeweje of Ikeja) in 2002, which means “King of the Youth” and by extension, ‘the King of beautiful ladies and reasonable men.’ After that, my people gave me another, (Anatu-Anatu 1 of Mbaise), meaning what God has given to me, nobody can bring it down. Again, I schooled in Rivers State and they gave me (Dike Dinamba 1 of Etche). After that, Buba Marwa wanted to give me another one in the North but the insurgency in that part of the world didn’t allow me to go. You can see that I am a Nigerian. How did you start your educational pursuit and journey through career? I started primary school in my area and when I finished, I got a scholarship to study at Government Secondary School, Umuaturu Etche in Rivers State. I was there for a year but the scholarship could not be given to me because I’m from another state. I petitioned the Ministry of Education and they came, investigated and I was placed on scholarship. So, I finished in 1981. In 1982, I came to Lagos and worked with Welcome Nigeria Ltd. I worked there for a while and enrolled at Yaba College of Technology, where I studied Business Administration and secured my OND. I left and went to work with Nigerian Breweries (NB) in 1986 as a Senior Analyst in the Research and Development. So, I was the author of the Amstel malt that you drink today. It was almost named after my name, Anselm. Also, ‘Legend’ is part of my research brain in NB. I was there for 10 years and left in 1996 after I have gotten my HND in Business Administration at Yabatech to start my own business, Jokanse Scientific International Limited. We are into scientific equipment supplies and consumables. I left Yabatech as one of the best graduates. You can check their brochure and confirm

So, at what point did you go into politics? I went into politics in 1996; I contested election under Zero Party and won. In 1998, I was with APP. I was the Vice Chairmanship Candidate of the party. In 2008, I was also the Vice Chairman candidate of PDP in Onigbongbo, Ikeja. Thereafter, I became a state exco member of PDP and we assiduously worked for the party in the 2015 elections. How did you meet your wife? I was sceptical about choosing a wife because whatever belongs to me, I want to protect with everything I have. I was looking for a lady that I can call mine. When I was ready to marry, I announced it to all my siblings, including my extended family to help me search. So, I had choices to make but I couldn’t choose from them. In 1987, I was on leave, while working with NB. I travelled to my sister’s house in Mbaise. There, I saw this lady, who later became my wife, in company of another lady, Ifenyinwa. I called my sister to ask if she knew her. She was able to identify her friend but not my wife. I asked her to go in search of her and later I sent drinks, through my sister to the girl’s family because I couldn’t see her before I resumed after my leave. After that, I appealed to her parents to allow her visit me in Lagos so that we could know each other. They approved and when I saw her, my instinct confirmed her. She stayed with me for three months, and then, I discovered she is caring and a good cook. So, I rushed and finished every other marriage rites and we got married. How did you propose to her? The moment I saw her, my instinct confirmed her and I said to her, ‘I want you to be my wife’ and she laughed. Today, we are married with seven children - two males and five females. Do you find time to play with your wife? Most times, I go out with her to places to enjoy ourselves. Just that politics and business are not doing well now and one has to do so many things to put food on the table. What do you do for leisure? Leisure has reduced because of poor economy. I have five of my children in the university. Your favourite meal is what? Okro soup with eba with oil bean salad and chopped pomo that you will be picking, while eating the delicacy. My wife is an expert in it. What is your hobby? Playing draft! At NB, I emerged champion in draft competition. I like football and table tennis too. What type of perfume do you wear? I don’t go for expensive perfume. My body has a natural fragrance that is so aromatic. Perfume is just an addendum. And your jewellery? Just my wrist watches

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016

SUNDAY

Body Soul S U N D AY, A P R I L 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

Tokunbo Modupe: Eyes on private jet

SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Contents 24.04.2016

COVER

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Mustard yellow is the surest way for men to pull off bright shades without looking over-the-top

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MY PASSION To Eyekunbo s on Mo priv dup ate e: jet

I am always unashamed to tell those that care to listen that I am a rape victor, I don’t call myself a rape victim, because I have passed through that

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A strapless gown that is form fitting gives you a mermaid silhouette that is ethereal

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Factors like age, stress and poor skin care routines can leave us with large pores on our faces

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I’m very passionate about the PR profession, it’s my life. When you love what you are doing, the result will reflect your passionate inputs

BEAUTY ZONE

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BED, WORK & LIFE Result of the medical examination said Richie could not father a child! “No! I have a daughter and the lady is pregnant for me again,” he told the doctor with certainty. “In your dreams! Those pregnancies w e re not yours, Richie...’

ent by econoing developm m co cent el w a ict that the re look at a moment to and they pred rrency swap will n ts ke is ta m u r yo ei e Hav an cu ute to th turns as they comm aira/Chinese Yu people’s faces n tell the N t the economy. Let’s hope this beca u Yo ? ns io e at os in tim bo st rd de co nt re re eir fo differe nd in n, creasing th r situation arou people literally colpermanent frow ostly by financial wor- ou ng m re we start seei ets out of hunger. heads, is caused are wondering where fo our stre on stg le in op ps la pe pular saying by be ries; a lot of come from. you with this po Schuller, “Tough ill ve w lea l I ea m xt k. ta ne try is their bert H isis in the coun ng author, Dr. Ro ugh people do!” Just The economic cr the poor masses. The selli to t bu st, la r ve ne s give ll on ock- times yr sk ge and the cloud so ing a heavy to ve an ch ha s es on ic as rv se se e d at th th an e r s lik be od t remem ly afford prices of go the Sun, we mus allenge, regardmilies can bare to fa ay or w po t s os od M ch . le fo eted es. No ls a day as stap our circumstanc permanent. We must two square mea s and gari among oth- do is e, ns te in w ho an be even in less of is always hope, including rice, e er th e. at bl th r da be or em aff e m re or m ers are no fficult to stances. sses find it di kunworst of circum Private busine exchange rates keep the ver this week To ul, co r ou on ve ha e og e th m W as ns t left relatio stay afloa , ly commodity upe, the public ishing PR firm rising. The on mon man to trade bo Mod ur flo a of p to on d ts si an le ho ty w es for the com his lif ’ even in a e opened up on with is ‘hope, less TPT. H . er pe re ho ca al y ic gl lit in seem budding po fiour Passion page de rs ’s ve It co a situation. luke Daramol Fo ht into her life e rid in h k. She gives sig rape victims. nitely a roug ee w is th r fo s n she runs for on bumpy road and the foundatio ges for both men and pa n for Nigerians as io Our fash azing styles they grapple women are loaded with am ip over to Fl k. to ee s w w u this on stra that will thrill yo your eyes. e. iv rv ed su fe these pages to ughter of bilP re si d en t , the beautiful da us stalking py up C J D MuhammaOtedola, has lionaire, Femi her out! du Buhari’s eek. Go check w is th e yl st week. r he e eat packag this trip to Chi s certainly a gr It’ en be s na ha Enjoy! received as a

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T h e Te a m Vanessa Okwara (Editor) Wole Adepoju (Snr. Correspondent) Biwom Iklaki (Correspondent) Abiola Alaba Peters Edwin Usoboh (Graphics) Isma’il Akintunde (Graphics) +234 (0) 818 0515840, +234 (0) 701 110 1014 vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com, julietbumah@gmail.com

Associates

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Helen Paul

Eyitayo Aloh

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Body&Soul

StyleSta ker

DJ Cuppy Artistic style

Biwom Iklaki

lorence Ifeoluwa Otedola, aka DJ Cuppy, is who we are stalking in this edition. This young Nigerian music producer and the daughter of Nigerian billionaire, Femi Otedola, is carving quite the artistic niche for herself on many levels. Recently graduated from the Kings College London with a degree in Business Management, she however did not go in the expected route as suggested by the degree she bagged; she decided to follow her passion for music as a Disc Jockey. She was appointed a Tourism Ambassador to Nigeria and she also attended the Financial Times Luxury Summit in Mexico in 2014. She also in a fell swoop graduated in the same year and she threw a lavish bash to celebrate her graduation with a “Marie Antoinette” theme at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London. She proceeded to launch her “House of Cuppy” compilation at the Kudeta Lounge in Victoria Island, Lagos. The daughter of the business mogul is busy making her chosen path count and net on leaving her mark like no one else before her. We would say she has already done most of the work as one of the very few female DJs in Nigeria, and the world at large. Her style however is another cap-

tivating part of her as she has admitted to wearing dresses every day of the year. She has shown a love for African fabrics, Ankara especially. One can refer to her style as fresh, girly and quite sassy. While on the turn table, she is often seen spotting lovely skater dresses or shifts in Ankara fabrics with embellishments or lace details. She never ceases to dazzle us with her style. We know we have not even seen the best of her yet.

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Turn heads i SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Vanessa Okwara

earching for a gown with head-turning appeal? Slip into a strapless dress. From glamorous gowns to effortlessly chic maxi silhouettes, strapless gowns always give you a stylish standout at any event. The perfect strapless dress flatters your shoulders and your boobs. A strapless gown that is form fitting gives you a mermaid silhouette that is ethereal. You exude a glamourous allure in strapless gown whenever you appear at an event. Strapless dresses can look sexy and elegant on women of a variety of sizes but many women are reluctant to wear them for fear of exposing too much skin or not having the proper physique to carry it off. While strapless dresses are best suited for women

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current obsession

who have they can top shape When s spend tim youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve se is to spill Raise you into every ly encase bit to mak When w thing in y Your first wear with less bras is to look that exten

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Here Beyond Stunning black dresses Vanessa Okwara

lack evening gowns are perfect for a multitude of occasions. Whether you need to dazzle at a formal event or amaze at a ball, there is a black evening dress that will make you look amazing. The black dress is probably the most iconic piece of clothing in fashion history, in large part, thanks to Coco Chanel. Whether you’re channeling Audrey Hepburn chic in an LBD or glamming it up in an evening gown, it’s the best go-to when you’re not sure what to wear. At the Oscars 2016, celebrities like Jennifer Garner made headlines in her not-so-basic black Atelier Versace dress with an asymmetrical neckline, a half-embellished bodice and a draped skirt. At the AMVCA 2016, we also saw stars like Chioma Chukwuka Apotha, Eku Edewor, Bimbo Akintola and Munachi Abii stunned in beautiful black dresses. Both here and beyond, black dresses have always made major headlines on the red carpet and our celebrities bring their game on with beautiful accessories to glam it up. Stick with a classy and sophisticated look with a long black dress. Elegant and refined are just two words to describe a black dress in a longer length. Choose from several lines of black dresses including sleeveless black dresses, formal black dresses and casual black dresses to add some variety to your wardrobe.

Body&Soul

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Body&Soul

Tokunbo Modupe: I’ve got Handsome and upwardly mobile dude, Adetokunbo Modupe, better known as Toks Modupe, is no green horn under the spotlight. The Owo, Ondo State born has for long been in the societal consciousness as a front line Public Relations practitioner. He sits atop long standing and flourishing PR firm, The Preferred Team, TPT. This stylish and articulate politician recently fielded questions from WOLE ADEPOJU on his disposition to family life and style as a corporate personality and politician What are the effects of the influx of entrants into PR industry? Well, it has the good side and the bad side. The good side is that with the help of technology, information dissemination has become so fragmented and so uncoordinated so much that if you have a smart phone and data connection, you become a publisher. They can publish any information at their disposal without recourse to anybody. There is so much platform now on social media that has made the world shrink more than a village square. You have so many so-called bloggers today who are not trained journalists and the way they treat information is quite different. These are some of the challenges that we have. And the good side is that it has also widened the scope of communication management. A good number of young people that are very creative have found technology and social media tools as platform o f

public engagements. Needless to say that social media has also provided a platform for negative influence. What do you think could be done to correct the negative effects? In addition to the applications of relevant laws, self-regulation is very important. The good thing is that some of these guys are coming together to form an association and what will help is for the professionals, those who have had the opportunity to practice journalism should be able to show others the way to conduct themselves. The entry level into online publishing or blogging is without barriers. It’s an all-comers affair basically, so we have to labour hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. What are the qualities that make a good PR practitioner? You must be a man of ideas. You must have gone through some levels of training in addition to educational qualification. The fact that you can put something in a medium does not make you a PR person. A PR person is a strategist. He’s somebody who is able to diagnose information hiccups and provide the appropriate link between an organisation and its target audience and between a brand and its consumers. So, in a sense, it can’t be an all-comers affair. Some of those who claim to be practitioners can’t even interpret a professional brief. Putting something on the pages of a newspaper or any media does not make you a PR person because PR is science in the art and the art in science. You deal with human emotions and complexities to influence the choices they make. It requires a lot of professionalism to deal with technicalities. When you sit down to think about how to create perception for a brand, for instance, it requires a lot of tools, many of which are not even media related. What would you say has been the staying power of TPT? Well, I would say innovation and professionalism. I’m very passionate about the PR profession, it’s my life. When you love what you are doing, the result will reflect your passionate inputs. Maradona says he plays football, enjoying himself and someone is paying for it. That is very profound and it’s an example of who is very passionate about his profession and I think I am like Maradona in the PR profession. Obviously, you need

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016

my eyes on private jet reading to keep up. How do you create time to do this since you are always busy? Reading has to be part of your life. You can see I have a lot of books here in my office. I have a lot of books at home and I also make use of the Internet. I read a lot. I attend a lot of conferences, international conferences and relevant trainings on communication, PR, branding and all of that. I keep acquiring knowledge and try to get insight into new perspectives. I am interested in every sector of the economy because you never can tell where the next brief is coming from. So, what I also do is a regular cultural and trend evaluation to know what influences change in our culture, what are the new trends communication can ride on? And we also study mood because those are major components of our lives that perception management can ride on. The mood may affect whatever you are doing at any point in time. You need to know how to tap into emotional connection of the people, assess your environment, what speaks to people and so on. You brought glamour into a conservative PR industry years back. Were there benefits that came with that? Most certainly! When you lead the way there will be challenges, as well as benefits if you succeed. We have benefited greatly from the industry and that is why I will continue to make my contribution to the development of the industry, the profession and whatever will make the profession more attractive. What brief have you held that its good memories have remained with you? We have done so many exciting things. We have had the opportunity of working with so many clients in various sectors of the economy. Perhaps one of the clients that is quite nostalgic each time I sit down and look at what we have done in the past is British American Tobacco Company because they were very receptive to innovations and ideas. It gave us huge opportunity to express ourselves creatively and professionally too. We worked on various brands, St. Morizt, Rothmans, Dunhill, etc. I can go on and on. Also, I like the job we did for Guinness Michael Power. It was quite innovative. Lagos Lottery was a bang within two weeks. It was all over the city. We have done so many things. We also did a lot of job during the consolidation in the banking sector. We are very proud of so many jobs we have done for various clients. Is there any account you still have your gaze on? Let me say that a couple of years ago, I really wanted to work for Nigeria Breweries Plc, now I am working for them.

to be bigger than this and we still want to be bigger than this and we are praying as we are working towards that. Many feel Governor Mimiko brought you into politics because of your closeness to him. Is this true? The truth of the matter is that we are all political animals, one way or the other we are involved in politics and I have been involved in politics for a long time. I have also consulted for politicians and I still do consult for them. The truth is that I am from Ondo State and an average Ondo person has politics in his DNA. It’s just a matter of time that it will begin to manifest. I am from Owo and you know the place of Owo in Yoruba politics- political consciousness is very high and I am a product of that environment. So, there is nothing strange in my involvement in politics. It’s just that I have not sought for elective position and may be because of that I have not been very visible in terms of political participation but in the past few years I have been very much involved in the politics of my state. Speculations have been rife that Governor Mimiko is grooming you to succeed him. Within yourself, would you want to govern your state? Hmmm…this is a very difficult question. It’s like asking me if I would like to serve my people if they so request. Yes, but service comes in different ways, even participation and leading the people. As I speak, I am leading my people in so many ways but the issue of ruling the state, belongs to God. I belong to a political family and I believe it’s that family structure that determines who should lead or who should be given that responsibility as the flag bearer. So I totally believe in that structural politics and no one alone can project himself or impose himself on the people. It’s ultimately the people that will decide. And you know the people starts from that political family before you move to the larger political space. I understand you would have been a footballer if you were not a PR practitioner. Let us into your exploits as a footballer? I still play football. As I speak with you, I am the preferred striker in my club. I belong to a club called Elmarino Sports Club of Lagos and we play football every Sunday. I have the number 9 jersey, that speaks volume. I am still very passionate about football, though basically for fitness.

Looking back at how you celebrated the acquisition of computer system years ago and what TPT has become now, what comes to your mind? We are just grateful. Our heart is full of gratitude. We belong to the digital migration age, moving from analogue practice to digital. We are technology migrant. That shows how we have moved from one culture to another culture. I remember with nostalgia when we bought one box of computer, that was in 1995 actually and we celebrated it. And indeed many banks at that time too were celebrating the fact that they were getting computerized, just imagine…look at it now.

What about your days in school? Yes, I used to play for my school. Every opportunity I get, I had to play football. I have always shown outstanding skill. But seriously, I am very happy with what I am doing right now. I have never sat down to say oh, I could have been a footballer or do something else. I am very happy with my profession but I still love football.

Was it just a mere risk and adventure or did you have assurance that TPT was going to be successful when you started? What I will like you to know is that we are not even there yet. Where I will like us to be, we are not there yet. But like I said, my heart is full of gratitude to God. But I set out to be successful, I didn’t have any option for failure. So, it’s hard to say if we did not expect we would be here today. In fact, we wanted

You are obviously so stylish. Would you say you became stylish as part of tools to impact the PR industry when you came in or it’s a personal thing? Looking good is a magnet for respect.

People look at you before they access your brain. So, I love to present myself well but a combination of factors may have helped me in the kind of choices that I make in my fashion ensembles. I am a style conscious person, no doubt about it. I am to a large extent a dictator; I am not enslaved to fashion. I don’t seek for the approval of people with what I wear. I just wear what gives me confidence and I think I have conquered the fear about things to put on. You must also have the confidence that what you are putting together speaks of you positively. What inspired you to be independent minded as it relates with fashion and creating your own style? I think it’s also part of my nature, I am very independent minded. I listen to people but when I have conviction about something, I don’t beat about the bush; I do not fall for distractions. Some in your status in all spheres have gotten their homes broken by being carried away by female attention. What is the secret to

Body&Soul

your blissful marital life? I will not be right if I try to give an impression of a perfect husband. It’s the grace of God really because like every other family, I have also had challenges in my marriage but God has been there for us. You also need to understand that no matter what you do, you have a home to go back to and you are not alone in it. You must consider the children and your spouse. You have to understand that you are not the only one that deserves to be happy. Every other person deserves to be happy. How to balance my work and spending quality time with my family is always on the front burner. We don’t compromise our holidays, our family times and we make sure we communicate very well. For example, I know my wife is opposite of me, an introvert. I am not but we balance each other in so many ways. What excites you most about your wife? I used to feel funny about it. She treats me like her son. I use to feel funny about it but now I have come to appreciate her. How much of a tab do you put on your children to monitor them? I am very close to my children. Some of them are out of the country but we communicate every day. We just developed a new website and in the past two weeks, my son has been one of the site critics. He’s been telling me you have to add this and that. And my daughter too we talk, we are close. There is nothing we can’t talk about. I am very close to my family and I can be very emotional when it comes to my family. And what would your greatest wish be? I want to be the first PR practitioner in Africa that will own a private jet.

SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770

julietbumah@gmail.com

I’ll rather go to hell (4) Juliet Bumah

ichie picked his phone and dialed his doctor friend’s number. He was sweating profusely. His fifth visit to the restroom left him very weak. “Old boy wahala dey o. I need to see you immediately,” he told KC. Dr. KC asked him to come to the hospital. At the hospital, he was not coherent. A shivering Richie told his doctor, “I have been poisoned, please help me.” They were in the consultation room. KC observed that his friend had lost some fluid. His Blood Pressure was high also. He had him moved to a private ward where an infusion was set up for him. He arranged for the laboratory unit to run some tests on him. When the nurses left the room, KC tried to get him to talk but Richie could not respond to the doctor ’s questions. He was clearly frightened. “Where’s Patra,” he asked the third time and Ritchie’s eyes widened again. Clearly, something was wrong. In Ritchie’s present state, it was best to let him be. He returned to his office and dialed Patra’s phone number. Switched off. He signed and waited for the lab result. Three hours later, Richie was stable. No poison was found in his system. He smiled. “Ol’ boy, no poison in your system. Who will poison a well-behaved big boy like you? Patra will kill that person na...” the doctor began but Richie smiled and said, “I’m not joking doc. Please I want you to run a comprehensive medical test on me.” KC noted that his friend had relaxed a bit. Good for his BP. “Sure. Will do that...sperm count and the rest.” Richie smiled. He had Cherish and Ruth was pregnant again. He was definitely not responsible for Patra’s childless state. A cloud flickered across his face which the doctor did not miss. ************** Pius watched as Patra slept. She was clearly drunk. He had watched her stagger into the restroom to ease herself and clean up earlier. She didn’t notice that the sheath tore during their romp. He did. He picked up the sheath’s pack. Expired! He cursed under his breath as he tucked her inside the duvet. He had showered and dressed up. He poured another tot of cognac and sat on the double seater in the room, contemplating his action. She wore no wedding band but the finger bore sign that a ring used to be there. What would make a woman fly to

Abuja from Lagos, get drunk on premium spirit and get into bed with a total stranger? She looked very respectable...and rich. Her fine clothing said that and more. Like him, she had great taste for spirits. He gently swilled the cognac around his glass and took a sip. He was in a pensive mood. Fear tugged at a corner of his heart. He pushed it away. She looked so healthy, she couldn’t be habouring any virus in her body. “It is never written on the forehead,” his mind told him and he shook the thought away. Thoughts of his wife flooded his mind. He loved her. He still did. They were happy together until that fatal accident at the outskirts of the town. She had gone visiting a friend. She didn’t get there. The car she was travelling in ran into a ditch and collided with an oncoming trailer. She and a cousin of hers died on the spot. Tears dropped on his cheeks. She was going to bid her friend farewell. She was relocating to USA with the kids. He had bought a new, bigger house in the US where he was based. He wanted the best for his wife and

kids. It was never to be. That was two years ago, but it was like yesterday to him. He had not felt anything for another woman since then...until Patra entered his cab earlier today. Cab! The corners of his mouth curled into a smile. “I need to stop this cab driving bullshit,” he told himself and looked up. He had been so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn’t notice that Patra had woken up and was staring at him. She looked confused. He cleared his throat and smiled at her. “Dear, you need to go easy on the spirit. Not too good for your health,” he told her. Patra tried to get out of bed and realised she was in her birthday suit. A little scream escaped her throat. Pius watched her. “You made love to me,” she said, alarmed. It was an accusation. “Patra, we made love to each other,” he said slowly. She noticed he had a Texan drawl. Her father was based in Texas and she and her siblings usually went there for holidays when they were growing up.

She took a peek into the duvet again and for sure, she had nothing on. She couldn’t remember taking off her clothes but she remembered enjoying every moment she was entangled with him. She relaxed. Somehow, she felt safe with this stranger. Crazy! “Who are you, lover boy?” She queried. “I’m Pius, the cab driver, Ma’am,” he replied. That drawl again! “Please, cut that off, you and I know you ain’t a cab driver. You don’t sound like one,” she said. “You are right ma’m, I ain’t a cab driver. I do it for fun. I own some airport cabs -my mum’s business anyway. When I’m bored, I go pick one of the cabs and drive. Driving is my hobby, it lifts my spirit,” he said. “What a hobby,” she said, incredulous, adding, “I guess, making love to vulnerable women is also your hobby.” He flinched. “No Patra. I don’t do that. You wanted me. I was glad you did because I wanted you also. It was mutual. You did something to my senses when I picked you earlier today. I deemed myself lucky that you took interest in me. I lost my wife in an accident two years ago and I hadn’t met a lady that affected me the way you did. In those two years, I have been with women seven times. Eight is my lucky number and you are the eighth,” he said. “Oh dear, you lost your wife? I’m sorry dear. What happened? My condolences,” she said, noticing the tears in his eyes. Her heart melted. She jumped out of bed and was beside him before she remembered she had nothing on. “Geez!” She exclaimed, trying to cover her nudity with her hands. Of course it was futile. Pius went to the restroom, took the bathrobe and covered her. As his hands touched her, she felt a warmth enveloped her. ****************** Two days later, Dr. KC visited Richie in the office. The news he brought shattered Richie. Result of the medical examination said Richie could not father a child! “No! I have a daughter and the lady is pregnant for me again,” he told the doctor with certainty. “In your dreams! Those pregnancies were not yours, Richie. Seek second, third...fifth opinions friend,” KC told him point blank. “Oh Lord, please let this be a dream. It must be a dream. It can’t be true. No! Patra doesn’t know about Ruth and Cherish. She didn’t leave me. I haven’t seen Dr. KC in a long while...” Richie shook his head. He felt like a death sentence had been passed on him. He felt the hangman’s noose was about to be tightened around his neck and jumped up and rubbed his neck with his right palm. .......... You definitely wouldn’t want to miss the next edition. So, join me next Sunday as the story unfolds.

•Send your observations to: julietbumah@gmail.com

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 24 APIRL 2016

Edo 2016: The contenders and pretenders p.24,25

The Sunday Interview

‘Why Bayelsa’s N4bn wage bill is being probed’ p.27

Ogunlewe: APC’s buck-passing smacks of incompetence p.28, 29

Politics Leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) mount stiff opposition to the plan by the National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to remain in office beyond the May 21 National Convention of the party, writes ONYEKACHI EZE

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

PDP’s mounting opposition to Sheriff’s ambition

erhaps, neither the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff nor the zoning committee set up by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party envisaged the opposition that would follow the purported zoning of the national chairmanship position, to the North-East. The proposed zoning arrangement, which emerged after the committee’s meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, penultimate weekend, to the discerning leaders and members of the party, was tele-guided. And as if to test the waters, a branded campaign car with the picture of Sheriff as chairmanship candidate for the May 21 National Convention, miraculously appeared at the PDP National Secretariat two days to the committee’s meeting in Uyo. The campaign car, a Honda Pilot, and which was said to have been sponsored by PDP North Western states of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, disappeared the way it came the next day. Since then, the car has notg been seen! But why is PDP North-West youth spearheading the campaign rather than the NorthEast where Sheriff comes from? You guess is as good as mine. The zoning committee, which is headed by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel Udom with his Ekiti State counterpart, Ayodele Fayose, according to leaked information, not only retained the National Chairmanship position in the North East, it also retained the positions of Deputy National Chairman and National Secretary to the South-South and South West respectively. It is only from the position of the National Organising Secretary (NOS) that there was a semblance of rotation in the zoning of national offices. The NOS was zoned to the South East while the National Publicity Secretary went to the South-West, and the National Treasurer to the North Central. The North West was zoned the position of National Woman Leader. Even before the committee members met the previous weekend, there was apprehension that members were carefully selected to do a hatchet job. Notwithstanding that it is composed of eight serving and a number of former PDP governors as well as serving and former members of the National Assembly, most members are believed to have, by their body language and comments, been in support of the north retaining the national chairmanship position. PDP has a laid down rules that no region produces the national chairman and presi-

Sheriff

dential candidate at the same time. For instance, in 1999 when Chief Olusegun Obasanjo from the South West was PDP presidential candidate and eventually president, the national chairmanship position came from the North Central. And in 2007 when Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from North West was elected president, the South East produced the national chairman. The position went to North East when Goodluck Jonathan from South-South became president in 2011. PDP has already zoned its presidential ticket in 2019 to the north. That means the party will source its national chairman from the south. And once the presidential candidate and national chairmanship position have be settled, every other offices such as the vice presidential candidate, principal officers of the National Assembly (if PDP wins the presidential election) will fall in place. A national officer of the party from the north said “most leaders in the north are against the chairmanship remaining in the north. This is the position of the north.” The choice of Sheriff, a defected member from the All Progressives Congress (APC), as National Chairman of PDP was opposed by the Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Assembly caucus. He, however, enjoys the support of the NWC members and PDP Governors’ Forum. The BoT led by Senator Walid Jibrin said it was “of the view that Ali Modu Sheriff is

George

not suitable as national chairman of PDP.” PDP ministers who served between 1999 and 2015 also rejected the emergence of the former Borno State governor “due to the illegitimacy of the process that purportedly brought him in.” The PDP Former Ministers’ Forum led by Tanimu Turaki, former Minister of Special Duties, in a communiqué issued at the end on their meeting in February, said to: “Condemns all acts of impunity in the running of the affairs of the party, at all levels and implores all members to respect the constitution of the party and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” A vocal member of the group, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode said Sheriff “wants to set Nigeria on fire and also wants to set PDP on fire ....” The intervention of the PDP Governors’ Forum led by Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, and PDP principal officers in the National Assembly led by Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, saved the day for Sheriff. He was given three months to lead the party, organise congresses and National Convention and then leave. Mimiko, who spoke after the meeting comprising members of the Governors’ Forum, the BoT, the NWC and the National Assembly caucus, said: “All organs of the party, the Governors Forum, National Assembly caucus, BoT have agreed to stand by our national chairman to ensure that our party

moves forward. “We have put behind us all the controversies in the last few days and I want to assure you that we are together as a party. “We have also mandated the National Working Committee (NWC) to put in motion immediately the processes of ensuring that within three months the national convention of our party is called. “We will brief all our members; within the next two weeks the timetable will be out for the congresses, culminating in the national convention. “I want to assure all of you that PDP is ready, we want to assure that as one big family we are set and ready to move forward and ensure that we give good governance to the country.” Unfortunately, it appears Sheriff wants to extend the three months grace given to him and wants to remain in office till 2018 when he would resign to contest the presidency which has already zoned to the north. This is causing ripples in the party. Some members of the National Assembly are threatening to leave the party if the chairmanship is zoned to the north. A source at a meeting of PDP Governors last Tuesday noted that Sheriff’s ambition might put the party in jeopardy. He disclosed that most National Assembly members were threatening to quit the party if the National CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

politics

Edo 2016: The contenders Cajetan Mmuta Benin City

he atmosphere in Edo State is now enveloped by intense political activities as political actors, groups and various registered parties prepare for the epic battle for the next governorship position in the Heart Beat state. Already, the incumbent governor, Adams Oshiomhole, is getting set to leave the Dennis Osadebay Avenue Government House in Benin City. The governor no doubt, has for the past seven and half years proved critics wrong and demonstrated the political will and courage in various areas to write his name on the sands of time and history. Oshiomhole’s proof of good governance on the platform of the All Progressives Congress could be seen by his supporters and critics alike across the three senatorial districts in the state. These are visible in the areas of human capacity development, job creation, infrastructural development, political orientation and awareness creation. Besides, his permeating political dexterity, consciousness, crusade and beliefs have jointly and aptly helped to shape peoples old perception in a better future and in the process sensitised, galvanised, swayed and shored up new crop of fire brand political apostles who are increasingly determined to take up the mantle of leadership within the state and beyond its shores. At present, the concerned Oshiomhole and other leaders of APC are faced with the arduous task of seeking for a credible personality who will not allow his ego or pride to deface the legacies nor rock the boat of the ruling party. That search has sprouted over 12 prospective politicians seeking to secure the APC’s expression of interest forms and to also ask for votes from the electorate ahead of the party primaries to elect its candidate soon. The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state is not also ruled out of the game which is expected to spring surprises. About four individuals have so far shown their interest to contest for the governorship position on the platform of PDP. Other political parties such as Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Social Democratic Party (SDP) are expected to showcase their governorship hopefuls in the state. The various politicians eyeing the top job and the parties discreetly strategise amid serial nocturnal meetings, consultations, political alignments and realignments, grandstanding and all sorts of posturing geared towards taking hold of delegates to determine who takes it all. However, the September 10 fixed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for governorship election in the state, has remained sacrosanct. The date which has been followed by a spelt out guidelines by the electoral umpire signaled the take off of political train and possible roll out into real campaigns. As Edo people eagerly wait for the candidate, some top shots in the ruling APC who are willing to step into Oshiomhole’s big shoes have been lined up for the war of wits, ideas and funds. Interestingly, both the APC and PDP look up to Edo South to fill the seat at the end of Governor Oshiomhole’s tenure, although the ruling APC has left the ring open for all contestants. Here are the contenders and pretenders alike. Godwin Obaseki Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s incursion into the race has raised much dust as he is seen as the likely and outstanding political apostle to carry the anointing oil and leadership

Pastor Osagie

staff. He is expected to pick the APC governorship ticket to fly the party’s flag at the end. Obaseki has the strong backing of many leaders and followers of the incumbent governor because of his sterling qualities and rare potentials that stand him out amongst others seeking to occupy the plum position. The governor is not hiding his support before doubting Thomases, especially, given his recent public declaration before the APC leaders and elders in the state about his preference for Obaseki. The Oredo-born politician and chairman of Edo State Economic Team and strategy has received the ire of most critics who are of the view that he is new in the politics of the state and is being imposed on the party. Stakeholders have embarked on intensive fence mending among leaders of the party to pave way for the soft landing of the sizzling expert in business consultancy. His chances have further been brightened following the latest stepping down of Commissioner for Works, Barrister Osarodion Ogie. Aside politics, Obaseki has served as the managing Director and Director of Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited. In 1995 he founded SecTrust, pioneering major innovations and providing leadership in the Nigerian stock market. He also served on the Presidential Committee on the Reform of the Nigerian Pension System, a position that showcased the hidden talents in him. Obaseki also served on the Committee on the re-activation of the Nigerian Bond Market set up by the Securities and Exchange Commission. He is an active member of the NSE and currently serves on its Governing Council. He has served in many other committees of the NSE. He has an exciting sense of humour and is very much in grip of what government and governance mean and therefore is expected to bring his wealth of experiences to bear in the application and prudent management of resources of Edo State to the optimal benefits of all. Chris Ogiemwonyi The soft spoken Chris Ogiemwonyi, an engineer and former Minister of State for Works during the administration of exPresident Goodluck Jonathan, hails from Orhionmwon Council Area of the state. He left the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the APC in November 2014

Obaseki

at the peak of the 2015 general elections. He has the reach to both low and high and has a strong political support base and structure that positions him on firm footing for the much sought APC ticket. Ogiemwonyi parades outstanding qualities as a former Group Executive Director, (Exploration and Production) of the NNPC and posses the charisma for public service reform, a sector he was groomed and seen through for over 30 years. The politician’s soft spot for the less privileged and acts of patriotism endears him to all. Popularly referred to as ‘Mr. Integrity’, he believes in truth and putting round pegs in round holes as well as doing justice to all persons at all times. These qualities have always posed as challenge to some who see things differently. Some of his ardent supporters are of the opinion that in a free and fair primary, Ogiemwonyi may spring surprises in the forthcoming party primaries. He obtained a B.Sc. (Hons) in Applied Physics in 1974 from the University of Benin and also obtained a post Graduate Diploma (PGD), in Petroleum Engineering in 1976 from University of Ibadan. Ogiemwonyi, as disciplined man was also at Harvard Business School for top management course. He is a celebrated technocrat and a professional with strong stint in intellectual capacity. He has at various times awarded scholarships to deserving youths and the under privileged at different levels of education as part of his community services. Kenneth Imansuagbon The Ewohinmi-born politician is not a push-over when it matters most in political calculations. Ken Imansuagbon was a founding member and major financier of the then Action Congress (AC) which later transformed into the ACN and now the APC, and has seen it at the lower and high rungs of politics in the state. No doubt, his charismatic prowess and believe that equity, fairness and transparency have combined to position him as a threat to many. As a household name in Edo politics, he commands high degree of popularity especially, given his annual rice distribution across the three senatorial zones of the state, a ritual that has earned him the name “Rice Amanda.” Imansuagbon, a lawyer has made a tremendous mark in the educational sector both in the country and abroad with his Pacesetter

Group of schools. In 2007, he contested for the governorship ticket of the defunct Action Congress with the duo of Honourable Charles Idahosa and Mathew Atama. He later left the party after he was pressured to pave way for the realization of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s governorship ambition and moved to the then ruling PDP. The gargantuan politician was said to be a major financier of the AC. Imansuagbon contested for the governorship ticket of the PDP in 2012 party primaries and lost after it was allegedly skewed in favour of Major General Charles Airhiavbere by leaders of the party. It feared that the zoning of the APC governorship sloth to the South senatorial district may work against him as he is from the Central senatorial zone of the state. Although, he has the financial muzzle to sway delegates votes in his favour. Osaro Onaiwu Mr. Osaro Onaiwu is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state and the Director General of PDP’s Governors Forum. As a governorship aspirant he believes he knows weak points of past governors in running the affairs of most states of the nation and is determined to bring his wealth of experience to correct some of mistakes and improve on the welfare of people of the state. He is believed to have the backing of some powerful PDP governors who are expected to fund the project in order to secure the party’s ticket. This is because of his outstanding relationship with them. However, analysts are of the view that he lacks the political structure to sway the people to his side. Critics are of the opinion that Mr. Onaiwu’s gubernatorial ambition may not fly at all given the fact that he is not a grassroots politician. Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu The maverick politician, Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, is not a pushover in Edo politics. He hails from Orhiomwon Local Government Area of the state and is a major actor in the governorship race under the platform of the PDP. He had served variously in past PDP and partly in the APC led government in the state. Ize-Iyamu was Secretary to the State Government during the second tenure of ex-governor Lucky Igbinedion. He has a deep reach and power of political maneuverings spanning many years. This

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016

politics

and pretenders

Osunbor

has helped him to carve a niche for himself and in the process, building strong political structure that cut across the three senatorial districts with large followership and support base. His permeating reach, closeness to key leaders that matter in politics as well as convincing mastery in the game of the murky waters have kept him afloat and attractive. As strategies peak in the race for Osadebay Avenue, he is seen as the likely politician to clinch the PDP governorship ticket. His incursion into the contest is giving some forces sleepless nights as they believe that he has the capacity to ruling APC a fierce fight come September 10 governorship election. The lanky politician was the arrowhead of Grace Group that shocked the PDP leaders during the second term in office of Chief Igbinedion at which he instituted the ‘no man is God’ singsong that then wreaked the foundation of the party to shreds. He also commands many political apostles with penetrating confidence and faith in his political postulations and activism. His closeness to former governor Igbinedion is a major subject of contention by some leaders of the PDP who are strongly opposed to his interest in the epic battle for the soul of the state. Dr. Pius Odubu Odubu is the incumbent Deputy Governor who comes from Orhiomwon Council Area of the state. He has deep grassroots reach and command sizzling attention for winning streak. As a politician and lawyer, Odubu had served as a member of House of Representatives for eight years from 1999 to 2006. His tenure as number two citizen of the Heart Beat state singles him out as peaceful and most loyal deputy governor in the country. Although, recent events within the state government house seem to suggest otherwise as forces opposed to his ambition had welled up allegations of backbiting against the governor in order to destroy the standing harmonious relationship. Odubu is touted to have allegedly been opposed to supporting the governor’s preference for Mr. Obaseki, a plan he is said has nothing to do with his personal project even as the recent meeting between the governor and some leaders of the APC including the deputy governor to resolve the impasse had given him a soft landing for an inroad for the big fight for Osadebay Avenue. The challenge, however, is whether the deputy governor can beat Oshiomhole’s large foot soldiers and muster huge financial base

Pedro Obaseki

to make his tall dream a reality. Odubu’s army of businessmen and big political forces who have unwavering confidence in him are said to be set to bankroll his ambition. He enjoys the support of some Benin palace chiefs who are likely to root for him when the time comes. Comrade Peter Esele He belongs to the labour movement and was the President of the PENGASSAN and later Trade Union Congress (TUC). He comes from the central senatorial district of the state. Esele has a rich history politics and can mobilise workers and people towards his noble project for the state. He does not believe that government must be run on ad hoc basis rather on its functionality to give real meaning to the people. He wants to shore up his governorship ambition under the APC umbrella. Oserheimen Osunbor Former governor Oserheimen Osunbor is a Professor of Law and the chairman of Nigeria Law Review Commission. He was a major pillar of the PDP in Edo Central senatorial district. The Iruekpen-born politician was in office as governor of Edo State for 18 months (2007-2008) but was sacked by the Appeal Court leading to Oshiomhole’s emergence as governor. Prof. Osunbor commands respect as a credible politician given his track record as governor of the state. He is banking on his past performance and experience while in office to pick the APC’s governorship ticket. The zoning of the seat to Edo south is the only threat to his ambition coupled with the likely inability to meet the financial demands to realize the project. Besides, the people of Edo Central are that after the administration of late Ambrose Alli, an Esan leader, no other son of the area, apart from Osunbor whose tenure was short, had mounted the saddle. Don Pedro Obaseki Osamudiame Osaro Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki, popularly known as Don Pedro Obaseki, is the CEO of ACC Broadcast Multimedia Ltd (operators of WAWOOTV, MTN-ACCMobileTV & PIDGIN-TV) and former Managing Director at DAAR Communications PLC (owners of Africa Independent Television - AIT and RayPower). Born into the influential Obaseki family on April 25, 1967, Dr. Obaseki is the greatgrand son of Agho Obaseki (Iyase of Benin 1914-1920, Paramount Chief of Benin Prov-

Gen. Airhiavbere

Before the election in September though, the aspirants must scale through the primaries in their respective parties inces 1897-1914). His maternal grandfather is Omokhudu, the late Ezomo of Emeh-Ora. Don Pedro Obaseki grew up in Warri, Agbor, and Benin City. He was educated at both the universities of Benin and Ibadan. He served his National Youth Service in Kaduna. Popularly called DON-P or THE DON, Dr Obaseki was formerly President of The Filmmakers Cooperative of Nigeria (FCON). Pedro is variously a filmmaker, playwright, and IPTV Entrepreneur. An erudite scholar, visionary and speaker, who became lecturer at the University of Benin at the age of 21 years, Don Pedro Obaseki is a multiple awards winner with experience spanning more than three decades. He has taught in several universities in Nigeria, the UK, Denmark & USA. He holds a doctorate degree in Performance Theory & Praxis, a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA). The politicians seeking APC ticket says he wants to govern Edo State because he truly believes that the state is in the throes of a motor park democracy and “I also believe that for us to move the state forward, we must change the way things are done. I also truly believe that the time has come when we cannot allow ourselves to continue to play the ostrich. But to change Edo State, the people must change their state of mind. “ Solomon Edebiri Edebiri is a chieftain of the PDP and hails from Uhunmwode Council Area. He is a dogged politician and entrepreneur who has built his structure over time through consistency and hard work. Aside being a grassroots mobiliser, Edebiri has a strong knack for business in oil servicing sector and is the President of Nigeria Institute of Weld-

ers and has neck deep into agriculture and tourism and these have combined with politics to stand him out in acts of patriotism. He has a flock of followers who believe in him and are determined to give him adequate support in the governorship project. Gen. Charles Airhiavbere The retired Army general hails from Oredo Local Government Area. Before the 2015 general polls he was the National Coordinator of the Goodluck2Goodluck Organization, a body vested with the responsibility to mobilise support for Jonathan. Airhiavbere was also a governorship candidate of the PDP during the 2012 governorship election in the state. Shortly after the presidential elections in which former President Jonathan lost, he dumped the PDP for the APC to support President Buhari with whom he worked in the military and to further realise his governorship ambition. Airhiavbere has made appreciable marks in youth empowerment through his CACO platform, a non-governmental organisation. He is determined to consolidate on the experience garnered from the past 2012 governorship polls and his structure. As a chief and with his doggedness as well as contacts, he is expected to give his opponents a deep crash in a free and fair contest. Hon. Mathew Iduoriyekemwen: Hon. Mathew Iduriyekemwen, a former Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly and ex-representative in Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC), is a member of the PDP. The Ikopba-Okhborn politician enjoys the support of most youths in the state. He is believed have the backing of former Minister of Works, Architect Mike Onolemenmen. He is seen by many leaders of the party as the only roadblock to the political excesses of Pastor Ize-Iyamu. Iduoriyekemwen is also the chairman/CEO of Samatt Globe Limited. He attended the University of Benin where he studied Zoology and obtained a second class honours degree. In addition, he holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the Ambrose Alli University. Before the election in September though, the aspirants must scale through the primaries in their respective parties. Only after that can they face the entire electorate, and if the performances of the parties in the last general elections are anything to go by, the battle stands to be a very hot one.

SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

politics

Rethinking heroism and Nigerian civil service Festus Adedayo

narguably, the dominant perspective about heroism in Nigeria today is that of a land where that species is endangered. Aside the political exploits of the Obafemi Awolowos, Nnamdi Azikiwes, Ahmadu Bellos, on the economic spheres, the Da Rochas, Aminu Dantatas, Louis Phillip Odumegwu Ojukwu; public service, the Babatunde Ajoses; literature, Amos Tutuolas, Chinua Achebes; education, Adekunle Ajasins, Chike Obis; the musical turf, the Hubert Ogundes, Dan Maraya of Jos, Rex Lawsons etc., whose unifying thread of heroism in their works was patriotism and excellence, the pantheon of that class and creed is becoming an anachronism in Nigeria today. This has been attributed basically to the maximal character and texture of capital in the Nigerian society, the abandonment of societal values of communalism for individualism, leading to survival-of-the-fittest and its subsequent derivative of elimination-of-theweakest and ultimately, an erosion of values. The latter was effectively prosecuted by a combine of successive governments and the abetment of that vice by even the governed themselves. At an analytic level, if you could find ten of that rare breed of nature’s creation per thousand of surveyed Nigerians in the 1960’s, even up to the 1970’s, you could barely encounter one per thousand of that same sum in the Nigeria of today. Indeed, it is running against the mill to be heroic in Nigeria of today. While basic components of living were relatively easy to access in the former times, securing them is war today. Jealous and seeking to curtail rivals in its vicinity, heroism does not approve of friendship with Nigerians’ current maximalist search for capital. In other words, it is almost impossible that heroes could be found in the same trenches where people are pursuing wealth and survival. Some people have posited that it was easy to discover heroes in the 60’s and 70’s Nigeria because the environment was conducive to heroism. Broken into basics, they said that the Awolowos, the Azikiwes, Bellos could pursue societal good because their personal and individual good was a given. It is more complex for emerging youth and children of today. The environment is hostile to heroism and indeed, like the cobra whose offspring murder it at procreation, as the Yoruba saying goes, any attempt to be a hero in Nigeria today is smothered at infancy by an environment where heroes are almost treated like pariahs. So when Tunji Olaopa, holder of a doctorate in public administration, consummate civil servant and prolific writer, posits that there are heroes in Nigeria and seeks to intellectualize their process of heroism, his proffer cannot but be likened to a Copernican theory in geography, and an against-method of Paul Karl Feyerabend, an Austrian-born philosopher, which are basically revolutionary. Olaopa had, in a previous engagement, in a book he authored on a renowned scholar kinsman of his, confirmed the theory of the dearth of heroes in the land. Ojetunde Aboyade, close companion of and a fellow “ecumenical spirit” of Professor Wole Soyinka, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, former lecturer at the University of Ibadan, and a multiple-tested economic adviser to successive Federal Governments in the 70’s into the 90s, was Olaopa’s subject in the biography. In the biography of the late professor entitled A Prophet is with Honour - The Life and times of Ojetunji Aboyade, Olaopa had literally acknowledged that heroes, who belong to a rare and special class, are unusual to come by. His position was corroborated by the renowned professor of political science, Claude Ake, who wrote in a foreword to the book that “The country has no heroes, acknowledges none, and it devalues and derails those who

President Buhari

could be…The project of nation-building and development which Nigerians espouse is a journey without maps, undertaken in moral anarchy towards an uncertain destination.” Recently, Olaopa seems to have submitted that that same rare species is witnessing an explosion. In a recently authored book entitled The Labour of Our Heroes published by Ibadan-based Bookcraft, Olaopa painstakingly, in an eleven-chaptered book, outlined paths to the Nigerian project, the national question, education and the human capital dynamics, the Nigerian predicament, Nigeria’s position in the continent, civil society and national integration, civil servants and entrepreneurs, among other classifications. In the same vein, Olaopa churned out of his intellectual smithy another book, published by same Bookcraft, which he entitled Civil Service and the Imperative of Nation Building which, on the whole, places a telescope to the Nigerian civil service of the past and the present, looking into the dark contours of its dysfunctions, failings, successes, progress and future possibilities, from theoretical and practical perspectives. He submits that the Nigerian civil service “stands at the critical nexus between grand infrastructural and service delivery efficiency and effectiveness and the trans-ethnic and trans-religious loyalty which is necessary to promote and sustain the civic bond of unity that will truly transform Nigeria into a nation.” Coming from a man reputed to be one of the most fecund-minded civil servants in recent times, this proffer would definitely need to be taken seriously by a Nigeria seeking ways out of the bind of drudgery and lethargy that are associated with the civil service. Two Nigerians whose intellect could be likened to a description of French philosopher, Voltaire as one of the most agile brains to have ever inhabited a human skull – the renowned bard and gubernatorial aspirant in Edo State, Odia Ofeimun, and emeritus professor of Geography, Akin Mabogunje – did a critique of the books in the form of foreword. Ofeimun sees Olaopa’s effort in The Labour of Our Heroes as an attempt at “memorializing (the) feats, up-raising the heroic status of (such Nigerians)” Using the old theory of charismatic political leadership, he said, “Quite heartily (it) engages a Pan Nigerian landscape in which religious and political leaders, academics and intellectuals, entrepreneurs, philosophers, physicians, scientists and creative writers, actors and filmmakers, musicians and community leaders, are placed in the same

Dr. Azikiwe

force-field, as heroes. Politics is not thereby downgraded or degraded but visualized, in context, as one of the theatres in which leadership may manifest within a contingent network of outstanding performers.” Ofeimun thereafter went into a characterization or profiling of the Olaopa heroes and how they passed through the acid test of his search. He said the book is “a commingling of legendary entrepreneurs like Dantata, da Rocha, Ojukwu the elder, Dangote, Omolayole and an Onosode with maverick social consciences and educationist like atheistic Tai Solarin and lawyer-activist, human rights crusader Gani Fawehinmi, Pentecostal pastors like Enoch Adejare Adeboye, and Oyedepo, all in the same feast of herohood with Bishop Hassan Mathew Kukah, a catholic priest pursuing an ecumenical programme of dialogue between diverse creeds, on the same counterpane with Wande Abimbola, a virtual Babalawo, who is toasted for removing the libel and rudeness of the bad sciences that once consigned traditional religion, and specifically Yoruba Ifa divination system, to a zone of fetish, if not barbarism. By the same token, we are enabled to deepen acquaintance with great minds like Professor B.J. Dudley, one of Africa’s most rigorous political scientists; and Professor Ayodele Awojobi, a professor of mechanical engineering with specialization in vibrations, an inventor, social critic and futuristic thinker; and the savvy economist, Pius Okigbo; the mathmatician, politician and folk hero, Chike Obi; and scholar and gender activist, Bolanle Awe, writers and artists Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe, D. O. Fagunwa, Hubert Ogunde and the much younger Chimamanda Adichie - all of whose achievements may be consensually upheld as building blocks for the ultimate national edifice. Among physicians, Adeoye Lambo, Oritshejolomi Thomas, Umaru Shehu and Oladipo Akinkugbe are duly celebrated as are the great denizens of the Ibadan School of History for incomparable practice and research.” However, Ofeimun wondered why, in spite of the long heroic clientele that Olaopa gathered, the assemblage which he ascribed to the author’s “admirable gumption in letting objectivity and balance be his measurement through which he hewed out their outstanding display of honour and uncommon pedigree and elan”, Nigeria is still grappling with teething issues of development and is deemed a failed state in virtually all respects. In Civil Service and the Imperative of Nation Building, Mabogunje, who referred to the book as a “very opportune publication”

said that the Nigerian Civil Service, especially at the Federal level, has had a very chequered history. His analysis was largely historical, pontificating on the certainty for a rosier future for the civil service if it collapses the virtues of the past with the challenges of today, an amalgam he opined would ooze out a promising future. “Coming with the confidence to advise on policy decisions and the secured tenure of the Colonial Civil Service in the early years of our political independence, the Service was soon forced to confront the profound national crisis that led to the military intervention in the administration of our nation in 1966. Those years of crisis and military rule leading to the Civil War of 1967-70 saw the Civil Service virtually operating effectively at both the political and the bureaucratic levels of governance. A subsequent military regime re-acted against this conflation of responsibilities and almost literally “decapitated” the top echelon of the Service by forced retirements, leaving the Service bruised, disorientated and no longer possessed of its earlier confidence and sense of security,” Magobunje said. He concurred with the author on the need to stress the fact that democratic progress all over the world responds more to the consistent reformulation of the operational dynamics of the Civil Service System which is the recognized engine room of national development and progress. “The Civil Service is especially a sine qua non for national integration in a country like Nigeria racked by pangs of post-colonial ethnic, religious and cultural agitations for identity, a sense of belonging and social inclusiveness. Indeed, the Civil Service stands at the critical nexus between grand infrastructural and service delivery efficiency and effectiveness and the trans-ethnic and trans-religious loyalty which is necessary to promote and sustain the civic bond of unity that will truly transform Nigeria into a nation,” he said. On the whole Mabogunje recommended the book to President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration as a writ to be used in undertaking “the unfinished nature of the reforms of the Federal Civil Service and be decisive in re-focusing its operational processes and procedures towards the goal of efficient and effective service delivery and national integration.” Dr. Adedayo is on the editorial board of the Tribune.

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 24 APRIL 2016

politics The Bayelsa State government promised to pay civil servants two months’ salaries only to pay one, even after your meeting with the governor. What really happened? I don’t actually think there was any time we discussed that government should pay two months’ salaries. The agreement actually was that when we met with him, he said there was no money; that he was going to pay everybody one month salary. And after the one month salary he was going to call labour leaders in the state again and then we will discuss on the way forward on whether to pay half salary or pay a group and then the other group later. That was the agreement but unfortunately the truth is that not all the workers have been paid that one month salary. …Yet the governor is about to pay another batch. What set of people is he going to pay now? Depending on what will come in this month after Federal Accounts Allocation Committee meeting. If the allocation is enough for a month’s salary, we believe that all the workers will be paid again. But if not the other group that has not taken their January salary will be paid.

politics

‘Why Bayelsa’s N4bn wage bill is being probed’ Comrade John Bipre Ndiomu is the Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress Bayelsa State. In this interview with PAULINE ONYIBE, he speaks about the accumulated salaries of civil servants and local government staff in the state, the new Petroleum Industry Bill and sundry issues selling fuel for N200 to N300. It is so unfortunate and we have warned them that labour will come out en mass and picket them when we identify those filling stations. We will take our time we and we are praying that they should stop that act before they force us to take some actions.

When I spoke with you last time, you said a set of civil servants will be paid? What I said was that last December, the state government said the money was not enough so a group of civil servants were paid; when the allocation for January came, that one was now used to pay those that were not paid in December. How are you liaising with your national body to make sure that what they are doing there is equally obtainable here in Bayelsa State? Of course, all information here in the state are passed to the national headquarters. Whatever we are suffering here the national headquarters is aware. And if they have any programme they will also let us know and we key in accordingly. All that you have been saying, It depends on how much comes in, are you talking for the state government or for the civil servants. Of course I answered your question. And government has to pay. Government has to borrow money. The issue is this that sometime people have to actually think. If government has 1billion or 1.2 billion and they have to borrow another 1. 2billion this month, next month they will borrow double of that amount to pay salaries. Let me give you for instance, your salary bill is 4billion and you have only 2billion this month and this month you borrowed 2billion to complete to pay. By next month you will borrow 4billion. That is the implication. We as leaders we try to articulate these things and it is difficult to explain to people. And when we meet government they also explain these things and all that. I will call for an intervention from the federal government. The federal government should do something about this situation. It is not all the states that are actually suffering it. There are some states and there are reasons why some states like I said we have just eight local governments. If they share revenue what comes to Bayelsa is the least. That is the truth about it and not everybody knows these things. And so if there are people who have facts and figures that what the government is saying is wrong let them come to us. They are our members. Can you give an estimate of the number of civil servants in the state? We are about 45, 000. This issue of the wage bill of the state being between N4 billion to N 4.5 billion is there any truth in it? Let’s look at it this way. If you look at the school board alone, they gulp about N1.9 billion and something. If you look at the main civil service, their wage bill is about N1.3 billion. Pensioners alone take N500 million. Now the ones I have counted are close to three billion. There are so many other ones. Niger Delta University (NDU) staff take about N500 million with all the other schools. But it is possible that there is a scam in these figures. There may be ghost workers. That is the problem. And that is why we cannot easily tell government not to do verification. There is need to go in and find out what is really going wrong. If all of us are complaining that the N4 billion wage bill is too high then there is a need to look into those things, and that is what they are trying to do. And labour cooperates with them. We are working with them to find out what is wrong in the system. The NDU lectures are threatening to go on strike. Are there some measures labour has put on ground to stop that? To be very honest with you, every union has a right to demand for its right. Every union has the right to go on strike. The best they will do is to inform the NLC. Now can you advise the civil servants in the state as they wait for their salaries? What you are asking me now is very difficult one because it is always misinterpreted, but again while I call on govern-

Now there is a controversy about the PIB and considering the fact that you are from the Niger Delta region, now the argument is that the 10 per cent of oil derivation that supposed to go to the host communities should be removed. What is your take on that? Well, I think that is oppression. It is oppression to us. In fact, one of the problems we are suffering now that people do not know is that like Bayelsa State that has just eight local government areas and with the fallen price of oil, what comes to us as derivation is very low. You know what comes to the state is very small because a key factor is the number of local governments. That is the cause of our problem which people don’t understand. And so when they want to remove that 10 per cent, that would mean that they actually want to oppress those people who even produce the wealth of this nation. It is quite unfortunate that they are going into that kind of arrangement.

Ndiomu

ment to do all that is possible to pay workers salary, I want to call on our workers to please understand with us. Even if they don’t understand us, let them cooperate with us. We know where we are going. We have direction and we will not relent. We will ensure that the problems of workers are resolved in the state. And when the need arises we shall do the needful. The fuel scarcity has been on now and it is really biting hard on Bayelsans and at a stage your national headquarters wanted to stage a peaceful protest. Did you concur with that kind of programme? Of course, we issued a press statement on it in this state. In fact that is the height of corruption. I mean it is criminal. Labour condemns this fuel scarcity particularly here in Bayelsa State. It is quite unfortunate that filling stations are

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that oil vandals will be treated like Boko Haram. How do you react to that? Well, I think there are laws in this country and things must be done according to laws in this country. I think we have laws which deal with terrorism and I am of the belief that the laws of this land should be followed strictly in every area. And nobody, either a governor of President has the power to change the law just like that. There are organs of government and procedures to do those things. Who are the terrorists here? Are they the Boko Haram or the oil vandals? Well, the Boko Haram people, you known what they are. The oil vandals because of the destruction they are causing not just the physical destruction but the harm they are causing to the economy are also wrong. I think that is why the President is saying that. If not they don’t go about killing people of course they go about destroying properties. I condemn the act they are involved in. Should they be treated like terrorists? I don’t agree with that. That was why I said there are laws in this country that deal with various crimes and those laws should be followed in treating people.

PDP’s mounting opposition to Sheriff’s ambition C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 3

Chairman is allowed to contest the May 21 national convention. Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio and other National Assembly members were at the PDP National Secretariat on Monday and held consultations with the National Chairman. Concerned party elders are also holding consultations to resolve the impasse. Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George advised the National Chairman to toe the path of honour and leave on May 21. He warned that “all the people are now up in arms that if we don’t get it right now, we would end up with a bloody nose in 2019.” As it is always said, once beaten, twice wise. The bitter experience of the 2015 presidential election is still fresh

in the minds. PDP members know that the error in adopting former President Goodluck Jonathan as sole presidential candidate cost the party the election. A party leader was quoted to have declared: “that was how we lost the presidency in 2015. When some people in the party insisted that only Goodluck Jonathan was good enough for the presidency, we watched them and the result in very clear now.” Sheriff is regarded in some quarters as an ‘undertaker’, sent to kill PDP. The feeling is that he might be secretly working for APC and ensure that President Muhammadu Buhari (who is his in-law) does not have strong opposition in 2019. The Udom committee is said to be under intense pressure to reverse the zonning arrangement. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh confirmed that the committee will

meet again in Uyo this week. Metuh said the governors and National Assembly members were in consultations to ensure that the committee arrives at a zoning arrangement that will be acceptable and beneficial to all the six geopolitical zones. Metuh last week toe a path of honour when he declared that he would not be available in the next NWC. In a statement on Thursday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary noted that as “a critical player in the party,” his supporters and admirers expected him to contest in the forthcoming PDP national convention. He however said he has “no ambitions to continue as a member of the National Working Committee after the expiration of my current tenure as the National Publicity Secretary, a decision that is enjoying the support of my family.

SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

The Sunday

Ogunlewe smacks

Former Works Minister and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, in this interview with BIYI ADEGOROYE, examines various political and economic issues in the polity since the inception of the current administration and delivers a verdict of poor performance Looking at some of the developments in the country now, the economy is in doldrums and fuel scarcity is biting harder. What impression does that give you? It is rather unfortunate that the nation and its citizens are going through this kind of trauma right now. To me, it is uncalled for. In any case, as far as I am concerned, I can say that the All Progressives Congress, as a political party was not prepared to govern. As it is now, I do not envy Mr. President, because he has never been a politician all his life. The best thing for him to do right now is to drop the toga of being the chief executive of the nation and assume his status as the political leader. You can imagine what is happening right now with the 2016 budget. What many Nigerian leaders have done, especially when you mention people like the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Lateef Jakande as leaders was that they became the leaders of the party upon their election. By that I mean that, this strange nomenclature they gave to Bola Tinubu, that somebody, who is not the President of the country is the national leader of the party is laughable. If he is so addressed, you begin to wonder about the position of the President elected on the platform of the same party. Will you call the President assistant national leader of the party? So, I think that is what is causing problem for Nigeria right now. Mr. President is the National Leader of the Party and he must assume that role, and he should not allow anybody to take that position off him, because if he does that means that he is in control. As regards the budget issue, he should have invited the National Caucus of the party to address the issues. The President, the chairman of the party and members of the National Assembly should have sat down to discuss every detail of it because it is their budget. As it is now, who is representing our national interest other than Mr. President? Look at it this way. APC as a political party promised Nigerians development, certain infrastructures and to actualise those promises you need the budget. So, there should be no dissenting voices like this at all. On budgeting, it is very simple. Right from the beginning, they should have decided what to give to each geo-political zone, in terms of roads development, power plants, water, how many schools, agriculture and others will be developed. They should have aggregated these after discussing with the leadership of the party and the governors in the respective zones and taken decisions accordingly. You go to each geo-political zone and do the same. As the President, he should be the chairman of such consultations and at the end of the day, he aggregates all these input and these would form the budget of his political party. This way, it is going to be difficult for anybody in the National Assembly who had participated at the zonal level to now in determining what comes to his zone go against the decision of the zone when the budget comes to the Assembly. APC is a party and they must conduct themselves as one. Are you saying they got the budgeting process wrong in the first place? Yes, they got it totally wrong when they excluded members of the party at the National Assembly from the process of making

the budget. There are three or four levels of budget preparation. I have been there and I can attest to this. There is budget by civil servants and they have their own agenda which they have been implementing for several years. They would want to include their proposal in line with their agenda. Then the Director of Budget is also a stakeholder and an interested party. Unknown to you, contractors will get in touch with them to disrupt your budget. It is a simple economic factor. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just sit down somewhere to say that nobody will interfere with your budget- they will do so in tandem with their own interest. Then the Federal Executive Council too will look at it, but they will not make much input. Then it will go to the National Assembly. So, you have four levels of budgeting. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t follow those processes and stages and you allow that to happen, the same thing that happened to the Peoples Democratic Party will happen to APC. They will have no direction and they will not be able to execute projects and there would be confusion, because if there is high level of distortion at the National Assembly, you can never get it right. So, as a party that have majority in the National Assembly, APC should invite its members to discuss the issue. APC as majority party has no problem; it is only creating one by its failure to involve them in the process. So do you think the President should withdraw the current budget? No. That one is gone. As far as I am concerned, they have lost it now. The rain is here now and it is a four-month rain and that will take us to August and that means you cannot execute any project now you just start to prepare another budget. They should prepare for next year and follow the budgeting processes and procedure I mentioned earlier right from the zonal level. As a former Minister of Works, how do you see the outrage that greet the exclusion of the N60billion Lagos-Calabar Rail Project from the budget, though it was not in the original estimate presented by Mr. President? It is a shame and it goes to confirm the level of unpreparedness of APC as a party. They were not really prepared to govern. When they made electoral promises to the people, they should have included them in the budget at the state or zonal level like I said earlier. It is unimaginable they omitted a project of that magnitude. But as it is now, they can handle that through supplementary budget. They must henceforth bring in their members at the National Assembly to achieve their goals as a party as their support base, because at it is now, they are alienating the lawmakers. Some are saying they are the legislature and the others saying we are the executive. It should not be so. Now, the economy is in tatters and public power supply is nil, somewhat at variance with the claims of the Minister of Works, Power and Housing that any serious government should be able to fix power problem in six months? He is there now and he knows better. You see, it baffles me that the same APC, when it was in opposition insisted on true federalism. Have they changed now to know

Ogunlewe

that electricity should not be controlled by the Federal Government; that local governments should not be controlled by state government; that fuel supply should not be controlled by the Federal Government? There are so many things the Federal Government is controlling that should be handed over to state governments. That is the mark of the progressives, the mind of followers of Awolowoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school of thought that is restructuring. Interestingly, these APC people put all the progressives in key areas where they have made so much noise through the years

about true federalism. They said that this Nigerian Constitution is not correct; that we the people did not sit down to state it as it is. But they have forgotten so quickly. What is the Federal Government doing with solid minerals under the ground in a state? What is the responsibility of the Federal Government in this regard? But that is in the constitution and as long as those things remain, this country will remain under-developed because of the over-bearing influence of the Federal Government. It is a pity because we know the truth, we know what to do but we

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016

y Interview

e: APC’s buck-passing s of incompetence must all these things like primary healthcare, trade, industries be Federal Government’s responsibility? We cannot get out of it this way. No country is run the way we do now. We are just wasting our time. The President went to China to borrow money and there have been conflicting report about his mission, which some have said will attract $6billion. But what some of us expected him to do was to visit five or six companies there and invite them to Nigeria, promising them incentives like duty free importation of equipment, free land and tax holiday just like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo did some years ago. Then they will come here, site their companies, employ our people, grow the economy and the country will develop that way. But he went to borrow money- what is he going to do with the money? We need industries and the market of over 150 million is there. He should attract industries here and he should be speaking to the companies so that they will come in hundreds. That is how to have national development, not by borrowing money alone. China is noted for production of substandard goods and preference for cheap labour. How do you think these would be addressed in this scenario? They should set up the factories here and produce the goods. Standard Organisation of Nigeria will monitor compliance with established standards. But they should not be importing. That was what Chief Awolowo did when he established industrial estates in Ikeja, Ogba, Iganmu and the rest of the South-West. He brought in those companies and through the decades, those industries there thrived and employed many of our youths and the economy benefitted from that. You can also invite the companies to come and set up industries here and even assist them with takeoff assistance or even talk about 50/50 matching grants through the Central Bank of Nigeria. That is how to develop economies and not taking loans. When you take loans, how are you going to repay?

are not ready to do it. What is the business of the state government with national grid? Why should power generated at the states be gathered to the national grid? Why is the process not decentralized via constitutional amendment such that states can provide their own electricity? I heard somebody said electricity is on the concurrent list, but the fact is that it is on exclusive list. The same thing for airport, registration of companies, sitting of factory and the rest, so how can we develop this way? Sometime ago, they invited former President of Georgia who told us in this country how they have discentralised all these things to the local government level. Why

But those industrial estates are gone now, the companies are dead… Because successive governments failed to sustain them; that was why they collapsed. Somebody created them but no one sustained them. They should establish industrial estates all over the country and give inceptives to them. Nigeria is going to be a great country again but we must be ready to work and revert to what our founding fathers used to do by partnering with the industries, give them incentives, tax holiday and address our comatose infrastructural issues. Companies need energy, good road networks and good policies and these must be there. How do you react to APC government’s frequent allusion to PDP’s mal-administration as cause of the current problems in the country? The fact that they are still referring to their predecessor one year after assuming office means that they are weak. A better person will not look back. Have you ever heard President Barrack Obama referring to George Bush jnr? Were there no misadventures during his government? America interfered in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan Libya

and that caused the ISIL problem. If you cannot accommodate this you should get out of there. Referring to the past is a sign of failure. That is why you are there. That was why they changed government. So, don’t bother about the past and move forward. If you cannot do the job, you get out of government. Face what you are facing now and improve on it. You promised parity exchange rate between dollar and naira, even when you knew it was impossible, but because of propaganda you made the promise during the campaign because you wanted to win an election. Now you have won, you should perform the magic. The more you give excuses, the more you infuriate the people, because they will think you are not competent. It is a sign of incompetence if you still refer to the government of your predecessor one year after. I was reading something on agriculture in an international magazine and we were the first in the whole world to use the wallet type of fertilizer and farming materials distribution. And look at the achievements we recorded in agriculture alone. Instead of the current government to continue with it, it wants to start its own as if nothing is on ground. It is not correct, but that is Nigeria for you. Every other person is a failure; you are the only one who can fix it. OK, you are there now, fix it and do not complain.

So has Nigeria got the change they voted for? Well, let us give them more time. The change they were agitating for was faulty. They know now they got their calculations wrong and they gave Nigeria false hope. Now, they have taken the credit and the deficit. They should move on to perform the magic they promised. The PDP is reorganising itself, but how far can it go given the fact that many of your party leaders are uncomfortable with the recent zoning arrangement in the party? It depends on the leadership of the party. If the leadership is set to destroy the party so be it, and if it is set to develop and revatalise it, we are ready to support them. If the leadership is going to destroy the party because of its selfish interest, too bad, but they should remember that there is a tomorrow. Just go ahead, but do the right thing, don’t change the rules in the middle of the game. It is not going to help us because you are going to meet with resistance and the resistance is going to be very high that the leadership will not find it easy. Because, how do you regard a political party as a platform to pursue selfish interest? It is not done, open it up because there is too much deceit in what we are seeing now. And it is not going to pay us Is this not an indication that PDP has not learnt its lessons? At all, we have not learnt our lessons, particularly with the new crop of people that are coming in now, and it is a shame on our party. But I can tell you there is a way out because the more pressure you put the more people will shift grounds. You are not going to sit down and allow things to happen. What do you make of the challenges some former governors who defected to

the APC are facing now-I mean Dr. Bukola Saraki and Musa Kwankwanso? No, they left long ago and they should face what music they are being served with now. But I know they will get over it, because in politics, there is no permanent friend or permanent enemy. What matters is permanent interest, but if they believe the place is too hot for them, they will opt out into another party, and it may not be the PDP. But we also will be watching them. Alhaji Baraje expressed the same feeling recently… I don’t know because I am not part of them. So, it is up to them to do whatever they want. Before now, you have not been in good terms with Chief Bode George in Lagos politics? We just discovered that the more you polarise a party, the more injury you create for the party and its membership. And to my mind, the political party is not a battlefield. It is governed by interest, cooperation and give and take. You cannot isolate yourself from the party. What will be your gain when you quarrel in the party by disrupting the structures of the part? That was why I decided to bury the hatchet and work with the party so that we can have a better organised party and move ahead. How will is your relationship now? Oh my relationship with him now is very fantastic, and currently, we are working together and holding reconciliation meetings with all party leaders and members in the state and in the South-West. I will invite you to the next one. PDP put up a remarkable showing in the last election in the state. Did this buoy your spirit in the first place? It depends on all of us. Number one, there must be unity; we must come together and savage the party. The idea that I am here, you are there should be forgotten. The more you quarrel, the more disruption we cause. We must respect command structure in the interest of the party. The more we quarrel the more trouble we cause for the party because of our selfish interest. This one wants to be a leader and that one wants to be leader. How many captains do you have in a ship? If it is more than one, the ship will capsise. Irrespective of whether you like that leader or not, we want to work with him in the interest of the party. I don’t believe in much quarreling. Does that also apply to the former ministers and governors who seem to hold different views on the leadership choice in the party? They will settle it. Let us give them more time. I know they will settle it, because, if you are reasonable, you will know that quarrelling is senseless in every political party; because the party will not be able to achieve the purpose for which you established it; you want to win election; because the party is not for you alone, but for the entire members. So, why must you pursue your own interest alone and not that of the party? It does not work out like that. We should make the interest of the party to be paramount. We should not divide or destroy the party. It is not in our interest to do so.

Temitope Ogunbanke

n fulfilment of a prophesy that Nigerians should declared a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to God for Nigeria, the Jesus Power Army Prayer Ministries (JEPAPM) on Thursday April 21, held a '2016 National Thanksgiving and Praise Day' at the church premises, located at 32 Omotayo Street, Ikotun in Lagos. The programme tagged ‘Pray for Nigeria and Prosper’ brought some ministers of God and Christian faithful together under one roof to praise and pray to God for divine intervention in the affairs of Nigeria. From the commencement of the event, which lasted for about three hours, the church atmosphere was charged with passionately and heart-touching prayers, praises and worships rendered by the church choir and other guest ministers to thank God and seek His face for Nigeria to regain her lost glory. Speaking on the significance of the National Thanksgiving and Praise Day, the Overseer of JEPAPM, Pastor Samuel Ologun, said the programme was held in fulfilment of God’s prophesy to the founder of the World Soul Winning Evangelist Ministries (WOSEM), late Prophet Timothy Oluwole Obadare in 2000 that April 21 should be a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to God for Nigeria. He said there is need for Nigerians to thank God despite the state of the nation because of how God had prevented the country from breaking despite past ugly incidents that could have led to disintegration of Nigeria since her independent on October 1, 1960 till date. “Since 1960 when Nigeria obtained her freedom from the British, there had been a lot of turbulence in the life of the nation. Some of which are a needless three years civil war, which was preceded by five years of political turbulence; about 40 years of military administration and oppression; and a 16 years of civilian recklessness and virtual economics waste, couple with almost seven years of insurgency by a deprived Islamic sect (Boko Haram). All these are sufficient to cause a break up but God continues to allow the country to stand together. “In the midst of all these, the love of God still abides. This is manifested in the message He sent to the nation in 2000 through late Prophet Timothy Oluwole Obadare, the founder of World Soul Winning Evangelist Ministries (WOSEM) of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC). Therefore, today’s gathering and event (National Thanksgiving and Praise Day) is not based on any human decision but on divine direction that April 21 should be a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to God for Nigeria. “The message was first delivered to the government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 2000 at Akure in a monthly prayer meeting of Koseunti CAC WOSEM. God in that message promised to restored Nigeria’s fortunes and make her a hub of economic activity. However, the demand of God for thanksgiving and praises was ignored. This has triggered off the canker worms and palmer worms and all sorts of devourers such as corrupt leaders, Boko Haram and insurgency in the Niger Delta area.” Pastor Ologun after attributing the present predicament of Nigeria to government’s refusal to obey God, as instructed through late Prophet Obadare, urged the government to emulate the United States by celebrating annual National Thanksgiving Day, which was also suggested last year by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Bola Ajibola. “On October 3, 1789, after USA had passed through a similar situation as Nigeria, the then President George Washington made a proclamation which was passed in the United States Parliament to the effect that Annual Thanksgiving Day should be observed by all Americans. Prince Bola Ajibola, a former Attorney-General of Nigeria also advocated a National Thanksgiving Day for Nigeria last year,” he said.

SUNDAY APRIL 24, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Christians hold JEPAPM's National Thanksgiving and Praise Day

Pastor Ologun

L-R: Pastors Ologun, Oyewole and Oyebanji

Bro. Akinola

Lady Evangelist Ademola

Cross section of the congregation

JEPAPM choir

Stressing the need for Nigerians to be passionate and positive about the country, Pastor Ologun advised people to pray for the incumbent administration. “The new government of President Muhammadu Buhari needs all our prayers and support, so we must all stand in gap as God in Ezekiel 22:30 demanded and pray for Jerusalem so that both we and our country may prosper in the new dispensation. Let us stop sending negative words or curses to our leaders but prayers in order that we may live peacefully in the nation. “In Jeremiah 29:7, the people of Israel when taken into exile were enjoined to pray for their new captor-nation, which is Babylon, so that they could enjoy the peace and prosperity of the land. Therefore, we should continue to put our leaders – political, religious, commercial and other leaders in prayers so that they can obey what the Sprit of God is saying. Then and only then can it augur well for all of us too,” he advised. Pastor Ologun also implored the Nigerian leaders to be God fearing. “I will implore our leaders to govern with the fear of God.

They should love Nigerians. They should not create unnecessary tension in the country. There is too much stress in the country and people are suffering. They should look at the plights of the people and provide solutions. They should do the right things for the benefit of Nigerians. “Let them think on how they can alienate the suffering of Nigerians in all areas. Our leaders should love us. If they love us, they will do things that will hurt the people. We need to pray to God because there is no city that can be build if God does not have hand in it,” he said. The JEPAPM Overseer also implored Nigerians to pray that the promises of God for Nigeria should be fulfilled and that all bad leaders should be exposed, disgraced and removed. He also told the people to decree that Nigerians, both leaders and the led shall begin to do God’s will by obeying His commands and that when God prospers Nigeria, individual position will not be vacant. Speaking to Sunday Telegraph, the Assistant Overseer of JEPAPM, Pastor Kayode Oyewole, said praise is very important in seeking the face of God at crucial moments

and that is why the church decided to hold a National Thanksgiving and Praise Day to seek the face of God for prosperity of Nigeria. “When you are able to praise God, He will intervene in the situation you are passing through. It may be obstacles, sickness or problems. Looking at the present situation of things in Nigeria, we need to continuously praise the Lord for what we are passing through now and for things to come back to normal place. “According to the book of Acts 16, God rescued Paul and Silas because of the way they praised God. In the midnight, in the midst of hopelessness, where only God could help, Paul and Silas knew how to get Him on the scene. They turned on the switch of praise and God came down in His majesty and there was earthquake, which threw the prison gates open. “With the present situation of things in the country, I think what we need to do now is to praise God for what he has done before and what He has not done for Nigeria to prosper. Nigerian leaders can also join us in supporting this programme, which is once in a year.” Also speaking at the event, Pastor Johnson Oyebanji during a ‘Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Nation’ implored the congregation to seek the face of God for Nigeria to regain her lost glory and admonished the congregation to pray to God to have mercy on Nigeria and the citizens for the country to prosper again. During the thanksgiving service, some of the invited guests and gospel artistes used their talent to praise God and ministered in songs to the congregation on the need for quality praise and worship to appreciate God’s goodness and mercy on individuals and Nigeria at large. Among those who ministered in songs were; Lady Evangelist Dorcas Ademola and Bro. Matthew Akinola.

my Turning point ‘I wanted him dead but he saved, married me’ p.32

Interview

Buhari should know he is President of Nigeria not EFCC Chairman–Cleric p.50

FAITH

L-R: Treasurer Christian Association of Nigeria, Lagos State, Very.Rev.Stephen Adegbite; Secretary, Elder Isreal Akinadewo; Chairman, Apostle Alex Bamgabola, at CANs press briefing to announce a special three-day fasting and prayer period for Nigeria in Lagos...on Thursday

CAN declares fasting, prayer over state of the nation Tai Anyanwu

•warns govt to trade carefully

he Lagos State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria has set aside May 10, 11 and 12 to fast and cry unto God to intervene in the state of the nation. The three-day special prayer was declared during a press conference held on Thursday and addressed by the Chairman of the state chapter, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola. Announcing the spiritual exercise, Bamgbola said: “Christians in all denominations under CAN will fast and pray for our nation Nigeria and our state of Lagos. We will then come together on Thursday, May 12 to cry unto God.” He explained that for the past 55 years, Nigeria has been sailing like a lost and stranded ship on the high seas simply because the captain and crew of the ship have been sailing without God as their divine radar. According to Bamgbola, there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land except a few righteous men and women in the nation who have been crying unto the Lord for mercy, day and night. The CAN Chairman, however, appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the current dispensation of President Muhammadu Buhari. “We like to call upon all Nigerians and Lagos residents in particular, to please be patient with our present national government, headed by President Muhammadu Buhari. “In our patience, let us join hands in praying for this government. Let us believe God that our current national afflictions are but for a moment. They are no doubt, the sacrifices we must make, now

to get what we desire and deserve as a people, including good infrastructure and long-term prosperity in our nation,” he said. Apostle Bamgbola also called on Christians to join hands with Mr. President to fight corruption until it is totally destroyed in our nation first by making deliberate and personal decision to steer clear of all appearances of the evil of corruption, in all its ramifications and secondly, through prayers and spiritual warfare. He pointed out that it only when Nigerians join hands together in exposing and destroying corruption that a solid new foundation through God, could be laid for a new nation. Bamgbola, however, took a swipe on the government of the day and warned that it should to tread very cautiously in its handling of the affairs of the nation. He said: “We must caution our today’s rulers at all levels, to handle the affairs of this nation very carefully, if we have a sincere desire to build, through God, a nation of peace, harmony and prosperity, where no man is oppressed. Nigeria fundamentally by the present constitution, is a secular state. It must be ruled by this constitution, if we sincerely agree that we should build this nation Nigeria under God.” Choosing his words carefully, the CAN Chairman noted that Christians across the nation are becoming seriously concerned about the intent and motives of some political leaders at both national and state levels. “Christians are becoming unusually suspicious and restless. They are asking us serious questions everyday as their

religious leaders. God has been helping us to calm down nerves. We are therefore appealing to today’s rulers in our nation, to be very careful with God, in their own interest and in the interest of this great nation. As a branch of the national CAN, we are leaving the national body to handle these sensitive and delicate matters with wisdom as they have always done quietly in the spirit of Jesus Christ,” he said. Bamgbola also used the opportunity to call for the resuscitation, at the national level, of the Nigerian Interreligious Council (NIREC) which has not been meeting since the eve of the 2015 general elections. His words: “Practically, Nigerians are religious. The absolute majority is composed of Christians and Muslims who have lived together in peace and harmony for over a century. Hence, it should be clear, that no ruler or political leader can successfully rule a nation like Nigeria, without regular and continuous consultation with religious leaders of the land.”

Christians are becoming unusually suspicious and restless. They are asking us serious questions everyday as their religious leaders. God has been helping us to calm down nerves

sermon

Learn to say I’m sorry p.33 Tai Anyanwu Head, religous Desk titus.anyanwu@newtelegraph © Daily Telegraph Publishing

‘I hate God, religion’ G

uillaume Bignon grew up in a nominal Catholic family outside Paris, but stopped going to church when he recognized he didn’t believe “any of it.” “I hated God and I hated religion,” he told CBN. He had succumbed to the “default position” in France that there is no God. “Nobody spends much time thinking about these issues and neither did I. I was pursuing my happiness and pleasure in life.” Bignon excelled in school and graduated from a respected engineering school, securing a position as a computer scientist in finance. On the weekends, he travelled the country playing volleyball as part of a national league. “One of the French ideals of my age is to have feminine conquests,” he told CBN. He felt no guilt about his unrestrained sexuality.But in the midst of his carefree lifestyle, God unexpectedly broke into his life through an unplanned encounter. On vacation with his brother on the island of St. Maarten in the Caribbean, they decided to hitchhike home from the beach. “A car pulled over. Two young women visiting from America were lost and needed directions to their hotel. Incidentally, it was right next to our house, so they gave us a ride,” Bignon told Christianity Today. “They were attractive enough that my radar went off immediately, and we started flirting. The one I was interested in happened to mention she believed in God—by my standards an intellectual suicide. She also said she believed that sex belongs in marriage—an even more problematic belief than theism, if that were possible. Nevertheless, once the vacation ended, I returned to Paris, she to New York, and we started dating.” Finding himself in a long distance relationship, his first priority was to convince his new girlfriend “out of her stupid beliefs about God” so they could be happy together. “I went there the same way you would go to the zoo, to see some weird exotic animals that you’ve heard about or seen in books but never seen in real life. I remember thinking that if any of my friends or family could see me in a church, I would die of shame.” Bignon didn’t remember anything from the pastor’s message. “I figured I had seen enough and now I just need to escape. I literally had one foot out the door when I felt a strong wave of chills in my chest, going all the way to my throat, and grabbing me by the throat. I was frozen on the doorstep with chills all around,” he told CBN. As Balaam’s ass was stopped in its tracks, Bignon froze, turned completely around, and walked straight toward the pastor. He introduced himself and said, “So, you believe in God, huh?” “Yes,” he said, smiling. “Well how does that work out?” The two went to his office and spent the next couple hours talking. Bignon was clearly perplexed by the encounter. “Here was a man who was clearly educated and he knew what he was talking about. He wasn’t out of his mind. He was smart, careful and meticulous. He believes that God exists and Jesus was raised from the dead. I just couldn’t fathom it,” he told CBN. •Culled from CBN

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faith

Vatican’s suspension of PwC audit exposes internal rift

he Vatican has surprised” by the Becciu letsuspended its first ter and that he fully expected audit by a major the audit to resume once ceraccounting firm tain issues were clarified. in a move that raises new A person familiar with questions about the Catho- the issue inside the Vatican, lic Church’s commitment who requested anonymity, to cleaning up its finances. said the fight over the PwC The Vatican’s chief spokes- audit pointed to a broader man, Federico Lombardi, power struggle between said the audit by Pricewa- senior Vatican officials who terhouseCoopers had been wanted to ensure that details halted pending an analysis of the church’s finances were of “certain aspects” of the not exposed to outside scrutiny and those who wanted auditing arrangement. The surprise decision has to pursue reform. The letter exposed a deep rift between was sent at the behest of Italthe church’s old guard – a ian cardinal Pietro Parolin, powerful Italian bureaucra- the secretary of state. cy resistant to greater transThose who opposed the parency – and supporters of audit were alleged to be financial reform, led by the concerned that the Vatican Australian cardinal George might be exposing itself to Pell. Pell, a controversial se- too much outside scrutiny, nior figure, was handpicked and whether it could trust by Pope Francis to lead the PwC to keep the informadrive for reform. tion confidential. The Holy See’s finances The fight also reflects have long been seen as a doubts and speculation mystery, with Pell himself about Pell’s future within the acknowledging in 2014 that church hierarchy. The Aus“hundreds of millions of tralian cardinal was appointeuros” had been discovered ed as the church’s top finan“tucked away” and off the cial official by Pope Francis city-state’s balance sheets. following the latter’s election In 2014, when Pell was cho- in 2013. In Rome, Pell is seen sen to become secretariat of by the Italian bureaucracy as the economy, a new role, a brusque figure and an outFrancis endorsed a plan for sider, Vatican watchers say. But a separate controversy the Vatican to adopt globally accepted accounting related to Pell’s history in standards and better in- Australia, and allegations that he igternal controls, transparency Those who nored the and governance widespread opposed the audit of the church’s s e x u a l vast finances. were alleged to be abuse of miThat included concerned that the nors in his native Bala decision to al- Vatican might be low “senior and larat in the 1970s and e x p e r i e n c e d exposing itself to experts” in fi- too much outside 1980s, have nancial admin- scrutiny opened the istration to help door for his manage and oversee the critics in Italy to question church’s finances. whether Pell will remain in But what was then seen his position. On 8 June Pell will turn 75, as the first major structural reform of Francis’s papacy the age when, under Vatiis facing stiff headwinds, de- can rules, he must submit spite a recent spate of embar- his resignation. It is unclear rassing revelations about the whether the resignation alleged mismanagement of will be accepted by Francis church funds by senior offi- or not. The secretariat term cials, including claims in two was supposed to be five recent books that describe years, which would keep lavish living arrangements Pell in that post until 2019, for senior clergy members but an article in Italia Oggi in Rome. this week suggested that On Thursday the Vati- Pell would leave, and that can was forced to confirm his departure would also that the audit was being trigger the ousting of Jean suspended after the news Baptiste de Franssu, a French leaked that an archbishop businessman brought in by named Angelo Becciu had Pell to lead the Vatican bank. written a letter to every Pope Francis met Pell on Vatican entity on 12 April Thursday morning, but no announcing the pause in details of their discussion proceedings. The Becciu have yet been revealed. Inside a church where poletter instructed the Vatican entities that PwC had been litical moves can be difficult given authority to collect fi- to interpret, the decision to nancial information from the disrupt the PwC audit could groups, but that the author- be viewed as an attempt to ity, issued by Pell, had since signal that Pell is on his way been revoked. out. Pell’s office said the Aus•Culled from Vatican news tralian cardinal was “a bit service

My TURNING P

INT

‘I wanted him dead but he saved, married me’

Tai Anyanwu

nlike her mother, who was a born-again child of God, Martha Odion, was a deviant child. At age 18, she opted to improve her mother impecunious status by travelling abroad with a man who told her that she could make a lot of money as a hairdresser in Europe. “As a little girl, my mother became the third wife to an old man. She was left to languish in abject poverty. I wanted to help my family; then there was this man who said he would take me to his wife in Europe where I can work as a hairdresser and make good money.” But unknown to Martha and some other girls, the man took to them to Bukina Faso. “The man just disappeared overnight. So he sold us to a lady. That was how I found myself there. I was about 18 years when I was trafficked into prostitution in 2002. The man sold me for CFA 200,000 and I was put in a hotel to do prostitution,” she explained. She added: “I had to balance CFA400,000 to my madam before I could gain my freedom; so I every night I had to satisfy the sexual urges of all manners of men to earn my freedom. An exercise book was opened for each one of us. Ordinarily, it took between six to seven months for one to earn her freedom; but I paid off my balance in four months.” But before then, many waters had passed beneath the bridge. “The experience was terrible. I was in the hotel where I prostituted when a guy came in with his friend for their own business. Immediately he saw me, he said ‘I like this girl,’ his friend was surprise. They said he doesn’t come to sleep with woman. He stayed with me that night; he did not make love to me; but he paid me. That provoked me. Why would he spend the night with me yet refuse to touch me? “Every time he will call me, I will go to him but he will not do anything with me. That was how the relationship continued and I developed hatred for him. Later I started having children for him but I

Martha Odion

still did not love him. I will still live him and go out for my business, he still bears it, he never complained. Even when I was pregnant, I still go to work; because I was not ready to surrender then,” Martha recalled. She remembers one horrible encounter she had during her time of hustling. “I went out with a man, who was a ritual killer. He took me to a forest; he wanted to kill me but I asked God to save me because of my unborn child. God saved me because of that child. I saw soldiers training in the bush; they rescued me from my assailant.” Eventually, Martha earned her freedom from her madam and graduated from being just a harlot to trafficking girls from Nigeria to Burkina Faso. She, however, was not satisfied that her hard earned money was taken from her hence she wanted all the money she paid to her

madam to be refunded. “I was making problem with my madam to give me my money, so she sent me back to Nigeria. At Seme Border, the customs arrested me. I told them how I was taken into harlotry, and that I ran away from my madam and that I want to come back home for good. I told them all that was happening there hoping that they would go and arrest my madam but they took me to Alagbon (Lagos) and locked me up for six months. I suffered among armed robbers. “They even televised my case and that was embarrassing; I was very ashamed. I got angry and swore that I will take all the girls in Nigeria to Bukina Faso or anywhere in the world for prostitution,” Martha added. But to operate smoothly in that office, she needed to fortify herself with some charms. She was then initiated into traffickers club

and taken to a native doctor. There she said incisions were made on her skin and charms introduced. But her failure to observe the does and don’t of the charms caused her to become paralysed. “They said I should go to a market square in new Benin and break an egg. I was ashamed to do that, so I came back with it. I was also carried away and I did remember to rub what I was asked to rub on my body, the whole thing backfired and I was paralysed.” That incident marked the turning point in her life of prostitution. She was rushed to a nearby Lord Chosen Church where the father of her children had been attending, in Burkina Faso; she confessed her diabolic dealings and was healed. “I wanted to kill my husband but he led me to Christ and married me; we now have four boys.”

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 24, 2016

Learn to say I’m sorry

t seems God is asking, “Is there none of you in this dispute who will say I am very sorry for my sake? Saul told his followers that he sought for David to kill him and none of them gave him information on his where about. “…and there is none of you that is sorry for me” - 1 Samuel 22:8. I am not sorry for God, for that will mean pitying and sympathizing with him. I am, however, sorry for God’s sake. I say sorry for God’s sake. I say sorry for the sake of peace I say sorry for victory’s sake, and I say sorry as a password to a greater height, and to longevity. For the altar’s sake There is an instruction that if you take your gift to the altar, leave it there; go and say I am very sorry to the person who has offended you, to the person who is the guilty one. After that go back to the altar and offer your gifts. Only then shall your gift have meaning. I am very sorry adds value to your gift otherwise; you are regarded as offering nothing to God. I am very sorry adds meaning to your gift; otherwise your gift has no meaning. Therefore say I am very sorry for the sake of the offering at the altar. Hence, Matthew 5:23-24 declares:

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

0808 770 7486

for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry though it were for a season.” -- 1 Corinthians 7:8. Apostle Paul said “I do not repent though I did repent”. This meant that Apostle Paul knew he was not the offender. The Corinthians offended him and God. He however, must say I am very sorry if they had to work together for the sake of the gospel. In many cases, people weep while deciding to obey God as they go to tell the person that has offended and grieved them I am very sorry. In one case, somebody asked me, if you are not guilty, why did you come to beg me, sending people to me to beg me? He did not understand why it is good to tell somebody I am very sorry. I think that if he reads this little book he will understand. He will understand better if he also reads the other book, Why I forgive. Sorry postures and attitude There are things your mouth can say, but to dem-

“Therefore if thou bring your gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee leave there thy gift before the altar and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” The meaning of sorry I am sorry means I am not happy for the sore relationship that has developed between us. It is therefore said for the purpose of reconciliation. I am very sorry also means “I spoilt your mind I am supposed to give you joy, but did the contrary. I have grieved you. I disappointed you from your own point of view, not necessarily from my own angle”. You are telling that person that you might be justified from your own reasoning but from his/her own point of view, you have offended him/her. It means you have grieved the person irrespective of how you see the situation and whom you think is right or guilty. “For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent

onstrate it is not in a proud man. You must say I am very sorry with appropriate and correct attitudes, feelings or postures. It must be demonstrated. A proud person cannot bow down or kneel down to the person he/she is telling I am very sorry. To lie down is even as good as transferring all his wealth to the enemy! I am ready to do anything for God’s sake, to achieve God’s purpose for my life, and to live long. How many persons do I say sorry to? I always asked this question to congregations. Ponder a while and answer the following questions. 1. How many persons are you supposed to say I am very sorry to? 2. How many persons are supposed to tell you that they are sorry? 3. What is the total number of all those you are supposed to tell I am sorry and those in your own thinking are supposed to tell you “I am very sorry, please forgive me”? The Spirit of God that inspired this writing says that you must say it to all of them “I am very sorry” with the correct attitude and postures. Hear this: It is better not to say it at all than to say it with a proud look, with anger or with disdain.

Living with a free spending spouse

faith

ne major source of quarrel in most homes is the aspect of finance. Who controls the money? How is it shared between the partners in the marriage? Who has what responsibilities? There have been many controversial statements on the subject of finance in most homes. In many homes, one of the partners is prudent while the other just itches to spend money. This may be as a result of their different backgrounds and up-bringing; some people grow up care-free while others are a lot more detailed. My advice to couples over the years who have experienced similar problems is that shouting, nagging or lying will only add to a long list of frustrations. The way forward relies simply on understanding. You must first realize that you cannot change your spouse; you can only influence him/her. Your spouse had already been formed in terms of character and approach to life before you met. The only way to influence him/her is by extending your hand of love and patience towards the person. Love will help you to keep up with some

Marriage & Family Intimacy

Bishop Charles Ighele holyspiritmissioninc@yahoo.com

07066579379/09098845521 of the excesses already inherent in him/her while patience will help you to continue telling him/her the right way to do things and this is done in love too. Loving and sensitive discussions should be held. Explain how hurtful your partner’s excesses are to your family budget and plans. As a couple, you both can come up with several plans that can reduce impulse and extravagant spending. I know of a couple who made a pact to always call each other if one of them wanted to make a purchase that exceeded a certain amount. There are many ways couples can lovingly control their finances in place of fighting and unnecessary quarrels. You must never resolve to use fighting to settle it. Remember that fighting has never settled any matter at all but it can only make the matter worse. By the time you fight, you would have built up resentment and bitterness and instead

of peace, there will be strategies formulated in the minds of the spouses to outdo the other next time. I have however advised couples with serious financial issues that the prudent partner starts saving for the family individually. This is to say that if your spouse bulldozes through every amount of money that comes his/her way, it will be very wise to save at least a percentage of your resources in an inaccessible place in order to prepare for the future. Proverbs 21:15 says “the plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely lead to poverty.” If you feel that your spouse is very irrational in spending, put him/her in prayer and lovingly seek for way of putting him/ her aright. You have married and finance should not make you part ways or make you not to seek on how to settle amicably. The more matured you are,

the more you will learn to exercise patience with your spouse over certain issues in marriage. Finance should not be allowed to be the pace setter in your marriage or relationship. It should be given its place and that is to make you both happy and not sad. Remember that money answereth all things, Ecclesiastes 10:19c; meaning that money is meant to be your servant. If money is a servant, how can the servant turn around to becoming your boss? When you quarrel because of finance, you are simply giving money the honour to be your boss and director. It directs you to fight and exchange harsh and bad words, it directs you to lie, it directs you to quarrel and throw away the love that you once shared. Marriage is for better or worse, in good or bad times. When there is enough finance, it should be a time to give God praise and handle the finances in a way that God will be glorified. When you allow the finances that God has blessed you with to direct you, you are not glorifying God in that marriage because of finance. Think again and do not let finance be the director in your marriage.

Mystery of Anxiety Bishop John Ogbansiegbe 0803 341 6327 (SMS Only)

Why you need to get on the highway

n the book of Isaiah 35:8, the word of God declares concerning the unique pathway, “And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the highway of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it, but shall be for those; the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there nor ravenous beast shall go up there on, it shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.” Even as you are about to enter a new office, you need this unique pathway. As you are about to graduate into the world, you need the unique pathway. When you live in sin and guilty conscience, you are out of this unique pathway. When you leave secretly in fornication and adultery, you fight and quarrel, you are not in this unique pathway. When you live in hypocrisy, one leg in the fellowship, and the other one in the world, you are only a Christian in the church, outside the church where the brothers and sisters in the church cannot identify you, you live a dirty life that does not give glory to God. You are not in the unique pathway. When you backbite, gossip, live in envy, jealousy and covetousness, you are not in the unique pathway. When you live in hatred and enmity, maybe there is somebody somewhere you are not in talking terms with, you are not in the unique pathway. When you are filled with dirty and unclean habits like, smoking, alcoholism, homosexuality and lesbianism, and still go to church to deceive people, you are not in unique pathway. When you are a secret member of a cult group,

you feel nobody knows; God sees you. You are not in the unique pathway. When you come late to fellowship, too busy to read the Bible and pray, you are not in the unique pathway. When you conspire against the leadership of your fellowship and disobey your pastor, you are working for the devil; you are not in the unique pathway. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof is destruction. The bible said: “And a highway shall be there and a way, it shall be called the highway of holiness, the unclean shall not pass therein, but it shall be for those, the wayfaring men, though fools, they shall not err therein.” This is for those who have suffered humiliation, insults, rejection and persecution for Christ’s sake. Those that have suffered deprivation, dishonor, mockery and called fools for Christ. Those that have sacrificed their time, money, their strength and everything that is important to them for Christ. Those who have dedicated, consecrated, committed and devoted their lives to the service of God, despite the economic pressure on them for which they were called fools by unbelievers. The Bible says though fools, they shall not err therein. And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth neither whatsoever maketh a lie but they whose name are written in the book of life. That is the first step to the unique pathway. For your name to be written in the book of life, you must give your life to Christ, receive him as your Lord and savior and be born-again. You must repent of your sins now and be forgiven.

cannot identify you, you live a dirty life that does not give glory to God. You are not in the unique pathway.When you backbite, gossip, live in envy, jealousy and cov

SUNDAY APRIL24, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

faith

Insight

Rev. Femi Akinola www.thehebrewsng.com

01-790 3163; 0808 584 5864

If your business must prosper

he pursuit, discovery and dogged practice of principles and success secrets are what distinguish the successful from those on the other side. The truth is that, even in times of recession, not all businesses suffer; some trade with secrets that have passed the test of time. If your business must thrive and stand out in your life time, there are things you must discover and practice. 1. Get Parental Blessing “And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him,... that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave to Abraham.” Gen 28:1-4 It is very important to get the blessing of your biological parent in your life and whatever you do. Don’t join the people who always say their parents are okay and living fine. As long as you are eating, your parents must also eat from your work and business. The business can’t blossom like it should until you fulfil your obligation to your parents on timely bases. We pray for people to reap what they sow; to some this is a good prayer because they are sowing the right seeds as it concerns their obligation to their parents, while to others it is actually a curse because they have failed in their obligation: such people don’t say ‘Amen’ to such prayers. Know that whatever it is you are doing to your parents are what your children would do to you. I prayed on the business of one of my spiritual daughters for some time but nothing was happening, so I became concerned and asked about her parents and if she was taking care of them? She said no, that her parents are blessed. I told her it didn’t matter and she started taking care of them, bought each of them a car and there was a sudden dramatic break in her business. 2. Listen to God You have listened to men for too long, begin to listen and take instructions from God. Do you have the approval of God on what you are doing? You can’t hear God until you are spiritual. You must learn the art of worship if you must hear from God. You can’t hear from God if you

are a complainer. 3. Enter into covenant with God Hannah entered into covenant with God and got what she had cried for many years. Always fulfil your part of the covenant you make to God. When you enter into covenant with man, you do all kinds of forbidden things in order to secure the covenant but with God it is with your heart, and this is why we take it for granted. Whatever promise you make to God in your bargain with Him for help, you must learn to fulfil as God is not a man. Don’t ever make a vow to God you don’t intend to fulfil. 4. Have an Action Plan Don’t wait for money before you make plans, learn to plan ahead. Planning ahead makes success easy. Have a weekly, monthly, yearly and many years plan. 5. Serve Diligently “And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? Tell me, what shall thy wages be?” Gen 29:15 Serve God diligently with all you have got. There are certain levels of blessing people cannot enter into when they don’t serve. Those who sow the seed of faithful service to God and man end up becoming larger than life. 6. Persist and endure Things might not work at the pace you expect sometimes; you must learn to endure hardship, eventually, it all works for good. Laban cheated on Jacob not once and wasted about 14 years of his life, but because Jacob refused to fight for himself, God turned it around in his favour. PRAYER POINTS • I command every parasite in my business to dry up

Pentecostals aren’t affecting lives enough – Rev. Anthony

Tai Anyanwu

he General Oversee, Kings In Christ Church, Rev. Chidi Anthony, took a swipe on Pentecostal Churches in Nigeria, saying that the Pentecostals are not doing enough to affect more live as much as orthodox church. The cleric made the declaration on the grand finale of the church’s annual healing programme which ended in Lagos last Sunday. Anthony had observed that fellow Pentecostals erroneously pride themselves as the real children of God and always see the orthodox as nominal Christians. His words: “We the Pentecostals believe that we are the true born-again children of God while they see orthodox Christians as people who are not yet repented. But if we can tell ourselves the truth you find out that those orthodox churches affect much more lives than the Pentecostals do.” According to Rev Anthony, most homes for the less privileged, hospitals and affordable educational facilities are built by orthodox churches. “Parents can access the health facilities built by or-

Many people were healed of different ailments; an imbecile was instantly restored to normalcy. Also a woman, who complained of a strange moving object in her body, vomited the object right there in the church after the minister laid hands on her. Another woman, whose husband could not walk, and they couple had come to the programme with great expectation for miracle went home rejoicing after her husband regained the use of his leg miraculously on the second day. Some people also testified that God had intervened in the area of their finances as they received credit alert from long standing debtors, during who came to the programme. The programme closed with awards given to three groups in the church who excelled in the area of evangelism, coordination, drama, and contribution to successful hosting of the healing programme. Out of the five groups namely Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Caleb and David groups, Samuel Group lifted the Golden trophy; the silver trophy went to Joshua Group while the Moses group won the bronze.

God isn’t involved when you give ill-gotten money – Nwandu Tai Anyanwu

he General Overseer, Tower of Praise Ministries, Evangelist Paul Nwandu, has challenged fellow pastors to cultivate the act of giving to the needy rather than encourage fraudster who enrich pastors with ill-gotten money.

• Every challenge in my business, receive divine solution • No devourer will destroy the fruit of my labour • Ministering angels of God, go and announce my business, go and bring my favour, my profit and customers • Every step I take concerning my business shall prosper

thodox churched and they can treat their children in those hospitals because the cost of healthcare delivery is affordable. They can also send their wards to schools owned by orthodox churches while even younger Pastors cannot afford to train their children in school built by Pentecostal churches simply because they Pentecostals charge exploitative fees.” Rev. Anthony regretted that therefore called on leaders of Pentecostal churches to do more in the area of affecting lives. “We

need to affect lives, that is the purpose of Christianity,” he said. A huge crowd participated in this year’s Greater Than The Pool of Bethsaida healing programme. The turnout was so awesome that the spacious auditorium Anthony was filled to the brim and up; and the overflow facilities could hardly accommodate participants each of the three days. Overwhelmed by the programme’s success, Rev Anthony said: “Going by the success recorded here, I can assure you that the next edition of ‘Greater Than the Pool of Bethsaida’ will be held at National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos; because that is the kind of space that can take the crowd our annual healing programme is capable of attracting.” Diverse miracles trailed the healing programme.

Nwandu

Nwandu threw the challenge while ministering to the food needs indigent members of the society at the just concluded sevenday International Conference of the Tower of Praise Ministries. The cleric, no doubt put smiles on the faces of both Christians and Muslims when he shared about seven hundred and fifty kg bag of rice and seven hundred carton of tomatoes to a great multitude that turned out for the larges. He said: “I believe that Christianity goes beyond prayer and spiritualism, the physical care you give to people equally matters a lot. Our Lord Jesus Christ equally dem-

onstrated this by feeding the multitude with fish and bread.” Nwandu observed that the level of poverty in the country is high. “I would say that it has increased because I have been holding this programme but the turn out this year is so massive, meaning that people are very hungry, even the Muslims even came out in large and took part in the sharing of the food stuff, you can imagine a Muslim not considering his religion because of food stuffs. According to the cleric, no amount of preaching to a hungry man or woman would yield a positive result. “Our Lord Jesus Christ knew this that was why he fed the multitude with fish and bread because they were hungry.’ Mwandu said that it is not a crime for a pastor to equally give to his congregation or the needy pointing out that Nigerians are hungry nowadays. “I really thank GOD that he provided for me

to be able to put smiles on the faces of the widows, the needy and the less privilege that attended my programme. You can see the joy and excitement on their faces,” he noted. He regretted that the men in the collars these days relish in taking from the congregation rather than giving. “Men of God today only talks about giving they don’t even care how you get the money, these days, you see pastors encouraging and praying for fraudsters, ritualists and drug pushers all because they want their money, they make these people important people in the church all because they want their money. I want to tell you frankly that God does not need your drug money, he does not need your ritual money, and does not equally need the money you got from deceiving and tricking people. I want to tell you that you are just enriching your pastor and God is not involved in it.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016

Body&Soul with

Wole Adepoju 07037763410

Sylvia Edem, hubby in great mood

iscovering early enough that the beautiful looks and well-structured body she was endowed with could indeed be a great asset by making use of it positively, coupled with being brainy, Sylvia Edem towed the modelling and pageantry path. As fate would have it, she was able to find fulfillment when she eventually emerged as Miss Nigeria. Her status did not only changed to that of a celebrity, but also became exposed to men who were obviously after her for various motives. Sylvia would again be lucky when her path crossed that of a guy who loved her for who she was and not what she was and before long, they tied the nuptial knot. Many had thought Emechete went for Sylvia probably because of her status, but time has indeed shown and proven the dark skinned dude was truly in love with the ex- beauty queen. He has showered her with love, care and affection which has made the lady enjoy a blissful marriage in the last one decade they signed the dotted line. It was exactly 10 years since they got married days ago and as lovers who appreciate their union, they did not allow the anniversary go unnoticed as they took out time to celebrate by spending special time with each other. They jetted out to Las Vegas where they made the day memorable with series of events.

woleadepoju@yahoo.com

Dakuku Peterside, wife step out

hile he was a member of the House of Representatives, Dakuku Peterside was almost like a private citizen but his ambition to govern his state, Rivers, in the last general elections, exposed him to national consciousness. That he lost the election in a controversial manner to the present governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, and that Wike’s victory was upheld at an equally controversial court pronouncement is history as the experience has been left in the past. Unlike some candidates who have gone into oblivion since they lost at the polls, amiable Peterside has remained in the news as he presently oversees the affairs of a national agency, NIMASA. Not known to be one who surfaces at public events, it was therefore a surprise when the dude showed up at a corporate event that took place recently. To make his attendance more appealing was the fact that he had appeared in the company of his lovely wife, Elima. Dakuku and his lawyer wife, Elima, who were decked in suit and white apparel respectively, attracted attention of many who came to identify with them at the UBA C.E.O Awards.

Happy times for Cecil Hammond

lthough, Business Technology graduate of Boston University, Cecil Hammond, loves to relish the warmth of his shell, the light skinned young man is doing very well as a business man and his factor in the entertainment industry cannot be underestimated. The influential dude is the brain behind flourishing outfit, Flytime Group. The dude who got married to former Silverbird presenter, Keke, according to information, has been in a very good mood. The reason he’s been in this gale mood is that he just hit the mile stone age of forty. Although, he did not throw a bash like it would have been expected of a dude of his status with everything at his beck and call, Cecil hosted some very close persons to a night out at an upscale hangout on Lagos Island. Top shots like money bag, Aliko Dangote; Wale Tinubu of Oando, as well as former governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke, were among those in the building to make Cecil’s day a memorable one.

Bola Shagaya grooves

E Foluke Abdulrazaq celebrates at 60

er name might not ring a bell across the strata of the society, but what those who are conversant with her name will steadily agree is that her influence and reach cannot be underestimated as far as the corporate world is concerned. She has carved a niche for herself in the corporate world just as she’s held in high esteem in government circle where she had been entrusted with responsibilities at one point or the other. Married to Alhaji Alimi Abdurazaq, Banking and Finance graduate of University of Ibadan, Folake Kafayat, who made her mark in the financial sector, cut her teeth at Afribank before moving to greater heights in the same sector. She moved on to becoming a two term commissioner in Lagos State as her journey continued while her grip of the banking world never slipped. This great woman has been through so much as a professional, impacted the society greatly without blemish, as well as successfully kept her home as a wife and mother. The high and mighty recently converged in Lagos in her honour to celebrate with her on her special day which was her 60th birthday. With banking top brass, high fliers and dignitaries in attendance, the non- executive UBA director, had a great outing as top Juju singer, Queen Ayo Balogun, supplied music.

stablished member of elite scene, billionaire business woman cum politician, Hajia Bola Shagaya, has remained relevant in social and business circles based on the fact that she’s not a push over but master of the games. The Kwara born beautiful and influential woman, almost a year ago, happened to be one of the most powerful and sought after individuals, especially as it had to do with corridors of power at the national level based on her close ties with the then first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan. The same can no longer be said of her as power has since changed hands. Of course, she still looks good and retains the grip of the high and mighty but it’s certainly obvious that her activities especially, at social functions, have been pruned down. Some have actually hinged this on the embarrassment that followed the infamous rumoured dinner in honour of the present first lady, Aishat Buhari, linked to her as well as the fight against corruption which is said to have forced allies of leaders of past government into their shells. However, the stylish and articulate woman, days ago, had to suspend her break to honour one of her ilk who was having a worthy celebration that brought out many of the high fliers in Lagos. As beautiful and radiant as ever, the illustrious woman looked resplendent in her blue lace apparel with her equally nicely tied blue headgear which stood her out among the crowd. Hajia Shagaya loosened up to catch some fun to make her friend’s gig worth its while.

Wine & Dine

Body&Soul

SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Taste friendly ‘Noir’

Ibukunoluwa Kayode

ed grape wines come in different types just like the white ones. Pinot Noir is a typical light-medium bodied, fruit-forward red wine crushed from Burgundy’s most famous noble grapes. This grape is the toughest grape to grow when it comes to harvesting, but the effort is often worth the constant care and investment. It’s a fickle grape that demands optimum growing conditions, opting for warm days consistently supported by cool evenings. These are the most elegant wines that come from the French region, but today they also have their roots in other regions around the world; Oregon, New Zealand, Australia, California, Chile, Spain, Germany and Italy. Due to the stringent growth requirements for Pinot Noir, it is usually produced in smaller quantities than other popular red wines. This variety holds a low profile aging potential

dominated because the grape’s tannin structure is on the lighter side, compared to an ageworthy Cabernet Sauvignon. Pinot Noir is a dry, red wine with a pale colour, translucent and very subtle flavour that exhibits fruit-forward character with strawberry, cherry, raspberry and blackberry fruit for palate presence. Warm spice notes also make their way into the Pinot Noir palate profile, in the form of cinnamon, clove and smoky, tobacco nuances. The rich fruit character components of many Pinots give it a step up in the glasses of both red wine and white wine drinkers. Pinot Noir is well-suited to pair with a wide variety of ethnic dishes, classic cuisines and traditional foodie favourites, due to its consistent acidity, subtle, silky tannins and lighter-bodied style. Perfect Pinot pairings include pork and poultry, beef and bacon, cheese and chocolate, fish, lamb, mushrooms, fresh herbs, and wild game. It is considered by many to be one of the world’s most versatile food wines.

Cameroonian Ndole dish Biwom Iklaki

1 large onion (chopped)

o you should know by now that I love to experiment with dishes from diverse cultures and countries. Well this week is no different as I bring you one of the most sought after dishes in Cameroon. The dish is believed to originate from Douala, in Cameroon and its main ingredients are bitter leaf and groundnuts. Most of my fellow closet food critics I know will definitely give this a try, so why don’t you too? It pretty straight forward and will make for a very healthful sauce for your rice, yam, potatoes, plantain and swallow if you so prefer. The Doualans would also eat this dish with “bobolo” (a dish made with fermented ground ‘manioc’ or cassava and wrapped in leaves). Sounds sneakily like ‘akpu’, doesn’t it?

4 medium tomatoes (chopped)

Ingredients 1 cup groundnuts (skinned) Shrimp Garlic (blended) Ginger (blended)

Ground crayfish 2

stock cubes

2 large bitter leaf wraps (about 3 cups after wash) ½ cup vegetable oil Salt to taste Preparation Soak the bitter leaf overnight and squeeze then drain the chlorophyll away. Grind the nuts in a mill and set aside. Parboil the shrimp in salted water for about 2 minutes. Heat up oil and gently soften the onions, garlic and ginger for a few minutes. Add the tomatoes, stock cubes, salt and pepper and leave to simmer for 2 minutes. This is when you add the bitter leaf and groundnut paste and then stir, cover and leave to cook for about 5 minutes. Add the ground crayfish, shrimp, and stir, then turn off the heat after 2 minutes. Serve with friend plantain.

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016

KITCHEN DECOR

When kitchen meets dining Biwom Iklaki

ho says there is a rule that states that in home design, you must have a kitchen and a dining room? The truth is, there is no such rule. You do not need a dining room to have a dining area. Of course you need space to cook, and yes a dedicated area where you can sit and eat would be lovely, that’s where a dining area in the kitchen comes in. It is appropriate for many reasons, especially when you have a small space to begin with.

You have options to choose from, you could use the centre or side of the kitchen for your dining space. The up side is that your family could be your audience while you cook, which is also an opportunity to bond. Make it fun by using bar stools for chairs or formal dining chairs if yo prefer. However, a design like the hour-glass-type stool would make a better fit if you are hard pressed for space. Dress the table up, or not and you could add a vase of flowers, a bowl of seasonal fruits, scented candles or

My marriage is dead but I can’t leave because of my kids When I got married ten years ago, I thought our love will last forever. I had high hopes that I and my husband can weather any storm that comes our way. But after series of betrayal and cheating by my husband with many women, I don’t think I can take it anymore. The worst happened two weeks ago that keeps my blood boiling any time I remember it. He sent me and the kids for Easter Vacation to his parents’ home in the village and I thought he was doing us a favour. I took a short leave from the office so I could accompany my children for the visit. But I was called back suddenly by my boss in the office to resume work immediately as an emergency that needed my urgent attention came up. I quickly bundled the children back to Lagos, only to get the shock of my life as I caught my husband in bed with a young woman on our matrimonial bed. I was devastated and almost tore the girl in two with my fists. I have not spoken a word to my husband and he seems not to care. I want the marriage dissolved as I’m tired of his infidelity but can’t leave my children. I’m confused! Chidinma, Lagos My Facebook love and I are getting married I never thought true love ever existed and to have found it through the

odour diffuser pots, etc. it could also double as your work table when you need to prep ingredients for cooking. Your kids could also do their homework at the table while you cook, so you can multitask and keep an eye on what they are up to at school. You see, there are so many advantages to combining your kitchen and dinning area that you are not likely to miss the other option. Just remember to keep it wiped down and clean as it serves multiple functions.

GET A

HEARTTHROB

Send SMS only to 07057201814 or vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com

social media seemed even more farfetched but it actually happened to me. I met the love of my life that fateful day on Facebook by chance. A mutual friend added her to his friendship list and when I saw her pretty face, I also decided to make her my friend. When she accepted my friendship request, I started chatting with her and we got on so well that we chatted into the night. The next day, I told her that I wanted to meet her since we live in the same city but she refused. So for about three months, we were just friends on Facebook without seeing each other face to face until she was comfortable to meet me. When she was ready, she decided to meet me at the home of the mutual friend through whom we got connected and that is how our romance commenced. That was two years ago. In three months’ time, I will be walking down the aisle with this lovely woman as my wife and I cannot thank my stars enough for bringing her my way. True love can surely meet you anywhere, just believe!

Charles, Benin He doesn’t even consider kissing me I am married for two years now and I am already used to the impatience of my husband; especially in bed. All he does is to find his own satisfaction. But when it’s over, he totally loses interest in me. He immediately turns to the other side and falls deeply asleep as if I don’t even exist. Even during the short act, he hardly kisses me or engages in foreplay. I keep asking myself if he simply needs me for the sexual satisfaction. I tried a couple of times to show him that I need caress and tenderness. But nothing worked. He will only tell me to go to sleep or that he needs to get up early in the morning for an important meeting. And that would be his way of turning down my attempts to show him that I need him after sex. I am afraid to tell it straight forward. I don’t want tenderness that is obtained by begging! I don’t know what to do? Lara, Benue

My name is Peter; I am 23 years old from Akwa Ibom. I stay in Port Harcourt. I am a student and need a God fearing lady for a relationship-08068125130 My name is Tolni, 46 years old degree holder and a businessman from Oyo State. I am tall, caring and cool. I need a lady between 38-45 years for marriage-07061920519 My name is Richard, 40 years old, an engineer. I am single and based in Lagos State. I need a romantic lady for a serious relationship-08036851909 My name is Udo, 45 years old father of twins. I am a banker. I need a lady between 30-49 years for marriage-07030809667 My name is Kolade from Ibadan, a trader and a Christian. I need a working class lady between 30-46 years to be my wife-08180956493 I am Femi, 35 years old. I am from Ogun State. I need a lady that is ready for marriage-09039453040 I am Olanrewaju Olufeko, a native of Ogun State. I am a business man. I need a God fearing woman between 38-45 years for a serious relationship-08163414710 My name is Olugbenga, a Masters degree holder residing in Lagos State. I need a lady between 25- 48 for marriage-09090590568

Body&Soul

SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Where has trust gone?

oing through some of the e-mails I’ve received from readers in the course of my writing this column, I’ve come to realise that one of the big problems that mar a beautiful relationship is lack of trust. A relationship without trust is like a phone without service: completely useless! Trust is the cord that holds two people together in relationship, and when it’s severed, disconnection occurs. If you can’t trust your heart with someone, it’s pointless to invest any more of your emotions, time, and energy on that person. Trust is part of the foundation for a healthy relationship. Learn to build your relationship on a solid rock where trust is the foundation by being completely honest with each other in everything and at all times. Share your secrets and communicate openly so as to avoid doubt creeping in to spoil a budding relationship. The first stage of distrust begins with doubt and this must be avoided at all cost. Whether it starts with a little white lie, or explodes from the bomb shell of infidelity, trust must never be abused. Broken trust in relationships leads to depression, anxiety and insecurity. The relationship can suffer from a lack of intimacy. A lack of trust in a relationship opens the door to a host of other problems which, if left unresolved, may destroy whatever is left. Communication is one of the most important factors in building trust between partners. Spend more time communicating about your problems instead of sitting on them and brooding. That way you will build a strong relationship that the billows of life cannot penetrate. Here are a few E-mails I received recently and the answers I gave to them. Enjoy! RESPONSES Dumped by my girlfriend because I was unemployed Dear Vanessa

CONNECT NG vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com

I am an avid reader of your column in the Sunday Telegraph and I must say I enjoy your articles. I’ll like an advice on a dilemma I am in currently and I don’t know how to handle it. I had a serious relationship with a girl named Kelechi when I was in the University, and I loved her so much. After I graduated and finished my NYSC, it was very difficult for me to get a job and I noticed that Kelechi’s interest in me dwindled. I even suspected that she was seeing someone else but I had no proof. While unemployed, I met Uduak, who also finished her youth’s service and was lucky enough to secure a job with a shipping company in Apapa. We were attracted to each other and she agreed to date me even when she knew I couldn’t provide for her. Luckily for me, I secured a job with one of the banks six months later. My problem now is that Kelechi wants to come back and she’s mounting pressure through my family who prefer her to Uduak just because she’s of the same tribe with me. I’m so confused right now, because I like them both. But I admire Uduak more because she was with me when I was nothing. Who do you advise me to choose between the two? From, Chimezie, Enugu Dear Chimezie, I am going to help you by x-raying the vir-

tues of these two women for you in black and white and you will still have to make the final choice because you’ll be the one to live with either of them for the rest of your life. If Uduak dated you while you were unemployed without complaining or making demands when you were out of work, it means you definitely met an angel and never realised it. In these days of economic crunch, many ladies are looking for where the grass is greener, yet this girl stuck with you throughout your ‘’dry pocket days’ lending moral support. She recognized your potentials and waited for you to make it in life. On the other hand Kelechi is the happy-golucky kind of girl. She may have loved you as a boyfriend, but her love was not strong enough to withstand the wind of adversity that blew your way for a while. Now that you have ridden through the storm, she wants to come and enjoy the sunshine with you. Ask yourself, do I want a woman who will be with me through the good and the bad or a woman who will run off when the going gets tough? Equally, I think the choice of who to marry lies entirely in your hands and not in your family or should it be determined by the tribe a person comes from. Let me know what you finally decide. I wish you all the best. Is he in love or lust with me? Dear Vanessa I am 30 years old and have been in a re-

lationship with a guy for the past one year now. We met at a friend’s birthday party and became lovers almost immediately. After a few months, I realized my boyfriend calls me up only on weekends and we will stay in his apartment all through just making love. When I complain that he does not take me anywhere, he will reply it’s because he loves me so much and does not want us to be apart. Recently, I started telling him that I wanted us to take our relationship more serious and that I’ll like to meet his friends and family. Initially he agreed but he has not done anything to change the situation, instead he has started skipping most weekends that we would have been together. I am getting desperate as I really love this guy. I don’t really know if this guy truly loves me or is he just using me for sex? From, Bola, Lagos Dear Bola Have you ever heard of the term ‘’wet rag’’ before? It usually refers to a very convenient kitchen towel that is used for all purpose cleaning in the kitchen but never used either in the sitting room or bedroom simply because the owner does not think it is clean enough to be seen in public. Sorry to burst your bubble, but I think that is exactly how your boyfriend sees you. His attitude towards you says it all. He does not take you anywhere or introduce you to his friends or family because he does not think you are worth it. My dear, if a man truly loves a woman; he shows her off to the whole world. I must tell you he is only using you to satisfy his sexual desires and nothing more. You are nobody’s wet rag. You deserve a better treatment than you have received from your boyfriend. Break off from that relationship and seek someone who will place more value on you and treat you with respect and dignity.

Reader’s right of response restored

kay, I have been getting some very interesting responses to my thoughts that I think it will be instructive for me to share. So, I hand over the page to my readers. I hope you find their contributions as fascinating as I have.

Re: Mungo Park, place and sense of cultural history Preach our historicity...Preach Eyitayo. I just love enlightened lectured minds: how could Mungo Park for example have discovered the River Niger when it was not lost? Even the language besmirches colonisation, because in precolonial timeas, Africa was adjudged not to be part of civilisation by the notorious Eurocentric historian, Hegel. He said in his classic book titled Philosophy of History: “At this point we leave Africa, not to mention it again. For it is no historical part of the World; it has no movement or development to exhibit. Historical movements in it -that is in its northern part-belong to the Asiatic or European World. Carthage displayed there an important transitionary phase of civilisation; but, as is Nahoenician colony, it belongs to Asia. Egypt will be considered in reference to the passage of the human mind from its Eastern to its Western phase, but it does not belong to the African Spirit. What we properly understand by Africa, is the Unhistorical, Undeveloped Spirit, still involved in the conditions of mere nature, and which had to be presented here only as on the threshold of the World’s History.” As far as he was concerned, anything ‘developed’ or ‘developing’ in Africa must be attributed to Europe and the Europe-

ans. It was like Africa was not there before the white man came or Africa owes her very existence to the white man by way of European imperialism! Anyhow, Eyitayo hit the proverbial nail on the head of the coffin of this atrocious misconstruction of African history with European hands! Any history calculated to glorify European rapacious excursions (more like intrusion and incursion) into Africa is no history at all! It leaves the African mind (our greatest asset) colonised and bastardised by the Europeanisation of everything African! Hegel had the stupid audacity to “What we properly understand by Africa, is the Unhistorical, Undeveloped Spirit, still involved in the conditions of mere nature, and which had to be presented here only as on the threshold of the World’s History.” But he didn’t live long enough to read the Late Walter Rodney’s greater Classic, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa (now long out of print). Had he read Walter’s brilliance, he would have buried his colonial face in the rich dirty soil of British imperialism.

Thanks Manny for reminding me of a subject I studied all through my College first and second degrees. I was originally invited from Nigeria to South Africa to participate in the reconstruction of South Africa’s Legal History out of that country’s apartheid past which left nothing to be consumed by the locals in their locales insofar as their living natural autochthonous histories were concerned. It was a PhD project which was completed by way of a course work but is still pending by way of an actually dissertation with the luxury of a doctoral defense. Dunno if I’m ever going back to it... Anyhow, I by the grace of God have been involved in the demystification of our beautiful Africanness by the European colonialists and neocolonialists and their comprador-bourgeoisies who left us with nothing to write home about about our true past…. Bishop Tony Puabara Osuobeni. Columbus, Ohio. --------

Alagba Eyitayo, the relevance of Mungo Park to Nigerian history, and by extension, African history, is that of colonisation of mind, thought and reasoning. The laughable part of Mungo Park’s discovery (as ironically heralded by our own people) is that without the Africans showing him how to get there, it would have been a recovery effort rather than the purported discovery. While we appreciate the fact that it took a White man to bring attention to a river that Africans have washed, bathe and fished in for centuries, it is insulting to proclaim him the discoverer. Conversations such as this are stepping stones to engaging the minds of our young folks. Let’s keep them coming especially in this age of ubiquitous information technology. Decolonising the mind is the way forward. Thank you for provoking us. Ayo Aladejebi, Halifax, Canada. Re: Jungle Justice as Response I’m not a fan of instant justice myself, it is injustice to the victim. However, the growth of this practice in Nigeria is not unrelated to the fact that we have a judicial system that is slow and susceptible to external force. I don’t even have the words to describe the ineffectual nature of the Nigerian police. All I’m saying is, if these people had justice they wouldn’t need instant justice. Ayodele Owopetu, Maiduguri, Nigeria.

L 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

n strapless frock SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2016

e toned upper bodies, if carefully selected look good even on women who aren’t in e. selecting a strapless dress, it’s critical to me in the dressing room to ensure the dress elected fits properly. The last thing you want l out of your dress at a public gathering. ur arms, bend over, and contort your body y possible position to make sure you’re firmed in your dress. Be sure to walk around a ke sure the dress is comfortable. wearing a strapless dress, the uppermost your mind should be choosing the right bra. t instinct may be to buy a strapless bra to h your dress. Unfortunately, regular straptend to slip with movement. The solution k for a long-line strapless bra. This is a bra nds down to the waist and provides more

z ne

structure to prevent slippage. For added support, you may want to pin the bra to the inside of your dress to keep it in place particularly if you’re going to be active during the evening. Keep accessories simple. Simple accessories are best with a strapless dress. Your most important accessory will be a necklace since your neck will be prominently displayed. Choose something elegant and tasteful. You’ve already created enough drama with your strapless dress. The idea is to look elegant not overdone. A beautiful strand of colored freshwater pearls or a gemstone necklace with an interesting pendant will help to pull off the look. Coordinate these striking silhouettes with a chic clutch, sparkly jewelry and strappy sandals for a notably polished and pretty look. Strapless dresses generally look best with heels.

Homemade pore minimisers Biwom Iklaki

arge pores are not a friend of faces at all. Many people in search of a smooth face may never achieve it if they have large pores on their faces. Those who are especially susceptible to this problem are those with oily faces due to their excess sebum production. The large pores give your skin an orange-like look with holes in them. They are unsightly and make your face appear older and dull. Factors like age, stress and poor skin care routines can leave us with large pores on our faces. As we age, the condition is made worse as our skin elasticity plummets. Here are some handy organic remedies: Facial steaming In a basin, pour boiling water and steep a chamomile teabag or some mint leaves. Place basin on a table and lean over it covering your head and the basin with a towel. This will unclog the pores and remove all dirt and impurities. Wash face with warm water and moisturise. Exfoliating You could dry brush your face with a soft brush or use 1tbs brown sugar, 1tbs honey a few drops lemon. Scrub the face gently with the paste for about 3-4 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water. This will also remove dirt and dead cells and close up pores. Ice cubes They help in tightening the pores and reduce oil production for a short time. You could freeze aloe Vera juice or cucumber juice and rub the cube over your face in a light cloth until it melts. Leave on for a few minutes and rinse off. Bentonite clay mask Has been used for many years to unclog pores and tighten skin. It is simply volcanic ash and acts like a sponge to soak up all impurities from your skin leaving it clean, fresh and black heads free.

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SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

dude

Man up with mustard yellow Vanessa Okwara

en are well known for playing it safe and keeping it simple when it comes to choosing bright colours unlike their female counterparts. There are different shades of yellow, ranging from ice-cream yellow pastels to warmer mustard tones. To make the colour work for you, dark yellow or mustard suits most skin tones. People may argue that mustard is ‘not their colour’ due to their skin tone but whether you are dark or fair, all you need is a full dose of confidence to pull it off. It requires you to be bold and confident in wearing this lovely colour in public. Mustard yellow is the surest way for men to pull off bright shades without looking overthe-top. It is bold and bright, compliments men’s skin tone

OF THE WEEK

and can be worn in many ways. It flatters neutrals like blacks, blues and greys that men consistently wear every day. For instance, a mustard T-shirt can offset a pair of blue jeans and grey shoes. The trick is to let mustard yellow be the focus and to keep the rest of your look toned down in colour. In wearing this trend, make sure it is s tailored to be super stylish; otherwise you may end up looking like something that came out from a circus. Also another trick in wearing the mustard is to pair it with a darker hue. It means you can wear it as a blazer or in complete suit form, making sure that you accessorise with darker colours such as black bow tie and shoe. So forget about the usual navy blues, ditch the greys and start giving mustard the credit it deserves.

2Face Idibia Legendary star

Vanessa Okwara

ne of Nigeria’s biggest and most established act, Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly called 2Face Idibia is singer-songwriter, record producer and entrepreneur. He officially discontinued the use of the name Tuface and selected Tu-baba as his stage name. He is one of the most decorated and successful Afro pop artists in Africa. He is also one of the most bankable artist in Africa. Innocent Idibia was born in Jos, Nigeria. He is from the Idoma ethnic group in the southern part of Benue State, in central Nigeria. He attended Saint Gabriela’s Secondary School in Makurdi, Benue State. He enrolled at Institute of Management & Technology, Enugu (IMT), where he did his preliminary National Diploma course in Business Administration and Management. While attending IMT, he performed at school organised shows and parties, he eventually dropped out to pursue his music career. After participation in the band ‘Plantashun Boyz’, the musician decided to go through a solo career. Tuface’s solo career started in 2004 with the release of album ‘Face 2 Face’. In 2006, his song “African Queen” was used in the soundtrack for the film Phat Girlz’, which was released internationally. Upon leaving the music label Kennis Music, he set up his own record label known as Hypertek Entertainment 2Face has received one MTV Europe Music Award, one World Music Award, five Headies Awards (Hip-hop award), four Channel O Music Video Awards and one BET award for his musical work, four MTV Africa Music Awards, one MOBO award, one KORA award, and numerous additional nominations. 2Face loves to dress up in hip hop attire with lots of face caps and dark sunglasses forming major part of his ensemble. It’s no news the music legend is a father of seven children from three different ladies but later got married to one of them, Annie Idibia.

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016

RazzleDazzle

Body&Soul Abiola Alaba Peters

with

08062622328 abiolaalabapeters@rockmail.com

I wasn’t paid to expose my body – Maria Peace Francis

2Baba, Annie become newest brand ambassadors

igeria’s veteran star, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, just bagged a new ambassador’s deal on live stage. 2Baba was named ambassador with alcoholic brand, Campari, on the stage of this year’s Nigerian Entertainment Conference, NECLive4, which was witnessed by ‘RazzleDazzle’. The singer was introduced to the stage by the conference host, comedian, Tee A, and was accompanied by his manager and Chairman of Now Muzic, Efe Omoregbe, and brand representative of Campari to make the announcement right on stage. 2Baba, who has entertained Nigeria and the rest of the world over the years, expressed his satisfaction over the new deal as they shared some lovely words. His actress wife, Annie Idibia, also became a brand ambassador same week with her pop star husband.

ast rising Nollywood actress, Peace Maria Francis, has continued to receive backlash from fans for acting topless in a yet to be released movie. The light skinned actress, who has come out to defend her role in the new movie where she appeared ‘bare-breasted’, said she was ‘just being professional’. In the epic movie, the actress, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, appeared in different scenes flaunting her bare breasts and a few weeks after the completion of the shoot, she came under heavy name-calling from fans who tagged her a ‘prostitute’ and ‘shameless hustler’. Defending herself, the budding actress, in a recent chat, said, “It is all because I wanted to use it to tell the real story of what happened back then in our country. It is also in a bid to tell our younger ones how we started back then, and the only way to do that is to express it in a professional manner. That is what am in the industry to do; tell people the real story and interpret such roles very well, for better understanding and enjoyment. “As a professional actor, I do take risk. This means and shows how serious I take my job. It is a sign of the sacrifice and effort I put in it to make my act have some sense of reality, while sending good messages to our people.” The actress also cried out loud, saying, “I am a Christian and I fear God and worship him as best as I can, but would that stop me from doing my job? I think that shouldn’t. “Some ask how much I was paid to expose my body like that. Others want to know why I did it. They say I am desperate and a paid prostitute. “I’m not here for fame or money. I really love my job. I do it professionally. I went into acting because I love it. I am here to make a difference. It’s about my passion.

I’m not just a gospel comedian – Acapella

ce comedian and OAP, Acapella, has over the years, built a name for himself in the entertainment industry with his unique style of jokes. The Imo State born humour merchant, who had earlier shut down Lagos with his annual comedy show, ‘Comedy Goes To Church’, has stated it clearly that he is not a gospel comedian. The funny man and actor said, “It’s really very funny when people call me a gospel comedian. I am not just a gospel comedian, I am versatile. No doubt, I am a church boy, I’m just being me. I have this high regard for ladies. I really don’t fancy using vulgar languages because I want to crack people up. I love to respect people’s opinion, especially the ladies, and if you are cool with using them and it is working for you, why not. Personally, I’m just being choosy with my choice of words, maybe that is why people see me as a gospel comedian.” When asked why he does his ground breaking show in church, he said, “I can never forget my root. God gave me my talent, and I think I have to give him all the praise, although, I’m planning something soon, and it might be outside the church. Just keep your fingers crossed.” On when he will be getting married, he said, “I’m getting married on any of the Saturdays. I will let you all know the time and venue.” With over nine years in the industry without controversy, this dark and chubby dude sure knows how to up his game.

I don’t go after married women– Orezi

igerian singer, Orezi, was almost beaten up on Sunday, April 17, 2016, by an enraged husband who accused the singer of allegedly sleeping with his wife. In a recent video shared online by Goldmyne TV, a man who had reportedly been trailing Orezi, caused a huge scene when he asked the ‘Ghen Ghen’ singer why he had been sleeping with his wife. According to Goldmyne TV, this scene played out after the artiste’s show at Surulere. The scorned lover, who couldn’t hold himself upon sighting the singer, pounced on him and was ready to beat him up but for the timely intervention of the mobile policemen that escorted him to the show. ‘RazzleDazzle’ met with the talented and handsome singer for comment. “Brother, I am still in shock! I don’t know the man from anywhere, neither do I know the woman in question. The man almost messed me up for something I know nothing about. I suppose his wife could have been a fan and probably the husband is not cool with the way she is going about it. So I understand his pain, but then, he should have trusted his wife enough or even investigated. I had wanted to press charges but my management asked me to play cool since we don’t know him,” he said.

Patoranking, Banky W, Yemi Alade for Kiss Daniel’s album concert

ave making artiste, Kiss Daniel, has announced a concert to mark the release of his debut album ‘New Era’. The singer has achieved considerable success in the music industry, with the success of his singles last year, propelling him to top relevance. This year, he is consolidating those efforts with the release of a new album which will take the form of a concert. The most anticipated album concert of 2016, according to G-Worldwide Entertainment, will hold on May 15, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. A galaxy of stars have been slated to perform that night,

with 2face Idibia, Banky W, Patoranking, Yemi Alade, Iyanya, Burna boy, Tekno, Reekado Banks, Cynthia Morgan, Wande Coal, Vector Da Viper, Sugarboy, Ycee, Yung6ix, Ketchup and many more. There would also be comedy infused in the night’s proceedings. Major comic men, AY, Akpororo, Ushbebe, Sheyi Law, and Pencil will perform sets. Music for the night will be controlled by GWorldwide Entertainment disc jockey, DJ Shabsy . Veteran MC and OAP, Olisa has also been announced as the host for the show. ‘RazzleDazzle’ will be there live to bring you all the details.

SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

A quick look at your background? I’m an actress married to Mr. Kayode Salako. I attended Maryland Convent Primary School and Obafemi Awolowo University where I read International Law and Diplomacy. I started coming out on television with a talk show in the 1990’s and I started acting in 1996. I started with ‘The Place’, where I was Jide Kosoko’s daughter. and now I have two wonderful kids. What’s been happening to you? Nothing much, I’m working on my talk show, ‘The morning after’. It’s on Galaxy TV. It will be syndicated to AIT and other channels, before the year runs out. I’m also working on my foundation, PARA, Passion Against Rape And Abuse In Africa. That’s more of what I have been doing, and I have a movie I have been trying to get to the cinema, maybe before the end of the year, titled ‘My Blood’. It’s a story on abuse as well. So that’s what I am cooking for now. In the last few years, you have been involved in so many charity activities, which include rape and child abuse. What Inspired it, did you have a similar experience? If you have been following me, I am always unashamed to tell those that care to listen that I am a rape victor, I don’t call myself a rape victim, because I have passed through that. In fact, the reason why I started my foundation was because I had an interview with a print media and afterwards, I was invited to France to have a documentary on it. They asked me if I had a foundation, I said I didn’t. That was what actually pushed me because I have been doing something like advocacy on rape before. So given an opportunity, I always talk about it because at the end of the day, it is not for you to feel that you are less than yourself in anyway. I try to build confidence into the minds of those who have been abused through rape. At the end of the day, you just know that, you have not taken anything out of them; they are just victims of circumstances and its doesn’t change or stop them from being who they want to be. You have been with your husband for years, but recently tied the knot legally. Why did it take you so long? For documentation purpose, we needed to because of the necessity that was going on around bank BVN and all that, and because I run a foundation, there are a whole lot of places that I will go to, that I need to establish the fact that I am a married woman. They don’t recognise traditional marriages abroad, you have to be legally married to your husband. And for us, we needed to document our marriage. It didn’t add or subtract anything from who we are. My husband and I have been good friends and good lovers. We dated and we are still dating. It’s a continuous thing, its not like we don’t fight or have issues, it just makes up the fact that we understand each other as best friends and we know that each step of the way, we take it as it comes and we believe that at the end of the day, we have to make the marriage work. As a foremost actress and film maker, what do you think are the challenges confronting the present day Nollywood? There are a whole lot of things that have not been in place. We do not have a structured system and the reason why we don’t have a structured system is because even with the so-called celebrities, without pointing accusing fingers on anybody particularly, are not as well read as they ought to be. So most of the time, first thing that a lot of us lack is formal education and then, two, there are no structure and because that, we are not making the money we ought to be making from the industry. Again, the government looks at us as low-lives, they don’t understand the efficacy of what we do. The weight we carry in Nigeria can never be over emphasised or quantified, but the government does not see us the way we ought to be seen; so a lot of these things

Men and women shouldn’t have equal rights – Foluke Daramola One of Nollywood’s foremost actresses and film producers, Foluke Daramola, made her name on the silver screen in the 90’s. Today, she is still relevant as she channels her fame and energy towards helping rape victims. In this chat with ABIOLA ALABA PETERS, she speaks about her foundation for rape victims, marriage and sundry issues are restricting us. If they understand the efficacy of the art in the society, then they will be able to understand that this is where we need to take it from. This way, we move to the next level and then they will be able to organise a structure and even build schools where people that are not privileged to go to school before they became celebrities can go and brush themselves up to improve the lot of other people coming behind them. But at the end of the day, when you have someone that is not well read and has gotten to a place, the younger generation will feel that, I can get to that place without going to school. So this is something that calls for concern. If you look back and say, what other thing can I do apart of acting, as a celebrity you should be able to diversify and still make a success story out of it. So first and foremost, we need to have a structure and the government needs to realise that this industry is a gold mine and it will help us. We have some new generation of actors and actresses coming up, and they have defined nudity as a form of art and don’t see it as anything. Do you agree with them? All I can say is that they don’t have anything to offer. If you believe that the only thing you want to do is preach nudity, automatically you cannot go far in the industry. Like I said earlier, there will always come a time for the back stage, when it comes, what do you want to preach; nudity? When you get to a state that you are about 40 years and your body isn’t appealing as its ought to be, what do you want to preach? We have people like Ayo Mogaji. I am sure she did not preach nudity in her time. When I was doing ‘ Barber’s Wisdom’, an Mnet new direction movie, the Americans that came referred to Ayo mogaji as the Whoopy Goldberg of Africa. So from that perspective, you know that that person has raw talent to give and not nudity. I don’t believe that until you go nude is when you preach an act. During our own days until now, its not about nudity, we are still trying to make a difference in whatever we do. Foluke Daramola has come of age, I started acting in the 1990’s and for me to still stay relevant till now, it’s not about nudity. You started acting in the 1990’s. How has it been

for you since then? I’ve had my challenges. I remember when I used to go for auditions. My parents never wanted me to go for it because a lot of them believe that people that act are just not serious minded. But I have been able to prove to a lot of people that you can always combine acting with education because I’m an advocate of that. It hasn’t been easy, but one thing I have been consistent with is the fact that I have been able to combine the act with education and that has distinguished me. Even though I don’t do so much of movies, you cannot say a popular face in the industry has risen above Foluke Daramola’s own because I have been able to channel my popularity to something more constructive and it’s been making a whole lot of difference. I just don’t want to be seen as the Nollywood face alone. No, that is not what I want because I know that Nollywood is for a while, but what will leave that depth and impact in my generation and even my generations to come is the fact that I have been able to channel my public face to something that impacts humanity. That is why I have been able to sustain the name so far. Three things that fascinate you about your husband? One, he is a highly intelligent young man. Two, he has a very wonderful heart, and three, he is very generous. What has been the secret behind your beauty and smiles? I express it all. If I’m annoyed with you, I bear my heart out, I don’t hold grudges against anyone. I take each day as its comes and I find happiness in whatever I’m doing. If I’m friends with you and I find your company exiting, I continue with you, its doesn’t mean that when you upset me I will hold it back. I will spell it out as it is. Also, I’m not a fanatic, but I hold so much reference to God. How would you describe your fashion sense? I’m a casual person, I love it simple and down to earth. I used to be a thumb-boy; when I was much younger, you will find me more i n

my jeans. I’m actually not a fashion freak because I’m a contented person and I don’t hunger for what I cannot afford. I live my life the way I can afford to. I don’t do beyond myself. Favorite perfume, beg, shoes and all? I’m a Gucci person. I love Elizabeth Taylor. I love to mix my perfumes. Favorite foods and drinks? Chinese is my favorite food and anything sweet. I love Champagne. How do you relax? I like to be with my family. My husband and I love to cook and read. I love to read because I always want to up my games and update myself. If you have the chance to change anything about yourself, what would that be? I’m not that kind of person. I believe I’m fearfully and wonderfully made. I’m beautiful the way I am, maybe I would love to be taller but any other thing, I’m perfect with it. Would you allow any of your children take after you? My son is taking after me. He loves to act. He is always very excited about acting. I try to put him in movies, I give him challenging roles; I noticed he likes to strive and put in effort even though he loves football. My daughter is a conservative. She loves to read, my son is much more art inclined than my daughter. What’s your take about this Equality Bill? I’m sorry I don’t think men and women should have equal rights in this case. I think the male should have more than the female, but it should be with proportion, maybe on a ration of 60 to 40. The reason why I think so is because we women tend to be extremely domineering when it comes to issues and sometimes sentimental. Men can be detailed even though we are sometimes. So, there are proportions in all these things. The role of a man can never be over emphasised. Even though I’m a woman rights activist, I still believe in the place of a woman and a man. The man is suppose to be a step ahead of the woman; you can never take that away. Words for you fans? I just want them to keep criticising me. Because I need to be on my toes all the time. I’m not perfect. To parents, they should always support their kids in education and their dreams.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 24, 2016

News

Interview

FG, states, LGAs share lowest revenue since 2014 p.4

Amaechi should sanitise Maritime Academy, says Ebong p.45

News Nissan Patrol redesigned old nameplate with futuristic look p.47

Business

Paul Ogbuokiri Head, Business

paulogbuokiri@newtelegraph

Guinness Nigeria’s profit tumbles

L-R: Former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Executive Director, Guardian Newspaper, Mr. Toke Alex Ibru; Publisher, Lady Maiden Ibru; President, Dangote Group and Awardee, Guardian Man of the Year 2015, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, during the Guardian Man of the year 2015 award ceremony, in Lagos…Friday

uinness Nigeria Plc, the country’s second-biggest brewer, said profit fell 83 per cent in the nine months through to the end of March during a downturn in the economy. Earnings after tax were N864 million ($4.35 million) in the period, compared with N5.2 billion a year earlier, the local unit of Diageo Plc said in a statement on the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s website. Revenue dropped 18 per cent to N69.6 billion. While the company didn’t comment on its results, Nigeria has been hammered by oil prices falling 60 per cent since mid2014 to about $45 a barrel. The economy grew 2.8 per cent last year, the slowest pace since 1999. The International Monetary Fund said last month it will probably drop further to 2.3 per cent this year. Guinness Nigeria’s shares fell 1.8 per cent to N98 by 1:04 p.m. in Lagos, the commercial capital. The stock is down 42 per cent since the start of 2015, compared with 28 per cent for the Nigerian All Share Index. Nigerian Breweries Plc, the biggest beer maker and controlled by Heineken NV, has fallen 36 per cent in that period.

Nigeria’s currency woes linger amid Naira/Yuan swap deal Emefiele

• RMB1 exchanges for N30.75 on Thursday

Kemi Adeosun

Paul Ogbuokiri ccording to reports that emerged from President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent official visit to Beijing, China was the successful signing of currency swap deal by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBN), the world’s biggest lender. This is even as the naira inched up against the dollar at the parallel market this week. By that Nigeria becomes the 32nd country China will be signing such agreement with as the

Asian giant establishes itself as the world’s second largest economy and top trading nation, its currency, the renminbi (RMB), is also gaining popularity around the world. According to the People’s Bank of China’s 2015 Renminbi Internationalization Report, the RMB was the world’s 5th most used payment currency, the 2nd most used trade finance currency, and the 6th most traded currency in 2014. Market participants expect the RMB’s market share in trade settlement and payments to continue to grow in anticipation that China will further open up its financial markets. Sunday Telegraph learnt that although the RMB is not fully convertible in capital account transactions, trade settlement in RMB has surged in recent years, largely due to a number of currency swap agreements that China entered with its trade partners. The countries China had swap agreement before Nigeria are the United Kingdom, Belarus, Malaysia, South Africa, Australia, Armenia, Surinam, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Thailand, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Canada, Qatar, Rus-

sia, the European Union, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, New Zealand, Argentina, Switzerland, Iceland, Albania, Hungary, Brazil, Singapore, Turkey, Ukraine, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, and the United Arab Emirates, totalling RMB3.137 trillion. China has a trade volume of RMB10.747 trillion with the 31 countries with which it has currency swaps. Since the RMB is still not an international reserve currency, bilateral currency swap agreements help enable trade settlement in RMB with the added benefits of improving operational efficiency, lowering transaction costs, and ensuring market confidence.

If the Nigeria’s agreement with the ICBC has the authorisation of the PBOC, China’s central bank, Nigeria would have joined South Africa and other advanced economies and emerging markets that have signed such deals with China

Experts say that in this regard that Nigeria badly needs the agreement with China at this moment of its national history, as the Africa’s largest economy struggles to overcome the challenges of dwindling revenue that can hardly pay for its imports. Information provided by the Peoples Bank of China (PBOC) showed that the country had bilateral currency swap agreements with 31 central banks for varying sums at the end of 2015. PBOC stated that those swap agreements were intended not only to “stabilize the international financial market,” but also to “facilitate bilateral trade and investment.” Experts say if the Nigeria’s agreement with the ICBC has the authorisation of the PBOC, China’s central bank, Nigeria would have joined South Africa and other advanced economies and emerging markets that have signed such deals with China since 2008. Aside the expected medium term benefit of witling down the dominance of the dollar on the Nigerian economy, Sunday CO N T I N U E D O N PAGE 44

FHA to partner Turkish companies on housing delivery Dayo Ayeyemi

he Federal Housing Authority (FHA) will partner with Turkish companies to facilitate the realization of the Federal Government’s housing development target, Managing Director of the authority, Professor Mohammed Al-Amin, has said. Al-Amin, on a visit to the Turkish Embassy in Abuja said he was there as a follow-up to the recent visit to President Muhammadu Buhari by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. He noted that that housing featured prominently in the discussion between the two presidents on areas of possible economic cooperation between the two nations during the visit. The FHA boss said the Federal government proposed to build one million housing units yearly as a way of combating Nigerian’s estimated 17 million housing deficit. According to the plan, he said it was envisaged that the federal and state governments would build 250, 000 housing units each while the balance of 500, 000 would be taken up by domestic and foreign investors. He said the federal government had matched its words with action by passing a budget of N44 billion to take care of its own commitment which would consist solely of social housing units.

SUNDAY APRIL24, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Business Heineken starts year strongly, but cautious on Nigeria

L-R: Executive Vice President, Animal Care, Mrs. Agbato Olufunmilayo; Ajiran of Ojomu Land/Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Oba Akinsateru Akinloye; Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Prince Adetoyi Olabode and Guest Speaker/General Manager, Natnudo Foods Nigeria Limited, Mr. Toromade Francis, during a Stakeholders meeting of the Poultry Association of Nigeria in Lagos...recently PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

FG, states, LGAs share lowest revenue since 2014

he Federal Government shared N299.75 billion with 36 states and local government areas of the country for the month of March — the lowest total revenue for the three tiers since global oil price began to decline late 2014.

The allocation was N39.12 billion less than the N338.77 billion shared in February. The Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, said in his secretariat report at the end of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC meeting in Abuja on Thursday that gross statutory revenue received for the month was about N232.62 billion, against N270.5 billion received in the previous month. Although the usual problem of disruption of oil production continued as a result of shutins and shut-down of oil

•N299.75bn for three tiers of govt facilities for repairs and routine maintenance during the month, Idris said there was slight increase in output, resulting in a marginal income due to a 10 per cent drop in crude oil price. He said the drop in average price of crude oil from $43.40 in November to $39.04 in December 2015 accounted for about $22.55 million loss in revenue for the month. Besides, he said there was a significant drop in revenue from the petroleum profit tax, PPT, from the multi-national oil companies and the corporate income tax, CIT. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) paid the refund of N6.33 billion to the Federal Government in respect of the N450 billion revenue indebtedness to FAAC, which also real-

ized an exchange gain of N2.9 billion to be distributed among the three tiers of government. The balance in the excess crude revenue account grew marginally from $2.26 billion to $2.3 billion. The stark reality of the decline in global oil prices continued to stare in the faces of the states, with most of them continuing to struggle to meet basic obligations to their workers and provision of social services with reduced allocations. Details from the meeting showed that the Federal Government, which collected about N127.2 billion in February as 52.68 per cent of the total revenue, would have to make do with a reduced ration of N109.11 billion for the month. Equally, states, en-

titled to 26.72 per cent, will only collect N55.34 billion this month, as against the N64.52 billion they collected the previous month, while local governments, which took N49.4 billion in February for 20.6 per cent of the total revenue would share only N42.67 billion for the month. The nine oil producing states will share only N19.75 billion as 13 per cent derivation for the month as against the N22.78 billion went received in February. Out of a total additional earning from the value added tax, VAT of N61.67 billion, the federal government got N9.25 billion, or 15 per cent; states N30.83 billion, or 50 per cent, and local government N21.58 billion, or 35 per cent.

Nigeria’s currency woes linger amid Naira/Yuan swap deal CON TINUED FR O M PAGE 43

Telegraph was told that the short term benefit of the deal to Nigeria would be the fall in the value of the dollar from the official rate of N197 to N180 to USD1, that is if the N30.75 to RMB1 rate has been adopted. Naira on Thursday exchanged at N30.75 to RMB1. But Yuan and dollar is about RMB6 to USD1. “We could circumvent the use of the dollar in our international trade by dealing

eineken, the world’s third-largest brewer, sold far more beer than expected in the first quarter, helped by growth in Vietnam, the Chinese New Year and an earlier Easter bringing forward sales in Europe and the Americas. The brewer of Heineken, Europe’s top lager, Tiger and Sol retained its full-year forecast, but said currency developments continued to weigh on results and warned of difficulties in Nigeria due to the lower oil price. The Dutch brewer, set to be dwarfed by market leader Anheuser-Busch In impending $100 billion (70 billion pounds) plus purchase of SABMiller, said beer volumes rose by a like-for-like 7.0 per cent to 43.5 million hectolitres, well above the median 41.3 million hectolitres in a Reuters poll. Sales were higher in all regions, with growth of 23 per cent in Asia-Pacific and expansion in the Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe region, against expectations of a slight dip. Excluding Nigeria, volumes would have been down in the latter zone. However, Heineken said underlying trading conditions in Nigeria were tough and the lower oil price hitting consumers, who were opting more for cheaper brands. “It is becoming increasingly challenging to obtain hard currency in the market, and the uncertainty regarding a possible devaluation of the naira continues to impact the business adversely,” Heineken said. It added that it would be more difficult in future quarters to register growth after a first three months flattered by comparison with a weak start to 2015 due to an election. Overall, Heineken has said it expects revenue and profit growth this year excluding scope and currency changes, with margin expansion in line with its medium-term target of about 40 basis points per year.

in yuan. Using the cross rate in our transactions, would also improve Nigeria’s international financial transactions. If N30=RMB1 and RMB6=$1. Cross rate 11 be the answer in effect N30 multiply by 6= N180,” an analyst said on Thursday. Another analyst said since Nigeria buys most of its goods from China (about 70 per cent), so Nigeria will now pay for the goods it buys from China in yuan, the Chinese currency. “They buy our crude oil and pay in yuan,” he said.

“And that’s not the end of the story. As we begin to deal in the yuan, the demand for dollars would plummet and this in turn would weaken the dollar. It would crash to around N140 to the dollar,” he added. The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Cowrie Investment Limited, Johnson Chukwu explained that the currency swap scheme would address, on a short-term basis, the current liquidity challenge in the nation’s

foreign exchange market. He said: “I think that Nigeria’s overriding objective for the currency swap is to address short-term foreign currency liquidity challenges which have led to CBN’s inability to meet foreign currency demands. With the currency swap, depending on the value, a significant portion of Nigeria’s import bills from China would now be denominated and settled in yuan, thereby reducing the demand for dollars by Nigeria’s importers.

Enelemah

MTN lost 1.4% subscribers in Q1

TN Group Limited’s subscriber numbers fell during the first quarter as disconnections ordered by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), its biggest market, curbed the growth of Africa’s largest wireless operator. MTN’s customer base decreased by 1.4 per cent to about 229 million across 22 countries in the three months through March, compared with the previous quarter, the Johannesburg-based company said in a statement this week. The company cut its guidance for the full year to 11.95 million net additions from 12.5 million. “In order to mitigate any future regulatory challenges, the group took an exceptionally conservative stance by disconnecting all subscribers who could possibly be deemed to be non-compliant,” Bloomberg quoted its Executive Chairman, Phuthuma Nhleko to have said in the statement. “This has had a significant unfavourable impact on total subscriber growth and revenue in the first quarter,” he added. MTN was fined a record $5.2 billion in Nigeria last year for missing a deadline to disconnect subscribers, whom the government had deemed unregistered amid a crackdown on security. The company is still in negotiations about settling the penalty, which was later reduced to $3.9 billion. Nhleko returned to the company he used to run in November to handle the dispute after Chief Executive Officer Sifiso Dabengwa resigned. The shares declined as much as 2.7 per cent before reversing to trade 2.2 percent higher at 151.11 rand by 9:29 a.m. in Johannesburg, valuing the company at 277 billion rand ($19 billion). The stock has lost about 21 per cent of its value since the Nigeria penalty was announced in October, “We expected a drop in subscribers in Nigeria during the first quarter, even though the drop was bigger than expected,” Arqaam Capital analyst Tibor Bokor said by phone from Dubai.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 24, 2016

Business/ INTERVIEW

Amaechi should sanitise Maritime Academy, says Ebong As one with not less three decades experience in maritime manpower training in Nigeria, can you set a training agenda for the Transport Minister? This is a very critical issue you just raised. I want to say that the immediate economic rescue for the nation’s economy rests on getting things in the sector right. If the government recognises that the maritime sector is the place to look up to for economic advancement, they will be running to come out with policy statements and quick implementation agenda, not only for training but for the entire maritime industry. I have written several papers on this issue. I have attended several NIMAREX events at the end of which communiqués were made and sent to government to consider. But these documents are not looked into by our policy makers. I have stopped attending such events. Now, when I get such invitations, I tell them that I don’t have time. If we set a well defined industry agenda to include well articulated manpower development plan in the sector, within a very short time we will be reaping bountifully from it. I have said it severally that a fully developed maritime industry can generate revenue for the country up to three times what we are getting from oil now. Unfortunately, nobody is listening. Look at world economic powers, they are maritime powers. An example is China. When I visited China as a guest to the Chinese government in 2010 and they took us to the port of Shanghai, my brother, I opened my mouth and could not close it. I was wondering if the things I was seeing were happening on the surface of the earth. They were building new ports and rapidly expanding maritime infrastructure. It was the day we arrived that they were commissioning a new maritime university in Shanghai. People came from all over the world to see what the Chinese were doing. I saw a very beautiful and well equipped maritime university, one of the best I have ever seen on the surface of the earth. Here we have only one academy in Oron, that was established 39 years ago and it is still crawling.

Chief Nseyen Ekanem Ebong is a former Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron. In this interview with PAUL OGBUOKIRI, he explains strategies for the immediate elevation of the country’s foremost maritime training institution, to a university do. We dedicated ourselves to the work of the academy even when we knew we had no money. We started with nothing. For the first two years of my substantive position as Rector in 2003, the Federal Government allocated N100, 000,000 to the academy. From the beginning to the end of the year, they didn’t release one kobo of that money to the academy. In 2004 they allocated same amount to us for capital projects and nothing was released. So for two years, no amount of money was given to us for capital project in the academy. These were the conditions under which we struggled. It was news to me that the administration that came after me got about N13 billion from NIMASA in about four years. We never heard or got such amount during my time. In fact, from the inception of the academy to 2011 when I left, the total amount of money given to the academy was not up to that amount. Any challenges? One of the challenges we had was community interference. You cannot blame the people much because of the environment in which the academy is located. There is no Federal presence in Oron apart from the academy. There are no industries there. Some members of the community look at the academy as their only industry. You cannot blame the community for poking their nose in the affairs of the academy because they are also stakeholders. How did I manage the community involvement? I started by forming what we called community relations committee. I was the first person to do that. The committee comprised of members of the community and senior management members of the academy. I chaired it. We used the committee for conflicts resolution and bridged all communication gaps between the academy and the community. When we have problems we discuss it there. We bring up things like financial constraints and challenges of inadequate funding to their knowledge. I hear the committee still exists. I started it

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria will be 40 next year and from records, you were the Rector of the Academy for 10 years. How were you able to last that long in that position when those before or after you are So we had all kinds of challenges like poor nowhere close to that record? finances, poor allocation, non release of You are right, by next year, MAN Oron funds and others. will be 40 years and I was its Rector for one It was under Umar Yar’Adua that we quarter of that period. How did I do it? I had the entire allocation of funds released will not say I had special privileges than the to the academy. I see the Yar’Adua’s adminothers or that I worked harder than other istration as one of the best in this country, CEOs of the academy. Not that I did some if you ask me. Why do I say so? For the special things that others couldn’t do. first time in the history of the academy we One thing I know worked to my advan- had 100 percent budgetary allocations for tage was that I grew up in the system and capital projects released. After him, it didn’t understood how it works. It was from the happen again. It was under him that my Academy I went to Malmo (World Mari- salary as Rector that was between N300, time University). While in Malmo, I had the opportunity to visit several maritime We training institutions around the world dedicated ourselves and I decided within me that when to the work of the academy I return to Nigeria, I will make my academy look like what I saw in even when we knew we had no those countries I visited. money. We started with nothing. For I directed our human rethe first two years of my substantive sources focus towards inposition as Rector in 2003, the Federal ternational standards and global best practices without Government allocated N100, 000,000 to compromising the laws under the academy. From the beginning to the which I operated as Rector. end of the year, they didn’t release We really worked hard. The highest number of hours I had to one kobo of that money to the myself for sleep daily was not more academy than five hours. There was nothing like leave for me because there was so much to

000 and N400, 000 was increased to close to about one million naira. Not only that, he also backdated the implementation date to January 2007. When I saw my arrears, I fainted. What woke me up was the realisation that I should not die but live to enjoy the fruit of my labour. Successive Rectors have complained of hostility from the host community do you think maritime training objectives be achieved under such situation? During my tenure, I emphasised to the staff and the community that the academy needed peace to attract national support. I pointed out to them that where a community is seen to be hostile, you could have wild reaction. Let me give you a story, I appeared before the Senate Committee on Marine Transport to defend my budget many years back. One of the senators asked me that I want him to cooperate with me to approve a budget for me to run a Maritime Academy of Akwa Ibom. He didn’t call it Maritime Academy of Nigeria He went further to ask me to show him records of employment of his people in the academy and admission list. I defended myself. Other Nigerians take an interest in what happens there. The need for the community to go out of its way to ensure that peace reigns and every Nigerian working in that environment has a sense of belonging cannot be overemphasised. I used to tell the chiefs in the community during my time as Rector not to test the will of the Federal Government. If the government thinks the lives of employees and cadets are unsafe in the place, it can relocate the academy. They listened to me. As a fellow indigene of Akwa Ibom, they understood we are brothers talking to them as one of them. So what do you think is the solution to this distraction? I want to make a categorical statement. The Transport Minister should apply the Kachikwu NNPC treatment on the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. Some of the principal officers have constituted themselves to powers and principalities. If they are not removed, the academy will not grow. Just as

Ebong

Kachikwu overhauled the national oil company, that academy needs fresh blood for new vision and direction if it must deliver world class maritime training in Nigeria. Instead of us as a country to be talking of making that place a maritime university, everyone working there are busy struggling over what they want to get and what they want to become in the academy. As a graduate of the World Maritime University, I can tell you that the focus now should be a full university status offering courses relevant to modern shipping needs. How can this be achieved? There should be an interim administrative structure that should do four things. One is to integrate the structure of training to fit into the university arrangement. You can have somebody doing nautical science for five years. Four years spent in school and one year for sea time to meet the international requirement of STCW. He comes out and collects a certificate of competency with a B.Sc degree in Nautical Science. That is what is happening in other parts of the world. I suggested to the Jonathan government on how to go about it, now I am doing so again. When I read what some persons who are not current about this issue write advocating degree awarding without university status, I laugh. Two, the committee should advertise and appoint a Vice Chancellor. Three, advertise and appoint a Registrar and four, admit the first set of degree students into the university. The proposal by the last administration of Akwa Ibom State presented to former President Goodluck Jonathan for the upgrade of the academy to a university was written by me. I understand that it was approved by Jonathan.

Business

Paul Ogbuokiri he Federal Government has clarified that putting on hold deductions from the monthly allocations to states in respect of repayments for their salary assistance loans should not be mistaken for a bail-out. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday announced during the 66th meeting of the National Economic Council, NEC in Abuja that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the suspension of the deductions from the allocation for March 2016. Mr. Osinbajo had explained that the presidential gesture was to give states that benefited from the loans a breather, as they continue to grapple with recent pressures on their finances in the face of dwindling monthly revenue allocations as a result of declining global oil prices. The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, had told the

SUNDAY APRIL24, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

States’ debt repayment deferral not bail-out – Adeosun Council that about N689.5 billion had so far been disbursed as salary assistance loans to the benefiting states, while additional N310 billion was disbursed as Excess Crude Accountbacked loans. But, at the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC, meeting, representatives of the 36 states governments went home sad, as they were handed parlous shares from a total N299.75 billion statutory allocation for the month, the lowest allocations in more than five years. Details of the allocations showed that the states, which took home about N64.52 billion in February, were to share only N55.34 billion, representing 26.72 per cent of the total revenue for the month. The Federal Ministry of

Finance said on Thursday that the lean revenue allocation was not only as a result of the crisis in the global oil market, but also a reflection of the seasonally low collection period for the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). At the moment, the ministry said at least 27 states were struggling to meet their obligations, particularly to their workers, most of who have had to go for several months without salary. Latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS painted a bleak por-

trait of the revenue situation of the states, with only 11 of the 36 states of unable to improve their 2014 internally generated revenue, IGR, records in 2015. Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun said the deferment of a total of N10.9 billion obligatory repayments due to the Federal Government from the states in respect of their restructured loan obligations was informed by this reality. “We (federal government) are not able to guarantee that all states will be able to meet their salary obligations, as each state’s

situation is dependent on its own cost profile and other obligations it may have, but this initiative is to better position them to do so,” the minister explained. Although all states would benefit from the relief package for March, Mrs. Adeosun said any further deferrals would be subject to the agreement of a Fiscal Restructuring Plan to be prepared by each state with clear measurable objectives. She said her ministry was keen to ensure that the programme of financial

discipline by the federal government was replicated in all tiers of government, including elimination of payroll fraud and increased efficiency in spending overheads. “Enhanced financial transparency by the publication of audited accounts and submission of debt profile may also be required. Moving states towards fiscally sustainable practices is a key objective of the federal government to ensure that Nigeria recovers from the current economic challenge,” the minister explained.

Naira was strong until my removal in 1985 –Buhari P resident Muhammadu Buahri on Friday said Nigeria’s currency, naira, was strong during his military regime but lost value after his removal from office in 1985. Speaking at a meeting with members of the Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries, Mr. Buhari said he resisted the pressure from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to devalue the currency and remove fuel subsidy. He insisted that he was yet to be convinced that the vast majority of ordinary Nigerians would derive any tangible benefit from a devaluation of the naira. The president said he still held the conviction that motivated his principled resistance to devaluation in his first tenure as Head of State. “When I was military Head of State, the IMF and the World Bank wanted us devalue the naira and remove petrol subsidy but I stood my grounds for the good of Nigeria. “The naira remained strong against the dollar and other foreign currencies until I was removed from office in August, 1985 and it was devalued. “But how many factories were built and how many jobs were created by the devaluation? “That is why I’m still asking to be convinced today on the benefits of devaluation,” Mr. Buhari told the retired Permanent Secretaries led by Christopher Tugbobo.

Mr. Buhari welcomed the council’s pledge of support for the successful implementation of his administration’s change agenda, especially in the priority areas of improving security, curbing corruption and revitalizing the nation’s economy. “I am glad you have rightly identified the key issues we campaigned on. “We need a dynamic bureaucracy, which will not mislead us into taking wrong decisions,” the president said. The Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries was established in 2004 to serve as a platform for retired permanent secretaries to offer constructive advice to government on key policy issues. Philip Asiodu, the pioneer chairman of the council, said its members want the present administration to succeed because Nigeria had already lost many opportunities for progress. “We are non-partisan. The interest of Nigeria is paramount to us and we are anxious that you should succeed,” Mr. Asiodu told the president.

Buhari

L-R: Legal Counsel to Arik Air, Miss Jacinta Obinugwu; Mr. Emeka Nwigwe; Managing Director, Mr. Chris Ndulue and Chairman, Sir Joseph Arumemi Ikhide, during a press conference to address the grounding of their operations by FAAN Union, on the alleged indebtedness to FAAN, in Lagos... recently PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

Oil jumps 2%, heads for third week of gains

il prices jumped more than 2 per cent on Friday and were poised for a third week of gains as market sentiment turned more upbeat amid signs a persisting global supply glut may be easing. Strong gasoline consumption in the United States, increasing signs of declining production around the world and oilfield outages have underpinned a return to investment in the sector, traders said. “The current rally is driven by a market sentiment that is becoming more and more convinced that the worst is over and the global oil mar-

ket rebalancing process is already in play,” said Dominick Chirichella, se-

nior partner at the Energy Management Institute in New York. Brent crude futures LCOc1 jumped 2.1 per cent to $45.45 per barrel as of 10:44 a.m. ET (1431 GMT). U.S. West Texas Intermediate CLc1 crude was up 2 per cent at $44.07 a barrel. Brent has surged about 6 percent so far this week and WTI 9.7 per cent as both benchmarks headed for a third week of gains. Crude is up more than two-thirds since its 2016 lows between January and February. Traders also pointed to strong crude imports to China in March as providing support to prices. Still, some analysts

warned that the oil market was still far from balancing supply and demand. “While this recent rally has the potential to run further to the upside ... we believe that it is not yet driven by a sustainable shift in fundamentals,” Goldman Sachs said in a note to clients. The Wall Street bank maintained its view that a sustainable balancing of the market, driven by declines in U.S. shale oil production, would take place in the third quarter of 2016. Another supportive factor has been producers taking advantage of higher prices by locking in output. French investment bank Natixis said they expect producers in the U.S. to take every opportunity to ag-

gressively hedge as soon as oil prices recover for short periods of time. Falling output, especially in the United States, where many producers have reeled from an up to 70 percent oil price rout since 2014, has also helped to lift the market. Natixis said it expected U.S. oil production to drop by at least 500,000 to 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year, compared with 2015, and by another 500,000 bpd in 2017. Despite the recent rally, oil markets remain oversupplied as between 1 and 2 million barrels of crude are being pumped out of the ground every day in excess of demand, leaving storage tanks around the world filled to the brim with unsold fuel.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 24, 2016

Auto beat Motoring tips

What to do after driving through the flood

Nissan Patrol redesigned old nameplate with futuristic look

Paul Ogbuokiri issan is intensifying the cosmetic makeover in its entire product line-up to starve-off competition and essentially uphold the status of the Nissan Patrol SUV as one of the best-known and longest established nameplates on the global 4WD (four-wheel drive) scene. Now redesigned with an unprecedented zest and ergonomics, the more than sixdecade-old nameplate has returned with a futuristic look that stands out for its unique combination of the most recent technologies and new design DNA. Assembled in Nigeria at Stallion NMN plant in Lagos, the new Y62 Patrol as it’s fondly called epitomises Nissan’s tagline: ‘Innovation that excites.’ Erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan acknowledged the ergonomics and adroitness of the made-in-Nigeria Y62 Patrol when he, in company of some government officials, took delivery of the Patrol in Abuja two years ago. He said then: “I’m quite happy that Nissan has demonstrated the reality of exporting cars from Nigeria is possible which suggests we can soon as a na-

tion export vehicles to other parts of the world.” Nissan says the new Patrol adapts to the needs of consumers by breaking away from its “utilitarian off-roader” status to become an urbane-friendly SUV with far more refined proposition that offers a dramatically improved ride quality and fuel economy than its predecessor. Stallion NMN head of sales and marketing Mr. Amit Sharma attested to the Patrol’s expediency, saying: “The new Y62 Patrol isn’t the previous workhorse but a technologically savvy SUV imbued with all the expediency of a luxury sedan. “Just as the new Patrol easily conquers a long uphill task with its exceptionally modified V8 torque, so does its multimode grip compensate for rocks and loose sand when driven on rough roads and in deep water.” He said the new Nissan Patrol is undoubtedly one of Nissan’s most revolutionary designs ever in the Patrol’s 62-year history and it incorporates the most innovative, highest quality, highest value luxury SUV in Nissan history. Compared with Toyota’s Land Cruiser 200 Series, the new Patrol offers substantial ground clearance of 283mm which is

58mm greater than rear axle Land Cruiser 200 Series. The Patrol also matches Toyota’s maximum wading depth of 700mm, but breathes through the left-side guard vent, simplifying the fitment of an aftermarket snorkel. Naturally aspirated, the Y62 Patrol comes equipped with a big V8 engine that delivers 298kw of power and 560Nm of torque - 90 per cent of which is available from just 1,600 rpm that can make 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.6 seconds. International test drivers say the Patrol’s engine is undeniably a driver’s delight with an advanced seven-speed automatic transmission with sophisticated and electronically controlled all-mode 4X4 system. “When in auto mode for instance, the torque splits between the front and rear wheels on a 50/50 variable basis depending on road surfaces and at the touch of a button, a switch activates 4WD high for semi-serious off-road conditions or 4WD low for the really heavy stuff,” one of the drivers unanimously explained. The Patrol SUV is certainly fun to drive. It offers four terrain options: sand, snow, rock and on-road - at the touch of a button and so it, is in-hill descent and rear differential locks.

Ford marks Global Mustang Day

he hype surrounding the Ford Mustang before it was launched in 1964 was unlike anything Ford had ever experienced. The concept vehicle was put on show and numerous pictures were circulated to the worldwide press, leading to thousands of letters pouring in from across the globe from people wanting to know if Ford was really going to build this dream machine. This in turn created the opportunity for Ford’s very first International Press Introduction of an automobile on April 13, 1964. The event was broadcast to 11 European cities and covered by over 2,000 reporters. Ford Executive, Lee Iacocca, who spearheaded the development of the Mustang, introduced it as a new line for Ford, with versatility as its key attribute. The Mustang was to be an economical, compact car with the style of an expensive European model along with high performance capabilities – the muscle car as we know it today. “We don’t claim the Mustang is a uni-

versal car, or that it can be all things to all people,” Iacocca told the press. “But we do believe the Mustang will be more things to more people than any other automobile on the road…We like to think that in the process we have achieved a new dimension in American motoring – perhaps in world motoring.” Four days later, on April 17, 1964, the Mustang went on sale and the demand and the hype for Ford’s new baby skyrocketed. Mustang sales were huge: 22,000 cars on the first day, 418,810 Mustangs in the first year, and two years later more than a million Ford Mustangs were on the road. The all-new Mustang has received a similar reception: according to global IHS Automotive registration data, during the first six months of 2015 the Mustang was the best-selling sports car in the world. Customers globally registered 76,124 vehicles. Then the Mustang beat its rivals in Germany to become the top-selling sports car on the autobahns for March 2016.

Ford Mustang

After driving through a flooded road, it is likely your brakes become less effective. First thing to do is test your brake while driving at a speed of less than 30 km/hour. If the brakes are in order, keep going. If otherwise, it means you need to clean water off the surfaces of your brake pads. How do your do this? Simple. Cleaning the Brake: Take off normally Cruising on second gear at a speed of not more than 30km/hour, press the brake pedal slightly without lifting your foot off acceleration pedal. Continue accelerating and braking at the same time. After a while, test the brake again without accelerating. If not yet effective enough, go through the process once again and test your brake. Once it is all normal, continue your journey as normal. To avoid any problem at all, you are better off listening to weather forecast daily and avoid travelling in your vehicle, if it is going to rain heavily. As you drive this raining season, please be careful.

A car is as safe as its driver You shouldn’t buy a car to compensate for lackadaisical driving. Just because you have a rear-view camera or blindspot warning system doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look over your shoulder when backing or changing lanes. If you have extra money to spend, an advanced driver safety programme is a great investment in safety

Check the tires Most new and gently used cars have roadworthy tires but it never hurts to check. A worn middle section means the car was driven with overinflated tires. Underinflated tires cause wear on both edges of the tread, with little wear in the centre. Tread wear on one edge means a car was driven with wheels out of alignment. Erratic tire wear can indicate a host of problems including worn-out shock absorbers or suspension.

SUNDAY APRIL24, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Business

WHAT IS POTASSIUM?

Clinical Consultant pharmacist EMMANUEL A.NWANKWO agmerendis@yahoo.com

08148877648 (SMS only) WHAT IS POTASSIUM? Answer: Potassium is a very important mineral in the human body. It is one of the main blood minerals called electrolyte which conducts electricity to all the cells of the body. WHAT DOES IT DO TO THE BODY? Potassium is found in red blood cells, muscles and bones. Potassium is a mineral the body needs for the proper function of all cells, tissues and organs of the body. About 98% of potassium is found inside the cell while sodium (salt) is found outside the cell body. Studies show that potassium is important in nutrients, metabolism and protein synthesis which helps the tissues to grow well. There is always a balance of potassium, sodium and magnesium in our body to regulate the balance of water and acidbase in our blood, body tissues, which helps with muscle contraction and regulation of our heart beats. Therefore sufficient level of potassium is very important for our body’s growth, muscle building, muscle contraction and relaxation because most of the potassium in the body is located in the muscles. Potassium is very important for our heart to beat properly and for all our nerves to function properly. Helps in preventing bone disease (osteoporosis) in elderly women. Potassium acids in muscle contraction. When your body lacks potassium, you start experiencing frequent leg cramps and other muscle cramps. Solution to this cramp is consuming a banana every day because it contains a lot of potassium. It is important to check your potassium when you visit your doctor for routine check.

Having too much potassium in the body is called Hyperkalemia What can cause too much potassium in our body (Hyperkalemia) 1. Kidney problem (when the kidney is not functioning well) 2. Stomach Bleeding 3. Major infection When the kidney is healthy, potassium helps in its regulation by assisting the kidney in the removal of waste through excretion. THINGS THAT CAN DECREASE POTASSIUM LEVEL Low potassium level is very common especially in older people and people with chronic diseases e.g. HIV, Alcoholics and people with eating disorders. Fatigue is the most common symptom of chronic, low potassium in the body; we may also have muscles weakness, dry skin, irregular heart beat, insomnia etc Low potassium level is very common especially in older people and people with chronic disease like HIV, Alcoholics and people with eating disorder. It is important to know that these things will decrease potassium level in the body such as Alcohol, Coffee (caffeine Drinks), Sugar, Drugs (diuretics), Processed foods, Excess urination (removes a lot of potassium through the kidney) and Excess sweating (heat wave) That is why when you perspire or sweat a great deal, we have to replace our fluid with orange/ banana juice or vegetable juice that contains a lot of potassium 1. Vomiting / mal nutrition 2. Diarrhea/ children diarrhea 3. Stomach problems Therefore infants with Diarrhea must be watched very closely. Low potassium level in the body is called Hypokalemia. NATURAL SOURCES OF POTASSIUM According to Health experts the

most important sources of potassium are Green vegetables (lettuce, parsley, spinach), Tomatoes, Potatoes especially potato skin and Citrus fruits, vegetables and fruits oranges grains, banana, mango cantaloupe apple, avocado pears, all citrus fruits. Whole grains, wheat, nuts, fish, stock fish meat, plantain herbs, red clover beans and peas Some drugs that decrease potassium levels in the body are Diuretics (water pills), Excess use of laxatives, Steroids/ anti-inflaminatory, Aspirin and Antacids If you are taking a Diuretics of drugs that can make you loose water it is importance to check your potassium level with your doctor/ care giver. HOW MUCH POTASSIUM DO WE NEED DAILY? Answer: According to USA department .of Agriculture we need about (4.7 gm) or 4700mg of potassium daily to maintain a healthy adult well being. And 3000mg-3800mg of potassium for children between 1 year to 8 years old. The best way to get this potassium is to add high potassium fruit and vegetable to our daily diet. Studies shows that there is a good link between diet rich in potassium and good bone health especially for elderly women. Therefore eating fruit and vegetables with high level of potassium strengthens and prolongs bone life. Patients’ right to know that people with hyperkalemia (to high potassium) should not take potassium supplements. Also people with kidney damage should not take potassium supplements and should not take excess potassium because the kidney is the main organ that controls the balance of potassium by removing the excess into the urine. Do not give potassium supplement to child except authorized by his/her Doctor/ care giver.

BRIEFS

JCI, LAWMA mark World Environment Day Edwin Usoboh

non-governmental organization, Junior Chamber International (JCI), in collaboration with the Lagos Waste management Authority, (LAWMA), yesterday, cleaned up Lagos to celebrate the World Environment Day. The group, which converged at the Palace of Oba of Ikeja, Prince Adekunle Isiaka Apena, the Regent to Stool of Olu of Ikejaland before taking to the street of Ipodo to sweep and clean the gutters, also held a public sensitisation seminar. Speaking at the event, JCI’s Director of Project, Gabriella Asisah said the clean up exercise was part of the NGO’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) to its immediate community, especially as the world celebrated environment day. He said, “This is one of our numerous CSR initiatives. We have decided to take this exercise to different communities in Ikeja and its environs. Usually, before we go to any particular community, we write the community and meet with key players in the community before going to carry out the exercise. “As it’s in our practice, after such exercise, we keep coming checking from time to time to ensure that what we have done is been put in practice by the people of the community. So, we will be coming to ensure that what we did today (Yesterday) is being followed.” He noted that the NGO is not relenting in its quest to improve any community discovered to be in need in Ipodo, saying that they are moving on to other communities to educate and enlighten the people about the need to keep the environment clean. However, the representative of the LAWMA, Mrs. Uluoma Sunja, who noted that the decision to support the JCI hinged on the fact that the NGO is helping LAWMA to do its work, said LAWMA was happy and proud of the move as the young people are churning a good course to clean up their environment. It could be recalled recently that the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, issued a statement, saying that the Lagos State Government is still keen on the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

OKWUDIRISM: My Success Quotes (11) Success Nuggets Victor Okwudiri 08037674300 (SMS only)

wrong step is not the best way to correct a previous wrong step. As a man, abandoning a girl you got pregnant out of wedlock, just to save your ‘reputation’ only makes you worse. Sometimes, in running away from our mistakes, we make more mistakes. Sometimes, in running away from our ERRORS, we, unknown to us, unleash more TERRORS on our destinies. Responsibility is bracing up to your mistakes. Your THROW-AWAY might be someone else’s TAKE-AWAY. Think twice before you sell your acres of diamond in search of an illusive gold mine. I said so. The opportunity you abuse today, you may never get again. I am not a professor of the “opportunity comes but once” school of thought. No! Opportunities lost CAN come again, but the truth is: some opportunities lost MAY never come again. The stigma associated with some things only last a moment. Learn to endure momentary shame. If you can endure stigma while it tem-

Life does not necessarily give you what you deserve, but what you demand of it. Friend, life is waiting for you to make a demand on it by a dint of hard work and practical responsibility porarily lasts, you will become a glorious testimony tomorrow. The filth of the STORY makes for the weight of the GLORY. The extent of the PAIN makes for the value of the GAIN. The STIGMA of today can be a SIGNAL of tomorrow’s greatness. The outcome of our lives have a lot to do with our perspectives. Instead of killing yourself because of the stigma of what society brands ‘unwanted pregnancy,’ see it as a proof of your fertility and a blessing from God, particularly for their old age. Friend, instead of SEEING the stigma, SEE THROUGH the stigma. Instead of letting that stigma weigh you down, let it be a spring board that will spur you up to greatness. THE LAW OF PERSPECTIVE is to the effect that if you change the way you see things, the things you see will change. You are responsible for your life and

destiny, not someone else. Stop looking for who to blame. BLAME will only make you LAME in the journey of destiny. A life lived in REVENGE is a life lived in REVERSE. This is because, the word ‘re’ is a prefix suggestive of doing something again or going back to something. From the above semantic analysis, we can infer that REVENGE runs one’s life on the reverse gear; it makes one live life ‘backward’. If you give in to revengeful instincts, PROGRESSION will give in to RETROGRESSION. The best directions in life are FORWARD and UPWARD. From Albert Einstein to Ben Carson, it has been practically proven times and over again that the one people WRITE OFF today can become the RIGHT STUFF tomorrow. If you don’t give up on yourself, those who LAUGHED AT you will LAUGH WITH someday. Life does not necessarily give you what you deserve, but what you demand of it. Friend, life is waiting for you to make a demand on it by a dint of hard work and practical responsibility. Make that demand consistently, from today, and life will answer to you. If Helen Keller and our own Yinka Ayefele, among others, did it, you too can rise above your seeming limitations. You will succeed. Please follow me on Twitter @VictorOkwudiri

L-R: Onyema Stephanie; Mrs Okeoghene Jooda; Mr. Lucky Oiwoh and Atimomo Sophia Roli; all of NB Plc during the raffle draw at Shoprite, Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, …recently.

Nigeria needs until June to repair Forcados pipeline - Kachikwu

epair work on a Nigerian pipeline feeding the key Forcados export terminal will last until June, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu has said. Unknown gunmen attacked the pipeline run by Royal Dutch Shell in February, reducing Nigeria’s oil output by some 250,000 barrels a day. Kachikwu also said Africa’s top crude producer hoped to sign by July agreements with foreign partners to overhaul three outdated refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna. NNPC started this week a tender to attract investors for the refineries, while also continuing talks with U.S. major Chevron, France’s Total and Italy’s ENI. “We expect that to last for about 12 months,” he said, referring to deals NNPC hopes to sign. “And we expect that by 2017 we should have all the refineries back where ... (they) ought to be.” Nigeria relies on fuel imports but is struggling to find the dollars to fund them due to a slump in oil revenues. “The refineries ... they are back, Port Harcourt, Warri have been supplied crude,” Kachikwu said. “We are also pumping to Kaduna and so by end of the May they will work.” Nigeria has given several dates for the resumption of the refineries.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY 24 APRIL 2016

Market Shrugs Off MSCI Exclusion Fears

he week was quite positive for the market, in stark contrast to the direction of activities in the year so far, as the NSEASI returned positive on three (3) of five (5) trading days. Consequently the NSEASI returned 0.53% WoW to peg the YtD return of the market at -13.24%. There were thirty-six (36) gainers and thirty-two (32) decliners to peg the market’s breadth at 1.13x. TIGERBRANDS led the gainers, after recording a +20.87% appreciation in price to NGN2.78. The ticker was closely followed by ETERNA, TRANSEXPR, LEARNAFRCA, and FCMB, after the tickers recorded respective gains of 20.37%, 14.14%, 12.50%, and 11.96%. On the flip side, LAWUNION (-18.03%), FIDELITYBK (-13.57%), UNHOMES (-9.58%), AIRSERVICE (-9.50%), and OKOMUOIL (-9.38%) populated the decliners’ list. Also, Q1:2016 earnings season commenced during the week, with fifteen (15) companies releasing numbers so far. Some of the companies which released included; CAP, GUARANTY, NB, UBA, and ZENITHBANK, while GUINNESS released 9M2016 numbers. Reviews of the results have been captured in respective sections to which these companies belong. MSCI recently declared, that on or before the 29th of April, 2016, an announcement would be made regarding its decision on the ‘treatment of MSCI Nigeria Indexes and other related indexes. It was noted that restrictions on foreign currency trading and deterioration in FX market liquidity, which have adversely impacted capital flows and market accessibility, were the primary reasons for the review of Nigeria’s position within the index. This could potentially see Nigeria reclassified to Standalone Market status While there is most definitely a possibility of exclusion of Nigeria from this index, the market was resurgent in the week, shrugging off fears of an exclusion, with significant gains recorded at midweek (+0.51%), and on the penultimate trading day of the week (+0.50%). While there is a possibility of a ‘potential mitigation plan’ from the CBN, considering that the value of funds tracking the index is equivalent to 37% of the nation’s foreign reserve, and 24% of the equities market capitalization, we highlight that no such plan was introduced following announcements by JPMorgan and Barclays regarding exclusions from their respective institutions bond indexes. Hence, in line with the recommendation in our report released on the 12th of April, 2016 regarding this subject matter, we still advise that our clients reduce their exposure to stocks which make up the index. This report reviews events in the current week, with emphasis on different segments of the financial market, while presenting our expectations for the coming week. Fixed Income: Yields Rise Across Instruments Inter-bank market rates trended northwards during the week, after NIBOR advanced by 0.97% on the average, to settle at 9.92% at the week’s end. A similar trend was witnessed in the money market space, as OBB and OVN rates climbed by 0.50% each, to peg the average MM rate at 4.75%. We opine that this may be related to thinning system liquidity given the increase in OMO auctions, and the Primary Market T-Bills Auction (for instruments worth NGN167.51bn) held during the week. Treasury bills yields advanced by 0.64% WoW, to peg the average yield at 8.14%. This increase in yields may be tied to market participants revising expectations given the spike in stop rates at the Primary Market Auction (PMA) held during the week. The stop rates for the 91-day, 182-day, and 364-

… NSEASI Advances by 0.53% WoW day bills at the PMA were at 7.88%, 8.99%, and 10.25% respectively. Similarly, Treasury bonds yields trended northwards across instruments, resulting in the average bond yield advancing by 0.47% WoW, to peg at 12.08%. We anticipate that this hike in yields may be due to the significant climb in the inflation figure for March to 12.80%, and allusions by the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, that this could consequently lead to a further upward revision in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR). The Naira weakened against the US Dollar in the week, depreciating by 0.23% WoW, to peg the mid-price at NGN199.29/USD at the end of the week. The local currency also stood steady at the parallel market, sustaining a mid-rate of NGN323/USD. Agric. Sector: Snaps Two Week Gaining Streak The Agric sector was further pressured in the week (MERI-AGRI index pared by 4.31% WoW), to snap a 2 week gaining streak. Consequently, the YtD return of the index pared to +1.22%. There were two (2) decliners and no advancers. The decliners were OKOMUOIL and LIVESTOCK, after the tickers declined by 9.38% and 5.21% respectively. The long term prospects of the sector remain good, as we expect medium term performances to be driven by continued focus on the sector by the government. Hence, we advise investors with long term horizons to consider the sector for investment. Banking Sector: Q1:2016 Results Begin to Flow In The banking sector finished the week strong, after appreciating by 3.84%, to mark a 2nd consecutive week of gains. Consequently, the index return pegged at –15.76% WoW. There were nine (9) gainers and five (5) decliners to peg the sector’s breadth at 1.80x. FCMB led the gainers, after appreciating in value by 11.96%, to peg its trading price at NGN1.03. The ticker was followed by DIAMONDBNK, ZENITHBANK, ETI, and STANBIC which recorded respective price appreciations of 8.46%, 6.11%, 5.98%, and 4.76%. On the other side, the decliners list was populated by FIDELITYBK (-13.57%), STERLNBNK (-3.85%), SKYEBANK (-1.03%), UBN (-0.42%), and FBNH (-0.30%). There was a steady influx of results during the week, with GUARANTY, UBA, UBN, and ZENITHBANK releasing Q1:2016 numbers. While the results were fair, a noticeable unifying theme emerged across the banks listed here (save for GUARANTY); declines in Gross Earnings. This was expected, given the relatively weaker income generation from non-funded sources, while

interest income growth has been tethered by prudent risk asset growth. GUARANTY recorded an 8.5% growth in Gross Earnings, while Profit-Before-Tax and Profit-After-Tax declined by 6.1% and 3.6% YoY accordingly. UBA recorded declines in Gross Earnings and Profit-BeforeTax of 10.8%, and 1.7% YoY accordingly, while Profit-After-Tax advanced marginally by 0.2% YoY. Similarly, UBN recorded a marginal 3 basis points decline in Gross earnings, while PBT and PAT advanced by 101.2% and 104.6% YoY respectively. Finally, ZENITHBANK recorded declines in Gross Earnings, Profit-Before-Tax and Profit-After-Tax of 12.3%, 3.0%, and 4.0% accordingly. Consumer Goods: TIGERBRANDS Leads Advancers The Consumer Goods sector, as measured by the NSEFBT10 index, returned -0.83% WoW, to push the Year-to-Date return to -21.43%. The sector’s breadth pegged at 0.75x; indicating six (6) advancers and eight (8) decliners for the week. The advancers for the week were led by TIGERBRANDS and DANGSUGAR, after the respective tickers advanced by 20.87% and 9.90% WoW. On the flip side, CHAMPION and PREMBREW declined the most, after the tickers recorded WoW returns of -9.35% and -4.75% accordingly. There were Q1:2016 results inflows during the week, which were largely positive, as many of the released results showed growths in Revenue and Earnings. Unilever Plc. (UNILEVER) recorded growths in Revenue, Profit-Before-Tax (PBT) and Profit-After-Tax (PAT) of 12.55%, 64.13% and 76.38% YoY accordingly. Also, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc. (DANGSUGAR) posted an impressive 3M2016 performance in the period, after recording a 44.82% YoY growth in Revenue, with PBT and PAT also advancing significantly by 34.62% and 40.63% YoY. Champion Breweries Plc.’s (CHAMPION) 3M2016 result showed a 15.17% YoY growth in Revenue, while PBT (+508.83% YoY) and PAT (520.74% YoY) grew at exponentially faster paces. Similarly, Nigerian Breweries Plc. (NB) 3M2016 scorecard showed that the Company recorded a 10.92% YoY increase in revenue, while PBT and PAT also advanced by 3.94% and 3.49% YoY accordingly, as trickle-down to the bottom-line was decimated by the 49.58% YoY hike in finance charges. Contrarily, Guinness Plc.’s (GUINNESS) 9M2016 scorecard revealed a revenue decline of 17.85% YoY, while PBT and PAT declined by 83.12% and 83.43% YoY respectively to NGN1.204bn and NGN0.864bn. During the week also, news inflow from the Management of Tiger Branded Con-

sumer Goods indicated that changes made by the previous management of the Company were to be revised. The most notable of which include; reverting the Company’s name back to Dangote Flour Mills Plc., and a return to a January-December financial calendar year. We are not optimistic of an uptick in the sector’s performance despite the impressive first quarter scorecards released. However, we opine that the largely positive results may start a shift in perception regarding the sector. Health Sector: Sector Breadth Settles at 0.50x After a relatively quiet week, the sector closed marginally negative (-0.02% WoW), as measured by our MERI-HLTH index. Furthermore, sector breadth for the week settled at 0.50x, reflecting a lone advancer compared to two (2) decliners. MAYBAKER (-6.67% WoW) and MORISON (-4.62% WoW) were the decliners, closing at NGN0.84 and NGN1.65 for the week. Contrarily, FIDSON was the only advancer, after gaining 2.38% to peg at NGN2.15. Activities in the sector remained relatively calm, and are expected to remain so over the coming weeks given a dearth of sector specific news flows to spur buy-side activities on the sector’s stocks. Industrial goods: Sector Enjoys Mild Rally Overall, the industrial goods sector witnessed mild trading sentiments, as the MeriIndustrial index closed the week relatively flat at +0.02%. Two (2) stocks apiece recorded price gains and losses during the week ended, while others closed the week flat. BERGER rebounded from previous week’s decline to emerge as the highest gainer for the week. The stock closed trading at NGN9.30; which represents a 9.15% appreciation from last week’s closing price. CCNN also recovered mildly from strong negative sentiments since the release of it FY2015 result, as the ticker appreciated by 1.00% to NGN7.10. PORTPAINT reversed last week’s gain following a 9.03% decline in share price. CUTIX continued to suffer sell sentiments, which pushed stock value down by 8.33% to NGN1.32. Chemical and Allied Products Plc (CAP) recently released its 3M2016 result which showed a 2.22% growth in Revenue and 13.21% decline in Profit after Tax (PAT). We traced the decline in PAT, despite higher revenue levels, to reduced cost efficiency following higher growths in production (13.21%) and Operating (2.94%) costs. Investor participation in the equities market has remained pressured this year owing to persistent negative economic news inflows. We do not anticipate a significant change in market mood, and as such do not expect the mild sector rally recorded this week to be sustained. Insurance Sector: Records Positive Showing, as NSEINS10 Climbs The positivity witnessed in the general equities market also impacted the insurance sector during the week. The sector’s performance, as measured by the NSEINS10 Index, showed a 2.59% WoW appreciation, to peg the YtD return at -6.70%. Sector breadth (2.00x) also skewed in favour of advancers (4) as against decliners (2). MANSARD led the gainers this week after the counter advanced by 10.29% WoW to close at NGN2.25. The counter was trailed by AIICO, NEM and CONTINSURE, after the tickers advanced by 8.33%, 3.90% and 0.99% respectively. Conversely, LAWUNION and CUSTODYINS populated the laggards’ chart, after the respective counters pared by 18.03% and 2.56% to settle at NGN0.50 and NGN3.80 accordingly.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 24, 2016

faith

‘Buhari should know he is President of Nigeria not EFCC Chairman’ Do you support clerics going into politics? It’s just like asking me if I support clerics working. Today you find clerics working in offices, companies and many organisations outside church; is politics not a job? People claim that politics is a dirty game but I don’t think it is. It is the people who play it that are dirty, even in the clerical profession, today when you say you are a pastor, people will just be staring at you, but the truth is politics is not a dirty game it is the players who don’t play by the rules, it is a good game. Daniel in the Bible held political office, People like Rev. Martin Luther King in America did not contest for any political office but he was able to bring political change. I don’t believe it is wrong for any citizen of a country to aspire to serve his nation, and don’t forget that pastors are also citizens of the nation and thus have the constitutional right to aspire to any political office. If you go back in time, the church once ruled most of Europe. Nigeria is broke. Can you react to it? Yes, Nigeria can’t be broke as long as we have human capacity. A nation with over 150 million minds can’t be said to be broke. It would be an issue of knowing what to do. The over dependence on oil has made us not to develop our human capacity and I believed the greatest resources that God has given to men is our mental capacity. The mind is richer than any mine in the world. Some of the developed nations in the world don’t rely on natural resources, nations like Switzerland, Singapore that can’t boast of natural resources we have yet have advanced much more than our country. Where we missed it as a nation was when we shifted focus on developing our mind to natural resources. What our leaders need to do as matter of urgency is to focus

The Resident minister of Illumination Assembly, God First Ministries, Ijesha Tedo, Pastor OJ Victor, takes a look at the state of the nation in this interview and says President Buhari should not concentrate on EFCC alone. best of Goodluck? What is your view about that? I believe everybody has their own strength and weakness. Where Jonathan is weak, Buhari may be strong and where Jonathan is strong, Buhari may be weak. Don’t forget that Jonathan is not a charlatan. He is a Doctorate Degree holder; he is a man who has developed his mind over a period of time. What any good leader should do is to look for people that will complement their area of weakness. Where leaders fail is when they refuse to look for the right people to compliment their area of weakness. When you are weak in one area get someone who is strong in that area and gets results.

Victor

on developing the mind, we need educational system that will focus on developing our mental capacity and not certificate producing institutions. The educational system given to us by the colonialist was not designed to develop our mental capacity. What we have in our educational system is cramming for exams, pass your exams and collect your certificate, productivity becomes near zero. When achieve this as a nation it will be win win situation for all. The worst of Buhari is better than the

Is there hope in the administration of Buhari? I believe there is hope, even as a Christian, the Bible says when others says there is casting down we should be saying there is a lifting up and the Bible says we should pray for the peace of Jerusalem (of the nation). We should continue praying for this administration; let’s pray for those working with him that God should give them wisdom to lead right. In the war against corruption we are seeing some positive change, the TSA is also a sign of hope, I believe there is hope, and Nigerians should not give up. If you asked to advice Mr. President, what would you say? He should realize he is the president of Nigeria and not the chairman of EFCC. He is fighting corruption, that is good; but

Anti preaching bill will be resisted –Ademowo Tai Anyanwu

he diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean emeritus, Church of Nigerian (Anglican Communion), The Most Rev. Ephraim Adebola Ademowo, has said that the Anti-public Preaching Bill being sponsored by the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, will never see the light of the day. Ademowo said this during a media chat to acquaint journalists with the forthcoming 1st session of the 33rd Synod of Lagos Diocese, slated for May 1 to 5. Fielding questions from journalists, Ademowo described EL-Rufai as a democratic man and doubted that the governor would want to censor gospel preachers. His words: “El-Rufai, the man is democratic. So, maybe we may need to check again and see what is going wrong, because I know that when he was the Minister of the

Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, he did very well. So, I think it is going to be foolhardy that he will bring a bill that will censor or sanction people preaching; that will never happen It will run against what we have in our constitution. There is freedom of speech. I don’t think that will be possible; if he does, then it will be resisted.” Ademowo also recalled that there are moves to pull down a cathedral in Zaria. “That cathedral had been there for many years. To now want to relocate it, it is not going to be business as usual because, the cathedral is there; it is their bonafide property. And you now want to move them! It is not going to happen because if I built a house and you now want to come there and remove my house where I have a certificate of occupancy and everything, it will be resisted. “So for the governor of Kaduna’s case, I don’t want to believe that the man will

now go to censor people for what they are saying. I don’t want to believe it, maybe people are just insinuating it, he said. The Bishop explained that the synod, which would begin on May 1 with an opening service, has as its theme: ‘Mark of The Church’. He described the theme as not only timely and apt, but also most relevant and tangential particularly at this very critical stage of our nation’s history and sociopolitical landmark. “We are today living in an age in which there is little commitment to anything or anyone. We are daily witnesses to challenges of deviations and peregrinations totally different from what Christ, the early church fathers and political builders of our nation state shed their blood to build and laid down their lives to preserve. “There is hardly any other schism, which has divided the church of God since the Pentecostal reforma-

tion more than the challenges and prevarication we face today, with many false doctrines being fed to believing congregation all over the world, as doctrines of God. “The church faces the challenges of proliferation of churches, homosexuality, high rate of divorce and teenage pregnancies even among Christians; the prosperity gospel, ‘political correctness’ and corruption, especially perpetrated by Christians and non-Christians alike among the political class,” the Bishop observed.He therefore called on all men and women of high moral standing to rise and truly swim against the tide of unwholesomeness. As the synod, which coincided with the anniversary of the inauguration of the Buhari/Osinbajo administration, gather, “The church would use the opportunity to call on the great God of heaven to intervene in the precarious situation prevalent in the country today,” Ademowo added.

that is not the only area Nigerians needs to develop. The president should work on developing our mental capacity. If you look at the election in River State, you will realize that we are still on the mundane side of life. We are not developed and we are not advanced, how can we molest ourselves with guns even if our goal is to service? How can we be fighting and killing each other? PMB should give attention to education, he should revolutionise the educational system in the nation, and he should improve more on developing of the mind. Things should not be done the way it used to be. If he wants things to work, then he needs to work on our minds and not just paper qualification. He should bring people that have a mental ability to deliver. And secondly, he should also know that he is the President of Nigerian Muslims, Christian and pagans. He should always speak up for every Nigerian like the case of the adopted girls (Ese and co), who were forced into marriage; we expect the presidency to speak and make an emphatic statement so that things like that don’t happen in Nigeria again. What is your advice to Nigerians? Nigeria is a complex society. Well, my advice or appeal to Nigerians is for them to wake up; they should not allow themselves to be used by these so called political elements to perpetrate evil. If these political warriors have issues let them use the children for their evil deeds and not you. You can’t be spilling your blood on the street while their children are studying abroad.

Encomiums as Bishop Atere buries mother

he Bishop of the Diocese of Awori (Anglican Communion), Rt. Revd. (Dr.) Johnson Akin Atere, last weekend buried his late mother, Mrs. Florence Oluwafunmilayo Atere, in Oka-Akoko, Ondo State amidst tears and encomiums. Atere, a devout Christian, community leader and an astute business woman, passed on to glory on February 15, 2016 at 80. At the commendation service held in honour of the late renowned trader at St. John’s Anglican Church, Oka-Akoko, Ondo State, the Bishop of the Diocese of Akoko (Anglican Communion), Rt. Revd. Gabriel Akinbiyi, urged everyone to draw lessons from the life of the deceased, irrespective of the position one occupies, stressing that she was not only a highly principled business woman with impeccable character, but was also deeply compassionate and close to God before her death. The Cleric said though Mama Atere’s death was painful, the nation’s Chris-

tian community would never forget that she lived a life full of integrity, honour and selfless service to the church and her community, appealing to those in authority to emulate her by being hard working, highly industrious, trustworthy and God fearing, which she stood for before her death. He noted that the report of accolades and tributes paid on the deceased as a caring mother, who was ever-willing to stretch herself to meet the needs of others as well as her untiring efforts to bring cohesion to many families, had identified her to be a committed leader to issues relating to the welfare of her people and community at large. While consoling the family, Bishop Akinbiyi, who expressed his conviction that the late Mrs. Atere’s attitude and commitment to better the lives of the people in particular and the community in general would always live after her, thanked her for putting Bishop Atere, her only child, and her own brothers and sisters in the ways of the Lord.

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016

The Greatest Evil of All Femi Fani-Kayode

n April 18th 2016 Mr. Okonkwo Afamefuna wrote the following on his Facebook wall: “I decided to read a copy of the National Grazing Reserve Bill and I was surprised at what I saw. The Bill creates a council to be chaired by a Chairman to be appointed by the president. The council shall have the power to take your land anywhere the land is located in the country and then pay you compensation. Your land, when taken, shall be assigned to herdsmen who shall use your land for grazing purposes. They shall bring cows to the land and you shall lose the land permanently to those Fulani cattlemen”. This is the Sudan downloading right here in Nigeria. On April 18th Mr. Gabriel Ogbonnaya wrote the following on his Facebook wall: “I decided to read a copy of the National Grazing Reserve Bill and I was surprised at what I saw. The Bill creates a commission to be chaired by a Chairman to be appointed by the president, to be confirmed by the Senate. The commission shall have the power to take your land anywhere the land is located in the country and then pay you compensation. Your land, when taken, shall be assigned to herdsmen who shall use your land for grazing purposes. They shall bring cows to the land and you shall lose the land permanently to those cattlemen. If you feel that the commission was not right to take your land, you can go to court but before you go to court, you must first of all notify the Federal Attorney General of your intention to sue the commission. Apart from notifying, you must get the consent and authority of the Federal Attorney General before you can sue. So that means that if the Attorney General refuses to give his consent to the suit, you have lost your land forever to the herdsmen. And this law, when passed, shall apply to the whole country so it means that your land in the village or anywhere is not safe. The National Grazing Reserve Commission would have the power to take away your land from you anytime they want and pay you whatever they want as compensation (even when you don’t want to sell, and remember that for you to get compensation, you must have documents showing or proving ownership). So I think that we all in the South West, South South and South East must rise up and reject this Bill. We must do all things to force our national Assembly members from passing that bill into law. That bill is a deliberate attempt to take our lands and hand the land over to the Fulani cattlemen since it is only the Fulanis that rear cattle in Nigeria. That law, when passed, shall fulfil the directive of Uthman Dan Fodio and other northern leaders to take over other parts of Nigeria. I implore you to use all available means to implore your senator and Rep not to pass that law. That law will destroy Nigeria. All over the world, ranches are established and used to rear cattle. The farmers buy land and put their cattle there. There is no country where the land of the citizens are compulsorily acquired and given to others. This is evil, and designed to favour the Fulanis where the President comes from. We must resist the passage of that bill into law to save Nigeria and to protect our future generations”. This is Yugoslavia and Rwanda unfolding right here in Nigeria. On April 18th 2016 Mr. Duru Collins wrote the following on his Facebook wall: “This National Grazing Reserve Bill if passed into law will just mark the beginning of apartheid in our country. When the government of Zimbabwe collected land from the white people who naturalised there the whole world worked against

President Robert Mugabe. Sanctions were stiffened against his regime even though the whites in Zimbabwe were not African by origin. In our country today there are people that are not Nigerians by origin and these people are making laws to take over our inheritance. This nation will burn once this law is passed”. This is Lebanon and Zimbabwe downloading right here in Nigeria. On 19th April 2016 Mr. Oyinemi Nicholas Endeley wrote the following on Facebook: “The National Grazing Reserve Bill is the ticket to kill us ALL down south. This is not the time to sit and watch evil triumph over good. I have called the Senator representing me and I have spoken common sense to his senses! He KNOWS what this is all about NOW. Listen people of God, it’s time to get angry! You will come to understand how devilish Buhari’s APC government is the moment you realise they are talking about a Bill that will protect the Fulani militants who, according to the Global Terror Index, are ‘’the 4th deadliest terrorist group” in the world, and neglect tens of thousands of victims that have suffered gory attacks by these daredevils. This government is gradually telling us their priorities and it’s clear the lives of the southerners are not their priority. THIS GOVERNMENT IS EVIL. The ploy is on. They want to send the Trojan horses to our walls. They want to start the war from our lands. They will fail. They can’t send their militants here in the guise of herdsmen. Those herdsmen don’t own those cows, the rich Fulanis do. And I know their plans. Subsequently I will tell you guys more, you will be shocked. But for now, please get on your phones and call those representing you. Tell them not to accept this Trojan horse. It will burn our region, it will kill our children’s future. This is colonial India (before she won her independence from the British and broke three ways into Pakistan, Bangladesh and India) downloading right here in Nigeria. Finally in an article titled ‘’The Outlaws Of Islam’’ (Premium Times, April 15th 2016), I wrote the following, “And if they are still in any doubt about where all this is heading in the Nigerian context they should consider the following. On December 30th 1964, Mallam Bala Garba told the West African Pilot newspaper that: ‘’the conquest to the sea is now in sight. When our god-sent Ahmadu Bello said some years ago that our conquest will reach the sea shores of Nigeria, some idiots in the South were doubting its possibilities. Today have we not reached the sea?

Lagos is reached. It remains Port-Harcourt. It must be conquered and taken’’. This is an eloquent expression of radical Islam, with its pervasive use of violence as a tool of conquest and subjugation, in its purest and most obvious form. Inspired and equipped with this Janjaweed philosophy and ethos, the whole of core northern Nigeria was conquered by Sheik Usman Dan Fodio through the use of terror and by the power of the sword in the name of jihad. Millions of innocent nonMuslims were cut to pieces in the process. Given the activities of Boko Haram and the Fulani herdsmen in our country today it appears that some in our shores are still interested in implementing that satanic agenda. They wish to continue where Usman Dan Fodio stopped and they wish to ‘’dip the Koran in the Atlantic ocean’’. Their latest attempt is the introduction and proposal of what is known as the National Grazing Reserve Bill which will give the Fulani herdsmen the right to claim other peoples’ land all over the country and which will empower them by law to create their own settlements and communities in the territory of others. Worse still under that law the government will be compelled to fund those settlements and put all that they need in terms of infrastructure in place for them. That is why our Minister of Agriculture is now talking about importing Brazilian grass for the Fulani herdsmen and their cattle. This subtle and exceptionally brilliant attempt to infiltrate and conquer by guile and assimilation reminds me of the frightful laws that were put in place in the old wild western prairies of 19th century America. Those laws gave the white settlers rights over the lands of the indigenous Red Indians and saw the Indians themselves subjected to genocide and ethnic cleansing and herded into barren reservations that were not fit for human habitation. It was in this way that the “wild west” was conquered and the once proud and noble war-like Indian tribes of the western prairies were subjugated and subdued. Sadly our legislators in the National Assembly from the south and the Middle simply do not appreciate and cannot comprehend the serious implications of what they are doing by supporting this evil legislation and neither will the consequences of their naivety and folly be suffered by their constituents until it is far too late. If that law is ever passed and implemented, two years from that time we will regret it deeply as a nation because it will result in nothing but conflict, chaos and strife between the Fulani herdsmen and settlers

on the one hand and the local indigenous population on the other. The tragedy that unfolded in Jos, Plateau State between the indigenous Christian Beroms and the settler Muslim Fulani for many years is a graphic example of what will be replicated all over the south and the Middle Belt between the Fulani and the various local indigenous populations if that law is ever passed and implemented. As a matter of fact it will be far worse than anything that Jos ever saw. The National Grazing Reserve Bill will not result in enhancing unity and peace but instead it will result in division, bloodshed, carnage and chaos”. My conclusion? This is Iraq, Syria and Libya unfolding right here in Nigeria. When you create a conflict which has its roots in religion, ethnicity, land rights, the attempt to marginalize, dominate, subjugate and conquer others and the quest for liberation and freedom from slavery and bondage all mixed into one you are toying with a conflagration that will not only be simply horrendous and that will not only affect the whole of Africa but will also last for the next fifty years. Let me be clear: the greatest evil that we are confronted with in Nigeria today is the National Grazing Reserve Bill. It is more evil than anything that we have ever seen before. It is more insidious and dangerous than anything that we can possibly imagine. It will do more harm to us than Boko Haram and the Nigerian Civil War put together and it will result in open war and the total disintegration of Nigeria. I am speaking prophetically and I am saying this under the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. We must stop this cantankerous and divisive Bill from seeing the light of the day and being made into law. There are some things that are bigger, greater and more important than partisan politics and this is one of them. We must all stand together regardless of our political affiliation and stop this evil Trojan horse from being smuggled into our ranks by those that seek to subjugate and conquer us. We must resist those that seek to strip us of our self-respect, self-worth, liberty and dignity. We must stand up against those that seek to destroy us and rob us of our faith and our ancestral lands. We must say “never” to those that seek to belittle and enslave us and that are hell bent on reducing us to nothing even within our own shores. May God help our people and our country and may He deliver us from evil. Femi Fani-Kayode, is a former Aviation Minister

SUNDAY APRIL 24, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

Contractor petitions Ambode over executed project Wole Adepoju

L-R: Bishop of Lagos Anglican Communion, The Most Rev. Dr. Ephraim Adebola Ademowo, Assistant Synod Secretary Ven. Tunde Oduwole, and Assistant Synod Secretary Mrs. Yetunde Akinluyi at a press briefing held in Lagos...on Thursday

Washington group partners Bauchi on healthcare delivery Alhassan Yusuf Bauchi

he Bauchi State government will soon benefit from the support of Chemonics International Development Consulting Firm (CIDCF) based in Washington, USA in the area of healthcare delivery in the state. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammed Isah disclosed this in Bauchi when he received members of the team from Washington D.C. Sama’ila Isah pledged the state government commitment’s readiness to render any support to and cooperate with the firms towards improving healthcare delivery to the citizens of the state. His words: “As you are rightly aware that we have held discussions with Jessy

Davis who is equally a leader of the delegation of this Chemonics international. Actually, Bauchi State government today is ready to partner with any Non-Governmental Organisation that will contribute to primary healthcare delivery, support good governance, manpower development, areas where we are already receiving support from other -Non Governmental Organizations.” According to him, Governor Muhammed Abdullahi Abubakar, is a recipient of the international donor agencies supports due his commitments to healthcare delivery system in the state adding that the ministry is ready to collaborate with the Chemonics firm from the Washington D.C and promised to give any possible help towards executing their programmes in the state. Muhammed pledged to

No division in Imo PDP, says Uzodimma

N EWS I N BRIEF

accommodate every international donor agency that is able and willing to contribute its quota to building the state in every sector. Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Jessy Davis, said the organisation has been working for 40 years all across the world and in health, agriculture, food security democracy and governance along with educational sectors. She told the commissioner that the organisation had sometime worked in Nigeria the organisation was in the state specifically to learn and anticipated U.S.A projects that will focus on reproductive, maternal and child health among others. In a related development, the state government has debunked rumours that government will stop supporting Muslims cemeteries with materials and other

The leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has declared that there is no division in the state chapter of the party as the members were united and resolute to take over government in the state in 2019. Speaking against the backdrop of perceived factions in the state chapter of the party, Uzodimma told journalists at the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport Owerri, Imo State that though there might be some differences among party members as “it is common even in a family, the PDP in Imo is united and working hard to win back the state in 2019”. He said though some party men in the state were against adopting option A4 for the forth coming Ward Congresses of the party, it was not an indication that the party was divided or in disarray. The leader said option A4 remains the only credible means to elect people as the “harmonized list option being canvassed by a certain group of persons’ breeds hatred and bad blood after elections”. “Option A4 brings credibility to the process as those who lost in the process support the winners but harmonization breeds hatred, bad blood and disenchantment in the party”, he added. Uzodimma urged the National Working Committee (NWC) not to be deceived to take hasty decision that would hurt the party as was the case in 2015 which caused PDP’s electoral victory. “It was the practice by the PDP to handpick candidates in the 2015 that caused it to lose in that election. The NWC should be guided by that experience and not repeat the same mistake”, he cautioned.

wooden slabs used for preparing decease persons for burial in the state. “We are calling on our people in the state to please disregard the rumor that the present administration will not proceed with the supply of materials and wooden slabs to Bauchi Muslims cemetery which is not true. Governor Muhammed Abubakar has promised to continue to supply and support everything to ensure that our cemetery is functioning, protected and safe,” Sama’ila Isah said. Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Bauchi Central Cemetery, Alhaji Nuru Adamu Jumba who is the Chiroma of Bauchi thanked the present administration and the commissioner for clearing the air on the rumour which has gained grounds in the metropolis.

Tetra Pak challenges FIRS

Following what was considered an unacceptable assessment of its organisation by Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Tetra Pak West Africa has filed a notice of appeal at the Tax Appeal Tribunal, Lagos zone. The assessment raised on Tetra Pak West Africa Limited was an outcome of findings of the tax audit exercise conducted on the appellant accounts. The assessment includes Company Income Tax and Value Added Tax, (CIT and VAT). At the hearing of the case on April 6, Barrister Igbonikon Whyte led the four-man counsel team of the appellant, while the respondent counsel was Victoria Aderibigbe (Mrs.) In the course of the hearing, appellant witness, Aruna Oshiomakele, upon submitting his documented evidences was cross examined by the respondent counsel, noting the appellant claimed to have made exports but never presented any certificate from Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC). Counsel to the respondent opened its case by calling its witness (Enerson Johnson) and presented its evidences. Counsel to the appellant upon cross examining FIRS witness sort to know the possibility of all revenue of a company is banked. The Chairman of the tribunal, K. Shofola (SAN), however, adjourned the case till May 9 and fixed judgment for May 31, 2016.

anaging Director of IB-GADEC & Company, Mr. Adekunle Ibraheem has petitioned Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, to prevail on the Executive Secretary of Orile Agege Local Development Area (LCDA) to pay for the contract executed at Olaoluwa Street in the council area. Speaking on the issue, Adekunle said the N17million contract was awarded to his company in 2013 and the first phase completed in July of the same year, while the second phase was completed in September 2015. He was supposed to be paid the money by the council as allegedly agreed upon when the contract was awarded. The Executive Secretary of the council, Hon. Akeem Olayinka Opeifa, according to Mr. Ibraheem, has allegedly refused to pay the agreed sum and insisted on N10 million, which the contractor turned down. He said he took a loan to execute the contract, but since then, the council has refused to pay. ‘I have

written to the House of Assembly, Ministry of Local Government Affairs and the Governor’s Office but the council boss said he’s so powerful and will make sure nothing is done’. When Opeifa was contacted, he described the allegations as untrue and that panels have been set by the Governor’s Office and Ministry of Local Government Affairs based on the petition of Ibraheem and that he (Opeifa) was vindicated when he stated his part of the story. ‘Who am I or what powers do I have to influence his petition? You see, we politicians are very mindful of our reputation and everywhere he has reported me, I was being vindicated. We had another company working on the same project for a lesser amount, but he brought people to plead with me and we agreed IBGADEC continued but that the cost would be deducted from the value of the contract. So, I am surprised how he now expects me to pay for full value. His payment is ready but he has refused to come for it,” he said.

Willie urges support for improved standards of living Tony Okuyeme

elevision talk show host, Edak Willie has called on Nigerians to support efforts aimed at sustaining the fight for improved standards of living for every Nigerian, young or old. She said that through collaboration and all round partnership, some of the issues being faced in the country and indeed, the continent of Africa could have a lasting solution. Willie, who is the founder of Edak Willie Empowerment Foundation and the producer of Edak Willie Show, a television programme that strives on creating awareness by tackling the most frequently asked questions in the society today and thereby deepening the social discourse and prof-

fering practical solutions, made this call at book presentation and documentary film screening and Lassa Fever/Environmental Hygiene Sensitization Workshop for young Nigerians, organized by her Foundation in a bid to curb the spread of the disease. The event which was held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos, also featured dance presentation, and had in attendance experts on the subject and various dignitaries including Nollywood star actor, Segun Arinze, versatile artiste, singer and lyricist, Yinka Davies. According to Willie, Nigeria, Africa and indeed, the world, is going through a period in which, more than ever before, the sustainability of the planet is called to question daily.

Ex-Abia SSG chairs awards board

he immediate past Secretary to the Abia State Government, Professor Mkpa Agu Mkpa has been appointed chairman of the Governing Board of the Corporate Standard Magazine. The Professor of Education Curriculum Studies was appointed at the inauguration of the corporate Standard Magazine Award Governing Board in Lagos. In his acceptance speech, Mkpa expressed pleasure over the confidence unanimously reposed in him. “I

accept the appointment because I want make sure that I contribute my little quota to the growth and development of the organisation.” The Editor-in-Chief of The Corporate Standard Magazine, Mr. Alex Omordia, explained that the board under the leadership of Prof. Nkpa will help in selecting qualified and competent Nigerians for the awards ceremony billed to hold in November and raise the bar of the awards to attain global recognition.

SUNDAY

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016

Iheanacho scores a brace as Man City beat Stoke 4-0 p.55

Amodu rejects Eagles’ job p.55

Liverpool suspend Sakho due to drugs test p.55

SPORTS

Onome Ebi: No regrets dropping out of school to play soccer Dapo Sotuminu

uper Falcons of Nigeria and FC Minsk of Belarus defender, Onome Ebi, is today a household name in Nigerian football following her proficiency on the field of play representing the various cadres of the national women’s team. She has worn the country’s colours at the 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. And the number of top women’s professional clubs she played for in the UEFA Women’s Champions League in Turkey, Sweden and presently in Belarus. Onome, who started playing serious club football in the Nigerian league in 2001 for Omidiran Babes Football Club of Oshogbo, Osun State would not have been able to reach this enviable height playing the round leather game, if she had not dropped out of school to play in a Lagos Principal’s Cup competition. The consequence of this singular act was that, she lost out totally and has not been able to further her education beyond the secondary school level. “We were just about to start writing our final examinations, the West Africa Examination Council exams, when the Principal’s Cup football competition kicked off. Because of my passion for playing football, I opted to play in the competition instead of writing the examinations. My parents thought I was going to the examinations centre from my friend’s place. But I was not; rather, I was busy playing in a football competition. “When the WAEC results were released and I had no results to show for it, that was when my father got to know that I never sat for any examinations. He was very bitter about this and he threw caution to the winds and he beat me up. I was brutally injured from the number of the strokes of cane I got. I had marks all over my body. I will never forget that day. It was at that point that I felt the pains of my parents for dropping out of school, as he said a lot of things about his family background and how some of his siblings were denied education for ever. “That was how I dropped out of school and I have not been able to get back, not withstanding, I don’t have any regrets dropping out of school, as I am doing very well as a professional football player and a member of my country’s national women’s soccer team since 2003 when coach Sam Okpodu invited me to the World Cup squad that played at that edition of the Mundial in the United States. “I will find time to get back to school for the much desired degree so as to make my parents happy again in the area of education. But, quite honestly I have no regrets dropping out of school. When I look back at where I am today compared to where I was coming from and what God has given

to me for playing football, I give thanks to God.” Onome, who started playing football with boys on the streets of Ajegunle in Lagos State as a young girl, warmed herself into the hearts of her parents, when in 2009, she returned home from one of the editions of the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup with $2000 (about N300,000 at the time) paid her by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as her match bonuses for representing the country. “When I returned home with the foreign currency and gave it to my mother, she asked with a big shock on her face, ‘Onome! Where did you get this kind of money from’ I told her that was the money I got for playing football for Nigeria. She was also happy that day, much that she danced and danced for God’s blessings. My dad was also very happy, that was the day my parents finally gave me their blessings to play football to any level I desire. After this, the sky has been the limit for me in international football, as I play the game

with so much ease knowing fully well that I finally got the approval of my parents to play the game I love” After debuting in the Nigerian Women’s League football in 2001 playing for Omidiran Babes of Oshogbo, where she was for four seasons, Onome moved to Bayelsa Queens of Yenagoa, for another four seasons before getting a professional contract in Turkey to play for Duvenciler Lisesispor Football Club. Turkey was her first destination in Europe as a professional player. She later left for Sweden to play for Djurgardens IF. “I enjoyed my stay in Turkey because of the good weather. Going to Sweden was a different ball game, as the cold weather made it difficult for me to play good football. The amateur nature of the Swedish league made me launch a return to Turkey for Ataşehir Belediyespor FC in the First League. I made my Champions League debut in August 2012 while playing for Atasehir Belediyespor. I later returned to

the Swedish Women’s League called the Damallsvenskan in 2013 to play for Sunnana SK before moving to Belarus to play for FC Minsk in the Belarusian Premier League.” She noted that, though the Belarusian Premier League is amateur, she takes solace in the fact that they are the country’s champions who consistently compete in the UEFA Champions League. With them she has won the Belarusian Premier League title once, the Belarusian Women’s Cup in 2014 and the Belarusian Women’s Super Cup twice in 2014 and 2015. Among Onome’s accomplishments were her strong presence in the Super Falcons team to five editions of the African Women’s Championship in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014, winning the tournament twice in 2010 and 2014. And just last week she helped the Falcons qualify for the 2016 edition of the AWC Cameroon in November. The defender, who says if she comes back in another world she would still love to be a footballer, revealed her admiration for the jersey number 5 which she wears in both club and national team. “I am passionate about jersey number 5 because the number is symbolic and special to me. It symbolizes my birthday on May 5, the fifth day in the fifth month of the year. So everywhere I have played, I always go for the jersey number 5. It gives me fulfillment of the heart. It does not have anything to do with the position I play on the field. When I got to Europe and my club’s management said the jersey number 5 was engaged, I appealed to them to give me jersey number 55 and I was given. Most of the top soccer stars across the world, who insist on a particular jersey numbers, have one thing or the other to do with such numbers.” She expressed her delight on the appointment of a wholly female coaching crew for the Super Falcons with the coming of former Falcons captain, Florence Omagbemi, who is being assisted by former Falcons goalkeeper, Ann Agumanu. “I am so happy about the new coaching crew of the Falcons made up of entirely women coaches. The players now feel more secured than ever, as we are comfortable to approach the coaches to discuss things that relate to ladies, this is incomparable to the ambiguity which was the order of events when we had male coaches. “Today, players can freely go to coaches’ rooms without other teammates spreading any rumour of such players having a love relationship with the coaches. I want to say here that, with the present pleasant condition in the Super Falcons team, the players have vowed to do well in all major international competitions with Florence Omagbemi in-charge as chief coach of the team. I was her teammate at the 2003 FIFA World Cup, which was my first, while it was her last. So it feels nice to play under her today as a player.”

Sport

Stories by Dapo Sotuminu

ream Team Under-23 Eagles and Sunshine Stars of Akure goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, is excited over the improved standard of the 2016 Nigeria Premier Football League season which he said makes him believe strongly that Nigeria would present quality teams for the various continental championships next season. He added in the team’s Akure base at the weekend: “The league is improving by the day and that is something we should all be proud of. Everybody’s contribution to the development of the league is important.” “Bigger actions are still coming and I can say that the league is just picking up. The real battle has not started, when we begin to hit match day 20 and above then you will see great football skills by the various league clubs. What I have seen since the league season started across the venues nationwide has been the result of hard work by the clubs and the League Management Company, as officiating suddenly rose to a very

SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Nigeria premier football league update

Improved league standard excites Ezenwa •Predicts tough game in Owerri •I won’t celebrate goal against Heartland, says Francis

high standard giving the teams the confidence to put in their best at home and away games. For the first time in a long while, league results have been strictly based on performance on the field of play. ” He noted that, with the high standard, the contenders and pretenders would be separated when the real battle begins from week 20. He thumbed up standard so far, noting that, virtually all aspects of the league is improving by the day even as he reminded fans across the nation to support their various clubs without doing anything to tarnish the image of the league. On his club’s weekend fixture against Heartland FC of Owerri scheduled for the Dan Anyiam Stadium on Sunday, April 24, he said the game would be very tough looking at the top form of

the two teams. “Heartland FC, have quality players this season and they have been doing well. The fact that they lost 2-1 to Shooting Stars of Ibadan in their last away game would make it more difficult for Sunshine Stars, as the Heartland FC that I know would want to make their home fans happy. I have played at Heartland FC before and I know how they take their home games serious especially as they would want to make an impression to their home fans after last week’s slip. But nonetheless, Sunshine Stars are equal to the task and we are ready to confront them to make sure we get a good result from Owerri no matter how difficult the situation seems. In a related development, Sunshine Stars left full-back, Benjamin Francis, has said he will not celebrate his side

goal or victory at former side, Heartland. Francis said the Akure club who are placed in the 12th position will be in Owerri to continue their unbeaten top flight record at Heartland who are in the 13th position. “We have prepared very well to challenge for the three points at stake in the Sunday’s clash at Heartland. The top flight matchday 13 clash at Heartland in Owerri holds fond memories of the city and club for me. “I left the club a long time ago, so the matchup on Sunday will be a lot of joy especially for me. I’m certain we will claim the three points at stake but I’m not going to celebrate the victory or goals in the encounter. I’m keenly looking forward to the encounter as well as the opportunity to see my old friends.”

Spanish La Liga chiefs storm Nigeria Monday to sign LMC deal

delegation of the Spanish League (La Liga) Board will arrive in Nigeria on Monday for a partnership meeting with the Alhaji Shehu Dikko-led League Management Company (LMC) to conclude discussions on collaboration between the two leagues which was flagged off during a similar visit by the LMC to Spain some weeks ago.

The LMC boss, Shehu Dikko and the Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Nduka Irabor, were in Madrid, Spain from February 29 to March 1 for follow-up talks with the La Liga initiated when both Leagues met at the Forum of World Leagues in Germany. The La Liga delegation will be led by the President, Javier Tebas, International Advisor, Melcior Solar, Head of La Liga South Af-

rica, Antonia Barradas and Fernando Sanz, the Head of La Liga Middle East office and who is in charge of African affairs. The two bodies are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for a partnership that will cover exchange of knowledge, trainings for Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club coaches and administrators, La Liga and NPFL clubs’ exchanges, marketing, commercial, promotional activities and youth development. Dikko said the visit is a landmark for the NPFL as it will be a culmination of strategies for extensive and wholesome development of the league. “As a developing league, we have continuously sought collaborations with some of the global model

league management and La Liga is the first of such coming into fruition. There are several benefits that will accrue from this relationship and we intend to tap deeply into their over 25 years of experience of commercialisation of football,” said the LMC Chairman. The delegation which will arrive in Abuja on Monday will pay a courtesy visit to the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, and the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria. They will afterwards undertake a tour of the Abuja National Stadium. “The formal unveiling of the partnership between the NPFL and La Liga will hold on Tuesday while we would create opportunity for stakeholders to interact with the delegation at some point during the day,” Dikko further disclosed.

Returnee Rivers Utd striker vows to nail Plateau Utd

eturnee injured Rivers United of Port Harcourt striker, Ivorian Kuy Kuemian Venance, has vowed to help his club nail their Nigeria Premier Football League Match day 13 opponent, Plateau United of Jos to the cross, despite being the away team for today’s match. It was a big boost for the

Stanley Eguma-tutored side when the team’s medical doctor announced that the Ivorian star is fit as a fiddle to play the match against Plateau United. Kuemian has been sidelined since April 10 when he cupped the injury on the left quadriceps in Rivers United’s 1-2 loss to Heartland FC of Owerri at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

“The team doctor, Chukwuemeka Agi, asked the player to stay away from training for a week and he duly complied. He is available for selection for today’s game against Plateau United in Jos. Guy Kuemian is an important player and he will make the attack even stronger,” coach Eguma said. Kuemian made his debut

for Rivers United in the club’s 1-2 defeat to MFM FC in Lagos on February 24 and did not miss a single game until he sustained the injury in Owerri. He has been scoring the club’s most important goals in the league this season and there is no doubt that he would record a glorious return today against Plateau United, says Eguma.

NPFL League Table Team

PTS

IfeanyiUbah

Rangers Int’l

Abia

Rivers Utd

MFM

Akwa FC

Lobi Stars

Kano Pillars

Wikki

Warri Wolves

TOP GOAL SCORERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Opkotu Anthony - Lobi Stars Wasiu Jimoh - Shooting Stars Chisom Egbuchulam - Rangers Ibrahim Mustapha - El-kanemi Ismaila Gata Niger - Tornadoes Godwin Obaje - Wikki Tourist Eduwo Kingsley - Lobi Stars Rabiu Ali - Kano Pillars Aggreh Prince - Kano Pillars Obomate Frederick - Rivers Utd

Heartland FC

NPFL Fixtures April 24, 2016 vs Sunshine

Kano Pillars

Shooting Stars

Plateau Utd

Rivers Utd

Enugu Rangers

Nasarawa

Warri Wolves

Giwa

Abia Warriors

MFM FC

Akwa Utd

Enyimba

Lobi Stars

Tornadoes

6 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 3

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016

Sport

Iheanacho scores a brace as Man City beat Stoke 4-0 Dapo Sotuminu

uper Eagles striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, scored two goals as Manchester City reaped apart Stoke City in a 4-0 demolition in the English Premier League. Iheanacho scored his first goal and City’s third in the 64th minute. He went ahead to score his club’s fourth goal in the 74th minute to nail Stoke City, and diminished their enthusiasm in reducing the goal margin just when it looked like Stoke were coming back into the game. The Nigerian star surely sealed the points for Manchester City with a cool finish in front of goal after a terrific run and pass by Pablo Zabaleta. “Iheanacho took the goal well. We know all about his talent. It was Bony who made that with the pass but Iheanacho has proved a point once again when he gets a chance. “He has something that Rashford has

Iheanacho

- pace. It comes at the right time and took him past the Stoke defenders. Terrific finish by the teenager after being released by substitute Wilfried Bony. “He shows maturity beyond his 19 years to keep his composure and round the keeper to slot home,”said City keeper Joe Hart after the game. Man City’s other goals were scored by Fernando in the 35th and Agüero in the 43rd through a penalty kick. Just before the break Iheanacho got free inside the box and Shawcross blatantly hauled him down. Penalty kick and Aguero slotted it home for his 101st Premier League goal. With the win City have 64 points, five points clear of fifth-place Manchester United to reclaim the third spot on the league table . Stoke have now conceded four goals in each of their last three games and remain on 47 points. City took the game to Stoke early on as Aguero linked up with with

Rangers regain top spot of Nigeria league

nugu Rangers are back on the top of the Nigeria league table after they defeated Nasarawa United 2-1 in a Friday Night game watched by a capacity crowd at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. Rangers now have 24 points from 12 matches, two points ahead of FC IfeanyiUbah. Striker Bobby Clement, fresh from a three-match ban after his dismissal in the Oriental Derby against Enyimba, headed Rangers ahead after 23 minutes, when he powered his header home off a corner.

ream Team chief coach, Samson Siasia, has disclosed to AfricanFootball.com his Olympic team will feature at next month’s invitational tournament in Korea, which will feature another Rio Olympics qualifier Honduras. The Dream Team VI have opted out of the Toulon Football Festival also next month because broke Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) cannot come up with the 80,000 Euros re-

Amodu rejects Eagles’ job

Nigeria U-20 midfielder, Obinna Nwobodo, made it 2-0 in the 56th minute, when he capitalized on a defensive blunder and he chipped over the onrushing goalkeeper Umar Danlami. The visiting Nasarawa had their chances in the first half and Rangers Togolese defender Azeez Camara had to head away an effort off the goalline. The Lafia club pulled a goal back in the 75th minute, when Seun Sogbeso tucked away a penalty after an infringement by Camara inside the Rangers goal area.

Dream Team to play in Korea tourney, says Siasia

quired for the tournament. “We hope to now feature at an invitational tournament in Korea at the end of next month. Honduras and hosts Korea will feature in the competition,” Siasia said. Nigeria, historic winners of the 1996 Olympics soccer Gold, are drawn in Group B of the Rio Olympics alongside Sweden, Japan and Colombia. The Olympics will be played between August 4 and 20.

Adeolu Johnson Abuja

Sakho

Liverpool suspend Sakho due to drugs test

iverpool defender, Mamadou Sakho, has failed a drugs test and did not play against Newcastle on Saturday. The alleged offence relates to the Reds’ Europa League second-leg tie at Manchester United and is believed to concern a so-called ‘fat-burning’ substance. The France international is highly likely to request his B sample be tested, with the deadline for that request set for Tuesday. Sakho has not been suspended either by the club or UEFA, but it is understood that after discussion between the club’s owners Fenway Sports Group, manager Jurgen Klopp and the player himself it was decided the centre-back should not play in the immediate future, even though he is still eligible for Premier League matches and Thursday’s Europa League semifinal first leg in Villarreal. A statement from the club confirmed the news: “Yesterday, Friday 22nd April 2016, a formal communication was received from UEFA stating that they are investigating a possible anti-doping rule violation by Mamadou Sakho. “The player will respond to UEFA on the matter. “The player is currently not subject to any playing suspension. However, the club, in consultation with the player, has decided that while this process is followed the player will not be available for selection for matches.”

I’m a marked man cries out Ighalo

atford striker Odion Ighalo has said he may no longer be putting away the goals regularly because he is now better known in the EPL and so a closer

attention on him and his strike partner Troy Deeney. Ighalo, who will lead Watford’s attack in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley against Crystal Palace,

Iheanacho who curled his effort just wide of the far post. Stoke brought themselves back into the game as Ryan Shawcross volleyed wide from a corner kick and Giannelli Imbula volleyed just over after a counter attack. The home side took the lead through Fernando as he headed home at the near post from a corner, 1-0. No chance for Shay Given. After bringing on Jacob Haugaard for Given at half time, Stoke came back into the game at the start of the second half with three fine chances. First Arnautovic crossed for Joselu but he shanked an effort wide, then Mame Diouf was also off target and Joe Hart saved sharply at his near post from Arnautovic. Late on Yaya Toure seemed to suffer a muscle injury but the Ivorian ran it off and now everyone at City will now have the clash against Real Madrid at the forefront of their minds.

has reasoned that being in the spotlight may have caused his goals to now be few and far between. He has scored 16 goals in the EPL but his last goal in the league was in January.

“In the first half of the season teams knew me and Troy (Deeney, his strike partner and Watford’s captain), but they did not really pay us attention,” Ighalo said in an interview.

ormer Super Eagles handler, Amodu Shuaibu, is furious his name is being mentioned as head of the technical crew that would lead the senior national team in the interim. Amodu who left the job 14 years ago said the mere mention of his name is putting undue pressure on him. “I am a Technical Director, I have had so many phone calls over the announcement, I am not a coach, do people know what I am going through after the news,” he said. He explained there is wisdom in building these coaches, they need to become a brand like I am, so we have to give them time to operate,” he said. The former BCC Lions sweat merchant pointed out

that he had made his name and pleaded that the upcoming ones should be given the opportunity to prove themselves. “Someone like Samson Siasia is already a brand and other coaches should be given the opportunity to showcase themselves,” he posited. “It is unfortunate that the football federation did not hold a conference to clear the air on the appointment,” he added. Amodu said this in order to put the record straight in the events of success or failure. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had last week announced that Salisu Yusuf, Alloy Agu, Imama Amakapabo and Kennedy Boboye should lead the team to the two international matches against Mali and Luxembourg next month in France.

Solution to Cross Word Puzzle

business

Nigeria’s currency woes linger amid Naira/Yuan swap deal }43

SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

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}53

Governor Fayose: The new Nigerian Nostradamus (Part 1)

INTRODUCTION

Nostradamus (Michel de Nostredame), is the famous prophet who reigned supreme in the 16th century. He is noted for having "predicted" the French Revolution, Napoleon, Adolph Hitler, the atomic bomb, 9-11 atrocity, JFK and RFK Assassinations, and just about everything else that has happened since the time of his predictions. For example, with the end of the world predicted for last December 21, 2012, according to the Mayan calendar, there was much interest and anxiety in the apocalypse that was supposed to have occurred near the end of 2012. Nostradamus had predicted a great comet, Nibiru, or rogue planet, Planet X, which would impact the Mediterranean on December 21, 2012, causing great destruction worldwide. Thank God we are still alive. FAYOSE’S UNCANNY PREDICTIONS Barely three days to the end of 2015, specifically in newspaper advertorials on 22nd December, 2015, Governor, Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, had predicted 20 episodes Nigerians should expect to happen under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government in 2016. He predicted, just like Nostradamus, that the country was to experience great challenges the following year, 2016. Many Buharists or Buharideens, in their usual dismissive way, talked him down, using expletives against him. Some PMB cheer leaders tagged his predictions as the rantings of a drowning politician. But, Fayose, the avant-garde, enfant terrible and nemesis of APC, has fast assumed a lone conscience of the nation, posing a strong one-man-riotsquad opposition, as against PDP’s feeble opposition machinery. Recall that PDP, having been used to the perquisites of power for 16 years, were ill prepared for their novel new role as opposition party. But, Fayose picked up the gauntlet. Were Fayose to be a prophet or pastor in the new generation Pentecostal Churches, he would by now be requiring the national stadia in Lagos and Abuja to contain his spilling teeming adherents and congregation of worshippers. Many of these people believe that “seeing is believing”, irking the Lord Jesus Christ to admonish: “except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe” (John, 4: 48) Some incurable desperados and political buccaneers do not care to read Corinthians 5: 7 – “We walk by faith, not by sight”. But, faith is different from hope. Hebrews 11: 1 -tells us that “Faith is the assurance of the things hoped for, the convictions of things not seen” Were Jesus Christ to be present physically with us today when Ayo Fayose’s predictions have virtually all been realized, he would have admonished Nigerians thus: “O you of little faith, why did you doubt” (Matthew 14: 31). Even for these doubting Thomases, who out of sheer political expediency have refused to acknowledge naked realities on the ground, which even the deaf can hear, the blind can see and the numb can feel, read Fayose, and judge for yourselves; the realization of his widely advertised December 22 predictions for 2016: “Fellow Nigerians, I want you to take note of the followings that will unavoidably happen under the Buhari-led government in 2016. 1. Workers Strike: There will be so much industrial unrest, especially in the first

The

Nigerian Project

MIKE OZEKHOME san, ofr mike.ozekhome@yahoo.com 08094777755 (sms only) quarter of the year. 2. Subsidy: There will be removal of fuel subsidy and petrol (PMS) will sell over and above N100/litre, leaving the masses in more serious hardship. Product will not be available and long queue in petrol stations will persist throughout the first quarter of 2016 and beyond. 3. Electricity: Power generation will drop to the lowest ebb. Still, Federal Government will increase tariff in 2016. 4. Unemployment: Millions of jobs will be lost in 2016 as against the three million jobs promised by the APC yearly. Most states and Federal Government will retrench workers as evident in the over 2,000 federal university workers already sacked. 5. Economic Policy: Most private owned middle-class businesses will fold up because of bad economic policies of the Buhari-led government. 6. Devaluation: The naira will continue to have a free fall which will take it to as low as N320 to one dollar. 7. Economy: The Buhari-led FG will have no solution to country’s economic problems. 8. Security: Boko Haram will keep spreading and the Shiite Muslims will get more emboldened. 9. Human Rights: Penchant for dictatorship will rise with rampant human rights abuses and disobedience to court orders. 10. AntiCorruption: Insincerity in the fight against corruption will continue and the fight will not only be selective and political, but targeted more at Southerners. 11. Elections: Attempt to forcefully control any of the South South States of Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa by the APC will lead to unprecedented deaths. 12. Economy: Crude oil price will fall to below and about $30 per barrel. 13. Anti-Press Laws: The masses, especially men of the media profession will rise against the FG’s plot to deny Nigerians of their rights to freedom of expression. There will wide condemnations by Nigerians and the International community against President Buhari’s human rights abuses and disobedience to court orders. 14. Polity: Renewed efforts will be made to remove Senator Bukola Saraki as the Senate President; this will not only fail, but will heat the polity. 15. Hardships: Nigerians will experience more hardships. The President himself attested to this. This obviously negates the change Nigerians voted for. 16. Elections: Plot by the APC to take control of at least one South South State will lead to death of many people. Particularly, rerun elections in Rivers and Akwa-Ibom states will cause many deaths. 17. Corruption: Halliburton scam may be revisited in 2016. 19. Kogi State: Court will sack Governor-Elect, Yahaya Bello. Bayelsa State: Governor Seriake Dickson will win the supplementary election. Taraba State: Governor Darius Ishaku will be victorious at the Court. 20. Politics: There will be subtle

political alignment and realignment before the end of the year ahead of 2019 elections.” HOW FAYOSE HAS SO FAR PROVED TO BE A SEER Barely three months into the year, 2016, where have Fayose’s predictions for 2016, left us?: workers strike, subsidy brouhaha, electricity palaver, unemployment neurosis, economic kwashiorkor, unprecedented naira devaluation, lack of economic blue print, more insecurity than never before, unprecedented human rights violations, lopsided anti-corruption fight, inconclusive and violent elections, untold hardship, all these have already played out. It is crystal clear therefore, based on what Nigeria has gone through between December and now, that about 90% of the predictions of Fayose have already been realized. How he managed to predict so accurately all that has happened within the first three months of 2016, is quite significantly amazing. I believe this will now compare doubting Nigerians to listen more to this gadfly, this iconoclast, this stimulator, this prod and this

political excitant.

TAKING FAYOSE’S PREDICTIONS SERIATIM WORKERS STRIKE Fayose predicted thus: “There will be so much industrial unrest, especially in the first quarter of the year.” This has come to pass. Aside the umbrella NLC embarking on a warning strike, several segments of the society have since embarked upon various strikes to press home their demands in a very hostile economic environment. The crisis at the Kogi State University (KSU) in Anyigba over unpaid salaries and allowances has since taken a new turn. Lecturers have withdrawn their services until they are paid, after a 21-day ultimatum. This has led to the suspension of the semester examination, which would have started on 18th instant. In a related development, resident doctors at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) have since embarked on a three-day warning strike over what they called arbitrary deductions of their salaries and indiscriminate sack of resident doctors by the management led by Prof. Edmund Bele Banwat. The fresh strike has further worsened the situation at the health institution. These are just few examples. Industrial strikes are currently embarked upon across many parts of Nigeria. Fayose scored 100% here. LAST LINE Nigerians, PMB, Fayose, Ekiti, NLC, universities, please, await the next tranche of Fayose’s predictions, even as you read today’s sermon on the “Mount of the Nigerian Project” by Chief Mike A. A. Ozekhome, SAN, OFR, FCIArb. • Follow me on twitter @ MikeozekhomeSAN

Cross Word Puzzle

with Olulana Kayode 08023183727 Instructions on how to play the game •With reference to the ‘clues across’ and ‘clues down’ below, you shall try to provide answers to the clues, by writing the answer in the puzzle box provided on the left side. •The number in parenthesis indicates the total number of letters making up the solution or answer you will provide. •Keep on answering all the questions until all the spaces in the puzzle box are completely filled up. Good luck!

Clues Across 1 6 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 17 18 20

A city in Oyo state north, (8). A kind of Japanese vehicle, (5). Sports Utility Vehicle, abbr. (3). Inland body of water, (4). Indicating agreement, (2). Belgium, abbr. (2). Germany, abbr. (2). The chemical, astatine symbol, (2). Capital city of Italy, (4). A LGA in Ondo state, (3). Showing courage, (5). Involved in fighting, (8).

Clues Down 1 2 3 4 5 7 12 13 16 19

Edo state Governor, (10). Stopper, (4). An adult castrated bull, (2). The beginning of something, (5). Use of money for future profit, (10). Alcoholic drink, (3). Someone who cares for horses, (5). Debenture, abbr. (3). Woman, (4). Barrel, abbr. (2). Turn to page 55 for solution

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