Sunday telegraph sunday, march 13, 2016

Real reason I killed my boss’ granddaughter }20&37

Okowa, Uduaghan, Manager, Others mourn AS Ibru DIES At 80 }5

SUNDAY Sunday, MARCH 13, 2016 Vol. 3 No. 753

Sanctity of Truth

/newtelegraph

LAGOS COLLAPSED BUILDING:

Twelve people still trapped At least 10 to 12 people never come out. Dem dey inside this ground, walahi - Maiguard

}4

N150

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

There is nobody left in the collapsed building either dead or alive - NEMA

Ooni takes Edo wife in absentia }14

Wife of Ooni of Ife, Zenat; Ooni’s father, Omooba Oluropo Ogunwusi and his wife during the marriage ceremony in Edo State...yesterday

NEWS Ex-CP Recalls:

How Rev. King’s Men intimidated me }18&19

•Lagos loses judiciary exhibits stores to fire }7

Allwell ademola

My size doesn’t affect my

performance }36

2

SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Contents | 13.03.16 BODY & SOUL

Made in Nigeria With the emphasis on the diversification of the economy, Dr. Frank Udemba, MAN president urges everyone to patronise made in Nigeria goods

}24

POLITICS

Ondo Assembly blues The peace at the Ondo State House of Assembly might be short-lived as Gov Olusegun Mimiko is the lawmakers’ target

}15

BUSINESS

Closed economy Experts hail Buhari on his refusal to devalue the naira and advise him to ban frivolous imports

}39

FAITH

Methodists commends Buhari We must find a way to compliment the President’s fight against corruption, Rt. Rev. Olu Akinola says

}47

SPORT

Valuable napkin Spanish football agent, Horacio Gaggioli, said the very first day he set eyes on Lionell Messi, he thought he was a kid on a napkin

}54

Magazine

Cold blooded murder 52-year-old teacher, who killed his employer’s granddaughter over non-payment of salaries, said he was under a spell

}20&37

Editorial

Zuma’s visit and Nigeria-South African relations

B

esides anything else in the diplomatic history of Nigeria and South Africa, the recent visit of President Jacob Zuma to Nigeria, when he was hosted by President Muhammadu Buhari holds great potentials for sublime business and political relations between both countries.

The relations between the two countries runs into several decades, Nigeria had been very supportive of South Africa’s political aspirations all through the years, having been resolutely committed to and operated at the vanguard of the fight against apartheid regime on the continent in general, and in South Africa in particular.

So transcendental was the financial and training supports Nigeria gave to the antiapartheid struggle that upon his release from prison in May 1990, Dr. Nelson Mandela, who became the first post-apartheid President, ensured that Nigeria was one of the first countries to which he paid ‘thank you’ visit. Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa is far from being a flash-in-the-pan one; rather, it was in tandem with the Afro-centric nature of Nigeria’s foreign policy thrust right from independence.

Paradoxically, the Nigeria/South African relations have been rather frosty in recent past for a number of reasons, despite the establishment of the SouthNigerian Bilateral Commission since 1999.

The repeated xenophobic attacks on scores of Nigerian businessmen in South Africa and the country’s seizure of Nigeria’s $15 million in botched illegal weapon deals are still fresh in mind.

On the flip side, though over 120 South African companies have taken advantage of Nigeria’s market of over 170 million to invest in the country, the recent sale of unregistered sim cards by the South African telecommunication company, MTN, which caused an egregious security concern in the country, affected relations between both countries. The recent death of over 84 South Africans in the collapsed Synagogue of All Nation’s Church building in Lagos was another sore issue.

Though a N780 billion fine was earlier imposed on MTN by the Nigerian Communication Commission, its initial court action against Nigeria only exacerbated the crisis. Hence, the company’s withdrawal of the suit and payment of $50mi-

ilion was a prelude to the adoption of diplomatic solution to the problem.

It is for these reasons and more that the visit was very timely with propensity for mutual benefits to both countries. Besides the fact that political solutions must have been adopted on some of the matters, both countries should use the visit as opportunities to cement relations and explore novel areas of common interests in trade, transport, investments, and industry.

Others are defence and security, including legal sales of arms and ammunition to Nigeria after the failed attempt of 2014 to support the current war on terror in the North-East; immigration, agriculture, energy and mineral resources.

In the energy sector, where the nation is currently experiencing huge deficit, it needs South Africa in its strong desire to shore up its energy generation and distribution. Giving the fact that South Africa enjoys comparative advantage in this area, there is no gainsaying that its assistance to Nigeria’s gas to power and coal as alternative sources of energy would be very helpful.

Also noteworthy are agriculture and mineral sectors where Nigeria is currently working on as part of its movement from a mono-product economy with less dependence on oil, and ensure reduction in food imports. Of course, the relations should not be parasitic but symbiotic.

Of great importance is the need for Nigeria to restrategise in its foreign relations to reap political dividends from its big brother status displayed over the years. As one of the heaviest spenders in peace keeping and peace enforcement on the continent since 1965, it is absurd to observe that countries which have gained heavily from Nigeria’s benevolence often fail to support its political and economic aspirations either at the level of the AU or the Security Council of the United Nations.

Beyond the razzmatazz of the visit, we strongly believe that it is time to get down to business such that both countries can derive maximum benefits from it. The relevant ministers/ministries and High Commissions should move in earnest to consolidate on the memoranda of understandings signed during the visit to achieve optimal result in the interest of the nation.

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

Funke Egbemode

Managing Editor, Business & Strategy n Yemi Ajayi

Managing Editor, Publication & Operations n Emeka Obasi

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

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

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

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

3

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016

D a i ly T e l e g r a p h P u b l i s h i n g Co m pa ny Ltd. Presents

ECONOMIC SUMMIT 2016

Theme:

Nigeria: Beyond the Oil Economy

Keynote Speaker:

Special Guest of Honour:

Mr. Godwin Emefiele

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode Executive Governor, Lagos State.

SPEAKERS:

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole

Chief Audu Ogbeh

Dr. Kayode Fayemi

Otunba Segun Runsewe

Executive Governor, Edo State

Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals

Ex Director General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC)

DATE:

March 17, 2016

TIME:

10:00am prompt

VENUE: Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Ikeja, Lagos.

R S V P: Laurence Ani 0802 310 3360

Taiwo Ahmed 0803 304 2915

Yemi Ajayi 0802 314 2833

Supported by:

Lagos State Government

Edo State Government

Dangote Group

4

SUNDAY 13 MARCH, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

Lagos building collapse: 12 people still trapped, says security man •All victims evacuated - NEMA, LASEMA Tai Anyanwu and Muritala Ayinla

A

bout 12 victims of the recent Lagos building collapse may have been abandoned (dead or alive) in the wreckage.

The security man in charge of the site, Ezekiel Musa, made the disclosure during an exclusive interview with Sunday Telegraph), at the weekend.

Musa, who was also receiving a fact-finding team representing the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN), National Institute of Architects (NIA) and Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), stressed that the emergency rescue teams definitely left some of the victims still entombed in the rubble.

His words: “Oga, many people still dey inside this place ooo. Ah! You don’t know how many people wey dey for this building before e fall.”

When asked the exact number of people that may still be trapped in the rubble, Musa said: “At least, 10 to 12 people never come out.

Dem dey inside this ground, walahi.”

The security man explained that he was able to escape the calamity because he was receiving building materials at the time of the collapse. He added that his colleague, Abba Ali, died in the incident.

“I was receiving granite around 3-4 am; when I turned after the tipper left, the building don dey for ground. I no dey sleep in the house because the house don bend to one side. Even I sleep outside on the sand when that rain dey fall, but my second, Abba Ali, die inside,” Musa added.

The five-storey structure yet under construction at Lekki Gardens’ Horizon 1 Housing Scheme, in Lagos, collapsed after a windy rainfall in the early hours of Tuesday, March 8, killing about 35 construction workers and others squatting in the building; while several others sustained various injuries.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and other emergency response teams had commenced rescue operations as early as 4.am on that fateful day

and concluded on Thursday, March 10.

Efforts to reach NEMA South West Spokesman, Mr. Abiodun Farinloye, for comment was not successful.

Meanwhile, more facts as to the possible remote causes of the building collapse have emerged.

On the spot observations by the fact-finding teams on ground, Friday, noticed structural defects.

The team observed that the pile foundation did not align properly to the ground beam as the pile projected outside.

The sand-filling at the base was also seen to flowing outside because it was not enclosed with a concrete cast as it should have been.

“So, the ground beam is hanging such that the filling is flowing out of the foundation; quality of the concrete is poor that is why they had to mix cement to paint and hide it,” a member of the BCPG, simply identified as ‘Builder Godfrey’ explained.

It was also alleged that the building contractors had to break down some compartments of the structure to bring in their pilling machine because they needed to introduce additional support pilling as a remedy for the endangered structure.

An iron bender at the site, Monday Aina, told Sunday Telegraph, “They finished the support pile today, the second day, the building came crashing down like a pack of badly stacked cards.”

Sunday Telegraph reliably learnt that the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), had in December/January, stormed the site to stop further construction work on the building.

But later it was alleged that the Managing Director of Lekki Gardens, Richard Nyong, came around to give orders for work to continue.

While relations of the victims of the building collapse are mourning and survivors are still writhing in pains at the Lagos General Hospital, the MD, Lekki Gardens, and their main contractor were arraigned before an EbuteMeta Magistrate Court in Lagos on Friday.

The Lagos State Government has also ordered that five buildings handled by the company in the estate should undergo integrity test.

However, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the La-

gos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, dispelled the insinuation that more bodies are still trapped in the collapsed building.

The agencies described the rumour as a figment of imagination, saying global best disaster management techniques were adopted in the management of the disaster.

Speaking with Sunday Telegraph, NEMA Southwest spokesperson, Ibrahim Farinloye, said nobody was left in the rubble.

He said, “As far as I know, there is nobody left in the collapsed building either dead or alive. We reached ground zero of the building before concluding the rescue and recovery operation.

I think it is not right to say

more bodies were left there.”

On his part, the General Manager, LASEMA, Mr. Michael Akindele, described the rumour as fallacy.

Akindele who was miffed by the rumour, said it was wrong for anyone to imagine such possibility, let alone say it.

He added that three excavators were used in exhuming bodies of the dead. He

added that the agency with other stakeholders continued the recovery and rescue operation until the bodies were all taken out while the survivors were taken to the hospital.

“It is wrong and unfortunate that people could imagine that. As far as we are concern, nobody remains in the rubble,” Akindele said.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, fitting one of the caps produced for him by an Aba, Abia State based designer and Chief Executive Officer of AIDEC Designs Limited, Mr. Adiele Ekeke in Abuja yesterday.

Fraudsters clone CBN Governor’s email Ayodele Aminu

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has lost $190,000 to a highly sophisticated syndicate of international fraudsters, which cloned the email of the apex bank’s governor, Godwin Emefiele, while he was abroad.

Sunday Telegraph has learnt that a purported directive by Emefiele was mailed to one of his deputies to process the transfer of $441,000 to an account in Dubai.

Checks by this newspaper revealed the Deputy Governor that effected the transfer, claimed that he made several futile calls to the Governor to confirm the payment before he approved it.

When the CBN Governor arrived from abroad and insisted that he never authourised the transaction, he was said to have reported the fraud to President Muhammadu Buhari, who ordered investigations into the matter.

To get to the bottom of the matter, Emefiele was said to

•Steal $190,000 •Deputy Governor, Assistant Director, 3 others suspended

have directed that additional funds be moved into the fraudsters account to see if they would turn up to make withdrawals.

This bet eventually paid off, as two of the fraudsters turned up and they were apprehended.

So as not to obstruct ongoing investigations, the Deputy Governor that approved the payment has been suspended alongside four other senior officials, including Assistant Directors, pending the conclusion of investigations.

Our sources insist that even if the Deputy Governor gave the directive, the other four senior officers that have been suspended ought to have made further verifications before allowing the transaction to sail through.

The security operatives are said to be working on the motive of trying to establish if there are internal connivance.

Further checks by this newspaper revealed that the said Deputy Governor had previously had issues and had retired from the apex bank but was brought back by the immediate past Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Iweala.

In a bid to halt speculative stories about this matter, the banking watchdog was compelled to issue a terse official statement last Thursday.

Specifically, CBN said it had uncovered what it described as a highly sophisticated plot to defraud the bank by some people but neither mentioned the amount involved nor the sum that was lost.

The bank said that while preliminary investigations have not revealed any accomplices within the bank, some personnel within the apex bank had been placed on suspension.

The nature of the fraud was not specified in the state-

ment.

It, however, said the need to place these officials on suspension was to allow for proper investigations by the relevant authorities.

The statement reads, “A highly sophisticated plot to defraud the CBN by some criminally minded elements has been uncovered and aborted by the bank.

“Although preliminary investigations so far have not revealed any accomplices within the CBN, the management has decided to place all key personnel involved in the transaction on suspension.

“This is to ensure a full and unfettered investigation. This incidence has been reported to the relevant authorities.”

The CBN in the statement assured stakeholders in the banking sector that the security within the apex bank remains intact and had not been breached.

5

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 13 MARCH, 2016

News

Okowa, Manager, others express shock as Ibru dies at 80 Dominic Adewole ASABA

T

he first Executive Governor of Delta State, Olorogun Felix Ovuodoroye Ibru is dead.

He died in Lagos yesterday at age 80 after a protracted illness.

The cause of his death was still hazy as at press time, but a family source said he has been battling with health challenges in the last five years.

He became Governor of Delta State on January 2, 1992 but was removed from office on November 17, 1993 after General Sani Abacha staged a coup de tat, which overthrew the then interim government of Chief Ernest Shonekan.

He also represented the Delta Central Senatorial District at the Senate from 2003 to 2007 and later led the Urhobos as President General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU).

The family source, however, said the former governor, who hailed from AgbarhaOtor in Ughelli North Local Government Area, died at about 1pm in a Lagos hospital.

Delta State governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa accompanied by Senator James Manager and some members of the state’s Executive Council expressed shock over Ibru’s death.

Former governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, described Ibru’s death as a big loss to Delta State and the country. He

noted that the late Ibru was the first elected governor of Delta State and a senator who laid a good foundation and contributed immensely to what the state is today.

According to Uduaghan, Ibru would be remembered for the good works he did in the state. The former governor condoled with the wife and children he left behind and prayed that the Lord would grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Meanwhile, another prominent son of the state, Mr. Foreman Idogho, a loyal Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart and an astute politician has been buried.

Late Foreman Idogho died in an accident about three weeks ago at the age of 50 years and was survived by a wife and three children. He was also a member of Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) Warri Governing Council Board.

At the funeral service of Late Dame Margaret Ugboma, the Librarian of Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, who is the wife of Dr. Eddy Ugboma a board member at the Delta State Civil Service Commission, and mother of the popular comedians, Bovi, held at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Oleh, Senator Okowa was accompanied by a plethora of dignitaries from within and outside the state including Senators James Manager, Stella Omu, the Minority leader of the House of Representative, Hon. Leo Ogor, members of the State House of Assembly.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State pays obeisance to the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, HRH Prince Eheneden Erediauwa after his official installation as Edaiken N’Uselu, on Saturday.

Ibori won’t complete jail term in Nigeria - Investigation Onwuka Nzeshi and Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

F

ormer Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, who is currently serving his jail term in the United Kingdom, might not benefit from the recent agreement signed between Nigeria and the United Kingdom on the proposed prisoners’ swap between the two countries.

Ibori was convicted for money laundering about five years ago and was touted as one of those to be repatriated to complete their jail term in Nigeria.

Let’s join hands to support local entrepreneurs - Saraki S

enate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Friday restated his call that Nigeria can only grow her economy by patronizing made-in-Nigeria products.

Saraki spoke when the Chief Executive Officer of Adic Designs Limited, Mr. Adiele Ekeke, presented to him 29 locally made fabrics which the Senate President ordered when he inspected the stalls of participants in the Made in Aba Trade Fair held in Abuja recently.

The Senate President, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, said he is happy that the Public Procurement Act is in the process of being amended to encourage Nigerian industries through the purchase of locally produced goods.

After receiving the 29 made-in-Nigeria fabrics designed for him, the Senate President said he would spread the message to all his colleagues in both chambers to begin to patronize made in Nigeria products.

“On a serious note, we must all work together to help our local industries.

A lot of people laugh about it, but it is a serious matter.

I think that we should be very committed,” Saraki said, while adding that “this is how other countries started and have been able to succeed. So let us join hands in supporting our own entrepreneurs.”

Saraki recalled that a few weeks back he joined Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe to attend the Made-In-Aba Trade Fair in Abuja.

He added: “We went

round, looked at some of the products being made

by Nigerians and we made a commitment then that we will definitely support the patronage of made-inNigeria products by all.

“This might look like a small step in our action but it is very symbolic and we truly believe that it is time for us to drive our economy, stimulate jobs by encouraging and supporting our indigenous manufacturers.

“I have said that the National Assembly will support locally produced items from garments, wears and cars. I am also happy that the Public Procurement Act is in the process of being amended. It has gone through first reading and we hope that next week we will take the second reading.”

Sunday Telegraph, however, learnt that Ibori, who has barely six months to complete his term, would not be a beneficiary because the modalities to actualise the agreement are not yet in place and are not likely to be achieved within the next six months.

Under the agreement endorsed by the United Kingdom Minister of Justice, Mr. Jeremy Wright, and Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, General Abdulrahman Danbazzau (rtd), the British government has pledged to give Nigeria one million pounds (about N280 million) to assist in the comprehensive reformation of Nigerian prisons to ease the stress of the inmates. The reformation, it was learnt, would entail the rebuilding of a number of prisons to bring them to international standards.

At the signing of the agreement, Wright said that it was imperative for both countries to respect the agreement, just as there was the need for Nigeria to improve the state of her prisons. He explained that though the prisoners were paying for the crimes they had committed, the conditions in the prisons should be made conducive to the average prisoner to help them stay healthy while undergoing the needed reformation of their lives.

Sunday Telegraph investigations have, however, shown that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed by officials of both countries was still at the top level and therefore a work in progress. While the authorities at the Nigeria Prisons Service appear not to be

abreast of the latest developments and how the mutual prisoner exchange would be carried out, officials of the Ministry of Interior told one of our correspondents that the implementation of the agreement goes beyond the Ministry of Interior alone.

According to one of the officials who would not want to be mentioned because he was not authorised to comment on the issue, the proper implementation of the agreement would involve the Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs.

“Whatever position that would have to be taken concerning the transfer of prisoners would cut across the two the countries and would involve everybody.

“The agreements would not exclude any kind of prisoner in the two countries, so Ibori and any other high profile prisoner would be affected if the necessary conditions are put in place.

But the reality is that there is nothing on ground now to suggest that this agreement would be implemented as quickly as people expect.

On the £1 million promised by the UK government to upgrade the Nigeria Prisons, Sunday Telegraph gathered that no money has been given as the modalities have not been worked out.

According to our source, what the Minister of Interior had done was to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, but this fund would remain at the realm of promise until a proper agreement was reached between the two parties.

Sunday Telegraph gathered that the chances of Ibori being brought back to complete his term in Nigeria were very slim given the

time it would take for the details of the agreement to be finalized and prisons to be refurbished or upgraded to pave way for the proposed exchange.

The two countries had in 2014, signed a similar agreement to allow the transfer of prisoners between the two countries. The agreement was based on the same principles as the current one, but it did not yield the desired results probably because of the challenges of logistics of implementation.

The 2014 agreement was preceded by another agreement reached between the UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, and the then Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan following a meeting held earlier in 2011.

Both countries already have prisoner-transfer treaties with several other countries and have consistently tried to establish one directly between themselves, given the strong ties and shared interests in the comity of nations.

On the heels of the signing of the pact in 2014, the then Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro, who signed on behalf of Nigeria, said that with the signing of the MoU, some prisons and facilities in Nigeria would be rehabilitated to meet international standards and encourage Nigerians serving jail terms in the UK to return home.

At that time, Moro told reporters that some prisons in Lagos, Ilorin, Ibadan and the Kuje Prisons in Abuja were already undergoing rehabilitation due to the agreement. It could not be ascertained if these efforts were consummated afterwards.

6

SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

NEWS

CAN rallies against anti-preaching bill

T

Tai Anyanwu

he Kaduna State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), rose from what has been described as a meaningful meeting, with a resolve to present a united front to ensure that Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s antipublic preaching bill in the state is not passed into law.

Sunday Telegraph investigation also found out that the Christian body has already instructed its lawyers to draft a protest letter, which will be submitted to the state House of Assembly, after ratification by CAN tomorrow (Monday).

A reliable source within the association had told our correspondent in confidence that a segment of CAN had earlier given a blind nod to the executive bill because according to the source, they have an interest in it.

The source added: “They

don’t have mobile evangelists or preachers. They are localised. They don’t have programmes; and they run within their area or parish.

“The Pentecostals are more on the move, and then Kaduna State being what it is, is very cosmopolitan in culture, religion as well as evangelise. So they are actually compromised until this matter blew into the open and now they have started retreating.”

Hinting that the initial rift had been settled, the Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigerians in the state, Rev. Emah Egoh, confirmed that a meeting was held on Monday and the house was happy with the outcome. He said: “At least we came up stronger now to object the bill. They asked us to make our submission, by the time we do that and since Jama ‘atu Nasri Islam (JNI) has already objected it by the time we come, stronger

opposition, the house will throw it out.”

When contacted to give the position of CAN on the executive bill seeking to stifle evangelical activities in the state, CAN General Secretary, Rev. Musa Asake, said that he would rather not comment on the matter as the Kaduna State chapter was already handling the situation.

His words: “I don’t want to come in now. You can contact the state CAN; they are handling it, because if they are handling it and I don’t know where they are now I don’t want to contradict it. I cannot come in now.”

But fielding questions from our correspondent, the CAN scribe in the state, Rev. Dr. Sunday Ibrahim, said that the state CAN never gave any approval to the executive bill as alleged.

“I don’t know of that.

No, it is not true, I don’t agree with that. No CAN has given approval to that

bill, because I am the secretary. If there is anybody that can bring a document to that very effect, that CAN did that, except if some people had gone behind because I am the Secretary of CAN Kaduna State. Our position has been very clear in this very issue,” he said.

Ibrahim, however, confirmed that the church in Kaduna State had actually spoken in one voice and would not leave any stone unturned until the offensive bill is thrown out by the state House of Assembly.

His words: “What we are saying in a nutshell is that the church has had quite good discussion with our people. Entirely, the church in Kaduna is saying no to that very bill knowing that the bill has so many things that are very implicative to the church. And so we are saying no to the bill. We are not in agreement with that very bill.”

Alleged corruption: EFCC to arraign Oronsaye March 15 Emmanuel Onani

ABUJA

T

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has said it will arraign a former Head of Service of the Federation (HoSF), Mr. Steve Oronsaye, on a fresh two-count charge bordering on alleged corruption and obtaining by false pretence.

A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said Oronsaye, who is standing trial at a Federal High Court in Abuja, will be arraigned before Justice O. O Goodluck of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

According to the Commission: “The fresh charge followed the completion of investigation by the antigraft agency on evidence that the former top bureaucrat allegedly abused his position as chair of the Presidential Committee on the Financial Action Task Force to fraudulently obtain a total sum of

Agatu killings, genocide against my people, Mark

A

The exhibits store of the Lagos Judiciary on Tapa Street, Lagos Island, on fire... Friday

Bauchi promises commitment to justice

N EWS I N BRIEF

Alhassan Yusuf, Bauchi The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Bauchi State, Barrister. Ibrahim Yakubu Umar yesterday assured the people of the state of the government’s commitment to equity and justice to all the people of the state.

Ibrahim Umar told Sunday Telegraph that the state judiciary will intensify efforts to ensure that all get justice in consonance with the law to all people of the state.

He said, “We will ensure that justice is delivered to every citizen of the state.”

He added that effective adjudication of cases and effective delivery of justice to the people is the motto of change mantra which is what the present administration represents.

He further said that it is the plan of the state government to do everything within its powers to ensure that the judiciary has smooth-ride in exercising its responsibility as one of the three arms of government

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Lawmaker gets certificate of return Lagos-bound Air Peace plane makes air Pauline Onyibe, return at PH Airport YENAGOA Victorious Friday Kombowei Benson and Michael Ogbere in the recent House of Assembly rerun poll in B Bayelsa state, were yesterday received their certificate of return from the Independent Electoral Commission in the state.

The duo, who were of the Peoples Democratic Party had their election nullified by the court and a rerun ordered for March 2, 2016.

Friday Kombowei Benson was taken to court by Ebifigha Orunimigha of All Progressives Congress while Michael Ogbere of Ekeremor constituency three was taken to court by Victor Perezi of Peoples Progressive Alliance.

Held at the conference hall of INEC office Yenagoa the resident electoral commissioner Austin Okojie, said that the certificate of return was in compliance with the provisions of section 75 (1) of the electoral act 2010 as amended which requires the commission to issue a sealed certificate of return to a candidate returned or declared winner at an election within seven days of declaration of results of election.

A Lagos-bound Air Peace plane on Saturday made an air return some minutes after taking off from the Port Harcourt International Airport, according to an official.

Mr Sam Adurogboye, the General Manager, Public Relations, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), confirmed the incident in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Adurogboye said an alarm was raised about fire in the cabin which forced the pilot to make the air return. ``The flight crew did the right thing by returning to base to check the situation,’’ he said.

The NCAA spokesman, however, said the aircraft did not crash land, adding that there was no panic as the pilot properly briefed the passengers before landing safely. ``Air return is a precautionary flight safety procedure that must be adopted in the event of a snag. ``The pilot acted according to Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs),’’ Adurogboye said.

N190million, being part of the N240m grant which the Committee received from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“The grant, investigation revealed, was allegedly paid into an account in Access Bank operated by Oronsaye without the knowledge of other Committee members and he proceeded to invest the funds for personal gains.”

The two-count charge reads: “ Stephen Oronsaye a.k.a. Mr Steve Oronsaye on or about 12th June, 2013 at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory whilst being the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Financial Action Task Force and in such capacity entrusted with certain property to wit: the sum of N90,000,000 committed breach of trust in respect of the said sum by converting it to your personal use through the investment of the said sum of N90,000,000.00 in Access Bank.”

gatu massacre a genocide against my people, says Mark Immediate past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has described as barbaric, wicked and inhuman the attack and destruction of lives and properties in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State by armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

He said: “I’m shocked beyond words at the extent of destruction I have seen here in Agatu today. This is unbelievable. It is unimaginable. Nothing whatsoever justifies this brazen act of destruction meted out on the people of Agatu. My heart bleeds.”

Senator Mark who was on assessment tour of the war ravaged communities

along with some members of the National and State Assembly from his Benue South constituency urged security operatives to do all that is needed to bring the perpetrators to book.

Senator Mark said that the attacks could not have happened by accident but suspected a planned and orchestrated genocide against his people of Agatu.

About 10 communities have been razed to the rubbles while no fewer than 500 lives lost in the recent hostilities.

A statement signed by Paul Mumeh, Media Assistant to Senator Mark, said that some of the villages visited by Senator Mark and his team have been deserted and virtually turned into ghost towns.

NOUN relocates headquarters to Abuja March 26 Mojeed Alabi

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he new Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof.

Abdalla Uba Adamu, has set Saturday, March 26, as the deadline for the relocation of the headquarters of the institution from Lagos to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Adamu, who gave this order while receiving the handing over note from his predecessor, Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe, was said to have complained about the traffic gridlock in Lagos and the space challenge at its headquarters located on the Victoria Island, said

the headquarters should be relocated to it Abuja office located at the University Village, Cadastral Zone, Nnamdi Azikwe Expressway, Jabi, Abuja.

Meanwhile, efforts to get the university’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Dr. Ronke Ogunmakin and his assistant, Mr. Abiodun Akanmu for comments were unsuccessful as their phone numbers were not available.

But sources close to the university management confirmed the development, saying staff were rudely shocked by the sudden order and are really uncomfortable with it.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016

Make education top priority, stakeholders urge world leaders

l As winner of $1m Global Teacher Prize emerges today Temitope Ogunbanke DUBAI

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takeholders in the education sector and leaders of Non-Governmental Organisations across the world have charged governments and public office holders to make education their top priority.

Speaking yesterday at the ongoing 2016 edition of the Global Education and Skill Forum (GESF), convened by Varky Foundation at Atlantis the Palm in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), several speakers said education, equity and employment for all is crucial in developing the world.

In his keynote address on ‘The State of Our World,’ CNN GPS host and The Washington Post columnist, Fareed Zakaria, said people in the world live in an age of anxiety with the world

today increasingly polarising to two tracks underlined by the forces of globalisation and technology evolution.

He said those who have access to education and capital will find the world their oyster, full of opportunities, while those on the other end of the spectrum experience a lot of pincer movement with wages being pushed down and opportunities lost.

“To address the challenges in the two-track world, there is only one powerful weapon – education. It is important to recognise the importance of education in the broadest and deepest dimension,” he said.

Zakaria, while speaking on the importance of the Global Education and Skill Forum conference to the world, described the GESF as the ‘Davos of Education’ well on course to becoming the ‘Oscars of Education,’

with its high production values.

In his welcome address, the Founder of the Varkey Foundation, Sunny Varkey, said the world’s response to education has been totally inadequate, adding that: “by starving these children of an education, we are failing to give them the skills they need to rebuild their society and possibly leaving them open to radicalization.

His words: “Many years ago, with great fanfare, the Millennium Development Goals were created, pledging that every child would get an education. And yet 15 years later, 58 million children around the world still do not attend primary schools, while half a billion children are in failing schools.

“At current rates of progress it will take until 2072 to end youth illiteracy. That’s several more generations

who will miss out on the chance of a decent life for themselves and their families,” he said Varkey said that the Global Teacher Prize he launched two years ago has now made great progress, noting that: “The Global Teacher Prize celebrates all the teachers around the world and the great work they do every single day.”

Also speaking, the Director of Education and Skills, at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), France, Andreas Schleicher, called for innovative approaches to address the challenges of how “we share the cost and benefits of education; and how the smartest kid – and not the wealthiest – get access to education and how to make reforms happen,” in an environment where there is resistance to change.

NEWS

Ortom: I didn’t embezzle N5.5bn loan Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

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overnor Samuel Ortom of Benue State yesterday said that his administration has expended the N5.5 billion loan it procured with approval by the State House of Assembly on the payment of various counterpart funds.

According to the governor, N3.8 billion was paid to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), N1.2 billion paid for the projects of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while the rest was expended on projects of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), as well as the Benue Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (BERWASA).

The governor disclosed this during the flag off of implementation of conditional grants scheme projects of the SDGs in Makurdi, the state capital.

Ortom dismissed allegation that the money was

embezzled, and explained that it was only accessed barely three weeks ago and disbursed accordingly.

He stated that his administration was collaborating with the presidency to invest in key sectors including health, water and sanitation as well as education and economic empowerment.

“Although, the projects flagged off are in tandem with the five pillars of my administration, they were selected based on needs assessment of the various communities”, Ortom stated.

According to him, the bidding process was transparent, adding that he did not interfere with the process that led to the award of contracts to deserving contractors irrespective of party affiliation.

Special Adviser on SDG’s, Dr. Magdalene Dura, disclosed that the state accessed N2.4 billion from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) funds meant to round up projects under the scheme.

Lagos loses exhibits stores to fire Suleiman Husaini

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xhibits critical to several on-going cases were, over the weekend, lost in an inferno which occurred at the Lagos State Judiciary Exhibits Stores.

The incident, which started at the stores located on the Tapa Street, Lagos Island, incinerated about 10 containers of exhibits valued at over a billion naira.

The point of fire was where a Magistrate Court was built before it was demolished, leaving the open space, as a repository of

goods seized by courts.

Though the cause of the fire was not certain, yet people around the area said it might be an electrical fault from one of the containers.

In a bid to establish the cause of the fire, Sunday Telegraph, approached two gatekeepers, Godwin and Adigun, who said they were going round the vicinity and saw smoke, and then fire.

According to Adigun, he then put a call to one of the supervisors but it didn’t go through and so he rushed down to the office to inform them about the incidence.

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, casting his vote during the local government election in the state…yesterday.

SUBEB contracts: Benue to give out jobs on merit

N EWS I N BRIEF

As the Benue state government sets up machinery for the award of over 700 contracts for the provision of structures and facilities in the primary schools, Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Dr. Philip Tachin, has said that jobs would be given out on merit.

The position of the SUBEB became imperative following the discovery by the Administrative Commission of Inquiry which investigated the sale and lease of government assets under the former governor, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, that due process was not followed in the award of contracts.

Dr. Tachin restated the position of the Commission in an interview with Sunday Telegraph. He said that he discovered on assumption of office that contracts were actually awarded without due process.

He noted that under his close watch, the board would insist on project delivery, and explained that Governor Samuel Ortom has already approved the release of N3.8 billion as counterpart fund for the projects which would cost a total of N7.6 billion.

Gusau Council boss laments high price of sachet water

The Chairman of Gusau Local Government Council in Zamfara State, Ibrahim Umar Tanko, has lamented the sudden increase in the price of pure water (sachet water) by the water vendors who increased the price from five naira per sachet to ten naira and sixty naira per jacket to one hundred naira, which he said has caused a serious challenge to the livelihood of people of Gusau and its environs.

The Association of Pure Water Vendors in Gusau in defending their action said the hike became necessary due to increase of all other commodities in the country as well as high rate of levies being paid by the pure water producing companies.

Speaking to newsmen in an interview shortly after addressing members of the sachet water vendors at the Council Secretariat Gusau, who were summoned asaid the sudden increase has seriously touched not only the minds of the council leadership but the entire people of Gusau and the state in general.

U.S. doctor with Lassa fever moved to Atlanta from Togo An American doctor with a suspected case of Lassa fever, working with missionaries in Togo, has been moved to an isolation ward at an Atlanta hospital on Friday, an official said.

Lassa fever is a deadly hemorrhagic disease similar to Ebola.

The patient, who has not been identified publicly, was being flown in a specially equipped aircraft from Togo and was expected to arrive at Emory University Hospital this weekend, officials said.

The isolation ward is where Emory successfully treated four Ebola patients in 2014, said Dr Bruce Ribner, Director of Emory’s Serious Communicable Disease Unit.

“The take-away from this for the public, is that there is absolutely no risk to anyone. We have shown that we can handle Ebola and this is a lot less communicable.”

“Lassa fever has been endemic in Africa for many years, with up to 300,000 infections annually.

“Only about 3 per cent presenting symptoms severe enough need hospitalization.

NAFDAC to partner stakeholders on public health Charles Onyekwere ENUGU

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he National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has said that it would continue to partner with relevant stakeholders and professional groups in ensuring sustained safeguarding of public health.

Acting Director General of the Agency, Mrs. Yetunde Oni disclosed this at a one day Awareness/ Sensitization Workshop on Safe and Responsible use of Veterinary Medicines, Pesticides and Animal Feeds organised for stakeholders in Enugu.

Mrs. Oni whose address

was delivered by the Director, Veterinary medicine and Allied products (VMAP), Dr. Bukar Ali Usman, said that the workshop was the fourth in the series of six to be held across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

According to her, the outcome of the first workshop, held at Ibadan for the southwest zone and the second one, held at Kaduna for the North-west in 2014 revealed that effective regulation was needed to achieve a sustainable food production of international standard.

She added that the third in the series held at Minna two weeks ago, further highlighted the importance of interaction between the Agency and stakeholders especially in the county side.

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SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

NEWS

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hief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr Ferdi Moolman, has said that reports making the rounds on the company’s final settlement of the N780 billion fine was false.

This is contained in a statement signed by Moolman on Saturday in Lagos.

Moolman was quoted in the statement as saying that the reports of the claim of settlement were premature, as the telecommunications company was still negotiating with the Federal Government of Nigeria. ‘’The management of MTN Nigeria is aware of the reports on the settlement negotiations. The confidential negotiations are still very much ongoing with the authorities to achieve an amicable resolution of the matter. Accordingly, no further comment can be made at this time,’’ the statement quoted Moolman as saying.

N1.04trn fine: MTN Nigeria denies final settlement claims The company has been negotiating with the Government over a possible reduction of the fine and made a part payment of $251 million (N50 billion), also setting aside $600 million for further payment of the fine.

The Senate Committee on Communications, headed

by Sen. Gilbert Nnaji, on Thursday, March 10, revealed how the Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) were sidelined in the process of negotiation.

The senate committee, which held an investigative

hearing into the N1.04 trillion fine imposed on MTN was also, informed that the company had proposed to pay the sum of N300 billion between now and 2020.

The committee was told that a proposal for outof-court settlement of the fine was already ongoing between the MTN and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, with respect of the fine which had been reduced to N780 billion.

Vice Chairman of the Communications Committee, Sen. Adeola Olamilekan (Lagos West), during the sitting, displayed a pro-

posal from MTN, which he said was made to the government by MTN. The Solicitor-General of the Federation, Taiwo Abiodun, was reported to have acknowledged the proposal.

In the proposal, the telecommunications company told Government it could only pay the sum of N300 billion between now and 2020.

A breakdown of the proposal indicated that MTN, having already paid N50 billion to a recovery account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), would pay another N100 billion via electronic transfer be-

Former Senate President, David Mark (middle); former Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro (left), with security aides and supporters, during Mark’s visit to communities recently attacked by herdsmen in Agatu, Benue State…yesterday. \PHOTO: NAN

REC alleges snatching of result sheet in A/Ibom rerun

N EWS I N BRIEF

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Gabriel Ada, has alleged that suspected thugs snatched result sheet from electoral officer in Saturday’s council poll in the state.

Ada told the News Agency of Nigeria in Ibesikpo, while monitoring the election that the incident took place in one of the polling units in Obot Akara.

According to him, suspected thugs in Obot Akara beat up an electoral officer and took away the result sheet for the polling unit.

“We are still having pockets of violence in one or two places in Obot Akara but I think the security presence is good enough. In one of my polling units in Obot Akara, a staff was beaten and the result sheet was collected,’’ Ada said.

He disclosed that security personnel were adequately deployed for the re-run election and that their presence had accounted for relative peace during the exercise.

“Before this time, we had a lot of interactive meetings with political stakeholders, where they all resolved that the election will be peaceful,” he said.

UN adopts resolution on sexual exploitation, abuse The UN Security Council on Friday in New York adopted the Resolution 2272 (2016), aimed at preventing and combating Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) by UN peacekeepers.

The resolution was adopted by 14 votes in favour, with abstention by Egypt.

The Council specifically endorsed the decision of the Secretary-General to repatriate a particular military unit or formed police unit of a contingent when there is credible evidence of widespread or systemic sexual exploitation and abuse by that unit.

The decision was one of several recommendations in a report that was presented on Thursday by the UN chief to the 15-member body which for the first time ever, listed the names of the countries of alleged perpetrators.

It also showed an increase in the number of new allegations in 2015, with 69 of the total 99 allegations lodged against UN personnel serving in peace operations.

The U.S.-sponsored text, adopted as resolution, further requested that the UN Secretary-General should replace all units of the troop- or police-contributing country from which the perpetrator is from, if appropriate steps have not been taken by the country to investigate the allegation.

Don’t allow Aregbesola sack health workers, JOHESU begs Buhari The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) on Saturday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun to rescind his plans to dismiss 1,083 workers of Ladoke Akintola Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Osogbo.

The Chairman of JOHESU, Mr Afolabi Abiodun, in Osun, made the appeal while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Osogbo.

He alleged that the plans to sack the workers had reached an advanced stage, while the yet-to-be-delivered termination letters of the workers had already been written by the hospital’s management board, on the order of the state governor.

Abiodun stressed that at this juncture, only Buhari’s intervention could save the situation and prevent the planned workers’ sack.

Meanwhile, the state government has debunked the claims regarding the purported plans to sack bona fide workers of LAUTECH. One of the governor’s aides, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, told NAN that only workers who were recruited into the hospital without the mandatory government’s approval would be affected by the exercise.

tween December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2020.

The proposal further indicated that another N80 billion would be paid by MTN ‘’as a demonstration of its commitment to and confidence in the Nigerian economy and subject to necessary regulatory approvals.’’

It added that MTN Nigeria would make a purchase of N80 billion of Nigerian sovereign debt issued on international market in 2016 to 2017.

The proposal stated that the last tranche of the payment proposal would be N70 billion.

Ebonyi earmarks N250m to fight Lassa fever Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

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bonyi State Government has earmarked over N250 million to check Lassa fever epidemic in the state.

The state Governor, Chief Dave Umahi, disclosed this while inspecting the level of work on the Lassa Fever Virology Centre, under construction by his administration at the Federal Medical Centre in Abakaliki.

He said that equipment for the centre had already been acquired.

He added that the approval of sum by the state Executive Council would ensure that the centre was up and running within the three-week timeline given to the committee in charge of the project.

The governor disclosed that the council also approved four ambulances and four dialysis machines to be stationed in designated hospitals in the three senatorial zone of the state and at the teaching hospital He said: “EXCO went further

to approve four ambulances to attack Lassa fever. One should be in Abakaliki here and one should be in each of the designated hospitals in the three senatorial zones.

“We have also directed that emergency building or caravan be constructed. It is not good to allow any suspected Lassa fever patient to go to our general hospital or primary health care centre because it could further spread and that is why we want to isolate any case identified through advocacy campaign.

“We have also approved as Exco members four sets of dialysis machines apart from the other equipment associated with Lassa fever approved for the centre.

One of the dialysis machines will be in the hospital here and one in each zone in the hospital of your choice.

“On the whole, we are spending close to N250 million to attack Lassa fever.

About N64 million is going into the mini hospital and the lab. We have money for equipment, campaign advocacy and so on.”

Firm backs FG’s anti graft investigation in DSO

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Nigeria-based firm, Inview Technology Nigeria Limited, the software middleware partner for the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) common standard set up boxes that will enable customers access the free-to-view platforms created by Digital Switchover (DSO), has thrown its weight behind the ongoing Federal Government’s anti graft war being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC’s).

In a statement signed by the company’s Chairman, Nick Markham, the firm said: “Inview Technology Nigeria Limited is proud to be supporting the Nigerian government in the Digital Switchover Programme, and is committed to helping the NBC deliver a whole range of free digital channels to the Nigerian

population.

“To ensure that the DSO programme is managed correctly, Inview respects and supports the EFCC’s work investigating payments relating to DSO. As part of the EFCC’s investigation, allegations have been made in the press concerning actions that the Inview CEO, Babatunji Amure, may have taken.

Inview has taken these allegations very seriously and has held extensive discussions with the EFCC Senior Investigating Officer, who has confirmed that Inview is not accused of any involvement in this matter.

The EFCC have confirmed that in fact the allegations relate to Mr Amure’s role as CEO of D-Vine and therefore any actions Mr. Amure may have taken would have been wholly outside the scope of his employment with inview.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016

Troops kill 21 Boko Haram suspects Emmanuel Onani

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he Nigerian Army has said its troops on separate operations, have killed 21 Boko Haram suspects, in an ongoing clearance operation.

A statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said 17 of the fighters were killed by troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, who had repelled an attack by the suspects, while the other 4 were killed by troops of 7 Division Strike Group. It added that Boko Haram’s hideouts in nine villages have since been cleared, in what the Army said is an ongoing operation.

Many people, who were held captive, were said to have been rescued, including a pregnant woman, who was said to have been deliv-

ered of a baby boy, shortly after rescue.

The statement reads in part: “The clearance operations of the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists is gaining momentum in the various axis of the theatre especially in 7 Division area of responsibility. Within the last 48 hours, the troops were able to clear Boko Haram camps, killed several of the terrorists and recovered vehicles, weapons, equipment and rescued persons.

“The troops of 151 Task Force Battalion have cleared terrorists’ hideouts in Izza and eight other surrounding villages. Similarly, troops of 121 Task Force Battalion deployed at Pulka came under attack from suspected Boko Haram terrorists fanning out of Sambisa forest to escape sustained aerial bombardment by the Nigerian Air Force pilots.”

We’ll keep to March 17 budget deadline – Sen.Wamakko

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enator Aliyu Wamakko (APC Sokoto State) has assured that the National Assembly would not renege in its pledge to pass the 2016 budget into law on March 17. ‘’We will diligently and transparently scrutinise the budget and pass it into law,” Wamakko, told newsmen in Sokoto on Saturday.

He promised that the National Assembly was fully committed to passing the budget on time in the

best interest of Nigerians.

Wamakko further reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to complement the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari to move Nigeria forward and bring about positive changes in the affairs of the country. The lawmaker appealed to Nigerians to be patient and pray for the administration to succeed. ‘’ Nigerians should be more patient as there will be light at the end of the tunnel,’’ Wamakko said.

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NEWS

Expatriates, Nigerians held over production of N4bn illicit drugs

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Juliana Francis he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), yesterday, said it has arrested four expatriates and four Nigerians in connection with the operation of a super methamphetamine laboratory.

Speaking at the NDLEA office, Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah said the expatriates were Mexicans.

This is not the first time foreigners have been arrested in connection with running a methamphetamine laboratory in the country.

“Before the arrest of this Mexicans, some Bolivians had also been arrested.

The illicit laboratory was busted by operatives of the Special Enforcement Team (SET) of the NDLEA. The team had carried out surveillance on the laboratory and its function before swooping them. The suspects were arrested before they could complete a full circle of 4,000kg of the

drug, which street value would be over N2billion.

The swoop on the laboratory, located in Delta State, would make it the 11th one, known for methamphetamine production, which the agency would be busting. The Nigerian suspects are believed to be joint owners of the laboratory, while the four Mexicans are methamphetamine production experts hired as ‘technical partners’.

The Nigerian suspects are identified as Chief Chibi Aruh, William Ejike Agusi, Umolu Kosisochukwu and Umolu Ckukwemeka.

The Mexicans are Cervantos Madrid Jose Bruno, Rivas Ruiz Pastiano, Castillo Barraza Cristobal and Partida Gonzalez Pedro.

Interestingly, all the Nigerian suspects denied involvement, while the Mexicans claimed they could not speak or understand English.

Abdallah described the operation as technical undercover assignment, leading to the dismantling of a

drug trafficking organisation.

His words: “In a technical undercover operation, four Mexicans were arrested in active production exercise inside the super laboratory. The cartel first brought two Mexican methamphetamine experts, Cervantos Madrid Jose Bruno and Rivas Ruiz Pastiano to Nigeria but because of the size of the laboratory coupled with the volume of work, two additional Mexicans, Castillo Barraza Cristobal and Partida Gonzalez Pedro were added. Our investigation revealed that a successful test production was done at the laboratory in February 2016.”

The NDLEA boss continued: “This super methamphetamine laboratory, similar to the ones found in Mexico is the first to be discovered in the country.

The laboratory has a capacity of producing between 3,000kg to 4,000kg of methamphetamine per production cycle.

A significant feature of this laboratory is that the production process is more technical and sophisticated because it uses the synthesis method of methamphetamine production.

All the principal actors linked to this illicit act were apprehended in a simultaneous raid on members of the drug syndicate in Lagos, Obosi in Anambra State and at the laboratory in Asaba, Delta State.”

Abdallah said that the laboratory was raided while the second production cycle was on-going.

Items recovered at the laboratory include 1.5kg of finished methamphetamine and 750 litres of liquid methamphetamine.

Other items found in the laboratory include industrial pressure pots, gas cylinders, gas burners, facial masks and numerous chemicals.

Also recovered in this operation were a Toyota Tundra, Mercedes Benz Jeep ML and a Toyota Corolla car.

15 cheat death as canoe capsizes in Apapa Muritala Ayinla

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ifteen escaped death as a wooden boat capsized near Tin Can Island, Apapa, Lagos leaving some injured.

Sunday Telegraph learnt that the accident, which occurred at about 10:50pm on Friday, was caused as a result of collision with a bigger boat and took place at Grimadi Port close to Tin Can flyover bridge, Coconut bus Stop, Apapa, near Niger Dock yard. The General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Engr. Busola Kamson and Southwest Spokesperson of the National Emergency Management (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye confirmed the incident.

Farinloye said all the passengers were rescued with only the boat paddler sustaining injury.

Farinloye said: “The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that a wooden boat capsized at Grimadi Port close to Tin Can flyover

bridge, Apapa, near Niger Dock yard and few metres from the jetty with 15 people on board, all have been rescued and the driver of the boat was the only one who sustained injury.

“The incident was said to have been caused by a bigger boat which caused waves to destabilise the wooden boat, which lost control and capsized.

“Marine Police and other stakeholders are handling the case.” But reacting to the incident, LASWA boss Kamson, who said only 11 passengers were involved, described the incident as unfortunate because boats or canoes are not allowed to operate at night.

She said it was fortunate that campaign for usage of life jacket was gaining ground, said all the passengers were wearing life jackets. She said: “A collision incident occurred involving wooden canoes operating illegally at 10:50pm on Friday.

All passengers were wearing their life jackets and were rescued alive.

A cross section of Nigerian and Mexican suspects who are producing illicit products of Super Clandestine Methamphetamine in Asaba, Delta State, being paraded by the NDLEA, in Lagos…yesterday PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Kogi: Monarch decries alleged killings of farmers

NEWS IN BRIEF

Oba of Ayede Oke-Agi Amuro, Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi, Chief Matthew Obasa, has decried alleged killings of farmers in Amuro communities by herdsmen.

Obasa, who stated this yesterday, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lokoja, alleged that an ex-Councillor of Mopamuro Local Government Legislative Council, Mr Paul Oluwole (Serebe) was murdered on Thursday morning on his way to his farm by herdsmen.

Obasa said the councillor was allegedly shot at close range by two herdsmen, describing the incidence as unfortunate and pathetic. He said this was not the first time the herdsmen are killing and maiming innocent people in the town and neighbouring communities in their farms for no just cause.

“Another woman died on Wednesday due to the severe injuries she sustained from herdsmen attack about a week ago.

Senator wants more industries in South- East

The senator representing Enugu North Senatorial Zone of Enugu State, in the senate, Senator Chukwuka Utazi has bemoaned the lack of innovative and enterprising zeal among the people of the South-East geopolitical zone, saying it was occasioned by the Nigeria-Biafran civil war.

Utazi, said that before the war broke out, Igbos were establishing industries and factories but today, things have gone awry.

He made his views known in a lecture titled, “Nigeria and the Future of SouthEast economy,” delivered yesterday at the official inauguration of the newly elected executive council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Chapter led

by Comrade Rex Arum.

Utazi charged the people of the zone to go back to the good old days and establish industries and factories to provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the zone. He said, “Igbo businessmen should build more industries.

Rerun: Amaechi relocates to Rivers, dares Wike

Former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi has dared the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, to come out with all his ‘criminals ‘ in the March 19 National and State Assembly rerun in Rivers State as he has threatened. He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) members would be waiting. Amaechi made this known while speaking as a guest on Rhythm 93.7 FM current Affairs Programme “View Point” in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

He accused Wike of abdicating his responsibility of protecting lives and property.

Amaechi, a former Rivers governor said he had been inundated with calls of crying and helpless Rivers people who are faced with deaths and intimidation by the Rivers State Government under Wike.

He accused the Rivers Commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo, of complicacy while members of APC were being killed and beheaded.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

FEATURES Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

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he’s a mother of eight. She lost her husband nine years ago. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Victoria Kalu a native of Amangwu autonomous community in Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has been battling to ensure that the children are well taken care of.

She was homeless until respite came her way when her step-son, Francis Kalu embarked on construction of a four bedroom bungalow for her and the children. Her joy knew no bounds seeing that the house was nearing completion.

But that joy was cut short last week Wednesday when the house which was being roofed was completely demolished to the foundation level by the Amangwu Edda Development Union, a town union in the community for reasons yet unknown.

Seeing the building being bulldozed, Mrs. Kalu wept uncontrollably but the weeping did not save the situation. The woman, who described the act as barbaric and callous said if her husband was alive, nobody would have tried the demolition.

“They knew that my husband is not alive and that was why they had the effrontery to demolish my house without any reason. ’They did not tell me why they demolished it. The house is not even on the roadside such that anyone could blame the demolition on road expansion. ‘’Even if it is on the road, they supposed to have given notice before the demolition by contacting me or my stepson or inscribing something on the building but they did not do any of these things. ‘’Look at these two buildings here; one at the back of this my own and the other just by my own side. They allowed these two buildings and went ahead to demolish my own raising a very big question,’’ she lamented.

She said she was not told the offence she committed by the town union which warranted the demolition of the house and that the town union did not also tell her step-son why they demolished the building. ‘’I was outside when I saw a bulldozer driving towards my building. All of a sudden, I started hearing get the house down! Get the house!!” ‘’They refused to tell me why they were demolishing my house. I can only say they are jealous of the progress of my step son and unity of our family because they don’t believe we will still be united after my husband’s death nine years ago”, she said.

Mrs. Kalu called on the state government, human right groups and civil society organizations to come to her aid. She noted that she has been surviving on the goodwill of her step children since the death of her husband.

In his comment, Francis Kalu who was building the house for his step mother and the children said the house took him

‘They demolished my house because I’m a widow’

Mrs. Kalu and her son infront of their demolished home

eight years to get to the roofing level. ‘’This is what I have achieved in life that is demolished like this by people who called themselves town union. They have been terrorising our community; killing, maiming and harassing people. ‘’They didn’t tell me what I did that made them to demolish the building. I was building this house for my step mother and her eight children to enable them have a place to stay because they have been squatting somewhere since the death of my father. ‘’Now, they have demolished the building and you can see it is almost at the completion level. I was not told why it was demolished; no reason was given for the act and that is why am very shocked and sad.”

Kalu explained that the Amangwu Edda Development Union led by one Ndubuisi Ekumankama has been involved a nutriber of shady things without being challenged including the killing of two indigenes of the area last year and that

he is just a victim of their impunity.

He called on Governor Dave Umahi and security agents to intervene into the matter and cause the perpetrators to rebuild the house in the interest of peace, adding that it may cause break down of law and order in the area.

Meanwhile, a team of policemen from the Owutu Police Division have visited the scene to ascertain the level of the demolition with a plea to the family to remain calm and wait for action of security agents on the matter.

When contacted, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Afikpo South Local Government Area, Hon Eni Uduma Chima said he was not consulted before the demolition.

He pointed out that when he got the information, he rushed to the scene with his men, but the deed was already done before his arrival “ We can’t say whether they were right or wrong because we were never consulted, we just heard about it and before we could get there they had already demolished the building,” he stated.

Sibling of Lagos schoolgirls’kidnapper held for Ogun robbery Kunle Olayeni ABEOKUTA

S

egun Arigidi is a 33-year-old native of Ondo State. Currently in police net alongside five other suspects by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ogun State for alleged kidnapping and bunkering.

Incidentally, Segun is a relative of Pastor Oluwaseun Emmanuel Arigidi, the 37-year-old suspect who was nabbed in connection with the abduction of three Lagos schoolgirls.

Kidnapping appears to be a thriving venture with them. It runs through the family to the extent that two of their sons have now been arrested over the crime. However, the duo was arrested at separate spots and for different kidnapping cases.

The older Arigidi (a pastor) was held for the February 29 abduction of three female students of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary (BMJS) in Ikorodu, Lagos State. He was reportedly also a member of the dreaded bank robbery gang who unleashed terror on Lagos last year.

A native of old Ese village in Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oluwaseun confessed that his 12-man gang came through the waterways with eight boats and 10 AK47 rifles to effect the kidnapping of the schoolgirls.

But just as the dust had yet to settle over the busting of Pastor Oluwaseun’s kidnapping gang, police operatives in Ogun State, in quick succession, also nabbed his relative, Segun.

Segun was paraded on Monday at the SARS office, Magbon, Abeokuta by the state Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali. He was picked up after a failed attempt to kidnap a Chinese businessman in Mobalufon area of Ijebu-Ode. However, the suspect had allegedly been involved the abduction of an 87-year-old man (name withheld) whose family paid N2.7million to secure his freedom. He was also accused of involvement in the abduction of an Igbo businessman as well as oil bunkering.

A local canoe, double-barrelled gun and live cartridges, among other items, were recovered from Segun’s gang.

Segun admitted that one of those held for the Lagos schoolgirls’ abduction is a member of his extended family but that he had not physically met him.

“Our family is large; he (Oluwaseun) is from the extended family. I’ve not met him before,” he stated in an interview when asked if he was related to the pastor.

Segun, who admitted that bunkering and vandalism were his major jobs, claimed that he embraced kidnapping about three months ago. He explained that his cousin, Alaba Olowokite, who worked with the Baba, facilitated the abduction, adding that he got only N100, 000 from the ransom paid.

He said: “My cousin, Alaba Olowokite, who was working with Baba, brought this kidnapping job. He was the machine operator. He met with Badoo (Godwin Forojo) and arranged the deal. Then, I was on the river doing my work (vandalism).

“I was the one that used canoe to cross Baba to another location.

I took care of him and gave him food to eat.

“It’s not up to three months that I started this job (kidnapping).

I’ve been involved in vandalism for a long time.Because I have a canoe, that’s why they came to meet me.”

Segun said other members of the gang bolted away with the ransom but added that they sent him N100, 000.

One of the suspects, Lucky, who was identified as the ring leader of the gang, said he got N800, 000 from the ransom.

It was Godwin Forojo aka Badoo that later gave details about the kidnapping. Recounting how the operation was planned and hatched, Godwin told Sunday Telegraph that he arranged a vehicle to convey their victim of abduction.

He stated that of the N2.7million ransom, the sum of N370, 000 was his own share. He, however, said N200, 000 was still left from the money when policemen arrested him. ”My share was N370, 000; I still have N200, 000 left from it. I gave it to someone to keep for me because I wanted to use it for business,” the suspect said.

Godwin said the sum of N350, 000 was given to Alaba, who gave detailed information about the victim, while N150, 000 was sent to Segun Arigidi.

He said: “I was into bunkering. He (Segun) told me that his brother (Alaba) was working with the Baba on the farm. He said by the time his brother would come back, he would explain better. When the brother came, he saw us and gave us the needed information. I now thought of how to carry out the operation.

“There is a man in Ijebu-Ode who came and gave us information on planned kidnapping of a Chinese businessman. When we called the man in Ijebu-Ode, the man said his vehicle being a commercial one was well known and that he wouldn’t be able to lend us for the operation. He, however, promised to arrange one Toyota Camry car for us.

“The man in Ijebu-Ode called one Alfa and the following day, Alaba took us to Baba’s place. Alaba warned us to be careful; that the job was quite risky. When Baba was coming out, we just told him that we were not out to kill him. We said we didn’t have money, that’s why we wanted to abduct him. The Baba pleaded with us and we just bundled him into a waiting vehicle (Astra car).”

“I regret kidnapping; it won’t happen again ever in my life,” he stated.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016

11

OPINION

Rescued school girls and governance in Lagos Niyi Anibaba

A

t the time the al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed by a special assault team of the United States military in Abbottabad, Pakistan in May 2011, pundits suggested that with the Presidential election to be held in the US ahead of the scheduled date in 2012, President Barack Obama, under whose watch the Jihadist was nailed, would easily secure re-election.

Pollsters returned the verdict that although such economic issues as marginal job losses, poverty and oil prices fluctuation were trending as likely voting determinants, Obama’s major feat on the security front would clinch massive popular support for him and his Democratic Party.

This turned out to be prophetic because more than a year later at the poll, America’s first black president was re-elected, a strong influencing factor being the role he played in taming insecurity ascribed to Osama bin Laden’s terrorist activities against the US and the country’s global interests.

When keen observers also take a critical look at the security situation in Lagos State under the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, they can’t but conclude that indeed he has made a difference that is turning out to be a game changer. It would absolutely count for him when he seeks reelection as it did for Obama, according to observers.

He has tackled insecurity in Lagos such that as the day follows the night, arrests invariably follow the perpetuation of a crime. We are at the stage where committing felony will become unattractive to the criminally minded.

Now, the background to this observation is the recent abduction and rescue of the three female students of Babington Macaulay Ju-

nior Seminary School (BMJSS) at Ikorodu on the outskirts of Lagos.

It took place at an in auspicious time: the state government was battling a seasonal feud between two factions of the Road Transport Workers Union at Oshodi that had temporarily arrested social and economic activities in the community; communal violence had also broken out in the densely-populated area of Ketu Mile 12 market, claiming several lives, destroying properties running into hundreds of millions of naira and injuring scores of residents. It lasted for days and led finally to the closure of the popular market.

While all these lasted, Governor Ambode shuttled between these hot spots and security outposts. But some scoffed at him and his government on the issue of the students’ abduction. On Wednesday March 2, 2016, one leading national newspaper wrote: “Despite the fact that the students were kidnapped on Monday night and the information had been widely circulated neither the Lagos State governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, nor his representatives had visited the school as of 8pm on Tuesday. The state government had also yet to make a statement on the abduction.”

Many went on to liken the BMJSS development to the tragic Chibok girls tale that saw the kidnap of more than 200 students in 2014.

They have not been rescued since.

But it was a short-lived comparison because the entire arsenal of the security apparatus Ambode had been assembling was scrambled into action. It delivered the expected result as the girls were rescued some six days after their abduction. The Police arrested the culprits and retrieved valuable information while also recovering lethal weapons from the suspects. Such was the success of the operation that no ransom was paid to the kidnappers.

Hear what Emmanuel Arigidi, one of the

suspected kidnappers of the Ikorodu school girls said about the level of security in the state: “I know that security in Lagos State is now tight and I was telling others that there was no way we would get away with this kind of job considering the level of security in the state. When I told them that we should end the assignment, other members of the gang threatened to kill me and then I took canoe to run away”.

The school population and parents of the victims as well as the generality of the society in Lagos and Nigeria are heaving a sigh of relief and hailing the security architecture that has offered such salutary conclusion to what was unfolding as one abduction too many following the unresolved Chibok riddle.

But really, this pleasant outcome was not a surprise to those who have monitored Ambode’s unprecedented contribution to a highly motivated and efficient police in the state. His administration has given a hefty crime-tackling equipment worth about N4.765billion to the Force. These include three helicopters, two gun boats, 55 Ford Ranger vans, 100 4-door salon cars, 10 Toyota Land Cruiser pickups, Isuzu trucks and 115 Power bikes. In tow are 15 Armoured Personnel Carriers, APC, bullet proof vests, helmets along with Improved Insurance and Death Benefit Schemes for officers.

In the offing is the installation of Close Circuit Camera TV Coverage for Lagos and more equipment to assist security agencies in effectively doing their job.

Even then, the ‘Light Up Lagos Project’ that has seen all the nooks and cranny of the state with street lights is also designed to compliments the efforts of security agencies.

Ambode says this is “In conformity with the overall policy thrust of (the) administration built on a tripod… security, job opportunities and improved infrastructure.”

It is the synergy of technology, intelligence

work and political will at play.

A government with this mindset is the objective of the ideal state, where government’s sole occupation is to cater for the all-round welfare of the people, through securing them against anti-social elements and the economic vicissitudes of life. Economic and social enterprise with political activities and the development of the citizen can only take place where there is security and a body language in government that suggests that crime would not go undetected, unprevented or unpunished. This is the primary aspiration of government, whether they are in khaki or in politicians’ agbada.

The safe return of the BMJSS girls has delivered two take-aways: Lagos with its burgeoning population of more than 20 million people is safe for business, leisure and habitation; secondly it has a government which, as it partners with the Police, does not take tax payers money and security fund for granted.

Just as the governor said on the day the girls were rescued: “Let me warn that the state government will not tolerate kidnapping or any forms of crime in the State. Our position is clear and unambiguous, Lagos state has the capacity and the will to go after every form of crime and criminality in order to safeguard lives and property in the state.”

It is becoming increasingly clear that anyone who doubts the government resolve to protect the state, would have himself to blame.

And at a time when cynicism has been on the rise with the continued absence of the Chibok girls, observers are quick to remind Nigerians that with the right leadership - like the one that was demonstrated in Lagos in the past week by the governor - the country can still get it right.

Anibaba, an economist, wrote in from Gbagada, Lagos

Dr Felix Omobude: A Compassionate Pastor and Leader at 70 Nnimmo Bassey

E

veryone who knows Dr Felix Ilaweagbon Omobude, the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and General Superintendent of Gospel Light International Ministries will agree that he is a man of deep wisdom and insight. He is a man routinely acknowledged for his integrity and who never leaves you in doubt about what he stands for.

Birthdays are major milestones in the life of humans and for this reason these dates are marked and celebrated. Dr Felix Omobude is not open to celebrating his birthdays, but as he clocks six scores and ten years on 14th day of March 2016 it is essential that we reflect on a worthy life and pay tribute to an inspiring and true Man of God. In the foreword to one of Dr Omobude’s books, ‘Flaming Fire’ (1993), Dr Mike Okonkwo, the Bishop of TREM, said this of him: “At this time when there is a quest for reality rather than the shadow, when showmanship in Ministry is fast crumbling, Dr Felix Omobude is a proven man of God and a voice to our generation.” That was true over two decades ago and we can say without doubt that it is even more so today.

I was drawn to Dr Omobude by his preaching on television in the early 1990s. Till date, the incisive biblical teachings presented in current socio-political contexts, and the rich mix of subjects that emerge from his preaching remain very inspiring. Indeed, at times after hearing him preach one feels like it is time to fashion whips and overturn the

tables of the money changers in the houses of God and in political offices. Besides the clear Bible-based substance of his preaching, Dr Omobude is a psalmist who has composed many worship songs. He is also a poet, with his poetry emerging from his choice of words and by the iterative presentation of core concepts in his messages. Needless to say that after more than two decades of sitting to learn at his feet, one craves for more!

From his book, ‘Flaming Fire’, we learn that Dr Omobude’s passion for evangelism and missions took root in him from his early days as a Christian and under the pastoral oversight of the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, then head of Church of God Mission International. Hear him: “I immediately began to work in the church first as an usher and later as the leader of the young people on evangelism and street meetings. Thereafter I had the privilege of attending the church’s local Bible School for nine weeks. From then I started going as an advance team to wherever my pastor wanted to hold a crusade. In 1973 I went in the company of two military personnel who were also Christians. We had spent days praying and fasting for this meeting. God moved in that crusade with signs and miracles. We came back from that crusade giving thanks to God. My association with those two other soldiers gave birth to the Soldiers of Christ Evangelistic group in the Church of God Mission then. I led this group for many years.”

IN THE BUSH FOR THE LEPERS Troubled by the dehumanising situation

of lepers begging on the Benin-Lagos and Benin-Sapele highways in early 1997, Dr Omobude set up the Life Lift International as the humanitarian arm of Gospel Light International Ministries.

Since its establishment, the Life Lift International has remained active in supporting the needy and has made an indelible mark on the lives of the target people as well as on the wider society. Life Lift worked to encourage the lepers and ex-lepers to either return home to be reintegrated into their families or to return to the camps provided for them by the government at various locations in the country. With Ossiomo Specialist Hospital/ Leprosarium being the nearest to Benin City, that has received regular attention from Life Lift, including by provision of scholarships and through the renovation of a block of living quarters for four families, construction of kitchen blocks and sanitary facilities as well as the reconstruction and upgrading of a Chest Ward building recently completed with the support of T. Y. Danjuma Foundation.

In its relief efforts, Life Lift has responded to disasters within and outside Nigeria. Help was sent to victims of fire outbreak at Aviara 1 Community in Edo State where over 100 houses were gutted and the Jesse pipeline fire of 1998 that killed about 1000 persons and left many others injured. Life Lift also sent relief to Odi Community in Bayelsa State after their town was levelled by the military in November 1999 with over 2800 casualties.

Dr Omobude personally visited these disaster zones, giving hope, offering comfort and

praying for the wounded and the bereaved.

Life Lift also sent relief to earthquake victims in Haiti (2010) as well as contributing relief in the case of the Fukushima tsunami/nuclear accident in Japan in March 2011.

MISSIONS As already noted, Dr Omobude is passionate about missions and this can also be seen in his academic pursuits. Although he has an electrical engineering background, his doctoral dissertation at the San Antonio Theological Seminary, United States of America, was on the subject, Mission to the Third World. Dr Omobude believes strongly that education is the major key for the emancipation of man. Little wonder that the Gospel Light International Ministries, besides the church arm, New Covenant Gospel Church, runs educational institutions ranging from the kindergarten to the tertiary institution, the Lighthouse Polytechnic As we reflect on Dr Omobude’s 70th birthday anniversary, the words of Dr Carl Conely, President, LifeLink International and of Faith Community Churches International, USA, in the foreword to Dr Omobude’s book, ‘Whose Son Are You’ (2007), says it all: “Dr Omobude is the perfect example of a faithful son and a loving, nurturing father. Multitudes of ministers in Nigeria and around the world look to him as a father and are quick to obey his loving direction. He gives himself wholeheartedly to the success of his children. I know of no other man who more fully models spiritual fatherhood.”

12

Sunday Mail

SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

@

EMAIL

thesundayletters@gmail. com and sundayletters@ newtelegraphonline.com

MAIL BAG

* Letters to the Editor

The Sunday Telegraph

Lions are entitled to be afraid Dear Editor,

Soldiers all over the world live in troubled times in a stormy world caused by the activities of insensitive politicians. But their lives and jobs can be made better if politicians make them understand the ethical basis and need of going to fight the wars they (civilians) help create.

The life of a soldier can be made better if politicians do not create a mess in the polity and subordinate it to the soldiers to clean up. It could also be better, if politicians do not rationalize crime in the polity because rationalization leads to social injustice.

Why wouldn’t lions be afraid? Especially in a country where senior officers put their snout in the trough of a gravy train and refuse to procure 21 century armaments for soldiers in the line of deathly duty.

Many soldiers have died due to the procurement of substandard helmets that bullets penetrate, others as a result of tactless commands from generals. Soldiers die for many reasons, many unforgivable reasons. Lions are entitled to be afraid.

A soldierly-spirit binds soldiers in the war front the same way Sheshat does to writers, we stay till the death or flee: Soldiers flee when they see their comrades die without reason it could have been them. They stay when the order of detached commanders in the field isn’t out-manoeuvred by a commanding officer in the war room. When the top brass break the army’s strict code: lack of respect for critical decisions reached by a chain of command, second-guesses and overrules decisions of officers taking bullets in the field: then Lions would run. The Army must not continually embarrass its own. The armed services are the last unit holding the unity of Nigeria. It should continually inspect members not fit to serve and discharge them in time and not pass the buck.

The Army may become another sleeping giant if the welfare of serving soldiers is left unattended to, if monies for armaments are shared for senseless cavorting, and if there is no veteran department to take care of retired, and families of deceased soldiers. This is for Dare Babarinsa, Yes! Lions are entitled to be afraid’ SIMON ABAH, PORTHARCOURT

The zebra crossing sign is barely usible here

CPR for emergency situations Dear Editor,

Your Metro publication of February 15, 2016 titled: “Valentine Tragedy: Assistant Commissioner of Police dies in Lagos Hotel” is a wake-up call to all Nigerians to learn the simple procedure using Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to save lives. There is an urgent need to begin mass mobilisation and trainings in the application of First Aid in Nigeria during emergency situations.

Every employee in Nigeria must be certificated on CPR to save more lives. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is important whenever tragedy of this magnitude occurs.

According to Mayo Clinic: “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.”

According to Wikipedia on CPR, “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is an emergency procedure performed in an effort to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest”.

Mr. Osung Ekpo, an Assistant Commissioner of Police’s (ACP), mysterious death was an avoidable incident, but unfortunately, Nigerians are still nonchalant about taking good control of little things that matter concerning their health and lives. Our people die from so many avoidable deaths. We wail ignorantly with no clue on how to apply First Aid in an emergency situation. Sadly, we have lost another resource from our law enforcement agency in Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace.

YAHAYA BALOGUN, ARIZONA, USA

INEC should prepare well for 2019 Dear Editor, The issue of inconclusive elections in just minor reruns in the country is a clear indication that the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu is not capable of conducting free and fair elections in 2019. It is better the Presidency shops for a new INEC Chairman to replace the current one. Its better we prepare early for the 2019 general elections in order to avoid a disaster. INEC should go back to the drawing board and prepare fully for

2019 in order to have free and fair elections. There will be no excuse for failure.

GORDON CHIKA NNOROM, UMUKABIA, ABIA STATE

Buhari, APC and desired ‘change’ Dear Editor, Congratulations to President Muhammadu Buhari on the journey so far and the success thereof, his relentless and tireless effort to tackle corruption since assumption of office. He has been labelled ‘Baba go slow.’

I have no problem with that as an individual and as a Nigerian.

“The moon moves slowly,” like the saying goes, “but by daybreak it crosses the sky.”

Such is the situation we have at hand. Rather than coming up with negative criticisms, I think it will be more profitable for Nigerians to be prayerful and supportive of the only government that has sincerely come out to initiate a fight against corruption for the first time in the history of this country. That is total change.

It is a known fact that Nigerians are suffering.

The basic essentials of life are never enjoyed by us.

Unemployment, insecurity, food scarcity, epileptic power supply, bad roads and non-

PHOTO:GODWIN IREKHE

availability of potable water permeate the entire nation.

Our health sector remains one of the worst you can get anywhere in the world. Mr. President, I would love you to present a bill to the National Assembly that any political office holder must never leave the shores of Nigeria for medical treatment abroad, which can be done at home.

I’m sure if such a law is passed efforts will be made to equip our hospitals so that all will have equal opportunity and access to good health care system.

I look forward to a Nigeria where it becomes a national issue if one Nigerian is suffering from common malaria. This is to show the level of value that must be placed upon the Nigerian life.

That again, is change.

On corruption; I believe Mr President would do his best to tackle it at all levels.

If corruption is fought to a standstill, other basic social amenities will be in place without much effort. There must not be any sacred cow. The judiciary must be absolutely independent in the discharge of its responsibilities. With this, the common man will be assured of justice in the law court.

While I enjoin you sir, Mr. President, to carry the people along, I urge Nigerians to be part of the dream of change.

KASIMU JAFARU, LAGOS.

(

SMS

08037613380 Normal message fees apply

‘Rumbling in the house of health’ Dear Editor, With respect to the front page publication in one of the national dailies on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 on the above subject matter, I say that there is more than a rumbling in the house of health, in fact there is commotion in the Federal Ministry of Health characterised by the headship of the majority by the minority and manifested in the tyrannical and undue allocation of resources to this minority.

The article quite rightly highlighted the appointment of the ministers of health, the Minister of State for Health and the permanent secretaries in the ministries of health by the president as medical practitioners as if this group of health workers are the only ones worthy of these appointments in the health sector.

President Buhari’s advisers should have informed him that there is need to have a balance of power in the health sector for peace and harmony to reign.

In the quest for justice and equity, appointment in the health sector must be all encompassing, more so, the practicality of the trade of the health professionals is holistic hence one tree truly cannot make a forest in the health sector.

I see these appointments as lobbying carried-too-far, that is, for a medical practitioner to be appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Health, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and administrator of the Ministry of Health. For these to be called square pegs in square holes is naivety of the highest order.

In fact, I think that the game of monopoly is more democratic than this monopolistic appointments occasioned by what I described as lobbyingcarried-too-far.

Some of them in fact were worried because the monetary value of the alert became alarming in spite of the fact that some hospitals and federal parastatals had not been paid November and December salaries.

OGUNLANA OPEOLUWA, SCRIBE, ADVANCING NIGERIAN PHYSIOTHERAPY NETWORK. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HEARD! SEND YOUR LETTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHS TO THESUNDAYLETTERS@ GMAIL.COM. LETTERS SHOULD NOT BE MORE THAN 200 WORDS AND MUST HAVE THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE SENDER

13

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016

Execut ve

I desire a better society - Ukanwa Austin Ugoh

Ukanwa Austin Ugoh (Mnitp, Rtp) is the Head of Department, Town Planning Owerri Capital Development Authority and Secretary Committee on Change of Land Use/Density Imo State. The masters degree holder in Environmental Management Technology, in this interview with ABIOLA ALABA PETERS, shares everything about his passion, marriage and relationship with the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

How was growing up like for you?

Growing up for me wasn't an easy one I must say; I'm from a family of six. We were all born and brought up in Onitsha.

At the age of five, my uncle took me in and trained me from primary school to the university level. Believe me, growing up was not that easy because my biological parents were farmers, they got their daily bread from palm wine tapping and farming.

My journey to Deacon Felix Ukanwa, my adopted parents. was not an easy one.

We grew up feeding from hand to mouth.

However, today I give all glory to God because no matter how tough it was, everybody has gotten their own fair share of life experience and a story to tell. My own story is not an exception, but today, the rest is history.

How do you balance your responsibilities at home with that of your office?

Well, I first try to balance my responsibility to my family and then my responsibility to the society, so I can put a lot of time to my office duty and city management program. It might also interest you to know that I have served as Special Adviser to the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Lands and Urban Planning, and today he is the Chief of Staff of the Imo State Government, and by extension, I am still working with him. Working within political circles is not an easy one, most times you find yourself outside your home by 10pm or 11pm.

But despite this, I try as much as possible to make sure I don't mix things, whenever I'm not at work or don't have something too serious that will take me away from my family I love to spend quality time with my family because they mean so much to me, they are the reason why I'm working this hard. This is why I make sure we go out even if it is just once every month so I can have a feel of them and bond with them so well.

I have three wonderful kids and a loving, caring and beautiful wife to crown it all, so I try as much as possible to make sure that all my activities are well balanced.

How do you find time to relax?

I'm the kind of person that enjoys secure environment, I'm not the kind that likes to lock my self inside, I love to relax in an open and conducive environment. I'm a very simple, classy and fun loving person.

I create life around me, I really don't take life too seriously.

Why the keen interest in environmental management and town planning?

Its might interest you to know that I found myself accidentally in the environmental and town planning profession because I applied to study accounting in the university when I did JAMB in 1995, I did not meet the cut-off mark then to study accounting, so I was advised to try something else in environmental sciences.

So I later found myself in the Institute of Environment and Urban Planning. Ever since then, my entire life changed. We are talking about global warming and climate change, we are talking about flooding and all the rest of it, so I really developed interest in it. I'm pursuing a masters in Environmental Management and

Technology and currently, I'm doing another masters in Urban and Regional Planning, all these is because of the interest I have. So I told myself that I must make sure by my professional input, I most make sure that the world is a better place for all, you can see the level of heat we are experiencing this days, it is a result of global warming and climate change. If we don't make some commitment and effort to make sure that our environmental is protected, then we may not have a better world to live in.

Being a proud member of NITP, what are the primary functions of that body?

The Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP) came into existence in 1966. We will be having our golden jubilee this year in Abuja. NITP was formed to be in charge of raising the standards in town planning and also set out the curriculum to be used in various universities and also set standards and groom town planners and up coming professionals in the town planning profession. They also make sure that day to day, they work hard to ensure that they come up with standards and innovations to make sure that we have a functional and sustainable city. We have professionals that are willing to give their all in the security of the town, villages and region in the country, so that basically is the functions of NITP. What are the challenges confronting NITP as a body In Nigeria?

The main challenges I think is lack of awareness on the part of people, because they don't actually know what town planning is all about, most people don't appreciate that impact of town planning in the society and the government of the day have not been able to carry the profession along as we have in the case of medical doctors engineers and even land surveyors.

We are asking that for those professional agencies, like the Ministry of Environment, Housing and Urban Development to be headed by town planners with experiences in that field to make sure that they bring their experience there in the functions and management of our cities.

Being an expert in environmental management and town planning, what advice do you have for the younger ones coming up who want to

take up a career in that field?

Well, my advice to them is that, they should make sure that they develop the dream to excel in environmental management or in town planning, most importantly they must be able to identify and associate with people that can mentor them in that area.

We must be able to mentor the young ones and the young ones must also be able to identify with their mentors who will guide them in their careers. I grew up admiring people like Chief Steve Onu, he is our immediate past National President, DC Obialor and others, when you continue to associate with people like them, they will put you through.

Having attained this height in your career, what is the next big thing you are looking at?

Well, the big thing I'm looking at in the nearest future is to segment myself to the service of humanity. I want to give back to the society by presenting myself in some leadership position where I think I can bring my experience to play and uplift the society. It might also interest you to know that, this is an election year for the NITP's and by the grace of God, I am coming back for the position of second assistant National Secretary during the election that will be taking place anytime in October.

How would you describe your fashion sense?

(Laughing) well, I'm a very simple, stylish and classy person, I love to look good.

I wear anything that is good and decent, I wear native attires, casual, elegant. I'm very particular about colours.

How long have you been married?

I got married in April 2005, so this coming April, I will be celebrating my sixth marriage anniversary.

How best will you describe marriage?

Marriage is not a bed of roses, it is an education that requires continous learning, you know in education, when you are studying, there are some aspect of the courses you do well, and there are some you don't do well. You keep failing and getting carry overs, you keep repeating and passing classes. That for me is what marriage is all about, you keep learning from your mistakes and making sure you make a perfect husband or wife. that is how best I can describe marriage.

Imo State is 40 years old. How would you describe the journey so far?

Thank you very much. The state as a matter of fact as had some ups and downs.

The state has also been blessed with couple of leaders, especially the Rocha's administration, I would say his excellency came, saw and conquered. He has done so well in Imo State, he has turned state into a blessing, although a few people might not see him in that light, but the evidences are there.

If you take a trip around Imo State today, you will see that it has taken a leap from what it use to be to a greater heights, both in infrastructural development, improved education, medical provision and improved social economic status of the people. We Imolites have never had it better than now, we are blessed with a listening governor.

Kindly describe your wife.

My wife, Mrs. Ngozi Esther Ukanwa, I would want to say, is elegant. It might interest you to know that she calls me 'baby', so I will describe her as a true mother, my friend and close confidant, she is everything in my life, that's the virtues with which I can describe her.

14

SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

NEWS

UK returnee dies in Lagos auto crash Muritala Ayinla

T

ragedy yesterday struck in Lagos as an early morning auto crash claimed the life a United Kingdom returnee and left others severely injured.

Sunday Telegraph learnt that the deceased, who had just returned on Saturday morning, chose to drive himself when he met his untimely death on the popular Otedola Bridge on the Lagos Ibadan Expressway.

It was gathered the accident, which occurred at about 7:15am, involved a blue coloured Hilux truck with registration number FST 356 XS and a truck with registration FKJ 519 CF. It was learnt that the victim’s

brother drove to the airport to pick him up, but while coming back, he chose to drive while the brother survived with injuries in the accident, which occurred on the out bound side of the expressway.

It was also learnt that the cause of the accident was due to over speeding on the part of the Hilux driver, who lost control of the vehicle and rammed into the truck.

The General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Mr Michael Akindele, who confirmed the accident, however, said that the quick and swift intervention of agency’s Emergency Response Team led to the rescue of a male adult and the evacuation of unidentified person.

Tambuwal lauds voter turnout at council elections

G

overnor Aminu Tambawal of Sokoto State on Saturday expressed satisfaction with the high turnout of voters in the ongoing local government elections across the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tambuwal made the comment, while speaking with journalists at Kofar Ajiya polling unit, shortly after casting his vote.

He said that the state government had provided a level playing ground for the voters to elect their leaders in a peaceful atmosphere.

The governor commended the efforts of the state independent electoral commis-

sion to organise hitch-free elections across the state, citing the availability electoral materials at all polling centres as a plus.

Tambuwal, however, urged the residents to continue to live in peace with one another so as to promote socio-economic and political stability of the state and the country at large.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was an impressive turnout of women in most of the polling stations visited.

Mr Aliyu Faruk, the Presiding Officer at Kalgama polling unit, told NAN that about 109 voters had so far been accredited.

Ooni takes new wife in absentia in Benin Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

T

he Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ojaje 11, yesterday got married in absential in Benin, the Edo State capital amid pump and ceremony.

Oba Adeyeye who was r3epresented by his father and his new wife, Miss Wuraola Otiti Obanor tied the knots at a grand traditional ceremony which attracted the presence of prominent traditional rulers, friends, associates and relations of both families.

The Ewere Street, Etete on Government Reservation Area in the City was a beehive of activities as both royal families of the groom and those of Obanor and Obayuwana for the bride performed the in-house rite for the payment of pride price which marked the high point of the colourful

ceremony.

Some traditional troupes from Osun and Edo states had treated guests to dance at the family residence in the capital City.

The bride, Miss. Wuraola was later presented to the Ooni family at about 12:30 and was made to sit on the laps of the Ooni’s father, Omooba Oluropo Ogunwusi, after seven counts according to the traditional marriage rites of Benin people in the south senatorial district of the state.

The Ife monarch was represented by his father and elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi were accompanied by the Ife Traditional Council, youth and women groups to the event.

Speaking to newsmen shortly at the ceremony, the father of the bride, Mr. Williams Obanor described the union between his daughter and Oba Adeyeye as the handwork of God and explained that he

never knew his household and the Ooni of Ife would be tied together the way it happened.

He said: “I feel very happy. When you get a good thing in life you must be grateful to God because this is all the work of God. I never thought it would this way, because I never knew that one of this day I will become very close to the Ooni of Ife. Now that it has happened I feel grateful to God.” While wishing his daughter a blissful married life, he added “My message for her is that she has to be very polite, obedient, understanding, believing much in God and whatever she need she will get it. If you have any problem with your husband don’t let third person to hear of it; go to him and both of you should resolve the problem together amicably.”

The bride’s family said though they had lot of gift

for the bride, they would rather settle for the tradition Benin gifts of local mortal, broom, pot and at least a box of dresses.

Also, the Ihama of Benin Kingdom, Chief John Ihama commended the union of the couple in matrimony, adding that they were excited to give their daughter to the Ooni of Ife. Guests and friends of both families had later moved to Edo Hotel on Okada Avenue on GRA for entertainment, although journalists were barred from covering it.

Some of the dignitaries include former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Femi Pedro who was chairman of the occasion, Chief David Edebiri the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Oba Ademola Ademiluyi the Lawarikan of Apoje kingdom, High Chief J. A. Awe the Arade of Ife, and Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.

Group wants Rev. King’s sentence commuted Juliana Francis

T

he Integrated Coalition for Human Rights, a non-governmental organisation, has urged Nigerians, the government and judiciary to have a second look at the death sentence passed on the General Overseer of Christian Praying Assembly, Reverend Chukwuemeka Ezeugo alias King.

Speaking for the group, Dr. Raphael Umoren, described the Supreme Court judgment as a travesty of justice.

According to Umoren, the trial, prosecution and eventual conviction by the Supreme Court fall short of all known legal procedure.

He urged that the death sentence be commuted.

The coalition called for the immediate commute of the death sentence without any strings attached, with a view to not only ensuring that justice was done but, disabusing the minds of the general public over the entire

trumped-up charges against King.

Tracing the genesis of King’s travails in 2006, Umoren said the arrest of the clergyman and other events had been fraught with excessive power and indiscretion by the police.

Umoren said: “It’s on record that the Special AntiRobbery Squad team that invaded his house after the allegation, made away with over N5.5m church harvest without a warrant. Even after he was arraigned at the Magistrate Court on a twocount charge of conspiracy and attempted murder of seven members of his church, one of the female prosecution witnesses, conspired with police and slammed an assault suit against him inside the court room, while another witness said on oath that King never poured fuel on anybody. This was why she was not used at the trial in the high court.”

L-R: President, Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr. Otis Anyaeri; Executive Secretary, Mr. Olusola Obadimu and Executive Committee member, Mrs. Edith Ishidi, at a news conference on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Abuja…on Friday

Soldiers tackle cattle rustlers in four states

NEWS IN BRIEF

Troops of Operation Sharan Daji engaged in anti-cattle rustling, armed banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in various states of the North-western part of the country, have recorded some major successes against rustlers, killing several of them, destroyed their camps and recovered many livestock, arms and ammunition.

In Zamfara State, the troops killed fourrustlers, wounded 16, arrested three and destroyed seven of their camps. The troops also recovered 486 livestock, two machetes, three AK-47 rifles and four AK-47 rifle magazines from the criminals.

In Katsina State, the troops killed five rustlers, arrested two of them and destroyed five camps. They also recovered an AK-47 rifle, four locally manufactured guns and 12 machetes. The troops also recovered 116 livestock from the rustlers. Unfortunately, one of the soldiers sustained injury and is receiving to treatment.

Third victim of CBN explosion dies

The Cross River Police Command has confirmed the death of another victim of Friday’s gas explosion at the Central Bank of Nigeria in Calabar, bringing the figure of fatalities to three.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. John Eluu who made this disclosure on Saturday while briefing newsmen on the incident said 10 others are in critical condition.

He added that investigations are still ongoing to unravel the cause of the explosion. We will continue to keep tab on the victims as we pray for their survival and fast recovery,” he said.

He thanked the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital where some of the victims were taken to for its prompt response in treating the victims.

Trump calls off Chicago rally following violent clashes

Donald Trump has called off a rally in Chicago after protests against the Republican presidential front-runner led to violent clashes.

Hundreds of protesters gathered at the venue at the University of Illinois at Chicago hours before Mr Trump was due.

Inside the auditorium, fighting broke out between supporters and protesters, who waved flags and chanted.

A statement from Trump’s campaign team said the candidate decided to postpone the event after meeting with police.

However, a Chicago Police Department spokesman said the force had not recommended that Trump postpone the rally.

The clashes began more than an hour before the event was due to start, and continued after it was cancelled, minutes after Trump was to have appeared.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016

Mbadinuju

Onalo:

Why Obasanjo denied me of second term p.16

The Sunday Interview

Buhari is poised to reinvent Nigeria p.17

I was intimidated while investigating Rev. King –CP Balogun (rtd) p.18, 19

POLITICS Princess Jumoke Akindele, Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly and her deputy, Hon Fatai Olotu survived an impeachment move last week. BABATOPE OKEOWO reports that the current peace of the graveyard can snowball against Governor Olusegun Mimiko

15

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

Company Limited

Ondo Assembly and plot against Mimiko

L

ike a bold from the blues, 18 lawmakers of the Ondo State House of Assembly sat some kilometers away from the chambers of the Assembly last week and pronounced that the Speaker, Princess Jumoke Akindele and her deputy, Mr. Fatai Olotu had been impeached.

While some politicians have added a humourous dimension to the impeachment, alleging that the lawmakers sat at joint, using a bottle of beer as mace, the symbol of authority of the Assembly, others said the sitting took place at the home of one of the members of the assembly. The sitting of the members at odd hours of the day also speaks volume as they sat around 10pm in the night when many in the state were asleep.

In Ondo State as in many states of the federation, the civil servants work between 8am and 4pm. Apart from those on shift duty like health workers and security personnel, most of the workers close at 4pm. Despite their numerical strength, the lawmakers did not sit in the working hours but chose the odd hours of the day to carry out their plan to impeach the leadership of the House. Some are of the view that the same thing would have happened if they had wanted to impeach the governor.

Less than 24 hours after the ‘impeachment,’ the lawmakers reviewed the situation and reverted to status quo ante.

This, according to the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr. Olamide George is that the election of Mr. Deji Iroju and Ayo Arowele as replacements for Akindele and Olotu was null and void.

Akindele and her deputy, Olotu were late Tuesday impeached by some members of the Assembly. The exercise was carried out by 18 out of 26 legislators that constituted the Assembly. The Assembly has 21 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) members while the rival All Progressive Congress (APC) has five. Fourteen members of the PDP and four out of five members signed the impeachment notice. Only eight members including the leadership of the Assembly did not sign the impeachment notice.

The notice of impeachment signed by the aggrieved lawmakers accused the speaker of promiscuity and other gross misconduct. The aggrieved lawmakers that signed Akindele’s botched ‘impeachment’ paper included Arowele Ayodeji - Hon Iroju Ogundeji, Olusola Oluyede. Akin-

Mimiko

diose Olusoji, Akintimehin I Tuyi and Akinruntan Abayomi Others included Fajolu Abimbola, Hon. Araoyinbo Olugbenga, Olusegun Ajimotokin, Jamiu Suleiman Maito, Felemu Olusegun, Coker Adeniyi Malachi, Towase O Kuti, Kazeem M O S -Obadiah Vincent, Ade Adeniyi, Olamide George and Mukaila Musa.

The ‘Notice of Impeachment’ read “whereas the office o the Speaker is to be first among equals, whereas it is supposed to be dignified; whereas the office of the Sparker is supposed to be responsible to the people of Ondo State. Consequent upon the incompetence, highhandedness, easy virtues, lack of focus, and lack of transparency, arrogance and poor leadership. We the undersigned elected honourable members move for the impeachment of Mr. Speaker and all the principal officers in Ondo State House of Assembly with immediate effect.”

Apart from the stated reasons, sources within the Assembly said that the lawmakers impeached the principal officers because the leadership has failed to fight for their interest with the State Governor Olusegun Mimiko. The source alleged that the officers had become the stooge of the governor.

The source alleged that the lawmakers are being owed three months salaries. No official cars for the lawmakers and some of them have no official quarters. The running grants and constituency allowances have not been paid to the lawmakers since the resumed some months ago. But sources in government said the inability of the government to meet the demands of the lawmakers was due to paucity of fund from the federation account.

However, less than 24 hours after the impeachment was carried out, the lawmakers rescinded their decision. They said the status quo before the impeachment remains. The action of the lawmakers followed the intervention of Governor Mimiko on behalf of the embattled Speaker and her deputy.

Some members of the Assembly said the issues that led to the impeachment have not been addressed. They said the governor has promised to meet their demands as soon as possible. Until their demands are met, some said the issue of the impeachment

Akindele

might be revisited.

Hon George, who addressed a press conference at the Cocoa Conference Hall located at the Governor’s Office said the ‘status quo ante’ on the leadership of the Assembly as at March 7 still remains. As one of the aggrieved lawmakers that signed the impeachment notice in a prepared statement, he said “on Tuesday, 8, a sizable number of Ondo State House of Assembly met on some issues, touching on the leadership of the House.”

George, who was flanked by another member of the Committee on Information, Siji Akindiose who also signed the notice of impeachment said the members met at larger and official gathering to review the situation and resolved to sheath the sword at least for now.

The lawmaker added that the Assembly remains united and alive to its constitutional responsibilities saying the leadership issue is an internal affair and has been treated as such.

In order to exhibit the end of the leadership crisis, the lawmakers reconvened in the chambers of the Assembly and passed the 2016 Appropriation Bill into law. The sitting was presided over by embattled Speaker. One of the aggrieved lawmakers, Ade Adeniyi who is also the Chairman, Appropriation Committee of the House presented the report before the members assented to the execute bill.

Although the dispute is over and the leadership crisis seemed resolved, many political watchers are of the view that it is a matter of time before the leadership of the Assembly would be shoved aside. They gave the example of the impeachment of former Speaker, Hon Victor Olabimtan by majority of the members but was returned to office after the intervention of the then governor, Dr Olusegun Agagu. Olabimtan had to resign a month after the impeachment because he no longer enjoyed the confidence of the majority of his colleagues.

With majority of the members of the Assembly moving against the CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

POLITICS Former Governor of Anambra State and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, a lawyer turned politician, in this interview with AMADI NNAMDI, shares his views on the ongoing anti-corruption crusade of the Federal Government as well as other sundry issues

Mbadinuju: Why Obasanjo denied me of second term

some Nigerians became impatient like the opposition and wanted immediate results with some calling the president slow. But for us to reap we must be patient and allow the president actualise his noble intentions for Nigeria. I believe that Nigeria will come out stronger from the current socioeconomic realities and I urge supports for the efforts of President Buhari administration.

What have you been doing since you left Anambra Government House?

Once you leave office, you have to look for what else to do. I am now in Abuja. I am a lawyer; I have my chambers here in Abuja and Onitsha, I still practice. I am happy. I have my Children they are all doing well in their various fields, I also have my grandchildren. I am a happy man.

What is your take on governance and politics in Anambra State since you left office as the Governor of the state?

It has not been stable. It was a known fact that before I got into Anambra Government House, the state was much disorganized. Kidnapping, women were running to churches to take shelter because of these people who can do anything against anybody at anytime. But when I got there, I made it clear that I cannot rule my state with armed robbers together. So I set up what I call Bakassi Boys. Within two months, the job they did while I was there was awesome.

Unfortunately our President then Chief Olusegun Obasanjo did not like to hear the name Bakassi Boys, he just didn’t want it. In fact one of the days he rounded up many of them and brought them to Abuja here and imprisoned them, to show you how much hatred he had for Anambra State and this boys in particular. In fact Anambra during my tenure was heaven on earth. Every Monday morning we had this prayers and the prayers worked wonders in Anambra State.

We had as our motto: “It shall be well”, then after four years of our administration when we transformed the state, we changed the motto to: “It is well,” but now look at the state, it has not been stable. Even Obasanjo came to Anambra to see what we were doing, he was shocked because contrary to all the rumours he heard about my governance he was impressed with our achievement.

You defected from the Peoples Democratic Party before the last general elections.

What informed your decision?

I had to leave PDP because the ground was not containing everybody. I had to move a bit. I had to go because there is change and my movement was inspired by Muhammadu Buhari. It all happened at my book launch, wherein he was a special guest. After the event I did a little self re-examination and after that my friends and I made up our mind to join the APC and I have no regret whatsoever. Some people might say: “but you didn’t get the ministerial appointment.”

Yes he was to give me the ministerial appointment but there was a problem. Some people said although I came in on time, but some people came first. Dr. Chris Ngige came first and I didn’t want to take that first position. Be that as it may, there was no need for me to be minister when somebody who has worked before me will be a minister.

It is one minister per state. Of course, I am eminently qualified to be a minister.

What do you have to say about the rate of defection of opposition politicians into your Party APC?

Mbadinuju

Please we must not prevent anybody who wants to come from coming in. Let anybody who wants to come into the party come in.

Look at PDP the way they are now, they are almost in shreds. It is not fair. I am urging my friend and National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun to open the doors of the party for new people to join.

It is widely speculated that Obasanjo was against your government, that he even ensured you didn’t return...

The beginning of it all was at the PDP Jos Convention, from which Obasanjo emerged as PDP’s Presidential candidate for the 1999 election. I was working for Chief Alex Ekwueme who was billed to be the party’s flag bearer, but under some controversial circumstances, Obasanjo emerged. At the convention, amongst all the 5 people who eventually became Governors of South-East, only I voted for Ekwueme. So that was the beginning of my problems. This continued even up to the time I was vying for second term. After I had won the primaries three times, Obasanjo said I will not be second

term governor. Then he brought Senator Ibrahim Mantu to make sure that I didn’t win again. So that’s my lot.

In view of the harsh economic situation Nigeria is in now, do you think the APC-led Federal Government has the capability to reverse the trend?

Our party is a conference of people who are convinced about the greatness of Nigeria.

The party today is positioning to give Nigerians the desired change that will better the lots of the citizenry. My conviction to join other Nigerians in the APC transcended sectional and narrow interests and everyone who is sincerely committed to the future of Nigeria is welcomed. What we see from our political opponents in the PDP is that they create problems in the system only to turn around and try to solve same problem they created.

This is why some of us left to join Buhari.

Our party is a party of solutions. I see a great future for this country if current efforts are sustained. I suggest that should be on deck so that we can reap where we sowed. If you look at the anti-corruption effort going on,

What is your take on the anti-corruption fight of the President?

Any President that assumes power has something in mind he wants to achieve particularly, Obasanjo did his own, Umaru Yar’Adua as well as Jonathan did theirs, so this time around, President Buhari said he wants change and it is working. Anybody who tells you this change is not working surely needs a doctor’s help. What President Buhari is doing is cleaning the mess of previous administrations. It is clear that the president is not the cause of our political problems but rather finding solutions of past and present problems we face. Former administrations brought the “cankerworm” and “caterpillar” of corruption, injustice, poor economy and other plagues upon Nigerians with a culture of dealers instead of leaders. It is clear now that what the president said are indeed what he is doing. If you look at President Buhari’s diplomatic travels to ECOWAS Summits, America, France, Malta and the other places, you would agree that the president was not travelling for himself but for the Nigerian people. When you juxtapose this with the anti-corruption crusade that the Buhari administration has brought on board, you could see the sincerity of purpose. Now he (Buhari) is making sure that those who stole Nigerian’s wealth are brought to justice, unlike the previous administration where malfeasance was rife in governance. Since the inception of this administration, the international community has begun to take Nigeria more seriously in the areas of best practices and international standards. Nigeria is taking back her right of place and the administration is just beginning. I believe that more is to come with President Buhari in power. When you look at the Federal cabinet put in place by the president, everybody can agree with me that President Buhari’s decision to opt for Petroleum Minister was to right the wrongs of the oil sector that bedeviled Nigeria. That was a master-stroke.

Tell us a little about the book you wrote.

The title of the book is: “A Journey into the Past.” It is a detailed account of my stewardship in Anambra State.

Ondo Assembly and plot against Mimiko C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5

first female Speaker of the Assembly, many are of the view that it is a matter of time before the Speaker is pushed aside. The major reason for the plan to impeach Akindele is the politics of governorship election in the state. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed November 26 for the governorship election in the state.

Some are of the view that it is when the Speaker is impeached that the opposition can get at the Governor Mimiko who is on the last lap of his tenure. Some insinuated that the planned impeachment of Akindele was sponsored by the opposition APC. Political observers in the state said the House of Assembly under the leadership of Akindele was too soft on the executive

and may not be able to achieve the desire to keep the governor on his toes. Some alleged that many documents and motions that would have galvanized the governor to action were killed by the leadership of the Assembly, thereby making them lame duck legislators.

The thinking in the political circle is that the impeachment of Akindele and the election of another speaker would be a prelude to possible impeachment of the governor. Alternatively, the state would be made ungovernable if there is hostile Assembly. The governor has enjoyed the cooperation of the Assembly since the impeachment of Hon Taofiq Abdusalam, shortly after the governor assumed office seven years ago.

Another political view is that the zoning

of the governorship election to the South Senatorial district where the Speaker comes from. Those pushing that the governorship ticket of both PDP and APC should be zoned to the South are of the view that it would be wrong if the Speaker, the Minister and the governor are from the same zone. The present Minister of State for Niger Delta, Prof Omoyele Daramola is from Aye in Okitipupa Local Government the same local government as the Speaker. As long as both the high ranking officials are from the same zone, the governorship should move to Ondo Central or Ondo North.

For now, Akindele who is the target has survived the plot, but whether she would remain in office until the expiration of Mimiko’s tenure remains to be seen.

17

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016

POLITICS The President says he hopes to finance the 2016 budget partly with funds recovered from treasury looters. Is that realistic?

In my opinion Mr. President is right. I say so because when you look at the N6.08 trillion budget and the economic policy focus of the government, moving away from oil to non-oil, agriculture and the rest; and then hoping to make more money from Value Added Tax, from which they can make more revenue. Then add that to the probable amount of fund looted by disgruntled politicians, obviously I could agree with him perfectly that if he is able to do that, then he should be able to finance the current budget. And I want to commend him very seriously that for once we have a President who is determined to make the country what it should be, and it is a shame that the Nigerian nation has been deceived for too long a time.

I think that President Muhammadu Buhari is doing the right thing and he couldn’t have done it less. I would have done it worse than he is doing. Maybe he is surrounded by people who are saying take it easy, take it easy. Those that benefited out there, pressing buttons, trying to fight back.

Using international collaborators to pressurize him to mellow down, follow the rule of law. And the rule of law has been there anyway, and has never been activated to impact on governance. So why would anybody be saying follow the rule of law?

I think what we need now is to recover the looted funds.

And I want to use this medium to appeal to international community that in Nigeria it is no longer business as usual It will not stop there. In order to correct this so that the future generation will not dream of it, these people should be prosecuted and jailed. Don’t kill them so that they will have stories to tell their children. And let a new story be written for Nigeria, which will be impacted on our children and children’s children, so that if you’re privileged to see money that is not yours, you will not want to touch it, because it is not your money.

Having said that, I believe strongly that given the honesty of purpose that Mr. President has exhibited so far, if he has said that the looted fund is big enough to put the current budget into implementable position, I will not disagree with him. I also want to appeal to those who are in positions of authority to aid and abet his determination to recover looted funds - the judiciary. This is not the time to allow lawyers who are representing these looters, who are also very well paid, to begin to crave for adjournment upon adjournment, restraining order upon restraining order. We should look at Nigeria as our collective project. The well being of this country is the well being of everyone, including babies yet unborn. The judiciary should cooperate and imbibe the spirit of Buhari and say it is time to repair Nigeria. It is time to make Nigeria the envy of other nations.

Clearly prices of oil have fallen in the international market and there has been so much talk to diversify the economy.

How do you think we can go about it?

Well, oil prices have fallen and some of us who have been commentators on public issues have been saying it over the years that the time shall come when oil will either dry up or the market would be over-saturated. And if you have one product, you are as good as not having anything. The only one thing that is good to have and you’re satisfied with it forever is your wife. Other than that, you need to have other things in multiple numbers, as in, two, three, four. Time has come and is long overdue for the economy to be moved from oil dominance to other sectors or other activities that can not only compete with the oil revenue but also outperform or outsize the oil revenue.

Nigeria is known for agriculture. The first thing is to move very quickly to agriculture so that the country would be able to feed everyone, including destitute. There shouldn’t be an occasion for anyone in Nigeria or for anyone coming to Nigeria to stay or to live in Nigeria that will not have access to good food. We have expanses of land, all over the place, fertile for planting and harvesting. The government should deploy resources to raising the agricultural sector and creating incentives for people to move into agriculture.

The focus of economic policy and economic concentrative activities should be diverted from urban sector to the rural.

Let people have cause to move back to the rural. Let there be incentives from the government. At a crucial time like this, government cannot be said to not have enough money.

Every kobo means a lot to the government at the end of the day. Let the government establish institutions that will encourage people to move into agriculture. Let there be foreign investors coming in to invest in agriculture. Those that will go into the entire value chain of agriculture: preservation, storage, cultivation, harvesting, made simple. And then give good roads so that people can move their things from the farm to different locations where buyers can easily access it. Those who will preserve this produce, these crops from the farms, it may not be the farmers, but they should be able to set up preservative infrastructure everywhere. And then provide water system and electricity to keep the place running 24 hours a day to ensure nothing gets spoilt or decayed.

Onalo: Buhari is poised to reinvent Nigeria Prof. Chris Onalo, an icon in the field of credit administration, is the Registrar/ Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Credit Administration (ICA). In this interview with BIYI ADEGOROYE examines activities of President Muhammadu Buhari and his loot recovery efforts ment of his ministers, which ultimately formed the so-called economic team. He carefully studied the terrain and vetting the pedigree of each of them. I want to believe that Buhari, if he is preserved, will be able to overrun each member of his economic team. And if other things besides his economic team, it should be a very robust collaboration, support, and vision-sharing of his security team. I would rather want to focus on his security team than economic team.

His security team should be made up of no-nonsense people. And I wish that this message gets across to them.

If his security team is on the alert, critically looking at what each member of his economic team is doing, placing surveillance on them, there will be that consciousness among them that they don’t want to disgrace themselves. They are Nigerian people and they struggle to be appointed. Why won’t the naira nose-dive? Production capacity is zero. Nigeria is not selling anything other than oil. It is now clear that oil cannot sustain Nigeria, and Nigeria’s population is increasing. Consumption is on the high side. People would want to import what the nation can no longer give to them.

And as a result, it is so naturally that the naira will nosedive. Nigeria’s foreign reserve was very strong, but part of it is being spent. There is nothing that comes into it. So the naira will nose-dive. I believe that by the time the foreign exchange policy is effectively implemented, Nigerians will know that it’s not everything they want that they can have.

Onalo

Nigeria will be better for it. It will translate into good health for Nigerians; soundness of mind, peace of mind and job/ wealth creation. We should stop importing food.

Finally on diversification of the economy, we have a deluge of small enterprises in the country. They are the engine of economic growth. They are the resilience that we talk about in an economy. They are the ones that sustain the economy; they are that plus factor that keeps the economy going despite successive government policy failures, because they are the head of the Nigerian families.

How can the Bank of Industry stimulate industrial growth?

What we have so far is a lazy economy where the government keeps moving money, N250 million on lending to people in aviation industry. They give five hundred billion through Bank of Industry to lend to SMEs. And Bank of Industry now qualifies SMEs. They say the money is on lending and that they have to return this money to the government through the Central Bank of Nigeria. And then a huge number of SMEs are eliminated because the lack of security and collateral is still haunting them. Then at the end of the day, the government’s package is stopped half-way. It doesn’t go anywhere. If you go and probe, you will discover that some of this on-lending money has been miss-appropriated, while many people are trying to run out of this country.

You seem to have confidence in the President’s economic team. What are your suggestions on the stabilisation of naira that seems to be taking a dangerous nose-dive?

Well, it is not a dangerous nosedive, and I want to say that it is in Buhari himself that I have confidence. And I believe that his eyes and ears are open to see what his economic team is doing. When the Olusegun Obasanjo administration came up, we respected his economic team. But look at what is coming out. Don’t forget that Buhari delayed in the appoint-

Some people have criticised the bicameral legislature in the country. They say that it is too much for a depressed economy like Nigeria. Do you share this opinion?

The mistake has been made and it will cost us a fortune to redress it. You know, many people come on the pages of newspapers and say let’s move away from the presidential system because it is damn too expensive. Let’s go to regionalism. Let’s conscript the six geo-political zones to be the entities in the country. You see, it is going to be with high level of consequences. First, Nigeria is too big.

And if you need participatory parliamentary system or participatory democracy/presidential system where all units of the country are represented, you must maintain presidential system to give everybody that equal representation that will give them sense of belonging, otherwise you’re going to face issues of secession. And we have a very strong history of clamouring. It’s already happening here and there. How much more when you narrow down the scheme of things? The mistake we have made is that we attach a lot of monetary gain to the representation. That’s the problem we have created for ourselves. Remove the monetary gain. Build the economy.

You will even beg people to come in. And people will come on a part-time basis, sit down for two, three, four hours and debate on issues and go away. Then retain key critical people that you need to retain full time and empower the technocrat to do that. There is nothing wrong in the presidential system. But, you see, the people that have brought us to the level we are are dishonest politicians, politicians whose motive is to steal the wealth of the nation and give it to themselves and to members of their family and their friends.

Enough is enough. There is nothing wrong with the presidential system. Remove compensation. Make it less attractive. That will be less expensive than giving them allowances and keeping them full time. It’s our own mistake, our own fault, not the system.

I think the presidential system is perfect. The idea of let’s have Prime Minister, let’s diminish the office of President and Vice President is absolutely irrelevant. We can manage presidential system; we can make it less expensive. It’s not something the heavens have given to us. If we are copying it from America, then America has grown up with the presidential system and they have established their wealth.

The economy remains robust. So it has to do with our own people. Again, we go back to the kind of politicians we have.

Greed, self-centeredness, criminal tendencies, on the part of these politicians is plundering the wealth of the nation.

This has been a dangerous monster that has weakened our presidential system

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The Sunday Interview

SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

I was intimidated while investigating Rev. King –CP Balogun (rtd) Alhaji Olayinka Balogun retired as Commissioner of Police in Edo State in 2012, after reaching the mandatory age 60. While in service in Lagos, he investigated the controversial murder of Ann Uzor by Emeka Ezeuko, (a.k.a. Rev. King). He relieves his experience on the case and sundry issues in this interview with BIYI ADEGOROYE

Balogun

As the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Criminal Investigations Department in 2006, you led the investigation into the murder of Ann Uzor by Emeka Ezeugo (aka Rev. King). What is your impression about the Supreme Court‘s confirmation of death sentence on him?

In as much as one would not want to gloat over the impending doom of Rev. King, as a police officer, if one has done his job very professionally such that one was able to get conviction against an accused, one feels very satisfied that at least justice is being done. Policing is not about victimising anybody, but like the job of the courts, prisons, that is the other two units of the criminal justice system, once our jobs get done and we get results, we are naturally happy. So as a police officer who was deeply involved in the case of Rev. King and late Ann Uzor, I feel very happy and satisfied that justice is being done.

What were the basic evidence you gathered and included in the case file such that you were able to secure conviction of the accused for murder?

The basic thing that upheld the conviction was evidence which linked the crime of murder and the criminal. That is something a policeman should seek out in the course of investigating his cases. And after getting such evidence, you must interpret them, get them properly collated and preserved and ensure that they are well presented in court during prosecution.

In this particular case, on June 22, 2006, we received information that after King had gathered the girls Vivian, Jessica, Uche, Chisoba, and Kosisichukwu one evening and

accused them of fornication, he held a court somewhere off Osolo Way in Lagos. Where he got his powers and right to do that we do not know, but he went ahead to hold a kangaroo court and sentenced them. He doused the girl, Ann with fuel and set her ablaze. My Homicide detectives visited the scene, the man himself was arrested, the incendiary items were gathered, the witnesses too were brought together and the dead girl too served as body of evidence. It was a straight forward matter.

So all these evidence were put together in a case file…

Yes. We had eyewitnesses who gave evidence to the fact that such things and other atrocities have taken place at Re, King’s house in the past. So it was easy for us to concentrate on this particular case and pursued it to a logical conclusion. The mortician carried out the autopsy and other forensic evidence were also collated.

What role did the Directorate of Prosecution play in the success of the prosecution and the entire murder case?

I feel very happy that I am still alive today to see the conclusion of this case, as an individual who was personally involved as the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigations Department, Panti in Lagos when this matter took place. I must give kudos to the Ministry of Justice for the role they played at that time, especially to one lady in the ministry then, one Mrs. Bola Ikhile. I think the fact that I am a lawyer and a police officer and the DPP is also a lawyer, made very easy for us to bring our thoughts together and ensure that justice was done. The lady as well as other people in the Ministry of Justice worked relentlessly; we gathered all the evi-

dence together, guided ourselves such that we did what we could call a perfect job. It goes to show that when all units of the criminal justice system collaborate and work with the evidence available, if the interrogation is properly done, the statements taken and the case file is compiled with all evidence and the prosecutor does his work very professionally, justice will be served very easily in the law court. In this case, the coordination at all levels was superb and it was a good case and that was why at all levels, the Magistrate Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, the same verdict was declared.

In what way is the verdict likely to stem the systemic abuses and crimes in the society?

You know that there is this saying that a man is convicted not because he stole a pair of shoes, but that he is convicted so that shoes will not be stolen. That is to say that judgment serves both as punishment and deterrence. Whatever happened that this man who loomed so large has now met his waterloo through justice, the verdict will serve not only as punishment to him, but also as deterrence to others who might want to grow into monsters in the name of religion or whatever in the future.

The pronouncements at the Chief Magistrate Court upheld by the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court are enough to give law officers confidence that if their cases are properly tied up and properly presented, justice will be served. Also to the parents of Ann, her relations and even the other girls who survived, the judgment will boost their confidence in our criminal justice system, and that there is hope for this country.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016

For some five years now, governors have not signed death warrants after courts have given death verdicts, such that today, we have over 1,400 convicts are awaiting the hangman. Don’t you think this defeats the whole essence of investigations and convictions?

There is this Yoruba proverb which says policeman just do you job and don’t bother about whether the suspect faces the penalty or not. So I will not be able to insist that convicts should be hanged, but the fact it that policemen and the judges have done their jobs and shall continue to do same. But on the other hand, especially as a lawyer, I will say that it only serves the interest of justice when punishments are carried out. I think it is good for our governors to sign these statutory warrants, because they are not just signing the warrant because of a particular person, but they performing their statutory duties that office confers of them. It is the same as the governors are commissioning a school, a bridge or a heath facility, so we should not be sentimental about it, and it should not be seen from any other angle.

They should ensure that the job is carried out as statutorily required.

That leads me to me to the story of the hangman who works at the execution ground. He does not have any special case neither does he know the person. They are like firing squads, they are just carrying out the dictates of the law, because they do not know those they are shooting, and anybody who finds himself at the other side, having been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction should go for it.

There was this allegation and it is still making the rounds, that when detectives visited King’s house in 2006, the sum of N5 million was stolen there. How do you react to this?

The policeman is always in a very difficult position. There is no job that is as difficult as that of a policeman. He investigates a man who commits a crime, arrests him, takes him to court and all the rest, hence the suspect will never be happy with the policeman.

People like to place a lot of problems on the doors of the policeman. When you impound a vehicle for traffic or criminal offence, the first thing the owner will say is that he left N10,000 in the safe of the car. To your question, I want to say that no policeman will search a house in the absence of its owner, and it is usually done with a search warrant, because when you search a house, a man who could not afford N40, 000 school fees will say he lost N100, 000 when the police searched his house.

When that allegation came up, we knew it was one of those blackmails. But you could recall that when we handled the murder case against him, we produced evidence that he committed the crime and answered all questions about the fact that he set Ann ablaze and she died in the process. We produced witnesses and the instruments he used, so we expected him or his members to present evidence that my men took the money. What was the source of the money anyway? Was it withdrawn from a bank?

By whom was it withdrawn and in what denominations? Who in particular took it and when? And at that time - that was 10 years ago, where did he get N5 million to keep at home? We knew they were trying to fly a kite then hence, we considered it as the hallucination of a drowning man who wanted to discredit the detectives bringing him to face the consequences of his actions.

What impact do you think this conviction will have on the victims - Ann”s parents, Chizoba, Kosisochukwu and Chiejina? I am sure you spoke with most of them during investigations?

I spoke with them; I interrogated them.

The kind of feeling they had at that time was that nothing would happen to him.

Neighours, parents of the victims came to me and expressed their fear that if anything happened, trouble would happen in Ajao

The Sunday Interview

19

Balogun

Estate in Lagos. Some of them were even ready to let go. But I insisted that justice must be done and now that it has been done, people’s eyes are opened that ‘oh, so this man could be caged? So he is not the God that we thought he was. So we as underdogs could also get justice?’ It did not cost them anything to get justice, but the Police and Ministry of Justice were bent on ensuring that justice was done. So those people will be very excited now and those people who thought that if that man was kept in a cell for one day, the whole of the cells in Lagos would collapse or fire would come from heaven or any where know better now, because the man is a fake. No pastor, no Reverend father called by God would commit such heinous crime that King did.

And that brings me to this unsolicited advice I have for the clerics. A man should not be allowed to wake up one day to refer to himself as a reverend father. Rather, they must have gone through some training and become certified at one pastoral school or the other. For instance, if a man says he is a lawyer, he should be able to explain which university he attended, when he attended the law school and when he was called to bar - the same thing for medical doctors and journalists. It should be done even so for pastors who deal with the minds of the people. Carl Max said, rightly or wrongly, that ‘religion is the opium of the mind’ and that is why we should be interested in the qualification of religious leaders. Pastoral job is a noble calling because a man today will believe his pastor against his father, wife, husband etc. So that person that will exercise power over the minds of people should not just be anybody.

So the custodians of religious values on both sides should ensure that people don’t just become pastors just because they like to be so-called. They must be certified and their qualifications and credentials should be verifiable. If people want to establish a school, they would approach the Ministry of Education and they must have read Education or Education Management and Child Psychology. The same thing is applicable to somebody who is setting up a hospital, he must either be a medical doctor or produce medial doctors to run it. The issue is that we have had too many instances in the past where pastors and religious leaders caused a lot of problems. We once had Jesu

Oyingbo and this man they called Jabar- all these people who will just gather people and enslave their minds.

Again to your colleagues both retired and those still serving, how should they treat investigations so as to ensure their cases are not thrown out for want of evidence?

Well, you know as a lawyer and I have been privileged to investigate a number of cases at SCID Panti and even Special Fraud Unit at Alagbon, Ikoyi, I want to say that at times, we lose cases on technical grounds and the lawyers do agree. Hence, technical issues do frustrates some cases. For instance there some pieces of evidence which must be preserved in the refrigerator round the clock. Evidence like blood stains in the case of murder or rape, must be preserved because the court will want you to present the evidence almost the way it was the day you collected it. On such grounds, we do have problems because of poor electricity supply. But my advice is that every policeman should make up his mind at the beginning of every case that he wants justice to be done. Once there is no sign that he compromises or evidence of malice in any way, the public and the courts will be sympathetic towards you. If that is done, there will be no problem.

In this Rev. King’s case, a lot of people tried to sway me, but I stood my grounds and said: ‘If Ann who was killed was your daughter, what would been your reaction?’

After that they just got up and left. Because a lot of people came and they thought that the man was too big to be arrested. They had been so brain-washed that they though he was a demigod. They came and even intimidated me that ‘how could you keep this man in your cell?’ But I posed the same questions and they vanished tongue-tied.

Secondly, the evidence we gathered was jealously guided and that should be done by every detective. If a statement is made by a suspect, it has to be endorsed by the appropriate officer and kept. And if you are operating at a division and you do not have a proper place to keep some evidence, take the matter to the SCID, or go to FCID if the need be. For instance, if you are handling a matter that has to do with a foreigner, take the matter to the INTERPOL the following day. You can’t handle such matter in a police station. If you arrest somebody in respect of

drug, parcel the matter the following day and transfer it to the NDLEA. Send the case file and evidence to the right people who have the right equipment and jurisdiction to handle it. If you are handling a volatile case, duplicate you case file and keep copies in various places, keep some with your bosses.

Also, the same policeman does not have to interrogate, investigate and prosecute. There are some officers who are very good in each of these areas and not all at the same time. We need to bring those hands to handle these specialised jobs and that will help a great deal. As we progress in this country, I look forward to a time when policemen will not have to prosecute. Policemen should investigate, compile case files and pass prosecution to lawyers, and there are lots of them in town that government can hire to prosecute so that justice would not only be done at the end, it will also be seen to have been done. As it is now, policemen investigate and pass case files to the DPP, but the directorates in each state should be so expanded such that that will have so many lawyers and they will just send for the investigators to give evidence for the judges to pass judgment.

How do you react to the threat from followers of Rev, King that Nigeria would go down rather than for their Pastor to die by hanging? What is your take on this?

Look that is an aspect of human life. It is inexcusable that some educated men still have their minds enslaved such that they entertain such belief. We are in trouble with religion in this country. Who is Rev. King and who ordained him a reverend anyway?

A reverend is someone who is highly respected- revered. A reverend will not be fornicating, taking and sleeping with peoples’ wives, destroying homes. This kind of statement makes me sick. It actually reflects the rottenness in the society and it will shock you to know that some of those people making this kind of statements are educated people- doctors, lawyers and all the rest.

So it goes to show how warped their judgments are, how enslaved their minds are.

Let us remove the veil in their eyes. Have they forgotten so soon the stories of David Koresh, Jim Jones of the Guyana Tragedy and the other man who directed his followers to eat grass like goats and they obeyed him? These guys are charlatans and those statements underscore how far gone these followers are. They need rehabilitation.

The Sunday Magazine

20

How teacher murdered pr

Edet Kunle Olayeni

T

ABEOKUTA

he small, rustic Esugbon community in Ijebu-Imushin, Ogun State was thrown into pandemonium penultimate Friday when a school teacher allegedly murdered a 10-year-old pupil and granddaughter of his proprietor in cold blood.

Edet Umoren, a 52-year-old indigene of Akwa Ibom State, had taught at Favour Nursery and Primary School, Esugbon for more than four years.

He was popularly called ‘Uncle Edet’ by pupils and even people in the neighbourhood. Many did not suspect he had criminal tendencies and evil capabilities until he beheaded Precious Adedeji just a day after the victim celebrated her 10th birthday.

The teacher was employed by Precious’ grandfather, Pastor Joseph Olutoye, who owned the private school. In addition, he was the treasurer at the proprietor’s church, Fountain of Life Bible Church.

He also worked as night guard at a hotel and managed a piggery in the town.

On the fateful day (March 3), Edet reportedly laid an ambush at a bush near the school. He attacked little Precious while she was on her way back after buying biscuits during break-time. Another pupil, Patricia, who accompanied Precious, escaped and ran through a bush path to inform the school authorities.

But by the time other teachers arrived, it was too late. What they found was Precious in the pool of blood. The victim’s head and right hand had been severed apparently with a machete. The suspect had bolted away.

Sunday Telegraph learnt that Edet left a note at the crime scene, which indicated that the school proprietor owed him salaries. It was about 5:00am on the second day (Friday, March 4) that policemen, with local vigilante operatives, arrested the fleeing teacher in Ijebu-Imushin.

The corpse of the deceased had since been deposited at a private morgue for autopsy.

On Monday, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, paraded the suspect at the office of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS), Magbon, Abeokuta, where the police boss said the State Criminal Investigation Department of the command had taken over the case.

Asked why he committed the crime, Edet, wearing a forlorn look, said he did it out of annoyance and provocation. He said apart from the fact that his employer owed him salaries, the wife of the proprietor and her daughter used to abuse and provoke him.

The suspect, however, said the incident was not ordinary; that he might have been under a spell. He said he regretted his action. He also denied the allegation that he embezzled N250, 000 belonging to Fountain of Eternal Life Bible Church. He insisted that what he spent from the church coffers was between N50, 000 and N70, 000 contrary to the proprietor’s claim.

Edet has since been in police custody while investigation continued.

His brother, one Albert Umoren, who connected him with Pastor Olutoye, was said to have been on the run.

Findings by Sunday Telegraph, however, revealed that the teacher might have been a fugitive from the law. It was learnt that he had allegedly committed a crime in Akwa Ibom, from where he ran to Kaduna and finally

Precious’ grandfath

SUNDAY

Body Soul

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S U N D AY, M A R C H 1 3 , 2 0 1 6

Killer Whatchamacallit 20 26 Best dressed looks at AMVCA 2016 28&29

My size does not affect my performance - Allwell Ademola Apeke 36

I started first locally sourced winery in Africa - Dr. Frank Udemba Jacobs

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SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Contents 13.03.2016

COVER

FASHION

Nigeria cannot move forward without manufacturers.

This is because the emphasis is now on the diversification of the economy

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ook no farther than your refrigerator and pantry for produce that will clear your skin and give you a sexy glow

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u e ha rd ca u si ng u nd ar e ap co u nt ry ; al l ci ti ze ns . We sh ip fo r th e th e re le va nt bo d ie s H i th er e! l al to ro bl em s an d o, p ea li ng in to th es e p g th e he at ? N le re yo u fe el in g ab ou t th e to lo ok lu ti on s as so on as po ss ib in so on r lk fe ta ng of t si pr no ap ll m I’ co ’s a na tu ra l oc p eo p le st ar t r hu ng er an d w ea th er. Th at in th e co un tr y be fo re sh ee om fr s et ss re e st w it ne he n th e th cu rr en ce w e of th e ye ar w it h u s ex ha us ti on . ec on om y an d w by th is ti m e th e d w in d li ng of th e N ai ra ak es u p h w it n W su g y in ll ti ca sc or ch na tu re he at . Yo u pr ac e pr ec ar io us r in re ce nt ti m es , w it h it s bi ti ng ga ll on s of w at er al l th la ol d e th t ns rt ur e te d . ag ai ra d ha ve to d ri nk hy in w ar d an d nu ca l ep ok lo ke to to ed ay d ne lo e e g th th in th ro ug h w il l so on en co ur ag a se as on th at ne ed to ou r ec on om y by er ti s p it e m ow co kn e be W in s, so no u re rs ha s ra ct e fa th u an d r y an fo t m od ay B ou ou r gi ve w ne d ab tu al ly co nc er he at in g ne nt . T ha t is w hy on ok e w it h th e sp pa ni c. I’ m ac cr is es y, w e th e ec on om ic li ty - fa ll of th e So ul co ve r to da uf ac tu re rs A ss oc ian M of t up th e po en id ar ci ty Pr es an k U de m ba N ai ra , fu el sc ig er ia , D r Fr N of on n io ac at ar en tr ep re ne ur w it h it s ch g Ja co bs , a se as on ed n lo ic st ri te su es . a go rcu es at th e th es e is is d ef in it el y he lp E ast t E ku d ew or n’ ld fi ll in g u co e an d w k; ch ec k ti on s an d ge ou s la d y ee w is th e yl b l a c k - bu t st al k he r st St yl e St al ke r pa ge . ou t al l th is ou t on ou r ft ou t as w e sh ow o v e r Th e m en ar e no t le e sm oo th cl ea n t h e th em ho w to ac hi ev li ke ou r fa sh pa ge s sh av es . O th er fo od an d w in e an d e th s, io n pa ge al l be en d L if e ha ve B ed , w or k an ll an d w e ho pe yo u th ri a w on pa ck ag ed to th em . D o ha ve g in ad re y jo en ! ah ea d d er fu l w ee k

T h e Te a m Vanessa Okwara (Editor)

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Wole Adepoju (Snr. Correspondent) Biwom Iklaki (Correspondent) Abiola Alaba Peters Edwin Usoboh (Graphics) Isma’il Akintunde (Graphics) +234 (0) 818 0515840, +234 (0) 701 110 1014 vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com, julietbumah@gmail.com

Associates

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Helen Paul

Eyitayo Aloh

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016

StyleSta ker

Eku Edewor Sprightly Fashionista Biwom Iklaki

G

eorgina Chloe Eku Edewor-Thorle, is living the Nigerian dream as a beautiful talented model, actress and Master Compere extraordinaire. Most times you cannot tell her apart from her twin sister, Kessiana Edewor-Thorle, who is a mirror image of her beautiful sister with fair skin, slim build and a flair for the cameras.

Born in the UK with schooling in University of Warwick and New York Film Academy, she is poised to captivate us with her fluent oratory repertoire and sense of fashion.

Now that we have mentioned the elephant in the room, lets address it shall we? As a model, she is exposed to some of the best fashion designers in the country, so it stands to reason that she would have her pick of the best. For a petite person, she is careful to pick pieces that would flatter her and would not drown her out. She definitely wears her style proudly, never letting the clothes wear her. As a host of many red carpet events in Nigeria, she is privy to the best wardrobes and boy, does she dazzle every time.

Two of our favourites are her look on the January 2015 issue of Elle Magazine South Africa where she was profiled as “one to watch out for�, and all wrapped up in this black number from Bridget Awosika. We absolutely love that she pays attention to her hair and makeup in keeping with the theme of her wardrobe of the moment.

We will keep an eye on you all year for those fab choices you always bring Eku. Keep up the stylish diva-ness as we stalk your style.

Body&Soul

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SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

I started first locally sourced winery in Africa Dr. Frank Udemba Jacobs is the ninth president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). Jacobs is an industrialist and laudable entrepreneur whose passion and campaign for manufacturing made in Nigeria products has earned him several awards. In recognition of his contribution to the development of Nigeria, Jacobs was honoured in 2007 with the National Honours Award of Member, Order of the Niger (MON). In this interview with VANESSA OKWARA, he shares how he started the first locally sourced winery in Africa and sundry issues As the elected president of the association, how has it been like for you?

It has been challenging, hectic but generally it has been very educative. Since we are alive, we will continue to learn, so it is a learning process for me. I was the vice president of the association from the Enugu zone before becoming the president. Usually the president is elected from among the vice presidents.

What are the challenges the association is currently facing in the country?

There are many of them and but the most important ones is the issue of infrastructure, especially power, road network, absent of a functional rail system. We also have the issue of sourcing foreign exchange for our raw materials. Because of the dwindling oil prices in the international market, we know the Federal Government does not have the foreign reserve it used to have to be able to fund all our foreign exchange needs. Because of that, government has come up with policies that are not very friendly to the manufacturing sector as it is not easy for us to source for the foreign exchange we need to buy our raw materials. We understand the challenges the government is having and we are trying to see how we can adjust to that.

Recently, I granted an interview stating that 200 companies will be closing down at the end of this month. Following that publication, I was invited by the CBN Governor and we started a discussion. The outcome of that discussion was encouraging and satisfactory.

He made promises that he was going to make every effort to ensure that foreign exchange requirement for manufacturing are met. It’s not exactly 100 per cent but to a reasonable percentage. So I think to some extent that challenge may have been put to rest. We are only hoping that it will be sustained. Then the issue of funding for manufacturing, we know that there is no way any manufacturing business can operate successfully at interest rate in excess of 20 per cent. In

other climes, manufacturing businesses get their funds at some 5 per cent interest and in some 1-3 per cent but in Nigeria that is not so. We have appealed to government to make functional, the Development Bank of Nigeria that was launched during the end of the last administration.

That bank was supposed to be responsible for the financial needs of manufacturing.

We believe that government should do something about it. As well as recapitialise the Bank of Industry so they will be more robust and be able to take care of the financial needs of the manufacturing sector. We also know that the CBN has come up with intervention fund but the conditions attached to this intervention fund makes it difficult for manufacturers to have access to the fund. There is need to come up with ways of making those funds available without necessarily requiring or making all those strident requirement as conditions for assessing the funds. We are also saddled with the issue of multiple taxation. A situation where a manufacturer moves his goods from one local government to another and he is meant to pay the same taxes and levies. It is indeed unbearable and I think government need to do something about it. There is need to harmonise all the taxes. So if you pay tax to one local government, they should issue a paper that will authorise you to move to various parts of the country without being disturbed. There is also need to harmonise all the taxes that are paid at the federal level, state and local levels. Some of the regulatory agencies impose unnecessary levies and taxes on manufactures. I think their function should not be to make money but to encourage and support these manufacturers, to build their capacity, and to ensure the qualities of their product are of international standard. Those are what they should be doing and not taxing them.

That should not be their responsibility. Already, these people are already heavily taxed by government. There shouldn’t be need for them to pay additional taxes by these regulatory agencies. So these are some of the issues we have been facing in this country.

With the fall in oil prices, Nigeria is looking at manufacturers to bail us out of the present economic crises. What is your association doing in that direction?

Nigeria cannot move forward without manufacturers. This is because the emphasis is now on the diversification of the economy. We have engaged government at various levels. We have taken this matter up with the President, Vice President and the various ministers. They are aware and we have been promised that something will be done and they are actually doing something. I think this particular government is very responsive. I am very pleased with the way they handle issues.

One good thing they are doing for this

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Body&Soul

- Dr. Frank Udemba Jacobs, MAN President country is the fight against corruption.

The moment corruption is dealt with in this country, I know that this country will move forward. Corruption has been the canker worm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of this country. So I really commend the government in their stance. The people may be saying that is some form of witch-hunting. I think that what they are doing is right and should be sustained.

A lot of Nigerians do not patronize made in Nigerian goods due to bad quality.

What is your association doing to rectify this situation?

For you to be a member of MAN, you must have a plant that converts raw materials to products. We will inspect and make sure that it is there. If you are producing food and drug, you must be certified by NAFDAC and the products meet standards. If you are producing other products, Standards Organisatin of Nigeria (SON), must certify you. If you are not certified by these two bodies, or other similar bodies, you will not be registered as a MAN member. Because of that, it is impossible to have MAN members who produce substandard products.

In what way will MAN ensure that more made in Nigeria goods are produced to cushion the country’s current economic crises?

Well, the foreign exchange policy of government is already going to prevent people from bringing in imported goods apart from the few they are going to smuggle in.

We have recently engaged the customs, and we were given firm promise by the Comptroller of Customs that smuggling is brought down to the barest minimum.

If that happens with the new foreign exchange policy, every Nigerian will be forced to look inwards. The campaign that is currently going on by the private sector and patronage of made in Nigeria product, it is making impact and I believe that with time, we will look inwards. We must patronize Made in Nigeria goods for our country to move forward. Each time we look inwards, we are creating employment unlike when we import, we create unemployment and poverty in our own country. Every patriotic Nigeria would want to patronise made in Nigeria products. That is the way we can grow our economy and turn this country into one of the world players.

said ‘who can tell me the country that imports toothpick in the world?’ I jumped up and said, ‘How can any country import toothpicks, why can’t they just cut down a tree and make toothpick? They turned around and laughed at me and said the joke is on me because it is my country, Nigeria, that imports tooth pick! That was in 1981. Right there and then, I decided I was going to produce something in this country and I would derive my raw material for the product locally without importing anything. I took time to research on how to make wine from the various fruits that is available in Nigeria. Knowing that in my hometown, they grow lots of pineapple, that was my first option. I did it and it worked. When I finished my research and worked for a while, I came back to Nigeria to establish the winery.

Award of Member, Order of the Niger (MON). I also received the National Merit Award for Local Raw Materials Utilisation in 1994 in addition to the following awards: Sustainable Human Development Award of National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria (1997); MAN Certificate of Merit for Pioneer Indigenous Industry (1997); Imo State Industrial Merit Honour (1994) and Imo State Merit Award for Contribution to Imo State (2005).

Where and when did you start your production?

I started it in my home. The factory is located in my hometown, Mgbidi, Imo State. We started in rented premises, with time we built our factory and have our own structure. The factory was started in 1985. I came back to the country in May 1985, and by August of that same year, there was a front page article in guardian then titled, ‘Nigeria makes wine from pineapple’.

Are any of your children working in the winery with you?

Since I became the president of MAN, my son is running the winery.

My other son is running the school. We have a school called Rare Jacobs Boarding School for primary and secondary pupils. The school has represented Nigeria

So basically, Jacobs Wine is the first wine produced in Nigeria directly from locally sourced products?

We pride ourselves as the first commercial pineapple winemaking in Africa and second in the world. The plant has been in existence for the past 31 years now. We have graduated to growing our own pineapple we use in making our wine.

How long have you been married?

My first wife is late. I got married in 1973 to her. She died in 1977, I remarried in 1980.

How many kids do you have?

I have four children, three boys and a girl.

in various competitions in South Africa and the US and it is located also in Mgbidi. All my businesses are located in my hometown.

How do you relax?

I love to read mostly newspapers and any material I can lay my hands on and with the devices we have today, I can also chat with friends. I also play tennis.

What is your life philosophy?

My business philosophy is to make what we need from what we have and my life philosophy is honesty at all times. Honesty is the best policy.

What is your fashion style?

When I became the president of MAN, I was advised that I have to look Nigerian, before then I was wearing suit all the time.

I am a chief and a member of Eze in Council in my hometown. So I wear traditional red cap as well as traditional designs.

How do you keep healthy?

I make sure I take cucumber and tomatoes as breakfast every day. It helps to keep sickness away and if there is any cancer issue, it will help to destroy.

I never miss it for breakfast anywhere I am in the world; the hotels even know beforehand they should make it available for me.

Thirty-one years down the lane in wine making, how has it been for you so far?

I think Nigerians have been really patriotic. We have grown from a small company to a medium size industry and for me, that is a modest achievement. People have actually embraced the product as an alternative to imported wine.

You have a lot of awards to your credit.

Can you mention them?

I was honoured in 2007 with the National Honours

Let us into your educational background.

I am a native of Mgbidi in Imo State.

I went to the United States of America under the Federal Government scholarship and studied Chemistry at Incarnate Word College, Santonio, Texas, USA (now University of the Incarnate Word). I had what in this country is called 1st Class, but in USA they call it Magna Cum Laude, and following my bachelor’s degree, I had admission to do my PHD. With a 1st Class, you don’t have to do masters. My PHD was at Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA. When I finished in 1982, I had post-doctoral fellowship with the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada before returning to US old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA as Assistant Professor of Environmental Analytical Chemistry. Few years later I came back to establish the Jacobs Winery.

What prompted your establishment of Jacobs Winery?

When I was in my graduate school, what we call the post graduate here in Nigeria, I was discussing with my fellow graduate students, and somebody

Dr. Frank Udemba.

Photo: GODWIN IREKHE

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SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

with

Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770

julietbumah@gmail.com

Killer Whatchamacallit (20) M

Juliet Bumah ekson feels like bolting, but to where? How? The only inlet in the room is the place through which the killjoys appeared.

Pursued by ghosts, he had run into a dead end. Ghosts, death...why think of them at this material time? He feels like the proverbial man who brought home ant infested firewood and must contend with crawling visitors -lizards.

He has always wondered why the living pray that the dead rest in peace. Is it necessary? Don’t the dead remain dead? This is the 21st Century, light years away from the age of myths, legends and fables. Dead parents don’t appear in dreams to point their offspring to their hidden wealth anymore. The dead remain dead in peace these days. But it would appear that those he eased into the great beyond before their rent expired on planet earth are not resting in peace! They are out and about, reaching out, trying to pull him to their side of eternity. He gasps as his eyes begin to see apparitions of Nechi and May -the two lovely women he banged to death.

He tries to focus very well and there, live, are Dr. Keith and the two policemen, advancing towards him. Their eyes are certainly not smiling!

His temperature rises immediately and he feels feverish.

If only he had embraced his stubble-like rod, if only he had not given heed to his friends that told him it didn’t ‘look normal’ since it wasn’t as big as theirs, if only he had confided in elders, if only...if only...

His mind travels back to that time he sought solution to a problem that wasn’t really there...the beginning of his troubles...to what the old man who helped him grow his once prized, but now cursed killer whatchamacallit had said when he went to complain that he got more than he bargained for.

The old man had examined his dangler, tapped it several times then looked him in the eyes and said, “Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do about it. That’s why the patient chooses what size he wants and grows it himself.

I’m afraid you have to live with it. If it’s a blessing, it’s yours, if it turns out a curse, it’s your lot.”

The old man had told his friend who was visiting,

“These young men! They think say na play we dey play here.”

Baba’s friend had added, “Young man, Baba here has very strong herbs to take care of all your sexual challenges.

What he cannot do is to undo what he has done. He doesn’t have the medicine to undo anything. I have known him since I was a young boy. Your best bet is to make the best and judicious use of what you’ve got now.”

May that old man rot in hell!

May peace elude him wherever he is, whether here or in the land of the dead. Mekson begin to around. ....

The DPO frowns for the umpteenth time. The statement he has just read has made his well thought out theory a bedtime tale for children. He had thought that the case was a wrap but if he gives heed to the statement

by the suspect, then he has to begin all over.

After 27 years of rising through the ranks, he wouldn’t allow this robbery and murder case to give him undue headache. He draws lines around the piece of paper on his table, punching the edges at intervals with the tip of a nail file. His face creases and becomes blankly inscrutable, he can eliminate the suspect and destroy the evidence...suddenly he smiles and asks for the IPO. “Dawo, that criminal is giving us headache. He is lying and will never say the truth.

We have to take him out. It will be a joy for me...will do it myself. Prepare him for this night,” he said.

Sergeant Dawo stares at the DPO, straightens out in a salute and walks out. Long ago, they had decided that the DPO was mad and since all at that police station had ac-

cepted that, it had been easy to work with him.

Dawo walks straight to the cell and shouts out orders at the suspect. He lets him out and takes him to the interrogation room again.

“Oga, I told you that I wasn’t part of that operation. I’m a member of that gang but I had stomach upset the night they went for that operation.

I was so weak I couldn’t stand unsupported for two days,” the suspect said.

“Did you go to the hospital?

Can you provide a doctor’s report to prove that?” Dawo asked him in a voice that cops use when they are dealing with tough criminals.

The suspect stares at him as if he just said the most stupid thing.

“Go to hospital because my belle dey run? I be small pikin wey go dey go see doctor for any small thing?” The suspect said incredulously.

“People do see doctors for stomach upset. In fact, it’s advisable one sees a doctor for any persistent health issue, no matter how minute.

Anyway, if you insist that you weren’t part of that operation, talk less of raping the woman to death, you may not get out of this place alive,” Dawo threatensed subtly.

He is so tired. The case is lingering for too long. He will do anything to wrap up the case and is happy that the DPO is already thinking in that direction.

“I no join them for that operation. If una wan kill me make una kill me. I no fit suffer for what I didn’t do.

Maybe na another gang member do am and una wan pack am put for my head. Even sef, my people wey go the operation talk say one man just kill him wife finish before them enter the flat. That day wey una dey talk about, my thing no for fit get up sef. My body no be me like my own,” the suspect said.

Something about him jars Dawo. The suspect’s consistence, even at the pain of death, could mean one thing -he’s telling the truth. Unfortunately, he cannot share his gut feeling with the DPO. That man’s temper could be mean when least expected.

Late that night, the DPO asks that the suspect be taken to the open space at the back of the building. Minutes later, he takes his service pistol and walks to the back. It is dark and the yard is poorly lit. He asks the Corporal stationed there, keeping an eye on the suspect to ‘disappear’ from the scene. The Corporal vanishes with his service riffle like wind. The fear of the DPO in that mood is the beginning of wisdom for all at the station.

He pulls out his pistol and advances menacingly towards the suspect whose eyes are trained on him...

More than 30 minutes later, those within earshot hear two loud crack. The DPO walks purposely back to his office few minutes later, pulls out his phone, and dials Dr. Keith’s number.

Immediately he left the scene, Dawo and two other policemen race to the back of the building... ........

Can anybody explain what is happening here? If you don’t, join me here on Sunday as we continue on this interesting ride!

•Send your observations to: julietbumah@gmail.com

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016

Here Beyond Sweep train glamour

Vanessa Okwara

T

he first three months of the year 2016 is definitely a season of glamour for the entertainment industry both in Nigeria and on the international scene. Between the golden globe award, Oscars of Hollywood and the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice awards held recently in Nigeria, we saw lots of stars coming to the red carpet in glamorous dresses that are sexy, slinky in unexpected colours that gives just enough of a nod to the trendy season.

These prestigious awards are usually characterized with the excitement of being photographed in well-designed dresses that can make anyone sit up and actually pay attention to their style.

The dresses that usually generate particular interests on the red carpet are dresses with sweeping train. They are the type of dresses that require a personal assistant (PA) to follow you around and fix the dress so that the train comes out looking lovely in pictures. The sweep of fabric that follows you as you walk can help you make a dramatic entrance.

Dresses with sweeping trains have become permanent feature seen at most glamorous events. Its length is just perfect for a splendour entrance that fixes all eyes on you and the dress. They usually make the ladies look ethereal and capture the Disney Princess look. We saw lots of ladies wearing dresses with the fashionable tails both at the Oscars and the AMVCA 2016. They were worn by A-list actresses and they definitely killed it in their expensive dresses with sweeping trains.

Body&Soul

Body&Soul

SUNDAY MARCH 13, 20

Best dressed loo at AMVCA 2016 Vanessa Okwara

T

he Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards, AMVCA, regarded as the Africa’s equivalent of the Hollywood Oscars is a much anticipated event movie lovers all over Africa look forward to.

It is arguably one of the biggest awards ceremonies that showcases Africa’s best in the movie making. It is also an opportunity to reward not just actors and actresses, but also the people who put so

much work into making those movies we all love.

This year, the inaugural edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards held on Saturday 5th March 2016 at the Eko Hotel & Suites. It was also televised live on all Africa Magic channels.

AMVCA 2016 was hosted by Nigerian radio personality/BBA Host IK Osakioduwa and South African TV star Minnie Dhlamini.

The star studded awards ceremony saw fashionable actresses coming to the red

carpet in breathtaking dresses both from local and international designers.

This year’s award witnessed a lot of actresses who came to slay on the red carpet.

The likes of Mercy Aigbe Gentry, Gnenevive Nnaji, Rita Dominc, Funke Akindele, Dakore akande definitely made stylish statements with their ensemble.

Today, we bring to you our best dressed and stylish looks from your favourite superstars who walked the red carpet at the AMVCA2016.

Editor’s current obsession

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z ne Eat your way to gorgeous skin Biwom Iklaki

T

he quest for healthy youthful skin is not just found in a tub of creams or bar of soap, it is even closer than you know. Look no farther than your refrigerator and pantry for produce that will clear your skin and give you a sexy glow.

Yogurt: yogurt is any girl’s best friend and if you are taking care of your skin with natural skin-boosting ingredients, yogurt is one of the best. You could also mix it with turmeric and apply to your face. It provides calcium for healthy bones and also contains vitamins B2, B6, B12 and protein.

It is also good for detoxifying.

Avocado: this is one of those fruits that can do everything. Because its oil composition is very close to that which our skin produces naturally, and the fatty acids it contains are great soothe skin and sunburn. It is also a source of vitamins A, D and E (for hydration).

Berries: with so many choices to pick from, berries are easy to get and can be included to your salads or as a snack. The darker the better as they contain more antioxidants which attack free radicals

produced by UV damage, pollution, etc. it doesn’t hurt either that they are high in vitamin C to boost your collagen supply.

That’s a win-win, right?

Salmon: the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in this fish are beneficial in no small measure. Consuming the fish as opposed to meat would reduce cancer risks, inflammation and great for over all skin health Tomatoes: researchers have observed that lycopene in tomatoes that is responsible for their red colour stimulates production of and circulation of collagen for smooth and glowing skin.

Nuts & Seeds:these are loaded up with powerful antioxidants, omegas and protein. Add a handful of your favourite variety to your salad and get the benefits in skin boosting properties for radiant and glowing skin.

Tea: the humble green tea is packed with antioxidants that help to minimise UV effects on the skin. The more you drink, the higher your levels of protection are. Peppermint tea however, helps with normalising hormone levels which aggravates problematic skin.

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Body&Soul

dude OF THE WEEK

Achieve smooth, clean shave Vanessa Okwara

U

nless you sport a 5 o'clock shadow like George Clooney or decided to join the reigning beard gang that most guys are currently into, your morning routine isn't complete without shaving.

A clean-shaven face makes you look instantly put together. That is why it is very important to shave before important events, like an interview or a wedding. For most guys, achieving that smooth, clean shave without cuts, bumps, patches, ingrown hairs and the after burn is almost impossible. Many men commit common shaving mistakes that contribute to the unhealthy appearance of their skin, like poor preparation, using a dull blade, or shaving with only a thin layer of inexpensive foam. These mistakes can leave you with irritated skin and razor bumps. The key to a close and comfortable shave every time lies in the preparation, the technique, and the aftercare.

To avoid these perils, you need to invest in high-quality blades and contemporary shaving gel. Neither will break your bank account and you’ll see a noticeable improvement in the comfort of your shave.

Follow these steps to get a smooth, clean shave that leaves your face squeaky and shiny.

Wet your face and beards Hair swollen with water becomes quite weak and therefore easier to cut. Showering before shaving is the ideal way to ensure you beard is properly moistened. If a shower is not possible, rinse your face and then apply a warm moistened towel to your face for at least a couple of minutes.

Never shave cold or apply shaving products to a dry face - this is one of the leading causes of razor burn and shaving rash.

Use quality shaving cream Use a shaving cream that has a high concentration of lubricants and moisturizers. The best shaving creams create a rich creamy lather and do not foam up like the cheaper drug store brands. The ideal scenario is to leave the shaving cream on

your face for at least a minute before you begin cutting, so that the beard is as soft and wet as possible.

A Shaving Brush is one of the Best Tools One of the best tools you can use to achieve the optimum shave is a shaving brush. It helps raise the hair so that a closer cut is possible. Second, it helps create a rich creamy lather with the shaving cream that stays close to the skin. Apply the shaving cream using the brush in a circular motion ending in an upward stroke to help lift the beard up and away from the face.

Invest in a Power Razor and Change the Blades Always use a good quality sharp razor blade and make sure the blade is sharp. Two weeks is too long to go without changing blades.

Regardless of the number of shaves, if the blade becomes dull, ditch it.

Use the Razor Properly Ideally shave in the direction of the beard growth. Start with the sides, then the moustache area and last the chin.

The chin hairs are the toughest, so this allows them the most time to soften under the shave cream.

Cleanse and Soothe After Shaving After shaving, when the skin is most vulnerable, rinse the face with warm water and use a facial wash that has a natural antiseptic that is ideal to help cleanse and protect from spots and shaving rash. Pat dry with a clean towel; don't rub!

Finish off with an After Shave Lotion or Balm.

To relieve any irritation and moisturize skin after shaving, it is important to finish your shave with a post-shave balm that will soothe your skin. Stick with alcohol-free products to avoid dryness. Do this and you will see significant changes in the overall condit i o n a n d health of your skin.

Joseph Benjamin

Suave gentleman

Vanessa Okwara

J

oseph Benjamin is a multi-talented Nigerian Nollywood actor who got his big break as the co-host of MTN Project Fame West Africa Season II (a reality TV show).

Nollywood actor Joseph Benjamin made his first screen debut appearance in a popular television when he appeared at age 12 in the television program ‘Tales by Moonlight’ on NTA where he acted as a homeless child. His first movie was in 1993 titled ‘Crossroads’.

Joseph Benjamin is from Kogi State and holds a Diploma in Computer Literacy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is currently studying Philosophy at the University of Ibadan. A multi-talented actor, he is also a model, musician and compere.

Joseph Benjamin grabbed a remarkable role as the co-star of Mahmood Ali-Balogun’s movie ‘Tango With Me‘alongside Nollywood megastar actress Genevieve Nnaji in 2011. Since then he has played lead roles in most Nollywood blockbuster movies.

Some of Joseph Benjamin’s movies are Tango with Me, Mr. & Mrs, Murder at Prime Suites and Married But Living Single. He won the African Actor of the Year award at the 2012 African Film Awards.

A suave, gentleman, Benjamin always looks colourful on red carpet and has managed to steal a few ladies’ heart with his smooth velvety voice and rakish up-turned smile. Joseph Benjamin got married in 2004 and has two children; he and his wife are now separated.

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Body&Soul

KITCHEN DECOR

Build unique kitchen accessories arsenal Biwom Iklaki

E

ven though some people are choosy about who they let into their kitchens, some are not. In fact, most people do up their kitchens with such great decorative pieces that their pride of place makes them draw guests into the room just to show off. After doing up your kitchen with the lovely paint, wallpapers, cabinets

Relationship going nowhere after 8 Yrs. I have been with my boyfriend for 8 years, and the first 3-4 years were awesome. We were in our early 20s and just entered the university. Now it just seems like we can stand each other less and less.

There is no doubt that we love each other but I’m constantly unhappy. The fact that he hasn’t worked in over three years since we left school really bothers me.

We are both going to school but I work and go to school. This makes me feel like he’s not serious about our future. I want to travel and eventually marry and have kids and if he doesn’t mature and get a job this is never going to happen. He is 30 years old and doesn’t even have real job experience. On top of that, we have sex less and less. When we do, it’s great but it’s gotten to the point that I’d rather watch TV or sleep instead of even trying to have it anymore. We used to have great conversations but now all he does is talk and talk and never listens. He annoys me and I’m losing interest in what he has to say. I’ve waited three years for him to get a real job and start building a future together. I’m afraid that nothing will change and we will end up in a sexless, no conversation, and non-productive, futureless marriage. My dreams of travel-

etc, the accessories complete the theme you are aiming for. There are several ways to bring the entire look together with the right kitchen accessories: Utensil holders: this chef with a utensil barrel is both sweet and functional as he could also be a conversation starter if you decide to serve your wine at dinner in his barrel.

Chopping board clock: the kitchen per-

ling and having kids might never become true. I’m here typing all this out because I have no one to talk to. I hope someone; anyone hears me out and just gives me honest feedback...because as of now it’s just me in my head feeling like I have to throw up. I feel so empty.

Ijeoma, 29 years, Lagos Dumped out of the blue My boyfriend broke up with me a week ago. We had been going out for two years and before that we were very close friends for around 4 years. His reason for the break up was that we argued too much and although we did have a lot of arguments, I personally feel they were things that we could have worked on.

The day he broke up with me, he told me he loved me, then we had a petty argument that escalated and he then told me he didn't want me as a girlfriend anymore. It seems completely out of the blue!

I know I need to work on some aspects of my life, not for him but for myself but still, that is not enough reason for him to just dump me like I didn’t mean anything to him before. He broke up with me by text and the next day I had to convince him to meet me in order to get the closure

mits you to pull off some quirkiness with a few pieces, like this chopping board of a clock spattered with breads, cheese and vegetables. Remember to keep such pieces few and far between to avoid turning your space into a circus.

Wine holder/wall hanger: we absolutely adore this vintage wrought iron leaf motif that doubles as a wall décor, wine and glasses holder. It would certainly get you

I felt I deserved. We had a couple of days space and then I texted him two days later asking if he could turn our break up into a break. He said no and that he had already made up his mind so I asked if he could ring me. When he rang me, I stayed very calm and just explained that we had never been on a break before, I loved him and I thought space could enforce a stronger relationship. He bluntly refused that he wanted to be just friends.

I have been heartbroken ever since. How can a guy say he loves you and still break up with you on just a silly argument? I haven't spoken to him since (4 days later) and I was just wondering if you think there is any chance we could get back together?

Bimpe, 25 years old Port Harcourt Bad sex in marriage My wife and I got married six months ago but the bedroom is bad. I am in no way huge or big but she complains it's too painful for her. We don’t make love longer than 20 minutes. It is as if she is just tolerating my advances. She was not a virgin when I married her and I asked her if she has ever enjoyed sex with another man. She denies it but I have a sinking feeling she must have enjoyed it with her university boyfriend who I know she loved so much. They guy broke her heart and married someone else. I believe she just married me to get out of the single market and may not really love me. I feel frustrated and I don’t want to start cheating on my wife this early in marriage. How do I address her with this?

Jerry, 35 years Lagos

many compliments as well as volunteers in the kitchen if only to stare at this beautiful structure.

Towel rack: as a place to hang your kitchen towels go, this cat rack beats the regular wooden slab that is common in other homes. It is both decorative and functional which would make it a perfect piece in your kitchen decorative arsenal.

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HEARTTHROB

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SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul with

Wole Adepoju 07037763410

Dolapo Osinbajo, Funke Awolowo unending alliance T

o say the dynasty of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo is a great one will be stating the obvious because it only takes a man with rare qualities and extraordinary deeds like Awolowo to be so much revered during his days and be held in high esteem in death. The uncommon befitting burial given to the matriarch of the dynasty, H.I.D Awolowo, who passed on some months ago, is enough to tell who Chief Awolowo really was.

In the same way, the family has been admired for the way they have conducted themselves even in the absence of the patriarch of the family. The first grandchild of Awolowo, Funke, has always been a lone ranger, but it was reliably learnt that wife of the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, Dolapo, who is also a grandchild of Awolowo, has always been on her side. The bond between the two of them, whose parents from Awolowo’s side are both late, is said to still be getting stronger. Sources said that it may not be surprising if Funke, who not long ago relocated to Nigeria, is given a federal appointment as there are moves that suggest something of that nature is in the offing.

Happy times for Ganiyu Solomon

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hen Mushin born real estate operator, Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, years ago, decided to get involved in partisan politics, many had seen him as one of those ‘wannabes’ whose chance of success was slim. Those who were conversant with his background did not blink an eyelid as regards if he was going to make impact or not and that is basically because partisan politics was a thing young Olanrewaju had met his father doing very well.

His late father, Rafiu Solomon, was not just a close associate of late sage, Obafemi Awololo, but was at a time secretary to Action Group.

In his political career, amiable Ganiyu has no doubt been successful as he gradually moved up the ladder from the post of a local government chairman to member of the lower chamber of the National Assembly and later to the Senate.

One thing that can also not be taken away from the articulate politician is that he’s a force to be reckoned with both at the state and federal levels. Meanwhile, it will be readily said that his strength as a grassroot politician, who is well loved, is a fact and this has made him the man to beat. However, since life is about ups and downs, the former Senate Minority Whip, who is an APC chieftain, has a target which he has not been very lucky in making a reality and this is no other than his governorship ambition. He had in the past aspired to become governor of Lagos State but could not actualise it. Going by his weight, many had given it to him as the man to beat during the last governorship race but unfortunately, he could not make it beyond the primary stage and this incident must have brought some darkness to his cloud even though he appears to have since moved on.

The handsome, well connected and respected heavy weight politician recently had every reason to put behind him what may have been his political loss. The accomplished father gave out his daughter in marriage days ago.

His first daughter, Risikat Oluwaseun, and her lover of many years, Raheed Lumor, in an event that was nothing short of a societal gathering, were declared and celebrated as latest couple in town. All roads led to Classic Event Centre, Lagos, where all and sundry came to share in the joy of the day with household of the politician. Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa and wife of governor of Lagos State, Bolanle Ambode, were among many important personalities that graced the occasion.

Maryam Abacha relishes unusual moment

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s it is in the tradition and customs of the northern part of Nigeria, especially in very many years gone by, the girl child rarely had a say in who to marry. So fate and luck are what the girls hope on as what becomes their lot with whomever they were betrothed or approved for them. Maryam must have found herself in this situation but she was lucky to have had a man who moved through the ladder in the military and eventually became head of state.

There is no need for soothsayer to know that her peers and many must have been envious of her position when her husband became the head of state which made her not only have everything at her beck and call, but was also adored and worshipped by those who look up to her for certain favours. Although, she does not lack, things have long stopped being what it was since the sudden demise of her husband, late General Sani Abacha, who she bore 10 children for, especially, with the impression of many about him as a ruler. Ageless beauty, Maryam, has since withdrawn into her shell. As there is never dark cloud without sunny period, it was a time for the former first lady to loosen up and celebrate recently when she added another year. At this moment which was her 69th birthday, she surrounded herself with people who make her happy and her grandchildren to make her day a memorable one.

woleadepoju@yahoo.com

When Segun Adesegun goofed

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odson of two-time former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Segun Adesegun, had concluded his set time had come in 2011 when the leadership of then ACN kicked against the choice of incumbent governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, when he used Madam Sonubi. She was his running mate when he contested the governorship election under ANPP as he was under a new party that favoured the choice of Adesegun. The rest later became history when Adesegun and his boss were elected.

Little did Adesegun know he was on his way to political oblivion when he decided to take on his boss towards last general elections when he accused him of ill treatment, resigned and opted for another political party, SDP, with his godfather, Osoba. There is likelihood Osoba will return to his former fold, celebrated, as talks are ongoing while nothing is being heard of Adesegun. Perhaps, he made a long lasting impression on the people when he was called as one of the dignitaries to speak at the recently held 40th year anniversary of Ondo State as well celebration of 7th year Governor Segun Mimiko has been paddling canoe of the state. Upon mounting the podium, Adesegun had spoken well of the governor as well as extolled the virtues of the first lady, Olukemi. He however missed the mark and made a mess of his good foundation when he likened Olukemi to Sarah of the Bible when asked if she will be able to give a wife to her husband in their old age. His words, which were tersely put together, sent a bad signal to the audience even as the first lady demonstrated a sign that forbids Adesegun’s words. While the audience had managed to applaud him as he rounded off, he quietly moved away knowing he had goofed greatly.

Lekan Ogunbanwo charts new course

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he name Lekan Ogunbanwo might not ring a bell across the nation but certainly not in Centre of Excellence, Lagos, where he dwells among the movers and shakers.

He had joined the civil service some 30 years ago but as he moved up the ladder, his personality became bigger, not just because of his workaholic, goal-getting nature, but for special talents as a professional compere which endeared him to many.

Up till a little over one year that he retired as a permanent secretary, the well-connected dude enjoyed an image that was bigger than that of his peers and he was nicknamed Super P.S in certain quarters.

As a seasoned broadcaster who set the Lagos State owned radio and television organisation on the right footing while he was there as the man at the helm of affairs, the Ikorodu born dude, who is believed to be a Tinubu boy, may have returned to his first love, having cooled off since his retirement. The eloquent and articulate dude has just berthed a television show tagged, Conversation with Lekan Ogunbanwo’. The show is one that is based on society issues which makes it broad in spectrum.

Elvina Ibru raises her game

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s an individual, Elvina Ibru needs little or no introduction. Of course, a number of offspring of successful businessman, Olorogun Michael Ibru, are not strange to the limelight but Elvina seems to have since become the rave among her siblings with the way she has consistently been in the news. While she has formed a large fan base on radio as a presenter on Classic F.M, her versatility and prowess as a stage actor has made her more appealing to more people who are usually falling over one another to identify with her whenever they run into her.

The beautiful mother of one may have raised the bar as she’s said to be going into artiste management through her entertainment company, Twice as Nice. Although, information about this is still sketchy and nothing is confirmed yet, Celeb Lounge can authoritatively reveal she presently has an artiste in her stable, Day 9, that she’s working with.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016

Body&Soul

RazzleDazzle

with

Abiola Alaba Peters

I'm a fulfilled woman

Stop reminding me of my size - Uche Jumbo

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Toyin Aimakhu gives up on marriage A

fter a whirlwind romance with her supposed controversial lover, Nollywood actress, Toyin Aimakhu, has distanced herself from the light, skinny, Yoruba movie practitioner, Seun Egbegbe. The disclaimer which was posted on her Instagram handle came shortly after Toyin was freed by her alleged boyfriend whom fans have alleged to be a robber/assassin.

While many condemned the beautiful actress, others have begun to suggest that the actress who regretted her actions, has been begging all and sundry to help talk with her Tinsel husband for possible reconciliation. RazzleDazzle also gathered that, Toyin's husband, Adeniyi Johnson, has vowed not to have anything to do with his estranged wife again. A close celebrity source, who wouldn't want a mention, reveals that the Edo born actress truly feels sorry for all her recent actions.

"Please don't quote me, I am just relating this with you simply because I need to defend a fellow woman, who happens to be a colleague. To be honest with you, Toyin is sorry, she is truly sorry, she meant the apology and the disclaimer. I am not only trying to defend her, but to tell you the truth. You can't rule out the fact that she is human, anybody in her shoes would probably have done same or even worse. We don't have any idea of what she must have been through in her marriage,” the source said.

On whether Toyin is willing to return to her husband, she said, "Well, that I cannot confirm to you now. I have to tell you the truth, I don't know if she is willing and ready to return to her man. I can't say if she has made any recent moves to make up, though, I learnt Niyi has vowed not to have any affair with her anymore. I don't know how true, I still believe as humans, change is inevitable."

"Without going into details of why I went into an affair with Mr. Seun Egbegbe, I am very much aware many look up to me as a role model and considering this salient fact, a detour at this point is very necessary.

However, against the backdrop of my moral responsibilities to my fans and the general public, I wish to state unequivocally that, henceforth, I dissociate myself from Mr. Seun Egbegbe. I will implore all and sundry to please avoid connecting me with Mr. Seun Egbegbe or whatever he represents from now on. I humbly request and would appreciate if I am allowed time to recuperate.

Once again, I apologise for all the negativity that emanated from the whole drama in recent times, trust me on this I am sincerely sorry. My attention and energy are now focused on re-uniting with my work, friends, families and fans. I thank my ever loyal and steadfast fans. You all are my strong pillars of support. God bless me and you all. He is the greatest pillar in times of tribulations. You will always be part of me. Miss Toyin Aimakhu,” she posted in her Instagram page.

ollywood actress and mom, Uche Jombo-Rodriguez, has sounded a warning message to her fans. She instructed her haters through her social media account to unfollow her page, redirecting their comments on blogs.

Uche had posted some of her pictures online for her teeming fans, only for some to comment, reminding the star actress of her new size and asking her to do something to slim down. Mrs. Rodriguez, who didn't find such comments funny, posted another picture with the caption, "I usually won’t do this but it’s kind of getting tiring with the ‘you are FAT’ comments here. Please I have mirrors in my house. I came from this place in this picture after Matthew was born from 243pounds to 198 pounds , not anywhere near where I want to be but still working on my weight like most women. So if you are one of those that only get into the comments section to write how ‘FAT’ I am, please do yourself the favour of unfollowing this page NOW. Yo u can always take your comments t o the blogs, that way we are both happy. #zerotoleranceforstupidity" She posted.

Uche Jombo was born in Abiriba, Abia State, Nigeria. She is a graduate of Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Calabar, and Computer Programming from the Federal University of Technology, Minna.

She is a screen writer, actress and producer.

Having launched into the Nigerian movie industry in 1999, she has since then featured in over 60 movies.

08062622328

- Clarion Chukwura

F

ifty one year old veteran actress and mother of renown video director, Clarence Peters, has given love another chance. The award winning talented thespian made this known earlier in the week, when she posted some photos on her Facebook account. The post which reads, "History made, destiny fulfilled, me and hubby on River Street Savannah, Georgia," suggested that the Yoruba/Igbo speaking actress is happy in her new marriage. In the two pictures, a man in his early forties is seen holding the actress from behind.

Clarion who spoke exclusively to RazzleDazzle from her USA home revealed that she is indeed grateful to God for bringing Anthony her way.

"Thank your brother, God bless you, I don't really have much to say, I am very excited, I am a fulfilled woman, knowing that marriage is a good thing, I thank God for bringing Anthony into my life, I am just super excited to be blessed with such a wonderful guy,” she said.

Her new beau is identified as Anthony Boyd, a USA citizen. Clarion was previously married to MKO’s brother, Tunde Abiola, but divorced in 2003. She then married Femi Oduneye, her second husband, on February 14, 2004. They got divorced on May 5, 2006, but got together again for about six years before finally going their separate ways.

She had Clarence with top Afro musician, Shina Peters, but they never got married. Born Clara Nneka Oluwatoyin Folashade Chukwurah, she is a humanitarian who was recognised as a United Nations Peace Ambassador for her charity work across Africa. The Anambra State born, who studied Acting and Speech at the Department of Dramatic Arts of Obafemi Awolowo University, is a living legend.

Lagos stood still for Acapella, Gordons, Akpororo, others

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t was indeed a fun filled moment last Sunday as Acapella and his crew thrilled the audience at his annual comedy event, 'Comedy Goes To Church’. Packaged by Purple Roof Entertainment and tagged ‘The 4th Impact’, the event which was nothing short of complete entertainment was witnessed by RazzleDazzle.

The venue, David Christian Centre, recorded a huge attendance for the comedy show. The event kicked off in earnest when Acapella stormed the stage with a back to back performance and introduction of the guest artistes -Akpororo, Aboki4Christ, Gordons, Humble Smith and many more who thrilled the over five thousand guests.

Then came the moment when Comedian Acapella, with real name Bennet Daniel, finally made his full appearance on stage. The rib cracker took his show a notch higher, using the austere condition of the country as a case study as well as sharing exciting experiences from his childhood to University days. He delivered a 50-minute set and went on to appreciate everyone who supported his show. The night’s big surprise was an appearance by young rave of the moment act, Humble Smith, who took guests to another level with his hit song ‘Osinachi’.

Another unforgettable moment was when comedian, Aboki4Christ, took a shot at pregnant women saying, “Some pregnant women can be very funny.

Imagine, they can wake up in the middle of the night with a loud shout and when their husbands ask what they want, they reply with tears, darling, I want to eat charcoal,” which got everyone laughing uncontrollably.

34

SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

L

Signs you are getting dumped by your lover

illian sat dejectedly on the sofa in the sitting room, glancing blankly at the flat screen television showing some Nigerian music videos, but her mind was miles away.

She couldn’t stop thinking of the last conversation she had with Tunde on the phone an hour ago. This is the third time he had cancelled their date in two weeks. He even refused to pick her calls when she called to demand an explanation for the date cancellation. This is very unlike Tunde, she mused to herself. What happened to all the “I hate being away from you for a long time; I’m miss you so much; I can’t live without you and the I love you so much’’ he keeps singing into her ears anytime they are alone. Were they all a lie?

Every female instinct Lillian has is whispering to her that Tunde has stopped loving her. He’s gradually withdrawing from her. The connection she usually felt with him is missing. The signs are becoming more obvious: his infrequent calls and texts, not wanting to be with her as much as he used to before, his uncaring attitude over things that are important to her and worst of all, not being by her side this past week she was down with malaria and at home on sick leave. She felt so rejected by his actions. Her relationship with Tunde has lasted longer than all the previous relationships she has ever been in and she has gotten used to having him in her life. Now a relationship she has nurtured for years is fast disappearing before her eyes. And she simply cannot put her finger on what could’ve

CONNECT NG vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com have gone wrong.

Yesterday, she mustered enough courage and went to his house to ask him what was going wrong with ‘them”. Opening the door, Tunde saw her standing there but did not embrace her as he usually did. She confronted him on his recent crass behavior but he gruffly denied it telling her she was imagining things. All the same, he was not as communicative as he used to be and in the end, she didn’t get anything concrete from him and he even let her walk of his house without seeing her off; with

True love does not stop, and if the relationship is fading, true and lasting love was not in place.

Loving a person dearly does not guarantee that you will be loved back in return

the excuse that he was in his boxer shorts. From all these actions, its obvious Tunde could not bring himself to tell her their relationship was over, so he acts it out by giving her the cold shoulders.

Well, she has made up her mind she will not sit around to get verbally dumped by him. No matter how painful this break up is going to be, she decided not to go begging. All the same, she could not stop the tears from falling in crescendos down her cheeks.

Yes, that’s the spirit my dear friend!

No matter how painful it maybe, it is important to know when to let go of a relationship that has gone sour and no longer give you joy and peace of mind. If you have done all you could to salvage that relationship, yet the second party obviously do not want to get back together with you, then it’s time to let go.

Rejection is one of the saddest emotions we can ever have, especially when we have shown and felt very strong love for someone only for that relationship to fail. We may even question what we have done wrong.

Realise that nothing you did or said

causes a person to fall out of love.

True love does not stop, and if the relationship is fading, true and lasting love was not in place. Loving a person dearly does not guarantee that you will be loved back in return. This may sound disheartening but it is so true. If a person stops loving you, you have two choices. You either accept it or allow it to eat away the remaining parts of your self-confidence. Sadly, despite how unhappy you may feel, it really will not change the situation.

In desperation, you may daydream, beg or constantly pray for the other person to love you back and yet nothing changes. The minute you realise this, the only other choice is to accept it and move on with your life.

Attempting to stay in a relationship in which you are not receiving love is only delaying the separation process. Unless you unwisely choose to remain in this type of relationship, which equals feeling rejected and frustrated, a breakup is unavoidable.

Letting go is one of the most difficult emotional choices to make but it is also one of smartest choices you will ever make. Waiting to get dumped instead of reading the handwriting on the wall is the easiest way to get into a BRT bus with REJECTION boldly written on it. Save your self-esteem and read the signs!

Understand that no matter how bad things may seem right now, you will get over it. Time they say heals all wounds. Remain ever hopeful; remember there is always a silver lining in a dark cloud. I wish you the best!

•Send your views to the email above!

A book, a writer and an association in literary limbo

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here is a Nigerian short story book meant for children that is currently in circulation. It is supposed to teach children morals and help them get back into cultivating a healthy reading habit. The author even boasts on the backpage that the book is a pulsating story that will keep you wanting for more. What she fails to tell you is that all you want after reading the first page is her head on a platter for subjecting you to the horror of bad grammar, bad writing and generally a piece of literature worthy of no place other than the bin. I am an advocate of all kinds of literature, an advocate of grammar not being a hindrance to creativity (Look at Amos Tutuola and his ‘Palmwine Drinkard.’) What I object to is a book within the educational sector, written by a graduate and still strewn with so much grammatical errors that it calls the very essence of Nigeria’s educational system from the elementary school to the university into question.

The book in question, ‘Three Friends and their Careers’ by Idiba ( I will preserve the authors dignity by only using the alias she provided on the back page as well, is a slight on the good works of African literary pioneers such as Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and even, Amos Tutuola. However, the book also reveals a systemic problem with the literary scene of Nigeria that is being overlooked by the Association of Nigerian Authors and needs urgent attention. The dearth of quality publishing houses interested in literary works has meant that writers looking to get published must now resort to

self-publishing. This is reality and so there is no problem. The problem arises when there is no structure in place to help the authors to get advice on editing, proofreading and tools of marketing the works once published. Now, that the responsibility must lie with the organisation saddled with the interest of writers and authors in Nigeria, ANA. For instance, if Idiba had gone to ANA for guidance in the murky terrain of publishing, she should have been schooled in the very basics; write well, tell a good story, get others to read for you. I am sure there are a number of English graduates within the ranks of ANA to provide such services at an affordable rate. Then, I know this for a fact, within the pool of ANA’s members

are skilled and knowledgeable publishers, even if small scaled. They should be able to give guidance on the right steps to take before such a calamity of a book hit the book shelf. Alas, such has not taken place and I can only pity the parents of the children who will read such books. They can kiss goodbye to quality grammar in their household.

The criticism of such a book shows that ANA must take an interest in the welfare of writers beyond the annual convention and prize giving ceremonies. It is time for ANA to go to the next level and actively participate in the quality control of books that come out of Nigeria. I am not here talking about a censorship or control of the mind for that will be wrong. The Stan-

ANA should be able to give guidance on the right steps to take before such a calamity of a book hit the book shelf.

Alas, such has not taken place and I can only pity the parents of the children who will read such books. They can kiss goodbye to quality grammar in their household

dard Organization of Nigeria (SON) looks after the safety of Nigerian consumers where goods are concerned and while some do have approval to circulate, not all get the Gold Certificate. In the same vein, ANA should device a means of certifying and recommending the books that come out of Nigeria. A subcommittee must be in place with the aim of taking a quick look at books and making recommendations. If the author fails to comply, then they do not get a seal from ANA and that tells the consumer such a book is not fit for the mind. It need not even be a separate process from the book competition.

In the environment that produced Soyinka, Achebe, JP Clark and other writers of note, I must say that the current literary climate in Nigeria is not healthy. The writers being celebrated either do not reside in Nigeria or simply published their books abroad. The norm now is for a writer to get noticed and then leave the Nigerian terrain (I am guilty, I know). A book like ‘Three friends and their Careers’ must have been stopped and proper editing of cover and back page requested. That did not happen, therefore, may I call on all parents too to take an interest in the education of their children. Read the books your children are reading, ask questions and if necessary, visit the school. The cost of education in Nigeria means the parents have paid too much to take this kind of things for granted.

To the author, Idiba, I say, the idea and story may be there, but please get an editor. It is not fair on hardworking parents to have to pay for such a book.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016

Body&Soul

Wine & Dine

Enjoy a taste of herbs in Vermouth Ibukunoluwa Kayode

C

hoosing an aromatic wine like Vermouth provides healthy experience on the palate. This wine is considered a spa beverage that is good for health due to several of its bitter ingredients that includes botanicals like, herbs, spices, and bitter roots which makes Vermouth unique in taste.

Vermouth is an important beverage used in cocktails and as an aperitive and digestive.

Originating from Italy, this vintage wine have different styles to its name, from sweet red, dry white to blanc vermouth.

Each of these styles have a different purpose and used in cocktails and each Vermouth brand offers a unique interpretation

and flavour of each style.

Vermouth ranges widely in taste depending on style and producer. There are, however, four basic components that define it's tasteful profile: bitterness, sweetness, acidity and most importantly, its botanical profile. In terms of enjoying Vermouth, even in the 1800’s it was rarely enjoyed straight.

The addition of bitters, vanilla, soda or tonic is common to create an enticing drink that would embellish Vermouth’s taste profile. Of course, it is even more popular as a component in cocktails where it can add a subtle floral note to a Martini or a lovely spiced element to a Manhattan. If you’re interested in simply enjoying Vermouth real taste it, try it added to soda with a twist of lemon or orange.

Isapa soup, Ekiti staple Biwom Iklaki

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elcome back to our exploration tour of the states in Nigeria. We have taken food trips through most of the Niger Delta states and a few in the South East. This week however, we want to peep at our brothers in the South West. We choose Ekiti State. Ekiti state is rich in natural resources with abundant mineral deposits.

Their food is our main gist for today and they love their iyan (pounded yam)

with egusi soup or Isapa with bush meat. In honour of the Ekiti man, we will prepare egusi mixed with Isapa (vegetable) soup with iyan.

INGREDIENTS Bush meat Isapa (vegetable) 2 cups ground egusi 2 large ponmo (wash and cut up) 2 dry fish (wash and debone) I large onion 1 cup red bonnet pepper

4 medium tomatoes Iru (dawadawa) Salt and stock cube to taste 5 tbs palm oil PREPARATION Parboil ponmo and bush meat to desired tenderness. Wash and set the vegetable aside to strain. Blend the pepper, tomatoes and onions and set aside. In a bowl, mix your egusi with a bit of water, just enough to make a paste that can be rolled. Make small balls of them and

set aside. Heat up a pot and add the palm oil. Add the chopped onion and tomato and pepper paste. Stir to avoid burning. After 7 minutes, add your bush meat and ponmo stock, seasoning and start dropping the egusi balls one at a time. Cover and leave to cook for 7 – 10minutes and then stir. Add water if you may. Add the chopped isapa, bush meat and ponmo. Taste and leave for 2 minutes and set down. Serve with hot iyan and you would have experienced life the Ekiti style.

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SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

My size does not affect my performance

- Allwell Ademola Apeke Allwell Ademola Apeke is no doubt one of the big names in Nollywood. The granddaughter of Nigeria's first Chief Justice, Justice Adetokunbo, and film maker wrote Saheed Balogun's popular movie, ‘Eti Keta (Third Party), starring Kate Henshaw.

In this exclusive chat with ABIOLA ALABA PETERS, she reveals all about her sex life, and how she has been able to live up to expectations in a competitive industry like Nollywood How would you describe yourself?

I’m Allwell Adetokunbo Ademola, a very young lady from a family of three and an actress. I don’t have a brother. To some extent, I miss the fact that I don’t have a brother. Sometimes, when I talk with my friends and they talk about their brothers, I usually don’t have anything to say. I used to have one but he’s late. I however have a niece and nephew through him. I’m also a singer, a script writer, director and musician.

I have a band.

You have written several good scripts.

What inspires your writing?

First of all, God is my inspiration! Secondly, I have a very wild imagination.

What is the relationship between you and Saheed Balogun?

Saheed Balogun has been a brother and a friend to me, he was there when no one was ready to help in the industry. I met him through my sister, Kemi, who was his account manager then. We exchanged numbers and the rest is history. Saheed is a good man, God bless him.

You have been in the industry for a while.

Share with us how it all started.

It all started In 1985 when Uncle Wole came to my school to scout for animal games then on NTA and as the head of the cultural and dramatic society, I was selected amongst the few. I later joined stage productions at the NCAC National Theatre, 1993; ROTBM Muson Centre; Apapa Club, 1995.

I worked with Cliff Igwe of ‘The draught Promise’ and "The Killer Priest" on my first movie set with veterans like Prince Jide Kosoko, Edith Jane Azu, Hrh. Wole Amele etc.

That was how it all started.

You are also nurturing another side of yourself, which is music. How has it been?

Well for me, music is life, music is beautiful, I love music. I have been singing as a child in my school choir. I am in my church choir, I led my church choir for eight years and formed my 12 man band ‘Allwell & Company’ in 2000 and we've been doing

well since then to the glory of God. Unlike most of your colleagues, you have been able to stay clear of controversy.

How do you do it?

Controversy? As a pastor, mum's prayers are working (smiles) and as the granddaughter of the first Chief Justice of the federation with the royal blood of Alake of Egba running in my veins, I really have to be careful.

Which movie would you say shot you into limelight?

‘Oba Onise Ara’ and ‘Eti Keta’.

As a Nollywood practitioner, how has the present economy of the country affected you?

Well first of all, we shoot 24/7 on our movie set running generator and right now, fuel scarcity is a big challenge to us. Secondly, the increase in dollar has affected everything, even pure water and orange (laughs). It has also affected sale of our movies. A hungry man is an angry man, an angry man does not go to the cinema.

You have done few self-produced movies, tell us about them.

I have done quite a number, some released, some yet to be released; ‘Mayhem’, ‘Ajo’, ‘Adeda’, ‘Oke Odo’, ‘Agan’, ‘Asiko’, ‘Atupa’, ‘Casanova’, ‘Odale’, ‘Aimo’, ‘Eniobanke’, ‘Concealer’, and my latest ‘Akeregbe’.

Still on your size, does it affect your performance in bed?

Lol, what does size have to do with performance in bed? Well, I am not married but I will tell you that my size is not affecting any aspect of my life because I am a very active person and a very good dancer. So if my size does not affect my dance steps, it shouldn’t affect my sex life when I marry.

You can as well ask men who are married to plus size women (laughs). Well I believe curvy should be more interesting, my opinion though (winks).

Your favourite perfume?

I love deodorants so any good perfume

goes for me.

Define your sense of fashion.

Simplicity is key for me because of my size.

I love dressing smart, to wear things I am comfortable in, not all outfits are okay for a plus size, so I am always mindful of that.

How do you relax?

I exercise, I dance.

Let us into your love life....are you single, engaged or married?

Hmmm! I am single.

Why are you still single? Do you enjoy being single?

Of course not, I am yet to meet my dream man.

What defines your dream man?

First of all intelligent, tall, dark, eloquent, lover of God, great sense of humour.

Is there anything you'd like to change in the Yoruba movie industry, if yes, what?

Improvement in our fees, I would beg our fans and audience to help increase our pay.

How, by ignoring pirates! Piracy is killing our skills and ideas, it’s fast eating deep into the industry, help us by joining hands with us to fight piracy. That’s one great change I pray for in the industry.

Who are your role models in movies and music?

Taiwo Ajayi Lycett, Bukky Ajayi, Joke Sylva, Teni Aofiyebi, Lola Fani Kayode, Cece Winans, Julie Andrews, King Sunny Ade, Onyeka Onwenu Regarding sex, how do you take care of yourself when you feel the need for the company of a man?

I listen to good music and sleep!

What's the craziest thing a fan has ever done to you?

A fan almost got hit by a car while trying to catch up with me after an event for a selfie.

What are the things you can't do without in your handbag?

My phones, Bible, sanitizer, jotter and cologne.

Have you ever been harassed sexually by a movie producer/director or even a lesbian?

I have never been harassed by any of my male colleagues; they'd rather ask me out which is normal and I decline if not interested. This has never affected me. In my career, lesbian, hell no!

How did you feel when you had your first kiss?

I felt like Cinderella when I had my first kiss. (Smiles) Talking about your new movie, kindly highlight three reasons why your fans and every movie lover must see the movie.

My latest movie ‘Akeregbe’ is nothing like my past productions. It’s a movie for every member of the family and teaches that you cannot sweep your dirty past under the carpet. It’s my first movie shot outside Lagos, the inspiration came when I heard of a lady who died of depression and people wondered why she killed herself as she had everything going for her. She’s pretty with a good job, handsome and rich husband, at least that's what we see from afar but there's a lot eating her up that we are not aware of, so I thought it wise to do a story on it, and here we are. It parades stars like Iyabo Ojo, Muyiwa Ademola, Saheed Balogun, Doris Simeon, Abdulateef Adedimeji, 1st born comedian to mention but a few. Produced and directed by me Can you date a fan?

Why not, a fan is human, you never can tell where you will meet your husband, so, yes I can.

37

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

roprietor’s granddaughter

her, Pastor Olutoye

moved to Ogbere in Ijebu-East L o c a l Governm e n t Area of O g u n State.

Though a secondary school certificate holder, Edet has surprisingly authored three published novels. This much was confirmed by Pastor Olutoye, who stated that one of the teacher’s published works is entitled: “The Preaching Competition.”

The proprietor pointed out that nobody ever suspected that Edet, whom he employed in 2012, had any devilish intention.

He noted that though the teacher had exhibited some bad behaviour at times, which resulted in being given a query, the attendant magnitude of crime was never envisaged.

“He started working with us since 2012 and we paid him regularly. Because he is a school certificate failure, we decided to pay him N4, 000 (monthly salary) and he agreed with it. We’ve even been trying to encourage him to further his education,” Pastor Olutoye told Sunday Telegraph at his Esugbon residence.

The proprietor disclosed that he had wanted to terminate Edet’s appointment as a result of his misbehaviour. He explained that his letter of termination of appointment dated February 29, 2016 had already been written but that he was not around to execute it on time.

By the time Olutoye returned from his home state of Ondo to effect the termination of appointment, it was too late to prevent a calamity.

The following is the excerpts of Pastor Olutoye’s interview: Sir, how did the incident happen?

The day he actually did what he did, nobody suspected he had such a devilish inten-

tion. The Monday prior to the day he did that thing, my wife gave him some money. He has been misbehaving and my wife called me from my station in Ondo State that Edet has been exhibiting some bad character. I asked her to give him a query.

What kind of character was he exhibiting?

For instance, my wife warned him against carrying some of the pupils on his bad motorcycle because these children do fall off on the motorcycle. He had had accident with some of them in the past. Also, he is fond of segregating the children for reasons best known to him.

We warned him that this is a mixed school and that he should desist from such a practice. I also told my wife to type his sack letter if he’s unable to abide with the rules. So, they gave him the query but he did not answer the query. But from that time I began to notice his attitude.

The day the incident happened, he left the school by 10:00am and we had a break by 11:30am and my wife was going to represent the school at a meeting of the NAPPS, the children went to buy biscuits, he waylaid them on the road and slaughtered her. The other girl ran back to the school shouting ‘come and see Uncle Edet has taken Precious to the bush with a knife’ and I and the other teachers ran after the girl and we were shouting ‘Edet don’t kill that girl.’ But before we got there he had slaughtered the girl in the bush.

Was he aware that you were planning to sack him?

I don’t know. Onikun lomo ika (Only the person with evil intention knows).

Edet claimed his action was based on alleged provocation by your wife and one of your daughters?

If somebody has been abusing somebody in the past four years, was he tied down to continue to work with them? Is it bad to continue to tell him to stop carrying some of the pupils on his motorcycle? There was a time he had an accident and one of the pupils he carried suffered a fracture. I then called the parents and told them not to allow Edet to keep carrying their children on his motorcycle anymore.

How did you come about engaging him?

I knew him through his elder brother at Og-

bere. I’m a pastor and we do go there for programmes and I used to see him in the church as a brother. So, when he came, I took him in as a brother. He told me he could take care of the kindergarten and I asked him about his qualification. I told him he would have to further his education if he really wanted to work with us. He said ok. There was a day I told him he should go and enrol with the NTI (National Teachers’ Institute).

He’s an author, he has written up to three books, published novels. We accepted him and I went to where he came from to tell his elder brother that Edet is with us and also told the proprietor of his former school that Edet was with us. But nobody told me his antecedents. And he started working with us and even in the church we put him in the post of treasurer where he embezzled N250, 000; I’m not lying against him. I have the records of how he has been keeping the money.

Nobody asked him what he was doing with the money. Every Sunday, we give him the tithes and offerings to take to the bank. One day, I went to the bank and that was when I discovered he had embezzled some money and I called to ask him to explain how that happened. Then he claimed he gave some money to one of our pastors and I called the pastor who confronted Edet.

But in order not to cause crisis in the church, we decided to bury the matter. We launched our building fund twice and the money realised was handed over to him. But he ate the whole thing.

Have you informed the parents of your granddaughter about her death?

Her father was here and we took Edet to Eleweran with him. Her mother is at Ijebu Ode. Did you ever suspect Edet could go to that length?

That’s why I have described him as a chameleon because we’ve never seen him in that kind of mood. When he first came to me, we thought and saw him as a good Christian.

We never thought he could do such a thing.

He claimed his action was not ordinary?

That’s what he has been saying. But at Ogbere, the police asked him if he had killed before and he confirmed it; he said in Akwa Ibom and that’s why he ran to Kaduna before he finally moved to Ogbere. The school where he was teaching at Ogbere, it was when the incident happened that the proprietor told me he did not know Edet was with me, that he would have told me what he’s been doing. He’s been playing with the female pupils and the day he ran away from there, he took one of the girls into the bush and raped her and while they were making arrangements to hand him over to the police, he ran away in the night.

It was from there he came to us but I went there to tell them he was now with us but nobody told us any story about him. It was when this incident happened that they were now saying they didn’t know he was with us and I told them they were bad people and not Christians. There was no way I would have hidden such information from them.

Edet said his family is in Akwa Ibom; do you know them?

He’s not been going home. I’ve never seen any other relation of his apart from his brother through who I knew him. He claimed he’s married with children.

What do you want to be done to Edet?

To me personally, the Bible says whoever kills by the sword must also die by the sword. But for me, I believe judgement is not in the hands of any man. The best judgement is in the hands of God and I’m leaving Edet for God. I’m leaving him for God to take vengeance. Whether he is killed or released, the deed has been done; that can never bring back the girl and we can never see the girl again. So, what will I gain by his being killed? Everything is in the hands of the government; if he’s convicted, they

should let the law take its course. But, for me, I’m not interested in his death. Judgement should be left for God to decide.

How many teachers do you have in your school and did you owe Edet salary for four years?

I have up to five teachers. It’s not true he’s sponsoring any child in school. The parents said they always gave him her school fees but he would spend it and then we were deducting it from his salary. He’s been living with the parents of the girl and he told the school to deduct her school fees from his salary. He’s a liar. How would I be owing him for four years? We only owed January and February.

At the SARS office in Abeokuta, the following conversation ensued between reporters and Edet: So, what led to your arrest?

They (school authorities) owed me.

How much?

About four years salary. Out of those years, there is a particular child that I’m sponsoring, so they deducted from that salary they were owing me.

How much do they pay you monthly?

N4, 000.

Was that why you did what you did?

Considering what happened, it’s not ordinary. Actually they provoked me.

Who provoked you?

The head teacher; because the head teacher is the wife to the proprietor, and her own daughter too. Both of them attacked me and quarrelled with me.

Attacked you in what sense?

Verbally they attacked me. I was annoyed so I went out. Out of annoyance, I did what I did. I killed the granddaughter out of annoyance and it’s not ordinary.

When you were doing it, how did you feel?

Till I even did it, I wasn’t myself. I don’t know how the thing happened. I wasn’t myself.

We learnt that you came with a cutlass; is it true?

Actually the cutlass, I took it from the school to go and cut cane that I would use in my class. The cane was for class usage – you know teachers used to use cane. So, on my way, I met her and the other girl.

You are a teacher; which class did you teach at the school?

I teach nursery and KG (kindergarten) classes.

What did you teach them?

Every subject.

Did you have any qualification?

I’m a School Cert holder.

Where did you obtain that school certificate?

State Secondary Commercial School in IkotEkpene, Akwa Ibom State.

What year did you finish secondary school?

It was 1981/82 session.

Did you regret your action?

I really regretted my action.

Do you have a family?

They are all in Akwa Ibom. I have three children and a wife.

Are they aware of what happened to you?

I don’t think so.

Did you know that whoever kills will be killed?

That’s why I said this thing is not ordinary.

I came to my senses when the deed has already been done.

But why did you run away?

When I realised what I did; when I came to my senses.

Is it true that you stole N250, 000 belonging to the church?

No, no, no.

It was learnt that you are the treasurer of the church?

The money is not even up to N250, 000.

It’s maybe between N50, 000 and N70, 000 of church funds.

38

SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

POLITICES

Politics at the heart of Rivers security crises

Emmanuel Masha,

T

PORT HARCOURT

o watchers of Rivers politics, the tension in the state over recent killings of party supporters by thugs enforcing the order of the other party is a carry-over of the politics that played out in the state before the last general elections.

It should have ended in January when the Supreme Court upheld the victory of Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) over Dr. Dakuku Perterside, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC).

Right now, the battle is all about the party that controls the House of Assembly – either PDP, the governor’s men, who he hopes to run the state smoothly without constantly watching his back for fear of impeachment or candidates of the APC, whose leadership sees their victory as an opportunity to gain a foothold in government. Before the Wike violence in the last elections worsened, overzealous party supporters felt it was right to pull down, and in some cases deface the posters of candidates outside their parties.

When the supporters of the other party retaliated, it set the tone for violent attacks in some places. More than a year before the elections, the wounds of that experience have been opened and are festering.

To understand how important the forthcoming rerun election is to the people of the state, one needs to go to the communities and see the non-stop meetings being put together by stakeholders. In some communities, wrappers are being shared; scholarships are being awarded, while tricycles and motorcycles are being distributed. It is unclear where cash fuelling political activities is coming from.

In the state Assembly for instance, only nine candidates of the PDP retained their seats, after 12 others lost theirs. In the Senate, and House of Representatives, which PDP candidates cleared, the Court of Appeal, ordered a re-run, thereby affirming the claims of the APC leadership that election did not take place.

Despite the victory of Wike at the Supreme Court, the reality is that the APC and PDP are preparing for a brand new election.

This has rekindled the ambition of candidates along the divides, forcing them to spend afresh on billboard adverts, posters, campaigns, rallies, jingles among others.

But the disturbing thing among politicians in the state is their eagerness to cash in on any situation to project themselves and their parties, a political strategy that in a way reflects the pattern of politics in the state. They make weighty allegations, which they are reluctant to substantiate when called upon by security operatives; incite their supporters with their comments to take the laws into their hands.

The state APC chairman, Davies Ikanya, specifically said that the Supreme Court, by upholding the victory of Governor Nyesom Wike, robbed the people of the opportunity of being governed by Peterside, who they voted for. He said that the only way to make the PDP pay for its sin was for the people of the state to vote APC candidates in the coming state and National Assembly rerun.

Peterside

“While we have accepted the Supreme Court’s position, we wish to appeal to the Rivers electorate to avenge the over 100 of our members whose lives were cut short because of the so-called 2015 elections by overwhelmingly rejecting PDP and voting for APC candidates during the re-run State and national Assembly polls now scheduled to hold on March 19.

Even the APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, at a point said that something was fundamentally wrong with the judgment, which prompted Wike’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Pastor Mowan Etete to counter that the decision of the Supreme Court remains final across the globe hence must be respected by all parties irrespective of interest.

A few days ago, some members of the APC were allegedly murdered by PDP thugs, drawing reaction from APC leaders, who argued that the killings were politically motivated and have everything to do with the forthcoming March 19, state and National Assemblies rerun polls.

According to Ikanya, and Peterside, the killings were carried out to pave the way for the candidates of the PDP to win the rerun polls. Specifically, about five members of the APC were killed in Omoku in Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, as well as in Etchie, Opobo and in Asari Toru Council some 24 hours after the first victim were killed in Omoku along with his wife and son.

In Omoku, one Franklin, APC Ward 4 chairman was beheaded, and his wife and son killed penultimate Saturday, while four APC members were allegedly killed in Obibi in Etchie, just as one Gabriel Cookey, who is also a member of the party was killed in Opobo town, in Opobo Nkoro Local Government Area.

A few days later, another APC member was killed by hoodlums in Buguma, in Asari Toru council. The victim, Ofinjite Amachree, was burnt alive. Ikanya said: “The APC believes that the present killings are part of the scare tactics of the PDP, something Governor Wike referred to after his Supreme Court victory.

“He had said that if the annulment of his election was upheld by the Supreme Court,

so many people would have died in Rivers State. We are rather surprised that even with the affirmation of his election by the Supreme Court; many people are already being killed by the PDP in Rivers State because of the national and state legislative rerun elections scheduled for March 19,”Ikanya said.

But Sobomabo Jackrich, the caretaker committee chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, where Amachree was killed dismissed claims by APC that thugs loyal to him carried out the killing, noting that Amachree was killed by members of Degbam, a local cult group which has members in some local government areas.

He also alleged that the deceased was a notorious cultist whose activities were not hidden.

The CTC chairman, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Tubo Tamuno-Dick, noted that he has no thugs working for him in the council, and that the APC was merely trying to implicate him and PDP. He said: “What happened was that there was an altercation between Ofinjite and some members of the Deegbam cult. He is in another faction of the cult group. It was not a political clash that led to his killing, it was a cult clash.

“This has nothing to do with members of the PDP in Asari Toru. It is wrong for people to rush to conclusion in such situation. The CTC chairman wants peace to reign in the council, and the communities within it” Just when people were wondering what really went wrong, the police arrested one Anthony Ugoh for allegedly masterminding the gruesome murder of the APC chieftain in Omoku, Frank Obi, his wife and son in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, last weekend. The police also arrested one Ndubuisi Tochi for allegedly killing Ofinjite Amachree, in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo, who briefed journalists at the Command’s headquarters, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, lamented the ‘wanton killings of innocent citizens,’ adding that Amachree was purely murdered, and did not die as a result of a clash, as being reported. “I’m deeply saddened by these tragic and sense-

less killings, while my heart and sincere condolence goes to the bereaved families. We must realise that violence is never and will never be a solution to any problem.

“Both suspects are now undergoing interrogations and are giving us useful information that will ultimately lead to the arrest of their accomplices,” he said.

A new dimension to the bitter politics in the state is the allegation that soldiers are being tutored on how to rig the forthcoming rerun election for the APC. The PDP makes this allegation strongly, citing the arrest of its some members by soldiers in the guise of fighting criminality. A case in point is the alleged harassment and intimidation of Solomon Ndigbara, aka Osama bin Laden, an ex-militant leader, who accepted the Federal Government amnesty in 2009, denouncing crime and handing his weapons to the amnesty committee.

He claims he is being hounded because he refused to work for the APC in the coming elections. Last year, his house was raided in Port Harcourt and Yeghe in Khana Local Government Area. Recently, soldiers stormed his house in Yeghe, and pulled it down.

According to the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Bori Camp, Ndigbara was involved in gun-running.

But the PDP feels otherwise, alleging that some leaders of the APC have “reached out to security chiefs, held several meetings with them, and also influenced the transfer of some Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) staff, as parts of plots by the desperate Senator Magnus Abe and the APC, to instigate the militarisation of the state, hijack ballot papers and rig the forth coming re-run.”

The PDP has also alleged that the series of “coordinated, incisive, provocative, false and completely misleading press statements” in circulation, emanating from the APC and its defeated candidate, Peterside, painting Rivers State as ‘a killing field, hunting and killing APC members,’’ are all targeted at creating State of Emergency where soldiers will be drafted in to supervise and ensure the success of their well planned, scripted and coordinated hijack of ballot papers, result sheets and rigging of the rerun elections.

“The Party notes that the military invasion and occupation of Ogoni, and the moving around with lorry loads of soldiers…are all pointers to their planned use of the military during the re-run elections.

The incident in Rivers has even attracted the attention of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, such that it pledged a thorough investigation into the allegation of military invasion of about four communities in Ogoniland in the state.

The Senate stated this when the Civil Liberties Organisation and the traditional ruler of Mene Bua-Yeghe community in Ogoniland, Chief Barinaada Gbaranee, defended their separate petitions against the Nigerian Army before the committee.

Wike, while condemning the arrest of PDP members, especially candidates contesting the rerun election, urged them to resist arrest by security operatives, noting that they were being targeted for detention in order to lose their election.

With the election being the crux of the matter, it stands to reason that after March 19, peace may return to the state if politicians play the game according to the rule.

39

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016

NEWS

Group advocates abolition of 13% derivation p.40

INTERVIEW

NEWS

Africa needs $93bn yearly to cover infrastructure deficit –Adesina p.41

Ford Explorer: Perfect gift for mothers this March p.43

BUSINESS

PAUL OGBUOKIRI HEAD, BUSINESS

paulogbuokiri@newtelegraph

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Nigerian interbank rate rises on cash shortage

N

L-R:: Director, Macroeconomic Analysis, Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mr. Tunde Lawal; Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Hajia Zainab Ahmed, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Fatima Mede, at the National Stakeholders Dialogue on National Policy on Food and Nutrition in Abuja…Thursday.

PHOTO:NAN

Autarky best alternative to naira devaluation – Experts Adeosun

A

Paul Ogbuokiri s President Muhammdu Buhari has finally

confirmed reports that his government would no longer provide foreign exchange for the payment of the school fees of Nigerians studying abroad, experts have urged the Federal Government to go the full hug by adopting the closed or semi-closed economic system. They said that it is a better option than devaluation of the naira.

A former economics teacher at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and former Commissioner for Economic Planning and Statistics in Ondo State, Senator Bode Olowoporoku said that most big economies of the world that have attained meaningful economic development, used autarky (semi-closed economy) as a strategic devise during their infant years in the race to accomplish fundamental economic development.

This is coming on the heels of the recent statement by the Vice

President Yemi Osinbajo at a Town Hall Meeting in Lagos that the Federal Government is not considering devaluation. He was quoted by New Telegraph as saying that is not on the table, re-emphasising, “that is the position of government’’; According to Senator Olowoporoku, countries which have developed strategies for economic development had at no time panicked about the exchange rate of their national economy to any other foreign currency.

He said in an open letter to President Buhari that the naira has already been devalued twice from N150 to the official rate of N197, while at the parallel market, it is over N300.

Senator Olowoporoku said if government should start to run after closing the gap between the parallel market and the official rate, it would slide into runaway rate “and this will be a disaster because the naira will soon become an object of rejection.”

He stated that the most critical importance of foreign exchange is the effect on the external balance of trade/ balance of payment even as the bigger the deficit in balance of trade, the greater the problem of the country.

“Therefore, the important countries of the world used all methods at their disposal to restrict imports and encourage exports so as to

ensure favourable balance of trade which would also enhance productivity and employments,” he notes.

Mr. Olowoporoku further said that if the naira is devalued, the benefit would be to reduce imports and increase exports. But because Nigeria is a consuming nation, there is nothing to export; therefore there is no gain to the Nigeria economy from the devaluation of the naira now.

“Worse is that the appetite of Nigerians for foreign goods is inelastic which means that when devaluation makes foreign goods more expansive, this does not reduce Nigerians demand for the goods,” he stressed.

Speaking on the same vain, the Director General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Muda Yusuf said that if government can provide enabling environment for manufacturers to Therefore, the important countries of the world used all methods at their disposal to restrict imports and encourage exports so as to ensure favourable balance of trade which would also enhance productivity and employments

produce goods seamlessly, the economy will rebound in no distant time, “that is if government put in place the necessary protective laws and taxes for the local infant industries to thrive.

“What the organised private sector needs, is access to foreign exchange to import raw materials where it is sourced from abroad.

We also need the necessary infrastructure and the need for government to ward-off competition from foreign made goods. These are important for the survival of the manufacturing sector in this country and government knows the best way it can do that. Once investors are sure that they can sell their goods when they produce and not to be chased out of the market by foreign substitutes, I assure you, manufacturing will thrive in this country and there won’t be any need for us to depend on the dollar because it is not our currency,” he said.

Also, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), has said that naira devaluation will lead to a chain reaction, many of which may not have the appropriate results, because the economy mainly depends on oil.

According to the ICAN President, Otunba Femi Deru, the devalued naira will drive exports of local CO N T I N U E D O N PAGE 40

igeria’s overnight interbank lending rate rose week-onweek to an average of 5.5 per cent on Friday, up from 3.5 per cent last week, as naira cash dries up in the banking system after payment for dollar and treasury bills purchases.

Nigeria issued N160 billion ($808.08 million) worth of 213-day treasury bills at an open market operations (OMO) auction on Monday at 7.75 per cent returns.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also directed commercial lenders on Tuesday to pay for their dollar purchases 48 hours in advance of its Thursday intervention in the official interbank forex market, which further drained cash from the system and led to a hike in the cost of borrowing among banks. The CBN usually intervenes once a week in the official interbank foreign exchange market to provide dollars for eligible importers, while it requires commercial lenders to fund its naira account 48 hours ahead of the intervention.

The total commercial lenders’ credit balance with the central bank stood at N242 billion by Thursday, down from N439 billion last week.

Emefiele

Union Bank unveils ‘new look’ branches in Imo

I

t was excitement in Imo State as Union Bank played host to five major communities during the unveiling of five of the banks newly upgraded branches as part of efforts to make banking “simpler and smarter” for its teeming customers. The three-day event commenced on March 8.

The five upgraded branches of the bank unveiled are located at Douglas road, Port Harcourt road Owerri, 4 Bank road Orlu, 106 Owerri road Okigwe and Union Bank at Ogbor Oboama Ezinihite branch in Aboh Mbaise.

The Bank which has been launching its simpler and smarter products and newly upgraded branches in different states of the country were received with excitement by customers in the State, who expressed joy over the transformation of the bank into a simpler and smarter bank.

Speaking at the branch unveil in Owerri, the Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Emeka Okonkwo, said they were in Imo State capital to unveil the bank’s simpler and smarter package that will afford their customers quality, reliable, secured and effective services.

Speaking also at the events, the bank’s Transformation Director, Joe Mbulu called on customers to partner with the bank in utilizing the e-banking platforms, saying that customers can now do banking transactions from the comfort of their homes using their computers and mobile devices with the Union online and Union mobile banking platforms.

40

SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS Poor CVs bane of Nigerian graduates

C

L-R: Managing Director, CAP Plc., Mrs. Omolara Elemide; Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Lagos State Chapter, Mr. Ladipo Lewis; President, Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN), Ms. Titi Ogufere and Marketing Manager, CAP Plc, Mr. Dominic Oladeji, after a special briefing of professional bodies on the 2016 Dulux Colour of the Year (Monarch Gold) in Lagos

Group advocates abolition of 13% derivation

S

Paul Ogbuokiri outhern Nigeria Peoples’ Mandate (SNPM), has called on the Federal Government to stop paying the 13 per cent derivation to the oil producing states, instead, it should start paying 10 per cent to the oil producing communities, and five per cent each to the oil producing local government areas and the states.

In a statement by the President of SNPM, Augustine Chukwudum, the group said if that is done government will save the billions it now spends on securing the pipelines, as the youths

will not have any reason to broach the piles in order to siphon products.

“The Federal Government must abolish 13 per cent oil derivation given to the Oil Mineral Producing States and instead the community where the oil is found should be allowed to control 10 per cent of their oil, while states and local government will be controlling five per cent each making it 20 per cent total. When this is done, the story of militancy in the Niger Delta and oil theft will be a thing of the past because the people from the area will now use the money they realize from oil to fast track devel-

opment in their various communities,” SNPM said.

SNPM also called on government to stop the practice of refining crude oil abroad for domestic use: “Nigeria is the only OPEC member that exports raw crude oil but imported refined product thereby encourages the fraudulent practice called oil subsidy which does not exist. This is time for the government to take the bull by the horn by stopping all the fraud going on in the oil sector.”

The group further alleged that the multi-national oil companies operating in Nigeria are not sincere to the country as no Nigerian,

including the government, knows the exact quantity of the nation’s crude exported abroad by these companies.

“That is why we are calling on President Buhari to make it mandatory on all those who have crude oil mining licenses to stop exporting crude oil. They should build refineries in the country so that our people can be employed and the issue of looting trillions of naira in the name of subsidy will stop and the government will get what it is supposed to get from oil as revenue by so doing there will be no room for crude oil theft again,” SNPM said.

Autarky best alternative to naira devaluation – Experts CO N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3 9

products, which do not exist in the required volume in Nigeria for now, “but it will also create an additional burden on the populace, the reason being that the cost of consumables, across the board, will escalate. As the direct consequence of the raise in the base lending rate the cost of loanable funds would have risen. In such case the development will be counterproductive, and against the thrust of the government’s touted plan to create jobs. There is the expectation that the government’s revenue, in terms of naira will move up, because of the wide exchange rate disparity between the dollar and the local currency. But

the point must be made that this expectation may be unrealisable of two variables – the falling oil prices and lower crude production aggregate,” he stressed.

Deru further said that in the developed nations when currencies are devalued, it is to encourage exports, because the prices of local products serve as an incentive and a toast for foreign buyers. In the process, they earn foreign exchange, increase production and create additional jobs.

“Unfortunately, that is not the position with Nigeria” he noted.

But a Chartered Accountant and Managing Director of Sound Invest Limited, Mr. Wale Champion,

explained that countries devalue their currencies for different reasons.

“Some do so to correct past economic bad decisions; especially made by past governments in power. Others devalue local currencies in order to make export more competitive and import more expensive. However, the overall impact of currency devaluation depends on the state of the economy and the seriousness of the managers of the economy in effectively managing other factors affecting inflation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sunday Telegraph learnt that when Japan embarked on her historic economic development soon after the Second World War, the

Japanese yen was about 1,000 to the dollar. Today it is 112.86 to the dollar. It is the growing strength of the Japanese economy that moved its currency to its present exchange rate level, it was further learnt.

Japan was not under pressure to devalue its currency, yen and it concentrated on increasing its productivity and productive capacity.

It was disclosed that China also ignoured any exchange rate, devised visible and invisible walls round its economy in complete autarky. The yuan that was unknown some years ago is now gradually becoming international currency.

ountry Director, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ademola has said that poor quality Curriculum Vitae (CV) is the main reason why most Nigerian graduates are unemployable.

She said while a Nigerian graduate could be more intelligent and brilliant than a colleague that graduated from a school abroad, the latter is likely to grab a job offer easily due to his skilful package of the CV and fluent spoken English.

Speaking at the ACCA’s recent Opportunities in Finance Summit and Job Fair in Abuja, Mrs. Ademola said that to bridge the gap and train Nigerian graduates on relevant skills that will endear them to employers, ACCA initiated an annual job fair where graduates are brought to meet with the employers. She said that the annual programme which started last year, helped over 80 per cent of the 2.500 graduates who attended the programme to secure jobs in the banking and insurance sectors, and in other blue chip firms in the country.

“That Nigerian graduates are not employable is worrisome, especially against the back drop of the fact that no nation rises above the quality of its human capital. We have done some research and one of the things we found out as the cause of unemployability of Nigerian graduates is that they do not know how to write their CVs and answer questions at interviews,” she said.

She encouraged people to get professional certification in their chosen fields as Nigeria was in need of experienced hands to run the Udemba economy.

MAN to CBN: Allocate forex to us directly

M

anufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is lobbing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to sell foreign exchange directly to its members, hoping to bypass the commercial banks as it looks to counter the biting shortage of forex, which it claims threatens thousands of jobs in their factories across the country.

MAN, which has about 2,700 members, proposed weekly auctions of dollars to manufacturing at a recent meeting with the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele in Abuja, according to the Vice President of MAN, Ali Madugu.

“We’re calling on the Central Bank to start selling to us directly, hand-to-hand, rather than through the banks,” Madugu, who is also managing director of Kano-based Food processing company, Dala Foods Limited, said in an interview with Bloomberg.

“Some of our member companies will run out of raw materials next month. Without restocking, what will happen? Thousands of jobs are on the line,” he said.

CBN has brought interbank foreign-exchange trading to a halt since February last year in a bid to prevent the naira falling. The measures have all but pegged the currency at 197-199 per dollar. As dollars have become scarce, the black-market exchange rate has plummeted to 330, while forwards prices suggest the naira will fall to 291 in a year.

The International Monetary Fund estimates the economy grew three per cent in 2016, the slowest pace since 1999. Manufacturing is in recession, having declined during the first three quarters of the 2015. President Muhammadu Buhari and Emefiele have said that boosting employment in the manufacturing sector is crucial to reviving economic growth.

“The banks have everybody as their customers,” Madugu said. “They even have people buying dollars for medical bills and school fees. If CBN believes the economy must be diversified and manufacturing boosted, they should allocate directly to us.”

MAN has asked its members what their annual foreign-exchange needs are so that it can give the apex bank an indication of how big the weekly dollar sales would need to be.

In a bid to save the foreign reserves, the Central Bank in January stopped weekly of forex auctions to Bureau de Changes.

The foreign reserve has shed 10 per cent to $27.8 billion in the past year as Brent crude prices have declined one-third to about $39 a barrel.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016

BUSINESS/ INTERVIEW

Africa needs $93bn yearly to cover infrastructure deficit –Adesina

Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture, now African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina is more of an agricultural development specialist than a financier. In this interview with journalists he said his vision is based on continuing decentralisation and increasing support for the private initiatives. PAUL OGBUOKIRI brings you the excerpts; Africa’s largest trading partner [and] we just have to make sure that we manage the current volatilities and make sure that Africa is getting the best deal possible.

What are you doing to actualise your vision of inclusive growth for Africa?

Since we came in, we have been working to refocus the African Development Bank on sectors that have the greatest impact such as infrastructure and agriculture. It will also be essential to convince the private sector to invest more on the continent. This is the key to creating jobs.

Inequality and unemployment are causing a rising tide of migration from Africa to Europe. Can the AfDB help mitigate the crisis?

Youth unemployment is a total crisis.

Africa’s heartland is bleeding and people are leaving the continent at great risk. We are going to work very actively with our country partners to develop major jobs agenda for Africa. As we fix the energy issue, as we get agriculture working and address financial inclusion, we will create jobs. In addition, we will partner with Europe and with other countries to make sure we create jobs in Africa rather than having this tide of young migrants we see creating this crisis in Europe today.

Coming from Nigeria, an Anglophone Africa and the biggest economy in the continent are you having difficulty running this African institution?

I have lived and worked in 15 African countries, so I know the continent well. I stayed for 10 years in Francophone countries and I am like a bridge between these countries and English-speaking Africa. Finance is not the only skill needed to meet the important challenges. Throughout my career, I gained experience in the much broader field of development. In Nigeria, I have reached millions through projects.

I worked at the community level and I am able to connect the macro and micro levels essential for achieving inclusive growth.

How concerned are you about the turmoil in China and the decline in prices of oil and other commodities—and what can the AfDB do to help?

The tumble in China’s stock market has brought down the price of industrial commodities on which a lot of African countries depend for exports. Clearly this will have an impact on their revenues. We can help them to manage volatility and provide them fiscal support. We have to prioritise that very quickly.

We should also help them diversify their economies. I see the bank getting more involved in trade finance, to help facilitate the growth of exports to other countries.

You will see a lot of effort from us in helping countries to strengthen their public financial management and revenue generation to broaden their fiscal space.

What needs to be changed in the way the AfDB operates for it to help Africa really take off?

We must first become interested in the structure of the bank, so that it can meet all its mandates more effectively. It must have an impact in the countries, and I am working to deepen its decentralisation.

African countries can address several other sources of funding. But the bank must remain their first choice. I want to improve operational efficiency and reduce the time between the selection of projects and their implementation.

The African Development Bank must also rebuild integrity, transparency and accountability. I am also known for being a champion of the fight against corruption all throughout my career. In Nigeria, in three months, I helped to end corruption that had lasted 40 years, and I want to make AfDB the African bank with integrity.

What about agriculture?

Can you give a concrete example of something AfDB does that other development banks do not?

AfDB has done a lot for infrastructure on the continent. It takes about $93 billion per year to cover the deficit of infrastructure financing in Africa. AfDB has attracted funding in this sector, including creating the initiative Africa 50.

The bank has done a lot of work in the electricity industry and supported renewable energy while promoting regional integration.

The bank’s strategy for 2013–2022 has been adopted. In this context, how is the new president going to pursue his own ideas and priorities?

My ideas are perfectly consistent with this strategy. I want to promote inclusive growth by developing the private sector, stimulating regional integration, by infrastructure construction and ensuring good governance. These are the AfDB priorities. xxxx The decentralisation strategy has been criticised for being expensive and inef-

Adesina

ficient. Do you intend to continue it?

The quality of AfDB projects can be improved only if it is close to its customers. Agriculture in Nigeria is a success because the Ministry of Agriculture is decentralised in the country’s 36 states. Today we have the best performance in this sector, so I deeply believe in decentralisation.

What are thoughts on Africa’s trade relations with the rest of the world?

Africa needs to make sure it gets the best deal possible for its natural resource exports, particularly with its largest trading partner China, to protect itself from global market

Agriculture is the bane of Africa’s economy. Most of our people—70 per cent of the population—rely on agriculture for their livelihood and 65 per cent of all the arable land left in the world is in Africa, but it’s under utilised. We have to unlock that potential and generate new income streams for literally hundreds of millions of people in rural areas. Doing that will create jobs and balanced economies and reduce our dependence on imports. This is crucial. Being able to feed itself and to have value-added agroindustrial development will allow Africa to have more-resilient economies which will give it more fiscal stability. turbulence.

Youth China’s market asset price correction unemployment is a is hitting African economies hard, particularly those with very high total crisis. Africa’s heartland exposure such as the continent’s is bleeding and people are leaving top crude oil, iron ore and aluminium producers. the continent at great risk. We are going For the past decade, Afto work very actively with our country rica has been home to some of the world’s fastest growing partners to develop major jobs agenda for economies, some of which Africa. As we fix the energy issue, as we will struggle to navigate global market turmoil. There’s get agriculture working and address no doubt that most of Africa’s financial inclusion, we will economic growth has been tied to those commodities super cycle create jobs that saw China’s economy grow significantly over the past decade. China is

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SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS

FG set guidelines for N44bn spectrum licence auction Kunle Azeez

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he Federal Government, through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has released the guidelines for the licensing of the 2.6 gigahertz (Ghz) spectrum licence aunction that will further deepen access to broadband and other telecoms services in the country.

According to the guidelines usually referred to as Information Memorandum (IM) obtained by Sunday Telegraph at the weekend, the government is projecting at least N44 billion ($224 million) as proceeds from the planned auction. The government would be licensing 14 lots in the 2.6Gigahertz spectrum band to telecommunication operating companies from May 16, 2016 in Abuja.

The spectrum is offered

by NCC on a technology

neutral basis and can be used to provide any telecommunications services.

For roll-out of services, NCC intends to follow the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recommendation setting aside spectrum in the 2.6GHz band for the provision of advanced wireless broadband services.

NCC is offering 14 Lots of 2 X 5 MHz FDD paired spectrum in the 2.6 GHz band ranging from 2500 – 2570MHz and 2620 to 2690MHz (totaling 2 X 70 MHz) for auction.

The Generic Reserve Price (GR) is the minimum price at which a Lot shall be sold, which is the Reserve Price for one Lot of 2 X 5MHz and has a value of $16,000,000.00 only.

Each lot of 2 X 5 MHz represents one (1) eligibility point. An applicant that pays the IBD for six (6) lots will

have a total of six Eligibility Points. The Reserve Price (R) for an applicant will be calculated as the GR multiplied by the number of lots (N) applied for by the applicant.

For example, Reserve Price for an applicant that applied for six Lots i.e. six Eligibility Points is: $16 million X 6 = $96 million.

The spectrum lots won by each bidder will be assigned on a nationwide basis covering all the states of the federation and the FCT. However, for the purpose of enforcing the “used

it - or - lost it” clause, a Licence will be issued for each of the States of the Federation as well as for the FCT to each winning bidder.

The 72-page Information Memorandum states that each winner who does not currently hold a Unified Access Service License (UASL), which is the Operational Licence, will be issued one at an additional fee of N374.6 million only. It said that applicants must transfer an Intention-to-Bid Deposit (IBD) equal to Intention-to-Bid Deposit (IBD) for a Lot which is

$1,600,000.00 multiplied by its Eligibility Points (Number of Lots applied for) into the designated account in cleared funds. The deposit will bind the applicant to take up a Licence, should it be a Successful Bidder, at the Reserve Price or any higher bid value submitted during the process.

The IBD is the deposit payment required to be made by all Applicants as part of the Pre-qualification process. This payment must be settled before the application submission date (as de-

fined in the licencing process timetable).

The IBD is a commitment from the applicant to pay at least the Opening Bid for the license, as specified in this IM, and to participate in the auction process.

Failure to meet these obligations shall result in the forfeiture of the IBD. On April 29, 2016 applicants must have transferred the IBD so that it is received as cleared funds in the designated account,this forms part of the pre-qualification criteria.

Nigeria may already be in a recession - Analysts

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he growth of the Nigerian economy slowed to 2.8 per cent last year, the weakest level since 1999 and down from 6.2 per cent recorded in 2014. Industrial output contracted 2.2 per cent last year, compared with expansion of 6.8 per cent in 2014.

Capital controls and restrictions on currency trading imposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to prop up the naira -- and backed by President Muhammadu Buhari -- have made matters worse. Rather than benefiting manufacturers, the GDP data show industries such as food and vehicle production continue to suffer.

The figures “confirm widespread fears of a slowdown, possibly even a recession,” Alan Cameron, an economist at Exotix Partners LLP in London, said in an e-mailed note. “The lack of investment and access to imported inputs has hamstrung the corporate sector, and is increasingly being felt by the man on the street.”

Gross domestic product rose 2.1 per cent in the fourth quarter from a year earlier; the National Bureau of Statistics said this week, down from 2.8 per cent in the previous three months and lower than the 2.9 per cent median estimate of 11 economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

The Central Bank’s measures have effectively pegged the naira at 197 to 199 against the dollar since March last year and hindered the ability of manufacturers to pay foreign suppliers. They’ve also caused investors such as Aberdeen Asset Management Plc and Ashmore Group Plc to sell naira bonds and stocks.

Nigeria’s main stock index has fallen 9.8 per cent this year, more than any other bourse in Africa apart from Zimbabwe’s. Forwards prices suggest the naira will drop 31 per cent to 288 in a year, while the black market rate is around 320 to the dollar.

Brent crude oil has plunged 28 per cent in London since the beginning of last year and was trading as low as $40.62 a barrel on Thursday.

“We see some scope for faster growth, forecasting the economy to expand by 3.8 per cent this year,” David Faulkner, an economist at HSBC Holdings Plc in Johannesburg, said in a note to clients. “However, much will depend on Nigeria’s exchange rate policy, with the current foreign exchange and import restrictions -- imposed to stabilise the naira -- having a detrimental effect on economic activity and growth.”

Lower oil output and prices contributed to the industry contracting 8.28 per cent in the fourth quarter compared with expansion of 1.1 per cent in the third quarter, NBS said. Growth in the non-oil industry, which accounts for 90 per cent of GDP, was little changed at 3.1 per cent.

There is little to suggest the economy has improved so far this year, according to Manji Cheto, an analyst at Teneo Intelligence in London. The government plans to boost growth with a record $30 billion budget.

“Growth for the first quarter of this year could be worse because nothing has happened,” Cheto said.

“Government hasn’t yet ramped up spending since we don’t have a budget.

L-R: Former Diocesan Administrator, Catholic Diocese of Ahiara, Mbaise, Mr. Carlos Wanderley; Eze of Oboama Mbaise, HRH, Eze Julius Amaefule; Ang. Bishop of Mbaise Diocese Rt. Rev. Chamberlin Ogunedo his wife Mrs. Oluchi Ogunedo; Transformation Director of Union Bank, Mr. Joe Mbulu; HRH Eze Stanley Pius Iwu and Apostle Okechukwu Nnamdi Arisa who represented Chairman of Apostle Church Nigeria, Igboland Territory, during the unveiling of Union Bank Mbaise Branch in Ezinihitte LGA Imo State….recently.

Due process returns to NIMASA as DG assumes office Paul Ogbuokiri

A

s the new Director General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency assumes office next week, some experts in the maritime industry have debunked the claim by a section of the press (not Sunday Telegraph), that Dr. Dakuku Peterside who was named the DG of NIMASA on Thursday, by the Federal Government, was not qualified for the position.

They told Sunday Telegraph on telephone that contrary to the report, for first time after several years of flagrant disregard to the NIMASA Act 2007 with regards to the appointment of the helmsmen of the agency, the Buhari administration allowed the Minister of Transport to recommend the director general of the maritime regulator, as prescribed by the law.

A Master Mariner, Capt Aeapidei John accused those against the appointment as having a prejudiced view not founded on facts.

He said, “Having read the profile of our new DG with the way he was appointed, I make bold to say that this is the first time the government is following due process in the appointment of the chief executive officer of the agency since its inception in 2007.

He referred our reporter to Section 6 of the Act setting up the agency with particular reference to paragraph ‘i’ and posited that Peterside is eminently qualified by virtue of holding a Masters Degree in Business Administration.

Also, sources close to the management of NIMASA told Sunday Telegraph that this is the first time a minister is recommending a candidate for appointment in accordance with the law as all the previous DGs of the agency were appointed with fiat and foisted on the Transport Minister. ‘’Our former DG had a face off with a minister and this led to his removal and eventual sack, because the appointment of the DG did not follow due process.

The minister never recommended him for the office.

Now there is cohesion and orderliness, people are still complaining’’ he said.

Section 6 (1) of the Act states ‘’ The President on recommendation of the Minister shall appoint to the Board only persons with relevant experience and capacity applicable to maritime administration, recognized expert knowledge and experience in one or more of the following fields (a)Maritime Safety (b)Maritime Security (c) Maritime pollution (d)Nautical Science and Hydrography (e) Marine Engineering(f) Finance (g)

Peterside

Marine laws (h) Transport Logistics (i) Administration and (j) Marine Labour.

Section 7 (1) All Board Members shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister (2) The President on the recommendation of the Minister shall appoint the Chairman and Director General of the agency.

Section 11(1) States that ‘’ The President on the recommendation of the Minister shall appoint a Director General for the agency in accordance with the provision of sections 6 and 7 of the Act.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016

Ford Explorer: Perfect gift for mothers this March •2nd best-selling Ford model in Nigeria in 2015

AUTO BEAT Motoring tips

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FRSC starts ICE campign

he Federal Road Safety Commission has come up with the concept of ICE (In Case of Emergency).

It may save your life or that of someone you know. We carry our mobile phones with names and numbers stored in its memory. If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people who to help would have our mobile phone but wouldn’t know who to call. All you need to do is to store the number of the contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name ICE. If you have more than two such contacts, save as ICE1, ICE2 etc Volvo S40 2003 Blue

he S40 looks somewhat like an Audi A4 from a T distance, and that’s its competi-

H

Paul Ogbuokiri

ere in Nigeria most people are familiar with the proverb “A mother is gold, and a father is a mirror”. North, South, East or West of Nigeria, mothers are revered.

For the husbands in our midst, the month of March (Mothers’ Day Month) presents another opportunity to spoil the cherished gold in their lives – to show their appreciation for everything a mother does for her family. And what better way to express heartfelt thanks than by surprising her with the perfect SUV. One that will help her handle the demands of the family and work life, without sacrificing style and fun.

The new Ford Explorer is a dream vehicle, packed with features that offer high style, comfort and safety to mothers as they go about fulfilling their various roles as children’s chauffeur, errand runner and a successful role model at work.

The typical mother – whether she lives in Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt – will undoubtedly love being turned into a Nollywood star. So why not pamper her and

invest in a Ford Explorer.

This exquisite vehicle will ensure that she steps out of her car with the status she deserves as it plays up her adventurous side.

Here are five reasons why we reckon she would love the new Ford Explorer: 1. She stays connected - Today’s Nigerian woman wants to remain in touch with family and friends while she’s on the go.

Ford’s award-winning SYNC® with MyFord Touch® multimedia system helps her achieve just that.

2. Safety – for herself and her children The new Explorer ensures your family’s safety. It boasts AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control, traction control, Trailer Sway Control, as well as Hill Start Assist and ABS brakes. A third-row safety canopy is included at the rear, linked to the Rollover Sensor. This is complemented by the standard Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) and SOS Post-Crash Alert System.

3. The new Ford Explorer is something she can drive with pride – Sleek design anyone? Comfort, style and class are all

important to the modern Nigerian woman.

She wants the life of a Nollywood star. The Ford Explorer offers her that status. From those sleek lines to the variety of classy colours to choose from, driving a Ford Explorer will help her both feel and look good.

4. This is for mothers who are tech savvy - The tech savvy woman will appreciate features such as Ford’s voice activated SYNC® system, a rear-view camera, a USB port, and MyKey - a family-friendly function which allows parents to set audio level restrictions for younger drivers.

The Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa woman seeking a more luxurious experience may want to turn to the Explorer Sport, which comes with a 12-speaker Sony audio system, dualzone automatic climate control, and a host of other premium luxury features.

5. Mothers always need more space in their cars - The new Ford Explorer boasts a comfortable, spacious interior. Cargo space is abundant, making those long road trips between Lagos and Kogi, or Abuja to Makurdi easier than ever – even with the entire family along for the ride.

tion, but when you look again you appreciate the unique soft snub nose. Form followed function, as short overall length was a primary engineering objective.

Sexiness was a styling objective, and the S40 achieves both. The body and chassis boasts excellent crashworthiness, and the size is both compact outside and spacious inside. Its smooth exterior lines are distinctive, even unique, and beautiful.

2016 world’s most ethical company

F

ord Motor Company was on Monday named a 2016 World’s Most Ethical Company for the seventh consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. Ford is the only automaker to earn Ethisphere Institute’s award. The World’s Most Ethical Companies are assessed on a framework developed by the Institute. Honorees are given top ratings in five categories - ethics and

compliance, corporate citizenship and responsibilities, culture of ethics, governance and leadership, and reputation.

UNILAG women honour traffic warden, others

Mojeed Alabi

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s part of activities to mark this year’s edition of the annual International Women’s Day, the University of Lagos Women Society (ULWS) has presented an award of recognition to a Policewoman and Road Traffic Officer, Inspector Josephine Okeme, for what they described as her dedication to traffic control duty and the creativity brought into it.

Presenting the award to Okeme, Prof.

Chioma Agomo of the university’s Department of Commercial and Public Law, said she was always enthralled by the passion and dexterity brought into the job of traffic control within the Yaba Area of the state by the awardee, urging other women to emulate her and also excel on their jobs.

The award, which was part of the association’s 2nd annual lecture series to mark the International Women’s Day, was held at the Afe Babalola Hall on the campus.

In her response, Inspector Okeme

L-R: Agomo, Okeme and Bello at the event explained that she was only interested in putting her best in the job and ensure safety the roads are safe and make sure that women are not pushed to the

background.

Also awarded at the event were the former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Ur-

ban Development, Mrs. O.A Ejiwunmi, an architect, and an Associate Professor at the university’s Department of Estate Management, Modupe Omirin for standing tall among their peers.

The event, which was chaired by the former Commissioner for Education in Lagos State, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, also witnessed a lecture entitled; ‘Pledge for Parity: A Task for all Women,’ by the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.

According to the lecturer, the struggle for parity by women is not in competition with the menfolk but to complement them and make life liveable.

The President of the Women’s Society and wife of the university’s ViceChancellor, Mrs. Adedoja Bello, noted that the development of the society is a responsibility of women as the builders of home, urging women globally to aspire into various leadership positions to exhibit their innate leadership potentials.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Hidden picture

The Magic Swan Part 1 T here were once upon a time three brothers; the eldest was called Jacob, the second Frederick, and the youngest Peter. This youngest brother was treated shamefully by the other two. If anything went wrong Peter had to bear the blame and put things right for them.

He had to endure all this ill treatment because he was weak and delicate and could not defend himself against his stronger brothers. One day, when he was in the woods gathering sticks, a little old woman came up to him and he told her all his troubles.

‘Come, my good youth,’ said the old dame, when he had finished his tale of woe, ‘isn’t the world wide enough?

Set out and try your fortune elsewhere: Peter took her words to heart and left his father’s house early one morning. But he felt very bitterly parting from the home where he had been born, and where at least he had passed a happy childhood.

Sitting down on a hill he gazed once

more fondly on his native place.

Suddenly the little old woman stood before him and, tapping him on the shoulder, said, ‘So far so good, my boy. What do you mean to do now?’

Peter was at a loss what to answer, for he had always thought fortune would drop into his mouth like a ripe cherry. The old woman, who guessed his thoughts, laughed kindly, and said: ‘I’ll tell you what you must do, for I have taken a fancy to you. I am sure you will not forget me when you have made your fortune.’

Peter promised faithfully he would not, and the old woman continued, ‘This evening, at sunset, go to yonder pear tree growing at the crossroads. Under it you will find a man lying asleep, and a beautiful large swan will be fastened to the tree close to him.

Be careful not to waken the man, but unfasten the swan and take it away with you. Everyone will fall in love with its beautiful plum-

age, and you must allow anyone who likes to pull out a feather. But as soon as the swan feels as much as a finger on it, it will scream.

Then you must say, “Swan, hold fast.” The hand of the person who has touched the bird will be held and nothing will set it free, unless you touch it with this little stick, of which I make you a present. When you have captured a whole lot of people in this way, lead your train straight on with you. You will come to a big town where a princess lives who has never been known to laugh. If you can only make her laugh your fortune is made.

Then I beg you will not forget your old friend.’

Gags

Crossword puzzle Photo speaks

Hearty cheers for Tishe Ogunlana as she turns 5! This cutie loves pink, purple and yellow. Enjoys Sophia the first and eating rice and chips. Happy birthday darling!

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016

Market Advances by 0.65% WoW

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he week turned out to be a generally good one for the market, as the NSEASI returned positive on four (4) of five (5) trading days. Consequently, the NSEASI advanced by 0.65% Week on Week (WoW) to peg the Year-to-Date (YtD) return at -9.27%.

The volume and value of transactions both declined by 24.77% and 6.87% on the back of tempered participation, with only a few earnings reports released during the week.

There were forty (40) gainers and twentyone (21) decliners to peg the market breadth at 1.90x. TIGERBRANDS once again featured on the top gainers list, advancing by 59.30% WoW to close at NGN2.74. Also, OANDO rallied significantly during the week, advancing by 53.30%. The counters were followed by HONYFLOUR (+25.00%), FIDSON (+19.57%), and FLOURMILL (18.03%) on the gainers list. Conversely, BETAGLAS (-9.00%), AGLEVENT (-5.00%), UNIONDICON (-4.98%), NIG-GERMAN (-4.89%) and IKEJAHOTEL (-4.76%) were the top underperformers in the week.

There were a few earnings releases during the week, the most notable of which was from Wapic Insurance Plc. WAPIC recorded a good performance, as Gross Premium Written grew by 36.45% YoY to NGN7.10bn, while Profit-After-Tax (PAT) advanced by 447.81% to NGN1.30bn. The Company also proposed a dividend of NGN0.03/share, with closure and payment dates of 3rd and 12th March, 2016 correspondingly. Also, Computer Warehouse Group released a profit warning, it’s second since being listed on the mainboard of the NSE, in which the Company detailed the circumstances which led to its depressed performance in the period.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released GDP figures for Q4:2014 which revealed that the Nigerian economy shrank Quarter on Quarter (QoQ) and Yearon-Year (YoY) by 0.73% and 3.83% accordingly, to 2.11%. The aggregate real GDP was recorded at NGN69.02tn (vs. NGN67.15tn in 2014), while aggregate real GDP grew by 2.79% YoY (vs. 6.23% in 2014). The Agric.

(23.11%), Trade (16.95%), Services (12.04%) and ICT (11.37%) were the major drivers of the recorded growth, accounting for c.64% of the total real GDP in 2015.

Given the fact that most of the factors which resulted in the contraction witnessed in 2015 are still prevalent, we anticipate that GDP growth for Q1:2016 may remain depressed.

We anticipate that activities will be driven in the coming week by earnings releases and dividend declarations, especially given that it is expected that some banks may release results in the coming week. Given, this, and provided that releases are generally positive, we would expect that market may finish in the green zone next week.

In this report, we review events in the economy, laying emphasis on the performances of different segments of the financial market, while presenting our expectations for the coming week.

Fixed Income: Weak System Liquidity Spurs NIBOR Following the tempered system liquidity, inter-bank market rates advanced during the week, appreciating by 0.73% WoW across tenors to settle at 8.29%. Money market (MM) rates trended similarly, as the OBB and OVN rates advanced by 1.91% and 2.00% respectively, pushing the average MM rate to 5.33%.

Sell sentiments pervaded the Treasury bills space in the week, as yields advanced across all tenors to peg the average yield at 6.86% (+0.60%). We are of the opinion that rates might hike further in the coming week as system liquidity is pared by investors’ participation in the Primary Market Bond Auction to be held on the 16th of March, 2016.

Investors’ appetite for Treasury bond in-

… TIGERBRANDS & OANDO Lead the Way struments was seemingly weak during the week, as the average mid-yield climbed by 0.12% WoW to 10.77%. We anticipate that activities might temper at the start of the week due to the Treasury bond auction, before activities pick up at the tail end of the week. The Primary Bond Auction will be for the benchmark 5 and 10-year bonds (15.54% FGN FEB 2020 and 12.50% 22 JAN 2026), while a new 20-year instrument is to be auctioned.

The naira strengthened marginally against the US Dollar at the Inter-bank, appreciating by 0.06% WoW to peg its mid-price at NGN199.16/USD. Also, at the parallel market the local currency was relatively steady, when compared with the recent past, depreciating by 0.63% to peg at NGN322/USD. Agric. Sector: OKOMUOIL Drives Sector Performance The MERI-AGRI index, which tracks the performance of the Agric. Sector, closed the week on a positive note, after a 2.24% appreciation. This positive showing was driven by gains of one of the sector’s giants; OKOMUOIL. The sector’s WoW gain resulted in a Year-to-Date return of 3.83%.

OKOMUOIL (+5.00%) recorded the only WoW gain to close at NGN31.50, while LIVESTOCK (-2.48%) closed the week as the sector’s lone decliner. ELLAHLAKES, FTNCOCOA and PRESCO all traded flat WoW. During the week, ELLAHLAKES released it financial scorecard for the 6-month period ended 31st January 2016. The result showed that revenue grew by 32.45%YoY, while Profit-Before-Tax (PBT) and Profit-After-Tax (PAT) both declined by 35.96% YoY. We are of the opinion that the sector is positioned to benefit from the current administration’s economic diversification drive, and posit that the positive trend within the sector may subsist, albeit on the back of sector members with sound fundamentals.

Banking Sector: Records 2nd Week of gains, for only 2nd time in 2016 The sector recorded its second consecutive week of gains this week, for only the second time this year, after appreciating by 2.37% to push the YtD return to -11.23%.

There were eleven (11) gainers and two (2) decliners to peg the sector’s breadth at 5.50x.

FCMB (15.49%), UNITYBNK (11.11%), and UBA (10.61%) led the advancers in a good week for the sector in general, while ETI (-1.37%) and DIAMONDBNK (-0.65%) recorded the only WoW declines.

Diamond Bank Plc. released a profit warning on Friday, 11th March, 2016. The

Group noted that due to current macroeconomic challenges it has had to take larger than anticipated impairment charges on its Energy and Commercial Business sector assets. Also, it was noted that significant changes would be made to the operating structure of the Group to reduce costs, while confidence in the viability of the Group’s long-term retail-led business strategy was reaffirmed.

Much in line with expectations, investors have seemingly taken position in advance of FY2015 earnings releases, and dividend declarations. We do not anticipate a significant deviation from this trend in the coming week, and so expect to see pockets of gains across the sector.

Consumer Goods: TIGERBRANDS Continues Rally The Consumer Goods sector’s performance, as measured by the NSEFBT10 index, returned 0.96% WoW, pegging the Month-to-Date return at 0.04%. There were ten (10) advancers against six (6) decliners during the week.

The gainers chart for the week featured TIGERBRANDS, HONYFLOUR, FLOURMILL, PZ, NB, NASCON, UNILEVER, INTBREW, CHAMPION, and DANGSUGAR with respective WoW returns of 59.30%, 25.00%, 18.03%, 3.73%, 2.04%, 2.04%, 2.04%, 1.93%, 1.77%, and 1.69%.

On the other side, BETAGLAS, AGLEVENT, NESTLE, VITAFOAM, UACN, and GUINNESS occupied the week’s decliners chart with respective WoW returns of -9.00%, -5.00%, -3.50%, -1.38%, -0.70%, and -0.44%.

The positive sentiments on, the Dangote Industries owned, Tiger Branded Consumer Goods Plc. continued during the week, pushing the Year-to-Date return of the counter to +120.35%. We opine that the shift in sentiments is due to investors’ positive expectations regarding the change in ownership.

We do not expect significant rally on other counters within the sector in the coming week, however, we foresee some bargain hunting activities as prices remain relatively low. Also, the release of some positive corporate financial results could prompt investors’ interest in the coming week.

Healthcare: Fidson Gains 19.57% Wow Activities in the Healthcare sector were tempered, as most counters traded flat, while equal number (2) of counters pared and declined in value. The sector returned 0.03% WoW to push the YtD return to -26.30%, as measured by our Meri- Health

Care sector index.

FIDSON and NEIMETH recorded WoW returns of 13.91% and 4.55% accordingly to emerge the only gainers for the week. On the other hand, NIG-GERMAN and MAYBAKER recorded negative returns of -4.89% and -1.00% respectively WoW. We anticipate some profit taking on the sole gainer, FIDSON, during the coming week considering the bargain hunting activities that have permeated the sector this year. Hence we advise cautious trading on FIDSON. However, generally we still see value in the sector, and so advice investors to take advantage of the significantly low prices at which some of the sector’s fundamentally justified counters are currently trading.

Industrial Goods: Profit Taking Dominates Activities The industrial goods sector witnessed mild profit taking activities during the week ended, as an equal number (2) of stocks recorded gains and losses. Consequently, the sector’s index declined by 1.83% WoW to pressure the sector’s YtD performance downwards to -4.21%.

WAPCO emerged as the top gainer during the week, on the back of the 3.64% increase in share price to NGN85.50, while CAP appreciated by 2.50% to make up the gainers list.

DANGCEM, which enjoyed overwhelming positive sentiments last week, shed 2.38% of its share value, following profit taking activities by investors. CCNN closed the week at NGN8.88 after a 1.33% decline in price.

We expect more building material companies to release their full year earnings scorecards in the coming weeks, which might aid a resurgence of sector returns, albeit marginally.

Insurance Sector: Mansard Leads Again The insurance sector trailed the general market direction, as the NSEINS10 Index advanced by 1.78% WoW to peg the sector’s YtD loss at -7.66%. Sector breadth (2.00x) skewed in favour of gainers (4), as against decliners (2).

MANSARD led the sector’s gainers for the second consecutive week, after the counter appreciated by 7.84% WoW to close at NGN2.20. The counter was trailed by CUSTODYINS (+2.70%), NEM (+2.67%) and AIICO (+2.53%). Conversely, LAWUNION and CONTINSURE pared by 4.48% and 1.08% WoW respectively, to emerge as the sector’s top underperformers.

WAPIC Insurance Plc. released its FY2015 financial scorecard during the week, which showed that the Company recorded Gross Premium Earned (GPE) and Profit after Taxes (PAT) growths of 36.45% and 447.80% YoY respectively to NGN7.10bn and NGN1.30bn (vs. NGN5.20bn and NGN236mn in 2014) accordingly. The significant surge in PAT was due to accrued share of profit from associate (Coronation Merchant Bank Limited) estimated at NGN764.44mn. The company also proposed a dividend of NGN0.03 per share, implying a yield of 6.00% at the current market price (NGN0.50).

We maintain our position that anticipations regarding upcoming earnings releases will dictate price movements on insurance stocks in the coming week.

Oil & Gas Sector: OANDO advances by 53.30% WoW The NSEOILG5 index surged by 4.41% Week-to-Date (WtD), as bargain hunting activities rocked sector stocks in the week.

The sector breadth (3.00x) skewed in favour of the advancers, as there were three (3) advancers and a lone decliner. Other counters traded flat.

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BUSINESS

What is wine 2

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

08148877648 (SMS only) How do I understand different types of wine?

There are many types of wines and they are classified by the types of grapes where the grapes are grown and the process the wine maker uses to produces the wine.

The key things that are important (1) Type of grapes (2) Where the grapes are grown and (3) Wine production style.

How the grapes are treated through out the wine making process The best way to learn about different types of wine is by (1) Tasting several types of wine, eventually you gradually learn how to know which wine is which.

(2) Shop for wine and become familiar with the labels. (3) Joining wine clubs is also an excellent way to experience many types of wines in an enjoyable way. (4) Always remember that wines are a combination of many varieties of grapes.

Example: One bottle of wine may contain 75% of a grape type, while the remaining 25% is made up of grapes from many vineyards. It is important to remember that in Europe, wines are generally named for the region that the wines grapes are grown not for the grapes themselves.

What are the benefits of wine since it is made of grapes?

Health benefits of wine according to American Heart Association, wine benefits come from moderate consumption of wine. Drinking 1 to 2 (four ounce) glass of wine daily.

Moderate wine drinking lowers or reduces the risks of heart attack and improves muscle strength. According to studies by Columbia University, it lowers the risk of memory loss, stroke and pro-

motes longevity.

According to journals of Gerontology, moderate wine drinkers have 34% less mortality rate than beer and liquor drinkers.

Ancient religious ceremony, in libation, for Christianity, red wine is used in Eucharist and has religious significance. But in Islam, all alcoholic beverages including wines are forbidden under interpretation of Islamic law.

Grapes are the major natural ingredient in wine. Grapes contain flavonoids and resveratrol which are powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants can reduce damages in our bodies caused by free radicals. It also slows down aging processes, thus ensuring a healthy life.

Health benefits of wine.

1. According to published article in Nature magazine, the skin of grapes contain Tannins which gives the Red colour to wine. These Tannins also contain procyanidins. Procyanidin in red wine, is the thing that protects the heart against diseases and guard against osteoporosis ( a bone condition of great concern in elderly women) 2. Red wine reduces the risk of Type II diabetes which is adult diabetes.

According to studies, moderate wine drinkers have 30 % less risk of developing adult diabetes than non-drinkers of wine.

3. Wine especially red wine cuts the risk of developing cancer especially cancer of the colon. According to studies at the Brook University, red wine cuts down the risk of colon cancer by 45%.

4. According to studies in Columbia University, moderate wine drinkers, have the benefit of their brains not slowing down, while non-wine drinkers brain slows down more rapidly.

Moderate wine drinking improves brain health.

5. According to studies published in

nature there is evidence that moderate wine drinkers are less likely to developed cataract disease of the eyes than non-drinkers and people that drink beer.

6. Red wine reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.

7. Red wine decreases the risk of depression. According to study, moderate drinking red wine is associated with lower rate of depression.

8. Red wine keeps you slim and trim. By the sip of a glass of red wine may make you feel sexier, according to archives of internal medicine. Also red wine has a strong effect on weight reduction.

9.Red wine protects against prostate cancer.

10.Red wine prevents cold. Research in Spain found that moderate red wine drinking reduces cold.

11.People have right to know that more research is needed to know all effects of red wine.

Doctors and other health care givers agree that, there is something in red wine that is called Antioxidants (Resveratrol, flavonoids) which appears to help your heart or have heart healthy benefits, still the care givers will not encourage you to start drinking alcohol, because of fears that too much alcohol may harm your body and causes or worsen other health problems. So, neither the American Heart Association nor Natural Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommend you start drinking alcohol. What these Antioxidants domay be protecting the living of blood vessels of the heart from damage, also prevent blood clots, reduces inflammation of the heart, thus reducing heart diseases and stroke by about 50% according to Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.

What types of Acids are found in Grapes?

BRIEFS

Fine: Nothing personal against MTN, says FG Kunle Azeez s the crisis between the MTN Nigeria and the Federal Government lingers, government has said that it had nothing personal against MTN Nigeria with respect to the fine imposed on the company.

The N1.04 trillion was imposed on MTN in October last year by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over telcos’s slowness in deactivating some 5.1 million unregistered Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards on its network.

Speaking during a working visit to the Head office of MTN Nigeria in Lagos, the Minister for Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, said the Federal Government will do everything possible to encourage and develop innovative ideas from MTN Nigeria and indeed other telecommunication companies in Nigeria to grow the economy.

He commended the company on its impressive contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) since its inception in 2004, nothing “but when it comes to regulatory issues, we have to follow the law for the sake of sanity in the country.” According to him, “There is no doubt that over the last couple of months we have had issues; those issues are normal in relationships like this. I want to assure you that the Nigerian government has nothing personal against MTN.” He stated that “as a matter of fact, as a person, I consider MTN as a first and foremost a Nigerian company. Nigeria Company in the sense that it is a company registered in Nigeria like any other company.”

Concerning MTN Nigeria’s investment in Nigeria, Shittu said “MTN has made a lot of stride, pioneering efforts if I may say, in regards to investment and liberating Nigerians. As it were, time was when if you have to phone a relation, you will go to NITEL, queue up for several minutes and pay through your nose for a minute or two. But with the coming of MTN and GSM, things have been wonderful.”

A

The millionaire mentality Success Nuggets Victor Okwudiri 08037674300 (SMS only)

N

namdi and Uche were both born in a slum. The standard of living of people in the environment of their upbringing ranged from ‘very poor’ to ‘below average’.

Their parents, however, tried to send them to one of the good schools in the area.

Both Nnamdi and Uche had ways loved to ride bicycles, as it was a trend for young persons in their street. Sometimes they paid N20 (twenty naira) each to take a ride on someone else’s bicycle from one end of the street to the other and back. It was always fun for them, and they desired to own bicycles of their own.

One day, the opportunity to own a bicycle presented itself to them, albeit not without a dint of hard work on their part. They had both come first position in their respective classes, and the school, in line with its policy of encouraging competitiveness amongst students, gave each of them a cash prize of N10, 000. They both decided to buy bicycles with their cash prizes. However, their decisions slightly differed.

Whereas Nnamdi bought one Grade

A bicycle for N10, 000, Uche bought two Grade B bicycles for N5, 000 each.

Nnamdi wanted the greatest pleasure bicycle riding could afford. Uche, on the other hand, thought to make the most profit from his bicycle ownership experience. So, Uche released one of his bicycles for lease, to be ridden by each ‘lessee’ at N20 per session, just like he took those of others on sessional leases in the past. The other Grade B bicycle he kept for his use.

Whereas Nnamdi’s bicycle was for private use, young persons in the neighbourhood kept taking Uche’s other bicycle on lease. Six months after Nnamdi and Uche bought their bicycles, Nnamdi’s bicycle had broken down and he had no money to fix it or get a new one. Uche, on the other hand, had bought a third Grade B bicycles and was saving towards a Grade A bicycle. It was then it dawned on Nnamdi how ‘smarter’ Uche was. With that realisation, Nnamdi went to Uche to ask that Uche should give him charge over the leasing of his (Uche’s) third Grade B bicycle. Uche graciously gave him charge, but on the condition that for each lease, Nnamdi will take N5, whereas N15 will be for Uche. Nnamdi gladly accepted the offer. Thus, Uche became like Nnamdi’s boss.

working in school, they won a monetary prize each, which made their dreams of owning bicycles come true.

2. Money is not meant to be spent. Only proceeds of money are to be spent.

Every money in your hand is a potential capital, and every potential capital has a potential profit, and what brings out the profit in every capital is INVESTMENT. The admonition, therefore, is: Do not just spend money. Try to extract the profit in every sum of money, via investment. The only exception to this rule is the sum of money you want to save.

Aside savings, any capital that does not replenish itself in our lives is wasted.

Think about it.

3. Whereas a consumption mentality leads to poverty, an investment mentality results in wealth.

4. Consumers will always be at the mercy of INVENTORS and INVESTORS.

LESSONS 1. Life is meant to be a progressive journey. ‘Every’ good thing will come if we play our parts.

5. Delayed gratification can lead to ultimate satisfaction in life.

Uche delayed his desire for a Grade A bicycle just to make an investment that will yield him consistent returns from which he could save money to buy a Grade A bicycle. It worked for him.

Friend, practice delayed gratification when necessary. It will work for you too.

Nnamdi and Uche always desired to own bicycles, but could not afford one. However, because they were hard

You will succeed!

Please, follow me on Twitter @VictorOkwudiri

The Customs Zonal Coordinator, Zone A Command, ACG Charles Edike (l) and the President of Anlca,Prince Olayiwola Shittu, during the recent ACG’s visit to ANLCA headquarters in Lagos

iROKO partners StarTimes on IrokoWorld

P

remium Nollywood television channel on StarTimes pay-television, irokoPlus, has been officially re-launched as irokoWorld as part of plans to reposition for ever improved Nollywood entertainment for subscribers.

The popular channel has also appointed multiaward winning actress and producer, Funke Akindele popularly known as ‘Jenifa’ as its brand ambassador.

Speaking at a media event in Ikeja, irokoWorld made the new announcements and officially unveiled the star actress as the new face of the brand, who will promote the entertainment channel.

Akindele is also expected, as part of the deal, to endear the newly rebranded irokoWorld to more to subscribers on StarTimes and other Nigerians through various engagements, including screening popular Funke Akindele blockbuster movies, visits to customer centres and city tours, amongst other lined up activities.

Explaining the rationale behind the rebranding and selection of ‘Jenifa’, Uloma Onuma, Head of Legal and Distribution, iROKO, said the new developments were borne out of relentless commitment and resolve to offer more for Nigerian movie lovers.

“Our choice of Funke Akindele was because she has proven to be not just a multi-talented award-winning actress, but an inspirational character that excites many Nigerians with her educative and interesting movies as well as her comic character Jenifa,” she said.

It wo recent Nigeri regard Nigeri

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MY TURNING POINT Today, I am a happening babe for Christ – Liz Benson p.48

INTERVIEW

Buhari, Islamic nations’ romance: No cause for alarm –Ogbansiegbe p.49

SERMON

Does he or she trust you? p.51

FAITH

TAI ANYANWU HEAD, RELIGOUS DESK titus.anyanwu@newtelegraph online.com © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Pastor shot six times survives miraculously

P Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN), Diocese of Lagos North, The Rt. Rev. Olu Akinola (Third Left sitting and his Wife, Mrs. Omotayo Akinola with the Ministers and Guests at the 5th Annual Synod held at Christ Methodist Church, Oshodi, Lagos on Friday.

Methodists commend Buhari’s anti-graft war

M

Stanley Ihedigbo ethodist Church Nigeria (MCN), Diocese of Lagos North, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his fight against corruption.

The Diocese said it is delighted with the renewed vigour and effort by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to combat corruption, as shown by the recent wave of arrests and prompt arraignment for trial of some people in positions of authority before now and other political figures implicated for corruption.

Speaking at the 5th Annual Synod with the theme: ‘Chosen to bear fruits’, which held on Friday at the Christ Methodist Church, Oshodi, Lagos State, the Bishop of the Lagos North Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Olu Akinola, said the new administration has commenced on a commendable note, which according to him, “the body cannot ignore but find a way to compliment the effort of the president on fighting corruption in the country.”

In his words: “We have seen that funds meant for the purchase of arms and ammunition in the past were diverted to a few private pockets and Boko Haram advanced from rebellion to an insurrection.

We are watching with keen interest as the EFCC revealed the identity of people that we thought were there to help the nation only to discover that they were the ones causing problems for the nation.

Unemployment figure in Nigeria is giving us sleepless nights as our children graduates every day without any hope of employment.”

The 5th Synod urged the government to come up quickly with measures to provide employment for the youth, as this will also reduce the level of crime and violence in the society.

He also frowned at the actions of few governors of states saying they can no longer pay the minimum wage of N18, 000 per month.

“Some governors, instead of looking for ways to employ people, have started laying off lecturers and doctors under the employment of government. Nigeria system is protecting the people at the top and attacks the people at the bottom.

The pleasure of the rich are brought with the tears of the poor. Our leaders should learn to govern not to rule and please have mercy on the common people,” he said.

However, Bishop Akinola commended the Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, and saying: “He has started employing our people as teachers and massive construction works are ongoing. The Synod therefore commends our governor and his administration on the completion of some roads in the state within the short period he has been there and we assure him of our prayer support and payment of our taxes so that the good works will continue unhindered”.

He urged Nigerians to hold on to Christ and look to Jesus Christ the author of their faith, adding that when they hold on to Christ, things would become easy and simple for them, because the people don’t have power of their own except the power of the Lord Jesus.

In his address, the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Luke Odubanjo, said that Church members need to pray for a clean and pure heart which abhors or rejects sin and disobedience, adding: “For us not to be easily swayed into sin and immorality , we need a steadfast spirit.

We need to pray to God for a strong spirit or renew a loyal spirit within us”.

He added that for the individual members of Synods, family, community and nation to bear fruits, there is need to bring an end to insecurity, ethnicity, injustice, corruption, kidnapping, religious fanaticism and the Boko Haram insurgency in the nation.

According to him, government should at all levels ensure peace and stability, provision of regular uninterrupted

power supply, and diversify into other areas like agriculture, tourism and solid minerals, saying that all these would no doubt be means of job creation for the teeming unemployed youths of the nation. While the host minister, the Acting Presbyter of the Christ Church Circuit, The Rev. Eugene Chukwu, thanked the Lord Bishop for giving them the opportunity to host the Diocese synod, he said that it was really a call for service for him and his church members.

The minister added that hosting the Synod was a responsibility and he thanked God that he was able to host the Synod. He noted that giving him the responsibility means that he is growing in the ministry because the Methodist Church is such that when a minister is giving a responsibility and he or she is able to carry it out, it is a mark of maturity in the church and God. According to him, the most important thing was that people who came for the Synod are happy and as well, he is happy because the environment was very conducive and it was also a celebration for the members of the Diocese.

He commended his church members for their support towards the success of the hosting of the Synod and urged them to love and share with another, also sharing the gospel of the Jesus Christ is what all of them are called to do.

We are watching with kin interest as EFCC revealed the identity of people that we thought were there to help the nation only to discover that they were the ones causing problems for the nation

astor Tim Remington, an Idaho pastor who prayed with presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz, miraculously survived after a former marine shot at him six times.

The Pastor’s survival has been described as a miracle, Breaking Christian News reported. The shooting happened Sunday afternoon outside the Altar Church in Coeur d’Alene. Pastor Tim Remington is recovering after being shot multiple times, including in his skull and back.

A manhunt is underway for the suspect, 30-year-old Kyle Andrew Odom, who is considered armed and dangerous.

Meanwhile, investigators are working to determine a motive. One question they’re trying to answer is if the shooting is connected to Remington’s prayer for Cruz the day before. The pastor gave the invocation at a campaign rally in Coeur d’Alene.

Odom is described as having blond hair, blue eyes, standing approximately 6 feet tall and weighing about 170 pounds.

He is believed to be driving a silver 2004 Honda Accord with Idaho license plate K578519. Some church members wonder if the shooting was the result of Remington’s work to help drug addicts. The pastor’s survival is being called a miracle.

“One of the bullets TRIED to enter the brain but stopped at the skull,” a family friend wrote on Facebook. “Emergency room (technicians) and (doctors) are calling this a miracle, I’m saying, by today’s worldly standards it IS a miracle.”

ACU VC, Prof. Osun, others hail Primate Olabayo at 70

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ttaining the golden age of 70 is by no means a small feat especially in this part of the world. Thus, family, friends and associates gathered together recently to celebrate the founder of Evangelical Church of Yahweh, Primate Theophilus Oluwasanu Adebayo in Lagos after he clocked his platinum and the 43rd anniversary of his ministry.

Speaking at the colloquium and birthday celebration of the renowned prophet, the Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State, Prof. Dapo Asaju, said the life of Prophet Olabayo signifies a modern link in the chain of generational prophets.

In his keynote address titled, “Prophets: The Ministry, The Gift, The Calling”, Prof Asaju said from biblical account, the fruit of the prophet is known by the impact of the ministry, adding that the gifting of prophets is made manifest during confusion and uncertainty.

Born on February 24, 1946 at Ogori, Kogi State, the varsity don said Prophet Olabayo has grown into a matured prophet of God, adding that he has been most relevant in the affairs of the Nigerian state and indeed the world.

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My TURNING P

INT

Today, I am a happening babe for Christ – Liz Benson

F I don’t arrange miracles – Rev. Anthony General Overseer, Kings in Christ Power Ministries, Rev. Chidi Anthony, speaks on his annual crusade coming up in of April in this interview Could you tell us about annual programme titled: “Greater Than The Pool of Bethsaida”?

God gave me the vision of greater the Pool of Bethsaida, five years ago. The very first edition of the programme was held at the church, the church was filled up and it could not contain the worshippers that came for the programme. The second edition was held at the National Stadium because of what happened at the first edition. The third edition was held at Oshodi mini Stadium; the turn-out was very massive. The fourth edition which was last year, actually fell on Election Day and this affected the programme greatly because Nigerians were all scared of the outcome of the election.

People were afraid of what was going to be during and after the election, this made the people not to really come to the programme as expected. And this year’s edition, the fifth since inception, will take place at the church premises; because the church is bigger than the former auditorium. We are also optimistic that it will be a huge success.

What are your expectations for this year’s programme?

The expectation is very high because it comes just once in a year. God told me in a revelation to be holding the programme once in a year for healing and deliverance.

He told me that He will cure all manners of sickness or disease during the programme.

I am very confident of what the Lord can do through me, he has assured me, he has never failed me and he will never fail me.

Sir, we learnt that some men of God arrange miracles, do you do this too?

I have the gift of power, God called me and gave me power, He gave me power to heal, deliver and perform miracles; you can see that the name of my church has the word “power” in it. I do not need to arrange for miracle to draw people to my church, when you come, you will feel the presence of the power of God and you don’t need anyone to convince you that my miracles are real.

Some of the heads of various departments in my church are those that received healing and miracles in the church and they decided to stay back and serve God. Some of them were cured of madness, some of them were crippling before and today they can walk.

I am a man of God, I don’t say what I do not know or what I am not sure of, pastors arrange miracles it is the truth. How can you say you healed up to hundred people in a program or crusade and none is your member, and you cannot see or locate any of them, something is definitely wrong, something actually wrong somebody is actually trying to hood wink or delude us, no matter what happened one or two of the people you claimed you healed must become your member. I am not saying everybody you healed must be your member, but one or two must definitely stay back in your ministry.

Why do pastor and churches arrange miracles?

A pastor cannot come and be talking to empty seats, he needs people to sit on them, so that he can be their spiritual father, in order to convince them that he is a man of God, he arranges for miracles to win people’s heart, those that cannot arrange miracles and do not have the call of God, go for occultic powers to perform miracles.

A true servant of God does not need to do all these. When God calls a man to serve him, is like telling a soldier to go for war, you must give him the necessary ammunition to go for war, because no man goes to war empty handed, the same thing applies when God calls a man, he gives you raw power to execute the task he has given you.

Sir, what is your expectation from your guest ministers?

I don’t just invite anybody to come and minister; I pray and check your foundation before inviting anybody.

The ministers are good and sound and I expect God to use them to liberate and heal his people. there is no kind of sickness or disease that God will not cure at the program, whether curable or incurable, with God everything is possible, if God could heal me of kidney and liver problem which medically is not curable, that same God, can heal you of any sickness or disease, no sickness or disease will escape from the camp ground, every sickness will be cured by the power of the almighty God.

rom the outset, the thrill for Elizabeth Benson, popularly known as Liz Benson, has always been the message not the glamour that came with the entertainment world.

She, however, warmed herself into the hearts of movie lovers when she began to feature in popular soap Opera and home video films.

Between 1993 and 1996, she had participated in many popular films, which also transformed her fortunes.

But while the ovation for her acting prowess was high, Liz Benson disconnected with the allures of the entertaining industry and retraced her steps to a higher level of a message carrier.

“For me, it has never been about money, it is about the message I am sending out there,” she said. No wonder Liz Benson joined ministry of taking the message of Christ to unsaved souls.

First, she became a committed work at the Faith Foundation Church otherwise called Salem Church, in Lekki. She would humbly pick up the broom and sweep the church along with other church workers, after every service, a member of the Pastoral team, Mike Dewang recollected.

“Liz Benson was unassuming and always swept the church premises among other women with a great sense of commitment. She also took part in leadership training organised by the church; but unknown to the ordinary eyes, the popular star was incubating for a greater calling ahead,” Dewang noted.

When it was time to unleash her divine assignment, Liz Benson was ordained an evangelist. That was not all, God also sent a devoted man of God, Bishop Great Emeya, into her life and together they dissolved into ministry as husband and wife.

Speaking about her transition from being a Nollywood screen idol to being an evangelist, she said: “It was not easy. The calling of God is something that when it first happens, you begin to fret. You look at yourself and begin to ask questions like, why me?

And am I really worth it? But thank God for His mercies. The truth is God can decide to use anyone at any point in time. The most important thing is to submit myself and that is exactly what I have done.”

But she did not just yield to the call without some struggles. “I was used to a particular kind of lifestyle, which I was expected to turn my back on and embrace a new life. It has to be devoid of all the vanities of life. When I got the calling, I knew I was special and that is why He chose me. Since then, I have not looked back.

“I wish I had known the Lord before now. I have no regrets because I am positive that the part I have toed is what God has prepared for me,” Liz Benson added.

Right now, she is not missing the glamour of the entertainment world.

As she puts it: “Why Liz Benson should I? Don’t you know

people grow out of things? I have not grown out of being a performer but the thing is that as you grow older, you begin to do other things that will improve people’s lives around you even better than before.

“You have people who were bankers being absorbed into the entertainment industry, we have people who were in the entertainment industry, doing other things but the fact remains that we are sending a message to the people. But for me, it is a different message, which is a message of life and eternity. That is the best that can happen to any individual. So, I count myself really privileged to be called a servant of God.” Today, Liz Benson lives in Delta State where she and her Husband, Bishop Great Emeya, are busy for God under a flourishing ministry, called Freedom Family Assembly.

Her words: “I have been in Delta State where I now live with my husband. Together we run a ministry, Freedom Family Assembly. He has been in the ministry for a very long time and I have been an evangelist since 2006, when I was officially ordained. God brought us together and that is what I have been occupied with.

Today, I am a happening babe for Christ.”

I wish I had known the Lord before now. I have no regrets because I am positive that the part I have toed is what God has prepared for me

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FAITH/INTERVIEW

Buhari, Islamic nations’ romance: No cause for alarm –Ogbansiegbe What was your growing up like?

Well, I grew up under the loving care of my parents. My father was a renowned preacher and Bishop of a church and had raised many great ministers of national and international status before he went to be with the Lord in June 1995. My mother was also a woman of God and, spiritually trained by my father.

I was privileged to be formed and brought up by parents who had the moral and intellectual credentials to parent a child and they were always there for me, this was why I gave my life to our Lord Jesus Christ at the age of 14 and started field evangelization of the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the age of 15.

What is it about your upbringing; would you say has shaped you into who you are today?

The secret is the word of God from the mouth of my parents. They started preaching the word of God to me and my siblings from infancy, telling us what the Bible says about everything disciplining us punitively when the need arises. They prophesied always into our lives and destinies; saying ‘you shall grow up to serve God, you shall never depart from the ways of God, you shall be blessed, you shall grow up to become great.’ By this, they inculcated in me the fear of God and a natural consciousness and sensitivity, towards God and His ways. In fact my upbringing was divinely directed consequently, my life was divinely shaped into what it is today.

What has life taught you over the years?

Life is a big university, made up of many lessons and lecturers. Some are learning from what happened to others negatively or positively, while others are learning by the experiences of what happened to them directly, which maybe negative or positive.

If it is negative, I believe, that the losses they incurred from that experience, becomes the school fees they have paid bitterly, for learning not to enter into the same trouble again. It is actually foolishness to enter into the same trouble over and over again. This is why I always recall to memory the language of a popular comedian; Zebuldaya in his popular TV Drama The Masquerades. He used to say ‘First fool no be fool, but second fool na proper foolish’. I vowed that I will never be the object of an ugly lesson to my generation, but a positive one. I have always learnt and checkmated myself by the experiences of what happened to others. In this spirit, I have read about the lives of many past and present heroes in different areas of life, especially God’s generals. I have learnt why some of them failed and why some of them succeeded, and this has shaped my decisions in life and line of direction Between your Dad and mum who are you attached more to?

It is natural with everybody including our Lord Jesus Christ to be closer to their mother from infancy to childhood and at times till puberty, except in special cases where the person’s mother separated from that person at infancy, leaving the child at the single parentage of the father. So, I was closer to my mother from infancy to puberty, when I got to the age of accountability, I became closer to my father who mentored me and brought me up spiritually.

What is the best advice he has ever given you?

The best advice he has ever given to me; that was two weeks before his death in 1995, was never to depend or trust any man. He said that man is as elusive as a mirage and as changeable as the weather. He said, that man is full of disappointments and that the man who loves you today can

The Presiding Bishop of Aba-based Christian Fellowship Group International, Bishop John Donaldson Ogbansiegbe, describes life as a big university with many lessons and lecturers. He wants Nigerians to have a free mind about President Muhammadu Buhari’s steps to revamp the nation’s economy in this interview with TAI ANYANWU suddenly, for no good reason hate you tomorrow. He told me to always trust and depend on God through His son Jesus Christ, who never fails and who is forever the unchanging changer.

Let’s turn our attention to some national issues. The president is currently romancing with rich Islamic nations to seek their assistance for Nigeria’s ailing economy. Some fear that this move could deliver Nigeria into the hands of these nations, what is your take on this?

The president has also travelled to other parts of the world before now, especially the Western world such as the United Kingdom and United States on national issues, and nobody bothered about that, why should anyone feel jittery about his romance with rich Islamic nations seeking assistance for Nigeria’s ailing economy. There is no evidence whatever to prove that the president was making a move to Islamize Nigeria or intending to do that. Nigeria is a sovereign and democratic nation with laws and institutions as well as organs of government which acts as a check and balance in checkmating the excesses or constitutional violations of any arm of government. Under this present political terrain, the president lacks the capacity, ability and capabilities to single handily, Islamize Nigeria, whose nature and character is Federalism. Such a tyrannical move will certainly be quashed by the counter actions of the other arms o f govern-

ment, such as the judiciary and the legislature. This is not a military regime; therefore such an action will naturally be tantamount to a violation of the constitutional provision of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President Buhari’s move to the Middle East, as far as I am concerned, is the right step in the right direction, because no nation can survive on its own, and Nigeria cannot be an island in the comity of Nations. Even the United States of America, had at one stage or the other in their existence depended on other nations, like Israel for assistance in one area or the other. I belong to the school of thought that believes that it is equally important and necessary for Nigeria to assert her relevance in global affairs being a major oil player and one of the member nations of OPEC (Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries). In view of the foregoing position therefore, let us view these visits as something that is borne out of passion, necessity and political exigency, in restoring, reviewing, revitalizing and positively redirecting the ailing Nigerian economy to what it should be. The President’s visits to friendly countries of Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, are part of his positive moves to accelerate private sector engagement and investment, within Nigeria. It is also to help negotiate the failing oil price to a more favourable price, and to develop new ties.

It is also

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worthy of note that the intervention of these countries towards tackling, and deleting the menace of Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria should not be overlooked.

The Saudi Arabia and Russian competition for domination of the oil market has been part of the reasons for the collapse of the world oil market, which resultantly affected Nigeria and other oil producing nations tremendously. The President’s visit to these nations should not trigger any fear in Nigerians but rather raise our hopes that very soon there shall be a positive turn – around of everything in Nigeria.

Where does Mr. President need to improve on so far?

As you would see, there is a lot to do in Nigeria as a president. It is too early for any to praise, criticize, or knock down a new government. But what is never early or late is to see the direction of the government of the day. Each move of this administration must be contextualized against the immediate and long-term effects. That is, coming with policies, better than what was on grounds, before the inception of this government, and policies better than what those who thought they would have won the last election would have done if they had been in power.

President Buhari’s administration so far, has been assessed on the grounds of national security, foreign reserves, fuel supply, auditing of ministries, cutting the costs of governance, through the creation of TSA (Treasury Single Account) and reduction of his number of aids, as well as his prominent fight against corruption.

But one may say that the government needs to activate their agenda against terrorism, in order to accelerate the much expected result. Long term strategies must be met with immediate term exigencies. Also, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have gone up, a notch over the last six months. The last administration left the foreign reserve at a low level, lower than it had been for over a decade; but recently, it has picked up a couple billion dollars. Though commendable, yet it is important to note that the long term status of the foreign reserve matters more than periodic perturbations.

Fuel supplies have been a critical issue in Nigeria. Buhari’s administration has tried to stabilize the price of fuel through creating task force and monitoring teams, but they should rather add more strength in regular fuel supplies to avoid long queues in filling stations. There are also positive moves to revitalize the refineries and put them in operations soon. The condition and plan for deregulation are very much in place.

The most important achievements of the president, is his obvious intolerance of corruption and corrupt people. In this spirit; the government should end fossil fuel subsidies.

These resources should be better channelled into critical sectors like education and agriculture. No matter what, God is the one who has put all leaders in their position, because He is the controller general of the whole universe. Therefore it behoves on all ministers and clergymen all over Nigeria, to consistently pray for the president and his administration with greater zeal and commitment, for God to bestow upon him the required wisdom and grace, necessary for Nigeria to move to a glorious new level.

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FAITH

Buhari is losing focus –Bishop Elimiaga Bishop Dr, Elimiaga of Holy Family Prayer Ministry talks about his pains in Nigeria economy in this interview

Sir, Nigeria is poor at the moment, can you react to it?

Nigeria is not really broke, what we are seeing is a demonstration of anger, when those who occupy positions are not happy they lock their wealth and when they lock their wealth then the economy no longer flow then we are suffocated. When there is a change and they are not represented they know which button to press then Nigeria will be suffocated and not all Nigerians are suffocating, is government that is suffocating. There are three economies in this country, so when you ask me Nigeria is broke, is the government that is broke, “there is government economy, there is individual economy and there is spiritual economy”.

Government is broke, factories are closing, and Churches are buying them over. Then you have the individual economy, there are some people in this Country Government has never done anything for and they have never received anything from government.

They buy the car they want to buy, they build the type of house they want to build, and they eat the kind of food they want to eat.

There are people today the stock-fish and everything they eat or the kpomo they eat still come from London they don’t buy it here, so they are not broke. When we say Nigeria is broke, let us tailor it to the Government alone and why is the Government broke? There are family that feel they are

The Presiding Bishop, All Grace Cathedral, and Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria [PFM], Okota Chapter2, Dr. Mark Omonze, laments the culture of poor leadership in Nigeria in this interview with our correspondent What has life taught you over the years?

I have learnt so many things, but one thing I learnt is that human nature is selfdestructive. Human beings are programmed to be vain, human beings are programmed to be stupid, somehow that is not how God designed us but that is what sin made out of mankind which is one of the reason you find out that a girl will defend and protect a man that beat nonsense out of her but will insult the one the pampers her because the world is upside down. That is why when I came to God I discovered that all God has ever wanted is to fix what he created that we messed up. Everything God does is for our benefit not his own. God does not stand to gain anything, if he delete us today he can create another set, who will query him? If he deletes everything he created now and he creates a new one who will be the wiser?

How can you assess what Nigerians are going through in this dispensation of President Muhammadu Buhari?

This regime may want to prove themselves to be the anti corruption regime. I have look at every president that has come in I have discovered one thing that, Nigeria has always had good and bad president. There is no president in Nigeria that did not do one thing right but they will do a lot of bad things in the midst of it, it’s a human nature. Corruption is built in us; the only

Elimiaga

anointed to eat the Government money, the moment they are not having access to the wealth they know which button to press and if you bring them in now they know which button to press dollar will now come again to one hundred naira, we have seen those things before. When they were satisfy with the military and they want to do away with the military they press their button.

We cannot even Honor our letter of credit.

When Buhari was elected, Nigerians were optimistic and hopeful that things were going to be changed. Is the change we are expecting positive or negative?

When Buhari was coming in, he came in with the mind that he was not going to

visit yesterday. So if Buhari had come he didn’t visit yesterday, the change we expected will not be enormous, but now Buhari is not going forward, he is digging into yesterday, yesterday is too deep, my advice for Buhari is to forget yesterday, Those that ate the money yesterday God gave them the grace to eat, their time has pass, now God has given him the grace to make a change, ask God to give you the wisdom to make the change not being a police running after them. If you look virtually which of the public officers being paraded in the court is healthy? They are sick, you can eat Nigeria money but God will give you a sickness that will eat the money. You will be seeing the money but you are not well, you cannot be on a wheel chair and you are enjoying, you cannot be having cancer and say you are well. When you see all of them, there is no one that comes to the court that is well, that is to tell you that God’s judgment is upon them.

Let Buhari leave God to judge them that have taken the money then let him move ahead then the change will come.

Buhari is losing his focus, there are lots of distraction and when you are been distracted you cannot move forward, a whole year will pass, distraction, chasing shadows Sir, would you say the President is doing well generally in his Administration?

It’s not too late. I preached a sermon.

We parade poor leadership -Bishop Omonze

Omonze

entity that can uproot corruption is God. This administration/government has been busy campaigning for so many years that they forget to find out what they will do when they won. They spent so much energy calculating, strategizing on winning the election which is why when they enter they began to undertake forceful policies thinking those things will change things.

Governance is not easy, Governance is not about taking rules and regulations, it about understanding the populace and understanding the tradition of the populace and finding a way to adopt whatever laws to fit with the workings. To create a better economy, you must have enabled environment. The first thing you should

try to do is how do I enhance the productivity of the people? What people need is access to materials which they will use to work. If somebody were to ask me how do we deal with corruption? If the president will read my articles, my first advice is, Mr. President, if you really want to arrest corruption in Nigeria, the first thing you have to do is, “Arrest yourself”. Not to arrest yourself for crimes, what I mean is, All the allowances accrue to you [you made money to an extent before you went for politics] All the allowances that accrued to you for sitting and for everything send all of it back into the Government coffers for developmental purpose. Tell the senators that from now every Government officials should stick to salary because truly the president is a civil servant, the senators are civil servant yet they get sitting allowance. How many other normal civil servants get paid for appearing at their office? It’s an in balance Government. You are all civil servant yet you are higher than other civil servant, you say because by the virtue of your job, the only reason why president need security is because they see him as access to money. If the president doesn’t have money and he is not going to get paid and he is not getting some huge-huge ecomos bags under his table every week, nobody will chase after him. That is why the British prime ministers can walk into the street and stroll because the parliamentary system does not allow you to get more than what you are paid. The American Democracy, when Clinton left office, he left office with 100,000

“The Power of Mistakes” mistakes has its own power, mistakes is not bad, mistakes brings good and new things. God created heaven and earth he saw it as a resting place but he didn’t know heaven was going to be a noisy place because when I get to heaven I will see my uncle that died I will be shouting eh-eh can you imagine your own, your own heaven becomes a noisy place. God couldn’t, so he said let me create the earth, out of mistakes the earth came and when he created the earth there was water every-where, another mistake where is he going to put his legs? Is he going to sleep on water? Dry land came.

So everything came out of mistake. Buhari should have a rethink it is never too late.

In the history of this country, dollars has just hit a point that it has never hit before?

That is why I say it is a demonstration of anger. We are old school, we have been there, we know what it is, then press the button let us see how good you are. The battle with this dollar is telling on Buhari, because there are some touchable which is touching, It’s not touching them with wisdom, its touching them with the grace of revenge and they are on the on the defense.

Sir, what is the solution to this Economic Crisis?

The solution is, let all our leaders, everybody go back to God. A nation where there are no prophet, the nation suffers. Americans don’t do anything without consulting their Prophet.

Israel does not do anything without God through their Prophet. But the prophet Nigerians recognizes are those that are equally stolen and come to their levels, so God is not talking to them, but a true Prophet will tell you what God is saying, they are in the wilderness. dollars in his account after 8years in office that is what a counselor in Nigeria will have in his account after two weeks of in office. The first thing Government will do if he really want to fight corruption is to start with yourself, come up with a decision you and your anther corruption administration that all the excess they are paying us, all the allowances paid should be cut down.

Some have said that the worst of Buhari is better than the best of Goodluck, what is your take on that?

That is a very huge lie. Goodluck Jonathan was not a politician (that was his failure) if Goodluck was a good liar he would still be in office till date. First of all, the statement (the worst of Buhari is better than the best of Goodluck) was made by his political fans, Buhari has been in the Government before, he was over throne and when he was over throne, the people who over throne him stated the reasons for which they over threw him and their reasons was that he wasn’t handling the country well and that they could handle it better. I have nothing against Buhari. Then when you talk about Jonathan, people said P.D.P failed and that Jonathan failed, but the only reason they said he fails was that he didn’t make noise over things he was doing over the years. Before Goodluck Jonathan regime, a trip from Lagos to Benin was nine hours, ten-hours, in his regime I made Lagos to Benin in four hours and you said Jonathan is not doing anything.

We have at least 15 more Universities, we have many tractors, we have farming etc.

When Jonathan wanted to take a drastic step against Boko-haram he was advised base on trying to be religiously correct not to take drastic step until Jonathan finds out that his advisers were leading him astray and when the time of election came, the political party that was coming in (Buhari) used that against him, when he used it against him, he demonstrated what he could do in less than six-weeks, Boko-haram was almost a story of the past.

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Raise flag, restrain enemies

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his book of the law (this truth) shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt mediate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein, for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success (Joshua 1:8) Key words: 1. This truth should not depart from thy mouth. It must be confessed. It must be sung. It must be said.

2. “Thou shalt mediate”.

You must not forget it in your heart. It must be hidden in your conscious and subconscious mind. You must always remember it.

You must therefore remember that the Holy Spirit is not yet taken out of the way of the enemy.

The Holy Spirit has not stepped out of the way (L.B).

The enemy is being restrained. It is only when you remember this truth that the power of the Spirit will work for you restraining all the plans and assaults of the enemy.

It is only when you remember this truth that you will “look and live”.

Nobody has ever remembered this truth and become

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

0808 770 7486

defeated in life or in battle.

When you forget this truth, then you are cut off from your line of supply, your line of victory and your line of power.

In this case of brazen serpent on the pole, they saw it with their physical eyes.

In the case of the Son of Man lifted up, must you remember that Spirit of God is restraining the enemy and giving you victory?

Remember, that Spirit of God raises up standard, banner, flag or ensign against the flood of enemies.

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of God shall lift up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19).

Another name for standard is banner or flag. The Spirit of God raises up a flag or banner against the flood of enemies. When I hang a little flag in my house, each time I see it, I remember that the Spirit of God is lifting up standard against the devil and the myriad of the attacks of the enemies.

When I see the flag I remember that the Holy

Spirit of God has not been taken out of the way for the enemies to realize their plans against my people.

When I see the flag or banner up in my premises, I remember that the Spirit of God is countering all the attacks of the enemies and we can never be defeated.

It is like planting plants that ward off serpents from your house. That is how it should be seen.

I have a banner The Psalmist said that God has given each of us who fear Him a banner. I say it aloud I have a banner.

You must say it aloud that you have a banner given to you by God. Where is that banner? Make a flag for yourself and your family or ministry – according to the colour or combination of colours in your spirit.

Thou has given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand and hear me (Psalm 60:4,5).

Note the following:

1. God has given you a banner.

2. The banner must be lifted, and displayed and not hidden.

3. The displayed banner will bring about your deliverance. It becomes and represents a “Standard” against the enemy that will bring about deliverance.

Remember this Flag or banner is a powerful weapon of warfare.

3. Flag to be set up in the name of the Lord As the Lord has given us banner or flag, for it to work for you, set it up in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfills all thy petitions (Psalm 20:5).

When you lift up and display your flag or banner in the name of the Lord, it immediately assumes spiritual significance. It drives away and terrorizes the enemy and the power of darkness.

You must remember this.

Even the great generals of the enemy quake with terror as flag is raised up.

Thou art beautiful, O my love as Tirza; comely as Jerusalem, TERRIBLE AS AN ARMY WITH BANNERS. (Song of Solomon 6:4)

Does he or she trust you?

here are a set of people that are generally suspicious. They regard everything critically and refuse to believe people or things based on face value and even when they have concrete reasons to trust others. Many times, this can be frustrating for those around them who are forced to endure the mistrust of people like this.

There is a story of a man who would sit with his wife and review her shopping list anytime she wanted to buy things at the market. He would review her shopping list about three times and give her the exact amount he had calculated. Imagining this scenario, you would capture a woman who looked helpless and confused. She might even be frustrated by this strange behavior she had come to face each time she had to go shopping. It was not palatable at all and when the innocent wife could not take this attitude any longer, she called him to a heart-to-heart talk.

It was then he opened up that he came from a polygamous home where the wives extorted money from his father through their shopping list. From a young age, himself and his younger siblings were

Marriage & Family Intimacy

Bishop Charles Ighele holyspiritmissioninc@yahoo.com

07066579379/09098845521

Love is capable of making the toughest criminal to melt

taught how to inflate textbook prices. This generally made him have distrust of women and shopping lists.

Another wife would read her husband’s messages two to three times every day and scroll through his contacts, questioning him on almost every female name she came across. As a child, she had watched her father indulge in many extra-marital affairs right under her mother’s nose.

This experience she had really put her into the bondage of not trusting her own husband. It even made her not to be at ease in her matrimonial home. She did not see any security in her marital life and as a result, every female who has contact with her husband became a suspect. It is so clear that she also lost her peace which was why she

kept frequenting her husband’s phone messages.

A woman who is at peace will never bother herself doing such a thing.

To those married people who are generally suspicious, it may not be easy to be the target of mistrust but understanding the background of your spouse will certainly make it easier. People are from different backgrounds and a person is a sum total of his/her background. It is only a complete renewal of the mind through God’s Word that can diffuse the behaviour carried over from one’s background.

People from loving backgrounds tend to love; those from quarrelling backgrounds tend to quarrel often and those from suspicious families tend to mistrust others. Past experiences may be responsible for the way your spouse is behaving and until you can identify and empathize with these experiences, you may be unable to live peaceably with him/her.

I always tell people that

whatever that is happening in the life of any man has a high element of the man’s contributions.

This simply put means anything we are doing has our seal of approval on it. Our decisions in life matter a lot.

Whatever background we are coming from should not be a decider to the lifestyle we adopt. Any lifestyle that is not moving us to the positive direction and is not making us to be who we desire to be or achieve positive things in life should be discarded totally. Your background can make you great or make you small.

Do not see your spouse as someone with a major problem if it is traced to his/her background.

Try your best to pull him/her out of that pit of ‘not-trusting-people’.

It is a problem that needs urgent solution. Instead of joining in criticizing your spouse over the issue under discuss; look for ways to help bring about solution and exercise patience as you do so. Look for scriptural passages that apply to the area he/she is battling with and read them together. Then lovingly make your spouse see reasons with you. Love is capable of making the toughest criminal to melt.

FAITH

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

A call for holy violence

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person is said to have made it, when that person and materially settled and established. A boxer, a wrestler or an athlete is said to have made it when he emerges as the champion despite the obstacles and challenges before him.

Many people in different areas of life are pursuing one thing or the other in life. It may be that you are praying for the miracle of marital breakthrough, business and financial breakthrough or miracle of the fruit of the womb. Maybe you have been struggling to gain admission into a university, all to no avail.

You may have been fighting to travel outside your country, yet you have not got the visa.

You may have done your best to get what want, yet your best has not been good enough. Life is full of ups and downs, struggles and hindrances. You can only make it with faith in the omnipotent power of the true God. May be you are now afraid, threatened and discouraged; you can make it in the name of Jesus Christ. The struggle of life begins, and these struggles continue hence, a Latin maxim says “Aluta Continua” (the struggle continues). For you to make it, you need to be determined more than ever. You need to violent and aggressive in prayers. To this end therefore, the word of God declares: “And from the days of John the Baptist the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent taketh it by force.”

–Matthew 11:12.

A person is said to be violent when the person is uncontrollable, fearless and dangerous in his action. It means to be forceful and aggressive. The Greek expression for the word ‘violence’ means to snatch away or catch by force.

This violence is the zeal and aggression required for all those who wish to disgrace the powers of darkness. In the use and application of this spiritual force, you must be persistent and resolute. This is a holy violence. You need this holy violence to actualize your destiny and what

God wants you to be.

I am not talking about the violence which is prevalent in our present world: the violence of war and armours of war, the violence of terrorism, the violence of suicide bombing, the violence of apartheid and racial discrimination, the violence of neo colonialism, the mental colonialism imperialism, oppression, victimization, exceptional deprivation, man’s inhumanity to man etc. I am not advocating for robbery, kidnapping, occultism, witchcraft, and I am not advocating for riot and affray. I am advocating for better type of violence. This is the type of violence that enabled Gideon with only three hundred men to defeat thousands of the Midianites. I am advocating for that violence that brought down the walls of Jericho and gave Joshua victory at the seventh shout and seventh trumpet sound.

That violence that brought down the fire from heaven as Elijah prayed and demilitarized, defeated and destroyed four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and four hundred prophets of groove which ate at Jezebels table.

The violence that enabled Samson to destroy over one thousand wellarmed Philistines soldiers with only the jaw bone of an ass; That violence that divided the Red Sea at the stretch of the rod of Moses, that violence that confused the armies of the three nations of Amon, Moab and Mount Seer unto destruction before the people of Israel; That violence that stupefied and hypnotized the audience of Peter on the day of Pentecost to the point of total conviction, conversion and surrender. That same force that depopulated the kingdom of darkness on the day 3000 souls was added to the church; that is the violence I am talking about.

Life is full of ups and downs, struggles and hindrances. You can only make it with faith in the omnipotent power of the true God

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SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

FAITH

Insight

Rev. Femi Akinola www.thehebrewsng.com

01-790 3163; 0808 584 5864

The spirit of Lazarus (4)

W

e have been talking about the spirit of Lazarus, for you to leave the realm of living like Lazarus, what must you do?

• First give your life to Christ and begin to live a righteous life If you say you are born again, now, put yourself on a scale here; Lazarus was righteous too; being righteous is not enough.

You must take responsibility for your life. The Bible says; ‘thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven’.

Lazarus was poor on earth and in heaven. You can’t be a beggar on earth and be a rich man in heaven.

• Stop the blame game This started from the Garden of Eden: God asked Adam why he ate the fruit; he said it was his wife and the wife blamed it on the serpent. Jephthah did not blame anyone.

You must not leave that family the way you met it.

You are sent into that family to change things.

“And when I saw that ye delivered me not, I put my life in my hands…, and the LORD delivered them into my hand…” Judges 12:3 When you notice that the expected deliverers are not coming, you must take your life in your own hands. Too many people leave their lives in the hands of others. Stop waiting to be helped. Most of the people we look up to for help need help themselves. Instead of waiting, start moving and taking calculated steps.

People, who wait for others often, wait forever.

•Know your purpose on earth You can’t make any meaningful progress if you don’t know your purpose (what you’re sent to do on earth). Are you sent to be a pilot, consultant, lecturer, a pastor or government personnel? Many propose outside their purpose and therefore end in the wrong direction.

• You must pay the Price The truth is that, anytime you see a family or an individual suffering, it is because no one has paid the price for their emancipation. There is a saviour for every family who must sacrifice for their prosperity. Abraham came, and sacrificed, Jesus came too and sacrificed.

It is not written anywhere that either of the two Lazarus sacrificed or paid any price. I met a family in Germany and found out they’ve been there for years with nothing to show. After praying with them, I told the family, by the leading of the Spirit of God, to go bless their pastor with a certain amount of money. They said they had nothing that was none of my business as I only delivered a message to them. Soon after, they did what God had instructed and two months later, after I had returned to Nigeria, the family called to tell me someone had just blessed them with a house in Germany. If I had pitied them, and didn’t tell them what to do to bail them out of their situation, they’d still be suffering.

They told Jesus that the daughter of a particular man was sick that He must come and pray for her. And Jesus asked why, they told him he had built a synagogue for them among other things. Jesus then had to leave thousands of people to attend to just this one man. But when He was told that Lazarus, the man He loved, was sick, He delayed. Sacrifice was what made the difference between the two of them.

I was traveling some time ago and a woman met me at the airport blessed me with some good money. Later at the point of check-in, that money was what would bail me out of shame and disgrace, as I had overly excess luggage which amounted to more than double of my flight ticket.

I told the devil he can’t disgrace me because I have paid my dues.

You must pay your own price; it was not written anywhere that Lazarus paid any price, gave tithe or made any significant sacrifice. This was why his life ended that way.

There is a saviour for every family who must sacrifice for their prosperity. Abraham came, and sacrificed, Jesus came too and sacrificed. It is not written anywhere that either of the two Lazarus sacrificed or paid any price

You can live beyond the limits (Matt. 5:41): ‘And whosever shall compel thee to go an extra mile, go with him twain’ (KJV) These are the words of the Master Himself, the greatest achiever of all time, the one who has never failed. The one whom even death could not stop, the one whose works still abide even after two thousand years. Christ Jesus our Lord.

When I first encountered this verse of scripture, I did not at the time realize that I was reading one of the most powerful success principles in existence.

To understand the above scripture better you need to see the verses that follow.

(Matt 5:42-47) 42. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

43. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. (This is normal human behaviour) 44. But I say unto you.

Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (in other words do the unexpected).

45. That ye may be the

THE EXTRA MILE PRINCIPLE

Bishop (Dr.) Mark Omonze facebook@bishopmarkomonze email@mark_omonze@yahoo.com

08033084546

It’s amazing how much people complain about not getting much attention, appreciation, reward, recognition, and even love children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans do the same? (You don’t get anything for being normal).

47. And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans do so?

(You cannot be special by doing what others do) KJV (Emphasis and words in bracket mine).

It is easy to see that the Lord is working on getting us to move out of the ordinary lifestyle

that everyone is used to.

It is easy for any normal human to love and to do good to those we perceive to be good to us; even the evil-minded can do that but it takes a really strong person, an extraordinary person to care about someone who has cheated or tried to hurt them in time past. Two questions immediately strike my mind when I look in this scripture passage; “what reward have you’? and “ What do ye more than others”? It would seem to me that true rewards in life accrue to people who do more than what others do normally.

Think on the questions for a minute what do ye more than others? what do ye more than others?

What are you doing that stretches beyond the effort others are putting in?

What are you doing that no one else is doing?

What makes you so special?

What reward have ye?

What reward have ye?

What is your current achievement?

What has been the result of your effort?

What have you gained from your actions?

It’s amazing how much people complain about not getting much attention, appreciation, reward, recognition, and even love.

When their input at work, in relationships, and in spiritual worship, leaves much to be desired. A lot of people like to reap where they did not sow, and even when they did sow; they sowed so little compared to their expected harvest.

This passage of scripture teaches a very simple lesson. If you want extra give extra. No matter what area of life you can think of, from your spiritual life to social life, to economic life.

This understanding led me to coin what I call ‘The Extra Mile Principle’.

The Extra Mile Principle simply states that, to be extraordinary in life, you must go, give, and perform beyond the normal expectations of life, people and yourself.

•To be continued next week

Entrance of God’s word is life (18)

T

he faith of Christ which you have received must be sustained, less you allow the enemy of your life to steal, kill, or destroy your life support, which the faith represent.

He did it to the first man, Adam and his wife.

Remember Satan is more devilish now than before.

After he lost his place in heaven, the heavenly beings said “ Woe unto them that live on earth, for the accuser of God’s people has been sent to the earth, now his place of dwelling “ One of the great Apostles of our gospel confess in 2 Timothy 4:7 “ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” The only authentic battle of our lives as believers of Christ is to keep the faith of God in Christ Jesus. We must stand to defend it every time when the moment of evil comes. The scripture says in Ephesians 6:11, 13, 16 ”Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to

Just believe Pastor Joseph Folonusho

rlpm2007@yahoo.com

08020838591

The only authentic battle of our lives as believers of Christ is to keep the faith of God in Christ Jesus

stand.

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

Satan is very skillful. He is working tirelessly to establish in your members/flesh the law of sin to contend against the law of Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which is the faith of Christ in your heart; for the purpose of you to be derailed from the LORD’s blessing through unbelief.

The armor of God will help you to defend and attack the enemy of God’s faith in you. He knows that your blessing is assured always in the faith of God. He knows that God’s word, which is God’s covenant with you,

is God’s faith; and this faith has never failed.

No creation no matter his or her strength and power can cause stampede or bring an end to God’s faith; but Satan in his craftiness will lure you to redirect your mind and action to non-faith of God. And you know that God’s action in his faith for you is determined by your acceptance of his faith that is in your heart. Since God will never practice witchcraft, he will never force his will in his covenant on you.

Since the day of evil shall surely come according to scripture, Satan takes advantage of it with rugged determination for you to jettison willingly the Most High faith. But God has provided you and I in Christ Jesus the unfailing armor that has the capacity to defend us, and some to subdue the enemy of faith.

Apostle Paul spoke about this intense battle in Romans 7:15,18-19,21,23 “ For that which I do

I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. But I see another law in my members/flesh, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”

How did Satan perform this in the lives of Christ’s believers? That is, establishing law of sin in their members. Satan knew that you have embraced faith of God. He knows your senses are active; you can see, taste, torch, hear, and perceive. These senses control your flesh. He lures you to use your flesh to do opposite of the faith in your heart. He turns round to tell you that you have sinned.

Then, he encourages you to condemn yourself.

Then you begin to think of the judgment. By this you begin to witness such judgment, for scripture says, “As you think, so you are”.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016

53 53

SUNDAY

BPL

Ighalo scares Wenger, as Anya hopes for victory against Arsenal

U-17 W/Cup: Flamingoes pummel South Africa 6-0 p.55

p.55

Olympic Qualifiers: Apochi draws closer to Rio ticket p.55

SPORTS

Deputy Sports Editor Dapo Sotuminu daposotu@yahoo.com © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Arsenal FC fast becoming home to Nigerian stars

Iwobi

Nwakali Chukweze

Dapo Sotuminu

W

hen Nwankwo Kanu joined English club giant, Arsenal FC, in February 1999, after just 12 games and one goal for Inter Milan of Italy at a transfer fee of £4.15 million, nobody knew that some years down the line, four Nigerian national soccer teams’ players male and female would feature for the flamboyant North London club at the same time.

Today, we have the likes of Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Nwakali already wearing the Gunners’ colours with Samuel Chukwueze and former African Women Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, waiting to take their definitive turn as players of the club.

Kanu Nwankwo, has the record of being the first Nigerian to play in the colours of Arsenal FC. H e

Oshoala

made his debut for the club against Sheffield United in the FA Cup. He was named African Footballer of the Year for the second time in 1999. In the 1999-2000 seasons, he scored 17 times in 50 matches for the Gunners, including a hat-trick in fifteen minutes against Chelsea to turn a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 victory. Kanu won the FA Cup in 2003 and the Premier League title in 2004 with Arsenal. He played 197 games for Arsenal, scoring 44 goals. In the summer of 2004, after his contract with Arsenal ended, he moved to West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer. In 2008, Kanu was voted 13th in the “Gunners’ Greatest 50 Players” poll. Along with other famous players, such as Thierry Henry and Robert Pires, Kanu is a member of the “Invincibles,” the Arsenal side that finished the 2003–04 season of the Barclays Premier League undefeated.

Kanu’s time in European football lasted 17 years, a successful time which has seen him become the most decorated African footballer in history.

After Kanu’s reign, Alex Iwobi was the second Nigerian to play at Arsenal. The former England youth international born in Lagos on May 3, 1996 plays as a winger and a striker for Arsenal. He is the nephew of former Super Eagles captain, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha.

Iwobi joined Arsenal while still at primary school, and signed a new long-term contract in October 2015. On 27 October 2015, Iwobi made his competitive debut for the club, starting in a 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the Round of 16 of the League Cup. After playing youth football for England, he made his senior debut for Nigeria on October 8, 2015, replacing Ahmed Musa in the 57th minute of a 2–0 friendly defeat to DR Congo in Visé, Belgium.

After Iwobi, comes Kelechi Nwakali, who has been labeled as the ‘new Vieira’.

In Nwakali, Arsenal may have unearthed a really special gem. He is at once midfield enforcer and general, a cross between Patrick Vieira’s unyielding presence and Mesut Ozil’s visionary accuracy, reasons behind the decision to sign him on a five-year deal worth 3 million pounds.

Grabbed from the Diamond Football Academy in Umua-

hia, Nigeria, the 17-year-old starlet should hopefully have a bright future with The Gunners. With a great track record of developing young talent into Premier League pedigree, Arsene Wenger is the ideal manager to show Kelechi the ropes.

Though he’s a long way from playing first-team football for the club, it’s being reported that Nwakali has his heart set on wearing the No.25 shirt at Arsenal. Apparently, he’s hoping to emulate Nigerian compatriot and personal hero Kanu .

The next Nigerian star on line in Arsenal FC saddle is no other than, Samuel Chukwueze, who has reportedly undergone a medical with the Gunners ahead of his long move to the Premier League club.

The duo of Nwakali and Chukwueze were impressive for the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria as they won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

Nwakali finished the tournament as the best player, winning the Golden Ball while Chukwueze was the third highest goalscorer at the 2015 FIFA U-15 World Cup. Speaking on the signing of Chukweze, Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger said: “Yes of course there are work permit issues. There are medical issues, because he has to make medicals. It’s progressing well.”

The last on the list is Nigerian women’s international star and former African Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, who has secured her United Kingdom work permit and she is set for her move to Arsenal Ladies from Liverpool Ladies.

The 21-year-old joined Liverpool Ladies in January 2015 from Nigeria Women’s Premier League’s outfit Rivers Angels.

The 2014 Fifa U20 Women’s World Cup best player and golden boot winner is expected in London on Wednesday to discuss personal terms ahead of joining the two-time FA Women’s Super League champions, Arsenal Ladies.

The Reds confirmed that they have reluctantly accepted the Gunners’ bid for the Nigerian striker.

54

SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sport When Horacio Gaggioli, a football agent long based in Spain first saw Lionell Messi at the airport, he said to himself: ‘This kid’s too small to play football.’ I thought they’d tricked me.” When the kid started kicking a ball, however, any doubts about his ability were quickly dispelled.

Lionel Messi: The kid signed on a napkin

T

hat was the story of the world best player at the beginning. Today, over 15 years later, the diminutive genius in question is the proud owner of five FIFA Ballons d’Or, while the man recalling the very first day he set eyes on him is the proud owner of a napkin, a very valuable napkin, one that changed the history of FC Barcelona.

Gaggioli, had heard great things from his Argentinian partners of a very talented boy from Rosario by the name of Lionel Messi. The kid was only 11 when those reports started coming through, which was too young by Gaggioli’s reckoning.

Two years later, however, and he was ready to cross the Atlantic, as Gaggioli disclosed: “The family wanted him to try out with a European team, in whichever city I was living in so that he’d have a contact there. At the time I was about to go and work for a company in Madrid and I asked them to hold on so I could sort out my future and see where he could have his trial. If I ended up going to the capital, we’d have a try-out with Real Madrid or Atletico.”

As it turned out, Gaggioli did not go to Madrid, and when Messi arrived that September he trained for a couple of weeks with Barcelona. “After the trials they returned to Argentina and I had meetings with the club. They liked the look of him but some of the coaches weren’t that convinced. Time went by and in December the parents said they had to find out if Barcelona were interested or not, so that they could look for alternatives.”

Their ultimatum had the desired effect. Carles Rexach, the club’s director of football at the time, watched the youngster in a youth match. His decision to leave after just ten minutes caused concern among Messi’s family

and representatives, though the fact was he had already seen enough to make his mind up.

Quickly convening a meeting with them, and with nothing else to hand, Rexach took hold of a napkin and wrote the following on it: “In Barcelona, on 14 December 2000 and the presence of Messrs Minguella and Horacio (Gaggioli), Carles Rexach, Director of Football of

F.C.B., hereby agrees, under his responsibility and regardless of any dissenting opinions, to sign the player Lionel Messi, provided that we keep to the amounts agreed upon.”

I can’t even tell you how many I get.

I always ask for proof, but I still haven’t seen anything like him. Agent Horacio Gaggioli on the number of messages alerting him to the ‘next

Messi’ he receives.

And there were dissenting opinions, voiced by some who felt the club had more pressing needs than a teenager who would solve nothing in the short term.

Then there were

those who said his frail physique did not point to a bright future.

“I have to say, my first impression was the wrong one,” said one expert on youth football, who has seen many hugely gifted youngster fall by the wayside. “Leo was very small, very thin and he had his problems. Barça weren’t sure because they didn’t know how it might turn out.

Football is very complex and it’s difficult to get it right with a boy of that age.”

“You can spot a 15-year-old with a promising future, but you can’t be 100 percent sure,” he added. “There are lots of factors that can then influence their sporting development and things can go wrong at any moment. There are some players with a huge amount of talent who never made it because they start to go out, go clubbing and many other vices. There are a whole host of things that are not compatible with football.

“The ones who make it do so because they made a huge sacrifice, as do their families. Messi made that sacrifice, a massive one, and he was very disciplined. His life was football, football and football, and that’s why he’s reached the top.”

It was another two months after Rexach scribbled out that unusual contract before Messi arrived at La Masia, Barça’s fabled training academy, and even then the problems were not over, with the kid from Rosario being unable to play for six months due to his transfer being delayed.

“It was hell for him,” explained Gaggioli, who would work with the player for another five years. “He really suffered because all he could do was train and play the odd friendly. It was really tough. Leo has the perfect mental approach to football, though, and he knew how to deal with it all.”

As time has shown, the move proved to be a fortunate one for Barcelona and for the player too, as his then agent added: “I’ve always said that Leo was very lucky to land up at a great school of football. It was very important for his professional and personal development.”

“Messi has always kept himself to himself but he was fortunate enough to end up with a group of really nice kids who helped him a lot, like Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas, Toni Calvo and Marc Valiente. He had some amazing kids around him. They poked fun at him because he was very shy, but they looked after him. He only spoke with his feet, but that was more than enough.”

Even today, Gaggioli receives hundreds of emails from people claiming to have spotted the “next Messi.” “I can’t even tell you how many I get,” he revealed. “I don’t like saying no to anyone because you never know. I always ask for proof, but I still haven’t seen anything like him.”

55

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016

SPORT

Ighalo scares Wenger, as Anya hopes for victory against Arsenal

A

rsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has confessed that he is scared of the attacking prowess of Nigerian striker, Odion Ighalo, as his club battles Watford today in one

Ighalo

of the Sunday’s fixtures in England.

Wenger noted that, the pair of Ighalo and strike partner Troy Deeney have plundered 24 goals between them in all competitions in the ongoing campaign, with the Nigeria international accounting for 15 of those strikes.

“They have two strikers who are very efficient in Ighalo and Deeney and we worked very hard to control the game last time we played them,” Wenger said.

“They have a very good understanding between their strikers and the quality between our two centre backs will be vital on Sunday.

Watford have done extremely well.

It looks like the Championship teams that came up and are now dealing very well with the Premier League regime.”

Odion Ighalo has failed to find his scoring boots in recent matches, and has played seven games on the trot for the Hornets without finding the net.

His last competitive goal was his match-winner against Nottingham Forest in the fourth round of the FA

Olympic Qualifiers: Apochi draws closer to picking Rio ticket

N

igeria kicked off their campaign at the Africa Boxing Championship in Yaounde, Cameroon on a good note after Efetobor Apochi defeated Morocco’s Abouhanda Abdeljalil.

In the first session of the preliminaries, fighting in the men’s heavy-

weight category, Apochi triumphed on points, 3-0.

It would be recalled that Apochi won silver for Nigeria at the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazaville.

The African Boxing Championship is serving as qualifier for the Rio Olympic Games which kicks-off in August this year.

Meanwhile, 10 boxers (seven men and three women) are representing Nigeria at the Africa Boxing Championship in Yaounde.

Amongst some of the boxers flying the flag of Nigeria are London 2012 Olympian Edith Ogoke, 2015 All Africa Games gold medallists Efe Ajagba and Kehinde Obareh and Englandbased Umar Sadiq.

U-17 W/Cup: Flamingoes pummel South Africa 6-0

N

igeria’s U-17 Women’s national team, the Flamingoes, showed no mercy as they trounced South Africa’s Bantwana 6-0 on Saturday to secure a place at this year’s Fifa U-17 World Cup in Jordan.

The Bala Nkiyu-tutored Nigerian team started the first leg, final round qualifying fixture decided at the Abuja National Stadium by taking the lead inside the opening three minutes.

Fajobi Yetunde scored Nigeria’s first goal against the Bantwana ba Mzansi.

Skipper, Rasheedat Ajibade got Nigeria’s second goal as South Africa goalkeeper, Mologadi Maluleka, fumbled with the ball in the 28th minute.

Another mistake by Maluleka minutes later enabled Ajibade to complete one of the fastest braces she will ever score in her life.

Fajobi, scored Nigeria’s fourth goal and her second of the afternoon as the South Africans defence crumbled like a pack of cards.

Ajibade completed her hattrick in the 32nd minute.

Bantwana managed to keep it tight for another eight minutes before

Ajibade popped up again in the 41st minute to make it 6-0 to the hosts.

Team organization improved for the visitors after the restart as they passed well and kept the Nigerians at bay while creating openings of their own inside the opening quarter hour.

Nigeria however had a chance to beat the better-organised Bantwana back line 15 minutes from the end but Ajibade fluffed the chance after dribbling the South Africa goakeeper.

Nigeria are favourites to progress to the finals after the second leg despite the improved second half display from the South Africans.

NPFL Fixtures Sun, March 13, 2016

Abia Warriors vs Enugu RangersNiger Tornadoes vs Rivers United Lobi Stars vs Kano Pillars Wikki Tourist vs Warri Wolves Ifeanyi Uba vs Ikorodu United Enyimba vs Heartland Giwa vs Sunshine Stars MFM vs El Kanemi Warriors

Cup on January 30 at The City Ground.

In a related development, Watford’s Anglo-Nigerian wing-back, Ikechi Anya, is hopeful that the Hornets will see off Arsenal when both teams square off this afternoon in the quarter-finals of the Emirates FA Cup. Watford were resoundly thumped 3-0 by the Gunners in the last contest between the two Premier League sides at the Vic on October 17 in game week nine, with Anya and Odion Ighalo both in action.

The Scotland international reckons that the scoreline did not tell the full story of the game and believes that Watford will turn the table on Arsenal and qualify for the semifinal of the FA Cup at Wembley.

“We knew at the start of the week it was either Arsenal or Hull. We’re excited, the coach has spoken to us, we all know our positions, so we’re going to go there and hopefully get the win.

“We’re all ready, there’re no excuses, they’re a tough team but if we play to the best of our best abilities we can get a result there.”

Oliseh to appear before House of Reps Thursday

F

ormer Super Eagles chief coach, Sunday Oliseh, it has been gathered will appear before the House of Representatives Committee On Sports on Thursday, March 17 in Abuja to discuss his resignation as the national team handler.

The outspoken Oliseh is expected to open “a can of worms” that is the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), according to insiders.

Already top NFF shots are feeling uncomfortable by the arrangement to have Oliseh appear before the country’s lawmakers after the coach dumped the Nigerian team in a most controversial circumstance.

A source in Abuja informed: “Oliseh has been invited by the committee on sports. He is to give his own side of his resignation

story.”

Another source said: “You know Oliseh, he will not hold back anything, he will give details of how some top officials made sure they frustrated him because they were not the ones who facilitated his appointment.

Oliseh has already publicly lambasted his former employers for failing to support him while he was in charge of the Eagles.

He also complained about how his contract was severally violated and has compiled his unpaid expenses and other entitlements.

NFF officials are far from being amused with Oliseh’s date with the sports committee, arguing that, it is a major distraction for them as they are preparing to face Egypt in crucial AFCON 2017 qualifiers later this month.

Sharapova lashes out at critics over positive test

M

aria Sharapova has hit back at suggestions she received five separate warnings about changes to tennis’ anti-doping rules which ultimately led to her testing positive for a banned drug.

A defiant Sharapova defended herself in a post on her Facebook page, saying that she received one clear notice in December titled “Main Changes to the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme for 2016.” “I should have paid more attention to it. But the other ‘communications’? They were buried in newsletters, websites, or handouts,” the Russian star said.

Sharapova tested positive for meldonium, which was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list on January 1.

The 28-year-old Sharapova also Sharapova

insisted that she has never faked an injury to try and foil the drug testers.

“I won’t pretend to be injured so I can hide the truth about my testing,” said Sharapova, vowing to set the record straight over her supposed multiple warnings.

“I am determined to fight back,” she said. “No excuses, but it’s wrong to say I was warned five times.” The Times of London on Wednesday reported that Sharapova had received five separate notifications that meldonium was to be banned.

“I’m proud of how I have played the game. I have been honest and upfront.”

Sharapova said she is eager to have her hearing with ITF officials so she can give her side of the story.

SPORT

Arsenal FC fast becoming home to Nigerian stars

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FAITH CAN rallies against antipreaching bill

Sanctity of Truth

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SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016

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The man called Reverend King INTRODUCTION “Reverend” means, worthy of reverence, deserving of deep respect or awe.

“King” means, severally, ruler, sovereign, monarch, majesty, emperor, overlord, potente, lord, leader.

When put as “Reverend King”, the combination becomes awesome.

Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, aka Reverend King, was just a regular Nigerian pastor who shepherded the Christian Praying Assembly (CPA), located at 6B Canal View, Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos. He was arraigned on September 26, 2006, on a six-count charge of attempted murder and murder, but he pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

He was found guilty of causing petrol to be poured on seven members of his church on July 22, 2006 at the church premises, Lagos and throwing a lit match at them with the intention of setting them ablaze. This was after he had accused them of indulging in sexual immorality.

The victims were Miss Onuorah Chizoba, Olisa Chiejina, Uche Chukwu Iwoba, Vivian Ezeocha, Jessica Nwere, Kossisochukwu Ezenwankwo and Ann Uzor. The seventh victim, Ann Uzor, however, died on August 2, 2006 from severe loss of body fluid caused by the burns. King was then arraigned at an Ikeja High Court on a six-count charge of murder, attempted murder and causing bodily injuries on his victims by setting them ablaze.

He was subsequently sentenced to death by the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, on January 11, 2007, for the murder of Ann Uzoh.

THE COURT DRAMA Few hours before Justice J. Oyewole, of the Lagos State High Court delivered its ruling, the accused’s knees buckled under his not too heavy frame, in the dock. Security aides quickly rushed to his aid before he could collapse. Oyewole paused and allowed him to sit. Two hours later, the Emperor was condemned to death by hanging.

Then the drama, launched by the convict himself: “I am not afraid to be hanged, after all Jesus Christ was hanged. That was how Jesus was hanged and the crowd was against Him. It is a great honour for me to follow the foot path of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a pleasure and honour for me to die by hanging.”

He shouted at no one in particular. Was this real?

KING WAS LITERALLY WORSHIPPED Although King has been in prison for the past 10 years, several members of his church CPA, have kept a revered image of their pastor, marking his birthdays in absentia and even continuing with services. In 2014, CPA members bought spaces in Nigerian dailies to extol King’s virtues, hailing him as “the light of the world”.

Devotees see their ‘provider’ as “God”, a Joshua that will lead them to the promised land.

“Daddy, you are the light of the world, a nation without you is in total darkness,” a devotee group mouthed.

Some went hyperbolic, by profaning that even death obeys King.

HIS APPEALS THAT FAILED: DEATH SENTENCE AS A BIRTHDAY GIFT The cleric had appealed against the Judg-

The

NIGERIAN PROJECT

MIKE OZEKHOME san, ofr mike.ozekhome@yahoo.com 08094777755 (sms only) ment to the Appeal Court, which affirmed the Lagos High Court verdict. King then headed to the Supreme Court, which finally sealed his fate, describing the burning events of his worshippers as lifted from a horror film.

But, strangely, his devotees rejoiced during his last birthday after the death sentence finale. They still believe in his invincibility and that Reverend King will not be hanged, as he will “return to join us”. They believe that “our Daddy G.O shall live forever for us in Jesus name,” with the crowd shouting “amen”.

Like King, most members of the congregation, sported a clean shaved head and bushy beards. Also, all the pastors at the church were said to be using ‘King’ as their surname. Wonders shall never end.

NOW THIS RELIGIOUS LEADERS WITH AN IRON HOLD ON THEIR FOLLOWERS Reverend King is said to have a strong hold on his members and manipulates them even from prison. He is not alone.

For instance, in 2015, South African pastor, Penuel Mnguni, of the “End Time Disciples Ministries Church” in Pretoria, reportedly told his church members that they had the authority to change everything into anything, while commanding them to eat snakes, declaring that they were chocolate bars.

James Warren “Jim” Jones, an American, was the founder and leader of the “Peoples Temple”. He convinced his followers in 1978, to commit mass suicide in Goerge town, Guyanese Capital. Nearly 300 children were also murdered by cyanide poisoning.

“Heaven’s Gate”, an UFO religious group based in San Diego, USA, and led by Marshall Applewhite got 39 members to commit mass suicide in 1997, believing they would reach an alien space craft.

Using religion as Karl Max’s opium of the masses, many religious leaders, who reign more as cultists, have brainwashed their devotees and committed atrocities such as murder, mayhem, mass suicide. Shoko Asahara, Joseph Mambro, Luc Jouret, and David Koresh belong to this murderous group.

WHAT NEXT Based on the 1748 Baron de Montesquieu’s doctrine of separation of powers, the Supreme Court does not have the final say on King’s death sentence. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State does.

Although there is no specific provision by the 1999 Constitution on a governor signing a death warrant, convention does. Also, Section 1 (3) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, provides: “The sentence of death imposed under this section may be executed by hanging

babede-Abocho in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. Till his death, he was the Hon. Minister of State for Labour and was on the verge of brokering peace between the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) and the Federal Government over a disagreement.

A meeting held between both parties last Wednesday, March 2, was the last official engagement by the Kogi-born legal luminary.

With heavy heart, I join fellow countrymen, in mourning the untimely demise of this patriot. He was a consumate gentleman, a sound legal mind and a quintessential family man. It is simply unbelievable that my good friend James Ocholi is dead. Worse is that he died with his beloved wife and son. This is most tragic. I had known Ocholi since the late 90s when I led him in some cases before the then failed banks tribunals, Lagos.

My condolences go to members of his family, the Federal Government, Kogi State and the entire nation. The minister died at a most critical time when his contributions to the nation in these defining moments were much needed. May his soul rest in perfect peace, amen.

the offender by the neck till he be dead or by causing such offender to suffer death by firing squad as the Governor may direct”.

It does appear clear that it is only the current Governor of Lagos State that may give such directives. But can he? The last death warrant signed was in 2006. As a Christian, and a Rights Activist, I do not subscribe to the death penalty. The Bible is clear on this: “thou shall not kill” (the 6th Commandment of God: Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17). It gives the convict no opportunity to repent, terminates life finally, and does not serve as deterrence. I recall that people were LAST LINE still robbing at the Bar Beach in the 1970s, even while robbery Kingpins, Oyenusi and Are the Federal Government, Kogi State Folorunsho Ishola were being executed by people, Ocholi’s family and Nigerians readfiring squad. ing and digesting this Sunday sermon on the mount of the Nigerian Project, by Chief Mike AND THIS Ozekhome, SAN, OFR? THE SUDDEN PASSAGE OF A VIBRANT PATRIOT James Ocholi, SAN, hailed from Og- • Follow me on twitter @ MikeozekhomeSAN

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