Sunday telegraph sunday, october 11, 2015 vol 2 no 599 binder1

Shekau ‘resurrects’ in Libya

}Boko Haram leader sighted with many women }Defence headquarters declines comment }5

SUNDAY Sunday, OCTOBER 11, 2015 Vol. 2 No. 599

Sanctity of Truth

/newtelegraph

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

END OF THE ROAD }4

...HOW ALAMIEYESEIGHA DIED OF KIDNEY, DIABETES COMPLICATIONS lExtradition process hits the rocks lUK can’t reopen criminal trial, say lawyers lMixed reactions as Dickson, others mourn ENYEAMA RETURNS TO EAGLES CAMP, MEETS NFF OFFICIALS }55

Amaechi, ex-aides deny N97bn theft charge, dare Wike }8

Nigerians ‘bomb’ Senate over I can’t stand ministerial stupid men nominees }5 IFU ENNADA

}23

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SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Contents | 11.10.15 BODY & SOUL

Migrant migraine Worried by the increasing number of Edo State youths that embark on dangerous journeys to Europe via Libya, Hon. Sergius Oseasochie Ogun comes up with a project to promote and reward talents

}24

POLITICS

Sarakigate There are indications that President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, may soon reach a political solution

}15

BUSINESS

Downgraded Nigeria, according the International Monetary Fund, will record lowest growth of 4 per cent this year

}47

FAITH

Life without Christ When you live your life without Christ you will have the peace induced by mortal men - Muoka

}39

SPORT

Oliseh’s hidden agenda Super Eagles chief coach, Sunday Oliseh, has his hidden agenda of coaching the Nigerian team, says Chidi Nwanu

}54

MAGAZINE

Boko, not Haram

Inside Kuje, the testbed of Nigeria’s prisonbased contering violent extremesim programme

}7

SUNDAY

Editorial

T

The dark side of Dubai

ravelling to the United Arab Emirates does not come with a flower of attractions without Dubai as focal point.

Although it is one out of the seven Emirates that make up the UAE, it enjoys the largest population, boasts of lots of tourist attractions and passes as the business hub of the entire Middle East.

Many young Nigerians who are eager to explore the fascination called Dubai and filled with stories of money falling on the gold paved floor to pick, are lured to the dazzle and sparkle of the destination point ,only to end up used, frustrated and dumped.

The attraction is too tempting to miss.

There is the Burj Khalifa, the World’s tallest man made structure, at 828 metres. Dubai boasts of the globe’s largest Flower Garden, the 72,000 square-metre Dubai Miracle Garden which was opened on Valentine Day, February 13, 2013. Add that to the touted Seven –Star hotel, Burj Al Arab, you get a clutch of adventurers giggling like school girls. The icing on the cake sounds like the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping Mall on planet Earth.

Some Nigerians, unscrupulous in every sense of it, have turned the dream land to a nightmare. Unsuspecting young women including unemployed university graduates, are deceived with stories of abundant job opportunities in the land of Milk and Honey. Many of them end up as Ladies of the Night.

It is a powerful ring. There are old friends who are believed to be living big in the UAE and they post stories of the good things of life to those in Nigeria. They carefully select the best places in the Emirates to take photographs. They claim to be working in one of the big Malls or pose as agents for the hundreds of real estate concerns. The pay is good, that is the message and there are more opportunities.

In this period of uncertainity, many young women buy into the bait. Those who cannot afford flight tickets are connected to so called agents in Nigeria who are willing to help out albeit with a string attached. The intending travelers will pay back with some interest when they start their dream job in Dubai. It sounds like a good deal.

However, that is when the ordeal of the ladies start. The moment you agree to the mouth watering offer, you begin to go through a thorough grooming for the trip.

Many are asked to start applying all forms of cosmetics in order to look as fair as the Arabs. They are told that the fairer, the more the chances .

Since poverty and joblessness have a way of demeaning the human person, these ladies begin the process and end up travelling out for ‘greener pastures’. When they land in Dubai, they face tougher sanctions.

The reception from the Airport starts with the collection of their travelling documents.

They are driven straight into the waiting arms of an unknown face who turns out to be their new Mistress. The journey to prostitutions has just begun.

Instead of offices, the new arrivals are taken to hotels in town and told what their new vocation would be. About five or six of them are herded into a room to look for daily bread. They are well tutored. When a client knocks, just one of them will open the door, the others hide in any corner of the room until ‘business’ is over.

Initially, the Mistress gives the impression that Arab clients have a lot of cash to burn and can give out some Dirhams after a call. Conversion yields about 2,000,000 Naira. That would make it easier to refund the flight ticket loan. Story for the Marines. It does not happen. The cash does not flow as expected and the job seekers become the job they were looking for in the first instance.

The lucky ones find a divine way of escape, by either sneaking out or calling for help through Good Samaritans. One lady was said to have escaped with the help of an Indian casual worker while another got in touch with the Nigerian Embassy. There are many unlucky ones who are either stranded or lost in Dubai.

The National Agency for the prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and other Related Matters [NAPTIP] has been doing a good job tracking some of these criminals who use fellow Nigerians as sex slaves. While we commend the efforts of the Federal Government for setting up NAPTIP, we also advise that more should be done in the area of youth empowerment through job creation.

In the past, most migrant casual workers in the UAE were from India, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Nepal ,Eritrea, Bangladesh and even China. Many of them looked for better life outside. At the moment, Nigeria has overtaken some of these countries.

UAE used Oil and Gas to develop infrastructure. Nigeria, an oil producing nation, should be concerned that our leaders squandered our oil wealth, forcing our countrymen and women into all kinds of shady professions in foreign lands. Africa’s Largest Economy cannot be exporting our young women when there are so many other natural resources begging for attention.

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

Funke Egbemode

Editor n Yemi Ajayi

Editor, Saturday n Laurence Ani Editor, Sunday n Emeka Madunagu

Deputy Editor, Sunday n Juliet Bumah

Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz

Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins

Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam

Ag. Bureau Chief, Abuja n Onwuka Nzeshi

Asst. Editor, News & Politics n Biyi Adegoroye

Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed

Sales/Circulation Manager n Oyebanji Abiodun

Head, Graphics n Timothy Akinleye

Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER, 2015

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News Emmanuel Masha, Tunde Oyesina and Chijioke Iremeka

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former Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, died yesterday at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital of alleged kidney and diabetes complications.

The former governor, who was also known as ‘Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation,’ died few days after President Muhammadu Buhari had reportedly approved his extradition to the United Kingdom to face charges of money laundering and corruption. He had jumped bail in September 2005 and returned to Nigeria, following his arrest in London.

At the time of his arrest, Metropolitan Police found about £1 million in cash in his London home. Later, they found a total of £1.8m ($3.2m) in cash and bank accounts and he was found to own real estate in London worth an alleged £10m.

He was said to be battling the complications that arose since he underwent a tummy tuck in Germany. Family sources said the former governor returned from Dubai some days ago, where he had gone for medical treatment and was moved to his country home in Amassoma, Bayelsa State.

When the situation became critical, he was rushed to UPTH on Thursday where he slipped into a coma. He was placed on life support but suffered cardiac arrest and died.

When contacted, a source in UPTH’s Public Relations Department, confirmed that the former governor passed away yesterday, but declined to disclose the cause of death.

“If you want to find out more about the death of the former governor, please contact the family members.

They are in a better position to give you the information you need. We are under instruction not to speak with reporters on the death for now,” the source said.

Meanwhile, efforts to reach the spokesman of the University of Port Harcourt, Dr. William Wodi proved abortive as his phone was switched off.

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Esueme Dan-Kikiie, confirmed the development.

Alamieyeseigha could not complete his second term as he was impeached on allegations of corruption on December 9, 2005. On July 26, 2007, Alamieyeseigha pleaded guilty before a Nigerian court to six charges and was sentenced to two years in prison on each charge.

However, because the sentences were set to run concurrently and the time was counted from the point of his arrest nearly two

SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Ex-Bayelsa gov, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, dies at 63

years before the sentences, his actual sentence was relatively short. Many of his assets were ordered to be forfeited to the Bayelsa State Government. According to Alamieyeseigha, he only pleaded guilty due to his age and would have fought the charges had he been younger. On July 27, just hours after being taken to prison, he was released due to time already served.

In December 2009, the Federal Government hired a British law firm to help dispose of four expensive properties acquired by Alamieyeseigha in London.

He had bought one of these properties for £1,750,000.00 in July 2003, paying in cash.

He used it as his London residence, and as the registered office of Solomon and Peters Inc. On June 28, 2012, the United States Department of Justice announced that it had executed an asset forfeiture order on $401,931 in a Massachusetts brokerage fund, traceable to Alamieyeseigha. U.S prosecutors filed court papers in April 2011, targeting the Massachusetts brokerage fund and a $600,000 Maryland home, which they alleged were the proceeds of corruption. A motion for default judgment and civil forfeiture was granted by a Massachusetts Federal District Judge in early June 2012. The forfeiture order was the first to be made under the DoJ’s fledgling Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative.

On March 12, 2013, Alamieyeseigha was pardoned by President Goodluck Jonathan, but his pardon was criticised by many Nigerians.

As the proposed extradition of the former governor hit the rocks with his demise, some senior lawyers yesterday said it had also terminated his criminal trial.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Awa Kalu, said that once a person dies, whatever crime he has committed also dies. Also reacting, a constitutional lawyer, Festus Okoye, stated that only a living person can be extradited.

“The moment somebody commits a criminal offence and that particular offence is individualized, in terms of being personalised to him, the death of the suspect automatically puts an end to whatever crime he has committed. Nigeria is not one of those countries that try dead people for crimes. His death has however terminated every offence he has committed,”

he added.

In his reaction, Yusuf Ali (SAN) said the position of the law is very clear as to the effect that the commission of an offence dies with the person against whom it is alleged.

“Unlike a civil matter that can survive a person depending on the circumstances, a criminal allegation dies with the person to whom it was alleged. That is the end of the chapter,” Ali stated.

Ahmed Raji (SAN) said his death had ended his criminal trial.

“Nothing can be done to his crime again. A dead person cannot be extradited.

The position of the law is that once an accused is dead, whatever crime committed dies with him,” Raji stated.

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, expressed sadness at his predecessor’s death in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson. He described Alamieyeseigha’s sudden death as a personal loss to him, the government and people of the state.

Dickson noted that Alamieyeseigha “was a strong pillar of support to the restoration government,” stressing that “his demise is a very painful and monumental loss to the entire Ijaw nation, which he has always stood firm for in all its ramifications.”

The state government also commiserated with his wife, Margaret, his immediate family and the entire people of the state, noting that, the Ijaw nation has lost a rare gem. It added that, a more detailed reaction would be issued by the state government in due course.

In his reaction, Senator Ben Bruce said, “My heart goes out to the family and friends of Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, who has just passed on.. I also want to condole with the Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Henry Dickson, as well as the good people of Bayelsa on the loss of this worthy son of the Ijaw nation.

“Chief Alamieyeseigha was a bridge builder who succeeded in uniting the Ijaw nation, an achievement that earned him the title Governor General of the Ijaw nation.

“Even after leaving office as Governor, DSP was of great service to Nigeria in his courageous efforts to end the Niger Delta militancy at great risk to his personal safety. Chief Alamieyeseigha also made inroads to other parts of the nation in order to build unity and compromise which are always needed in Nigeria. He was a great man and may his soul rest in peace.”

The All Progressives Con-

gress has been accused of being behind Alamieyeseigha’s death. A socio-cultural organisation, Izon Brotherhood in the Diaspora, which made this known in a statement widely distributed to the media from Germany, on Saturday, said the recent extradition notice by the United Kingdom aggravated the health of the former governor and his subsequent death.

Spokesman for the group, Pere Jones, however, lambasted the APC which he claimed was behind the recent extradition notice.

Jones was particularly critical of the role allegedly played by some Ijaw sons whom he accused of working hand-in-hand with the APC to undermine the Ijaw nation.

“Clearly, it’s a shame to all our Ijaw brothers who are in league with the APC, witchhunting and working against their fellow Ijaw brothers and sisters, being singled out for alleged corruption charges. They should be ashamed of themselves. Frankly no Ijaw man worth his salt should have anything to do with APC. With what they have done to our dear leader, Alamieyesiegha, no right thinking son or daughter of Ijaw extraction should be seen associating with the APC. His death is really unfortunate,”

he stated.

On social media, the former governor’s death created a buzz as commentators expressed divergent views on the matter. WHile some expressed sadness at his death, a number of commentators said they had doubts over the story.

Alamieyeseigha was born on November 16, 1952 in Amassoma, Ogboin North Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He attended the Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, Yenagoa. He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a Cadet Officer in 1974, then, joined the Nigerian Air Force, where he served in the department of Logistics and Supply. He held various air force positions in Enugu, Markurdi, Kaduna and Ikeja.

Alamieyeseigha retired from the air force in 1992 as a Squadron Leader. After leaving the air force, he became the Sole Administrator of Pabod Supplies Port Harcourt. Later, he became Head of Budget, Planning, Research and Development of the National Fertiliser Company (NAFCON) and later moved into fulltime politics. He was elected Governor of Bayelsa State in May 1999 as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party. Having completed his four-year tenure, he was reelected in 2003.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle) flanked by former Mayor of New York City, Mr. Michael Bloomberg (left) and NBC host of ‘Meet the Press’ Mr. Chuck Todd (right), during the Our Cities Our Climate parley, at the State Department, Washington D.C., USA, on Thursday

Tinubu not under security watch - Presidency

T

he presidency yesterday denied reports that it had placed the National Leader of the All progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, under security watch in connection with his alleged opposition to President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministerial list.

Tinubu was said to be

plotting against the President as a result of his misgivings with the list of 21 nominees.

The Presidency said in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), Mallam Garba Shehu, that the story was “false and baseless.” It

declared “without any equivocation that the Asiwaju is not of any particular interest to any arm of the security services. The relationship between him and the President can not be better than it is at the moment. The presidency is unaware of any such plots against the President. I got

on the phone a short while ago with General Babagana Munguno, (Rtd), the National Security Adviser and the Director General of the SSS, Lawal Daura who both dismissed the published reports as acts of pure mischief. They are not aware of the Asiwaju being on any kind of watch.”

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015

5

News

One year after, Shekau ‘resurrects’ in Libya

O

Our correspondent ne year after he was declared dead by the Nigerian military high command, leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, has been located in an autonomous region of Southern Libya.

Former Director of Defence Information, MajGen. Chris Olukolade, had told journalists in Abuja in September 2014 that Shekau was lured to Konduga, Borno State by captured insurgents, ambushed and killed by Nigerian soldiers.

However, Chadian military sources confirmed to Tchad Pages, a website on Chadian affairs, that intelligence reports had traced

the Boko Haram leader to an unnamed area of Libya.

The date of the sighting and exact location were not stated but he was said to have slipped away into Niger Republic and disappeared.

The report said Shekau “was not healthy and was accompanied by several persons.” These included lots of young women though their nationalities were not provided.

The development came just as Chadian troops prepared for a ground and air assault on rebel positions on the border with Libya.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters yesterday kept mum when Sunday Telegraph sought to obtain its reaction to the alleged sighting of Shekau in Libya.

Soldiers battle Lagos, Ogun pipeline vandals Amarachi Nwosu

S

oldiers yesterday began an onslaught against pipeline vandals operating in Lagos and Ogun states, based on an order from President Muhammadu Buhari.

Sunday Telegraph had reported two weeks ago that soliders from the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers were being deployed to dislodge the vandals and ensure the repairs of damaged portions of the network.

Pumping of petroleum products from Atlas Cove in Lagos to Mosimi, Ogun State had been reportedly suspended to enable the soldiers to clear the pipeline areas of vandals and provide protection for Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation engineers to repair any breaches.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, who confirmed the development to journalists in Lagos yesterday, said it was responsible for the heavy presence of security operatives

in Ikorodu and its environs.

Briefing journalists after an emergency Security Council meeting, he said the onslaught was part of efforts to liberate residents from hoodlums, pipeline vandals and other undesirable elements that had continued to make the ancient town the base of their nefarious activities.

Owoseni said government is committed to ensure that the hoodlums terrorising Ikorodu, disturbing the peace in the town and making life unbearable for residents, do not have a field day any longer. He said the security surveillance would be carried out 24 hours throughout the week, adding that the activities of the hoodlums and the criminal elements in the area had become unacceptable and uncontrollable.

“Government will not allow criminal elements in the state and we want to say that the immunity for the vandals is over, the arbitrarily and uncontrollable rape, vandalism and harassment is over,” he said.

Alleged N65m fraud: EFCC arrests Kwakwanso’s ex-aide Emmanuel Onani

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peratives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have arrested Alh. Muktar Umar Yerima, a former Special Adviser to the immediate past Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

A highly placed source at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja, said Yerima, who is the incumbent Chairman of

Tarauni Local Government Area of the State, was picked up yesterday, over allegations that he diverted an estimated N65m, which was said to have been approved for participants in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) empowerment programme.

The Head of Media and Publicity of the Commission, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, could not be reached for confirmation.

Several calls to the Acting Director of Defence Information, Col. Rabe Abubakar, were not answered. He did not also respond to an SMS. Sunday Telegraph could not also obtain an official response from the Nigerian Army, as the Acting

Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, in a response via text, said: “You should please direct your enquiry to the Acting Director Defence Information.”

Prior to Olukolade’s assertion, Shekau had been declared dead on a number

of occasions though he appeared in videos released by the sect thereafter.

Meanwhile, 38 persons were feared dead in a triple Boko Haram bomb attack against a market and refugee camp in the Chadian village of Baga Sola near the border with Nigeria

yesterday.

Another 52 people were reportedly wounded in the attacks that struck at around 4:00 pm (1500 GMT), one targeting the fish market at Baga Sola and the other two occurring at a refugee camp on the outskirts of the city.

L-R: Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Bishop Calistus Onaga; Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Chairman, Nigeria Governors forum, Adulaziz Yari, during courtesy visit to Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu… yesterday

Nigerians ‘bomb’ Senate over ministerial nominees Kunle Olayeni & Chukwu David

N

igerians yesterday flooded Twitter with questions for the 21 ministerial nominees due to face screening at the Senate from Tuesday.

The questions, which were posted on the Senate’s handle with the hashtag #Ministerial Screening, touched on different issues about the nominees. Many of the questions were, however, directed at former governors of Lagos and Rivers states, Rotimi Amaechi and Babatunde Fashola respectively.

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on his Twitter handle, promised that there would be live streaming of the screening.

Meanwhile, Saraki has declared that senators will not compromise the screening and confirmation process of the ministerial nominees forwarded by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Saraki spoke with reporters in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State yesterday shortly after he led a Senate delegation to commiserate with the Awolowo family over the death of their matriarch, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo.

He was accompanied by Senators Lanre Tejuoso (Ogun Central); Gbolahan Dada (Ogun West); Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central); Monsurat Sunmonu (Oyo Central); and Biodun Olu-

Saraki: We won’t compromise screening

jimi (Ekiti South).

This came just as former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, threw his weight behind the ‘stringent conditions’ given by the Senate for the screening of ministerial nominees. They are that the nominees must show proof of assets declaration and be nominated by two senators from their states.

According to Saraki, the Senate will stick to the nation’s Constitution and its rules in carrying out the screening exercise on Tuesday.

He said his colleagues are determined to put Nigeria’s interest first but noted that the stipulated rules will not be compromised in any way. He, however, stressed that the Senate was not interested in discriminating against any nominee.

He said, “We have said that for the Eighth Senate, it is not going to be business as usual. What I can assure you is that we will go with the constitution, the rules; we will put Nigeria first.

Screening will be done with a high level of seriousness and what we are all about is our constitutional responsibility to ensure that we find people who are fit enough to be ministers and particularly this time, to give President Buhari the support he requires.

“It is not about who you

like or who you don’t like; I want to assure Nigerians that will not be the basis. It will be based on the constitution and based on ability and our own assessment of capacity of the nominees to perform.

“And I assure you that individual differences will not be an issue at all. We have spoken with senators and told them that. At this moment of time, we have made sure that as much as possible, we share with the public, we try to ensure that all will be covered live so that everybody can see.”

Saraki, who was received by the eldest daughter of the late Mrs Awolowo, Revd (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran, had earlier extolled the virtues of the deceased matriarch. Saraki described Mrs. Awolowo as a great icon and unifying factor for Nigerians.

He said, “On Wednesday, the Eighth Senate passed a resolution mandating us to come here and commiserate with Awolowo family, the good people of Ogun State and Nigeria in general on the loss of a great person and an icon. It is the country, not the family that has lost a great person. She was a great person because since the death of Papa (Obafemi Awolowo) for so many years she continued the life of virtues and his

dreams and she sustained over many years.

“She showed that she was a uniting factor not only in South West, but Nigeria in general. I can say that because just few months ago, we were here during the period of our campaigns and I don’t think there had been a campaign in this country that no politician will not stop here to pay respect and honour.”

Also in Ikenne, Wabara said the conditions stipulated by the Senate for the screening of ministerial nominees had been in existence since 1999. The former Senate president, who stated this while fielding questions from reporters after he paid a condolence visit to the Awolowo family in Ikenne-Remo, said, “That (conditions) has always been there since 1999.

There are three senators per state and two of them must be in agreement. But politics being what it is, it is like a rule more or less in the Senate. But you find out that politics could come in and those things could be thrown overboard.

“It depends on the Senate President if he wants to stick to that rule, then it stands but in every rule there’s always an exception. But the rule is there as a matter of fact, he can apply it, he can throw it overboard.”

6

SUNDAY

The Sunday Magazine SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015

Why Boko Haram is ruthless,

Is Nigeria attempting the impossible in trying to de-radicalise Boko Haram militants? IRIN’s Editor-at-Large OBI ANYADIKE speaks to the prisoners, their victims, and the de-rad ‘treatment teams’ trying to reintegrate them into society. He explores what drove the men to join an insurgency that is tearing the country apart.

P

rison officer Malam Tata has a calling. He sees it as his religious duty to help people reach salvation, and believes few have erred as grievously as the 43 Boko Haram militants under his care in Kuje Prison, on the outskirts of the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

Tata has spent 26 years in the prison service. He leads a team of Imams, Muslim religious leaders, in a unique, homegrown de-radicalisation strategy aimed at rehabilitating the Boko Haram inmates. His team, all prison officers, has the most intimate contact with the group, leading them in daily spiritual discussions that question the basis of their ideology of violence.

“Some of them are illiterate. They can’t even cite the Qur’an, yet they say they are doing jihad,” says Tata, a cheerful, trimlooking officer. “Some of them are learned.

They have read the Qur’an and the Hadith, but they don’t really understand Islam. Satan has whispered in their ear.”

Kuje, a medium-security facility, is the testbed of Nigeria’s prison-based countering violent extremism (CVE) programme, launched in March. At its heart is the idea of “treating” the men on terrorism-related charges: that through activities like therapy, sport, schooling and vocational training, their behaviour can be modified; the risk of them being recruited while inside reduced; and eventually they can be reintegrated into society.

Building a bond between the “treatment team” and the Boko Haram inmates, officially known as “clients,” is seen as crucial to the success of the CVE strategy. Tata talks in patriotic terms about why he joined the team, and his belief that in doing God’s work, he earns a spiritual reward.

That offers some comfort. “These are very, very dangerous people. Anything can happen. We know they communicate with their people on the outside,” he reminds me.

Tata has personal experience of the risks: he was wounded during an attack on a prison by Boko Haram, although he refuses to talk about it. He believes the military tide has turned and now the insurgents are on the run. The “clients” in Kuje “know they are losing,” he says. “They watch TV.” The day I visited the prison, Arsenal is playing Chelsea in Kuje’s version of the Champions League: both prison teams lustily supported, the cheers floating over the yard wall.

But my destination is the “de-rad” wing, a quieter, more secluded set of modern classrooms, originally planned as an open university. Unlike the rest of the austere prison, there is even air-conditioning.

I sit down in a small room with one of the ‘clients.’ The stocky man on the other side of the desk wears jeans and a tight tshirt. He has an Afro, a scraggly beard and a large ring on his finger. He calls himself a commander, but looks more like a guy you might see in a club. He speaks in Hausa, the lingua franca of the north, in short sentences, finishing each thought with a “tell him” to the Imam who is translating – eager for his story to be understood.

Halfway through the interview, the “commander,” who doesn’t want to reveal his name, pauses. The Imam has a cold so he leans forward and asks whether he wants

Chibok girls in captivity

These are mostly men with little formal education, with hand-tomouth jobs on the urban margins, “looked down upon even by Muslims in their own community as riff-raff ”. They are angry, “and religion is the platform to vent that anger the air-conditioning turned off. It seems a genuine, solicitous moment.

He sees himself as a transformed man, which he ascribes to Tata and his team.

When asked during the interview where the Qur’an justifies killing civilians, the commander repeatedly says he can’t remember.

It becomes clear that he doesn’t want to explore that old frame of mind. “I’ve changed.

I don’t want to talk about justification.” The Imam suggests we move on.

Ferdinand Ikwang heads the national de-rad programme, which falls under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). In his portfolio is a web of interlinked projects tackling the economic and social triggers of recruitment, as well as laying the groundwork for a disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) effort once Boko Haram is defeated or a peace agreement is reached.

He has a robust position on the men that have taken up violence. Those who have committed atrocities will stay in prison under de-rad. But the low-level footsoldiers who have gone through CVE will be considered for release and allowed “to continue with their lives,” albeit under surveillance.

The yardstick is not whether they drop their beliefs, but whether they are likely to “pick up a gun,” says Ikwang.

Kuje is not the only prison holding Boko Haram inmates. Aguata, near the eastern city of Onitsha, has roughly 100 who surrendered earlier this year, and de-rad is

about to start there as well, staffed by officers trained in Kuje. There are other ONSA facilities filling up as Boko Haram start to lay down their weapons in increasing numbers.

Participation in de-rad is voluntary. In Kuje, four inmates have chosen not to join the treatment programme for apparently practical rather than ideological reasons: they are contesting the government’s accusation that they are members of the group.

Most of the 39 other ‘clients’ – all on remand – have been in detention for the past four years, although not always in Kuje, and when in the hands of the security services, not under the most humane of conditions.

The benefits of joining de-rad are clear: firstly, most get to live in segregated cells with a single double-bunk, a far cry from the conditions in the rest of the prison, opened in 1989 as an 80-bed facility, but which currently holds 910 prisoners.

They have a refurbished wing to themselves, funded by the European Union, where their structured daily activities are held. They have basics like toilet paper and soap. It’s a level of care unheard of in Nigeria’s under-funded prisons, where the word rehabilitation is rarely voiced.

“The cardinal objective of the programme is not to force anyone to join. It’s to get voluntary buy-in,” says Kasali Yusuf, coordinator of the joint ONSA/prison service team in Kuje. “They may initially join just for the privileges, which do tend to soften their hearts.”

But with Boko Haram inmates already deeply unpopular among the general prison population, “the special privileges lead to rancour and have been a challenge for us. We’ve had to explain (to the other prisoners) that it’s funded by a special (EU) programme,” says Yusuf.

Yusuf’s boss, the manager of the ‘treatment team,’ is psychologist, Dr Wahaab Akorede. After reviewing the case studies of the 43 clients, he concludes that what differentiates them from the run-of-the-mill

criminals he’s used to dealing with is their level of anger, their desire to “smash everything.”

It suggests they themselves are “victims of trauma;” so desperate, with so little opportunity, they are ready to trust that paradise is their reward for martyrdom.

Neither Akorede nor Yusuf – both Muslims and senior prison officers – see much evidence of deep religiosity among many of the men in the treatment programme.

Instead, Akorede ticks off other potential triggers: polygamous families where wives compete for their husband’s affection to the detriment of the children; an Islam, as traditionally taught in the north, that leaves young men ill-prepared for the modern workplace; and the callousness of successive governments that has consigned so many to suffering and an early death, “to the point where God must be tired of seeing Nigerians”.

“Alienation” is his preferred explanation for Boko Haram’s appeal. These are mostly men with little formal education, with hand-to-mouth jobs on the urban margins, “looked down upon even by Muslims in their own community as riff-raff”. They are angry, “and religion is the platform to vent that anger.”

Akorede divides the men in Kuje into two groups – the “big fish” and the followers.

“The big fish are the smart ones. They know how to manipulate people. They say, “Your religion is special and it’s under threat.” In effect they create a cult, in which everyone – including the religious and traditional establishment – are the enemy.

And where an appeal to religion and martyrdom is not enough, Boko Haram offers aid to your family. “So here’s a man that is not happy within himself. He has not been given an opportunity to be educated.

He has no future. If you give him 10,000 naira ($50), he will carry that bomb,” says Akorede.

The ‘commander’ smiles when asked the date he joined Boko Haram. The sect was

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015

The Magazine

I was Boko Haram before Boko Haram existed,” he boasts, using the group’s official name, ‘Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad’ (People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad)He was a member of the Nigerian Taliban (“Al sunna wal Jamma”), which had recruited mujahedeen to fight in Afghanistan

by ex-commanders founded in 2002 by a young cleric, Mohammed Yusuf, and took root in the northeastern city of Maiduguri, the heart of a region that has been at the centre of Islamic learning for centuries.

But the commander’s radicalism predates the movement. “I was Boko Haram before Boko Haram existed,” he boasts, using the group’s official name, ‘Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad’ (People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad).

He was a member of the Nigerian Taliban (“Al sunna wal Jamma”), which had recruited mujahedeen to fight in Afghanistan. The group had been preaching jihad, or holy struggle, and had attacked police stations and government buildings along the northeastern border with Cameroon through much of 2004, before Yusuf began to talk of violent resistance to Nigeria’s secular state.

The Taliban, among them university graduates from the University of Maiduguri, along with some of Yusuf’s more radical followers, were routed when their camp was attacked by the army in northeastern Yobe State. But the commander was not among them – he had thrown in with Yusuf, who at the time was building a grassroots movement that senior political leaders in Maiduguri were keen to cultivate.

The commander comes from “a family that valued education.” But he was rebellious and quit school early, going into business with a grinding mill in his hometown of Biu. When his father found out, he threw him out of the house. And so the commander began to gravitate towards Islam, ending up in a madrassa in neighbouring Adamawa State run by a Pakistani sheikh.

Nigeria was in ferment at the time over the issue of Shariah Law. Its introduction by 12 predominantly Islamic northern states in 2000 was driven by a demand from the Muslim street for an egalitarian antidote to the venality and corruption of Nigerian life. But instead, an elite-serving “political Shariah” stopped any real reform, and as a result, the northern establishment came to be seen as the target by some radicals.

“It was easy to attract youths. They were eager to hear about jihad,” says the commander. Part of the reason is the traditional Almajirai system, under which millions of young boys in the north are still schooled.

They are attached to a Qur’anic teacher (who doesn’t always have a firm understanding of the text) to learn by rote for years, supporting themselves and their mentor by begging. It has left the north educationally disadvantaged, with a simmering street-level militancy.

Nigeria’s northeast has the worst social indicators in the country. A tradition of northern progressive movements existed up until the 1980s to champion the rights of the ‘talakawa’ (commoners) against the feudal conservative establishment seen as responsible for their poverty, but nowadays populist resistance against injustice is much more likely to be religiously grounded.

The confrontation between Boko Haram and the authorities exploded in July 2009.

Yusuf had fallen out with the Borno State government and, after the killing of a group of his followers, he promised revenge. His men attacked police stations and government buildings in four northern states. In days of fighting, 700 people died, including Yusuf, killed while in police custody in Maiduguri.

Bokom Haram insurgents

Political Shariah” stopped any real reform, and as a result, the northern establishment came to be seen as the target by some radicals The commander, who fled to the northern city of Kano and laid low until his capture, draws a distinction between the early days of Boko Haram, and the extreme violence of the group under Yusuf’s successor, Abubakar Shekau, a war-time leader seen as more lethal than learned, who made common cause with the global jihadist movement.

“I don’t know how it happened. In all the towns they capture, they kill the people.

Who are you going to rule? That’s what I don’t understand,” says the commander.

More than 25,000 people have died in Boko Haram-related violence both inside Nigeria and across its borders – the vast majority fellow Muslims.

Tata has lined up another ‘client’ for me to talk to, a slight man in glasses with a neatly trimmed beard and a clean white dashiki, or tunic. He speaks reverentially about what he regards as Yusuf’s integrity and “truthfulness.” His explanation for Boko Haram’s emergence is that Nigerian society needed to be cleansed of corruption, injustice and homosexuality.

He’d been part of Yusuf’s cabinet or ‘shura,’ and says that before he was caught in 2011 he led Boko Haram in three states: Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau. He accuses the authorities of unwarranted aggression, exemplified by the bulldozing of the group’s sprawling Markaz mosque complex after the Maiduguri uprising, and the extrajudicial killing of Yusuf, for which no policeman has been convicted.

If anybody epitomises Akorede’s thesis on the dangers of frustrated, angry individuals, it is this intense man.

He was one of ‘38 or 40’ siblings, and although he completed primary school, he dropped out of secondary school around the age of 12. He became an electrical car mechanic in Maiduguri, but the poverty of

the north and the indifference of the wealthy stirred him. “I believed if you were ready to use violence, you could achieve your aims,” he says.

He doesn’t talk about where he fought or what he did, simply saying: “Before this programme, I would have no time for you.

There would be no jokes. I was hard. Now I realise it’s important to listen and share views.”

Ahmed Musa is weeping, his face buried in the crook of his arm. He is a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), a vigilante group that emerged in 2013 in support of the army to drive Boko Haram out of Maiduguri. But Ahmed’s two brothers were both militants. The youngest one “I loved so very much,” he says.

He tried to get him interested in his small business, to turn him away from militancy, “but he never stayed.” Instead, his youngest brother approached him with a group of men and asked him to keep some weapons for them. Ahmed had recently joined CJTF and heard his brother had put his name on a kill list. The arms storage request was his last chance.

Instead, Ahmed led a group from the task force to arrest his brother and hand him over to the army – an almost certain death sentence. “I tied him up,” says Ahmed, the anguish still raw. “I promised that I would not let anybody live in this society that was Boko Haram.”He’s unsure if his elder brother is still alive but knows he was involved in an attack on 33 Artillery Barrack in Maiduguri in 2013. He’d been a reluctant Boko Haram recruit, initiated by a friend who sold petrol on the black market. Initially, he’d just kept arms for the group, “but gradually they showed him how to fire [the weapons], and then how to cut necks (of captives).”

It’s just after midday prayer in Maiduguri, and I’m in an area called Monday Market where Mohammed Yusuf initially used to preach. It is here he made his declaration of war against the Nigerian state in June 2009, when Maiduguri was a thriving city, the centre of a livestock-based economy with trade networks extending as far as Sudan and Central African Republic.

I’m talking to a couple of men about what gave birth to Boko Haram, and others are joining the conversation, eager to distance the city from the violence and bloodshed

that followed.

But Suleiman Aliyu, a headmaster, admits there was support for Boko Haram in the community. In their simple traditional clothing, the hem of their trousers above the ankle, the movement’s members were seen as pious and disciplined. Their anti-corruption message resonated; some of their wealthy followers, swept up by the millennial zeitgeist, donated lavishly. “If you didn’t think deeply, you followed them,” he says.

When the insurrection was suppressed, Boko Haram scattered. But an infusion of cash from jihadists in Algeria and Mali allowed them to regroup and return in 2010.

An early ban by the state government on motorbike taxis, often used in ride-by shootings, meant an estimated 34,000 people lost their livelihoods – driving yet more recruits to the group.

An inept counter-insurgency operation by the army, imposing collective punishment on neighbourhoods in response to attacks, further tested people’s loyalty. Meanwhile, Boko Haram splashed cash: it would “solve your needs,” whether it was money for a wedding or a naming ceremony, its members “wanted to draw you in” – and killed you if you resisted.

“They wanted to take charge of everything in the community,” says Aliyu. The rise of the vigilante Civilian JTF – armed with just machetes and axes – was a brave, desperate response to the terror the group imposed. These men provided the army with the eyes and ears that allowed it to drive Boko Haram from Maiduguri by the end of 2013, and largely keep it out.

Few people in Maiduguri admit to relatives joining Boko Haram, but Mohammed Garima is ready to talk. His 25-year-old nephew joined the group and he’s still trying to understand why.

“Poverty is maybe (one reason),” he says.

The young man was a roadside puncture repairer, known as vulcanisers, probabl y earning around $5 a day. “But there was something else. He was always isolating himself from people, always pretending to be more religious than everyone else.”

Garima had himself heard Yusuf preach, and wasn’t impressed. “He condemned everything: the roads, social services, education, the hospitals, things we use – things he used – and there was little in what he said that was spiritual.”

In 2009, his nephew disappeared and the family realised he had joined Boko Haram.

He periodically kept in touch, and when his grandmother died last year, his father demanded that he visit. While in town, he was recognised and arrested, and Garima heard that he had died in detention in Maiduguri’s Kainji air force base.

There is unanimous conviction among the people I speak to in Maiduguri that mirrors the position of the de-rad programme: there can be no reintegration for the most hardcore Boko Haram. “They appear in human form, but really they are devils,” says one man who asked not to be named.

“This person killed your mother or father, burned your house; how can you live with them? It’s not possible,” adds Garima. He is slightly more conciliatory towards those coerced to join. There could be an amnesty in those cases, “but they will have to be taken to another state, otherwise people will take revenge,” he says.

According to Ikwang, the head of the derad programme, but also a DDR specialist and lecturer at the British Defence Academy in Shrivenham, those allowed back into society will be in “halfway houses” and monitored. They will be grouped into cooperatives based on vocational skills where counselling will be mandatory.

•Culled from IRIN News

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News Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

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ormer commissioners, who served in the administration of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday said there is no truth in the allegation that the Ex-governor led a government that loot looted N97 billion of state funds.

They noted that the indictment of Amaechi by the Justice George Omereji Panel of Enquiry had been concluded long before the commission started sitting, and that the exercise was nothing but “a witch-hunt.”

In a quick reaction however, the special adviser to Governor Nyesom Wike on Media and Publicity, Sir Opunabo Inko-Tariah, said that Amaechi acted with impunity as governor, and should be held responsible for the looting of the state’s N97 billion.

Eighteen former commissioners, who rose in defense of their former boss, stated this at a press conference

SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Alleged N97bn theft: Wike, Amaechi’s aides trade words at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) press centre along Moscow Road, PortHarcourt, noted that Amaechi redefined governance in the state.

The former commissioner for Information in the Amaechi administration, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, who spoke on behalf colleagues, said that former Governor Amaechi put the people first, and that he was able to accomplish his vision in government.

She said that the ministerial nominee did not in any way led a team of looters as was portrayed by the Omereji commission. She further explained that the panel got it wrong when it said that the Amaechi government withdrew N96 billion from the state’s compulsory saving

before he left office.

Semenitari also explained that Amaechi’s intention was to save for the rainy day, but that N53 billion was eventually withdrawn from the funds in the state’s interest.

“No amount disappeared under Amaechi as alleged.

Amaechi believed in saving for the rainy day, but the downturn of the economy led to borrowing,” she said.

According to the former information commissioner, the monorail project was aimed at upgrading transportation in Port Harcourt as a major city, but that the partners in the project could not meet their financial obligation, making the government to go it alone.

“As former commissioners in the Amaechi government, we served Rivers diligently,

and we are proud of Amaechi because he redefined governance in the country.

“When a man of vision sits on an edifice, it is evident that you will get quality leadership. We served Rivers and maintained transparency and accountability,” they said.

Similarly, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress has dismissed the allegation of looting against Amaechi, stressing that the Omeriji Panel Report White Paper, emanated from a “melodrama.”

The APC Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone described the purported white paper as part of the scenes taken from a “typical mediaeval era book of selfentertainment” adding that it qualifies for nothing and

is not worth more than the decrepit paperweight and putrefying character of its mastermind and authors.

He said: “The APC would like to state that those who crafted this whole melodrama know very well that their contraption is nothing more than a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

“We have no doubt that very concrete records of every bit of matter relating to the Monorail, sale of power stations, reserve fund, agricultural grant, lease of Olympia Hotel and any others have all been articulated and already in the public domain. Of course, these will be availed the court to permanently put

Rock crushes mother, two daughters, grandchild to death Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

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L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Sports Award (NSA), Mr. Ikeddy Iseguzo; member, Mrs. Falilat Ogunkoya and Executive Director, Unmiseable Incentives Limited, Mr. Kayode Idowu, during a press conference to unveil the top nominees for this year’s edition of NSA in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Rivers tribunal: PDP insists election was free, fair Tunde Oyesina Abuja

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he Peoples Democratic Party which is one of the respondents before the ongoing Rivers State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja yesterday insisted that the April 11 governorship elections was free and fair in the state.

The All Progressive Congress APC and its governorship candidate, Peterside Dakuku, had approached the tribunal seeking annulment of the election on the grounds of irregularities.

PDP, while putting up its defense, told the tribunal that Governor Nyesom Wike won the said elections, also tendered the comprehensive voters registers used for the governorship poll in the state.

The party through its counsel, Goddy Uche submitted that it had painstakingly tendered additional accreditation incident forms for wards in different local government areas of Rivers State to bring to the fore, the valid return of Wike.

Tendering the voters registers and accreditation incident forms used for the April 11 governorship election at the tribunal, the party noted that it became necessary in view of the fact that both manual accreditation and card reader accreditation were used during the governorship election.

Uche also noted that the comprehensive voters’ registers tendered by the party indicated the formal Electoral Process during the governorship election. The

accreditation incident forms were tagged Form EC 40J. Responding to the tendering of the document, counsel to the petitioners, Akin Olujinmi, SAN, objected to the admissibility of the documents. He, however, told

the tribunal that he would give his reasons in his final address.

While admitting the documents tendered, the tribunal adjourned till Monday for continuation of the hearing.

paid to the ongoing chicanery

by Governor Nyesom Wike and his friends.”

But Wike’s media aide, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, insisted that former Governor Amaechi’s administration looted that the state’s N97 billion as declared by the Omeriji panel.

He said that the comment credited to the APC that Wike was the Chief of Staff during the tenure of Amaechi, and therefore has questions to answer does not hold water.

He said that whoever has any evidence against the governor should forward it instead of making allegations that Wike stole N5 billion as Chief of Staff.

our members of the same family were on Friday night crushed to death in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, when a huge rock mysteriously tipped off its base and rammed into a nearby building.

The tragic incident happened at about 9pm at Oke Ola Street, Iberekodo area of Abeokuta during a heavy rain, which lasted for about four hours.

The victims included a 52-year-old woman, Mrs. Silifat Lawal; her two children, Rasheedat, 15, and Semia, 4, and a grandchild, Shukurat.

However, the father of the deceased children, Ismail Lawal, and another daughter identified as Rafia, survived the incident.

Sources close to the family told Sunday Telegraph yesterday that the victims, before their death, had their dinner and went to bed shortly after.

But during the torrential rain, it was learnt, the huge rock sitting at a distance to the Lawal’s building tumbled off and rolled down to

hit the house.

One of the victims’ neighbours, Mrs. Khadijat Adegoke, said they heard about the incident when the husband raised the alarm.

According to Adegoke, neighbours rushed to the scene but could not do anything as the victims had already been crushed.

She said, “The incident happened around 9pm.

The rain was very heavy since 5pm. When the rock shifted and crushed them, we didn’t hear because of the sound of the rain.

“The father came out shouting. We rushed there only to find out that all the four of them had been crushed to death.”

It was gathered that the bereaved husband, who was asleep in the sitting room, escaped with another daughter.

When Sunday Telegraph visited the scene yesterday, scores of sympathisers were seen while some men dug four graves for the interment of the deceased.

The distraught husband, along with his surviving daughter, was taken to another house in the neighbourhood.

We’re committed to quality education –Amosun

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gun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun has reiterated his administration’s commitment to do everything possible to ensure that education in the state is affordable for all.

Amosun stated this on Saturday, while speaking at the 23rd and 24th Convocation ceremonies of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

“Undoubtedly, you will

agree with me that affordable, qualitative education takes a focal point in the 5-Cardinal programme of our mission to rebuild Ogun State,” Governor Amosun said.

He added that his administration’s commitment to rebuilding Ogun State has started yielding positive results even at the Olabisi Onabanjo University.

“For this great citadel of learning, I am proud to re-

iterate that there has been improved service delivery to both members of staff and students alike.

“The peaceful conduct of examinations, timely processing of results and issuance of certificates and transcripts to graduands is also an attestation to the improvement in this great institution,” Amosun said.

He added: “In fact, it has come to our notice that OOU has gained full accreditation

for Medicine and Pharmacy programmes from the NUC while the results of others are being awaited.

“I am optimistic that the university, by this encouraging performance, will soon attain her target of full accreditation of all other new courses.

“In the last four years, Olabisi Onabanjo University has risen steadily from its low public rating to an enviable one.”

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015

Anger over Ogiamien-designate’ s detention

Cajetan Mmuta

A Benin

nger has trailed the continued remand of Mr. Richard Arisco Osemwengie and Patrick Osabuohien in Oko Prison on the orders of the Magistrate Court sitting in Benin over the contentious coronation of the traditional title of Ogiamien of Utantan Benin Nation.

Both Osemwengie and Osabuohien have failed to meet the bail condition of payment of one hundred thousand naira and sureties in like sum who are

expected to be traditional rulers within the Benin magisterial jurisdiction and a permanent secretary each.

They were charged to court on a six count-charge and subsequently remanded in prison for unlawful coronation of the title of ‘His Royal Majesty’ Ogiamien of Utantan on September 9, 2015 without the approval of the Executive Council of Edo State.

Besides, there has been tension and anxiety among the Ogiamien’s family following the tragic death of one Pa. Michael Egbobawaye who was one of the key participants at the

coronation ceremony of Mr. Arisco Osemwengie at about 3am on the fateful day but was killed by a hit and run driver in front of his house.

Also, Arisco had approached the High Court sitting in Benin seeking for a lesser bail condition as against the perceived stringent conditions to secure his bail.

Arisco who was arrested and prosecuted for alleged violation of the laws of the state and the second accused have not been able to meet his bail conditions as findings showed that no traditional ruler and perma-

nent secretary was willing to risk their exalted traditional titles and top position in the Edo State civil service for the accused considering the sensitivity and gravity of the offence for which they were charged and remanded in prison custody.

It was gathered that Pa Michael died immediately as the vehicle raced straight to the spot where he was resting in front of his house at Nekpenekpen Street in Oredo council area of the state.

As at the time of filing this report it was not certain if police were able to arrest the driver of the vehicle that killed Pa Michael and the re-

covery of the said vehicle.

When contacted yesterday, the state commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike referred Sunday Telegraph to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Stephen Onwocei for comments on the contentious matter but his GSM phone was switched off.

Already, members of both Ogiamien and Egbobawaye are now leaving in fear over the mysterious death of the octogenarian.

Source close to the Ogiamien family who pleaded for anonymity disclosed that some of those who participated in the coronation of Mr. Arisco and their family members are deeply worried about the unfolding uncertainties.

It was learnt that Arisco was installed as an Ogiamien despite the fact that the real heir apparent to occupy the Ogiamien stool, Osarobo Okunghae, is still alive.

Sunday Telegraph gathered that Ogiamien Okunghae was last seen since 1998 and the delay in his return had prompted Arisco and others to declare him missing and subsequent assume the traditional title.

Investigation further revealed that the action taken by the accused to bestow the title of His Imperial Majesty,

News

a royal title which is only ascribed to the Benin monarch, compelled the state government to institute a legal action against the Ogiamien family and associates.

It will also be recalled that the Benin Traditional Council had condemned in very strong terms the unlawful coronation of Arisco Osemwegie with the said title in Benin, describing it as an insult to the revered Benin Monarchy.

According to a statement signed by its members, including the Iyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe; and the Esogban of Benin, Chief David Edebiri, the council said that the action was not only a disrespect shown by a “small click of rebels within the Ogiamien family” but also “totally unacceptable to the Benins.”

The council said, “Of most recent was the brazen violation of certain sections of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of 1979, wherein the self-styled Richie Arisco Osemwegie proclaimed himself as ‘His Imperial Majesty, the Ogiamien of Utantan Benin Nation,’ and purporting to appoint an Enogie (Duke) in a suburb of Benin City, as well as conferring other chieftaincy titles on some of his cohorts.”

Ayorinde clarifies Ambode’s statement on N3bn monthly savings Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr Martins Abeshi (right), with the Chief of Mission, International Organisation for Migration, Mrs Enira Krdzalic, during Krdzalic’s courtesy visit to discuss migration control management, in Abuja. PHOTO: NAN.

Dismissed policeman, 7 others arrested for kidnapping, trafficking Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

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dismissed police officer from Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, identified simply as Aande and seven other suspects who specialise in kidnapping of children have been arrested over alleged involvement in the trafficking of a two months old baby girl.

The suspects as paraded by the state police command’s Public Relations

Officer, Austin Ezeani at the police headquarters in Makurdi included one Veronica Vanger who hails from Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State that traffic women to the South-East. Those arrested were six women and two men.

The PPRO explained that the command got wind of the syndicate when a young lady, Dooshima Adoga, reported to the police that her two months old baby was snatched

from her at Abwa Motor Park in Buruku Local Government Area of the state when she refused to hand over the child to members of the syndicate who offered to give her some money for maintenance of the baby.

The police spokesman stated that men of the command traced the baby to her aunty, one Mrs. Grace Aande, who said details of the syndicate that took away Dooshoma’s baby to a town in the South-East.

Ezeani said the sum of N220, 000, was paid for the child, and the money was sent to the members through Mrs. Aande’s husband who admitted that he was a dismissed police officer.

Mr. Aande, the PPRO said, is a polygamist and father of 18 children adding that the N220, 000 paid for the two months old girl was sent into his account from the South-East by one Mr. Aja who has equally been arrested.

Why Fayose backed Fayemi nomination- Adelusi T he Chief Press Secretary to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, has said that his boss will never allow the All Progressives Congress or any group to draw him into politics of bitterness or to take vengeance on anybody.

Speaking in an interview in Ado-Ekiti yesterday,

the CPS said his boss is of the belief that vengeance belongs to God and that when God has vindicated someone, the person needs not to fight for himself again.

He was reacting to insinuations by some APC members that Governor Ayo Fayose had no choice other than to support the

nomination of former Governor Kayode Fayemi as a minister from the state.

Governor Fayose had two days ago called on members of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party at the National Assembly to support the candidacy of Fayemi on the floor of the Senate when the screening of ministerial nominees

starts on Tuesday.

This is just as the Presidency, through the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, on Friday asked the nominees to commence the lobbying of senators from their states so as to have a smooth sail during screening.

Chjioke Iremeka

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agos State commissioner-designate, Steve Ayorinde, has responded to criticism of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s statement that his administration has saved N3billion monthly through financial re-engineering.

Mr. Ambode made the statement while addressing thousands of residents, party chieftains, traditional rulers and top government officials at the Abesan Mini Stadium at the maiden edition of the quarterly Town Hall Meeting.

Critics of the governor had interpreted the statement as a knock on his predecessor, Babatunde Fashola. Rather than accuse Mr. Fashola of financial recklessness, Ayorinde explained in a message to an online publication that Ambode’s statement was not an indictment on his predecessor.

Ayorinde said that without taking anything away from the achievements of their predecessors; governments across the country are now fashioning ways to “run a leaner and more efficient government given the harsh reality of dwindling oil prices and our sluggish economy in general.

“We are now in era where every kobo counts. And I think a state Chief Executive that has this at the back of his mind deserves applause. To have been able to save N3bn, therefore, speaks more about prudence and forthrightness that is desperately needed in these austere times rather than suggest a jab at the way Lagos government was run before him.

“This is a governor that has also paid billions of naira to pensioners in order to reduce their sufferings. By so doing, Gov. Ambode is only being responsive and dutiful in his calling. It needs not call to question why the pension wasn’t paid since 2010.

He said that in a similar manner, the fact that Governor Abiola Ajimobi in Oyo State decided to reduce ministries from 23 to 13 in order to run a leaner government and save cost is not an indictment on how he ran Oyo State in his first term.”

With dwindling revenue from oil and the prospect of lower budget projections, Ayorinde pointed out “things have changed and it will be foolhardy to think that a new orientation is not required in how public officers dispense state resources.”

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SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

NEWS

Stephanie poses with her daughter, Francesca Marina

How I had my baby on Mediterranean sea – Runaway Nigerian mother

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tephanie from Nigeria poses with her daughter Francesca Marina, dubbed “the princess of migrants”, after she was born during an Italian rescue operation off the coast of Sicily Catania (Italy) (AFP) - Dubbed “the princess of migrants”, a Nigerian baby born on the Italian ship that rescued her mother in the Mediterranean has become a symbol of hope for those braving the perilous crossing in search of a new life.

In early May, when the international press was cooing over the birth of Princess Charlotte into the British royal family, the photograph of another baby also landed in the headlines Tiny Francesca Marina was shown sleeping, nestled in pink gauze, a closed fist resting against her face.

Her mother Stephanie, a 25-year-old hair stylist, had fled Nigeria two years earlier. After falling in love with a compatriot in Libya, she stayed there for a while. But when their relationship fell apart she headed to Italy alone.

“I was nine months pregnant. I had to take the boat, I had no choice, I couldn’t deliver (the baby) in Libya,” she told AFP. Once the dinghy had set off across the Mediterranean, her contractions began.

“It was really difficult, I was sitting inside with the pain. There were a lot of

people in the boat, we were just sitting really tight. The pain was too much.”

The migrants were rescued at night after around eight hours at sea by the patrol boat Bettica and it was there that Francesca Marina, named in honour of Pope Francis and her Italian rescuers, was born.

Stephanie does not really remember it: she fell unconscious and did not come to until she was at the hospital where she had been transported by helicopter.

The Italian authorities were also unaware of what had happened.

Although the captain of the Bettica recorded the birth in the ship’s logbook, neither the port authorities who review the logbook, nor the medical services passed on the information to the authorities, setting off a bureaucratic odyssey.

When Stephanie and her baby arrived at their current reception centre in Sicily -- from where they would make their asylum request -- their file was almost empty, said the centre’s director Antonio La Monica.

It took months of phone calls and several newspaper articles on the subject for any progress to be made, but finally Francesca was given her tax identification number -- without which all doors remain closed in Italy.

Officially, aboard the Bettica is considered Italian territory, but as Italian

I was nine months pregnant. I had to take the boat, I had no choice, I couldn’t deliver (the baby) in Libya, It was really difficult, I was sitting inside with the pain. There were a lot of people in the boat, we were just sitting really tight. The pain was too much law does not allow birthright citizenship, Francesca is Nigerian like her mother. - ‘Big hearts’ “This princess of migrants is a symbol for everyone, and a birth during a journey is special,” La Monica said.

“Francesca’s story is typically Italian.

It is a story of big hearts, where her welcome exceeded everyone’s expectations. But every step of the way there has been a little something missing,” La Monica said.

“We are very good at welcoming, but we need to become even better at integrating,” he added.

The reception centre houses around 15 women, almost all of them Nigerian, most of whom wile away the empty hours on their smartphones, CHATTING or doing each other’s hair while they wait for their asylum applications to be processed.

Francesca is passed from one to the other, winning the women’s hearts

with her easy smile. Her mother, along with others, is taking Italian and cultural lessons to ready herself and her daughter for their new life in Italy.

“She is so sweet... but it’s difficult, everything is first time. First time I have a baby, first time in Italy, every experience is just the first time. But I believe I can cope,” her mother said.

Last week before the UN General Assembly in New York, Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi spoke about Francesca and other babies born on Italian rescue boats.

“Diabam, Salvatore, Idriss Ibrahim, Francesca Marina... I would like these names to be associated with the names of those who didn’t make it,” to remind the world “of the extent of the challenge” posed by the migrant crisis, he said.

China’s new glass bridge tests courTunisian national dialogue mediators win Nobel Peace Prize

11

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015

OPINION

International Day of the Girl Child:

Changing the Face of HIV/AIDS: Protecting Our Girls

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By James F. Entwistle here are 1.8 billion young people (males and females between the ages of 10 and 24) in the world today, the largest generation of young people in human history. The majority of these young people live in developing countries and approximately half, or 900 million, are adolescent girls and young women.

The U.N. International Day of the Girl Child (October 11) highlights the unique challenges adolescents and young girls (females between the ages of 10 and 19) continue to face in our world.

At every stage of development, girls are more likely than boys to confront a progression of disadvantages associated with violence and discrimination. Even with decades of laws, treaties, conferences, and resolutions at the local, national, regional, and international levels, the difficulties accompanying being young and female condemn millions of girls to the sidelines of society. There, girls remain mostly invisible, their human rights habitually abused and violated, and their welfare trailing behind that of boys.

Girls account for more than 80 percent of new HIV infections in adolescents in the worst hit countries with 380,000 adolescent girls infected with HIV every year; in other words, 7,300 every week, more than 1,000 every day. Moreover, HIV/AIDS remains the leading cause of death for girls and women ages 15 to 49.

According to UNICEF, the face of HIV/AIDS is young and female. As we commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child 2015, we say, “This must change.”

Tackling violence and discrimination faced by girls, and ensuring their access

to the same basic opportunities as boys, is crucial to the realization of their basic human rights and achieving the UN’s “Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”

As the global community rallied to adopt the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 last month at the 2015 United Nations General Assembly, the U.S. government has made several exciting announcements with positive impacts for the girl child.

On September 26, National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice announced bold, new HIV prevention and treatment targets established by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). By the end of 2017, PEPFAR will support 12.9 million people on life-saving anti-retroviral treatment—nearly a doubling of people on treatment from 2013 to 2017—and provide 13 million male circumcisions for HIV prevention.

Specifically for the girl child, PEPFAR announced that the program is now investing nearly half a billion dollars to support an AIDS-free future for adolescent girls and young women. This includes strategically aligning $300 million in additional prevention investments in the Determined, Resilient, Empowered AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe (DREAMS) partnership, launched in 2014 to support adolescent girls and young women living in the highest burdened areas of 10 sub-Saharan African countries. By 2017, PEPFAR hopes to reduce HIV incidence by 40 percent among this group.

On September 27, President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry at the UN General Assembly echoed these announcements and they affirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to an AIDS-free generation.

On September 28, PEPFAR also made

Girls account for more than 80 percent of new HIV infections in adolescents in the worst hit countries with 380,000 adolescent girls infected with HIV every year; in other words, 7,300 every week, more than 1,000 every day

Entwistle

a $10 million contribution over three years to the Robert Carr Civil Society Networks Fund to build the capacity of civil society. Along with UNAIDS, PEPFAR will launch a new $4 million, two-year initiative to strengthen the capacity of faith communities to implement the most effective HIV prevention and treatment programs.

PEPFAR stands as the U.S. government’s initiative to save the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS around the world. This historic commitment is the largest by any nation to combat a single disease internationally. Since 2004, the year PEPFAR began in Nigeria, PEPFAR has disbursed more than $3.4 billion, or more than 675 billion Naira, to support the Nigeria HIV/AIDS response.

PEPFAR investments also help alleviate suffering from other diseases across the global health spectrum. Driven by a shared responsibility among donor and partner nations, PEPFAR will continue to make smart investments to save the lives of Nigerian girls and others around the world afflicted by HIV/AIDS. James F. Entwistle, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria

Opportunities in the landmark year 2015

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Luther-King Fasehun his year marks the end of the time-frame for measuring progress on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). While some successes have been achieved on many fronts, and in several geographies and demographies across the world, we are in no doubt that much more could have been done, to advance the development of our collective humanity. Even more pertinent is the fact that work in the last decades have shown the increased importance of advancing development for girls, and the multiplier effect that has on improved livelihoods for families, generation after generation, and for the socio-economic development of nations all over the world.

Every year, the world unites to mark the International Day of the Girl Child (IDoGC) on 11th October. This year, 2015, the theme is in sync with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, aiming to gather synergy towards realization of SDG 5, and es-

pecially Targets 5.1 (“End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere”) and 5c (“Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels”).

Health is wealth, and adolescence is an important transition phase that determines a lot of the opportunities and challenges that life will present to the womenfolk that comprise our communities

The 2015 theme of IDoGC is ‘The Power of the Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030.’ This is a theme that The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) is very proud to align with, as it recognizes the crucial importance of the adolescent girl, in the reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) continuum of healthcare.

Health is wealth, and adolescence is an important transition phase that determines a lot of the opportunities and challenges that life will present to the womenfolk that comprise our communities.

To that extent, on this year ’s International Day of the Girl Child, we call for improved access to educational opportunities for adolescent girls, both in the formal and informal education spaces. We also call for improved access to health services and commodities, including for sexual and reproductive health. We also join other members of the Girls Not Brides alliance to call for an end to forced, early and child marriages (FECMs); as well as join

the Ending Domestic Violence Global Foundation (GFEDV) to call for a total elimination of all forms of abuse, discrimination, neglect and violence against all girls, including adolescent girls, who are especially more prone to being victims of such harmful practices.

As we look forward to the year 2030, at the end of the countdown to the SDGs, we see an opportunity for gains in all strata of development, through an investment in interventions aimed at adolescent girls. Surely, the world will become a more peaceful and habitable place if we prioritize interventions at adolescent girls, not forgetting the improvement in livelihoods of families that are led by such adolescent-turnedadult women. Nigeria stands especially to gain from an increased investment in adolescent girls. It is my hope that we seize this great opportunity, to ensure a healthy future for our girls and women, as well as for our families.

Dr. Luther-King Fasehun is the Country Director, Wellbeing Foundation Africa

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sunday Mail OCTOBER 11, 2015

You have a right to be heard! Send your letters and photographs to sundayletters@newtelegraphonline.com.

Letters should not be more than 200 words and must have the name and address of the sender

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is depreciating Dear Editor, Permit me to use your highly respected newspaper to raise the alarm over the rapid deterioration of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

When President Muhammadu Buhari was elected, there were hopes that the reconstruction of the road would be given expeditious attention. This belief was strengthened when the median was cleared and one of the contractors, Julius Berger, returned to some sections of the road and started skeletal work. However, sections of the road are rapidly deteriorating. At the rate of deterioration, some sections of Nigeria’s busiest expressway may be seriously damaged. The craters on this road are so scary that trucks have skidded off after jumping into some of them.

Anytime the church of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, redeemed Christian Church of God, holds its monthly vigil or conventions, the road is locked down for hours. Same for the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, anytime its members gather for their monthly vigil. It is unfortunate that President Muhammadu Buhari has prioritised security and the fight against corruption over the need to revamp infrastructure in Nigeria. He needs to take a moment away from his current focus and look into the bad state of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and other federal roads across the country. We cannot continue to live in a fool’s paradise.

Nigerian roads are bad and they are making Nigerians to spend huge sums on maintaining their vehicles. Buhari should act fast and save this road from further deterioration.

Olawale Adebisi Mowe, Lagos

Rumours of Ebola

Dear Editor, Permit me to air my view on rumours of the resurgence of Ebola in Nigeria. It is clear that Nigerian health authorities have taken the back seat on the scourge since the World Health Organisation declared Nigeria Ebola-free. Now that rumours of an alleged resurgence are rife, every effort should be taken to thoroughly investigate the situation and brief Nigerians. The matter should not be swept under the carpet.

Ani Johnson Calabar, Cross River State

Lagos roads need Ambode’s touch

I would like to draw the attention of Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, to the poor state of roads in the state.

He needs to concentrate on transforming the state into a real investors’ haven and quit chasing his predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola. Ambode should know that the thousands of vehicles in Lagos will always need good roads to travel on.

So, he should be up and about, trying to fix them. There is no part of the state which is not affected by this challenge.

The rich and the poor are affected by this problem. Ambode should apply the N3 billion he has been saving monthly to urgent road repairs. Where necessary, he should reconstruct the roads. Lagosians deserve much better than he has been serving them. Having been in the state government for many years, he ought to have a good understanding of the challenges in the state. We know that Lagosians are ready to support him if he decides to do the right things.

Niyi Oladele, Oshodi, Lagos

Check these soldiers Dear Editor, I would like to use this medium to urge the Nigerian Army to caution its personnel to avoid acts capable of derailing the current fight against corruption in the country. The unholy picture or show of shame by soldiers using civilians as shields in toll collection is disturbing. Young boys are disguised as bitter-cola sellers but are toll collectors for the Army. The Army should set up a patrol team to apprehend defaulters. We hold the army in high esteem and it should not allow its image to be tarnished.

Johnson Basil Calabar, Cross River State

Call of nature…

Ugwuanyi, remember Nkanu East/West LGAs

Dear Editor, Kindly indulge me with a space in your widely read newspaper to draw the attention of my amiable Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwanyi, to the deplorable condition of roads in Nkanu East and Nkanu West local government areas of our beloved coal-city state, Enugu.

The road taking off from Four Corner Express Road off Enugu/ Port Harcourt highway passes through Ozalla, Obe, Umueze, Agbani, Akpugo and Amagunze towns and leads to Ebonyi State. The construction/ rehabilitation of this road was awarded to Arab Contractors Plc by the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan. The project was abandoned half way between Akpugo (Nkanu West) and Amagunze (Nkanu East.) On a visit to Amagunze last year, then Governor Sulllivan Chime promised to facilitate the completion of this very important road but nothing came out of the promise.

The second road taking off from Agbani-Ugbawka Road passing through Agbani, Akpugo (Nkanu West) runs through to Ihuokpara (Nkanu East) and terminates somewhere in Ebonyi State. The project sponsored by Enugu State Government, World Bank etc is designated ‘Rural Access Road.’ As at the end of Sullivan’s administration, only few culverts and one bridge with some length of drainage had been done.

This road was handled by FEROTEX Nig Ltd, a local construction company. The two local governments with great sons and daughters in commerce, industry and politics are made up of 14 INEC wards each. They have a voting strength of above 10,000 registered voters each.

The lands are rich in agriculture and they are the food basket of Enugu State. The two local governments host such prestigious tertiary institutions as Augustine Nnamani Campus of Nigerian Law School, Enugu State University of Science and Technology and the Renaissance University.

I am convinced beyond doubt that if Gburugburu, as our governor is fondly known, works in league with our representatives in the National Assembly, something good will happen to those roads in no distant time. There is economic wisdom in completing abandoned projects before starting new ones.

Dickson Nnaji Ogbodo Agbani Town, Enugu State.

0813579 8446

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Oworonsoki gridlock Dear Editor, Please help me draw the attention of the Lagos State Government to the need for alternative routes out of Oworonshoki. There is only one major motorable route in and out of the area and road users are subjected to a gridlock daily. The state government can consider opening the access to Oworonshoki Expressway

by Olopomeji bus-stop as an alternative route. I urge the state government to alleviate the agony that road users in Oworonshoki have to go through daily.

Success Ikedi Oworonshoki, Lagos

Unpaid pensions Dear Editor, Kindly inform President Muhammadu Buhari that he should ensure that arrears of pensions are cleared before the end of this year. So many pensioners are being owed huge sums of money.

They could have contributed meaningfully to the lives of their spouses and children if such money had been paid to them at the right time. He should ensure that the right thing is done and find a way of verifying what the authorities at Pencom tell him.

Justin James Lagos

Governors’ meeting Dear Editor, I write to call on Nigeria’s 36 governors to discuss issues that are germane to Nigeria’s development when they meet on Tuesday. They have voluntarily decided to meet and discuss issues affecting the country. It should not be a jamboree or an opportunity to spend the scarce resources of their states on frivolous items.

Rather, they should do a soul search and ask themselves how they have contributed to bringing this great nation to its knees.

Nigeria has potential for greatness but its leaders lack wisdom and understanding to propel it to greater heights. The rash of borrowings and baseless expenditure by governors is responsible for the high currency supply in the economy. This harmful trend must be reversed for Nigeria to make meaningful progress.

Grace Jonah Jos, Plateau State

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015

Moments

L-R: A Glo subscribers, Mr. Goodman Ifebi; Ace comedian, AY and Olamide Ifebi, during the Ikeja edition of Glo Laffta Fest in Lagos…recently

L-R: Professor of cardiothoracic, Benjamin Carson Snr. School of Medicine (BCSSM), Babcock University (BU), Prof Edward Anderson; Vice President, Development and Strategy, BU, Mr. Olukunle Iyanda; President, Tristate/ Chair, Department of Cardiology, BCSSM, BU, Prof. Kamar Tayo Adeleke and Senior Vice President, BU, Prof Iheanyichukwu Okoro, after the successful conduct of the first ‘Heart Surgery’ at the newly constructed world class Tristate Heart & Cardiovascular Centre, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State …on Thursday.

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Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha (second-left), in a handshake with the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Fatima Mede, while others look on during the visit of environmentalists to the government house in Owerri…on Wednesday. PHOTO-NAN

L-R: Pastor Cyril Udotim; Pastor Abraham Naikon; General Overseer, Bible Life Church Bishop, Prof. Leonard Umunna; Pastor Emmanuel Geofrey and Dr. Johnson Bassey, during the 52nd Anniversary of Bishop Umunna in Lagos… recently

L-R: Police’s Public Relations Officer, Lagos Airport Command, Ikeja, Mr. Joseph Alabi; Assistant Secretary, League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), Mr. Suleiman Idris; Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Mr. Victory Niro Menta; Vice Chairman, LAAC, Mr. Imeh Akpan and Secretary, Mr. Ewos Iroro, during the LAAC Exco’s courtesy visit to Menta, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos… on Wednesday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

L-R: Facilitators for the launch of Landmark Research Report, Mr. Chukwuemeka Okereafor; Dr Amina Salihu and the deputy team leader, Voice for Change (VFC), Dr. Munirat Ogunlayi, at the launch of Dialogue on Gender Violence Issues organised by VFC, in Abuja…recently

Chief of Staff, Bauchi State Government House, Alhaji Abdu Abubakar Tafawa Balewa; Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Mr. Nuhu Gidado, and Acting Rector, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi, Mr. Suleiman Lame, during the 55th Zonal Executive Council Meeting of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (Asup), Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi Chapter, in Bauchi …on Thursday. PHOTO-NAN

L-R: Dean, School of Media and Communication, Pan Atlantic University, Dr. Ike Obiaya; Speaker, Lanre Arogundade and Moderator, Mr. Taiwo Obe, at the Media Conference on Oil Subsidy Regime and National Economic Health, held at LBS, Ajah, Lagos…on Thursday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

14

SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

NAFDAC arraigns five over fake drugs

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wo persons arrested for production and sale of ethanol locally known as Ogogoro were yesterday arraigned by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The suspects including Jonathan Uti and Isaac Uti, father and son respectively were arraigned on fivecount charge bothering on illegal production, storage and sales of the local gin before Justice Ishola Olaterogun of Federal High Court, Asaba, Delta State.

In the suit number FHC/ ASB/36c/2015, the suspects were accused of contravening Section one of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act. CAP C34 LFN 2004 which is punishable under Section 3(a) of the same act.

In three other separate suits, the agency also arraigned three persons who were caught at various locations within the jurisdiction of the court in possession and sale of fake drugs in different parts of Delta State.

While one Osita Paul Ely

is facing a seven-count charge of fake drug trafficking in suit number FHC/ ASB/37c/2015, Chinedu Azugwu and Solomon Ezeani are facing three count charges in suit numbers FHC/ASB/39c/2015 and FHC/ASB/35c/2015 respectively.

All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the offence when the charges were read to them by the court.

Justice Olaterogun while adjourning the matter to December 14, 2015 for trial granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N2 million each and two sureties each in like sum.

The court further held that the sureties, who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court, must be recommended by the council chairmen in their respective locality, adding that they must also produce tax clearance certificate.

The judge also granted the request of the prosecution counsel, Umar Shamaki that the suspects be remanded in prison pending when they meet their bail conditions.

PDP alleges APC’s insensitivity to Nigerians’ welfare Onyekachi Eze

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he Peoples Democratic Party has expressed worry over what it termed the apparent lack of capacity and ingenuity by the All Progressives Congress’ government to run the affairs of the nation since it took over the reins of power on May 29.

The party in a statement on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, noted that this has become evident in the myriads of political and economic glitches that have bedeviled the polity in the past five months.

“The prevailing widespread disenchantment being expressed by Nigerians over the inept handling of governance and insincerity so far exhibited by the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government has be-

come a huge source of worry for the health of the nation,” the statement said.

According to the party, the attitude of the APC administration to governance in the last five months and the feelings of a cross section of Nigerians underscore the fact that the PDP, notwithstanding the setback of the last general elections, remains the only true pan-Nigeria vehicle that guarantees the unity, stability and prosperity of the nation as well as the welfare of individual Nigerians, irrespective of class, creed and tribe.

PDP said it is now manifest to Nigerians that the APC administration is completely bereft of ideas needed to effectively manage the nation, a consequence of which is the sudden decline in the economy, general anxiety and prevailing unhappiness and grumbling among the citizens across board.

“Nigerians, going by

their comments, are deeply disturbed that instead of focusing on issues that directly touch on their lives, especially given its long list of campaign promises, the APC administration has remained high on propaganda, violating the constitution for partisan capital, hounding perceived political enemies; while at the same time continuing in their trick of hoodwinking the populace, using their socalled body language theory in the attempt to appropriate achievements of the previous PDP administration.

“In the last five months under the watch of the APC, the polity has become shambolic, with official reports showing sudden decline in the economy with spiral rate of inflation, stagnation in domestic and foreign direct investments, halt in infrastructure development projects in most parts of the country, with inves-

tors scared away due to the prevailing uncertainty arising from government’s inability to articulate a precise economic policy direction.

“Even more pathetic is the fact that this government has been unable to pursue any investment in any of the critical sectors, eliciting public fears of serious economic crisis in the coming years. This is in addition to the heart-breaking fact that the APC administration, in its apparent insincerity, has been attempting to disown its list of campaign promises upon which it rode to power,” PDP observed.

The party said what Nigerians witnessed was appalling cosmetic governance, where endless drama and theatrics of the APC government have reduced governance to an unproductive reality show, which lack even the basic production quality of regular Telemundo shows.

Money laundering: Group condemns arrest of traders Okegwo Kenechukwu Onitsha

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he Amalgamated Traders Association of Nigeria has condemned the recent arrest of traders by the Department of the State Security Services at the nation’s airport over money laundering, saying it is a misplaced aggression.

The acting National President of the Association Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, who addressed, newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra State following the arrest of two traders at Onitsha Main Market by security operatives at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu for possessing some foreign

currencies above $5,000 said the policy would not augur well with the growth of the nation’s economy.

He appealed to the Federal government to evolve a more pragmatic measure of waging war against money launderers, instead of targeting traders whose business was to import goods not produced into the country for sell.

“While we welcome the idea and the policy of the Federal Government in its war against corruption and money laundering, we would also want the Federal Government to find a more suitable way of doing business of importation into the country.”

Abia guber appeal: Tribunal reserves ruling for Monday

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he Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri, the Imo State capital, yesterday reserved ruling for Monday October 12, on the appeal filed by Dr. Alex Otti, the Abia State governorship candidate for the All Progressive Grand Alliance in the last governorship election in the state.

Otti had approached the appellate court with an application demanding an extension of time to cover for the full 14 days stipulated by law for a petitioner to present witnesses and close his case.

Otti’s counsel, Chief Awa

Kalu, SAN argued that the lower tribunal had foreclosed the appellant’s right to 14 days after granting him only 7 days and prayed the court to grant him a extra seven-day extension of time to enable them call all their witnesses.

Opposing the application, counsel for Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN urged the court to discountenance the application saying the appeal has no connection with the prayers of the appellant at the lower tribunal.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir David Lawal (R) listening to explanations on the use of TRUSCAN, an on-thespot drug testing device by the Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Adminstration and Control, Dr Paul Orhii during a courtesy visit to the SGF.....recently

Leave Ekweremadu alone,Ohanaeze youths warn Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

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he youth wing of the apex Igbo socio- cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has warned that the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, should be allowed to do his job, instead of being used as the sacrificial lamb in the face-off between President Mohammadu Buhari and Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

Ohanaeze Youth Council’s reaction came on the heels of media reports that Buhari had in his recent meeting with Saraki which was brokered by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogora, allegedly insisted on Ekweremadu’s removal as condition for his

reconciliation with the Senate President.

The group said that removing Ekweremadu would mean excluding the South-East from the leadership of the entire National Assembly.

In a statement issued by the National President, Okechukwu Isiguzoro and made available to newsmen in Umuahia the group warned that “any attempt to unseat the Deputy Senate President is an affront to democracy,” adding,” removal of Ekweremadu would amounts to political genocide against Ndigbo.”

He wondered what the President “intends to achieve by excluding an entire geopolitical zone from the power equation of the country” and appealed to

President Buhari to place the peace and unity of the country above personal and political views.

The statement read in part: “Buhari should not over-display his penchant hatred for Ndigbo by insisting that the only position God gave us through the instrumentality of progressive minds at the Senate is snatched away.

“Buhari has deliberately excluded the South-East from all his political appointments so far, yet he is not satisfied but wants to close the only window granted us by providence.

He appointed all his Service Chiefs and other key public officers without considering anybody from South-East.

When we cried foul his apologists told us to wait for ministerial list.

“He has presented his long- awaited ministerial list with only two slots for a zone with five states. It is already obvious to us that Buhari-led administration is tribalistic and bent on punishing Ndigbo for our political decision in the last election but he should beware of the grave consequences of his actions”.

Ohanaeze advised Buhari to stop interfering with the internal affairs of the National Assembly but to concentrate on issues that would engender unity and national cohesion.

OYC noted that “no administration in Nigeria has ever succeeded without Ndigbo, and Buhari’s government will not be an exception”.

SUNDAY

15

Politics SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015

Hajj tragedy: Saudi govt guilty of poor crowd control – VIO Boss p.17

Obstruction of justice at election tribunals p.18

Umahi: Why I’ll sue Enugu DISCO p.19

The Sunday Interview Adebanjo: Buhari must address herdsmen’s excesses p.20&37

North-Central needs stronger unity –Ejima p.38

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

Senate President, Dr. Saraki

Sarakigate: Options before Buhari

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he Eight Senate is about the most crisis-stricken in the history of the Upper Chamber since the return of democracy in 1999. After its inauguration on June 9, 2015, the Chamber has hardly known peace and stability in the first three months. There has been a sharp rift between Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress.

The party had wanted to exert supremacy over its members by dictating and directing the distribution of leadership positions in the Senate but this was opposed and resisted by Saraki and his loyalists, particularly the members of the Like Minds Senators.

The leadership of the APC wanted Senator Ahmad Lawan (APC-Yobe North) to emerge as President of the Eighth Senate. Lawan was fully supported by members of the Senate Unity Forum. The rivalry between these two camps brought a sharp division in the Senate and to some extent the APC as a ruling party.

It is true that previous Assemblies had their disagreements and attendant crisis usually occasioned by the choice of persons for the various leadership positions but it has never been with such acrimonious propensity as the one being currently witnessed in the Upper Chamber.

When Saraki defied the party decision and went ahead to contest the exalted office, and eventually emerged the President of the Senate, it was the plan of the APC, that Lawan should at least become Senate majority leader as a com-

The leadership of Senator Bukola Saraki as the President of the Senate has been turbulent in the last four months.

CHUKWU DAVID looks into the crisis and reports that political solution is being currently proffered, as the Presidency and the National Assembly have commenced a process to come to a point of rapprochement pensation for both the Party and the Senators of the SUF. However, it appeared as if Saraki and his loyalists forgot that politics is a game full of intrigues, horse trading and compromise. The supporters of Saraki’s Senate Presidency project, the Like Minds Senators, coordinated by Senator Dino Melaye from Kogi State, went all out for “the-winner-takes-all” mission. So, rather than consider Lawan for the position, they vowed that he would get nothing, and went ahead to bring their ambition to accomplishment.

It was learnt that the APC leadership and President Buhari made many attempts to get Saraki concede some of the positions to the wishes of the party but to no avail. According to analysts, the last straw that broke the camel’s back was when the National Peace Committee, led by the former head of state, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, visited Saraki in his office at the legislative complex to persuade him to hearken to the voice of the President and the

party but he refused.

This singular action provoked both the SUF group and the opinion molders in the APC, who then vowed to fight Saraki and his supporters with every available weapon to their disposal. The group therefore, started looking for anything possible to bring him and his leadership down, particularly by invoking corruption related allegations against and around the person of Saraki or some members of his the Senate leadership.

However, many analysts see the action of Saraki to be in tune with the change the APC promised to bring to the national political system. They are of the view that the regime would introduce a sharp departure from the old, anomalous ways of doing things. They believe that it is a good omen for the democracy as it signaled an emerging new Nigeria, where democratic principles of separation of power and independence of each arm of government CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics and between the devil and the deep blue sea. It seems as if his political enemies are successfully zeroing in on him, where they could box him into a point of surrender.

However, politics in Nigeria is an unpredictable game. In fact, in politics particularly in Nigeria, it is the more you look the less you see. It appears that peace is being brokered between the two warring factions: Saraki and his group versus the APC and the Presidency.

President Buhari and Saraki

could be granted.

While some analysts consider the move to assert the independence of the Legislature as a good and positive development, others are of the view that the democracy should be made to grow gradually and systematically too, suggesting that true democratic ideals could not be attained in a full swoop.

People who hold this position believe that politicians should still embrace some level of compromise in the political game. Therefore, those in this school blame Saraki and his supporters for not conceding some of the leadership offices their opponents in the Lawan’s camp.

The reality came to the fore that the egocentric politics played by the members of the APC made the ruling party to lose the number two position in the Senate to the PDP, which produced Ike Ekweremadu as the Deputy President of the Senate. If the party had put its house in order, perhaps the opposition could not have taken the slot.

It was believed that the APC-controlled executive arm and the party leadership, having done everything to persuade Saraki to respect party positions, without success, resolved to use their powers to punish Saraki for his perceived recalcitrancy against his party. Consequently, the agents of the party and the executive decided to set traps for him to ensure his downfall.

Accordingly, the SUF first petitioned the Police against Ekerebmadu for allegedly forging the Senate Standing Orders 2015 (as amended). The group argued that the production of the document without strict adherence to the amendment procedure as contained in Senate Standing Order 2011 (as amended), amounted to forgery.

Initially, it was not taken seriously by most Nigerians and perhaps the Senate leadership until some members of the SUF impressed on the Police to investigate the matter and later went to court to seek legal redress. The suit filed at the Abuja Federal High Court, amongst others, sought the remove Saraki and Ekweremadu from office for the alleged forgery.

As the President of the Senate and his supporter were still grappling with the forgery case, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the month of July, summoned Saraki’s wife, Mrs Toyin Saraki, over alleged involvement in money laundering when she was the First Lady of Kwara State.

This compelled the pro-Saraki Senators to immediately issue a statement, describing the action of the anti-graft agency as a political witch-hunt, targeted at rubbishing the number three citizen by his political enemies, who were desperate to oust him from the coveted office.

While the case of forgery and Saraki’s

Sarakigate: Options before Buhari wife’s summon are still pending, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) dragged Saraki to the Code of Conduct Tribunal through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, for allegations bordering on false assets declaration purportedly committed in 2003 when he was elected governor of Kwara.

What Nigerians thought was just a minor issue that could be easily resolved surprisingly degenerated when a warrant of arrest was slammed on him on Friday, September 18, 2015 by Justice Umar Danladi of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Saraki’s counsels made frantic effort to stop him from appearing before the CCT by filing an appeal against the ruling at the Federal Court of Appeal Abuja but the Appeal Court struck out the appeal, mandating the embattled President of the Senate to submit himself to the CCT compulsorily.

Allegations against Saraki The charges against Saraki include false declaration of assets, alleged acquisition of

Oyegun

assets beyond his legitimate earnings and keeping foreign accounts while holding public office first as Kwara State governor in 2003 and later as a senator.

Part of the charge sheet said: “That you, Dr. Bukola Saraki, whilst being the governor of Kwara State on or about 16th September, 2003 within the jurisdiction of this honourable tribunal did make a false declaration in the asset declaration form for public officers on assumption of office as Governor of Kwara State by an anticipatory asset declaration.” .

Saraki was said to have claimed to have ownership of a property on No. 15A and 15 McDonald, Ikoyi, Lagos, said to have been acquired through his company, Carlisie Properties Limited, in 2000.

Saraki said: “Most of them (charges) are frivolous and not true. This sounds like issues of affairs. If you say a statement over 13 years, it has been there since 2003 and you wake up 13 years after and you wonder. I have always done my declaration. We will continue to do our job.

“There is no doubt that it is mischievous. It is not current. The issues are not true. As far as we are concerned, we are not shaken. We will focus on what we have come to do as elected by my colleagues to do in the interest of the country.”

Consequently, Saraki finally appeared before the tribunal, where he was docked to respond to the allegations against him. He pleaded not guilty in all the charges, and was eventually granted bail and the trial is to commence on October 21, 2015.

Two days after he went into history as the first President of the Senate to be docked in the court of law, he was humiliated again in his home state capital, Ilorin, where he and some other dignitaries were allegedly attacked during the Eid prayers in Kwara state.

Saraki has also, as a result of the impasse between him and his party, lost a slot in the ministerial nominations done recently by President Buhari. His candidate, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, who served as Minister of Sports in the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, was not picked but instead, the nominee from Kwara is Mr. Lai Mohammed, the current national publicity Secretary of the APC. While looking at this barrage of travails, it would appear that Saraki is in a deep fix

Rapprochement There are indications that political solutions are being orchestrated by concerned members of the APC to end the lingering crisis between Saraki and all his opponents within and outside the National Assembly.

For instance, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, reportedly met on Monday night last week over the ongoing prosecution of the President of the Senate, for alleged false asset declaration.

Dogara was said to have arranged to meet with Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa in respect of the travails of Saraki.

The House had in a resolution passed on Wednesday, last week, asked Dogara to intervene in Saraki’s case by meeting with Buhari and the Senate President, who is also the Chairman of the National Assembly, with a view to finding a political solution to the lingering political imbroglio.

The House had argued that a political solution could save the country from further embarrassment and heat being generated in the polity by Saraki’s trial at the CCT. The Lower Chamber also noted that a matter affecting the National Assembly could indirectly be a threat to democracy.

Prior to this peace move Buhari and Saraki had not held any official meeting to discuss issues of national interest since the emergence of Saraki as the President of the 8th Senate on June 9 against the preferred choice of the APC, Senator Ahmad Lawan.

The peace move was coming on the heels of the screening and confirmation of the ministerial nominees forwarded to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari.

With Saraki in charge of the exercise, there are fears that he might take advantage of his position to pay the Presidency and the APC back in their own coin by influencing senators to reject a number of the nominees from the camp of his enemies.

On Wednesday night, the first official meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and the leaders of both houses of the National Assembly took place at the Aso Rock presidential villa.

Saraki led the principal officers of both Senate and the House of Representatives to the meeting. Sources said that the meeting was slated to enable Buhari seek the support of the leadership of the National Assembly for the 2015 supplementary budget.

Some others argue that the issue of supplementary budget was only a cover-up that the main target of the meeting was to bring about a truce in the protracted rift between the Presidency and the leadership of the Eighth Senate.

Specifically, the meeting was to allow the President familiarise with the lawmakers, especially to lobby the Senators for support in the confirmation of the ministerial nominees, while political solution will be preferred to Saraki’s trial.

One issue is instructive here. There are indications that the Presidency and the Senate would have agreed to do a trade-off on the issues of the trial of Saraki and the screening and confirmation of the ministerial nominees. Analysts are already saying that it will be a deal of “if you scratch my back, I also scratch your back”.

In other words, the charges against the President of the Senate might be dropped, while Saraki reciprocates by ensuring that the nominees who are of particular interest to President Buhari all get confirmed.

Whether this speculated arrangement will work out or not will be seen in the next few days.

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Politics

Hajj tragedy: Saudi govt guilty of poor crowd control – VIO boss Alhaji Danjuma Aliu Garuba is the Director of Road Traffic Services (also known as Vehicle Inspection Office) at the Federal Capital Territory. He was in Makkah, Saudi Arabia for this year’s hajj exercise and witnessed the stampede that culminated in the demise of pilgrims. In this interview with YEKEEN NURUDEEN, he berates the government of Saudi Arabia for what he calls laxity in its crowd management, which resulted in a deadly stampede on September 24 that claimed over 1,000 lives with several others injured You were part of this year’s hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia and you must have observed the country’s excellent traffic control and other infrastructure relating to traffic and crowd management, what do you think Nigeria can borrow from here?

One thing I have observed is that the roads here in Saudi Arabia are wide; road markings are there and then they have functional traffic lights. They have traffic wardens or police that are on their duty post all the time.

They managed the traffic based on activities going on and sometimes even blocked the road because of the danger of vehicles driving in the crowd. In that aspect I give them kudos. I think that we should emulate them in the area of road markings, committed traffic officers that are on ground and are ready to work selflessly getting results for proper service delivery. On crowd control, yes, to some extent they are trying but the place where that incident happened, some tents along that road should be removed so that crowds would not be seen passing through that narrow road that makes people to meet and eventually may be some problems come up. Another thing is that strict adherence to movement by everybody is necessary. If you say this is an entry road, pedestrian pilgrims must follow there and there must be strict enforcement. People coming back must not meet. Under no circumstance must the person going for example from Muzdalifa outward to Makkah must not meet so that you avoid where people are choked up.

Crowd control to me must be improved upon. It is very critical and strict adherence to movement plans is very vital. Another thing is communication through road markings showing pedestrians the way they are going.

The other thing is that the security personnel including the traffic warden, civil defence and the police must be able to speak at least an international language apart from Arabic.

They need to speak to people because they are dealing with international community. On the part of Nigeria, to my mind, those who have authority on the welfare of pilgrims must be familiar with the terrain of this place.

For example, at Muzdalifa, all the states including the FCT should have guides that lead people because most people don’t know the location, they were just following the crowd.

There is need for proper training of staff including ad hoc staff. They should be familiar with the terrain so that when they are guiding people, they will guide them to their tents.

Another thing is that what stops the National Hajj Commission from getting the map of Mina, Makkah and Madinah so that before you go on hajj you have them in your hand and translated to the language of their understanding.

It would guide you towards easy movement.

State pilgrim boards should also engage people experienced in crowd control Garba as well as bring-

ing military and paramilitary personnel to assist when this kind of situation arises. They can be of assistance in guiding pilgrims to avoid congestion or in the event of such a critical situation, they can guide people to find their way out. Such must be familiar with the terrain and have compassion in what they do. We have a lot of aged people that require assistance. Communication sometimes can become difficult. Therefore, there’s need for people who are multilingual and can find their way too to assist.

What do you think must have caused the stampede?

Number one is the number of the pilgrims and the routes were choked up because everybody was enthusiastic to complete his obligation on the stoning of Devil at the Jamrat.

So at the time it happened, it was the peak period of people’s movement and basically the routes were more or less narrow and those going met with those coming. It therefore means that the crowd control was not effective. If I’m to employ a strategy, what I would do is to get some people in uniform leading people and then where people have finished, they take a route that does not move them close to those on their way to Jamrat. Then, lack of communication, the road signs are there for vehicles but for pedestrians I believe there should be enough signs to show direction. It was later on people came to understand that the road from Muzdalifa to Jamrat is one straight road. It is more or less a ring road and I observed that if you finished towards the road that goes to Makkah if one looks

back, there’s a conspicuous sign that says no entry. I think people defied that no entry sign and continued to move against each other and basically the stampede happened and people lost their lives may be due to ventilation. People could not breathe well, some were pushed and trampled on.

Are you saying the population of pilgrims was bloated?

To my mind, the number is high but I don’t have the figure to do comparison of what the figures were last year and this year. I think the authorities should be able to give us that. But from my observation, the number was large and the routes to the place were very narrow.

Saudi authorities said they have deployed 100,000 security operatives including road safety personnel for this year hajj, are you saying they have not done enough?

Let me tell you one fact, if you want to have proper crowd control, there must be delineated routes just for cars, no entry is no entry. It cannot be compromised. It means that when people are moving towards Jamrat, anybody leaving there should not meet them.

Over the years, there have been public outcries over the overlapping roles of men of Road Traffic Services and those of the Federal Road Safety Commission. What are the core mandates of Road Traffic Services?

I want to clear the doubts over conflict or overlap of the roles of both the vehicle inspection officers and Road Safety officers or marshals. The legal frameworks of the organisations are very clear on what ‘X’ can do or what ‘Y’ should not do. The core mandate of VIO is basically testing and ascertaining road worthiness of vehicles and testing and

certifying drivers that are qualified to be on the road. It therefore, means that the vehicle that’s on the road as a matter of law must be tested and road worthy and that test is done periodically. For commercial vehicles, it is expected that every six months, for private vehicles, it is expected every one year. People are supposed to renew such certification. It is also important to note that with the current trend in the world where vehicles are i-tech, some of them are computerised, the FCT administration under the former Minister Senator Bala Mohammed initiated computerised vehicle tests.

That platform uses computer to x-ray your vehicle and then trained inspectors also inspect the vehicle on things the computer is not meant to examine. That process is seamless, it is evidence based. As you pass all the stages, the computer scores you, and it either gives you pass or fail. This platform has been adopted nationwide and for Nigeria to be on the same page with the trend of the world.

Having that computer center has gone a long way so that we see the kind of vehicles on the road. I can tell you that last month, over 7000 vehicles were tested and interestingly a large number did not pass the test.

On the issue of the driver, the driver who is a learner is to get a learner’s permit, drive for some period, go to driving school while the driving school recommends him to the vehicle inspection officer who will test him and ascertain if the person is qualified to drive or not. If he passes the test, he goes and does what is called physical capture. You know what we have in this new arrangement for this driver’s license system is a one stop shop. You have the motor vehicle licensing authority officer on site who monitors and tracks revenue for government.

Fees are paid to him. In this case, fees are paid online. They monitor payment. More so, you have the vehicle inspection officer who, after you have finished your driving school and paid the stipulated fees, then you are tested. If you pass the test, you are recommended to go and do what we call physical capture. That physical capture is to sit before a computer. It is being managed by a third party which is the FRSC as contained in their Act. Trying to get data on drivers includes getting their biometrics and everything about the drivers and the applicant will participate in the data collection. It is important that I stress that it takes time after they have done it because it takes about two months before you get the final license. The motive is that there will be cross matching of whatever information you have given. You know in the past, people have collected double licenses but now this system does not allow it. Interestingly, the driver will be able to authenticate or verify if the license is genuine or not under FRSC platform.

It is very important that I stress this, in FCT, in order to perform our mandate; I initiated expansion when I came in. We used to have four centers but additional six centers were approved as part of the expansion. We work with the FRSC and I’m happy to tell you that four of the centers are up and running while the remaining two are still under construction. The response has been so good. If you go to Lugbe, there was no center there before but I learnt that they are capturing up to 200 applicants a day.

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Politics

Obstruction of justice at election tribunals

I

Macaulay Amadi n February this year, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmoud Mohammed, swore in 242 members and chairmen of election petition tribunals for the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

This was ahead of the general elections.

At the swearing-in of the tribunal members and chairmen, Chief Justice Mohammed said: “You must shun acts such as the acceptance of gifts or favours from counsel and politicians, and the exchange of illicit communications with parties, which acts will erode the integrity of the tribunal irretrievably.”

In framing his admonition, the Chief Justice was guided by past ugly experiences at election petition tribunals, which occasioned disciplinary measures against some judges. Desperate politicians and their counsels were sometimes guilty of the acts against which the Chief Justice had warned. Perhaps, not in his wildest imagination would the CJN have contemplated that security agencies could in fact become critical factors in the obstruction of justice at election tribunals.

The 2015 general elections and the proceedings at some of the election petition tribunals have thrown up a new but dangerously abnormal experience of security

agencies descending into the arena of electoral dispute resolution.

This has been so especially with the election tribunals hearing the petitions concerning the governorship elections in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Abia states, which were won by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the former ruling party at the national level, but which was electorally ousted in the presidential poll of March 28.

When stakeholders first raised the alarm over the relocation of the tribunals from Uyo (capital of Akwa Ibom) and Port Harcourt (capital of Rivers) to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, nobody, including the CJN, paid sufficient heed. The specious ground for the relocation was ‘security;’ even at a time when neither Akwa Ibom nor Rivers was under siege. The suspicion that the relocation was intended to facilitate interference were dismissed as wild imagination.

On July 24, 2015, a civil society group, Public Interest Lawyers League, issued a statement entitled, “Emerging Scenarios in Election Petitions Tribunals: Intimidation, Coercion and Compromise of Vital Witnesses In Rivers State Governorship Elections Petitions.” Stories from the statement appeared in a number of Sunday newspapers of July 26. The League drew attention to what it called a ‘rash of Gestapo mea-

sures’ being adopted by the Department of State Services that amounted to interference and ‘witness tampering.’ Witnesses, including the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Rivers State and other officials, in the election petition were invited from Port Harcourt to Abuja, even when the tribunal had not issued any warrant of arrest.

Indeed, according to the statement by the League, “We are also aware that security operatives who covered the governorship elections ab initio are being coerced to alter their original security reports. This is all the more curious, as one of the parties to the petition has made it known that it would rely on security reports in aid of its cause.”

Recent events, such as the contradictory testimonies, at the election tribunals have confirmed the accuracy of the assertion by the Public Interest Lawyers League.

But the League was not the only one to raise the red flag. In early August, the PDP National Assembly caucus issued a statement, decrying DSS interference in election tribunals. It condemned in particular the arrest, detention, and interrogation of INEC officials in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Abia states. A few weeks later, all 16 senators and members of the House of Representatives from Rivers petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari, complaining about the worrisome role of the security agencies

in the election tribunals. The petitioners recalled an earlier intervention by the Senate, which drew the attention of the DSS to its ultra vires conduct in relation to election petition matters.

Not unsurprisingly, the ruling All Progressives Congress has been dismissive of the allegations, even acting at some point as spokespersons for the DSS. The party claimed that the DSS stepped in when certain persons were frustrating access to election materials that were part of the evidence to be tendered at the tribunal, although it failed to state on whose express authority the DSS were acting, except to glibly refer to the role of the DSS in internal security matters. But the APC has maintained a loud silence since the news broke that armed state security officials stormed the venue of a tribunal in Abuja, in search of a witness or more who had testified in support of the respondent in a governorship election petition. Nigerians can only imagine what the APC reaction would have been if this had happened while they were in the opposition.

It is possible that President Muhammadu Buhari is unaware of the full extent of the strong-arm tactics being deployed by the security agencies, which have invaded the judicial space, creating a new spectre of fear and intimidation intended to overawe the election tribunals, and thereby obstruct and defeat the ends of justice. It is possible that the planners and executors of this new strategy of manipulating the outcome of elections are overzealous agents and hirelings who clearly misunderstand the import and responsibility of being in government and in power. If their shenanigans prevail, President Buhari should be ready to carry the can. This is because, chroniclers of our electoral history will not fail to record that it was during Buhari’s time that the security agencies began invading election tribunals, in order to wangle justice for the powers and party that be. That is the hallmark of dictatorial regimes.

While the presidential elections have since been contested, won and lost, President Buhari and his team should not forget in a hurry that one of the campaign issues ahead of the 2015 elections was his dictatorial background as military head of state in the 1980s. In 1985, when Major-Gen. Buhari was overthrown, the new military regime threw open the dungeons and other horrific detention centres run by the then notorious Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO) under Alhaji Rafindadi. The atrocities of that era were placed squarely at Gen. Buhari’s doorstep. Thirty years later, what are we seeing? Armed operatives of the DSS (which is one of the successor organisations of the defunct NSO) are invading Election Tribunals in search of witnesses who have testified in favour of the respondent in a governorship election petition.

Yes, it can be argued that the witnesses have already testified, and that the record of their testimony is before the tribunal.

What cannot be missed, however, is that the intimidation of witnesses is also a subtle, if not direct, intimidation of the tribunals themselves. In other words, the DSS armed operatives have sent a signal to tribunal members and chairmen that they (operatives) would/could go after them as well. So intimidated, the Tribunals can be arm-twisted, the ends of justice defeated, and we’re back to dictatorship in a democracy.

Again, as noted above, President Buhari may be unaware of what exactly is going on. It is unthinkable, for instance, that the late Gen. Sani Abacha, who sat atop Nigeria’s most brutal military dictatorship, was in the know of all the atrocities carried out by his henchmen and foot soldiers, who believed that they were engaged in a murC O N T I N U E D on PA G E 1 9

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Politics

Umahi: Why I’ll sue Enugu DISCO Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State is unhappy with the outrageous billing system of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company. In this interview, he vows to drag the company to court. UCHENNA INYA reports You have embarked on construction of overhead foot bridges in some parts of the metropolis. When are they likely to be completed?

Yes! We have decided to construct some bridges decongest the capital city. One of such bridges is at VANCO junction, one at the Akanu-Ibiam junction and the other at the Presco junction. But we will step down that of the VANCO junction because of lack of funds. We will start that of the AkanuIbiam junction and Presco junction by next week. We have also advertised that of the international market. This is because without foot bridges at the international market, it will be difficult for traders and patrons to use it.

We are also trying to decongest the side of it which is the park because not all the vehicles will enter inside the market. The target is 12 months and we will achieve that. When we start any project, we may not have the entire fund but we have 100 per cent idea of how to achieve them. No project that was started by us will exceed its completion date by one day.

People are being extorted by some persons claiming to be agents of the Ebonyi State

Sanitation Agency over their dirty surroundings. Are you aware of this?

There is no moral justification to ask people to pay for sanitation when they have no clean environment; there is no reason to ask people to pay for water when there is no water. I have told Commissioner for Environment that we have no moral justification to ask people to pay for sanitation. If there is no water, you cannot collect money for water and that is my position. But if we are trying and you want to capitalise on that, it means we will expand our activities in court.

You are unhappy with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, why?

I am quarrelling with Enugu Electricity Distribution Company for asking us to pay for what we don’t consume and I told the manager he can cut us off, but we will meet in the court. They were adding bills of some agencies and some private houses for us to pay and we said we can no longer pay. In fact, we cannot pay again until we have prepaid meters installed and when the meters are installed, then we do a check of what the meter is reading for one month. We use it to do a backlog check, and then make claims on all that we have paid in the past, if they don’t

Umahi

agree, is a private company we shall meet in court. We are willing to do that.

Your administration met some challenges in the education sector. Have you identified some of the challenges and what are you doing to address them?

The first civilian governor of the state Dr. Sam Egwu did a lot of work. He came in a wonderful way because he looked at our educational backwardness and he built the

Okowa’s clarification of school fee controversy

T

AMAECHI UDEMBA he truth is more prosaic when it juxtaposes with falsehood. The rumour making the rounds that the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has reintroduced fees in public schools didn’t come as a rude shock to many.

In Delta State, as in elsewhere, rumourmongering is perhaps one of the most striving ‘industries’ and could, as Goebbels once observed, “ get a semblance of truth,” if not confronted headlong.

That is exactly what played out on Monday September 21, 2015 during the swearing in of the chairmen and members of the Post Primary Education Board, State Universal Basic Education and Direct Labour Agency at the expansive Unity Hall Government House Asaba by Governor Okowa.

Not known for fulsome flattery, Governor Okowa had, in the course of presenting his speech, veered off to clear the air on the alleged re-introduction of school fees in the

state public schools. He said: “The rumour that we have introduced schools fees is not true. If you see anyone who is collecting fees report to me or any security agent. We have not introduced fees and we do not have the intention to do so.”

For the generality of Deltans and indeed the four-man board for the Post Primary Education and State Universal Basic Education, the import of the governor’s admonition was not lost. In Delta State, everything is politics. Even the truth albeit temporary can be submerged all in the name of politics.

That said, the economic reality in the country has made it difficult for most pupils to go to school particularly in the rural communities and even in semi urban areas where children of school age are seen hawking during school hours as was the case in the past.

But with worthwhile policies like this, the sight of children of school age roving the streets have completely disappeared in the state. This is owing to the fact that the huge burden of school fees has been taken off the

Obstruction of justice at election tribunals C O N T I N U E D f r o m PA G E 1 8

derous task of regime protection.

President Buhari must think about this, and act fast: his government cannot be prosecuting an anti-corruption war, supported by most Nigerians and influential foreign leaders, and yet, agents of the government are subverting the rule of law through the violent obstruction of justice.

What is democracy without the rule of law? And what is the rule of law without an unfettered judiciary that truly dispenses

justices in all circumstances? However, if those subversive agents were to succeed, it would be pyrrhic victory only. You cannot capture electoral seats --- whether governorship or legislature - by force of state arms at the tribunal, and yet expect peace in the constituencies which have been denied their true choices. Boko Haram, kidnapping, and armed robbery are enough crimes already; adding social unrest via election heist at the intimidated tribunals will only make more volatile an already combustible situation.

parents. With that they now have enough funds for textbooks and other educational materials for their kids.

As a government, the sustenance of the policy of non-payment of school fees at the primary and secondary level is part of the palliatives urgently needed to correct the flabby state of that level of education considered as the foundation of our educational system. To the governor, the policy is not only brilliant, but competent and farsighted in dealing with the morass be-devilling the educational sector.

In the same breath, the technical and vocational education sector is being touched in clime with present reality that employment prospect is skill-driven. Today, three technical schools are being revamped for our youths to acquire technical skills. The technical schools in Ofagbe, Sapele and Agbor are poised to take off with state of the art equipment in Carpentry, Welding, Tailoring, Tiles Making, and other technical knowledge that will propel the youths to be self-employed and in the near future becomes employers of labour.

In other climes, such innovative approach to restoring the quality of education to what it used to be in years past would have elicited commendation rather than spreading alter falsehood that payment of school fees have been re-introduced by this administration.

Consequent upon the above, the rumour mongers in our mist should desist from their nefarious activities by joining hands with the state government to prepare our youths for a more prosperous future as envisaged through the SMART programme.

As a people destined for greatness, rumours will not help us. Because like everything that is associated with rumours, it will always be a pyrrhic victory for the perpetrators.

Udemba is Media Aide to Governor Okowa.

first state university and gave free education to our people. I believe that a solid foundation has been laid for the state. We are now trying to establish what I called programme and system upon which Ebonyi State should be built on. We should have a programme for education such that in the next 10 years we have been able to surmount the challenges we are facing. When we started, we sent a delegation to study educational programme of other states. When we saw the video clips at executive council meeting, some of us wept.

Somewhere in Ikwo, the children need to cross a bamboo bridge to get to school on daily bases. In many places the children sit on the floor and no roof over their heads.

Education is very important and I think we must do something to ensure its stability. We need to know where we are and where we are going to enable us build our educational system. I was told that the Federal University on Ndufu Alike Ikwo, has established School of Engineering resulting from our plea to do that. But I promised that I will be going there to teach them, especially the junior ones. I assure you that Ebonyi State is now improving and we can never be called or regarded as educationally disadvantaged state.

You promised to empower women. When are you going to empower them?

We have decided that we will empower women, especially those that the Bible called the widow of widows. The Commissioner for Women Affairs should get the details to enable us build houses for widows, at least one per wards. It is our intension to help the widows that are poor and it is part of our commitment we made before God from the time we assumed office.

How do you intend to improve internally generated revenue of the state?

Improving the state internally generated revenue is our greatest concern. I have been discussing with my executive council on the way forward to improve the state IGR. Sometimes we meet one or two times in a week.

It is our target to get at least N500 million a day. That is why I have directed that our caretaker council chairmen and coordinators should go into farming as well they should ensure that they generate money from markets around them.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015

The Sunday

Adebanjo: address he

Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a nationalist and leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, is not comfortable with the nation’s level of development, 55 years after independence. In this interview with CHIJIOKE IREMEKA, he frowns at alleged selective prosecution of the war on corruption and President Muhammadu Buhari’s silence over the criminal activities of herdsmen in many parts of the country Nigeria at 55, what have we achieved and what are we not doing right?

Not much has been achieved. For somebody like me who fought for independence, looking at the position where we are at present, I would say it’s a very disappointing situation. More so, when I know that we shouldn’t be where we are, if we had good leadership and husbandry of our past. I don’t know what to really say, our education, our healthcare and security services are nothing to write home about after 55 years of independence. It’s disheartening. A lot has not been done in the country.

In view of the challenges Nigeria is passing through, both internally and externally, what are your fears for the country?

My fear for Nigeria is that we have not had good crops of leadership and followership. I’m including the followership because they are still compromising. The moment the leaders give the followers the crumbs from the table, they give up immediately. The good followership should keep the leaders on their toes and not dancing to their tune. This is done in a good democratic

country. By the time such is done, you can now have a strong democracy. Everybody, including the students, who are supposed to be the pressure groups, is already corrupted. Where are the students’ organisations? How strong are they and how effective are they in influencing government policies? The politicians corrupt them from the universities to be useful to one party of their choice. By the time they are on National Youth Service Corps, they have been captured. They don’t do what they should do or what interests them more but they are captured to do one politician’s bidding or the other. They don’t demand the kind of government that they want in the country. They reconcile themselves with the government of the day that is ready to influence them financially. The National Association of Nigerian Students is now visionless.

The moment politicians give them some crumbs from the table they give up and do the bidding of that politician or his government. We don’t have the youth that would rise up to make demands of government. This is a terrible situation and this is what I fear most because the country is not ready to move away from this crippling

situation with the wrong type of followership.

It’s a pity that such is happening in Nigeria after 55 years of independence. The students union I see today is no longer the type of students union that was led by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the past. We had an issue with the Anglo-Nigeria Defence Pact, which many Nigerians, including Awolowo objected to and Awolowo, being the leader of the students got their support and fought against the pact and it was struck out. Our students are visionless to hold the government of the day accountable.

They will see the government do the wrong things, instead of reminding the government of her roles in the country, they keep quiet and allow everything to go wrong. That is not the crop of followership that would deliver the country from shackles of bad leadership and it’s a great fear.

So, how can we return to those good old days when the voice of followership and student unions count?

Generally, the politics has become so materialistic and if the followership should focus on

what they want and not the material gains from the government, then we are on the right path.

What do I mean? When a particular senator is elected from a particular region, all the followership’s problems will become his problem? When they want to marry, they go to him for favour, yet they said he shouldn’t be corrupt. The followership is still voting for the material gains they want to get from the leaders and that is the danger of it. If you want to get married to my daughter, you will be thinking of what to get from me. We should get rid of all that. They should demand achievement of services from the government during an election.

Some members of the National Assembly have said that Senator Bukola Saraki’s probe over assets declaration is a witch-hunt. How do you see the crises rocking the Assembly?

It all depends on which side you are. If all the allegations leveled against Saraki are true, then he will face the music. But my fear and caveat, which I keep hammering on, is, will President Muhammadu Buhari do the same thing to all those who are equally guilty of the same of-

SUNDAY

Fashion

Timeless fashion for stylish brides 28&29

Bed, Work & Life

A prayer answered 26

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Body Soul SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015

I was born with no ‘spoon’ at all

—Hon Sergius Oseasochie Ogun

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SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

eart h y m m o fr Straight

bers at party memparty th n io in op e th ccess of theirard ed . f course, I’m of usly for the su g nities. Ork o n u ri d b e re w u si d as e tr v ed n th e ce n s d es er e to ho wo o at w ti at w il l e’ ec g el ed an k al h o ty ‘c er lo b e th e p e th of us th e g en ’t st g n o n ld m ri u u s, o ft er v o ti n g in d n sh o ti d et cabin al el ec er, th e re w ar our mouths. th e la st g en er‘change inspired’ kitchen d that Mr. ham - H o weev u M t a en to d sour taste intime is of essence here anis d si a re ar P r av forw ea le d r r ou te at ce h nominaat af with understand thname his cabinet. But sinude the names I that will workN ig er ia n s h ad w o rr ie d th er ov ed So m e lers, recycl rm er President must g in tranches, why incl ent of public m ad u B u h arni.ed’ by the same aged ruel y y o u n g fo sed. tion list is comin accused of mismanagem ors of Lagos v er ti ov being ‘g en to re la iv g ce an e who were anche? Former govern imi Amaeroperly utili p ch tr th e y ea rs , a dluck Jonathan was notiven to the youth, of thdos ashola and Rot r s in this first President Goo that it was a chance g een frittered away fun Rivers states, Babatunde Fhad enough time to cleaif e , ed b d u av em an g h ad h th ar , , ld e n st u So n o m io So spectively, we allegations leveled agai ...or did Mr. by their opin performance. which, goingf Jonathan’s ‘lack luster ’ld order, believing chi re names of th later tranches r as a result o voted a member of the o would bring about thei r names were included in them into the ‘raging sena’s thei throw p o si ti o most people wealth of experience, he t deliberatelyr su rv iv al ? M in is te ri al ex en d si is re h P h pecting it e w e fo that sw im , we ar i to nam Nigeria. ar ed to h ll in u fi B e em e g t b th an en r to d ch fo si es e g r Pre positiv ly vacanci in transformin we waited fo te ri al are not the on too...

For months, that would work with him am. it h th e m in ispetent rs w o d e h sa ac re as d b d rs r ea te u am h is o ia of the min y m aj o r earth of com n that he was to the Nigerer A n y w ay, to m at there’s a d three slots out of 21 ty e of the opinio th ri it g w our country in te is e : in w , st d li on an s ly n ed nominee we got on ers? Is it that we’ve s -qualificatio As time dragg in Nigeria thoat en the best brain with. r m o fo w g the lawmak the past opportuniin p re u B op ef sh ered b sident ld work d re n u P o te , w g es n e adly in ti h am ai at n w th t of wise ave fared so b h to d After monthsal ly b ro u g h t o u t th e fi rs te ra n bee young h ar i fi n al list. The ties? Diaris God o! ring in more people b ri te to is i in ar h m u is B h t co m Presiden oom more tranche of eria o m in ee s, li st I also expect that he can gr m in is te ri al nes. While many Nige- people into his cabinet so our elderly leaders. If Nig no in t, am prised 21 n Buhari’s choices, some that will take over from y o u th s in g o v er n m en . s’ al d er re le ay e n ad ai g h le u ra The rians h e ‘Methuselaer appointment. d o es n o t en co s an d h av e a ad expressed disthe opinion that former distance time, we will hav re l fu er d n o w of g y e n m ar ci ay e fa sayers H ap p y S u n d olders, who ar public officeohf m is ap p ro p ri at io n o f blessed week ahead.

Juliet al le g at io n s s in th ei r st at es sh o u ld p u b li c fu n d their names before behave cleared with greater opportuing rewarded

A

Contents 11.10.2015 COVER My dream is to create wealth because people are suffering unnecessarily

} 24-25

FASHION Lots of brides are opting for colours other than white for their wedding dresses

T h e Te a m Juliet Bumah (Editor) Wole Adepoju (Snr. Correspondent)

} 28&29

Vanessa Okwara (Correspondent) Biwom Iklaki (Correspondent)

BEAUTY

MY PASSION I don’t have a good temper for guys who stalk me or just cut across as plain stupid

Dry skin can become a health risk when you scratch and break the skin surface

Abiola Alaba Peters Ugochukwu Nnakwe (Graphics) Edwin Usoboh (Graphics) +234 (0) 811 675 9770, +234 (0) 701 110 1014 julietbumah@gmail.com chibumah@yahoo.com

} 23

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GLAM DUDES If your office requires you to wear a suit to work five days a week, an eye for details goes a long way in setting you apart from a uniformed look

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Associates

BED, WORK & LIFE

“Well, all the investigations, including the medicals, proved that Kim is the daughter of Kim, the only woman I loved in my life. Kim here, is a daughter I never knew existed for ...years.”

} 26

Helen Paul

Eyitayo Aloh

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015

Body&Soul

I don’t like ‘stupid’ men -Ifu Ennada

Iheme Faith Uloma, popularly called Ifu Ennada, is a vivacious young woman currently taking the creative world by storm. She is an actress, TV presenter, song writer and fashion designer. In this interview with VANESSA OKWARA, she talks about her budding career and the kind of man she would love to date

Brief background My parents are from Abia State. I was born in Lagos in the early 90s and I’ve spent most of my life here. I studied Computer Science at Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Is Ifu Ennada your real name or just a stage name?

Ifu Ennada is my name. It’s just all my names creatively arranged. Ifu is ‘Iheme Faith Uloma’ and Ennada is ‘Adanne’ spelt backwards. It’s the name I created when I got my first TV job and to me it means ‘Nothing is impossible with God.’ What was growing up like?

Growing up was really fun with my siblings and parents. Sometimes my dad was away because his job made him travel across the world, but we were really close. We still are.

When did you venture into acting and how did you land your first job?

I ‘stumbled’ upon acting in 2013 and that was about the time I got my first role. My first acting audition landed me a lead role on Emerald TV drama series.

I was about 21 then.

Mention some of the movies or sitcoms you have featured in.

I currently play a lead in Emerald TV drama series. I also made prominent features in Mnet Tinsel and Desperate Housewives Africa. My latest series with Ebony life TV, HM Travel and Tours is currently being promoted and will start airing anytime from now. My first feature film ‘O Town,’ which was directed by CJ Obasi, will premiere later this year. I have to give credit to all these projects for playing their parts in gradually getting me into the limelight department. I can’t say one project did it alone.

Aside from acting, what other talent do

you have?

I’m a professional singer and song writer and that got me into South Africa last year for a TV production. I also do loads of writing aside song writing. I write for publications and my own website which will be launched in no time. I dance! Yes! I also dance and do a lot of constructive talking. Aside acting and writing, I produce content for TV and whatever needs content creation. I also present for TV. As a matter of fact, I started off as a TV presenter with GoldMyne TV at 19. I also model. I’m a voice over artiste and a fashion designer. Though, I mostly design for myself and a few people for now.

You have a fashion label. Can you tell us about it?

I’ve been designing outfits since I was 14, but it was mostly because I couldn’t afford some moderately priced superior quality clothes, so I started sketching and brought some of them to life. I also design under garments like bras. My passion for designing is one I intend to grow into a profitable business, but for now, I’m concentrating on establishing a successful career which will in turn fund my fashion design business.

Did you have the support of your parents to go into acting?

My parents are supportive of my career choice. They let me out early to explore the world, trusting that I won’t forget my background and I’d always take care of business the right way.

Would you act in a romantic movie with sexy roles to play like kissing and romancing a guy?

Let’s see, I play the role of a streetwise call girl in Emerald; and the job description comes with an overdose of both romantic and sex scenes. I play them well to the satisfaction of my directors and producer. But that’s the thing, it’s ‘make-

believe’, so I’m not getting all that action in real life. So yeah, I currently do all that, I need something new to explore.

How do you handle advances from men?

Well, I don’t have a good temper for guys who stalk me or just cut across as plain stupid. Dear God forgive me for calling them stupid. I just say it like it is, ‘I’m not feeling you. It can’t work.’

I’m a very exact person and that’s how I handle advances from men. I tell them how I feel about their advances at any given point.

Describe your fashion style.

My sense of style and fashion is free spirit. Sometimes, you won’t catch me wearing a trend because it’s in vogue, but I dress according to my personality and that’s free spirited. The nature of an event that requires my attendance also influences my style, but it’ll be governed by my free spirit.

What is that fashion accessory that forms a larger part of your wardrobe?

I love shoes, heels, sneakers and what have you! Bring them on!

Have you had any scandal that hurt you since coming into the spotlight?

No scandal so far. I’m not sure I want to be in any, except it lands me a job with Robert Downey Junior and Johnny Depp as my colleagues on set.

Describe your beauty routine.

My beauty routine sees me cleanse and tone my skin every day. I try to exfoliate twice or thrice a week. I also work out at least four times a week because regular exercising and healthy eating makes my beauty shine from within.

What is your passion?

My passion is everything I do! I won’t be acting, writing or doing any of what

I currently do if I have no passion for them. So I’m living my passion.

What are you currently working on?

People should expect the launch of my website, ifuennada.com. It’s an online community for women with facets in fitness and wellness, lifestyle and news updates. I’m also writing a book and might attempt to launch my music career this year, so help me God. Some TV productions I played key roles in will be out this year. So please lovers, look forward to all these projects and support me! Thanks a whole lot!

Are you in a relationship?

My love life has been nonexistent for some years now. It was never really fully activated at any point, believe me. You know, recently one of my producers and a senior colleague told me I needed to get my pretty self a love relationship because I was 23 and single. But they failed to realise this, I’m in a relationship with Jesus and he’s got every other relationship covered. I am open to dating someone I’m compatible with and getting serious with it, but it has to be right and it will be. Although I can’t give you any assurance that’d you’d be notified. Privacy!!!

What kind of man do you find attractive?

Hmmm, let’s see, I’m neither tribalistic nor racist, so with that out of the way.

I’m attracted to strong, intelligent men who care about humanity. Other qualities that would attract me include honesty and genuine care. I’m not very keen on looks, but if he comes with extra kilos or pounds we can both work it out at the gym or at home.

Describe Ifu in three words.

Ifu Ennada in three words will be positive, intelligent and kind. Please can I get more words? *chuckles*

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SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

I was born with no spoon at all Call him the man with the big heart for his people and you will not be wrong. Hon. Barr. Sergius Oseasochie Ogun (SOO), the member representing Esan North-East/ South-East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has been touching the lives of his people for over a decade.

In this interview with EDWIN USOBOH and AHAOMA KANU, he talks about his inspirations, what he will miss about his mother who just passed on and sundry issues You just organised the first edition of a music talent hunt, SOO Live the Dream, where you decided to sponsor all three winners abroad. What motivated you to make that decision?

I want to thank you all for coming in the first place and I also want to appreciate you for your time here. The initial promise was to go with the winner to the Republic of Ireland to perform in the Miss Nigeria Ireland event which came up on October 2. But as it turned out, a physically challenged guy turned out the winner. And I felt the first and second runners up did well and could also assist the guy because here is a physically challenged guy going to a foreign land for the first time. Yeah, if he goes to Europe, he will always get help but I said let me give them the opportunity to go because at this level, the world is theirs to take. Well, I know that the Pyrods Foundation, the person in charge of the event in Dublin, Ireland, used to report for Ben TV and I know they are all going to be there. So it is a world stage that we are taking them to prove themselves. I know B.O.G, the winner, can stand and he will be given a piano that has a fixed microphone. But we are Africans and we love dancing and he needs to stand and dance. Many Nigerians will be there and they may be physically attached to him as he performs since he has a good voice and he is blind. Like I said, let’s give them the opportunity to prove themselves to the world.

You said your concern over the large number of youths leaving Edo State to Libya from where they hope to migrate to Europe inspired you to embark on the project. Are you satisfied with the outcome of the event?

Yes, but it can be better. There were almost 500 people that participated when the project started and they were screened to 120, 20 and then 10. I give kudos to the judges because it was a lot of hard work.

There were so many talents that this show unearthed. For me, it was wonderful. This is the maiden edition and my prayer is that by the time I do it next year, we will have more participants. That is why I am very anxious to prove something from this; let’s put these guys on the world stage and allow them to prove themselves. If we can get a head start from these three, others will cue in. The idea really is to use this to get reverse-migration. In this community, if you chat with any young person now and tell them you have connections to take them to Libya, they will give you all that they have to be taken there. It has become that bad. That is the vogue here and people are dying every other day as they try to transit from Libya to Italy. I believe that if you let the young ones know that they

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015

Body&Soul

—Hon Sergius Oseasochie Ogun have a talent and give them a platform to showcase that talent, they have someone in me that can work with them to tap that talent. In this community, people doubt things a lot; when we started the NECO enrolment the first edition had 250 people.

After the test they took, we were able to screen them and not up to 200 came out even though we had money in hand, N12, 500 cash in envelopes, not cheques; yet not many of them came out. When we did the first one and gave money, people heard. When we did the second one we had about 500 students participating. Last year we had 600, so for this music talent hunt show, I believe the next edition will see more participants. I am looking at having another show for dancers and then early next year, there will be a football tournament. I am actually looking at having an academy and will partner with the local governments and the wards in this respect. We need to tap the talents we have and see how we can expose them because I think if you give opportunities to these young ones to discover themselves, then they can now be our ambassadors and let their peers know that you don’t need to go to Europe to make it; there is nothing in Europe right now, there is nothing in the western countries right now but if you try telling the young ones they wouldn’t believe you. They think they have to be there but the biggest challenge we have right now is that they are perishing in the Mediterranean Sea with their parents living in self-denial. There are many of them in these community that have lost their kids; they have not heard from them in weeks, months and years but they still believe that they are in Europe. They could have called but their parents are hoping against hope that they are alive. So my prayer is that we can use programmes like this to keep them within and let their peers see that if you have a talent you can be a very artiste.

One issue about discovering talents is sustaining the talents discovered. What’s the plan to sustain them?

There is a record label deal; when we advertised this initiative, going to Dublin, Ireland wasn’t part of the deal. I remember someone suggested buying a small car for the grand winner but in a community like this, people will not really place much value on a car. So we decided to give them a platform to sell themselves. The minimal encouragement we gave to them is the cash prizes of N200, 000, N100, 000 and N50, 000 to the winners. However, it just occurred to me that working with Miss Nigeria Ireland will bring a lot of patronage and goodwill. We want to give them a bigger stage to perform. The issue of where we are taking them from here is in their hands really.

Can we say your growing up years influenced your large heart?

I was not born with any spoon at all. I was born in Kano and from what my siblings told me, we were staying in a one-room apartment with relatives and all that.

Supposedly, as far as they were concerned, you were born with a form of spoon that you cannot describe.

It was when they gave birth to me after having like three elder sisters or four that my father took two rooms. During the civil war, we all came home and lived in my grandfather’s mud house and from there, my father moved to another

mud house. My father was a customary court secretary and my mum was an illiterate who traded till we retired her. She did not agree that she was retired because she still did whatever business she could do from the house.

While growing up, even when my dad was alive, we used to go hawking; we would close from school and go and sell bread, okro, ice fish, crayfish and other items. And we used to walk around the whole village selling these things. And when you came home, you had to account for everything given to you. I was doing this from around ages 9 or 10. My mother would first of all ask you for her profit and if you cannot account for that she will punish you and all the walking around the village amounts to nothing.

Some of the people who were older than I who used to steal things from me then, I am sending their children to school today. For me, God has been the centre of everything that I have done and He has brought me to where I am. That’s why it is difficult for me to hold any grudge against anybody.

How do you manage being a lawmaker, a community and family man?

I was the CEO of an oil services company.

In the oil industry, we don’t sleep; work is 24/7. Even if you are sleeping and you get a call that your tools are failing in the rig, that is the end of sleep for you that day. You have to organise that night to get another

truck that will take the tools and personnel to the rig to rectify that fault. I have left that to say at this stage of my life, I want to give back to the community. I want to serve the community and it is something I often thought of; I knew this was going to happen. So whatever energy that I worked with, I am carrying over to what I am doing today and also because I am enjoying myself doing what I do. I strongly believe you can create wealth in our communities and what does it take to achieve that, just by identifying the bits and bringing them together. My honest prayer is by the time I spend two years in the House, they will begin to see some of these gains. Hopefully, the winners of this talent hunt will become stars and next year, we will do some more and by the third year, we will be able to showcase them as ambassadors.

My dream is to create wealth because people are suffering unnecessarily, I want to reverse that and that is where I get my motivation from, which is where I get my high from.

At what point did you decide to go into politics?

When I was doing all these things, people started urging me to come out for any elective position that they would vote me. It was not because they were telling me, I am a family man; most people that know me were very surprised and asked the same question you asked; How did it happen? I would rather come to the office, go back home, prepare for mid-week ser-

vice and come back in the evening. On weekends, I hang out with my children.

But here I was then, with people asking me to represent them and they were not asking for too much; how much did it cost me to provide them with those needs?

One of the influences in your life is your mother. Unfortunately, she passed on before your latest project kicked off. Did you miss her presence at this event?

Of course, I did. It was painful but that has also spurred me on and challenged me to do some more. The grandchildren are thinking of setting up a foundation for things like these because she actually had heart failure. They want to set up a foundation that will assist people to check their health status and help the less privileged. So that she is not here anymore is added impetus to do more, knowing that this is what she would have loved to do for people and her community.

What do you miss most about her?

Everything. I went to her part of the house recently because I was in the United States when I got the call that she had passed on. I did not see anybody, a cab came to pick me and I went straight to my hotel, shut myself in and cried all through the night; I did not have lunch or dinner.

Even coming back home was something else for me so when I got to her house I could not just accept the fact that she had passed. My mum had been everything to me; I lost my dad some 41 years ago so all I have known is my mum and she is everything and the greatest organiser that I know in spite of the fact that she wasn’t educated. I was telling my cousin a story that just happened, somebody requested for a Coke drink and I said okay. But when they went to the refrigerator, it wasn’t there but there were other drinks. I told them not to bother, it would be around.

My mum had everything; she would have in her fridge, in her store and in her room; she always thought ahead that someday you would have a full house and somebody would need that item. When I got to her house at Uromi, I discovered that the cable subscription had expired. That would never have happened were my mum alive.

She saw to everything; she took care of everything.

What is the greatest advice she gave you?

She told me to be there for others because you are where you are now because of the Grace of God. She said never to look down on anyone, show respect to everyone and be there for everyone.

When was the last time you took your wife out?

Ahh... I am an African man.

Even before I became a politician, I wasn’t doing much of that unless we are outside Nigeria. But once in a while when I get in, we go out and not with my wife alone, I have two wonderful kids.

We usually do that a lot because my wife is my best friend. I don’t have friends.

What is your most precious asset?

I just told you, my wife is my most precious asset. She is my friend, confidante and my love.

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SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

with

Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770

V

al stares at his father. He thought he had heard everything about his mother!

“Was my mother killed by my stepmother?” Val asked, shocked.

Chief responded, slowly, “My wife swore she knew nothing about what Elsie said. But Sam’s dad got the full story later.

“One day, my mother went with Comfort and a friend to threaten your mother because she got pregnant for me again. Elsie saw them. Your mother confided in Elsie. Few days later, Comfort, who later became my wife, went back there to beat up your mother in her apartment. It was in the morning and Elsie’s husband had gone to work. Elsie could do nothing as your mother ’s assailants were a young man and two women and they threatened her that if she uttered a word to anybody, they would come for her. Elsie and her husband were your mother ’s only neighbours. She rushed Val’s mother to the hospital. It was when I went to see your mother three days later, that I learnt she was killed. Elsie and her husband accused me of sending thugs to come and kill her. They said she’d been buried and threatened that if they saw me in that vicinity again, they would hand me over to the police. I literally died that day. I was scared. I couldn’t go to your mother’s people for fear they would not believe I had no hand in her death; remember she ran away from home when I impregnated her the first time. When I went back there a week later with my dad, the community was in mourning and Elsie and her family had left the house without a trace.

“When Sam’s father told me this story, I accosted my wife with the fact. She denied but that was the end of our marriage. We stayed on for few more years like total strangers. By the way, my ex-wife mismanaged the business my parents left for her. She has sold the house my parents willed to her.

The last time we saw was during my daughter...our daughter ’s marriage about two years ago, but of recent, she’s been calling, trying to create trouble. She said she’s coming here tomorrow.”

Chief sips from his glass of water and continues.

“Enough of the past,” he said, his eyes lighting up with a smile.

“I had prayed that I’d go to my grave with joy whenever the Lord calls me. I didn’t know God heard me. When Sam walked through that door with his fiancée, I got the shock of my life. The resemblance threw me off my seat. I thought I got a ghost from my past on a visit. But obviously, God has a better plan for me. I paid a private security firm to do a discreet investigative job for me and they came up with a report that healed my heartache. It was a great joy for me to lend the support of a father during Sam’s traditional wedding to Kim. Sending my representatives cleared all the cobwebs.

“You see, I believe that the accident that brought us all together

julietbumah@gmail.com

A prayer answered

was divinely preordained.

“Sam, I asked you to work for me because I wanted all my children to feed from my labour. I took over the medicals of your family because, as a shrewd businessman, I needed to be triple sure that my investment wouldn’t end up in wrong hands,” he said.

Then he turned to Val and continued, “My dear son, from my investigation, your mother, the only woman I loved, was not killed.

At least she didn’t die when your step mother went with hired thugs to beat her up. She survived, but because she and her friends thought I was part of the plan to silence her, they lied that she died and threatened to get me arrested.

Your stepmother actually told her that I was aware of their mission.

Unfortunately, she didn’t live long after. She died months later.

“Sam’s father told me he heard she died much later but I didn’t believe him. Moreover, my perpetual drunken state of mind then never allowed much to sink into my brain.”

Chief smiles, clears his throat and reaches for water. Val quickly fills the glass for him.

Instead of going back to his former seat, he sits beside Kim, throwing his arm endearingly over her shoulders.

Sam, sitting to the right of Kim, stiffens. Well, he will get to the root of all this today.

Kim stares at Chief, her mind in a turmoil. She pinches herself again and again. That seems the

only way to keep herself from drifting into nothingness. Everything sounds so unreal but with the certainty of Chief ’s voice, reality is actually staring her in the face. She wonders what her grandma would say when she hears all these. Surely, this is unbelievable...stranger than fiction.

She stares at the men one after the other.

“Kim,” Chief called.

“Yes...Chief,” Kim said hoarsely and Chief smiles. Sam freezes.

“Val, your mother didn’t die and she didn’t lose her pregnancy. She returned to her people heartbroken. Few months later, she was delivered of a baby...a girl. But she died a few months after.

“If I had not chickened out at the beginning, most of what happened would probably not have happened. But then, I believe in destiny. I’d say that things were destined to happen the way they did.

“When Kim, walked into this living room months ago with Sam, I thought that the ghost of your mother had come to haunt me and I passed out. That was the reason I was alarmed when I noticed the bond that was developing between you and Kim. I didn’t know that it was filial love, even when Val told me he loves Kim in a special way, I was still skeptical.

“Kim, I’m sorry I did some things I shouldn’t have done without your consent but I was so bent on knowing the truth. Sam, when I asked that you register your wife

for antenatal in my family hospital, I had another motive. I wanted to investigate her medically. By then, the private investigators I paid to find out her roots had sent in their report. I’m sorry I did that without your consent. Please forgive an old man who is desperate to clutch at any strand of happiness.

“Well, all the investigations, including the medicals, proved that Kim is the daughter of Kim, the only woman I loved in my life.

Kim here, is a daughter I never knew existed for ...years.”

Sam jumps out of his chair.

Chief ignores him and continues, “Her mother was pregnant for her when she was forced out of our love nest. She is a replica of her mother. My Kim was a rebel, a very stubborn woman but she had a heart of gold...unlike my exwife, who is a bundle of trouble.

She’s coming tomorrow, I wonder what she wants...”

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out an envelope. He brings out a few pale Polaroid photographs.

“Here are our pictures,” he said.

Kim jumps out of her chair and feels a pang... ********** What! So Kim is from a wealthy home after all? Will this change in fortune change anything between her and Sam? Let’s find out in the concluding part of this riveting story on Sunday.

•Send your observations to: julietbumah@gmail.com

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015

27

Body&Soul

DIY dry skin remedies Biwom Iklaki

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often go into automatic envy mode whenever I see anyone with clear, smooth, even-tone skin. Most of them will tell you they hardly even think about it, hinting at their great genes and all. Some others tell you about tedious skincare routines with bank breaking products. Dry skin can become a health risk when you scratch and break the skin surface, leaving it open to infection. Here are some reasons you may be experiencing dry skin and some remedies that won’t need you to break the bank.

Causes If you take many long, hot showers, you are definitely prone to dry skin. Also, if you are from 40 years and above, you are susceptible too (as you get older, your skin grows thin and dry from loss of moisture). Working in extremely cold temperatures

too or if you live in dry climates could be a culprit. Another susceptible set of people are those suffering from eczema and psoriasis (these conditions are dry and itchy).

Remedies •Drink loads of water to keep hydrated inside and out.

•Eat fruits and vegetables because they are loaded with vitamins A, C and E which are very good for the skin. Foods like cereals, spinach, beans and more that are rich in folate are also great.

•Foods rich in zinc like red meat, poultry, and nuts that help speed up the healing process are great too.

•Maintain a healthy routine of showering at least twice a day.

Use mild soaps that will not dry out your skin and avoid antiseptic soaps. Use moisturising oils like coconut oil, jojoba, olive shea and cocoa butter.

Romantic and timeless, the off-the-shoulder dresses were the hottest new necklines

Off-the-shoulder/ One shoulder necklines

Body&Soul

Blush-coloured dresses

Lots of brides are opting for colours other than white for their wedding dresses. Days are gone when a virgin bride is expected to dress in an all-white wedding ensemble.

These days, we see brides in different colours ranging from champagne, peach, gold, taupe, off-white, silver to even multi-coloured. A barely there pop of colour is perfect if you want to look different. Shades of pink and rose are seen at weddings with the blush tones taking centre stage.

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t’s that time of the year when wedding bells ring off the hook! Are you planning to get married before the year runs out and need to find that perfect wedding dress?

Vanessa Okwara

Layers of lace

Lacy bridals can never go out of fashion. Most bridal gowns are made with lace and embroideries. Present day designers have taken their creativity a notch higher by creating gowns with layered lace on top of embroidered tulle and Swiss dot lace for mindblowing texture and detail.

Then get up to date with the latest trends in wedding dresses and accessories that will make you look like a princess on your special day.

Lately, we see modern brides rocking the designs of the eighties wedding dresses

with some variation. From dozens of different embellishments to any length of hemlines, detachable tulle overskirts, romantic off-the-shoulder necklines and different colours other than white have become the emerging trends.

Perfect for the elegant bride, this features all of the classic silhouettes we love: dramatic mermaids, streamlined A-line

Romantic style

Timeless fashion for stylish brides

SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

28, 29

Accessories add a unique touch to your look, but even one too many can be over-the-top with an alreadyembellished gown. Gilded wreaths, pins, beautiful hair clips, golden flower crowns, hair pieces, fanciful fascinators, bouquets and colourful embroidered veil are some of the accessories to wear on your wedding day.

Designer shoes and clutch purses in the colour of your choice will bring freshness to your overall ensemble.

The perfect blend of ‘something old’ and ‘something new’ will surely make your special day spectacular!

Accessories

of the spring 2015 runways.

Many designers went from crafting one-shoulder, cap and illusion sleeves to draping these sweet new necklines, fit for the bride with a penchant for graceful gowns with a ton of movement.

Editor’s current obsession

Victorian touch

‘Old school’ can still be embellished with modern touch to bring out a beautiful wedding dress that will fit perfectly with modern styling. Whether it is the high neckline, flare sleeves, pearl-stranded sleeves, or the silk ball gown, it is pretty clear that designers still draw inspiration from old-world opulence.

gowns, tulle bottoms and over-the-top ball gowns.

Although these silhouettes are old bridal standards, the attention to detail made them feel fresh and fashion-forward. Beading, floral details and layers of airy lace are all dreamy additions to these timeless designs.

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SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Classy corporate looks

Vanessa Okwara

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hat to wear to the office is largely dependent on the type of job you do and your office dress code.

If your office requires you to wear a suit to work five days a week, an eye for details goes a long way in setting you apart from a uniformed look. If you are wearing a suit, throw a pocket square in the breast pocket.

It shouldn’t be flashy, but its presence demonstrates time and effort spent on details.

A wristwatch shows attention to punctuality, and is a lot classier than pulling your cell phone out of your pocket whenever you want to know the time. Cufflinks may be a bit formal for daily office culture -save the French cuffed shirts for more important meetings and appointments.

Equally, if there is no specific dress code, you still need to look smart to attend to clients and fit into a work environment. Rocking smart business casuals is the best way to go. The right ensemble looks trendy.

In wearing business casuals, it is important to purchase clothing that fits you properly. Nothing ruins an outfit like wearing something that doesn’t fit, whatever the dress code and no matter how expensive the clothes are. The first secret to looking smart is sizing correctly.

Once you’ve nailed the fit, you can start building your wardrobe. You can begin with pieces that are easy to mix and match such as a good shirt and trousers with tie and maybe a blazer thrown in to kick start the week.

Invest in quality blazers and jackets. They help to give you the much desired corporate image. You also can’t go wrong with a pair of suit trousers, again in multipurpose colours like black and grey. As the week rolls by, you can interchange by wearing structured shirts and tailored trousers that fit perfectly. Chinos are the go-to choice for semi-dressy work wear. If jeans are appropriate in your workplace, go for something on the more formal end of the denim spectrum.

The classics are safest when it comes to your footwear.

Loafers, Oxfords, Derbys, brogues and monk straps will all look suitably smart at the office and go with anything you wear on top. Colour-wise, black, brown, oxblood and tan are your best bets.

Always pay attention to the details of grooming: clean shave, neat haircut, trimmed nails and no personal odour beyond your soap and maybe a mild deodorant or aftershave.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015

Body&Soul

Is it wrong to marry a dead friend’s spouse?

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eath is an inevitable debt everyone must pay. Some pay in the prime of life while others do so when they become old and gray. At whatever time the death bell tolls, one must exit this life and leave loved ones behind to mourn the loss.

Now that you’re alive reading this article, I’ll like to ask you this question: do you think it’s wrong for your best friend to marry your husband or wife when you’re gone?

As you ponder on this question by putting yourself in that same shoe, I will like to give you a little gist. Bukky was best of friends with Gbemisola before she died four years ago. She left behind two beautiful girls and a loving husband who grieved her death for a long time. Since Bukky loved Gbemi’s kids so much, she paid regular visits to their house just to check up on how they were doing.

Now, her late friend’s husband is beginning to see her as a mother figure for his kids and someone to spend the rest of his life with. She is confused and wondering if it will be wrong to marry him.

This is really a dicey situation you would agree. I sampled the opinion of several people on this topic and got different views with no meeting ground in sight. A guy bluntly told me he would never dream of marrying his dead best friend’s wife because it would be interpreted by society to mean he was ‘eyeing’ her when his friend was still alive. Another guy said it would be tantamount to eating leftover food from his dead friend’s table.

Some other guys said they would

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CONNECT NG vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com

find it very hard to wipe off the image of the dead friend making love with his wife and so would find it difficult to be intimate with his widow. While some said it does not really matter because the widow will need a man to take care of her and who can do it better than her late husband’s friend?

The ladies equally had divergent views. Some tilt to the side that says it’ll bother them to live in the same house where their late friend spent happy moments with her family before her demise. Others are of the view that it might be God’s will and also her dead friend’s wish for her to take her place and become a good mother to her children.

Whatever be the case, the silent question at the back of anybody who is thinking of having a serious relationship with a dead best friend’s spouse is: what will people, family and society say about this? Although a lot of us who are modern in our thinking may say: hey, this is the 21st Century, why should I be bothered about people’s opinion of my actions, it’s really none of their business!

Well, let me remind you that this is Africa, the land where extended

family and public opinion radically influence the way we live and also our thought process. I agree with you to the extent that there is nothing wrong with marrying your late friend’s widow or widower but I will have to add that it takes a very strong character to pull this through and not let the backlash of sentiments and emotions coming from outsiders get to you.

As Africans, we believe the toad does not run around in vain in the afternoon. If you find yourself in such dilemma, you may even be accused of using diabolical means to push

A guy bluntly told me he would never dream of marrying his late best friend’s wife because it would be interpreted by society to mean he was ‘eyeing’ her when his friend was still alive

your best friend out of the picture.

You will definitely encounter venomous looks from the family of the late wife and friends because they will believe you came to reap where you did not sow; especially for a lady who married a rich widower whose wife happened to be her best friend.

Now before you enter this type of relationship, you have to do a lot of soul searching. Clear consciences, they say, fear no accusation and so it has to be for the right reasons. It must be that you both found real love in each other after you must have mourned the late spouse for a good number of years. It becomes suspicious when a best friend marries the spouse of the late friend barely a year after death. You must also make sure that there was never any kind of secret relationship between you and your late friend’s spouse while he/ she was still alive, no matter how trivial. This will definitely amount to betrayal of the highest order and you know the kind of society we live in will definitely tear you apart with hateful words.

In all, ‘till death do us part’ is the thread that looses a man/woman from the bonds of the marriage vow.

When this happens, the one who is still alive has the right to continue living and find happiness in the arms of another person -arms of the best friend of the late spouse inclusive.

Life, indeed, is full of unraveled mysteries!

Please send in your reactions to this piece to the E-mail above. Thank you!

•Send your views to the email above!

Dear Mr. Blatter, please do us a favour and go now

espotism seems to be a word that western journalists use freely whenever it comes to a discussion of leadership and African leaders. I never expect that I will be using the word in a letter to you sir. I believe that the current style of your leadership is slipping fast into despotism and I appeal to you to do the whole world a favour by stepping aside or resigning; either one will work. The state of affairs at the organisation that you preside over, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), is so deplorable that I cannot believe you are still holding on to office. At least a dozen of your close associates are either in detention or currently facing bribery and corruption charges, your Secretary General has just been investigated for fraud and across the world, people are still wondering the kind of dirty money that keeps coming through the glass doors of your organisation but it seems not to bother you. I wonder sir, is it a case of you trying to ensure you put the house in order before handing over or you trying to destroy the evidence before handing over? I am sorry if I hurt your feeling with these words, but you left me no choice and as a lover of football, I hate the fact that these distractions are taking away from the beautiful game and no one is interested in the players and what they do on the pitch but what the corrupt officials in the Zurich boulevard that houses the headquarters are doing.

I know it is hard to keep body and

soul together in a world where money talks and those with the money dictate the language it speaks. However, the amount being spoken of as either being embezzled or paid for favours are mind boggling sir. Some countries in the world do not have these amounts as their GDP. When your Vice, Mr. Jack Warner, was arrested along with other top officials by US and Swiss Police, I was of the opinion that there is no way such a large scale corruption could be going on under your watch without your knowledge. You must be complicit by association or possession. I still stand by that sir. If you claim not to be aware of the goings on in your organisation, it calls your leadership into question and gives an indication that it is time to go. If you look the other way while it was going on,

then we must ask, why? The current allegation that you paid Mr. Michel Platini who is planning to succeed you two Million Francs, if we justify the legality of this payment, then the morality stinks to high heaven.

Your predecessor, Mr. Joao Havelange, changed the face of football with the investments and sponsorship by corporate organisations.

However, he also focused on youth development by establishing age grade competitions and promoting the Women’s game. If he was the power on the throne, you were the face of the organisation as you served as the Secretary back then. It means you shared in some of his successes and it also mean that you have been in that building long enough that the sound of a computer out of place should not escape your notice.

If you claim not to be aware of the goings on in your organisation, it calls your leadership into question and gives an indication that it is time to go

I am sorry sir, there is no excuse of ignorance in these issues. The allegations are piling up too high that it is becoming an embarrassment to your person and to whatever legacy you may have left football.

As the man who brought football to Africa against some very stiff opposition, I know you to be a very strong character and as you once mentioned in a press conference, you are a card carrying member of the International Press Corp, which makes you a colleague and fellow journalist. Therefore, as a colleague, I wish to warmly appeal to you that the honourable thing to do now is simply vacate office and let some fresh air, sorry, fresh ideas in.

Your leaving now will help an independent investigation, will give you credibility as an incorruptible and upright man and it will also preserve your dignity. Let me point out sir that all of these worthy qualities in a man are currently not mentioned in the same conversation where your name is the subject.

As the President of FIFA, you are not the president of one country, but the President of 200 countries that are members of the organisation. Honour means you clear the top echelon of all the current occupants and bring forward the election. Help restore the pride that is associated with the game and in doing so, you will be doing the world a favour. While it may be painful for you, I am confident that your retirement and indeed the rest of your time on earth is financially assured.

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SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul with

Wole Adepoju 07037763410

woleadepoju@yahoo.com

Bimbola Oloyede over the moon

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t was for a deserved cause that men and women who have made the profession of broadcasting a thing of pride came together to celebrate with one of their own, Bimbo Oloyede.

It was Bimbo’s 40th anniversary as a broadcaster.

Expectedly, as a gathering of professionals, it was not anything short of orderly proceedings. with Lola Alakija declaring the event open with a prayer while the rest of the programme followed. Ijeoma Onyeator of Channels Television gave the citation while the chairman of Channels Television, Chief John Momoh, and husband of the celebrant, Chief Babatunde Oloyede, took turns to make their speeches at the event where the General Manager Operations, Channels Television, Kayode Akintemi, acted as the compere.

Former Director-General of the defunct Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, Dr. Christopher Kolade, presented a plaque of honour to the celebrant. Soon, it was time for the lady of the day to take to the

Gov. Emmanuel Udom in frenzy

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ven though many felt that the former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Udom Emmanuel, had a clear chance of clinching the coveted position of governor of the oil-producing state during the last elections, the banker turned politician still nursed some apprehension until he emerged victorious at the polls. His triumph was considered a major achievement. The brilliant politician recently recorded another feat as his beloved son, Joshua, clocked age 10.

To show how happy he was and to make the day a memorable one for the boy, all roads, penultimate weekend led to Fun Factory, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, where Joshua’s new age was celebrated.

It will amount to stating the obvious to say it was a grand celebration as quality drinks were in excess while highly placed individuals graced the occasion.

The birthday ceremony, which would have ended as a carnival or sort, had heavy security presence that warded off gate crashers and uninvited folks.

T h e governor,

Gov. Udom

decked in a white a p p a re l , and the birthday boy

rostrum to make her speech. Beaming with smiles, she rededicated herself to broadcasting as well as the Channels organisation.

The formal aspect of the event was eventually jettisoned when it was time to hit the dance floor. It was nothing less of an interesting scenario when Bimbo’s contemporaries took to the dance floor to prove that men were actually boys and women were once ladies.

They displayed different dance steps to the old tunes. Beautiful Bimbo Oloyede nee Robert, who was decked in a flowery top and black long skirt, upon her return from Wales where she studied, was employed in the drama department of then Western Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, where she met and married her husband of 37 years. Bimbo grew as a professional and went on to become the first female to cast the NTA network news. Years after she left NTA, she pitched her tent with Channels Television where she has continued to be a source of inspiration to younger broadcasters. in a black suit, looked cool and happy together.

Denrele Adeniran Ogunsanya honoured

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enrele is one of the children of late great a n d popular academic, Adeniran Ogunsanya.

J u s t l i k e her siblings, she has kept a private life.

She Ogunsanya kept a low profile until she was made the Secretary to the Lagos State Government during the first term of Babatunde Fashola as the governor of Lagos State.

Since her exit from the exalted office, Denrele seldom makes a public appearance as she appears to select the events she attends. The beautiful and gracefully ageing politician may have been denied her privacy going by a chieftaincy title by the Olowu of Owu kingdom in Ogun State. She was honoured with the title of Omowonuade of Owu kingdom.

ler. For many years until his death, he held the society spell bound with the art of magic. Meanwhile, just like several other of his children, Shina has not only consolidated on the name built by his father, he has gone ahead to break new grounds. Although, Shina has a chain of businesses, the icing on the cake is his night club, Quilox, which rates among the best around.

Not carried away by the glamour and glitz that accompany the business of night entertainment, he has been able to maintain a steady home. Days ago, he celebrated 10 years of marriage to his pretty wife, Ayobola, in a quiet way. No bash was thrown for the anniversary but he took to his social media channel to express his gratitude and joy for her support.

Shina Peller, wife celebrate

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hen the name, Peller, is mentioned, what readily comes to mind is the late magician, Moshood Abiola, better known as Prof. Pel-

Peller

Deji Doherty makes fresh move

oming from C a popular and noble

family in L a g o s S t a t e naturally puts b e e f y personality, Deji Doherty, in Doherty the klieg lights but there is no doubt the politician has gone many steps ahead of that. Deji, through his high powered political activities, has been able to establish himself as one of the notable politicians in the Centre of Excellence and beyond. Many will recall that Deji has a few times tried his luck at becoming the governor of Lagos State but he has not been so fortunate.

Unknown to many, the Peoples Democratic Party top shot is a business man per excellence. As a businessman, Deji is involved in a number of businesses among which are agro dealing and ownership of one of the most patronised event centres in Lagos. If information reaching Celeb Lounge is anything to go by, the amiable dude may have decided to extend his business tentacles. Although, the details is still very sketchy, but those who should know revealed that Deji may join the league of radio station owners very soon as he’s said to be at the final stage of setting up one.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015

Body&Soul

Thinking

Ngozi Braide celebrates

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ormer spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, Ms. Ngozi Braide, may have moved onto new ground but a peculiarity seems to be atBraide tached to her own case. While she was the first female to have ever been assigned with such a brief in the state, her beauty, carriage and excellent work ethics have made it impossible for those who had contact with her as the image maker of Lagos State police command to put her in their past.

Ngozi, who was a Deputy Superintendent of Police even while she was moved to the State Criminal Investigations Department, SCID, Panti, Lagos, it was learnt, has moved up the ladder. She’s said to have been promoted to the rank of a Superintendent of Police and has been moved from Zone 2 Command to the Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, also in Lagos.

Dayo Adeneye in joyful mood

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jebu-born handsome dude, Chief Dayo Adeneye aka D1, has established himself alongside his artificial twin brother in the enterAdeneye tainment industry, Kenny Ogungbe.

D1, who has made successful exploits in the entertainment industry, moved ahead to other interests recently. His desire to contribute his quota to the development of his home state, Ogun, by running for a seat in the state house of assembly did not materialise.

His closeness to the powers that be in his state, however, gave him an edge. Many had thought he would be named a commissioner but the expectation was not met as he was not nominated. However, the well-loved and amiable dude appears to be less disturbed even as he has a reason to be happy. His mother, Comfort Adeneye, recently hit 80 and this, according to insiders, has not ceased to make the American-trained broadcaster elated.

Jubrin Echoco turns a factor

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n the buildup to the primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kogi State, one man who was tipped to give Governor Idris Wada a run for his money was Alhaji Jubrin Echocho. But the pendulum has eventually swung in Wada’s favour, leaving a sour taste Echoco in the mouths of

Echocho and his followers. However, Echocho may have become a factor in defeat as the contending gladiators are said to be jostling for his attention. The scramble, it was said, is more on the side of Governor Wad, who is afraid of the likely consequence if Echocho teams up with the All Progressives Congress candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Audu. Echocho is believed to have a solid base and as such, he’s is being courted by Wada.

However, Echocho defected to APC, depleting the governor’s support base.

Ronke Ayuba makes rare appearance

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f the hands of time could be taken aback, there is no doubt that the teeming fans of delectable broadcaster, Ronke Ayuba, will want to have her back on the tube to do what she knows how to do best as a broadcaster. The memories of her days as a star newscaster on NTA still linger in the memories of many.

Ronke, who is married to a forAyuba mer military administrator of Kaduna State, BrigGen. Tanko Ayuba (retd), even after quitting the tube was still a pacesetter on the social radar. She was a bride everyone wanted to court on the social scene. Like they say, change is the most constant thing. She withdrew into her shell and concentrated on her fabrics business. She recently made a public appearance like she now makes once in a while thing. What seems to have remained part of her is her beauty even as she ages, but it is evident she’s no longer in tune with the social radar as she sat quietly by herself in a black dress while her stay at the event lasted.

Unchanging spirit of GOS

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stablished Lagos politician, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, is one politician who does not only enjoy a large base of followers, but he’s also well connected and influential in his state and beyond. One of the reasons he’s believed to have achieved his wide popularity is no other than the fact that he identifies with good causes, especially those that will impact the lives of the people positively.

Having become a retiree, as he jokingly refers to himself, he would have ordinarily have been expected to withdraw from serious and time-consuming activities. Rather, his involvement has been on the rise as he’s been sighted at various fora, giving the necessary support. In the spate of few weeks, GOS as he’s fondly called, was at various voluntary organisations - Rotary and Lions clubs pledging and fulfilling his support for humanity.

Tinubu

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with Helen Paul

Happy birthday

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ount your blessings and promised land. name them one by one ...

Believe me, there are many that is one Biblical phrase things we have in Nigeria that that I cherish very much. It is ad- Americans too wish to have. visable that human beings culti- They may be ahead of us in vate the habit of counting their terms of development (this is blessings, rather than lamenting inevitable because they are sevthe things we have lost. Even in eral decades ahead of us), but we the most difficult situation, you are not pushovers. America as will definitely have one or two a country needs us to survive, reasons to be grateful. This is a but if we are truly united and focused, I don’t think we need fact.

This reminds me of a story that America. was narrated to us as kids. It is Comparing Nigeria to America the story of a man crying of not is like comparing a child to his having shoes. He was crying great grandfather. No matter around the village until he saw how brilliant and endowed the another man that had no legs to child is, he can never possibly wear a shoe; that was when he match his great grandfather in started asking for forgiveness terms of experience. We all know and thanking Him because his that experience is the best teachown condition was still better. er.

He knew that there was still In spite of the numerous chalplenty of hope for him to have lenges we are facing as a nation, as many good shoes as possi- you will agree with me that we ble; so far his legs have many reasons to be grateful were still there. It We still have a very is only a man with to God for bringno legs that has ing us this far. long way to go, and dashed hopes of Fifty-five years all hands must wearing shoes. is no child’s play.

That shoeless But we still have a be on deck if we very long way to man in this narmust attain that ration can be rego, and all hands ferred to as Nigemust be on deck greater height.

As ria. Simply put, if we must attain individuals, we must greater heights.

Nigeria has no shoes, and we are As individuals, not always think of all crying and lawe must not alwhat our country menting about it. ways think of Even if Nigeria what our counwill give to us alone, has shoes, I guess try will give to us but equally what we alone, but about the shoes seriously need surwhat we can give. can give gery; but at least, However, at 55, that will still be we should have better than those been some steps who have nothing at all. We are ahead of our current position. very quick to compare ourselves That is why there is an urgent to others (developed countries) need for us to look back at the who have shoes. But the truth is areas where grave mistakes that Nigeria still has legs, and have been made in the past, and there are high hopes that one make necessary amendments day, the country will be celebrat- right away. Tomorrow may be ed as one of the nations with the too late. I honestly believe that best shoes. It is just a matter of if we continue moving at this one time. It may not be in our genera- step forward, two steps backtion, but I’m sure that someday, ward tempo, it is very likely we won’t be like America even when it will come to pass.

Nigeria is just 55, while the we are more than 150 years. old United States for instance is over Stating the numerous areas 200 years old. Everything in life where we are lagging behind comes in stages, and I’m sure is just like stating the obvious, that at some point, the U.S was in but I want everyone reading the same situation where Nigeria this article to look inwards and is at the moment. America didn’t make necessary amendments, as become what it is now overnight individuals, family, society and – it went through a process. So government. May God help us.

United we stand, divided we I think it would be suicidal and unjust to compare ourselves to fall. We all wish our dear counthem in terms of development. try, Nigeria, a happy 55th birthAll we need is the right attitude day anniversary in arrears. Hapand leaders that will ensure that py birthday Nigeria! we are still on track to reach the

34

Body&Soul

SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Wine & Dine

Tasty Oak for all occasions Ibukunoluwa Kayode

W

hen it’s time to make a choice of Cabernet, Silver Oak is one of the finest wines to opt for.

The wine which originated from California has different flavours -from red to white.

Recently, two of the cabernet family, Alexander Valley and Nepa Valley, were launched into the wine market.

Alexander Valley is a dark rich full-bodied wine with great tannic structure for mouth-feel. The wine is embedded in garnet colour note, ripe boysenberries, cherry liqueur, dark chocolate sandalwood and a hint of roasting meat flavour.

On the palate this wine is incredibly

Biwom Iklaki

T

he football season is well underway and many friendships and romances are forged and rekindled just by the sheer passionate nature of the games.

Here is how to keep them spicy and satiated with a few finger-licking snacks pre, during or after watching your favourite teams play.

Ingredients 20 chicken wings For the marinade 4 tbsp dark soy sauce Freshly ground black pepper 250ml sweet chilli sauce 250ml smoky barbecue sauce Coriander, for garnish 4 spring onions, finely sliced, for garnish, Limes to squeeze, when served.

Preparation

rich with a very long savoury finish, with a slight grip of fine grains tannis. This is a wine with 100 per cent composition of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Nepa Valley combines elegant and depth in balance. This vintage wine has a dark ruby colour with a garnet edge and a complex notes of sandalwood, cassis, black cherry, dark chocolate and roasted coffee.

The wine on the palate hold a long finish of concentrated fruits and spice with a slight tannic grip.

Nepa Valley holds 90 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, six per cent merlot, three per cent petit verdor and one per cent cabernet frant with 19.9 per cent alcohol base volume.

Sticky chicken wings Preheat the oven and lightly grease a roasting tin with oil or cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix together the marinade ingredients. Add to chicken winglets and mix until fully coated. Transfer to the roasting tin and spread into one even layer. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the winglets are cooked through and golden. Transfer to a large serving platter and garnish with the coriander, spring onions and lime wedges. #mykitchentip If a fire starts in your oven, don’t open the door. Opening it feeds the fire by giving it oxygen. Instead, turn off the oven and allow the fire to burn itself out. If it doesn’t work, call for help!

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015

35

Body&Soul

Nigeria’s entertainment big boys They are the deepest pockets in the entertainment industry. Without them, perhaps the industry would not be enjoying the glitz and glamour associated with it. Without them, the big budget projects in the industry would be a farce. WOLE ADEPOJU unveils the biggest names in Nigeria’s entertainment industry •EMAMI AYIRI — Born with a silver spoon to late Chief Emami in Delta State, Ayiri says he never suffered all his life. However, he decided to live his life on the streets because that’s where he feels he belongs. Dark skinned and well-built Ayiri came to be known in some quarters, especially in Delta State when Chief James Ibori was the governor of the state. But his popularity soared when he delved into the music industry as an investor. Though in his 40s, Ayiri, by all standards ranks among the richest investors in the entertainment industry. He has a culture of living life to the fullest. As a contractor to Chevron SGL over the years as well as other businesses through his firm, 911 Group, he comfortably sits in the league of billionaires. His penchant for acquiring expensive material things speaks volume about how fat his bank accounts are. Among his state-of-the-art acquisitions are his country home in Delta State that boasts of a mini zoo, lawn tennis court and Olympic-sized swimming pool. Also, his eye popping resort located at Ugborodo, near Warri with world-class facilities testifies to his huge financial capability. Aside from that, his auto garage estimated at well over N300 million does not speak less about how wealthy Ayiri his. The garage boasts of two Rolls Royce, Phantom, BMW, Mercedes Benz among others.

With wave making artistes like Meshark, Maleke and a host of other up and coming ones on his record label, 911 Entertainment, the Akulgba 1 of Warri has committed over N500m to the entertainment arm of his business.

•EMEKA OKONKWO — Coming from a humble background, Emeka Okwokwo and his musician elder brother, Kingsley, were raised in the popular ghetto, Ajegunle, in Lagos State. That part of their lives has long been history, with the two brothers now flying high.

Particularly, Emeka as a businessman has made so much money and his level of his generosity is second to none. It is such that he is nicknamed ‘E-Money.’ It was learnt he had his financial breakthrough in clearing and forwarding through his firm, Emmy Cargoes.

He has since extended his business tentacles to real estate and auto dealing before delving into the music industry as an investor through his entertainment outfit, 5 Star Records. Emeka, having been through the wilderness of life in the past, does not spare cost in making himself comfortable. His acquisitions say a lot about how much he worth. With a number of houses around a few cities in the country such as Abuja and Port Harcourt, to mention a few, his triplex Lagos property named ‘5 Star Mansion,’ which cost him over N300 million readily comes to mind when his wealth is mentioned. A peep into his garage reveals a fleet of expensive and top range automobiles worth billions of naira. Meanwhile, 5 Star Records, which is one of the topmost entertainment outfits around has artistes like Kingsley Okonkwo a.k.a Kcee, Harrysong and Skiibi, among others. It is worth at least N500m.

•SHINA PELLER— Based on the spotlight the activities of his magician late father, Prof. Peller, attracted to their household, Shina naturally started to enjoy some form of stardom from childhood. Like some of his siblings, Shina has long rebranded and consolidated on the stardom generated by his father.

Shina has no doubt made it big as a businessman but found his way back into the spotlight as a socialite. He’s a delight of musicians who know they will be some millions richer whenever he shows up at their events.

Meanwhile, Shina who is better known as Aquila, is in the league of money men who have invested in the entertainment industry.

He’s presently rated as a frontliner, going by the war chest of Aquila Records and funds spent on his artistes. Artistes on Aquila Records are Tillaman, Que Peller and Base One. Owner of rave hangout, Quilox Night Club, Peller as a businessman rakes in money from Aquila Oil & Gas, Aquila Smart Homes and Aquila Global Resources to mention a few.

•PAUL COLE — Dark skinned and handsome young man behind Achivas Records, Paul Cole, who is better known as Ossy, sits comfortably among successful business personalities who invested in the entertainment world. Achivas, a multimillion naira investment which was founded in 2007, does not deal in music alone but sports and events as well. Meanwhile, the focus of the company is to discover and nurture talents. One of its most popular artistes is wave making singer, Solidstar.

Ossy, who keeps a low profile, is a loud spender with great financial muscle. Ossy, through his maritime company, Ocean Glory Commodities, had made so much fortune before dabbling into the entertainment world.

•DON JAZZY —Originally christened Michael Collins Ajereh but widely known as Don Jazzy, this deep pocket sure belongs in the league of big time investors in the entertainment industry and music to be precise. But he has a different story from that of his peers in the house. Don Jazzy was able to identify his strength in music early enough that all he did while he sojourned in the United Kingdom was music. Luck would smile on him when he teamed up with his former artiste/ business partner D’banj, to form a business-oriented music empire, Mo’hits, which was successful before it was disbanded.

Michael has since invested big time in the industry as a solo player and owner of wave making Mavin Records. With great talents and rave singers like Tiwa Savage, Korede Bello, Dija and Dr. Sid to mention a few on the list of artistes on the label, Mavin does not only stand as one of the biggest but the most active. With a dream villa in Lekki, Lagos, choice cars at his disposal and a high profile life, it will be an understatement to say the talent producer cum singer businessman is loaded with money. An opinion poll has once pitched him against E-Money of 5 Star Records to know who is richer. Also, while Don Jazzy is adjudged as the richest musician around, the dude some days ago declared he’s got so much money that he does not know what to do with it anymore.

36

SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

E-mail: editor.body-soul@newtelegraphonline.com

Powerful prayers

K

im and Ray were very close companions. They were neighbors, studied together, completed their graduation and worked together. They planned to enjoy a vacation and took a sea voyage to explore different places. Unfortunately, their ship was wrecked in the middle of the ocean. While most of the travelers were unable to save themselves, only Kim and Ray, who knew how to swim, could manage to save their lives, by swimming to an isolated island.

They were very happy and thanked God for saving them.

However, the island looked like a deserted island with hardly any trees, and poor atmosphere that no living organism could survive.

They had no option, but prayed to God to save their lives.

Nothing happened even after a

couple of days. They decided to split ways into opposite ends of the island and challenged themselves about whose prayer would be powerful. Both divided their region in the deserted island and offered their prayers to God. Kim prayed God that he would need food to survive. Surprisingly, he got a pile of food, fruits and vegetables on the sea shore. After two days, he requested for a beautiful girl as his wife, as he was feeling very lonely on the island. In a few hours, a ship wrecked again on the island near Kim’s region, where only a beautiful girl survived! He married the girl. After a few days, he requested for more food and shelter. All prayers of Kim were granted by God. Almost a month after the ship wreck, Kim decided to move back to his hometown. He prayed God

Colour Art

Celebrations!!!

to send him a ship to take him home. Surprisingly, a ship came and took Kim and his wife. Just before the ship was about to move, a voice shouted! ‘Are you going alone, leaving your companion of life here?’ Kim was surprised, ‘May I know who is this and whom you are referring to? I have my wife with me!’ The voice said, ‘I’m the one whom you offered your prayers, whom you requested to save your life, and whom you requested food and shelter and of course, a wife!’

Kim happily stood on his knees and said, ‘Thank you God!’ Then God said, ‘But why do you leave your companion here?’ Kim was confused again! Then God added, ‘Don’t get so excited my son. Your prayers are not answered and fulfilled by me. I was only fulfilling Ray’s prayers. He prayed only one thing to me! He said, ‘Please fulfill all of Kim’s prayers, and that was his only prayer’. Kim was in tears and rushed to the other side of the island. He realized that he did not even think about his best friend Ray, and was happily enjoying life with all pleasures.

He could not find Ray there and asked God, ‘Where is Ray?’ God replied, ‘I took him with me, the man with the golden heart should be with me! But I will fulfill all your prayers as I promised him Loud cheer for Alana Debbie Inieke @ 1 to do so!’

This pretty, pink loving princess favours Mickey Mouse, Dora the Kim was completely broken and Explorer and her absolute best Superhero is Olaf from Frozen. God realised why his friend’s prayers bless you darling! were more powerful, because it was totally selfless. Why do bicycles fall over?

What part of the car is the laziest?

Ans: Because they are two-tired! w w w. k i d Ans: The wheels, because they are sworldfun.com always tired!

Why do dragons sleep during the day?

Ans: So they can fight knights!

What did the stamp say to the envelope?

Ans: Stick with me and we will go What did Cinderella say when her photos places! did not show up?

What did the ground say to the earthAns: Someday my prints will come! quake?

Ans: You crack me up!

Why was the broom late?

Ans: It over swept!

Why did the music teacher need a ladder?

Ans: To reach the high notes.

Gags

JOHNBULL

MUMMY’S PET

37

5 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

y Interview

Buhari must erdsmen’s excesses fence? The attack and all that are happening to Saraki is simply because the leadership of All Progressives Congress does not like the way he emerged as the Senate President. Can Buhari take a holistic approach because they want to fight corruption? No. It’s not just giving false declaration. Why are you picking on him, is he the only person? If we say let’s go back to ascertain those who falsified assets declaration among the ministers that APC brought, how many will go free? I support the anti-corruption crusade but I don’t like selective prosecution. It has to be general and all encompassing, then, we will make progress.

You can imagine that we go back to 12 years, how many politicians will scale through this hurdle? So, that is why I said it doesn’t have to be selective.

If you said people embarked on false declaration, it’s okay, but will you go the whole hug? Or is it going to be done to Saraki alone? That is my caveat. If it’s true, then, Saraki has to face the wrath of the law but he should not be a scapegoat. All those who are equally guilty should be prosecuted. If APC is doing this, my theory should be, get rid of Saraki and it will be the beginning of prosecution in the country. If APC goes the whole hug to prosecute Saraki, APC itself will not survive it, except the probe ends with Saraki. But I feel that they will discard the probe along the line, but I wish they do not because we want to sanitise the country and it has to be all encompassing. That is my caveat. For me to fully agree that we are fighting corruption, the approach shouldn’t be selective and the moment it’s selective, it makes nonsense of the whole thing but the moment it’s not selective, it’s a wonderful move but I so doubt it. My fear is that Buhari will not carry it to the end because of corruption in Nigeria. He will feel like easing off somewhere but if they don’t, then, Buhari himself and all those who have been ‘good people,’ will face the same fate. Politicians are now saints because they joined APC. But like I said, the problem in the NASS is that APC never wanted Saraki to be there. It’s obvious.

How do you see the anti-corruption crusade by Buhari?

I support it but my caveat is that it must not be selective. The moment it’s selective and not across the board, then it’s a scam and a question of witch-haunting. We agree that the country is corrupt and we must fight it. They said that the Peoples Democratic Party is corrupt but all the people that joined APC from PDP few months ago are now saints. Have they accused Chief Bola Tinubu? Where was Rotimi Amaechi before? Where was Saraki? Where was Rabiu

Kwankwaso in the past 15 years? So, in the last two years that they joined APC, they are saints.

That is questionable. I joined Tinubu and APC the same way. I don’t know what they are doing because I see APC as a gang up and not a party.

They have no programme for the government and they all agreed to eliminate Jonathan. What they are doing so far has confirmed my accusations. They have not come out with any programme for the country; rather they have been fighting inside. The problem with the President not having his cabinet in place is because they could not agree on who to put in place. Like I said, let them prove us wrong that what we are accusing them of are wrong. However, I pray for the President to succeed because it is in the best interest of the country that he succeeds because it will affect you and I, if he fails.

Looking at insecurity in the country, how far has Nigeria fared under this administration?

Well, it has not been as it should be, but it’s also unfair to judge this administration on security within four months. Though the way they went about their ‘change’ mantra made the expectations of the people very high as well as the way and manner they were critising the previous administration. These made people believe that they were going to make some kind of magic by the time they got in there. We should be realistic about it, whatever happened is not yet known and so, it is a challenge to this new administration.

Fifty-five years after independence, the integrity of the Nigerian Police Force is still questioned, especially with the disdainful lies the agency told on Chief Olu Falae’s release by his kidnappers. What is your take on this?

It just boils down to the recommendation that we made earlier that we should have community police, state police and federal police. In any institution, police is not centralised. I will give you an instance, our federation is tied to that of America. Have you heard of central police in America? And here we have our constitution, which is even a unitary form of government.

There is no central police there. You have metropolitan police, which is in the local government.

Why must we need a federation police? You get the community policy and put the police where the crimes are coming from. How realistic for a man from Maiduguri to come to the West and share in intelligence gathering? One flaw there is that he won’t understand their language. Two, he will not understand that terrain. So, how can he work successfully? I’m sure if we have had something like community police and state police, the Boko Haram menace will not be as serious as it is because the people at the grassroots know them and will not allow them to operate.

So, with the case of Falae, it has shown how weak we are and with this, the people will find further the necessity of state and community police in Nigeria.

Fulani herdsmen’s attack on farmers has become a serious point of concern and government seems not to be saying anything. What

really is happening?

The same Fulanis that are causing problems in the West are causing trouble in Benue and Kogi states and wherever they are rearing their cattle.

This has not been the position before. So, I ask, why would you pursue your trade by creating inconvenience to others? And you come to destroy farmlands? So, farmer’s harvest and farmlands are now your grazing pasture? Why has there not been a place within their locality, where they can graze their animals? So, it is a strange call for the Federal Government to review on how they should rear their cattle within their locality without causing trouble for the famers.

Why hasn’t police intercepted these herdsmen who allegedly move around with AK 47?

The questions you have asked are genuine questions. If we agree that your occupation is cattle rearing, what does cattle rearing have to do with a dangerous weapon like AK 47? It’s not right and that is why I asked a question earlier, ‘Will Buhari go all hug without shielding certain people?’ This is why I called Buhari a religious and cultural jingoist. I guess you have deep understanding of what we are saying here and what is happening in that regards. The media has to help us educate the people objectively on these issues because one day, it will cause unquenchable problems. This is why the Federal Government has to come in here. The government cannot justify that the civilians from any region, whether Fulani or not, who are called herdsmen are wielding a weapon such as AK 47, for what? What do they need it for? The government should look into these things seriously because the way these things are going on, I fear what would be its consequences. I still can’t understand the government’s silence on this matter that is turning into another dreadful group.

It has been said that such killings of farmers can lead to reprisal killing, which will invariably culminate in serious civil unrest and threaten the country’s food security. What is your take on this?

Of course, there is no action without reactions.

Sometimes, the reactions are greater in such a way that people will be unfair to talk about reactions instead of actions. People will begin to condemn the farmers when it leads to reprisal killings without going back to when the problem started. Now those who have reacted because of their burnt houses and bans, their murdered wives and raped daughters will now be seen as the problems. But the government will not look at them now to solve these problems now that it hasn’t gone too far and resettle the farmers.

The herdsmen should be banned from taking their cattle to farmlands, causing mayhem to the country. Unfortunately enough, there is no action without reaction. Again, the President has a role to play here. Nobody says they should not herd their cattle but they shouldn’t be moving around with AK 47 type of guns. If the government and law enforcement agencies look at the issue objectively, there will be a solution to it.

There has to be the will power to stop it, else, the government’s silence justifies our allegations.

Prof. Wole Soyinka once said that the greatest mistake Yorubas made was helping to return power to Fulanis. As a Yoruba elder statesman, what is your take on this and Buhari’s silence about El Rufai-Osinbajo rift?

Not only returning Fulani power to Fulanis, there is more to that. In fact, I was among those that agitated when they wanted to vote Buhari as the President. I was one of the people, who said that the greatest mistake the Yorubas will make is to vote Buhari because average northerner, including Buhari, is after northern hegemony. I want Buhari to prove me wrong, not by words but by his actions that speak otherwise.

I’m yet to be proved wrong on what he has done so far. He has no culture of democracy. He is sectional. He is running a one-man rule. He is a religious jingoist and these are the things that we can see now, no difference. I read the unfortunate incident between the Vice President and El-Rufai and neither of them has refuted the report. The President wouldn’t have been there to watch a governor insult his Vice, if such action wasn’t premeditated. So, the handwriting on the wall is very glaring. The appointments that he made are also pointers to what we are saying and he cannot deny it. And to justify the appointments in favour of northerners, he said it was based on merit and I asked when did northerners start talking about merit? Talking about merit, when will the northerners be chosen ahead of southerners and easterners in Nigeria? Are they not the reason we started federal character? So, when did North become more qualified than other regions? It is left for you press to address. You know these things, highlight them and let him give us reasonable answers. If you keep quiet, it becomes a norm and when you keep quiet; your generation will suffer it. For me, I have nothing to lose anymore, I’m already 87. So, it was a big mistake that we made and like I said, an average northerner is thinking of northern hegemony.

How best would you like bailout funds to be utilised?

When you say bailout, what are they bailing out? The bailout funds should go for the purpose. We shouldn’t use the bailout funds for another purpose. If you use it for something else, it’s misappropriation. If you go to bank and borrow money to build a house for renting and you spend the money on burial ceremony, it’s diversion. So, bailout funds should be spent on the purpose for it.

There is an argument that the states are owing banks and they have to settle the banks first before paying the salaries…

Yes, if you owe the bank, when the money comes in, the bank will take their money but this is conditional. There is a reason for that money.

It didn’t just come. It came to avert a looming crisis in the system. If the money is coming to ease off the state in certain things, the government should stop the banks from staying on it, if not, the purpose of the bailout, which is to pay workers’ salary arrears will be defeated.

38

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics

North-Central needs stronger unity –Ejima Chief Sani Yakubu Ejima is the Onu Igala (paramount ruler of Igala) in Lagos State, and Chairman Onu Igalas Forum in the 36 States and Abuja. He is the Otun Gbobaniyi of Oworonshoki Kingdom, as well as the Omeziri Ibe 1 of Aminyinta in Imo State. In this interview with CEPHAS IORHEMEN, he speaks on issues affecting his people and the North-Central of the country What does your title ‘Onu’ mean?

I am Chief Sanni Yakubu Ejima, the Onu Igala in Lagos. Onu means king in Igala Language. Onu is translated as king in English and I am responsible for the entire Igala people living in Lagos and in Nigeria as a whole except Kogi State.

Back home in Kogi State, where you come from, the Hausas, Yoruba and Igbo traditional leaders are given recognition by the government and the Kogi State traditional council. Are you given the same kind of recognition in Lagos?

Lagos State has been doing that under the umbrella of Arewa. I have for long been trying to make them understand that we are from Kogi State and we are from the Middle Belt as well. I think it is very necessary that you reach out to every tribe instead of enslaving the other tribes under that umbrella of Arewa.

As the Igala traditional leader in Lagos, what are the challenges you are facing in the discharge of your duties?

Well, there are a lot of challenges. As you know, we are the ambassadors of the Attah of Igala and not just the Igala only, but I also lend a helping hand to people from other tribes from time to time as the need arises.

Our challenge is actually with the government of Lagos State. We want the government to understand and appreciate the role we play. We want them to give us recognition. That recognition will enable us to discharge our duties more effectively to our communities and by extension the society at large. We know that Lagos is not our ancestral land, but we have a lot of people here whom we look after. We settle disputes among our people and between our people and people from other ethnic groups. We can be reporting back to the Obas because they are the owners of the land. By the Lagos State government not according us the desired recognition and assistance, our duties have been made much more difficult.

Your people, the Igalas were once part of Benue State and they still have very close cultural affinity with the ethnic groups there. Is there any cooperation among your people, Benue people and the other North Central people living in Lagos?

There is cooperation. I was in fact chair of the Middle Belt Traditional Rulers Council in Lagos, but you see, not all leaders are true leaders. Some are after leadership for selfish reasons and it is difficult to get people who do not really have the interest of their people at heart to offer genuine and selfless leadership.

Most leaders of ethnic groups here consider themselves more as community development association leaders more than traditional rulers. In my struggle for unity amongst the Middle Belters resident in Lagos, I have reached out to the Tor Tiv, the Och’Idoma, and traditional rulers of other ethnic groups in the Middle Belt. I believe that unification will come right from our royal majesties at home and that is what we are working at; to see how we can bring ourselves together and cooperate to forge a development course for the Middle Belt.

The North central has identity problem.

Their identity is said to have been lost to the pervasive shadow of Arewa which

Ejima

seeks to bind the entire North under its umbrella. Can you people ever succeed in extricating yourselves?

We need to speak out. We need to be resolute, but above all, we need to be united.

All the Royal Majesties and traditional rulers of the Middle Belt region need to create a forum where we will be meeting to chart a course for ourselves. For now, we don’t

meet to look at the problems affecting us.

For instance Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states need to meet and see how we can come together to fight the problems bedeviling our society.

I know that we are also called North-Central but irrespective of whatever name we are called, it is very important that we create avenues of coming together as a people

to foster unity and to attend to issues affecting our individual ethnic groups and our region as a bloc. I advocate for a meeting of the North-Central or Middle Belt Royal Fathers. It is one of my dreams. It is one of my cardinal projects, to see how the Middle Belt can come together and forge a common front.

In the South-West, they are one. They have carved an identity for themselves as South-West and are dealt with on that basis, same with the South-East. The South-East agitates for the South-East and they are recognised and treated as such. If you say these two blocs, South-West and South-East are homogenous, that they have one dominant ethnic group each, that is Yoruba and Ibo and the North-Central or Middle-Belt is made up of several minority ethnic groups, then what about the South-South? The South-South has even more ethnic groups than the NorthCentral, yet they have their own identity separate from the South-West and the South-East. On what basis then must the Middle Belt permanently be subjugated under Arewa?

And that is exactly what I was telling you, while the Lagos State Government lumps all traditional rulers from the North and deals with them under the umbrella of Arewa, the same Lagos State government has given distinct recognition to the traditional rulers from the South-East region and ditto the South-South as well.

Do you have any advice for your people the Igala’s living in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria?

My advice remains on unity, and it is not restricted to the Igala’s alone but all the ethnic groups in the North-Central. Why is the South-South given their due recognition today even though they are minorities like us? Because they have bonded together, of course there are a lot of ethnic minorities in the North-Central but when it comes to sharing of the national cake, we are no longer relevant. We are not carried along properly. For instance, in the past administration, my people, the Igala’s were just nowhere. Today, we can see the SouthEast agitating for equitable distribution of appointments even though President Muhammadu Buhari roundly lost the region but we in the North-Central which overwhelmingly gave him our votes have not gotten anything yet but what are we doing about it?

As for me, we shouldn’t be too docile. We must let Buhari know that we as NorthCentral people who actually voted for him too need something back. I think the President should look out for our people and engage them so that we will be part of this glorious government of his.

Ndigbo in Diaspora drum support for Buhari Amarachi Nwosu

N

digbo in the Diaspora have called on Nigerians at home and abroad to support the President Muhammdu Buhari’s administration to achieve its mantra of change for the good of the country and its citizenry.

In a message to Nigerians at the occasion of Nigeria’s 55th independence anniversary, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Spanish Chapter, Chief Ugochukwu John Nduwuisi and his Vice, Chief Ferdinand Ezejiofor Akpusi, appealed to all Nigerians including Ndigbo at home and in the Diaspora to “support and work collectively with the President Muhamandu Buhari’s administration to achieve a greater, safer and better Nigeria”.

The Ohanaeze chieftains while acknowl-

edging the industrious nature of Ndi’ Igbo whom they noted, are respected worldwide and law abiding, urged them to be patient with the present administration and unite for the progress and development of Nigeria particularly the Igbo race.

They said that Ndigbo in the Diaspora, particularly those in Spain have been collaborating with their hosts to bring home economic investments; joint mechanized farming ventures, education and cultural integration for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

Meanwhile, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo chapter has announced the date for the Igbo Day Celebration in Madrid, Spain.

According to the body, the event which would hold on October 24, 2015 in Madrid would show case Igbo culture and tradition which would be presented to the entire Af-

rican and European communities in Spain.

It would be recalled that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Spanish Chapter has been vocal in drawing the attention of the marginalization of the Igbo race in the affairs of the country.

In the last administration, it had called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately relieve his Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Senator Mohammed Abba-Aji of his position over inflammatory comments that “2015: No vacancy for Ndigbo”.

The body noted then that the comments were capable of overheating the polity and truncating Nigeria’s democracy. They accused him and Adamu Ciroma of being anti-South and urged Ndigbo at home and abroad to stand firm and defend their rights in the 2015 general elections.

Faith

SUNDAY

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News CAN commends Kumuyi on crusades p.40

Interivew Match-making not for Christians – Adewale p.40

Sermon When apology isn’t forthcoming p.45

Sermon The danger of living without Christ p.46

Tai Anyanwu Head, religous Desk titus.anyanwu@newtelegraph online.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Many rural Nigerians in danger of fake drugs - Cleric I

Juliana Francis

t was in 2007 that Rev. Mark Anthony Ibekwe received the call to start a special ministry.

While many pastors usually mount the pulpit to sermonise on heaven, hell fire, tithes and offerings, Ibekwe says his call is to visit rural areas, providing inhabitants with medicine, clothes and other essentials.

He usually asks concerned Nigerians to donate to his ministry, so that he can buy those items.

Speaking with Sunday Telegraph, he describes his ministry as the Village Medical Outreach. He says its focus is primarily to help poor rural dwellers.

Ibekwe had actually wanted to be a regular pastor, starting a church and preaching the gospel, but God apparently had other plans for him.

He explained that since he started the medical outreach he has learnt a lot.

The 48-year-old cleric explained the rudiments of his ministry and how he sources for the medical experts who attend to the villagers.

According to him, whenever they get to any village, the first thing they do is to interact with the chiefs, without whose approval their mission would be in vain.

“But since I started this outreach, we’ve never been rejected or turned away from any village,” said Ibekwe.

Once he receives the nod of approval, he goes to the health centre in the area, sourcing for doctors and nurses. These specialists are usually paid some stipends after each outreach.

“One of the reasons we source for medical experts in each area is because we can’t speak the language of the people.

But the medical experts can speak the local languages. This enables the villagers to explain what ails them and makes us to know how they feel,” he stated.

The group usually treats general ailments, but whenever the doctors encounter life-threating diseases or illnesses, they refer the patients to general hospitals.

Ibekwe, who studied Religion at the University of Jos, Plateau State, says with a smile that he took up the ministry because, “I have a passion for it! You can’t do this sort of thing without God calling you. Before I went fully into it, I used to go on crusades and other outreaches for a very long time. It’s a way I can contribute my quota to the society. People may find it hard to believe, but the truth is that we most

Villagers during one of the medical outreaches in Easter Nigeria

Ibekwe

times, we fund this ministry from our pockets. The only supporter we have right now is Calvary Bible Church.”Before Ibekwe decided to go to the university to study Religion, he was already an ordained reverend, pastoring churches.

“I’ve been pastoring churches since 1987,” he noted.

The pastor, who was ordained at the Triumphing World Ministry, later went to the International Institute For Christian Studies in Kansas, United States for further studies.

Recollecting some of the rural places he had taken his message of health to, Ibekwe said: “I feel overwhelmed by the large number of sick people who turn out to receive medical attention. For instance, at Rakung Village of Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, where we held a free medical outreach, almost everyone

who attended had hepatitis.

“Our findings showed that this village and other surrounding ones were depending on an abandoned mining pond to bath, for irrigation, washing, drinking and other household uses. And of course, almost everyone had worm infections! They were given drugs, which can give them a temporary relief, but is that enough? Is there a way we can get more drugs that will tackle this and other specific illnesses?”

This was a rhetorical question, which the cleric expects Nigerians to answer. But suffice it to say that on that particular trip, the cleroc and his team went with 72,000 tablets of drugs, engaged the services of two midwives, one doctor, six nurses and 10 volunteer workers. No fewer than 2,480 people benefited from that outreach, he said. Still taking a walk down memory lane, Ibekwe remembered the journey to Umuchie Village, Ezinhitte Local Government Area of Imo State in 2007.

On that strip, his ministry went with 10,000 tablets of drugs. He engaged the services of three nurses and eight volunteer workers and about 600 sick people were said to have benefitted from the free medical service.

“We went with 10,000 tablets of 10 different types of drugs, a weight scale and blood pressure meter.

Before travelling to the village, the chief of the town, His Royal Highness S.O Uwaegbu, was contacted and he was very pleased. Out of the five villages that made up the town, one was chosen and divided into two parts. We concentrated on one part to avoid being overwhelmed by a large number of people on the few drugs we went with. This paid off as part of the village was

mobilised.

“The elders of the village gave their consent and two village criers went out about 8:30p.m and 5.30a.m, calling out to the people to come for free drugs and treatment.

We were able to get three nurses and eight volunteer workers to help out in dispensing drugs. At 4p.m, the villagers trooped out to the venue; old men and women, boys and girls, all ready to receive what we came with. “Uwaegbu graced the occasion and expressed his delight and commended us. He said such a thing had never happened in the town. During the one week we stayed in that village, we attended to the sick and the weak. Their weight and blood pressure were checked and drugs dispensed accordingly through the help of our medical personnel. We were able to dispense drugs to over 600 people free of charge. There was joy and appreciation in the hearts of everyone, as they gave thanks to God for coming to their aid, especially during the farming season,” he recalled.

Ibekwe admonished that though it’s not possible to meet all of mankind’s needs, each individual can start somewhere. He explained that Nigerians could start showing love and care to the needy, especially those in the rural areas - the poor, sick and infirm.

He said: “Diseases kill people in the villages not because there are no drugs, but because there are too many fake drugs. This makes their ailments resistant to drugs. In our outreach at Ezeagbogu, we discovered that almost everyone above 45 was suffering from arthritis. Malaria is a major killer disease in rural areas.

Every 30 seconds, a child dies of malaria. But the drugs for the treatment of this are readily available in the urban centres unlike the rural areas.”

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Faith

Match-making not for Christians – Adewale

What inspired this programme?

I have a calling for the family. I was in final year in campus when the Lord called me; that I should not go into accounting, which I was studying. That I should go into family ministry immediately after graduation.

Tell us more about the event.

This is Lagos Singles and Married Conference and it is the fourth edition. We call it ‘Season Four.’ We are going to syndicate it all around the cities in Nigeria.

Why is the ministry called singles and married?

The ministry is called Family Christian Ministry. Our focus is to boost anything that has to do with the family. That is why we focus on family health, wifehood, husbandhood, parenthood and anything that makes the family solid. That is our vision, that is our calling.

What is the relevance of Godly families to nation building?

Oh! If there is no family, there is no church.

If there is no family there is no nation. In fact, the Boko Haram issue we are having is traceable to the family. Several years ago I went to Katsina to minister to families.

Then I saw lots of Almajiris, boys aged five, six, seven, eight years and more sleeping on the streets begging. I knew then that this nation is sitting on a keg of gun powder.

When you give birth to a child and the child is two, three, four, five years and the child is there on the street, can you imagine what will happen? So, when there is no family, the nation is in danger. They are killing a lot of terrorists now in the North but we are not going to the root. The almajiris are still there. An average woman in the north will give birth to about seven or eight; and nobody is catering for them. If you kill one, seven are ready, 10 are ready. So, the family is the nation. The nation cannot stand without the family.

Are you saying that the integrity of the nation is determined by the family?

Yes. In fact, the nation is just a combination of the families that are in it. When you see a strong church, a strong nation, you are seeing strong families. When you are talking about the future, the future is not secure without the family. One of my concerns regarding the future of this nation stems from the realisation that our government is not yet ready to really wake up to have a definite plan for the family. Family ministries are not being celebrated. Teachings about the family are not given a pride of place in our curriculum. If I have my way, if I become the president of this nation, one of the first things I will do is to entrench teachings about the family at every level of our educational system. In those days when I was growing up in my village, they taught us civic education. Though it is not teaching about the family in the main, but it takes care of an aspect of it in the sense that civic education teaches about being a good citizen. I am told that civic education is no longer part of the curriculum. That is why an average person that is very successful does not know how to handle a wife and two children; yet he is controlling a conglomerate of 700 people under him. So, the nation should wake up, the church should wake up and every individual should wake up and do something about the family be-

At the just concluded Lagos Single and Married Conference, Founder of Family Life Ministry, Pastor Bisi Adewale, emphasised on the relevance of the family in society and other issues.

Adewale, who was joined by his wife, spoke with TAI ANYANWU I give glory to God. It’s been awesome, it’s been wonderful. The Bible says: “Except the Lord builds a house, they labour in vain they that build it.” When you stand on the pedestal of holiness, you enjoy the journey. It will so smooth because you have pitched your tent with somebody who knows the road. You will need to be looking for a road map because the owner of the road is by your side. So, it’s been awesome.

What is there for wives? How desperate should a wife be?

Mrs. Adewale: The time pressure in marriage is determined by the disposition of the wife in the house. The woman is very calm, patient, prayerful, of a good character, no matter the character of her man. Let him be a devil, you can still win him and you can go far. So I challenge every woman to go and bring out the best in you. You know the bee. The bee produces honey and it can sting too. So, let the wife be like the aspect of the bee that produces honey and you will enjoy your life.

cause the family is life.

When we talk of singles and married, what comes to the minds of many people is match-making. Can a good family come out of match-making?

I don’t believe in match-making. It has its own problems; even people that chose themselves still have problems, not talk of when you bring Taiye from London and Kehinde from Abeokuta and just join them together to get married. I have seen so many people in our office. Some have said that they met in one match-making unit. I discovered that boys are using the match-maker to rape girls. That is so serious. So, I don’t believe in match-making.

I believe in teaching people what to do. If one is really good, if one is very knowledgeable such will attract the right partner.

I wrote a book I titled ‘It’s my turn to get married: Forty-two ways to attract the right partners.’ Ordinary dressing of a young lady can push guys all around. When you are a young lady, you go to school and you want to marry a learned person but you always tie iro and buba (blouse and wrapper). That simple habit can make you lose out. Guys of nowadays do not want to see you in iro and buba, and that’s what you put on. We don’t believe in match-making.

We believe in allowing people to meet and you open your eyes and choose; not somebody sitting down, you fill a form and I fill a form and we match it together. That will be dangerous.

Fifteen years down the line, how has it been?

How can wives be better mothers to their children?

Mothers must endeavour to keep themselves in a better position to teach them; because what you don’t know is higher than you. You must make enough effort not to repeat the era of your own parents in raising your own children. You must go the extra mile to be a better mother. Be patient with them, come to their own level, and just be there for them. Be their confidante and you will enjoy your life.

CAN commends Kumuyi on crusades Tai Anyanwu

C

hairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria for Isolo, Ejigbo and Oshodi Province of Lagos, Dr. Peter Febusoro, has called on clerics to emulate the General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, by jointly hosting evangelical activities.

Fausoro, who said this would unify churches, gave the charge while commending the GS on the successful citywide crusades organised by the DCLM in conjunction with CAN and PFN. His words: “It was a well organised crusade. Everything was in order. Everybody that came there saw the presence of the Holy Spirit. I just think that such a thing could be coming up once in a while so that people can be revived.

“It will help to reshape the lives of people in the state because a lot of things have been happening in terms of criminal activities, immoral acts and other vices.

“The crusade could tackle these acts. Like Isolo, most people attended the crusade and I am sure that some people would have changed from their wayward ways of doing things and come to God. “The General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William F.

Kumuyi

Kumuyi, talked on so many things that touched the lives of the people. Even in that area where the crusade was organised in Isolo, they were many area boys there, whom the gospel would have changed their lives. In my own perception, the crusade was very good and everybody, who was present there, was touched.

“The crusade was organised by Deeper Christian Life Ministry in conjunction with CAN and PFN. I think other churches will

capitalise on it to achieve what the crusade was envisioned.

“That is why I said that I hope the crusade will hold regularly because it will build unity in Christendom. You know we, Christians, are not as united as adherents of the other religion. But with this crusade, we have seen unity. For me, it is a thing of joy,” he stressed.

According to the Chairman of Media and Publicity Committee, Lagos CityWide Crusade, Pastor Segun Babatope, the evangelical outreach recorded over 40,000 converts to the Christian faith, aside diverse miracles.

He said: “When Lagos City-Wide Crusade kicked off on September 8, not many people envisaged that the General Superintendent, at 74, would be able to go through the 18-day non-stop event, let alone travelling from one location to the other with all the stress involved. But he did, in what some participants described as a sacrifice for souls.

“In Ikorodu alone, over 4,682 people gave their lives to Christ, while in Badagry, over 5000 people received salvation.

In Epe, information revealed that about 4,000 people got converted, while in Agege over 1,500 people reconciled themselves with God.”

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Faith

Secret of victory Mystery ofAnxiety Bishop

John Ogbansiegbe

0803 341 6327

H

e devil from time to time monitors God’s people, listen to their discussions, and shows great interest in the obsessions, aspirations, ambitions and most important expectations. When he gets into their scale of preference, and succeeds in detecting their most important needs, he quickly identifies with it.

He delays it, frustrates it and hijacks it.

He will paint a horrible picture of impossibility around it.

He fights to discredit God towards you.

He uses frustration and delay tactics to convince you that God does not want to answer your prayers despite all you have done to receive an open heaven. He tries to convince you to believe that the many days of prayer and fasting, as well as the seeds of faith, tithes sacrifice and fat offering you have made were all in vain.

He shakes your faith, establishes fear, doubts and negative confessions. He will coarse you to regret all you have done for God, persuades you to blame your Pastor, stop you from going to church services, fellowships and Bible studies.

He will tense you up, raise your anxiety and blood pressure. At this point, he will convince you and coarse you to make an erroneous move in order to save you

from shame, and remedy or rescue the remains of the ruins, telling you that you are already a looser and that since you have lost everything, get up, move out and do this or that.

At this point, if you can be able to muster courage and speak to the devil or to that voice you are hearing from your heart and say thus “Thy will be done Oh Lord.” He devil will surely leave you alone and fly away, say it repeatedly to yourself as many times as possible until you are finally out of his negative pressure. Shortly afterwards, you will feel a high sense of relief and freedom, and at that point, the atmosphere will be very conducive for the Holy Spirit to take over the situation again and deliver your victory to you on a platter of gold.

This is the secret, it works. It might be the last straw that breaks the camel’s back.

Victory shall surely be yours in the name of Jesus Christ.

Grace for totally yielding to God Grace is the unmerited favour of God. o yield to anything or anybody means to surrender, resign to or relinquish. It means to concede and to submit. This is a state of compliance. In the context of this subject and in relation to the will of God, one is said o have yielded to the will of God, when that person obeys he laws, instructions, directives and commandments enshrined in the word of God through the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

A life led, coordinated and directed by the Holy Spirit could be convincingly said to have yielded to the Lord Jesus Christ.

The word of God said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness and all these things will be added

A life led, coordinated and directed by the Holy Spirit could be convincingly said to have yielded to the Lord Jesus Christ unto you – Matthew 6:33. When you yield yourself to the will of God and to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, He will order your footsteps and guide you to all truth, where you shall be far from spiritual error, shame and failure. When you yield to the will of God, you have resigned from your own self and human wisdom. If it is not so, there shall surely be a clash of wills, which will also be tantamount to disobedience to God. Just as marriage is for better for worse, when you yield to the Lord Jesus Christ, you have yielded to both the known and the unknown. The triune God presumes that you have also yielded to whatever things, incidentally to following His leadership. You have yielded to the known and the unknown.

May I state categorically without contradiction, that God blesses every action done in absolute obedience to His will?

God hates disobedience to His will and sees such actions as opposition and rebellion. God comes down from heaven to deal with rebels with righteous indignation, just as He did to Miriam, Korah, Dathan, Cizeria, Absolom, Ananias and Saphira.

For you to yield yourself to the will of God, you must be determined. This is because there are many enemies to

the will of God. he regalia of mortality covering every soul does not make it easy, conducive and convenient for man to do the will of God on earth, as it is done in heaven, but with an aggressive determination, you can do it and remain in it. It is only in the will of God that the grace of God will be sufficient for you.

Outside the will of God, man will surely suffer the scarcity and insufficiency of God’s grace. Indeed, the will of God will be available for you, preserve, protect and provide for you where the will of God has kept you. To this end therefore the word of God declares: “I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not be conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, acceptable, perfect will of God” – Romans 12:1-2.

The grace of totally yielding to God will enable you to make yourself more available to the service of God and humanity and therefore perpetually reap the consequential fruit thereof. Total yielding to God also means giving yourself to the Lord without reservation in everything.

His is the divine presumption and supposition for every true believer and follower of our Lord Jesus Christ. May his race be upon you from this moment and may you do great exploits for our Lord Jesus Christ through the leadership of the Holy Spirit. May your inner eyes and ears be spiritually sensitive at all times always to hear, see, perceive and obey directives of the Holy Ghost in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Away from religion to salvation the of

Oracles God

Frank Oboden Olomukoro frankolomukoro@yahoo.com

0703 362 1866

J

esus Christ is our salvation and not religion. I believe in an old fashion God. I believe in a religion that will clean you up and make you a different person, make you look like you ought to be, Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of the faith of eternal life and the kingdom of God. I certainly do not accept ministers using extra religious powers in the pretext of being the name of Jesus Christ.

That is religion. It can never be Jesus Plus.

The use of mystic powers,cultic powers, through rings in hands and the waist line is nothing but satanic powers – religion. I don’t care about your denomination and what the world thinks, but to enter into Jesus Christ, the hidden manna where the full revelation of God makes love perfect in your heart, and you and God and everything else is at rest.

Have you ever come to the place in life where Christ meant more to you than all the arguing you could do about your church? Has Christ meant more to you than all the world? That something’s settled in your heart and your motive is to serve Jesus? And you cannot see nothing else. Your whole motive is to do the will of God. What a place to live. That’s the place where God reveals His secret things. That place is only in Christ Jesus.

Salvation is a person (religion Is an

Organized System)!

Religion pretends to exalt God but regards and mock Jesus Christ, the mediator between God and man. The story of the man born blind is illustrative of this problem. “They brought him who formerly was blind to the Pharisees (Religious Leaders). Then the Pharisees also ask him how he had received his sight, He said to them “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed and I see. Therefore, some of the Pharisees said, this man is not from God…. “So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, “Give God the glory! We know that this man is a sinner.” He answered and said, whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know that though I was blind, now I see. Since the world began it has been unheard that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. If this man were not from God he could do anything. They answered and said to him, you were completely born in sin, and are you teaching us? And they cast him out.

God don’t work through an organized group, He works through a person (Prophet, Apostle, Evangelist, Teacher, Shepherd) to deliver His pointed message to the people.

Jesus heard that they had cast him out and when he had found him, he said to him, do you believe in the Son of God? He answered and said, who is the Lord that I may believe in Him? And Jesus said to him, you have both seen him and it is He who is talking with you, then he said, Lord I believe! And he worshipped Him. (John 9:38) “Whosoever denies the son does not have the father either, he who acknowledged the son has the father also”. (1 John 2:23) True Faith Focuses On Jesus Christ!

Have you ever come to the place in life where Christ meant more to you than all the arguing you could do about your church?

The man born blind said, Lord, I believe!

And he worshipped Him. (John 9:38). If Jesus is worshipped even as a child by the wise men, and he was worshipped by devils and the disciples, it follows that He is the Jehovah of the Old Testament in human form (EMMANUEL) as Jesus Christ.

He is the focus of salvation. The author and finisher of our faith. For the purpose of the salvation of mankind by the only possible means of Blood atonement, Jehovah, the eternal Spirit (John 4:24) took on flesh and appeared in the form of a human being called Emmanuel, God with us. God was manifested in the flesh. Paul said it is the great mystery of godliness.

We cannot reason it out humanly because it is one of God’s mysteries. He alone can reveal it to you.

How you can walk into slavation!

Salvation is the heart-deep cry of every human soul. Religion is indoctrination passed on to us by organized religious sects. It is not life giving because they have only pocket truth? But Jesus is the whole truth.

The great teaching of Jesus to Nicodemus in John 3:1-7 is very clear on how to become born again.”Jesus answered, most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Do not marvel that I say to you. You must be

born again “(John 3:57) “He who believe and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). This is the reason for the baptism of all converts in water when Christianity started, before the opportunity to attend church services to embrace the Apostles doctrines (Acts 2:37-42). The preacher performs the water baptism while Jesus Christ bestows the Holy Spirit baptism.

(Matt 3:11, Acts 2:14-18, Acts 5:32, and Acts 8:12-17). It is misleading to claim to be born again when one has not passed through to correct pattern of water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The early Christian practiced water baptism in its simplicity and originality in all the churches of the saints then.

The church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:37-42) The converts in Samaria. (Acts 8:12-17): The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:35-40): The converts in Damascus (Acts 9:17-20, 22:12-16): The converts in Caesarea (Acts 10:4448): The converts in Philippi, Macedonia (Acts 16:25-33) The converts in the church in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-7, Ephesians 4:5): The church in Rome (Rom. 6:3-7) The church in Corinth (I Corinthians.

1:13-15).

The church in Galatia (Gal. 3:26-29): The church in Colose (Colossian 2:8-12).

Contend earnestly for the faith which was once and for all delivered to the saints. Jude 3. Indeed everyone needs salvation, not religion. Neither is there salvation in any other (Person or organized religion): for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

If you believe in Jesus Christ with all your heart you can be properly baptized forthwith.

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Faith

The family synod and rosary victories Firm Faith:

Right Reason Most Rev.

Emmanuel A. Badejo fradebadejo@yahoo.

0803 949 4219 (SMS only)

Reassuring Coincidence The Synod of Bishops on the Family opened in the Vatican on Sunday, 4th October, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the saint of cosmic harmony and peace.

At the opening Mass Pope Francis, who has engendered extraordinary excitement even beyond the Church about the affinity between creation and humanity through a fresh expression of the rich teachings of the Catholic Church reemphasized the divine origin of the family. Few people would deny any interest in what the Catholic Church teaches in times as these. Well, over a billion of the world’s 7 billion people are Catholics.

The Synod on the Family has generated positive and negative interest the world over, for different reasons. The Church therefore assembles Bishops, observers, families and experts of various walks of life in the Vatican to help articulate her teachings and belief on the family while considering current challenges and ideologies. During several months preparatory to the Synod, issues which are accessory to the family relationship had been pushed discussed and highlighted. Among these are gay culture issues, birth control, the readmission of divorced and remarried Catholics to the Eucharist and even the ordination of

women as deacons in the Church. Even groups which are completely opposed to the Church have attempted to impose their views and interests on the Synod.

In short, as one foreign journalist put it in her evaluation just days before the Synod, “we have a battle on our hands”.

Starting such a Synod on the feast day of Francis, the Saint of cosmic harmony and peace, presided over by Pope Francis, can only be a reassuring coincidence that the Francis spirit of harmony and peace will accompany the proceedings of the sacred exercise.

The Church in Africa The Synod of Bishops is the Pope’s instrument of universal collaboration and consensus on issues of great importance for the universal Church. Because of its great influence on the Church’s faith, practice and culture, every segment of the Church understandably strives to register its experience and opinion. The prevalent view however is that the voice of the Catholic Church in Africa is generally subdued in Synod proceedings.

Many believe that this is the case this time as well. I, however disagree. This time African Bishops, and by implication the African Church, have done much more to place the faith and cultural experience and perspectives of African peoples in clear relief not only for the Synod but for the entire world to savour and adopt. Through several meetings and consultations, the activities of Prolife and Pro-family groups and sympathetic media organizations, Africans have eloquently established that the continent is ready to step forward and offer the world her rich appreciation of family life and the treasure of the African respect

The prevalent view however is that the voice of the Catholic Church in Africa is generally subdued in Synod proceedings. Many believe that this is the case this time as well. I, however disagree for humanity at every stage of life. They are resolute that Africa should lead at the Synod to develop a fresh, unique but nonetheless humane approach to marriage and family life which will enhance and protect human rights and dignity.

Given the pressure from Western countries to compromise long-held, pro-life values and to promote anti-children, gay and homosexual lifestyles in contrast to the African traditional view of marriage and family, one could say the Synod really does have a battle to fight.

The Rosary ensures Victory Such a “battle” in the Synod should not cause despair or distress for the Synod itself is an activity of faith. Not to be ignored is this happy coincidence of faith that the celebration of the feast of the Holy Rosary occurred within the first week of the beginning of the Synod.

The great victory of Lepanto in the 16th century, reputed to have saved Christian civilization from the invading Turks of the time, was ascribed to the Holy Rosary, to which the people of the time had recourse. It was to gratefully commemorate the role of Mary, the mother of God and the rosary in that victory that Pope Pius V instituted the feast, celebrated on October 7 every year. The rosary actually originated through a revelation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Dominic, founder of

the Order of Preachers in the 13th century and was popularized by a member of the order, Alan de la Roche. Pope Leo X then declared October the month of the rosary. Rosary mysteries are based on the Holy Scriptures and on episodes of the life of Jesus Christ and his mother. The victory of Lepanto through the praying of the rosary has indeed not been a oneoff experience in the Church. Validated testimonies abound about personal and social battles which have been won by popular recourse to those prayers. They draw people to the power of God who, in the words of Mary herself “casts the mighty from their thrones and raises the lowly”.

Do not let your hearts be troubled Therefore, while challenging and even worrying news already emanating from the assembly in the Vatican and its implication for the Church may bring some anxiety to the faithful, the history of the Church that has been guided and sustained through the good, the bad and the ugly times must engender trust in her Lord. It must merely challenge God’s people to pray more for help from above, trusting in Jesus who said: “I shall not leave you orphans” (Jn. 14:1). The rosary must be the ideal prayer for the Synod on the family because of another reason.

Mary and her own family had to contend with the power and aggression of Herod in her time. Notwithstanding the gross imbalance between the King and the simple Holy Family, God’s prevailed.

Fervent prayers for the influence of the Holy Spirit, especially through the Holy Rosary of the Virgin Mary, this month October will surely secure a positive outcome to the Synod.

Your first day on earth Insight Rev.

Femi Akinola

www.thehebrewsng.com

01-790 3163; 0808 584 5864

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an that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” Job 14:1 The day you are born marks the end of gestation in your mother’s womb. It is also the day that marks your arrival on planet earth. Suffice to say that your advent on earth carries along with it numerous mysteries, both positive and negative, all of which are largely dependent on the events or transactions that transpired on that day. The word of God categorically points out the vulnerability of this day thus: “Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place” Job 38:12.

In your quest to get answers to difficult puzzles in your life, this subject must remain second to none because a great deal of those unusual circumstances attached to your life is traceable to this day in question.

The day you are born marks your first contact with either angels of God or agents of darkness (both man and demons), depending on the circumstances surrounding your birth, your parents’ belief, deity, among other things. It is a day that is characterised by goodness or

marked with wickedness. It is your first contact with oxygen, water and humans.

It is a day in which you become enlisted in the battlefield of life and your contact with various powers (which are mostly evil) in the maternity ward. Various transactions take place, either Godly or satanic, the end result of which will either become a platform of glory for you or make you a casualty of lost glory.

This is why parents must take adequate care as regards where they give birth to their children. Hospitals are not even left out in these as many of them are either owned by satanic agents or have been taken over by them.

There is a confession of a midwife which further buttresses this truth.

According to her, of every delivery she does, she has an obligation to curse and tamper with the life of the newborn, of course without the knowledge of the mother. With her demonic tongue, she programmes bewitchment, frustration, stagnation, failure and so many other ills into the lives of these defenceless children. What a wicked world we live in!

Can you retrospect and possibly provide answers to the following questions?

• Where were you given birth to?

• What happened to the first water with which you were bathed?

• What were the utterances made by your parents and other people around when you were given birth to?

• Where and how was your placenta disposed? Also, who disposed it?

• Were you born on a festive day?

• What kind of hands carried you?

Were they spiritually clean or demonic hands?

All these are pointers to the foundation

Whatever pronouncement made on the day of your birth goes into your future as a programme waiting for the right time to manifest that was laid in your life when you were born. If in anyway, your day has been visited for evil, I pray that the God of all days, the Ancient of Days, will go right now and reverse it for good in the name of Jesus.

In essence, if your day has been visited you will personally discover or observe that the following will be the order of the day in your life: bewitchment, frustration, stagnation, failure, barrenness, delay, breakdown at the point of breakthrough, disappointment, rejection, untold hardship and suffering, to mention a few. But God is revisiting that day, and your story is changing again for good in the name of Jesus.

You need to speak into that day to correct and reverse any satanic pollution wrestling with your destiny. If the wicked has ruined your destiny on the day you were born, the power of God will deliver you in Jesus name. Whatever woe or misfortune you have been enrolled into is traceable to the transaction which ensued and this you must deal with so as to reclaim your lost glory. Anyone who has tampered with your day, the Lord will not spare them in Jesus name.

Whatever pronouncement made on the day of your birth goes into your future as a programme waiting for the right time to manifest. If satanic decrees or utter-

ances were made at your birth, they are being recorded and kept in archives waiting for the day of manifestation. It is now left to you to take the bull by the horn and reverse this trend.

“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matt. 11:12.

Until you reverse the trend, you will lead a miserable life and the fulfillment of your destiny becomes an illusion. For you to be able to alter whatever has been projected into your life, certain things must be in place: • You must first genuinely give your life to Christ.

• You also must make enquiries about the transactions that took place at your birth.

• After which you engage in warfare prayers with fasting.

• Serve God in any and every capacity.

• You need to raise an altar to combat satanic transactions that have taken place when you were born.

• Sacrifice your way to victory Your day shall surely be revisited by your Maker in Jesus name.

PRAYER POINTS • Every satanic transaction associated with the day I was born, be reversed today by the blood of Jesus.

• Merchants of darkness targeting my glory, go into exile of no return • Evil association formed to cage my star, scatter today by fire!

• Ancient of days, visit the day I was born and collect back my stolen virtue!

• Power of the Living God, scatter to pieces every personality monitoring my glory for evil

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Faith

A lesson in commitment (2) Wisdom of God’s Word

Pastor Nnadiaso Promise Jomo

Email: info@wisogc.org

+2347044799358/08146353090 (SMS only)

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oday, we shall proceed with our study on Commitment within the context of ‘seeing and acting on what you believe in.’ Last Sunday, we read that when people saw the blind at the beautiful gate, after he was healed, they marveled and asked: Is this not the man was blind from birth.

Some replied saying no he is not. But the man shocked them when he answered in affirmative. He had reminded them that they used to see him as nobody, but pointed out that God had chosen to remember him and healed him.

A man that is committed doesn’t count protocols; even when the blind man was healed, he didn’t know who Jesus was. His implies that the man was an unbeliever yet Jesus healed him. Jesus broke all protocols to put things in order.

A man that is committed never thinks or takes any excuses. He does what is right.

A committed man doesn’t wait for any direction before he starts working.

Being committed in your vision When we talk about vision we also talk about revelation. Revelation means revealing the vision. A man without vision can’t have a revelation. It is as a result of the word “tarry” that revelation comes. Vision means power of seeing with eye sight, divination and foreknowledge. Divination here means practice of foretelling the future through supernatural means. Foreknowledge means an advanced knowledge. Vision is talking about which you have for tomorrow.

One of the reasons why many people cannot do well on earth is because they have no vision. The question is what is your vision in life? A man without vision drives purpose. You need to prepare for your future because the future you didn’t prepare for will meet you with surprised.

Imagine an old man who works as a gate man for a young boy of 25-30 years.

That is because the man failed to prepare for his future, he eventually ended up as a gate keeper. Some people know the importance of preparing for their future while others took it for granted and the future met the unprepared. If you invest today and pay the necessary sacrifice, you will live to enjoy in future.

But those who eat up every kobo they make and fail to invest for future will end up as future beggars. The future we

You can keep an old friend if he has the same vision with you.

Better for your future; there is nothing you can do about your family background; but you can’t choose who you want to keep as friend are talking about is that time that you no longer have the strength to work. You still have the right to enjoy what you are enjoying now, because of loyalty of friends, some people have been hindered. Every one that lives in the past will end up being a failure.

You can keep an old friend if he has the same vision with you. Better for your future; there is nothing you can do about your family background; but you can’t choose who you want to keep as friend.

People say “show me your friend and I will tell you where you are going to” the way you see your future, determine the kind of friends you keep around. Everybody on earth has a purpose why God sent them here on earth. Jeremiah 1:4-11, Isaiah 45:1-2, Isaiah 61:1-3.

In the book of Jeremiah 1:4-11, God was telling Jeremiah to go and do his work but Jeremiah gave God excuses saying

that he was too small to do that kind of work. Jeremiah was saying so because he had no vision. God him “What do you see? God asked that question because what you can see becomes your vision and dream.

And Jeremiah said, “I see an Almond tree;” meaning the flower that spring fort in the holy land very early in January.

What Jeremiah said is that he was seen himself as the best that will spring fort early in Israel. Almond is also a word in Hebrew called Raka meaning the first fruit in the year. Isaiah 61:1-3, talks about Jesus and his vision. When God produce visions He keeps it in the heart of a man and the man began to see it with his mind’s eyes. Setting the captivity free is one of the visions of Jesus. That is why he healed the blind man. John 9:4, Jesus said I must work the work of he that sent me.

What is your own vision as a person?

What can you see? There is something in you; if only you can see it and begin to work on it. It’s your responsibility as parents for you to invest in your children.

A man that leaves no inheritance for his children is a wicked man; and the worst man on earth. Vision will make you see your tomorrow and begin to invest in that your tomorrow. Every man’s office announces him. When you get your vision then takes you to year office and your office announce you. Eph. 4:11-12. I Corinth. 12:2.

Soul tie, weapon to ruin humanity Hour of Deliverance Pastor Isaac Adelugba xxxxxx

08058023548

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here was this educated girl, who was a priestess in satanic kingdom. She was in a relationship with an automobile mechanic; and every effort to break their relationship failed.

Incidentally, it was a case of ungodly soul tie. An ungodly soul ties is established when someone is banded to another for evil purpose, satanic desire, manipulation or abuse. An evil soul tie can make the husband to degenerate into sleeping with his housemaid.

Evil soul tied can happen between blood relations such as father and daughter, mother and her son, or sister and brother. There was a case of a brother, who was soul-tied to her elder sister. The consequence was so severe that only his elder dictated how what must happen in his home, until she broke the brother marriage. Some men are soul-tied to their mothers that they sleep with them their mothers at the expense of their wives. This is abnormal and satanic.

People can also enter into soul tied with people they live with, as cotenants, on same street, estate or community. Soul ties also exist among people who work in the same offices or companies, business partners or clients, and customers, or agents.

Evil soul tie can be contacted through people we associate with at meetings, give lift inside the cars, on the internet, facebook, youtube, television, newspapers, and blackberry.

A lot of people in satanic churches have soul ties with their prophets and pastors and people whose leadership they submit to. Many years after they had left, they continue to see themselves in dreams, inside the church.

Institutional soul tied with one’s office,

schools, and assets causes many people that got entangled to keep seeing themselves in former schools and offices. A person can be soul tied to family idols, water spirits, witches, wizards, occultic groups.

Soul ties places people in emotional and mental bondage. Soul tie is invisible spiritual chains that bind and tie personalities together and must be broken in the name of Jesus.

Our relationship must be in divine order.

If a person who is soul-tied to his parents fails to break the entanglement before he marries, marital conflict may ruin his matrimonial home. Married people should have healthy relationship their parents. However, stronger ties with one’s spouse must be allowed to grow while other relationships must now have a lesser allegiance and influence.

God demands the first place in our hearts; our spouses are to be second. Our strongest soul tie should be God and this gives us divine cover and protection. A soul tie is a form of “cleaving” which means to bring close together, follow close, be attached, and to stick to one another.

By the covenant of fellowship and salvation, God wants us to be tied to him.

“Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name”- Deuter.

10:20 Indications of soul ties • If there is an evil person you cannot break away from. It is an indication of evil soul tie.

• When you break off, see yourself reuniting again. It shows evil soul tie and covenant.

• Lots of people are working in demonic companies, where owners are occultic; and they find it difficult to quit.

• Some people have soul tie with evil spirits like spirit of poverty, backwardness, failure at the edge of miracles.

• If you have slept with a harlot, you are soul-tied to the harlot.

• One of the highest types of soul tie is that of marriage relationship as the two people are knit together in realm of the

Sexual soul tie is an evil tentacle that is always very difficult to break. Promiscuous men and women are not themselves because they are human agents of Satan soul- Genesis 2:24.

Sexual snares The most dreadful form of soul ties is rooted in sexual acts resulting in sexual snares. It is so powerful that it can take the best from each other. Sexual soul ties can also absorb the worst evil from another person. .

In sexual union, the intermingled cords of each other’s souls cannot be separated.

It is spirit-to spirit, soul to soul and body to body. Through fornication, adultery, immorality and sexual perversion like lesbianism, homosexualism, sex in the dreams, satanic soul ties can be formed - Genesis 34:1-3, 8. After Shechem raped Dinah, he became soulishly tied to her and his soul longer for her hence Hamar, the father of Shechem contacted Jacob, the father of Dinah.

Sexual soul tie is an evil tentacle that is always very difficult to break. Promiscuous men and women are not themselves because they are human agents of Satan.

They are Satan’s weapons to inflict pollution, defilement, stagnancy, failure at the edge of miracles, low spiritual growth and development on God’s creation. Sexual soul ties can lead to bondage, enslavement, financial collapse, everlasting bachelorhood and spinsterhood. Husbands and wives are supposed to be continual fountain through which the other is satisfied, it is astern that must not be shared with others.

Proverbs 5:15, 17-19 “ Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.

Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as

the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.”

When husband or wife cuts off the fountain of sexual satisfaction it leads to temptation to commit adultery which results in evil soul tie - 1 Corinthians 7:5.

Casual sex can lead to soul ties that bind a person for life. The first man that has sexual relations with a lady can take dominion over her for good or evil. That is why a lot of brothers or sisters will need to sit down, write the names of girls or men that had slept with them and pray and break every soul tie with any lady they had slept with before some of them can move forward in life.

A lot of marriages are in troubles due to evil soul ties. Village priests sleep with some people. A lady in evil soul tie with a man will be insulted and badly treated yet she is helplessly enslaved to him.

Scattered souls Through fornication and promiscuity, the souls of many people have been scattered and fragmented among all their sexual partners such people will have their thoughts and emotions drawn to all these past lovers - Proverbs 6:27.

People with scattered souls have weak character and evil spirits push them into multiple relationships. Scattered soul causes fantasies, weak wills, and minds Proverb 6:32 Evil spirits such as lust for power and wealth, greed, unfaithfulness and many other demons can be transferred from one person to another through sexual soul ties.

Business and financial collapse, infirmity, disease and body damage can be the end products of this evil transference.

Sex witchcraft A lot of people have been initiates into witchcraft kingdom through sex. Careless sexual life has turned so many people to blind witches and wizards. All prostitutes are witches.

Join our insightful fellowships on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, at THE BUKHA, Plot 268, Muri Okuola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

The power of the spoken word Taming your Emotions Bishop

Lawrence Osagie 0806 325 0667 www.powerlineministriesinc.org mail:powerlineministries@mail.com

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nd the Lord said unto Moses, see, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh; and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.

Thou shall speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.

But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, from among them. And the Egyptian shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them. And Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded them, so did they – Exodus7:1-6.

When God says “see,” he means move your eyes from the mountains that are before you and see beyond your circumstances. If you can see God before your trials and tribulations; they become your triumph in life. No matter how long a

particular mountain has stood in your way, don’t be bothered about it because there is a power within you that is superior to the power in any mountain.

If you are a god to a mountain, it obeys you.

Moses was a god unto Pharaoh; he was ordained a god by the most High God. Until you begin to see yourself the way God sees you, overcoming any mountain is impossible. God uses the circumstances of life to make you what he wants you to be. The making of Moses did not start overnight; it was a process that took place over a period of time; God was preparing him to be able to confront his confrontation. You are available in God’s sight. See yourself the way God sees you.

“And the earth was without form, and void: and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters and God said let there be light” – Genesis 1:2.

God is a speaking God. The earth being without form was the mountain God was facing at that point in time and He said, “Let there be light.” God used His spoken word to wipe away the mountain of darkness and confusion. When He destroyed the mountain, He began to speak His desires and intensions.

He Spirit of God is still moving.

Whatever you say, the spirit uses it to recreate your environment and your life.

The Spirit of God uses the words of your mouth to create the miracle you desire.

The power of the spoken word is not what anybody else says but what you

Don’t keep quiet when your enemy speaks; the word of God in David’s mouth sustained him and gave him victory. Develop yourself spiritually. Christians are long distance runners; the devil can’t wear us out; we must outrun him say. You have the final say concerning your life and destiny. Nobody’s word is as important as yours in the affairs of your life. As God spoke light concerning the earth so should you also speak light concerning every area of your life.

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

So that we may boldly say; the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” – Hebrew 13:5-6.

Learn declare boldly. Fear is a tormentor; declare the word of God over your life; it is your weapon as a child of God. Don’t let the word of God be far from your mouth; declare it at every point in time.

“Heaven and earth will pass away: but my word shall not pass away” – Mark 13:31. Nothing can destroy the word of God. It is indestructible. It works whenever it is planted. A seed in farmer’s bag is useless if it is not planted. What use is the4 word of God if not spoken through your mouth? The word of God works

whenever it is planted. The word of God should be spoken and used in circumstances concerning your life. What use is the bullet in a gun if you won’t pull the trigger? The word of God that is never spoken through your mouth in time of need will never deliver the victory. Load yourself with the word of God. I you are not loaded with thee word of od you will be run over. Anything is possible with the power of the spoken word.

“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of God is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the Lord? Or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by my arms” – Psalm 18:30-34. The word of God is tried and tested. Nobody goes to the battle field with ammunition that haven’t been used and tested. David went ahead to fight Goliath with his own weapon that he was sure of. It was a war of words. Don’t keep quiet when your enemy speaks; the word of God in David’s mouth sustained him and gave him victory.

Develop yourself spiritually. Christians are long distance runners; the devil can’t wear us out; we must outrun him. *If this message has blessed you, please join us at the powerline Bible Church Glass House, Ijesha Tedo,along Mile Two Oshodi expressway, Lagos for more.

Only foolish people die of juju Word of Life

Bishop

Moses Kattey

moseskattey@yahoo.co.uk

0808 770 7486

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hese are last days. God is doing all that is required to set people free. He is using both conventional and unconventional methods to set people free – this is the only way your Pharaoh can let you go free. I pray God use any method to set me free in Jesus Name. I do not prescribe to God the method He should use to set people or me free. If He decides to do what He did in Egypt, punishing them just to set His inheritance free, let Him go ahead and set me free. I want my own freedom. If God decides to turn all the water in a particular family into blood just for the family to release and set you free, will you not accept it? Whatever God decides to do in order to set people free, I accept it: If God decides to rain fire on your enemies that have tortured you so that they can release you and set you free, will you not accept it?

Whatever God decides to do in order to set people free, I accept. Do you accept? I want to be free at all cost. If God decides to bless the people troubling you in order to set you free, will you not accept it?

If God has therefore decided to allow human spirit to manifest these last days in order to set people completely free, I am happy. You see, people no longer go to juju houses or native doctors to find out who is responsible for their problems. They come for Deliverance

and get from God more than what any native doctor can give to them. Underline this word. Anybody killed by juju or demons now is a foolish person. That person does not know the way. Do not bury normally any person who dies of poison by native doctors, witches, or juju etc. That person is a foolish person lying-in-state. Tell somebody that you are going to see a foolish person who died. Only foolish people die of juju these days. Go for Deliverance and be free. Whether demons manifest or human spirit manifest, go ahead with the Deliverance and set yourself and others free.

You must however keep it to yourself the person that appeared, that is, the human being that appeared. This is because there is no way you can prove in the court for accusing somebody. The most important thing is that you are free, not who is responsible.

Manifestation of Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ or God the Father I have experienced this many times, that in response to the question who are you troubling this person? A voice sometimes spoke I am the Almighty God, I could have killed you now but because I have vowed to be gently in this place. At the first time I had that experience, the voice came through the person I was ministering to. I rejected it and said that the devil was impersonating, but soon I discovered that the voice was God’s and that the man was a backslider. God said he blocked the way.

There was no demons or human being involved. If the man could only come back to Him, he would be free. That was all. He became free as he came back to God. In another case, such a voice was heard through a man I was ministering to. I also discovered that he was

If God has therefore decided to allow human spirit to manifest these last days in order to set people completely free, I am happy. You see, people no longer go to juju houses or native doctors to find out who is responsible for their problems

a backslider. He settled with God at that time and the wife started giving birth. When a woman marries a man and packs out of the man’s house after some years, such woman is telling the world that her husband was a bad man.

She is also telling other women that she packed because he is a bad man and no woman should go to be his wife.

He does not know how to live with a wife. That is the clear message. When you backslide from God, you are telling all those who know you that God is a bad God, that He is not faithful to His word, not caring, not helpful, not fit to be worshipped or served. If God were true to His word, able to deliver, able to satisfy, worthy to be worshipped, caring, merciful and a good God, will you backslide? More so when a backslider has a problem after proclaiming God a liar, unfaithful, a bad God, unable to help, and the backslider comes to church to ask for prayers – is he not contradicting himself? If you were God, what will you do?

Whenever a house girl and house boy leaves the place he/she is serving, in most cases they say all sorts of bad

things against the Madam – how she starves him/her, flogs, abuses, etc. The madam is always portrayed to be a tyrant and worst woman on earth. They praise the Sir, but the madam is rotten.

They may greet the Sir on the road but for the madam, no greeting for her. If the former house girl/boy wants to ask anything from the madam would he/ she not first apologize to the madam before demanding for anything? If Sir helps the former house-help without the knowledge of madam, it means that Sir believer what the house-help said about the wife, the madam. In most cases God manifests during Deliverance when a backslider is being ministered to. No backslider is entitled to deliverance unless he/she comes back to God. The only way you can portray that God is, after all, not bad again is by coming back to Him. When a backslider comes back to God, the message about the gospel and nature of God is made very clear – that God is the best God. If God is responsible for the problem it is worse because none can reverse it. ……I act and who can reverse it?

(Num. 23:19:20) If the demon manifests or human spirit and refuses to reverse, just ask the Holy Spirit to take over and reverse and it will be perfectly done. If God is responsible and refuses to reverse who on earth will reverse and set you free? If your parents or Elders in your community come together and poor libation against you and they refuse to reverse during deliverance, the Holy Spirit does it perfectly and you will be free. If, however, God curses you and blocks your way because of sin, and He refuses to reverse, who can do it for you? Reconcile with God and He will take care of your deliverance and set you completely free.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015

Faith

21 strategies to overcome marital delay Relationships Rev. Solomon Ojigiri sowoojigiri@yahoo.com. everwining@wining.com.

08059203554/08023997277

Introduction We deeply appreciate all the readers of this column and we encourage you to keep sending your questions, observations and prayer request. For the past few weeks we have been examining this subject and thus far we have examined six out of the twenty one strategies and today we shall consider the seventh one which is Diligence or Hardwork 7) Be diligent In elementary science it is said that every object assumes a position of rest until an external force is applied on it. So nothing moves until you move it, nothing works until you work. A lazy man has no business looking for a partner or a help mete for him because God will not give you a woman to help you to sleep more and loaf around aimlessly without a sense of mission or purpose for living. It is not enough to know God’s purpose for your life, it is very important that you put everything you have into what you believe God has called you to do. You cannot afford to remain passive and docile and expect success in life, give your life a sense of purpose. Become dogged about your pursuit. The proof of desire is in the pursuit of it, God has given you a dream so go out and work it out.

Pro14:23 says “In every labour there is profit, but the

talks of lips shall lead only to penury”.

Enough of boastings and bragging, it is time to act, Smith Wigglesworth said there will never be the Acts of Apostles if the Apostles had refused to act. It is time to do those things you have been promising to do. one action is better than a hundred intention.

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (Prov 22:29).

Please understand that where you stand in life is not a function of who you know or who is willing or unwilling to help you, but your attitude towards your work.

Whether you work for people or you work on your own. So many are just roaming on the streets and living as liabilities and they wonder why nobody is interested in marrying them. The issue is that nobody wants to marry a liability. People are more economic minded these days, everybody knows that someone who does not know the dignity of labour will not know the value of money or how to manage little resources. If you do not know the pain of hard work you will never know how to manage the money. If you refuse to face the pain of hardwork you will face the pain of regrets.

Do your best to avoid laziness. The Bible says “Whatever thine hand find to do, do it with all your might” (Eccl. 9:10). You do not have to wait for a particular job or a particular company to employ you. Do your best to avoid vacuum. Do something right now with whatever you have. Stop complaining about what you do not have; what you have is all you need to breakthrough out of that predicament you are in right now. Think of the gifts, talents or the divine endowments God has deposited into your life so that you will not end up

Many youths are merely living as parasites; depending on relations, parents or friends.

It will interest you to note that I stopped depending on my parents from age 18 your life in regrets or servitude. So many people wished Adam and Eve had not fell in the Garden of Eden so they won’t need to work, but the fact is that Adam and Eve were already given a job before the fall (Gen. 2:19-20). God instructed them to name all the animals that were created and God put him in the garden “To tend and keep it” (Gen. 2:15). Work, therefore, precedes marriage. Work precedes the fall of man. As a man you need to know that no one will be interested in you if you cannot feed the family and pay the bills. Even if you are a lady, no man is looking for a liability.

Many youths are merely living as parasites; depending on relations, parents or friends. It will interest you to note that I stopped depending on my parents from age 18. I started living alone, feeding and clothing and paying school fees by myself.

Many are in their thirties, yet eating their parents’ food and because they do not have any shame they still grumble and complain over the meat they put or did not put on top of their meals. When will you stop blaming others for your predicament? When will you find something to do and stop depending on people? It is time to think of profitable things you can now do with your life instead of loafing around with your certificates. Use your brain to

create a future for yourself get an idea and act on it, idea rules the world; we live in a land of opportunities, to die as a liability is an abuse of redemption; to die as a pauper is your personal choice. If you refuse to accept responsibility you will die as a liability.

There are things you must fight if you must be diligent. You must fight indiscipline, which leads to unnecessary visitation, watching television for several hours, careless talking or jesting and even too much sleeping (Prov. 6:6-11). Stop wasting your precious time on Nollywood. You have to solve job problem before you think of marriage or else you will be in trouble.

You need money to enhance your relationship, you need money to raise your family, you need money to even get married. You cannot afford to have your parents pay for your wedding and feed you after the wedding or else your wife will be a family wife and you will have your parents pushing you around. You must become a responsible man, step out and work, refuse to die as a liability because of your gender.

Whatever your gender you must fight idleness with hard work. No matter how old you may be you are still unqualified for marriage if you are not working Certificate cannot purchase food or pay rent. Poverty will certainly be your companion if you remain lazy. Poverty is always a faithful companion of the indolent. Never think of getting married without a sustainable job. You need money to cater for your family. That is why we do say that there is no romance without finance. Stop loafing around, go and work.

The word of God says; “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand, but the hands of the diligent maketh rich” (Prov.

10:4). You were not born to be poor but if you are lazy you will remain poor.

When apology isn’t forthcoming Marriage and Family Intimacy Bishop Charles Ighele holyspiritmissioninc@yahoo.com

07066579379/09098845521

W

e must not assume that our partners will always know when they are wrong. It can really be very painful when you expect an apology and none comes. You should again andagain ask yourself this question “do I really deserve an apology”. If your answer is yes, try to gently tell your partner that you think you deserve an explanation or apology in such an area. There is a part of the brain that records all our experiences-both good and bad ones. It records all the insults and praise. It records sad things and things of joy. When that section of the brain receives and insult praise or any information, messengers known as neurotransmitters then alerts a place known as the hippocampus to wake up.

The hippotameous wakes up and stores each information into long term memory. it is stored into a memory bank.it is like a computer.it is now left for you to make up your mind whether to retrieve and play back the good information or the bad ones. You have the power over your brain to force it to remember what you want it to remember.

If you have no power over your brain, the one who created it would not have told you to direct it to think on those things that are honest, just pure, lovely and things that have praise deliberately direct your brain

to bring back good memories from your memory bank. You should force your brain to meditate on the good. Just as you can direct your hands or legs to any direction you want is how you can direct your mind to think on only those things you want to think of. It can be a struggle but with constant training, you will perfect your thought life. It is at this stage it can be said that you are a mature person. Fire your relationship and marriage by meditating on the good. The Holy Spirit has power over that anger, moodiness, malice, violence and self-pity. Always ask him to come and take charge at times like these. A thinker by name Williams James once wrote “The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook”.

After all, we have sinned against God many times without listening to God’s still small voice that rises to direct us. Despite defying this still small voice of calm God allows us continue with our lives. He does not kill us. Do not therefore “kill your marriage because of an apology that failed to come.

Do not stop fighting the war for the stability of your marriage just because you lost one or some battles.“fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life”.

Isolating your spouse Many years ago, we head preacher say that one of the greatest weapons Satan uses to destroy men of God is isolation. “Isolate him then kill him” the preacher screamed over his cordless microphone.

Isolation is a weapon not used only men God. It is a universal weapon used on marriages, families, siblings and on all forms of relationships including the work place.

You can be married and yet lonely. You can belong to a family with many brothers and sisters and yet to a family with many

Do not stop fighting the war for the stability of your marriage just because you lost one or some battles.“fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life brothers and sisters and yet alone. This was certainly the case of Farouk Umar Abdul Muttalab, who though has a responsible father and mother with many siblings was yet, a lonely boy as could be seen from some of the thoughts he posted on the internet. Farouk was the boy in his early twenties who was stopped at the verge of blowing up United States bound aircraft on Christmas day in 2009.

One of the immediate aftermaths of a quarrel is that both partners try to isolate themselves from each other. Some can be in the same house and not talk to each other for hours, days, weeks, months and years.

A couple isolated themselves from each other for over twenty years and yet lived in the same house.

Satan’s goal is to isolate couples from each other using different reasons. The aim is to destroy the couples and destroy the marriage.

You can be married and yet alone. The bible says that it is not good for the man to be alone. The soul was not good for the man to be alone. The soul was not created to live in isolation. The most fertile ground for the soul to grow to its fullest ability is through relationships and the most basic of these relationships is the marriage and

family field. A lot of fun should therefore be deliberately depositedinto this field.

After a quarrel couples and families should immediately come together again so that they will not open themselves to the weapon of isolation. Professor of psychology, ProfessorPhilip Zimbardo has this to say “I know of no more potent killer than isolation. There is no more destructive influence on physical and mental health than isolation. Isolation has been shown to be the central agent in the development of depression and many illness and suicide.”

According to American pediatric Association report by H.D Chapin, 90% of “unwanted” children who nobody adopted died in their first year in Baltimore hospitals. They had adequate food andmedical attention but were isolated, spiritually and an extent emotionally.

Every marriage and family is always on the move. It is either moving towards oneness or isolation. You may wonder if there are static marriages or not. No, there are no static marriages. All so called static marriages are naturally drifting toward isolation. And isolation is no good for your health and the health of your marriage.

Without quarrel or after, do not exclude your spouse from any part of your world.

Like little children easily become friends again after a quarrel, be friends again. If you start isolating your spouse from parts of your world now, at your old age when the children are gone, you will become two lonely individuals bound together only by a very tiny thread.

This was possibly the case of the ninety two years old Australian women who early in 2010 killed her ninety eight years old husband. Isolation is a killer and it is the devil.

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SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

The anointed with Pastor Lazarus Muoka

The danger of living without Christ 1John 5:4 - “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

It is a statement of fact that the grand enemy of any Christian is the world. This enemy called the world is the host to death, pain, sicknesses, diseases, deceit, divorce, killings, kidnappings, sin and etc. For a Christian to triumph over the challenges of the world, he/she must therefore abide in the Lord and by faith believe in His victorious power; for nobody is superior to the world than the Creator of the world.

Abiding in Christ is conforming yourself to His nature of righteousness and holiness through His grace. Anybody who therefore lives outside the grace of the Lord or His protective power is exposing himself to all the dangers posed by the world. But every regenerate Christian is a victorious conqueror over his grand enemy - the world. This is more so because as Christ has the world under His feet so also the genuine believer is riding on this victory of his Master to stand as a conqueror.

Brethren, any person who is not living in Christ is living in sin from which all trouble sprouts. He is therefore prone to destruction as he cannot be able to avoid crises, troubles because he is devoid of the divine protections that come from the righteousness of God. That is why our Lord Jesus Christ forewarns us of the inevitability of the trouble of the world and how it can be avoided.

John 16:33 says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The Lord counselled that among the men to whom you will live with, you must expect to be persecuted, afflicted and tormented.

While you are in the world, dealing with the men of the world, and while you have anything to do with the things of the world, you should know that there must always be disenchantment and disaffection, both from within and from without, from friends and foes, heart-breaking troubles, soul-rending troubles, such as will make the heart to break, and the back to bend, must be expected. But amidst these troubles, the Lord assures Christians that there will be peace, serenity of mind and calm temper of Spirit in Christ. When the world like a tempestuous air is full of storms, when the centre seems to be in disarray, when your spouse has deserted you, when sickness and diseases defy all solutions and all hope gone, the Scripture assures there is safety in Christ.

When the enemy is pursuing and friends abandoned you, when you are under the torment of hunger and no helper around, the Scripture says Christ is there begging to supply all your needs.

This liberty of Christians is hinged on the premise that Christ has taken the sting out of every cross, and the venom out of every arrow. His blood purchased peace for the world, His word has promised it to them, and His Holy Spirit seals it up to their souls.

There was a great and deep-rooted separation between man and his Creator as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve until Christ purchased our peace and reconciled us with God. Christ is thus the author, centre, and substance of our being at peace with God. Hence a good follower of Christ is assured of peace and safety from heaven that guarantees victory but anyone who is not in Christ suffers many tribulations, and there is no shred of safety anywhere for such per-

son. It is wise to live your life for Christ and in Christ so that it shall be well with you and for you in Jesus name.

If one is not for Christ he or she is for Satan and would be living for the devil. This type of people can never save any soul, they may be going to church but in spite of what they are confessing they are willing to tell lies and do everything contrary to the will of God and can never enter God’s kingdom. This is rather unfortunate because it is not the wish of God for you not to make heaven. My prayer for all such people is that through this message they will retrace their steps and surrender totally to the will of God in Jesus name.

The Bible speaking in John 14: 27 says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

W h e n the Lord promises to give us peace, it is not just a mere peace but the peace such as only Him can impart. Not as the peace which men commonly pursue, such as pleasure, fame, wealth which plunge them into anxiety and remorse because they do not meet the desires of the immortal mind, and they are not capable of affording that peace which the soul needs.

When you live your life without Christ the peace you will have is the peace induced by mortal men. They will salute you with empty and flattering words, but their professed friendship is often feigned and has no sincerity. God says you cannot be sure that they are sincere, but we can count on His peace. Men profess to give peace, but it is not real. It does not still the voice of conscience neither does it take away sin nor reconcile the souls to God. But Godly peace which God gives to those that depend upon Him is such as meets all the wants of the soul and amidst all external challenges, will abide in the hour of death and forever.

Beloved, let it be known to us that Christ’s peace is vastly different from that peace which is given or enjoyed by the world; the world may wish peace, yet never intend it; or they may wish it, yet not be able to give it: but Christ’s peace is real and effectual, solid and substantial; the world’s peace is only a freedom from outward trouble, but Christ’s peace is a deliverance from inward guilt: and though it doth not give us an exemption from outward trouble, yet it gives us a sanctified use and improvement of them, and assures us of a joyful issue and deliverance out of them.

As many who claim they are Christians but continue to live in sin should take advantage of this message and surrender their lives totally to Jesus Christ and prepare to live their lives for Christ Jesus otherwise the world and its accompanying trouble will be their portion. If they continue to abuse the privileges of the grace of God made avail-

When you live your life without Christ the peace you will have is the peace induced by mortal men. They will salute you with empty and flattering words, but their professed friendship is often feigned and has no sincerity able to them by continuing in iniquity and evil they will not have moral justification to continue to parade themselves as Christians because they are certainly not one. If they die in such condition they will head straight to hellfire and even in this world you will suffer crisis and devoid of any form of divine protection.

If the wicked, the hypocrites and unrighteous want to escape the danger posed by the world, they must come out of their sins, out of their hypocrisy, unrighteousness, and make up their mind to live the rest of their life according to the will of God. We shpuld not forget that God will judge every sin that a man involves himself into. If you are found guilty you will be cast into hell fire except you confess those sins committed in the open and in the secret because nothing is hidden before God and the wicked shall not go unpunished.

Ecc. 12: 14 says, “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” Every person must give an account to God of all his/her works, and this alone will enable him/her to do that with joy. And not only outward and visible actions will be subjected to judgment, but even inward and secret thoughts. In consideration of the judgment to come, and the strictness of that judg-

ment, we should be highly concerned now to be very strict in our walking with God that we may give up our account with joy.

Job 11: 20 says, “But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost” There is an inherent danger in living without Christ in your life. Those without Christ are the wicked that shall receive the punishment due to their deserts, for God has His eye continually upon them to pay them according to their deeds. They shall continually be looking out for help and deliverance but their expectation shall be cut off. They shall never obtain deliverance out of their distresses, but shall perish in them.

If you claim to be a Christian but the things you do are contrary to what you claim to be then you are a friend of the world and by the simplest implication an enemy of God. You should examine your life, avoid this imminent danger and repent today and promise God you will do it no more so that you will not be an enemy of God, and as you do this, salvation will be yours in Jesus name.

James 4:4 says, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” You are an enemy of the Lord when you break your marriage covenant with God by loving the world more than Him. By the indulgence of your carnal inclinations, you have violated those obligations to selfmortification and self-denial to which you were bound by your religious engagements.

Our response and benefit You should make up your life for our Lord Jesus Christ by submitting totally to His words and will. As you do this your Christian life will be graceful and full of Christ-like fruits. If you want to escape the danger of this world, you must abide in Him for He alone can save.

SundayBusiness 47

SUNDAY

SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015

News

Afreximbank forum to tackle governance issues

p.48

Everyday ‘How Nigerian farmers can boost crops’ p.50

Interview

Life has been good after retirement –Agbenla p.49

Paul Ogbuokiri Head, Business paulogbuokiri@newtelegraph online.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Global slowdown, Nigeria in ‘the circle of endangered’

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Paul Ogbuokiri

he International Monetary Funds (IMF) has downgraded its global growth projection to 3.3 per cent this year as the world grapples with an economic downturn that is spreading fast. The IMF in its report noted that whilst global growth is expected to come from emerging markets they ironically will record the slowest growth this year.

The development has come against the earlier World Bank prediction that growth in Nigeria and other countries in Africa will remain flat at 4.6 per cent in 2015.

Growth in the region had picked up moderately in 2014 to 4.5 per cent as a result of a slowdown in several of the region’s large economies, notably South Africa.

The multilateral institution, which stated this in its latest Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report released in the earlier part of the year, hinged its prediction largely on the softer commodity prices.

According to the World Bank, the continent’s growth would rise gradually to 5.1 per cent by 2017, supported by infrastructure investment, increased agriculture production, and buoyant services.

It pointed out that the outlook is subject to significant downside risks arising from a renewed spread of the Ebola epidemic, violent insurgencies, lower commodity prices, and volatile global financial conditions.

But the IMF, in its report last week, listed emerging countries expected to record the slowest growth to include Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa and Russia.

Sub-Saharan Africa It stated in its analysis that growth in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to slow this year to 3.8 per cent (from 5.0 per cent in 2014, a 0.7 percentage point downward revision relative to April). The slowdown in 2015 is primarily driven by the repercussions of declining commodity prices, particularly those for oil, as well as lower demand from China—the largest single trade partner of sub-Saharan Africa—and the tightening of global financial conditions for the region’s frontier market economies.

Nigeria’s Growth Among the region’s oil exporters, Nigeria’s growth is now projected at 4 per cent in 2015, some 2¼ percentage points lower than last year, and growth in Angola is also expected to decline to 3.5 per cent from close to 5 per cent in 2014.

Among the region’s oil importers—projected to grow at 4 per cent on average—a majority will continue to experience solid growth, especially low-income countries, where investment in infrastructure continues and private consumption remains strong.

Ghana In Ghana, power shortages and fiscal consolidation are also weighing on activity, which is projected to slow further in 2015 to 3.5 per cent. Growth for the region is projected to pick up in 2016 to 4.3 per cent, with the global recovery supporting

Buhari

a moderate pickup in external demand, the modest recovery in oil prices benefiting oil exporters, and an improvement in the outlook for Ebolaaffected countries.

South Africa South Africa’s growth is projected to be below 1½ per cent both this year and next, reflecting electricity-load shedding and other supply bottlenecks.

Other African Countries Countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Tanzania are still expected to register growth of about 7 per cent or above this year and next.

But others, such as Sierra Leone and Zambia, are feeling the pinch from lower prices for their main export commodity, even as lower oil prices relieve their energy import bill.

The fund had over a week ago said energyexporting countries, including Nigeria, could see about 2.25 per cent loss in economic growth annually from 2015 to 2017, compared to 2012 to 2014, due to the sharp decline in commodity (oil) prices over the past year, according to the 2015 World Economic Outlook by the International Monetary Fund.

“With a weak outlook for commodity prices, particularly for energy and metals, growth in commodity-exporting emerging and developing economies could slow further over the next few years,” the IMF stated.

It said an overall “weak” commodity price outlook would reduce the economic growth of all commodity exporters by roughly one per cent annually over that time.

The IMF stated in the report, “In exporters of energy commodities, the drag is estimated to be even larger – about 2.25 percentage points on average”.

“Commodity-exporting economies are at a difficult juncture. Global commodity prices have declined sharply over the past three years, and out-

put growth has slowed considerably among commodity-exporting emerging market and developing economies.”

In the study, the IMF argued that a variety of “cyclical and structural factors” were contributing to the growth slowdown, while other factors, including reduced government spending and policy changes, had lessened the impact of the global commodity downswing.

The IMF noted that policymakers must be realistic about growth potential in commodityexporting economies, adding that the decline in potential growth could amplify the ongoing economic slowdown.

This is even as Global investment management outfit, Morgan Stanley has said that the China’s continued economic slowdown in the next years may drag global economic growth below 2 per cent.

The prediction from Ruchir Sharma, head of emerging markets at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, is viewed as a threshold equivalent to a world recession. It would be the first global slump over the past 50 years without the U.S. contracting.

“The next global recession will be made by China. Over the next couple of years, China is likely to be the biggest source of vulnerability for the global economy,” Sharma, who manages more than $25 billion, said in an interview at Bloomberg’s headquarters in New York.

While China’s growth is slowing, the country’s influence has increased as it became the world’s second-largest economy.

China accounted for 38 per cent of the global growth last year, up from 23 per cent in 2010, according to Morgan Stanley.

It’s the world’s largest importer of copper, aluminum and cotton, and the biggest trading partner for countries from Brazil to South Africa. China’s economy will continue slowing as the country struggles to reduce its debt, Sharma said. An additional 2 percentage-point slowdown would be enough to tip the world into a recession, he said.

The global expansion, measured by market exchange rates, has slipped below 2 per cent during five different periods over the past 50 years, most recently in 2008-09. All the previous world recessions have coincided with contractions in the U.S. economy.

Sharma said he’s shunning Chinese stocks and those in countries that rely on China for growth, including Brazil, Russia and South Korea. He favours companies in Eastern Europe and smaller Asian countries, such as the Philippines, Vietnam and Pakistan.

China’s $6.8 trillion equity market roiled global investors over the last few weeks after a yearlong rally accompanied by record borrowing and surging valuations ended in a bear market.

The Shanghai Composite Index slumped more than 30 per cent in four weeks through June 8, wiping almost $4 trillion in market value.

The unprecedented government intervention used to bolster the market failed to inspire confidence until last week when regulators banned major shareholders from selling shares for six months and allowed more than half of listed firms to suspend trading.

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BUSINESS/NEWS

Afreximbank forum to tackle governance issues

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frican Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is to host the second edition of its Annual Customer Due Diligence and Corporate Governance Forum in Seychelles from October 29 to 30, 2015. This is in a bid to build momentum for a collaborative African approach to addressing the unique challenges confronting African financial institutions in the field of corporate governance and customer due diligence.

The Forum, which is being organised in collaboration with the Central Bank of Seychelles, is expected to bring together bankers, corporate entities, regulators and representatives of financial institutions from Africa and beyond to hear expert presentations and participate in panel and open discussions on customer due diligence and corporate governance challenges faced by African institutions.

“The scourge of financial crimes and the negative external perceptions they engender constitute a serious challenge to Africa’s ability to attract foreign investment. This Forum gives African financial institutions the platform to develop a collaborative approach to tackling the continent’s unique customer due diligence and corporate governance challenges in order to increase confidence and attract more foreign investment,” said the President of Afreximbank, Dr. Benedict Oramah.

The forum will give participants the capacity to conduct effective due diligence on their customers and enhance the capacity of African financial institutions to de-

Dell unveils new top grade tablets

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eading ICT giant Dell has introduced two new professional-grade tablets, the Venue 8 Pro 5000 Series and the Venue 10 Pro 5000 Series.

They are designed to further expand the capabilities offered organisations in the fields of sales, healthcare, retail/hospitality, education and manufacturing.

The Venue 8 Pro with its thin and light hand-held design is suited for companies requiring specialised applications and onthe-go productivity while the Venue 10 series which comes with a unique 2-in-1 keyboard, is ideal for workers needing a balance between mobility and intense productivity.

These devices, according to Dell EMEA’s Vice-President for Client Solutions, PJ Dwyer, have best-in-class security and offer speed, outstanding reliability and cutting edge accessories and applications that make them stand out from the competition.

“Dell’s vision for commercial mobility is rooted in its experience as the industry’s only end-to-end solutions provider and by working daily with our customers to clearly understand and meet their needs.

The core of this vision revolves around five key areas of differentiation including One-stop Solution, Global Support, Security, Manageability and more recently, Windows 10. Dell is proud to say that the Venue 8 and 10 Pro 5000 Series stand out and strong in all these areas.

“Mobility isn’t just about great devices.

It’s about the product, software, service and partnerships together that help customers solve their biggest business issues. By providing the industry’s most comprehensive selection of tablets and 2-in-1s, coupled with its world-class endto-end services and support that many businesses require, we have assembled a truly unique offering that our customers can leverage to truly maximise the productivity of their mobile teams.”

velop robust corporate governance structures capable of combating the emerging challenges faced in the continent, added Oramah.

According to him, lack of confidence in African institutions and poor corporate structures are among the major reasons why many investors have tended to shy away from investing in Africa.

“We hope that this event will open up more business opportunities whilst pro-

viding a platform for us to reflect on the efforts made within our jurisdictions to ensure the conduct of secure and ethical business activities,” said Governor of the Central Bank of Seychelles, Caroline Abel.

The governor, who noted that the Central Bank of Seychelles and Afreximbank share an interest in improving cross-border collaboration within the African continent, said the forum is expected to enable delegates to enhance their understanding of

the importance of good governance and customer due diligence. This is in order to “improve their practice in line with international norms to develop our business landscape and attract further foreign direct investment to Seychelles.”

Jean Paul Adam, Minister of Finance, Trade and the Blue Economy of Seychelles is expected to chair the opening ceremony which is also expected to be attended by various dignitaries.

L-R: Director, Information and Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas; Managing Director, Mr. Brovo Kim; Samsung Ambassador, Bankole Wellington ‘Banky W’; Marketing Manager, Samsung Information, Technology and Mobile West Africa, Miss Jumoke Okikiotu and Business Development Director, Mr. Daesong Ra, at the recent launch of Samsung Galaxy Note 5 in Lagos HOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Etisalat’s Cliqfest thrills Plateau Poly students Edwin Usoboh

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t was a homecoming for hip-hop master, Ice Prince (real name Panshak Zamani), as he delighted the students and staff of Plateau State Polytechnic, Jos with a thrilling performance when the Etisalat Cliqfest train berthed at the campus last week.

The polytechnic community also got into a frenzy with live performances by Nigerian Idol Season 4 winner, Evelle (Evelyn Zibili); second runner-up of the Nigerian Idol Season 5, Nex2, Ese-Amadasun Imuetiyan; and the GRIP Boiz.

For several hours, the celebrity music acts kept the large community of students and staff of the polytechnic on their feet dancing and singing popular lyrics as several of them thronged the school’s open field to catch fun and connect with their friends.

The ‘Oleku’ master was everywhere on the stage, and also momentarily surged towards the huge army of fans as he dished out tunes like ‘Superstar;’ ‘Aboki;’ ‘Gimme Dat’ among other songs. Wild jubilation greeted his popular songs as he took out time to encourage the students to believe in themselves and their dreams.

Addressing the crowd, he said, “I came out of J town (Jos) and went places. I want to use my story to tell you that if I can make it out of town and sit with Jay Z, then you can make it. I don’t care about your background or what you have suffered, you too can make it.”

In a mixture of English and Hausa, he urged them to embrace peace in the spirit of the Independence Day celebration. He added, “Jos is known for swag and carrying bombs or knives is not swag.”

Crooning in his silky voice, Nex2 also added spice to the infectious excitement, performing hit tracks such as Ring the Alarm and Mofesterise. Evelle blew the

crowd away with her rich renditions of three of her songs - Kilmanjaro, I’m Naughty and Time to Shine. She also gave away her fez cap to one of the students. For the GRIP Boiz, it was just good being at home.

The hip-hop and dance hall artistes com-

prising the trio of Endia, J-Milla and Yung El, who are all from the city of Jos, held the students in their grip, singing irresistible tracks such as Dash Me da Ting, Mr. DJ, Holiday, Fire and Rude Gyal among several other numbers.

Celebrities back women empowerment A

s a show of support for the growth and development of women in Nigeria and the rest of Africa, top professionals from different walks of life gathered recently at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos to help in training about necessary life support and personal development skills for women.

The meeting which was part of the 2015 Women Empowerment and Enlightenment Campaign (WEEC), created by On’yva Communications witnessed the best of intellectual discourse and advocacy delivered by the likes of talk show impresario and former Special Adviser on Information to the Edo State Government, Soni Irabor; frontline blogger and social media expert, Japheth Omojuwa; as well as Lanre Olusola and Owen Gee. It was moderated by the duo of Tosyn Bucknor and Bolanle Olukanni of Top Radio and Ebonylife TV respectively.

Tagged WEECman and running under the title: ‘Men Standing Up for Women,’ it was well attended by the university community and other individuals from different walks of life.

According to the WEEC Head Coordinator, Kayode Odukoya, this year’s event was the fourth in the series. He stated that it had continued to wax stronger in its bid to empower the womenfolk through a variety of strategies and approaches.

“Our strategy is to target developing growing ladies, educating and preparing them for later life. We seek to help them maximize their economic potentials through imbibing the right mindset, which key to increasing the overall productivity in the society,” he stated.

The discussion segment treated topics such as creativity, intelligence breeding, creating opportunities, self and business packaging and the exploring of individual of unique abilities in society.

Tosyn Bucknor, one of the anchors, told the audience that the organisers were interested in finding out how women could be better supported in society. She said that as a woman, who was her daddy’s friend, she was well aware that life could be a lot easier with manly support.

“I, for example, have always wanted my dad to be proud of me in whatever I do.

I still relate with my dad as if I am five years old. I know what it is like when as a woman, I have supportive men,” she stated.

Also lending her voice to the important role of men in the lives and aspirations of women, Bolanle Olukanni observed that presently, most positions of power are occupied by men. She added that it had become necessary for women to try to get the support of men while agitating for better prospects.

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Interview

Life has been good after retirement–Agbenla How is life after retirement?

We give God the glory, life has been splendid. We face each day as it comes. We have been given grace to spend each day as it comes; we thank God for that gift.

Joseph Olorunjuwon Agbenla is the immediate past Surveyor General and Permanent Secretary of Lagos State. He transformed the office of the Surveyor General before his retirement. EDWIN USOBOH spoke with him on life after retirement, his achievements and his induction into the Nigeria Construction Industry Hall of Fame.

Were you actually expecting the retirement when it came?

No, if you have seen what I started in the office, our transformation agenda, you wouldn’t think such will come at this time but we thank God for everything.

The transformation agenda was topmost in my heart when I was there as Surveyor General/Permanent Secretary. I wanted the actualization of Geographical Information System (GIS). We started when Gov. Fashola was in office. I wanted the GIS to be projected the way it should be. With this new governor, my expectation was to complete the work we have started.

What next?

Right now, I am trying to see what I will do, though; I am spending each day as the Lord gives me the grace.

I am a chartered surveyor. Being a surveyor, I am looking for how well I can practice my profession. I am still looking for how I can be of help to the less privilege in the society.

When I was in office, all my allowances were used to pay some staffers.

I thank God that I was able to keep my promise of getting them employed.

Most of them were employed before I left office. I believe I still have more to do for them.

It is quite unfortunate that you were not allowed to complete the good job you started while in officer, what do you think will happen?

I have laid the foundation. I believe the Office of the Surveyor General should continue with the good work.

The vision was mine, I started it with every sense of duty, so if the new person sees the vision, he may go ahead with it. If the person does not see it as a vision, he may not implement whatever is on ground.

If I am given the privilege to advise him, I will want him to continue because, the vision is for the emancipation of the office. The office was on its own, we were not under the governor’s office or any other office before I left. I thank God I was able to do that while I was there.

What were the things you wish to have achieved while you were there?

The GIS, I made plans to rebuild structures; I wanted the GIS to be fully integrated with the Land Ministry and Treasury Department. So that getting the population of Lagos State, Planning the Infrastructure of the state, education policies for the state, there will be data that has all the needed information.

It will be readily available for any government agency that needs it.

Those were the things I would have loved to achieve.

As a chattered surveyor, do you think Lagos state is ready for the mega city project?

What is the population of a mega city? We have it already, in terms of planning. All the infrastructural development has already been planned by ex Governor Raji Fashola. It is my belief that Governor Ambode will continue. If he should continue, it is

Mr. & Mrs. Agbenla during his induction into the Nigeria Construction Industry Hall of Fame

a done deal. The citizens are looking for a good administration by the state government.

Most civil servants leave office and venture into politics, are you thinking of such?

Like the Bible says, I will look up to the hills, from where cometh my help, my help is from the Lord who makes heaven and earth. It is what God tells me to do that I will do. I will put all

my trust in God, I believe He will lead me aright.

How does it feel to be inducted into the Nigeria Construction Industry Hall of Fame?

It feels exciting. I am grateful to God. I thank him for all I could achieve while in office. People saw that I had done my best and it is well appreciated to the glory of God.

What is your take on the state of the nation and Lagos state?

We thank God for what the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is doing. He is trying to redirect us. He wants Nigerians to know that it is good to be honest. He has taken the fight against corruption to the appropriate quarters.

With these, Nigerians will learn that it is good to be honest, dedicated and committed.

Orange Digital Ventures invests in Afrostream

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range Digital Ventures has announced its participation in the funding of Afrostream, a subscription video on demand service (SVOD) of African, African-American and African-Caribbean films and television series. Through its corporate fund, Orange will enable Afrostream to accelerate the development of its original and innovative service in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and South America.

Afrostream’s unlimited SVOD streaming service is already available on all connected screens in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. It features programming for the entire family and includes cartoons, concerts and documentaries, in addition to films and TV series.

Taking advantage of its presence in Africa as well as in European countries with large African Diaspora populations, Orange said it would to collaborate with the start-up to facilitate Afrostream’s development by providing its expertise in networks, distribution and payment.

Afrostream has been supported by Orange Fab France and Y Combinator, a seed accelerator based in Silicon

Valley. The investment illustrates Orange’s support to talented entrepreneurs through a combination of measures made available to start-ups, from the acceleration programme to early stage financing.

Pierre Louette, Deputy CEO of Orange and President of Orange Digital Ventures, said, “This investment is

part of ODV’s ambition to finance services that are able to address different geographical areas in which Orange is present. It will enable us to develop the video-on-demand market, particularly in Africa. It will also enable us to enrich the content we already offer to our customers in France, as Afrostream should be launched

DHL express triumphs as top employer in Africa

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HL Express was certified as a top employer in 12 African markets at the prestigious Top Employer 2016 ceremony in Johannesburg last week. This is the second consecutive year that the company was certified as a top employer in Africa by the Top Employers Institute.

Annual international research undertaken by the Top Employers Institute recognizes leading employers around the world that provide outstanding employee conditions, nurture and develop talent throughout all levels of the organization, and strive to continuously optimize employment practices.

DHL Express has been certified as Top Employers in twelve of their local markets including Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar,

Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda.

Hennie Heymans, Managing Director of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), says these certifications reaffirm that the company is on the right track to being an employer of choice and a rewarding place to work.

He explains that being an employer of choice is one of the Deutsche Post DHL Group’s three bottom lines, and demonstrates how seriously employee engagement and development are to the business.

“Our vision is to be The Logistics Company for the World. We aim to be the logistics provider that people turn to first – not only for all their shipping needs, but also as an employee or investor.”

SUNDAY

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EverydayBusiness

SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015

‘How Nigerian farmers can boost crops’ Mr. Sunday Uwanna is Head, Strategy and Communication, Alfa Life International Nigeria, distributors of the Alfa Life organic fertiliser products in West Africa. He spoke with STANLEY IHEDIGBO on the need for Nigeria, farmers to embrace organic fertilisers.

We can possibly reduce the harmful effects of inorganic fertilisers. This time around you hear the story of cancer and other illnesses being caused by the food we eat

What are this organic farming method and organic fertiliser all about?

Alfa Life Nigeria is in support of the Federal Government’s policy towards moving into agriculture as oil is not sustainable any longer. Of course, we want to go into agriculture. We don’t want to practise the traditional subsistence farming we are used to do, so we are going into organic farming in Nigeria. That is why we are collaborating with an organic fertilizer company in Malaysia to bring their products that are effective and good for our crops in Africa and Nigeria. The organic fertiliser is produced and tested in the Malaysia for Nigerian farmers and it is 100 per cent chemical-free. It has has been tested to be soil-friendly and also helps in soil formation. This is very good for crops that humans consume and we are practically keying into the Federal Government’s policy to ensure that farming in Nigeria is done with organic fertilisers. We can possibly reduce the harmful effects of inorganic fertilisers. This time around you hear the story of cancer and other illnesses being caused by the food we eat. We want to practically reduce that by getting farmers to embrace organic farming in the country to sustain good health.

continent of Africa in the area of organic fertiliser agriculture.

Early this year, food exported by Nigeria was banned in European Union countries.

That may have been as a result of the use of inorganic fertilisers. What will your type of fertiliser do to improve Nigerian crops, so that it will be acceptable to other countries?

If your agric produce was banned aboard perhaps as a result of inorganic fertiliser which is not accepted by the European Union countries, even in America, they have stopped consuming inorganic food.

I believe that the country is in a position now to address it with more effective laws,

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Uwanna by ensuing that organic fertilisers like ours, which are 100 per cent chemical-free, are allowed and introduced to Nigerian farmers. I don’t think that any country will reject crop produce emanating from organic fertilisers. We have leading agricultural nations that have used our organic fertilisers and their crop products cannot be rejected anywhere in the world. That is the good news we brought to Nigerian farmers. We expect them to follow suit and lead in the

You made mention of importing the organic fertiliser from Malaysia. Are you not considering manufacturing locally?

Can the importation of the product sustain Nigerian agriculture?

You are very correct. We entered into a partnership with a Malaysian company to import their products into the country, for a start. Every business has a beginning.

Our partnership now has extended to a level where we are talking about having a factory in Nigeria that will carter for West Africa. We want to make sure that the organic fertiliser gets to farmers in the country, both the commercial and local farmers. When we came into the country, we took our products to the three Federal agricultural universities that did their lab test trials and approved our organic fertilizer. Also, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture did their test too and came up with results which were documented. We have our own document to approve that

Should we expect that through this organic fertiliser we will be able to produce enough gains like rice, wheat and other crops?

Yes, we can because our product which is Alfa Life organic fertiliser is the most powerful yield element in grains production.

Recently, we did a trial test in Kebbi State and it showed that our fertiliser produced 200 per cent yield against the one planted without applying anything. We have the record. It is the plant ideal booster. Aside from the fact that it is an organic fertiliser, it gives better and quality yield, which you cannot get anywhere in the country.

What measures do you have in place to reach target farmers in the country?

From the beginning of this year, we have been to some places in the country and met with various government and private agencies, state governments and federal institutions in the agricultural sector. We have as well met with stakeholders direct or indirect; we met farms settlement officers in the local governments and gave them the products which they tried and tested with good results. Many farmers in the country have used the product in their farms and reported to some authorities or agencies concerning our product.

RB West Africa re-launches Mortein LED

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Stanley Ihedigbo n further demonstration of its commitment to innovation and making life easier for consumers in Nigeria, RB West Africa has launched Mortein Liquid Electric Device (LED).

Speaking at the product re-launching in Port Harcourt recently, the company’s Marketing Director, Mr. Silivrili Oguzhan, said the event took place in the locality to improve the health of residents in the geo-political zone.

Represented by the Brand Manager,

SPAR opens MMA2 store

PAR, the largest chain of hypermarket stores in Nigeria, has opened its new SPAR store at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Domestic Terminal II, known as MMA2 Terminal in Lagos.

SPAR in MMA2 stocks products, ranging from grocery, bakery, butchery, fruits and vegetables, hot meals, wine and spirits, fast-moving consumer goods, small home appliances, consumer electronics, mobile phones, laptops and tablets, perfumes, watches and jewellery.

Group Head, Human Resource (HR), for the Artee Group, franchisees of the SPAR International brand in Nigeria, Alhaji Kunle Hamzat, said: “SPAR store in MM2 was conceived and designed to cater to the air traffic passengers and employees working in and around the airport terminals and the residential areas adjacent to the airport terminals. The product assortment of over 5,200 items was hand-picked by SPAR to meet the various needs of all consumers.”

He said SPAR has also added new items

development. So, we could not have come to present this to Nigerian farmers without these authorities testing and approving our products.

to its product offering such as ready-todrink tea, coffee and chocolate, as well as hot beverages, pop corn and fresh juice.

SPAR, as a hypermarket brand, takes cognisance of the various shopping missions and adapts its products and services in respect of choice, quality, service and value to translate the entire shopping experience in to a world-class one.

“SPAR is the only retail chain in Nigeria with a shopper loyalty programme called SPAR Reward Card. The members of the programme enjoy reward points on every shopping. Shoppers accumulate the reward points, which can then be redeemed against purchase of any item from SPAR,” he said.

“Reward Cards can be used in any SPAR store across Nigeria to earn and redeem reward points. SPAR plans to take the programme to a whole new level by introducing exclusive offers for Reward Card Programme members. The shoppers in MMA2 can enroll for the Reward Card programme.

Ikorodu market, Lagos Mortein, Mr. Iku Ejiroghene, he said the re-launch was informed by the need to provide a more convenient way for Nigerians to stem the high prevalence of malaria in the country and Africa generally.

He added that Mortein LED works with electricity and lasts up to 30 nights, killing 100 per cent mosquitoes. ‘‘Malaria is responsible for 60 per cent of outpatient visits to health facilities, 30 per cent of childhood deaths, 25 per cent of deaths in children under one year and 11 per cent of maternal deaths. This is unacceptable,” he said.

Oguzhan while affirming RB’s commitment to the elimination of malaria in the country, expressed optimism that this would be achieved through effective collaboration and implementation of targeted initiatives.

“Malaria can be eliminated in Nigeria; which is the reason RB Nigeria is taking

the lead. We have made strategic partnerships with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), the lead agency of the Federal Ministry of Health on the elimination of malaria and other relevant government bodies. Through these partnerships, we have reached over one million mums by engaging, sensitising and educating them through our Primary Health Centre programmes,” he said.

He also said the company launched the Mortein Anti-malaria Campaign in 2012 to increase awareness of the negative impact which the disease causes in individuals, families and country as well as to sensitise the populace on the appropriate measures to combat malaria.

Oguzhan assured that RB Nigeria would continue to upscale its commitment to assist many more Nigerians live healthier.

“This philosophy informed the re-launch of Mortein LED which provides 30 nights of all-round continuous protection for a peaceful night’s sleep. The new Mortein LED, which comes in a skillet pack, is equally effective and will replace the old Mortein LED which takes the form of a blister pack,” he noted.

In his remark, the Manager, Everyday Group of Companies and a major distributor of RB Nigeria products, Mr. William Onyejele, described the new Mortein LED as another testimonial of innovation, for which RB is renowned.

“We have been a part of the RB Nigeria family for years, and we are delighted to welcome the latest addition of innovation and value that they have brought to the consumers. The market is ready to accept the new Mortein LED and we are rest assured that with Mortein LED, we can collectively win the fight against mosquitoes and malaria,” he said.

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Business News

In search of national reformation (2) Success Nuggets Victor Okwudiri 08037674300 (SMS only)

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ociety is made up of people, and people and their actions are a product of their beliefs, and one of the strongest basis of belief is religion.

In other words, religion influences people and their actions, which in turn ‘shapens’ society. It, therefore, follows that religion influences society.

Last week, I pointed out that virtually every (if not actually every) religion preaches repentance as the fulcrum of the hope the religion offers. For instance, in Christianity, which is one of the leading religions in Nigeria and the world, repentance is a key subject because it was the first message of Jesus Christ. The first message Jesus Christ preached was “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

(Matthew 4:17).

To drive home the point of this series on national reformation, I’d like to critically analyse that message “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” I had pointed out last week that the concept of repentance is so spiritualised that it has lost it’s meaning and the impact is should have on society. Among Christians in particular, I think the ‘over-spirtualisation’ of the concept of repentance stems from the fact that when

Jesus said, “Repent,” He followed it up with the clause “for the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is at hand.” (Emphasis mine). ‘Heaven’ is conceived to be out of this world. Therefore, anything that is associated with heaven is deemed to be spiritual. The point, in my opinion, is missed, especially in the context of that statement “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Jesus did not say, “Repent: for ‘heaven’ is at hand.” He said, “Repent: for the KINGDOM of HEAVEN is at hand.” (Emphasis mine). We must understand that there is a difference between heaven and the kingdom of heaven. Heaven is a place, but a kingdom is more than a place. The word ‘KINGDOM’ is an amalgamation of two words ‘KING’ and ‘domain’.

So, a kingdom speaks of a king and his sphere of influence (and God’s sphere of influence goes beyond heaven; it touches down to the earth). However, beyond a ‘sphere of influence’, a domain also speaks of a people and their way of life (culture).

On the other hand, the word ‘REPENT’ is an amalgamation of two words - ‘RE’ and ‘PENT’. Let’s see how much sense we can make of that.

The word ‘RE’ means to do something again, as in to repeat, or ‘another attempt at something’. The word ‘PENT’ in trignometry speaks of the number ‘5’, as in ‘pentagon’ - a shape with five angles. So, what does the number ‘5’ portend? Biologically, the number ‘5’ speaks of the senses - we have 5 senses, namely, the sense of sight (the eyes), hearing (ears), smell (nose), taste (tongue) and feeling (the skin). In the light of this exposition, the word ‘repent’ means ‘to have another look at your senses’; that is, to have another

look at the way you think; a rethink.

Do you understand?

For the avoidance of doubt, let’s do a quick review below: PENT - 5; that is, senses REPENT - Another look at your senses; another look at the way you think (reason); a rethink.

Repentance, therefore, simply means A rethink. So, when Jesus said “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” what He simply meant was, “Change the way you think, because the thought patterns (way of life; culture) of God’s domain (heaven) is now being introduced to you on earth (at hand).”

An in-depth understanding of the foregoing leaves us with the mind set that repentances is not any more about ‘spirituality’ as it is about a ‘re-orientation’ that translates to positive change.

It is no co-incidence that the agenda of the present administration (of President Muhammadu Buhari) is predicated on one word - change. I, therefore, charge us, as we celebrate the 55th anniversary of our political evolution on the terra ferma of independence, to, in line with the philosophy of this series on national reformation, change the way we think, which will in turn help us change the way we do things and some of the things we do, which in turn will change our society. We must stop thinking that ‘government money’ is nobody’s money, and, therefore can be spent with reckless abandon.

We must stop thinking that public office is an opportunity to get richer.

We must stop thinking that the civil service is a place where we can earn money without working commensurately for it.

Don’t give up was pummeling the boxer from the United States. Every time the American boxer moved forward to fight, his opponent pounded him. By the sixth round, the U.S boxer was getting beaten badly, and at the end of the Julian Atufunwa round, he stumbled back into his corner, sat down on a stool and sagged 08032810713 (SMS only) as if he were a sack of potatoes.

Then, I saw something happen. In ast week we discussed the seconds, several men went to work. power of imagination. We did say that you can imagine One grabbed a bucket of water and doused him with it. The next grabbed or dream all you want to without a soaking wet sponge and squeezed limitations. But I would like us to water all over his face. Another apface reality. Let’s discuss facts. I want you to know that setting out to plied ointment to soothe his wounds. achieve your dreams is not going to These men were all talking to him at once and they were rubbing him be very easy. Everybody can dream down as they talked, even though he but it takes the courageous to actuwas getting trounced. They were tellally bring those dreams to manifestation. Now this is where successful ing him, ‘you can do this, you can get back out there, you are strong! You’re men and women are distinct from better than he is” one of the men said mere men and women. “keep your left hook, okay? Keep The moment you dream of startyour left hook. He’s a slow left, you ing that new business or project, oppositions within and without will can get him with that left.” After two arise. Life itself will fight to see how minutes, the boxer jumped up, saying “Yeah; oh yeah!” He ran back out resolute you are. You must keep there and everything changed in the keeping on. It will take a man or woman with guts to move inspite of seventh round. Guess who won the resistance and problems that would fight? The one who had been about to quit. In the sixth round won the fight show up in the course of achieving received the prize, there was blood your dreams. Only the courageous everywhere, but under that blood wins. Courage means moving was the champion. When he won the in spite of fear. Let me share this decision, all his strength came back, story with you. It is a true life story He ran around the room, screamshared by Myles Munroe (bless his ing, “When you win you forget all soul). the pounding you received during “I was watching a boxing match on television. It was a 12-round tittle the fight.” Hmmm! Perhaps, you are about to throw in the towel right now. match, and the boxer from Mexico

The Big Picture

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Loans: Amoye MFB, agency warn on risks Dayo Ayeyemi

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moye Microfinance Bank Limited in collaboration with Partnership for Economic Policy, Canada (PEP) and Initiative for Evidence Based Development and Empowerment (IEBDE), Aberdeen has educated staff and customers on the importance of microcredit for women empowerment and the inherent risk in loans disbursement.

This topped the agenda when the bank held a workshop on the need for poverty alleviation through vulnerability and women empowerment for policy makers and its teeming customers at Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State recently.

Chairman of the bank, Mr. Feyi Ogoji, pointed out that the essence of the workshop was to sensitise the customers to the various products available in the bank in order to drive SME business through funding with microcredit and microfinance.

The chairman was represented by the bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Akanle Lateef Oluwole.

Senior Lecturer and Head of Department, General Studies, Federal University Oye, Oye Ekiti , Dr. Rufus Akinola, delivered a paper on ‘Microcredit and Microfinance and its Impact on the SDGs programme,” This was followed by an interactive session coordinated by the Chief Operating Officer of the bank, Mr Lawrence Ogunmolaji.

Chief Executive Officer and Senior Research Fellow, IEBDEM, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom, Dr Damilola Olajide, in his presentation on, ‘The Impact of Microcredit on Household Vulnerability and Women Empowerment: Evidence and Policy Implications,’ highlighted some of the inherent risks in loans disbursement, financing and its overall impact on the welfare of customers and economic policies.

Participants at the workshop included key customers of the bank, members of the board of directors, management and staff. Also in attendance were former chairmen of Ikere and Ikole local governments, Olasunkanmi Ogunbiyi and Mr. Wole Ayeni, among others.

OLX marks third anniversary Please, stay in the fight. Your victory is just around the corner. I love what someone said: “A successful, resilient woman /man is like a tea bag. You never know how strong it is until it is in hot water. They make tea in hot water.” That’s right. Until an orange is squeezed, the juice won’t come out.

The opposition and challenges on your way right now are what force the best in you to emerge. No matter how lofty and noble your dreams and visions are, they will be tested, tried, opposed, challenged, criticised, ridiculed, battered but don’t quit. Do not let fear of the unknown deter you from making a positive move. Don’t be ashamed to start small and grow big. Be patient enough to take one step at a time. Never let lack of capital hinder you. Every purpose commands provision. Once you launch out, you will meet with resources and people who will help you achieve your dreams. It is not all about you.

Your vision is too great for you alone to accomplish. Some people were born to help you fulfill your purpose.

If it is all about putting food on your table then you are already limited. If you ask me, I’ll tell you that that is not a vision. A vision is people-oriented. It could be about adding value to a whole city, a nation or even the world at large. Don’t underestimate what you can do. If Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey and Helen Keller, a blind woman, could be heard in the world for their remarkable achievements, then there is no stopping you.

Don’t quit!

Edwin Usoboh

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igeria’s online classified, OLX, hosted top performing car dealers on its platform, in celebration of three years of successful operations in Nigeria.

Speaking to the media at the anniversary celebration which held at the Rooftop Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Country Manager, OLX, Lola Masha, reaffirmed its commitment to continuous innovation and improved quality of service delivery to its teeming users.

Masha said, “When OLX commenced operations in Nigeria three years ago, we had our work clearly cut out. We started out with a determination to build an operation with excellence at its core.

“Among the many segments of our business, the vehicle category is one of our most popular.

We have seized the occasion of our third anniversary to celebrate our top-performing dealers on our site who have played a major role in our success story. We are doing all we can to boost this category and other ones by establishing operational relationships and forging partnerships with other credible brands.”

While acknowledging that the business had experienced its fair share of challenges, Public Relations Manager of OLX, Uche Nwagboso, said that each challenge has however presented a unique growth opportunity.

Nwagboso added, “Each obstacle has actually driven us to do more, to innovate more and to achieve more. We believe that as we continue to innovate, to form new strategic alliances and to strengthen our twin pillars of safety and trust, we are contributing to the evolution and establishment of a vibrant e-commerce culture in Nigeria. Indeed, OLX is driven to become such a credible brand in the country that anytime, anyone has a product to buy or sell, the person automatically thinks OLX.”

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

NSEASI pares, as news from polity underwhelms

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he equities market recorded a loss this week, with the NSEASI paring by 1.38% to bring the YtD return of the market to -12.96%.

While many had speculated about the much awaited ministerial list spurring investors’ confidence and participation, it seemingly had very little impact, as the index pared on 3 consecutive trading days after its announcement on Tuesday the 6th of October.

UNITYBNK recorded the highest price appreciation this week, advancing by 24.62% to peg at NGN1.62. CUTIX, CHAMPION, GLAXOSMITH, and NEIMETH also featured on the gainers’ list, after recording price appreciations of 8.43%, 5.50%, 5.00%, and 4.12% respectively. Conversely, FCMB (-11.06%), EVANSMED (-10.45%), MANSARD (-10.04%), BOCGAS (-9.52%), and CCNN (-9.39%) populated the decliners’ chart.

Guinness Nigeria Plc. and AXA Mansard Plc. have their register closure dates scheduled for the coming week, on the 12th and 14th of October respectively. GUINNESS is scheduled to pay NGN3.20/share dividend on the 27th of November, while MANSARD is slated to pay an interim dividend of NGN0.03/share on the 26th of November, 2015.

Barclays Bank announced this week that it would begin consultation with its bond index users to determine if Nigeria should be phased out of its EM Local currency bond index. The process is expected to last a month, after which the findings would be published, and actions taken if necessary.

While we are expecting an uptick in activities as we go into the Q3:2015 earnings season, we note that our expectations for results are tempered given the numerous headwinds currently weighing down economic activities.

In this report, we review events in the economy, laying emphasis on the performance of different segments of the financial market, while presenting our expectations for the coming week.

Fixed Income Market Update: Financial houses opening balance hits NGN1.08 trillion NIBOR tempered further for the 3rd consecutive week, paring by 1.12% WoW on the average to settle at 11.81%. Also, money market rates marked their year lows, as the respective rates (OBB and OVN) closed the week at 0.67% and 1.08% accordingly. We credit these rate declines to the improved liquidity in the financial system, with banks/discount houses aggregate opening balance with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) surging significantly by 763%WoW to NGN1.08 trillion (vs. NGN0.12 trillion in the previous week).

Investors’ demand for Treasury Bills instruments persisted during the week, with the average yield declining by 1.64% WoW, to settle at 9.50%. The level of demand was further emphasized by the significant oversubscription of c.164% at the Primary Market Auction of T-bills instruments worth NGN127.07bn held during the week.

Activities at the Treasury Bonds market also mirrored those across the rest of the fixed income market, with instruments witnessing significant investors’ demand. Consequently, the average yield across instruments pared by 0.51% WoW, to settle at 14.52%.

The Naira depreciated WoW, falling by 0.21% against the greenback to peg its mid-price at NGN198.31/USD. However, at the parallel market, the exchange stayed stable, finishing the week where it started, NGN225/USD. Agric sector: Bargain hunting activities transpire The agric sector reversed the negative performance of the previous week, as WtD return pegged at 1.86% to drive the YtD return to 19.67%, as measured by our MERIAGRI index. Sector breadth (0.50x) skewed in favour of advancers, as only one stock declined in value, as against two (2) stocks that advanced in their share prices during the week.

OKOMUOIL led the gainers’ chart with a price appreciation of 2.36% to close at NGN28.66, while PRESCO followed closely with a gain of 1.47% to close at NGN31.00. Conversely, LIVESTOCK emerged as the only decliner, after shedding 4.44% to close at NGN1.72. ELLAHLAKES and FTNCOCOA traded flat.

We opine that in the coming week, we might

... Q3:2015 earnings season upon us

witness some profit taking activities after recent price gains, as have been the trend recently.

Banking sector: Records 3rd consecutive WoW decline The banking sector’s index pared for the 3rd consecutive week, declining by 1.57% to bring the YtD return to -10.58%, as nine (9) stocks declined as against four (4) which appreciated in value. All other stocks traded flat.

The top gainers for the week included UNITYBNK (+24.62%), UBA (+3.77%), FBNH (+1.61%), and STANBIC (+1.55%), while the decliners were led by FCMB (-11.06%), DIAMONDBNK (-7.58%), SKYEBANK (-4.35%), ETI (-3.93%), and GUARANTY (-2.95%).

While it may be expected that the release of Q3:2015 results might spark some resurgence in banking sector stocks, we are not as bullish, given our expectations of weak numbers for the banks.

This is buoyed by the mounting pressure on banks, following a deluge of regulatory reforms. However, we note that this would be short-lived, as our views regarding the long term prospects for the sector are generally upbeat. Hence, we advise investors to take advantage of this period of market flux, to position for long-term gains.

Consumer Goods: Profit taking dominates The sector’s performance for the week was in line with our expectations, given the recent price gains recorded by some of the sectors’ stocks over recent weeks. The return, as measured by the NSEFBT10, was recorded at -0.16% WtD, as nine (9) stocks waned in value, while seven (7) appreciated.

The gainers’ chart featured 7UP, NASCON, VONO, UNILEVER, AGLEVENT, GUINNESS, and CHAMPION, with respective WoW returns of +0.15%, +3.26%, +2.02%, +3.04%, +4.04%, +0.07%,

and +5.50%.

UACN, CADBURY, DANGFLOUR, DANGSUGAR, HONYFLOUR, FLOURMILL, VITAFOAM, PZ, and INTBREW contracted by 8.30%, 7.62%, 4.07%, 1.36%, 5.17%, 3.51%, 5.93%, 1.54%, and 3.78% correspondingly.

Also, the register for the payment of NGN3.20/ share dividend by GUINNESS is due to close on 12th October 2015, with payment date scheduled for 27th November 2015.

While we anticipate the release of some Q3:2015 performance scorecards from the sectors’ companies, we do not expect a bullish run on the counters given our less than optimistic result expectations.

Healthcare Sector: Sector gain steered by GLAXOSMITH The sector outperformed the general market, advancing by 4.86% to peg YtD return at -7.73% as measured by our MERI-HLTH Index. Sector breadth (0.66x) skewed in favour of decliners, as two (2) stocks appreciated in share price, while three (3) stocks trimmed in value during the week.

GLAXOSMITH emerged as the top gainer for the week, advancing by 5.00% to close at NGN36.96.

NEIMETH also advanced, reversing the previous week’s decline, after appreciating by 4.12% to peg its market price at NGN1.01. On the flip side, EVANSMED topped the laggards list for the second consecutive week, after recording a 10.45% price decline. The ticker was trailed by MAYBAKER and FIDSON, each paring by 3.97% and 0.31% accordingly, to settle prices at NGN1.21 and NGN3.25 respectively. All other counters traded flat in the week.

The mood in the sector was generally negative, with the index’s positive return majorly due to the 5.00% gain recorded by the sector heavy weight (GLAXOSMITH). We expect a reversal of this

trend in the coming week, given that profit taking activities witnessed over the previous 2 weeks have depressed share prices of most sector stocks.

Industrial Goods: Sector sheds 2.09% WoW The industrial goods sector closed 2.09% down at the end of the week, based on our Meri-Industrial sector index, as five stocks closed in the negative zone.

CUTIX emerged as top gainer for the week, having appreciated by 8.43% WoW to close at NGN1.80. Other gainers for the week were CAP and ASHAKACEM, which appreciated by 2.56% and 1.77% respectively.

CCNN had the worst outing for the week, depreciating by 9.39% WoW to close at NGN7.91, while PORTPAINT, DANGCEM, WAPCO, and BERGER all depreciated by 3.23%, 2.34%, 0.49% and 0.29% accordingly, to make up the losers’ chart.

Trading activities in the industrial goods sector remained pressured during the week owing to generally negative sentiments, and paucity of positive news regarding the sectors’ companies.

We expect Q3:2015 result releases to determine the direction of trades in the coming weeks.

Insurance sector: Heavyweights drag sectors’ performance The insurance sector stocks traded in line with the market, paring by 2.55% Week-on-Week, to peg the Year-to-Date return at -8.66%, as measured by the NSEINS10 index. The weak performance crystalized, even as 3 stocks recorded price appreciations, as against 2 stocks that waned in value.

CONTINSURE, NEM, and AIICO advanced by 2.04%, 1.45%, and 1.14% respectively during the week, emerging as the top gainers. MANSARD on the other hand, recorded the highest loss during the week, paring by 10.04% to close at NGN2.42.

The counter was trailed by CUSTODYINS which declined marginally by 0.74% to close at NGN4.02.

All other counters traded flat.

We anticipate that the general market performance will continue to dictate the sectors’ performance in the coming weeks, as we do not anticipate early earning releases from the insurance companies. Thus, we advise investors’ to trade cautiously.

Oil & Gas Sector: BRENT settles above USD50pb The oil & gas sector witnessed negative sentiments from investors in the week, with the NSEOILG5 index waning by 3.22% WoW. A single counter appreciated in price, while four (4) stocks pared in value.

MOBIL was the lone advancer, gaining 0.05% WoW to close at NGN145.07. Top on the laggards chart was SEPLAT, declining by 8.36% to settle at NGN229.00. ETERNA, OANDO, and FO followed suit, paring by 6.74%, 4.76%, and 1.86% accordingly.

Global crude oil price (BRENT) advanced by 11.49% WoW, to settle at USD53.66pb after holding below USD50pb for over three weeks. We attribute the price rise to news flow regarding Russia’s stated willingness to meet with OPEC members about the lingering low prices. While new data showing further decline in shale production in the US, may also be partly contributory to the upsurge.

While we believe there is value in some sector stocks given the current trading prices, we advise investors to balance investment optimism with caution and take a long term view to decisions.

Services sector: Bearish mood extended, as index pares by 1.21% The MERISER index waned this week by 1.21%, dragging the Year-to-Date return into negative territory (-0.87%). During the week, there were no stock advancements, whilst 6 stocks pared in value. Other stocks traded flat.

REDSTAREX (-4.78%) pared the most to close the week at NGN3.98. Other decliners were ABCTRANS (-3.64%), TRANSEXPR (-3.57%), LEARNAFRCA (-3.16%), NAHCO (-3.15%), and IKEJAHOTEL (-0.58%).

We expect the Q3:2015 result releases in the sector to drive sentiments amongst active investors, while bargain hunting on some fundamentally justified stocks in the sector is also expected, given the relatively low counter prices.

SUNDAY

53 53

Sport SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015

FIFA

Kalu is Pillar of Sports in Africa – Wabara p.55

Guinee 2016

Falconets through to final round p.55

Eagles

Enyeama meets NFF’s bigwigs in Belgium p.55

Golf

Magic of Elizade p.54

Deputy Sports Editor Dapo Sotuminu daposotu@yahoo.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Oliseh out to destroy Eagles, says Nwanu Dapo Sotuminu

F

ormer Super Eagles World Cup defender, Chidi Nwanu, is not happy that the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has left the Eagles chief coach, Sunday Oliseh, to destroy the team with his highhandedness.

Nwanu, told Sunday Telegraph in an exclusive interview from his base in Belgium that, it is wrong for the football federation to leave the national team of Nigeria at the mercy of Oliseh who is grossly inexperienced in the management of a team as big as the Super Eagles.

“His biggest experience was a six-month stay in a Belgian Amateur Division Four club, where he took a walk without saying good bye to the team. It is a shame that Nigeria has left this boy to do what he likes with the Eagles, so it was not surprising to see Oliseh asked security men at the team’s camp in Belgium to bundle out a legendary Eagles captain, Vincent Enyeama. It is unbelievable to see the coach do that to a player who has served the country for 13 years and recording 101 caps. If you don’t know, Enyeama is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe at the moment, it is sad to see him get such shabby treatment. No form of brotherhood at all, and Oliseh played the same time when Enyeama kept the goal for the Eagles.

“It would have been better if Amaju Pinnick had left Stephen Keshi in-charge of the team instead of bringing an Oliseh that is out to ruin the national team for his own selfish reasons. Why should the NFF employ Oliseh who they paid ahead for five months? Have you seen that before in football, no, it does not happen anywhere, but Oliseh forced that down the throat of the NFF. He would have fit in perfectly as coach of the Under-17 team and he can graduate from here.”

The former Anderlecht FC of Belgium defence stalwart noted that, if there was a need for the Eagles coach to appoint a new captain he should have done so with so much respect. “His excuse was that, he doesn’t want a captain that is close to retirement, but that is rubbish. In Chelsea FC, John Terry is still captain despite the fact that he doesn’t play regular football. It’s all about respect, what Oliseh did to Nigeria’s captain in Belgium was total disrespect for the country and this is unacceptable. What this means is that the coach at any point in time could bundle out any of the players at the slightest provocation.

The players may not be saying it now, but I can tell you that the sense of secu-

rity is not there anymore. If the team captain could be thrown out of the camp by security men, no one is safe.

“In the first place what is the Super Eagles doing in Belgium, the team does not have any business in this country. Oliseh has his own hidden agenda and this will blow open soon. He is using the national team to shine here in Belgium for the sole purpose of making himself popular in the European country. The venue of the two friendly games is the home ground of Liege where he played as a professional to tell the whole Belgium that he’s now coach of Nigeria. He played at Liege with Victor Ikpeba at the VISE Stadium.

“Just watch it, after the matches in Belgium some Belgian clubs especially the ones in the French speaking areas will start asking for his signature to handle their clubs. Mark my words, if any of these clubs, either in the professional division two or three should offer Oliseh a job as coach, he won’t hesitate to dump Nigeria.”

He added: “I am not happy. Sometimes the NFF needs to listen to people’s advice.

How can the coach be working in Nigeria and he is living in Europe. Oliseh does not have anything to show Nigeria. Why I won’t stop saying the truth about the situation in the Eagles is that, I am not interested in becoming the national team coach. I am sure Keshi will be laughing wherever he is now.

“The NFF said Oliseh has the A License as a coach, but the truth is that you cannot get an A License without coaching a top club in Europe, so where did Oliseh get his own from. I also learnt his younger brother, Azubuike, who has never coached a team has an A License, where did he also get his own from. These licenses should be investigated.”

Coaching a national team of Nigeria is not all about talking well in a free internet blog and doing analyses on the television. The main thing is the practicals on the field of play, which Oliseh does not have.

“I am sorry, the choice of Ahmed Musa by the Eagles coach as the new captain is wrong. Musa scores goals at times, but he is a nonchalant player, he doesn’t have the charisma to lead the Eagles. Oliseh is full of blunders. The National Sports Commission should stop him now before he destroys the Super Eagles.”

54

SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sport

golflineintl@yahoo.com 0805 618 0071

People

with Tony Akhigbe

Magic of Elizade F

or choice, you would dare not dream of embarking on a trip to Ilara-Mokin, a gray village tucked in the belly of Akure town. The village appears to be so near, since its just a shout from the Federal University of Technology, Akure [FUTA], but the whole place appears to be so hidden, like some place that has not seen civilization.

The road to Ilara-Mokin is unbelievably rough. Bikes have challenges here, not to make mention of cars. The buildings are muddy they could wash in rains and they are usually closely tucked together. The only sign of civilization here could be the electricity poles that spiraled all around. Those poles could be there just for the fun of it. They don’t see light here. Once it’s close to 7 pm, you are met with such darkness you would think you were in a pitch of hell. Don’t dream of a sightseeing here. You will see nothing but thick shrubs, swamps, huge trees and bamboos. Are you catching cold now?

Wait, and behold, this is the birthplace of Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, the mogul who sits atop Elizade, the magnificent outfit that sells about all the Toyota cars in Nigeria.

Chief Ade-Ojo waltzed through poverty and pains when he was growing up. His parents were about the poorest in Ilara-Mokin. They could hardly provide meals on the table, not to make mention of getting Ade-Ojo through school. But somehow and through huge assistance from his late wife, Elizabeth, he got education. The story of Ilara-Mokin just changed.

You can now move to the heart of Ila-Mokin and you will have to doff your cap for God, if you have not done so already.

Today’s Ilara-Mokin is as pretty as a picture. There is the awesome Elizade University that stands out in style.

Then, sitting majestically on several hectares of land that rolls on forever is the magnificent Smoking Hills Golf Club.

This course is not just massive but it has such an unprecedented beauty.

It is lush and indeed long with several huge trees adorning its fairways.

You have to be bold to play here. The course is not only long but it is the biggest course in West Africa. And the prettiest, too. It rolls around several little hills and you will notice grave bunkers un about every one of the 18 holes. Its undulating landscape will easily take the breadth away from you. The Greens here run like those at the home of the Masters, Augusta in Georgia. Watch the fairways closely and you will believe you are in one of those perfect courses in the Algarve.

At this point, you could be asking…

What of the Ibom course in Uyo or the IBB course in Abuja. Truly, those don’t come close.

Smoking Hills has got a perculier magic. Every inch of the long course is dotted with variety of sweet smelling flowers. Walk through and all you perceive is such fresh air that could make you think you are one on one with God. As at the last time I saw this course, five white men were tending to the lush grasses and Greens alone. A Clubhouse that would be big as a Cathedral is being erected while plans to mount a five-star hotel on the premises of the course are being perfected.

I know it will come to this…

How much has Chief Ade-Ojo forked out to ensure Smoking Hills ranks among the best courses in the world. Now hold your breath. This course has gulped a stunning 17 million dollars. Are

you falling off just yet? Not to worry.

Even the world acclaimed Forbes magazine asked what Ade-Ojo was thinking before committing such fortune on a golf course.

Brimming with smiles, Ade-Ojo answered: “I built this place for myself.

Whoever wants to play can come”.

And here is a man that has no air around him. He is so calm and almost anonymous. You will never see him coming. Or you might if you frequent the Ikeja Golf Club where he plays when he is not in IlaraMokin.

Now that you want to play golf

Y

ou do hear certain weird things about golf and you will begin to imagine if you can ever talk people through the game. Some believe it is indeed awkward when you see adult chasing small balls all in the name of playing a game.

Some will hit direct into your heart when they proclaim that the game of golf is foe the ‘idlerich’ who have nothing worthwhile to do with valuable time.

Yet some say the game is for elites who intend to lord it over poor souls who can hardly afford decent meals. They still ask why should a game be so costly to that point you must expend a fortune before you play. Put all these together, people still want to play. Since that period the Phenomenon, Tigers Woods broke through the souls of golf

and laid it right on doorsteps of youths, most especially, everyone wants to play golf. But they still whine that this game could hit you where it hurts most… that is your Wallet.

Now, here is the fact. The game of golf is not costly. It all depends on where you are sitting, for there is something for everyone in golf. For instance, you might be a Dangote and you will require this premium Callaway set that could set you back some N3 million. This is okay for Dangote. But I tell you there is a got set that will go for just NN80,000 and it will perform same function as that of Dangote. Now isn’t golf cheap?

Same goes for Clubs where you want to play your game. Okay to be a member of the IBB golf Club or the Ikoyi Golf Club, you

might need to splash on table something close to a million naira to register. But still you can join some other clubs where you might not spend up to N70,000 to be a member. At the end of the day, if there is a tourney at the IBB or Ikoyi, the fellow from a Club that costs N70,000 can play too. Or do you still whine about the huge cost of this game. Don’t.

The game is for all and yes, you get to mix with quality people where no one dare embarrass or look down on you. Golf is a leveler. Everyone succumbs to same rules in golf. This could be reason we now have some 25,000 playing the game in Nigeria today and there are about 200 golf courses scattered across the vast nation. If you are still unclear on how to join the gme, just call me and I will talk you through.

QUICK FACTS TEE: This is not the last thing MKO Abiola drank in Abuja. This one has to do with you getting on with the game. If you want to start a game of golf, you are Teeing off.

FLAG: This is not the Green and White that flutters in the air. This one indicates where you must direct your ball to when hitting from afar.

STROKE: This will not be your portion. But every golf shot you hit is a stroke.

HOLE: Dirty minds. This is not what you think. Hole here is where see through a game. You have 18 holes in a round of golf.

APRON: This is not what you wrap yourself with when in the kitchen. This one is the little portion you reach before you meet the Green.

BUNKER: Now don’t start thinking about the Green Revolution just yet. This one is the portion where Putts are made.

BUNKER: This is not where the warlord, late Ojukwu was coolong his feet while the Civil war raged. This one is a ‘sand-trap’ dotted across the course. The Bunker is meant to make your game miserable. Wise golfers avoid getting inside one.

Note: More of this next week.

WITHIN THE RULES

This is reason golf is so fascination. You are your own umpire.

You mark your own card. While the likes of Chelsea’s Costa could hoodwink the Ref right in his face, nobody hangs around a golfer when he is marking his card. And he dare not cheat. This is reason the whole world believes golf is a honorary game. All the same, golf has so many rules. And you dare not flout any. If you do, the consequences could be grave. From next week, I will be taking you through the rules of Golf. They are interesting and very educating

55

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015

Sport / News

Guinea 2016: Falconets through to final round

Kalu is Pillar of Sports in Africa – Wabara

T

he Media Adviser to the former Governor of Abia State, Mr. Ebere Wabara, has described his boss, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, as the Pillar of Sports in Africa.

In a statement issued by the Orji Uzor Kalu Media Centre, Abuja, and signed by Mrs. Rubby Obinna, Wabara said that since August this year that the call on Kalu to contest in the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) presidential race was made known, the issue has spread like wildfire.

Wabara made this known in a public presentation in Abuja on Saturday, saying: “Ever since the call, no day has passed by without local and regional reaffirmation of the laudable intent by diverse and multifarious sports personalities and authorities.

The outpouring of endorsements is such that if the final decision were to be a regional or sub-regional thing, the acclamations and ratifications would have presented the topmost football administrative position in the world on a platter to Dr. Kalu.

However, considering the behemoth nature of the office, there are many dynamics and global stakeholderships.”

T

he U-20 Women National Team, Falconets, have qualified for the final round of the African qualifying series for the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, courtesy of a 4-1 aggregate defeat of their counterparts from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup top goalscorer Chinwendu Ihezuo was the heroine of the two legs, scoring both goals in Abuja on Saturday, to add to her goal in Kinshasa two weeks ago, when Nigeria beat the hosts 2-1.

Ihezuo scored her first after only seven minutes at the National Stadium, Abuja, when she capitalized on a defensive mistake by the Congolese and raced unchallenged to slot the ball past goalkeeper Kashala Khonde.

The Congolese refused to be deterred, and played impressively with the petite Salu Lengi, Monique Kipoy and Joelle Muadi showing good skills.

However, the game was all but over after only five minutes into the second half, when Ihezuo again capitalized on a defensive error by the Congolese off a long ball, and held on to secure her brace.

The Falconets, runner-up of the last edition of the competition, will now take on the winner of the fixture between South Africa and Zambia, for a place at the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Papua New Guinea.

NFF mourns late Okugbe T

he Nigeria Football Federation on Saturday expressed shock at the death of ace journalist, Felix Osagie Okugbe, who passed on at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital on Friday night.

Chairman of the Edo State Football Association and a close friend of Okugbe, Mr. Frank Ilaboya, told the NFF on Saturday that Okugbe had traveled to India for spine infection surgery, which was successful. However, he later developed complications, after returning to Nigeria about two weeks ago.

“He was rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital on Monday, and when his condition deteriorated on Wednesday, he was placed on oxygen. The family wishes to commend the management and consultants at LASUTH for a tremendous job they did to try and keep him alive, but he gave up on Friday night,” Ilaboya said.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick, who is in Belgium for the Super Eagles’ friendly match against Cameroon on Sunday, expressed sorrow over Okugbe’s passing.

“He was no doubt one of the most resourceful, dedicated and gifted journalists around. He had real passion for the job. I spoke to him while he was in India for the surgery and I thought all was well with him again.

He said that Dr. Kalu has achieved beyond-compare feat in the business of football, especially his supervision of Enyimba International Football Club, which brought the football club to international repute when it won the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League in 2003 and 2004.

“In all sincerity, Dr. Kalu is better in virtually all parametres and by extrapolation the best candidate to represent Africa at this golden point. It is obvious that on a comparative scale, Kalu most probably is better than any other aspirant that has emerged and may still jokingly come out. I had expected that with his towering football image his candidacy would have elicited consensual ratification by all member-countries (and citizens) of CAF. Alas, there are still muffled, discordant and spoiler voices!” Wabara said.

He added that this is the best opportunity for Africa to get the FIFA top post for the first time. It would be a tragedy if we allow the self-created chance to slip away on grounds of our domestic disorganisation and throwing of spanners in the contest.

Enyeama meets NFF’s bigwigs in Belgium •Keeper should retire peacefully, says Oliseh •Eagles coach says he doesn’t know me- Vincent

Dapo Sotuminu

E

mbattled Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, returned to the Eagles Belgium camp today to have a meeting with bigwigs of the Nigeria Football Federation.

Enyeama returned to Belgium on invitation of the President of the NFF who sat in the meeting with his two vice presidents, Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko.

NFF Director Communications, Mr. Ademola Olajire, told Sunday Telegraph yesterday evening that against wide spread speculation, it was just a meeting to plan for Enyeama’s befitting retirement from the national team if he really wants to leave and not that he has returned to the Eagles team.

Olajire noted that the NFF just found it absurd to allow such a Nigerian goalkeeping legend to be treated with such disdain after giving so much to his fatherland.

He added that, after the meeting with Enyeama, whose content he did not disclose, the NFF presid e n t would meet

with the Eagles chief coach to also discuss the issue concerning the goalkeeper. This he said would include the possibility of Enyeama returning to the team if all terms are agreed. “So it is not that Enyeama has returned to the Eagles team,” Olajire said.

As NFF bigwigs try to find a way round the issue, the Super Eagles chief coach Sunday Oliseh, has stated that, the team’s former captain Vincent Enyeama should retire peacefully from the Eagles and not get himself entangled in character assassination, the way he tried to do with him in the entire fiasco that ensued in the team’s Belgian camp.

Oliseh said: “The goalkeeper lied against me and I am so sad about that. I knew Vincent went for his mother’s funeral and there are possibilities that he would report to camp late. He came into camp on Tuesday at about 5.30pm just as the training ended.

He drove in and we were all happy to see him, we even took

some photographs together hugging each other to welcome him to camp.

“When we had dinner, I addressed the players and made them know that I wasn’t happy with the team’s physical fitness and that they must improve for us to do well in the match against DR Congo. From the player’s body language I knew they listened to me. When I finished my speech which also included some changes in the team, Vincent raised his hand that he would like to speak. I told him this is not the time to say anything because personal issues can be raised later. But he insisted.

If he is leaving the national team he should not malign my name or tell anybody that I forced him out.”

On the other hand, Vincent Enyeama, disclosed that he was shocked when the coach said he invited four goalkeepers as he never expected that I was going to come, I found that very strange.

“He explained to me that he would want Carl Ikeme to start while Ahmed Musa captains the team. I had no problem with that

until we got into the team bus for Wednesday training and the coach told me in the presence of all the players that he doesn’t know me and he is not willing to know me. I was shocked at his utterances. If a coach says he doesn’t want to know me after serving the national team for 13 years, then there is a problem. That was when I told myself, Vincent it is time to move on.

“The first shock the coach gave me was when he opened the door for me to get out of the team’s meeting when I insisted I needed to ask question on why nobody spoke to me on the issue of a new captain for the Eagles. I have never seen where a coach opens the door for his captain to get out of a meeting, it is not done anywhere. If I am not going to be the number two goalkeeper in the national team again let me be beaten to it, if not my club would sack me that was why I had no option than to quit for good. It is clear according to the coach my presence is disturbing the team from moving forward, so it better to give way so that they can make the desired progress.”

Eagles battle Cameroun in friendly

N

igeria and Cameroon will renew their rivalry when the two sides meet in an international friendly at the Stade Edmond Machtens in Brussels on Sunday, October 11th.

The Super Eagles will be looking to redeem themselves after being humbled

by DR Congo on Thursday night at Vice losing 2-0 to the Leopards.

It was a game characterized with a lot lethargic play and a subdued performance that probably resonated from the squabbles in the team’s camp few days before the game.

Former captain Vincent Enyeama

had a fall-out with Oliseh and subsequently left the Eagles camp. A few hours later, he announced his international retirement.

The build-up to the game had been chaotic from the start with players getting injured and Oliseh having to make do with a tiny squad as he opened camp due to the inability of some players to get entry visas to Belgium.

Cameroun on the other hand have a relatively quiet time in Belgium preparing for the game as Volker Finke prepares his wards for the 2018 World Cup preliminary rounds with another eye on the 2017 AFCON qualifiers next year.

SPORT

Oliseh out to destroy Eagles, says Nwanu }53

FAITH

Sanctity of Truth

SUNDAY

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015

N150

The danger of living without Christ -Muoka

}46

Corruption and assets declaration (part 2) ENCORE We continue this week, Assets Declaration as a tool for fighting corruption. Last week, we discussed the provisions of the Constitution and CCBT Act, relating to how declarations are made, punishment for the violation of the laws, jurisdiction of the CCT, amongst others. We also peeped into PMB’s new cabinet nominees.

TOTAL VALUE OF THE ASSETS DECLARED Now, a casual perusal of the declaration form referred to in the first Schedule, shows clearly that there is a column for “total value” of the assets being declared.

This being the case, did the declaration of PMB, and his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, satisfy the position of the law? If the President did not fill that part of his form, which insists on the “total value”, then, it is obvious that the President must have done so in contravention of both the Constitution and the Act. However, if PMB did actually state the value of his assets in the form submitted to the CCB, the questions would be: (1). Who did such valuation and how did PMB arrive at such value since he is not a certified Estate Surveyor/Valuer?

(2.) If the President did in fact value his total declared assets to the CCB, why did he deliberately omit the total value of the declared assets from public consumption as did Yar’adua?

THE CCB SHOULD MAKE ALL DECLARED ASSETS PUBLIC The CCB is under legal obligation to publish the declaration of all public officers as provided for by the Freedom of Information Act (FOI Act), 2011.

Section 2(4) of the Act, provides as follows: (4) A public institution shall ensure that information referred to in this section is widely disseminated and made readily available to members of the public through various means, including print, electronic and online sources, and at the offices of such public institutions.”

Before the enactment of the FoI, the media and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), going by the provisions of Section 153(3)(c) of the Constitution, never had access to the information that the CCB has access to. Thus, if a public officer decided not to publicly declare his assets, the CCB in times past, always sought refuge under the provisions of Section 153(3) (c) of the Constitution. However, by the provisions of the FoI Act above, it has become imperative for the CCB to publish and make public, all declared assets by public officers, for easy verification, and if need be, contradiction, by members of the public.

PROHIBITION OF FOREIGN ACCOUNTS It is pertinent to draw attention to both the Constitution and the CCBT Act, concerning their collective prohibitive provisions on the operation of foreign accounts by public officers. Part 1, Paragraph 3 of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution, 1999, provides: “The President, Vice -President, Governor, Deputy Governor, Ministers of the Government of the Federation and Commissioners of the Governments of the States, members of the National Assembly and of the Houses of Assembly of the States, and such other public officers or persons as the National Assembly may by law prescribe shall not maintain or oper-

The

Nigerian Project

MIKE OZEKHOME san, ofr mike.ozekhome@yahoo.com 08094777755 (sms only) ate a bank account in any country outside Nigeria”.

By the enactment of the CCBT Act, the National Assembly has opened up new vistas and extended the categories of persons barred from operating foreign accounts as public officers. Consequently, a community reading of Sections 7 and 26 of the CCBT Act and Part 11, Second Schedule to the Act, put it beyond doubt that every person holding any elective, selective, or appointive public office is barred from operating a foreign account. The Vice-President, having declared $900,000 and £19,000 in Nigerian Banks in foreign currencies, he did well and there is no need to quarrel with this since the sums are domiciled in Nigeria.

It is noteworthy to state that Nigeria, being one of the founding members at the UN’s Convention Against Corruption, and having also ratified same on 14th December 2004, is always under international obligation to fight corruption through assets declaration. Under Article Art. VIII (V) of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, it is provided: “Each State Party shall endeavour, where appropriate and in accordance with the fundamental principles of its domestic law, to establish measures and systems requiring public officials to make declarations to appropriate authorities regarding, inter alia, their outside activities, employment, investments, assets and substantial gifts or benefits from which a conflict of interest may result with respect to their functions as public officials.”

Since one of its aims as encased in Section 2 the CCBT Act, is that: “the aims and objectives of the Bureau shall be to establish and maintain a high standard of morality in the conduct of government business and to ensure that the actions and behaviour of public officers conform to the highest standards of public morality and accountability”, then, it must, in principle, proprio motu, publish the assets and liabilities of all public office holders

for public consumption/verification/contradiction. This is the only way to tackle corruption head long. S.2(4) of the FoI Act emphasises this.

Finally, on this, the Whistle Blowers Bill which has suffered series of legislative hiatus before the National Assembly, should immediately be passed into law to enable every person with information on any public officer come forward and volunteer such under the protection of law.

NOW THIS… YAR’ADUA’S CLASSICAL EXAMPLE OF PROPER ASSETS DECLARATION As reported by The Guardian Newspaper of June 29, 2007.

President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua made public, “photocopies of his duly and honestly completed assets declaration form.”

The gesture was the first by any of Nigeria’s helmsmen since independence in 1960. According to the details released to journalists by the then Special Adviser to the President (Communications), Mr. Segun Adeniyi, Yar’Adua had a total assets value of N856, 452,892. These included a total of N19 million owned by the First Lady, Turai, his spouse, as provided for under Section 15 of the CCBT Act. His total liabilities being outstanding loans secured with the Unity Bank Plc, Imani Estate branch, Maitama,Abuja, were put at N88,793,269.77.

Yar’Adua’s assets included remunerations, savings, campaigns, post-campaign contributions, buildings and vacant plots of land, farms and orchards, cash at hand and vehicles. The ex-President disclosed that he had no foreign accounts or assets.

The bulk of his assets were listed under remunerations, savings, campaigns, post campaign contributions and 29 campaign vehicles located in Katsina, his home state and Abuja.

All the assets were valued at N856,452,892 million naira as at 28th June, 2007. His total yearly income was put at N18.7 million, while his wife had a total

BUSY BODY

yearly income of N132,000. The release of the documents, Adeniyi said, was consistent with the President’s earlier campaign pledge. Yar’Adua had assured Nigerians that he would work closely with the leadership of the National Assembly “to see what can be done to make assets declaration an effective weapon in the fight against corruption and abuse of office.”

Bless his soul.

Adeniyi had told a shocked and bemused Nation that the President released the documents in spite of the contrary advice by the CCB: “The President notified the Bureau of his intention to make the form available to the public in fulfilment of his campaign pledge, which was borne out of his conviction that the war against corruption cannot have meaning until those at the helms of affairs begin to live by example. The Bureau, while appreciating the noble intention of the President, counselled against the move on the grounds that such an action from the number one citizen would put pressure on other categories of public officers to do same, even when the constitution makes the exercise a confidential matter.”

Hear, hear, hear !!!

AND THIS …

PMB AS A MINISTER OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA PMB has nominated his ministers and sent the list the Senate. He held unto, like OBJ before him, the portfolio of Petroleum minister (understandable, to closely monitor this sole national cash cow), but, there is an issue here. Will he appear before the Senate for screening, like any other ministerial nominee? He should. He must.

Section 147 (2) of the 1999 Constitution, as altered, provides that the Senate must screen and approve every ministerial nominee, before the President makes the appointment. There is no exception.

Since PMB has opted to be the Minister of Petroleum Resources, he must appear for such screening. The Senate will most likely show him due respect and deference by asking him to take a bow. But, he must first appear. THIS IS CHANGE! LAST LINE Are PMB, the Judiciary, Executive, the Senate, Senate President, Chairman and Members of the CCB, CCT, APC, PDP, Nigerians, etal, reading and digesting this Sunday sermon on the mount of the Nigerian Project, by Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, OFR?

• Follow me on twitter @ MikeozekhomeSAN

By Aliu Eroje

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