Sunday, september 4, 2016

Recession: 2,000 Aba shoe makers close shops, 20,000 jobs lost }43

Perm Sec dies two days after swearing-in }7

SUNDAY Sunday, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 Vol. 3 No. 928

Sanctity of Truth

/newtelegraph

SHERIFF CAME TO BURY PDP -Obasanjo I wish him well with the dying baby that they have put on his lap because PDP is comatose…it needs to be in intensive care. So, otherwise, he will just be an undertaker -Obasanjo }5

N150

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

Baba has said everything.

Baba said the PDP that they gave me is a dying PDP. He built the PDP that everybody cherished -Sheriff

MILITARY ACTION IN NIGER DELTA

Buhari preparing for genocide -Militants

lPeace, better than war - Achuzia lUse of force could be costly - Ikponmwen lFactions reject Clark’s team, threaten full scale attacks }3&4 }31

Monicazation

I have full African lips }42

NEWS Shoot out at Ondo APC primary }52

lAkeredolu, Abraham in early lead Constituency projects: EFCC begins probe of Jibrin’s }3 allocations

2

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Contents | 04.09.16 BODY & SOUL

Prolific artist Award winning celebrity photographer and publisher of Style Mania magazine, Kelechi Amadi Obi, talks about his career, family and obsession with the lens

}17

POLITICS

Gov Bello’s popularity The recent stoning of Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, during a Juma'at Service, condemnable as it was, is generating mixed reactions

}21

BUSINESS

Recession Forex scarcity is threatening the existence of shoemakers and other SMEs in the Aba Industrial Market

}43

FAITH

Trouble ahead Excommunicated General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Rev. Paul Emeka, may face fresh trouble as the office of the Attorney General of the Federation takes over his forgery trial

}32

SPORT

My World Cup goal Akudo Iwuagwu's goal for Nigeria at the U-20 Women's World Cup 2002 was all she needed to become a household name in world soccer

}29

Magazine

Flooding across the country Heavy Flooding across the country, causing scores of deaths and loss of property has necessitated NEMA's warning on flood-prone communities to prepare for evacuation at short notice

}8&9

SUNDAY

Editorial

Waiting for new Sports Minister

N

igeria picked a first Olympic silver medal in 1984 during the military dictatorship of President Muhammadu Buhari. At the Los Angeles Games, the country also won a first medal in Track and Field. It is a national shame that the same man who brought so much luck is presiding over a period of calamity in our sports.

President Buhari should be excused from this disaster. There is a duly appointed minister in charge of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung whose wisdom in managing sports could make the Biblical King Solomon blink a tear in his grave.

The President cannot be everywhere at the same time, that is why there is a Federal Executive Council or Council of Ministers in place. Dalung simply did not live up to his responsibility. While we agree that the economy is in bad shape, we also believe that if the right attitude had been applied, Team Nigeria would have come back with more than a bronze medal.

Under Buhari at the Los Angeles ’84 Olympic Games, Nigeria made a very bold attempt at gold. Featherweight boxer, Peter Konyegwachie, progressed to the final before he lost to Meldrick Taylor of the United States in what appeared to be an unfair decision following the introduction of computer technology. However, his silver turned out to be the nation’s first.

Our first Olympic medal came through boxing at the Tokyo ’64 Games when Nojeem Maiyegun won bronze. Another bronze came in 1972 through light heavyweight, Isaac Ikhuoria, in Munich.

There was something special about Los Angeles. Samson Emeka Omeruah, Minister of Sports did not have to wait for Gen. Buhari to empty the treasury. He initiated a Presidential Committee headed by Chief Moshood Abiola, through which funds were raised to support the contingent. At that time, Omeruah supervised four ministries: Information, Culture, Youth and Sports.

Konyegwachie’s silver was a plus.

However, athletics brought something new. For the first time, a medal came. In the men’s 4x400 metres relay, the quartet of Sunday Uti, Moses Ugbisien, Oluwarotimi Peters and Innocent Egbunike made the country proud with a bronze.

That would be the first time four teams ran under three minutes in one race.

In the 400 metres hurdles, Henry Amike was able to advance to the final, where he finished eighth. The medal in athletics compensated for years of finals without medals. It spanned a period of 36 years, from 1948 to 1984. Prince Adegboyega Folaranmi Adedoyin an Ijebu Remo Prince, Student in the United Kingdom ran under the Union Jack, since Nigeria was a British colony at the time.. He placed fifth in the Long Jump.

The same position that embraced Karim Olowu at Melbourne ’56, Nigeria’s first Olympics . Wariboko West did a step better at Tokyo’64, he was fourth. In the 4x100 relay, Hameed Adio, Kayode Elegbede, Samson Oyeledun and Peter Okodogbe placed seventh at Moscow’80.

The import is that under Buhari in 1984, Nigeria was not disgraced at the Olympics. A first silver and a first Athletics medal showed that the regime was wise in engaging the services of the corporate world through Chief Abiola. Unfortunately, in 2016, the Sports minister was not interested in courting the business community. He did not even know that there was need to fly the contingent as one on an aircraft.

Under Buhari, this country earned respect in sports all over the world .

In 1985, the Baby Eagles won the FIFA Under-16 tournament. The first time an African country would win a FIFA organised competition. It was the Buhari government that renamed the team.

Today, under Dalung, the Eagles failed to qualify for the Nations Cup, the Flying Eagles crashed out of the Junior Nations Cup and to crown a bad tenure, five-time world champions and defending champions Golden Eaglets will not even play in the continental championships.

We all know the role of sports in the country; our only language of national unity. As the Niger Delta creeks rumble and the Sambisa Forest tumbles, Nigeria could do with less friction. Sports does not divide, it unites us. If the country is not doing well, Mr. Oresident should be worried.

Mr. Dalung has shown that he does not have the capacity to manage our sports. A man who could not attract sponsorship from the business community is bad business for sports. President Buhari should keep politics aside. This is time for Dalung to go. He could be redeployed to any other ministry.

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

Funke Egbemode

Managing Editor, Business & Strategy n Yemi Ajayi

Managing Editor, Publication & Operations n Emeka Obasi

Managing Editor, South n Emeka Madunagu Managing Editor, North & Abuja n Laurence Ani (Leave of Absence)

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

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3

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

Buhari preparing for genocide -Militants Onwuka Nzeshi, Emmanuel Masha and Dominic Adewole

B

arely one week after the Nigeria Army launched its ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’, a special military exercise designed to flush out militants from the creeks of the Niger Delta, tension is mounting as the militant groups and residents of the oil-bearing communities appear uncomfortable with the massive deployment of troops to the region.

The operation, which was flagged off in Sapele, Delta State, has so far claimed the lives of five suspected militants, led to the arrest of about 23 other suspects and the recovery of different arms and ammunitions from the militants. Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, who commissioned the operation, described the militants as criminals who must be crushed in order to secure the oil and gas installations located across the maritime zone of the country.

But the deployment of the troops and the classification of the militants as criminals have provoked fresh anger among the militants some of whom had embraced the dialogue and peace option in recent weeks. Sunday Telegraph gathered that some of the militants groups have interpreted the adoption of the military option by the Federal Government, when many groups have decided to seek peace, as an act of intimidation and unnecessary display of force.

The Iduwini Volunteer Force ( IVF), one of the militant groups that has agreed to lay down its arms and support the peace process , has strongly condemned the deployment of troops in the creeks of the oil rich region, describing it as the height of insincerity on the part of the Federal Government and the security agencies.

Leader of the group, Commander Johnson Biboye, who spoke with Sunday Telegraph in a telephone interview, said it was disheartening that at a time when the ‘freedom fighters’ were beginning to listen to the traditional and political leadership of the Niger Delta on the need for peace, the Federal Government decided to deploy troops to the region. Biboye warned that the current situation in the Niger Delta was a delicate one that should be handled with great caution and that peace cannot be achieved through military force.

“The massive deployment of troops in the name of ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ will do nobody no good. The Federal Government cannot ask groups like ours to make peace in the area and yet deploy troops. We believe that

the ongoing military operation is in bad faith and will certainly endanger our lives, that of our families members and other innocent people in the coastal communities.

“It is the height of insincerity on the part of theFederal Government, especially when groups like ours have stuck out our neck to campaign for other freedom fighting groups to embrace the peace process. It does not speak well of the efforts of our leaders who are risking their lives to get peace,” he said.

A source close to one of the groups confided in Sunday Telegraph that a number of other militants were beginning to have a second thought about the proposed peace process being spearheaded by some traditional and political leaders from the region.

There are fears that the build up of troops, raiding of riverine communities, harassment of the inhabitants of the communities as well as the arrest and killing of suspected militants, might trigger a worse reprisal in the form of serial bombings of strategic oil and gas installations including the oil export terminals .

“We are talking about peace but it appears the Federal Government is not really interested in peace. If it is not intimidation and an attempt to seize our oil resources by force, how else can you describe this build up of troops around our communities? It is clear that President Muhammadu Buhari is not interested in peace in the Niger Delta. If that is the case, then the boys who are still angry at what is happening in Nigeria will not fold their arms.

I can assure you that it will be like Armageddon by the time the next phase of the battle begins,” the leader of one of the groups said.

However, a former Provost Marshall of the Nigeria Army, Brigadier General Idada Ikponmwen ( rtd), had appealed for restraint on the part of the militant groups, assuring that the proposed dialogue between the Federal Government and the Niger Delta Leaders Forum would still hold and all the grievances of the militant groups would be addressed to restore lasting peace to the region.

Ikponmwen observed that while the military had a constitutional right to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria, he was convinced that President Muhamnadu Buhari was committed to the proposed dialogue aimed at restoring peace in the Niger Delta, adding that the alternative to dialogue could have grave consequences.

In a similar vein, the Chancellor, International Society for Social Justice and Human Right (INSSJHR), Chief

Omenazu Jackson, urged the Federal Government to thread with caution in its planned use of force against militant groups in the Niger Delta region. He said the use of force should become an option only when dialogue had failed. He stressed that mostly innocent people would end up as victims should the Federal Government launch any attack in the region.

“The thinking all over the

world is that serious issues are solved through dialogue, and not the use of force.

There are issues troubling the country, not only the ones concerning the Niger Delta region.

The Nigerian society is grumbling, there are complaints here and there. And there are genuine reasons for these complaints. The current situation in the Niger Delta is part of the complaint.

I am against the attacks on

oil installations in the Niger Delta by militant groups, but to achieve a lasting peace, the Federal Government has to take the option of dialogue.

“It is only when dialogue does not work that troop can now be sent to the creeks.

The platform for dialogue would help the country to breathe deeply, see what our problems are, and make moves to solve them,” Omenazu said.

Also speaking on the mat-

ter, Prince Dan Mbachu, president of Africa Global Development for Drastic Change (AGDDC), which promotes peaceful coexistence and development in the Niger Delta, said that deploying troops to the Niger Delta was like adding petrol on fire, which he said would negatively affect the country.

“While I strongly condemn the actions of the militants, I make bold to say that two Continues on page 4

Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and factional National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ali-Modu Sheriff, addressing reporters in Abeokuta, Ogun State...yesterday.

Constituency projects: EFCC begins probe of Jibrin’s allocations Philip Nyam Abuja

T

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may have commenced investigations into alleged fraud and diversion of monies allocated for constituency projects in Bebeji/Kiru Federal Constituency of Kano State in the 2014 and 2015 Appropriation Acts by the erstwhile chairman of the House of Representatives on appropriation, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin.

Jibrin, a second timer, was Chairman of the Committee on Finance in the 7th Assembly under the leadership of Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

Sunday Telegraph learnt that the EFCC is looking into the allegations, part of them being the findings from the House leadership, which allegedly led to the removal of Jibrin as Appropriation committee chairman on July 20, 2016.

A source at the EFCC said the findings of the House and some petitions from some non-governmental organisations prompted the investigations, which is on-going.

“The EFCC is investigat-

ing alleged diversion of funds meant for constituency projects through the award of fictitious and questionable contracts, particularly in the 2014 and 2015 budget.

“I cannot confirm now that fraud has been established so far but the allegations are being probed and appropriate actions would be taken if there is substantial evidence to prove that Jibrin actually abused his office,” he told our correspondent.

The House had disclosed, through its spokesman, Hon. Abdulrazaq Namdas, that Jibrin was sacked because of his “misconduct and abuse of the budgetary process, among others.”

Namdas also hinted that Jibrin’s alleged fraud as chairman of the House Committee on Finance during the 7th Assembly was being compiled by the leadership and would be forwarded to the anti-graft agencies for necessary actions.

Namdas said: “The leadership was also in receipt of complaints about his activities as Chair of Finance Committee in the 7th Assembly, which had potentials to embarrass the House because of his current position as Chair of the

Appropriations Committee.

“Investigations found that from 2011 – 2015, Hon Abdulmumin domiciled with Hadejia – Jama’are River Basin Authority and few other MDAs, some of the allocations meant for his former Finance Committee members, some of whom are still members of the 8th Assembly. He was alleged to have aided the use of front companies that collected funds without executing most of the projects.”

He further disclosed that: “The projects have been compiled and will at the appropriate time be referred to the anti-graft agencies to establish why the projects were fully paid for and not executed, who collected the funds and why Hon Abdulmumin has not raised the alarm about the non-execution of the projects even now?”

When contacted yesterday to confirm if the House leadership had submitted its findings against Jibrin to the anti-corruption agencies, Namdas said based on the directive of the APC that all parties in the budget padding allegations should ceasefire, he was constrained to comment on what actions the House has

taken on Jibrin.

He said when the House reconvenes later this month, it will make public the actions it has taken and some of the decisions it intends to take on the issue of Jibrin.

Meanwhile, Jibrin is said to be deeply troubled by the investigation instituted against him. An APC stalwart who confirm the story to Sunday Telegraph said he had counselled him to reconsider his steps in his on-going campaign.

He said, “When they called to talk to him to desist from destroying himself politically, he ended up bursting into tears.

“Even when he appeared before the APC at the national headquarters, at a point he stopped talking and suddenly started crying. We were confused and all we could do was to counsel him.

“But we were shocked that as soon as he came out of the meeting with us, he went to speak to the media.”

Only last Thursday, Jibrin met with the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption in furtherance of his acclaimed anti-corruption crusade to expose corruption in the National Assembly.

4

SUNDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

NEWS

‘Buhari preparing for genocide’ Continues from page 3

wrongs cannot make a right.

What would it profit the Federal Government in using force when the option of dialogue is waiting to be used? Who does not know that there are some historical challenges in the Niger Delta?

Former Niger Delta agitator, High Chief Ateke Tom, through his spokesman, Ifeanyi Ogbonna, declined to comment on the matter, saying he has nothing to say on the matter. “There is no comment on this matter. There is nothing to say about it.”

For the Presiding Archbishop of Commonwealth Covenant ChurchInternational, Archbishop Moses Kattey, the Federal Government should not be in a hurry to use force in the Niger Delta, but should calmly find the root of the agitations across the country in the interest of national stability and peace.

“We know what we passed through before the amnesty of 2009. There was a war in the Niger Delta between militants and soldiers. We don’t want that to happen again.

Some are clamouring for the country to be restructured so that states or regions control their resources and pay taxes to the Federal Government.

“By so doing, states will develop at their own pace.

That is the way people feel federalism should operate.

We have a situation where herdsmen are attacking villages and communities, and people are being killed. I think the Federal Government should also look for solution to that problem.”

Similarly, the chairman of Kokodiagbene Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state, who doubles as the Coordinator the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEJEP), Comrade Sheriff Mulade, condemned the ongoing military option to address the renewed militancy in the Niger Delta region.

He said it was an attempt

by President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) to start treating the region as “a conquered territory in a united Nigeria.”

He accused the security personnel of complicity in the region’s questions and aiding illegal oil bunkerers but arresting innocent indigene of the area to cover up.

He said, “They are the ones escorting smugglers and oil bunkerers with their crude laden ‘Cotonou boats’. They even know those behind pipeline vandalism and how oil theft has been flourishing in the region. It is callous to start using military force on the goose that is laying the golden egg.”

Col. Joe Achuzia (rtd.), a warlord during the Nigerian Civil War, suggested caution on the part of the Federal Government. According to him, where two elephants fight, the grass suffers. He

said the casualties would not only be the two parties in the confrontation, the innocent indigenes and residents would get their fair share.

“While killing innocent citizens is not the military exercise, the Federal Government should exercise caution in addressing the Niger Delta crisis. Military force should not be considered. Peace is better than war, because in war, parents don’t know their children, neither do children know their parents.

Military option will not uproot the root of bitterness,” he opined.

-The Legal Adviser to the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the first female Commissioner in the defunct Bendel State, Barr. Chief (Mrs.) Veronica BamuzaMutu, who justified the agitaton of the militants but condemned their approach, wondered why the Federal Government abandoned the area for decades and now deployed military men to further annihilate the indigenes.

She said; “Past governments merely granted amnesty, shared money and contracts for those that laid down arms, but regrettably neglected the devastation and degradation of the area, its people and customs and culture.

“The people (oil bearing communities) are truly suffering, no portable water, no electricity, no reasonable houses and their children cannot attend good schools, whereas this is the region where the country acquires its mainstay. This is bad.”

Chairman of Inikorogha community in Warri South West Local Government Area, Comrade Christopher Ejoh, said: “As we speak, we are seriously pained by what is going on around Gbaramatu Kingdom and it environs.

We condemned in its entirety these attacks and want to appeal to the perpetrators to stay away from our communities. Federal Government also should know that military force would not answer the Niger Delta questions but will only defer it,” Ejoh said.

The spokesperson of a factional militia group, the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, Gen. Aldo Agbalaja, said the Federal Government has prepared to preside over genocide if it should unleash military force on “already beaten, battered, squeezed and impoverished people of the Niger Delta.

“We had earlier warned against the ongoing victimisation and harassment of defenseless people of the region, especially in the creeks, but rather than heed, the Nigerian military has increased its presence and makes life more difficult for our peoples. They are still arresting and killing our people on the basis of mere suspicion. But as we all know, this can’t continue. President Buhari should stop wasting his time.”

Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson (2ndright) his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, rtd (left) pose with the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi (right) and his wife, Esther (2ndleft) during a courtesy call at Government House Yenagoa. Photo: Lucky Francis

Okorocha has distorted Owerri masterplan -Ohakim •We’re making Owerri city of our dream -Govt

F

Paul Ogbuokiri

ormer governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, has alleged that the ongoing demolition of houses in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, by the Owelle Rochas Okorocha admistration has distorted the Owerri city master plan.

Ohakim, in a letter to the governor last week, lamented that property owners were not compensated, even as the notice given was not adequate to enable the residents move their belongings before the exercise started, adding, that the action has “suddenly thrown hapless citizens into homelessness, joblessness and excruciating economic pains from which they may never recover.”

He alleged that the demolitions have destroyed the pipelines of the $43 million Owerri Municipality Public Water Scheme, which took the first civilian governor of Imo State, late Chief Samuel Mbakwe, four years to complete.

“As I write, nearly all the buildings, including business houses, along the affected roads, have now been disconnected from the public electricity supply as a result of the damage of electricity wires, cables and poles.

“As a matter of fact, two hotels along Orlu Road in Amakohia have closed for business and sent their workers away; ditto other businesses. This should not

be at a time like this,” he lamented.

Ohakim also said that because of the exercise, the state is on the verge of loosing two very important gifts nature bestowed on ‘Ndi Owerri’ and indeed Imo State namely, the Nworie and Otamiri rivers.

Otamiri is the intake source of the Owerri main water scheme.

“Now that it is going into extinction, it means it can no longer play that role as an important source of life for the people. As things stand, both rivers may disappear within the next few years,” he said.

According to the letter titled ‘Current Tend of Events in our State,’ some officials of the Okoracha administration, whom the people had access to, merely told the owners of the houses that they contravened existing regulations on location and specifications of buildings.

“I also heard that they were told that all land belongs to government and that the latter can take any land at will without giving explanations.

“You and I know that given the current economic situation in the country, this is the most inappropriate time to destroy the houses of people or destroy structures that house their means of livelihood without adequate alternative arrangement,” Ohakim said.

He stated that the governor’s road expansion project in Owerri Municipal is not in conformity with

the master plan and any known element of road design, adding that the huge economic loss from the exercise will far outweigh the few metres to be gained from the proposed expansion.

“To worsen matters, no public right of way is left for the replacement of pipes and cables, as your proposed roads will end at the foundation of people’s houses.”

He said taking into cognizance the fact that Owerri is located in a valley, the original designers of the city, took a number of engineering and technical issues into consideration.

“One of such considerations is that indiscriminate excavations, as we now have, would make the city highly vulnerable to flooding,” he said.

He alleged that the project was not captured in any of the state budgets in the last five years.

“It is trite argument that embarking on any project, however well intentioned, without first putting it in the budget, is against the law. It also makes room for arbitrary, uncoordinated and aimless application of funds and makes monitoring and accountability difficult, if not impossible.”

He called on the governor to review his no pipe borne water for Imo policy, review the disbandment of the Water Corporation and recall the 200 technical board staff sent away.

He further said that the governor’s proposal to

demolish the Eke-Ukwu Owerri market should be reviewed, adding that the move at this point in time will have grave economic and social consequences.

Meanwhile the Government of Imo State in its reaction to the letter on Saturday accused Ex-Governor Ohakim of hiding under the cloak of protecting the interest of Imo people to engage in furtive politics, saying, “We honestly would not want to join issues with you.”

The statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Tourism and Public Affairs, Dr. Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, overlooked the key questions asked by Sunday Telegraph, on alleged nonpayment of compensation to owners of demolished buildings, destruction of water pipelines and whether the road expansion project is being done in line with the Owerri master plan. But it strongly criticised Ohakim for not seeing anything good in the state government since he was voted out office by the Imo people.

It further said, “Owerri is the fastest growing city in the country at the moment, and we need to undertake certain developmental actions that would befit the city of our dream.” It added that the state government is expanding and duallizing the roads and also building markets outside Owerri town “to make it really a city we can all be proud of.”

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER, 2016

NEWS

Sheriff came to bury PDP -Obasanjo F Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

ormer president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, declared that Nigeria needed strong political parties both in government and opposition for the country’s democracy to survive.

Obasanjo said, as at today, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cannot claim to be strong in government and opposition respectively.

He spoke shortly after the factional National Chairman of PDP, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, visited him at his Presidential Hilltop Estate residence in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Sheriff, who arrived the expresident’s home at 11:04am in a convoy of four vehicles, left about 12:30pm.

Both leaders met behind

closed-doors for about one hour, and later emerged to address reporters.

Obasanjo, who spoke first, maintained that he had renounced partisan politics in the country but was still open to all people of goodwill to offer advice to them.

The former president said though he was happy to receive Sheriff, he does not belong to the PDP faction of the ex-Borno State governor.

He argued that the PDP remained comatose, adding that those who destroyed the party are ‘unperturbed’ about the fate of the party and indeed the country.

Obasanjo noted that all Nigerians should be concerned about the present democratic dispensation and must not allow it to be derailed.

He said: “For democracy to be strong and dynamic, today PDP cannot claim to be a strong party in opposition. I don’t know if APC can

claim, at the national level, to be a strong party in government either.

“Now that is part of the misfortune of this country today. That being the case, it must be the concern of all Nigerians that the present democratic dispensation must not be allowed to be derailed. And for it not to be derailed, we must have a strong political party in government and a strong political party as opposition.

“Now, when they talk of institution, a political party is an institution and in a democracy, it’s a very important institution that we must all nourish and cherish.”

Obasanjo, who revealed that he had, at a time, wooed Sheriff to join the PDP, wondered why he was now in the party to “be an undertaker.”

He further said: “Let me make it absolutely clear once again: I’ve renounced parti-

san politics. I don’t belong to any political party, not to talk of his (Sheriff’s) own faction of PDP or any other faction.

“But he came and I’m very, very happy to receive him.

And I said ‘look, please for my own education, for my own knowledge, tell me what exactly is happening?’

And he briefed me.

“For eight years, I was the leader of the PDP. But the PDP that I was the leader of is not the PDP of today. The PDP of today, the soul of that party has been taken out of it. And those who allowed that to happen, unfortunately either in the country or out of the country, are unperturbed about the fate of that party and indeed the fate of the country.

“I have said to my brother that I wish him well in the dying baby that they have put on his lap because PDP is comatose.

“He was of course not in

PDP; he has never been in PDP until now. When I was in PDP, I tried to encourage him to come to PDP. You remember? He did not come.

But the PDP that they have given him now is a dying PDP; a dying baby. It needs to be in intensive care. So, otherwise, he will just be an undertaker.

“But as I said, it is the responsibility of all Nigerians of goodwill and all friends of Nigeria that wish this country well that we should ensure that institutions that will underpin a virile, dynamic, thriving democracy are put in place.”

Also speaking, Sheriff, who claimed to be the authentic national chairman of PDP, said he came to consult with the former president on how revive the party.

He noted that despite renouncing partisan politics, Obasanjo remained an eminent personality whose wealth of experience cannot be wished away.

Sheriff said: “Baba has said everything. Baba said the PDP that they gave me is a dying PDP. He built the PDP that everybody cherished.

“Baba, whether he’s today in politics or outside politics, he has a role in Nigerian nation and every one of us that is looking up to him, if we have a problem we must come to him for solution.

“Therefore, since we are looking for a solution, whether he is inside party - he said he’s not going to play any partisan politics, we agree but he is our father, father of the Nigerian nation and the grandfather of PDP. Therefore that soul that has gone, he has to bring it back to us and through his advice, we will get it right.

“How do you make it right? You see, it’s a matter of consultation and talking to the right people. Baba has told you already that Nigeria needs a strong party in government and outside government.

“And he also told you that both are needed for democracy to survive. He keeps saying it out of his practical experience as a two-time president of Nigeria. Any wisdom that we want in order to lead our party, he has it. That’s why we came to consult him.”

Soldiers invade Jonathan’s cousin’s company Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

A

Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Usman Muktar (left), and Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, during a meeting between the minister and staff of Aero Airlines in Lagos…at the wekend

Sam Okwaraji: Family laments neglect, 27 years after

Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

W

ith a first class bachelors degree in Law at the age of 20, Masters Degree at the age of 23 and writing his PHD thesis when he died in the service of his country, Sam Okwaraji wrote his name in gold and left an indelible footprint that could inspire a lot of young Nigerians to greatness and national honour.

Okwaraji, the youngest in a family of five, had combined academics and soccer and excelled in both. He saw a need in his country and offered his service. He paid his bills to the Eagles’ camp, played with his heart, died in service and today

seems forgotten by the same country he gave his all to.

These were some of the feelings expressed by the Okwaraji family of Umudioka, Orlu in Imo state when Mr. Okey Ezeh, a management consultant and sponsor of a football competition in honour of the fallen Super Eagles midfielder, visited the family at their Enugu residence.

Ezeh revealed that the competition is his own little way of celebrating patriotism and excellence which he said, the soccer legend represents, even in death.

Ezeh, Chairman of the Okechukwu Theodore Eze Foundation, lamented a situation where successive governments hardly recognize the importance of honouring patriotic citizens

who served the country meritoriously and even died in the service of the nation.

Ezeh assured that the story of Sam Okwaraji would be the centre piece at every stage of the state-wide competition.

Speaking during the visit, Okwaraji’s mother, Mrs. Janet Okwara, thanked Ezeh for the visit, which she said would really go a long way in improving her health.

Pat Okwaraji, elder brother to Sam, who expressed his delight at the visit, stated that it was the first time a prominent Imo son would be visiting the family and unveiling a programme in honour of his late brother who died in active National Service.

Pat Okwaraji, who wept while speaking on the oc-

casion, described as unfortunate and discouraging, the fact that his brother, who was a genius by all academic standards, died serving the country and was literally forgotten by the same country he served to death.

He recalled that Lagos State Government, during the administration of Governor Fashola, had honoured his brother with an annual lecture for about two years, which was later stopped, especially with the home state of the deceased doing nothing in his honour.

He noted that the family is consoled by the quality of life their son lived and the enduring legacies of excellence and rare patriotism, which the late Okwaraji left behind.

rmed military men at about 8pm on Friday took over Kakatar Construction site at Maitama, a company said to be owned

by Mr. Azibaola Robert, who is referred to as former President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin.

The company is handling the provision of engineering infrastructure contract at the Goodluck District also known as Maitama extension.

Robert has been having a running battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over one of his companies, Oneplus Holdings.

Construction workers who resumed for work on Saturday morning, it was gathered, were chased out of the site by fierce-looking armed soldiers who refused to speak to our correspondent on their mission.

One of the site workers who volunteered his name as Mr. Maxwell Udom said that no site worker was allowed entrance by the armed military men, stressing that neither was prior notice was served before their action.

The Managing Director of Kakatar, Mr. Azibaola Robert, has been having a running battle with EFCC over one of his companies, Oneplus Holdings.

This has led to EFCC freezing Kakatar’s accounts as well and forced the company to sack over 2000 workers recently. The EFCC action has stalled on-going capital projects being handled by Kakatar in Abuja.

It is however not certain if this present sudden military deployment has anything to do with his running battles with government for which persecution has been alleged. All efforts to get the reaction of the military proved abortive at the time of filing this report.

Gunmen abduct three children in Benue

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unmen have kidnapped three children in less than three days after the Department of State Services, in collaboration with the Benue State Security Council, paraded six children rescued from kidnappers in Makurdi, Benue State.

It was learnt that Alfred Adunm and two of his sisters were abducted

Saturday morning while on their way to the farm.

An eyewitness said two men with guns accosted the children, ordered them into a waiting vehicle and headed towards Adoka-Ankpa Road.

Benue State Police spokesperson, ASP Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident saying that they have begun investigation into the case.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

news

Fuel scarcity looms as PENGASSAN threatens to resume strike

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etroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, (PENGASSAN), has threatened to resume its strike if the Federal Government refuses to implement an agreement reached among the tripartite partners in the industry.

This was contained in

a letter addressed to the Minister of Labour and Productivity dated August 22, 2016 and signed by the Acting General Secretary, PENGASSAN, Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa.

It stated that since the agreement was signed over a month ago, government

Remain committed to devt, Pastor Kumuyi urges Wike Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

T

he General Superintendent of Deeper Life Christian Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, has encouraged Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State to remain committed to the development of the state as the Church will continue to support him in prayers.

This charge came as Governor Wike declared that Rivers State is dedicated to God who, he said, has been faithful to the state despite the evil machinations of the enemies of the state.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Port Harcourt on Saturday, Pastor Kumuyi advised Wike never to be distracted in his pursuit of development for the state.

He said that he was in Rivers State to bring divine solutions to human problems, noting that the state will overcome her challenges to be a leading light in the country.

The cleric noted that because the Rivers State Government has honoured God,

it will get divine visitation that will address all the challenges that the people of the state are facing. He said: “The challenges we face are temporal. God will use us to bring a time of peace and security to the state”.

Pastor Kumuyi added that the future is bright for Nigeria and Rivers State, saying that the present challenges will pass away.

Responding, Governor Wike said that the visit of the General Superintendent of Deeper Life Christian Ministry to Rivers State will attract spiritual blessing to the state and help the state attain further grace for rapid development.

He said his administration is anchored on God who has protected his leadership from all ungodly attempts to pull it down since he was sworn in.

He said: “Your coming to Rivers State will mark the end of our challenges. I know that God will do his work for this state. My administration is anchored on God . But for God, we would have been pulled down. But God has been on our side”.

HID Awolowo Foundation to be unveiled Sept 19

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he Ọbafẹmi Awolowo Foundation says that the unveiling of HID Awolọwọ Foundation will hold on September, 19, 2016, and will be dedicated to a commemoration of the life, times and legacy of Yeye Oodua HID Awolọwọ, an outstanding stateswoman who passed away on the same date last year.

The event, projected auspiciously as a high-profile intellectual occasion, will take place at the Ikẹnnẹ, Ogun State home of the Awolowos and will commence at 12noon. It is expected to attract a qualitative audience of distinguished menand women across the nation and will be chaired by Mrs. Ayo Obe, a lawyer, Human Rights Activist and public intellectual.

According to a statement signed by the Executive Director/Founding Member, Obafemi Awolowo Founda-

tion, Dr. Ọlatokunbọ Awolowo Dosumu, it will feature among other events, the inauguration of the HID Awolọwọ Foundation Advisory Council and a lecture to be delivered

by Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, well known gender empowerment activist and Human Rights Advocate.

The HID Awolowo Foundation is being launched under the aegis of the Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ Foundation with the aim of perpetuating the edifying legacy of Yeye Oodua HID Awolọwọ, the character of which was complimentary and contributed significantly to the success of the life mission of her husband, Chief Ọbafẹmi Awolowo.

“In doing this, we are eager to ensure that the notable qualities of Yeye Oodua HID Awolowo, her statesmanship and perseverance in the face of adversity.

has displayed little commitment towards implementing the tenets of the agreement.

Copies of the letter were sent to the Director General of the Department State Services (DSS), the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) and the General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).

The union urged the minister to intervene by calling on

the defaulting managements who had refused to implement the agreement, in order to avert another round of nationwide strike.

PENGASSAN recalled that the agreement was reached at the end of the conciliation meetings held at the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment with PENGASSAN, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and other stakeholders on July 12, 14 and 21, 2016 in Abuja.

The letter read in part: “It is over a month now since the last communiqué was reached and we can say in summation that no much progress has been achieved.

This of course is making our members restive and we are under tremendous pressure to bring about a total resolution on all the contending issues.

“We are constrained, therefore, to note with great dismay that most of the companies are foot-dragging and have resorted to

time-wasting tactics in order to deliberately frustrate the process.”

The union listed the companies that have refused to honour their own parts of the agreement to include Mobil Producing Nigeria Contract Staff Forum, Fugro Nigeria Limited, Petrostuff Nigeria, Tecon, Frontier Oil Limited, Universal Energy Resources Limited, Pan Ocean, Halliburton Energy Services Nigeria Limited, CISCON, and Baker Hughes among others.

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike (right), General Superintendent of Deeper Life Christian Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, and his wife, Esther (left), after inspecting the New Christian Chapel at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Saturday

How I will destroy Nigeria, by Kanu Charles Onyekwere ENUGU

D

etained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra,(IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has said that he will destroy Nigeria completely not with expllsives, but with truth.

A statement from Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB spokesman, shows that Kanu has decided to bomb Nigeria out of existence by dispensing stack truths about Nigeria to the whole world.

The statement stated that Nigeria is a contraption done by the former British colonialists which is no longer working, hence the quest of the Biafrans to opt out of the incompatible marriage - the 1914 Amalgamation.

The statement reads thus: “The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Prophet Nnamdi Kanu, did not say he will bomb Nigeria but to destroy the existence of Nigeria with truth before the eyes of everybody.

“Shout it from roof top,

let the birds of heaven sing it, send out Biafran towncriers with horn speakers and please inform it to Nigerians, that Biafrans must go for good as the one set to cremate Nigeria has finally come to be reality.

“The Director of Radio Biafra and the humble servant of the blessed people of Biafra, Kanu has released a word that is sending shivers down the spines of the Nigerian Lords. The British trained revolutionary and political scientist of international repute, recently said

that his hatred for Nigeria can only be described as pathological; borne out of the cruelty mankind has inflicted on his people through the contraption called Nigeria.

“Prophet Kanu, who was born in the thick of the genocidal war waged against his Biafran people, affirmed that the contraption referred to as Nigeria only exists today because the white Europeans said so, insisting that it was not created by God the natural way all nations on earth came into existence.”

Abdulsalami, Aisha Buhari, Bello drum support for women Dan Atori MINNA

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ormer Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari and the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Sani Bello have called on the male gender in the country to continue to support the womenfolk and

ensure they achieve their dreams.

Speaking yesterday at the RAiSE Foundation fund raising launch and unveiling of the cancer screening centre in Minna, Abdusalmi, in particular also called for the need to set up foundation that will carter for men and the aged, because men are fast becoming an endangered species.

Hajia Aisha Buhari, however, assured that women will continue to support their husbands in achieving positive results.

Allying the fears of General Abdulsalami, Mrs. Buhari said: “Men should not be threatened because women have not taken over. We only see ourselves as bridge builders to help the men.”

She further urged women

to continue to support their husbands’ agenda saying that “there is nothing more gratifying than having a woman who is very active in all areas of life”.

In his message, Governor Sani Bello extolled the role of Nigerian women describing them as strong supporters and pillars of the country’s political endeavour.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

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News

Niger women decry scarcity of health workers Dan Atori MINNA

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omen in Niger State have decried the non availability of health workers in the existing health facilities across the state, and called for immediate government intervention.

The women, who are largely mothers and pregnant residents, yesterday at a town hall meeting organised

by White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria in Chachanga and Wushishi local government areas of Niger State, called on the government to work towards recruiting more hands to meet the health needs of the people.

However, the National Coordinator of The White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria, Mr. Tonte Ibraye, said that they will work towards improving citizens’ engagement in the areas of policy making and service delivery in the health sector in the state.

He lamented that 28 per cent of pregnant women in the state do not consider it necessary to deliver in a health facilities, adding that this has given rise to maternal mortality in the state.

The participants, who lamented that they have no place to lay their health complaints, stated that they did not know about the Ward Health Development Committee set up by the government because the committee is either not active or nonexistent.

They also complained about the attitude of the healthcare staff on ground which needs to be addressed, stressing that most healthcare facilities needs to be equipped to be able to take care of women.

One of the participants, Hajia Asmau Usman said “We do not go to the hospital anymore because the nurses are hostile and not encouraging.”

Enugu remains a peaceful state, says Ugwuanyi

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overnor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has urged the people of the state to continue to offer special prayers for the peace and progress of the state, arguing that the state remains one of the safest states in the country.

The governor spoke during the inauguration of a privately owned educational institution, Shalom Science and Technology Academy (SSTAC), located at Emene Industrial Layout, Enugu.

He noted that science and technology were the key drivers of a nation’s development, saying that all the advanced economies of the world are powered and sustained by the innovations and revolutions that they continue to bring to that sector.

Ugwuanyi congratulated the proprietor of the Academy and Director of Shalom Schools Limited, Dr. Willy Onu, for his remarkable contributions to the development

of the state’s educational sector and the nation at large.

He also appreciated the accomplishments of the Shalom Schools Limited in its 22 years of existence, especially in representing the country in the world Biology Olympiads of 2008 and 2009 held respectively in India and Japan.

The governor maintained that for any nation to attain reasonable success in the pursuit of scientific and technological advancement it must have a sound and reliable system of science and technology education that would essentially include the establishment of specialised institutions at all levels across the country.

He, therefore, pledged to continue to encourage and assist private initiatives and investments in the sector as exemplified by the Academy, to enable the people to enjoy easier and wider access to qualitative training in science and technology.

Ogun PS dies two days after swearing-in Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

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Permanent Secretary in the Ogun State civil service, Mrs Betty Olubunmi Odumusi, has died barely two days after she was sworn into office.

Odumusi, 57, died in her sleep in the early hours of Saturday.

The deceased, who rose to the position of director in the state Ministry of Information and Strategy, was among the 14 newly appointed Perma-

nent Secretaries who were sworn into office on Thursday by Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Sunday Telegraph learnt that the senior civil servant died after a prolonged battle with cancer, which she had treated at both local and foreign hospitals.

Family sources said she was in the United States of America for medical treatment when Amosun announced her appointment and she flew back to Nigeria to attend the inauguration.

The wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari (right); Niger State Governor Abubakar Bello (left) and wife, Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello, at the unveiling of the Raise Foundation Cancer Screening Centre in Minna…yesterday

Edo guber poll: INEC accredits 44 observer groups •Cleric urges politicians to eschew violence

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he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accredited 44 observer groups for the September10 gubernatorial election in Edo. The INEC Public Relations Officer in the state, Mrs. Prisillia Sule, confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Saturday.

Sule said the commission accredited 37 domestic observer groups and seven foreign observer group that would participate in the poll.

The spokesperson, however, urged all the accredited groups to deliver credible and reliable information to members of the public during and after the election coverage.

Meanwhile, Rev. Jacob Bada, Bishop of Etsako Diocese of the Anglican Communion, has urged politicians in Edo to avoid violence in the governorship election in the state.

Bada made the call at the opening session of the third Synod of the diocese held at All Saints Cathedral, Auchi, Etsako-West Local Government Area of Edo. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2016 Synod has the theme ‘The Power of Vision in Leadership’.

Bada called on candidates taking part in the Edo governorship election to promote peace, urging the electorate to also exercise their franchise without selling their con-

science.

“The synod calls on all aspirants and their supporters to play the game according to the rules and eschew violence.

“We encourage men, women, natives and non-natives to be active in the forthcoming election.

“You all must go out to vote and vote your conscience.

May the best candidate who will take Edo to the next level be elected,” he said.

The bishop said that leaders could determine the direction of societies and nations, adding that a visionary leader should also come with positive changes.

The bishop commended the Federal Government on its effort in the fight against

corruption, but appealed that the authorities should also focus on other aspects of life, including poverty alleviation.

Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), urged Nigerians to be patient and have hope in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in reviving the economy.

“It is a difficult job we are doing and we are pleading with people to be patient because the future is brighter than we have ever seen before,” he said.

Earlier, in his keynote address, the Bishop of Lokoja Diocese, Rev. Emmanuel Egbunu, said that good leadership was built on vision.

Niger Delta Black Emancipation Force rejects Clark’s dialogue team Paul Ogbuokiri

…threatens to resume bombing

gainst the backdrop of the endorsement of the former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, by different Niger Delta groups to head the pan Niger Delta group that will dialogue with the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Black Emancipation Force (NDBEF) has threatened to resume hostilities in the upland, unless government includes them in the negotiating team.

A press statement by the

spokesman of the group, Group Commander Ruben Epini, at the weekend, accused the Ijaws of hijacking the proposed panNiger Delta dialogue team, undermining the upland people like the Urhobos, which is the fifth largest ethic group in the country.

“We are announcing our readiness to resume hostilities in the upland because our simplicity have been taken for granted as we are not in the picture of the ongoing negotiation with the Federal

A

Government, simply because Chief Edwin Clark wants to show his usual way of marginalizing the Urhobo people as was done under the former President Good luck Jonathan administration.”

The group announced its own dialogue team to be led by the former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi.

Other persons nominated by the group to be in the team, include Barr. Mary Oyibocha Agbajoh; Hon Samuel Esiso

You need better agric policy, VC tells Buhari T he Federal Government was yesterday, asked to adopt a more realistic and aggressive approach to its agricultural policy in order to achieve a better result than previous efforts.

Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Professor Mohammed-Taofeek Ibrahim, who made the call

at the sixth convocation of the institution, said it was high time Nigeria moved from theories to realities on how agriculture could revamp the national economy.

Mohammed-Taofeek asked government to direct all tiers of government to establish agricultural mechanisation support camps as one of

the steps of enhancing job creation for unemployed Nigerians.

He said: “While the effort of the current government in the area of agriculture is commendable, the efforts need to be pragmatic and aggressive in its approach. A nation that cannot feed itself is a poor one. A nation that

and Barr. Abraham Erhuen.

They warned, “Should the Federal Government fails to invite these people, they risk economic sabotage as we will not hesitate to cripple all oil and gas facilities including power holding facilities in the upland area.

Meanwhile, former militant leader from the Urhobo nation, General Emmanuel Shobor, has called on the Federal Government to commence negotiation with the agitators to completely bring to an end the hostilities escalating in the Niger Delta region.

relies on importation of food items is also precarious and not secured.

“Over five decades after political independence, and several development plans, Nigeria still remains a mono-cultural economy with almost total neglect of the agricultural sector. It is a big failure and disappointment.”

The Sunday Magazine

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

We lost farmlands, •••states on alert

Heavy flooding across the country has caused a number of deaths and loss of properties. This has created panic among the riverine dwellers, especially as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the affected state governments are asking the residents of the flood-prone communities to prepare for evacuation at short notice. CHIJIOKE IREMEKA, DAN ATORI, STEVE UZOECHI, CEPHAS IORHEMEN, DOMINIC ADEWOLE and JUDITH ONYEBUCHI report

Flooded area in Lekki Lagos

W

hile some residents heave a sigh of relief when the clouds gather and the rainfall begin in torrents, some others are full of fear that it would be a harbinger of sorrow and tears. Some affected residents of Asaba, Delta state will not forget in a hurry, the devastation of the 2012 flooding that lasted for several months.

Places where flood destroyed property worth millions of naira include Cheku, Lambata kwaran, Chepa, Alaba, Bina and Muye communities in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State. Others are Ebbo, Egba, Gagbe, Tanna, Bazhi and Yelwa Local Government in Niger State.

Those residing along the banks of Rivers Benue, Katsina-Ala and Buruku in Benue State have been asked to vacate their homes in view of the impending flood, likewise, those around Oguta Lake in Imo State, have been asked to prepare for sudden relocation in case of excessive flooding.

However, last week’s downpour was a baptism of fire for some Nigerians, whose areas were flooded after the torrential rain.

The downpour had ravaged everything in its path, as well as caused gridlock on major roads. Some of them impassable for days.

It is a known fact that some parts of Lagos State-Ajegunle, Owode-Onirin, OwodeElede, the Kuramo Beach, Alpha Beach, Okun-Mapo, Okun Ajah, Mende-Maryland, Ijora-Badia and Iwaya among others are below sea level. So, government often admonishes residents in these areas to be

Asaba, Delta State

mindful of how they dispose of refuse and treat their environment generally. Sometimes, this becomes unbearable and this is why relevant authorities have appealed to them to vacate their homes, whenever they notice a rise in the water level.

In Lekki, Lagos, for instance, flooding has been giving residents sleepless nights and the effects are quite devastating. It is not always a pleasant experience, as the occupants of houses in streets around Admiralty Way Lekki Phase 1, would always find it difficult to move about each time it rained.

Admiralty Way, one of the major streets on the Lekki axis, is always flooded when it rains. According to the residents, flooding

PHOTOS: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Benue State

has destroyed the road and dug pot holes in some major streets, thus making it inaccessible whenever theheavens open up.

This havoc can be attributed to poor drainage system. The drainage system is constructed to allow the free flow of water but when refuse is dumped in it, passage of water is blocked, and this subsequently causes flooding.

Not too long ago, a two-day downpour in Lagos caused severe flooding that crippled social-economic activities in the city. Lekki and some areas of Mende, Maryland, were worst hit as flood restricted human and vehicular movements.

An architect, Hafis Balogun, is of the notion that Lagosians are always not pre-

pared for the rains. “With what happened last week, if a two-day downpour could cause so much damage in some parts of the state, with Egbeda also badly hit, it shows we are not prepared.

“You can see the drainage in of some of the streets have been completely blocked with sand and refuse. And there is the need to reopen it for easy passage of water.”

While commending the efforts of the Landlords/Residents Development Associations, Balogun noted that residents of Iyana Sasi area of Lagos, where he resides, have resorted to going it alone to construct wooden footbridges that have been helping them move in and out of their abodes.

He observed that some other Commu-

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

Sunday Magazine

everything to flood

nity Development Associations (CDA) are adopting similar measures to enable them tackle the problems of flooding.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, had informed residents that Lagos flood is mostly as a result of its peculiarities of being a coastal city. Whenever it rains heavily, the lagoon and ocean automatically block all the canals. And the volume rises significantly, until the ocean and lagoon recedes, the canals would not be able to discharge into them.

He advised that Lagosians need to prepare themselves all the time and see flood as something they just have to live with.

While the Lagos State Government is undertaking sundry projects to curtail flooding in the state, the same cannot be said of other states across the country, as they are yet to take any palliative measure to avoid flooding as the rains are here.

Flood claims 4 lives, sacks 23 villages, destroys farmlands in Niger In Niger State, no fewer than four persons died in Lapai Local Government Area after an eight-hour downpour that sacked 23 villages and overran several farmlands.

The flood, which destroyed property worth millions of naira, affected Cheku, Lambata kwaran, Chepa, Alaba, Bina and

Edo State

Muye communities in Lapai Local government area. Others are Ebbo, Egba, Gagbe, Tanna, Bazhi and Yelwa.

One of the villagers, who gave his name as Adamu Kadir Bina, told Sunday Telegraph that the rain, which started around 8pm and lasted till dawn on Monday, saw one person die in a flood at Muye, while three died at Ebbo. He added that, the deceased were young people.

A Niger state farmer said he lost his properties and farmlands to flood.

But in a swift response, the Niger State governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, who visited the affected communities in Lapai LGA said the financial outlay to tackle ecological challenges in the state is beyond the state, he therefore, called on the Federal Government for quick intervention.

The governor noted that the challenges by flood and the deep gully erosion in the state include from sub-merging and washing away of houses, public schools, places of worship, farmlands, roads and bridges in several communities in the state.

Other affected local governments in Niger State include, Shiroro, Muyan, Gurara and Bida, Lavun, Wushishi, Mokwa and Borgu. …Ortom orders residents to vacate flood-

prone areas As part of measures to avert a repeat of the 2011 flood disaster, which wreaked havoc and rendered thousands homeless, the Benue State Government took steps to check the negative consequences followings a warning by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) of an impending flood disaster which would also affect Benue State.

Governor Samuel Ortom directed the people residing along the banks of Rivers Benue, Katsina-Ala and Buruku to vacate in view of the impending flood. The governor gave the order while inspecting flood-prone areas, drainage channels and areas threatened by erosion in Makurdi, the state capital.

He particularly advised residents of Agatu, Guma, Makurdi, Buruku, Gwer-West and Katsina-Ala local government areas to heed to the warning, saying that, the state government has taken steps to avoid the repeat of the 2012 flood disaster. Those residing in flood-prone areas, he warned should not wait for the rivers to overflow their banks before moving out.

He also warned residents of Makurdi and other towns against blocking drainage channels with empty water sachets and plastic containers, stressing that, such negative attitudes make many areas to be prone to flooding.

He noted that the state's environmental sanitation agency has stepped up efforts in refuse collection and advised citizens to drop refuse at designated spots for collection, assuring that his administration would continue with the preventive measures until Benue records a flood free-year.

Sunday Telegraph learnt that another measure taken by the state government is the clearing of blocked drainages by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Utility and Environment, Mr. Nathaniel Ikyur. …get ready to vacate on short notice, NEMA tells Imo communities Though flooding has not been recorded this year in Imo State, to avoid last year’s disaster, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised people living near the Oguta Lake and the tributaries of River Niger to get ready to relocate to safer locations on short notice if the need arises.

NEMA Coordinator in-charge of Imo and

Abia states, Mr. Evans Ugo, gave the advice, following NEMA’s observation of the water level, saying that, the prediction by the relevant agency that has been monitoring the water level at the Oguta Lake and other waters which around the riverine communities in Imo and Abia states should be taken seriously.

“Recent observations show that the water level is beginning to rise and we deem it necessary to alert communities likely to be affected by flood to get set to relocate to safer locations. The alarm raised by the agency was aimed at preventing colossal damages as recorded in the year 2012 when many communities across Nigeria were flooded.

“Actually, the Nigeria Metrological Agency predicted that this year’s rainfall will be below normal, though that there might be some cases of flash flooding, but recently NASA came up with another prediction that 24 states including Imo and Delta will record severe flooding.

“Generally in Abia and Imo, the most important measures we have taken is sensitisation and we have reached significant number of communities to alert them of the imminent danger based on the prediction,’’ he said.

He hinted that an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp has been established at Egbuoma Community in Oguta Local Government Area to accommodate those willing to relocate.

Ugo, re-assured that NEMA was constantly checking the rise in water level by weekly monitoring of Oguta Lake and other water bodies, promising to activate all necessary safety procedures immediately they get any signal suggesting danger. …residents living in fear in Delta State Shortly after the Director-General of the NIMet, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, said, "Dry spells during the rainy season may be more frequent and severe in many parts of the North, while little dry season or August break in parts of the South is expected to be pronounced at the 2016 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP), listing Delta among other Niger-Delta coastal states in Nigeria which flood may submerge this year," the people were scared.

Their fears were not unconnected with the 2012 experience when flood submerged hundreds of houses, killed residents, ravaged farmlands and destroyed crops, school buildings and properties worth billions of naira, leaving indelible mark of sadness on the people and corporate organisations in the state.

To this effect, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, through his Director-General, Special Programmes, Mr. Omare, said the state would be firm in prosecuting defaulters caught in the act of dumping refuse on the surface drains and the water tunnels.

Omare, who was former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan's Commissioner for Environment, said the flood alert by NIMet has become the beginning of wisdom for him.

"The state has swung into action by opening up the surface drains, tunnels and other flood control infrastructure in some designated points in Asaba and its environs ahead of the prediction and packaged jingles to warn residents against the impending danger, if they continue to use the water channels as refuse dump,: he said.

As part of the efforts to stop the persisting flooding in the capital territory, Omare said, the exercise would drain the underground tunnels between Ibusa Road axis of Asaba where over seven tunnels and drainages were inspected and discovered blocked, causing hindrances to the link way to the River Niger.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

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* Letters to the Editor

The Sunday Telegraph

The Utomi phenomenon: Walking the talk Dear Editor, The D-day at Ugbokun, Monday 29th, August, 2016 was the groundbreaking ceremony of Prof Pat Utomi’s ‘Integrated Produce City’ at Ugbokun Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

It is a comprehensive agricultural empire from cultivation of a diversity of crops, processing, storage, and marketing to the nation and export to the world at large.

The farmers’ dream city, a real trail blazer, has opportunities and potentials for generating jobs, food and forex in abundance.

He’s investing some billions of dollars (loan syndication by a consortium of banks).

I have the honour to have graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)’s famous Department of Mass Communication, where Prof. Utomi graduated much earlier than I. We pride ourselves as Jacksonites because the building housing the department is called Jackson Building after the duo of John and David Payne Jackson, who were among the foremost journalists in the forefront of nationalism in ;ercesome struggle for Nigeria’s independence.

The department published ‘The Record’ newspaper which was again named after the newspaper that was published by the Jacksons.

To show solidarity with Prof. Utomi,a great Jacksonite, l was there early enough with a fellow Jacksonite, Mr. Adams Adimah, an amiable personality.

The Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole performed the social ground-breaking ceremony amidst cheers and cherries from an otherwise unruly crowd of politicians who sought to make a political capital of someone’s uncommon dream and risk capital.

Significantly , the weather was amazingly friendly: a rainless day in a session of rains in Benin and its environs.

That said, l noticed an overwhelming potential in Prof Pat Utomi. He exudes a tremendous aura of hope and condence in a gloomy spectre or should l say hope in a hopeless socio-economic landscape. Such a rare human should not becontented with the Ugbokun experiment , profoundly noble

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Nigeria is Islamised and Christianised Dear Editor,

TOO TIRED TO DANCE…One of the tired masquerade sitting at the Ground breaking ceremony of Pen Jewel City in Abaren, Ogun State.

as it is. I believe, rather strongly that an alliance of the Utomis across the nation should aim higher to access political power when their actions will have salutary andhypodermic needle exect on a weary citizenry of a mismanaged entity called Nigeria.

Methinks the leadership of 21st century Nigeria calls for humans with uncommon capacity to think out of the box and act with decisive positive results.

Rodsimeon Idaewor, Benin

Cotton production in Nigeria: The Ogun example Dear Editor, Sometimes you achieve a breakthrough for which the only adequate response is ‘Thank you, Lord’. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for ‘Arewa Cotton’ to establish a ginnery in Ogun State is one of such instances. Cotton and its production is central to the economy of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital and the cottage industry in the state with mainly women but also men producing adire, the local tie and dye fabric, which they sell in the state’s markets and beyond to make a living.

Unfortunately, during the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration, the government banned the importation of cotton though with the right intention to increase employment, but the policy seems to have been unevenly implemented

because while the dyers could no longer get cotton in the south, they could in the markets of Kano up north and this brought about great setbacks to the cottage industry in Abeokuta due to the troubles with customs officers when trying to move it into Ogun State. The confiscation of cotton worth millions of naira, the stress of trying to reclaim their seized products, and other untold hardship they experienced for over four years, all combined to convince the dyers that they desperately needed a way to buy cotton fabric locally and this desire got answered when the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment mooted the idea of establishing a ginnery factory in the Southwest, Nigeria and the big question now is where should it be sited?

A cotton trade show was held in India in 2012, which was attended by all cottonproducing states in Nigeria and the event gave all cotton growers and producers the opportunity to meet with buyers with samples of cotton staple grown in their states. These samples were then put through rigorous tests to ascertain the strength of the cotton staple and its length, factors, which affect the range, as well as the quality of the fabric that could be produced with it. It was at this event that the political considerations that often stand in the way of merit-based selection processes in Nigeria was removed and Ogun State was declared ‘the best cotton producing state in Nigeria’. Apparently, its long staple cotton, which is a

by-product of the soil type and rainfall pattern, is a rarity that Ogun cotton shares with Mali and Egypt who are among the best cotton producers in the world.

Femi Osipitan wrote from Idi-Aba Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The national religious education debate Dear Editor, It was once said that civics was the new subject proposed to replace Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) and Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) in Nigeria’s primary and secondary schools. The proposed name accordingly was ‘National and Religious Knowledge’.

This is what I read in a newspaper: “The Federal Ministry of Education’s move to reduce the workload of primary and junior secondary pupils from 20 to a maximum of 10 subjects under the nineyear basic educational curriculum was welcome in most quarters as it would align our system with international paradigms.

“However, under this scheme which was developed by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Christian and Islamic Religious Studies, which are separately taught, will now be merged under a compulsory subject known as ‘Religion and National Values (RNV)’. Other subjects brought under the RNV include Civic Education, Social Studies, and Security Education.”

Obviously, those who

developed the scheme were conscious that ‘Nigeria is a religious but criminal society’, as one Professor (not in my university) put it in his inaugural lecture, in 2002. But, as usual, religious predators have kicked again. They said the Bible and the Qur’an take diverse positions on various issues. Yet, one of the holy books is quoted as saying that Christians are closer to Muslims. I read further that “Two prominent religious leaders, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins, have condemned this move, calling on the Federal Government to maintain the separate teachings of these faiths to avoid unnecessary confusion and conflicts. We remind the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari that Nigerians have inalienable right to religious freedom. Furthermore, the Child’s Rights Act of 2003 preserves the right of the child not to be exposed to any religion contrary to that of his parents or guardians.”

Understandably, when Christian and Muslim schools were indoctrinating African children against the religion of their parents (African Traditional Religion – ATR), there was no “Child’s Rights Act 2003”. But now that we have “Child’s Rights Act 2003”, Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) and Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) should be restricted to Christian and Muslim schools, if Nigeria is not to be a religious but unruly society.

Oyeniran Abioje, Ilorin, Kwara State

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saa’d Abubakar III, was quoted as saying that “nobody can Islamise Nigeria”. Is Nigeria not Islamized from Hausa land to Lagos? Which part of Nigeria has not been Islamized and Christianised? Christian and Islamic propagandists demonised African Traditional Religion (ATR) and culture. And now adherents of Christianity and Islam dominate the land and transform it into a nation of miserable people.

How? Nigerians are asked to set their amulets ablaze or throw them into pit latrines. Hence armed robbers prevented banks in Igbomina land from operating and Fulani herdsmen use their own magic and sophisticated weapons to kill farmers. In the late 1970s, one Christian prophet wielded the Holy Bible and went to meet a lion in its cage in the zoological garden of the University of Ibadan. Initially, the lion was confused and retreated. But it eventually regained itself, moved forward and killed the jubilating prophet. A traditional African would not go into a lion’s den without having found a way of testing his or her appropriate amulet.

Before the confusion created

by Christian and Islamic propagandists, if you are accused of theft or any crime, and you deny, you will be taken to the appropriate shrine and made to swear. Unless you confess, the consequence will happen, unfailingly.

Today, once church and mosque are settled by corrupt politicians, Nigerians will be told to be patient and that everything will ‘soon’ be as desired. Or, did you not read what Pastors Tunde Bakare and F.W. Kumuyi were quoted to have said about the present administration of Muhammadu Buhari, that all will ‘soon’ be well. On what do they base their assertion?

They themselves are well fed in the Lord’s vineyard!

Oyeniran Abioje, University of Ilorin.

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OPINION The Niger Delta and challenge 11

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

of PMB’s diplomacy

Louis Okoroma

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he tension and uncertainty in the Niger Delta caused by recent violent attacks against oil installations and facilities in the area by resurgent militancy has created doubts about the diplomacy and peace-making ability of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In the minds of some people mostly detractors of the President and even ordinary Nigerians whose views are coloured by the prevailing and excruciating hardship in the country, the President is seen as something of a war-monger. This, however, is far from the truth.

President Buhari’s attitude, posturing and utterances about the Niger Delta situation is affected by the fact that as a lover of Nigeria, who is pained by the sorry state of the nation, the anti- corruption crusader finds it difficult to make the link between any form of agitation for restitution for wrongs done any group, with the destruction and damage of national infrastructure especially those that benefit everyone let alone, infrastructure and national property cited in those parts of the country from where the agitations are coming.

Yet another reason why PMB is perhaps piqued with the militants and for which reason, he loses his cool, is because as a young man, he was a participant in a brutal civil war that led to the death of several thousands of Nigerians and many years after, some people are taking steps that could lead to a repeat of that experience.

Happily, there are several voices of caution coming from Nigerians of all walks of life prescribing and urging restraint on all sides to the Niger Delta problem and demanding for dialogue.

This writer would like to appeal to our fellow country people in the creeks of the Niger Delta, to give peace a chance and not

further compound the present world economic downturn that has hit Nigeria hard with a recession.

No doubt, the Niger Delta and indeed other parts of Nigeria has not been fairly treated over the years by successive governments but the way to go is not to make prosperity and governance impossible through violence and confrontation with the government. It should be noted that the problems of neglect affecting the Niger Delta today strictly speaking is not PMB’s doing, but the summation of poor and irresponsible governance over the years.

PMB is now at the receiving end of demands for restitution because governance and government is a continuum; the onus is on the government of the moment to be held responsible. Nonetheless, restitution and justice in our society cannot come overnight and there is not so much a government, any government can do in the short space of a year and a few months of a fouryear mandate! Thus the best approach is peace and dialogue and the willingness to allow a spirit of give and take.

On the side of the government, however, it is important that the latter eschews sending uncertain and ambiguous signals as well as make utterances that do not promote trust, confidence and the foundation for fruitful dialogue. One expects the body language of PMB on the Niger Delta issue and the agitation by separatists in the South east to be one that shows that the President believes in the unity of Nigeria and is prepared as leader of the nation, to deploy his best endeavours to build consensus and defeat the pull of centrifugalism in the polity.

This writer challenges the President, who clearly is a passionate nationalist, to employ and deploy the body language that is changing the ethics and values of Nigerians in the fight against corruption and in his diplomatic endeavours to apply to domestic

issues so that the unity of the country will be embedded in the hearts and minds of Nigerians and not something that depends on threats and the ability of the Nigerian Army to enforce. Such unity cannot stand and would be tenuous at best. Being an elderly and wise man, the President can do this and score excellent results the way he has been able to charm the international community to buy into his anti-corruption campaign and desire to elevate and diversify the nation’s economy away from oil.

The Niger Delta problem cannot be resolved by military action. Recently, retired Colonel Abubakar Umar was on point on this. Of course it is right for the President to say that if the militants currently engaged in economic sabotage fail to embrace peace, the government would have no option but to use violence. The government, however ,should be wary of sending signals that it prefers a showdown by goading the militants into confrontation. The point is that in a real military encounter, the nations’ army would surely overwhelm any group of armed persons no matter how well armed, they are.

In the process of engaging them militarily, two things would happen; one, the option of dialogue would have been foreclosed given the impression that the channels of conflict resolution in the polity is weak or non-existent and that the parties are now implacable enemies and second, in seeking to teach the militants a lesson, the nation’s army would inflict more damage and destruction on the economic infrastructure of the nation through aerial bombardment thus committing a similar crime like the militants.

In this connection, the militants would have succeeded in provoking the government to cause more devastation with its own hands. Bearing in mind that the militants are not the government, the present administration would still be saddled with the unpleasant task of embarking on recon-

struction of these facilities, or a successor government would be tasked with the unpleasant and expensive assignment.

On a balance this would extend and deepen the woes of the nation which military force was intended to deal with. It should be noted that since after the civil war, more than 40 years ago, the South east which suffered most from that war in terms of destruction of lives, properties and infrastructure is still yearning and waiting for reconstruction, rehabilitation and restitution.

The country cannot successfully tread the same path again on the Niger Delta issue.

Many Nigerians who watched proceedings and read reports of the outing of the country at the recent Tokyo International Conference on African Development which took place in Nairobi, Kenya last week, were full of pride at the performance and conduct of President Buhari. As the leading salesperson of the country, PMB did very well and won Nigeria not only admiration but many friends. The Nairobi conference sponsored by the Japanese government showed the Nigerian leader as a confident diplomat and crowd puller and has reinforced the successes and expectations of his earlier foreign trips in quest of foreign help in the area of investments, capital inflow, repatriation of stolen assets and monies of the country, and the fight against terrorism.

Following the above, it cannot be said that such a magnet in international circles, PMB cannot apply the same charm that has yielded pledges of cooperation and assistance from World leaders to the domestic arena in dealing with manifestations of discontent to give the nation the peace, unity and harmony it desperately needs to overcome its present challenges.

Louis Okoroma, a Public Affairs Analyst writes from Abuja and can be reached via iheokoroma@yahoo.co.uk

Need For Continuity in Edo State Sunny Edoja

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he people of Edo State will go to the polls to choose Adam Oshiomhole’s successor on September 10, 2016. The campaigns have reached a crescendo as the two major candidates; Godwin Obaseki and Osagie Ize-Iyamu are selling their parties.

Edo people don’t need to search far before making up their minds on whom among the candidates to vote for.

Apart from the fact that Godwin Obaseki, who is flying the banner of the APC has a good head start because Oshiomhole has given him a lot to market in terms of achievements, the electorates are not sure who the authentic candidate of the PDP is between Pastor Ize Iyamu of the Markarfi-led faction and Matthew Iduoriyekemwen of the Ali Modu Sheriff faction. Only the courts can decide and this is enough reason for the electorates to vote for the candidate whose candidacy is sure, and whose party has transformed the state in the last seven years.

Considering the antecedents of the two parties in the state, there is no gain saying the fact that Edo State should borrow a leaf from Lagos where an unbroken chain of progressive governments make it the most economically

viable state in Nigeria, increasing her IGR from a meagre N600 million in 1999 to an average of N23 billion in 2016 with a plan to hit N30billion monthly in 2017 and N50billion in 2018.

The governor of Edo State in 1999, Lucky Igbinedion spent two terms and left the state in ruins. When Lucky’s father, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion was campaigning for the re-election of his son in 2003, Edo people told him point blank that his son didn’t do well in office but the Senior Igbinedion told them in pidgin: Pickin wey no do well for one class must repeat that class’ meaning if a child fails in one class, that child must repeat the class so he wanted his son to be re-elected despite his woeful performance in office. Lucky was re-elected through the usual PDP magic and Edo State was the worse for it. Professor Oserheimen Osunbor succeeded Lucky Igbinedion after rigging out Adams Oshiomhole in 2007 but the Court of Appeal overturned his victory and declared Oshiomhole the actual winner on November 12, 2008.

There is no need for further proof that the PDP as a party never meant well for the state.

Edo State should not lose her opportunity of voting for continuity as they have tested both parties and can conclude which party had actually done better in terms of human capi-

tal development and infrastructure. Yorubas will say “oti gbepo wo, oti gbomi wo, o ti mon eyi to wuwo ju” (you have lifted water and you have also lifted palm oil so you know which is heavier). Edo people should know by now that any break from the present progressive government will spell doom for the state.

What has Oshiomhole done in eight years to make continuity in Edo imperative? Oshiomhole inherited a state in ruins and total infrastructure collapse in November 2008.

The rot was especially visible in the education sector, with the reign of miracle centres known for awarding undeserved grades to students for a fee. Oshiomhole embarked on surgical operation of the education sector and it was successful because the state that used to be graded 30th position in performance at national examinations has now moved to the 2nd position. Edo is tuition free for both primary and secondary school students while buses were provided for school children. This has encouraged school enrolment and learning.

Oshiomhole excelled in massive construction of roads in the state capital and all the major towns down to the remotest village in Benin. It is obvious even to the blind that road network in Benin and other parts of the state have greatly improved. Oshiomhole

created a conducive environment for investment such that Edo State became a haven for investors. The budgeting system was remodelled such that capital expenditure was given priority unlike in the past when recurrent expenditure was higher. The result of this are the projects spread across the state.

There is thus enough reasons why the electorate should ensure that Oshiomhole’s good works in the state continue through Obaseki who had been the head of the economic team in the last seven years attracting funds to the state while his running mate, Shuaibu a member of the House of Representatives representing Etsako Federal Constituency was a member of the Edo State House of Assembly who had helped the government to stabilise the House of Assembly as the Majority Leader.

Obaseki’s choice as a successor comes handy in this period of economic recession as he combines political value with the capacity to manage resources in difficult times. This combination is good for continuity and there is no doubt that Edo people will be the gainers if they vote APC on September 10.

Sunny, a Public Affairs Analyst wrote from Benin-city

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opinion

When language is used as a tool of conquest Femi Fani-Kayode

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n the northern part of Nigeria, two vessels were used as vehicles for conquest by the Fulani: religion and language.

Islam was imposed by the force of arms and the use of the sword by Sheik Usman Dan Fodio whilst Hausa, the language of the conquered people of the old Habe Kingdom, was adopted as the official language of the new Fulani caliphate.

As brilliant and calculating as ever, the Fulani ruling class insisted that Fulfulde, their own native language, was spoken only by the Fulani themselves.

To them, their’s was the language of emperors, kings and conquerors and they refused to allow their subjects and vassals to speak or learn it because they considered them to be nothing more than serfs and slaves.

For the conquered, it was Hausa that was to be spoken and not Fulfulde because the latter was considered to be too good for them.

There are over 100 distinct and independent ethnic groups in northern Nigeria, each with their own cultural and historical heritage and distinct language, yet they are all compelled to speak Hausa.

Some of them have even forgotten their own native language or never learnt to speak it in the first place. Others do not know who they are or where they are coming from.

Some do not even know that they ever had a language or heritage of their own. Every-

thing for them, from beginning to end, has become Hausa. This speaks volumes.

Ironically the white Boers of apartheid South Africa, who were originally from Holland, adopted the same strategy of linguistic and cultural conquest when they arrived in southern Africa and established their hegemony and racist enclave in the 17th Century.

Their native language was Afrikaans (which was a local derivative of the Dutch language) and, like the Fulanis of northern Nigeria, for many generations, they ensured that only they were allowed to speak it.

The black South African natives were not taught Afrikaans and they were not allowed to speak it because it was considered to be the language of the elite ruling class and their racial masters.

Allowing them to speak it would bear the implication that they were on the same level as their religious, racial and cultural masters and that was unacceptable.

They were only allowed to communicate in their own native African languages and English. This was very effective and it essentially kept the conquered in their place whilst it exalted the conqueror. That is the power and secret of language and linguistic conquest.

It is for this reason that the people of France, for example, refuse to speak English with you when you are in their country even though their English may be fluent.

They recognise the fact that once they adopt another man’s language as being the

one that is commonly used in their own land, it is an acceptance of subjugation.

They acknowledge the fact that such a concession or, to use a more appropiate word, ‘submission’, is essentially an acceptance and wholehearted espousal of a sinister and subtle form of cultural and linguistic imperialism.

Worst still, it is symptomatic of the fact that your own culture and language no longer bears any relevance or has any value.

The English, who are undoubtedly the masters of the game when it comes to the art of cultural and linguistic imperialism, did it successfully to the Scottish, the Welsh and the Irish, all of whom had and spoke their own distinct languages until they were conquered and subjugated and turned into vassal states.

Today, few of the Scottish, Welsh and Irish people are able to speak their native languages anymore. The language that they all speak now is English, the language of their oppressors.

Those that imposed and established Hausa as the lingua franca in the North and those that seek to establish it as the lingua franca of Nigeria know what they are doing and why they are doing it: and so do their British and, more recently, American friends and allies.

There is a long-term game plan unfolding and a not-so-hidden agenda. Yet, sadly, it is only those that are discerning, insightful, incisive and historically-literate that can possibly grasp or see it.

Such people fail to appreciate the fact that if

you take a man’s language and faith away and super-impose another on him, for whatever reason, that man loses his identity, his heritage, his culture and his history and he becomes absolutely nothing.

Once that is achieved, he is successfully stripped of who and what he once was and all memory of the past is erased. That is tragic.

From the 18th Century, when the Caliphate was established in northern Nigeria, the forceful imposition of Islam and the Hausa language were used by the Fulani as tools of conquest and what the French describe as the ‘raison d’etra’ (which means ‘rationale’) to dominate and rule over the people of that region.

They used both to reduce the so-called ‘minorities’ of the North to slavery and servitude.

They also used both to humiliate them and bring them to their knees.

It was brutal and ugly and it continued right up until the time that there was no more resistance and it was accepted as the norm.

Now, they want to do the same thing to the rest of Nigeria. Many fail to appreciate or recognise this because they are shallow.

Yet a failure to fully grasp or appreciate such things will eventually lead to nothing less than slavery.

May God open our eyes, may He continue to guide us and may He give us courage and understanding. Shalom.

Fani-Kayode is a former Aviation Minister

Why Dialogue with Niger Delta Militants Must not Fail The Federal Insignia

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hile it can be argued that Nigeria is far from economic redemption, the truce by the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), a group that has almost single-handedly crippled oil production in the Niger Delta and brought the economy to its knees, kindles hope that a break towards restoring economic stability is on the way.

Yet, it is not just the truce that gives cause for optimism. As we are all aware, the truce did not just emerge from the blues: there is always the cause and effect, the process and the outcome. But first, let us address the environment. Hitherto, two groups had pushed two contrasting models for resolving the debacle. One group, the hawks, was for outright military annihilation of the militants; the other group, the pacifists, advocated dialogue or some form of carrot and stick strategy.

The fear, always, was that President Muhammadu Buhari who maintains a zero tolerance posture to violent agitation would subscribe to only forcefully putting down the militants, a step that, many believed, would only lead to escalation of violence. Ibe Kachikwu, minister of state for petroleum was the arrowhead of the dialogue school and labored relentlessly to push his position. At every point, he insisted that he had the President’s mandate to negotiate with the militants and was never deterred by the campaign aimed at derailing the effort.

That we can today be talking seriously about dialogue is a tribute, first, to the pragmatism of the President who, against all predictions, endorsed negotiation. By that singular decision, Buhari has vindicated Kachikwu who, at every available opportunity, insisted that the President was committed to peace and development of the region. While it is not yet Uhuru, it goes without saying that Kachikwu has also been vindicated in his insistence that dialogue was possible, that it remained the most viable model, out of the many scenarios that were being touted to resolve the imbroglio. His nudging at the conscience of his fellow Niger Deltans; his methodical exposition of the dire consequences of unremitting

militancy, his promise of federal government’s commitment to the development of the region, his cultivation of a broad spectrum of the stakeholder groups without prejudice to political alliances and the personal risks he put himself through, must have convinced the NDA to give his entreaties a chance.

We can speculate on other likely reasons why the NDA has embraced dialogue. For one, it is possible that the militants have achieved the limited objective of getting the Federal Government to the dialogue table.

Lastly, it is possible that the unprecedented military build-up in the region and the resolve of government to deploy force if dialogue failed could have compelled a rethink on the part of the militants.

Now, it is left to be seen whether dialogue will work or not. It all depends on the disposition of all the stakeholder groups in committing unequivocally to an amicable resolution of the conflict. Yet, there is no gainsaying that this is one conflict that needs to be resolved quickly, not just because Nigeria and Nigerians are hurting badly but because the share magnitude of destruction of the Niger Delta, in the event of a full scale military expedition, will overshadow any disaster that the country has ever experienced.

From the experience of other lands, we need to approach this opportunity for dialogue with caution, realizing that there is no quick fix to the problem. But all the parties can create the atmosphere for dialogue to succeed.

In this regard, the first requirement is to guard against giving preconditions. For instance, during their meeting with Kachikwu, the Gbaramatu chiefs had given six conditions for peace to return. Legitimate as their demand was, nothing stopped them from reserving it for the dialogue table.

The second requirement is for both the Federal Government and the militants to constitute negotiation teams that are made up of nationalists and patriots who command the confidence of Nigerians. There should be no place for hawks and agent provocateurs. It is axiomatic that the Federal Government’s team be led by Kachikwu who, by unequivocally advocating development-propelled pacifica-

tion and dialogue, has earned the confidence of the militants and genuine advocates of peace in the Niger Delta. Actually, at the end of the day, it is not about who takes the plaudits; only the President will take the credit for success just as the buck stops at his table should things go wrong.

Finally, nothing should be done to convey the impression that the Federal Government’s dialogue proposal is only a smokescreen to hoodwink the militants out of the creeks and round them up. It is difficult, at this point, to predict how ongoing military expedition in parts of the Niger Delta will affect the dialogue. Paradoxically, it will be naïve to expect the Federal Government to fold its arms in the guise of dialogue while the militants who oppose dialogue overrun the region.

This clearly shows the enormity of the challenge and why it is incumbent, on all the stakeholders, to eschew utterances and actions that fuel hate, enlarge suspicions, harden positions and instigate further violence. For those who think that overrunning the Niger Delta will be a police action, they need to be guided by the statement of Navy Admiral Dennis Cutler Blair retired, former United States Director of National Intelligence who once commanded the U.S. forces in the Pacific region. According to Admiral Blair “the use of large-scale military force in volatile regions of underdeveloped countries is difficult to do right, has major unintended consequences and rarely turns out to be quick, effective, controlled and short lived.” Has that not been our experience with Boko Haram?

By now, those who doubt the resolve of the Federal Government to defend the country’s territorial integrity would have read the statement credited to President Buhari to the effect that he was trained to die for Nigeria. It is this frightening scenario, and the real prospect that, in the end, we could all end up as losers that make this chance of dialogue one opportunity that should never be passed up. Anyone with any reservation about this should read the timely counsel of Col. Abubakar Umar, one-time military governor of Kaduna State at page 9 of the DAILY SUN newspaper of August 31, 2016. It is worth quoting in some

detail. His words: “I am really frightened by the sudden escalation in the Niger Delta region from where there are reports of skirmishes between our security forces and the Niger Delta militants…

All factors considered, the use of military force in an attempt to resolve the lingering crisis is not a good option and must, therefore, be discarded.

“As a retired general, Mr. President is aware of the serious and daunting challenges any military will face in its operations in the most difficult and densely populated Niger Delta region. The creeks are so heavily populated with oil, rendering the area highly inflammable. It will take the firing of a few high explosive shells to set the whole area on fire, resulting in inestimable collateral damage among innocent citizens.

“It is difficult to see how an armed conflict can secure our oil and gas assets in the region.

Instead, it will aid the destructive activities of the militants and lead to the total shutdown of oil and gas operations.

“Besides, Niger Delta militants cannot be said to be terrorists in the real sense of the word. I believe they are amenable to dialogue.”

He then ends on a note that should be of concern to the President: “I need to remind the President that a war in the Niger Delta will be viewed and opposed by most objective Nigerians and the international community as unjust and merely aimed at the control and exploitation of the regions oil and gas resources”.

Incredible summon to greatness; uncluttered genuine counsel; bold timely intervention by someone whose moral compass has consistently trailed the trajectory of the plumb line. Will the President rise to the occasion, to be the courageous statesman that found a balance between might and compassion, between power and responsibility? How Buhari resolves this could ultimately define his presidency and place in history.

The FEDERAL INSIGNIA is a nascent group of policy analysts poised to change the content and direction of conversation on national issues, in Nigeria.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

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news

Benue Police Command parades 28 suspected criminals, recovers 11 arms Cephas Iorhemen

•Discovers arms factory in Vandeikya

he Benue State Police Command, on Friday evening, paraded a total of 28 suspected criminals for allegedly committing various offences in the state.

The crimes committed by the suspects ranged from armed robbery, cultism, unlawful possession and manufacturing of firearms, kidnapping, cattle rustling, terrerorism as well as human trafficking.

Parading the suspects on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Bashir Makama,

the Commands’ Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu said, the suspects were arrested at different locations.

Among those arrested for terrorism included Joseph Adeke, Nater Mtswenem, Joshua Ezekiel, Terhile Iorliam, Apuur Chigh, Barnabas Aernyi, Gagun Hembaga, and Atinigh Ashe, who are members of a wanted criminal, Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana.

The Police boss said they were arrested with four arms with 260 rounds of ammunition and two vehi-

T

MAKURDI

cles on their way to revenge the killing of their gang member, popularly known as Zubby, who he said, was killed, during a gun duel with security operatives in Ikpayongo, a suburb village of the town.

Makama also disclosed that the Command has discovered an arms manufacturing factory at Tsar in Vandeikya Local Government Area, a neighbouring council to Obudu in Cross River State.

He disclosed that the suspects, Yima Iorwuese and

Cattle transported by rail from Gusau in Zamfara State arrived in Lagos …yesterday.

Kenneth Ofoma ENUGU

P

rominent leaders of Obe-Agbor community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State at the weekend appealed to the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to quickly intervene in order to avert crisis in the community over a chieftaincy tussle.

The people begged the governor to call to order, the caretaker Chairman of Nkanu West, Mr. Afam Okereke and the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Fidelis Ani, both of whom they accused of meddlesomeness in the selection process of a new traditional ruler for the community after the demise of former Igwe, HRH Paul C. N. Egbogu.

But the council chairman, Okereke, and the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Ani, in a quick rebuttal, exonerated themselves from the allegation, saying they were innocent.

Tyover Tarhemba were found to be deeply involved in gun running when the ‘Operation Zenda’ team on a routine ‘stop and search operation’ along VandeikyaAdikpo Road, found on them, sophisticated weapons and later discovered four rounds of 9mm live ammunition. They also discover gun factory where one locally made SMG, one pistol frame, one single barrel gun, assorted gun parts and a big box containing manufacturing tools among others were recovered.

PHOTO: NAN

Enugu community cries foul over chieftaincy tussle However, briefing journalists in Enugu, the Regent of Obe-Agbor community, who is also the traditional Prime Minister (Onowu), High Chief Patty Agu, accused the council chairman and the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters of secretly presenting certificate of recognition to somebody not elected through the town’s constitutional stipulations, even though court has voided the certificate.

“The chairman wants to use his position in government to punish Obe-Agbor but God will not allow him…

If it had not been the Lord, who was on our side and is still on our side, and will continue to be on our side, Obe-Agbor would have been damned.

“I’m appealing to our amiable governor, Gburugburu to look and ask the commissioner and council chairman why they did what they did

against the will and wish of our people. In any community, election is done by option A4 but in this case, there was no election but selection. The chairman of Nkanu West, Afam Okereke, imposed somebody on the people,” he insisted.

According to another stakeholder, Chief Sunday Owoh, a community leader of Umungwutowo, God helped one of the three vil-

lages that make up ObeAgbor town to avert crisis as court gave judgment to stop a planned coronation of Chairman’s anointed.

“The community themselves elected somebody and presented to the council chairman, who in turn, invited my ministry for verification and we did that. I have done my work, let them sort themselves out in court,” he said.

The police boss, who also paraded five sheep and a cow supposedly belonging to one Mohammadu Usman in Takum LGA of neighbouring Taraba State, said the animals were rustled by Joseph Moses and Audu Zoho, both of Gbise village, home of the wanted criminal, with a red Audi 80 vehicle with registration number BEN 600 GU, used in conveying the cow to

Dickson commends Air Force

B

ayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, at the weekend, commended the efforts of the Nigerian Air Force for making strategic investments aimed at improving the welfare and professionalism of its personnel in the state.

Governor Dickson gave the commendation at the commissioning ceremony of eight projects embarked upon by the Air Force at the Mobility Command, Yenagoa.

The projects include 235 Base Service Wing Complex, Medical Centre, Provost Squadron, Officers’ quarters, Joint Airmen Mess, CAWO/RSM residential complex, Airmen quarters and Commander’s residence.

Speaking shortly before the commissioning, Dickson expressed surprise at the level of achievements the Command has recorded within a short period of its establishment.

He called on all tiers of

DAMATURU

N

ational Youths Service Corps Members (NYSC) is to reopen its orientation camp in Yobe State for fresh graduates after five years of relocation to a neighbouring state.

The state Coordinator,

Mr. Jauro David, disclosed this during a courtesy call to Emir of Fika and Chairman, Council of Chiefs, Dr. Muhammadu Ibn Abali Muhammadu Idrissa, at his palace in Potiskum, Yobe State.

He noted that 2016 NYSC members would hold in the state because of

the government, including the National Assembly to continue to support the nation’s security agencies in order for them to effectively perform their role of securing lives and property of the people.

The Governor, who expressed his administration’s preparedness to partner with the Nigerian Air Force in the area of establishing educational facilities and other critical infrastructure, assured that the government would provide additional land for the purpose.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadiq Abubakar said, the projects were embarked upon to impact directly on the welfare and enhance the professional competence of its personnel.

According to him, the ultimate aim is to build a self-sustaining base to meet the residential, social and administrative needs of its personnel, through prudent use of scarce resources.

Saudi yet to execute pilgrims caught with drugs Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

T

he leader of Kwara pilgrims performing the 2016 pilgrimage to Mecca, Justice ldrees Haroon, has denied widespread rumours that the three pilgrims from the state, who were arrested in Saudi Arabia for drugrelated offences have been summarily executed.

NYSC to reopen camp in Yobe after five years Hassan Jirgi

the market.

He said the suspects confessed to the crime that they were sent by the wanted notorious criminal, Gana.

Items recovered from the suspects, according to the police helmsman included 11 arms, 51 live ammunition, 11 cartridges, three vehicles, gun manufacturing tools, a Nokia handset, one cow and five sheep.

the return of peace across the state.

He said, “The issues of Boko Haram in the state are over. Hosting the corps members in Yobe would tell Nigerians that normalcy has resumed. Everything now is going as usual. Nothing will happen again in the state by God grace,” he said.

The three pilgrims, who were among the 505 first batches of pilgrims airlifted from the Ilorin International Airport, were nabbed during outward clearance in Saudi Arabia.

The Amirul Hajj, in a telephone chat with newsmen from his base in Makkah, described the insinuations, which has further heightened the confusion of residents in the state as false and unfounded.

Many residents had shown apprehension when the news broke in some quarters, during the week, given the no-nonsense attitude of Saudi authorities to issue of drug pushing.

But Haroon told newsmen that the stories were untrue, baseless and unfounded, saying that the matter is an international issue, which is still being handled by the Saudi government.

14

Science

SUNDAY AUGUST 28, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

08035624538

The Lifematics Centre: Bridging the gap between Mathematics and humanity The importance of Mathematics in everyday life cannot be overemphasised. Having realised this, as a compulsory subject which many usually find difficult, Moyo Jogunosimi, former Mathematics lecturer, Covenant University Otta, established ‘The Lifematics Centre’, in Gbagada, Lagos, to demystify the rudiments of Mathematics and bridge the gap between Mathematics and man. Science Writer, STANLEY CHIBUIHEM AMALAHA, reports

Director, The Lifematics Centre, Moyo Jogunosimi (m), with some staff of the Centre

Children and teenegers displaying their mathematical projects at the Centre

M

Children at the Centre with their teacher (l)

Another session of children and teenegers displaying their mathematical projects at the Centre

oyo Jogunosimi is a woman of remarkable persistence and fortitude who shares the same mathematical geometry with some world acclaimed women in mathematics, like Gaetana Agnesi (1718 – 1799), Italian mathematician and philosopher, who wrote one of the first calculus textbooks in 1748, thereby placing her, head and shoulder, above her contemporaries as the first female professor of mathematics since antiquity.

Born some decades ago in Akure Nigeria: The Ekiti State indigene, with a Master’s degree in industrial mathematics from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, loves mathematics as the Deer pants after the water brooks. Having lectured mathematics at the prestigious Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria, she resigned to establish The Lifematics Centre where mathematics is demystified, with its head office located in Gbagada, Lagos Nigeria.

In an interview, on why the Lifematics Centre was established, she stated: ‘The Lifematics Centre,’ means the mathematics of life. It is a creative mathematics club for children and teenagers aimed at demystifying the dynamic universal language and creativity of mathematics and expose users to the world of mathematics involving the use of fingers and toes. Here we relate every principle of life to mathematics. For example all the students are nomenclated

mathematically. Moyo is called Moyotician, Olamide is called Olamultiply, while you the journalist, Stanley, is called Stanmatics, among others.

Just like Isaac Newton (1642 -1727), English mathematician and physicist, said: “if I seem to see further than others, it is because I stood on the shoulders of giants”, likewise Moyo’s quest for establishing the Lifematics Centre, was as a result of her

Children doing their projects at the Centre

lecturer’,s comment while in the university, which said: “I will teach you mathematics so well that you will start a mathematics clinic where you will be teaching others”.

This was a major factor that made me to establish a Lifematics Centre. She further added that: The centre is a mathematics company that seeks to help the African child to love the rudiments of mathematics. This is because when we have citizens

that are numerically inclined, Nigeria will become a better country through her intellectual capacity.

On the methodology of demystifying mathematics the soft spoken woman said: “we use games, songs, videos, creative resources like cardboard sheets, match boxes, match sticks, papers, beads, etc. to teach children and teenagers so that the rudiments of mathematics is internalised in them. I hope to established a mathematics institute as it is done in advance countries and need the assistance of Government and Corporate bodies to do so. Some of the services we provide include tutorials in mathematics, further mathematics and quantitative reasoning. We also engage in editing and publishing of mathematics textbooks, training of mathematics teachers of all levels, organizing numeracy circle, Mathematics Summer camp and other mathematics corporate social responsibilities in different States of Nigeria In another highlight, one of the students of the Centre, Miss Oluwabuyikunmi Owo-Odusi, a 12year old, who residences in Lekki, Lagos, had this to say: “Here in Lifematics, we are taught different mathematics tricks and projects which helps us to learn creativity in mathematics. We are made to make projects and defend what we have made to ensure that we really did them and also show the mathematics aspects of the projects.”

15

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

SUNDAY

Body Soul S U N D AY, S E P T E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 6

I’m going hubby-shopping (4) 22 White wardrobe capsules 18,39 Music is my first love –Monicazation 42

Photography chose me –Kelechi Amadi Obi

16

Body&Soul

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Here Beyond

Beautiful baby bump

StyleSta ker

Queen Nwokoye African queen

Vanessa Okwara

R

ocking a beautiful baby bump, amazing youthful glow and super cute stylish clothes has become one of the hottest trends amongst celebrities today.

There’s nothing more beautiful than pregnancy, and both in Nollywood and Hollywood there’s nothing more anticipated than a celebrity baby watch.

But just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish and our favourite stars have proven it. As we’ve counted down the days until stars such as Tiwa savage, Blake Lively, Kelly Rowland, and Kim Kardashian gave birth to their bundles of joy, their pregnancy style made headlines as well.

To style baby bump, your style should scream comfort so you can be free to move around.

Opt for easy flowy silhouettes and playful prints. You can elevate your looks with stylish accessories along the way. Our stylish mums can show off a bit of skin with thigh high slits and V-neck necklines to wow on red carpet events.

For everyday outing, you can go for a maxi dresses or trousers with long loose fit jackets (which look almost like maxi dresses sometimes) for comfortable look.

Don’t be afraid to wear bodycon dresses and feel sexy with your body just remember to be tasteful about it. If you’re a beginner with this, try a bodycon dress in a dark colour and maxi length. This reduces attention on your bump.

Judith Onyebuchi Queen Nwokoye is a popular Nigerian actress. She is best known for starring as the lead character in a 2014 film titled Chetanna. She gained a degree in sociology and anthropology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

Queen started acting in 2004 with the movie titled ‘Nna Men’. Her acting prowess has endeared her to many movie producers and movie lovers.

Nwokoye has gone on to star in several Nigerian films, winning awards and nominations. She is most prominent for the lead role in the movie

‘Ada Mbano’ and it’s sequel ‘Adaure’.

Queen Nwokoye is truly an African queen in her sense of style. She exudes a lot of simplicity and confidence in her styles. She is always decently dressed in any outfit and wears exactly what suits her body type.

The proud mother of twin boys stepped out looking sensational at the recently held Africa Movie Academy Awards. She donned a silver coloured sequence dress and a clutch purse, in a unique Afro hairdo and subtle make up. We did love her simple but snazzy look.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

Body&Soul

Kelechi Amadi Obi, a lawyer, painter and an award winning photographer, is well-known for his artistic imagery and artworks. With the camera lens, Kelechi has proved his mettle as an artist as he displays his works in different art exhibitions all over the world. The celebrity photographer is also the publisher of the fashion magazine, ‘Mania Magazine’. In this interview with VANESSA OKWARA and JUDITH ONYEBUCHI, he talks about his career, marriage and his obsession with fashion photography

How did your career as a photographer begin?

Photography didn’t come to me directly as a career; I started as an artist, as a painter, and photography was a major part of my painting career. I made high-resolution quality images of my paintings. I then learnt how to photograph artworks properly. Before making the artwork, I used the camera to capture visuals that I used as reference for my paintings. That was how I really started getting into photography. I realised that the better the photographs, the better the paintings. I then realised that these photographs were quite interesting to people, I would say that photography chose me and not the other way round. From the first exhibition I had in 2001 at Bamako, Mali, I got invited to Milan to have another exhibition. So I was in Milan, Italy from there we formed a group called ‘Depth of Feel’. It consisted of me, James Uche Iruoha, Ty Bello and Amaze Ojiekere. We formed it as a group of photographers whose goal was to encourage ourselves in making creative imagery; eventually we admitted two more people; Emeka Okereke and Zainab and we became something else. The photography thing was sort of active on its own, actively calling at me and engaging me.

While I was doing all of these, I was still a painter and I was making my living through painting. After a couple of years going round the world exhibiting, I realised that I could do photography and do it very well and I then decided to establish Kelechi Amadi Obi Studios.

It’s quite interesting to know you have a degree in law but chose photography. Why? Law was like a natural thing in my house, you either studied law or you studied medicine. In my family, we have four lawyers and two medical doctors and my father had a very good explanation for that. Those are the only two courses that when you get a degree in them, you are sure of a place in the society. So it all made sense to me and also then in Umuahia, I had never seen an artist, a museum or a gallery, I didn’t know people studied arts.

Like many friends in school used to play football but I didn’t see them going to study football, it was when I got to the University of Nigeria Nsukka and there they had an art department in IMT Enugu, Nsukka department and there was also the British Council in Enugu. Enugu was a more sophisticated town than Umuahia; they had a gallery; Bona Galleries, and then the Aka group of artists.

I was blown away when I went to their first exhibition; I thought they only existed in the books I read. So when I got into the University, I realised I could be an artist and a successful one at that because I understood the power of expression that I had. So throughout my university days I was practising arts full time and studying law part time.

Who or what are your greatest influences or inspirations?

I have mentors in photography; I also have mentors in life. One thing I know for sure is that creativity is a very fragile thing; when one takes two things that don’t seem related, puts them together and then something new comes out. There are also people in the photography world who inspire me but at some point, life itself seems to be inspiring. I have been influenced from the beginning by people like Bob Marley, I listen to Fela quite a bit and then I get completely amazed by Indira Gandhi from India, so I started studying him as a human being and then Martin Luther King before I started looking at Nelson Mandela. These people may not be artists but in what they were doing, they were excellent and they dedicated their whole lives to it. I believe that even though some used oratory, some used writing, others used music, but

Photography chose me –Kelechi Amadi Obi they are all artistic. So I try to dedicate my life to my craft and then make a positive difference on earth.

You are also the publisher of ‘Mania Magazine’. Could you tell us what led to its establishment?

I have always loved shooting fashion. Before I became a professional photographer, I used to shoot fashion, I was obsessed with it. I used to look at those pictures in vogue and I thought they were amazing pure artworks.

One thing I like about fashion photography is that it’s a commercial photography that gives you the latitude as an artist to express yourself for the fashion editorial. I mean, you are selling clothes and at the same time can make political statements, talk about culture and do a bit of comedy. So I really got hooked on that. If I saw a pretty girl, I will just ask her to model for me and before you know it, we are shooting a whole portfolio all around. But then I knew there was something special about these photographs and it incorporated painting which is like makeup and I was attracted to it. Then ‘True Love Magazine’ came to Nigeria from South Africa, there were fashion editorials and they needed to shoot and they were looking for local photographers who could do those kinds of works. Luckily for me, because I have been crazy, just shooting everybody I saw, I had a portfolio that I showed to them and they were amazed and they engaged me immediately. And so I became fashion photographer for ‘True Love Magazine’ and my works started getting published and that’s what brought me to the limelight because people saw my works and were amazed. Then ‘True Love Magazine’ faced hard times and they closed, and I started shooting for ‘Elan’, which was like a weekend magazine, before I finally started my own; ‘Mania Magazine’.

Are you considering establishing a photography academy?

Maybe in the next few weeks, I’m going to start a series of master class workshop. So I have to do something about the scarcity of expertise and try to impact some of the knowledge acquired over the years in the new generation.

Who are the A-list celebrities and people in the society that you have worked with?

I have worked with almost all the top Nigerian celebrities. I mean these people I have watched grow; from the musicians to actors and actresses and also celebrity business men and some presidents. Well, I have been around Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Genevieve, Wizkid, Dbanj, Tuface, RMD, Tiwa savage; they are all my clients, including Buhari, Dangote and other presidents of Africa.

What’s your fashion style?

Everyone is fashionable, but when you try not to follow the trend then you create a trend, but when you follow the trend then you are following the trend. So I like to keep it simple, I’m a working man, I like to wear T-shirts and jeans with comfortable shoes. For me, it’s comfort first but also one needs to observe good hygiene and be neat, put on perfume, smell nice and look smart.

How do you relax?

I have time for myself and for my family too.

When I finish from work, I stay with m y family; I also like to spend time with the kids.

I like movies a lot and I’m getting obsessed with cinema-

tography too; maybe that’s the next thing for me.

Given that your work has taken you far and wide and you have won numerous awards and recommendations, do you think you have reached the peak of your career?

No! I haven’t even started, there is no peak of anything and time is continuous. There is the past, there is the present and there is the future. Present will roll into future, past will roll back from present; it’s a journey, there is no arrival.

Are you married?

Yes I am.

How did you meet your wife?

My wife is an artist; she studied arts in University of Benin and majored in painting. I used to exhibit paintings, so we met at one of my exhibitions.

What made her special?

We became friends, very good friends. We could talk to each other, which for me was very crucial. You need to find out if people have good energy, then you know you can spend the rest of your life with that person.

What sustains your marriage?

Basically understanding, communication and we try to understand each other, respect, love and also compromise; you have to compromise.

Is keeping your hair in dreadlocks your signature style?

Well, it just happened that one day I had had it with going to the barbing salon and I said I wasn’t going to comb my hair, I’m tired and you know people tend to tolerate quite a lot from artists and I looked at it and I liked it and people liked it too. They started asking me what I did to my hair and I just told them it’s natural and that’s it and it became a kind of signature look. It’s nice to stand out, I don’t mind, so people can recognise you.

How much do you charge to cover a wedding?

I’m not really into that, but people keep calling, that it has to be Kelechi Amadi Obi or no other, but it can start from 2million naira upwards.

What are you working on and where do you hope to see yourself in the next few years?

Right now, I’m trying to get the master workshop on the way and that’s what I’m working on now. I’m always working on stuff, I’m working on Mania Online; trying to do some other projects that I won’t talk about right now. We have got TV programs coming out next and it’s interesting. Yeah! It’s all about storytelling. I’m a storyteller and I keep trying to find good ways to tell a story.

Body&Soul

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

18

White wardrobe capsules

Editor’s current obsession

Biwom Iklak

W

ard are piec multiple loo pieces. So you eight or nine ing items from create about looks. Such p clude two ja colours like b el/white. It w black pair o and jeans, a a white t-sh loafers, a p

19

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

Wine & Dine

Enjoy clear white taste Ibukunoluwa Kayode

W

e all drink wine for different purposes, either for personal relaxation or party refreshment with family and friends. Both the high and low cannot do without wine to make their occasion refreshingly memorable.

When the need arise to choose the type of wine to refresh the palate, various options come to mind: red, white or the pinks.

Whenever there is a call for soft palate rejuvenation, white wine is one of the best options to choose.

The white grape wine is savoury palate friendly, splashing the taste bud with crispy, clean and lingering with undertone natural flavour of green apple, pear and lime.

White grapes are best at offering pleasing mineral qualities that gives optimum balance and smooth finish on the palate. Also, it is structured with an in-depth

honey flavour and attractive rich aromas.

White grapes are mostly grown in Germany, the Alsace region in France, the finger lake of New York alongside some parts of Australia and Washington State.

The white grape wine can be served both at formal and informal occasions such as dinner, cocktails, birthdays, pool and beach party.

The whites usually have a flexible undertone of 11-15 per cent ABV, which makes it a healthy balance palate friendly for moderate alcohol drinkers. It can also be sighted in any wine market across Nigeria in different brands from wine makers.

This perfect indulgence hold good weight for variety of dishes ranging from continental to locals: spicy foods, barbeque grill, poultry and pork, sausage and meatier pastas.

Sarmale, taste of Romania Biwom Iklaki

T

his dish is a very popular meal among the Romanians. It is one of their staple meals and is also a celebratory meal. Christmas and Easter is not nearly complete without this rich and tasty meal. It consists mainly of mix of meat, rice and vegetables often wrapped in cabbage. If you are one of those who love to experiment with foods, here is a challenge for your taste buds. Enjoy. · 1 whole head cabbage, about 4 pounds · ·

6 tablespoons olive oil 1 finely chopped medium onion

·

2 minced garlic cloves

·

2 1/2 tablespoons raw rice

·

1/4 cup hot water

·

1 1/2 pounds ground pork

·

1 slice crust less white bread

·

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

·

1 teaspoon thyme

·

2 teaspoons salt

·

1 teaspoon black pepper

·

1 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper

·

2 tablespoons water

·

10 black peppercorns

·

4 bay leaves

·

3 cups sauerkraut, drained (reserve 1 cup juice), rinsed and squeezed dry

·

6 strips bacon

·

6 fresh dill sprigs

·

3 medium sliced tomatoes

Preparation Remove core from cabbage. Place whole head in a large pot filled with boiling, salted water. Cover and cook 3 minutes, or until softened enough to pull off individual leaves. You will need about 18 leaves. Use a paring knife to cut away the thick center stem from each leaf, without cutting all the way through. Chop any remaining cabbage and set aside.

In a large skillet, saute chopped onion, garlic and rice in 1 tablespoon olive oil, stirring frequently. Add hot water, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 5 minutes or until rice has absorbed all the water. Let cool.

Place pork in a large bowl. Quickly

dip bread in water, squeeze to remove excess water and add to meat along with onion-garlic-rice mixture, combining thoroughly. Add dill, thyme, salt, pepper, hot pepper and 2 tablespoons water. Mix completely but lightly so as not to toughen the meat.

In a medium bowl, mix 3 cups water with sauerkraut juice, peppercorns and bay leaves, and set aside. Place about ½ cup of meat mixture on each cabbage leaf. Roll away from you to encase the meat. Flip the right side of the leaf to the middle, then flip the left side. You will have something that looks like an envelope. Once again, roll away from you to create a neat little roll.

Using 2 tablespoons of the remaining olive oil, coat a large, lidded casserole dish. Mix reserved chopped cabbage with sauerkraut and place some in the bottom of the prepared dish. Place 3 strips bacon across sauerkraut and cover with a layer of stuffed cabbages.

Add another layer of sauerkraut, bacon strips and stuffed cabbage. Then top with remaining sauerkraut. Spread dill sprigs on top and sprinkle with remaining olive oil. Pour sauerkraut juice-water mixture over all.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place casserole dish over high heat and bring to a boil, lower heat to medium-low, cover and simmer about 20 minutes.

Transfer to oven and cook 1 ½ hours.

Then add sliced tomatoes, cover and cook another 45 minutes. Remove lid and continue cooking another 15 minutes.

20

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

with

Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770

julietbumah@gmail.com

I’m going hubby-shopping (4) Juliet Bumah

E

very nerve in Dave’s body tingles and reason has flown to his groin.

With his last will, he pulls away from her.

No! This is not what he wants. He wants a relationship and if they start on this note, it may end abruptly.

“Kathy, hope I can call you that? Can I see you later today? I want to see you again today,” he says breathlessly.

Kathryn nods in affirmation. She is not sure what she is affirming though; she really doesn’t care anymore.

You see, professional escorts do not love. Every dealing with a man or woman is strictly business, no emotion. So, she never believes she could still love so easily. Now, it’s obvious that her heart didn’t turn to stone in those eight years that she was in that trade.

But a married man? Agh! “I have to leave now, dear,” Dave tells her; there is a tinge of urgency in his voice.

He wants to leave before he does something that will nail the relationship before it takes off. He cannot trust himself to hold on any longer. He has to leave, to get hold of himself. One thing he is sure of, he’ll get this goddess to be his wife by all means.

He gives her a quick peck on the forehead.

“I’m coming back in the afternoon,” he says and strides out.

Kathryn watches him go. Immediately she hears the sound of his car revving, she closes her door gently, slides to the floor and sobs.

“Why? Why? Why must this man be married? Why?” She sobs.

A knock on the door and she quickly gets up.

It’s the cleaner that comes once in a week. She lets her in and retires into her room. ...

Throughout the drive home, Dave’s mind is in a turmoil. He wonders if the lady likes him and concludes that she does, but somehow, it seems she is pulling back. She must have a man somewhere. The thought almost breaks his heart. He will force her to be interested in him, whatever it takes.

He drives into his house a sprawling mansion on the island. As the security man locks the gate behind him, he sees Ann waiting at the porch.

“What the hell is she doing here?” He mutters aloud.

“Dave, your phone is switched off. Your brothers said you didn’t sleep at home,” she says as she walks towards him.

“Yes, I switched off my phone and yes, I didn’t sleep at home. Don’t I have the right to go and come as I like in my home?” He replies her, his face grim.

“I’m sorry dear. I’m not questioning you. I was worried...” He cuts in, “I appreciate your concern, Ann. But I can’t remember inviting you to my home,” he says.

“I’m sorry darling. It was the devil that pushed me to it. I never planned to cheat on you. I didn’t know he is your friend,” she pleads.

“Whether he is my friend or not is immaterial. The fact is that whatever rela-

tionship we had has ended. I’ve made that clear to you before. I’ll appreciate if you leave my house,” he tells her, walking into the house.

“Hanson, why did you people allow her into the house? I told you guys I don’t want to see her again. Please get her out of here the way you got her in,” he says in response to his brothers’ greeting as he climbs the staircase to his room.

After going out with Ann for seven months, he felt he could get serious with her. However, just before he proposed to her, he caught her driving out of a hotel with his friend, a married man. They didn’t see him and he didn’t say anything about it to Ann. Few days later, he met them in a club. He actually had a meeting with his friend. Of course, he pretended as if he didn’t know her and left after discussing business with his friend.

Dave sighs as he recalls that incident.

He loved Ann. But after that incident, he doesn’t want to see her again. She broke his heart.

His mind goes to Kathryn and he smiles. He undresses and lies on his bed.

“Beautiful woman, good cook, great companion. What else does a man desire? How come I never met her all these while? To think I almost didn’t go to the club last night! Would have missed this chance of a lifetime to meet this goddess. Does she have a man somewhere?

There’s something about her that I just can’t seem to understand. My gawd, can she kiss!” Dave relives the moment with Kathryn and smiles.

The smile is still on his lips as he drifts off to sleep. ...

Kathryn longs for his voice! She remembers that she didn’t take his phone num-

ber! Oh gawd! What if he doesn’t turn up at their rendezvous? She panics. She must see him again. She knows so little about him. Oh no! She opens her wardrobe and selects a pair of jeans and a beautiful top.

She wants to look her best when they go out later in the day. She just can’t resist Dave. He comes well packaged, only that he is not single. Just few hours together and she feels like she’s known him forever. If this is not love, then she doesn’t know what love is.

She chooses a pair of flat sandals to go with her ensemble.

“How I wish my Prince Charming is single! That is the only blemish he has.

I want a husband, not a boyfriend,” she tells herself.

She tries to sleep to no avail. Dave’s image keeps looming in her mind’s eye each time she closes her eyes.

She picks the ‘How to net a husband’ manual and flip through the pages. It’s of no use. All the author says are theoretical, reality is different. She tosses the book away.

“Dave! Why did you cross my path when you know I can’t have you for keeps?” She cries and tosses on her bed.

She wonders how possible it is to be hopelessly in love with one man and still be searching for a husband.

Sleep steals her away. ...

Two hours later, Dave wakes up. He feels refreshed. He has more than three hours before his date with Kathryn. He smiles. He enters his personal gym and goes on the treadmill for half an hour. Afterwards, he takes a shower and dresses up.

He still has more than an hour before the date. He cannot bear it again! No!

He picks his phone to dial her number.

Agh! He didn’t save her number because he wasn’t interested in her when they exchanged numbers in the club.

He panics. What if he can’t locate her house again? What if she doesn’t turn up for the date...what if...

“I’ll go pick her myself,” he tells himself.

Dave loves wonder on wheels. He has an impressive collection. He spritzed some cologne behind his ears, picks a key from his bedside locker and walks out of the room.

He normally admires his fleet of cars each time he gets to his garage. Today, he doesn’t have the time for that. Every space in his mind has been taken over.

Kathryn has cramped his whole being.

He clicks on the key’s ‘Unlock’ button and the sensor picks the car to his right -a Mini Cooper S. He smiles and strides to the small red car. It is one of his favourites.

As he slides behind the steering wheel, the security man runs to the ‘out gate’ and throws it open.

He turns on the music player. Aaaaah!

Phil Collins’ Find a way to my heart is on auto rotation. Just what he needs. The soothing voice of the love singer caresses his senses as music wafts out from the speakers.

He noses the car into the street and joins the light traffic.

As he steps on the Third Mainland Bridge, he opens the full throttle! ******* Did he find his way to Kathryn’s house?

Let’s find out on Sunday!

•Send your observations to: julietbumah@gmail.com

21

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

Obaseki: I’m the candidate to beat p.24

Ndume: Hunger, malnutrition ravaging North-East p.23

The Sunday Interview

Budget padding is criminal, says Sam-Tsokwa p26&31

Politics

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

Gov Bello’s popularity G

Muhammad Bashir

overnance as it is usually called, is for the people and by the people geared towards one common expected achievement, viz-a-viz, human and physical development. Research has shown that there are, however, a disconnect between the leader and the led, when the yearning and expectations of the people are not met with and this inevitably draws a battle line eventually turning the people against the government.

The recent case in Kogi State when some irate youths pelted the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, with stones during the Juma'at service at the Lokoja Central Mosque on August 26, 2016, cannot totally be divorced from the alleged misrepresentation by the Bello's administration against the people's expectation.

When Governor Yahaya Bello took the controversial baton as the governor of the state, many particularly from the Central Senatorial District (where Bello comes from), welcomed it alluding to the fact that the much sought after power has finally shifted to them. Others who are not from the senatorial district, equally believed that the development will emancipate the youth in the state, since the governor is also a young man of 41 years old.

Amidst fanfare during the inauguration of the governor, at the Lokoja Confluence Stadium, Governor Yahaya Bello, in his inaugural speech, vowed to provide adequate welfare and uplifting the living standard of the state civil servants. Even though there was never a social contract between the governor and the people, because he was never involved in any campaign preceding the November 21 2015, gubernatorial election, (he was not even a candidate then).

The inaugural speech, which raised the people's hope, particularly civil servants, believing that a new dawn had come, eventually turned a nightmare, when the governor's first idea of development, was to pull down the entire historic roundabout in the state capital. Residents of Lokoja only woke up in the morning to discover that the whole roundabout was no more.

The development generated adverse reactions from the people, condemning the idea and argued that government should have renovated the historic monument (the roundabouts) instead of pulling them down.

But the state government, in a move to douse people's apprehension, explained that a modern roundabout will be constructed to replace the one it described as being antiquated. But up till this time, not even a single block has been sighted at any of the roundabouts.

Another issue that disheartened the people was the N20 billion bailout the governor secured which he announced during the celebration of Worker’s Day this year. The governor stressed that the sum was part payment of the N50.8 bil-

Gov Bello

lion bailout he applied for to clear salary arrears, incremental and leave bonuses due the workers. This once again raised people's hopes.

Another commitment handed down by the governor, was the declaration of autonomy for the 21 local government areas in the state. Suffice is to say that the promise eventually transformed into a 'Greek Gift' to the local government workers, as the expected benefits from both the bailout fund and autonomy are yet to reach the workers, even though the state government had insisted that the large chunk of the bailout has been expended on them (the workers).

However, one singular feat Governor Bello was able to achieve at the early stage of his administration was the suspension of the industrial action embarked upon by the state workers. The strike started during the immediate past administration of Captain Idris Wada (rtd) and eventually resolved by the incumbent Bello's government. Bello, as part of his negotiation with the labour leaders, was said to have promised to begin payment of the workers, once the strike was called off.

Like a case of one spoiling his dance with jumping, the governor directed immediate workers verification across the entire state workforce. One of the criteria was that all workers must submit their credentials and two year bank statements.

The decision, according to the state government, was to weed out ghost workers and identify the genuine ones for onward payment. But the joint negotiating committee of the Nigeria Labor Congress who were said to be in disagreement ac-

Idris

cused the governor of diverting from their original agreement. At the end of it all, the governor's will prevailed and government began screening of the state workers.

However, the intention of the screening was generally applauded as the end result will save government from paying ghost workers.

But the government is currently running into trouble with state workers over the alleged victimisation of some genuine workers who are classified to be 'ghost workers'. Many observers also argued to the fact that the government should endeavor to pay those on its cleared list.

In this mix of not paying workers several months salaries owed them, the governor, was said to have lavished several millions of naira to celebrate his birthday at the Government House. The timing of the celebration in the Muslim Fasting period of Ramadan was generally condemned.

Political observers pointed out that the governor's Muslim brothers, who are also civil servants in the state, performed the fasting and eid-el-fitr in penury as they were not paid their wages. During that period some of them lost their lives while some took into stealing grains to feed their families.

But the Special Adviser to the governor on Media, Abdulmalik Abdulkareem, said the state government did not touch tax payer’s money to organise the birthday party for the governor. He said it was the governor’s political appointees that pooled their resources together to surprise the governor with the party.

According to him, the governor is a Godfearing individual who always thinks

about the plight of the people.

However, it was equally argued that the governor should have celebrated his birthday in a low key law and not to raise the temper of the already disgruntled civil servants in the state.

In what appears to be transfer of a bottled-up aggression, some irate youths pelted the governor and his aides at the Lokoja Central Mosque with stones and other ridiculous objects. The governor and his entourage went to perform Juma'at service in commemoration of the state’s golden jubilee.

Sunday Telegraph learnt that the governor, against security advice, drove to the Central Mosque along with an unprecedented convoy to pray. He was said to have arrived when prayer had already commenced and eventually missed one part of the prayer (Raqaat).

It was further learnt that as the governor was making an effort to complete the remaining part of the prayer, stones began to fly from unknown directions. The governor had to suspend the remaining prayer and was subsequently bundled into a car and sped off.

Despite the continuous release of gas canister by the policemen in the governor's convoy, the recalcitrant youths instead throw the canisters back at to the police. During the ensuing stampede, some persons including cobblers and tea sellers were arrested.

But the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Kinsly Famwo, in his reaction to the development, said the governor was never CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

politics

Herdsmen attacks as a national issue Levi Chukwuma

T

he big question begging for an answer in the public domain since the precarious incident of the herdsmen attacks on communities and innocent citizens of the country is whether the heinous acts should be categorised as a state or national issue.

The issue is against the backdrop of the continuous attacks in recent times which have led to wanton destruction of lives and property of the people. What is more worrisome is the fact that the Federal Government, which is constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and property of the citizenry through its security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Army, the State Security Services (SSS), among others, has not taken decisive actions against the ceaseless and inhuman atrocities of the herdsmen.

It is on record that in a lopsided federalism, all the security agencies in the country are under the control of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and consequently, take final directives from his office in terms of providing security to the nation.

The worries remain that the present administration in the country has not treated the herdsmen issue with the urgent dispatch it requires, thereby posing a serious security threat to the peace and unity of the nation.

Painful to note is the fact that in the past one year, the nation has witnessed series of attacks and killings of innocent people as a result of the weird attitude of the herdsmen. The situation has become so terrifying that Nigerians keep wondering what could have come over these cattle rearers, that they now unleash grievous terror on their fellow Nigerians with sophisticated weapons, while nothing much is being done to tackle the issue.

Coming to the recent attack on Attakwu Community of Enugu State, and the misconception and sentiments being attached to it in the arena of public opinion, one is first compelled to frontally condemn the unfortunate incident as callous and barbaric.

But the truth remains that the Enugu incident is not as grievous as the ones that occurred in other states of the country, yet people have not raised their eyebrows over how the affected state governors have addressed the issue.

It is on record that the recent report released by the United States Government to its citizens traveling to Nigeria, named 20 unsafe states in the country and marked them as no-go-areas for the reason of “pockets of crimes being carried out by faceless persons that are hardly brought to book”. Enugu State was not in the list.

When one takes an inventory of the number of people that have been killed or injured by the herdsmen in ravaged states such as Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Delta, Imo, among others, it becomes obvious that Enugu does not deserve the negative comments it receives from cynics.

In Benue State for instance, the casualty rate of persons killed by suspected herdsmen between May 30 and June 20 this year, in Logo and Ukums local government areas alone, according reports is about 81 persons. Even though the Benue State Police Command said it witnessed 22 deaths, the number is still high compared to what was witnessed in Enugu State on the two occasions the herdsmen struck. The statistics are the same in other ravaged states.

The questions now are these: Why is the Enugu State issue different? What have the governors of these other states mentioned above done constitutionally

Buhari

On the call by some Igbo groups for the Enugu Governor to emulate Gov. Ayo Fayose’s actions against the herdsmen, the students said that no true Igbo leader would support any act that could lead to bloodshed or undermine the peace and unity of the country to address the issues that the Enugu governor has not done? Within our lopsided federalism, does the power to direct the security agencies to crush the marauders rest squarely on the shoulders of the governors or the President and Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces? Do the people expect a governor who swore an oath of office not to take unlawful actions that could lead to bloodshed or jeopardize the unity of the country, to make inciting statements? Is it the responsibility of the State Assembly to enact laws bordering on national issues such as grazing bill or is it the duty of the National Assembly?

These and other questions are indeed begging for answers, considering the fundamental rights of every citizen of the country as contained in our constitution.

One, therefore, takes exception to the perception of the likes of Amanze Obi in the Thursday, September 1, 2016 edition of his Broken Tongues in Sun Newspaper, where he alleged that the “Fulani herdsmen massacred an entire community” in Enugu State. Nothing could be farther from the truth - how could that be true?

I live and work in Enugu and to the best of my knowledge there is no record of an entire community being wiped out anywhere in the state. The state, despite the unfortunate recent incident of the herdsmen has remained peaceful and is still rated as the least among the states ravaged by the herdsmen in the country.

There is no doubt that the governor is working tirelessly with the security operatives to do all that are necessary and lawful to bring the culprits to book and end the menace of the marauders. This is

Ugwuanyi

evident in the recent arrest of a suspected herdsman in the state by the police for allegedly being in possession of a sophisticated AK47 riffle.

One appreciates the stance of the Enugu State students, who “lampooned” those inciting the students and youths of the state to stage reprisal attack on the Fulani herdsmen over the recent carnage in the state. They were of the view that such vengeance would be counter-productive and might lead to the endangering of lives of youths and students in the state.

The students’ reaction which was contained in a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Chidi Ilogebe and its South-East and South-South Spokesman, Comrade Victor Ezenagu, described such comments as “careless, inciting and inimical to the calculated efforts being made by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to decisively resolve the issue in line with the oath of office he swore to uphold.”

While condemning the attack in its entirety, they noted that the menace of the herdsmen was a national issue and requires the swift intervention of the federal government, which is constitutionally empowered to nip in the bud the atrocities of the marauders.

They reasoned wisely that “unlike in Ekiti State, the population of the Igbos living in the northern parts of the country is enormous, allaying fears that any unlawful action against the herdsmen in retaliation may likely put the Igbos in the north at the receiving end.”

On the call by some Igbo groups for the Enugu Governor to emulate Gov. Ayo Fayose’s actions against the herdsmen, the students said that “no true Igbo leader would support any act that could lead to bloodshed or undermine the peace and unity of the country.”

“Governor Ugwuanyi, as a responsible leader, believes in due process and constitutional means of addressing issues of this nature and should not be pushed to instigate the people of the state to take laws into their hands, as that is certainly not the best option under a democratic setting.”

Ending their statement, the Enugu Students passionately “called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the security agencies to step up actions to put an end to the dastardly acts of the herdsmen in the overall interest of the country.”

In the same vein, the workers of the state through the Trade Union Congress

of Nigeria (TUC) shared similar views with the students, calling on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to exercise his constitutional powers to ensure that the issue of the herdsmen was laid to rest.

Through a joint statement signed by the state Chairman and Secretary of the congress, Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe and Comrade Benneth Asogwa, they also commended Governor Ugwuanyi “for his prompt visit to the ravaged community and the efforts he had put in place to maintain peace, protect the lives and property of the people of the state as well as ensure that the incident did not escalate.”

Already, efforts of security agencies are paying off in this regard. A suspect who identified himself as Ibrahim Adamumale, said to be about 20 years old was arrested in Affa Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State for allegedly being in possession of a sophisticated gun suspected to be AK 47 Riffle with 24 rounds of live ammunition. The suspect, who claimed that he is from Nassarawa State but lives at Hausa quarters in Ninth Mile and a herdsman with some cattle at Affa Udi bush, was arrested last week by a combined efforts of the police and the members of the public from Affa who acted on a tip off. It was gathered that suspect, before his arrest, had expended about six shots into the air to evade arrest. He, however, fell to the superior effort of the police and members of the public who have gathered information about suspect's antecedents in relation to bearing of sophisticated weapon within Affa axis and its environs.

The suspect is now helping the police in their investigations in relation to how he came about the riffle.The State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ojukwu, expressed delight over the efforts of his men and the community, leading to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the gun and ammunition, pointing out that Enugu State under his watch,will continue to partner relevant stake holders and sister agencies for a safe and secured environment.

From the foregoing, it is clear that the menace of the herdsmen is a national issue and should be tackled holistically with the full support and cooperation of the Federal Government for a peaceful, united and prosperous nation – thereby sustaining the dreams of our founding fathers.

•Chukwuma, a public affairs analyst writes from Enugu

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

politics

price of crude oil is picking up. I think it is $50 as at last week; that is good news.

The Niger Delta Avengers have ceased fire and that is a good development and they are willing to talk with the Federal Government; that is a very good development. We are hoping that there would be stability and the economy will improve. So, there is light at the end of the tunnel and the good thing is that I can see that we are near the end of the tunnel.

The Senate Leader, Ali Ndume in this interview with CHUKWU DAVID, says that the headquarters of NorthEast Development Commission, which has been a contentious issue, will be sited in Maiduguri because Borno is worst hit by the Boko Haram insurgents. He also says that hunger is ravaging the entire North

Has the contentious issue of where to site the headquarters of the North-East Development Commission been resolved?

The House of Representatives has concluded work on the North -East Development Commission (NEDC) Bill and has resolved that the headquarters will be sited in Maiduguri. In the Senate, a small committee was set up by the Senate President and I don't think the issue of the headquarters is also a big deal. I can tell you authoritatively that the headquarters is going to be in Maiduguri. Although six states are all entitled to it and politically everybody will struggle to get it; that is why we are here to represent our state interests or the senatorial districts where we come from.

But other than that, the members of the National Assembly from North-East or the people from the North-East are more concerned about the Commission, and not necessarily where it has to be located. We all know that the epicenter of the insurgency is in Maiduguri and the headquarters of the North-East, abs initio; even the six NorthEast states when we were together used to have its headquarters in Maiduguri.

Why are the lawmakers from Borno State insisting the headquarters must be in Maiduguri instead of any other state capital from the region because its location does not really affect development?

It is because the hardest hit area among the six states is Maiduguri. It is like when you want to build hospital in other to treat patients, you build it where the patients are or the epidemic is severer. For example if you have the patients in Abuja, you cannot go and build the hospital in Gwagwalada.

It will serve as a hospital but the patients will go through extra pain to leave Abuja to go to Gwagwalada in order to see the doctor. The casualties are more in number in Borno State than any other Boko Haram afflicted States in the North-East, which is the main point.

You seem to be very close to President Buhari on personal ground. Are you not worried that there is hunger among Nigerians in this administration than any other administration in the past?

You are right to say that I am close to Mr. President, and I am one of the strong supporters of the President because I know that the person of President Muhammadu Buhari has very good intentions for this country. He didn't come to power in order to make anything for himself but to fix Nigeria and move Nigeria forward. The first three priorities of the government are what his administration is pursuing. Now the issue of people suffering, especially in terms of the cost of living is well known and no leadership can pretend that it doesn't know this.

But the question now is, does the President have the solution to the situation and deliberately refused to proffer it? The answer is no. First of all, when this govern-

Ndume

Ndume: Hunger, malnutrition ravaging North-East ment took over power with the intention to make necessary changes and move the country forward based on its dreams, it met paucity of funds. We are a mono- product economy; the price of our dependent source of income which is oil went down from $100 per barrel to below $30 at one point, even though it is now gradually trying to recover. That is our major source of income. Now, when the price of crude was gradually rebounding, the issue of Niger Delta Avengers cropped up, and we are now seeing pipelines being blown up and production went down from 2.2 million barrels per day to close to 1.4 million barrels per day. Of course, one could imagine the consequence of that.

So how does Mr. President react to the effect of low revenues profile and worries of Nigerians?

Now you look at the options, the option is to be prudent to block all loopholes which you know this government is doing. So, there is nothing new that you can tell Mr. President about the situation we are in this country, and it is not that he doesn't know or feel it. In fact, he is worried about it.

Many times I met Mr. President, and he has asked me, 'What do you think we should do?' And when I told him what I thought, he reacted to most of these things immediately. I will give you an example. The last

time I went to Maiduguri and I could see that the issue of hunger and malnutrition and poverty is ravaging the state. I came to discuss this with him and he asked me, 'What do you think we can do?' And I said it is better to release grains from the strategic grain reserves to cushion the effect of hunger especially in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Taraba states. He immediately called the Minister of Agriculture and asked for the release of all the grains they have in the strategic grain reserves and about 300 trucks of grains were released to the six states and divided among the six states, with Borno state having 113 trucks.

There was an allegation that some trucks of the grains were diverted; is this true and how is the government handling the matter?

Yes, we discovered that some people again diverted 60 trucks out of 113 trucks earmarked for Borno. We are chasing the contractor and we have been able to track him down and is now confirmed that out of the 113 trucks for Maiduguri, 53 trucks have been delivered, 31 have been diverted or stolen and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is doing everything to recover the 31 trucks. So, the President is aware and he is doing everything within his powers to see and I am optimistic of good days to come especially now that the

A former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida recently said that if he had his way, he would have made federal legislators operate on part time basis in order to reduce cost of governance. What is your take on this?

I support anything that can improve governance and to reduce cost in this country.

So, if making the job of the National Assembly part-time will make a difference so be it. I don't have problem with that. But that is not where the problem lies. Honestly, if you look at the whole budget of the National Assembly vis-a-vis what we spend in governance, the whole budget of the National Assembly you know is 1.8 per cent, so if it is a loophole and you block the 1.8 per cent, you still have 98.2 per cent.

So, do you say that if you can block 1.8 per cent, then you are making any difference?

Statistically, when you do proper permutations, calculations, you provide for five per cent, plus or minus, the expenditure of the whole National Assembly with that of the Judiciary falls within the margin of error and is less than five per cent. The Judiciary is about one per cent and their annual budget is N70 billion and that of National Assembly is N150 billion this year and in a budget of N6 trillion, where 70 per cent of that N6 trillion is recurrent and personnel cost. Let me tell you, the 98 per cent that goes to others, go into a few hands but that does not circulate. But the 1.8 per cent which is N115 billion, which many people are beneficiaries of, circulate.

When you say you are going to reduce cost, you are adding hardship because by the time you squeeze the National Assembly or you block the National Assembly, you are denying many people that are benefitting from here. We are not here by force, we are not here by the barrel of gun, we are here by the permanent voters card, votes of the people and if tomorrow or during the next election and even now if people don't want Ndume as a member representing them from southern Borno, there is a constitutional provision that you can recall me. The issue of whether National Assembly is part time or full time is to be decided

by Nigerians.

The 8th National Assembly was said to be heavily indebted to the extent that it cannot meet some important financial obligations. How will you react to this?

Well, I know that the whole country is in a financial difficulty and not only National Assembly. Ever in the National Assembly, and I have been here since 2003, there has never been a time it was rosy. Every time things get worse. Last time our monthly salary was paid on the 16th of the following month or thereabouts. It is not peculiar to the National Assembly, even some states cannot pay salaries for six months, one year; some were even asking their workers to go and farm for two days in a week and work for the other three days, and some were asked to be bailed out before they could pay. So, it is not different in every sector; even in the Presidency they have tightened their belt on their expenditure and it's a general phenomenon in the country. I am not surprised at what we are going through because I can feel it myself. We used to receive the running cost or allowances quarterly. Now it is monthly and it doesn't come as at when due. I don't know the details, I read it in the paper today but I know that ever since National Assembly has been having difficulty in meeting some of its financial obligations.

24

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

politics

Having campaigned vigorously so far, what are your chances in this election?

We have campaigned extensively, if you recall this is the second time I am embarking on this kind of campaign. During the primaries I went through the 192 wards in Edo State. The campaigns for the main election has been more detailed, I went to communities I did not have the opportunity of visiting during the primaries and it has been quite revealing.

Firstly, it would be a miracle for PDP to win in Edo State because as we have gone round the communities we just don’t see their presence, we don’t hear their message probably because they don’t have any message. In every community we visited we can point to a project that the APC government has undertaken and that explains the popularity of the party. The issue in most communities is that they want more and it is easy to argue that given our track record of performance, they should allow us continue to provide for them unlike that of PDP whose track record is so bad that in their 10 years nothing to show the people of the state. So that seeing the fact on ground, it has been easy to appeal to the voters to vote for me as the APC candidate and my running mate Philip Shuaibu.

The second issue is that we have been able to counter their lies because without any message to send they have gone round to tell lies to people, campaign of calumny, lies to create tension and anxiety and prepare the place for violence. Going round has also given us the opportunity to counter those lies. For them the only way they can win is for them to unleash violence and steal ballot boxes to produce fake results and we know clearly they are working on such strategies.

There is evidence and we have reported to security agencies, the people they are importing from neighbouring communities to cause mayhem so we can have inconclusive elections. We also have evidence of the people they brought in to register during their voter’s registration exercise, who do not even come from those communities. You could see from the incident at llushi, where they attacked my campaign train; you could see that due to the frustration and fear that they are going to lose the election, some of their supporters are even acting the violent script even before the day.

They cannot even hold it back the more.

They unleashed mayhem on our supporters which was totally uncalled and wicked.

They destroyed our vehicles and people were beaten up.

So they are masters of propaganda, while we are campaigning the PDP leadership is using the money they stole for propaganda, so their propaganda machine is well oiled, misinforming people. Most of their proposed theory is to deceive people, giving them false impression that they are winning. No concrete message for the people, they are selling a message about the future when they destroyed the past. So they really don’t have a message; they go to the markets, trying to create fear, using the current economic crisis to campaign.

But we have gone round to explain to the people that these are the same people who caused this economic recession, destroyed our economy. So the only other plan which they are confident about is violence which they are masters in. We know that the PDP is working with the guys that created the havoc in Rivers State.

We have told security agencies; we know that they have recruited many of them. You know, we are campaigning in riverine areas and those are the areas they are targeting.

Places like llusin, Gegelege, Agenebode, our borders are the areas they intend to perpetuate violence and there is evidence they have brought in people in Oredo, Egor and Ikpoba Okhai. They planted at least two militants each from the Niger Delta at each of the units in these metropolitan areas, so that they can cause mayhem and cause confusion that may lead to inconclusive elections. That is their strategy and we have told security agents. The PDP has no

Obaseki: I’m the candidate to beat in Edo election Mr. Godwin Obaseki is the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State. In this interview, he expresses his optimism of winning, just as he raised the alarm over an alleged plot by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to cause violence on the day of the election wonde. Those are the areas we had concerns but those areas are solid now and are under the control of APC. The leaders of the party there are working together now.

Obaseki

message to give, so they want violence but we will not allow them.

But will this recession problem not affecting your party in the campaigns and the election ahead?

In this case of Edo we know that Edo people are very enlightened. We have been explaining to them that the recession is global but what is more important is what we have been doing to solve the problem.

Campaigning round the state, I found out that in the rural areas, people are beginning to make a lot of money due to rise in prices of goods. But we have told them prices will come down as a result of these productions we are seeing. Most areas where have tarred roads, we see people drying rice, people going to their farms to harvest yams and lorry loads of food stuff coming out. So we have been selling a message of hope to say look ‘this recession is only temporary’ and because they trust us, they are buying it. The other advantage we have is that they have tested the PDP before and they don’t see PDP as an option. When we ask them they said sometimes they don’t even know the PDP candidate – whether he is Ize-Iyamu or Iduoriyekemwen. So even their members are confused while many of them felt APC is the only hope and they are joining us every day. So PDP has no hope in this election.

For me, the real opponents I have are that of the APGA, Osaro Onaiwu and others, but not PDP. They are two PDP candidates in Edo now- the ones controlled by the godfathers and only they are still in that party and one controlled by some progressive leaders and that faction has moved to APC. So who is going to win for them in each of

the wards and units? Nobody. So I laugh when they resorted to making comments in the papers where they only exist, not on ground. And for me, it is another 419 so that their PDP governors will bring money for them to share. Of course, those guys are 419 guys who have been there since 1999, making money from deceiving people. But it is all over for them in Edo. APC in Edo State led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has buried them and we will bury and bury PDP continuously.

Any fear of anti-party activity?

Nobody in APC will do anti-party activity. That was Osaze Ize-Iyamu’s prayer because he called several APC members to come and play the trick he knows best and work against their own part, but they shunned him. The reconciliation effort we have made has been very very successful.

You would have noticed that some of our colleagues who were aggrieved after the primaries have been working very closely with the party in their various wards and local governments. We are all together. I was even touched seeing our members contributing money to fire the campaigns in their various wards. It’s quite touching and I am so grateful to them. What is also interesting and what helped us is the wave of defection from PDP to APC. So anybody who was angry with us seeing PDP coming to us had looked at it to see, I think we have something good here, let us remain.

So the fact of many PDP members decamping to APC and the level of reconciliation just show that we are one and people are working in unison, particularly in the local governments like Orhiomwon and Uhum-

Some people see you as a stooge to Governor Adams Oshiomhole…?

I keep saying to them that if I was a stooge for the last eight years and that led to the amount of development and progress that we have made, then if being a stooge will lead to the progress of my people I rather be a stooge to my people than being a none stooge that will steal our commonwealth.

It is nonsense. Here again is the issue. The issue is about development, about utilising our wealth for our common good. So if being a stooge means utilising public fund for the betterment of the people of Edo State; if being a stooge means I am not going to meet with any godfather to decide on how my budget will be implemented then I will rather be such stooge.

One of the PDP candidates, Ize-Iyamu, has all his life been a stooge to the Igbinedions both the father and son. He started as a personal assistant to Lucky Igbinedion, Chief of Staff to his government and later the most powerful Secretary to the State Government who signed off contracts that...; who signed the sacking of over 7,000 workers who today are crying of pension which the Oshiomhole’s administration is paying.

Let me tell you, we need to begin to change the paradigm. I keep asking; tell me in specific terms what the Oshiomhole administration has not done in the last seven and half years. So what is wrong about propagating and continuing with those strides? So we must redefine our politics from these brain dead hawks in our politics, who think they can continue to destroy and distract our people. The issue is what did you do with political authorities? Being in the back room of this administration in the last seven and half years, I directed the policies more. I pointed to the Comrade Governor the direction we should go. So did that make Adams a stooge? Sometimes, try and understand their logic, because of their poor education which has never allowed them do other things in their lives.

They make those stupid arguments about being a stooge. But let me tell them, if with all we have achieved under Oshiomhole made me a stooge, I accept to be one. Then let Ize-Iyamu also accept that he is a stooge to Lucky Igbinedion and let him take the blames of the failure of the PDP for 10 years. At least with that you will expect him to toe the path of honour by withdrawing from the contest because he will be stoned by our people next Saturday.

Your message to Edo people I want to continue to thank Edo people because across the state, I have found out during our campaigns that we have groups and communities voluntarily which have endorsed me, assuring me that they will vote for me. My appeal is to security agencies to ensure that they monitor the process to ensure we have no violence. If we have an election, free fair and credible, that is devoid of violence, I am certain we will trounce the PDP no matter who they decide to produce as the candidate. I will win at least 80 per cent of the votes come September 10.

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politics

Aregbesola and excitements of a presidential host P resident Muhammadu Buhari's oneday working visit to Osogbo, the Osun State capital last Thursday did not come without anxiety and fears as well as excitements.

Obviously, Governor Rauf Aregbesola himself and members of his cabinet lost some sleep making last minutes arrangements to receive an August guest.

Having to get the President leave his comfort zone in Aso Rock for a state visit is indeed a herculean task. It is expensive and demands rigorous planning on the part of the host to have the President's key men convinced on why the number one citizen would embark on such visits.

This is why no one including Aregbesola was sure the President would make the trip in the first place.

President Buhari was in Osogbo on the invitation of the state governor to commission the 3,000 capacity Government High School climaxing a week-long celebration of its Silver Jubilee, having been created in 1991.

After all, he had aborted a similar trip to Lagos in May last minute, where the President was expected to commission some projects initiated by Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. The cancellation of the Lagos trip threw up insinuations in several quarters of

political intrigues and insecurity problems.

While the spokespersons of the President attributed the aborted trip to scheduling difficulties, others claimed it was due to last minute security reports.

I was privileged to have visited Osogbo two days before the President's arrival. One obvious thing as I traversed major streets of the state's capital was the hurried nature of the preparations.

On the road leading to the commissioned project, construction workers were seen patching and refilling potholes to ensure that the President never gets driven in them.

Surprised! Not at all. It is usual with Nigerian politicians who often engage in window dressing to achieve whatever agenda.

The patched Osogbo road for instance, it is no one's headache whether the rains washes the asphalt away soon after the visitor has left.

Interestingly, governor Aregbesola was sighted mid night at the Government High school apparently supervising the work to make sure that he didn't disappoint the President and other guests.

Hundreds of Osogbo residents were mobilized to the streets in cheering tones to welcome Mr. President during the historic visit. Like the governor told the guests in his address, Buhari's official visit would remain

Villa Notes emmyanule@yahoo.com

Anule Emmanuel

long in the annals of Yuruba history. For the entire South West, it is also a success.

Aside the make shift effects to impress the President, Aregbesola no doubt, has done well for his people. For nothing else, the education sector in the state has received a boost.

Governor Aregbesola at least, must be proud that he has been singled out by President Buhari as a leader worth emulating.

This is what Buhari told him and his people at the event, "I congratulate the people of Osun on the 25th anniversary of the state.

The essence of the state’s creation was to bring government closer to the people and to provide good governance just like Governor Rauf Aregbesola has done.

"Government at all levels must continue to channel their energy toward education because this is the only way we can secure the future of our children."

Buhari took time to also thank Osun people for voting him overwhelmingly during the 2015 Presidential Election, describing the state as the spiritual home of Yoruba civilisation.

The key take away from the Osun experience is that people should strive to be known for at least one thing. For Aregbesola, it is educational expansion even with limited resources.

The Osun new school is actually an upgrade of the old one established since 1950.

As it presently stands, the school is a threein one facility, housing three different secondary schools with separate principals.

With a collapsible structural design, the Osogbo Government High School has a 3,000 sitting capacity and cost the state government N1.35 billion to complete.

As far as Aregbesola is concerned, it is a thing of pride to achieve this feat in the midst of scarce resources. "We are producing the new man intellectually, morally and socially through education. We want to determine the next 15 years of the state through education because education is the path to development,” he told the President and dignitaries at the event including governors Ambode, Isiaka Ajimobi of Oyo State and Kashim Shettima of Borno.

Others were the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, the Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu as well as state and National Assembly members.

The event witnessed large turnout of traditional rulers such as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji.

‘Buhari should give South-East sense of belonging’ How do you feel about this All Progressives Congress government since inception?

I belong to the APC without apologies and you know I am a product of the Action Congress of Nigeria which metamorphosed to APC before APC overran Peoples Democratic Party at the center. APC government is truly an agent of change and the change Nigeria needed. What we are witnessing today is a change of trend, changing from corruption to accountability and the way things are done in an organised society. We all have seen the massive corruption and money recovered just in one year. There are no doubt that corruption is an endemic infection that has eaten deep into the fabric of the nation, particularly those in the last PDP government. President Mohammadu Buhari is fighting corruption assiduously, but because our government came to power when the country was almost on the verge of collapse, President Buhari had since assumption of office been repairing and reconstructing all the broken segments of the Nigerian society. When this government came into power exchange rate was N125 to a dollar and about N260 per barrel of oil. Today the Niger Delta Avengers have continued to blow up the pipelines to discredit our government simply because they feel that the wealth of this country comes from their place, but they had also forgotten that as far as we all remain in Nigeria as one unified country, we all will pay dearly for whatever act of brigandage this might had cost the nation.

Do you think Buhari can change Nigeria under this economic situation?

The present government of APC has a very beautiful programme that will propel Nigeria to take her rightful place in the committee of nations, but the task to do that must be done by all and sundry not APC alone or President Buhari. It is true that there are civil disturbances virtually in every part of the country, occasioned by the Boko Haram insurgence, the IPOB, MASSOB and the Niger Delta militants, but no nation of the world had ever thrived in an atmosphere of anarchy, crisis and flagrant abuse of law and order.

Unemployment is one of the major threat to national security, peace and unity. Are you

Dr. Emeka Aniebonam, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, in this interview with OKEGWO KENECHUKWU, says that the APC government has repositioned to take over the South-East states in the next general elections

Aniebonam

satisfied with the step the ruling party has taken so far?

Already, the APC government has created over 10 million jobs within its first four year, the first of its kind in the country. The police, navy, paramilitary organisations are recruiting unemployed Nigerians, yet some arm chair critics are saying the APC government has failed. Every Nigerian knows that the present economic hardship was as a result of the fallen price of oil in the international market, but we should not also forget that the 2016 budget was based on $38 per barrel, even as the militants and IPOB and other groups are causing confusion and destruction here and there. That is why everybody should have a rethink because it may be highly impossible for the country to meet up if the situation continues unabated.

Most people have condemned Federal Government’s approach to the security situation in the country. What are your thoughts about

it?

There must be a room for discussion. This is not a military thing and everybody knows that no militants or group of agitators can be greater than the Federal Government. Our party has always sought ways to dialogue, knowing very well that this situation calls for sober reflection by all stakeholders. Otherwise if Niger Delta Avengers destroy Nigeria or Nigeria destroy Niger Delta Avengers or IPOB it is Nigerians that would suffer it. Nigerians should stop blaming Buhari for now. He inherited a rotten economy, a government that was corrupt and has been all along trying to recover the loathed funds. The APC government doesn’t support any Fulani man carrying AK47 or other dangerous weapons. Anybody caught should be arrested and made to face the full wrath of law, no matter how highly placed or connected he is. Nigeria is not in a war situation and no section of the law or constitution exempted anybody or group from carrying illegal arms.

President Buhari was allegedly quoted as saying that the National Conference report was a waste of time and resources. Do you agree with him?

The implementation of the National Conference report is not negotiable, but the President has powers to look at the reports and make his observations even though the confab report was done with good intention to fashion out the best organised way of doing things in Nigeria. The reports tend to address the issue before Nigeria including the 13 per cent derivation of revenue to Niger Delta. The president should implement some of the reports that are good. The confab report was a product of the best brains in Nigeria who were assembled from all constituents of the country.

What is your perception about the political, future of this country in view of all these odds and challenges facing the Nigerian society

today?

I am highly optimistic and I have confidence in the government of APC led by President Buhari. I will continue with the APC. PDP has packed up. The party is a pack of confusion. I will remain in APC where we have a brighter hope and future for Nigeria.

Of course, I won my House of Assembly election on the platform of the ACN. I am aware that the people of Anambra State and the South-East in general did not support APC in the last election, but the truth was that Buhari was not the kind of candidate they wanted. They believed then that Buhari hates the Igbos, but it is not so because I had opportunity of meeting him one on one and my contact with him had convinced me beyond every reasonable doubt that the President is just an ordinary man. We can see the President’s disposition and democratic principle in the allocation of projects in the 2016 budget. Projects like 2nd Niger Bridge, the Enugu/Onitsha Expressway and the new railway line that was extended to the SouthEast. He has not excluded any part of this country in his budget project proposals and programme. I have the confidence that when the economy improves he would make sure that all these projects are executed to the later, because he is a no nonsense man and has zero tolerance for corruption. That will right the wrong and re-position the party and APC government in South-East and will also fast track the party’s political will to sweep the poll in the region in the next general elections.

AWhat do you think about APC particularly in the South-East where people complain about marginalisation?

What we are appealing to the President is to convince the people of the South-East that they are part of the government in power and that the PDP is not a party to save the country from its present situation. They should be made to understand that PDP is already dead and APGA which has only one state cannot by any stretch of imagination defeat APC.I strongly believe that with equitable appointment and sense of belonging the party will grow fast and I am sure that our party will capture the entire zone in the next political dispensation. You will see how it will happen.

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sunday Interview

Budget padding is criminal, says Hon. Albert Tanimu Sam-Tsokwa represented Takum/Ussa/Donga and Special Areas Federal Constituency of Taraba State in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2015. A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he was Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business in the 7th Assembly. In this interview with PHILIP NYAM, he sheds light on the controversial issue of budget padding, the raging crisis in the PDP and the biting economic situation in the country and the latest time Buhari submitted was December 22 on a day the National Assembly was proceeding on Christmas and New Year break. Even as we speak, the MTEF which is supposed to be the document upon which the budget is derived is not yet before National Assembly. We are faced with a situation, where the President is going to submit a late proposal which will lead to budget padding. Now, Presidents submit the budgets late because Section 82 provides a window that in the event at the beginning of year there is no budget, the President can circumvent Section 80 of the Constitution and authorise withdrawals from consolidated revenue account for up to six months depending on when the budget is approved by National Assembly. So, when you spend without a budget you can do whatever you want and because Nigerians are smart people, when the Presidents submit, they can also put in certain things.

I want you to know that nobody is free from criminal investigation by the laws of this country. Nobody including the President is free from the criminal laws of this country. He and his vice, governors and deputies are only given a temporary reprieve while in office; they will not be prosecuted. But while in office, they can be investigated. So, there is nobody in this country that is immune from investigation for any alleged crime.

Sam-Tsokwa

As a lawyer and former lawmaker in the National Assembly, could you confirm if there is any such a thing as budget padding?

To begin with, the word padding is an English word. If you open the dictionary; you see the word padding with so many meanings. Except one meaning, the rest of the meanings are good but one meaning of padding makes it criminal. So, that we do not have padding as a word in our legislative lexicon does not mean that budget, like any other thing, cannot be padded.

A bill can be padded. For instance, where you walk into a restaurant and took some coffee and in your bill the cost of coffee is included, when in fact you never ordered for a cup of coffee, that bill is padded. In the same vein, in climes where lawyers are paid per hour for their services to clients, a lawyer who charges more than the hours he has actually provided services can be said to have padded his bill and that is criminal. There are instances in the US where lawyers have been debarred for padding clients’ bills. When you pad a client’s bill and it is discovered that you charged more than the hours you have actually put in. So, the budget can actually be padded.

So, what is budget padding?

Let me make it clear that under Sections 81 and 82 of the Constitution, it is only the National Assembly that can approve a budget, and I disagree with anybody out there who says the powers of the Nigerian National Assembly is curtailed. The National Assembly is a budget writing assembly like the US Congress. So, it is beyond question that it is only National Assembly that can decide the size of the budget. Happily, from 1999 till date, the budget size has always been determined by the National Assembly. By constitutional provisions and standing orders of the National Assembly, it is only the National Assembly that can decide what the budget should be. That is why when the National Assembly decides that this is what the size of the budget should be and the President under Section 59 decides to veto the budget, the National Assembly can override the President with 2/3 majority, and once that is done, it becomes the Appropriation Act and he must implement it. But the power to approve the size of the budget does not include the power to inject into the budget illegal items. And by illegal items, I mean those things introduced

without the knowledge of the majority of the members of the National Assembly.

That is what makes it padding. Once the National Assembly has approved the budget any legislature or group of legislature decides to put in items for selfish reasons, it amounts to padding.

Can a legislator be investigated or prosecuted for padding the budget?

The opportunity to pad the budget is provided by the executive. Section 81 gives the President between January 1 and December 31 every year, by global budget best practices, the budget proposal is to be laid before the parliament four clear months before the end of the extant financial year. The reason is to enable the National Assembly do a thorough job on the proposal. And by global standards, the National Assembly needs at least three months to work on the budget. But our experience in Nigeria from 1999 till date has been appalling. Indeed, let me say without fear or favour that President Muhammadu Buhari is the guiltiest in the late submission of budget in the history of the Fourth Republic. The latest time Goodluck Jonathan submitted budget proposal to National Assembly was December 15

You must have read about the allegations leveled by former Appropriation Committee Chairman, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin against some leaders of the House including the Speaker. Would you say that if the allegations are proven to be true, these persons would be liable to prosecution?

The issue is said to be a subject of investigation and I am not part of the investigating team. I am neither the Attorney General of the Federation whose duty is to prosecute people. I have read what the media have written but never had the privilege of meeting with my colleagues to hear their own side of the story. But I want to say emphatically that these allegations are coming from the horse’s mouth.

They are coming from an insider; they are coming from a person who fully participated in the whole programme. Padding is a ‘conspitorial’ act; the legislature cannot do it without the support and conspiracy of the executive. Padded amounts are not meant for projects that will be executed; they are meant for monies that could be taken out. Let me say that people should stop confusing padding with constituency projects. Constituency projects are legitimate projects for which the executive allocates for projects to be identified by the legislature. That is a legitimate thing. But padding is illegitimate; padding is illegal from whatever angle you look at it. Hon. Jibrin was the man in charge of budget.

When it comes to budget, there is only one committee in the National Assembly and that is the Appropriations Committee.

Other relevant committees are sub-committees of the Appropriations Committee.

So, the former Chairman of Appropriations is telling us what happened to the 2016 budget. I don’t think we need any witness apart from Jibrin. He is an insider and he is speaking from inside. He knew what they did and it is in the course of it that the deal went sour.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

SUNDAY

Potpourri Weight watchers community

Fat burning snacks

​Trend du jour Shake your pompom

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hen I say snacks, I am in no way referring to your pies, chinchin, doughnuts, cakes, etc. For snacks that would help you lose weight, you want to think, fiber and proteins. Eating snacks with the right ratio of nutrients, with the right calories, will help keep your body energised and help you lose weight. Protein (plus exercise) fuels the growth of lean muscle mass, which boosts metabolic rate and increases calorie burn. Fiber, meanwhile, helps improve digestion and keeps you from binging on fats and sugars. So while there’s no food that will literally “burn fat” while you eat it, smart choices with these ingredients will help your body operate at maximum efficiency.

Almost any fruit will make for a great snack but you want to stay away from sodas as a pairing or to ‘wash it down’. Try skim milk paired with say, an apple for a smart mix of fiber and protein. 6 crackers and canned tuna (packaged in water and not oil) would make a great snack of about 200 calories, and so on and so forth. Some more ideas are as follows: Berry and Greek yogurt smoothie, cauliflower and white bean dip, lentil salad with tomatoes and watercress or lettuce, protein bars, roast garlic and edamame dip with pita bread (coming soon on the food page), etc. Water is always the best fluid to chug down and remember that most of these snacks can be deconstructed or revamped to suit your taste buds. Keep it as simple as possible. The more natural, the healthier, fresher and the better it would be.

Money talks Money management in your 20s (part II)

Y

eah, you are done with the university and NYSC and you are not only excited, but feel you are on a roll. These few tips continued from last week will definitely help your money matters in this Nigerian situation of pseudo-recession.

If you cannot live with your parents and you absolutely must get your own place, you would be wise to find some flatmates so that you can share the financial burden with others, reducing the cost.

Clip your entertainment cost with a large clipper. When you decide to cut entertainment costs, do not only look at the money.

The reason behind the spending is also important. For instance, instead of going out to bars on Saturday where you are sure to spend more, organise BBQs and have your friends come with a bottle each of your choice of “poison” (drinks).

Start a retirement plan as it is never too early to do so. Besides setting money aside for your retirement, consider investing your money.

Remember that the higher the dividends/profit, the higher the risks too.

You want to invest in a reliable company or more. If we are as smart about our money and invest it as well as we can gossip, the financial world would

be a much better place. However, if we take most of these tips to practice, our old age selves will definitely thank our 20s selves. Be smart!

Stories by: Biwom Iklaki

P

ompoms are everywhere you look these days. They are a simple, fun and flirty way to add freshness to your wardrobe. The special fact about this trend is that it can feature in just about any part of your wardrobe; earrings, hats, neckpieces, shoes, bags, even key rings. While you could stay safe or neutral using a single colour for the pompoms, step away from safe fashion and live a little with pompoms in loud primary colours or colour block to your heart’s content. Step out in a pair or colourful pompoms that are sure to act as a pick me up to whatever foul mood you may encounter throughout your day.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sportxtr

Dapo Sotuminu

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ine-time Olympic gold medallist and the only personality in athletics to win gold in three sprint events in the history of the Olympics since inception in 1896, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, has over the years been displaying high level of extravagance because he is 10 times richer than any top athlete in the world.

The Jamaican, who moves around with a large retinue of friends and spends money with relative ease not minding the amount, a situation he has been using to sustain his flambouyance in public, such that other athletes across the globe kept wondering how rich the world’s fastest man could be, especially as athletics does not provide the megabucks much as other money-spinning world sports.

Unlike Premier League footballers, who can earn hundreds of thousands of pounds every week, most athletes won’t see a fraction of that.

Many are paid a pittance in comparison flogging their guts out for the love of their sport and a chance at Olympic glory every four years.

Olympic athletes aren’t in it for the money, but Usain Bolt is not just another athlete.

While it has been revealed that Team GB gold medal winners wouldn’t be paid a penny more for striking gold for triple gold medal-winner Bolt, the story couldn’t be more different.

He cleaned up yet again with three golds at the Rio 2016 Games in the 100m, 4x100m relay and 200m events.

That’s a hat-trick of triple golds in his past three Olympic competitions, making him the most decorated sprinter in the history of the sport.

But he’s not just rolling in gold on the track, he’s absolutely swimming in the stuff off it too.

He was the only athlete to make it onto the Forbes Rich List with a huge personal wealth that saw him bank in excess of $32m this year, putting him just outside the world’s top 30 highest-earning sports stars. That’s 10 times the amount earned by any other leading athlete like Britain’s double-gold hero Mo Farah.

He amassed this incredible fortune thanks to prize money from compet-

Why Usain Bolt ca to be extravagant ing around the world and also his many lucrative sponsorship deals.

The lightning-quick Jamaican boasts a stable of 10 global partners and another seven regional ones which keep his bank balance swelling.

But his biggest cash cow is undoubtedly his deal with global sportswear giant Puma. He is reportedly picking up $10m a year off the brand in a huge deal that runs to 2025 - long after Bolt will have finished competing.

He signed with Puma back in 2002, but after his heroics in Beijing, some of the world’s biggest companies wanted him as the face of their brands.

Now he is paid anywhere between $1m and $4m a year by the likes of luxury watch manufacturer Hublot and other brands like Virgin Media and Visa to be in their ad campaigns.

Bolt even had his own character in the game Temple Run which has been downloaded more than one billion times, which is a tidy little earner for him.

His commercial deals dwarf what he earns in prize money on the track though.

Business Insider reports that Bolt only earns $10,000 for every race he wins in the Diamond League (not bad for 10 seconds’ work, to be fair) and winning the World Championships nets him $60,000 (he’s won it 11 times).

But he can earn up to $400,000 for appearance fees and Forbes say he has clocked up $2.5m in wins and appearance fees in the past 12 months alone.

He doesn’t seem to have any trouble spending his money either.

Bolt likes his cars, and even though he was given a special edition gold Nissan GT-R often his triple at London 2012, he splashed out $105,000 on this black GT-R. When he’s not behind the wheel of one of these, he’s getting about by private jet.

A big chunk of his wealth has gone on property, with Bolt snapping up a huge pad in Kingston in his native Jamaica for an undisclosed fee as well as property on Rum Cay Island in the Bahamas.

But he’s also known for his philanthropic side too. Whilst raking it in, he’s also doling it out.

Just last year he gave $1.3m to his old school Thorpe William Knibb Memorial High School for sports equipment.

The sprinter also donates to other causes

in his community, including the $4m he provided to help renovate a health centre in Sherwood Content, Jamaica.

Being the fastest man on the planet is clearly good for business and even though it doesn’t look like the 30-yearold will see another Olympic Games, he looks set for life.

It makes sense that the world’s fastest man enjoys reaching high speeds on the road. One of the track star’s most lavish purchases is an £80,000 ($105,000) black Nissan GT-R. Never content with just one trophy, Bolt also owns a special-edition gold GT-R. This one, however, was given to him by Nissan after he won three gold medals at the London Olympics in 2012.

Despite his international success, his main base is not far from home. One of Bolt’s biggest purchases is his mansion

in the Norbro for an undisc Bolt’s neigh model Jodi “J “Between th ties and screa go back to w

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

ravaganza

an afford t

ook housing complex in Kingston, closed figure. hbours are rapper Sean Paul and Jinx” Stewart-Henriques. he bikes, loud, horrid music, params, I honestly wish he would where he came from,” StewartHenriques said, “He’s a horrible neighbor.”

Bolt’s partying is not

confined to his home. In 2015 he reportedly ordered £10,000 worth of vodka in a Mayfair nightclub ... and accidentally left without settling the bill. After the Rio 2016 Olympics, he has been partying in London where he stormed the Night Clubs on three straight days to show his level of fitness.

In 2009, Bolt bought a home in Rum Cay Island in the Bahamas for an unknown fee.

“Who wouldn’t want to live on Rum Cay?” Bolt asked at the time. “It is magnificent.”

One of Bolt’s biggest hobbies is music. He has been performing DJ sets in public since 2010.

The equipment does not come cheap, with high-end DJ decks costing more than £5,000.

Having just turned 30, Bolt is aware that his speed cannot last forever. He plans to retire after the 2017 World Championships in London, leaving him with much more time to spend that hard-earned cash.

Iwuagwu: World Cup goal kicked me to my future Dapo Sotuminu

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hen former Delta Queens of Asaba Football Club star player, Akudo Iwuagwu, was included in the final list of players for the Super Falconets of Nigeria that would play at the inaugural FIFA Under-19 Championship in Canada, little did she know that, he career would blossom after that tournament that also launched the career of Ifeanyi Chiejine.

Akudo, who had 10 appearances for the Falconets, one goal, three wins and draws and four losses, was overwhelmed to know that, that single goal which she scored against Japan at the World Cup would take her to unbelievable heights as one of the top professional women’s footballers in Europe.

Before the FIFA tournament in Canada which Akudo played at the age of 15, she had garnered enough experience playing in the qualifying tournament and her appearance in the World Cup was like a icing on the cake for the Nigerian star.

“I was very, very happy when I was given a chance to play in our first-ever match at a youth World Cup. And then when I scored our first goal, it was an unbelievable feeling. The whole team celebrated. I tried to emulate Ronaldo’s goal celebrations and was concentrating on that. I felt privileged and honoured to have scored the first African goal in the event. But much more than that, the goal also set me on my further path. It was like a ticket to my future.

“When I arrived in Canada I had no idea that I would be starting on something that has taken me to here. I did not believe that one day I would become a professional player. But today, thanks to that start in Canada, I am professional player.”

Because of her wonderful goal at the Canada 2002 World Cup, coupled with her youthful age, she was invited to other editions of the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Thailand and Russia.

At Thailand 2004, Akudo was in the team that held the Germans to a stalematein regulation time, but later lost on penalties.

“We were focused to beat Germany, but then we lost in a penalty shoot-out. It is one of those things that can happen to anybody. It can happen to any team, any time, any day, anywhere,” said Iwuagwu.

At Russia 2006, Iwuagwu appeared in her third straight World Cup finals in the colours of Nigeria. In Russia, she tried her best to help Nigeria get to the final, but this dream was thwarted by the Brazilians in the semi-final where the Junior Samba Girls won with a golden goal. Though, Akudo did not score any goal, she assisted in more than half of the goals scored by the team at the World Cup. After Russia 2006, she was invited to the Nigerian Olympic women’s team under a different coach, the

late Coach Jossy Lad, who had a different focus and appeal to the game. She did not make the cut to the 2008 Beijing Games, she also failed to make it to the African Championship team.

This was the turning point in the career of Iwuagwu when she decided to concentrate on her quest to become a fully professional player.

The opportunity finally came in 2013, when she was offered the chance to play in Israel, with FC Kiryat Gat. After much conviction, she was sure the Israeli club would suit her better and she went ahead to sign a contract.

She continued her goal scoring prowess for FC Kiryat, becoming a regular scorer for the club, helping the club to sustain the rivalry against fellow top flight clubs. Her successful career in FC Kiryat influenced a better and bigger deal with another Israeli League club, Maccabi Holon.

With the new handlers of the national team not looking her way any longer, just as it was done with top stars like Sweden-based Faith Ikidi, the 29-year-old has decided to cut ties with the Nigerian national women’s team.

She said: “I want to concentrate on playing for my club. And it is working for me. Even though I am alone in Israel and my family is in Nigeria, I enjoy being here.

The standard in the league is high. But I still have a dream. And that is to play for either Arsenal or Chelsea Ladies. Here in Israel people will see me play my good football. There was a team that wanted me to play for them in France, but I decided not to go as it does not suit my style. But I would be interested in going somewhere like Canada, Germany or England.”

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Luxury

Homes

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Dainty floor treatment Biwom Iklaki

Y

our kitchen floor is as important as the walls and ceiling of your kitchen space. Give it as much love as the rest of the space. If you treat your floor well, it will add to the overall beauty of the room. Think about filling your floor with cozy carpets that are easy on the feet and even easier on the eye. Choose your carpets wisely. You can either use it to add accents to your décor or contrast as the case may be. For instance, in a show of nonconformity or risqué décor, you can throw in a zebra patterned carpet or colourful stripes carpet in a neutral kitchen design to add a pop of colour.

Fish rain

Weird

W

ould Nigeria, Venezuela and other poor countries not be so lucky to have a fish rain? Imagine you were just strolling along your merry way and a hail storm struck. You would likely be pissed off. But in the light of the current food crisis in Nigeria, if you were to be surprised with a rain of fish, no one would mind at all. The fish rain is a weird trick of nature where animals would fall from the sky. Scientists say that this phenomenon happens due to tornadic waterspouts that sometimes pickup creatures like fish and frog and carry them several miles. The strong winds in these storms carry and sometimes displace the creatures and drops them on unsuspecting cities and town…and people. A waterspout works just like a tornado but forms over water.

Sex of the future

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e all know and acknowledge that sex sells. It is a multi-billion dollar industry and it only gets bigger. With the popularity of sex toys, porn and of course the age old profession of prostitution, what else is new, right?

Get this, new innovations are constantly cropping up and there is no dull moment in the world of sex. However, this world of sex is about to get even more exciting for people inclined to such proclivities; the advent of sexual robots. The duo of Ian Yeoman, a scientist specialising in futurology, and Michelle Mars, a sexologist at the University of Wellington, co-authored a paper titled “Robots, Men and Sex Tourism” earlier this year. According to the New York Post, Yeoman said robots would

“help the sex industry alleviate all health and human trafficking problems, human sex workers will be put out of business, unable to compete on price and quality of service.”

“The tourists who use the services of YubYum (sex robot) are guaranteed a wonderful and thrilling experience, as all the androids are programmed to perform every service and satisfy every desire,” Yeoman said.

“All androids are made of bacteria-resistant fiber and are flushed for human fluids, therefore guaranteeing no sexually transmitted diseases are transferred between consumers.”

So, for those with insatiable sexual appetites and kinks, perhaps your dreams and fantasies are about to come true.

I

The Trump card

n the light of the United States on coming Presidential elections, there have been many laughs, sighs, tears and even curses, to mention a few. One of the notable things about the candidatues, Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump of the Democratic and Republican parties respectively, Researchers at Oxford University rate Donald Trump and rival Hillary Clinton on measures of psychopathy. The report compared the two presidential hopefuls with some controversial leaders in history, including Saddam Hussein, Hitler, Idi Amin, William the Conqueror, Henry VIII, Napoleon Bonaparte, Jesus Christ, etc. As reported

by Sky News, “To get his scores, he has asked them to fill out, on their subject’s behalf, a short version of the psychopath inventory.

For Mr. Trump and Mrs. Clinton he used an “anonymous, highly respected and seasoned” political correspondent to fill in their scores.

Leaders are rated on “positive” and “negative” psychopathic traits. Positive traits are social influence, fearlessness and stress immunity.

Negative traits are Machiavellian egocentricity, rebellious non-conformity, blame externalisation, carefree “nonplanfulness” and cold-heartedness.

The analysis also reveals that leaders who possess psychopathy’s negative traits tend to do badly in office.

Mr. Trump and Mr. Clinton scored relatively highly on both positive and negative traits, making assessment of their leadership potential difficult. Mr. Trump outstripped Hitler on factors including

social influence and fearlessness, while the Nazi dictator scored higher on coldheartedness.

Mrs. Clinton far exceeded tyrannical Roman emperor Nero on traits such as “Machiavellian egocentricity”.

Dr. Dutton said: “It is interesting that these scores reflect both the praise and the criticism that Trump and Clinton receive.

“In the end, while both score relatively highly, it will be up to voters to decide if whether their mix of positive and negative traits should send them to the Oval Office or the psychiatrist’s office.”

This also came in the wake of residents of some states in the US like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Seattle, and New York City, etc waking up to naked statues of Mr. Trump in the streets with the insignia “The emperor has no balls”.

It was almost a carnival as they thronged the streets taking selfies with the statue.

The spectacle was amazing and alarming all at once until the police removed the statue with strict warning against erecting images in the parks.

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Sunday Interview

Sam-Tsokwa Criminality cannot be shielded and swept under the carpet as internal affair…That huge sums of monies was built into the budget for the benefit of a few individuals at the expense of generality of Nigerians cannot be taken as an internal affair of the House under whatever guise There is story that four friends robbed a bank successfully and two went out to look for food while two were left in the bush keeping watch over the money. They decided to hatch the plan to kill those who went to buy the food and share the money; and those who went to buy food also decided to poison the food and kill the other two to share the money. They poisoned the food and brought it. After receiving the food, their colleagues shot them dead. But after shooting them, they also ignorantly ate the food and died too and so all of them lost out. This is exactly what has happened to this 2016 budget in the House. If things had not gone sour, Jibrin would not have revealed what we are hearing today. We pray that God should continue to expose them. But it is not for me or you to say it is true or not. It is for the people concerned, if they have conscience to tell the truth.

But I do not take Jibrin’s allegations lightly and I am watching how the law enforcement agencies will handle it. Anyone who says there is no budget padding is lying, although very few lawmakers engage in it. And you only know that a budget is padded after the president has signed it and it is returned to the House. If the President is truly out to fight corruption, he should face it head on by making sure that the budget gets to the National Assembly five to four months before the end of the financial year. But you bring a proposal at end of the year and you expect lawmakers to pass it in record time. If it is done by the whole National Assembly, there is no crime in it but when it is done by a few, that is criminal.

Would it be right for a lawmaker to take issues within the parliament to the public as Jibrin has done in reporting this padding to the security agencies?

There are certain things that are purely the internal affairs of the legislature. But there are also certain things that border on the welfare of Nigerians and laws of the land, which you cannot for whatever reason, say it is an internal affair of the house.

Criminality cannot be shielded and swept under the carpet as internal affair. In any case, Jibrin is not accusing the House. He is accusing some members of the House and so we should draw a line between issues that affect some members of the House and issues that affect the House or Senate as an institution. If an issue touches on the welfare of members, it is an internal affair, but if it affects the Nigerian public it is no longer an internal affair. That huge sums of monies are built into the budget for the benefit of a few individuals at the expense of generality of Nigerians cannot be taken as an internal affair of the House under whatever guise.

Are you still a member of PDP? I am. So many things have gone wrong in the PDP and so many things are still going

wrong in the party. The impunity which subjected PDP to a state of coma still reigns supreme in the party. If you don’t see me actively in the affairs of PDP, it is because the correct set of people have not yet come together. We are still in disarray. See the controversial judgements that are being given out there. Nigerians trusted us but we abused and betrayed the trust. Unfortunately, those who caused this are doing nothing to bring the PDP together. With what came out in the last convention that the caretaker committee should continue for another 12 months, I think the PDP is already preparing its coffin because by the end of two years, politicking would have commenced. I have been a beneficiary of the PDP and I’m still a member of PDP. The judiciary and APC are said to be contributing to destroying PDP. What’s your take?

The judiciary is not an oracle; it is not a soothsayer. The judiciary decides cases based on your complain and facts that you have presented. So the judiciary cannot under any imagination be responsible for the problems of the PDP. In the same vein, by any stretch of imagination, can the APC be held responsible for the woes of the PDP. It was the so called godfathers in PDP that went and brought Senator Modu Sheriff. In fact, Sheriff said they begged him and now he has come and he is playing his cards and they are now complaining and pointing accusing fingers at other people. The judiciary is only discharging its own duty; what you ask for is what you get.

The economy is biting hard and both the APC and PDP have been exchanging words as to which party brought Nigeria to this sorry state. Do you share the view that APC and President Buhari are culpable?

I am happy you are asking this question after you have confirmed if I’m still a PDP member. I served under PDP but I will tell you the economy finished decaying before Buhari came in. What we are going through, if not for Buhari, our situation would have been worse today. We must face the truth. PDP, to a very large extent, destroyed this country and its economy.

When Buhari came in, the thing had gone bad. You had a gangrenous leg and somebody came and said it has to be amputated, would you blame the surgeon? PDP should be bold to apologise to Nigerians that it went wrong somewhere and having realised its wrongs, can then ask Nigerians to give us another opportunity to right the wrongs we caused. But it will be unfair of me and any Nigerian to lay the blame of our economic woes squarely on APC. It didn’t start today. Look at the revelations being made. Billions were being distributed and what we are seeing is a tip of the iceberg. So far, we are only dealing with the office of National Security Adviser. We have not gone to Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Works. The worst atrocities came from NNPC and finance. Throughout the PDP years, no President knew how many barrels of oil were produced. And I am not too sure if Buhari is doing anything to know how much we are producing and how much money is coming in. These are things that have destroyed the economy.

Let me advise the APC government too.

It is calling on people to go to the farms and there is no fertiliser. This move cannot succeed without fertilisers. The government must make conscious efforts to make fertilisers available. That is the only solution. But I exonerate the APC from our economic woes although I am a PDP man.

Prison swap: B'Haram should first release five Chibok girls - Ejiofor Emmanuel Onani Abuja

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s opinions remain sharply divided on the propriety or otherwise of exchanging detained Boko Haram suspects for Chibok schoolgirls, a security expert, Mr. Mike Ejiofor, has said there was nothing wrong in the Federal Government's decision to adopt the prisoner-exchange measure.

Ejiofor, who is a retired State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), however, said that the onus was on Boko Haram, to release at least five of the over 200 abducted Chibok girls, who have remained in captivity since April 14, 2014, when they were forcefully taken from Government Girls' Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.

In his estimation, doing so will inspire confidence that the sect, indeed, has access to the girls, some of whom are said to have either died, or been married-off.

In a telephone chat with Sunday Telegraph, the former DSS' director charged government to be cautious in its approach, in order not to deal with persons of no consequence.

His words: "This is not the first time government is making such an offer for prisoner swap. And again, the issue of prisoner swap is not peculiar to Nigeria. But, the Western world will always come out to tell you, that the best practice is that you do not negotiate with terrorists.

"But, you know that our situation is peculiar, because we have not seen or known the people we are negotiating with. So, personally, I am not against such negotiation, but the government should be in a position to vet its sources, to ascertain that they are not only credible, but also have access to the hostages," Ejiofor said.

He recalled that "such negotiations had failed (before), because government dealt with the wrong people." To avoid a repeat of the failed negotiation, he suggested that the sect should take the lead, by releasing some abducted girls, as a test of credibility.

"To test the credibility of the sources, it is suggested that the Boko Haram should take the initiative by at least releasing unconditionally, five of the girls. Once that is done, the government will now be in a position to say, 'yes, we are dealing with people', who have access to the girls," he stated.

Recall that sometime in August, a commander of Boko Haram, had appeared in a video with the footage of many, who he maintained, were the Chibok schoolgirls.

In fact, one of the girls had echoed the position of the violent group, as she appealed to the government, to enter into a swap deal with the sect, for the sake of their freedom. She had said: “What I want to tell my parents and the Federal Government

Ejiofor

is to please release Boko Haram members in custody of security agents so we too can be released."

While debate on the offer lasted, President Muhammadu Buhari had, on the sidelines of the 6th Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Nairobi, Kenya - about a week ago - indicated his administration's readiness to enter into beneficial negotiations.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, had said, among others: “I have made a couple of comments on the Chibok girls and it seems to me that much of it has been politicised.

“What we said is that the government which I preside over is prepared to talk to bona fide leaders of Boko Haram.

“If they do not want to talk to us directly, let them pick an internationally recognised Non-Governmental Organisation, convince them that they are holding the girls and that they want Nigeria to release a number of Boko Haram leaders in detention, which they are supposed to know.

“If they do it through the ‘modified leadership’ of Boko Haram and they talk with an internationally recongnised NGO, then Nigeria will be prepared to discuss for their release.”

Meanwhile, Aisha Wakil, who is said to be close to the Boko Haram leadership, has said the group is ready for talks with the Federal Government on the fate of the 219 missing Chibok girls.

Aisha said the leadership of the terrorist sect will make a pronouncement on their plans for the girls soon.“Since I came back, I have been on their neck. They have now agreed to come out and discuss with the government and bring back the girls. I am for the Chibok girls and all the captives.

They are ready for peace. This is what they told me. I think they might post some information on YouTube within 24 hours,” she said.

Gov Bello’s popularity CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

stoned. However, he confirmed that market women contributed to calming the situation.

He also confirmed that some youths were arrested over the development.

It was observed that the governor’s failure to gain access into the central mosque to pray also saved the day. Otherwise, it could have been bloody because the security aides attached to the governor might have shot at any one to save their principal.

The governor, during the celebration of the 25th anniversary at the Confluence Stadium, took a swipe on the media, stating that his administration will no

longer tolerate an “irresponsible media.”

He promised not to spare any media organisation which published false stories against him- no matter the level of retraction. He was also said to have warned parents and guardians to caution their children because a new sheriff is in town.

Observers, however, said that pelting the governor with stones remains an affront and an uncivilized action, since the current economic situation in the country is a general problem. This is more so as many states in the federation are owing workers several months salaries even as the country officially entered into recession last week.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

NEWS Israel honours T B Joshua for humanitarian exploits p.33

NEWS Catholic Knights are not cultists, says Ashaolu (SAN) p.34

FAITH

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SERMON

Understanding the Healing Power in the Holy Communion p.36

AGF takes over ex-Assemblies of God’s General Superintendent’s forgery case

Emeka

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Okorafor

the university authorities officially denied issuing the controversial professorial cerresh trouble looms for excommuni- tificate. cated former General SuperintenThe letter reads in part: “We have no redent of Assemblies of God Church cords of Paul Emeka attending or having a (Nigeria), Rev. Paul Emeka, as the relationship with the University of Derby office of the Attorney General of the Feder- in any capacity.” ation and Minister of Justice has reopened Mrs Charles Okoli had filed an applicathe forgery case against the cleric. tion to the court, to take over the prosecuMrs Charles Okoli, an officer from the tion of forgery case instituted by Direct AGF’s office, appeared at the Upper Area Criminal Complaint pursuant to SecCourt, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory tion 174 of the 1999 last Tuesday to take over the prosecution Constitution of She in the case brought against Rev. Paul the Federal insisted that Emeka.

Republic of the Attorney General has Rev. Paul Emeka has been on trial Nigeria as at the Upper Area Court, Abuja preamended. power to take over criminal sided over by Justice Umar Yusuf Section proceedings against any person Kargarko, for using a forged profes174 (1) sorial certificate allegedly issued by before any court of law at any time (b) states the authorities of the University of that: “The in respect of any offence created Derby, Derbyshire England, on AuAttorneyby or under the Act of the gust 24, 2005.

General of National Assembly According to a letter dated January 15, the Federa2015, and signed by Mr James Eaglesfield, tion shall have the Head of Governance and IT Portfolio, power – to take over Tai Anyanwu

and continue any such criminal proceedings that may have been instituted by any other authority or person.”

The AGF’s officer also made a second application seeking to change the name of the suit to read: “Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Rev. Prof. Paul Emeka.”

She insisted that the Attorney General has power to take over criminal proceedings against any person before any court of law at any time in respect of any offence created by or under the Act of the National Assembly.

Mrs Okoli relied on the legal authority of the case of S.O Ilori & Ors v. The State, where the Court of Appeal held that the power of the Attorney General to take over in any case is sacrosanct and he need not give reasons for doing so.

Kayode Eso, Justice of the Supreme Court, in The State v. S.O. Ilori & Ors said, “Attorney-General alone has power to enter a nolle prosequi, and that power is not subject to any control.”

The matter was adjourned to Monday, September 19, 2019.

TAI ANYANWU HEAD, RELIGOUS DESK titus.anyanwu@newtelegraph © Daily Telegraph Publishing

‘Don’t drag RCCG into dirty, unholy politics’

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he PDP candidate for Edo State governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has advised Governor Adams Oshiomole of Edo State and the APC governorship candidate, Godwin Obaseki, not to drag the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) into “dirty and unholy” politics.

The Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu Campaign Organisation stated this while reacting to a press statement signed by Oshiomhole’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, on Tuesday, accusing the RCCG Edo Region 13 Headquarters (Trinity Sanctuary) in Benin City, Edo State, of converting RCCG into the campaign office of Pastor Ize-Iyamu.

Oshiomhole had said that banners of the PDP and its candidate adorn all the walls of the church, alleging that only the altar is spared of what he described as a disgrace. ‘’Governor Adams Oshiomhole and his puppet APC candidate, Godwin Obaseki, should not drag RCCG into their dirty, unholy politics. The allegation is cheap blackmail from those who want to bring the name of the church to disrepute and they will surely fail,” the campaign organisation stated. However, the campaign organisation said that in the middle of untold hardship and fast deteriorating socio-political, cultural and economic institutions in Edo State —- caused by the ‘unholy and anti-people’ policies of Oshiomhole/APC-led government, good Christian leaders cannot continue to remain in the middle-of-the-road and aloof.

The PDP candidate campaign organisation added, ‘’As part of his on-going efforts to sell his manifesto to the Edo people, Pastor Ize-Iyamu recently had a wonderful interactive session with the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). ‘’He told them of his desire to serve and give purposeful leadership and he believes the time is now. As an ambassador of God, his desire is to continue to be a role model in politics and inspire hope in our people. ‘’Some will say that Christians shouldn’t be active in politics, that we should simply focus on the life of the church. Others will argue that Christians can’t be active in politics; that the so-called separation of church and state prevents people of faith from participating in the political process.

Pastor Ize-Iyamu believes both of these arguments are false. ‘’In fact, Christians have a moral obligation to be faithful citizens. Patriotism and service to our nation are hallmarks of the Christian calling, so long as duty to God is not compromised. People of faith can and must help revitalize our state and nation.

We have a vital role to play.’’

Adeboye

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FAITH

Economic Recession: Okonkwo urges Nigerians to look inward Tai Anyanwu

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he General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, has told Nigerians that the way to overcome the crippling effects of economic recession in the country is to look inward.

He gave the counsel at the 17th Mike Okonkwo Lecture, which held in Lagos, tagged: ‘The State of the Nigerian Nation: Redefining Our Values.’

The event is part of the activities marking Bishop Okonkwo’s birthday anniversary.

The cleric told fellow countrymen to see the nation’s current economic challenges as an opportunity to harness other untapped areas for gains.

He insisted that the economic down turn in the country would not last long; and stressed that Nigerians should reorder their priorities as a matter of necessity.

“Nigerians should be patient and honest with the situation we have found ourselves now. I know it is biting, I know it is hard, it is not easy and that it is the truth, but after it will become better.

“So we should not because of the economic situation take a permanent decision. You don’t take a permanent decision for a temporary situation.

We should really have a rethink and then look inward and make the best of the situation,” he said.

He warned that Nigeri-

ans should not allow any politician use them to destabilise the country.

“If we spoil the few things we have in our country, whether we like it or not, we will still spend money to repair them. So, the best thing to do is to see it as a challenge.

“Not any particular party, not any particular individuals, but every one of us. We all should take it as a responsibility to do what we can do in our little corners to ensure that this situation changes; and I believe that with prayers, God will help us,” he said.

Bishop Okonkwo, however, expressed displeasure with what he described as eroded values in the country saying that the nation begins to get it wrong when money is celebrated much more than character and performance.

He also advised parents to see a need in taking responsibility to raise their children with sound moral values.

According to him, parents have sacrificed sound parenting on the altar of pursuing materials things in order to survive harsh economic environment.

“If we must have a change, there must be price to it. Parents must be willing to pay the price, to raise up their children, give them strong and solid foundation so that when they go out there in the world, they will not join the rest of the people doing what they are doing,” he stated.

Jehovah’s Witnesses begin ‘Remain Loyal’ Convention

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he 2016 Regional Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Lagos and Ogun States has kicked off at the Assembly Halls in Ota, Daluwon, Lekki and Badagry respectively.

A spokesman of the Witnesses, Mr. Martins Omotehinse said the theme of the convention is: ‘Remain Loyal to Jehovah.’ He said that members of the public are cordially invited to the spiritually uplifting event which is free of charge.

The convention which holds on Fridays to Sundays, each week would feature talks, short videos, symposia and Bible dramas. The first drama which comes up every Friday is entitled: ‘Who is On Jehovah’s Side.’

On that day, also by way of talks and short vid-

eos, delegates would be shown how Jesus Christ set outstanding example of loyalty to Jehovah, the spokesman said.

On Saturday by 10:45am there would be baptism of new members.

There would be a public Bible discourse on Sunday titled ‘When Will Loyal Love Triumph over Hatred.’

He added: “The convention will feature a total of 49 presentations with 35 video segments.”

Also on Sunday, delegates would be treated to a gripping featurelength film showing how King Hezekiah of ancient Judah trusted in Jehovah as enemies besieged Jerusalem.”

Sunday Telegraph learnt that the series of conven CO NT INU ED O N PAG E 3 3

L-R: Chairman of ZAKA, Rabbi Yehuda Meshi Yahav, presenting an award to General Overseer of Synagogue Church,T B Joshua recently

Israel honours T B Joshua for humanitarian exploits

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Tai Anynawu reputable Israeli organisation engaged in emergency rescue operations worldwide, ZAKA, has conferred an award of excellence on the General Overseer of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet TemitopeBalogun Joshua, for his humanitarian activities throughout the globe.

A clip from https:// w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=aava4dlcmp0 depicts Joshua’s historic tour of the holy land, where he was decorated for selfless service to humanity.

One of the places he visited is the legendary Church of Nativity, a magnificent basilica located in Bethlehem, where Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords was born The award, which was bestowed on the televangelist, was preceded by a similar recognition by the Mayor of Bethlehem, Mrs. Vera Baboun, in her office.

She presented Prophet Joshua with a gift of a wooden treasure with a star emblem, in remembrance of his visit to Bethlehem “Now, this is a gift from me, Vera. It is a box like the Grotto, whose wood was taken from the groove. That is the Olive tree in the box. It is all about the star inside the box. This is my gift to you,” Mrs. Baboun said.

The Mayor of Bethlehem also explained to Prophet T B Joshua that the medical facilities of Bethlehem were in need of the prophet’s support.

He was later conducted round one of the largest hospitals in the city, and the Nephradialysis department said to be in critical need of aid. It is where patients with kidney problems are treated. He concluded the tour with a meeting with the Medical Director.

Sunday Telegraph learnt that

Prophet Joshua’s visit to Israel was initiated by the country’s Minister of Regional Cooperation, Yoob Kara, after the following Minister’s visit to the SCOAN in Lagos Nigeria.

Prior to ZAKA’s award, Kara hosted the Prophet in his office where the Minister and other key officer of the Israeli government warmly welcomed Joshua to their country.

Settling down to business, Kara told Joshua: “Our government likes your steps and what you do in Israel and Africa. I spoke with my Prime Minister and different people about you when we met last.

Lots of times we discussed many things about Africa, you were the important issues in those discussions.” He added: “That was the reason the prime Minister visited Africa last month. He told us as his ministers. Go and help Africa please – everyone. He wants it; it is important for Israel. It is the interest of Israel.”

According to the minister, more ministers from Israel will visit Africa from 2017; and organisations like ZAKA said to have important technology could support different states.

“In the past when I visited you, I was the Minister of the South and North; but now I have the important position of Minister of Regional Cooperation. – He (ZAKA) is here to do joint ventures between Israel and other countries that support Israel – Any technology that you think is important for you and your friends in Africa, we are ready to support everyone that likes Israel,” Kara assured Joshua.

Responding, Prophet Joshua said: “Israel is in the Bible I am reading, which is the standard of my life. I see Israel beyond what we are looking at. I see it is spiritual. The relationship has to do with things of the spirit. Nobody needs to encourage me.”

The parties reached a consensus as Kara pointed out: “I

think this is the right platform now – you Rabbi Yehuda together with the government.

We are trying to do joint venture that can help the people in Africa together with the people in Israel. I think everybody is speaking the same language.”

Joshua later went into a meeting with the founder and Chairman of Zaka, Rabbi Yehuda Messhi Zahav and others stakeholders; where Joshua was acquainted with the operations of the organization worldwide.

Rabbi Yehuda explained: “One of the amazing things about ZAKA is that the platform we have with volunteers from other religions.

Everybody comes to ZAKA in order to help. As you can see here, over the last 25 years, ZAKA got every award in the world. Another thing that is very nice about the organization is that we have here Jews, Christians, Arabs and people from different political angles.

Everybody is here to help.”

He also added that the United nations Secretary General, Bean Ki Moon, recognizes ZAKA as a disaster relief advisory body and gave ZAKA special status.

“We would like to have cooperation with one Christian organisation; not two, not three; only one,” Rabbi

Yehuda said. And with those words, he warmly embraced Prophet T B Joshua and presented him with an award for the worldwide humanitarian work of the Emmanuel TV. On the plaque was inscribed: “In appreciation of Joshua: “I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem which shall never hold their peace day nor night – Isaiah62:6.

A certificate of recognition and Appreciation presented to: Prophet T B Joshua , The general Overseer of The Synagogue Church of All Nations.

“On behalf of ZAKA volunteers who are on call day and night to provide a fast and adequate search and rescue services to all residents of Israel, and who provide disaster relief assistance in many countries around the world, we want to thank you for your support and to assure you that our blessed collaboration will serve as a torch of light to the nations, surrounding Jerusalem day and night to help its residents and keep Jerusalem in peace,” he said.

The Emmanuel TV team has also expressed readiness to work with ZAKA volunteers worldwide are ready to embark on even greater charitable experience to change lives, change nations and change the world under the banner of love.

Joshua (l) receiving a gift from the Mayor of Bethlehem, Mrs Vera Baboun

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FAITH

Catholic Knights are not cultists, says Ashaolu Biodun Oyeleye

A ILORIN

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Knight of St Mulumba, Chief Supo Ashaolu, has debunked insinuations that the Knightship is an initiation to a secret society saying on the contrary, Papal Knights are instruments for helping the modern church in very significant ways.

The Ilorin-based lawyer and staunch Catholic told our reporter that unlike in the past when Knights were used in waging wars against enemies of the church, the contemporary Knights are ordained to provide leadership and as-

sistance to the church.

His words: “They are soldiers of Christ. In the good olden days they were those that when they attacked the church they take up armour and fight but now there is no more war so we fight spiritually. We now help the church, we help to train the priests and see that things are done in an organised way.”

On insinuations that they are cult members, Ashaolu said: “No, it is not. It is an organisation within the church, very prayerful and we do our things in the open, for instance if we want to do an investiture we do it in the church, the priests would be there and everybody is invited. So,

where is the secrecy there?

If it is a secret cult nobody will be there. It will be only their members. After investiture we do reception and people take photographs with us etc. When they want to make a knight, they will look at you; you are married in the church, you are a communicant and your attitude in the church and what you do to assist the church. Those are the things they look at.

It is also not necessary that you must be rich to become a Knight. It is not that you must be very rich. The only thing is that if there is

anything they are doing to uplift the church you must be able to contribute.”

Although he agreed that Knights are very powerful in the Catholic Church system, he nevertheless warned that such influence should not be exaggerated beyond the reality as is being commonly done by the public.

“They are very powerful,” he admitted. But when asked if they are very influential, he added: “Not that way, the powerfulness I mentioned has to do with the roles they play in the church. If the

see anything going wrong they intervene and ensure that things are done right.”

Asked for his view on the role of churches in the education sector, particularly given the criticism that has greeted the high fees being charged by such missionary schools, Ashaolu said: “It is not true that the church is going into education to make profit.

Training people, setting up schools is not cheap. The primary thing about education is character moulding and that is only being done in mission schools.

Government should return

schools to the missionaries.

“If Ifa people want to establish their own schools let them be allowed and let them teach their children the character they want them to be.

“If it is Muslims let them also be allowed to do the same. And if a Muslim should attend a Christian school, he should follow what they do there and vice versa. But now when everything is bandied together things are going wrong because there is confusion everywhere and people cannot do the right thing.”

Marathon Bible reading comes up on Monday -BSN

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his year’s Marathon Bible Reading organised programme of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has been slated to hold tomorrow.

The society’s Deputy Manager, Media and Programmes, Benjamin Mordi, said that the programme would be declared open by BSN’s Executive Secretary, Dare Ajiboye, at the Shepherd’s Flock International Church, in Lagos.

The Marathon Bible Reading, which has scheduled to hold between 9am to 5pm, will also take place simultaneously in 50 other locations.

“The unique feature of this programme is that it gives the participants the opportunity to read the Bible aloud in their own native languages. Bibles in different languages such as English, Isoko, Igala, Igede, Ebira, Yoruba, Efik, Igbo, Hausa, Nupe, Khana, Urhobo, Fulfude, Jju, Bokyi, Edo, Arabic, Tiv, Itsekiri, Kanuri, among others will be on display for the partici-

pants to choose from,” Mordi explained.

According to him: “Participants, irrespective of denomination, age or sex, will have a three-fold joy by participating. They will have the joy of reading the Bible in their languages, helping someone else hear the word of God in a new way and joining others in continuous reading of the Bible.”

Sunday Telegraph learnt that admission into the programme is free. The Bible Society of Nigeria is a not-for-profit-making interdenominational Christian organisation that translates the Bible into Nigerian languages, publishes and distributes it and also raises funds for Bible work.

So far, the organisation has translated the Holy Bible in 24 Nigerian languages; and also gives Bibles free to old people’s homes and orphanages, people with visual disability, prisoners, and the deaf, among others, as part of its efforts to make the word of God available to all irrespec-

Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Convention CONTINUED FR O M PAGE 33

that the series of convention in Ota Assembly Hall starts on August 26 and ends on December 16, while the ones in Badagry and Daluwon start on September 9 and end on December 16.

“The convention series in Lekki Assembly ground starts on Sep-

tember 14 and ends on December 15, 2016.The series of conventions would be held throughout Nigeria in English, Nigerian Pidgin, Igbo, Gun, Efik, American sign language (ASL), Yoruba, Isoko, Esan, Ijaw, Urhobo, Abua, Edo, French, Khana, Okpe, Hausa and khogana,” Omotehinse added.

Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo, leading the final procession for the Newly Ordained Priest, Rev. Father Jude Ikenna Kurumeh, at the St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Amukoko, Lagos…recently PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

House on The Rock to host premier of ‘93 Days’ Stephen Eunice

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ll is set for the first public showing of the movie 93 Days slated for September 13, at the Rock Cathedral, LekkiEpe Expressway, Lagos.

A statement from the Church media office says that the premiere is organized by House on the Rock, Natives FilmWorks, and Michelangelo Productions Church in collaboration with Bolanle AustenPeters Production. It tells the story of the bravery and sacrifices of some devoted Nigerians,they stood their ground to stop the horrendous virus to the point of death.

In the main, the film is produced to keep alive the memory of the Medical Director of First Consultant Hospital, late Dr. Stella Adadevoh, who died of Ebola disease in the course of treating victims of the disease.

Popular actress, Bimbo Akintola, played the part of Dr. Adadevoh. It depicts the greatness and drives home the importance of the unique team spirit and commitment to

save Nigerians from the ravaging disease, which was displayed by patriotic Nigerians in conquering challenges. Other actors featured in the movie include some of Nigerian finest such as Danny Glover, Tim Reid, Somkele Idhalama, Keppy Ekpenyong Gideon Okeke.

Sunday Telegraph learnt that the movie would also be premiered in the Toronto International Film

Festival (TIFF), which has the reputation of showing only the most outstanding films from around the world. According to the statement, 93 Days has been selected for screening at the Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto Canada on September 18.

Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Churches, Pastor Paul said: “House on the Rock’s mission is to work together with ev-

eryone that is investing in building a transformed nation, a better Nigeria, and this essence ties strongly into the courage displayed

by Dr. Stella Adadevoh and her colleagues who brought hope to a nation that was being threatened by devastation, at the expense of their own lives.

This is the kind of love and sacrifice that can truly bring transformation to all.”

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FAITH

You can’t eat your cake and have it

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ne day another Pastor, who was in a faraway station, hosted me (the General Overseer) in Episcopal visit. I went with money but it was not enough. I had some postal order which I had bought for something else, to add to what I had.

The programme was successful and I gave him some months’ salary in advance including the postal orders. He was to go to Post-Office to exchange it with money.

After about a month, he came back threatening me and crying. He said he was locked up and detailed by Police because he was accused for stealing the Postal order. I believed him even though I could not understand how such a thing could take place. I gave him money to replace the Postal Order which he did not even give me. I gave the money he said was used to bail him. He lied to collect more money from the church.

After some months, the same Pastor went home with a girl and boasting that people were mocking him that he could not marry. His community celebrated him and his “newly married wife”.

He spent sometimes at

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

0808 770 7486

Because the sentence against evil deeds is so long in coming, people in general think they can get by with murder home with the girl and came back to his Station.

The girl went back to her church and her parents.

Her parents did not know what happened. How did the Pastor “end”? I need not say it. You can guess.

And David said also Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, the Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die, Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die (2 Samuel 12:13, 14).

I am not saying the Pastor lost any child, but he might have “confessed”, but today he is not in order, and his ministry is

with regrets. You cannot eat your cake and have it.

One day, a very senior Pastor was reported to the leadership of the church that he was involved in immorality. That was very many years ago. He denied it but I asked the church Board to allow him go, and that if truly he was saying the truth, he would excel but if not, he would reach the ceiling of his ministration and come back to tell us the truth.

We apologized to him for “embarrassing him”.

We all left. After about a year, he came to me to say that he seemed to reach the ceilings in his messages, prayers, ministrations, etc. He said, that he remembered the statement I made about reaching the ceiling if he refused to tell us the truth. He confessed, and I prayed for him.

Because the sentence against evil deeds is so long in coming, people in general think they can get by with murder. Even though a person sins and gets by with hundreds

of times throughout a long life, I’m still convinced that the good life is reserved for the person who fears God, who lives reverently in his presence, and that the evil person will not experience a “good” life. No matter how many days he lives, they’ll all be as flat and colourless as a shadow – because he doesn’t fear God. (Eccl. 8:11 – 13 MSG I am sure that these examples were stated to teach some persons lessons so as to change their ways of living.

One day we had ordination service and many guests were invited by those to be ordained. It was a wonderful occasion but something happened.

A guest saw a man to be given license as a Pastor and asked what business has the man to do in the church or in that occasion. He was told that the man was a Pastor in the Church and would be licensed that day.

We only ordain RevMinisters and license Pastors. The guest shouted and said EVERY NIGHT he went to Life Camp of NNPC for party and drinking with women, how come such a man would be Pastor, a man of God? He left the occasion.

Using ‘bitter truth’ on your spouse

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hen a couple gets used to settling issues in a harsh manner, they will also not know if anything was wrong with the approach. As long as they are concerned, they are simply telling each other the truth that needed to be told at that moment; not minding who gets hurt in the process.

Some spouses will tell each other they are telling them the truth meanwhile what is coming out at that time would be like bombs. They would be saying all manner of things to support the things they are saying and fail to see that there was no love in their midst at all.

The truth that should be told in a marriage relationship should be told in love.

When in your own opinion you are telling the truth and it is told with namecalling, blaming, accusations, mockery, it has no element of truth at all.

The choice of words you use while saying the ‘truth’ is very important. The way, manner and tone you use those words will also count. Most times in the bid to say the truth, we cause more harm than good due to the wrong way of approaching the matter on ground. Some

Marriage & Family Intimacy

Bishop Charles Ighele holyspiritmissioninc@yahoo.com

07066579379/09098845521 I have never seen a case where anger was used to correct a situation and it worked. It only leaves trails of other people’s anger, pain and hurt behind

of those moments, we exhibit anger and disgust, and wish to pour it all out; as it had piled up on the inside of us. By this time, your brain will be telling you to ‘ride on’ and let the truth prevail, meanwhile the person at the receiving end is dying inside instead of rejoicing. Truth makes one to feel free but there is a way it will be packaged, it tends to make one feel like being in bondage.

I have never seen a case where anger was used to correct a situation and it worked. It only leaves trails of other people’s anger, pain and hurt behind. Whenever you are

angry please do not ‘speak the truth’ to your spouse because you will end up pouring fuel into the fire that is already burning.

When we speak in anger, we might say things we would never have wished to say and you cannot take them back.

Any truth you intend to speak that does not end up peacefully is not truth.

1 Cor. 13: 6 – “(Love) rejoiceth in the truth.” Meaning when truth is spoken or shared in love, there will be an atmosphere of rejoicing rather than fighting and quarreling. Always analyze what you intend to say to your spouse in the name of truth and weigh the end result. Each time you do and it does not seem to end the way that both of you will be better than when you started the talk; then it is not done in love and should not be adopted. A matter might be so horrible and be the truth but when love is added to it, the portion that made it

horrible will be seen with the eye of love. Love is a powerful tool that brings about sanity into marriage relationships. 1 Jn 4:8, 11, 16. And love gives comfort in a messy situation.

Always see your spouse as one flesh with you. When you do something wrong, you do not usually tell yourself the bitter truth.

In the same way, you are not to tell your spouse the bitter truth when he/she does something wrong.

The harsh words you cannot tell yourself should not be extended to your spouse. Just see him/her as yourself and have that consciousness at the back of your mind. This will help you in minimizing the way you address your spouse and also make you feel the way he/she would have felt if told the truth in a rather harsh way.

The essence of truth is to build and not to scatter.

Words spoken that lead to the destruction of your relationship or affect your marriage should not be told, neither should it be allowed in your marriage.

There is no truth in whatever you want to say or have said if the receiver of the ‘truth’ is made uncomfortable with the words.

Let love flow through your marriage and learn to speak the truth in love and at all times.

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

Great achievers take on uncommon tasks

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n holding unto God in faith you must be positive in confession, thought and action.

The Bible states thus concerning your desired miracle: “For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off” - Proverb 23:18. This is a hope rising promise from God. For surely there is an end - this means that there is an end to your frustration, an end to your sorrow, an end to your pain, an end to your failure, an end to your disappointment in life. It means that there is an expiry date for that affliction, sickness or disease oppressing you. It also means that there is an end to every circumstance and situation bedeviling you.

Again, that scripture says “And thine expectation shall not be cut off.” This means if you are poor, your expectation is to be rich one day; such an expectation shall not be cut off. In the same vain, your expectation to be healed shall not be cut off. Your expectation for success in that interview or examination shall not be cut off. Your expectation to gain admission into the university this year shall not be cut off; your expectation to get married this year shall not be cut off; your expectation to have your own baby shall not be cut off; and your expectation to buy your own car this year shall not be cut off.

The problem with many people today is that they are always filled with pessimism and negative expectation. When they are sick, they expect the sickness to get worse. When they fail, they never expect resurrection or success again, and because the bible says that “thine expectation shall not be cut off, God will look at their negative position and say to them, “According to your faith, be it unto you.” But if only you can be positive from now, God will turn your present test and trial into a testimony. Don’t believe in impossibilities but believe in possibilities.

“For with God, nothing shall be impossible” Luke 1:37.Napoleon once said that the word impossible itself is a relative term. What you think is impossible for you is possible for others; and some times, what you

do with ease today were said to be impossible in the past.

So you see; nothing really is truly impossible. Great men do things that common people try to avoid, because they are said to be difficult.

Great achievements come only by attempting difficult things, which are often seen as impossible task by the ordinary people. Embark on uncommon actions; face what others call impossibilities, always be positive and hold unto God in faith then you will end up writing your name on the platter of gold as hero, genius or legend.

As you digest this article, may the grace to overcome fear by holding unto God in faith envelop you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

To protect means to keep you in safety or to defend, it means to shield something or someone from danger or injury. The Holy spirit is telling you in this chapter that your protection and security is not in the hand of any man or woman, it is not in the police or military guards surrounding you, it is not in the amount of wealth you have amassed, it is not in that secret hideout which you have built yourself, but it is in the hands of the almighty God; yes in the hollow of the hands of the Lord, you are safe no matter what may betide you.

The consciousness of the fact requires your trust, confidence and absolute dependability on the powers, potency and ability of our too much God. You must trust him for your protection, safety and security. You must rely on God, trust, obey and follow him without danger. You must be ready to sleep in his hands and relax in his presence just like the sheep follows the shepherd without fear of any attack. Even if an attack comes suddenly, The Lord is your protection

The problem with many people today is that they are always filled with pessimism and negative expectation. When they are sick, they expect the sickness to get worse

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FAITH

Insight

Rev. Femi Akinola www.thehebrewsng.com

01-790 3163; 0808 584 5864

The power that changes tomorrow

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he power of prophecy can change a person’s tomorrow. What makes prophecy different from every other pronouncement is that it has the power to change tomorrow. When God moves a prophet to speak over a life or situation things change for better which often times are inexplicable. There is nothing that cannot be accomplished by the power of prophecy. Human effort and ability can fail but when prophecy comes, there is a turnaround.

What doctors have given up on can be reversed for good by the power of prophecy.

Smart children are usually very sensitive when they are with their spiritual fathers. When you are with your spiritual father don’t even tell him what God told you, let God lead him to confirm whatever God told you. Don’t try to boast about your ability to see vision. Just expect to hear him declare God’s word over your life so that the power of God will compliment your effort and bring the manifestation of all your desires.

II Kings 6 Just as the prophet of God declared and an end came to famine, I prophecy an end to every famine in your life in the name of Jesus. The people of God in this passage ran to the authority at the time for help because of the famine in the land, little did they know that even the authorities needed a higher authority to proffer solution to the impending challenge.

The king who understood the place of spiritual authority said why must there be famine in the land when there was a prophet of God there? The famine was so intense that people were eating their children.

But God moved Elisha to speak and salvaged the situation. When you experience a challenge that is beyond you, seek a word from God from your spiritual father. Solutions to problems are always and only available to those who seek to hear from God. God is the ready revealer of secrets.

“And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and

went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it. II Kings 7:8 God used lepers to bring His word from the mouth of His servant to pass; God can use the most unlikely things to make His word a reality and ridicule every opposition. All you need do is believe. For people who believe, the word cannot fail.

The prophetic word from the mouth of a man of God is a two-edged sword; one to bring the word to fulfillment in the lives of people who believe, and the second to be against anyone who wants to stand against the word.

When the word of God comes as prophesy, it might not work out like you anticipate; most times, it happens in ways you might not be familiar with.

Sometimes, you might even loose some things to make way for what God wants to do. Until some things give way, the word of God cannot have expression.

1 Sam 10:2 When you locate the word of God through prophesy your struggling ceases and you enter a season of ease.

When God connects you to your destiny helpers you might not even need to approach them; they come to meet you. What is important is you being at the center of God’s will for your life.

After Saul encountered with Prophet Samuel, he began to meet his helpers.

God raised three helpers for him. I see God raising for you all the helpers you need in Jesus name.

Whatever you have been going through; the power of God can make strong a week person and make the poor rich.

I Kings 17:14 For you to experience this power that changes tomorrow, you must be in good terms with your Maker, give your life to Him, then you live a holy life, then believe the Lord your God and believe His prophet then you must be a tither.

When you locate the word of God through prophesy your struggling ceases and you enter a season of ease

How I turned members to millionaires

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ast week I spoke of the third law of money, giving my own personal experience as the head of the largest church in Europe.

I will continue from there today.

My rude awakening happened when we were already making 20,000 US dollars and yet not meeting our needs. God’s conviction was so strong that I had no option but to break down in sorrow and repentance. The stroke that broke the camel’s back came when I asked the Lord, “I know I am not lazy by any standard, but you spoke of that man as being lazy.”

At that point I was working for 18 hours a day.

How can I be working for 18 hours and still be called lazy? Again the lord came to my rescue, He said by being lazy here, He was talking about my refusal to think, my laziness of the mind in relations to money. He said the laws and the principles of managing money were out there; that I should not have been lazy to go in search of them and that my failure to develop myself in the question of finances was also a form of laziness.

The fact that I did not bother to study financial matters or even go for financial consultations all pointed in the direction of this laziness – mental laziness. I thought I had an excuse. My argument

The Purpose of Nations

Pastor Sunday Adelaja pastor@godembassy.org

was: “I am a pastor, I want to face my business, and beside I have never heard any pastor preach or teach on this.” To which the Lord told me: “That is not an excuse and you are answerable to only me.” God has all forms of knowledge out there for anyone that is diligent enough to ask, seek and knock.

This revelation changed my life for good. Right from there, I called the board of our church and I declared to them that we were going to cut a lot of our expenses with a significant part of our income going to savings and eventually into investments.

That was another huddle I needed to surmount, because my board said, we are a church, and we don’t do investment, we only spend, we don’t invest or multiply.

To cut the long story short, I was able to get the church to start by putting aside the first ten percent of all that came in for savings and investments.

We gradually moved from there to thirty percent of all that came in for savings and investments. As a result, I was able to make our church a millionaire

church in one year that is in surplus. After attaining this with the church, I dared to challenge myself to make my first million US dollars in the next two years. I studied all I could on the subject. With my experience from helping the church make money, I was surprised when after nine months I was able to make my first million US dollars instead of two years.

Next in my target, I decided to prove the efficacy of these principles by helping my church members become millionaires. I started with ordinary people and by the grace of God in the next three years; I was able to raise 200 Millionaires in US dollars from within our congregation. Yes, the die has been cast. The Lord was right after all. I had learnt my lessons. No more going back.

Ladies and gentlemen, what I’m I trying to tell you – why am I taking my time to go into all these details?

I simply want to help you to understand that if we could open the eyes of our people in Africa and other developing countries to know the laws of money, then we can indeed help

our continent. I am convinced that giving out food or money will not last for long, but if we will change the approach to money in our people, we will have empowered them to be forever free. Ignorance indeed is the only killer around. “My people perish for lack of knowledge.”

-Hosea 4:6.

It is what we don’t know that is killing us. Because of ignorance, most people waste money, others spend money, while only a few invest money. Looking back, I can actually see now that even in my 40-hut village of Idomila, with the abject poverty around, I could have had enough, if only I had known these laws of money. Nobody could have been living in the type of poverty that I grew up in if only we had been educated in the rudiments of the laws of money. It is therefore my belief that the true key to financial liberty for our continent and the world at large is to bring the knowledge of the laws of money to become a common subject in schools, governments, institutions, community centers, cultural centers, mosques, etc.

If we could teach our people not just to know these laws, but to religiously observe them, we would have dealt a heavy blow to the dragon of poverty in our world.

Understanding the healing power in the holy communion

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e understand from scriptures that Jesus is the Great Physician and He introduced Himself as the physician who Jeremiah prophesied about in Jeremiah 8:22. The Bible says: But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Matthew 9:12-13; see also Mark 2:17; John 6:53-56).

But, what makes Him the Great Physician? ü He can heal a million people at the same time: From the ministry of Jesus as recorded in scriptures, we understand that He healed multitudes of people at the same time and as many as touched Him, were made whole irrespective of the number (Matthew 12:15, 14:36; Luke 6:19). ü He heals all manner of sicknesses and diseases:

The Voice of Dominion by

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

7747546-8 (SMS only) Every medical specialist concentrates on a particular aspect of human ailment but Jesus is the all- round specialist, as He heals all manner of sicknesses and diseases. In fact, the Bible records that He gave His disciples power to cast out unclean spirits and to heal all manner of sicknesses and diseases (Matthew 4:23, 10:1; Luke 9:1). ü He casts out evil spirits with His word: Jesus spoke to the sick and they were healed as the evil spirits behind the sicknesses depart from them (Mark 9:25-27).

He is the only Physician Who speaks to the dead and they hear: For instance, Jesus commanded Jairus’ daughter, who was dead to rise up. He also called Lazarus, who was dead

for four days, out of the grave (Mark 5:35-42; John 11:43-44).

However, it is not enough to know this Great Physician, we must also subscribe to His great prescriptions as contained in His Word, which is His Balm. Remember, it is written: Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it (John 2:5; see also Jeremiah 8:22).

Without any doubt, the Holy Communion stands out as one of the key prescriptions of the Great Physician for the restoration of our total health. Apostle Paul, by revelation, reinstated the mystery of the Holy Communion as delivered by Jesus Christ. Paul said: For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That

the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

In order words, this prescription impacts us with divine strength, divine health and longevity. It carries, among other things, surgical effect; it is able to rout every stranger from our bodies. When we partake of the mystery of the Holy Communion in faith, its effect is instant.

I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota.

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Body&Soul

with

Wole Adepoju 07037763410

woleadepoju@yahoo.com

Torrent of celebrations in Igbinedion’s household

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oing by information reaching Celeb Lounge, the house of Igbinedion as it is called is set to experience series of merriment as there are a few celebrations lined up for the family. The ball will be set rolling with the birthday ceremony of the patriarch of the family, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion. Come 11th of this month, his birthday celebration tagged ‘Abundance of God’s grace @ 82’, will come up beginning with a morning dew interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Chapel in his GRA, Benin City home, God’s Historical Chapel. Dignitaries from all over the country are expected to be in attendance.

The next outing which is on 24th of September, will be the most anticipated one when daughter of the heir of the dynasty, former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, Orobosa Sa’adiyyah, will become one with her lover of many years, son of former deputy senate president, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Umar, in a traditional engagement. In no little measure, the next line of the marriage process will be in Islamic way. The fathia is billed to hold 6th of September, while the final leg and grand finale, the white wedding will hold in South Africa on 17th of the same month. It is needless to say all these events will be talk of the town as high society is already in the mood to go all the way in celebrating with the Igbinedions.

Olusola Obada, others set for Ijesa Day

Bayo Osinowo in joyous mood

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Chris Oyakhilome’s tempting status

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op personalities from all works of life including former deputy governor of Osun State, Erelu Olusola Obada, will grace the second edition of Ijesa Day, a celebration of the diverse cultures of Ijesa land holding in Lagos State on Sunday, September 18.

Ijesa Day, a celebration which has turned a reference point since it commenced in 2015, will hold at an upscale event center in the heart of Ikeja. Some of the big names expected at the event include HRM OBA (DR) Gabriel Adekunle Ademolaran, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland; Osun State Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola; Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; and Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Folorunsho Adewole.

Some of the high points of the celebration include the launch of the proposed Ijesa Youth Development Foundation Complex, a facility that will boast of a lawn tennis court, table tennis, swimming pool, library, computer centre and more. Entertainment at the event will be supplied

by Saint Janet, Femi Lancaster among others. While Dr. Dipo Folorunsho and comic actor Baba Ijesa will anchor.

ight skinned Edo State born Chris Oyakhilome during his undergraduate days at Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, started showing serious tendencies of being a man of God so those who have followed him since then were not surprised when he ended up being behind the pulpit. As fate would have it, his ministry has blossomed over the years, making him one of the most sought after men of God around.

Living an enviable life as a role model with lots of followers, it was however the talk of the town when his marriage to his long time lover from the university days, Anita, hit the rocks. While his admirers have ceaselessly absolved him of any fault in the broken union, others have constantly given him a knock that his broken marriage does not speak well of his calling as a shepherd even though he has moved on.

If information reaching Celeb Lounge is anything to go by, Oyakhilome’s marital status as a single man have become a source of temptation to the single ladies in his congregation who are said to be jostling for his attention as flourishing tales in church suggest that the handsome pastor is set to make another choice of a partner.

Amaka Anajemba bounces back M

any years after she served her two year jail term, wife of late 419 kingpin, Ikechukwu Anajemba, Amaka, became a shadow of herself as she totally withdrew into her shell which is a complete opposite of the kind of life she used to live. Amaka and her hubby were living life to the fullest on the fast lane until they engaged in a deal that broke

the camel’s back.

Succour may have eventually located Amaka as she has found not just the opportunity to return to prominence but to be properly re-integrated into the society, courtesy the governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who made her the Managing Director of the State Waste Management Board. While Amaka is savouring her new found life, her benefactor is not having the same as he’s been having serious knocks for his action.

he name of Honorable Sikiru Adebayo Oshinowo might not cut across the way some politicians’ do, but those who are in tune with happenings in the political arena in Lagos State, especially in the APC, will readily testify to the fact that this politician, popularly known as Pepper, is not a feather weight but a factor in the decision making scheme of the party in the state. Honorable Oshinowo, a fourth term member of Lagos House of Assembly representing Kosofe 1, could be said to be an institution in the House so much that he’s respected and revered by his colleagues.

Away from politics, congratulatory messages have been the lot of Pepper from all over in recent times and that is for no reason other than the addition made to his family through his daughter who recently put to birth. The daughter, Dr. Sekinat Kehinde, got married in a societal manner to her lover, also a medical doctor, Abdulhamed Adeoye Adebisi. The arrival of the tiny feet was greeted with a gathering of prominent persons as well as his colleagues at the Law making chamber who thronged Ikeja GRA venue of the event in droves. Young and dynamic Prince Ladega Ibrahem who is aspiring to be the next chairman of Agboyi local government stole the day as he shone like a star at the high profile gathering due to his charismatic and amiable personality.

Betty Irabor goes on crutches

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ublisher of feminine magazine, ‘Genevieve’, and wife of ace presenter, Sony Irabor, Betty, cannot be shoved aside when women of substance come up for discuss as she is got all it takes to comfortably belong to this group.

Aside being a thorough professional at what she does, her sense of style does sign her up as a fashionista.

However, this beautiful woman may have been on fashion recess at the moment as circumstances have presently forced her to slow down on her great dress sense, especially as it has to do with her footwear which has left her to only flat soles. Betty, it was learnt had a knee surgery which relapsed in the process of recovery, forcing her to make use of crutches to aid her movement. It is also worthy of note to say that she’s quickly adjusted to clothing that retains and reflect her dress sense.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

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Say No to long courtship CONNECT NG

masichi and Chima met during their youth service seven years ago. They became lovers and virtually inseparable. They rented an apartment where they lived together all through their service year. She got pregnant twice but had to abort the babies since they were not ready to start a family yet. Chima promised to marry her once they finished serving and get a good job.

After their NYSC, she got a job before him and supported him for over a year from her salary as an account officer in a small firm. Finally, he was able to secure a job as a computer analyst in an oil firm.

She was ecstatic about the news and believed that very soon, she and Chima will get married. Unfortunately, that dream was short lived as Chima’s father was diagnosed of hypertension and diabetes. He suffered a stroke and had to be constantly hospitalsied and monitored to stabilise him. This of course took a heavy toll on Chima’s finances as the first son.

He was also saddled with the responsibility of seeing his two younger brothers through the University since their father was no longer in any condition to cater for the family.

That was how Nmasichi waited endlessly and patiently for six years for Chima to settle all his numerous family problems so they could settle down as husband and wife. Eventually, his two brothers graduated from the University and his father’s condition stabilised to the extent he could be managed at home with the necessary apparatus needed to monitor his blood pressure and sugar level.

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vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com So, it was only ideal for her to ask Chima to set the date for their wedding; but he kept giving her lame excuses of work pressure and the need to save good money before finally settling down. Recently, she also discovered that he became somewhat distant. He hardly comes to visit her since he moved out from her little room and rented a bigger apartment where he claimed they will soon start their family together.

You can then imagine the rude shock she received when she opened the anonymous letter that was left on her door step last night. Someone apparently wanted her to know about the cruel injustice meted on her by the man she has wasted the years of her youth waiting for. He’s getting married to someone else and everybody knows about it except her.

Now, she’s very angry, desperate and terribly confused. She feels as if someone practically ripped her heart from the rib

cage. She’s torn in shreds and wants to take out her revenge on Chima in whatever way she can. No one will make a fool out of her for this long and think they can get away with it. She must get her own pound of flesh from Chima, Nmasichi vowed to herself.

A very sad story of love and betrayal isn’t it? But this is what happens when you get tangled in a long relationship heading nowhere. Ladies, don’t get engaged to man for more than two years please! In fact, a man should not even think of getting married unless he’s sure he can perfect his marriage plans within a space of 18 months. Women have suffered severally in the hands of the men they fall in love with all in the name of being engaged.

Promises are not meant to be broken.

The vows of commitment we make to people we love in the hit of passion may

This is why I don’t advocate anyone to go into long time courtship. Anything can happen within those years to warrant the promise to be broken

be overlooked, but when you have woken up from the throes of passion and realise you can no longer keep up with the relationship, please let the other person off the hook. It’s worse if they find out after a long period of time that you never intended to keep your word.

The danger behind promise and fail in long time relationship is the bitterness it brews. Nobody likes to be played for a fool. That is why we keep hearing horror stories of how a woman killed her former boyfriend because he broke the relationship or a man pours acid on his former girlfriend just to make sure no other man looks at her. I am not saying these people are justified in their actions but the truth is that, this could be avoided if the other partner was upfront about his/her feelings. If you have suffered a broken heart caused by longtime relationship, please allow divine justice to play its cause; don’t take the law into your hands.

This is why I don’t advocate anyone to go into long time courtship. Anything can happen within those years to warrant the promise to be broken. The person may not have done it on purpose, but circumstances usually change the course of life; throwing the couple apart and causing unintentional broken promises and wasted years. That is why I’ll insist that if you made a promise to your loved one for something as serious as marriage make sure you fulfill it as soon as possible. But, if you are not yet ready, keep your promises to yourself. Don’t make promises you are not yet ready to fulfill if you do not want karma to make an unscheduled visit to your destiny.

Kerry, Zuckerberg and issues around visiting Nigeria

have written in the past about how our attachment to social media has changed our perception of communication and media reception. I mean, social media has the ability to make news of no news and experts of street touts on any subject. I was therefore not surprised that the entire Nigerian online universe has been filled with just one news -the presence of social media billionaire, entrepreneurial guru and founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg.

There is hardly any part of his visit to Nigeria that has not generated interest; he jogged on the street of Lagos without fear of kidnappers, he mingled with the crowd at a Yaba Internet hub and laughed with our stars of Nollywood and the music industry. The man’s taste in dressing may be simple, but do not underestimate his business sense.

However, I am not about to bore you with what you already know. I am about to address a very subtle yet reflective element of the visit that has flown under the radar but exposing the extent to which our partisan politics has clouded our judgement of events even when we make comments either in public or on social media platforms. A supposedly learned social critic and commentator went online to compare the visit of Zuckerberg to that of the Secretary of State of the United States of America, John Kerry. Now, in his analysis, the expert condemned Kerry as lacking in vision for going to Abuja to meet with the president and thereafter meeting only Northern elders and northern state governors. I admit that all I have to go with is the expert analysis of the commentator who then proceeded to great

lengths to heap praise on Zuckerberg for his vision in coming to Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria and meeting youths instead of the old northern men Kerry met.

On the surface, it looks like a valid comment and a strong push for youth empowerment except it is not. It is political, ethnic and very misleading. Let us start from the very basics. The two visitors to Nigeria, other than being Americans, have next to nothing in common as per the visit. One is a politician on a state visit to discuss global security challenges and the other is a successful entrepreneur on a mission to expand his empire into the largest African market.

In terms of global security, the major area of concern in the Nigerian terrain

is the North, especially the north eastern states and so if any serious effort is to be made in the direction of permanent resolution of the security risks in Nigeria, then it would be highly ineffective and senseless on so many levels to meet with the governor of Lagos State. Like I said, I have only judged from information available to me and the above argument makes perfect sense. Then, as a politician representing the interest of a foreign government, Kerry cannot hold meetings outside the political power base of his hosts, in this case, Abuja. To hold meeting elsewhere is to undermine the political structure of Nigeria and as such, it makes perfect sense for him to go to Abuja and meet with the President of Nigeria first.

It has taken two visits by two individual Americans to once again remind us of our differences and I really hope we can address issues in the context of benefits to the greater community rather than through the myopic ethnic lens that benefits no one

On the other hand, Mark Zuckerberg is a businessman, not a politician. He is interested in advancing Facebook and all the possibilities that the social media platform offers in terms of business, communication and entertainment. He needs to focus on the commercial nerve centre of his country of interest. Going to Abuja serves no purpose for him, the same as coming to Lagos serves no purpose for Kerry. Meeting with politicians achieved what exactly? However, meeting with youths means he can inspire them to greatness, and hope that the greatness translates to money for him and them and by extension, some needed revenue for the host government. The guy was grinning from ear to ear as he mingled with the Lagos metropolis and saw the enthusiasm his presence is able to generate. I saw a businessman who meant business and not interested in the least in politics. However, this will take many back in the Nigerian environment where entrepreneurship is not rewarded and there is no guaranteed success in any field unless it is attached to politics and the acronym of the party you belong to. There was also an unnecessary attachment of ethnic sentiment to a very sensitive matter. What if Kerry met only northern governors and elders? Let the Southern elders and governor invite him or better still, invite themselves to his office in Washington.

It has taken two visits by two individual Americans to once again remind us of our differences and I really hope we can address issues in the context of benefits to the greater community rather than through the myopic ethnic lens that benefits no one.

4, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

aki

drobe capsules basic clothing ces created into oks from a few u could have say e different clothm which you can twenty or more pieces could inackets in neutral black/grey/camwould include a f tailored pants black camisole, hirt, a snicker/ air of booties/

strappy sandals/court shoes (this would depend on your personal style) and a black structured bag. That is nine pieces and you can imagine mixing and matching these pieces to create several looks.

Here, our capsule would be on our stylistas and it is the different ways you can feature white pieces in your wardrobe. Take a cue from these fashionable ladies on how to rock white the fabulous way and decide which is your style preference and how you would style your white pieces.

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Wrinkle free lifestyle changes

teins, like fish, eggs and vegetables.

Make garlic your friend Garlic, as usual, is one of the saviours when it comes to ageing and wrinkled skin. A clove of garlic is extremely efficacious in tackling the stubborn pimples and fine lines on your skin. Rub a small clove of garlic gently over the problem area to see the blemish disappear within no time.

Vanessa Okwara

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rinkles are one of the glaring outbursts of old age. Because of pollution and sedentary lifestyles we imbibe over the years, changing lifestyle, ageing comes faster on us. Today, the market of anti-wrinkle products and surgical procedures is worth a lot of money and those who can afford it readily subject themselves ‘under the knife’.

Every day, we see a new company launching a ‘so-called’ miracle anti-aging cream, which puts an end to wrinkles.

As expected, women especially spend money on anything that promises to keep us young and more often than not, don’t get value for their money.

Reducing fine lines and wrinkles associated with ageing can be achieved naturally by taking steps towards healthy living and lifestyle changes.

Keep Hydrated It is one of the most important methods to keep your skin supple and smooth. Water helps wash off all the toxins from your body and keeps it wrinkle free. Six to eight glasses of water is considered ideal. So, drink lots of water and fruit juices. Also, limit the intake of coffee and tea.

Sun Protection Sun has a very adverse effect on your skin, one of which comprises of pre-mature wrinkles. Try to stay away from the sun as much as possible, especially in mid-day. Wear a sunscreen of not lower than 15 SPF and keep your body off pollution.

Stick to a Proper diet A proper diet is crucial in maintaining the health of the skin and reducing the impact of aging. Your diet should include foods rich in nutrients so that the skin gets the necessary nutrients to renew old cells.

Cut down on your caffeine and soda drinks, and stay away from junk foods.

Eat food rich in pro-

Manage Stress and Quit Smoking The current lifestyle we are leading plays a role in the way we can manage stress. We are so busy hoarding money and collecting promotions that we don’t even remember to smile. If you are feeling as though you are under a lot of stress, then take a break to rejuvenate your strength and relax a little. Always remember, stress can cause wrinkles to appear even between the ages of 20 and 30 years. If you smoke, it not only reduces your lifespan, it also makes you look older fast. So quit smoking and keep yourself happy!

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Timeless monochrome suit

Vanessa Okwara

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black and white suit has a way of instantly giving a man that celebrity look that is not so easily forgotten.

Men’s monochrome suit is the most suitable suit colour for men’s fashion these days. They have also become most appropriate as wedding suits. This suit style has become a popular trend this season and most men now rock this white and black combination at their wedding instead of the traditional dark suits usually worn

by grooms previously.

The monochrome trend can well be dominated by the male species. They carry it off in a smooth manner and the fact that the two-tone looks elegant on any man makes this a hot choice for special events such as weddings, red carpet, fashion events and dinner occasions.

The black and white suit is specifically a fashion statement and not a business-style suit. It is important to know you don’t wear such suits to a business meeting but to events were high sense of fashion is appreciated.

When wearing the monochrome suit, make sure it is tailored to your shoulders and tapered at the waist. The monochromatic combination is incredibly arresting and works best with or without a tie depending on the type of occasion you are attending.

In accessorising the monochrome suits, stick with black for the accessories or with shoes that have the same black and white combination. You can try a dotted pocket square and dark or white dress shirt as well depending on occasion and preference. These colours can be blended within any combination of patterns on the dress shirt and make your black and white suit look refreshing each time.

Kiss Daniel Simply charming

Judith Onyebuchi

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nidugbe Oluwatobiloba Daniel whose stage name is Kiss Daniel is a Nigerian recording artist, performer, entertainer and best known for his chart topping single ‘Woju’. He is a graduate of Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in 2013. Daniel attributes his early interest in music to his late father. He started his music career professionally in 2013, when he came across Emperor Geezy, CEO of G-Worldwide entertainment and he is currently signed to G-Worldwide entertainment. He released his first official single ‘Shoye’

in May 2014, alongside a music video directed by Mex. He has won several awards including Nigeria Entertainment Awards / Best New Act of the Year (2015) and AFFRIMA Awards Most Promising Act in Africa (2015).

Kiss Daniel sure goes by the style philosophy ‘less is more’, but not without his Fedora hats. He has very good taste when it comes to fashion and as for combining colours, he is an expert. The cute ‘Woju’ master has a sense of style worthy of admiration. Most times he turns up simple and classy and other few times, he turns up in suits. He opts out for a classic white shirt and killer cuff links. He tends to keep it clean and simple.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

RazzleDazzle My late father will be very proud of me –Jidenna

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igerian-American act, Jidenna, popularly known for his hit song, ‘Classic Man’ debuted his album ‘Long Live the Chief’ on 1st September, 2016. The artist, who is from Enugu State, is also gearing up for a tour on the African continent. In a chat with RazzleDazzle, Jidenna revealed why he brought his music to Nigeria.

According to the gold bearded star, it was in accordance with his late father’s advice. “When I was younger, my dad told me that if I was going to do music, then I had to make sure that it meant something to the whole world and definitely to Nigeria and America; the two places that I’m from. So to come back and being able to showcase my music here and give some exclusive peeks into records that no one else has heard; I think he will be proud of that, if he were still alive”, he revealed. He also spoke on his relationship with Nigerians and international pop star, Wizkid. “It’s always good to be back. This time it’s different though, it feels great! I think the biggest thing for me is just being back. Each time I come to Lagos, I get to see new developments, so I’m excited to go out. Wizkid and I talk for hours. It was very easy actually. We both have the same process when we are in the studio and the way we come up with melodies and the song concepts. So we did some work on each other’s albums; I love working with him” he said.

Funke Akindele and JJC expecting first baby S

tar actress, Funke Akindele walked down the aisle on Tuesday, 23, August, with her beau, Abdulrasheed Bello, in a quiet wedding witnessed by few family members and friends in London. The groom, popularly called JJC, is a multi-talented musician, music producer and a leading member of the JJC and 419 Squad based in London.

Until his decision to marry Funke, he was blessed with three children who are grown up and living happily in the United Kingdom. Findings by RazzleDazzle reveal that the latest celebrity couple is expecting their first baby together.

According to an anonymous source close to the couple, the ‘Jenifa’s Dairy’ star is in her first trimester and her husband was happy to receive the news, “I’m happy for both of them; especially Funke, she is such a wonderful woman.

As I speak with you, she is pregnant and carrying her first baby for her husband, JJC. I thank God for her life, she is a blessed woman, very emotional, understanding and highly spiritual. This is what I know about her; her hubby can attest to all of this. While I wish her a happy married life, I pray God sees her through the nine months journey”, the source revealed. Funke Akindele had in a statement signed by her publicist, Biodun Kupoluyi, explained why she and her husband chose a quiet wedding in London and urged well-wishers to support them.

Abiola Alaba Peters

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08062622328 abiolaalabapeters@rockmail.com

Blay-J talks music B

lay-J is a fast rising upcoming artist who has made a name for himself after breaking into the music industry. Real name Joshua Chukwunwike Onyebuchi, revealed he started his music career officially few years back when he was discovered by his manager Anyanwu Chukwudi, popularly known as Donchukzy, a strategic artist manager and promoter. Blay-J is a multi-talented singer, composer and songwriter. He hails from Aniocha in Delta State and he’s signed to Hi-tek Entertainment.

Born in 1993, Blay-J is an exceptional artist. He oozes versatility as his unique sound blends dance-hall, Afro-pop and hip-pop together; conquering every stage with his hit songs. Blay-J is known for his entertaining prowess on stage, shows and tours thereby gaining more recognition and building more fan base both home and abroad.

Buckwylla, Evelle sign new record deal with ACI Records Edwin Usoboh

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P Wolex goes romantic with ‘Iyawo’ A

fter the release of his previous single, ‘African Baby’, which went far and wide, P Wolex has dropped the audio and video of another mind blowing hit single titled ‘Iyawo’, produced by PjayBeats, and mixed and mastered by Indomix. ‘Iyawo’ is unique with a universal dance hall tune for weddings, clubs and streets. Born Hezekiah Adewole Oladele, P Wolex, is a talented Nigerian music artiste, song writer, and vibrant performer who hails from the Sunshine State, Ondo. This fast rising star started his musical journey professionally at the age of thirteen. “I have been singing for a very long time, in fact since I was thirteen. I decided to make a career in music a few years back and it has been success all the way. I write my songs too because my talent goes beyond just singing, I feel connected when I pick a pen and paper to write down lyrics. ‘Iyawo’ is a song mainly for couples in love, especially during their wedding. It’s a song that soothes the soul”, he said. P Wolex has shared stage with stars such as 2face Idibia, Kcee, Vector, Wizkid, amongst others in various concerts and has worked with professional video directors, music producers and sound engineers. The young artiste has also performed severally for Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State and his entourage at the government house. The visual to his latest song ‘Iyawo’ was directed by the award winning video guru, Matt Max. Currently, P Wolex is signed to his self-owned record label, ‘Ose my dear Records’ and he’s based in Lagos state Nigeria.

Body&Soul

I’m friends with my kids –Iyabo Ojo Y

oruba actress, Iyabo Ojo, returned to the country recently after spending summer vacation with her kids, Festus and Priscilla, in the US. In an interview she granted recently, Iyabo revealed that she actually arrived back in Nigeria to continue her movie which will be out soon. She added that she had a memorable time in the US and that people appreciate Nigerian actors more abroad. When asked the last time she got annoyed by her kids, she said, ‘My kids and I are friends, we joke and play a lot. We hardly fight each other especially now that they are all grown up. It’s been a long time since they annoyed me.

I’ve not seen my son in months and I was excited to see him. My son is a cool boy and Priscilla loves me. They complement each other. Though, they fight and I enjoy it when I see them fight” she also revealed she noticed changes in her son. “He’s grown; his voice has changed and is more masculine. He’s always been a quiet person.

He’s busy with his studies now and doesn’t play much unlike before”. The actress said she’s currently working on her movie, ‘Black Val’.

he winner of the 2014 edition of Nigerian Idol, Evelle, and talented Nigerian artiste, Buckwylla, have been signed by the record label arm of burgeoning entertainment company, ACI Records, as the first two recording artistes on the label.

The company which is a subsidiary of ACI Entertainment is patterned after international entertainment and recording companies with facilities that will help raise the bar in the delivery of entertainment services in Nigeria and further inspire the creative industry.

The two acts who were recently unveiled at the official launch of the company are not new entrants in the Nigerian music industry. While Evelle, who won the fourth edition of the Nigerian Idol reality show has been up and doing with her career. Buckwylla has released several songs and done major collaborations in the past with the likes of Olamide, Cartiar, among others.

Speaking during the launch, the CEO of the company, Mr. Wole Adeniyi, said the fundamental philosophy behind the creation of the company was to provide breeding ground for the best professionals in music and film technology. “I’m so honoured to be able to speak to you today about what we have accomplished here. To create this entertainment destination is dreams come true for all of us”.

Speaking on the choice of the two new artistes, the COO of the company, Mr. Ikechukwu Onuorah said the two artistes are full of talent and they believe they can further help develop their talents and put them on the international stage.

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To start with, what’s happening to you right now?

Currently, I’m in Nigeria to promote my new music video and new single titled ‘Under Your Influence’, produced by Selebobo.

This video was shot in Nigeria with an all Nigerian cast. I was very excited coming back to Nigeria to work. I am amazed at the professionalism of our people here in Nigeria. I was given 110 per cent of their time and talents. This video is one of my most exciting works yet. What makes it so special to me is that I initially came to Nigeria just to shoot the video. I had already produced the music in America with an amazing producer called Amara Freeman. When I arrived in Nigeria, my bag containing my hard drive got stolen at the airport! I was devastated. I was already going to shoot my video with award winning producer and director, Okey Oku. I told him what happened to me and he told me about his younger brother called Selebobo who was a producer in Nigeria.

He promised to talk to him to see what he could do for me. Selebobo agreed to work with me after he listened to the demo I had saved. We worked all night. We didn’t leave his home studio until about 5.30am in the morning. The final outcome was great. Apart from producing this work, Selebobo also did background vocals and some leads. I thank him and his brother so much for turning my sad story to a lovely one. I have been having a great time here promoting my music. I’m hoping that Nigerians will embrace me again like they did when I was a child artiste. I left the shores of Nigeria over 20 years ago and it’s been great returning to my home land. I was also in Benin shooting my new movie titled ‘Esohe’. The movie is co-produced by me and Charles Uwagbai. He also directed the movie. The movie is being shot both in Nigeria and America. Some of the movie casts include: Jimmy Jean-Louis from Hollywood and Misty Lockhart, also from America. We also have big stars here in Nigeria in the likes of Desmond Elliot, Bimbo Martins, Ufuoma, Oghenekaro Itene, Chris Attoh from Ghana and a lot of other stars. This is an amazing movie because it talks about the rich Benin culture.

Most of us including the Americans spoke some Benin in the movie. There is a lot of singing and history in the movie. I played the part of Esosa. The plan is to come often to Nigeria to work. I see myself pushing our works to the West like they pushed theirs down to us.

What inspired your stage name ‘Monicazation’?

Monicazation is composed of my many companies. Apart from being in show business, I am also the owner of an insurance company in America. I specialise in property and casualty insurance and also own my movie and music production company.

I thought of a name that would represent me and all that I do. I came up with ‘Monicazation’ in my sleep and I woke up and wrote it down. It’s like saying Monica’s world, Monica’s nation. I changed Nation to ‘Zation’ and came up with ‘Monicazation’. It is also a way of saying, my zone, my path or Monica’s world. I educate folks about insurance and more. I talk to the world with my music and movie.

Tell us about your single, ‘Under your Influence’?

It’s just a love song inspired by no one but my imagination. It’s a story about a woman under the influence of her lover. The man is so captivating that she is overtaken as if under the spell of his love.

Which would you

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Music is my first love –Monicazation

Monica Swaida, popularly called Monicazation is a multi-talented artiste. She is a musician, actress, movie producer and CEO of an insurance company. Having left Nigeria for America few years ago for academic pursuit, hardworking Monicazation took the bold step of returning to her father land to make a positive impact in the entertainment industry. She is the producer of the much anticipated culture-rich movie, ‘Esohe’, parading both Hollywood and Nollywood stars. In this interview, Monicazation shares with ABIOLA ALABA PETERS, her journey into music and movies consider your first love, movies or music?

I am not sure; this is a tricky question. I started music first and later found myself doing soundtracks for movies and slowly got into the movie business. I guess music is my first love. Good thing is that with movies, I also have the opportunity of singing or doing soundtracks. In all we do, music is all around us.

Tell us about your experience with the late Sunny Okosun, Majek Fashek and others and how it helped your career.

As a teenager, I met Majek Fashek at Aibitonia Studios at Anthony in Lagos. He was introduced to me by late Arakatula. At that time, I was part of a group called ‘Sound on Sound’ with an American called Scratch and three other singers. We released our first album with Poligram Records. Things didn’t go well with the group because when I went to school, they thought I left and eventually took my picture out of the album. During those times, there were no emails or easy access to cell phones. I was heartbroken at that young age and decided to leave the group. Majek knew all about the situation and told my dad that he wanted me to join his band a n d go on tour. I was blessed to play with Majek Fashek. He took me like a daughter and treated me like one. He taught me so much in my musical life. I toured all over Nigeria and West Africa.

He taught me a lot about song writing and eliminated my stage fears. I didn’t play as much with Sunny Okosun like I played w i t h Majek.

I met Sunn y

Okosun during ‘MAMSER’ tour with Majek and became friends with his backup singers. When Majek was taking breaks from long tours, I decided to go with Sunny Okosun. Anytime I was on break with Majek, I went with Okosun and I also learned from him. He too influenced me in a lot of ways. He played in many different languages and loved all Nigerians equally. He promoted unity among us all; may his soul rest in peace. Evi Edna taught me about humility. I learned a lot from her as well.

What are your worst and best moments?

My worst moment was when I broke up with my first group, ‘Sound on Sound’. I was a child artiste and had so much going for me; a great singing career and signed up with Poligram Records.

I felt untouchable until my life became shattered because I felt betrayed by those who taught me so much. I was a child among many. I thought my music career was over when our music was released and I didn’t enjoy the success because of the trouble with the group. My best moment was being on ‘MAMSER’ tour with Majek. I toured the whole of Nigeria. I saw every part of my dear country. Nothing has beaten that yet. Those were my best moments yet.

Tell us about the man in your life.

I’m married to my husband, an American. He is an engineer by profession.

What is the most cherished part of your body?

Every part of my body is cherished, but if I could choose just one part, it would be my lips. I’ve full African lips.

If you weren’t in entertainment, what would you be doing?

Right now I own an insurance company. I enjoy interacting with people. I am a people’s person. I wouldn’t mind travelling round the world and being a food or wine taster.

Your favourite perfumes and jewellery?

I love different kinds of perfumes. As for jewellery, I love all types of gold, pearls and traditional beads.

These days, I’m more into African fashion. Coral beads are in for me.

Describe your style when it comes to fashion.

I create my own fashion; I’m not a follower.

I can wear a buba with jeans and a wicked head tie. Depending on my mood, I love simple clothing; nothing too flashy or complicated.

What are your words to your fans and followers?

Please watch my new music video, ‘Under your Influence’ on Youtube. You can follow me on most social media by searching for Monicazation.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

NEWS

INTERVIEW

AUTO BEAT

Onyema to foreign airlines: Your fair-weather friends p.44

AfDB provided $14.7bn support for agric, rural development – Ojukwu

Land Rover discovering a hi-tech future p.47

p.45

BUSINESS

PAUL OGBUOKIRI HEAD, BUSINESS

paulogbuokiri@newtelegraph

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

NPA to prioritise cargo movement by rail, says Hadiza Paul Ogbuokiri

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L-R: Vice President, Governing Council, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Nigeria, Mr. Udom Inoyo; National Treasurer, Governing Council, CIPM, Mrs. Ifeoma Adeniyi; President/Chairman, Governing Council, CIPM, Mr. Anthony Arabome and Chairman, Management of National Unemployment Challenge Committee, Dr. Musa Rabiu, at the CIPM Media and Stakeholders engagement on the Management of National Unemployment Challenge, which held in Lagos recently PHOTO: SULEIMAN

Recession: 2,000 Aba shoemakers close shops A

Paul Ogbuokiri s the recession continues to take its toll on the economy, in the southeastern city of Aba - known as the ‘Japan of Africa’ more than 2,000 shoemakers have shut down because they cannot pay for imported glue or synthetic leather, whose prices have surged due to the scarcity of dollars.

Uche Okeke, who used to make 1,000 pairs of women’s shoes a month before the price of glue quadrupled, forcing him to nearly halve production and lay off half his 10 staff, said shoemakers in Ariaria International Market and other manufacturers in the city have never had it so tough.

He said with the inflated input costs, consumers in neighbouring Cameroon, who used to buy most of Aba’s shoes, are now opting for cheaper Chinese footwear.

Until recently, three trucks laden with shoes and bags left the city for Cameroon every week.

Now it is one every fortnight, traders at the city’s almost deserted motor park said.

Made in Aba products are un­ doubtedly the outcome of selfreliance entrepreneurship and product ingenuity. Apart from shoes, other products made in Aba abound. This is despite the challenges ranging from inadequate capital, epileptic power supplies, bad roads, high costs of acquiring modern industrial machines, raw materials among

•Twenty thousand jobs axed

others.

A visit to the shoe sections of Ariaria International Market, Aba reveals the ingenuity and the enterprising spirit of the Igbo man.

The ever busy industrial hubs of the market are home for shoes of all sizes and shapes.

These sections comprise Bakassi Zone, Shoe Plaza, Power Line, and Imo Avenue spanning over two square kilometres. All four sections are populated with artisans who churn out foot wears of different kinds like the queen bee.

The market is estimated to house over 70, 000 shoemakers besides apprentices under their tutelage.

When Sunday Telegraph visited the market on Monday, many workshops were locked while the open ones were busy doing what they know how to do best despite some daunting challenges. The artisans were working hard to beat deadlines of orders placed by their customers from all parts of Africa.

Goodluck Nmeri, chairman of the 6,000-strong shoemakers association, said their business face very serious threat as it has become very difficult to obtain foreign exchange, even from the parallel market to import the necessary inputs that go into the shoes they make.

“We are tired of hearing about support from the Federal Government. We read about it in the newspapers, hear it on television and radio. But it’s just talk; we

have not seen anything concrete.

All we want is forex, regular power supply and good roads to enable our customer come in and leave when they want”.

He called on the Federal Government to ban the importation of shoes and fully made cloths into the country, saying the market has more than the capacity needed to produce all that Nigerian needs to wear.

“We can do it here in Aba, try us. We currently depend on export of our products and a fraction sold in the country, because Nigerians are crazy about anything that has a foreign label.

That is why our customers take supplies here, take it off-shore, put the label of a foreign country and bring it back to sell in different parts of the country as foreign made shoes,” Nmeri said The Chairman, Aba North Industrial Market (Shoe Plaza division), Ariaria International market, Hon. Christian Okoro, told Sunday Telegraph that if they We can do it here in Aba, try us. We currently depend on export of our products and a fraction sold in the country, because Nigerians are crazy about anything that has a foreign label. That is why our customers take supplies here, take it offshore, put the label of a foreign country and bring it back to sell in different parts of the country as foreign made shoes,” Nmeri said

are given the needed support, the entire Africa and the rest of the world will be coming to Aba for their shoe needs, saying “Nigeria is very small market for our products.”

According to him, made in Aba products are already making waves in different countries in Africa such as Togo, Niger Republic, Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Libya , Senegal. This is in addition to their customers from all parts of Nigeria mostly the North.

He further revealed that Abamade products are taken to Dubai in the United Arab Emirate, and Italy where they are given some finishing touches and then imported back to Nigeria and marketed as foreign shoes.

Two major factors according to him, are responsible for this practice - craze for foreign goods cum lack of interest in locally made products by many Nigerians, and the absence of modern machines and equip­ment for a perfect finishing on the products.

He said, “Some traders buy our shoes at very cheap price and take them to Dubai, Brazil and Italy where they put some finishing touches because of the absence of modern machines here. They later bring back the shoes and sell them at high costs in boutiques. Some of the shoes sold at boutiques in Abuja and CO N T I N U ED O N PAGE 44

he Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is set to prioritise the movement of cargo into and from the ports by rail to maximise Nigeria’s inter-modal transport potentials and reduce pressure on the nation’s roads.

Hadiza Bala Usman, NPA Managing Director, said this on Wednesday while on tour of some terminals and facilities within the Apapa Port Complex in Lagos.

She said the NPA will work to increase stakeholders’ confidence in the ability of the rail line linking the port to seamlessly transport their cargoes.

She revealed that the NPA has opened talks with Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on the need to revitalise the rail tracks leading in and out of the port for easy movement of imported cargoes and access of agricultural produce being exported out of the country, while also working for modern and increased number of wagons through the NRC Hadiza who lauded the initial move to test run cargo movement from Lagos to the Northern part of the country also said the NPA will reach out to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders in the export chain on the need to know and adhere to Standard Operating Procedure within the Nigerian port environment.

Mark Walsh, an Executive Director with ENL Consortium, one of the concessionaires whose terminal the rail track run through, explained to Hadiza that there was a successful test run of cargo movement from the port by rail to the north but was slowed down when owners of consignments complained of delays.

Walsh said prospective users of the rail facilities in the port needed to be reassured of its seamless feature, cost and time saving advantages.

Hadiza who was accompanied by other Executive Directors and top management staff of NPA including the General Manager Western Ports, Michael Ajayi, also visited the recently repaired portions of the Apapa Ijora link bridge to have a first hand view of progress achieved.

Hadiza

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS

Dangote has lost $5.4bn in 2016 - Bloomberg

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L-R: Director General, Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo; President, Mr. Larry Ettah and second Vice President, Mr. Terry Wilson, during the Association’s 59th Annual General Meeting in Lagos PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

frica’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s fortune has fallen by 35 per cent this year, on the back of a commodities slump and a devaluation of the Nigerian currency, Bloomberg reports.

The global business news outfit had reported in June that Dangote lost $37 billion as a result of the naira devaluation against the US dollar two months ago.

The 35 per cent loss is equivalent to $5.4 billion, Bloomberg further reported. Nigeria’s economy officially slid into a state of recession for the first time in over two decades, on Wednesday according to a Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report.

Dangote’s business line started with the cement production, he recently announced entry into the oil industry with the construction of an oil refinery and petrochemical plant in the commercial city of Lagos.

His current net worth is $9.9 billion, a 62 per cent drop since January 2014, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Even with his huge loss, the continent’s second-wealthiest person, South African Christo Wiese, trails Dangote by $2.8 billion with his fortune climbing 12 per cent this year on the index.

Onyema to foreign airlines: You’re fair-weather friends

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Paul Ogbuokiri hairman/Chief Executive Officer, Air Peace Airline, Chief Allen Onyema has flayed foreign airlines for quitting the country in its moment of need, saying they are “fairweather friends.”

In a related development, the Air Peace boss has commended the Federal Government for assisting local airlines to benefit from the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA).

Onyema who made these statements during an interaction with journalists in Lagos, called on the foreign airlines to show understanding and support the Nigerian government to deliver on its change agenda, He said: “Just only one issue, fuel and forex, they (foreign airlines) are all scampering out of the country. If we are going through certain problems here, they should show understanding. They have got their fair share from the country. Now is the time for them to help the country and they are running away

Lauds FG on BASA for local airlines

from the country. Nigeria has been their best route ever. These foreign airlines are fair-weather friends.

They should remember that Nigeria didn’t deliberately refuse to give them the dollar equivalent of their money.

This country is undergoing change and they should be patient with the country.”

He commended the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika for being proactive and assisting the nation’s airlines to overcome their challenges of operating both local and international flights, it is the first time a Nigerian government would give international designation permits of that magnitude to indigenous carriers.

According to him, that shows the government’s resolve to re-position the fortunes of the nation’s local airlines.

“The government has also waived import duties and value-added tax (VAT) on imported commercial aircraft spares and commercial aircraft. This waiver would

go a long way in alleviating the inhibitive cost of scheduled flight operations being experienced by our local carriers. We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for giving a listening ear to our hue and cry,” he said.

Onyema also advised local airlines to conduct their affairs with integrity and collaborate with the Federal Government in seeking solutions to the operational challenges they face.

He regretted that some local airlines had failed to honour their agreements with foreign companies in the past, making it difficult for the latter to do business with them.

“The Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika recently held meetings with us and he has been proactive.

That’s why at times when you don’t know people you criticise them. How many of our colleagues who are saying the minister did this and that have bothered to go to him to know what the challenges are? Go to him

and say ‘this is what we are facing.’ Instead, what we do is badmouthing each other.

I am a witness to what the minister could do. When we had challenge with the issue of spares, immediately he acted. When we needed to get international designation, immediately he acted.

“He saw the reason why Nigerian airlines should be empowered to go international. The same thing he did with the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA).

He wants the airlines to do well, but we also must help to make sure the airlines do well.”

He added: “What I ask people in the industry to do is to first of all show integrity, so that if anybody wants to come into this industry, the person can come relying on the resources of the banks to operate, because you can’t really do this business alone without some level of financing from the outside. You need it. It is like that all over the world.”

Recession: 2,000 Aba shoemakers close shop CON TINUED FR O M PAGE 43

Lagos, Port Har­court, Uyo etc are imported Aba made shoes.”

He said that if provided with the needed materials and enabling environment, Italian shoes will be no match to made in Aba shoes, adding that most of the artisans will be proud to label their products as made in Aba should government heed their request.

Okoro identified their major challenges as high cost of raw materials, importation of inferior materials especially gum and chemicals from China, and the unwillingness of leather producers in Kano

to sell genuine leather to Aba shoemakers.

He lamented that leather dealers in Kano prefer to sell their original leather to Italians and other foreigners who would pay them in hard currency. “Now people adulterate chemicals and sell to us because it is also hard to get original chemicals from Italy,” he added.

Other daunting challenges of the shoe makers according to him, include; unstable power supply, absence of modern equipment and machines, poor access road, and lack of funds. He called for government intervention especially on the area of modern machinery which he said,

would make their products compete favourably in the international market.

He appealed to government to provide financial assistance to the artisans to boost their business. He said that a loan of N1 billion could change the stories of the over 70, 000 shoe makers in the market. This, according to him, will enable them acquire the multi- million naira modern shoe threading machines used by their coun­terparts. “ I know that my members alone are over 10, 000 and if government can give us N1, 000,000 loan each which we will pay back in one or two years, Africa will be a small market for made in Aba

shoes.” Corroborating these positions, one of the artisans, Mr Kenneth Nwachukwu who specialised in military and par­amilitary shoes and belts said he needed some funds to ac­quire the right machines that would enable him produce products with better finishing. He boasted that with the right machinery his products could compete favourably with foreign military wears.

“Already we get orders from contractors for Civil Defence, Police, Navy, and National Youth Service Corps. We produce some of the shoes their men use and the contractors buy them at a cheap rate,” he said.

L-R: Deputy Corps Commander, Sector Head of Admin. and Human Resources, Rahila Abdullahi Koli, Mr. Yomi Afin; Acting Zonal Commanding Officer, RS2, Headquarter, Lagos, Corps Commander, Godwin Ngueke and Commander, FRSC, Lagos Sector Command, Corps Commander, Hyginus Omeje, during the Sensitization of Stakeholders on the new enforcement date for the implementation of speed limiting device by the FRSC, at the Lagos Sector Command, Ojodu, Lagos PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

Airtel, Nestle say forex squeeze not over

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he Nigerian units of Bharti Airtel Ltd. and Nestle SA said shortage of foreign exchange in Nigeria is hindering their operations and ability to import equipment.

“It continues to be a major challenge,” Dharnesh Gordhon, chief executive officer of Nestle Nigeria Plc, said at an event organised by the Nigerian Stock Exchange and Bloomberg in Lagos on Wednesday. Imports of machine parts, spare parts and some packaging have become more expensive, and even local suppliers are putting up their prices to compensate for a weakening naira, he said.

Businesses have suffered from a shortage of hard currency in the country for the last two years as oil prices and foreign investment have crashed. Manufacturers say they need a steady supply of foreign exchange to pay for imports as they struggle to buy many raw materials and parts locally. An almost 40 per cent devaluation of the naira against the dollar since June hasn’t yet led to many new inflows.

The scarcity is a “big issue for everyone,” Segun Ogunsanya, head of Airtel Nigeria, said at the same event. It’s “impacted us significantly in the way we invest in new technologies,” he said.

Both companies are also battling a downturn in the Nigerian economy. Growth slumped 2.1 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Wednesday in an e-mailed statement. This was following a 0.4 per cent decline in the first three months of the year. The International Monetary Fund forecasts the economy will shrink 1.8 per cent this year for the first time since 1991.

“People cannot afford anymore protein,” Ghordon said.

“The amount of protein they are adding to their meal on a daily basis is becoming less because they just don’t have the money. They are looking for ways to make that meal tastier and it’s up to Nestle to come up with ways for consumers to achieve that,” he said.

Power cuts are worsening as gas supplies to electricity plants are reduced, partly because of militant attacks on pipelines in the south of the country, Gordhon said. Nestle Nigeria’s shares are down 24 per cent in the past two years, compared with 34 per cent for the benchmark stock index in the country.

“The challenge is how you satisfy demand when you have supply challenges,” Gordhon said. “Supply challenges mean no gas, infrastructure challenges, crime increasing, no foreign exchange.”

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

BUSINESS INTERVIEW

AfDB provided $14.7bn support for agric, rural development – Ojukwu Dr Chiji Ojukwu is the Director, Agriculture and Agro-Industry Development, African Development Bank (AfDB) in this interview with journalists at the end of the Bank’s Annual Meetings in Abidjan, he said from 1968-2014, the Bank approved 876 operations with commitments valued at approximately US$14.78 billion that provided support to agriculture and rural development across the continent. STANLEY IHEDIGBO brings the excerpts; In spite of the mirad of challenges faced by Africa, AfDB has, for the past decades, worked hard to increase agricultural production so as to reduce poverty and promote economic growth.

With facts and figures, can you name a few Bank success stories and how do we yield more such impressive stories?

The Bank has made steady progress in helping its Regional Member Countries (RMCs) to grow their economies by investing in the agriculture sector.

During 1968-2014, the Bank Group approved a total of 876 operations with commitments valued at approximately USD 14.78 billion that provide support to agriculture and rural development.

Between 2010-2014 about 230,000 kilometres of feeder roads were constructed and/or rehabilitated and 563,000 people benefited from improved access to transport. About 1.5 million people had access to improved technology and some 600 production and marketing facilities were constructed.

In terms of natural resource management, more than 0.8 million hectares of land have been improved, through replantation/reforestation, benefiting about 19 million people, 45 per cent of whom were women. Stand-out projects in agricultural infrastructure include the Uganda Community Agricultural Infrastructure Improvement Programme (CAIIP) that won the US Treasury Honours for Development Impact in 2013, the Ethiopia Koga Irrigation Development Project, the West Africa NERICA Rice Project (winner of the US Treasury Honours in 2014).

The Bank has also supported resilience building projects including its Drought Resilience and Livelihoods Support Programmes in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel.

Going forward, for the Bank to contribute to unlock the potential of agriculture for sustained and inclusive growth in Africa, there is need for multi-sector investments in agriculture using an integrated value chain approach. This implies greater attention to both horizontal and vertical integration in all relevant value chains. This includes addressing constraints and opportunities faced by farmers and producers; strengthening the delivery of business and financial services; enabling the flow of information; facilitating improved markets and agro-processing infrastructures; and, improving farmers’ skills and linkages to markets.

The Bank’s new agricultural strategy under processing (2015-2019) will continue to focus on investments in agricultural infrastructure, resilience building and natural resources management, in addition to a new pillar focusing on agribusiness and innovation.

Concretely, to what extent would you confirm that the Bank’s level of support to RMCs met the goal of the 2010-2014 Agriculture Sector Strategy (AgSS) and going forward to 2018?

Available evidence from the concluded Agriculture Sector Strategy (2010-

ment; (ii) Regional integration (iii) Private sector development; (iv) Governance and accountability; and, (v) Skills and technology. In implementing the TYS, the Bank will pay particular attention to fragile states, agriculture and food security, and gender.

Our new agriculture and agribusiness strategy will therefore: (i) continue supporting agriculture infrastructure development across Africa, with gender sensitive features; (ii) enhance firm-level enterprise development support; specifically in the promotion and development of agricultural value chains; by integrating small and medium agricultural producers with exporters in high-value agricultural value chains (HVACs) that have the potential to increase and stabilize farm incomes in regional and international markets; and iii) increasing and enhancing resilience agricultural production towards ending hunger on the continent by 2025; (iv) move towards market-oriented agriculture away from subsistence agriculture, using the valuechain approach, and; (v) build resilience of social capital and natural resources. Special emphasis will be given to youth engagement in agribusiness.

Ojukwu

2014) indicated that overall, the Bank group operations met or exceeded 75 per cent of its targets for activities pertaining to its two pillars of promoting agriculture infrastructure development; and increasing resilience and natural resource management. And there are all indications that it is on target for the 2018.

We need to do more on promoting cross cutting areas, such as gender equality and on capacity building. Hence our renewed focus on promoting gender equality in the sector through all Bank’s interventions at the regional, national and local and project levels. The new agriculture strategy has also identified gender equality as one of the cross cutting issues in the agricultural investments and directs dedicated funds to support projects and programmes that assist women and youths in agriculture, agribusiness and natural resources management.

We are working on a number of flagship activities with the Office of the Gender Envoy aimed at strengthening Bank Group support to women empowerment, especially in the agriculture sector where most of the rural women work and derive the family livelihoods.

Results of Africa’s agriculture and resources management are reported to have been less impressive than expected. What should be the new approach?

In other words, how would the Bank need to work differently to have more stories with a view to meeting Africa’s transfor-

mational agenda?

The sector’s productivity is about 36 per cent of its real potential. Food insecurity and under-nutrition are widespread and persistent, particularly in rural areas and among women and children.

In response to these challenges, this new agriculture and agribusiness strategy builds upon the priorities, achievements and lessons from the 2010-2014 AgSS, which came to an end in December, 2014.

It aims at affirming the role of the agriculture sector as an agent for the Bank’s response to Africa’s development and as a key channel for delivering the Bank’s Ten Year Strategy (2013-2022).

This TYS focuses on inclusive growth and transitioning to green growth. It supports Africa’s vision to become a stable, integrated and prosperous continent; with competitive, diversified and growing economies; fully participating in global trade and investment; and becoming the next emerging market and growth pole.

The five core operational priorities of the TYS are: (i) Infrastructure develop-

We are already employing the new Chinese Fund (AGTF) to co-finance our AfDB lending in the sector. The Bank can also play advisory roles to the RMCs in their efforts to mobilize additional resources from the private sector, other MDBs well as bilateral donors. The revised credit policy has helped us to deepen our investments in emerging RMCs with access to the AfDB window

Specialists suggest that the Bank needs to look beyond conventional sources of financing and lessen risks of lending to agriculture, as well as developing new and more appropriate public and private sector financial products, and explore alternative resource mobilization sources such as India, Brazil, China and Argentina. What is your take on this suggestion?

The quantum of funds required to move the sector forward in Africa is enormous.

And as such the Bank through its strategy proposes to further strengthen the cooperation and partnership with other development agencies including other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) as well as International Financial Institutions (IFIs).

Already the Bank is mobilizing additional resources for the sector through such partnership with the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GASFP), the resources from Climate Investment Funds, etc., in addition to our traditional windows of the African Development Bank (AfDB), African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). We take cofinancing with our partners very seriously.

The Bank will strengthen the mobilization of resources from new strategic bilateral partners (who are now serious players in Africa’s development agenda) particularly Brazil, China and India, especially towards growing the interest of the private sector in Africa’s agricultural value chains. We are already employing the new Chinese Fund (AGTF) to co-finance our AfDB lending in the sector. The Bank can also play advisory roles to the RMCs in their efforts to mobilize additional resources from the private sector, other MDBs well as bilateral donors.

The revised credit policy has helped us to deepen our investments in emerging RMCs with access to the AfDB window.

The bottom line of Bank support in the sector is to now do agriculture as a business, to help to grow Africa and to rapidly tackle food insecurity, as well as use agriculture as conduit for creating employment.

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SUNDAY September 4, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Business News

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Stanley Ihedigbo he Federal Government through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has disclosed that plans are on to launch a credit purchase scheme to give opportunities to Nigerians to purchase locally assembled vehicles in Nigeria.

Director, Policy and Planning, NADDC, Mr. Luqman Mamudu, dropped the hint during a recent news conference with journalists in Lagos.

He said the council is contributing a counterpart fund of about N7.5 billion for a single digit interest rate while a South African bank will source the remaining funds for the low interest vehicle purchase scheme for Nigerians.

Mamudu said: “This is what we have been working on for the past two years.

We looked at the available access to asset financing in the country, we found out

FG sets aside N7.5bn for vehicle purchase scheme

that the high interest rate is frustrating the purchase of a new vehicle. This is the gap we want to fill. We are currently working with a company in South Africa which has footprints in eight African countries where they have developed a commercial and financial model to get recoup their investment.

“At NADDC, we are also contributing our own N7.5 billion into the scheme while the South African company will help source for finance from Development Finance Institution (DFI) at single digit interest rate.”He also said that when the funds are put together, it would guarantee an interest rate that will be easy for people to purchase vehicles at 8 to 10 per cent. ”By the time we put the funds together, it will guar-

antee an interest rate that is fairly okay.

“We are in discussion with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to originate the loans and float it so that it will be attractive for investors to partake in the scheme. Going forward, this will further bring down the interest rate.

This facility will be given to people that have the capacity to buy cars because we expect that they will have good credit to purchase a car.

“If you go to America, over 80 per cent of car purchases are through loans. The credit purchase scheme will assist the operators to help the

masses,” he said.

Mamadu said the council is planning to build capacities in local assembling to attract component manufacturers to set up their factories in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the NADDC is building three laboratories costing about N3 billion in Lagos, Kaduna and Enugu. The one in Lagos is an emission testing laboratory to test for the level of emission.

“We are almost at 90 per cent completion stage. We also have a component part manufacturing testing laboratory in Enugu. We are do-

ing all these to prepare for the next stage of component development because this is where job opportunities are enormous, but the entire process requires patience on the side of government and investors.

“We have to encourage these Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to come with their capacity.

If we create the right environment for them, they will come with their capacity to produce here and if this happens, we can export from here to earn foreign exchange. We are calling on the OEMs to use Nigeria as

a hub for the whole West Africa, but we must be steady and focus so that we do not lose the opportunity,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria currently has the capacity to assemble 384,000 vehicles, though only 25,000 vehicles have been assembled so far.

He pointed out that the Federal Government will continue to pursue strategies to stop the influx of second hand vehicles into the country, noting that this scheme will go a long way to give alternatives to people who patronizes fairly used cars.

Ibekwe wins 7Up Harvard Business School Scholarship Stephen Eunice

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even-Up Bottling Company has announced Mr. Chidozie Ibekwe as the winner of the 2016 edition of the 7Up Harvard Business School MBA Scholarship.

An electrical engineer, Mr. Ibekwe, who works in Lagos with a consulting firm, had his early education at King’s College Lagos and University of Lagos before proceeding on scholarship to the University of Mississippi, United States of America to continue his studies. He becomes the sixth recipient of the 7Up Harvard Business School Scholarship since its inception in 2010.

Managing Director of Seven Up Bottling Company, Mr. Sunil Sawhney, said: “The mission of Harvard Business School is to educate leaders who make a difference in the world as part of the many CSR initiatives of SevenUp Company Plc, the 7Up Harvard Business School Scholarship was launched in 2010 to commemorate the 50th year anniversary of the company. “Every year through the scholarship, a Nigerian resident in the country gets the opportunity of a top quality education from this prestigious school at no cost and with no bond to the company. The objective being that in the future, they become leaders in different sectors of the Nigerian economy driving growth and development for a better society for all.

I would like to congratulate Chidozie as the 6th

recipient of the scholarship.”

Explaining further, General Manager Human Resources, 7Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Yinka Adesina said the 7Up Harvard Business School Scholarship is in tandem with the CSR policy of the organisation which is aimed at empowering people and creating a better society. Mr. Adesina further said that Company’s CSR initiatives are diversified touching areas such as community development, education, health, sports, arts and entertainment.

Specifically he listed some of the projects to include the Pepsi Football Academy which has continued to produce young talented footballers, provision of social amenities such as boreholes to host communities, provision of books and laboratory equipment to secondary schools, award of scholarships to indigent students to post-primary and tertiary institutions and support for cancer and cholera awareness programmes.

Other initiatives include partnerships with Pan Atlantic University on Infrastructural build, support for LEAP Africa to train young Nigerians on leadership, partnering with the Society for Performing Arts (SPAN) since inception, support for culture and tourism through sponsorship of the Calabar carnival, Copa Lagos, One Lagos Fiesta amongst many others as well as contribution to the landscaping of parks and other public places.

L-R: Head of Marketing, Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC), Norden Thurston; Managing Director, SBC, Mr. Sunil Sawhney; 7Up HBS Scholarship recipient, Mr. Chidozie Ibekwe and General Manager Human Resources, SBC, Mr. Yinka Adesina, at the presentation of the Harvard Business Scholarship to Ibekwe in Lagos… recently

Apapa Customs collects N35bn revenue in August Stephen Eunice

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he Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made the highest collection of monthly revenue with a feat of N34,923,757,810.77 collected in the month of August 2016. The figure is about N8 billion higher than the N27 billion collected in July this year.

This collection is the highest monthly generated revenue/ collection made by any customs command in the country in the last 10 years.

A remarkable feature of this is that it was made at a time the ports were said to be having low volume of trade and shipping companies reported to be leaving the country in the face of some trade restrictions and high exchange rate regime.

Customs Area Controller

of the Command, Willy Egbudin, has persistently urged officers of the command to continually work to redouble their efforts in maximum revenue collection, speed in legitimate trade facilitation and uncompromising enforcement of all customs laws.

Egbudin had at a recent meeting with top officers of the command said that national security must not be compromised at the port and terminals under it in the course of trade facilitation and revenue collection.

The recent increase is as a result of increased supervision, closer monitoring and regular outreach to importers and agents on the need to comply while issuing demand notices for infractions like under-declaration detected.

Aside regular meetings, Sunday Telegraph learnt

that the Controller has been paying surprise visits to various units and terminals under him to ensure that officers are at their duty posts during specified work hours and are keeping to the Controller General’s directives at all times. ‘’The Comptroller General’s directives are very clear on matters affecting our duties. We must not in any way act outside the law or encourage people to do so.Importers and agents who violate the law will face the full wrath of it and I can assure you all that I will not spare any customs officer collaborator. Any attempt to shortchange the government under my watch here will not be treated with kid gloves,’’ the Controller warned recently.

Egbudin added that ‘’Government’s focus is increasing on non-oil rev-

enue sources and we as customs officers with our stakeholders must brace up to this national reality.

We must all add value in making Nigeria great from our various beats and assignments and posterity will be fair to us all.’’

Egbudin also advised officers not to relent in doing more for the Nigerian state as a way of justifying the confidence reposed on them by their deployment to the flagship command of Nigeria Customs.

Meanwhile, the command also seizured of 16 containers for false declaration thereby sending a strong signal to the port community that customs is focused on implementing all extant laws concerning its operations.

Investigations are ongoing over the seized containers and arrests have been made in preparation for prosecution.

47

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY September 4, 2016

Auto beat

Land Rover discovering a hi-tech future

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Paul Ogbuokiri

he sports utility vehicle (SUV) market has expanded substantially since Land Rover first launched its Discovery 26 years ago. Today, it has to compete with models like the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes GLE and Volvo XC90.

It even has a rival from within its own Jaguar Land Rover stable in the form of the Jag F-Pace and there can be no arguing that it has also lost a few school-run sales to the smaller Range Rover Evoque.

Unlike the X5 and F-Pace, the Discovery has always been about more than luxury.

It is a Land Rover after all and this means offroad ability.

Today Discovery is no longer one model, with the advent of the Discovery Sport.

The company is also promising another model will wear the Discovery badge too, but there can be only one real model and that is about to become something very new entirely.

These are the first pictures to show the fifth-generation model virtually undisguised. Snapped by our spies outside the company’s testing facility in Germany, it bears a close resemblance to the original Discovery Vision concept.

The lack of any significant disguise clearly shows that the model is close to launch and our insiders suggest it could be set for a Paris Motor Show reveal at the end of this month before hitting international markets as soon as the end of 2016.

Unfortunately we have been unable to get Land Rover SA to confirm exactly when it will arrive on our shores. The only comment we received was a firm “no comment”.

It is unlikely to be here for the end of 2016 though, particularly as the new model will feature the latest engines which will require cleaner fuel. That will have the local strategists making a plan when it comes to the models we will receive.

We are confident that it will be worth waiting for, though. The main reason is Paul Ogbuokiri

N

igeria’s foremost auto manufacturing outfit, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), is still producing vehicles with full complement of its workers, and has not shut the plant in Nnewi as reported recently in various sections of the media.

These facts were contained in a statement issued by the management of the company at the weekend in reaction to the publications which purported that the plant had laid-off worker and shut down production over foreign exchange crisis.

Explaining, however, that IVM, like many other manufacturers in the country, is experiencing low production occasioned by scarcity of forex to import vital components, the statement signed by the Public Relations and Media Assistant, Cornel Osigwe, assured that the auto maker is hopeful that the Federal Government would soon find a lasting solution to the challenge.

The management faulted part of the erroneous reports which specifically stated: “Nigeria’s major vehicle assembly plant, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), has announced its decision to shut down production due to lack of foreign exchange to import vehicle components”.

The IVM spokesman described the reports as “a deviation from the interview (the Chairman of the Innoson Group), Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, granted to Reuters News Agency which was correctly published by them, but was totally distorted by the various news platforms”.

Highlighting what it said is the correct posi-

Land Rover Discovery

that Land Rover is promising to include much of the tech that was in that original concept. Perhaps not the virtual reality side windows, but that “transparent” bonnet, which projects an image of the terrain beneath the vehicle on to the bonnet, are in.

Our insiders have also confirmed that laser-light projections are also in. These projections on to the road ahead can give the driver an idea of the vehicle’s width, useful in both urban and off-road situations.

We expect them to also be able to project indicators on to the road surface to make the driver’s intention clear in dense traffic.

There will be yet more laser technology too. It could well get laser-scanning technology which can read the terrain ahead and adjust the suspension and transmission settings while you drive. Inside the vehicle there will be a laser head-up display, similar to that on the new Jaguar XE. On the subject of the interior, our sources have confirmed that the new Disco 5 will retain that large central touchscreen that was on the concept.

No doubt the team at Land Rover has

been looking at similar systems in the Volvo XC90 and the Tesla Model S. It is likely to be even more connected than the Jaguar systems, with the ability to display a wealth of information, not just on the vehicle, but from the internet as well.

We have not seen any final pictures of the interior as yet, but we also expect a radical departure in interior design, although as you can see from the concept interior, there are a few styling cues that will be familiar.

The layout will be familiar, with the company adamant that the new Disco had to retain its seven-seat format, sticking to the theatre-style raised seating for rear passengers. That has been possible by keeping the slightly stepped roofline which you can see in the pictures.

That stepped roofline will be one of the only main characteristics to carry over from the previous generation, although there will be a slightly offset number plate housing, which will be part of a split tailgate.

The rest of the design will be a major departure for the Disco, although it will share a family look with other models. It loses

Innoson denies shutting down plant •Says staff still intact

Building a bus from the scratch at Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Plant, Nnewi...on Friday. Inset: A mass transit bus freh from the the factory

tion, the statement added: “Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co Ltd (@innosonmotors) has not shut down its manufacturing plant and is not planning to do so. In as much as the company is experiencing low production due to the inability to get the required volume of FOREX to source for its vehicle components outside Nigeria, it still has absolute faith in the Federal Government and

the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) ability to fix forex scarcity problems.

“Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co Ltd has not laid off its staff due to the low activities in production. Rather, what Chief Chukwuma said was “I believe they (Federal Government) are doing something but if they can’t do anything, we will lay off some workers, “Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co Ltd believes in the Federal Government’s drive to boost the manufacturing sector and is aware that this present forex scarce challenge is a phase that will soon pass,” the statement said.

some of its utilitarian looks and instead has a smoother and more dynamic appearance to take on rivals like the X5.

The new Disco will be based on the same bonded and riveted aluminium monocoque as the lord of the manor Range Rover and its Sport brother, all of which aims to ensure a strong off-road package while being substantially lighter than the previous generation.

Engine options have yet to be confirmed, especially for SA, but we expect Land Rover to focus on its new Ingenium engine family.

Land Rover SA has already confirmed that the new Ingenium diesel engine will arrive in 2017 in the Evoque so we should see that along with the 2.0l petrol.

What we are not likely to see is the Discovery 5 hybrid, which will use the 2.0l Ingenium petrol engine linked to an electric motor inside the eight-speed automatic gearbox.

This combination is expected to give the vehicle an electric-only range of around 22km in town. However, the engineers have tailored it to also provide just the right amount of torque when you are offroad.

The final piece of tech is not entirely going to be in the car at all. According to our sources, the promised Remote Drive system will debut in the new model.

Motoring briefs

Car seat safety Cars are dangerous to children, who can be gravely injured in a crash. To prevent this, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has laws that require children to sit in car seats and booster seats up to a specified age. In general, children must sit in the back seat of the vehicle from their first car ride as a newborn. The first car seats are rear-facing and are used until the child reaches the maximum weight or height, at which time they are put into a forwardfacing car seat. These seats use a harness to secure children. Children must use the forward-facing seat until they reach the maximum weight and height allowed by the manufacturer. Before they are able to sit directly in the car, children must ride in a booster seat, which aligns them properly with the shoulder and lap belt used by adults.

In order to be effective, car seats must be installed correctly. Proper installation involves the use of a seat belt or the LATCH attachment system. Failure to properly secure the car seat can cause it and the child to be ejected from the car or tossed around inside of it. Additionally, children must always be secured as directed in their car seats at all times.

Distracted driving When people think of distracted driving, it is usually cell phones that come to mind. While talking and texting definitely meet the definition, they are not the only distractions that occur when driving. Anything that divides a driver’s attention is considered to be a distraction.

It may be a cognitive distraction and take the driver’s mind from driving, or it may be manual, in which case it causes drivers to remove their hands from the wheel. Distractions may also be visual in nature, causing the driver to take their eyes from the road. Often, distractions that happen in the car involve all three types. To avoid any of these from happening, commit to driving and nothing else whenever the car is in motion. This means setting up music to play before driving, turning off all electronic devices, and doing things like putting on makeup or shaving prior to getting in the car.

48

SUNDAY September 4, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Business

Kebbi Bank provides mortgage for 400 houses

When was the bank established?

Kebbi State Home Savings and Loans Bank was established in the year 1995, with N20 million paid up capital. It is owned by the Kebbi State Government, 21 local government councils and some individuals in the state.

Alhaji Isah Abubakar Tunga is the Managing Director of the Kebbi State Home Savings and Loans Bank, which was established to provide mortgages at reasonable rates and facilitate affordable houses to low income earners and also provide short term loans to its customers.

In this interview with ABUBAKAR ABDUL, he speaks on the success of the company

What is the relationship between the bank and the government of Kebbi State?

The leadership of any organisation can be very strenuous, talk more of a financial institution, especially in this period of economic recession affecting the nation. However, the government supports and cooperates with the management of the bank, which is very appreciative by the bank.

What are the aims and objectives of the bank?

The aim of establishing the bank is to create mortgages at a reasonable rate in providing affordable housing to low income earners and others in the state and beyond. Through the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme, the bank has been able to provide houses for over 400 civil servants at Gwadangaji, Gesse Phases I and II and Adamu Aliero Housing Estate. The bank has been able to provide mortgage loans to many of its customers to build houses, renovate their homes and purchase houses of their own. The bank also provides short term loans and advances to our esteemed customers so as to enable them solve some major and minor problems.

Some of our customers have built houses through these loans. The management of the bank also has been able to encourage the shareholders of the bank to increase the paid up capital of the bank to N 2.4 billion before the deadline given by the Central Bank of Nigeria revised guideline. Finally, the bank has also provided jobs for the indigenes of Kebbi State by employing over 75 indigenes as workers in the bank.

Success Nuggets Victor Okwudiri 08037674300 (SMS only)

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bout a fortnight ago, precisely the 13th day of August, 2016, I was privileged to address an international youth conference at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. It was an awesome experience. One of the things I spoke about was the imperative of maximising the youthful season. I will attempt to share that thought here. I think it is correct to place the average human life span at 75 years. Let us use that as a working number for this discourse.

The number ‘75’ leaves us with three sets of ‘25’. That means that a person who has lived for 25 years has lived one-third of his life, speaking on the average.

The three sets of 25 years that make up 75 years can be likened to the morning, afternoon and evening of our lives. Now, let us do a proper analysis of these three sets of 25 years.

AGE 1 - 25 This is the morning of life. It is can be compared to 6:00am to 11:59am.

The question is, “What characterise the morning?” See the list below: 1. Waking up, sometimes reluctantly.

2. Planning the day (if not done the previous night).

3. Getting set for work.

4. A light breakfast, as advised by nutritionists.

5. Slow movement (sometimes) due to heavy traffic on the road (especially for those who live in Lagos). Let us apply it to life, in

Abdul

What are the procedures or criteria to obtain loans from the bank?

You have to be a customer of the bank before you can enjoy any benefit of the bank.

The bank has set out conditions/criteria to which you have to comply with before getting any facility.

Is the bank operating the same way with commercial banks?

The bank is a mortgage bank and others are deposit banks. The bank’s authorised shareholding is N 2.5 billion and the Com-

mercial bank is N 25 billion and we are only allowed to operate within the state but commercial banks operate nationally.

How is the relationship between the staffs of the bank and the customers?

We ensure that the best practice within the banking industry is adopted. And as our corporate culture, all staff are to make sure that; our customers are always happy and satisfied with our services. We also have a customer care centre where all customer related issues are handled by professionally trained staffs in the operations department.

The internal challenges are the attitudes of our people. The bank belongs to the people of Kebbi State and therefore needs to have 100 per cent patronage from the Kebbians, but they prefer the other commercial banks.

The management will continue to offer great products and services to its customers and also improve our services approach for new and existing customers. Also, the management will continue to learn and adopt new and current techniques within the industry in creating wealth and adding values to our shareholders.

Does the bank have branches?

We have four branches across the state.

We have branches in cities like Yauri, Zuru, Aliero and Argungu. The bank operates within the state, but we also transact businesses beyond the state.

Are the services of the bank opened only to just Kebbi State civil servants?

The services of the bank are not restricted to just civil servants, but to all indigenes of Kebbi State who are willing to transact businesses with the bank.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your educational background?

Well, I am Isah Abubakar Tunga. I was born on October 27, 1960. I started my Primary education in 1968. I had secondary school education from 1974 to 1979 in Sokoto State College of Arts and Sciences, and finally, University Education between 1982 and 1985 at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. I had my youth service also between 1985 and 1986 in Ogun State and started working in 1987 at the office of the former Auditor General, Sokoto State, just before Kebbi State was created.

What have been the major challenges so far?

Well, there are both external and internal challenges faced by the bank. The main external challenge is the restriction imposed by the regulatory bodies like Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) on some services the bank offers to its customers, such as short term loans, project finance, business loans and others that are not mortgage in nature.

Lifematics the light of the discourse at hand. The first 25 years of your life is when you are born and begin to get set for life. You make mistakes and are allowed to. It is the time you plan your life. So much responsibility is not placed on you, as you are still learning the ropes of life. Things do not really fall in place, especially in terms of your aspirations, because time is still processing you.

AGE 26 - 50 This can be regarded as the afternoon of life.

It can be compared to 12:00pm to 5:59pm.

Now, the question “What characterise the afternoon period?”

By afternoon, people should have been on top of their game. The craft of work should not still be on the runway, taking off, but should have gained stability in the air. People are putting in additional effort to beat targets before it is close of work. As nutritionists advice, people eat heavier foods, compared to the morning period.

How does this analogy apply to reality?

Here is it: the second 25 years of your life (age 26 - 50) is the time to give life all it takes.

It is the time to get serious and consciously minimise your mistakes, having learnt the ropes. It is the time to sit up and stay up. It is the time to put on the toga of hard work and practical responsibility. It is the time to embark on huge projects with audacity of faith. Humanly speaking, the second 25 years of your life defines your life and what you will be remembered for. You cannot afford to SLEEP at this stage, else you will SLIP. AGE 51 - 75 This can be regarded as the evening of life.

It can be compared to 6pm to 11:59pm.

What characterise the evening period?

In the evening, people begin to get set to retire home, and eventually retire home. Except for workaholics, only little is done, as people are tired and the body needs rest. Sometimes,

especially with conscientious people, the mind plays back events of the day - retrospection. Dinner is usually light, and, eventually, people fall asleep (it is important to note that, figuratively, sleep is a metaphor for death).

Let us apply this to reality.

In the third (not necessarily last, though) 25 years of life (51 - 75), not so much is achievable, compared to the second 25 years of life.

This is especially so, if the first and second 25 years of life (from birth to 50 years) are wasted. Of course, one cannot build something on nothing and expect it to stand. So says Lord Denning, Master of the Rolls (MR).

From 51 - 75, retirement sets in. Diminishing returns sets in. Life begins to experience an anti-climax. What stares one in the face, most likely, is the life lived in younger days, and the consequences (or results, as it were).

Eternity beckons.

AGE 76 AND BEYOND By the foregoing analogy, I did not mean to suggest that one must die at 75. I hope you catch the spirit of the analogy, not just the letter. Of course, there are people who live beyond 100 years. The question, therefore, is, how do we place them in terms of the foregoing analysis. Well, I will describe age 76 and above as being akin to midnight and post-midnight. However, that is not the focus of this piece. The focus of this piece is to challenge you to make the most of NOW (the present moment).

If you are a young person reading this, particularly post-25, I want you to note that there is no time to waste. If you are up to 25, I want you to know that it is already afternoon, and life is counting fast. I therefore, charge you to WAKE UP, SIT UP and STAY UP. So, on your marks, get set, GO! You will succeed.

Please follow me on Twitter @VictorOkwudiri

Life Beer rewards 30 entrepreneurs with N7.5m Edwin Usoboh

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ife Continental Beer has rewarded 30 more entrepreneurs with a total of N7.5 million on its popular radio programme, Life Progress Booster show targeted at innovative businessmen and women in the South-east.

The presentation of prizes to the entrepreneurs took place recently at Mimi’s Bar All Season Avenue, Owerri, where 20 winners selected on the radio programme and another 10 selected for their outstanding business proposals at the venue, were rewarded with N250,000 each for their business ideas. It would be recalled that earlier in June, the brand presented N7.5 million to a set of 30 winners in Enugu.

While addressing guests at the event, Funso Ayeni, Senior Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream Brands, NB Plc, said: “We believe in the strength and capacity of the people of the South-east to thrive even amidst hardship and a recession, but we also believe progress can only be achieved with support, especially for excellent business ideas. We have a lot of people with those wonderful ideas with us here today so there is a need to connect with them to ensure they make progress with those ideas. That’s why the Progress Booster show was specially created for the people of the South-east.

“We started with 50 winners in 2015, and this year, we are targeting 200 winners. So far, we have had 60 winners. We still have room to receive, select and support more viable business ideas.”

Some past winners at the event shared their experiences and achievements with the audience thanking Life Beer for supporting their businesses. They encouraged the new winners to make good use of the support given to them, and also implored the audience to participate in the competition.

Other participants at the venue went home with various consolation prizes.

49

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

Market Mood perks up … as NSEASI Gains 1.11% WoW

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espite the unimpressive economic reports released during the week, Nigerian Equities Market All Share Index (NSEASI) appreciated in three (3) of the five (5) trading days of the week by 1.11% WtD to settle the YtD return at -3.09%. While volume of transactions declined by -0.21%, value of transactions appreciated by +0.02% from the prior week.

We partly attribute the market performance in the week to 8.59% appreciation in share price of DANGCEM following the news of 60% increase in the selling price of Dangote Cement. However, Ex-DANGCEM the index gained 1.04% WtD. 7UP (+28.23%), WEMABANK (+17.19%), SEPLAT (+15.76%), PRESCO (+11.88%) and SKYEBANK (+8.47%) were the outperformers, while the laggards’ chart was led

by MAYBAKER (-19.80%) during the week.

Market breadth pegged at 0.94x, representing twenty- nine (29) gainers, as against thirty- one (31) decliners in the week.

In the week, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released Q2: 2016 GDP report highlighting the decline in the Nigerian economy by 2.06% YoY in real terms compared to -0.36% in Q1: 2016 and 2.35% in Q2: 2015, guiding the country officially into recession. In addition, headline inflation grew to 17.12% YoY (vs. 16.5% in June 2016) which was largely driven by increase in the prices of imported goods, energy and liquid/ solid fuels.

Furthermore, we note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has lifted the Foreign Exchange (FOREX) dealing ban placed on nine banks over breach in remittance to the Treasury Single Account.

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: Average Money Market Rate Pegs at 14.17% Despite the NGN592bn OMO sales which tempered financial system liquidity during the week, OBB and OVN rates declined by 5.17% and 3.59% WoW to settle at 13.00% and 15.33% accordingly. Consequently, average money market rate pegged at 14.17% WoW. In the Treasury bond space, average yield advanced marginally by 0.02% WoW. Demand was generally weak along the short end of the curve as yields across the APR2017, JUL-2017, AUG-2017, MAY-2018, MAR-2024 and MAR-2036 instruments advanced by 0.76%, 0.40%, 0.36%, 0.18%, 0.05% and 0.03% respectively.

Treasury bill auction worth NGN212.85 held during the week. The auction was oversubscribed across all tenors with a bidto-cover ratio of 2.17x (91-Day), 2.10x (182Day) and 2.60x (364-Day). The stop rates for the 91 days, 182 days and 365 days were 14.39%, 17.50% and 18.42% accordingly.

In the interbank market, Naira appreciated against the Dollar at the close of the trading week, after advancing by 0.06% WoW to peg the mid-spot rate at NGN314.77/USD. Conversely, Naira at the parallel market depreciated by 2.37% WoW to close at NGN422/USD. Average forward quote closed at NGN309.64/USD for the week.

Agric Sector: PRESCO advances by 11.88% WoW The agricultural sector recorded a positive outing this week, as the MERI-AGRI index appreciated by 6.48% WoW to settle the YtD return at 28.59%. Market breadth stayed at equilibrium, after equal number (1) of stock appreciated and declined in value at the close of trading activities this week.

PRESCO emerged as the lone gainer, after it advanced by 11.89% WoW to close at

having appreciated by 4.92% to close at NGN31.57, followed by DANGCEM which gained 1.45%. Conversely, CUTIX recorded additional loss (-9.09%) this week to emerge as the lead decliner. The counter was trailed by WAPCO, after shedding 2.76% to settle at NGN56.40 We attribute the sector’s performance to a mix of bargain hunting and profit taking activities on DANGCEM, while CAP’s upward trend continued. In the coming week, we anticipate mix of sentiments on the counters, as events unfold in the economy.

NGN45.30. On the flip side, LIVESTOCK pared by 4.30% WoW to settle at NGN0.93.

The recently released GDP figure revealed that the Nigerian Agriculture sector grew resiliently by 4.53% in Q2:2016 (vs 3.49% in Q2:2015 and 3.09% in Q1:2016) despite the weak economic fundamentals occasioned by global crude oil price shock.

Following this development, we expect investors’ sentiment towards the sector to remain positive over the long term.

Banking Sector: CBN Removes Restriction on Suspended Banks As measured by the MERI-BNK Index, the banking sector closed positive at the end of this week, after advancing by 0.88% WoW to peg the YtD return at 14.10%. Sector’s breadth at 1.6x represents eight (8) gainers against five (5) decliners in the week.

WEMABANK led the advancers, after appreciating by 17.19% to close at NGN0.75.

The ticker was followed by SKYEBANK, FCMB, FBNH and ETI which recorded respective price gains of 8.47%, 6.48%, 4.95% and 3.08%. On the flip side, the decliners’ list was populated by UNITYBNK (-10.71%), FIDELITYBK (-5.15%), ZENITHBANK (-3.27%), UBA (-2.25%) and STERLNBANK (-0.98%).

We attribute the sector’s WoW gains to renewed investors confidence following the news about lifting of ban on the suspended banks. We expect this positive investor sentiments to continue into the coming week.

Consumer Goods Sector: Sector Returns +1.10%WtD Positive momentum was sustained for the third consecutive week, as measured by our MERI-CMG index which gained 1.10% WtD to bolster YtD return to -3.21% at the close of the week. The sector breadth stood at 1x implying six (6) gainers and decliners apiece.

At the close of the week, 7UP (+28.23%) led the gainers’ chart, closing at NGN144.90,

followed by CADBURY (+4.29%), PZ (+2.75%), GUINNESS (+1.23%) and NB (+0.68%) while HONYFLOUR (-3.68%) led the laggards’ chart to close at NGN1.31.

CHAMPION (-2.30%), UNILEVER (-1.81%), DANGFLOUR (-1.55%) and FLOURMILL (-1.30%) trailed behind.

We opine that the sector’s performance this week was purely dictated by overall market sentiments, as investors continue to take positions on counters that have traded below their intrinsic value in prior weeks.

We expect the general market sentiment to continue to dictate the mood on the sector counters in the following week. However, we advise investors to trade cautiously.

Healthcare Sector: MAYBAKER sheds 19.80%, closes at NGN0.81 The sector performance as measured by the MERI-HLTH index revealed a WoW gain of 2.54%, settling the YtD return at -43.64%. The sector breadth pegged at 2.00x representing two (2) gainers as against one decliner in the week.

FIDSON and GLAXOSMITH consolidated on their gains from last week, advancing by 4.12% and 2.70% to close at NGN1.77 and NGN19.01 respectively.

Serving as the major drag to the sector, MAYBAKER’s share price waned significantly by 19.80% WoW to settle at NGN0.81.

Despite the weak macro-economic fundamentals released in the week, the Healthcare Sector witnessed a streak of positive sentiments. We do not expect this momentum to be sustained for longer Industrial Goods: CAP advances further by 4.92% WoW The Industrial goods sector recorded gains this week, as the MERI-IND index appreciated by 1.17% Wow to drive the YtD return to -0.46%. There were equal number (2) of gainers and decliners during the week, as indicated by the sector breadth (1.0x).

CAP topped the gainers’ chart again,

Insurance Sector: NSEINS10 advances by 0.89% WoW Activities on insurance stocks were marginally strong during the week, with the NSEINS10 advancing by 0.89% WoW to settle the YtD loss at 9.14%. In the week, the sector breadth closed at 4.00x reflecting four (4) advancers and a lone decliner.

AIICO topped the gainers’ chart for the week, after the counter appreciated by 6.45% WoW to close at NGN0.66. This counter was trailed by CONTINSURE, CUSTODYINS, MANSARD which gained 4.00%, 2.56%, and 1.02% respectively.

Conversely, NEM emerged as the sector’s worst performer, having pared by 7.78% WoW to close at NGN0.83. All other counters traded flat.

Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc released its FY2015 financial result during the week.

The Gross Premium Written (GWP) and Gross Premium Earned (GPE) trimmed by 5.52% and 11.16% YoY respectively. Consequently, the Profit before Taxes (PBT) and Profit after Taxes (PAT) shrunk by 76.00% and 80.77% YoY from NGN4.98bn and NGN4.22bn in 2014.

In the coming week, we expect the sector’s performance to be dictated by the general market mood in the absence of any sector specific news flow. Although, we see some possibilities of bargain hunting on some sector stocks.

Oil & Gas Sector: SEPLAT gains 15.76% WoW The sector continued its bullish run in the week, after advancing in three (3) out of five (5) trading days of the week. The NSEOILG5 index advanced by 4.12% WoW, pegging the YtD return at -12.81%.

There were two (2) gainers against four (4) decliners, indicating a market breadth of 0.5x.

SEPLAT and MOBIL featured on the gainers’ chart after appreciating by 15.76% and 5.00% WoW to close at NGN318.33 and NGN275.00 accordingly. Contrarily, CONOIL (-4.99% WoW), OANDO (-4.80% WoW), ETERNA (-0.36% WoW) and TOTAL (-0.01% WoW) declined at the end of the trading week.

Crude oil prices lowered, during the week, as US crude inventory increased significantly above expectation. The continuous appreciation of the US Dollars in the week, also took its toll on price. Brent crude settled at USD46.75pb as at Friday 2nd September 2016.

We anticipate bargain hunting activities on some stocks in the week.

Services Sector: TRANSEXPR gains 4.08%, closes at NGN1.02 The paltry trading activities in the Services Sector this week was indicated by the sideways WoW return as measured by MERISERV Index. The Year-to-date return remained at -5.34% at the close of the week.

Sector breadth for the week stood at 0.33x representing three (3) decliners as against lone advancer.

TRANSEXPR, which advanced by 4.08%, was the only gainer in the week. ACADEMY, AIRSERVICE and CAVERTON on the other hand, pared by 8.90%, 3.51% and 3.38% respectively.

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SUNDAY September 4, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

Tete-te tete

Should Catholic Priests still hold onto the doctrine of celibacy

•Andrew Eshemomoh Catholic doctrine says that once one is a Priest, then marriage should be off the person’s mind.

Priesthood is a lifetime affair just like marriage; but the truth is that we are all humans eventually, some will be faithful and some will be tempted. I have seen situations where seminarians are tempted by girls or married women into having an affair with them. I have equally seen a situation where Rev. Sisters (Nuns) are being tempted by men, even married men to sleep with them. It’s everywhere because the devil keeps working in different forms just to make sure that the children of God are distracted from the work they are meant to do.

•Godswill CC. Iheonunekwu I think the Catholic Church should do something about this issue. The Bible has a stand which everyman should follow to serve God normally. The Bible did not mandate anyone not to marry, even Paul himself in the Bible said that to avoid fornication and all these sins, a man should have his own wife; one man, one wife but since these priests who are meant to be celibates are actually having secret affairs, then they should be allowed to marry because the Bible didn’t say that a man should not marry.

•KELECHI ANSELM They should keep abstaining from sexual relations and not be discouraged because some Priests are failing in that area. It doesn’t mean that celibacy should be scrapped. These priests heard God’s call and having answered, they should keep away from marriage and sex as their sacrifice to be Reverend Fathers as is required of them.

•MRS CHUKWUKA

Priests are human beings as the bible made us understand.

Human beings are bound to fall; all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. So I would say they should continue serving God, ask for forgiveness and keep holding unto their faith.

I

• Grace Samuel

totally agree that Priests should be allowed to marry. They are humans and have feelings; at least, they should have children and be married as priests to avoid unnecessary scandals. But meanwhile it would be really nice if they are given a chance to marry and still stick to their vocation.

•Patrick Igwe Chinedu

Humans are not supposed to judge anyone but let’s call a spade a space. If anyone Catholic Priest deviates from his vow to serve God with a life of celibacy, he is not worthy to be called a priest. Once one is a priest that person should focus on that vocation and if eventually he flops, it tarnishes not just his image but also the image of the Catholic Church. If I am a Priest or bishop, I won’t hesitate to sack or dismiss a priest that has secret affair because I have been to a seminary school and I know the rules and regulations.

• PATIENCE DANIEL

All churches have their own doctrines and so the Catholic Church should not dump theirs.

At the same time I see n o t h i n g wrong in men of God getting married. They should be allowed to do whatsoever they want to do. Instead of falling into sin against God, they should just get married.

•LEONARD MADU I’m a Catholic and I think they should continue with that. Most Pentecostals may not agree with it. You see catholic priests are more spiritual; the reason is because there is no form of distraction from their family. Raising a family is not easy; it takes a lot of time, dedication and all of that. This is why some Pentecostal Pastors face challenges; in fact some Pentecostal Pastors have children that are into cultism and other vices.

Compiled by Judith Onyebuchi and Eunice Stephen

Abi-

•Jackson soye When people talk about this issue of Catholic priests having secret affairs, it doesn’t really surprise me because it happens everywhere. For now, I don’t want to dabble into judging the reason Catholic Church choose celibacy, because I don’t have the power to judge anyone. But this problem of Priests having secrets wives or children will keep going on because humans will always be humans. Priests are not programmed, they are not perfect neither are they spirits, therefore they are bound to fall into the sins of the flesh and probably other sins

• ASOBO CHARLES

I think because other Catholics in the Catholic Church are married they may want to agitate for priests to equally get married too.

There is no big deal about that to me, if they decide now after so many years to start getting married, it isn’t bad. So I think they should be allowed to reproduce, that is my opinion.

•CHARLES NDAGUBA I think they should hold onto the doctrine.

There is a place in the Bible that St Paul said if you cannot hold the craving for sex, go and marry.

Some Reverend Fathers are committing fornication because they are compelled to go to the seminary; not that they have call of God. The Roman Catholic Church has great respect, if they stop the doctrine now, it will be like other churches. My advice for the Catholic Church is to watch the kind of people it ordains as reverends and screen them more strictly.

•CELESTINE ROWLAND They should follow their doctrine o, there should be nothing like them getting married. Once they start getting married, they will start committing sins (you will start seeing priests in clubs with their wives). Look at the life of Jesus Christ; he never got married. Priests should follow the exemplary life he led. If they should drop their life of celibacy now, the Catholic Church will be like other churches. They should continue with life celibacy.

51

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

INTERVIEW

My heart bleeds when I see children roaming the streets -Ossai How long have you been running a foundation?

I have been into humanitarian aid for about five years. I did my training with a number of organisations and have a certificate in humanitarian aid. I just came back from South Africa where I went for NGO leadership training in humanitarian programme.

What motivated you into becoming involved with NGO activities?

My main motivation came when I looked around the environment and saw a lot of things that are not right.

We cannot wait for government to do everything for us. Many children in this country need help and as individuals, we can support them in our own little ways.

Even our foundation, we seek support from individuals, to see that we have a better Nigeria because the children are leaders of tomorrow. Another goal of the foundation is my background that I have been privileged to have a lot of the good things of life.

There are many foundations in the country that are into the same children thing.

What makes your foundation different from others?

It is our goals, objectives and it is how we go about them. We don’t just give support to less privileged and physically challenged children, but we have a follow up strategy. We create an interaction platform where we talk about a lot of things for the benefit of the children.

Also, we encouraged parents through our seminars, where they learn how to treat their children properly and show them love. We have a passion for what we are doing and we don’t have a foundation because we want to operate foundation like others. We create relationships with parents of the less privileged and physical challenged children through follow ups. So a lot of things make us different from other foundations, also we are an organisation with a heart for humanity.

What are some of the activities that your organisation has undertaken since its establishment?

We have been able to do so many things in the communities in Lagos State. We host the children every May 27 (Children's Day) as we always bring about 27 schools to together for interactive session, debates, drama and gifts are given to them at the end of the day. We visit various orphanages and lend our support to them through financial assistance. We have visited the Abuja Internally Displaced Peoples’ (IDP) camp, where we were able to identify with them, give them support and listen to their own stories. You know that the IDP camp came to be as result of the Boko Haram insurgents in the North East region of the country.

What is the challenge in operating a foundation in Nigeria?

The basic challenge is funding and manpower;

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Warc Foundation, Mr Uwaka Ossai, is a graduate of Education Studies from the Lagos State University, Lagos. He speaks with STANLEY IHEDIGBO on his passion for children and other issues these are factors that affect the speed of our work or drive. We don’t want to rely on corporate bodies or government for funding. We, ourselves can create little things to raised funds. Like some of our programmes, we have introduced an appeal card for child’s sponsorship which costs N1000 and there are individuals who are willing to pay that amount for a child.

Does your foundation have affiliation or partnership with international bodies?

We have international partnerships and as I told you earlier, I took part in a course in South Africa on NGO leadership management last year. The institute has trained our staff and volunteers who are willing to function well in the humanitarian field. That was a work of development for the foundation and we are still seeking more partnerships with other international organisations that are in tune with

what we are doing. So, on our own, what we do is that we create enough awareness for ourselves and create a brand with many activities.

What is your assessment of government’s role in child abuse in the country?

When you say child abuse, there are a lot of factors to be considered. Because a child can be abused in various ways and I can tell you that child abuse is deeper than we think. A common perception is that child abuse is when a child is sexually abused but it goes beyond that. You can talk to a child wrongly and it abuses the right of the child. As a foundation, we are trying to work towards child abused, child rape, and molestation awareness in the country, educate parents and guardians that any means of child abuse is not something we want to welcome in Nigeria. The world is standing up against child abuse and Nigeria will not be left behind.

Looking at the challenges being faced by children in Nigeria as result of parents being unable to look after them properly, do you believe we should borrow the former Chinese system of limiting the number of children couples can have?

When we talk about China, we should not forget that they have a population of over a billion and Nigeria is less than 200 million - if we go by available statistics for each country. Even then, we are the largest black country in Africa in terms of population, but the policy in China is to control child birth, where parents are allowed to have two children by law. I don’t think we should borrow such system because if government and parents work together, why would they not be able to take care of children? I believe, every parent should be allowed to have as many as they want so far they are able to take care of them.

There was a time Nigeria government introduced four children policy for parents. Can’t we go back to that policy?

Four children policy may be enough but we are in Africa and comparing ourselves with the Asians, Americans and Europeans will not help us. And in Africa, we believe that children are wealth and if you have as much as you can in children, God has blessed the person. But what I believe is that we should create a situation whereby when we bring children into the world, we are able to carter for them.

What is your advice to government in the area of NGOs concerning children abuse and other related issues in the country?

Government should create an enabling environment for individuals with a big heart that want to help and support children. Because if you look at it properly, most of the things, we are doing is what government should be doing. We want to assist government as we are planning to establish a school and, make it free as much possible for children in Lagos State.

Also, we want to partner with other NGOs and government to create more shelters at the IDP camps.

What is your philosophy in life?

To put a smile on that one person’s face every day.

How do you relax?

I read books and reading has helped me in life.

Describe yourself in one word?

Simple!

What is your favourite colour?

I am not into colours.

52

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

news

Shootout at Ondo APC primary •As Abraham, Oke, Akeredolu, Boroface in early lead Babatope Okeowo

yesterday as results were being collated.

superiority battle between men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and their Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) counterparts at the venue of the governorship primary of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Saturday lead to a shootout between the two uniformed parties.

The incident led to pandemonium among aspirants, delegates and observers, who were at the International Event Centre (Dome) to witness the election of the flag bearer of the party ahead of the November 26 governorship election in the state.

Even as the quartet of Segun Abraham, Olusola Oke, Rotimi Akeredolu and Ajayi Boroface were in early lead

However, the shooting incident, according to eye witnesses, started earlier in the day when the men of the Police walked out two NSCDC officials from the venue of the election for not saluting the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Mr Joshak Habila and the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone II that came to monitor the security situation at the venue.

The two senior police officers came to the venue and all the policemen at the entrance stood up to greet their officers. But the two officials of NSCDC sat down without giving proper compliment to them. This made a top female police officer to order the two men out of the venue, leading to bad blood between the two security outfits.

The NSCDC then had an

A Akure

opportunity for revenge later in the day when the Commander of the NSCDC in the state, Mr Adeyinka Fasiu wanted to enter the venue but the mobile policemen at the gate prevented him from entering.

The escort of the Commander, who saw this as an attempt to relegate their boss to the background in the security situation at the venue, then shot sporadically into the air in order to frighten the policemen.

In retaliation, the antiriot policemen shot several bullets and tear gas canisters up into the air leading to apprehension among the people waiting outside the venue.

Many people at the venue who inhaled the tear gas coughed severally.

Some delegates, aspirants, reporters and observers had to run for cover in order not to be caught in the faceoff.

However, there was no casualty during the melee.

It took the intervention of other top security officers to bring the situation under control.

As at the time of filing the report, the security situation had been brought under control while voting has continued.

Meanwhile, Mr Adeuti Stephen Taiye has emerged the flag bearer of the Labour party (LP) in the November 26 governorship election in the state.

Adeuti was unanimously adopted by the party delegates after his only challenger, Olugbenga Julius Ojo stepped down for him during the exercise held in Akure.

The returning officer for the election and Deputy National Chairman of the party Com. Ladi Iliya commended the aspirants for the spirit of sportsmanship and charged them to continue in this direction for the party’s success in the forthcoming election.

L-R: General Manager, Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON),Mr. Gboyega Banjo; Chairman, 20th Festival Planning Committee, Mr. Akitoye Ibare-Akinsan; Founding member, Mrs. Francesa Emmanuel and Vice Chairman, MUSON, Mr. Loius Mbanefo, at a press conference to announce 2016 MUSON Festival of Arts in Lagos.

PHOTO:GODWIN IREKHE

LG bosses draw FG’s attention to deplorable roads Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

T

he deplorable state of the Owazza-Obehie-Azumini federal highway in Ukwa East and Ukwa West Local Government Areas of Abia State has become a nightmare to the people even as the transition committee chairmen of the two sister councils have called on the Federal Government to commence immediate rehabilitation of the road to save the people from further loss.

Speaking at a town hall meeting organised by a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Partners for Peace (P4P) in the Niger Delta area, the Council bosses of Ukwa West Hon. Ikpechukwu Onuoha and his counterpart from Ukwa East Hon. Uzoma Azunna called on the Federal Government to hasten

action on the rehabilitation of the Owaza-Obehie-Azumini Road.

They held that the area deserved the attention of the Federal Government since it was the only oil producing area in the country where oil facilities have not been attacked by any militant group, saying that the road was strategic as it linked Abia State with Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers states.

Addressing the meeting, chairman of the event, Barrister Pedro Azuogu lauded the peaceful disposition of the oil producing communities in Ukwa East and Ukwa West council areas for exercising restraint in the face of incessant destruction of oil facilities in other parts of the Niger Delta embroiled in militancy.

Azuogu noted that Abia as an oil producing state has not witnessed militancy

in the Ukwa area which he described as “the fulcrum of where oil is domiciled” and urged them to ensure that the peace is sustained.

He however said that there had been reports in recent

times that some traditional rulers have been at loggerheads as to whose actual Community the oil and therefore who should control same and make representation to the oil companies.

Uwazurike begs Buhari: Grant Biafra independence

L

eader of the Biafra Independent Movement, BIM, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to grant Biafra independence.

Uwazuruike in a statement by the group’s Director of Information, Chris Mocha, said Igbos’ continuous claim to Nigeria meant adopting slavery, corruption, poverty, marginalisation, inequality and instability.

He said that secession of Biafra will be good for Nigeria and all

other ethnic nationalities, adding “If I will not get Biafra, I wouldn’t have come out to start talking about it in the first place and the non-violent method which I understudied for years in India would be defeated.

“We are firm that Biafra can never be wished away. Therefore, under the present circumstance, we humbly apply to be admitted, registered or treated as the case may be in any of the organ of the United Nations, having denounced our Nigerian nationality,” he said.

Tension in varsities as FG fails to pay lecturers’ entitlements Umar Abdullahi

R Sokoto

efusal of the Federal Government to pay university lecturers their entitlements as it agreed with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is generating tension at the nation’s ivory towers.

Our Correspondent learnt at the weekend that the situation may snowball into a major crisis if government continues to remain adamant on the matter.

The Sokoto Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Dr. Lawal Argungu gave the warning at a news conference on Saturday in Sokoto.

The union also decried the reduction of the Federal Government’s allocation to the education sector from 11 per cent in 2015 to 8 per cent in 2016.

He said: “The way the Federal Government treats the funding of education in this country makes it difficult for ASUU to believe its sincerity in reforming the education sector in Nigeria.”

According to him, it is certainly quite possible for the education sector to be repositioned appropriately if priorities are right.

He said that the union is willing to use every legitimate instrument at its disposal to ensure that government funds universities as contained in the valid agreements.

He also lamented that, out of the over N1.3 trillion ear-

marked for the revitalization of the Nigerian universities in 2013, there was still an arrears of N605 billion.

According to him the revitalization was part of the agreement reached between the union and the Federal Government, to be accomplished from 2013 to 2018.

He added that the union is disappointed with the way government breached this very important agreement.

Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has lamented on the way and manner the Kebbi State Government was handling the running of it Science and Technology University in Aliero.

The Sokoto Zonal Coordinator of the union, Dr Lawal Argungu, expressed the disappointment of the union at a press conference in Sokoto on Saturday.

He said from the union’s observation, there are indicate that the state government relegated education in the state to the background. He lamented that with the monthly overhead of N5million only, since inception to date, the university can be considered abandoned by the government.

According to him the state government has left the university without a Governing Council for over one year, saying this is the only university in the world where all its Principal Officers are in acting capacity, including the Vice Chancellor, due to the absence of the Governing Council.

Sultan of Sokoto declares Sept.12 Eid-El Kabir day

T

he Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III,has declared Monday, Sept. 12 as the Eid-El-Kabir Day, 1437 AH. This followed the declaration of Saturday, September 3 as the 1st of Zulhijja, 1437 AH. This was contained in a statement signed by Prof.

Sambo Junaidu, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council of Sokoto and issued to newsmen in Sokoto on Friday night.

It said, ‘’The committee, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee received reports from various Moon sighting committees across the country. ‘’ The reports confirmed the sighting of the New Moon of Zulhijja, 1437 AH, on Friday, Sept.2, 2016, which was the 29th day of Zulka’ada, 1437 AH. ‘’ The Sultan and President, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs ( NSCIA), accepted the reports and

accordingly declared Saturday, Sept.3, 2016, as the first day of Zulhijja,1437 AH,” the statement said.

It noted that Sept.12,2016, which will be equivalent to 10th Zulhijja, will be marked as this year’s EidEl-Kabir.

The statement further quoted the Sultan as felicitating with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wished them Allah’s guidance, as well as blessings.

The Sultan also urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country and wishes all Muslims a happy Eid-El-Kabir.

CHANGE OF NAME ADEYEMI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Babatunde Memunat Aduke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeyemi Memunat Omowumi. All former documents remain valid.

Eco Bank, GTBank and General public take note.

53

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

Body&Soul

Crossword puzzle

Powerful Prayers K

im and Ray were very close companions.

They were neighbours, classmates at school, and later, colleagues at work.

One day, they decided to go on a sea voyage to explore strange lands. They began their voyage in a cruise ship, and travelled far and wide.

However, in the course of their trip, the weather turned very destructive. The ship was wrecked in the middle of the ocean. Most of the passengers were killed, but Kim and Ray could swim to a nearby island.

The island was deserted; not even a tree was there.

Kim and Ray realized that they could not survive on the island without divine intervention. They decided to pray to God. They wanted to see whose prayer would be more powerful. Kim moved to the eastern tip of the island, knelt down and began to pray there. Ray went to the western tip of the island and prayed there.

Kim prayed to God to give him food to survive.

Surprisingly, he got a pile of food, fruits and vegetables on the sea shore.

After two days, he requested for a beautiful girl as his wife, as he was feeling very lonely on the island. In a few hours, there was a ship wreck near the island and a lone survivor; a beautiful girl. Kim married the girl.

Whatever Kim prayed for, was granted to him.

Almost a month after the ship wreck, Kim decided to move back to his hometown. He prayed to God to send him a ship to take him home. Sure enough, there came a ship to take Kim and his wife home.

As the couple was about to enter the ship, Kim heard someone speak to him. It was just a voice.

“Are you going alone, leaving your companion of life here?”

Kim was surprised, “May I know who is this and whom you are referring to? I have my wife with me!”

The voice said, “I’m the one to whom you offered your prayers, whom you requested to save your life, and whom you requested food and shelter and of course, a wife!”

Kim knelt down in awe and said, “Thank you God!” Then Kim remembered about Ray, whom he had forgotten all this time. He was overcome with guilt.

God said to him, “I was not answering your prayers. I was only fulfilling Ray’s prayers. He prayed for only one thing! He said ‘Please fulfill all of Kim’s prayers’. That was his only prayer.”

Kim was in tears and rushed to the other side of the island. He realized that he had not even thought about his best friend Ray, and was happily enjoying his own life.

He could not find Ray there. He asked God, “Where is Ray?” God replied, “I took him with me. The man with the golden heart should be with me! But I will fulfill all your prayers as I promised him to do so!”

Kim was completely broken. He realized why his friend’s prayers were more powerful. It was because Ray’s prayers were totally selfless.

Moral: Selflessness is the highest form of prayer.

Math picture

Gags What happened when the cat ate a ball of wool?

Ans: She had mittens!

What did the dentist say to the computer?

Ans: This won’t hurt a byte.

Why did the witch go to the psychiatrist?

Ans: Because she thought everybody loved her.

Why did the song do well in school?

Ans: Because it took a lot of notes!

How do you fix a pizza?

Ans: With tomato paste!

Why did the fly never land on the computer?

Ans: He was afraid of the World Wide Web. How is a snail stronger than an elephant?

Ans: Because an elephant carries his trunk, but a snail carries his house!

What’s grey and goes round and round?

Ans: An elephant in a washing machine!

Celebration

54

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sport

D

ream Team VI chief coach, Samson Siasia, whose team won Nigeria’s only medal at the Rio Olympics 2016, has disclosed that, after the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, apologized to him for calling him a ‘human trafficker’ over the national team’s trip to Atlanta, USA to prepare for the Olympic soccer event, he has forgiven the minister.

The former Lokeren and Nantes FC striker and the only African football coach to win two medals at the Olympics said: “I was very surprised that he accused me of being a human trafficker because I took the team for pre-Olympic training in Atlanta. He has apologised to me for making that statement. The minister has made some mistakes and needs to be guided. But I have decided to let what he said go, no love lust. Life continues.

“Of course, my employers the NFF, knew I was not involved in any human trafficking scandal, so I have no fears. To err is human and thank God the Minister admitted that he made a mistake,” Siasia said.

The former Super Eagles coach also spoke on the kind donation made to the team by Japanese surgeon, Dr. Katsuya Takasu. He noted that the Japanese was an angel from God for the Dream Team VI. “The man came to our rescue when we were in trouble. I must thank

Siasia: I’ve forgiven Dalung for calling me human trafficker

him. He is a wonderful human being. Where were our billionaires, when they must have heard that the team was in trouble? The report written by the NFF’s Integrity Officer, Dr. Christian Emeruwa, on Dr. Takasu which alludes that he could be associated with match-fixing is nonsense. He should have done a better job of checking him out. He was not open- minded in his conclusion.

“We had records that Takasu was a clean man and he also went as far as informing the Japanese Embassy to intimate the Nigerian embassy in Japan about his donation. If Takasu was a criminal, the Japanese high commission should have prevented him from making any donation to the Nigerian team as they have some integrity to protect. “ Siasia was not happy that he was treated shabbily by the NFF despite winning a bronze medal for the country. “I am disappointed by how I and my team has been treated, after being the only ones to bring a medal home for Nigeria. On getting back from

Brazil, we were put up at Sheraton Hotel in Lagos for a night, after which everyone went their separate ways. No official ceremony, not even a handshake from the President. It was the same thing I experienced after winning the silver medal at the 2008 Olympics. I don’t know whether it is my fate to be always treated this way.”

The coach lamented that if he had known that he would be in such dire strait with his job at the NFF, he would never in the first place have taken up the appointment as Dream Team coach. “For the past five months that my employers have failed to pay my salary, I have been relying on friends to survive. There is no excuse for my being owed five months wages.

“I was in this same camp to prepare for the Olympic qualifiers when my mother was kidnapped in my village in Bayelsa.

I remained focused and continued with my job. I have been poorly treated by my employers and that is rather unfortunate,” he said.

Rangers vow to nail Rivers Utd in Enugu Dapo Sotuminu

R

angers International Football Club of Enugu have vowed to nail their week 34 opponent, Rivers United of Port Harcourt in their home game scheduled for the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

Rangers’ players have resolved to grab all three points at stake to boost their position on the league table where they are presently placed second tied on 54 points with Wikki Tourists, when they battle the team from Port harcourt.

A win for Rangers would take the club to the summit of the table with 57 points with five matches remaining out of which they have two away games one of them against relegation threatened Ikorodu United FC of Lagos.

Rangers striker Chimezie Amanfor believes his side are firmly back in the title limelight after a hardfought victory against Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministries (MFM) FC. The Flying Antelopes defeated the Olukoya Boys 1-0 in Thurs-

day’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) rescheduled matchday 30 clash at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

“The victory against MFM FC has once again pushed us into the thick of things. The win feels like it was ordained by God as rain prevented us from playing the match on Wednesday.

“We are back to where we belong and we are keen to hold firm in the remaining matches on the calendar.

“Usually we don’t like to brag as we like our game to speak for us.

We will be ready to fight Rivers United for the three points at stake on Sunday.

“We will not miss the rare opportunity offered b Rivers United to reclaim the summit,” said the former Akwa United and Enyimba striker.

The win against MFM FC has taken the Coal City side to the second spot on the Nigerian topflight log on 54 points, the same as league leaders Wikki Tourists but on inferior goals.

Wikki captain rues slide at NPFL summit

W

ikki Tourists captain and right back, Mustapha Ibrahim has said his side will have themselves to blame if the Bauchi outfit missed the league title in the on-going top-flight.

The Bauchi-based side failed to create a clear lead at the summit with a 1-1 draw against Lobi Stars in Wednesday’s top-flight rescheduled matchday 30 clash at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium (ATBS) in Bauchi.

Ibrahim said he is quite disappointed that his side failed to

win the clash to establish a clear lead at the summit.

“The league title is right there in our hands but we are the one misusing the rare opportunity to seal the deal.

“A convincing win against Lobi Stars would have established us firmly at the summit as we will not be in action at the weekend.

“The draw against Lobi Stars is a huge setback in our quest to be champions at the on-going top-flight.”

NPFL Fixtures

Yobo: I have not signed for Kano Pillars

F

ormer Super Eagles skipper Joseph Yobo says he is yet to sign for Kano Pillars or any other club in the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Yobo has teamed up with the League Management Company as an ambassador to promote the NPFL and he was expected initially to play the last 12 matches of the season.

But with the season almost over, the ex-Everton star is yet to make an appearance despite being strongly linked with Pillars.

Yobo, however, insists he has not made any commitments to any NPFL club.

“I read that I was missing in action last weekend. I have not signed for Kano pillars or any NPFL club yet,” Yobo wrote on Twitter and attached the bromide of a report which claimed he was ‘missing in action’ against Shooting Stars last weekend.

Yobo made 101 international appearances for the Super Eagles, making him the highest capped Nigerian player so far in history.

Heartland

vs

Ikorodu United

Kano Pillars

vs

Sunshine Stars

Pleteau United

vs

FC Shooting Stars FC

Rangers Int’l

vs

Rivers United FC

Warri Wolves

vs

Nasarawa FC

Abia Warriors

vs

FC IfeanyiUbah

Akwa United

vs

MFM

Lobi Stars

vs

Enyimba Int’l

El-Kanemi

vs

Niger Tornadoes

Abia Warriors chairman makes case for grassroots football

C

hairman of Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia, Chief Emeka Inyama, says that for Nigeria to regain its pride of place in world football, the country must go back to the grassroots to discover hidden but burden talents that abound there.

Chief Inyama made his feelings known at the club’s secretariat when he received the victorious New Generation Football Academy of Umuahia who presented him with the golden trophy they won during the FEYSOC U-17 football competition in Enugu recently.

He recalled that players like Stephen Keshi, Henry Nwosu and Lawrence Ukaegbu among others who hit national limelight were all discovered in their youths while playing for their secondary school teams, insisting that youth competitions and inter-secondary school competitions must be brought back and encouraged at the grassroots.

According to him, New Generation Football Academy is an affiliate of Abia Warriors and has produced star players like Chisom Chikatara, Michael Olaha and Shedrack Asiegbu, among

others for the club and commended the proprietor of New Generation Football Academy Mr. Uchechukwu Stephen Nwabuko for his steadfastness.

He said he was not surprised at the achievements of the academy considering its antecedents, revealing that Abia Warriors currently has a technical partnership arrangement with the academy which has been working well for both sides and supported the academy with some cash.

Earlier while presenting the trophy to the chairman, Mr. Nwabuko said his boys played a total of five matches in Enugu, scoring a total of 15 goals while conceding only one, as they successfully defended the trophy they also won last year as overall champions among the 36 teams that attended after defeating Liverpool FC of Onitsha 4-0 in the final.

He said seven of his players including Chisom Chikatara’s younger brother, Ugochukwu, were among the boys selected by some foreign scouts who besieged the competition arena in Enugu, adding that they will soon hit Lagos for the final selection before they travel abroad.

55

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

Sport

Iwobi, Akpom make Arsenal Champions League squad

AFCON 2017: Stunning Iheanacho strike sinks gritty Tanzania Ajibade Olusesan Uyo

K Akpom and Iwobi

E

nglish Premier League club, Arsenal FC, have announced their roster for the group stage of the European Champions League.

The Gunners have been drawn alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Basel and Ludogorets Razgrad in Group A of the competition.

Nigeria internationals Alex Iwobi and Chuba Akpom, who have been on the books of the Gunners for more than 10 years, were in-

cluded in the club’s B list.

A player may be registered on List B if he is born on, or after, 1 January 1995 and has been eligible to play for the club concerned for any uninterrupted period of two years since his 15th birthday.

Iwobi has recorded two appearances to date in the Champions League while fellow Hale End Academy product Akpom has not featured.

Ighalo: Starlet Osimhen is future of Nigerian football

W

atford FC of England striker, Odion Ighalo, has described Victor Osimhen as “the future of Nigerian football” after training with the exciting youngster this week in the Super Eagles team in Uyo. The 17-year-old Osimhen was a shock call-up by new Eagles coach Gernot Rohr for the AFCON qualifier against Tanzania.

In January, he will sign a professional contract with German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg after he emerged record top scorer at last year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

Ighalo has now tipped the young striker for bigger things.

“Osimhen is a good player.

He is young, fast, very sharp, he is the future of Nigeria,” remarked an impressed Ighalo.

“I have watched him in training these past few days. He is a youngster who has confidence and he is not afraid to take on defenders. And With time and hard work, he will be

one of Nigeria’s best strikers.”

Osimhen, who has already been capped by Nigeria U20s as well as the Olympic team, featured for the Eagles in Wednesday’s test match against Nigeria premier league side Akwa United.

elechi Iheanacho fired the Super Eagles to a 1-0 win over Tanzania in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Nest of Champions on Saturday.

It was the first game for Nigeria manager, Gernot Rohr, as he opted for an attacking team with England-based quartet of Iheanacho, Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses named in the start list.

As expected Tanzania head coach, Boniface Mkwasa, listed KRC Genk forward, Mbwana Samatta, as captain of the team.

The pre-match build-up had one description for the contest being, ‘dead rubber,’ but it was lively from the start of the game as the Nigerians pounced early.

Two minutes after kick-off, Ighalo smashed Iheanacho’s pass over the top under a close challenge in the box.

Nigeria continued to show that this was not going to be a dead rubber game as it was Moses’ turn to take a pop at goal. The Chelsea man’s free kick from 22 yards whizzed past the top right hand corner of Aishi Manula in goal for Tanzania.

The victory ensured that Nigeria finished the series behind group

As deaths averted in Uyo stampede

winners, Egypt.

Meanwhile, a seven-year old boy and several others were injured during the African Cup f Nations match.

The victims got injured following a stampede that occurred outside the main bowl of the stadium in Uyo. The government of Akwa Ibom had thrown the gate opened but poor crowd control and the exuberance of the security operatives on ground caused a stampede that almost claimed lives.

Kanu scores hat-trick for Arsenal Legends v AC Milan

F

ormer Arsenal striker, Nwankwo Kanu, Saturday, score a hat-trick in a charity match at the Emirates, home ground of the English Premier League side.

Kanu alongside other Arsenal legends took on Milan Glorie – formed of AC Milan counterparts –in aid of the Arsenal Foundation, with Arsene Wenger and Fabio Capello coaching the respective sides.

The run out saw many of the former great stars of the two teams in action as they rolled back the years to put on a marvellous display for the Emirates crowd.

Some of the former Gunners stars who featured for Arsenal included Marc Overmars, Roberto Pires and Freddie Ljungberg while some of the greats who filed out for Milan included Cafu, Paolo Maldini, Zvonimir Boban and Edgar Davids.

Anichebe joins Sunderland on free transfer

Ighalo

Solution to Cross Word Puzzle

S

uper Eagles star, Victor Anichebe, has joined Sunderland on a free transfer until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old, who made over 130 appearances under David Moyes at Everton, has penned a one-year contract, becoming their ninth signing this summer.

The Nigeria international had found himself out of favour at the Baggies, after featuring just 10 times in the Premier League last

Anichebe

term without scoring a single goal.

And he admitted that the chance to reunite with David Moyes, his former mentor at Everton, was too good to miss.

He said: “I am really happy to be here at a great club. I have a lot of good friends here and everyone knows that I know the manager really well.

“He brought me through as a young player and was a big factor in me coming here.”

The security persons were trying to chase the fans away from one of the gates leading to the main bowl but their activities became rowdy such that people were trampling on one another. One of them was a seven-year-old boy who medical people revived before he and other victims were rushed to hospital.

“I don’t think these security guys are well trained,” Ufot Nsikan, a fan told our correspondent. “I have never missed a match since this stadium opens but I am disappointed in the way they have handled security today. I hope none of those taken to the hospital dies.”

No official was ready to comment on the incident as at press time.

Onuoha now eager to represent Nigeria

Onuoha

Q

PR defence hardman, Nedum Onuoha, who turned down the chance to represent Nigeria in 2010, says he is open to the idea of representing the West Africa Nation, if he is called up.

In 2010, while still at Manchester City he turned down the chance to represent Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, despite pleas by former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha.

Onuoha 29, however, accept that the chances of him representing Nigeria might not be a reality, even though he is open to the idea.

“There was a time in the past where I did have the opportunity with Nigeria, but it was really only on one occasion,” he said.

“Since then I’ve had a few false dawns with people saying they can sort this out and that out, but it has not happened and I’ve enjoyed the club side of football.

“It is not that important to me to be honest. If I was to receive a callup then that would be great and there would be a decision to make, but I’ve not received one.”

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Nigeria’s dire need for restructuring (part 7) eyobedA

ENCORE This week, we continue and conclude our discourse on the urgent need for Nigeria to restructure now before it is too late In restructuring Nigeria, the call must be collective, the enumerated ideas all embracing, and the methods accounted for by the majority of Nigerians. Nigeria belongs to all of us- the rich and the poor, Christians and Muslims alike, literates and illiterates, peasants and intellectuals. The wishes and aspirations of different segments of the country must reflect in our new Nigeria.

John Henry Newman (1801 - 1890), English theologian in his essays on “Oxford University Sermons, "Faith and Reason, Contrasted as Habits,” declared: “When men understand what each other means, they see, for the most part, that controversy is either superfluous or hopeless.” Nigerians must come to a collective agreement to live together in a way that gives hope to every section of the family.

Nizar Qabbani (1923 - 1998) Syrian poet, puts it this way “The secret of our tragedy is that our screams are louder than our voices and our swords taller than ourselves.” We do not need this tragedy.

It is time Nigerians grow up intellectually and emotionally, to regard ourselves as a grown-up nation, as the Biblical phrase goes, by putting away childish things...selfidealization and the search for absolutes in national affairs: for absolute security, absolute amity, absolute harmony. If we cannot end our differences for now, at least we can help make the nation safe for diversity.

In order that Nigeria is not torn into shreds, we will need wisdom and our ability to think creatively, outside the box, in the best interest of Nigeria. That’s the only way God can hand us a country that we will all be proud of to be the envy of other nations.

Bonar Law (1858 - 1923), Canadian-born British Prime Minister in referring to Britain and Germany in his speech to the British parliament, said: “If, therefore, war should ever come between these two countries, which Heaven forbid! It will not, I think, be due to irresistible natural laws, it will be due to the want of human wisdom.” After this remark Britain and Germany went to war and the world is still smarting from the monumental loss stemming from that terrible war.

Nigerians should learn from history. Let us not behave like the Bourbons of European history who leant nothing and forget nothing.

Let us discuss Nigeria, let us hear from both sides of the coin about Nigeria, for a one sided coin is a bad tender, let us hold hands together and forge a new Nigeria.

Nigerians have the capability to create the kind of country that majority of Nigerians would be proud of Nigerians have the ability to silent the enemies of Nigeria. This is the responsibility posterity has placed on the shoulders of our generation. We cannot afford to fail and we will not fail.

Just recently, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, declared, most aptly, that Nigeria is not working as it should, because, the centre wields too much power more than the federating states. The need for restructuring of the entity called Nigeria is of great necessity, he argued while speaking at the launch, of Onuma’s book, “We are all Biafra’s'. Said he: “Nigeria is not working as well as it should and part of the reason is the way we have

The

Nigerian Project

MIKE OZEKHOME san, ofr mike.ozekhome@yahoo.com 08094777755 (sms only) structured our country and governance, especially since the late 1960s. The Federal Government is too big, and too powerful, relative to the federating states. That situation needs to change, and calling for that change is patriotic.

"We must refrain from the habit of assuming that anyone calling for the restructuring of our federation is working for the break up of the country. An excessively powerful centre does not equate with national unity. If anything, it has made our unity more fragile, our government more unstable and our country more unsafe.”

It is therefore not surprising that the former Vice President and now APC chieftain, Atiku, is voicing out what our founding fathers lamented over the years. Nigeria as currently constituted is not working. This is not only limited to the political matters, but to all facets of the nation’s challenges.

On the basis of innovative and creative rethinking, nations evolve. Not surprisingly, some members of the House of Representatives, had taken this line of argument that Nigeria is in dire need of restructuring.

They argued that doing otherwise was to postpone the inevitable as the present structure could not be sustained for too long.

For instance, the Chairman, House Committee on Army, Mr. Rima Shawulu, said, it was high time those in authorities answered certain questions like, “Why are some groups eating more than others? Is this our so-called unity all-inclusive? Why are some people not seen to be good unless they are from certain regions?”

The country has experienced years of enduring and still enduring cultural diversification. The eventuality of the 1999 Constitution, was a replica of the American Presidential government. It is to be noted that the United Kingdom colonized the United States of America in the 18 Century.

Despite this, the government of America never copied or took part of their laws to make out their own Constitution. It was indeed an indigenous home-baked Constitution, bearing the true reflection of “We the people of ...”

The federalism which we practise today is far from true federalism. What we have is a unitary system of government, completely devoid of federalism. Obviously, the country needs a restructuring. This necessity has been on even after we returned to civilian rule.

Successive administrations have been found wanton in the restructuring of the nation. In most cases, they got round to it at the end of term, so late that they gave succeeding governments the opening to conveniently ignore same. It is inspiring to note that, the Goodluck Jonathan government constituted the National Conference of Nigeria in 2014, of which I was a delegate. The Conference which was headed by a retired

Chief Justice Idris L. Kutigi had an encompassing report. The report of the Conference which had far-reaching recommendations, numbering over 260, was made to ensure a restructuring of the nation.

NOW THIS Some of the major constitutional amendments arising from the 2014 National Conference, include powers and control over public funds, presidential appointments, protection of pension rights, etc.

The issue about local governments was also addressed. Local government funds can no longer be shared among the 774 local governments we presently have. Money will be shared to the states and the states will now use local government funds they get for local government administration.

A state can create 1,000 local governments if so desires.

We also noted that who becomes the president of Nigeria is always a sore issue. Anytime we have an election, everybody wants his own person, or tribes man to become the president of Nigeria. So, instead of killing ourselves over who becomes the president of Nigeria, we agreed on an arrangement where every part of Nigeria will have hope that one day it will ascend the presidency of this country. It was agreed at the National

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Conference that the presidency should rotate between the North and South and across the six geo-political zones, and with that type of arrangements, it won’t take time for the presidency to reach areas of people who have not had a shot at the presidency.

AND THIS The Conference report truly reflected the original mandate of the people of Nigeria.

The Buhari-led government should embrace the report of the 2014 National Conference.

That report may have been produced under a ‘PDP government’ but, it is not a ‘PDP document’. It is a Nigerian people’s document. All the delegates to the 2014 National Conference, East, West, North, and South endorsed the report.

Certainly, the report of the conference remains the key to the survival of this country as a nation. Anyone who wishes it away is postponing the dooms day. This country cannot continue to be run in an atmosphere of tension, where there are deep-seated agitations and grievances from various parts of the country. Good leadership requires that a nation should be put on a pedestal of sustainable development and peace. The way Nigeria is configured and structured, tension will continue to pervade this land.

There are too many people who feel they have been cheated, and at all cost will want to fight back.

We want a Nigeria, where there will be equal rights and opportunities for to all people of Nigeria, not just for the few people.

A stitch in time, saves nine! The End. LAST LINE Are Nigerians, PMB, avid readers et al, reading and digesting today’s sermon on the “Mount of 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 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 16 17 18 22 23 24 25 26

LGA in Katsina state, (7).

Person with exceptional skill, (3).

Flat South Asian bread, (3).

Person being addressed, (3).

A large amount, (3).

Means of leaving a place, (4).

Front of balcony, (4).

Indicates position, (2).

Overdose, abbr. (2).

Island in the NW Pacific Ocean, (4).

Wild area of countryside, (4).

Town in Abia state, (3).

Asst. Inspector General, abbr. (3).

Uninterruptible power supply, abbr. (3).

Greek Dodecanese Island, (3).

Ex Plateau state Governor, (7).

Clues Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 13 14 15 19 20 21

Gov. Seriake Dickson state, (7).

LGA in Adamawa state, (6).

Shaft on which wheel turns, (4).

Mean to do something, (6).

Against, (4).

Long, thin fish, (3).

Ex Ebonyi state Governor, (3, 4).

Unmanageable situation, (6).

Nigeria President, (6).

A creative piece of work, (4).

Ex Information Minister, (4).

Nigerian political party, (3).

Turn to page 55 for solution

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