Sunday april 3, 2016, sunday telegraph by Newtelegraphonline

Why more Nigerians are committing suicide }20&37

Church, interest groups battle for soul of CAN

•Envious midwife left me to die because of Ankara

}47

SUNDAY Sunday, APRIL 03, 2016 Vol. 3 No. 774

Sanctity of Truth

/newtelegraph

Horror

Ogun Police discover dead body, blood in ritualistS’ den }5

Bayelsa APC Crisis Deepens as party suspends Sylva, others }5

N150

REVEALED

NEWS FG Plans to release kanu to Britain -ipob } 14

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

Untold story of sex, admission SCANDAL IN GIRL’S SCHOOL }3

A school driver, whose wife is matron in one of the houses, lives in the compound with his grown up boys. One of his boys was allegedly caught having sex with a student

As their biology teacher, the students confided in him that they were contracting infections from the unhygienic toilets in the school. He advised them to treat them with Mycoten and asked them to bring it to him so he could personally insert it ‘properly’ into their private part

The syndicate allegedly sells admission letters for between N200,000 and N350,000 to admit more students, after the initial admission list has been released

I’m a goddess,

says UCHE OGBODO }36

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Contents | 03.04.16 BODY & SOUL

Social crusader Uzor Ngoladi, prolific writer and social crusader calls on men of goodwill to continually speak out on issues bothering on good governance

}24

POLITICS

INEC’s fading glory The conduct of elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission under Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu is daily sinking the commission's glory

}15

BUSINESS

Africa’s automobile hub With the take-off of the 70 per cent tariff on imported vehicles, Nigeria is set to become the next automobile hub of Africa

}39

FAITH

CAN elections Ahead of the Christian Association of Nigeria elections, the body of Christ has been warned not to allow politically motivated interests to split CAN along regional boundaries

}47

SPORT

Pinnick has failed

The NFF boss, Amaju Pinnick, has failed Nigerian football with the inability of his board to help the country qualify for two consecutive African Nations Cup competitions

}53

Magazine

Doctor’s negligence Because of Ankara a midwife abandoned me in labour to die

}20&37

SUNDAY

Editorial

Arepo’s nascent killing field

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

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

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

Funke Egbemode

Managing Editor, Business & Strategy n Yemi Ajayi

Managing Editor, Publication & Operations n Emeka Obasi

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

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

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

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

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

NEWS

Paul Ogbuokiri

efore the story of the reported sexual abuse of students of Queens College went viral on the social media penultimate week, the mother of the JSS11 girl, whom the school’s biology teacher allegedly attempted to rape, other parents and even some old girls of the school, had inundated the Sunday Telegraph with several reports against the accused teacher. It all had to do with a case of rape by a computer teacher, which the school authority allegedly tried to cover up, and other malfeasances against the school’s management, workers and a certain physics teacher. The Queens Collage Old Girls Association (QCOGA), in a note to the Sunday Telegraph, claimed that the allegations of sexual harassment and indecent treatment of children by the teacher went as far back as 2005 when he was first employed. In what the association described as the result of a fact finding committee it set up to investigate the allegations against the school teacher, it said: “Allegations of sexual harassment, sexual impropriety and indecent treatment of children by Mr. Olaseni Osifala and other male staff, were consistently reported to the school authority and former Principals and Vice Principals of the college, and no steps were taken to stop this dastardly act.” This came as an old girl of the school, 2006 class (names withhold), told Sunday Telegraph that some of her class mates had a dose of the alleged randy teacher’s immoral behaviour. As their biology teacher, the students confided in him that they were contacting infections from the unhygienic toilets in the school. According to her, the man advised them to treat it with Mycoten (the drug is inserted into the private part), but he strongly advised them to bring it to him when they bought it, so that he could personally insert it ‘properly’. Meanwhile, the mother of the current student the Biology teacher allegedly molested, Mrs. Chinenye Okoye, said emphatically that the accused teacher sexually molested her underage daughter and continued to taunt the girl when all the efforts she made to ensure that the school authority sanctioned the randy teacher was rebuffed. To save the innocent girl from the ugly situation, she told Sunday Telegraph that she would withdraw the girl from the prestigious school, even as she confirmed that she had already secured a new private school for her. She alleged that the school authority “deliberately suppressed several complaints of sexual harassment which

Revealed: Untold story of sex, admission scandal in girl’s school my daughter and some other students have consistently reported to their class teacher, year head, the Head of Department of the accused teacher and the principal’s office”. She disclosed that when she took up the matter with the school authority, she was told that there was a vice principal that is said to be very powerful in the school and that the accused teacher does a lot of work for her in the school and therefore cannot be touched. She added, “She also turned around to threaten me that if I like, I could go to Abuja to report, nothing will happen. And that I should not forget that this is a government school, so instead of her or the randy teacher being sacked, my daughter would be dismissed!” However, when Sunday Telegraph called one of the Vice Principals, one Mrs. I. O. Kayode, last Monday, for comments, she denied the issue existed, saying that the allegations against Mr. Osifala were unfounded and called on the accuser to show up. The telephone conversation with Mrs. Kayode went thus: “Madam, parents are complaining that one of your teachers, one Mr. Osifala, molests the girls in your school. They further alleged that you are protecting him because he is your godson.” Her response was: “I don’t want to speak on the matter because a panel is already investigating it. But the allegations against Mr. Osifala are lies.” The Vice Principal added that she “protects every teacher in the school and not only Mr. Osifala”. However, about two hours after this discussion with the Vice Principal, our sources in the school told us that the school authority, in collaboration with the leadership of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), were organising the SSIII students and making placards for them to hold a solidarity ‘protest’ in support of the teacher. We were further informed that the school authority and the PTA would use the opportunity to hold a press conference; it came to pass. During the ‘protest march’ cum press briefing, the PTA Chairman, Mrs. Beatrice Akhetuamen, told journalists that the school had set up a panel which would work with the Yaba Police Station to investigate the matter. Sunday Telegraph called Mrs. Akhetuamen later to confirm allegation that she

President Muhammadu Buhari (left) exchanging pleasantries with President Barack Obama at the Nuclear Security Summit at the Walter Washington Convention Centre, yesterday. With them are Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama

led the protest; she denied it, insisting that she would not speak further on the matter with the press. However, some of the parents spoken to by Sunday Telegraph were angry over the matter and linked it to an alleged admission racketeering syndicate in the school involving the school management and the leadership of the PTA. They further alleged the festering corruption in the PTA is the very reason it either looks the other way or ensures it is suppressed whenever such malfeasances are alleged. They blamed the vice chairman of the PTA, Mrs. Julie Mann, for withdrawing her legal action against the former principal and the PTA chairman over alleged illegal fees the students were forced to pay by the school authority. They insisted that the duo should be made to account for all the money they collected in respect of the alleged illegal levies, medical bills, insurance policy, prep money, security money, school media and maintenance from the June 22, 2013 till date. They further expressed shock that their children were used by the school authority for such inglorious protest match, saying that it was a callous exploitation of the children. Sunday Telegraph can confirm that the Lagos State Police Command, had on receipt of the interim report of the Mrs. Laila Saint Matthew-Daniel-led QCOGA fact finding panel, invited the Principal of the college, Dr. Lami Amodu, and Mr. Olaseni Osifala for question-

ing before they were left to go. This is even as the fiveman panel of the Federal Ministry of Education was at the school during the week to start the inquiry promised by the Ministry, but Sunday Telegraph could not confirm if the alleged admission racketeering is in their terms of reference This is even as the old girls’ association has strongly made a case for an opening of criminal investigation into the matter by the police, and further called on the Lagos State Government to thoroughly investigate alleged breaches of possible Child’s Rights Act. “The POC and VPOCs

implicated by the findings should be investigated and appropriate sanctions meted out,” the association said. Meanwhile, some parents spoken to by Sunday Telegraph after their PTA meeting last Thursday, opened more can of worms on immoral acts in the school. An executive of the PTA disclosed that her daughter told her that another science teacher was even more dangerous than the teacher currently in the eye of the storm. According to her, the teacher was always drunk and serially molested girls in the school. Also, a certain school driver, whose wife happens to be t h e matron i n one of the

A receipt provided by a parent

Houses, lives in the compound with his grown up boys. “The man is always drunk and even smokes in the dormitory. One of his boys was allegedly caught having sex with a student,” she said. Sunday Telegraph further learnt that sexual molestation of school children became endemic in the school because of the alleged complicity of the authorities in the admission racketeering. The syndicate, it was alleged sells admission letters for between N200,000 and N350,000 to admit more students, after the initial admission list had been released. Even some of the parents of pupils who passed the entrance examination were allegedly often forced to pay. The alleged randy teacher, believed to be a foot soldier of the syndicate sells the admission letters for them; hence he enjoys maximum protection from the school management. It was further disclosed that the alleged child molester looms large in the school as he reportedly has excess cash (far above his legitimate income) to show off. He was said to be a lover of exotic cars which he changes often. His latest acquisition is allegedly a Toyota Highlander with Lagos State number plate. When Sunday Telegraph checked at the school last Thursday, the young men manning the gate described him as a big boy in the school, adding that he doles out surplus cash (enticement) to the school girls (money given is said to be in thousands).

SUNDAY 3 APRIL, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

NEWS

Arms Scandal: Prosecution of GEJ, long over due - Gen. Ikponmwen (rtd) Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

former Provost Marshall of the Nigeria Army, Brig. Gen. Don Idada Ikponmwen, yesterday, joined the clamour for the investigation and prosecution of former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, over the alleged diversion of public funds meant for the procurement of arms during his tenure. The veteran military officer was reacting to the demand in some quarters that the former President should be invited for inter-

rogation and prosecution if a prima facie case has been established against him on the arms scandal. Senate Majority Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, had last week, stirred the hornet’s nest when he asked President Muhammadu Buhari to authorise the prosecution of Jonathan if he (Jonathan) covertly instigated the diversion of $2.1bn domiciled in the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, to expenditure other than arms procurement. Ikponmwen, a lawyer and one time Director of Legal Services in the Nigeria

Zamfara: Police arrest village head, 4 others over alleged killings

he Police Command in Zamfara has arrested Alhaji Muhammadu Danmliga, the Village Head of Wabi in Maru Local Government Area, over alleged connection with the killing of 13 persons. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Sanusi Amiru, told newsmen on Saturday in Gusau that the killing of the 13 followed a meeting held in the village head’s house on March 24 by members of the outlawed ‘Yansakai group.’ According to him, 13 persons were allegedly killed at Tubgar Wabi, a neighbouring Fulani settlement on the evening of that day. He said that sources in the village told the police that some ‘Yansakai members’ suspected to have come from Bena in Kebbi held a meeting at the village head’s house before

moving to Tungar Wabi for the attack. Amiru said that consequently the police swung into action and arrested the district head and four others suspects namely: Basiru Lawali, Sakke Sada, Ibrahim Muhammad and Umar Muhammad. The police spokesman said that items recovered from the suspects included six guns, swords and arrows, fifteen cartridges, axes, knives, charms and 10 motorcycles. He warned that the police would continue to carry out covert operations as well as use credible information from members of the public against all criminals and their gangs in the state. Amiru said all the suspects would soon be arraigned in the court after completion of the ongoing investigation.

Army, said that given the series of cases already instituted against key officials of the Jonathan administration and the revelations from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) on those cases, it was only logical that a proper investigation be conducted to determine the level of culpability or otherwise of the man under whose watch these massive looting of public funds took place. He argued that the invitation extended to Dasuki and other key officials of the Jonathan administration ought to had included Jonathan himself , adding that the long delay in addressing this issue had certainly affected the no- nonsense image of President Muhammadu Buhari and the change mantra of his administration.

According to him, there were no more legal inhibitions to the probe of Jonathan because the issue of immunity from prosecution which Presidents, Vice Presidents, Governors and their Deputies enjoy under the Nigerian Constitution was no longer there, stressing that before now, the immunity clause was the only barrier to such an action. Ikponmwen observed that the manner of disbursement of the said funds meant for procurement of arms “were so manifestly wrong and irregular that it had become obvious to everybody that all the letters and memos used in releasing those huge amounts of money were mere cover up for a systemic fraud.” He argued that under a democracy, nobody should be above the law,

just as time does not run out against anyone who is a criminal or suspected to be one. Asked if dragging the former President to court on these allegations of corruption would not be demeaning to the office and institution of the Nigerian Presidency, Ikponmwen said that it would not because only upright leadership could make an office strong. “We are no longer too concerned with building strong and powerful individuals but strong institutions. There are no institutions unless they are genuine, upright and working for public good. A public officer who acts fraudulently do not represent any institution. “There must no longer be sacred cows if this country is to move forward. I do not

believe that the government of the day will buy this retrogressive idea of sweeping ugly stuff under the carpet as a way of preserving sanctity where there was no sanctity. The irreparable losses in terms of lives and property inflicted on the polity by the fraudulent acts of sone persons in the last administration is too gargantuan to be traded away for institutional prestige,” he said. Ikponmwen said that countries such as Egypt, Chile and Liberia, which brought their erstwhile leaders to trial after the end if their regimes, and Ghana that executed some of its past leaders, knew better the need for having responsible and accountable institutions as a means of guaranteeing a just and an egalitarian society.

L-R: Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari; Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Senator Aliyu Wamakko during the swearing-in ceremony of President Issoufou Mahamdou of Niger Republic at International Stadium,Niamey…yesterday

PPPRA maintains fuel pump price, release Q2 PMS import Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he Petroleum Products Price Regulation Agency,(PPPRA) yesterday maintained the pump price of N86:00 and N86:50 of the Petrol Motor Spirit (PMS) known as fuel. The Agency had at the first quarter of this year announced the pump price under price modulation. Under the price modulation of the Agency, petroleum price would be regulated by the forces of the market. Also, in the Agency statement released by the Head Corporate Services, Lanre

Oladele, it released the Q2 PMS allocation. In the Q2 allocation,the apex national oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has 41.73% of the total allocation, while the rest of the oil Marketing Companies got a total allocation of 58.27 per cent. Oladele in his statement quoted the Ag. Executive Secretary of PPPRA, Mrs. Sotonye E. Iyoyo, as saying that ‘the Agency is retaining the retail prices of N86.00 for the NNPC, and N86.50 for the other Marketing companies. Also, the pump price of Household Kerosene (HHK) also

remains unchanged from what it was in the last quarter, Marketers are advised to ensure that there is no price distortion in their respective retail outlets’. The Executive Secretary further stated that ‘PPPRA however, shall continue to monitor the global oil market performances, and come up, at appropriate time, with reasonable changes consistent with the newly-adopted price modulation principles. She appealed to all Depot owners to strictly adhere to the prevailing truckout policy put in place by the Agency, to ensure that petroleum products get

to their designated retail outlets across the country. She also warned that adequate sanctions awaits any depot-owner found to be hoarding products. She dismissed the allegation that the Agency is planning to increase the pump-price, as urged members of the public to ignore such rumour, as prevailing market indicators do not support such. In her words, ‘PPPRA is resolutely committed to the sustenance of its reform initiatives, in order to further guarantee adequate supply of products nationwide. Meanwhile, the Depart-

ment of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on Saturday fined a products marketer N1 million for selling products while under DPR’s seal. The Operation Controller of DPR in charge of Akwa Ibom and Cross River, handed down the sanction while carrying out surveillance of filling stations in Uyo. He said the department had earlier sealed the station known as Jobina Oil for operating without valid license, adding that it had been operating for more than 10 years without a valid license. Nkanga said the filling

station would pay the N1million for violating seal order, adding that the whole station had been resealed again. ``This station is under seal because it is operating without a valid license. ``This is an old station that has not regularised its license and we shut it down but coming here today, we saw them selling diesel, whereas the whole station had been sealed,’’ Nkanga said. He said the filling station would be handed over to the security agency in the state for monitoring until the payment of the fine was made.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

NEWS Johnchuks Onuanyim, ABUJA

Chris ejim YENAGOA

he All Progressives Congress (APC) crisis in Bayelsa State yesterday deepened as the state executive of the party suspended the governorship candidate of the party in the last election in the state, Chief Timipre Sylva and four other members of the party in the state. The Bayelsa state executive of the party had earlier alleged that Sylva was trading with political appointments meant for the state. In a statement issued yesterday and signed by the Bayelsa State party chairman, Chief Timipa Tiwei Orunimighe and the Secretary, Comrade Daniel Marlin, the party said: “After due consultations with relevant stakeholders and elders in the state, the Bayelsa State executive committee at an emergency meeting today (yesterday) took

Bayelsa APC crisis deepens as party suspends Sylva, others l ‘Sylva remains our leader supporters’ the painful but necessary decision to suspend our governorship flag bearer in the 2015 elections Chief Timipre Sylva pending the investigation of the allegations against him”. According to the state party executive, the allegations against Sylva included “anti-party activities. “We have it on good record that Timipre Sylva, last week Tuesday precisely, paid a clandestine visit to one of the South-South governors of the PDP, this is just one of the series of correspondences between them and we find it grossly unbecoming. This is in direct breach of Article 21, under ‘Offences’ in the party constitution which states in Section 2, ‘Anti-Party activities or any

conduct, which is likely to embarrass or have adverse effect on the party or bring the party into hatred, contempt, ridicule or disrepute’ is punishable “Attempts to Form a parallel executive. This is in complete defiance of Article 21, under offences which states, ‘Factionalization or creating parallel party organs at any level’ is punishable by the extremists of means”. The statement further stated: “His antics betray the present posture of Muhammadu Buhari’s regime which has cardinal virtues of honesty, sincerity and transparency “He is also culpable of corruption, indiscipline and trading of political offices.

We find it deeply embarrassing his relentless efforts to commercialize political offices. Worse still, is that, members of the opposition who vehemently stood against the change ideal and still do not believe in our party’s course are with him on the bargaining table. This is not in fidelity with the party’s constitution which states in Article 21, Section 1, Subsection 3 that , Engaging in dishonest practices are punishable by full stretch”. Including other party chieftains, the state executive said, “For conniving with Timipre Sylva in an attempt to destabilize the party and publishing an illegal statement on behalf of the party, the following officers are also placed on

Former South African President, Thabo Mbeki and former Nigeria Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd.) at the General Assembly of the Forum for Former Heads of States and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia …yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Horror: Ritualists’ den uncovered in Ogun Kunle Olayeni ABEOKUTA

he police in Ogun State, yesterday, uncovered a suspected ritualists’ den at Iyana-Ilogbo area, along the LagosAbeokuta Expressway in the state. The incident, which led to the discovery of a lifeless body at the scene, also resulted in the arrest of two suspects by policemen attached to the Sango Divisional Headquarters of the state command. Items reportedly recovered from the scene included clothes, shoes, caps, wigs and a cutlass. The police also reportedly discovered several holes filled with suspected human blood. Sunday Telegraph learnt that the den was located at an abandoned filling station at Iyana-Ilogbo Bus stop

l Dead body, clothes, shoes, wigs, blood litter ground l Two suspects in police custody along the highway. Sources said an unused fuel storage tank was used by the suspected ritualists to barricade the frontage of the building where their evil activities were perpetrated. It was learnt that two victims in the custody of the suspects escaped from the building and attempt to recapture them led to the discovery of the ritualists’ den. Following a tip-off, police operatives swung into action and arrested two suspects while two other people believed to be members of the gang escaped from the scene. Some residents of the area, who gained entry into the building, claimed that the pervasive stench emanating from the den was quite offensive.

Many others, who were shocked by the discovery, called on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and their sponsors. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the incident yesterday, said two middle-age men were arrested in connection with the crime. He gave the names of the suspects as Babatunde Taofeek and Hammed Hassan. Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, also confirmed that a lifeless body of a man suspected to have been murdered was found at the scene. According to him, the discovery was made at about 7:00am on Saturday at an

abandoned filling station (Ayokunnu) in Iyana-Ilogbo. The PPRO stated that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Sango and men of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) swung into action upon receiving information about the suspected den. Adejobi said the suspects were undergoing interrogation, adding that the state Police Commissioner, Abdulmajid Ali, had ordered that the case be transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department of the command for further investigation. He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest the owner of the abandoned filling station as well as the fleeing members of the ritualists’ gang.

indefinite suspension following a motion moved by the Senatorial Vice chairman East, Elder Alagoa and seconded by comrade Marlin Daniel. They are: 1. Senatorial vice chairman central, Mr. Joseph Fafi, Mr. Edison Sogwe, Mr. Panebi Fortune, Pub. Sec. and Mr. Tonye Okio, the Organising Secretary. Meanwhile, 11 out of the 14 members of the State Working Committee of the APC in Bayelsa State yesterday dismissed as “frivolous” and “a sponsored campaign “ against the Leader of the Party and governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva by some aggrieved members of the Party from the state, saying Sylva remains the party’s national leader from the state. But the 11 committee members led by the Organising Secretary of the Party, Sir. Tonye Okio and the only elected member of the State House of Assembly of the APC, Hon. Isreal SunnyIgoli dismissed the claims against Chief Sylva and insisted that the party has summoned those involved for appropriate disciplinary actions. While Hon. Isreal Sunny-Igoli, the member of the State House of Assembly representing Brass Constituency 1,said though the members of the party

in the state have since discovered the anti-party antics of the aggrieved party members as alleged blackmail for appointments, Chief Sylva has never negotiated with anybody for appointments and he has remained a trusted and dependable leader. “The party chairman and his cohorts have made many mistakes in the past, but this unfounded claim against the leader is the greatest of all. Many members of the Party are asking him to tell the world if Chief Sylva collected money from him to make him Southern Ijaw Local Government Chairman… “The aggrieved members led by Chief Tiwei Orunimighe demanded for the Executive Secretary position of Local Content Board and Chief Sylva turned him down, that he is not qualified. And that the state has many other qualified persons to fill the position as required by law. But as it has become his motto, he ran out and made the frivolous accusations.” Hon. Sunny-Igoli, who commended loyal party members for their calm and maturity over the reported allegations against the Party’s Governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, said the party is already considering the shameful action of the Party Chairman and others, “and appropriate disciplinary action will be meted out soon.”

We’re grooming job-givers – Okorocha’s wife Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

skills acquisition centre initiated by the wife of the Imo State Governor, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha, has been commissioned in three different locations in the three senatorial zones of the state. The state Governor, Rochas Okorocha, who commissioned the facilities named Nneoma Skill Acquisition Centre, described it as the needed prelude to sustainable job creation. The event, which had Chief Innocent Chukwuma, an indigenous auto maker and Chairman of Innoson Group of Companies, as the Chairman of the occasion, also witnessed the matriculation of 130 trainees at the Centre in Imo West, located at Umuowa, Orlu for the batch ‘A’ class of 2016. He said that the wife of the governor, a ‘large-hearted humanitarian,’ has taken this aspect of governance to

a whole new height through her “She Needs a Roof Programme (SNARP), which has provided ultra modern accommodations for scores of indigent widows and also empowered them financially. In her speech, Mrs. Okorocha, said that she established the centre for the purpose of skill acquisition and economic empowerment, adding that very soon, the students will become self reliant, independent and great entrepreneurs of note who will eventually become captains of industries and employers of labour. Calling on the public to de-emphasise white collar jobs especially in the light of the current global economic recession, Mrs. Okorocha listed Computer Training, Fashion and Designing, Hair Dressing and Beauty, Photography, Cosmetology and Catering among other departments as areas of specialized trainings provided by the Centre.

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

NEWS

FG, states to receive dividends as SWF assets hit N213.66bn Abdulwahab Isa ABUJA

he Managing Director, National Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr. Uche Orji has said the authority will begin dividend pay out to its shareholders comprising of states and the federal government effective from 2018, as its assets reached N216billion, This is coming as the Authority, established in 2013 as the investment arm to manage the excess oil prices above budgeted oil benchmark confirmed over weekend, the receipt of additional $250 million capital from Federal Government approved last year by the National Council of States. Presenting the agency’s financial audited results

for the 2015 financial year over the weekend to the media, Orji said the agency recorded modest successes amidst global economic challenges, putting the agency’s total comprehensive income increased to N26.3 billion in its last year operations, representing 67 per cent growth, while investment grew by 47 per cent to close at N5.8 billion and a total asset growth of 20 per cent to N213.66 billion during the year under review. Orji added that, the $250 million additional capital approved for allocation to the Authority had been released in February this year, adding that it will be invested within the new fiscal year using existing deployment ratio of 40 per cent in infrastructure fund,

40 per cent in future generations fund and 20 per cent in stabilisation fund. On when the agency will begin to pay dividend to its shareholders, Orji said: “ The law says after five years of profitability in each of the three funds that is when the state governments will start getting dividends if things continue like this, in the next two years our anticipation is that we will start paying dividends to the states by the end of 2017 or 2018.” He listed the second Niger bridge project, hospital/ health programs and real estates development as key activities to be given priority in 2016 by the Authority. “The three hospital/ health programmes will get funding in 2016, same as the Second Niger

Bridge. That is when you will now see other people coming along side us”, he added. On Second Niger Bridge, Orji said, “Early Works III (EW3) commenced as part of the preliminary construction activities on the project site. Having successfully completed this undertaking in January 2016, coupled with the recent passing of the budget (which expressly contained allocations to the project), engagements toward facilitating financial close have been given added impetus. Once the Concession Agreement and supporting documents are executed, the project is expected to move to financial close.” As a first step to ensure the state governments get returns on their invest-

ments as soon as required by law, Orji disclosed that the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) is targeting to attract $1.6 billion co-investments into the country in the next three to four years. He explained that the initial $100 million co-investment fund of the NSIA is expected to yield another $400 million by June this year with investors ploughing these monies into real estate. “We felt it was time to go into co-investment funds which is for our $100 million to attract $400 million of equity that vehicle will go ahead and take leverage of the real estate”, he said adding that, “this is the first formalized way of saying to you we are going to put $100 million to attract $400 million, the strategy is once this is done

and successfully launched we are going to go on and do the same for power and industrials, agriculture and health we are confident that we will raise the co-investment fund by the second half of the year (2016)”. “ Seventy per cent of the $100 million investments Orji said will be focused on what is known as brown fields which means buying existing real estate or rehabilitating existing real estate and 30 per cent will focus on green fields which is brand new. He described 2015 as very challenging and hectic operating environment for businesses across globe. However, Orji said NSIA managed to protect its capital in a harsh and volatile market environment where equities and bonds in many leading economies experienced declines.

‘APC fomenting trouble to unseat Wike’ Emmanuel Masha PORT HARCOURT

T L-R: Former Inspector-General of Police Mr. Sunday Ehindero; Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, Representative of the President, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau (rtd.) and Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase during the launching of a book: ‘International Human Rights Standards and Trends in Community and Intelligence Driven Policing’ in Abuja at the weekend. PHOTO: NAN

LASG to begin repair works on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway

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Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) said on Saturday that it would commence repair works on the bad portions of Apapa/Oshodi Expressway in April. LSPWC Special Adviser/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ayotunde Sodeinde, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that already, the corporation had started extensive repairs works on LagosBadagry Expressway. ``We have started repairing over 10 bad spots on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway to reduce gridlock and hardship being faced by people plying the road. ``However, the present administration will commence the rehabilitation of Berliet axis of Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in April. “Governor Ambode’s administration is an all-inclusive government that wants all bad roads in the state to be fixed irrespective of its owner - federal, state or local. ``Hence, the urgent directive by the governor that the corporation should commence an extensive repair of Berliet axis of Apapa Oshodi Expressway, which has been in a terrible state for a long time,’’ he said. The special adviser assured residents of Lagos that the corporation would continue road maintenance even with the approaching rainy season.

Obiano offers youths employment in agric

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra on Saturday urged youths in the state to register with State’s Ministry of Agriculture for employment opportunities in the sector. Obiano made the call while inaugurating the farming season for Delfarm Anambra Songhai farm at Igbariam in Oyi Local Government Area of the state. He said that more than 500 training opportunities will be available for the youth, adding that the Songhai farm project will create another 500 direct and indirect jobs for the youths of the state. The governor further said that this project had the capacity of increasing the internally generated revenue of the state drastically. According to him, the state has attracted investment worth $4.1 billion so far with about 40 per cent of all the investment in agriculture sector. ``Agriculture is a lucrative and viable means of economic development and wealth creation. ``The state has done about eight exports of vegetables to London. ``Soon Anambra will become the biggest producer of rice in Nigeria,” he said, while calling on investors to invest in the agriculture sector of the state. Earlier, the Chairman of Delfarm Projects Limited, Dr Emmanuel Egbogah, said that the project was developed in line with Obiano’s vision for self-sufficiency in food production in the state.

Ogun: Two killed, others injured in multiple road crash

Two people lost their lives yesterday while several others sustained serious injuries in a multiple accident along the Abeokuta-Siun-Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State. But it was a miraculous escape for a three-day-old baby as she was rescued alive with her mother who sustained broken legs. Sunday Telegraph gathered that the incident occurred about 3:45pm near the Police ICT College, Kobape area of the highway. Four vehicles involved in the mishap included a Toyota Carina taxi with registration number Ogun ABG 810 XA; Toyota Sienna marked APC 929 HU; Nissan Pathfinder jeep marked Lagos KJA 311 CW and an unregistered Toyota Corolla car. It was learnt that the driver of the Toyota Sienna car, which was headed to Abeokuta, lost control after the vehicle’s rear tyres burst and skidded off its lane. In the process, the car crashed into the vehicles heading out of Abeokuta towards the Sagamu Interchange axis. Two persons, including the father of the three-day-old baby, were said to have died on the spot while an unspecified number of people sustained injures.

he former Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Dumamene Deekor, has said that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was causing trouble as part of a plot to unseat Governor Nyesom Wike. Deekor, who spoke in Port Harcourt, said that the leaders of the APC had gone to great length to cause violence, but have so far failed because the people of the state are standing solidly behind the governor and his administration. He noted that the election of Wike by the people, obstructed the pattern of handover planned by former Governor Chibuike Amaechi, whose party he accused of throwing spanners in the wheel in order to create insecurity and undermine Wike’s development strides. He said that having failed to deliver at the polls, the APC leaders have started calling for a state of emergency, even though nothing has happened in the state to justify such a call. Deekor, an Ogoni, who is seeking re-election into the House of Representatives, under the PDP, to represent Tai/Eleme/Oyigbo Federal Constituency, alleged that the APC knew that the people would vote against its candidates and

decided to use the military to intimidate voters. Deekor said that the last election would have ended peacefully had the military not targeted PDP supporters for harassment, noting that his agent during the election was unlawfully detained by soldiers who he alleged were taking orders from an APC chieftain. “Attempts to subvert the peoples will always breed violence. Before the election we heard politicians boasting of using federal might. That was why a pregnant woman was killed by soldiers in Khana. “How do you tell the same people you want to represent that they deserved to be raided, and become the spokesman of the army and still expect them to vote for you? That was exactly what happened.” He alleged that the same set of APC politicians are the ones politicising the implementation of the UNEP Report in Ogoniland, stressing that the Ogonis have suffered a lot as a result of environmental degradation, and as such deserve a comprehensive clean-up in line with the recommendation contained in the report. He accused them of making it appear that the implementation of the UNEP Report won’t go ahead if they are not elected into elective offices.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

Fashola resolves Geometric Power, EEDC 3-year dispute Paul Ogbuokiri

l As Jebba turbines back in operation

he Minister of Power, Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Fashola has finally brought to an end the three-year-old dispute between the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and Aba Power Limited (APL) which had stalled the completion of the 141 megawatts power project in the area. Special Adviser on Communication to the Minister, Mr. Hakeem Bello in a statement yesterday, said that the Minister on Thursday pre-

sided at the historic signing of agreements between EEDC and APL (otherwise known as Geometric Power (GP) promoted by a former of Power Minister, Professor Bart Nnaji. Speaking after witnessing the signing of the agreements, Fashola expressed confidence that the temporary energy crisis facing the country would be overcome and the target of 10,000MW set by President Muhammadu Buhari met. The Minister appealled

that everybody must contribute to solve the problem rather than being a part of the problem, noting that with such landmark resolution of dispute that had stalled the completion of a critical power project in the South East and the recovery of four turbines that were hitherto down in Jebba, he was certain that the country’s power challenges can be overcome. At the signing ceremony which took place at the venue of the meeting of Energy

mix, Bart Naji signed for the Aba Power Limited while a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Nigeria, Prince Tokunbo Kayode signed on behalf of EEDC. Fashola further praised the maturity of the two former ministers, saying that though courts may be the right place to resolve disputes, common sense will make more meaning to the people of Aba and to the traders in Ariaria, who would benefit immensely from the

resolution of the dispute. He also said that the development would also be a major boost for “Made in Nigeria “ goods for which the markets in the area had been famous, Fashola said that it also made common sense to realise that the electricity market was beginning to evolve with the private entrepreneurship phase being just two years and a few months old. He said: “A lot of things will happen like l explained that we may not even contemplate and one of them has happened today, it shows that within

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one DISCO there can be two players there and so for me even in spite of the energy crisis that we seem to be going through which is very temporary, we will turn this course, l see many more blessings and l see more opportunities round the corner and one of this is that investments worth over 500 million dollars into the region can feel safe.” According to Fashola, three out of the four Jebba turbines that went off on Wednesday have been put back into operation, adding that there is again stability in the system.

Troops kill 9 Boko Haram suspects, rescue 21 captives - Army Emmanuel Onani

he Nigerian Army yesterday, said that troops of 155 Task Force Battalion (21 Brigade), killed nine Boko Haram suspects and rescued 21 captives, during a clearance operation at Wulwuta village, near Jere in Bama Local Government, Borno State. The disclosure was made in a statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Colonel Sani Usman. He said the operation, which was carried out on March 31, led to the destruction of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) factory, as well as the clearance of the sect’s hideout in the territory. “The troops of 155 Task Force Battalion, 21 Brigade, Nigerian Army on Thursday March 31, 2016, during clearance operations discovered and destroyed Improvised Explosive Device (IED) factory and cleared Boko Haram terrorists hide

out in Wulwuta Village, ahead of Jere, Bama Local Government Area.”During the operation, the troops also killed nine Boko Haram terrorists while one of our soldiers was wounded in action. “The gallant unit also rescued 21 persons held captives by the terrorists, comprising 8 men, 4 women and nine children. They have been moved to the Brigade Headquarters for further care, screening and eventual handover to the appropriate agencies,” the Army said. It added that: “The troops recovered one laptop, one solar panel, a pair of Nigerian military desert and woodland camouflage uniform each, as well as bandolier vest and 6 ready IEDs pressure plates. Other recoveries include a loaded pistol with registration number D557954, three rounds of 7.65mm, 13 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunitions and combat boots, amongst others.”

(L-R) Minister for Labour, Senator Chris Ngige, Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, Minister for Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, and Dr. Samuel Ortom during the burial of the mother of the governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Dave Umahi in Uburu...at the weekend

Lagos hospitals witnessing Alpha Galleon mark World great improvement Tuberculosis Day A section of Brothers Across Nigeria known – Adebule

Wike: Why I suspended commissioner

ivers State governor, Nyesom Wike has explained that he suspended the Commissioner for Works, Kevin Nwachukwu because he neglected his duties, and failed to properly monitor projects. Speaking shortly after inspecting projects yesterday, the governor, noted that after visiting three project sites on Friday, he discovered that Nwachukwu did not deploy site engineers to monitor the execution of the contracts for the state government. He said that the absence of site engineers could leave the state at the mercy of contractors, who could deliver poor projects. He said: “This is the time

to deliver good governance to the people of Rivers State and I will not tolerate negligence of duty. “ The failure to deploy site engineers to these three project sites means that the government and people of the state can be shortchanged via poor quality delivery. The contracts have provision for site engineers and project vehicles. There was no reason why it was not enforced”. He said his government will construct a central abattoir in Port Harcourt to cater for the needs residents in the city and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas, noting that the abattoir will have modern slaughter facilities and open stalls for small vegetable and other traders.

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Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule has said that the services rendered in the state owned hospitals have improved significantly, even as she restated government’s commitment to ensuring adequate funding of the health sector. Adebule spoke at a dinner and award ceremony organised by the Lagos State University Alumni Association in honour of its medical team who successfully carried out the first kidney transplant, and presentation of recognition award to other distinguished members. According to her, in order to improve its service delivery to the people, Lagos will encourage medical personnel to do more research works and guarantee general health well being of the citizenry. Adebule while commending the medical team for the job well done, assured that the state government is fully committed to providing an enabling environment that would help them to function more effectively and make health institutions in the state rank among the best in the world. The Minister for Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, in his good will message, disclosed that about 80 per cent of the federal budget on health is committed to research works in the health tertiary institutions.

as Alpha Galleon a non-governmental organisation has joined the rest of the world to mark the world Tuberculosis Day. The Galleon held a one-day educational conference at the Impress Centre along Isheri-Igando Expressway, with a huge turn-out of students, health workers and youthful Nigerian professionals. The objective of the conference was to create an educational interactive session for public and private secondary school students in Alimosho Local Government Area. The keynote address at the workshop was delivered by a medical consultant with over 12 years’ experience in the treatment of HIV, Tuberculosis and other related diseases. Participants at the conference were educated on the causes of Tuberculosis, its prevention and the management of the disease. Some of the students who attended the event stated that they came out better equipped with knowledge about the disease and how to truncate it’s growth in the country. The sole administrator of the Galleon, Adeniran Adewale Daniel, declared the conference a success based on the number of students and other groups that participated. He said all the participants who were issued a certificate are now aware that Tuberculosis is a curable disease if well managed.

Tax investments, not churches, Cleric tells Buhari

The Supreme Head, Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Nigeria, His Most Eminence Prophet Dr. Solomon Adegboyega Alao, has cautioned President Muhammadu Buhari against imposing taxes on religious houses, but rather on the multimillion business being run by them. The cleric gave the advice in Ibadan yesterday at a press conference he jointly addressed with Prophet Gideon Adebare Owoseni, the founder/spiritual Head of the Solution Cherubim and Seraphim, at Mekun Village, Apata, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. While advising the president against the continued call for imposition of taxes on churches and mosques in the country, the C & S clergy said that “Churches and Mosques are spiritual arms of governments. We always pray for peace to reign supreme and for success of the governments. So imposition of taxes on us is uncalled for”. Alao however, reasoned that business concerns of many churches that run into millions and billions of naira ought to be taxed. His words, “We have some churches and mosques that have businesses running into several millions and billion of naira. I believe that governments can impose taxes on those businesses and not on the churches and mosques because they are profit-making ventures”. Alao used the occasion to pledge the mission’s support for president Buhari in his anti-corruption war, saying that “No stone should be left unturned at seeing that those who looted this country to the sorry state it is now must be made to account for their deeds.

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

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Egwu tasks S’East govs on economic devt

he Chairman, Senate Committee on Industry, Dr Sam Egwu, on Saturday urged South-East governors to show more commitment to the economic development of the zone. Egwu, a former governor of Ebonyi and onetime Minister of Education, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the ongoing 27th Enugu International Trade Fair in Enugu. He said that the governors and leaders should seize every opportunity to display to the world, the abundant mineral, agricultural, agro-allied and handicraft capacity of the region. He also urged the governors to learn to identify with economic programmes, summits and

workshops meant to diversify the economy of the zone. The senator assured that he would liaise with the Minister of Industry to see how the development of the venue of the fair would be incorporated in next year’s national budget. Mr Ugochukwu Chime, President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), who also spoke, appealed to the Federal Government to assist in developing the permanent site of the fair. ``The Federal Government has assisted in the development of trade fair grounds in Lagos, Kano and Kaduna and Enugu is yet to be attended to,’’ Chime said. The 2016 fair which began on March 25 would end on Monday.

Strike: Oyo advises labour against confrontation Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

abour leaders in Oyo State have been advised to embrace dialogue and consultation instead of issuing threats and ultimatum of strike, as stakeholders brainstorm on how to bail the state out of its financial predicament. The leader of the government representatives in the ongoing dialogue with labour, Mr. Ismael Olalekan Alli, who is a former Secretary to the State Government, gave the advice in a statement, on Saturday. Labour was led to the truce meeting by the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Waheed Olojede. He, however, said that the labour leaders used the opportunity of

a meeting with the government representatives to apologise to the Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Friday, having realized that they acted contrary to the letter and spirit of a subsisting agreement. The labour leaders had on Tuesday issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government within when they said the governor should meet with the workers representatives and fashion out modalities of defraying a fivemonth arrears of salaries owed workers. Alli said: “At the meeting (on Friday) the state government reaffirm its compliance with the subsisting agreement with labour whereby 90 per cent of allocation from the Federation Account is devoted to payment of salaries and wages of workers on monthly basis.”

Integrated Oil & Gas $116m refinery ready 2016 – GMD I ntegrated Oil and Gas Ltd. on Saturday said its $116 million modular refinery would come on stream before the end of 2016. Group Managing Director of the company, Mr Anthony Iheanacho, told newsmen in Lagos that the company had been given provisional licence to commence preliminary work for a 20,000-barrel capacity modular refinery. Iheanacho, who conducted the newsmen on tour of site of the proposed refinery at Tomaro Island Port, off Takwa Bay, Lagos, said that the preliminary approval was received from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). He said that work had commenced on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other necessary requirements to facilitate the final approval for the refinery.

He said that funds for the project would be sourced from local and foreign financial institutions Iheanacho explained that the refinery would produce Automated Gas Oil (AGO) otherwise known as diesel, kerosene, export quality aviation fuel and fuel oil. According to him, the refinery does not have the capacity to produce Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol. ``Tomaro Island with about 90 hectares is designed as one-stop shop which will comprise refinery, flour mill, ship repair yard, helipad site and resort centres. It will also create massive employment for our teeming youths. Crude would come to the refinery through vessels for refining,” he said. The GMD said that the company was still awaiting some documents to start

“In the face of such persistently widespread criticism, condemnation and demand, is it asking too much to express the hope that you will choose the correct way that is gaining momentum, to consider stepping down?” Kathrada asked in the letter, dated March 31. Mandela and Kathrada were among eight African National Congress (ANC) activists sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of trying to overthrow the apartheid government during the 1963-1964 Rivonia Trial. South Africa’s top court

it? I do not want anybody to be deceived or fooled by fake or funny stories,” he said. Iheanacho, however, appealed to Federal Government to support indigenous oil companies which are striving to grow the oil and gas sector, adding that government should also support local companies with funding. ``We are in absolute support of growing indigenous capacity in every facet of our oil and gas industry. This is because the local companies are paying their taxes, reinvesting their capital and creating enormous job opportunities for the larger community. He said that with such encouragement, Nigeria’s participation in the industry would rise significantly in line with government’s aspirations with the Nigerian Content Act.

A cross -section of people on rally for World Autism Day in Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSSAIN

Resign, anti-apartheid activist tells Zuma

n anti-apartheid activist jailed alongside Nelson Mandela called on Jacob Zuma to step down; adding pressure on South Africa’s president to quit after a court ruled he acted dishonestly over improper state spending at his private home. Echoing similar calls from opposition parties, Ahmed Kathrada said in a letter published on Saturday that Zuma’s resignation would give the country’s government the chance to recover from “a crisis of confidence”.

construction on the island, contrary to claims by one resident of the area, who petitioned that work had commenced at the site. ``We have not even started construction by the way; we are just going through the pre-application process.`I am ready to stand by the truth and what is right at all times. I am not the one to go and appropriate property to build a refinery. I am not going to put my hands in your pocket and force money out of it. I am not going to force you to tell me what you do not know about building refineries. Refineries are very important infrastructure in the country and it will enhance the image and prestige of the country. If I think that I can articulate a business plan, that I can talk to the bank and they will then lend me money to build the refinery, while will I not do

on Thursday held that Zuma had failed to uphold the constitution by ignoring instructions to pay back some of the $16 million in state funds spent on renovations at his sprawling residence at Nkandla. In a televised address to the nation on Friday evening, 73-year-old Zuma apologised and said he would pay back some of the money, as ordered, and that he never knowingly or deliberately set out to violate the constitution, reports Reuters. He made no reference to calls for him to resign,

led domestically by Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane and the Economic Freedom Fighters party led by Julius Malema. The opposition also launched impeachment proceedings against Zuma but these are unlikely to be successful because of the ANC’s strong majority in parliament. The ANC’s top leadership said it was united behind its leader, though the 86-yearold Kathrada’s intervention may carry weight within the party, which has governed the country since apartheid ended in 1994.

Al-Makura appoints sole administrators for 11 LGAs

overnor Umaru AlMakura of Nasarawa State has approved the appointment of Sole Administrators in 11 out of the 13 local government areas in the state. This is contained in a statement signed by Aliyu TijaniAhmed, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and made available to journalists on Saturday in Lafia. According to the statement, the appointment followed the expiration of the

tenure of office of the 11 local government chairmen on March 24, 2016. “By virtue of the expiration of their tenure on March 24, the eleven LGA chairmen stand dissolved hence the need to appoint sole administrators in order not to have a vacuum at the LGAs,” it stated. The statement said that the state government invoked the ``doctrine of necessity’’ to avoid vacuum at the LGAs pending the conduct of council elections in the state.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

NEWS Caleb Onwe ABUJA

frican Development Bank (AFDB) has canvassed for a holistic reform of Nigeria’s procurement system in order to achieve better value from the over $40billion it spends annually on procurement. The acting country director to Nigeria, Dr. Andoh Mensa, who dropped the hint in Abuja during the just concluded 2nd National Conference on Public Procurement (NACOOP), said that more reforms measures will further reduce waste and block loopholes responsible economic sabotage in the country. Mensa while commending the Bureau of Public

Nigeria spends over $40bn annually on procurement – AfDB Procurement (BPP) for saving N680 billion for the country through its anticorruption measures in the procurement process, said that AFDB too has initiated several reforms aimed at strengthening the bank to support the economic development of the region. The Acting Director General of BPP, Engr. Ahmed Addu, while addressing participants during the conference, with the theme: ‘Sustaining the Anti-corruption Campaign through Best Procurement Practices’ said that the agency is poised to

upholding global best practices in procurement systems, to reduce waste and economic sabotage, while ensuring that all parties get value for their monies. He praised the commitment of staff and entire management for saving for Nigeria such colossal amount of money. He added that about 25 states in Nigeria had already begun the reform of procurement system in their various states by setting up procurement agencies; he, however, did not mention how much the agency had

saved by contracts review between 2014 and 2016. He told journalists that the agency will release the amount as soon as it is through with the compilation. BPP boss acknowledged the technical supports of the World Bank, African Development Bank and other foreign partners which he said has aided his agencies’ efficiency in sanitizing all procurement processes, elimination of over invoicing and entrenchment of adequate values for public monies in government contracts

L-R: Representative of Lagos State Governor and Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, presenting an award plaque to first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, during the re-birth of the Lagos Weekend Television (LWT), at Agindingbi, Ikeja, Lagos at the… weekend

UN Envoy for Refugees condemns Agatu killings Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

he Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Mrs. Angele Dikongue Atangana Friday condemned the wanton killing and destruction in Agatu local government area of Benue State describing it as an act of genocide. Mrs. Atangana, who was on an assessment tour of the communities ravaged by suspected Fulani insurgents where hordes of farmers have been massacred and thousands displaced, described the damage as unimaginable, and observed that the repair is beyond the people of the area. The UN Representative, who was led on the tour by the House of Representative Committee on Internally Displaced Persons, Refugees and North East Development Initiative Deputy

Chairman, Chief Ezekiel Adaji, stated that the plight of Agatu people deserves both national and international attention. According to her, the damage caused by the herders could be linked to what is happening in the North East, and assured that her commission would come to the aid of the IDP’s in the area of rehabilitation. Addressing the IDP’s at the Ugbokpo camp, Mrs. Atangana disclosed that the commission has donated nonfood items worth over N20

million to the IDP’s, stating that the items were already with the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA in Makurdi. In his remarks, Chief Adaji, who represents Otukpo/ Ohimini in the House of Representatives, called on both the state and Federal Governments to evolve positive steps towards the rehabilitation of Agatu land. The lawmaker decried the extent of devastation done to the area by the herders, and appealed individuals and spirited organisations

to come to the aid of the victims. A statement by the Secretary Publicity sub-committee of the Idoma Communal Crises Management Committee (ICCMC), Mr. Adoka Adaji, quoted Chief Adaji as commending the UN Commission’s representative for taking the pain to visit the ravaged communities, while the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Dr. Michael Apochi, advocated for peace, saying that what transpired in Agatu was not a religious crisis.

...roadmap to end clashes underway –Ortom

enue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, yesterday disclosed that he and his colleagues across the country would meet to prepare a roadmap to end the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria. He made the disclosure at the Benue Peoples House when the Rights Monitoring Group from the World Bank visited him. The group was

in the state on an assessment of environmental challenges. The governor lamented that the clashes had assumed more deadly dimensions as the entire state was at the moment under siege from the influx of foreign herdsmen whose mission was to destroy everything, chase away the people and occupy the land. According to him, if soldiers had not been de-

ployed to Agatu and other affected communities; the herdsmen would have overran them and occupied their land. He said states from all the regions of the country were passing through similar experiences hence the imperative for governors to meet and fashion a roadmap, with the support of President Muhammadu Buhari, to end the crises.

award and implementation. To further strengthen the anti-corruption measures of the agency, the DG said the Federal Government has established two training centres, one at the Federal

University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and the other at the Civil Service Training Institute, Badagry; for advanced studies on procurement system and processes.

FG to reduce food importation Anule Emmanuel ABUJA

he Federal Government has concluded plans to cut down heavily on food importation. President Muhammadu Buhari stated this Saturday during a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mr. Lars Rasmussen in Washington DC. The President said food importation was costing government huge sums that could be deployed to development of critical infrastructure in other sectors of the economy. Buhari noted that his administration is determined to significantly reduce the very high bill for importation of food products to Nigeria. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the rapid diversification of Nigeria’s economy. “We developed a monoproduct economy and lost opportunities to diversify in the past. We have great potentials for agriculture and solid minerals. We are now determined to exploit them to the fullest.” “Addressing the past neglect of these two sectors will help to reduce unem-

ployment and make us a more productive country, the President said. “We will welcome more investment in our agriculture and solid minerals sectors from countries with expertise in the two sectors. We abandoned them for petroleum. Now, we have to go back. “Our bill for the importation of food and dairy products is very high. We want to cut it as much as possible by developing our local potentials,” Buhari told Rasmussen. President Buhari assured the Danish Prime Minister that the Federal Government will continue to work in partnership with other countries to further improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. He said that his administration was determined to stop the huge loss of revenue from crude oil theft and has received assurances of international support to curb illegal shipments of Nigeria’s crude oil. Remarking that his country is a major shipping nation, Rasmussen thanked Buhari for Nigeria’s current efforts to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Five docked for kidnapping in Anambra Okegwo Kenechukwu ONITSHA

t least five persons have been arraigned before Magistrate Chukwuma Ibemesim of Nteje Magistrate Court in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State over an alleged kidnap of the younger brother of a popular religious leader and priest in charge of the popular Uke Adoration Ministry in the state, Rev Bartholomew Obinma popularly called Ebube Muo Nso. The Anambra State Police Command which arraigned them said the five accused persons are from Uruebo Village in Nkwelle Ezunaka Community of the State. In a 14-count charge against them the prosecution counsel said they, among other charges conspired and actu-

ally kidnapped their victims armed with guns and other offensive weapons. The prosecution counsel also alleged that they collected N160,000 ransom from Obinma to release him, N3,700 from Godwin Okoye, N66,000 from Izunna Edogwugu, N56,000 from Francis Onwuzurike. Earlier the counsel to the defendants, Sylvester Ezeokenwa who appeared with Humphrey Udechukwu asked the court not to allow the prosecution to arraign the defendants since Justice D.O.C Amechina of Otuocha High Court had made an interim injunction on March 18, 2016, restraining the police from arresting the defendants, but the police flouted the order and went ahead to arrest and arraign them rather on trump-up charges of kidnapping.

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

COLUMNS

Budget 2016: President justified for delaying assent Villa Notes emmyanule@yahoo.com

Anule Emmanuel

t worries one to imagine why Nigerian elites continue to treat public issues with lackluster attitude. In fact, this is responsible for why the country has not been able to radically develop and transform into a strong economy. Government business is often seen in Nigeria as government business and as such, treated without any iota of seriousness. Majority of Nigerians see government as nobody’s business and therefore handle everything about it with levity. For those who occupy public offices, it is rather an opportunity to illegitimately amass wealth and in the process bastardize government institutions, processes, procedures and circumvent modules operandi. Sadly, the attitude and orientation of public office holders have today conspired to produce a system that is completely warped with corruption and inefficiency. Poor attitude to work and public service has therefore become a systemic virus in Nigeria.

This is the challenge which the present All Progressives Congress (APC) led administration obviously faces and must attempt to address if it would achieve any success in its change mantra. Even in the parliament, over the years, without prejudice to the inactive laws and bills enacted since 1999, majority of lawmakers have yet come to terms with the very essence of their election into the two chambers of the National Assembly. With what is currently happening between the parliament and presidency over the 2016 Appropriation Bill, it is clear that for most of the lawmakers, public office is still about self-aggrandizement and pursuance of selfish interest. The lawmakers definitely understand the importance of a budget as a critical tool for economic planning. But, how can one explain the scenario where an all important document like the budget could suddenly become an instrument of intra and inter party politics. It is quite painful that the blame game

From the

Green Chamber ternyam@gmail.com

Philip Nyam

he House of Representatives recently did something historic when it hosted the 29-year-old graduate of philosophy from University of Lagos, Mr. Ayodele Dada who polled a five point zero cumulative grade point average to set a record at the 54 year old institution. At a special session to honour the award winning graduate, the lawmakers urged students and other youth to take a cue from Dada’s attainment. It was indeed a standing ovation for the young man who defied the challenges of the country’s education sector to excel. In a society where youths are more into societal vices, the legislators say Dada’s achievement must be celebrated. The resolution to honour Dada was at the instance of a motion sponsored by the House Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. At the special session, the House suspended its rules to admit Dada into the

chamber and paid tributes to his commitment to excel. He was ushered into the House chambers by the chief whip, Hon. Garba Ado Doguwa. Speaker Yakubu Dogara admonished the UNILAG’s record breaking graduate to be wary of money, women and alcohol. “We don’t have money to give you, but what we are going to do is not only intended to inspire you, but to encourage other students. Now as a role model, you must be very careful with money, women and alcohol. If you allow them get into you, all these things we are saying today would end up as nothing.” he said. House Leader, Gbajabiamila in his accolades to the super star promised to assist the young man to achieve his dreams and ambition as a way of encouraging other students. The recognition and respect accorded Dada is indeed a morale booster to upcoming young men

between the two arms of government stems from the interplay between APC and lawmakers elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Many Nigerians are already suspecting some kind of sabotage. The presidency apparently in an attempt to save its face from public criticism last Tuesday disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari will be unable to sign the 2016 budget into law due to lapses on the part of the National Assembly. The lawmakers had failed to transmit details of the document to the President after both chambers passed the bill penultimate week but conveyed a message to Nigerians to imply that they had completed their job as far as the budget process was concerned.

It could be understood that because the budget has so much been delayed, slowing down economic activities and creating hardship for citizens, none of the two arms of government wants to be seen as being responsible for this hiccup. But the problem started early enough in the budget process. First was the news that a presidential aide had smuggled into the National Assembly a different version of the budget from the one that was presented by the President in December last year. At some point, the Senate leadership came open to accuse the presidency of being responsible for the perceived disappearance of the document. Then came the uncovered issue of budget padding, what

the presidency on its part described as systematic corrupt practices by top government officials who injected certain figures into the budget raising the overall sum to something far different from what was presented by the President to a joint session of the National Assembly. In the past, what Nigerians knew of budget padding was a system where government officials including cabinet ministers connived with members of the National Assembly to inject certain figures into the budget and later pulled out these funds during the implementation process. Investigations have revealed that with the anti corruption search light beamed by the President in all direction, this kind of unwholesome practice appears difficult and has therefore dampened the morale of most lawmakers who are used to the old practice. As far as the presidency is concerned, who knows if they have moved funds to sectors and projects rather of interest to them than of interest to the vision and focus of the present administration? If not, why is the President expected to append his signature on a budget he has yet to have full knowledge about its details.

Some lawmakers unfortunately are citing instances from what obtained during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo who signed the budget without the details. But this is a different government with a different style. Maybe, that was why they could succeed with some of the sharp practices being talked about today. I therefore agree with the President’s insistence that he would have to review the document critically to be sure that it is not far different from what he presented in December 2015. Interestingly, the leadership of the House of Representatives has told Nigerians that it would be forwarding details of the budget to the President in two weeks time. What this means is that Nigerians will have to wait for at least another three weeks to begin to witness any take off of economic activities in the system. Everyone is anxious, not only the President and his team. This is why the parliament and the presidency must shield their sword even though, they have both denied any friction and work towards a common dream of achieving speedy development of infrastructure and improve the lives of Nigerians. This blame game has to stop for now Mr. President.

When Reps honoured best graduating student and women. Dada’s hard road to success comes at a time most parents are paying huge sums of money to either teachers or supervisors to have their children or wards pass examinations. Today, there are ‘’Miracle Centres” where candidates do not fail examinations but often come out with flying colours without necessarily burning the midnight candle. The House honoured Dada in an age where very many first class honours graduates cannot defend their certificates. Some do not know how to write ordinary job application. But this is not the first time the House of Representatives would be honouring a deserving Nigerian. The victorious Under-17 Golden Eaglets, who conquered the world in 2013, were equally honoured by the House under the leadership of Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. Similarly, in 2014, the Super Eagles led by Coach Stephen Keshi, who won the African Cup of Nations in South Africa was honoured on the floor of the Green Chamber. As commend-

able as what the House did is, much still needed to be done by the lawmakers both individually and collectively. The House should consider creating a committee on ethical revolution, honours and merit that will be saddled with the responsibility of ‘oversighting’ civic education, promoting good morals and identifying and recognising excellence and hard work in the society. Such a committee would help in encouraging many would-be perverts in the society to turn a new leaf because almost every Nigerian would cherish being accorded national parliamentary recognition. Perhaps, at the end of every legislative year, the committee should organize a merit award for deserving Nigerians. There a couple of young Nigerian entrepreneurs making waves in different spheres of the economy both locally and globally. Some Nigerians have excelled in science and technology; others are in sports; some in arts, politics and indeed academic but have

gone unnoticed. There are local farmers and artisans who have done some incredible things but cannot be recognized by the National Honours Award committee. But as legislators, members of the House are closer to their constituents and it will be easier for them to identify Nigerians who are making waves in different aspects of life. In addition, there are individuals or groups that deserve to be honoured but cannot be accorded same by the Executive bodies for partisanship reasons. However, as representatives of the people, the House would be better disposed to giving due recognition to our nest of the best. Won’t it be wonderful seeing members of the Civilian JTF, assisting the military in fighting Boko Haram in the North East be honoured by the National Assembly? What about traditional rulers in the rural areas who have champion the cause of peace in their domains? There are some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and individuals do-

ing excellently in the areas of health, human rights and education that are not being recognised. Of course, there is a National Merit Award run by the Executive but this should not be a hindrance to the House, a component of the Legislature, which is a different arm of government to initiate such an idea. I know the House has a committee on ethics and privileges, but it is only concerned with the rights and discipline of its members. I wish Ayodele Dada, the best graduating student of all times at UniLag the best of life and hope that he will not be carried away by the publicity and glamour that accompanied his excellent attainment. It is also my prayer that many of our youth will emulate Dada and start seeing hard work as the genuine road to success and eschew crime and dubious machinations. For the House of Representatives, I hope Hon. Dogara and his colleagues would give deep thought to this candid advice.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

OPINION Buhari and the Easter Day Rising (Part 1) Femi Fani-Kayode

“T

he power of a bold idea uttered publicly in defiance of dominant opinion cannot be easily measured. Those special people who speak out in such a way as to shake up not only the self-assurance of their enemies, but the complacency of their friends, are precious catalysts for change”― Howard Zinn. This is one of the most profound assertions that I have ever heard. We must all learn from it regardless of the challenges that we may be facing in our country today. In a special message to the Congress on the Internal Security of the United States on August 8, 1950, President Harry S. Truman said: “Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear.” Permit me to begin this essay with an aside. I do not intend to incite anyone against the government or the Nigerian state by making this contribution and neither do I believe in an armed struggle. If there was ever an elephant in the Nigerian room then it is Biafra. Given that let us explore it together in this two-part discourse and let us bare our minds. The Buhari administration cannot tolerate or brook any form of dissent and neither are they comfortable with criticism or free speech. They are desperately trying to establish a culture of silence in our country. They are particularly uncomfortable with the subject matter of this essay. Their double standards are made all the more manifest by the fact that they have acknowledged and recognized the right of self-determination for the people of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in their quest for independence from the Kingdom of Morocco whilst at the same time they have denied those that believe in the establishment of Biafra and the exercise of that very same right of selfdetermination here in Nigeria. As if that were not bad enough they went even further by describing Biafra as a matter that is “dead and buried” which must not be discussed under ANY circumstances. The Buhari administration appears to have forgotten the fact that charity begins at home. You cannot give those from outside your shores what you are not prepared to offer your own people. If the quest for independence is good enough for the people of the Sahrawi Arab Republic then surely it is good enough for the people of Biafra or any other ethnic nationality in Nigeria if that is what they really want. The suggestion that we should not even mention let alone discuss the idea of Biafra is simply absurd. Those that subscribe to that view often argue that three million people were killed in order to ensure that Nigeria was kept together and consequently there can be no going back. This is a specious, self-serving and intellectually lazy argument. And this is especially so given the fact that those that have put it overlook the fact that the root causes of the civil war appear to be back with us today. If you don’t cure the ailment and get rid of its root cause then you cannot complain

about the consequences of its continued existence or its symptoms. If you don’t clean up the mess you cannot complain about its stench. Air freshener alone cannot do it: forgive my crudity but if you don’t flush the toilet after using it a terrible smell is bound to linger. The matter is simple and clear: as long as the Igbo people of eastern Nigeria feel marginalized, persecuted, cheated, vilified and wronged the spirit of Biafra will continue to flourish. As long as Igbos are targeted and slaughtered like flies at the drop of the hat in the northern part of our country, or indeed in any other part, Biafra will continue to thrive and burn in the hearts of every Igbo man, woman and child. Whether we like it or not that is a reality and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Quite apart from that I deeply resent the fact that our government has got the nerve and has cultivated the temerity to venture to tell us what we should and what we should not mention or discuss. Surely even the madness of tyranny has its limits. Those that are at the helm of affairs in our country today may have the power to kill, torture, detain indefinitely or jail those that do not share their views but they do not have the power to kill an idea. And an idea whose time has come cannot be wished away or stopped by any force from hell or on earth. In this essay we shall defy the government, ignore the critics, shed the fear and share some inconvenient truths. One hundred years ago, on what is known as the Easter Rising Day, the Republic of Ireland began their struggle for independence from Great Britain when a handful of brave men went to the centre of Dublin, raised the new Irish flag and openly declared the establishment of the Irish Republic. The rebellion was crushed but it signalled the beginning of a prolonged armed struggle. During the course of that struggle approximately thousands of Irish men,

women and children were killed by the British occupation forces over the years but eventually the Republic of Ireland won their freedom and became an independent sovereign state. A few days ago on Easter day the Irish Government and people celebrated the 100th anniversary of Easter Rising Day with great pride, joy, pomp and style. The celebrations were attended by delegations from the Basque separatist movement and officials of the Catalan regional government of Spain. Both of these courageous political movements have been attempting to exercise their right of self-determination, break off from Spain and establish their own independent nations for many years and as each year passes they are getting closer to achieving their objective. Those that believe in the right of selfdetermination of the ethnic nationalities in Nigeria and particularly those that are fighting for the creation of the Sovereign State of Biafra have so much to learn from the history and struggles of the people of Ireland. The Irish suffered immeasurably under British occupation for hundreds of years and literally millions of them were enslaved and killed over that period of time. Yet in the end they managed to break the yoke and secure their liberation and triumph over the cruel subjugation and tyranny of British rule. It is my belief that by God’s grace those that are being oppressed, butchered and murdered by the Nigerian state today in an attempt to forcefully keep our country one and those that wish to break off to form their own country on the basis of the principle of self-determination shall also eventually prevail. This is particularly so for the Igbo people of the south-eastern region of our country who have suffered more than any other ethnic group in Nigeria. Permit me to remind those that doubt this assertion that it was the Igbo that were slaughtered in their hundreds of thousands in the core

It was President Olusegun Obasanjo that began the effective post-war rehabilitation of the Igbo in the public sector when he started to appoint them into sensitive and strategic positions within his government and within the security agencies and Armed Forces

north during the pogroms of 1966. Igbo men, women and children were butchered on sight all over the north simply because they were Igbo and for no other reason. Even pregnant women were not spared. This led directly to our civil war in which no less than three million Igbos were killed including one million Igbo children who were starved to death. After the war they were deprived of all their properties outside Igbo land except for in Lagos and the south west where they were treated with some level of decency and allowed to have their properties back. Everywhere else in the country they could not reclaim the properties that they owned before the war and such properties were declared “abandoned property”, confiscated by the various regional and state governments and handed over to the local indigenous people. As if that were not bad enough after the civil war every Igbo man and woman, no matter how much they had in the bank before the war, was given only twenty pounds from their respective banks to begin a new life. Millions of pounds and many fortunes were lost in this way and the truth is that the Igbo suffered immeasurably as a consequence of this unjust policy. It is a testimony to their resilience and nothing else that they were able to get back on their feet and within a period of ten years after the civil war an Igbo man was elected Vice President of our country. They also thrived in the private sector due to their diligence and hard work. Yet in spite of that the systemic persecution and marginalization of the Igbo people did not stop within the Federal Government, the public sector, the civil service, the security and intelligence agencies and the Armed Forces. They were prevented from reaching the top in virtually all these sectors right up until President Olusegun Obasanjo was elected in 1999. It was President Olusegun Obasanjo that began the effective post-war rehabilitation of the Igbo in the public sector when he started to appoint them into sensitive and strategic positions within his government and within the security agencies and Armed Forces. Then came the Ojo Maduekwes, the Andy Ubas, the Ngozie Okonjo-Iwealas, the Charles Soludos, the Emeka Chikelus, the Frank Nwekes, the George Obiozors and so many other bright and promising stars from the east who all wielded far more influence and power than their political offices had to offer in President Obasanjo’s government and who were all his protégées and appointees. Without Obasanjo’s premeditated and conscious policy of wanting to rehabilitate the Igbo and bring them back into the main stream none of these people would have achieved the great success that they have achieved today and none would have been brought into the national limelight. Yet despite Obasanjo’s efforts the truth is that, between 1970 when the war ended right up until today, whenever there are attacks against people in the northern part of Nigeria the Igbo are singled out for more slaughter, more ethnic cleansing and more mass murder than anyone else. (TO BE CONTINUED). Femi Fani-Kayode, is a former Minister of Aviation

Sunday Mail

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

thesundayletters@gmail. com and sundayletters@ newtelegraphonline.com

MAIL BAG

* Letters to the Editor

The Sunday Telegraph

The legislature should reposition Nigeria Dear Editor, Nigeria may as well be having her best legislature long time ago. I believe the happiest news since the inception of a new government in Nigeria (May 29, 2015) is this: “The Nigerian Senate has asked the Ministry of Works, Power and Housing, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, and electricity distribution companies to immediately suspend the new electricity tariffs that have seen charges raised by over 40 per cent.” The motion to that effect was moved by the ruling All Progressives Congress, while the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party supported, saying the tariff raise was “ultra-wicked and unconscionable.” We have never had a better balanced, harmonious, and responsive legislative house, except in defending selfish bills or the bill against homosexuals, because Nigeria’s Christians and Moslems knew everything about God and His creation. The tariff raise is a clear indication that President Muhammadu Buhari must not be naively trusted as having concern for the poor at the bottom of his heart. The budget crisis is another indication that he must be monitored seriously. Although he has reduced petrol price to N86.50 from N87 per litre, kerosene, which is used by poor people is sold for N105 per litre. Buhari inherited a terrible economic situation, but he still considers it a priority to sell dollars cheaply to pilgrimagemakers. However, the legislature is not totally innocent, because if Nigerians accepted the electricity tariff increase without complaint, the legislature would have kept mute. It only reacted to save government’s face. Nevertheless, I commend the legislature and ask that it should be more proactive. PIUS ABIOJE, UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN

Donald Trump not a slave to ideology Dear Editor, This is probably the first time in American history that a front-runner for presidency in a major political party is not subscribing to core tents of

Under bridge Obalende, Lagos, gradually turning to sleeping arena

his party. For where many and others have failed, Donald Trump, a man who needs no introduction, has triumphed. Trump have demonstrated with his winning streak in the Republican Party primaries that being a politician can now become a deterrent, if not an obstacle to securing and winning presidential candidacy in the Republican Party. He made being an outsider and unconventional methodology of politicking – attractive and acceptable, especially amongst the base of his party. Many might be saying that condition and situation made him, because the people are tired of politicians and they want something new and different. They may also say that he is exploiting the situation to his own greatest benefit. But the truth is that Donald Trump has been able to open the voters’ eyes and point to them to the supposedly right direction with him as the benefactor. It will be premature to say whether America is ready for a president who is a dealmaker but from what we have seen so far, there is no doubt that Trump is bulldozing his way into the hearts of a sizeable number of Americans. Only time will tell. EMEKA CHIAKWELU

Herdsmen and the rest of us Dear Editor, I must begin by condemning the slaughtering of Benue people by Fulani

herdsmen. However, the herdsmen are now killing the Idomas in the state more than the Tivs and the same herdsmen have invaded some states in Igbo speaking areas of the country and sexually harassed their women. Their activities are being reported in many of the national dailies. It is now obvious that the reason for killing people anywhere the herdsmen go is beyond just seeking grazing areas for their cows. There is a need for a collective effort to fight against the ungodly mission of the herdsmen. AWUNAH TERWASE, MPAPE, ABUJA

Call Bayelsa council chairmen to order Dear Editor, This is certainly not the best of times for employees of the local government councils in Bayelsa State, as the prolonged non-payment of salaries take a huge toll on them and their dependants. Across the eight councils in the state, workers are owed salaries ranging from five to 10 months, a development that has reduced them to the status of beggars. Although it is obvious that the current salary crisis in the local government councils is not unconnected with the economic meltdown biting hard on all tiers of government, the local government chairmen in Bayelsa State have not helped matters with their disposition towards the welfare of the workers.

One seriously considers the protracted non-payment of the local government employees in Bayelsa State for upward of five months in bad taste, and an open indictment of the managers of the councils. Since the local government councils have not stopped drawing their statutory allocations from the Federation Account, the managers can’t be excused from the mess that has engulfed the councils. Whereas the local government council chairmen can conveniently use two months’ federal allocations to offset their wage bills for a month, they have decided to play “god” over the councils, using one flimsy excuse or another to justify the suffering of the workers. It is high time the Bayelsa State government took drastic steps to call the delinquent council chairmen to order and restore some sanity to local government administration. One finds it hard to believe that it was this same set of council chairmen that were indicted last year by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly for non-payment of staff salaries running into two or three months. It is really appalling that they were not given any formal sanction for their unbecoming conduct in public office at the end of the House’s public hearing. However, rather than turn a new leaf and do the needful as public stewards, the local government chairmen in Bayelsa State have devised more strategies to make themselves public enemies. DOGO NASARA, ONOPA, YENAGOA.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Wike’s call for anarchy is condemnable Dear Editor, The Committee for the Protection of Peoples’ Mandate (CPPM) condemns in strong and unmistakable terms, a recent statement credited to Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State asking “all political appointees and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state to resist any form of arrest by security agents on trumped-up charges.” We regard this statement which emanated from the office of an executive governor of a state who swore on oath to abide by the Constitution as barbaric, crude, irresponsible, provocative, inciting, reckless, an invitation to anarchy and unbecoming of the occupant of the exalted seat of governor of a state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This call for violence by Mr. Nyesom Wike should be seen as an act of desperation and intimidation against the security agencies, which are constitutionally empowered to ensure public safety and order. Mr. Nyesom Wike by this barbaric statement of call for anarchy has shown that civility and respect for the constitution, which is one of the tenets of democracy, is immaterial and irrelevant. This is unacceptable. NELSON EKUJUMI, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

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Vision of the Sun Dear Editor,

The desire by our people to do monumental things is beginning to the visible in our society. Soaring stars of creative energy are piercing dark clouds to manifest crystal vision. The West seems to have undue share of this ability. Majestic structures like the Statue of Liberty in New York City, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Big Ben in London have dominated modern history as most favourite tourist attractions. Our culture with its propensity to create magical works of art has not crossed the boundary of this immensity. Apart, dearth of futuristic symbolisms affects the self-image of our people. We view pictures from abroad and marvel at the social design. We develop a negative impression. The glitz and glamour of life in the West often breed a sense of inferiority complex. The tendency is for us to position anything from overseas as the best. Consequently, we neglect our traditional way of life as it is not associated with modernism. By default, those of us who are brainwashed by Western education toe this path of self-denigration. Flood of poverty and corruption creates dangerous potholes along the highway in our pursuit of excellence. It erodes our sense of decency. More so, intellectual barrenness stops folks from demanding quality at all cost, making most of our endeavours shallow. As a result, poor architectural designs insult the vision of our landscape. Beauty should not suffer at the scarcity of resources. Our ancestors built castles with mud and straw. The myth about our resourcefulness has exhausted its usefulness. We should march with clear vision to attain our place in the sun. Our ambition should be greater than our imagination. We should push the limits till the walls fall like soldiers battling to conquer a new frontier. God that endowed us with mightiness prepared us for greatness. PIUS OKANEME, UMUOJI, ANAMBRA STATE 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

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

Execut ve Having lived in the South East for so long, what can you say about the gas to power projects in the South-East and South-South? We need them and I believe that the governments are fully aware that before any progress is made, in the area of industrialisation, power must be in place. I don’t have the details of what the previous governments did with the power sector, but to a very large extent, as a layman, all I know is when I see the light, then, I know there is light. The common man wants to see the light and that’s all. Certain basic things need to be done for us to move this country forward, talking about industrialisation; and the number one of them, is power. So, this government had said a couple of things about power and I want to believe that they will do their best to see that these things are put in place to move the country forward if we must move away from epileptic power supply. This is just what I think. There won’t be the need to start apportioning blame on anybody. What should be done is to put things in order, in the right perspective and then move the country forward in all aspects. How do you see the current state of the economy? You see, so many people today are looking forward to this government. A lot has happened in the past, some good and some bad but now we are looking forward to tomorrow. So, the government, for me, has a lot to do, especially in trying to create a very conducive and enabling environment so that businesses will thrive in the country. When the enabling environment is not there, we will continue to have problems; and for that environment to be there, government must demonstrate commitment in all sectors from health to other places. We will be looking forward to that conducive environment and then we take it up from there. This administration will bring about good fortunes for the country based on the charisma of the President. So, we will have a robust economy, there is no doubt about that. Which areas of the economy would want the government to pay more attention to? Power issue should be tackled. Of course, corruption must be addressed. It’s very regrettable that corruption has been institutionalised in Nigeria, where nothing goes on without something passing under the table. Even, the situation where files disappear in the ministries is as a result of corruption. So, we need to address these things otherwise, it will continue to haunt us. For us to achieve what we need to achieve and move the country on to where others are, we have to

Our environment is too hostile – Dr. Perry Iloegbunam The world stands at the threshold of exciting regeneration medicine where transplants of stem cells restores functions to injured and diseased tissues and organs. In this interview with CHIJIOKE IREMEKA, the President, National Committee on the Research and Application of Stem Cell Transplantation Technology in Nigeria (NACRASTIN) of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr. Perry Iloegbunam, speaks on his early life struggles tackle it with full force. Each time you talk about Nigeria in the international community they are afraid that if they invest in the country, things will disappear along the line. Again, agriculture should be addressed because you can’t achieve anything without food. It’s only the person that is well fed that can think of achieving anything. If the incoming administration will address these three areas squarely, they would have won the hearts of Nigerians. Would you like to share brief history of your family background? I’m from Achi in Orji River, Enugu State. I was born into the Christian family of Mr. Nicolas and Mrs. Agnes Iloegbunam. My both parents are from Enugu State. I had a wonderful upbringing. My parents instilled in me great virtues that have helped me today in my life. I had a good time growing up though, not in affluence. Where did you start your educational journey? I attended St. Mary’s Primary School, Achi in Enugu State. For my secondary school, I finished at Izza Mgbo. After which I went to Cross Rivers State. I did my online Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in management. I attended the University of Calabar, where I studied medicine. I had my honorary doctorate at Columbus University, aside others courses. Presently, I am doing my online Master’s in Public Health. How did get to where you are now currently? One thing is basic and that is, the way to the top is not an easy journey one bit because it’s a journey full of hurdles. So, it takes somebody with a lion heart to find his way to that top, especially in this our environment. Our environment is too hostile to development or progress. We are not

structured to achieve any good venture that is coming from the growing ones. The young ones that are coming up find it very difficult to establish and the environment is not supportive. In many years, it will be two per cent that will be up there. It’s not an easy thing for growth. I’m not there yet but I know that the journey to the place is a difficult one. So, I have tried my best in Nigeria to make contributions but it has been a very difficult one. I have ventured into things that will be good for the country but unfortunately, I could not actualise them because there is nowhere to run to. I brought stem cell therapy to Nigeria and today, it’s gradually entering into our system. I’m into stem cell technology, which I started in 2001. It got to a level where the Federal Government became interested and contacted us. It has not been easy but we will continue to push on to

ensure that Nigeria benefits from other people, particularly on stem cell therapy. If we had established it the way we wanted, Nigerians will not have any need to travel out for any health challenge. No Nigerian will have to make such trip because what we have in the country will be far better than what anybody is doing today in another country. So, how do you unwind? There is no time for relaxation. I have a lot of work doing. I have a very big project in my hand that I’m working hard to meet up. Do you find time to spend with your family? Of course, the little time I have, I spend with my family. You are married with how many children? I have six children. My late wife had four for me before I lost her to cancer, while my second wife has two children. What are your hobbies? I like working and table tennis. Your favourite meal is work? I like wheat with bitter leaf soup. What brand of perfume do you wear? My wife does that for me. I am not crazy about anything. Do you do jewellery? No. I am not jewellery person. I don’t have time for such things. What type of drinks do you take? I’m not a drinking man but if I must drink beer, I will take Origin. If I must drink any spirit, it has to be brandy.

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

NEWS

FG plans to release Kanu to British government – IPOB Okegwo Kenecukwu ONITSHA

he Indigenous People of Biafra has said that the Federal Governments wants to divert the attention of the United Nations from the ongoing trial of their leader and the Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu with pretence to release him to the British government.

IPOB spokesmen Mr. Emma Nmeze and Dr. Clifford Chukwuemeka Iroanya in a press statement said the plot was to avoid the impending humiliation in the ongoing court trial of bogus allegation of treasonable felony leveled against its leader. According to the statement, the latest in their deception and diatribe is that President Muham-

Any Oba who can’t trace his roots is fake, says Deji Babatope Okeowo AKURE

he Deji of Akure Oba Aladelusi Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, has described any Yoruba monarch who does not trace his origin to Ile-Ife, in Osun State as unfit for throne in any part of Yorubaland. Oba Aladelusi, who hosted Ooni of Ife, Oba Eniitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi in his palace at the weekend, identified only those who can trace their origin to IleIfe as the bonafide descendants of Oduduwa saying any of the monarchs that cannot trace their origin to Ile-Ife is not from Yorubaland. The monarch described the visit of Ooni of Ife to some paramount Yoruba monarchs to preach unity and love as a welcome development that can bring Yoruba race together. Oba Aladelusi lauded the new Ooni for his exhortation of God at all times, his dedication to uplifting the youths and his unity train he moves around the country especially among Yoruba Obas. He, therefore, assured his visitor, who he described as his father and that of the entire Oodua nation, of his Kingdom’s total cooperation as they all originated from

Ile-Ife hundreds of years ago. Oba Ogunwusi in his response said he was delighted at the way he was honoured by the king and people of the Ondo State capital city. The Ooni said his visit to Deji Akure was to preach peace and unity among the Yoruba nation because unity and peace are essential for progress. The monarch said the only way to progress in life is to be in unity and in love and he will continue to do this to bring all Obas in Yorubaland together as one family “We must stop backbiting; this can’t help us. We are leaders in our respective communities and we should come together as one. Without this, we can’t achieve anything, there can’t be progress. We are blaming our past leaders for the past mistakes, if we don’t correct them now, we will have ourselves to blame in future and those who are coming after us may not forgive us. This is the time to come together and work in Unity and that’s what I stand for,” he said. Ooni was received by the sons and daughters of Akure Kingdom including the elder statesmen and leaders of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Chief Olu Falae.

madu Buhari and his media aides‘“grotesque interpretation“of an alleged letter written by IPOB lawyers to the British government concerning their citizen, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The IPOB through its lawyer had on March 24, 2016 allegedly written a letter to the British Government via its High Commissioner in Nigeria. According to the statement, the central theme of that letter was to bring

the attention of the British government to the acts going on in the court which include the disobedience of court orders by Federal Government and its agents, the lack of confidence in both the Nigerian judicial system and the trial Judge (Hon Justice John Tsoho), and alleged executive interference evidenced by the President’s prejudiced utterances . The statement also add that “because of the educa-

overnor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State has unveiled the rebirth of Lagos Weekend Television (LWT) with a charge to the management of the television station to tap into the technological advancement in the media industry in order to serve the public better. Speaking while unveiling the new LWT logo at the Combo Hall, LTV ground, the governor said his government would ensure that Lagosians were consistently

informed on the affairs of the state and happenings across the world through the station. Agidingbi also charged the operators to ride on the crest of technological development to enhance socioeconomic development and empowerment of the people Governor Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, urged the management staff of the media house to air programmes that would engage the public and enhance economic development.

they spun the news about the letter to the British High Commission. Buhari’s plan is to hide under this misinterpreted letter and release Nnamdi Kanu to British Government and then avoid facing the court of law. The statement said the Federal Government should come to the court to prove their bogus treasonable felony charge against our leader and Buhari must stop scavenging for soft landing.”

L-R: Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola; and Senator Olusola Adeyeye, at the burial of the mother of the CBN governor, Madam Alice, in Agbor, Delta State... on Saturday.

Buhari, Obasanjo, governors bid Umahi’s mother farewell Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

minent Nigerians, including President Muhammadu Buhari and former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the weekend paid tribute to the mother of Ebonyi State Governor,

Deaconess Margret Umahi. Buhari said the Federal Government has a lot to learn from the life of hard work lived by the late Deaconess Umahi to be able to tackle the current economic and security challenges facing the nation. He spoke in Umunaga Uburu, Ohaozara Local

Ambode unveils rebirth of Lagos Weekend Television Muritala Ayinla

tional and intellectual limitations of President Buhari and his media henchmen, it is disheartening though not surprising that Buhari and his lying group posited that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was begging the British Government to set him free from the illegal detention imposed by Federal Government.“ “Buhari is desperate to wash his hands off the case and is looking for a way out hence the glee with which

HE said:”Contemporary technology has taken broadcasting to new frontiers; therefore, we should ride on the crest of technological development and harness the benefits of the global knowledge and entertainment bank to enhance socio-economic development and empowerment of our people. “Our government is very convinced about the need to constantly bring residents up to speed about what is new in terms of information communication between us and every stakeholder in

the ‘Lagos Project’. We believe that without effective information dissemination machinery like LTV/LWT, our people will he kept in the dark.” Ambode, however, lauded former Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande, who was also present at the event, for his initiative that gave birth to the station 35 years ago. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, earlier in his address, said the present administration would build on the vision of the pioneers of the station.

Government Area of the state during the burial of the matriarch on Friday. Buhari, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, said late Deaconess Umahi as a peasant farmer tackled and conquered the menace of poverty in her family through hard work and perseverance. He added that late Deaconess Umahi through hard work trained her children and was able to produce personalities such as a state governor, an Army Major General, a traditional ruler, an accountant and lawyer among others. ‘’We were witnesses to these feats achieved by the late Deaconess at a time when the country is faced with economic and security challenges.” Buhari noted that with handwork and perseverance like late Deaconess Umahi, Nigeria can tackle its economic and security challenges. He said governor Umahi’s late mother

bequeathed a lot of legacies before her departure. In his own tribute, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo described late Deaconess Umahi as a great agent of unity in the family, the people, community and the entire state. He congratulated the children for the legacies she passed on to them before she died. The Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari represented by the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Gimbia Dogara, thanked the people of Ebonyi State for being behind their governor noted that the governor’s mother left legacies that would her remain fresh in the minds of the people.

CHANGE OF NAME

STEPHEN I, formerly known and addressed as Chimela Ekeh Okwuoma, now wish to be known as Prosper Chigozirim Stephen. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

Obiano: Two years, too good! p.16

Amosun should concede APC leadership to Osoba –Buraimo p.17

The Sunday Interview

El Rufai: Governing Kaduna is no tea party, it’s tough job p.18, 19

POLITICS The conduct of elections has become an albatross for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). ONYEKACHI EZE says the nation’s electoral system has been on regression since Professor Mahmoud Yakubu became INEC Chairman.

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

Company Limited

INEC’s fading glow under Yakubu

wo weeks after the March 19 rerun elections in Rivers State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was able to conclude and make returns in only 14 constituencies. These include four federal and 10 state constituencies. The commission conducted the elections in three senatorial, 12 House of Representatives and 22 House of Assembly constituencies. As at the time of this report, three senatorial, eight House of Representatives and 12 House of Assembly results were still being awaited. INEC had announced the cancellation of the elections in eight local government areas due to violence. The results of the rerun elections in Rivers State are the first set to suffer the longest delay in the electoral history of this country. They are released in piecemeal. Even the presidential elections which came before them were never delayed for so long. INEC suspended further release of results on March 21 following the spate of violence, after making returns in one federal and nine state constituencies, with claim that it wants to audit the personnel and materials used in the elections. The four other results released last Tuesday, according to the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Aniedi Okoiwak, was based the decision reached at a meeting held a week earlier by the INEC management in Abuja. He, however, promised to announce more results in other constituencies where the elections were concluded, after investigations into the conduct of the polls in those areas. The INEC management had after the meeting with the REC, supervisors and monitors, acknowledged that there were some challenges in its operational efficiency (in the conduct of Rivers elections), especially as it concerns the production and customisation of result sheets used for the election. “Specifically, there was omission of the original watermark in the result sheets for a few polling units in three federal constituencies. There was also omission of some delineation details in 47 of over 20,000 booklets produced. ”The commission wishes to emphatically state that there were no fake result sheets or any fake materials used in the conduct of the election,” the commission said in a statement signed by Oluwale Osaze-Uzzi, Director, Voter Education and Publicity (VEP). INEC has not impressed most Nigerians in the elections it conducted since Profes-

Yakubu

sor Attahiru Jega retired in June last year. Most of the elections were inconclusive, the worse so far was the March 19 Rivers State rerun polls. The rerun elections would have provided the commission the opportunity to prove to Nigerians that it is capable of conducting the 2019 general elections. Unfortunately, the elections were inconclusive just like the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa State, a hallmark of elections conducted since Professor Mahmoud Yakubu became INEC chairman. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had expressed disappointment that INEC, under the leadership of Professor Yakubu has not been able to conduct any conclusive election in few constituencies and states so far. It even described INEC as currently constituted as an appendage of the APC. The commission had earlier planned to hold the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) the same day but shelved it at the last minute, citing inability to raise the enough personnel to man the elections. The Rivers rerun was the first time in the history of Nigeria an electoral commission is withholding results of an election without a court order. PDP caucus in the House of Representatives described it as a coup against the people of Rivers State. Leader of the caucus, Leo Ogor said the action was strange to the country’s electoral laws. “It is very sad that it is the umpire, that

Jega

is, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that is spearheading this illegality abetted by law enforcement agencies, particularly the military whose attention is needed in the North East,” Ogor said. He observed that by the provision of section 27of the Electoral Act, the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and all Supreme Court judgements, elections were concluded, and results announced at the unit levels. “In this context, anything contrary to the announcement of the result is a breach of all our electoral laws and evidently a coup against the people of Rivers State,” he added. PDP also accused INEC of partisanship. The party said the commission took side with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to militarise the rerun elections. That position sounds credible when one looked at the fact that over 2,000 soldiers were deployed to Rivers State for the elections, besides 6000 policemen and other security agencies. Chief Olisa Metuh, PDP National Publicity Secretary in a statement, said the escalation of violence, deaths and cancellation of election results in eight local government areas would have been avoided if security operatives had carried their duties according to their rules of engagement. “Nigerians and the international community can now see the desperation of the APC, which has now arm-twisted INEC

in the unholy bid to alter the results of the elections and subvert the will of the people. “We want the APC and INEC to mark the salient fact that the PDP, the people of Rivers state and indeed all Nigerians are already aware of the results from respective polling centers, wards and local government areas and will in no way whatsoever accept any final result that does not tally with the actual and already established figures from the polling units. “We wish to remind the APC and INEC that Rivers State is a known stronghold of the PDP and the results from the elections cannot show otherwise. While we invite all to note the avoidable growing tension occasioned by the desperation of the APC to steal the mandate of the people, we caution INEC to extricate itself from the evil web and immediately release all the final results of the ballot as cast by the people and nothing more,” Metuh demanded. PDP Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus equally said INEC is taking instructions from the APC led Federal Government, and expressed concern over the conduct of future elections. According to him, because PDP won all the elections despite the intimidation by the military, the results were being released piecemeal. Said Secondus: “They haven’t fixed a date for rerun because of APC. INEC is now being supervised by CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

POLITICS

Obiano: Two years, too good! James Eze

n Thursday March 17, 2016, Governor Willie Obiano marked his two years in office. There were no ceremonies. No drums. No pomp and no pageantry. Not even the usual state banquet or the solemn high mass. In fact, the governor kept a busy schedule on that day; commissioning the House of Assembly Complex and playing host to some important Nigerians who happened to be visiting Anambra for the convocation ceremonies of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the Odumegwu Ojukwu University. He later made a cameo appearance at the presentation of a collage of reports on his two-year administration strung together by a childhood friend in a book form. The day was deliberately drained of ceremony, drained of meaning. It arrived unheralded and went by unnoticed, unmarked. In doing so, Chief Obiano has deepened his enigma. And indeed, everyday, the governor of Anambra State makes it difficult for critics to typecast him; to pidgin-hole him. One recalls, that when he ran for election, some people had dismissed him as a mere stooge who would wait for orders from his master. But in less than three months after he was sworn in, Obiano swiftly established himself as firmly in charge; not only of the law abiding citizens but of the outlaws and the brigands, stamping out crime from the state. Obiano is like a moving target to his critics - one moment, they paint the picture of a wasteful governor and the next day, they are forced to report that his prudence has stood Anambra out as the only state, along with Lagos, that paid March salary before Easter. One moment they put up funny pictures of him on Faceback where he is fast asleep while standing on his feet (imagine that) and the next moment they are forced to acknowledge the three superb flyovers in Awka as worthy legacies of a hard working governor. And finally, when they hoped that he would roll out the drums to celebrate his two years of stellar performance, he withdrew into his shell and wiped away every hint of celebration in the entire state. Perplexity! By keeping such a low profile on a day when everyone had expected him

to roll out the drums, Governor Obiano had disappointed his critics. In a manner of speaking, he had wrenched the vuvuzela of mischief away from their lips. But he had also made a loud statement with his silence. He did not only re-enforce the atmosphere of seriousness that has marked his two years in office but he also symbolically drove home the message of austerity that reflects the general mood of the country. Indeed, to any intelligent observer, Obiano’s two years in office are steeped in symbolisms and hidden meanings. While it is easy to see the flyovers and the gleaming roads across the state, his achievements actually stretch beyond physical infrastructure. Most people who praise him for a job well done do not often remember for instance that Obiano is one of the few governors in Nigeria who have a very modern approach to governance. They may not be aware that he is one of the few who have clearly defined mission and vision statements and a concise blueprint for leading his state. Neither do most of them realise that there is not a single programme he has executed in the past two years that wasn’t conceived as a component of his blueprint. Obiano’s blueprint is so thoroughly put together that Chief Emeka Anyaoku paid glowing tributes to him in a recent function when he observed that “there are very few leaders who have strategic capacity. And there we have in Anambra State, a leader who has strategic capacity.” The highly revered statesman didn’t end with that acknowledgment but also thanked Obiano for giving him “the reason not only to be proud but to boast.” Those who know Anyaoku will remember that he is not given to a loud praise of Nigeria’s leaders. Again, for those who have the power of discernment, Obiano’s most memorable achievements so far may not be the massive investment inflow to the state or the agricultural revolution raging in the food belt zones or even the impressive growth in infrastructure. To this rather small group of people, it just might be in the little touches that humanise governance. It might be Obiano’s rather poignant declaration that “ana alu olu, ana alu mmadu.” This is loosely translated to “while we are

building physical structures, we must also build the individual who is the ultimate beneficiary of all development efforts.” In the past two years, he has walked this talk very well. That was exactly what he did when he donated his salaries to the poor in March last year, when he increased workers’ salaries by 15 percent while other states couldn’t pay, when he offered scholarship to children of Boko Haram victims, when he offered automatic employment to the first set of medical doctors who graduated from Odumegwu Ojukwu University after exercising faith for 10 years to bag a medical degree, when he granted amnesty to 25 prisoners and handed each N1m to facilitate their reintegration back into the society and when he introduced the mass transit buses to ease the suffering of civil servants who commute to and from Awka to serve the state. It must be said that Obiano has shown the subtlety and nuance that elude most leaders in Africa. Nevertheless, another silent power in Obiano’s two-year old regime is his ability to define the priorities of the people and pursue them with singlemindedness. In his Inaugural Address, Obiano had quoted America’s Max De Pree, arguing that “the first responsibility of a leader is to define reality.” He went on to single out the challenges of insecurity and electricity supply as the twin dragons his administration must slay to build a better state. His reading of the socio-political milieu in which his administration would function was very apt; so, was his superb handling of the challenges when he resumed duties as governor. Obiano did not waste time nor spare efforts in carving out a safer state when he launched a comprehensive crackdown on crime. He also went into credible partnerships with reputable companies like UDIPPCO, Falcon and Stanel to build independent power plants across the state that would wipe out the people’s tears over poor power supply. But while companies like UDIPPCO are busy setting up on location, Obiano has made good his promise on security. In fact, he has done more than that. He has offered the people a new taste of freedom. Indeed, Anambra is free! The spectre of violence and fear that once

ruled the state is gone. This Easter, people felt safe to roll out chairs in the open air to sip to the health of their families and friends. Elders watched with beatific smiles as their children tied the nuptials in their ancestral homes where traditional marriages are supposed to take place. Easter returnees criss-crossed the state to reunite with friends and loved ones they had not seen in decades. People no longer live in dread of what might happen if darkness caught them on the road; no longer fear cut-throat kidnappers who fleece their victims and wipe out all trails by snuffing life out of them. Freedom is here indeed! Yet, there are also some people to whom Obiano’s most enduring legacy in two years is neither the new air of freedom nor the iconic flyovers. To this later group, the governor ’s place in history was solidly earned by the re-imagination of Anambra State – the new crest or coat of arms, the new anthem, the new colours and the new flag of Anambra State. To this people, the lyrics of the Anambra anthem ignite an unusual fire in their souls and inspire a heady sense of attachment to their roots, nudging them to make a silent vow of commitment to the state. The new coat of arms on the other hand comes across as a shield of pride; embodying the intrinsic values of a proud people. To these people too; Obiano has forced a new self-interrogation and self-belief. And when they look at the roll call of the state’s illustrious citizens, they make a silent vow not to aspire for anything less. In all, Willie Obiano has had a phenomenal two years in office. Away from the bridges, the investments, the rise in IGR and the rating of the state as Nigeria’s safest state, there is a sea change in attitudes, in self-rediscovery and in the increasing feeling of the people that silently says ‘ oh yes, we can be great again.’ Obiano said this much in his two-year anniversary broadcast when he declared: “My Team and I have demonstrated a strong ambition for greatness. We have shown that given time and resources, we can turn Anambra State into Nigeria’s new postcard for excellence!” James Eze (eziokwubundu@gmail. com), wrote from Akwa

INEC’s fading glow under Yakubu C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5

the leadership of APC and the Buhari administration. “They are no longer independent and we are losing confidence in INEC. In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) election date was announced but suddenly because they knew APC was going to lose and because of that, they postponed the election after we had spent money and time. ”All these show that INEC is now a parastatal of APC. The danger is that this current leadership that will conduct the general elections in 2019 has been compromised. “The forthcoming Edo and Ondo states governorship elections are in danger. With what happened in Rivers, Nigeria is in danger. There may be no election in 2019 with the way INEC is conducting itself as a parastatal of INEC.” Nigerians in their various tweets also

lampooned President Muhammadu Buhari and APC for the delayed Rivers State rerun results. Some of the tweets read: “Precisely one year ago, Buhari won elections run by an independent INEC. Today, he is denying the Rivers people same. It took us many hours to vote, and now it’s taking over 10 days to release Rivers re-run results. Then the chairman must resign, if not capable. “The world hailed INEC just one year ago for remaining independent. So, why play to the whims of the ruling party now? INEC, as a democratic institution in Nigeria, was built for 16 years but destroyed in just 10 months.” “Why is INEC suddenly becoming inept at conducting elections, since May 2015? Why should we keep having inconclusive elections and results? A court says INEC should conduct rerun election within 90 days yet the electoral body chooses and picks. A senatorial election is kept in abey-

ance in Imo, same for Anambra. INEC is painting itself as spineless. The ruling APC needs to call its members to order. Many of them boast of ‘Federal might’ as if this is the first time we are having a federal government.” “It is worrisome. The brigand age of anarchy and his cohorts in the Rivers rerun elections is impunity of the first order. I think the electoral reforms that brought APC to power are being undermined by the ruling party. This power ‘show’ must stop.” ”If you don’t join in telling INEC to do their job in this case, you are an enemy of our democracy. Would President Buhari have become the President if INEC were run inconclusively under the last administration of Goodluck Jonathan?” From the various elections conducted so far under his watch, the capability and capacity of Professor Yakubu have been call to question. He has so far failed to measure up to the bar since he assumed office.

This has made Nigerians to ask if Professor Yakubu is the right person to man the nation’s electoral umpire at this time. All the gains recorded in the electoral system by his predecessor are fast fading and indeed have been eroded the past four months. The INEC Chairman has failed to be assertive in his decisions. He has failed to understand that once the votes have been collated and the results known, only a court of law can annul it. That was the guiding principle of his predecessor, who, by this time last year resisted a serving minister’s protest and vituperations on national television when election results were not in favour on the incumbent President. His antecedents in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) notwithstanding, Professor Yakubu has not proved that he is in charge of INEC, because from all indications, an unseen hand might be calling the shots for him.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

POLITICS

Amosun should concede APC leadership to Osoba – Buraimo It has been a year since you lost re-election into the House of Representatives. How have things been politically? I am actually very grateful. Of course, it is painful to lose an election, but after taking a deep look into it, I have to give praise to God. Here I am today, a year after the election loss, I am wonderfully okay and I thank God every day. I am looking forward to God for what He will do for me in 2019. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served the people of Remo for four years and I am still looking for another opportunity to serve them more.

Hon. Bukola Buraimo represented Remo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015. In this interview with KUNLE OLAYENI, he speaks on the imminent return of ex-Governor Olusegun Osoba to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the succession battle in Ogun State and related issues will say after him. People are even saying it already. It is just a matter of time. I don’t want to judge him. In Remo as a whole, we have seen a bridge, even if no vehicles ply the bridge, maybe people will be walking on the bridge and be displaying their wares on it. Honestly, there are many governors in Nigeria today who ought not to be more than local government councillors. But unfortunately, they are governors and we just have to live with this.

You are in the camp of former governor Olusegun Osoba and you did join the Social Democratic Party with him. When you were moving to SDP from APC, leaving a big party for a small one, were you confident of victory? Yes, of course. First, I will like to clarify that Chief Osoba did not persuade anybody to go to SDP with him. We joined him in the party out of our own volition. Those of us who represented Ogun State at the National Assembly in the Seventh Assembly and moved to SDP are likeminded people. I, for one, was convinced that SDP was the right way to go because in APC then I would not brook being led by the devil. So, I went with the light. And you might say the light did not lead us to victory, but I tell you victory is not necessarily at the polls. Victory is about life. We are victorious because today we are all alive. Today, we are even better than many people who contested election with us, be it winners or losers. I didn’t regret going to SDP and collectively, we never regretted taking that decision. I will do it again if the same scenario plays out. Chief Osoba is being wooed by some APC leaders, including Senator Bola Tinubu, to come back to the party. Is it in his interest to go back to the APC whose structure is firmly under the control of Governor Ibikunle Amosun? Let me give you a narrative. You have a father who is building a house and he has almost completed the house. Then comes a call for him to go overseas and he will have to leave the house for the trip. When he leaves the house, all manners of people from different parts of the country…occupy the almost completed house. They will occupy the house for as long as the owner of the house is not around. But these people are not the owners of the house. When the owner of the house finishes his business overseas and is coming back home, these people will either leave peacefully or resist the comeback of the owner. In most cases, when they resist, they get pushed out and where they agree to leave peacefully, the owner find them a space in the neighborhood to co-exist. So, this is what is going to happen as far as APC in Ogun State is concerned. The real owner of Ogun APC is Chief Osoba and he is going there soon. You will recall that Chief Osoba was part of the committee that formed APC constitution. He is coming back to his party. He is coming back to take his rightful position as the leader of the party. So, if the people there are ready to co-exist with him, they will be given some positions. If they want to resist, they will find themselves forcefully ejected and dispatched to the streets. There has been a precedent in the state as to how a governor behaved in the manner anyone there now may be behaving and we all know how that governor ended. Chief Osoba, going back to APC, is a welcome idea. I am a member

Buraimo

of APC. I registered as an APC member and I also financed the registration of party members locally in my constituency. For me, returning to APC is not like somebody joining the APC. It is an APC man going back to his party. When Chief Osoba re-joins APC, don’t you think there will be renewal of hostilities between him and Governor Amosun over who takes over in 2019? There won’t be any clash of interests. The governor knows, and he has said it before, that Chief Osoba is the leader of the party in the state. If truly he believes in what he has said, he should take his position and allow the leader take his rightful place. And if he doesn’t mean what he has said, then, like I said earlier, the temporary occupants will have to give way to the real owner of the property or get pushed out. So, either way, APC will be APC or whoever wants to lead the party will lead it, while whoever wants to be pushed out will be pushed out. I don’t want to pre-empt Amosun or Chief Osoba as to if either of them has anybody in mind as the next governor. But by the word of the governor, he should cede the leadership of the party to Chief Osoba automatically. God has given Amosun eight good years. Why would he attempt to be a god by trying to put someone in? Whoever contends with God will fail. I can take a bet on that. After his eight years, Amosun should go to the mosque where he worships and thank his God for those eight years instead of dreaming about putting a successor in place. If he brings a successor, the leaders will remain the leaders.

In 2019, where do you think the next governor should come from between Ogun East and Ogun West zones? When you talk of succession planning, you are saying that someone already has someone he is grooming to take over from him. That is not what is happening in the state at the moment. It is a free society. Absolutely anybody who meets the requirements stipulated in the constitution for governorship post can be governor in 2019. But if we look at which region should be producing the governor, the Yewa-Awori people can lay claim to the fact that they have not got a shot at the governorship of the state. And they will definitely come out to present one of their sons to be the next governor. It is a choice. The Ijebu and Remo people of Ogun East can say if the thing is usually rotated between Egba, Yewa-Awori people as a region and Ijebu and Remo as another region. Every region has a valid opinion. It is in the hand of God who becomes the next governor of Ogun State. I can only pray that God should lead us to choose the right person for the state. No particular region, except mathematically Ogun Central, where the current governor is from, that will not likely be featuring a candidate. What is your assessment of Amosun in the last 10 months? So far, there haven’t been new projects. He has said he is not planning any new project but to complete the ones that are yet to be completed. I wish to tell him to go ahead and do the best he can for the state and its people. It is whatever he does that will live after him. He will live long to see and hear what people

What do you make of the proposed creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by the state government? I don’t believe in it. I believe it is a political move. Politicians always look for a way to fool the people. He wants to create the LCDAs because he knows people love power and positions; they love to be called executive secretaries, chairmen and so on. But these people are not likely to get a single penny to fund the new creations, especially when the existing 20 local government councils have been grounded financially. They don’t get their monthly allocation. The reason behind it is to create many positions for people to occupy and consequently create an army of loyalists for 2019 elections. This is obvious. If you seek from men, men will give you what they can give you. But if you seek from God, He will give unto you what He can give unto you. I want to see if, come 2019, this idea will be able to give to Amosun what he is scheming for. What is going on in the state now is disastrous. The workers went on strike, people are complaining very bitterly and there is nobody to help them. Amosun says the state IGR is N7billion; if that is true, why does he wait for the monthly federal allocation? If that is true, he ought not to owe any worker. He shouldn’t be deducting from workers’ salaries and not remitting same if truly the state IGR is N7 billion he claimed it is. There should not be any outstanding project with such a huge IGR? When another person becomes governor, he will have to scrutinize all these claims about IGR and the worth of the bridges we see all over the place. Out of office, we will continue to do what we can do for them. If the state House of Assembly members approve the LCDAs, they will have to stand by their decision and explain to the people why they did it. The idea is more political than for development. The existing councils aren’t being funded. So, how will he get the money to fund the LCDAs? It makes absolutely no sense. What Amosun is planning to do with this is to set up a kangaroo local government election soon and install executive secretaries or chairmen at the LCDAs and the councils, so that a lot of people will contest as chairmen and by the time they become the chairmen, they will have power to primarily serve one person-that is the governor. But it is just a matter of time, the bubble will burst. What is your next political move? I don’t sit down and plan what I want to become. I wait on God to make me what He wants me to do. I pray to Him to give me the grace to live up to 2019 and He will direct me on what to do then. I will love to contest again and God-willing, I will become something in 2019

The Sunday Interview

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

El Rufai: Governing Kaduna is In the last ten months, no governor has been as controversial as Malam Nasir El Rufai, the governor of Kaduna State. In his first major interaction with the media, El Rufai explains why he stepped on so many toes. IBRAHEEM MUSA was there As the governor of Kaduna State, how has it been in the last ten months of running a complex and combustible state like Kaduna? What are your trials and challenges since you assumed office? I want to say it has been an interesting and successful journey and we are grateful to the Almighty God for his intervention in the state that led to our election. I know we got elected because the majority of the people of the state wanted a change, because the way things were going was not acceptable to them and that is why they all came out to vote for us. We are very grateful. This is the toughest time in Nigerian history to be a state governor, particularly states that have been ruled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for a long period of time. Taking over from a system that has institutionalised itself in 16 years and trying to change direction is always tough. But in addition, we are taking over at the time when the crude oil price has collapsed by 70 per cent and we have inherited structures and machineries of government, but most importantly, an attitude in the public service and within the larger community of a country that is has been selling crude oil at $100 per barrel. So, expectations remain high while the revenues are very low. The third reason is that I never expected that running a state is very different from being a federal minister. I thought that running a state would be the same as running the Federal Capital Territory but I was wrong at that. I have seen that things are quite different and more complex. One of the challenges we are facing in this state is that everything seems to be politicised or ethnicised or ‘’religionised.’’ A very simple problem that can be discussed and resolved by logic and facts becomes converted into issues of ethnicity and religion and so on. So, these are some of the challenges we have to face but we are doing the best we can. As far as governance is concerned, we have addressed frankly what we felt were the issues; first low revenues. In the first month we got here, we got about N5 billion from Federal Allocation but in the last two months, we got N2.8billion each. So, even from the time we started till now, there have been massive changes, but we are taking steps. We knew that all things are scanty and we need to do some things. That is why, from day one, I and the deputy governor have decided to give 50 per cent of our salaries as our contribution because we are going to ask public servants to make similar sacrifice. We also reduced the size of government; the number of commissioners has been reduced from 24 to 13. It was all in an effort to cut cost. We inherited 38 permanent secretaries, but now we are operating with about 18 of them. We are looking at Ministries, Departments and Agencies that have similar functions with the view to merging them just to cut cost. This is because if your revenues are collapsing, you need to cut your cost. We are reducing the length of convoys; the governor’s convoy had 21 vehicles, but now, we only have five or six cars that go out with me and they are all essential. I don’t go out with ambulance because I don’t expect to drop dead anytime. This is all in the bid to reduce the cost of running the government. What we saw clearly in June was that unless we did something to reduce the cost of governance, we would end up being a government that only pays salary from month to month and nothing more, which was what the previous government ended up becoming in the last few months because it could not make the adjustment. But on the other hand, we are also raising revenue. In December 2015, we collected N224million naira as Internally Generated Revenue. In January, we started blocking leakages by saying no cash payments. We deployed POS to hospitals because people complained of hospitals telling them to go to banks to make their payment. So, in hospitals now, you don’t pay cash and the money doesn’t leak. After blocking these leakages, we raised N1.2billion in January and in February, it increased to about N2billion. It is looking like this year, we are going to be rising about N3-N4billion a month by the time all the policies are put in place and settled. So, we are generating more internal revenue than depending on the federation account. We are doing all these because we know there is a limit to how you can cut cost. You can’t cut personnel cost. You can verify, remove ghost workers but salaries and pensions are fixed cost and you have to pay that every month. Unless pensioners die, the pension keeps on increasing. So, we have to ensure that we

El-Rufai

raise enough revenue to cover our fixed cost and also have some resources for development. So, that is what we have essentially been doing; it has been tough, as you know 27 States of the federation have to be bailed out by the Central Bank and we were not one of those. But we went and got similar financial support because we inherited N14billion pension liability that we are planning to pay. We are just verifying the pensioners to be sure that they all exist. What is the difference between being Minister of FCT and being the governor of Kaduna State? I think the difference of running FCT and Kaduna State is a matter of both scale and scope. FCT is 8000 square kilometers and that is one local government in Kaduna State. Kaduna state is 46000km square kilometers in just land size alone. And when I receive any briefing on a project while I was in FCT, the moment the briefing is over, I would say let’s go and see it because you can go to any part of Abuja and come back that same day because it has a small scale. The scope part is that the multiplicities of function that you face as a governor are sometimes absent in the FCT. In FCT, I didn’t have someone in charge of environment. The place is small; we are busy developing roads and so on. Abuja was not designed to be a commercial city. So there

are many issues that you find here that are off the radar in the FCT. But in addition to this, as the minister of the FCT, I was isolated from the politics of it. The President was the governor of the FCT. If I had any issue, I went to the President, he signed off and I did what I wanted. I didn’t have to explain to anybody. Once I convinced President Olusegun Obasanjo that was it. I just moved on. Finally resources; the FCT is the Federal Government and it can raise unlimited amounts of money. The minister can go to the market and issue bond and raise money when they need it because they are a sovereign. But a state government cannot easily go and raise money. A Federal Government can go to the CBN and raise an overdraft but a state government cannot do it, it needs to go through the state assembly. First, I need to have an Executive Council resolution, before going to the state assembly before I get the overdraft. So, the context and everything is different. Coming to the second part of your question, this is something I find both disturbing and disappointing. In any argument and situations, if you have your facts and you are right, you don’t need to refer to religion. Religion doesn’t win arguments for you. What I have found in life is that the moment a person introduces religion in any situation, I know he is wrong because if you are right, you have facts and you can justify your position, why bring God into it?

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

The Sunday Interview

no tea party, it’s tough job God will judge us on the Day of Judgment. People only revert to religion and ethnicity when they have run out of convincing arguments. What I found in Kaduna State is that in everything, even come and eat; people can bring religion into it. I thought more than any state in Nigeria, Kaduna State has suffered more in terms of religious and ethnic divisions and that should be lesson to us to walk away from that but what I found out is that the elite have one weapon and that is religion and it is sad. But, unfortunately for them they have not studied me. If anyone has studied my carrier at FCT, he would know that playing religious card will fail all the time, because the moment you play that card, I know you are an adversary that needs to be put down and I will not look back until I am done with you. Our religion is our personal business. Most people in this country believe in one God. We believe we are worshipping the same God in different ways. The moment I got elected, the number of people that came to me who wanted to be the Secretary of Muslim Pilgrims Board showed to me that there is a problem. Nobody wanted to be Commissioner of Finance and so on. That means there is something happening there in the name of religion. But honestly one of the legacies Architect Barnabas Bala Bantex and I want to leave behind in this state is the complete separation of religion from governance and hypocrisy associated with. I say hypocrisy because the same person that preaches and incites people against a Christian has no problem going to the hospital to see a Christian doctor if the doctor is good. He would not remember that the doctor is a Christian then. In my opinion, they are just blowing this thing to cause problem and distract ordinary people while they take advantage of the situation and system. We want to eliminate that in Kaduna, we want everyone to feel that, in this state you can practice your religion without hindrance and your religion and ethnicity would not be a factor in getting government services and appointment. It must be your capacity and competence to deliver; that’s all. I hope you will join us and pray for us to succeed because even in your reporting, you can help build the society or destroy it. If you continue to report division, the society will be divided. On our part and in our government, we don’t have that division. What we put premium on is getting the job done. Of course we live in a multi ethnic and diverse society, so in our appointments we have to look and balance our appointments and I can confess to you that when we were appointing our permanent secretaries, we got the list of directors that are qualified but we had to jump some because the local government they came from already had perm secs and commissioners. You know we have 13 commissioners and 23 local government areas. We have in fact 11 local governments without commissioners. So, we have to do this balancing but it has to be an exception rather than the rule. The problem that we found in Kaduna State is that ethnicity and religion come first, competence and capacity last. We want to reverse that; because we believe that those who work, those that are competent, those that can deliver benefit everyone. I don’t need to have someone from my local government if the government is working. But if the government is not working and then everybody is stealing, then I would want to have a representative there. This is what has turned our heads. I am appealing to you as our partners, as those that communicate with the general public to help us in our effort to make this state better. When a government works, it works for everybody. Government cannot choose to have schools for one ethnic group or one religion alone. That is what we want to move away

from and you can help. You talked about the ongoing verification of workers and the fact that the workers have been patient. My question is, is there a time frame to end this exercise? The reason why I don’t want to say it would end is practical. First of all, as an employer, you need to check the number of your employees from time to time and it is normal. It does not mean that after this verification exercise, we will stop or not do it again. We would but not every other month as we have been doing since we came. Our hope is that this verification that we are doing will uncover all the loopholes. We are dealing with crooks and staunch criminals that don’t want to give up the revenue from the ghost workers. So as we block one area of abuse, they open another. We now that we have a new payment platform and a new financial management platform for the state. It is called SIFMIS (State Integrated Financial Management Information System). It is a project that was financed by the World Bank and completed two years ago but the system refused it to come on stream. We revived it in October and we have paid our salaries in January using the system for the first time. Earlier on, there was a consultant that was preparing the payroll but now it is our own people doing it, using this new platform and our own people are getting used to it. But, with the verification we are now doing with Bank Verification Number, everyone must have a deposit account in bank, and that will make us 99% comfortable. Unless if in the process other vista of abuses is created, we do not expect to do any verification any time soon. Maybe once or twice in a year we will do it just to check. We are comfortable with this one. I have apologised before and I am apologising again to all those who have been victims of this verification issues because their names are being omitted. Some people get paid this month and the next month their names are removed from the payroll. This is an intentional act from account and its personnel. Should we expect the issue of salary delay to end soon? Yes! I think as soon as we know with a very high degree of certainty who our employees are, there would not be salary delays. In fact, we will be paying salaries between 23rd -25th of each month because we can pay even before we receive the federation allocation. There is a lot of noise about salaries delays, actually, apart from one month; we did not have any salary delay at all in this state. Yes some people’s names have been omitted but at the state level, 97 per cent of all staff have been paid their salaries. It is the three per cent that make a lot of noise and I don’t blame them. If one person doesn’t get his or her salary on time, then I have to account to God for it. That is what my religion tells me, so 3% is not a small number. Even if it is one percent, I have to account. One of the government policies that has generated a lot of controversy is the religious preaching bill. What does the government want to achieve with it and how are you going to tackle the anxiety that it has generated among the people? Well, Kaduna State more than any state in Nigeria, if you take out the Yobe, Borno and Adamawa axis that have suffered greatly from Boko Haram insurgency, I think Kaduna State has suffered the most from death and destruction of property, due to misuse and abuse of religion. More people have been killed in Kaduna from the words that people have said and if you go back to history, some of you are not old enough but I was when Maitasine hap-

Most of the people that say I will die, (as if I would not die one day), are people who call themselves Christian clerics. Of course I will die. If that apostle is truly an apostle, he should mention the day I will die pened. He was a Cameroonian that came to Nigeria and started preaching. The Emir of Kano had him deported back to Cameroon that is the grandfather of the current Emir. After then, he managed to smuggle himself back again and continued preaching. He was preaching a version of Islam that was intolerant, that called other Muslims pagans and so on and so forth. But in spite of what he was preaching, he began to acquire followers and we all know what happened. Military operation needed to be mounted to flush them out. Those that escaped from the Maitasine moved to Borno State and started the Kalakato sect, which again led to many deaths and destruction in the early 90s. All these came from people that are not trained in religious matters, people that woke up and started preaching and acquiring followers and inevitably that sect will grow in large number to threaten communities and there will be clash. That was also how Muhammed Yusuf started. He was a student of Sheik Jaafar Adam in Kano. They fell out because Jaafar felt that some of the views he was expressing were extreme and intolerant. He went and started his own sect and we know what happened and we are still dealing with it. So, when you have such kind of things happening in your country, I think as leaders, we have to sit down and examine ourselves and the society and say what we can do to prevent that. In my opinion, it is the lack of regulation of religion that led to all these circle of death and destructions. Just recently we had the Shi’ite problem in Zaria, following a similar pattern. I believe that before you start preaching in any religion, you should have gone through a system of education, training and some kind of certification. Even those that deal with the physical life get certified let alone those that deal with the spiritual life. We initiated this bill from the Kaduna State Security Council, based on reports of new sects emerging in the state. There is one around Makarfi called Gausiyya; they do their Zuhr prayer around 11am, different from other Muslims. This is how this thing starts and if you don’t resolve it quickly, they grow into something else. A woman in Makarfi said Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is speaking to her and sick people started coming to her for their healing. The husband of this woman is busy collecting N1, 000 as consultancy fee before people can see his wife. We had to take steps to end that movement because before you know it people would start coming from far and wide and this woman would become our next problem. It was the report of two or three of these that compelled us in the Security Council to ask a question, whether there is a law that regulates preaching. Then we are told there is a law; since 1984 after the Maitasine problems, the administration passed the law. It was subsequently amended several times to increase the fine and the imprisonment

term. This is a living problem and we know it. Christian priests, the ones I know go to seminary and spend so many years there, study under a more experienced Reverend to learn what to say and what not to say. Religious leaders don’t preach hatred; they preach peace, tolerance and love. But today in my religion of Islam, anybody can wake up and start a sect, no control. In those days, from Islamiyya School if you choose that line, you need to study more books. After that you go to East (Borno area) for more studies and training, and then from there you go to a Mosque and begin to call prayer before you become Imam in any mosque. Before you become an Imam of a Friday mosque, the community must agree that you are well learned and competent. But now everyone can build a mosque, put loudspeakers and call himself Imam and start disturbing people at night. A priest that has gone through thorough teachings and training would not go and ask people to cause trouble and kill each other. They are trained men of God. In Christendom today, we all know that some people would drink something overnight and wake up the next day and claim they are Apostles that God has spoken to them. You cannot disproof that because you are not there with him and he begins to collect followers and when he begins to preach hatred. What can you do? Is it the society we want? This is the question. The logic behind this law is to strengthen the 1984 laws so as to regulate and ensure that those that are given the opportunity to preach at least know what they are doing; they have a level of responsibility to develop society rather than divide it. This is our goal; we don’t have anything against any religion or anybody. Some people have argued that there is freedom of religion, of course; section 38 is very clear we must not have a state religion, every Nigerian is allowed to practice his faith or even if he doesn’t have any religion at all. In my speeches, I have made it clear that I am the governor of Kaduna State and everybody that lives here, whether he is a Muslim, Christian or pagan has a right over me as a governor, to give him his right and also protect him and his religion and I would do that with the last drop of my blood. However, those that are quoting section 38 of the Constitution, conveniently forget Section 45 which says that you can regulate any human right if it would affect the right of others. You can practice your religion but you can’t do it in a way that abuses the right of another. So, there is nothing in this law that is not in conformity with the Constitution, or there is nothing new about it other than expanding the scope and after we sent the bill to the House of Assembly. We have informed CAN and JNI that if they have problem with any section, if there is anything to be done, if they don’t want the government to be involved we will remove it, but they must regulate. What word do you have for those that are saying, it is aimed at stopping the practice of Christianity and Islam in the state? Well, I have not seen anyone talking about Islam actually. Most of the people that say I would die, as if I would not die, are people who call themselves Christian clergy. Of course I will die. If that apostle is truly an apostle, he should mention the day I will die. There is nothing in that law that prevents or infringes on the practice of religion. It seeks to ensure that those that preach religion are qualified, trained and certified by their peers to do it. And the some sections of the media have made it as if the law was drafted against Christianity, it is most irresponsible and I have nothing to say except to leave the matter to God.

The Sunday Magazine

Why more Nigerians are comm R

Appolonia Adeyemi

esidents of Isheri Oke in Magodo, Kosofe Local Government Area in Lagos State woke up one early morning in June last year to find the body of a frail-looking and gaunt middle-aged woman hanging on a tree near the Isheri Grammar School. The body dangled from the tree located in front of a vulcaniser’s shop which shares a boundary with the expansive school compound. It could easily be seen by passers-by along Bankole Street. Minutes after early risers found the body, the news spread quickly and a crowd of onlookers gathered in front of the shop while some wondered aloud how and why this woman would take her own life. At Igando area of Lagos last week, a 50year old woman from Okitipupa in Ondo State dropped her wrapper and jumped into a well. Disturbed about her whereabouts, her relations got the police to arrest her husband. After the man has spent three days in police cell, neighbours sighted her body floating in the well. Only then did her 18-year old daughter remember that her mother had told her earlier of her plans to commit suicide. In another reported case, the body of a female secondary school student was found dangling from a tree in the suburb of Badagry also in Lagos State. Investigations revealed that she was not promoted to a higher class due to her poor grades. She took her life before her case could be reviewed by the school board. Late December, Lagosians were taken aback when a drunk and armed policeman, identified as Stephen James, shot dead three male customers at a hotel, Paulson Hotel in Anibaba Street in Ketu area of the city. However, when his action dawned on him, the police officer turned his gun on himself and committed suicide. But suicide is not limited to Lagos as many more of such cases abound across the country. According to a report from Enugu on March 10, 2016, a 22-year-old bricklayer, Akabuike Onyedika, committed suicide. Onyedika who hailed from Isukwuato in Abia State but resided at Umunkpume Orba in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, went out and was never seen until security operatives were alerted. A search party later discovered his body on a cashew tree with a rope around his neck. Suicide defined According to its definition, suicide means ending one’s own life. It is sometimes a way for people to escape pain or suffering. When some end their own life, it is said they “died by suicide. A ‘suicide attempt’ means that someone tried to end their life, but didn’t succeed. Although, there is no current national data to show the level in the incidences of suicides in Nigeria, cases of people taking their lives in the country is now common, going by the ones that are reported. Many, especially the ones that are recorded in rural hard-to-reach areas, still go unreported. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that each year, approximately one million people die from suicides, which represents a global mortality rate of 16 people per 100,000 or one death every 40 seconds. According to available data, suicide accounts for one to two per cent of total global mortality. “One in every 6,000 persons will die from suicide per year. However, for a Consultant Psychiatrist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Dr. Babatunde Suleiman, the suicide rate in Nigeria is the same with what is obtainable

Woman hanging on a tree. Inset: suicide pills

in other countries. But another Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Ogunnubi Peter, disagreed that the number of suicide cases in Nigeria is on the increase. For him, it is enlightenment that is making more suicide cases to be reported. Why Suicide? The reasons vary from medical, psychological, economic to even spiritual. For instance, the first lady mentioned in the outset was said to have committed suicide for psychological reasons. After her sister, a fellow Liberian, was infected by the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease, there were fears that she was also infected. For that reason, many neighbours had isolated her. “I believe she was fed up of being stigmatised daily,” an onlooker said, adding, “That is probably why she killed herself.” With the economic downturn in the country occasioned by the falling prices of oil in the international market, massive loss of job, many people’s hardships are on the

Globally, there is an increasing trend in suicide among young people. Youths of 15 to 24 years are committing most suicide

Dr. Ogunnubi Peter...consultant psychiatrist

Morakinyo Gabriel...a clinical psychologist

rise, leading them to be despondent. It has been predicted by a number of experts in the field on mental health, that with the current general increased hardship witnessed among a larger section of the populace, the country will record more suicides. The WHO estimates that by 2030, depression will be the second commonest disease. Peter, quoted earlier, reasoned that “if depression and suicide are like husband and wife, that means we will continue to have increased cases of suicide.” According to a Clinical Psychologist at the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Morakinyo Gabriel, people commit suicide for other reasons. He said suicide is basically as a result of a person’s inability to overcome some challenging situation. Similarly, a number of people will also

commit suicide as a result of mental health issues. There are certain categories of mental disorders, especially depression that might prompt a person to commit suicide. He noted that depression is a mood disorder, making the person to feel very low most of the time. It also affects the thought system of the individual, making him/her believe in most negative things. “It makes the person to have a negative view of the world; to see things in very negative perspective and to believe only in negative outcomes. “So, once this thought system, has been compromised to the extent of having total negativity of that person’s mind, it could actually lead to: ‘what else am I doing here? Everybody is enjoying but I’m not enjoying; everything looks so bleak and

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

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Body Soul S U N D AY, A P R I L 3 , 2 0 1 6

I’ll rather go to hell (1) 26 Waist cinching box pleats 28,29 I’m a goddess –Uche Ogbodo 36

I believe in gender equality – Uzor Ngoladi

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

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Contents 3.04.2016

COVER

Using mascaras can be tricky and if not properly done can be messy too

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MY PASSION

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In order to make sure you get it right every time you wear a belt, it is important you know how to match it with the right outfit

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GLAM DUDES

I’ll ra ther go to 26 hell ( 1) Wais t c pleat inchin s g box 28,29 I’m –Ucha goddes e Ogb s odo 36

I am not in any relationship now. I am so scared after my whole experience with marriage and engagement

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ox pleat skirts are beautiful, flattering, versatile and above all, they have this ability to cinch in your waist to the best advantage

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BEAUTY ZONE

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FASHION

If I see where things are not going on well, I am not part of the people that will just see it and keep quiet to avoid controversy

TELE

For the first time, she gazed at the cabbie’s back, taking in his well-groomed hair and clean T-shirt. She shifted a little and observed his strong arms. They looked a lot firmer than Richie’s. “Richie! He should be Ratsie. Rats! They nibble your toes and fan you with their breath

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T h e Te a m Vanessa Okwara (Editor)

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

Associates

es Van

I’m –Gb single oye and ga A sea fe B rchin aba lola g

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th e N aSe na to rs in go od si d e of y to re vi si t su ch bi ll bl ti on al A ss em es er vi ng tr ea tm en t H i T he re it a d ve gi d an e od ne w s re p d ow n on th nt io n. T he go he re ce nt cl amer eq u al it y by an d at te no t al l m en se e w om en at bi ll fo r ge nd il l a so re in th e m ai ns th ng to be se en an d no t st as so m et hi r N go la di , th e Se na te is om en . eo ne li ke U zo en ta to r, w m n ia So er d. ig ar N he co m m he ar t of th is d ay r an d so ci al ni ng th at in n It ’s d is he ar te un tr ie s li ke U ni te d a w ri te w om en sh ou ld be gi ve co es in n ev d he li w an be e e, an d ag sl y co nat ho m ri gh ts , bo th rer ic a is se ri ou St at es of A m ng a w om an as he r eq ua l et y. H is in te re st in g in te ci ti so ec k. e el ee th g w ba tt li ng si d er in fo r th is t, w e ar e st il l le is ou r co ve r ne xt pr es id en w om en sh ou ld be vi ew g th e de le ct ab in ur at fe so al e er re Sh e’ th e. W he ag w r pa ck w it h fu ll y in ri gh ts to la w ed he r U ch e O gb od o on ou bi ts ab ou t he r al u eq n ve t gi ti er ty th ey jo in s in te re st in g he ri t th e pr op d to ac qu ir e. It ’s re ve al fa sh io n. d an sb an hu be am ou r kn ow li fe n’ t he lp bu t ld u d eb as in g to co e W e ar ut hf ul K at e th at w om en as st yl e ra d ar on ev er yo ey es an d ly ed ve ho se lo st il l vi ew H en sh aw, w a d el ig ht se co nd cl as s il e is al w ay s on ou r sm e ur at gn si t in ou ns r ze he ci ti ho ld . C he ck th ei r ow n to be al ke r pa ge . St au ty zo ne co u nt ry. St yl e io n p ag es , be be en ar sh fa r u O We ap ve al l la m d u d e ha p e a l an d G Su nd ay re la xto m ak e yo ur ed ng ra e th to rm at iv e. in g an d in fo he r in te rte d ye t an ot or k an d ar st We’ ve , on ou r B ed W w ou ld es ti ng se ri es u d I’ m su re yo ag e to L if e pa ge an at p th to er ov w an t to fl ip t I p ro m is e, w ou ld ha n ev er y ki ck st ar t w d to ou r se ct io ue gl u yo ep ke ! Su nd ay. E nj oy

Wha tcham 26 acall it 22 Stun in Ge le this E a ster 28,29 I’m ambaNigeria’s c s u s says ador, ltural Floxy Bee 36

BED, WORK & LIFE

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Helen Paul

Eyitayo Aloh

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

StyleSta ker

Kate Henshaw Youthful diva

Vanessa Okwara

his week, our style radar caught up with no other than the beautiful, forever young -looking Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw! Kate is un-arguably one of the best acts in the industry. In her forties, she shows no sign of aging and one of the strongest women of Nollywood. Kate is one youthful energetic lady. On her Instagram, she gives us insight to the secret of her youthful look as she posts pictures of her daily exercise routine. Kate Henshaw never ceases to amaze us with her uncommonly unique designs. At the premiere of Audrey Silva Company’s ‘Suru L’ere’ held in earlier in February at Oriental Hotel, Lagos, the beautiful actress wore a men inspired traditional outfit, Danshiki. She looked pretty and young in her natural hair which played off Kate’s pretty features – her lovely eyes and signature smile. Kate didn’t totally slay at the African Movies Viewer’s Choice awards AMVCA 2016 that held recently. She failed to impress in the wardrobe department in her red ball gown. The outfit was too rumpled and definitely removed the beauty from her total ensemble. All the same, we simply cannot forget one of her best red carpet looks ever and that was at last years’ AMVCA. Kate Henshaw attended the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2015 wearing a canary yellow dress from Needle Point. The dress was made from traditional Aso oke and embelished with ankara. Her makeup was done by Dave Sucre and her hair was done by Ugo Igbokwe of Make Me Salon. She was styled by Yolanda Okereke. She definitely killed this look!

Body&Soul

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Uzor Ngoladi is a prolific writer with two internationally acclaimed books to his credit. His stints with Nigerian Television Authority opened the media world for him, where he edited several magazines and ended up floating one by himself. Today, he is a rising actor and widely known as a social crusader. In this chat with VANESSA OKWARA, he leads us into his life’s journey so far and how much his marriage means to him Give us a brief background of year career. I started as a writer. I served with NTA during my Youths Service year as a reporter. I covered virtually every beat. After that, I joined Hints magazine. I started as an entertainment reporter and from there, I rose to become an editor. I then joined Sensation magazine and did that for like two years before I started my own magazine called Sedation magazine, a weekly soft sell. I struggled with that for like two years because of the challenges of dealing with the print media such as the overhead cost and couldn’t sustain it for more than a year. Before then, I was already attending auditions, so I after the paper folded, joined acting full time and started doing movies and documentaries. In 2014, I published my novel titled, Toxic Eucharist. I also do biographies for notable people. I started with High Chief Patrick Kentebe, who was the Managing Director for the old NITEL. I did another one for Fela’s son, Seun Kuti. I also participated in Emeka Anyaoku’s biography write up. Then I did one for the former minister for Police Affairs, Alaowei Brodrick Bozimo When did you start acting? That was in 2012, but before then, I had been going for auditions. While I was an entertainment journalist, I was covering Nollywood and music. I used to give publicity to most actors. So in 2013, I decide to join. My first movie was ‘Blood of the Lagoon’. From then on, I’ve done countless movies...over 30. I was in Tinsel for a bit as well as ‘Lekki house wives’. Between acting and writing, what’s your first love? Well, I can say I love two of them. Right now, I am writing my PHD thesis. I’m doing my PHD in UNILAG. So I’m a writer, a researcher and actor, I am a media consultant as well. I see myself as a serial entrepreneur. But basically, I enjoy writing and acting. You seem to have a lot of things on your plate. How do you find time to coordinate them? It’s all about planning. Recently, I was on set for a Honeywell noodle advert, then I was called for a TV commercial shoot, I did one for Spice TV that same day called My Wedding. Also, every week at UNLIAG, we have a seminar or they can just call you up for something important. All I need to do is plan around these projects. Last year in October, I was in Frankfurt, promoting my book ‘Toxic Eucharist’. That took me up to a month and I informed my PHD supervisors about this. It’s all about multi tasking. You call yourself a serial entrepreneur, what are you hoping to gain by putting your hands into so many things at the same time? I wouldn’t call it putting my hands in several things at the same time because if you look at it very well, they are all interwoven. Acting these days is no longer for dropouts. It is now for very intelligent people that are intellectually sound, who can communicate effectively and their speech pattern is very sound. If you read my book, apart from entertaining you, you also learn something from it. So all of them are interwoven and they are things I that love doing. Basically, I am not a 9-5pm routine job kind of person. Sometimes, I also do real estate on the side. I

I believe in gender do that on the side though it does not come all the time. Let’s talk about your book. Have you always wanted to be a writer? Yes, right from my primary school days when we were asked to write compositions and letters. Can you give a glimpse of your growing up? I am from Ihiala, Anambra State but I grew up in Owerri. My growing up was very interesting. My father was a lecturer at Alvan Ikoku College of Education and we lived in a school environment. Growing up, I read a whole lot of books. I love to read, so it was a natural thing for me to gravitate towards writing. I did a lot of writing as a kid. I’ve always belonged to drama club, debating societies. I was very active in anything that concern arts. So I knew I was not going into the sciences. That is why I say basically I am a writer. What is your book all about? Toxic Eucharist is a novel and all about fiction. But you know that no writer writes in a vacuum. I was born and bred a catholic. So the book is about the lip service that goes on in the Christendom. I used Catholic Church as a platform because that is the one I grew up in. It all about the intrigues, eye service and the way people come to church because of their own selfish reasons. This can be found both in the people and the pulpit. You are a social commentator and an activist. Can you tell us why you went into that? It’s part of my makeup, I like to speak out. If I see where things are not going on well, I am not part of the people that will just see it and keep quiet to avoid controversy. I say my mind and don’t care anyhow you wish to see me. I was one of those people that came out vehemently against Jonathan’s government to say he was doing the wrong thing. People asked why I was attacking my own since he is from the southern part of the country. All I want is good governance. I was all over social media then, bringing up issues; it was not about hurling insults but bringing out issues. But then, we came out under the sun and voted Buhari, we never knew that his government was going to turn out this way. So I’ve started again with my criticisms and people were accusing me that were you not the same person that voted him in? Yes, we are the people that voted him in because we believed in change. We never knew that the change would result to three months without light, no fuel and the basics we were enjoying before are no longer there. It is fine that he is fighting corruption, but he can’t continue to just face that one side while the economy crumbles. He promised to pay the unemployed five thousand naira monthly and today it’s not forthcoming. I’ve been to Germany severally and found out that the government pays everybody. In fact, once they give birth to you today, the government starts paying you. All the house wives are paid. That is equal distribution of wealth. When Buhari came up with that style, everybody was happy and voted him in, now he is turning around to say he will not pay. They have put their own kids to work in CBN after training them to school in foreign universities. Why are his kids schooling abroad? Yet he is telling the parents of other children that they will not get forex to train their own children in foreign universities. So the man is a big disappointment to us. We are just waiting for May 29, Democracy Day, where we will come out and tell him our mind. So I see social activism as something that should come naturally to men of goodwill. I’m not the type that will see evil and keep quiet but I do constructive criticism. Are you married? Yes, I am married with three daughters. When did you get married? I got married in 2009. By May this year, I should be seven years in marriage.

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Body&Soul

equality – Uzor Ngoladi How did you meet your wife? I met my wife at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island in 2009. I was the media consultant for Emem Isong, the movie producer. She was doing her movie premiere. I organised the press briefing for journalists. She came for the show and sat beside me. We got talking and then started seeing each other. One thing led to the other and we later got married. What made your wife different from the rest of the ladies you had dated? First of all, she was God fearing and she is beautiful. One thing that attracted me more was that she was very truthful with me about herself. I value honesty a lot and those where the things that attracted me to her apart from her physical beauty. So, is your wife a housewife? She is partially a house wife because she works from home. We are generally not a nine to five couple. We come home to take care of the kids. I believe in giving children proper home training just the way I was brought up. I also believe in gender equality in all sincerity. I believe in giving women equal opportunity. That is the way I’m training my daughters now. Having said that, I will also like my children to be mixed, make them male and female. That is the only reason I may want to add the fourth child because the economy does not even encourage that at all. Seven years down the lane, what are the things that have sustained the marriage? The major factor is communication. What I don’t like, I tell it to you straight and I also encourage my wife to say whatever she too does not like. By communicating effectively, your spouse will know exactly where you stand. You have to take a stand. I don’t believe in this inferiority complex where it is whatever I say that stands. My wife is my partner in progress. A lot of men in the entertainment industry have what many call ‘side chic’ or mistress. Do you have one? Being a flirt has never been part of my life even when I was single. I give credit to my father for that. He was a one man, one woman kind of man. I have three brothers and all of us are married. Our wives, when they talk, they know that flirting is not something we have ever been into. We were simply not brought up in that way. Even as a lecturer, we never saw my father with another woman. Both of them are late now and we are carrying on with that tradition. I believe so much in family. I spend time with my girls a lot. Also, the financial aspect of it; I can’t be spending money on a side chic when I have not finished buying pampers for my kids. Having a side chic is very expensive, that is what I tell guys and I cannot afford it. Health wise, you can find yourself infecting the family. So your health and finances are at risk when you have a side chic. So how do you handle the advances of ladies if they are the ones chasing you? I see a lot of them on social media and also in the line of my duty. What I do is to front my family to you seriously. I don’t put on my wedding ring because I realise that is when it is even worse. This is because these girls believe that as a married man, you will spend more money on them and would not want to be embarrassed. So I always make it plain to them. What’s your passion? My passion is the desire to achieve and attain success. I compare myself with the goals I set for myself rather than with people or my mates. I believe in achieving my dreams and leaving a legacy. I want to contribute to the development of my nation. What is your fashion style? My fashion style is according to my mood, weather and what is comfortable. Most times, you will see me on casuals. If it is a corporate event, you will see me on suit with bow tie. I love wearing hats a lot too. Are you a designer freak? Well, life is about balance. I love designers like Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana. I don’t mind them as perfumes or wardrobe items. But I also like bespoke items. I love going to a Nigerian designer and they sew very good traditional wears. I love wearing well made traditional attires. I love

sun sunglasses too. As a young man, I am fashionable. I do them according to my financial level and when finances increase, I wouldn’t mind expensive stuff for myself.

What’s your life philosophy? That will be the golden rule: do unto others what you would like done to you.

As a guy, do you have a beauty routine? I do have a beauty routine. You can’t be in the entertainment industry and aspiring to be a star actor without looking at yourself. I love being neat both inside and outside. I take a lot of vegetables. I stopped smoking and taking alcohol. I drink more of water. Beauty starts from the inside. I use Makari products. I love eating garden eggs and cucumber. Sometimes, I go for massage and scrubs so that my skin will glow and look good; but for me, it basically starts from the inside.

What are your plans in the next five years? In the next five years, I hope to have established myself as an actor. In the entertainment industry these days, there are lot of international platforms. I did more than 10 solid movies last year that will come out this year. So in five years time, I will not need to introduce myself again as an actor because I will be very well known. I’ve have already established my writing career. Currently, my books are being used in a German university. Also, the biography I did for Seun Kuti is also used in the Department of Musicology and Music Sciences, University of Munster, Germany. So, I hope to do more biographies as they come to me. Also in the next five years, I should be active in politics, accepting any appointment and prove my own leadership skill. I want to contribute to the development of my own society either at the federal or the state level. So in the next five years, you may see Uzor Ngoladi as a minister, commissioner or contesting one position or the other.

Who are your role models both in the acting and writing professions? In my writing career, you can’t be an English student without passing through Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka and Chukwuemeka Ike’s works. My NCE project was on the works of Chukwuemeka Ike. You know, I first did an NCE programme at Alvan Ikoku College of Education. For my acting career, I will say that I enjoy Richard Mofe Damijo’s acting skills.

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

with

Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770

julietbumah@gmail.com

Juliet Bumah

I’ll rather go to hell (1)

he sighed audibly and the cabbie glanced at the rearview mirror again. He had been observing the neatly dressed, pretty woman since the journey began. No doubt, something was eating her up from within. She had this faraway look that made conversation impossible. Not that he was in the habit of chatting up his passengers, but something about the woman’s mien troubled him. “This is the face that keeps tormenting me in my dream. No, not exactly. I never get to see her. She’s like a mist. One minute, she is there, the next minute she disappears…” He shook his head to clear his mind, and glanced at the mirror again. She still had her cheek pressed against the right side glass, a posture she maintained since she got into the cab. Burdened or not, he needed her to talk. He needed to know her destination. When she boarded the cab at the airport, she had told the cabbie to take her ‘into town’. They would soon get into ‘town’. Traffic! It was at a standstill. He turned slightly and observed his passenger for a few seconds. He noted the full, well-packaged boobs and the slightly concealed cleavage. He felt his breath quicken. “She must have been sent to torment my innocent soul,” he thought but said aloud, “Ma’am, where exactly are you going? We should be in town shortly”. He actually croaked for his throat had gone dry. He cleared it. His passenger didn’t even notice. Could she be a ghost? He felt uncomfortable. “Madam!” It was louder than he intended. She turned and looked inquiringly at him. Her warm eyes and full, well-moisturized lips made him take a quick breath. “Where are you going? We will be in town after this army check-point,” he said softly. She smiled and said, “Oh, sorry. Take me to a good hotel in the heart of town.” Her voice was low and husky, the type that would make a man walk into hell with his two eyes wide open. His eyes travelled to the now slightly exposed mound on her chest and his blood ran downward. The traffic moved. He engaged the gear. It was their turn. He watched as the fully armed security operatives checked the car thoroughly. He also noticed that one of them kept looking at his passenger. It wasn’t hostile, the guy was being human. Despite the Boko Haram menace, the military guy still had blood running in his system. They waved them on. Abuja boasts of many good hotels. Where would he take her? He glanced at his rearview mirror for the umpteenth time, taking note of her good clothes and leather handbag. He decided she could afford some luxury. “Abuja is hot,” she said. He almost stepped on the brake. Did she say anything or was his mind play-

ing tricks on him? His eyes left the road momentarily as he glanced at his mirror. She no longer had that vacant look on her face. She had moved away from the door and was observing her environment with interest. “Pardon?” he asked. “Yeah, the weather is hot,” she replied. “Yes, Abuja is very hot at this time of the year. The heat was at its peak on the last Valentine’s Day but people didn’t mind. Abuja was locked down. Lovers really painted the town red in red attires...” he began and stopped abruptly. He was surprised at himself. Valentine’s Day was almost two months ago. He wasn’t looking and so didn’t see his passenger cringe at the mention of Valentine’s Day. “Oh no, who asked you? Can’t you answer a straight question? You noticed lovers in red, didn’t you see those boys hawking rat killers in red packs that same day? The rats and their killers also celebrated Valentine’s Day,” she said under her breath, but asked aloud, “Are we not there yet?” “Almost. We should be there in less than five minutes. I’m sorry ma’am. It’s the traffic,” he replied, wishing the journey wouldn’t end so soon. For the first time, she gazed at the cabbie’s back, taking in his well-groomed hair and clean T-shirt. She shifted a little and observed his strong arms. They looked a lot firmer than Richie’s. “Richie! He should be Ratsie. Rats! They nibble your toes and fan you with their breath. You don’t feel the pain until long after they’ve gone. Men!” She said this in her mind.

The cabbie made a right turn. “You mind giving me your mobile number? I may need you to take me around town,” she told him. “Sure, sure,” he said, feeling like his system had been flooded with sugar. She brought out her phones from her handbag and realised she hadn’t turned them on since she alighted from the aircraft. She switched them on. The cabbie drove through a gate into a beautiful compound. They were in a hotel. She said, “Aaah, my phones are still booting. Mind taking my numbers?” “Oh, let me park my car properly ma’m.” He nosed the vehicle into the car park, brought out his phone and punched in as his passenger called out the digits. “How do I save it ma’am? I mean your name,” he asked. “Patra,” she replied. “I’m Pius,” he offered. “Pius! No man should bear that name because none is pious,” she said and he nodded sheepishly. They walked into the reception. She paid for a Deluxe room and checked in. Room 302 was tastefully furnished. The well-laid bed beckoned. Patra walked straight to it and sat down. Good mattress! She watched as the bellboy carefully placed her small luggage in the wardrobe and walked out, closing the door quietly. She kicked off her shoes and reclined on the bed. Her mind went through what happened on Valentine’s Day. How could Richie do that to me? I gave him my love, everything a wife could give a husband.” ... Richie had lost some weight. Who

wouldn’t? He barely sleeps these days. It had been hellish. February 14 was his worst Valentine’s Day ever. Until that day, he had been happy; his beautiful and amiable wife, Patra, had also been very happy. “Gawd! Why did I meet Ruth?” Ruth. So innocent, so sweet! His mind raced back to that day, more than three years ago. **** Richie had gone on a business trip to Jos, Plateau State. After work that particular Thursday, he went to Nosa’s house. Nosa is a childhood friend. They got married same year but Nosa’s family lived in Canada. Nosa’s girlfriend was in the house with her friend, Ruth. “They are both teachers in a local school in the outskirts of the city. The schools are on vacation,” Nosa said. The two ladies look alike -not too tall, slim, dark, beautiful and yes, shy. “They are cousins,” Nosa explained and they smiled. Beautiful set of teeth. Anna was the taller of the two. She appeared to be the elder of the two. Their smallish frame made it difficult to guess their age. Ruth, the smaller of the two, could hardly look Richie in the eyes.... ........... Yeah, by popular demand, we bring back the Patra series. She’s an amiable, hardworking wife who got the most unusual gift last February 14. Keep a date with me here every Sunday for this jolly ride...for it promises to be more intriguing than ever!

•Send your observations to: julietbumah@gmail.com

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

Here Beyond Fiery white sirens Biwom Iklaki

ne would think that only brides get to wear white dresses with drama. But no, as celebrities constantly remind us on the red carpets across the globe, white can be worn by anyone on any day. White dresses though unforgiving to those who over indulge at the table, can be pretty arresting on the right body. Most people would tell you it is how you wear it or the style you choose or even the accessorising that would determine if you are a knockout in your white outfit. Personally, white outfits tend to make you standout; it is fiery and can be as hot a number as any red dress is seen to be. Just pay attention to your body type and accentuate the right places. Because it is white, you could come off looking quite sweet and angelic; just ask Priyanka Chopra of ‘Quantico’, Rukky Sanda or even Genevieve Nnaji of ‘Road to Yesterday’. These ladies have mastered the art of being sexy without appearing to have made any effort. We commend them as they raise the style bar every time they step out. We present fiery white sirens from here and beyond.

Body&Soul

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 20

Waist cinching box ple Biwom Iklaki

s wardrobe essentials go, a box pleat skirt should be at the top level of your check list. Box pleat skirts are beautiful, flattering, versatile and above all, they have this ability to cinch in your waist to the best advan-

tage. They are versatile and multipurpose because you can wear them formally, semi formally and casually. A box pleat skirt with a camisole or silk blouse can have a blazer thrown over it for the boardroom, take off the blazer for cocktails after hours and throw on some thongs and a flimsy chemise for a casual outing to the movies or poolside relaxation. I especially like the box pleat skirt with heels or a pair

of shiny brogues. cinching, but for a a wide belt. They come in var firm enough to ho of box pleats from polka, Aztec, you and have a â&#x20AC;&#x153;rocki

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

016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

eats

One with a wide waistband is ideal for additional hourglass effect, wrap around

rious fabrics and patterns but it should be old up the pleats. Yo may have your pick m plain and solid colours to florals, stripes, name it. Just style to your personal tastes in’ ol’ time”.

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z ne

Let mascara do the magic Vanessa Okwara

ascaras are used to enhance the eyes by darkening, thickening and lengthening the lashes. Not everyone likes fixing false lashes. So they rely on mascaras to do the magic. Mascara makes the eyes look attractive and bigger. But, mascara has to be used in a correct way to make the lashes look bigger. Using mascaras can be tricky and if not properly done can be messy too. Here are tips on how to get the maximum effect from mascara application: 1. Use an eyelash curler: It is wise to use an eyelash curler before the application of mascara. This helps to open up the lashes and make them look bigger. Use a heated eyelash curler for getting perfect results for eyelashes. Using the curler after application of mascara will also help to define the look of the eyes. 2. Apply black or brown colour in mascara: There are many colours in mascara to choose from. But, the result of black and brown mascara always makes the eyes look beautiful. Black coloured mascara makes the eyelashes look bigger naturally. Super black colour enhances the appeal of the eyes, whereas rich natural brown makes the eyelashes look more attractive. 3. Don’t start with the upper lashes: to avoid creating marks on the mobile eyelid start with the lower lashes. Then, looking right in front of you, put mascara on upper lashes too, starting from the lash line. Then, zigzag the brush until you reach the desired effect. You usually need to put it on two or three times to reach the right volume and arching. 4. Apply in the upward direction: For better result, apply the mascara in the upward direction. This helps to lengthen the lashes and make them look bigger. Second coat can be applied on the outer corner of the lashes; this also

makes a considerable difference. 5. You don’t wait in-between coats: You might have heard that applying 2-3 coats can lengthen your lashes. This is true when you wait in-between coats to allow it dry. Applying wet mascara on top of wet mascara will give you neither length nor volume. Exercise some patience! 6. You use the wrong wand: All mascara wands are not made equal. Some wands might work for you and some might not, so, if you get one that does wonders to your lashes, keep it, wands are totally transferable from one bottle to the other. Just be sure to sterilize it using alcohol. 7. You pump your wand a little too often: It is a common habit to pump the wand in and out of the bottle when using this product. This action causes air to enter the bottle, and it dries out this product. What you can do instead is to twirl the wand in the tube and then apply to your lashes.

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

dude OF THE WEEK

Express style with classy belts Vanessa Okwara

ccessories are as important for men as they are for women, but most men tend to forget to give attention to them. If you are one of those men who really want to complete your look at every point in time, the first and most important accessory to pay attention to is the belt. The belt does not only hold your trousers up, but is also a fashion statement. In order to make sure you get it right every time you wear a belt, it is important you know how to match it with the right outfit. It is recommended that you have at least two belts in your closet: a good leather belt that comes in great quality for your formal suits or more dressy outfits. If you are wearing a suit, you should follow the rule that says that your belt needs to match your shoes.

A casual belt is the second type of belt men should own. Sometimes these belts have bright colors such as green, blue or stripes. If you are wearing a more casual outfit, like jeans and a casual shirt, your belt can be seen as an accessory and therefore, does not necessarily have to match anything. The buckle of your belt also plays a vital role when choosing a belt for a particular outfit. When it comes to the belt buckle, remember that both silver and gold are neutrals, so they go with anything. Dress belts for formal outfits typically have very small, flat belt buckles. The bigger your belt buckles, the less formal it is. Larger buckles with rounded shapes are common on more casual styles. A bold trend doesn’t mean that you should buy a belt with the head of a lion on the buckle, keep things simple and stand out through minimalism.

Uti Nwachukwu Unconventional dude

Vanessa Okwara

ti Nwachukwu is a TV host, model and actor. He came into limelight when he emerged as the ultimate winner of Big Brother Africa all Stars! This opened the door for all the other achievements that came his way. Born on August 3rd 1982, the last born to a family of six, Uti was raised in Ughell and Sapele in Delta State, Nigeria. He began his tertiary education at the University of Nigeria where he received a diploma in Computer Science and Education before heading to Benson Idahosa University Benin City, to get Bachelors in Compter Science and Education. Shortly after his return to Nigeria after winning the BBA, Uti became a whirlwind of success and inspiration to the Youth. 2010 was the breakout year for Uti. He landed the role of controversial character ‘Marcus’ on MNET’s Tinsel Season 3. He hosted the 2010 Sound City Music Video Awards, and other reputable shows like City Peoples Fashion Awards and much more. Uti is now the face and TV presenter of MNET’s Africa Magic’s new popular magazine show called ‘Jara’. He has also starred in various big budget Movie productions. Dreadlock wearing Uti is also very stylish. He was recently featured on Italian Vogue’s list of the 10 best dressed men in Nigeria. Uti Nwachukwu is handsome, a suave gentleman with a loving disposition and affability. He oozes sex appeal because of his great fashion sense. Uti’s style is eclectic and he revealed that his style is very personal and non-conventional from what most other Nigerian men go for. He enjoys wearing the things that everyone else finds hard to put on.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

Body&Soul

KITCHEN DECOR

Trendy kitchen revamp (part 2) Biwom Iklaki

ne of the worst things that could happen to your kitchen is to let it get rowdy. You need to find a way, no matter how tiny your kitchen is, to keep it as neat and tidy as possible. It is better for ventilation and aesthetic values on the long run. No one wants to walk into a kitchen and wonders where to put the next foot. This week, we look at the few things to do to keep the kitchen airy and chic. Hidden pan hangers You can create hanging loops to hang not just pans

but other crockery too. Keeping these items out of the way is the first step to keeping the kitchen looking speck and span. Spice racks Spices are another essential in the kitchen that could run amok if let alone. Because there are different spices and herbs for different meals, these items tend to grow in quantity until they are overflowing everywhere. Now, you do not want to open a cupboard and experience a mini avalanche of spice bottles, get a rack right beside your cooking area for easy access. This way, you have

Give 90% of your love to spouse I have read and seen a lot of bad marriages and I keep wondering how young people can have a successful marriage if they only keep reading about couples having marriage problems and divorce. So I’ve decided to write in my own experience to let people know that all marriages are not going bad and to also help someone who is willing to learn the secret to a good marriage. This is my parent’s advice what they did in their own marriage: “both of you always think about giving 90% to your partner and you both will be very happy.” They meant it’s so important to think about how your partner is feeling, to stand in their shoes, to be giving and compromising, and emotionally generous. That 10% is for the understanding that sometimes it’s also OK to be a bit selfish, to place your needs first, or stand firm on something. They also made it clear that this only works if you are both giving 90%. I just celebrated my 26th wedding anniversary. I definitely think about my spouse’s needs and feelings the majority of the time and try to be compromising. In return I feel he is 90% thinking of me and how to consider my feelings and be supportive and loving. Sometimes this means giving something up, but actually most times this means we both get what we want and we both feel very loved, supported, and that we

killed two birds with one stone. You have a neat collection of spices to show off and they are pretty handy. Concealed cupboards Many contemporary kitchens now have those cupboards that look like walls but with the push or tap of a lever, opens up to reveal a full wall of storage (of whatever you need to store away). In this case, you could store away your bottled or canned goods. This is a great place to store tinned foods because they are often cold spaces which keeps them at room temperature and prolongs their shelf life.

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are in each other’s corner. I don’t feel afraid to be giving, because he really has my best interests at heart. We are a terrific team and often we agree on what we want. And when we don’t, we tend to take turns supporting the other’s wants. So my advice to young couples is to embrace this formula and watch your marriage transform and be the envy of the world just as my own marriage is. Alice, Lagos He treats me bad but I still love him I have thought of writing and sharing my pain for a long time. This has been torturing me for months and I decided to finally share it here. I know a lot of you would blame me and say that I am guilty, that if I want I can end it all, but I am so deeply in love and I would do everything I can to keep the man next to me, even if I am self-destroying myself. I have a boyfriend of over six months ago and I have totally fallen in love with him. The problem is that our feelings are not mutual. I haven’t received as much love from

him but still I fell in love. I can say I have plenty of problems with him; he had a girlfriend before me, whom he dated for four years, his first love. But he was cheated on and now finds it difficult to deal with it all, that’s why he doesn’t trust anybody now. Sometimes he treats me real bad; he had humiliated me to an extent where all I wanted was the earth to open up below and swallow me, in order not to feel anything. I would never forget the last St. Valentine’s Day with him. I didn’t receive anything, no present, not even a nice word. He always talks about his ex-girlfriend – his first love – what it was with her. This makes me so sad and tells me again that he cannot love anymore; he is incapable of loving except her. Not to mention that he always leaves me on third place, after his parents and friends. It hurts me, but I am telling myself, it is once in a lifetime that a person experiences this love, and it’s worth it; even if this love devastates my hearts forever. Onome, PortHarcourt

I am Eze, 29 years old from Enugu State but based in Umuahia. I need a good and pretty lady from 24 years and above for a serious relationship-07030618308 My name is Aminat, 23 years old. I need a responsible Muslim guy for a serious relationship that could lead to marriage-08187274411 I am Bassey, a business man from Calabar. I am searching for a respionsible, God fearing, working class lady for a serious relationship that will lead to marriage-08160934317 My name is Olwadamilare, 44 years old from Osun State. I am a based in Lagos. I need a God fearing lady from 32 years and above-09031296161 I am Mr. Adebayo from Lagos State. I am a 45 years old surgeon, 5.8feet tall and single. I’m looking for a woman between 25-48 years from any tribe-08167053509 My name is Harrison. I am 27 years old, handsome, fair and tall. I live and work in Lagos. I desire a busty, caring lady between 30-50 years for a romantic relationship-09090575528 I am Femi, 35 years old and a gentleman. I am from Ogun State and I need a lady that is ready for marriage-09039453040

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

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Sulu Gambari’s daughter set to wed

woleadepoju@yahoo.com

Musa Gowon embraces life again

he return of Musa Gowon could be described as a rare opportunity at a second shot at life. Musa is the child former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon had with Edith Ike- Okongwu many years ago. Musa was sentenced to forty years imprisonment for drug offences in the United States of America in 1992. He was recently pardoned after spending twenty-two years in prison and was equally reconciled with his father who had all along denied his paternity. Musa has since been re-integrated into the society and trying to see how he can recover all he has lost over the years. Meanwhile, according to sources, what the dude who is now in his 50s is getting is way much more than his expectations as he’s said to have become the toast and target of ladies who are scrambling to have him for obvious reasons. As part of his activities to embrace life, he could be said to be fast becoming a social butterfly as he’s been sighted here and there. He was seen days ago enjoying himself at the societal wedding of the son of Owerri born, but Lagos based business man, Harry Unachukwu.

raditional institution in Nigeria whichever way anyone may look at it remains almost a sacred institution that is held in high esteem. Meanwhile, there are grades in how these traditional rulers stand as some are regarded as ‘A’ grade and so on. It is no subject of debate that the Emir of Ilorin, HRH Sulu Gambari is not just a first class traditional ruler, but one that is highly respected and revered even beyond his territories. One thing that is almost synonymous with him is that he rarely gets involved in public issues, so he is not sighted often. However, an event that will force the revered Emir out of his shell may be on the way as his daughter is billed to be given out in marriage in a matter of days. Although, information regarding the event is still sketchy, checks and observation have revealed that all hands are on deck to ensure a great and hitch free ceremony as dignitaries from far and near are expected to grace the occasion, even as preparation is in top gear to make the event a memorable one. The Emir’s daughter, Princess Khadijat, expectedly is in high spirit to become one with her beau, Abdulgafar Kamila.

High society set for OGD’S bash

o various sets of people, immediate past governor of Ogn State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, represents different things. While he’s admired by some for his antecedents as an accomplished engineer, he catches the fancy of many others for his brilliance as a partisan politician. Going by his records both as a public figure and a private individual, Chairman of Frontline Engineering Company, Kresta Laurel, Otunba Justus Gbenga Daniel, is without a doubt a successful and accomplished man and for such a fulfilled man to want to celebrate hitting a mile stone age can only be appreciated and supported. It is of course no longer news in certain quarters that this influential Shagamu born politician

will be sixty years of age in a matter of days and this accomplishment has since become a subject of discussion among concerned people. Meanwhile, fresh information making the rounds suggest that the high society may have been on standby to celebrate their own on his special day even as the birthday boy is said to be putting final touches to ensure he has a successful outing when family, friends and well-wishers converge to felicitate with him. His special day is 6th of April but the gig to herald the feat will be holding on 10th of the same month in the event section of a prestigious hotel at Lekki, Lagos.

Tosyn Bucknor, sister celebrate dad

osyn Bucknor, who recently got married to her French beau, Aurélien Boyer, and her sister, Funke Obruthe, are both law graduates but they chose to follow what could be described as their passion where they ply their trades as On Air Personality and event planner respectively. These sisters have never ceased to talk about the input their parents had in their lives; especially their father in becoming who they are today. The opportunity to express the unequaled love they have for their father recently presented itself when the man, Segun Bucknor, was seventy years old. While it was obvious their joy knew no bound to see their father become seventy, they came all out to celebrate him even as well-wishers, family and friends gathered to felicitate with them in an elaborate ceremony packaged by Funke Bucknor Obruthe of Zapphire event. Akin Sugar Band was on the band stand to spice up the day.

Awoniyi’s celebrate love at 50

miable lovebirds, Chief and Chief Mrs. Awoniyi, could be described as one of the happiest parents around at the moment. Of course, that this couple is celebrating their silver jubilee wedding anniversary means they have been together as man and wife through thick and thin and it’s enough reason to be happy and celebrate. What certainly excites them the most is that their efforts on their offspring have paid off as their children are all doing well and are passionate about their parents that they deem it necessary to throw a bash in honour of their parents on their 50th wedding anniversary. Efforts have been concluded to celebrate the Awoniyi lovebirds by Lagos big girl, Toyin Akerele nee Awoniyi, and her siblings as all roads will lead to Ikirun, Osun State where the gig will be held on 9th of this month. The event will kick off with a thanksgiving service at St. Andrew Anglican Church, Eko- Ende, Ikirun, with a reception to entertain guests that will be in attendance from far and near.

Biodun Shobanjo breaks new ground

ithout mincing words, chairman of Troyka Holdings, parent company of Insight Communications, Biodun Shobanjo, is a force to reckon with in the world of marketing communications as his activities over the years has no doubt put him ahead of his peers who now see him as a leader. As a visionary, one who stops at nothing to achieve whatever target he puts his gaze on, Otunba Shobanjo in that light may have broken new ground. As far as marketing communications is concerned in this part of the world, he just advanced his dominance in that field of endeavour. Shobanjo, days ago, set a new record as he puts pen on paper to acquire a landmark equity in a business relationship between Troyka and a global agency, Publicis. This partnership makes Troyka the first generational Nigerian agency network to seal a foreign equity partnership. With this ground breaking move, the veteran Ad man has since become the toast of the industry as congratulatory messages are pouring in for him.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

Body&Soul

RazzleDazzle

Abiola Alaba Peters

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Obasanjo pledges support for AFRIMA

Kemi Afolabi hit location for all-female cast movie, ‘Mo’dorisa’

I returned to Nigeria to take over the music industry – Ashley Stephanie

hile the current video of popular singer, Ashley Stephanie, ‘Molo Molo’ is still making waves in Nigeria and other parts of the world, the Cameroonian singer who has an in-depth love for Nigeria has finally returned home to have a close link with her fans. Giving the reasons behind her return, the sexy, international singer, and electrified entertainer squealed that she aims at settling in Nigeria to promote her music career as well as motivate the women in the Nigerian music industry to buckle up and take their position which is currently dominated by their male counterparts. “Americans are looking up to Africans because we have good music and fierce dance moves but there is something lacking in the African music. The males in the industry are dominating; I think it’s about time female singers came out of their shells and fight for a position too. We have so much love and respect for our male colleagues, but we also need a better share of the attention. Nigeria should expect more of me because I am here to stay”, she said. The French international stage goddess speaks five International languages fluently including Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian and English. Stephanie is a very unique and talented singer, energetic performer, song writer, and arguably the most electrifying female entertainer in the whole of Africa. She started her musical career at the tender age of eight, and has kept thrilling her ever growing fans till she became the only black member and lead singer of one of the most popular Latin American pop group known as the ‘Spanish girls’. Now a Solo artiste, Ashley Stephanie has performed alongside world known stars like Beyonce, Pussycat dolls, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Roland, Enrique Eglesias, Alejandro Sanz and more.

s part of its activities to the build-up for the 2016 edition of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Committee of AFRIMA paid a courtesy visit to the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, on Friday March 26, 2016 at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Obasanjo commended AFRIMA and AUC for unifying Africa through music. He said music is part of African Culture and reiterated the need for music and culture to be commercialised in order to create jobs and reduced poverty among African youths. He implored AFRIMA and AUC not to relent in achieving their objectives and called on brands and governments in Africa to partner with AFRIMA. He recalled similar projects when he was president like All African Games (COJA 2003) and Festival of Art and Culture in Africa (FESTAC ‘77) as platforms for promoting African culture and unity that require huge resources to organise. In his remark, the President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada said, “the meeting and visit was in recognition of the former president as the former Chairperson of the African Union (AU).He is an African global icon, a cultural enthusiast and champion of African renaissance.” A giant photo frame for his 79th birthday and Djembe drum

opular Yoruba star, Kemi Afolabi is set and ready to hit location for her multi-millionaire, all-female cast movie, ‘Mo’Dorisa’. The movie which is centered on a deity in the south west will showcase the best of Yoruba culture and also project Kemi Afolabi in another light, like she has never been seen in movies. The movie is directed by ace Yoruba movie director, Adebayo Tijani. Speaking on what inspired the movie, she said “Mo’Dorisa is basically teaching people about our cultural heritage and telling people how unique the Yoruba culture is. This movie is going to be very spectacular because it’s an all women cast.’’ Kemi Afolabi who is happily married also revealed the statement she is hoping to make at the end of the movie. “First of all, when I’m working, I want my fans to stick to me and my brand. I want my fans to see me in a totally different dimension and character. I’m actually going to be playing the role of a king and I’m going to be playing a whole lot of challenging scenes and I know by the grace of God I will deliver. In recent times, some people said they don’t want their child to speak Yoruba, the movie is not only about being King and misbehaving, it’s also going to teach a whole lots of things, people will have a lot to learn about the Yoruba culture and heritage, our background, our forefathers, and so many other things,” She noted.

Day 9 dazzles with ‘Spray Me’ Wole adepoju

udding hip-pop singer & Rapper, Idu Charles Ossy a.k.a. Day9, became toast of music lovers since he released his debut single, ‘Hustle Anthem’ last year which overwhelmingly rocked on airwaves, social media, clubs and parties. The success of the song is attributed to its smooth lyrics and alluring beat which he didn’t disappoint in his newly released single titled ‘Spray Me’.

In ‘Spray Me’, Day9 reaches out to all good music lovers with his perfectly laced vocals and enjoyable lyrics accompanied by well-strummed contemporary tune produced by the prolific producer Major 1. Day9, who was born in Lagos but hails from Imo State found his love for music at the age of 10, when he started singing and playing the drum instrument in church. As he grew older, he matured into a commercial performer as he became exposed to songs of leg-

endary rappers like Eminem, Nas, Jay Z, R.Kelly, Boys 2 Men and also songs of 2face Idibia. Armed with talent, versatility and great zeal, Day9 said he’s ready to take on the music industry and make amazing impact. He was the winner of the Coke Studio Africa talent competition in 2014, where he performed alongside other popular artistes like Patoranking, Iyanya, Olamide to mention few at the Grand Finale held in Lagos.

Yinka Qaudri, Taiwo Hassan, others set for Odunfa Caucus 30th anniversary

t’s a truism that the journey of a thousand years starts with a step. Same is the story of how Odunfa Caucus, the foremost film body, popular in the Yoruba film sector got ignited. It was not premeditated or planned. The thespians that formed the pillars of this noble caucus normally converged at a now popular street called Odunfa in Ebute -Metta Lagos as friends. Uncon-

sciously there was unison in thoughts and mindsets. Precisely in 1986, the great Odunfa Caucus was birth. Speaking with Razzle Dazzle, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan popularly known as Ogogo said, “The journey has been smooth and rough, but believe this, it is just the grace of God and collective decision to give room for new talents and maturity within the ranks that form part of the

driving force. We equally choose to respect each

other’s view and decide not to ever give room for

open or public confrontation. So we have decided to unite all the products and alumni of Odunfa Caucus, show appreciation to God and few other people and invariably re-brand the citadel into a more formal film school so that the legacy won’t die. Yinka Quadri who also spoke with RazzleDazzle said the body has helped discover great talents, some of which today are top notch acts in

the industry “However, in the past thirty years, Odunfa Caucus have produced wonderful talents and have injected them into the main stream of Nigerian movie industry. I am very sure that in the past two decades till date, some still believe if you are in the Yoruba part of the movie industry and have not featured in any of Odunfa jobs, you are a green horn.

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Trust is a better compliment than love

rust is a word that is gradually fading into oblivion in a world filled with treachery and deception. Fidelity and honesty seem like foreign languages we speak in the throes of passion. I will like to ask you a question: can you be trusted? Do you believe in openness and being completely truthful in your dealings with others? I ask this because it is important for us to understand that trust is like currency; it has to be earned before it is given. You cannot ask for what you are also not willing to give or work for. In relationships, especially between a man and a woman, trust is a big issue that must be tackled from the onset. It is the foundation of a good relationship. If you can’t trust your partner, you may as well call it a day and move on. If you can’t trust your heart with someone, it’s pointless to invest any more of your emotions, time, and energy on that person. Equally, if you cannot be trusted by your partner and your words don’t hold water when properly investigated, you will definitely loose the love and respect you may have gained previously. That relationship is also heading for disaster! How do you intend to build a solid foundation in that marriage or relationship if trust is absent? Love and trust go hand in hand. In fact, love needs trust to survive. Nobody will go into a relationship if they got wind that their partner cannot be trusted. You cannot truly say you love someone if you do not believe in them and what they tell you. Love grows with trust and not the other way round. Once you abuse the trust invested in

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you by your partner, you violate a grave principle on which love thrives. Trust is the thread that holds the fabrics of a relationship together. When trust is broken, that relationship begins to give way at the seams and before you know it, disintegrates into resentments, anger and breakup. It is the cement that bonds two people together for a long term relationship. Never abuse the trust given to you if you truly value that relationship and the love that exists between you and your partner. Someone once said: trust is like a mirror, once broken; it’s difficult to get the fragments put together again.

if you cannot be trusted by your partner and your words don’t hold water when properly investigated, you will definitely loose the love and respect you may have gained previously

Also if you find out that your partner is cheating on you or has betrayed your trust in anyway, try and handle the issue in a civil and matured way. People make mistakes and need to be forgiven. Find out the real reason behind their actions and find a way both of you could mend the hurts and anger that such betrayal may have caused in the relationship. That does not mean you should excuse your gut instincts if something does not feel right about the person you are in a relationship with. If something doesn’t feel right, there’s usually a reason for it. Talk to your partner about your concerns and observe his/her reactions. Remember, actions speak louder than words. If the pattern of behaviour that is causing you not to trust him/her continues, then there’s a problem and you have to confront it head on. You need to believe in your partner and what they are capable of doing and handling. If there is an area or issue that you are concerned about, make sure to discuss this with them and work it out. Communication is the key to building trust in relationship. You may need to make a decision

whether to continue in the relationship or not. Be it as it may, whatever you decide, make sure that your judgment is based on verifiable facts and not just on hearsay, emotions or fabricated lies. Trust is also a virtue that is earned and nurtured over the years. In your dealings with your partner, always aim for honesty and learn to keep your promises at all times. Avoid even the smallest lies because your partner may catch you lying and wonder what other things you may be lying about. Even if the truth may hurt your partner, you still need to be honest with them. They will grow to respect you for your honesty and eventually trust you more. Your partner can read your face better than anyone else. If you are lying, or trying to hide some true feeling by not quite saying all that is on your mind, they will be able to tell. They might even think you are cheating, which can tear down the trust in your relationship. When they know they can trust whatever comes out of your mouth without hesitation, then you are building a bond that is unshakable. In building trust, you should not keep secrets from your partner. Be open and put everything on the table, including your past secrets. Hiding things from your partner is never a good idea. It is even more troublesome dealing with the consequences once they are exposed. Do you know that in any relationship, “I trust you” is a better compliment than “I love you”? Strive to earn your partners trust at all times because to be trusted is a better compliment than being loved.

Mungo Park, place and a sense of cultural history

am disturbed by the extent to which colonialism is still directing the path of our history and most especially the way it is still present in our educational system almost 56 years after the last colonial administrator boarded the plane home from Nigeria. It is subtle, you may not even know that the knowledge you possess is a vestige of colonialism, but that does not excuse the fact that our cultural psyche is far from decolonised. Only this week, I overheard the song ‘Mungo Park’ by Korede Bello. Now, this young man is a fine musician, no doubt, but if he composed that song or the concept of the video, then I recommend he stays in school and get some more education because he is an example of how we have allowed a warped history and colonial mentality to still direct our present consciousness. In the opening montage of the video, ironically, Korede is in a classroom and the teacher asked the question, “Who discovered River Niger?” A supposedly smart student raised her hand and answered ‘Mungo Park’ and the teacher called for a round of applause. Now, my father was asked that question, I was asked that question and we gave the same answer as given in the video. However, my son is being taught to give a different answer, an answer that shows education of place, of culture and a pride in that culture. Let us be clear; my grouse is with the word ‘discover ’. That answer shows a disrespect for nature. To say a mere man ‘discovered’ a natural phenomenon that precedes him by eons of years

is to put man above God and nature. To say a white man ‘discovered’ a river that has been fished and explored by locals for millennia before he arrived is to disrespect the efforts of the indigenous people who shared a harmonious relationship with the land. The land, earth, were here before man and so no human can lay claim to ‘discovering’ anything. But that language is plainly the vestige of colonialism. Everything good comes from the white man. Even the ‘discovery’ of a river already in existence and in use by African natives. It even becomes curious when you consider the circumstances surrounding the said “discovery”. It was all an accident of history. Colonists of Africa were afraid to venture into the hinterland of Africa for fear of the so

called savages; the local people. I add that they were also afraid of the sickness. Mungo Park, a Scottish medical doctor with an inquisitive mind and some money, who also got support from colonial perpetrators, decided he had enough knowledge of medicine to venture into the hinterland of Africa, and so goes on an expenditure in 1795. He was captured somewhere in Senegal and then escapes in July 1796 on a horse with nothing but a compass. He finally got to River Niger on 21 July 1796. Interestingly, when Mungo Park returned to England and wrote the book, ‘Travels in the Interior Districts of Africa’, he showed nothing but respect for the local people. He actually debunked the notion that the people are ‘savages’ but rather, he observed that aside from the nose and

To say a mere man ‘discovered’ a natural phenomenon that precedes him by eons of years is to put man above God and nature

skin colour, they were the same as the white people. His, was a pioneer book in travel writing and it became a best seller that was sought by explorers, adventurers and curious minded people. In 1803, he was asked to lead another expenditure into the Niger. He never returned. He died from suspected Malaria in Bussa and was buried in Jebba. His grave is still there in Jebba though there is a huge monument to him in Edinburgh, Scotland. Now, for a man who discovered a place, there is a drawing of black local men carrying Mungo Park on a stretcher in search of medical aid when he fell ill before eventually dying. Who are those people? Did he also ‘discover ’ them? I am asking all these questions because I want to know the kind of history our children are being taught in school. An history that still glorifies the European rapacious excursions into Africa is no history, but a colonisation of the mind that will have catastrophic intellectual consequences if left unchecked. We need to revamp the history curriculum and reassert the presence of Africans on African soil before the advent of Europeans. I am not saying anything new. Fela Anikulapo Kuti already said this in his songs from the late 70s and so to hear it in 2016 is so disconcerting. We must decolonise our mind in order to progress. You will never hear a Caribbean resident say a white man ‘discovered’ their islands. Therefore, this is to Korede Bello and all Nigerian students: Mungo Park did not discover River Niger, he was simply the first European to see it.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

WINE & DINE

Body&Soul

Ditch the old for Tempranillo

Ibukunoluwa Kayode

t’s time to ditch the old wine you’ve been drinking and expand your palate. Sipping repeatedly same wine over and over can become boring. Lift your taste buds to a refreshing feeling, try Tempranillo red wine. This is a widely divers food-friendly wine that is easy to find infused with great flavour for its value. When you first taste a Spanish Tempranillo, you’ll get hit with flavour of leather along with cherries. The finish is mild, smooth and lingers with tannin on both sides of your mouth. Holding so much friendly fruit characteristics which lean towards cherry, plum and tomato with a smooth finish tone leather, tobacco, vanilla and clover on the palate; Tempranillo, is a wine that sends refreshment buzz down the spine with an American or French Oak aging which makes the

Blast heat with fruit salad

Biwom Iklaki

his weather is not for the faint hearted, to say the least. Temperatures keep rising and heating up, even with the rains. Besides the weather, we have no way to cool down. There is paltry electric supply and no petrol to power our generators. The best way to counter this near hopeless situation is to enjoy a lovely bowl of fruit salad at breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you ration your potions well enough, who says you can’t have your salad at every mealtime? The kids would especially love this. The beauty of this is that you can have a medley of your favourite fruits. Ingredients 3 medium slices watermelon

taste experience worth revisiting. Tempranillo red grape wine holds a medium tannin and acidity with ABV 13-14.5 per cent alcohol level that makes it a perfect refreshing indulgence. This is wine for all and can be enjoyed by anyone who lives to explore the palate for a refreshing taste. It can serve any occasion and can as well fit into a table wine of choice due to its medium-bodied red fruit characters. The major regions where Tempranillo is grown are Spain, Portugal, USA and Australia. Tempranillo pairs with all kinds of food because it’s savoury. It can team up with different continental and local cuisines like roasted vegetables and cured meats, lasagna, pizza and dishes with tomato based sauces. Grits, polenta and dishes with corn as tacos, nachos, burritos and Chile rellenos.

2 apples 1 pineapple 2 mangoes 2 oranges Preparation Wash your fruits thoroughly and cut into bite sizes into a bowl, cover with cling film and refrigerate. Prepare some cream to serve with it or just a bit or milk to drizzle over it when ready to eat. You could also serve with whipped cream topped with a cherry for a bit of pizzaz. This snack is guaranteed to cool you down after a long hard day with the elements.

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

I’m a goddess–Uche Ogbodo Beautiful Nollywood actress, Uche Ogbodo, has been in the movie industry for over a decade now and has done countless movies. She went off screen for a while to have a baby amidst controversies trailing her marriage. In this interview with VANESSA OKWARA, the light skinned actress reveals there’s no hope of reconciliation with her ex fiancé and other issues Brief background I am a simple, adventurous girl from the East coast, Enugu State to be precise. I hail from Akpugo, a small village in a big town called Nkanu. I am the second of five kids with both parents still alive. I was born with a wooden spoon, but aspiring to turn it golden. When did you start acting and movie that brought you to limelight? I started my acting career late 2006 in Enugu State with my father as my torch bearer. He has always been my highest fan and most dreaded critic. I was auditioned the first day I joined Nollywood and was casted for an extra role (Waka pass) in a movie titled ‘Mothers-in-law’, starring Patience Ozokwor, Nkiru Sylvanus, etc. But the movie that shot me to the limelight would be my first major role in a movie titled, ‘Another Bondage’. I played an estranged wife of Saint Obi, who was possessed by marine spirit. What are you currently working on? Well, I have a whole lot of mind blowing scripts am working on presently, so you all wait and see! What was growing up like? I believe I had the best childhood ever! This is because my Dad and Mum gave us the best of everything in life; from love, care, discipline to education. My siblings and I went to the best schools even with my parents not having as much money as parents of other kids in those schools. My childhood was educating as well because I learnt a lot on the streets as per living in a ghetto. So my childhood was dope! Did your family support your acting career? Yes, my parents support my career one hundred per cent and more. Educational background I am currently running my undergraduate studies at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, UNEC, reading Banking and Finance and currently in my final year. It is coming this late because I dropped out in 2007 from Enugu State University, ESUT, where I was reading Mass Communication. At that time, there was no money to further my studies according to my parents. So I left school to fully pursue a career in acting, which eventually paid off. Now am back to school training myself. You are currently separated from your husband with lots of stories painted about it in the media. We’ll like you to clear the air on that here. I do wish to let sleeping dogs lie on the issues of my failed engagement to my Ex! Things didn’t work out between us, that’s all. I wish to leave it at that! Is there hopes of reconciliation or have you moved on? There isn’t any hope of reconciliation because I have moved on right before I gave birth to my daughter, Mildred. She has filled any vacuum there is to fill in my heart and life as well. So I’m satisfied with my single parent life for now. Do you hope to remarry soon? I am single but not desperately searching at this moment. I do hope to get married some day when the time is right and the spouse is real and true, but not desperate. Let’s watch and see what nature has in stock for me. Any good man in sight? If not, what kind of man do you hope to settle down with now? I am not in any relationship now. I am so scared after my whole experience with marriage and engagement; it left me triple thoughtful on issues concerning relationships. I believe am still heal-

ing, it might take a while to get back to my old self but am ready to wait. You are a mother to a cute girl. What has motherhood done for you or means to you? Motherhood means everything to me; it has changed me in a whole lot of ways. From the kind of things I do or say to my day to day interactions with people I come across in daily life activities. My daughter brought a whole new world of maturity to me, and self love! I’m no longer craving for love from people but in accepting and loving myself in all ramifications. Self-love and security is what motherhood gifted me and am so grateful to God in heaven for that. You’re indeed beautiful. How do you handle the many advances you get from men? Well, about men and advances, I have my way of dealing with unwanted advances but sometimes, I like the numerous attentions I get. It kind of reminds me that I still got my games on 100 per cent. So I like the ones I like and push away the ones I don’t like.

Who is your man crush in the film industry? I don’t have any man crush in Nollywood, I wish I do but no! Have you ever been sexually harassed before to get a particular role and how did you handle it? I have never been sexually harassed to get roles in Nollywood. I usually go through the right channels of audition and casting. So there hasn’t been any room for sexual harassments in my case. What is style to you? Style to me means bringing my innermost feelings to life by the clothes I wear. I dress according to mood! My best stylist is my mind or inner man. I listen to it and follow its instructions. I am very much in tune with my subconscious when it comes to fashion. How do you maintain your glowing skin? I love to exfoliate and scrub then moisturise as usual but mostly at night when am going outdoors, because of the heat and humidity. I also love to drink water a lot. These activities keep my skin glowing. When going on a red carpet, do you engage a personal stylist or do you style yourself? I have a stylist who picks out my clothes for red carpets. Her name is Oby, she owns Zero Boundary Collections . She has been a good friend and a great backbone for me in this industry. She is equally very good at her job. She styles me for all my red carpet events, but most times, we work together in picking out the wow dresses. Who are your favourite fashion designer both in Nigeria and abroad? I love different designers all over the world because they all come with their own uniqueness and creativity. I particularly wish to congratulate outstanding fashion designers in Nigeria as well because they have really tried in pushing Nigerian fashion to the next level. What are your favourite accesories? My favorite accessories would be my shoes and handbags. If we peep into your wardrobe, what kind of clothes are we likely to see? You will see different types of clothes in my wardrobe. I am a spontaneous dresser. What is your passion? My passion is fashion and intellect. I would love to go down in history as one of the greatest women in history of my country, Nigeria. Where does Uche see herself in the next five years? In the next five years, I see myself bigger and more famous than I am right now. Where is your favourite vacation location? My favourite vacation place would be Hawaii. I haven’t been there yet but hopeful. What is your life philosophy? My life philosophy is, ‘I can be anything I want to be; I can dream it, then I can achieve It’. Describe Uche in three words. There is somewhere in the book of Wisdom that stated that ‘The son of God is a God, the son of goat is a goat’. In three words: I am a goddess.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

Sunday Magazine

mitting suicide hopeless, and what am I even doing here? Let me go over to the other side and then move on’.” Furthermore, Gabriel explained: “People are also committing suicide because of certain beliefs. For example some people believe that the act of committing suicide would ensure a better life in the afterlife. Of course, such people are the ones we call ‘suicide terrorist groups’ who would deliberately commit suicide.” On his part, Suleiman said: “Certain risk factors will make some people do it.” Explaining, he said going by the patterns noticed: “Women attempt more suicide than men but men actually commit the act more than women. Men commit suicide two to three times than women.” According to Suleiman, men use more lethal methods in executing suicide. “Men are more likely to use guns to carry out their suicide because they have easier access to it; men usually hang themselves by virtue of their gender while women usually take overdose of drugs which provides them plenty of time for intervention which probably saves their lives thereafter.” Globally, Suleiman said there is an increasing trend in suicide among young people. Youths of 15 to 24 years are committing most suicide, he added. Other risk factors are: old age, people who are above 45 years that are divorced, separated, or widowed; people who have psychiatric conditions, and people who suffer depression. Similarly, he said alcohol and substance abuse are risk factors, in addition to suffering from terminal illness, or chronic medical conditions, as well as breakup in relationships. He also noted that social pressure too could result to suicide. “With regards to some important personalities in the society, who for political reasons finds themselves at the lower level in the society, could also be at risk. For instance.” “Big men that are now being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arrested and detained, may actually feel as bad as to commit suicide! Suleiman said. Furthermore, other factors that could pressure individuals to commit suicide are general economic downturn being witnessed in the country. For instance, he said when a 24-year-old loses his job, he will still be able to adapt better than someone who lost his job at 55. He noted that when people are sacked in their middle age – between 50 to 55 years, when their children are still in the universities, some will feel as if they’ve come to this world for nothing. That could be a passport for quick suicide for some, Suleiman added. In addition, people who suffer from psychosis and personality disorder also have increased tendencies to commit suicide. Explaining the issue of how personality disorder could increase suicide risk, Suleiman said: “Some people are very jittery which is normal. I’m not saying when you face examination or when you face armed robbers you should not be jittery, but there are some people that are chronically anxious; they worry a lot; they take things so personally; and any little thing gets them upset. “They worry about everything. This is their own natural pattern of behaviour; these are people who are prone to committing suicide.” On his part, Dr. Peter noted that the problem with the Nigerian environment is that unlike other countries, Nigeria does not have a ‘Suicide Preventive Strategy’. If this was in place, he said many suicide cases

could have been prevented. For instance, according to him there are usually four major stages before suicides happen. “The first stage is suicidal idea, when the person will first of all, have the idea of killing himself. ‘May be I should just end it,’ the person will say but if he quickly takes it off his mind, he will continue living his life. The thought could come up again and he would take it off. These are suicidal ideation,” said Peter. Once suicidal ideation continues to increase, it becomes suicidal intention. That means the person wants to die. According to Peter, he is now intending it. He will then be telling himself: “I think I should just do it; if I die I would be able to escape. I have left school for many years, yet I have no job; I cannot feed my family and my children are looking up to me. I am a useless father; I am now a useless mother.” Considering that the person is now intending it, Peter said this level is higher than ideation. “If that is not quickly checked, perhaps, the person did not cry out for help or no one was able to identify what the person was going through, the fellow now goes on to suicidal plan.” That means, at this level the person will say: “Should I go and drown? Should I use a lethal weapon? Should I drink rat poison? Should I jump from a high place? Should I jump into the sea? Should I run into a moving vehicle? Should I turn the gun against myself? Should I use overdose of drugs?” At this stage, Peter said the fellow is now planning it. He will be asking himself questions such as: “When do I do it?” After this third stage, the consultant psychiatrist said if no one was able to check the suicidal plan especially if those around failed to monitor him/her until the person goes into suicidal attempt, this is when they just attempt the suicide and in most cases it may fail and thereafter they will still be alive. But if he succeeds that’s when it will be said that the fellow has committed suicide. Before the person goes through all these stages, Dr. Peter affirmed that a ‘Suicide Preventive Strategy’ in place could avert many cases of suicide. How exactly does it work? He said, all over the world, many nations have this strategy in place. “For example, in Australia there is a free toll line that somebody who is sufficiently troubled and intending to commit suicide can just call. If you dial the toll-free line, they call you back and you in turn will talk about your problems.” Suicide signs According to Suleiman, people should watch out for signs of suicidal intentions in anybody who is depressed and above 45 years, especially those who do not have anybody around them. Such people could be widows and widowers, elderly people that are lonely, people abusing substances and anybody that had indicated that he is fed up with life. Another important group of people to monitor closely for traits of suicide are those who have attempted suicide before. “They are likely to repeat it,” said Suleiman, adding: “The best depicter of future behaviour is past behaviour. With regards to the role expected of the federal and state governments, he urged them to improve the economy. “The youth must be employed and hopeful, while everybody must be meaningfully engaged. Those are general suicide preventive measures,” he said. Depression can be prevented through building and utilization of recreational centres.

Jealous midwive left me to die over Ankara Chijioke Iremeka

“O

biageli, my sister, lost her life and that of her male child to negligence of duty on the side of the nurses, and most especially, the doctor, despite my father’s plea that the doctor should save her life since the child had died in her womb hours ago,” recalls Bright, 10 years after she lost her twin sister to negligence. Obiageli’s story is one of many stories of how pregnant women die due to negligence on the part of medical personnel, increasing cases of maternal mortality in the country. Other women, for lack of money and education, patronise traditional birth attendants and in some cases, die of complications among others. Maternal mortality represents deaths that occur during pregnancy, before and few weeks after child delivering. According to Bright, Obiageli was in labour and she was taken to a popular private hospital, owned by a gynaecologist in Ogidi, Anambra State, but neither Obiageli nor her baby returned safely as her relatives had to bury two bodies within two weeks, amid tears and anguish. She said: “The baby died after several inducements but the doctor was still expecting her to pass through normal parturition. My father went to the doctor’s house and pleaded with him to operate (surgegical procedure) on her and remove the dead foetus in order to save the life of the mother, but the doctor didn’t pay heed to that plea. “Eventually, the doctor left the hospital after instructing the nurses to call his attention when Obiageli starts coughing. Obiageli started coughing but he didn’t do anything. While that was happening, my elder sister came from Abuja and saw the situation and immediately called the doctor, who had left the hospital long ago. “When the doctor eventually showed up, she pleaded with her to do something but instead, the doctor started quarrelling with my sister, telling her the unnecessary story of how the community fought him while trying to establish the hospital, and afterward, he operated on her and brought out the dead baby but my sister gave up the ghost a few minutes later. “I was convinced that they sacrificed my sister. My elder brother tried to make a case but my father pleaded with him to let go as continued mention of the story would hurt him the more. With this, we left the matter to God. But I must tell you, most medics are ruthless. That is the story of my sister, who just graduated as a midwife.” A jealous midwife left me to die because of Ankara In another development, a mother and a midwife recounts her horrible experience in the hands of her colleagues, saying if not for God, she would have been counted among maternal deaths in Nigeria.

She said: “Some nurses are heartless. Some of them are not supposed to come near hospitals at all. I mean, there are nurses who are agents of destruction. I can say it authoritatively because I’m a midwife too. Not only am I a midwife, I’m also a mother and I saw hell in their hands when I had my first child. “I don’t know whether I will call it jealousy-induced wickedness or something else. I’m a nurse in another hospital but for one reason or the other, I decided to have my baby in a General Hospital in Lagos. My husband brings me to antenatal and takes me home afterwards. At a point, I discovered that some nurses were not happy with that, perhaps, those, who were yet to marry or those married without happiness in their homes. “The treatment and delay I got there, if God was not by my side, I would have passed on. I was in labour and my husband wasn’t around, I managed to pack my bag and other things required of me for the child delivering. In my haste, I picked one of my Georges (Wrapper) instead of normal ankra and drove off to the hospital and that was the crime I committed. “On getting to the hospital, with pains and screaming, one of the midwives, who attended to me, said I should go and get ankra and not George, saying that I want to show them that my husband has money and that was why I wanted to waste that expensive clothe. I pleaded with her to use it that my life is more important than the wrapper and that I had no one to help. But she insisted and left me there, telling me to call her when I have brought the wrapper. “To cut the long story short, it was a man, who came to the hospital for another issue, and saw my condition and my argument with the nurse that ran to his house and brought his wife’s wrapper for me, but this nurse continued raining insults on me and wasting unnecessary time, maybe she wanted me dead or to enter theatre for operation (surgery).” Over 830 women died in 2016 from preventable deaths everyday and Nigeria ranks fourth in world maternal deaths – WHO These and many other factors, discussed below are responsible for the high rate of maternal mortality in the country, which the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, had put at 40,000 per year, saying these were preventable deaths if the government would rise to her responsibilities. He said: “We believe that no mother should die from preventable causes. Unfortunately, the state of primary healthcare (PHC) in Nigeria paints a dismal picture for the future of many children. The excessively high maternal, neonatal and under-five death rates are reflections of inadequate availability and access to quality health services.” Contd. on page 52

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

News

Economy in 2019 to be 17% less than 2014 peak - Morgan Stanley p.40

Interview

AUTO BEAT

Zamfara will build an Int’l Airport this year – SSG p.41

FRSC clears air on motor vehicle registration, licence plates p.43

Business

Paul Ogbuokiri Head, Business

paulogbuokiri@newtelegraphonline.com

Fuel scarcity: Nine companies bid to construct new refineries

L – R Mr. Goodie M. Ibru; Dr. Raymond C. Obieri; Dr. Oba Otudeko; Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar N. Onyema; Current President, NSE, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Alhaji Aliko Mohammed and Mallam Ballama Manu, at the closing gong ceremony in honour of the past presidents, at the Exchange…on Thursday.

Nigeria: Africa’s next automotive hub

Paul Ogbuokiri

ith the initial apathy by the Buhari administration to the full implementation of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), started by his predecessor, Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan lifted; automotive industry stakeholders say that with the take-off of the most important aspect of the policy-high tariff (70 per cent) on imported vehicles, and just 10 per cent duty charged on semiknocked parts, used for assembling madein-Nigeria vehicles, the industry is set to boom. One of the firms that have commenced local assembling of vehicles in Nigeria, Kewalram Chanrai Group, a leading dealer of Foton, Isuzu Cherry and Mitsubishi automobiles in Nigeria has forecasted production of 78,000 new vehicles annually at the company’s new vehicle assembly plant in Isolo, Lagos. Deputy Managing Director, Kewalram Group, Mr. Victor Eburajolo, while expressing appreciation to the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), told Sunday Telegraph that despite the fact that people have doubts about the automotive policy, the company is investing $400 million in the plant, saying “this means we believe in the policy because we know that if effectively implemented, it is going to be one of the biggest sectors in the Nigerian economy.” The auto policy, which was rolled out by the Federal Government on October 3, 2013, had increased the tariff on imported Fully Built Units (FBU) to 70 per cent, while pegging tariff on semi knocked down 1 and 2 (SKD 1&2) at five per cent and 10 per cent respectively. The policy recommends zero tariff on imported completely knocked down (CKD)

in a bid to discourage importation of built cars so as to create a market for those assembled in the country, as well as encourage importation of SKD and CKD for local manufacturing of cars. The high import tariff is geared towards discouraging the importation of vehicles into the country, while at the same time encouraging patronage for made-in-Nigeria vehicles. The Director, Policy and Planning, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Luqman Mamudu, who disclosed this to Sunday Telegraph recently, said that the policy was designed in such a way that it would encourage patronage of made-in-Nigeria vehicles. He dispelled insinuations that Nigerian made vehicles are costlier, explaining that with the huge rebate for knocked down parts, there was no way vehicles assembled locally would be costlier than imported ones of the same brand, model and specifications. He said: “Vehicles imported are heavily levied but the local manufacturers are allowed to pay only 10 per cent on the knocked down parts used for assembling locally.” He said government is also working on the vehicle purchase scheme that will further boost patronage of locally made vehicles because it is done in all auto manufacturing countries of the world, the vehicle purchase loan will come at a very low interest rate, not above one digit. Meanwhile, top officials of NADDC and the WesBank of South Africa are finalising arrangements on a proposed roll-out of Made-in-Nigeria Vehicle Finance Scheme, scheduled to take off this year. According to the NADDC the scheme has been designed around a network of vehicle dealers and manufacturer’s distributors from whose enterprise the purchase pro-

cess will commence. Wesbank which finances a third of all vehicle sales in South Africa has already developed a framework for the establishment of an affordable vehicle financing scheme in Nigeria. The operating structure of the scheme has been finalised for discussion with CBN and subsequently the submission of two companies - WESBANK FINCO and NADDC FINCO. The Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, National Automobile Manufacturing Association (NAMA), Mr. Arthur Madueke, said members of the association had agreed to work with the government to realise the objectives of the policy. Similarly, the Chairman, Coscharis Motors Limited, Mr. Cosmos Maduka, said the auto policy was one of the best things that had happened in the country in recent time. He said major auto importers were not opposed to the policy, but requested for a level playing ground in addition to being carried along in the implementation of the policy. He said: “Considering the size of our country, with over 167 million people, one million units of vehicles in the automobile industry is very low compared to what you can see around the world. Once the capacity is developed, the automobile industry will be the second biggest industry in Nigeria. If we are not ready to produce, it means that we have thrown away our future. “If a chicken is afraid to come out without getting its head out of the shell, it will remain there and die. So, we support the policy totally. Our concern is for the government to provide a level playing field for every interested party.” Coscharis Motors has successfully Contd. on page 40

itol SA and Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. are among nine companies that submitted bids to construct new oil refineries in Nigeria as Africa’s top crude producer seeks to boost output of refined fuel and end its dependence on imports, an official said. The successful companies will build near existing state-owned plants and add at least 250,000 barrels per day of refining capacity to the current 445,000 barrels, NNPC spokesman Garba Deen Muhammad said in an interview. The government’s refineries are located in Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt. “The aim is to leverage on the existing facilities to fast-track the take-off of the refineries as soon as possible,” Anibo Kragha, the NNPC’s chief operating officer in charge of refineries, said in a statement on Thursday. Gasoline shortages are common in Africa’s largest economy, which imports about 70 per cent of its refined-fuel needs, straining the nation’s finances and foreign-currency reserves. Decades of poor maintenance and mismanagement left Nigeria’s four stateowned refineries working at a fraction of their capacity. The new, smaller refineries will become operational within 12 to 24 months, while the existing plants will be rehabilitated to operate at a minimum 70 per cent of their capacity within the next six to eight months, according to the NNPC. Emmanuel Otokhine, a spokesman for Seplat, said he couldn’t immediately comment when contacted by Bloomberg. Vitol didn’t immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment. A technical evaluation committee set to study the bids will name winners “as soon as possible,” Kragha said.

Dangote

Dangote Sugar records 6.54% revenue growth

angote Sugar Refinery 2015 performance scorecard indicated a 6.54 per cent growth in revenue to N101.06 billion following surge in sales for the quarter. Cost of sales increased by 5.38 per cent to peg cost to sales ration at 78.49 per cent compared to the Financial Year 2014's 80.36 per cent. However operating expenses declined by 25.38 per cent, OPEX ratio downwards by 2.633 per cent to 6.14 per cent. Profit before tax increased by 8.35 per cent, howevern this was negated by an increase in tax expense, as earning for the year dipped to N11.535 billion. Thus, the net margin for the year pegged at 11.41 per cent compared to 12.27 per cent in FY2014. The company has proposed a dividend/ share of 50k compared to 40k in fy2014.

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Business

Economy in 2019 to be 17% less than 2014 peak - Morgan Stanley Paul Ogbuokiri

lobal financial services firm and a market leader in securities, asset management and credit services; Morgan Stanley has predicted that in dollar terms,

Nigeria’s economy in 2019 will still be 17 per cent smaller than its 2014 peak of $542 billion. This is coming as Nigeria’s appeal to investors has faded as the price of oil, source of about 90 per cent of country’s export

earnings, has crashed. Growth slumped to 2.8 per cent last year, the slowest since 1999, and it is expected to decelerate to 2 per cent in 2016, Morgan Stanley stated. The corporate tribulations that began with a

slide in oil prices and accelerated after the imposition of capital controls are also entangled in a global emerging-market slump. In propping up the naira in a futile bid to contain inflation, pressure has been mounted on the economy.

L-R: Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu; Director General, Raw Materials Research and Development Centre (RMRDC), Dr. Ibrahim Doko and RMRDC Enugu State Coordinator, Mrs. Chibuzo Abiaeye, during the Minister's visit to RMRDC Stand, at the ongoing 27th Enugu International Trade Fair, in Enugu …yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Nigeria: Africa’s next automotive hub Contd. from page 39

brought Ford Motor Manufacturing to commence assembling of some of it brands in Nigeria, even as it has also commenced building an assembly plant in Lagos for the production of over 14,000 vehicles every year. Mr. Josiah Samuel, The Group Managing Director, confirmed this development to Sunday Telegraph following an agreement with its Chinese partners. The company has concluded an agreement with Chinese auto firm, DongFeng Design Institute Company Limited, to work on the management and design of the assembly plant, while JiangSu Yoylong Automobile will serve as the original equipment manufacturer and technical partner. Meanwhile, the DirectorGeneral of the NADDC, Engr. Aminu Jalal has said that with the signing in of 30 leading automobile manufacturing companies from across the globe to set up plant in Nigeria, the agency has closed temporarily closed it book on licensing of new assembly firms, while it intends to

now concentrate on attracting more Original Parts Manufacturing Companies to come to the country and set up their plants. He listed Nissan, Honda, Kia, Tata, etc. as among the some of the international auto manufacturing firms that have either commenced assembling some of their brands or are in the process of doing so in Nigeria. According to the DG of NADDC, Toyota and Volkswagen are conducting a feasibility studies on assembling vehicles in Nigeria, while Peugeot has resumed operations. Michelin Tyres and DN Tyres Plc have received briefing and are both in consultation to resume manufacturing activities in Nigeria. He said Chinese firms, GAC Gonow Auto Company and Xiamen Golden Dragon Bus Co. Ltd have both signed Completely Knocked Down (CKD) agreements with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM) Limited to increase capacity for the production of buses and SUVs models and set up a training centre in Nigeria. Jalal also said that CJSC Kamaz Foreign Trade

Company of Russia has consulted with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment with a view to building its wide range of trucks including its popular all terrain commercial and military vehicles. The OEM dealer for KIA automotive products DANA Group has discussed extensively with a view to investing in a Kia Semi Knocked Down (SKD) plant in Nigeria. He disclosed that the Japan External Trade Organisation has led a group of Japan companies including Messrs Marubeni, Mitsubishi and NISHIZAWA (Nig.) Limited to obtain clarification on the auto policy. “Investment proposals are expected; Fullmark Urja Ltd submitted application to the Ministry to commence the manufacturing of tricycles with 70 per cent local content by April 2014 in Kano. Installation of all necessary equipment has been confirmed.” Jalal also said that COPE and CIA LTDA of Brazil, the world’s second largest manufacturers of machines for general purpose including for rubber, plastic and tyre rethreads consulted with the ministry with a

view to setting up in Nigeria as a preferred base for global supply; “discussions were held with CAIO-INDUSCAR of Brazil on the assembly of its products in Nigeria. They have been introduced to Leyland-Busan of Ibadan as potential Nigerian partners,” he said. A company assembling trucks at the Calabar Free Trade Zone, CC Auto Fze, plans to start assembling cars, even as Tetralog Nigerian limited, Enugu (Mercedes Benz truck dealers) has commenced civil work for a world-class automotive factory to assemble CKD parts for Mercedes Trucks. A vehicle distributor, Lanre Shittu Motors has also informed the NADDC of his plan to assemble vehicles in the country, Jalal said. Sunday Telegraph notes that with the reported fall of imported new cars dropping by 67 per cent in 2015, beating the set target of 65 per cent, indications are that the country’s automotive policy has begun to yield the intended results, even as more investment is required in the manufacturing spare-parts and other vehicle accessories.

“Our clients, Fortune 500 and other multinationals are all quite concerned by the state Nigeria finds itself in,” said Alexa Lion, a senior analyst at Washington-based Frontier Strategy Group, which advises companies looking at developing nations. “Sentiment has worsened. There’s a lot of anxiety.” After four years trying to gain traction, Truworths International Ltd., a South African clothing retailer, last month gave up. It closed its last two outlets in Nigeria, in the south-eastern cities of Enugu and Warri. Willing to tolerate dilapidated infrastructure, complicated red tape and expensive rent, the company said the import and foreign-exchange restrictions caused it to throw in the towel. “We were happy to lose money for a few years while we developed the business and opened new stores,” Chief Executive Officer Michael Mark said in an interview. “The straw that broke the camel’s back was not being able to get stock into Nigeria. You can’t have a clothes shop with no clothes. With all the other things, it just wasn’t worth it. It was impossible to do business.” Only two years ago, McKinsey & Co. said Nigeria had the potential to grow 7.1 per cent annually until 2030 and build a $1.6 trillion economy. However, as Nigeria lags, other countries in sub-Saharan Africa have gotten more appealing. Last month, Nigeria fell from first to fourth, behind Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya and Tanzania, in a ranking of business prospects by the research unit of Nielsen Holdings Plc. Portfolio investors including Aberdeen Asset Management Plc and Ashmore Group Plc, which together oversee about $450 billion of assets, have retreated from Nigerian markets. The main stock index is down 10 per cent this year, while the MSCI Frontier Markets Index has lost 2.8 per cent. Nigeria’s local-currency bonds are the only ones among 31 emerging markets tracked by Bloomberg to have generated a loss this year. Foreign direct investment this year is set to be the lowest since the 200809 global financial crises, according to data from the central bank. For now, President Muhammadu Buhari and

Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele say they aren’t budging from their strong-naira policy. While both acknowledge that businesses are struggling to source enough dollars, Buhari says that devaluation and easing of capital controls would be akin to “murdering” the naira and send prices up. That’s already happening as manufacturers struggle to buy foreign inputs, with inflation accelerating to a three-year high of 11.4 per cent in February. Markets are betting Nigeria will be forced to follow oil exporters from Russia to Kazakhstan and Mexico and let the currency weaken. While the naira has been all but pegged at 197-199 per dollar since March 2015, forward prices suggest it will drop 29 per cent to 280 in a year. The black market rate has weakened to 320. Bruno Witvoet, the Africa President of Unilever, whose Nigerian subsidiary has seen its shares plunge 31 per cent since Buhari came to power, said it would be “very insane” for the country to persist with the currency policies. Nestle SA says its local unit, which has fallen 18 per cent in that period, has had to widen the number of banks it uses so that it can access enough foreign exchange. Not all companies are gloomy. In January, CocaCola Co. agreed to pay about $240 million for a 40 per cent stake in Chi Ltd., which is based in Lagos, and makes fruit juice and dairy products. Boston Consulting Group this month opened its first office in Nigeria. “It’s an immense market,” said Geoffrey White, CEO for Africa at Kuwaitbased Agility Public Warehousing Co K.S.C., which plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars building four warehouse and logistics parks in Lagos and the capital Abuja by 2020. “You can’t really have an African policy without having Nigeria high up on the list.” For Frontier Strategy Group’s Lion, Nigeria is too important for foreign companies to exit en masse. “But a lot will depend on what happens with the currency,” she said. “For now, the opportunity cost of not being there is too high. That could change if the currency situations worsen. It’s definitely a pivotal time.”

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

Business/ INTERVIEW Looking at your profile, I will say that you are one of the luckiest men in Zamfara State, you have been an academic, administrator, a managing director, commissioner and now Secretary to the State Government (SSG), how will you compare your previous positions with this one you are occupying now? Well, let me begin by expressing my gratitude to God Almighty who gave me the privilege to serve in the various capacities you mentioned. To compare the academic life with political appointment, they are two parallel lines with different demands, but all have their challenges. And my current position now as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) which is almost the engine room of government. It is a 24-hour job, so the challenge is greater, but God willing, we will do our best. You were a commissioner in this state and now the SSG, what is more challenging now? Of course there are serious challenges. You know naturally, the SSG office is a coordinating job of all affairs of government activities and ministries. So, it is quite different from having one major challenge as a commissioner of Religious Affairs. From the look of things since your appointment as SSG almost a year ago, there has been some new projects at the State Secretariat, what motivated you to start these projects that were not there before? Well, that is one major challenge because the office of the Secretary to the State Government is responsible for ensuring that there is a befitting office accommodation for all ministries, the SSG is also incharge of the management of the Secretariat. And you are all witnesses to the dilapidated nature of the Secretariat when we took over, and that is what motivated me to ensure things are put in order. Is the government using contractors or direct labour to execute the project? We are not using contractors. In fact, we are using the normal cash allocation, we are not putting any artificial grant to do that but we felt that we could use the little amount that came in from the cash allocation. With current resources at our disposal, we ensure we use the little we have to carry out the project. So, the money being used for the Secretariat projects, come from the usual cash allocation to the office. We hope in the next one year we are going to have a befitting Secretariat. Recently, the state governor, Alhaji Abdul’azeez Yari signed the 2016 budget, and considering the economic crisis in the country, what initiative do you intend to take as a government to ensure that funds are available for the execution earmarked for execution in the 2016? Well, we are putting a lot of

Zamfara will build an Int’l Airport this year – SSG

Professor Abdullahi Mohammed is the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government. In this interview with journalists in Gusau, he said the state government set aside N17 billion in its 2016 budget to commence the construction of its proposed international Airport. Idris Salisu brings you the excerpts.. things in place, first of all in collaboration with the Federal Government; we are doing everything possible to cooperate with the Federal Government to enhance its revenue base so that it will be able to carry out the projects listed in the budget. Internally, we are looking towards enhancing our revenue generation capacity which is also an element of the budget, and we are very sure that things will go well. More importantly, we want to ensure that there is prudence in the management of government resources; it is no longer business as usual. I think with this in mind, we will be able to put things in order insha Allah. What is the government targeting to rake in monthly from it’s internally generate revenue? Well, it is not easy to ascertain the expected revenue that would be generated monthly by the state because it fluctuates. And as you all know we don’t have a lot of industries in the state unfortunately, So, I can just describe it as poor, but we will improve by the grace of God. As I told you we are putting the proper machineries in place to actualize our plan and we are going to achieve them. Is the government thinking of attracting investors to boost economic activities in the state and create employment? Yes, investors are approaching us daily to come in and invest in the state, and what we are trying to do is to exploit the solid mineral deposits in the state and we are in the process of collaborating with different contractors and consultants to see what we have and how we can collaborate with the Federal Government to see how we can benefit out of that. We will also take measures at ensuring that the laws guiding the exploitation of solid minerals in the country are adhered in our relationships with investors and contractors so that the state will take maximum advantage of it God given mineral resources. We are also extending hands of friendship to other international partners and donor agencies to partner with us as we try to ensure that we carry out the projects we earmarked in our budget. We learnt that the state government set aside N17 billion in the 2016 budget for the construction of that state airport?

Yes, it is one of the projects this government intends to execute this year; we are building an international airport in the state. You can see transportation is something very important that will create wealth. Without an efficient transportation system, there is virtually nothing you can do, and air transport is one very critical means of enhancing the nation’s economy. I can tell you that small countries like Malawi, which exports cotton, wheat and tobacco, embraces air transportation as key means of transportation. So, we are hoping that the airport will open up that state to the world, as investors will be able to come to Zamfara and exploit the potentials we have in the state.

So, that is exactly how we can diversify our economy. During the budget signing ceremony, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly accused some MDAs of diverting the state’s internally generated revenue. Is the government looking in the direction of ensuring that all its revenues are paid into the TSA to avoid a repeat of that? We have started already paying our IGR into the centralised account; you know that one of the concepts of the TSA is that all revenues coming to the government go into a central pool. So part of the measures we took was to ensure that all the revenue generated were paid into

a central account of the state. What do you have to say to the general public especially on the activities of this administration? Well, the general public is categorised into different segments, we have the business communities. I wish to call on the general public, especially the business community to open up their minds and come to the state to tap the vast business opportunities that abound in this state. So, unless we open up our minds we will not see the opportunities that are available in the state. So, I call on all segments of the community to come up and partner with us.

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Business

Commentators slam NYPF’s N500m grant for start ups Paul Ogbuokiri

ome young Nigerian professionals have stated that it is wrong for the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF), to demand N20,000 prequalification fee from those applying for its N2 million per beneficiary in the N500 million grant seed capital it said it has set aside for 1,000 young Nigerian entrepreneurs and students this year. Some of the commentators wondered where on earth the promoters of the scheme want the struggling young professionals to get the N20, 000 pre-qualification money? Joseph Saarta, a young Lagos-based professional, said: “You are asking Nigerian entrepreneurs struggling to survive to come and collect N2 million each upon payment of N20, 000; is this not fraud?

“So by calculation, for 1000-2000 awardees, not less than 20,000 applications are expected, and with a minimum payment of N20, 000 from each applicant, the organisers will smile to the bank with at least N400 million. This is crazy,” he said. Uju Ibemere, a young ICT professional, however, described the programme as the best ever from Nigeria. “It is 100 per cent better than state owned enterprise run down by quasi civil servants or banks where loans are sold to the wrong people or 150 per cent collateral security demanded from genuine investors.” “I disagree” says Adiola Mustafa, an online publisher. “This is a fraud. The likes of Tony Elumelu are giving grants without any upfront payments. Why asking for N20, 000 initial payment for membership

for which you will not be guaranteed the grant?” he queried. The grant was announced recently during the launch of the YESGrant Scheme by the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF) in partnership with Heritage Bank, which took place at the Four Point Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. The event, which was very well attended by dignitaries, including representatives from the Nigerian University Commission (NUC), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as well

as captains of industries and top government functionaries is according to the promoter, part of efforts to grow more indigenous entrepreneurs among young Nigerians and deliberately create over 50,000 jobs in the next five years of the programme circle. Speaking during the launch, Chairman of the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF), Moses Siloko Siasia, said he was inspired by the big impact small businesses can have on the economy and that was why the grant was

created to provide incubator support to enable young entrepreneurial postulants with creative ideas in Agriculture, ICT and creative economy start or expand their business concepts in those areas. Speaking also, the Managing Director of Heritage Bank, who was represented by the Head of Marketing Strategy Mr. Obioma Emenike, said he was optimistic that the initiative would lead to start ups and give a boost to economic growth and issued a call out to entrepreneurs to use their

network to encourage their friends and colleagues apply for it. The YESGrant will provide business training for up to 600 aspiring young entrepreneurs spread across all geo-political zones in Nigeria and will encourage expansion, specialization and spin-offs of existing businesses, which is to enable young entrepreneurs access a wide business professional network and improve their visibility, while entrepreneurs will receive up to N2 million annually as grant.

Nigeria, China trade hits $101bn in 11 years

hina and Nigeria have recorded a total bilateral trade volume of 101 billion dollars from 2004 to 2015. Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhao Linxiang, said this at the 2016 China-Nigeria Trade and Economic Forum in Abuja on Thursday. Linxiang said that both countries had experienced steady increase in their bilateral relations. “According to the statistics of the General Administration of Customs of China, total bilateral trade volume between China and Nigeria, from the year 2004 to 2015, recorded at 101 billion dollars. “The major commodities imported by Nigeria from China are electrical machinery equipment, machinery and mechanical appliances and vehicles. “The major commodities exported by Nigeria to China are mineral resources, wood and agricultural products such as cotton, palm oil seeds cashew nuts and so on. The counsellor said that the bilateral trade volume between both countries stood at 14.94 billion dollars in 2015. He added that the 2015 trade volume made up 8.3 per cent of China’s total trade with Africa and 42 per cent of its trade with ECOWAS. Linxiang commended the cooperation efforts made by both countries in the area of infrastructure construction. He also said that the 10

major China-Africa cooperation plans agreed on at the 2015 Forum on ChinaAfrica Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit would be of benefit to Nigeria’s economic diversification plan. The counsellor called on the need for both countries to explore new areas of cooperation and expand relations in existing areas. Also speaking, the President, Miners’ Association of Nigeria, Sani Shehu said there was a need for Nigeria to gain from the “Chinese model of growth, investment and manufacturing expertise”. Shehu noted that the trade imbalance between both countries remained in favour of China and urged that Chinese entrepreneurs be encouraged to set up production facilities in Nigeria. He explained that setting up production facilities would ensure value addition, creation of jobs and enhanced development in the country. “Nigerian Government should learn from the Chinese in terms of building human and physical infrastructure as well as granting manufacturers and miners access to cheap credit. “We need to liaise with foreign investors; Nigeria is eager to diversify its trade relations by reducing its dependence on western industrial countries. “China is therefore one of the few countries that can assist Nigeria to bridge her huge financing gap especially for infrastructural development,” he said.

L-R: Director General, Africa Clean Energy Summit, Dr. Victor Fodeke; Vice Chancellor, Covenant University, Professor Charles Ayo; Chief Operating Director, Africa Clean Energy Summit, Pastor Olawale Akinwumi and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Covenant University, Professor Taiwo Abioye, at the signing of MOU on Clean Energy Technologies between Africa Clean Energy Summit and Covenant University in Ota …yesterday

IMF cuts Nigeria growth forecast again

he International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that it has again cut its growth forecast for Nigeria as the oil exporter faces "substantial challenges" from low crude prices. In its annual review of Nigeria's economic situation, the IMF said that gross domestic product growth would slow to 2.3 per cent in 2016 from an estimated 2.7 per cent in 2015. In February, after IMF officials visited the country, the Fund

had forecast 3.2 per cent growth for Nigeria in 2016. "Key risks to the outlook include lower oil prices, shortfalls in non-oil revenues, a further deterioration in finances of state and local Governments, deepening disruptions in private sector activity due to constraints on access to foreign exchange, and resurgence in security concerns," the IMF said in a statement. It added that Nigeria's general government deficit

World's biggest shipping company acquires billion dollars assets

he world’s biggest shipping company is taking advantage of low industry prices to build its business across units. A.P. Moeller-Maersk A/S unveiled its latest venture on Thursday, when its APM Terminals unit said it will invest 758 million euros ($859 million) in a Moroccan port facility. That follows the closing earlier this month of the unit’s $1 billion acquisition of a Spanish rival, and an almost $1 billion deal in Mexico. “Global trade is down at the moment, but the agreement shows the Maersk

group’s strengths, that we can make long-term investments even when freight rates are challenged,” Kim Fejfer, the chief executive officer of APM Terminals, said in a phone interview. The Tangier concession will run 30 years, he said. Maersk is going ahead with acquisitions even as its own business suffers from what analysts have described as a perfect storm, with plunging freight rates hitting its shipping business

would grow further after doubling to 3.7 per cent of GDP in 2015. The IMF executive board said Nigeria needed to urgently implement policies to safeguard fiscal sustainability, reduce external imbalances and advance structural reforms that promote more inclusive growth. "Directors emphasized the critical need to raise non-oil revenues to ensure fiscal sustainability while maintaining infrastructure

and low oil prices squeezing its exploration and drilling operations. The company in February reported an 84 per cent slump in 2015 profit and wrote down the value of its oil assets by $2.6 billion. But the group still generated $8 billion in cash flow last year and CEO Nils Smedegaard Andersen has underscored his intention to look for takeover opportunities. Maersk Drilling CEO Claus Hemmingsen said

and social spending," the IMF said. "They urged a gradual increase in the VAT rate, further improvements in revenue administration, and a broadening of the tax base." Discussions between Nigeria and the World Bank are continuing on a possible loan or credit facility that is tied to policy reforms in the West African oil exporter, a spokesman for the Washington-based multilateral lender said.

earlier this month his unit may also be able to take advantage of the group’s financial strength and find cheap assets amid the market downturn. The Tangier Terminal will have Maersk Line, the group’s container shipping unit, as its main customer, Fejfer said. APM Terminals, which also earlier this month said its $900 million Mexican port is about to open, “will have a very busy 2016,” he said.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

FRSC clears air on motor vehicle registration, licence plates

Paul Ogbuokiri ollowing repeated complaints from Nigerians about the discrepancies in obtaining motor vehicle licence plates, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a statement to clarify issues bordering on vehicle registration in the country. The statement said the FRSC is only required by law to produce licence plates for onward distribution to states’ internal revenue boards. The statement, which was signed by the agency’s head of media relations and strategy, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, said only states are permitted by law to issue number plates to citizens. “The FRSC responsibility is to design and produce vehicle number plates by virtue of Section 5(g) and Section 10 sub section 3(f) of the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007. After production, the number plates are handed over to the States through States Boards of Internal Revenue (SBIRs) who now sell to the public.” Nigerians have berated the FRSC for its handling of motor vehicle registration across the country, describing it as “cumbersome” and “exploitative.” But in his statement, Mr. Kazeem said the FRSC does not partake in decisions about licence plates fees but only collaborates with states to set national standards and develop reliable database for motor vehicles. “The payment for number plates by motorists is strictly within the purview of the States since such payments are regarded as road taxes. In like manner, registration of vehicles is also the responsibility of the State Licensing Authorities. The FRSC however, collaborates with the State agencies involved to set national standards and to develop a reliable national database for all registered vehicles in Nigeria.”

Mr. Kazeem used the statement to enlighten the general public on motor vehicle registration guidelines. “To register a vehicle, an applicant is expected to go to the Motor Licensing Office of the State Board of Internal Revenue (SBIR) where he would be guided on the process and procedure of vehicle registration. Alternatively, the applicants can apply online by visiting www.nvisng.org and fill form MVA 01, submit the form, after which an item number will be automatically generated which will be taken to SBIR for necessary payment. The applicant will then be issued with necessary vehicle documents. These are Vehicle License, Certificate of Road Worthiness, Valid Insurance Certificate and Proof of Ownership Certificate. “The FRSC and SBIRs are not unaware of the activities of unscrupulous elements who are bent on circumventing the due process of vehicle registration for fraudulent and criminal purposes, and that was why processes are being put in place by FRSC in collaboration with SBIRs to checkmate their evil machinations. One of such processes is the development of the online Information Verification Portal (IVP) which affords applicants and vehicle owners the opportunity to verify online the genuineness of their vehicle registration and number plates. “Many fake number plates and faulty registration have been discovered through this platform. In fact, the security agencies have been able to track stolen vehicles as well as some vehicles used in the commission of crimes. This underscores the importance of the verification portal as a veritable tool in fighting fake vehicle registration and boosting safety as well as national security.” Mr. Kazeem also gave specific answers to some of the concerns raised by Nigerians in the course of obtaining licence plates. “a). That a Plate Number belonging to a particular vehicle when verified on NVIS

Platform, may show details of another vehicle. “This can be caused by one of two possible reasons. “The first possibility is that one of the two Vehicle Owners had bought a fake Number Plate while the other owner bought an FRSC/Lagos State Produced Number Plate. The Portal will however accept just one of these registrations and as such the other vehicle owner will always see details of a different vehicle when trying to verify the Number Plate on NVIS. To resolve this, the owner must visit MVA Office to complain and have the State Official sort out who the authentic Number Plate Belong to and communicate same to FRSC. “The second possible reason is that the Original Vehicle Owner whose information is saved on NVIS had sold the Vehicle to another individual alongside the Plate Number. Instead of the new owner doing a Change of Ownership, he/she had decided to register the Vehicle as a Fresh Registration with his own detail which the NVIS Portal will not accept since the same information already exist in its database. It is also possible that the new owner did a Change of Ownership at the MVA office but the record was pushed to NVIS Portal as Fresh Registration instead of Change of Ownership entry. To resolve this, owner should visit Motor Licensing Authority (MLA) and ask that the vehicle registration be pushed to FRSC as Change of Ownership entry as against being pushed as Fresh Registration. “b). That a Number Plate which has been assigned to a particular vehicle is yet to complete its registration. This is a case of incomplete registration by the owner of the vehicle or that the registration detail has not been uploaded unto the portal. Without a valid insurance Certificate, the vehicle registration is incomplete. “c). Plate has been produced by FRSC but yet to be assigned to a vehicle.

Peugeot, Citroen reveal new vans

SA Peugeot and Citroen have revealed their all-new rivals for mid-size commercial vans like the Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit, Hyundai iLoad, Mercedes-Benz Vito, Renault Trafic, Toyota HiAce and Volkswagen Transporter. Both the Citroen Jumpy, which was previously badged as the Dispatch in UK and Australia, and the Peugeot Expert, which has also been discontinued here, are “being evaluated for Australian introduction”, says local importer Sime Darby. Due on sale in Europe later this year, both new vans are based on a new platform that PSA says “benefits from all the advantages of the modular EMP2 platform” which underpins the latest Peugeot 308, including quality, weight reduction and efficiency. Fuel consumption is as low as 5.1L/100km (equating to CO2 emissions of 133g/km) and PSA claims an aver-

age of 5.4L/100km and 140g/km makes both vans the most efficient in class. This is thanks to Stop&Start tech and a new range of Euro 6 BlueHDi 1.6- and 2.0-litre diesel engines, which range in output from 72kW/210Nm to 135kW/400Nm and come with service intervals of 40,000km or two years. They will be matched to five- and sixspeed manual transmissions, plus the BlueHDi 180’s EAT6 transmission and the BlueHDi 95’s ETG6 electronic gearbox, which are said to free up extra legroom for the middle passenger. PSA says the new powertrains, more aerodynamic vehicle body and lighter mass (up to 150kg less than the models they replace and between 100 and 300kg “lighter than other vehicles in the segment with the same power”) deliver the lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in the segment. PSA claims t h e

Partner and Jumpy will be the first vans in their class to bring features such as handsfree sliding side doors, Moduwork cabin modularity, Active Safety Brake automatic emergency braking, a reversing camera with VisioPark 180-degree overhead rear view and zoom, Driver Attention Alert, auto high-beam and voice-controlled connected 3D navigation with real-time traffic info. Both vans can carry up to 1400kg, offer up to 6.6 cubic-metres of load volume and tow up to 2500kg. They will be available in three lengths ranging from 4.6 to 5.3 metres, while a relatively low roof height of 1.9m making them “particularly well suited to urban journeys”, says PSA. PSA also says both vans achieved a maximum five-star crash safety rating in Euro NCAP tests. In Europe, PSA’s new vans will be available in extended-cab form with five or six fixed or fold-up seats, as cab/chassis for specialist conversion, and in Combi peoplemover guise with up to nine seats. The general manager of Peugeot, Citroen and DS Australia, Kai Bruesewitz, said both new French vans are being considered as part of a wider Australian commercial vehicle strategy for PSA, which currently offers only the small Citroen Berlingo. “Introduction of the next-generation Peugeot Expert and Citroen Dispatch are currently under study with PSA Peugeot Citroen, with these models part of a wider review of the PSA commercial vehicle portfolio in Australia,” said Bruesewitz.

Auto beat Motoring tips How to drive through a flooded road

aining season is a period, when motoring could be painful and stressful due to flood. It is period, when highways could turn to water ways. It is period, when vehicle could easily give up inside a pool of flood. When the road becomes flooded, what should you do to drive through without much stress? When the flood is not too deep Any vehicle can be driven through a flooded road that is not up to two-feet in depth of water or the height of the water does not reach up to knee of a five-foot tall adult. Even flooded roads with lower depth could still frustrate a careless motorist. General rule When driving through an unfamiliar road and it begins to rain, please reduce your speed, so that you won’t speed into a pool of water. For you might spray your car electrics or damage your engine. You might also spray water onto the windscreen of vehicles of other road users, a situation which could lead to an accident. Driving through the flood Even if it’s a familiar road and it begins to rain and flood, slow down. When you get to a flooded part of the road and need to wade through, please do as follows: Stop your car completely. If you can view the kerb side of the road, then it is not too deep. If you can’t, it is deep. If driving through a badly damaged road in which case there is likely to be deep ditches at certain points, drive carefully and slowly. And when you reach a point at which vehicles are breaking down in the pool and the point is obviously deep, turn back if you can. If you must keep going, stop and observe other vehicles passing through. If there are no other vehicles passing, get out of the car, using your umbrella (it is advisable to always have an umbrella or rain coat in your car during this season). Get a long stick to check the depth of the flood. If depth level is as high as hip of a five feet tall adult, it advisable not to drive through, unless your car is a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) or truck with high ground clearance. If the water depth is not as high as two-feet and you intend to keep going, do as follows: Put on hazard lights Switch off your air-condition so that engine fan blade will not spray water on the electrics Wind down side glasses for fresh air Use the highest gear (gear 01) Drive through slowly at a steady speed but with high acceleration. Never lift your foot off acceleration pedal. In fact, if your car is manual transmission, it is even easier. As you accelerate, level your speed with the clutch, high acceleration is necessary to prevent water from sucking into the engine through the exhaust pipe, thereby damaging your engine. Using the clutch is important to ensure your car does not stop in middle of a flooded road. If for any reason, your vehicle stops in the middle of the flood, do not attempt to restart the engine. If you do, you would damage your engine, as water would suck into your engine, possibly damaging your piston connecting rods and valves, which might be costly to repair. Best thing to do is call for help.

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Colour by numbers

The Song of the Spring Annie Willis McCullough

he King was very ill indeed and no one in all the court could find out what was his ailment or how to cure it. He had been the kindest, merriest king for miles about, always ready to help a poor subject or to stop and play with the children as he drove his chariot through the village. Now he never smiled and he seemed too weary to care what happened in the kingdom; so everything went at sixes and sevens and no one knew what to do about it. “The King needs daintier food,” said the Court Cook, so he served broiled peacock on toast, and pomegranates and cream, and wild honey, and cheese-cakes as light as feathers, and a sponge cake made with the eggs of a bantam hen. But the King would eat none of them. “The King needs medicine,”

said the Court Physician, so he searched the countryside for growing things and he brewed rose-leaf tea, and he made a potion of everlasting flowers mixed with rosemary, and he distilled wild honeysuckle with dew gathered at sunrise, but the King would drink none of these. “Perhaps music would divert the King,” suggested the Court Wise Man. “It might make him forget whatever is troubling him.” And as music was the only remedy for the King’s most sorrowful illness that had not been tried, the Court Herald hastened through the streets, calling as loudly as he could: “Music for the King! Music for the King! Riches and honour for whoever can play the prettiest tune and the one that will make his majesty forget his sorrow.” Immediately the palace was filled with music, some of it

very beautiful and all of it played by very famous people. A sweet singer came with his lute and sang to the King of all the princesses and queens that had listened to his tunes. But at the end the King was still weak and sorrowful. A harpist from a far country came and played music that sounded like the mighty wind on high mountain tops and the rushing flow of great mountain streams. But the King only thanked the harpist and requested that he be paid for his pains and his journey and go back to his home. Later, there came a trumpeter who gave great battle calls on his trumpet, but the King covered his ears to shut out the sound and looked more sad than ever because the sound of the trumpet gave him a headache. So it seemed as if not even music would make the King well, and no one knew what to do.

Maths photo

Crossword puzzle

Tongue Twister Denise sees the fleece, Denise sees the fleas.At least Denise could sneeze and feed and freeze the fleas.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

NSEASI wanes by 1.52% WtD

he Nigerian equities market advanced on two (2) out of the four (4) trading days in the week. Despite the even split between days of gains and losses, the index waned by 1.52% WtD as the magnitude of the losses far outweighed the gains on the positive days. Consequently, the Yearto-Date return of the index pared to -10.95%. The equities market breadth settled at 0.72x, as twenty-six (26) counters appreciated in value against thirty-six (36) stocks that pared. Total market volume and value of transactions subsequently plummeted by 18.66% and 38.52% WtD respectively. VITAFOAM outperformed its peers in the week, advancing by 14.83% WtD to close at NGN5.42. Other top advancers in the week were OANDO, FCMB, TOTAL, and INTBREW, which appreciated by 14.50%, 11.25%, 9.86%, and 8.99% WtD. UCAP steered the laggards in the week, plummeting by 35.00% WtD to settle at NGN1.30, and was trailed by TRANSCORP (-15.97%), UBA (-15.87%), ZENITHBANK (-15.54%), and TIGERBRANDS (-13.33%) accordingly. Investor sentiments were largely negative in the week, despite an influx of earnings releases (over 40 performance scorecards released) into the market. Trading activities were largely bearish as declared corporate actions were insufficient to cause significant rallies on the equities of some of the Company’s that released results. We envisage that the sell down witnessed during the week will persist in the coming week, especially on counters with their closure dates elapsing in the new week. This report reviews events in the current week, with emphasis on different segments of the financial market, while presenting our expectations for the coming week. Fixed Income Update: Weak Demand Pressures Yield Northwards Rates at the interbank waned in the week, as average NIBOR across tenors declined by 2.96% WoW to peg at 9.24%. Also, OBB and OVN rates declined by 8.92% and 9.00% WoW accordingly to close the week at 3.83% and 4.33% correspondingly. Demand for the Nigerian Treasury bills instruments were weak in the week, resulting to a hike in average yield across instruments by 0.93% WoW to 8.60%. Yields on the 1M, 2M, 3M, 6M, 9M and 12M instruments pegged at 6.99%, 7.24%, 8.08%, 9.21%, 9.59% and 10.50% accordingly. The seemingly weak demand was also displayed in the Treasury bond space, with the average yield on FGN Bonds instruments advancing by 0.14% WoW to close at 11.43%. We anticipate this trend may be sustained in the coming week as system liquidity wanes further, following the Treasury Bills auction scheduled for 6th of April, 2016. At the Inter-bank market, the Naira sustained a mid-price of NGN198.06/USD for most of the trading days in the week, but subsequentlty closed the week at NGN199.19/USD. This represents a WoW and YtD return of -0.35% and +0.06% accordingly. The domestic currency pegged at NGN324.00/USD at the parallel market. We anticipate that the relatively higher yield environment will bolster investment activities in the coming week, while we opine that the pressured system liquidity remains a threat to interbank rates. Agric. Sector: Yet another somber week Consolidating on previous week’s losses, our MERI-AGRI index pared by 1.76% WtD, resulting in a year-to-date return of 1.87% for the Agric. Sector. Based on week-toDate performances, the sector recorded a lone gainer, while two (2) counters pared, pegging the sector breadth at 0.5x. PRESCO advanced by 1.02%WtD, settling at NGN34.60 at the close of the week. LIVESTOCK and OKOMUOIL recorded respec-

…influx of earnings releases

tive declines of 6.25% and 5.00%, closing the week at NGN1.05 and NGN29.85 in that order. ELLAHLAKES and FTNCOCOA recorded no week-on-week price changes. During the week, LIVESTOCK released its FY2015 performance scorecard which revealed that the company’s revenue appreciated by 13.25%. Profit-before-taxes and profit-after-taxes however waned by 25.37% and 26.07% YoY respectively. OKOMUOIL reported YoY growths of 12.50%, 52.20% and 97.84% in turnover, profit-before-tax and profit-after-tax respectively. FTNCOCOA also released its FY2015 audited results which saw revenue grow by 453.10%, while profit-before-tax and profit-after-tax both declined by 65.14%YoY apiece. We maintain our position that the sector has the potential to deliver attractive returns to investors, as the sector is expected to enjoy key focus in the current government’s economic development agenda, both in the short to medium term. Investors are however advised to make decisions based on company fundamentals. Banking sector: Sector continues to fall despite attractive corporate actions The banking sector closed down for this week, paring by 9.64% WoW to peg the YtD return at –21.03%, as the certain sector heavyweight shed points after the closure dates for dividends passed There were four (4) gainers and eleven (11) decliners, pegging the sector’s breadth at 6.63x. FCMB led the advancers, after appreciating by 11.25%. The ticker was closely followed by ETI, UNITYBNK, and WEMABANK which recorded respective price gains of 3.12%, 2.86%, and 1.32%. On the flip side, the decliners list was populated by UBA (-15.87%), ZENITHBANK (-15.54%), GUARANTY (-10.59%), and SKYEBANK

(-8.08%). Three banks released results this week, all of which were relatively weak when compared with the results previously released. The banks which released results were FCMB, FIDELITYBK and UBN. First City Monument Bank Holdco (FCMB) FY2015 numbers revealed that the Holdco recorded a growth in Gross earnings (+2.60% YoY), while earnings declined significantly, with Profit-After-Tax coming in 78.49% lower YoY. Also, the Holdco declared a dividend of NGN0.10/share, which at the current price implies a dividend yield of 11.24%. Fidelity Bank Plc (FIDELITYBK) recorded a good growth in Gross earnings, while Profit-Before Taxes declined by 9.61%. The bank was however, able to record a marginal growth of 0.78% in Profit-After-Tax, by utilizing warehoused tax benefits. Also, the bank declared a dividend of NGN0.16/ share which represents a dividend yield of 12.12% based on the closing price at the end of the trading week. Union Bank of Nigeria Plc’s (UBN) result showed that the bank recorded a growth in Gross earnings of 14% YoY, while ProfitBefore-Tax and Profit-After-Tax declined by 47% and 48% accordingly; and no dividend was declared. In line with expectations, the results released in the week were unable to drive the sector’s performance, as significant offer volumes permeates the market. We expect this to persist in the coming week as sell side volumes still significantly outweigh the buy-side. Consumer Goods: Sector heavyweights drag performance Reversing some of the gains recorded in the previous week, the Consumer Goods sector recorded a negative week-to-date

performance of -4.16%, pushing the yearto-date return to -17.89% as measured by the NSEFBT10 sector index. In the week concluded, VITAFOAM led the gainers’ chart with 14.83% gain WtD. The counter was trailed by INTBREW, NASCON, DANGSUGAR, CHAMPION, PZ, FLOURMILL and 7UP with respective WtD returns of +8.99%, +5.98%, +5.26%, +4.76%, +3.12%, +2.89% and +1.59%. The decliners’ chart on the contrary featured TIGERBRANDS, NB, GUINNESS and UNILEVER, with respective WtD returns of -13.33%, -9.61%, -8.20%, and -4.59%. NASCON Allied Industries released its FY2015 financial scorecard which showed 43.80% year-on-year increase in Revenue to peg at NGN16.18bn. Similarly profit before taxes and profit after taxes advanced by 5.64% and 12.78% YoY accordingly. The company declared a dividend of NGN0.55/ share, which implies a dividend yield of 2.81% at today’s close price. We do not anticipate a change in the oscillatory performance trend in the sector, as investors continue profit taking activities on sector counters. A development which was further aggravated by unimpressive earnings releases, coupled with heightened skepticism on future performance amidst current unfavourable macro-economic fundamentals. Health Sector: Sector breadth settles at 0.5x The sector breadth (0.5x) favoured the decliners in the week, as two (2) counters pared against a lone advancer. Consequently, the MERI-HLTH index pared by 0.09% WtD. NEIMETH was the lone advancer in the week, advancing by 4.55% WtD to settle at NGN0.69. Conversely, NIG-GERMAN (-9.64% WtD) and FIDSON (-2.37% WtD) were the two laggards in the week. Fidson Healthcare Plc. (FIDSON) released its FY2015 result, recording revenue and PAT of NGN8.21bn (-15.52% YoY) and NGN744.38mn (+17.81% YoY) respectively. A dividend of NGN0.05k/share was proposed, implying a dividend yield of 2.02% at the closing price for the week. We are not optimistic of a positive sector return in the coming week, save for positive news inflows capable of spurring positivity towards the sector stocks. Industrial goods: DANGCEM emerges as sole gainer for the week The month of March was a good one for the industrial goods sector, as it returned 15.16% during the month. This strong performance, which was mostly driven by DANGCEM (+18.38% MoM return), drove the sector return for Q1:2016 to -3.13%. In furtherance to the rally on DANGCEM, the industrial goods sector closed the week positive as measured by the Meri-IND index which appreciated by 3.26% WtD. There were 6 price losers during the week as against DANGCEM the only price gainer. WAPCO recorded the highest decline during the week ended, following a 5.48% decline in share price to NGN76.41. ASHAKACEM, CCNN, BERGER, PORTPAINT and CUTIX shed 5.00%, 5.00% 4.97%, 4.76% and 4.61% respectively to make up the list of decliners. Chemical and Allied Products PLC (CAP) recorded a marginal growth of 0.99% in its FY2015 revenue to NGN7.06bn even as Profit after Tax (PAT) settled at NGN1.74bn, up 4.64% from FY2014. The growth in PAT was driven by a 13.85% increase in “other income” coupled with improved operating efficiency evidenced by the 4.39% YoY decline in operating expense. The company also declared a dividend of NGN1.20 per share implying a dividend yield of 3.12% at current market price.

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Business

What we need to know about our daily use of salt Clinical Consultant pharmacist EMMANUEL A.NWANKWO agmerendis@yahoo.com

08148877648 (SMS only)

alt which is also called sodium is an electrolyte that the body needs. Salt is a mineral which dissolves in water and carries nutrient into and out of our body cells. Our body has three important electrolytes. 1. Sodium is outside our body cell. 2. Potassium is inside our body cell. 3. Chloride. There are also other important electrolytes in our body but in small quantity e.g. Magnesium, Zinc and calcium and so on. Because your body is made up of mostly water these minerals are everywhere in the body carrying nutrients into the cells, and waste products, and excess water out of the cells. Why do we need salt? We need about 1500-2300mg of salt which is one teaspoonful of salt daily to stay healthy. But in some cases we need less than one teaspoonful of salt daily. When you sweat a lot you probably need a little more salt because sweating makes you lose some salt (sodium) and potassium. Along with potassium, sodium is good for maintaining a healthy fluid balance in our body. It is better to spread your salt intake evenly throughout the day than taking it in one meal. Nevertheless do not use more than one teaspoonful of salt in a day. What does salt do to your body? Answer: lt helps to maintain normal fluid level in our body. •Sodium maintains our Muscles, stomach, nerves and proper Acidity (PH) in our body. •It helps with our muscle contrac-

tion. •Salt contributes to healthy thyroid because it contains iodine. •To keep your body healthy, your body cells need sodium and potassium. •Salt provides necessary minerals to your body. Salt is essential to life, salt also dehydrates you so you drink more water especially when you are eating salty food. Salt is also key to carrying babies to terms during pregnancy. What does low salt or sodium do to your body? Answer: While low salt in the body can also be dangerous, it is very rare in our modern day. Symptoms of too low salt (sodium) to your body could lead to confusion, abdominal cramps, Loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, heart ache, heart palpitation, muscular weakness, cramps, nausea vomiting, weight loss, recurrent infection, fatigue (tiredness), memory loss, poor coordination and low blood sugar. These symptoms are now very rare because we in most cases have too much salt in our body instead of low salt. What causes too low (salt) Sodium in our body? Answer: Any of these; Sweat, excessive urination, excessive vomit, Diarrhea-running stomach. When you drink a lot of water, Diuretics (some medications will make you lose both sodium and potassium and when you exercise excessively. What does too much salt do to the body? Answer: Excess Salt in your body causes fluid retention in the tissues. Too much salt in your diet can lead to an imbalance in the amount of salt and water in your body. Your kidney may not be able to cope with this excess salt in the body stream, thus retention of

fluid which will lead to high blood pressure, heart and kidney damage. People may also experience muscle cramps, confusion, depression, vomiting and brain damage. Too much salt in the body may cause blood volume to increase, your heart pumping harder, your kidney decreases in function, and you may experience bloating unattractive condition and makes the person uncomfortable and a feeling of over size. The best way to reduce this bloating is to drink more water which will help to flush out the excess salt out of the body. Too much salt in your diet makes you more thirsty (excessive thirst) than usual. You may ask your doctor or health care giver when you are constantly thirsty, to have blood sugar test. Why is any liquid that comes out of your body taste salty? This is simply because salt which helps your body retain body water is in all the cells in your body. You need salt to help maintain proper body health. But too much salt is not good because it shrinks your arteries thereby increasing your blood pressure which may give you stroke. Therefore long duration of too much salt will eventually shrink your arteries more and increase your blood pressure more. Studies show that too much salt can cause: 1. The thickening of Arteries (high blood pressure), heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. 2. Cause Gastric Cancer - too much salt can damage gastric wall and induce gastric cancer. 3. Decrease or reduce your saliva. 4. Decrease your resistance to diseases. 5. Too much salt can decrease bone density and increase premenstrual syndrome PMS in women.

The law of vision (Of Sight & Vision) Success Nuggets Victor Okwudiri 08037674300 (SMS only)

omething as amusing as it is amazing happened in my office on Tuesday, 29th March, 2016. A colleague of mine was looking for me while I was in front of him. He was asking "Where is Victor?" His attention was then called to the fact that I was right in front of him. It was unbelievable. Now, before you laugh at my colleague, please answer this question: have you ever been caught in the web of looking for something when that thing is right in your hand or around you? Now, I got you there. The lessons to be learnt from my colleagues experience is that what we see with are not just the eyes, but the mind. I, therefore, present to you my proposition of the Laws of Vision, viz: 1. We see with the mind, not just with the eyes. 2. The eyes are to sight what the mind is to vision.

My colleague did not see me while I was in front of him simply because his mind was elsewhere. I was within the 'catchment area' of his eyes, but not withing the 'catchment area' of his mind. Friend, everyday we feed our eyes, but how often do we feed our minds? We ENTERTAIN ourselves, but how often do we 'INTRA-TAIN' ourselves? Our focus lies with our minds, not our eyes. Little wonder Helen Keller, who was both blind and deaf, when she was asked what was worse than being blind, responded, "To have sight without vision" (not quoted verbatim). It is, therefore, not surprising that she became an author, political activist, and lecturer. She also became the first deafblind person to earn a bachelor of arts degree (Source: Wikipedia). What about Steve Wonder? He is a figure of global acclaim, blindness notwithstanding. I will certainly not fail to make mention of our own Cobhams Asuquo, the singing sensation. One reason these and many more blind people turned out successful is the Law of Vision. They saw what they wanted. They say their destinations, even with their eyes closed. They refused to mind their eyes, but used the eyes of their minds.

Secondly, they engaged the Law of Focus; because blindness saved them too many distractions and side attractions, they were able to stay on target. Friend, I ask you today: What do you see with the eyes of your mind? Or, are you distracted by too many things you see with your physical eyes? If there is nothing you see with the eyes of your mind, I charge you today to CAPTURE in your heart a PICTURE of your desired FUTURE. Keep the picture alive in your heart. God helping you, that PICTURE will someday FEATURE in your FUTURE. Secondly, I want you to be challenged by the stories of people like Helen Keller, Steve Wonder and Cobhams Asuquo, who defied blindness to become successful. Tell yourself, "If blind people can become global references for success, I have no excuse to fail." In taking up this challenge, I want you to determine that your eyes will not be a liability to you, but an added advantage. Refuse to be distracted by the things you see. Stay on course your VISION till you get to your DESTINATION. You will succeed. Please follow me on Twitter @VictorOkwudiri

BRIEFS

Glo launches Nigeria's first Data Supermart Edwin Usoboh

n line with its commitment to delivering value, Globacom, has unveiled a new data package, Glo Data Supermart which packed all its array of data services in a single plan for the comfort of its data subscribers. In a statement, Globacom said “we again want to reward our loyal customers by giving them more value for their money in a comforting and less stressful manner. That is why we are giving unbelievable value for all our data offerings to enable our subscribers to browse, download and surf the internet without any stress.” Subscribers under Glo Data Supermart who recharge with N1, 000 will get 1.5 GB of data, N2, 000 recharge will get 4.5GB, N3, 000 recharge will get 6GB while 9GB will be given in respect of N4, 000 recharge for the monthly plans. The Data Supermart also incorporates Booster plans which can replenish data plans whenever a subscriber runs short of data. Under the plan, a N200 Booster will give the user 300MB of data while the subscriber will be given 1GB of data will be given in respect of N500 Booster. Under the weekend plan called Thank Glo It’s Friday (TGIF), Glo subscribers with N500 will get 3GB of data which is valid between 12 am on Saturday and 5amon Monday. A Glo subscriber also needs only N200 to get 1GB of data for all night browsing on the data super mart. Globacom’s data services are backed by the company’s massive telecommunications infrastructure, including Nigeria's most extensive 3G data network, several thousands of kilometres of nationwide optic fibre infrastructure and a 2.4 terabytes transatlantic armoured-submarine cable which linked Nigeria to Europe through 14 African countries with dedicated extension to the United States of America. Glo subscribers can access the Glo Data Supermart which caters for all the super fast data offerings on the Glo network by dialing *777#.

Binatone launches new kitchen machine in Nigeria

lectronics manufacturer, Binatone Industries has launched a new Kitchen Machine into the Nigerian electronics market just as the company is expanding its operations in Nigeria. The new product according to the Management of Binatone group was launched into the Nigerian electronics market to help reduce the stress associated with domestic cooking and baking. “The new Binatone kitchen machine is loaded with a host of features to ensure that there is no more labour when making dough and during other food preparation” the Management of Binatone Industries Limited stated. The new Machine, it said, comes complete with a 4 litre stainless mixing bowl and heavy duty mixing tools like kneading hooks, stirrer beater and a whisk all designed to withstand the rigours of constant usage. “We have 1.5 litre lender with glass jar and 2.4 dough capacity planetary beating for quicker mixing results, plastic splash cover with easy feeding chute which allows adding further ingredients with ease. It is a fully interlocked machine for added safety and variable speeds with pulse function and non-slit feet. The kitchen machine has a 1200w long life and a powerful motor for the best mixing result and for everyday use,” it added. The management of Binatone Group whose products are sold in many countries across Europe and Africa also hinted about its plans to expand its operations to make its products more affordable in Nigeria and other African countries. Stressing that most of its products would be assembled locally in Nigeria very soon and made available at affordable prices, the company stated that its new kitchen machine is available at half the price of other leading brands with a two year warranty to enable Nigerians have access to and enjoy the product which is available at all leading stores in Nigeria.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

Roving Worshipper Echoes of Cantata by the Apostolic Faith p.48

Interview No affliction will escape Pool of Bethsaida – Anthony

sermon

p.49

p.51

FAITH

When your spouse rejects your advice Tai Anyanwu Head, religous Desk titus.anyanwu@newtelegraph online.com © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Bible Society donates N13.8m worth of Bibles Tai Anayanwu

CAN President, Oritsejafor

Musa-Asake

Rev. Gado

The battle for the soul of CAN

Tai Anyanwu

s Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), winds up his tenure ahead of the election of a new executive in May, there are indications that some powers that be are disposed to having a successor, of northern extraction. According to reports, some influential Nigerians including the presidency are believed to be sponsoring the President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Gado from Borno State, to succeed Oritsejafor. Although, the presidency had denied that it has any interest in installing the next CAN president, the development had triggered speculations as to what the import of having somebody loyal to the government in control of the Christian body. Some pessimists cite presidency’s current romance with Islamic nations, already anointed to champion the fight against terrorism, as a bad omen. To this school of thought, having a ‘government-man’ in charge of CAN is tantamount to handing over the soul of the apex Christian body, to the presidency whose body language, they say, tilts towards the Islamic faith. However, the more liberal thinkers seek to know what fired government's interest in trying to control CAN and what having a southern or northern CAN President, respectively, implies to the Buhari. Basis for the allegation The alleged presidency’s interest emanated from a report posted on

social media, CAN General Secretary, Rev. Musa Asake said. Asake, who is also a member of ECWA Church said: “The allegation can’t be true. Why will President Buhari possibly want to sponsor a candidate to head CAN? “It is absolutely untrue that presidency wants to control the soul of CAN,” added the Regional Secretary, Evangelical Students in English and Portuguese Speaking Africa, The Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam. But Para-Mallam gave some insights into why it is alleged that Mr. President is sponsoring Rev. Gado’s CAN presidential bid. “The current SGF, David Babashiru Lawal, is an ECWA member and there will be no apologies for this. When he was appointed the SGF, he paid a courtesy call on the ECWA president who can be rightly described as his father in the Lord. During that meeting, Rev. Gado notified the SGF of his intension to vie for CAN presidency. Now tell me, if for instance Pastor Enoch Adeboye were to seek to become the national president of CAN and decides to take our Vice President Prof Yemi Osibajo, his member, into confidence, does that qualify Pastor Adeboye to be labeled as President's candidate?” But Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu debunked the story. He told our correspondent in an email: "We have no proof of that support."

What analysts say But some analysts believe that the SGF’s visit could be the actual link to register presidency’s possible interest. “It could have been orchestrated to establish a rapport with a powerful

block that can always be translated into mass support for electoral victory in 2019 general election,” said Yakubu Hassan. He regretted that even the outgoing CAN President is perceived as having hobnobbed with politicians in the past Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. According to him, a situation where Christian leaders mingle with politicians when they should provide spiritual direction to the nation is unhealthy for meaningful national development. Para-Mallam buttressed the pointing, saying: “A CAN that hobnobs too closely with the government of the day and political class is dangerous for the health of the church in Nigeria or anywhere in Africa. Politicians will always strategise to use CAN. It takes more than courage to resist them. The stigma of corruption hangs heavily over the church today because of the activities of some CAN leaders in the last political dispensation. It worries me and CAN needs to come clean. We will be unable to speak truth to power without addressing such concerns.” Concrete scenario Sunday Telegraph learnt that Rev. Gado was approached by some Christian leader to vie for CAN presidential election. “When Rev. Dr. Gado was approached by a group and encouraged to consider standing in election as CAN National President, I was one of the few he asked to pray about this development. I have the opportunity of working closely with respected church leaders on the Plateau, the continent of Africa and around the world. Coming closer home to Plateau, the Heads of Church DenomiContd. on page 50

s part of its free bible distribution programme, the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) gave out free Bibles worth N13.8m in the year 2015. The Deputy Manager, Media and Programmes, Benjamin Mordi, disclosed this in a statement made available to Sunday Telegraph during the week. “Breakdown of the figure shows that the assorted Bibles given to the sighted worth N8, 441,370 were 7,668 copies while the cost of 124 complete sets of Braille Bible given to people with visual disability was N5, 456,000,” Mordi explained. According to the BSN spokesman, beneficiaries of the gesture included: Bethesda School for the Blind, Lagos; School for the Blind, Gindiri, Plateau State; Ade Okubanjo Special Home for the Blind, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State; Jesus People Enabled, Onipanu, Lagos; the Nigerian Military; Prisons; Christian Fellowships; five blind undergraduate students of University of Jos, Plateau State, some other members of the public, among others. It was gathered that a complete set of braille Bible, which comes in 37 volumes, costs N44,000. “The organisation is able to pursue this free distribution programme with funds donated by members of Bible-A-Month Club, Special Members, corporate organisations, churches and individual donors. “In year 2014, the organisation also donated scriptures worth N14.1m to the less privileged. This gesture is in line with her mission to meet the scriptural needs of Nigerians and to help them interact with the Word of God,” Mordi added.

Pope Francis

Vatican probes funding for cardinal’s luxury apartment

he Vatican says it is investigating claims that money meant for a children’s hospital was used to refurbish the luxury apartment of a high-ranking cardinal. A lawyer for Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who is not being personally investigated, said the cardinal never asked for or authorised any payment from the hospital foundation in relation to his residence. The probe is focusing on the former manager of the hospital and its ex-treasurer. According to an article in L’Espresso magazine, the work on the cardinal’s apartment cost about 400-thousand euros. The author of the piece published a book last year alleging that money meant for sick children had been spent on Bertone’s flat. In another case involving the hospital, Italian media have reported that 30 million euros of state funds destined for the hospital was diverted to save a different Churchowned institution.

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

Roving Worshipper with Tai Anyanwu

Echoes of Cantata by the Apostolic Faith

he Apostolic Faith Musical concert, in commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, is always a delight. For my family and I, no other engagement takes its place every Easter Sunday evening since I came into contact with the concert on my religious beat. Last Sunday’s cantata with the theme ‘Behold Your King’ was a reduction of the betrayal, arrest, trial, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, into songs and play. As usual, the Apostolic Choir did a marvellous job at bringing back the lessons of Easter to the audience. One could picture right there how Jesus was beaten, humiliated, flogged, rejected, and how they crucified him for humanity. Jesus’ kinsmen (the Jews) were told to behold their king; but they rejected him, saying ‘away with him.’ Without being physically in Pontus Pilate’s trial hall, the concert touches the heart as one beheld the king of glory leaving the sight of God to die on the cross for humanity. It was a combination of drama, songs and commentary. The songs also told the same story and depicted how Jesus Christ went through sufferings, fructification on the cross to die for the sins of humanity, to pay the price of sin he did not commit; so that all may go free. And he was lowered into the grave; the grave could not hold him. In the words of the Apostolic faith’s General Superintendent, Rev Bayo Adeniran: “If God had gone through so much pain to reconcile us unto himself I am sure no man should reject the saviour; no man should reject the sacrifice that he made for us. Now will you reject your king?” That is a question for every individual to answer personally. The Saviour has actually paid the entire price. What he requires from you is to accept him as your Lord and saviour, that he died for your sins and that you will not live in sin again.” The echoes of the cantata will not be complete if the lesson of Easter is not brought to life even within the context of the situation we are in Nigeria. Former Central Bank

Deputy Governor, Tunde Lemor, believes that Nigerians should learn to live a life of forgiveness and sacrifice from the example of Jesus Christ. He also commended the efforts that culminated in the beautiful rendition by the Apostolic Faith Choir and added: “As for me, a lot of things went through in this rendition. This Choir is the strongest choir in my view in Nigeria. If Nigerians can be very dogged, if they can be hardworking they can also give their best in their respective vocations as we have seen the best in the Apostolic Faith Church.” Lemor urged Nigerians to work with the government of the day. “The times we are in are hard; it is not only in Nigeria but all over the whole world. Every one of us must make some sacrifice. If we must turn our economy around, Nigerians must be sacrificial in all that they do so that we can see a better Nigeria tomorrow,” he said. Rev. Adeniran added that the resurrection of Jesus Christ should give lots of hope for Nigerians that, if we look upon this King of Kings in our business as a country and we go in repentance unto Him, God will heal our land. “He said if my people that are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and repent from their wicked ways, God will look down from heaven that he, God will answer from heaven.” This he observed, places a lot of responsibility squarely in the hands of Christians that at this time we should not just be Christians by mouth but Christians in deed. We should warm up to the throne of grace and pray for our country. “If we do, God will turn the tide of this country; and we shall rise again. We shall not blame one person or the other; we should all brace up to work towards the recovery of our country. First, we should turn away from our vices because we must know that it is corruption has brought us to our knees and has ruined our economy and has ruined everything; but God made a provision in Jesus that the corrupt might be made righteous,” Adeniran explained.

Another group deadlier than Boko Haram is coming, Prophet warns •There’ll be an air crash in Imo soon Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

prophet of the Anglican Diocese of Mbaise, Church of Nigeria, Godfrey Gbujie, has predicted that new terror groups deadlier than Boko Haram will emerge in Nigeria soon. The man of God, who is also the Coordinator of Mission-21 World Emergency Christian Project, warned also that an air disaster would soon be recorded in the airspace of Imo State. Gbujie, who gave the revelations in a press briefing held at his Akabo, Ahiara Mbaise, Imo State, country home said that there were widespread spiritual manipulations across the six geopolitical zones of the country, noting that an honest approach in handling the affairs of the nation was needed from Buhari and other leaders of the nation to avert a massive civil unrest. “God’s anger on the leaders of northern Nigeria is enormous in that another terrible rebellious group in addition to Boko Haram will spring up from the north very soon,” he said. According to Gbujie: “This second rebellious group will be led by two seasoned Army generals and soon after a more terrible and fiercer opposition group led by a younger Nigerian-trained military commander will emerge from the south. “If not handled properly, this southern force will eventually cause the final disintegration and collapse of the Nigerian nation,” he said. Gbujie said that two signs would herald his prediction. The first, according to him, would be a serious air disaster to be recorded within the Imo airspace soon. “The nose of the aircraft shall point towards the west and the burning tail, pointing to the east,” he said. Before the 2015 general elections,

Gbujie

Gbujie had predicted that President Muhammadu Buhari and the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha would win the 2015 presidential and governorship elections respectively. He said that Nigeria under the present administration of Buhari was passing through a storm of God’s anger and palpable dangers. Gbujie said that what informed his public revelation on the spiritual messages was the need for Nigerians and the world to take note and possibly apply the solutions to avert the dangers ahead. “I could not help but step out in faith to boldly declare and deliver to you certain messages of the development for onward dissemination to the people of Nigeria,” he said. Gbujie while presenting the solutions to the predictions urged Buhari to urgently resolve what he called

‘the national question’. According to Gbujie: “For Buhari to resolve the national question, he shall convoke a conference for various federating units of Nigeria to state if they still want to remain one country or not.” On the anti-graft campaign, the man of God stressed the imperative of establishing a Public Asset Recovery Panel for each of the six geopolitical zones, noting that the way the anti-graft crusade was being pursued was one of the major issues threatening Nigeria’s unity especially amongst the nation’s armed forces. Gbujie warned that God’s righteous anger was rising against the Nigerian nation and that if urgent spiritual measures are not taken, the situation might snowball into another civil war and violent disintegration of the country.

Arab woman names son after an Israeli

n Arab woman from Dubai who gave birth while visiting Israel named her newborn son after an IDF officer who saved the day and

assisted in delivering her baby. The woman was traveling from Jordan to the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Judea and Samaria on Tues-

Catholic Bishop of Uromi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Donatus Aimhioshio Ogun, consecrating the site of the new Father’s House, during the foundation laying ceremony, at Saint Matthias Catholic Church, Eguare-Ewohimi, in Edo State. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

day when she suddenly went into labor, Israeli news outlets reported Thursday. An IDF officer, a member of Israel's Druze minority stationed at the Jordan Valley border crossing, immediately administered medical treatment and accompanied the woman to a hospital in Jericho. After the successful delivery, the woman decided to name the baby Hadi after the courteous officer, in a touching show of gratitude. IDF medical teams and Israeli civilian emergency units from communities in Judea and Samaria regularly treat local Arabs, often after car accidents, for a broad array of ailments and injuries. Walking to an IDF checkpoint or to the front gate of an Israeli community for medical treatment is common practice among Arabs living in the PA-administered territories. Some months, Israeli medics treat more Palestinians than Israelis.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

Faith/interview Could you tell us about you upcoming programme, Greater Than Pool of Bethsaida? I was observing a sevenday dry fasting, and after the mountain experience the Lord appeared in a revelation and I saw some people in chains like slaves. What baffled me is that they wore crowns on their heads. I asked myself: how could these people with crowns still be in bondage? Then the Lord said to me that these people are meant to be crowned but the enemy has enslaved them. He said to me arrange my people, once in a season I will visit them in a special way. While the Lord was speaking to me I felt it will look like the Pool of Bethsaida, but the Lord said to me: ‘No; He that is greater than the Pool of Bethsaida is coming.’ That is how the vision started five years ago. Since the inception of the programme, outstanding miracles that stun the nation have been recorded. Listen to me, our church does not have a signboard but how do people locate us to the point it has become a pilgrims’ ground still baffles me at times. What edition of Greater Than the Pool of Bethsaida is this, when and where is going to take place? Yes; it is going to happen from April 13-17. The first edition was held in our auditorium; the previous year’s held at the National Stadium, Lagos; but this time around it is going to hold in our auditorium again because we have a larger worship arena. Again we have been able to secure a large over-flow facility with cooperation of a neighbour who gratefully allowed us to use his property for that purpose. Who are you expecting at the programme? We pooled thousands of people from all over the world, Europe, America, Asia and all over Africa during previous editions of the programme. It is expected that more people will turn up since the programme has improved with every edition. And we are making sure that their stay here in Nigeria will be comfortable throughout the programme. And so we are liaising with some hotels which have adequate security. Though if God does not protect the watchman watched but in vein. But then again, we have prayed for their security. What other preparations are you making for this year’s event? Also, we are arranging through the help of the police to provide a special protection unit to be with them and also guide them to and fro the arena of the programme. We have also made arranged for cheap hotel reservations for all. The Lord has assured me that we shall have an event-free camp outing as it has always been. We are fully prepared for a successful programme. So far, how many people have booked for hotel or seat reservations? Before I travelled out of La-

No affliction will escape Pool of Bethsaida – Anthony As Kings in Christ Church, Lagos, perfects plans to host its annual ‘Greater Than the Pool of Bethsaida’ healing programme, the Church’s General Overseer, Rev. Chidi Anthony, has assured participants that no affliction presented would escape. He spoke with TAI ANYANWU gos early in the week, up 33 persons residing outside the shore of Nigeria have booked for hotel accommodation; seven from Germany, three from other European countries, and many more from South Africa and Abidjan where we have our foreign branches. But when I return to Lagos, I will get the update from the organising committee in charge of reservations. What have you done to ensure that peoples’ expectation of the touch of God is not dashed? The Bible said to me in the book of John, that once in a while, the angle stirrers the Pool and healing takes place; and the Lord said to me, if the Pool of Bethsaida can heal what about He that is greater than the pool? So I am giving people full assurance that they will experience unique touch of Good as they come. And some say to me: You talk like God. I am supposed to talk like that because the Bible tells me that I am a little God. I am God’s oracle. Being God’s oracle that means I am a deity. And being a deity I hear from divinity. What I am saying in essence is that every problem that will be presented at the programme will not go back the same. No, it is not possible and anytime hold this kind of programme, we believe that you are entitled to come with any problem but you are not permitted to go back with it. No sickness will escape that programme; I am telling because I know who I serve. The Bible makes us to understand that in the days of His power people shall be willing. And God is interested in people; the only thing that will convince people is when they see the raw power of God. He is the same God of yesterday, today and forever. This programme is all about fasting and prayer. In fact, it involves a three-month fasting and prayer period which starts at the beginning of every year and eventually culminates with the programme proper. We have a prayer group that is already fasting to bring down the raw power of God. If you want to connect with divinity, you must starve the flesh so that spirit will be alive. The way to achieve that is through fasting and praying. Already, in the spiritual realm everything has been cleared. We are talking about the physical this time where people will see the manifestation of the raw power of God.

Are you going to invite guest ministers or will you be ministering alone? In preparation for the Pool of Bethsaida each year, it is customary for me to renew my covenant with God. So after every December 31 night cross over service, I normally observe a quiet time with the Lord. It during this time that the Lord reveals to me His minister who He would use to perfect the Pool of Bethsaida programme. This time around, I am inviting some guest ministers who the Lord has anointed to accomplish this purpose. It is a camp meeting where different minister officiate and lead prayers session by session. But I will declare the programme open and I will be

the one to close it on the last day. Some of the ministers include Gbenga Ibafo, he is like a grandpa in the ministry; we Apostle M C Michael, Prophet Tony Anthony Anakwe, and Em-

manuel Valentine. For songs ministration, the programme will feature Chinedu Nwadike (aka Oku gbajie aka ji ngozim); we have Praise Machine and then we have King’s church Lead Singer, Cynthia Ejiofor. Has God revealed any counsel about the difficult times Nigerian are passing through now to his oracle? What Nigerians are experiencing now can be liken to raw gold passing through the fire. Gold in its raw state doesn’t hold any appeal, but when it has passed through a process of purification by fire, what eventually glitters is dazzling. What our country men a passing through now is excruciating yet, it is transient; God will make name for himself. The people that will suffer more in this nation are those who do not respect the supremacy of God.

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

New York, London to erected Temple of Baal T

L-R: The Second Zonal Superintendent, Alapere Zone, Pastor Ezekiel Olu Adebayo; his wife, Lady Evangelist, Elizabeth Sade Adebayo; Zonal Superintendent, Kosofe DCC, Pastor Samuel Adeyemo Adedayo; Deaconess Alice Adedunke Rabiu and Deaconness Grace Fadare, all of Christ Apostolic Church, during the Induction of Pastor Ezekiel Olu Adebayo as the Second Zonal Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church, Alapere Zone in Lagos…on Sunday

Don’t persecute T.B. Joshua, NLC urges govt

Tai Anyanwu

he Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has described the General Overseer of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet T.B. Joshua, as an icon of religious tourism. The labour union conferred the recognition on the man of God when a delegation, led by its Lagos state Chapter, Comrade Idowu Adelakun, paid a courtesy call at the Ikotun headquarters of SCOAN, Lagos. Adelakun said: “The SCOAN remains the only ministry in Africa that at-

tracts the highest number of foreign visitors thereby boosting the religious tourism potentials of Nigeria and also earning huge foreign exchange for the country.” He described Joshua as a leading light in Africa pointing out that the humanitarian efforts of T.B. Joshua’s church and Emmanuel TV have received world-wide recognition. Speaking during what appeared as a solidarity visit, the labour delegation also called on the Federal and the Lagos State governments to find a place in their hearts to support T.B. Joshua’s ministry rather than try to persecute the

C o n td . fro m page 4 7

nations Forum in Jos of which Rev. Dr. Gado is an invaluable member, have bonded together, to speak with one voice on a number of state and national issues. They have worked assiduously in the background to keep the church united on the Plateau. They also have worked to ensure peace on the Plateau and Nigeria.” About a Northern CAN President A Christian leader, who spoke in confidence, however, interpreted the move as a typical move by heads of denominations in the North to rally support for a northern candidature to head CAN. But even at that, what is wrong with having a northerner as CAN President? To suggest that is indeed seeking to introduce a divide and rule tactics into CAN. During past administration of Goodluck Jonathan, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and CAN President were southerners.

embattled cleric. According the Adelakun, there is a need for government at all levels to partner with the ministry to ensure that Nigerian citizens get the best from their fatherland. He said: “It would be recalled that apart from his spiritual gifts, Prophet T.B. Joshua had on several occasions, hosted Nigerian sports men and women who excelled in various international sporting events, including the Commonwealth and Olympic games.” The delegation stressed that labour would use the opportunity of the forthcoming Workers’ Day to place a demand on govern-

ment to support Prophet T.B. Joshua in his efforts towards nation-building; rather than persecute him with the ongoing criminal trial of contractors who handled the collapse of a guest house belonging to his church. While thanking the labour union for the solidarity visit, T.B. Joshua urged the unionist to always remain law abiding through constructive activism devoid of violence and any form of criminality He also used the opportunity to remind all Nigerians of the need to support the government to ensure that Nigerians would enjoy the dividends of democracy.

wo exact replicas of the 50-foot arch that stood at the entrance to the temple will be erected in in Times Square, New York City and in Trafalgar Square in London this month. According to reports credited to Reuters, this is in an attempt to "preserve history.” The Temple of Baal (also known as the Temple of Bel) was a world-famous landmark that was located in Palmyra, Syria. In August 2015, this temple was destroyed by ISIS, and most of the world recoiled in terror at the loss of a "cultural heritage site." The reports reads: “In an attempt to "preserve history," two exact replicas of the 50-foot arch that stood at the entrance to the temple will be erected in April 2016 in Times Square in New York City and in Trafalgar Square in London. Needless to say, a lot of people are quite disturbed by this. In ancient times, child sacrifice and bisexual orgies were common practices at the altars of Baal, and now we are putting up a monument of worship to this false god in the heart of our most important city. “NEXT month, the Temple of Baal will come to Times Square. Reproductions of the 50-foot arch that formed the temple's entrance are to be installed in New York and in London, a tribute to the 2,000-year-old structure that the Islamic State destroyed last year in the Syrian town of Palmyra. The group's rampage through Palmyra, a city that reached its peak in the second and third century A.D., enraged the world,

spurring scholars and conservationists into action. Numerous nongovernmental organizations are now cataloging and mapping damaged cultural heritage sites in the region. “Of course, most nonreligious Americans don't understand who Baal was, nor do they really care. But the truth is that many of the elements of ancient Baal worship are being mirrored in our society in 2016. The following is an excerpt from an excellent article by Matt Barber: “Ritualistic Baal worship, in sum, looked a little like this: Adults would gather around the altar of Baal. Infants would then be burned alive as a sacrificial offering to the deity. Amid horrific screams and the stench of charred human flesh, congregants men and women alike would engage in bisexual orgies. The ritual of convenience was intended to produce economic prosperity by prompting Baal to bring rain for the fertility of "mother earth." The natural consequences of such behavior pregnancy and childbirth and the associated financial burdens of "unplanned parenthood" were easily offset. One could either choose to engage in homosexual conduct or with child sacrifice available on demand could simply take part in another fertility ceremony to "terminate" the unwanted child. Modern liberalism deviates little from its ancient predecessor. While its macabre rituals have been sanitized with flowery and euphemistic terms of art, its core tenets and practices remain eerily similar.

The battle for the soul of CAN “The church stood in a united way to support the emergence of Pastor Oritsjafor from the South--South. So, why should it become an issue now if there is a northern President and someone also from the North, particularly from the North-East, seeks to serve as the National President of CAN?” asked a reputable Christian leader in the North. As the battle for the soul of CAN rages, an unidentified cleric told Sahara reporters that crisis has engulfed Christian leaders in churches and the states over alleged plot by Oritsejafor to slant the forthcoming CAN national presidential election in favour of his preferred candidate. But CAN scribe, Asake, insisted that there is no crisis in CAN whatsoever. “That is a lie. That is a big lie. Whoever tells you that Oritsejafor has a candidate is a lie. Let that person come and explain. Oritsejafor is never hav-

ing a candidate. So, people are just speculating; I don’t know why people want to speculate. And whoever wants to see CAN in crisis that is his problem. By the grace of God, it will never be in crisis because due process is being followed. We have just had inauguration yesterday (Thursday) and we have just finished a meeting today (Friday). So what crisis are they talking about? Nominations are still being compiled and we are waiting for names.” Sunday Telegraph learnt that a 15-member Electoral College consisting of three each from each of the five blocks was inaugurated on Thursday. “The Electoral College has to submit names of two top contenders to NEC, after a screening exercise after screening nominee from each block. Whoever comes first in the election will be the president and the other vice president.

Implications for the Church Meanwhile, analysts have warned Christian leaders to be very careful not to allow politically minded persons or groups to pollute the unity of the church. “I urge church leaders not to allow themselves to be hood-

Gideon

winked into believing this lie. This stuff is what misguided politicians who spread rumours, lies, that blackmail thrives. Should the church follow this path? Where is the Holy Spirit? Has He stopped speaking and leading,” Para-Mallam said. He stressed that the outgoing CAN leadership has a sacred duty to cleanse CAN of what he described as ‘political rubbish or CAN would just self-destruct.’ His words: “The day majority of Christians will lose interest in CAN in such political manoeuvres within CAN, as we see and hear today, the end has come.” Meanwhile Rev. Gado confirmed that he is yet to know who his contenders are. But he is not intimidated by anyone: “I am confident in whom I am in Christ and the mission of Christ or the assignment Jesus Christ gave me to do for Him. Therefore, nobody intimidates me because I have the mind of Christ.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

FAITH

You have a reward when you lift the banner

epending on what you associate with the banner / flag as you set it up in prayer. Go out! Go out! Prepare the roadway for my people to return! Build the roads; pull out the boulders, RAISE THE FLAG of Israel. See, the Lord has sent His messengers to every land and said “Tell my people, I, the Lord your God, am coming TO SAVE YOU and BRING YOU MANY GIFTS. And they shall be called “The Holy People” and “The Lord’s Redeemed”, and Jerusalem shall be called “The Land of Desire” and The City God has Blessed”. (Isaiah 62:10-12 LB) One major condition for the above to occur is the raising up of flag. Then what will happen? The Lord will come to save you The Lord will bring you many gifts Your land, home or ministry will have a new name such as The Land of Desire, The City God has blessed, The Lord’s Redeemed, Sought out City, a City not forsaken, etc. It is beyond one’s imagination what God does in response to the faith of those that lift up stan-

Word of Life

Bishop. Moses Kattey moseskatteyabp@yahoo.co.uk

0808 770 7486

storm. Don’t let it be pulled down by accident. Raising a flag means a lot as pulling down by whatever means or reasons matters a lot. Keep your flag flying always! After each programme you organize or advertise with banners, if you pray and set up such banners, leave them at strategic places as long as you could. Do not remove them. It has spiritual significance. The Lord Jesus as ensign Use every opportunity to lift up the Lord Jesus Christ as Ensign. Make the Ensign, Banners or Flag to represent Him. This is what God is trying to put across to people. Just as bread and wine represent the Flesh and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ respectively so remember that the flag, ensign and banner lifted up represent the Lord Jesus Christ. In that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, which

dards in His Name. Create army barracks Do you know you create army barracks when you set up banners? I have seen juju priests set up banners in the premises of their shrines. I have seen cult members or spiritualist set up banners or flags in their premises. Do you think it has no spiritual significance? Attempt to pull down one of those flags physically and see what will be their reaction. And the Lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light (Luke 16:8) This is exactly what the Lord says to the children of light in their generation. Why did the devil tell his followers to raise up banners and flags? Do not let them be wiser than you. Do not let your flag be pulled down by wind or

shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. (Isaiah 11:10) In that day He who created the royal dynasty of David will be a banner of Salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to Him for the land where He lives will be a glorious place. (Isaiah 11:10 LB) You are not just raising up ordinary cloth up, but it also signifies the Lord Jesus Christ being lifted up. In shrine premises, it means lifting up that particular deity. Use every opportunity therefore to lift-up Jesus Christ. Then said Jesus unto them, when ye have lifted up the Son of Man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself, but as the Father has taught me so, I speak these things (John 8:28) Now is the judgement of this world; now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. (John 12:31,32) You have a reward for lifting Jesus up at every opportunity. Do not let demonized people be wiser than you in your generations.

When your spouse rejects your advice

certain man sees himself as all knowing and does not believe there is ever a thing he does not have an idea about. At home, he sees himself as being superior to his wife and as a result, he does not see his wife as being fit or worthy enough to advise him on any issue. He saw no reason to rely on his wife for any form of advice. It became so clear in the office that he had such problem and many of his colleagues preferred avoiding him. Most times when what he had done backfired, he would hide it if it were possible to do so. In situations whereby he could not hide such things, he would look for excuses to cover up for his mistakes and unwise ventures. He just refused to take any advice from anyone including his wife and he kept facing the consequences. At one point in time or the other, we either give or receive advice. You can get a lot of information from advice but this does not mean we should receive every advice we are given. A human being that does not live on advice is like a spider that is never attached to a spider-web. You cannot separate spi-

Marriage & Family Intimacy

Bishop Charles Ighele holyspiritmissioninc@yahoo.com

07066579379/09098845521

At one point in time or the other, we either give or receive advice ders from their webs. Every human being should also have a department in his/her mind that can politely refuse an advice because we will be like confused human beings if we receive every advice. Like I said, we should be able to politely refuse an advice in marriage, family and all forms of relationships. This is where wisdom comes in. We need to have the ability to weigh whatever advice we are given and see the ones that are relevant to us. This means that some advice has to be rejected. The question is how do you feel when your advice is rejected? Some spouses will tell their partners “you never listen to anything I tell you” just because one out of three things

suggested in the past were rejected. They therefore feel hurt. They feel alienated. Some sulk and put that rejection into their memory bank. You should also note that it is not everything that people say to you that you obey or abide to; you also reject other people’s opinions to issues. In the same vein, your opinion is likely to be rejected at one point in time or the other. Someone once said that if you are an adviser in government and you give one hundred pieces of advice during your tenure and ten out of that hundred are taken, then you are almost a genius. The tendency is that most people end up feeling bad for the 90 that were rejected. Advice rejected should not make you feel hurt. Do not have resentment towards your spouse or friend because he/she rejected the advice you gave. See it as one of those things and move ahead. Do not tag the person who rejected

your advice as stubborn or that he/she hates you. If you feel all your advice should be taken then there is a problem with you. Ahithophel could not take it just because his advice was not taken, he hanged himself and died. 2 Sam 17:23 – “And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.” The exhibition of Ahithophel shows that he was not matured at all. Further analysis showed that he had been giving advice which had been taken all along in the past. Why then should he feel so bad to the extent of killing himself just when his advice was rejected? Some of us are like that. We go to the extent of cutting off the person that rejected our advice from relating with us. Do not destroy a relationship because your advice was rejected. May your marriage or relationship never die because of an advice that was rejected. Amen!

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

True victory, blessing belongs to the faithful

ll you need to make it is faith, courage and determination. To this end, the Lord Jesus Christ declared, “Because of your unbelief; for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as little as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove. And nothing shall be impossible unto you,” Matthew 17:20. Indeed by faith in the power and potency of our Lord Jesus Christ, you shall make it and nothing shall be impossible unto you, in the name of Jesus Christ. I am aware and convinced of the fact that you are praying and expecting some gifts and miracles from God even as you are reading this article now. You are perhaps praying that should bless you with a good wife, good husband, a good child, money, a house, employment, success in your examination, or with one thing or the other, named or unnamed. My humble question is this, have you received the primary gift from God? Not anything material, but it excels above anything which this material world can offer to any person. The primary gift of God to man is the gift of His holy and precious son Jesus Christ; fore God so loved the world, that he gave only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” – John 3:16. Have you received our Lord Jesus Christ, the son of the living God, who died on the cross for your sins? Have you received him as your Lord and personal savior? Have you repented of your sins? Do you sincerely belong to Him? Are you serving him in spirit and in truth? Remember you cannot serve God and Satan at the same time. If you still live in your sins and claim to belong to Christ, you are simply deceiving yourself. Many people wrongly think that if they repent

You are perhaps praying that should bless you with a good wife, good husband, a good child, money, a house, employment, success in your examination, or with one thing or the other, named or unnamed

of their sins and follow Christ sincerely, it will mean suffering, poverty, untold hardship and shame. So they prefer to be rich and die in sin and finally go to hail fire. They do not know that true life and blessing abound in our Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, trials and temptations will come to the sincere believer in Christ, but the end is victory and blessing, if the believer remains faithful. Let me ask you this question; a man who is rich and has the heart to give you two thousand dollars, can he easily give you one dollar? If your answer is positive, you must therefore believe that other things are very possible in Christ. “He that spared not His own son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all thongs?” –Romans 8:32. Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ and you will experience God’s blessings in your life. Do not put your problems and needs first. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and Hos righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you,” – Matthew 6:33. Remember, the thief cometh but for to steal, kill and to destroy; I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly,” John 10:10.

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

Insight

Rev. Femi Akinola www.thehebrewsng.com

01-790 3163; 0808 584 5864

Created to create… “B ut there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.” Job 32:8 You are a product of creativity. You are created to be productive, not to complete numbers on earth. Every human being on earth is born to create something; but we have more consumers than manufacturers because many are lazy. Most people do nothing about what God has sent them to this world to do until they are forcefully evicted out of their comfort zone. To many people, a job is their comfort zone, to some it’s their people or relatives abroad while to other little-minded people, it’s their small business that is their comfort zone. A comfort zone is a limitation. “Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?” Isa 66:1 God never had a throne or footstool until He created them for Himself. God blazes the trail for us to follow; He didn’t sit and wish for anything to happen rather He made them happen. Only what you make happen through prayer and preparation truly happens. Only what you create becomes yours. The only thing you can leave for your children is what you create for yourself, not what you did for others. In this world you and your children will be on your own if you don’t create anything. “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” Proverbs 13:4 Don’t waste your life by building on mere wishes and desires. “The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.” Proverbs 3:19 Creativity means to bring into existence. It is the ability to see what others can’t see. Creativity is changing mere activity into a productive venture. It is achieving the desirable using the available. It is becoming a coarchitect with God to make things happen for humanity. It’s only what you create for yourself that God will

Don’t waste your life by building on mere wishes and desires

bless not your work as an employee in another man’s business. It does not really matter how empty it seems your life is, you can give your life a meaning by venturing to create and do what God has sent you into this world to do. “...as my Father has sent me, so send I you.” John 20:21 How do you create? •Sit and count the cost (Luke 14:28) There is the time and place for sitting down in solitude to make discovery of what God wants you to deliver to creation/mankind. The level to which you engage your mind when sitting still is the level to which you will get result and enjoy freedom in life. Sitting to count the cost will open you up to ways of doing things better and achieving desirable results in destiny. •Engage in fact-finding mission (2 Timothy 2:15) Start building a library of where you are going to in life. Begin to make factfinding studies about your future. Learning sharpens your mind and your brain. There are books and materials that can change a man’s destiny once and for a life time. •Engage in meditation “And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide...” Gen 24:63 •Keep healthy relationships (Proverbs 13:20) “...evil communications corrupt good manners.” I Corinthians 15:33 Many are where they are because of the relationship they keep. Any relationship that does not make you better person is not worth it. •Think only on the best (Philippians 4:8) Channel your mental energy on healthy and beneficial things. Don’t ever dwell on negative thoughts and experiences. Our life goes in the direction of our dominant thought. •Call upon God “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3 Whenever you have a project at hand especially concerning God’s assignment for your life, always go to Him for revelation and direction. God is not one-sided; He is dynamic in His approach to things including His purpose for your life. Wealth is the result of a man’s ability to think. What are you going to give the world? Ephesians 3:20; Proverbs 13:22.

The law of faithfulness (Proverbs 28:20). A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he that makest haste to be rich shall not be innocent. KJV To be faithful means a lot of things: First it is to be unwavering in belief. You must have a strong belief in an expected outcome of anything you choose to engage in. You cannot allow anything including yourself talk you out of an expected result. You must realize that even God says ‘all things are possible to him that believes’. Mark 9:23 (KJV) ‘Jesus said unto him, if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth’. Things are not impossible for you because everyone says it is so, things become impossible to you when you say it is impossible. I discovered that there is no barrier that can stop any man that has faith, especially faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ. When the children of Israel left Egypt they encountered what they thought was a great barrier; the Red Sea. They stopped moving because of their perceived obstacle. But God showed them their mistake in stopping. He ordered them to go forward, and when they did, they saw the Red Sea part before them. The only barrier in front of you is you; when you stand still at the time you ought to be moving forward.

THE EXTRA MILE PRINCIPLE

Bishop (Dr.) Mark Omonze facebook@bishopmarkomonze email@mark_omonze@yahoo.com

08033084546

So long as you keep moving forward, all barriers will eventually give way before you in Jesus name. The Lord promised that the gates of hell shall not prevail against you. Man has broken the sound barrier, and the sea barrier, man has climbed the highest mountains, we have broken the atmospheric barrier and gravity barrier, and moved into outer space. The sky is no longer the limit; barriers are broken every day. Make up your mind to start breaking barriers today. Faithfulness also means to be consistently loyal. One of the greatest requirements of a good employer is loyalty and consistency. To work with a man like Donald Trump, one of the largest real estate developers in the world, you will go through the test of loyalty. If you cannot be committed to your given task to the point of fighting for its accomplishment to the point of excellence, you cannot go far with his books and in life. You must be conscientious to achieving results in any duty you take to do. You must be loyal to those with whom you have friendships or business with. You must

be committed to being the best always. A lot of people fail exams because they only aim to pass the exam. They give just enough to pass the exam. The man that gives 110% aims for the highest score, when he misses the target, he still lands in the region of excellence. You must always aim high and always shoot for the stars. You are meant to be above only. (Deut. 28:13) ‘And the Lord shall make thee the head and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and not beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: (KJV) (Emphasis mine). Faithfulness will win you favours and bring you blessings like the text in Prov. 28:20 above says. Faithfulness generates connections in the high places. No one wants to do business with an inconsistent and disloyal person. Everybody enjoys rewards but not everyone is willing to do what it takes to be rewarded. Great rewards accrue to those who do beyond what is expected of them.

When one does his required duty he has no right to expect accolades, but when by taking the initiative, one performs beyond expectations then certainly there is reward. (Luke 17:10) ‘So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do’. (KJV). (Ist Cor 9:17-18) 17. If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18. What then is my reward? (NIV) (Emphasis mine) Reward is different from payment; payment is what you get for doing what you are told, a reward is what you get when you perform beyond expectations. Do not be one of those people who only pray when they are told to, who only fast at prescribed times, who only read when they are told to read, who tithe 10% and beyond that give no more. Take the initiative, go the extra mile in your spiritual life. Go the extra mile in your social life, go the extra mile for your family and friends, go the extra mile in church, go the extra mile at work and in business, go the extra mile in your studies, go the extra mile always. That is where the true reward is. Give 110%!

Jealous midwive left me to die over Ankara C o n t D f r o m pa g e 3 7

Entwistle, like many other medical practitioners, believes that women who die during and after childbirth are those who often delay in seeking healthcare until potentially life-threatening conditions arise and urged all pregnant women to seek medical health care and register for antenatal immediately they take in. While the US envoy said there are 40, 000 annual mortality rate in Nigeria, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said, at least, 330,000 women died during childbirth worldwide in 2015, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for greater part of maternal deaths in 2015. The figure released by Global Health Observatory (GHO) of the WHO lamented that every day in 2015, at least, 830 women died due to complications of pregnancy and childbirth, saying almost all the deaths occurred in lowresource settings, and most could have been prevented. “The primary causes of death are haemorrhage (bleeding), hypertension, infections, and indirect causes, mostly due to interaction between pre-existing medical conditions and pregnancy. Of the 830 daily maternal deaths, 550 occurred in sub-Saharan Africa and 180 in Southern Asia, compared to five in developed countries. The risk of a woman in a developing country dying from a maternalrelated cause during her lifetime is about 33 times higher compared to a

woman in a developed country,” the report said. The report shows that Sierra Leone had the highest maternal mortality rate in the world in 2015 with 1,360 women dying, while Central Africa Republic came second with 882 dying during child birth and Chad coming third with 856 maternal deaths. Of course, Nigeria is fourth in the world with 814 maternal deaths, with South Sudan ranking 5th with 789 maternal deaths. Others are Somalia (732), Liberia (725), Burundi (712), and Gambia (706), among others. Finland, Greece and Iceland had the least maternal deaths worldwide in 2015 with just three women dying in each of the countries during child birth. Belarus, Austria, Czech Republic, Kuwait, Italy and Sweden all had four cases of maternal death in 2015. How delay, other factors cause maternal mortality According to a Professor of Medicine at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Greg Erhabor, women need not die during childbirth. “We must give a young woman the information and support she needs to address her reproductive health needs, help her through a pregnancy, and care for her and her newborn into childhood. “The vast majority of maternal deaths could be prevented if women had access to quality family planning services, skilled care during pregnancy,

childbirth and after delivery. Increased attention for women living in conflict situations, or under humanitarian crisis is needed because a working health system with skilled personnel is a key to saving women’s lives.” Delay causes maternal deaths A consultant gynaecologist, Dr. Kingsley Egwuonu, said one of the major causes of the deaths during childbirth is delay, adding that most women, due to poverty or lack of access to information, do not register for antenatal services until it’s too late. “In most cases, they do not come at all until one problem or the other forces them to visit the hospital.” However, WHO says: “Although the world did not achieve the Millennium Development Goal of reducing maternal mortality by three quarters between 1990 and 2015, great strides were made and many countries saw significant improvements in maternal health. Looking beyond 2015, WHO is committed to support accelerated reductions in maternal mortality by 2030, as part of the Sustainable Development Goals agenda. “For this to happen, high quality reproductive, maternal and newborn health care must be available, accessible and acceptable to all in need. As part of the Ending Preventable Maternal Mortality Strategy and objectives, WHO and partners support countries to achieve this goal, so that women, girls and adolescents can survive and thrive.”

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

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SUNDAY

Iwobi’s goal sinks Ighalo’s Watford

Foundation cricket Club to celebrate 30th anniversary

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MFM tackles Bridge FC in Lagos FA Cup final p.55

SPORTS

Onigbinde: Pinnick has failed Nigeria Dapo Sotuminu

ormer CAF and FIFA Technical Advisor, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, has declared that the president of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Amaju Pinnick, has failed Nigeria with the failure of his led board to qualify the senior national team, the Super Eagles, for two consecutive African Nations Cup competitions. Onigbinde, noted that, Amaju’s failure started with the shoddy employment of Sunday Oliseh as chief coach of the Eagles. “It was appalling to see the NFF president, make a private trip to England where he singlehandedly employed Oliseh as Eagles’ coach, without following due to process.” He added: “I recalled when I was employed as Super Eagles chief coach in 1983, the NFA publicized the vacancy on the television, radio and in the newspapers. The association received 60 applications before the list was reduced to a final seven. The last seven faced a panel of technical experts with their various programmes for the national team and we were asked to defend it. The best candidate was employed, that was how I got the Eagles’ job from 1983 to 1985. The process with which Amaju Pinnick employed Oliseh, a coach with no requisite experience to handle any national team in the world, was an aberration. It is not acceptable for a country as big as Nigeria. “To hear the NFF boss say, the federation does not have any regret employing Oliseh, shows how bad the NFF president is killing Nigerian football. This was the man that said he has employed the ‘African Guardiola,’ who was paid three months salary in advance of N15million without seeing the true quality of the coach. They went ahead to pay the coach an additional N5million for his housing instead of getting a house for him. The coach slapped the NFF on the face 24 hours after being paid as he tendered his resignation. All these are scandalous enough for the NFF president to apologise to Nigerians for the blunder, but instead, he said he has no regrets employing Oliseh. This is most unfortunate for Nigeria. “The same man said Oliseh would be the last Nigerian coach that would handle the senior national team, as he has started the process employing a foreign coach. This is an insult and a clear indication that he does not have anything to offer Nigerian football in the area of development. I wrote a book in 1965 on the development of Nigerian football, in accordance with the FIFA’s Statutes under Objective, Article I, which says, football should be developed constantly. But up till date, the successive administrations in the Nigeria Football Federation have never for once opened the book to read the contents. “What has Pinnick done to develop Nigerian football coaches as president of the football federation? Instead of helping to raise the profile of the country’s coaches, he preferred to insult them by saying they do not have the qualifications to coach the senior national team. His main interest and those of his predecessors are basically the over celebration of participation in competitions and development of the game has consistently been jettisoned. The NFF boss highlighted the victory of the Under-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, at the FIFA World Cup as one of the successes of his administration, the premise on which he should be left to continue his four-year mandate given him by the Congress. I will leave the issue of Nigeria’s victories at the FIFA

Onigbinde

Pinnick

Under-17 World Cup for another day. Ofcourse, we all knew what our country did to win the titles in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.” The former Super Eagles World Cup coach, told Sunday Telegraph that, it is total failure for Amaju not to set-up a platform for Nigerian coaches to be developed into world class handlers, by not setting up first class coaching courses. “Today, the NFF should have identified over 50 coaches who are good enough to handle any of the national teams, male and female. Nurture them in top grade international coaching courses, such that, from their active grading, they can be assigned to the appropriate national team according to their productivity. The coaches, with proper monitoring can take their turn as the years roll by for different competitions. The world class coaching qualifications will also enable the NFF to export some of the coaches to African countries on demand. These coaches should also go round the country to watch all the Nigeria Premier Football League games week in and out for the purpose of discovering talented players for the various positions on the field of play. With this, the coaches would discover at least three players for each of the positions in the national team. So, if one player is not doing well, there will be two replacements waiting to take his place. ” Onigbinde stressed that, Pinnick is one of those who believes foreign coaches are better than indigenous coaches. “But the question is, does the Nigerian coach get the same treatment as the foreigner who the football federation worships like a god, the answer is no. The

local coaches are rather treated with disdain. “As chief coach of the Super Eagles from 1983 to 1985, my annual salary was N10,000, while my official car was a Volkswagen Beetle. At some point of my assignment, when I asked the football federation for 30 balls for the Eagles’ training sessions as against the 10 balls we were given, the NFA issued me with a strong warning which almost led to my sacking. I am sure, if it were to be a foreign coach that asked for such number of balls, the federation would most likely have sent a quick order to Germany to bring 50 balls directly from the manufacturers so that the coach would not have any excuse not to succeed. “There is no reason the Nigeria Football Federation under Amaju Pinnick, with all the seemingly proactive moves which has fizzled out, should not have six standing national teams from each of the six geopolitical zones of the country. It is a known fact in the world of football over time, that Nigeria has abundant talents with potentials to take the world by storm in major competitions. But this has been left to waste away by the present administration of the NFF. Just a single zone in Nigeria is equal to five African countries put together. It is funny to see Nigeria’s national soccer teams struggle against countries like Equatorial Guinea and Cape Verde with a population of 1.5million and 500,000 people respectively in major championships.” The former chief coach of IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan, said with the present attitude of the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, the country’s football will continue to take a plunge.

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sport

Adewunmi Aderemi: Nigeria’s most celebrated basketball coach

Dapo Sotuminu

oach Owolo as he is fondly called, has spent 14 years in the basketball league. He is the founding coach of the Dolphins Basketball Club, guiding them between 1999-2001 before moving on to the First Bank Basketball Club. At the First Bank Basketball Club, he went on to make history with the Elephant Girls, winning nine championship medals. In his 11 years at the club, he established one of the most dominant championship runs in the history of women’s basketball in Nigeria,

leading the Elephant Girls to nine gold, four silver, and one bronze medals. He also led the First Bank team to win at the FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women, winning a total of nine continental medals. Amongst his laurels are the only two gold medals a Nigeria club side has ever won on the continent (Male/ Female). He also won two silver medals and five bronze medals. Coach Owolo stands as the most successful coach in the Zenith Women’s Basketball league history and on the continent from a Nigerian perspective. When the Head Coach of First Bank Women’s Basketball club of Lagos, was sacked by the bankers, he said he does not have any ill feelings against the management of the club despite the way he was treated. Aderemi, who won nine national and two continental titles with the team, was sacked over the phone by the club’s consultant, Chief Segun Odegbami after he failed to win the national title last season. The legendary coach said parting company with the club is like being set free after years of bondage. Over the course of his 14 years at the helm of the club, Aderemi helped them win eight Nigeria national league titles as well as the 2003 edition of the African Cup for Club Winners (ACCW). He noted: “I am fulfilled in all 14 seasons I spent with First Bank Basketball Club and wish the club the very best in their future endeavours. I am glad that I won the first continental championship for the club. I hold

no grudge against the club management for sacking me. The manner in which it was done was painful but life goes on.” First Bank last won the Nigerian national title in 2014, but were unable to prevent local rivals Dolphins Basketball Club from capturing the last edition of the championship. Aderemi served as an assistant to Nigeria national team head coach, Scott Nnaji, at the AfroBasket Women’s Championship 2015 in Yaounde, Cameroon where the team finished third - and as a result clinched a place in the 2016 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT) - as well as the 2015 All-African Games held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. Aderemi has been replaced by Peter Ahmedu, who last coached Mark Mentors Basketball Club. For the first time in 15 years, Coach Adewunmi Aderemi will not be in the Women’s basketball league this season, having moved on to another challenge in the Men’s basketball league. He is currently the first team manager of Kwara Falcons Basketball Club. The appointment of the coach as the head coach of Kwara Falcons basketball club was perfected with the hope of making a bold statement in the 2016 basketball league season, the Kwara State government disclosed. The appointment after a successful negotiation between both parties saw the seasoned coach put pen to paper on a one year contract subject to renewal. According to information made available, the Kogi State-born Nigeria Basketball Federation hall of Famer resumed immediately to pilot the affairs of the club as they are competing for honours in the 2016 DSTV NBBF Men’s Premier Basketball league, with the aspiration of making history.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

SPORT

Iwobi’s goal sinks Ighalo’s Watford Dapo Sotuminu

uper Eagles of Nigeria striker, Alex Iwobi, was on top of his game yesterday in the English Premier League after he scored in Arsenal’s 4-0 win against Odion Ighalo’s Watford to further endanger the latter’s survival hopes in the Premier League. Iwobi, who made the difference when he was introduced in the double header African Nations Cup qualifiers against the Pharaohs of Egypt in Kaduna and Alexandria, struck after 38 minutes courtesy of an assist by Alexis Sanchez, who laid the ball into the path of the youngster who only had to slide home from inside the box. It was the 19-year-old midfielder’s second goal in the Premier League. The impressive Iwobi was later substituted in the 74th minute. Ighalo, on the other hand, was re-

placed after 46 minutes when he failed to add to his 15-goal tally. Watford remains on 37 points, three points shy of the magical 40 points many reckon would keep a club up in the English top flight. It was a sweet revenge for Arsenal, who were sent packing in the quarterfinal of the FA Cup by Watford at The Emirates. From all indications, Alex Iwobi is living his dream after once more starring in an Arsenal victory, finding the net in his side’s 4-0 demolition of Watford. In just his second Premier League start Iwobi scored once more, adding to his well-taken effort against Everton last month with the second in a comfortable Emirates win. Iwobi, 19, had already turned provider for Arsenal’s opener, delivering a dangerous cross from which Alexis Sanchez elicited a fine save from

Heurelho Gomes before the Chilean turned in the rebound. The Arsenal winger continued to shine after scoring and could have had another in the second half, when he drove a powerful effort against the crossbar with Watford’s defence static and seemingly afraid to dive in against a player making just his seventh top flight appearance. Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has again paid glowing praise of Nigeria youngster Alex Iwobi, describing him as “fearless and very mobile” after he notched his second Premier League goal today. “He has been here (Arsenal) since he was seven or eight. He’s fearless and very mobile,” Wenger saluted the Nigeria international after his latest exploit. “I am pleased with his talent, but even more with his attitude and willingness to learn.”

Siasia returns to Dream Team VI Monday

oach Samson Siasia will resume with Nigeria Olympic team on Monday in Abuja after taking temporary charge of the Super Eagles for the AFCON qualifiers against Egypt. The Olympic team with the as sistant coach Fatai Amoo in temporary charge stunned hosts Brazil in a Rio Olympics warm-up last week. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have commended Siasia

for his work with the Eagles and pledged to support him to win Olympic Gold in Brazil in August. “The NFF will give coach Siasia all the support to excel at the Games, by winning the football gold,” announced the NFF in an official statement. Players from the domestic league are expected for this training camp. The draw for the Rio Olympics will be staged in Rio on April 14.

USN’s fitness for life beneficial, says Mohammed

he Executive Director of Mikado Nigeria Limited, the sole marketers and distributors of USN fitness products, Rasheed Mohammed, has stated that, the USN Fitness for life programme held at the National Stadium, Lagos at the weekend was beneficial to all those who participated in the event in Lagos and across Nigeria where such programme had been held. He said, the brand has been in Nigeria in the last 16 months and we actually had done fitness workouts like this in individual gymnasiums across Nigeria. The whole essence of this is about fitness, fitness for life as they say and we try to add our own quota in the fitness of Nigerians across board. “Basically what we try to do here is to reiterate and reinvigorate the essence of staying healthy. It is not about eating what you want, it is about eating right. Our brands are based on supporting the micro-organism of the body and to ensure that the consumer get the best out of it. They are natural products

WEEKEND RESULTS Barclays Premier League Aston Villa 0 - 4 Chelsea Arsenal 4 - 0 Watford B’mouth 0 - 4 Man City Norwich 3 - 2 Newcastle Stoke 2 - 2 Swansea S’land 0 - 0 West Brom West Ham 2 - 2 C’Palace Liverpool 1 - 1 Tottenham

made from natural resources, there is nothing like artificial stuff in it. “This is our second coming to the stadium, we were here sometime last year and we were in Abuja the whole of last week to try and sensitize and get Nigeri-

ans to start to start to think about their health. The bottom-line here is about your life style. You have to be very disciplined for you to indulge in this kind of product, because it is not our daily food stuffs we can eat, so one has to be very fit.”

MFM tackles Bridge FC in Lagos FA Cup final •As COD Ladies battle FC Robo in women’s final Dapo Sotuminu

igeria Premier League sensational debutant team, the Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM) Football Club, will today at their traditional ground, the Agege Stadium, tackle the Bridge FC in the grand final of the 2016 Lagos FA Cup. The Godwin Enarkhena-motivated MFM boys defeated Synergy Ultimate FC in the first semi-final, while the Bridge FC subdued C.O.D FC in the second semi to book places in the men’s final. The kick-off of the men’s final has been fixed for 3pm. While in the women’s final, defending champion C.O.D Ladies will battle the former club of Asisat Oshola, FC Robo, in the match that has been scheduled to kick off at 1pm, also at the Agege Stadium The sponsor, Winners Golden Bet has raised the bar with cash awards

Foundation cricket Club to celebrate 30th anniversary

F Siasia

for the Most Valuable Player of the championship and other individuals. The Highest Goal Scorer of the tournament will go home with the sum of N100,000. The best goalkeeper will also go home with N50,000, while the Referee of the tournament goes home with N100,000. With the best coach of the championship sponsored to a coaching course. According to Deji Breecoft, Assistant General Manager of the sponsoring company, WGB, the company decided to give the cash awards in order to encourage the players and other stakeholders like the referees and coaches to always give their best. He revealed that the eventual winner for the Men’s category will go home with N1million and the runner up N500,000. While the Women’s champions would get N300,000 and the runners up N200,000, apart from other individuals’ awards for women too.

Iwobi

oundation Cricket Club, (FCC), one of the foremost cricket clubs in Nigeria in the forefront of reviving the noble game in the country, is set to mark its 30th year anniversary on Saturday, April 9, 2016. The club, which was founded in 1985, clocked 30 years at the end of 2015. The club’s Coordinator, Mr. Akin Denton, speaking in Lagos said that “ to commemorate this landmark achievement in the history of the club, two T20 friendly cricket matches will be played against a visiting Greater Accra Team from Ghana on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the home of cricket in Nigeria, Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval, Race Course, Lagos.” Other activities planned to mark the club’s 30th Anniversary celebration will include the following: Presentation of cricket kitbag to Atlantic Hall School, Epe, presentation of the club souvenirs to some distinguished friends of the club for the unalloyed support over the years, launching of a commemorative Anniversary photo book, a unique compilation of the club’s activities over the years and Social events to be attended by stakeholders of the

noble game. Speaking further, Mr. Akin Denton disclosed that those to be honoured with the club’s souvenirs, plaques as friends of the club are: Akinwunmi Ambode (Governor of Lagos State), Deji Tinubu (Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission), Ade Abisogun, Chief Demola Edu, Basil Eteri, Farouk Musa, Dr. P.C. Egbe and Andrew Jedras. Others are- L.S. Balogun, Group Captain Gabriel Esho (Rtd), late Sam Ahuchogu ( posthumous), late Vanderpuye Orgle (posthumous) and Hon. Engr. Gbolahan Yishawu. He also disclosed that another category of those to be honoured are some identified Cricket Clubs and Institutions that have contributed to the development and sustenance of cricket in Nigeria. These are - Nigeria Cricket Federation, Lagos State Cricket Association, Club Cricket Committee, Cricket Club of Abuja, Crocodiles Cricket Club of Kaduna, London Nigerians CC, Rocks Cricket Club, Government College Ibadan Old Boys CC, Ibeju Lekki CC, Lagos Asians CC and Federal Government College Warri Old Boys CC.

Solution to Cross Word Puzzle

SPORT

Onigbinde: Pinnick has failed Nigeria }53

FAITH

Sanctity of Truth

SUNDAY

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

SUNDAY, APRIL 03, 2016

N150

The battle for the soul of CAN }47

When will the abuse of women and the girl child stop? (Part 1) INTRODUCTION We will use the sad case of Ese Oruru as a metaphor to discuss the abuse of women and the girl child in Nigeria. Abuse is everything that is contrary to good order established by usage, immoderate or improper use, physical and mental maltreatment, damage, defilement, dishonour, indecent assault, violation, molestation and perversion. Despite the provisions of several protocols, charters and conventions recognising and guaranteeing women's rights and the obligations of the Nigerian government, the life of the Nigerian woman, especially the girl child is yet to attain a commensurate level of improvement. Women rank lower than men at all times and in all areas of development in the country, very sad indeed. The rights of the Nigerian men and woman are enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and are consistent with the ideals of humanism. But unfortunately, the rights are mere theoretical postulations without any practical bearing on the life and status of the Nigerian woman. Despite all the provisions in the law and ratifications of protocols, charters and conventions, Nigerian women suffer blatant violations of their human rights on a daily basis. These occur in the form of violence in the home, sexual harassment at school and work place, rape and defilement, harsh, primitive and punitive widowhood rites, female genital mutilation, forced childhood marriages, sexual violence in conflict situations and during armed robbery attacks, discrimination against the girl child, disinheritance of wives and daughters, harmful traditional practices and gender biased customs. Women thus constitute a large group of vulnerable victims of multiple abuses in our society. Worse is the abuse on the girl child. NOW THIS THE LAW ON CHILD ABUSE Section 357 of the Criminal Code Act (CCA) provides for the offence of rape. This offence is punishable under Section 358 of the same act with imprisonment for life. It is very clear that all women could be victims of rape, irrespective of their age, class or social status. Section 282 of the Penal Code also defines rape in the same context as the criminal code, but its goes further in sub-section (1) (e) to say that a girl under 14 years does not have the capacity to give consent. In other words, such consent, even if gotten is legally invalid. Section 31 (1-3) of the Child's Rights Act, 2003, forbids any person from having sexual intercourse with a child under the age of (18) eighteen. It is immaterial that the offender believed the person to be of or above the age of eighteen. MULTIPLE EFFECTS OF CHILD ABUSE Abuse of the girl child has the following effects: • Exposes the girl child to sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. • Most children lose their lives during

The

Nigerian Project

MIKE OZEKHOME san, ofr mike.ozekhome@yahoo.com 08094777755 (sms only) the period of pregnancy and child birth because they are usually not psychologically prepared for motherhood, nor automatically developed to bear children. • It destroys the ambition and dreams of the child especially in the area of education, and reduces her honour and confidence. • Some girl children are pushed into the streets and subsequently, prostitution, in a bid to survive and take care of the children they give birth to. THE KIDNAP STORY OF ESE ORURU: THE SAD METAPHOR OF CHILD ABUSE IN NIGERIA. •KIDNAPPING AND ABDUCTION - THE NEXUS KIDNAPPING Cases of kidnapping and abduction are on the rise. Aside the over 200 kidnapped by Boko Haram and not seen till date, thousands of kidnapped and abduction of both prominent and not so prominent members of the society have gone on unabated. Yours sincerely was kidnapped for three gruesome and horrific weeks on the 23rd of August, 2013. Thank God I am alive to tell the story. Kidnapping is the forceful taking away of a person, illegally and keeping him or her as a prisoner against his/her will, through unlawful force and intimidation, for the purpose of getting a ransom sum. According to Black's Law Dictionary, 8th Edition, Abduction on the other hand connotes "the act of leading someone, especially a female, away by force or fraudulent persuasion" Section 225 of the CCA provides that, the unlawful taking of a girl child under the age of 18 away from the custody of her parents or guardian, with the intention of having carnal knowledge of her is an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term of two (2) years. Lack of knowledge as to the age of the child is not an excuse under Section 233 of the CCA. Section 226 of the CCA makes it an offence to detain a woman of any age with intent to have carnal knowledge of her. Section 361 of CCA, defines Abduction as: “Any person who, with intent to marry or carnally know a female of any age, or to cause her to be married, or carnally known by any other person, takes her away, or detains her, against her will, is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for seven years”. The section does not discriminate about age. It says "any age" Section 362 of the same CCA defines Ab-

duction of girls under sixteen as: “Any person who, with intent to marry or carnally know a female of any age, or to cause her to be married, or carnally known by any other person, takes her away, or detains her, against her will, is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for seven years”. This section specifically punishes for abduction of a girl under sixteen. Section 275 of Penal Code on the other hand, defines Abduction thus: “Whoever, by any means whatsoever, induces a girl under the age of eighteen years to go from any place or to do an act with intent that the girl may be, or knowing that it is likely that she will be, forced or seduced to illicit intercourse with another person shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to ten years and shall also be liable to fine”. The Penal Code is more severe than the Criminal Code as the age is 18 while the punishment is ten years imprisonment.

AND THIS": PMB OFF AGAIN! PMB has just taken off again, this time, to the USA. At a time Nigerians are agonizing over fuel shortage! PMB is now clearly predictable: that he must make one journey at least every other week. But, must he? Should he? From the context, content, issues, and the level of dignitaries that receive him at the airport, and those that he interacts with whenever he travels abroad, I earnestly believe most of these journeys are better undertaken by either the VP, the Attorney General of the Federation or the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He must avoid a situation where the exalted office of the president of Nigeria is unwittingly demeaned or downgraded. That Dr Ibe Kachikwu, the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources apologised to Nigerians over the angst generated with his bold, but honest "I am not a magician" statement over the continued shortage of petrol, shows humility, compunction, empathy and rationality. This is hoping that those eagerly baying for his head, blood and job should now stop and join hands to find a collective solution to a problem Kachikwu did not cause in the first place, but has assiduously worked on, to overcome. LAST LINE Are PMB, the Federal Government, Bayelsa State Government, Kano State Government, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerians, etal, reading, digesting and awaiting the next trench of this sermon in the Nigerian Project by Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, OFR? • Follow me on twitter @ MikeozekhomeSAN

Cross Word Puzzle

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

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

Ex Ekiti State governor, (5, 3). Flat surface, (5). Widespread viral illness, (3). Organ of smell, (4). Ounce, abbr. (2). Advertisement, (2). Regarding, abbr. (2). British Columbia, abbr. (2). A unit of area, (4). So far, (3). Christian ___, Ex Italian footballer, (5). ___ Buhari, Nigeria's President, (8).

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

Organism living on decayed matter, (10). Successful shot, (4). Officer Commanding, abbr. (2). Imply something, (5). Former INEC Chairman, (7, 3). Extremity of object, (3). Item of information, (5). Make vehicle engine go faster, (3). Former PHCN's acronym, (4). Expressing emotion, (2). Turn to page 55 for solution

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