The sunday telegraph sunday, september 27, 2015 vol 2 no 585 binder1

FG orders soldiers to tackle Lagos, Ogun pipeline vandals

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}Tough times await Nigerian banks, rating agency warns

Kachikwu

SUNDAY Sunday, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 Vol. 2 No. 585

Sanctity of Truth

/newtelegraph

N150

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

Mecca stampede

emir, two wives, jega’s brother die

Mixed reactions as WHO removes Nigeria from polio-endemic l Nine Sokoto pilgrims among victims nations

lOver 100 Nigerians perish

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TOP NOLLYWOOD MUSICAL ‘FLOPS’ JIM IYKE

COSSY ORJIAKOR

NKEM OWOH

GENEVIEVE NNAJI

DESMOND ELLIOT

TONTO DIKEH

}7 }35

OMOTOLA JALADE-EKEINDE

PATIENCE OZOKWOR

JOHN OKAFOR

STELLA DAMASUS

Three dead, two arrested as gunmen attack dss’ kogi office

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2

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Contents | 27.09.15 BODY & SOUL

Missing marriage Ex international football star, Victor Ikpeba aka Prince of Monaco recounts his glorious days on the field, being the African footballer of the year and life without his wife

}24

POLITICS

Intrigues that marred Bayelsa APC primaries

All is not well with the Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress after the botched primaries as the dust which emerged thereafter is yet to settle

}15

BUSINESS

Rice for all Rice farmers and millers in Nigeria say the country can produce enough rice for domestic consumption if government sustains its backward integration policy on rice production

}47

FAITH

Advent of Super Moon Will the world end today as blood moon arises in the sky today?

}39

SPORT

‘Rio 2016 will be great’ Sprint queen, Blessing Okagbare is optimistic that Nigeria will do well at the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympics

}55

MAGAZINE

Destiny

18 year old blind Godspower, wins music talent competition, advises youths to discover their purpose in life and stop migrating to Europe

}7

SUNDAY

Editorial

F

Lessons from Brazzaville

or the umpteenth time Nigeria finished in second place at the All Africa Games a position that should send government thinking about the place of sports in our national policy.

Kenya ruled the globe at the last World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China that says a lot about development.

President Muhammadu Buhari in his congratulatory message to Team Nigeria promised to host them at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The planned reception should afford the athletes an opportunity to talk to their leader about their problems and prospects. It should disturb everyone that a country with a huge population of over 160 million cannot produce world beaters in sports.

There are millions of young men and women, full of energy and only waiting for the right direction to put their strength to good use. It is a shame that a country that produced a World boxing champion,Hogan ‘Kid’ Bassey,in 1957 cannot dominate pugilism in Africa today. A few years after independence, Richard ‘Dick Tiger’ Ihetu improved on Bassey’s feat by being the first African to rule the universe in two divisions, Middleweight and Light Heavyweight. He was such a fantastic fighter that the authoritative magazine, Ring, named him Boxer of the Year twice:1962 and 1965.

In Brazzaville, Cote ‘ Ivoire dominated the 100 metres race, an area that should ordinarily belong to our sprinters.

No other African nation could boast of great names in sprints as Nigeria. Chidi Imoh, Olapade Adeniken, Davidson and Osmond Ezinwanyi, Mary Onyali, Beatrice Utondu, Chioma Ajunwa and Christie Okpara among so many others.

It is not good news that we are losing out to hitherto unknown names in the short distance.

Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Alhassan Yakmut,praised the contingent for doing so well despite the poor preparations.

While we permit the new boss to celebrate his first outing, it is unacceptable to talk about poor preparations. The NSC had all the time to give the best. If they failed to get support from the government, the reception is an opportunity to cry out to President Buhari.

Football also gave so many much to think about. For the very first time, the Falcons lost twice consecutively in a continental competition. To lose to Camer-

oun is no record but to crumble to Cote D’Ivoire is a disgrace. It only shows that there is something wrong with tactics and administration. The dream team did not fare any better.Slumping to Burkina Faso in the semis diminished the bronze they squeezed from hosts Congo.

This is time to pay less attention to soccer. There are other areas that should help Nigeria get out of this second fiddle jinx.

At the end of every Games, sports officials talk about paying more attention to aquatics yet we go to subsequent editions with the same mindset. While Egypt and South Africa continue to dominate the pools, our athletes engage in unnecessary mathematical calculations that expose our shortcomings.

The way forward is for the Presidency to host a true National Sports Summit to look at other means of managing sports beyond the pack of bureaucrats saddled with the responsibility. Sports is business and at the same time scientific. Nigeria needs the input of those who have moved into 21st Century management, people that will understand why our athletes are not doing well when they should. It is not enough to put the entire country on Blessing Okagbare’s head when she has some emotional challenges which are ignored.

Government must also go back to the schools. Many of the great names in Athletics emerged from the various colleges. Charlton Ehizuelen, Bruce Ijirigho,Daniel Ogidi, Yusuf Ali, Ogmore Okoro, Hilda Oseni, Mary Onyali, Nathaniel Obijiofor, Otenkwa Dele Udoh, all came from school sports. The states should pay more attention to games in the high schools.

Since sports is our credible language of national unity, no effort should be spared in taking the country to greater heights.

Nigerians are done with the electoral campaigns, they are sick of grandiose economic terms that tend to deplete their earnings the more. What they want to hear is news that our children are combining education with sports and winning laurels for the country.

Government must make sports work.

More attention should be paid to the NSC and more Nigerians should be encouraged to go for positions in international sports bodies. Emerging second best is no longer news. Africa’s strongest economy, the most populous country should stand on top. Let Brazzaville wake government from slumber. And no more second fiddle, please.

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

3

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER, 2015

! r a l u c Sporta League Chicharito: English Premier

free

P

Team Name

Man City C/Palace

gaal van Leicester

battle of taNzaNia Eagles in closed door training

-BP

FREE 5

WANYAMA

royal coach!

A football coach who is the traditional ruler of his community -6/11

*VOL 1 NO.001

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2015

Bafana target victory against Mauritania Pg.9

5

focused on Zambia match

Formula one star, hamilton denies rihanna -BP romanCe

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Pg.9

BarCa 4

*vol 1 No.003

E LIFESTYL

*VOL 1 NO.004

Pts

12 9 8 8 7 7 7 6 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 2 2 2

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Chelsea’s new stadium to gulp £500m -7

-BP

Berahino

Red Devils’ 19-year old, Martial is a father

West Ham unveils Moses

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Pg.12

R-L: MD/Editor-in-Chief, The Sun Pubishing Ltd, Mr. Eric Osagie and SportingSun Editor, John Joshua Akanji at the unveiling of SportingSun newspaper, yesterday

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

gets €100m price tag

£100m from transfers -BP

-13 -12

POGBA REJECTS CHELSEA

aiTor! Tr ENYEAMA’S

shoCker! footBall Better than seX –BUsQUets

ENYEAMA FACES

-14

Cavani laCks seCond hand valUe –Wenger

-4/13

POGBA REJECTS -12 CHELSEA

-BP

Man city lavish £1bn on transfers

Sharp -14 Shooter! red devilS’ 19-year, Martial iS a father

WITHDRAWAL RATTLES OLISEH

• Femi Thomas to replace Eagles’ skipper

-15 TODAY’S MATCHES International - Club Friendlies 6pm: Eibar vs S/Gijon 6pm: Regensburg vs Bayern 6pm: Mantova vs AC Milan 8pm: Getafe vs Al Ahly

Billionaire cluBs!

Walking alone!

Man U loses Benteke injUreD £22.5M in Di sale SafarovaMaria joinS -7 caSualty liSt chelsea, Man u,

Pg.9

s4ORNADOES COACH off to Brazil s/BIOZOR S MY nightmare –Melai

REPORTING LIVE FROM TANZANIA

GD

Pg.12

Formula one star, hamilton crisis denies Juve Pellegrini doubts Sturridge out for Man U tie HERE! OM COND rihanna BUY YOUR N OPENS LEVERKUSEE Chelsea rakes SHOP FOR FUN LOVERSromanCe

SANCTION -2 NIGERIAN LEAGUE

JOHN JOSHUAAKANJI

Pg.9

Pg.6

£100M FROM TRANSFERS

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AYEW

NO.4 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

-BP

A

Pg.6

FREE

■ Football event begins sunday ■ oliseh, musa talk tough

DE BRUYNE FLIES PRIVATE JET TO CITY

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rakitic: i

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nigeriA mAkes good

MODRIC IN BRIBERY SCANDAL -7

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strike ex-gunner bombs arsenal sharP shooter! threatens

SET TO FLY OVER stArt in VolleybAll TAIFA STARS ■ gyan donates $10,000 to black stars

MoSt hanDSoMe StarS in WorlD footBall -10

life!

‘Neymar not for sale’

lescott: Villa rejected me 17 years ago

Pg.12

Pg.8

AAG 2015

DE BRUYNE FLIES PRIVATE JET TO CITY

L

ke attacks Bente d!

Van Gaal injure again

Why UP BlUes! rats UniteD! snubbed Chelsea CHELSEA roDents invaDe traCks -BP RAKES IN olDPsg trafforD ronaldo £130m

Januazaj set for Man U retUrN

SUPER EAGLES

5

thUrSday, SepteMBer 3, 2015

milan: balotelli is reformed

AFCON 2017 QUALIFIER

REPORTING LIVE FROM TANZANIA

D

Man U loses £22.5m in di Maria sale

free

*Vol 1 No.3 THURSday, SepTembeR 3, 2015

JOHN JOSHUA*VOL 1 AKANJI

I was W

4 4 Everton Southampton 4 Bournemouth 4 4 Aston Villa 4 Chelsea 4 Norwich 4 West Brom 4 Tottenham 4 Watford 4 Stoke City 4 Newcastle 4 Sunderland

Aston Villa snubs Berbatov, signs Lescott

*VOL 1 NO.1 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2015

SUWON TOURNEY: Eaglets hold Korea

-BP

Liverpool West Ham

Chelsea’s neW staDiUM to gUlP £500M Di Maria

-15

DAVID LUIZ: WHY I QUIT CHELSEA -BP

Pg.12

5

Pg.6

*Vol 1 No.2 wedNesday, september 2, 2015

City axes iheanaCho PEDRO EXPLAINS MAN U SNUB -BP

de Gea: real owes me €15m

10 10 0 0 at 0 4 4 unhappy 3 5 8 1 0 3 4 United 3 5 8 2 Pg.10 0 2 4 3 4 7 0 1 2 3 1 0 3 3 1 Pg.12 -1 3 2 1 3 6 9 2 0 2 1 4 5 1 2 1 0 5 5 1 2 1 -1 6 5 2 1 1 -1 5 4 2 1 1 -3 9 6 2 1 1 -3 8 5 2 1 1 -3 6 3 2 1 1 -1 4 3 1 3 0 -2 4 2 1 3 0 -2 5 3 2 2 0 -3 5 2 2 2 0 10 -4 6 2 2 0

£36m 4 2 2 splashes Swansea 1 2 4 Martial on Man United 1 2 price scares 4red 2devils reus Arsenal 1 4

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

LIFESTYLE: Most handsome stars in world football

EAGLES RETAIN 53TH SPOT

Weekend

*VOL 1 NO.002

-2 daVid luiZ: whY -15 i dumped AzArenkA Chelsea -BP lAunches jibe

Venus bAgs FrAnFurt indiAnA uniVersity celebrAtes business degree Awoniyi’s ArriVAl

S-H-O-C-K-E-R! MOURINHO, RODGERS ENTER SACK RACE -12

At umpire

-2

SPURS AXES ADEBAYOR -8

ARIK AIR TO BANKROLL EKUNDAYO’S FIGHT -15

EAGLES RETAIN 53TH SPOT -15

afcon 2017 QuaLifier

EAGLES ARRIVE TANZANIA ■ Enyeama faces sanction ■ Oliseh talks tough

Emenike plans to end goal drought

-2

Get 2 for the price of 1 ask your vendor!

4

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

Saudi stampede: Emir, two wives, relatives, Jega’s brother perish Yekeen Nurudeen Saudi Arabi, Sabiu Mustapha JALINGO

T

he Emir of Zing and Ameerul-hajj of Taraba State to this year’s hajj exercise, Alhaji Abbas Sambo, two of his wives and six other members of his family were among Nigerians who died in the stampede that occurred last Thursday along Jamrat, Mina, Saudi Arabia.

This revelation came just as Sunday Telegraph gathered that about 100 Nigerians may have also died in the deadly stampede that occurred when pilgrims were going to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil on the outskirts of Mina for this year’s hajj exercise.

Our correspondent also gathered that Justice Abubakar Abdulkadir Jega, a judge of the Court of Appeal was among the over 769 pilgrims who died in the stampede.

Family sources revealed that his body was found at the morgue in Mina.

Justice Jega was a member of the Kebbi State government delegation to 2015 hajj.

The deceased is a brother to immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof.

Attahiru Jega, and Daily Trust’s Deputy Editor-inChief, Malam Mahmud Jega.

Nigerian officials joined their counterparts from other countries in Mina morgue to identify their nationals. The Nigerian hajj officials were still compiling the list of Nigerians affected persons.

Other prominent Nigerians so far confirmed killed in the stampede include the Deputy Secretary General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Tijjani Abubakar El-Miskin, as well as veteran journalist and prominent civil society activist, Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuff.

As at yesterday, various states’ delegates had begun a head count of their members to determine those who were still alive.

Saudi authorities have also commenced forensic test of fingerprints and blood samples of the dead and injured victims as means of identification of the dead.

Nigeria’s death toll may be the third highest, following behind Pakistan and Iran that lost 236 and 131 pilgrims respectively in the incident.

However, several eyewitnesses held the view that the unfortunate incident at Mina happened because a large number of pilgrims converged on Street 204 at the same time. This led to a panic that contributed to the suffocation of many of them while they were trying to escape the sudden stampede.

A pilgrim, Haj Abdulmunim Al-Safwan, said the majority of the dead people were elderly people who were walking with their children.

They were not able to

leave the children behind, thus they moved forward quickly or jogged to keep up with the crowd, which was an impossible task.

Other stories from eyewitnesses revealed that the stampede happened as a rush of Iranian pilgrims passed through Souq Al-Arab Street and refused to return, ignoring guidelines, as was reported by the website, Sabq.

The website also quoted one of the officials in charge of the campaign as saying that “the Iranian pilgrims did not listen to the guidelines, ignored it and confronted us. They were raising slogans before the incident.”

In an expected act, Hussein Amir Abdul Leehan, assistant foreign minister of Iran, held the Saudi government responsible for the incident, said the website. Iranian officials

have declared that 41 Iranian pilgrims died in the incident and 60 others were injured.

In most cases, Iranians indulged in excesses during Hajj to promote what they call an Islamic revolution among pilgrims.

Iranians have tried to transform the occasion of Hajj as their political platform, exploiting some of their nationals to confront other pilgrims and security forces, said the website.

It also revealed that recently a Houthi leader, Mohammad AlMaqaleh, wrote on his Facebook page that this year “during Hajj there would be incidents which would not have examples in the history.

Knock O men of Allah before the season so that you are crowned the day of staying in the mountain of Arafat.”

The post also said that some Hajj pilgrims

were organising protest marches resulting in bloody confrontations as in the Hajj of 1987. After that, Iran boycotted Hajj seasons between 1988 and 1990. Only after that did Iranian delegations start coming for Hajj.

In 1987, Iranian pilgrims indulged in rioting and political protests, holding the portrait of their leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and shouting slogans of the Iranian revolution on one hand and condemning the United States and Israel on the other. They created obstructions on roads.

In the past, Iranian pilgrims also tried to storm the Holy Mosque of Makkah leading to confrontations between protesters and security forces. The Al-Muaisem tunnel incident of 1989 was the most dangerous incident in which Iran was involved.

Boko Haram: Why Buhari missed UN meeting

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday explained that his involvement in a crucial United Nations meeting was behind his absence at a United Nations sideline parley on Boko Haram.

The meeting, which was held on Friday, was called to seek help for millions of people in the Lake Chad Basin region forced to flee the violence of Boko Haram and who are hit with repeated droughts and floods that have brought malnutrition and disease.

“While the radical Islamist militants operate out of Nigeria and UN aid chief Stephen O’Brien said that is where most people have been displaced by their attacks, Nigeria did not send anyone to the United Nations event,” Reuters reported on Saturday morning.

Reuters said officials of the UN who convened the meeting expressed disappointment at Nigeria’s ab-

sence.

But Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina, who spoke on his behalf, told The Eagle Online in a telephone interview from the venue of the ongoing UNGA, that Buhari and the Nigerian delegation were involved in another crucial meeting.

Adesina said the “meeting was a sideline meeting. Not that it was not important. But we were in a more important meeting.

The UNGA has several sideline meetings and there is no way a country can attend all the meetings.

“More so, there is another more crucial one on Boko Haram that is coming up today. That, we cannot miss. But the one that took place on Friday clashed with another more important meeting. And we just could not be there.

“We count all meetings as important, but like all other countries, we cannot attend all the meetings.”

Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade (fifth from left), with members of the Cross River Indigenes Health Mission to the state, led by Mrs. Imelda Duke, on a courtesy call in his office, in Calabar…yesterday

Gunmen attack DSS office in Kogi Muhammad Bashir Lokoja

A

rmed men suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents on Friday night attacked the Kogi State headquarters of the Department of State Security in Lokoja.

The gunmen numbering about 40 blocked the dual carriage road leading to

DSS headquarters with a truck before launching their attack around 10.30p.m.

However it was learnt that the suspected insurgents made several efforts to gain entry into the DSS headquarters, but were repelled by the combined forces of the Nigerian Army, Police and DSS. Three gunmen and a policeman were killed in the gun duel.

Two other gunmen were arrested. The heavily armed attackers engaged the security men in a fierce gun battle for several hours.

They eventually fled into the surrounding bushes.

The Commissioner for Police, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, who confirmed the incident, said detectives had deployed to the area.

He said, “The gunmen numbering about 40 around 10p.m launched an attack on the DSS headquarters at Hassan Katsina Road, Lokoja.

“Before the attack, they shot and hijacked one heavy duty trailer and used it to block the road.

At the end of the day, three of them were killed, while the rest fled.”

5

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

News

WHO removes Nigeria from polio list Appolonia Adeyemi and Anule Emmanuel

W

orld Health Organisation yesterday announced that Nigeria was no longer among polio-endemic countries.

This was contained in a statement from Polio Communication+, which is the Communication Handbook for Polio Eradication and Routine EPI, issued on Saturday.

To extend the gains of Nigeria’s new polio-free status to the world community, the

WHO Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan, urged the global community to support the efforts in Pakistan and Afghanistan to enable them to join the polio-free world.

These were contained in a statement from Polio Communication+, which is the Communication Handbook for Polio Eradication and Routine EPI, issued on Saturday.

“The outstanding commitment and efforts that got Nigeria off the endemic list must continue, to keep Africa polio-free,” she stressed,

Bayelsa: Sylva dismisses plans for fresh primaries

F

ormer Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, yesterday dismissed reports that fresh governorship primaries would be conducted in the state.

A statement by his campaign organisation’s spokesman, Doifie Buokoribo, also debunked reports that Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, and Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, would join their Edo State counterpart, Adams Oshiomhole, to organise the fresh primaries in the state capital, Yenagoa, on Tuesday.

The statement described the report as a “cruel hoax,” adding that there is no way fresh primaries can be organised on Tuesday as it will amount to an act of “illegality.”

It said, “Let us restate here that an APC candidate for the December 5, 2015 governorship election in Bayelsa State has

emerged and that candidate is Chief Timipre Sylva. No amount of media manipulation can change that. This is a society of law and order.

“The latest disinformation through the media goes to show the level of desperation of some people who want the APC governorship ticket through the back door.

An election was conducted, Sylva won, the whole world has seen it.

“As at Saturday, September 26, 2015, Tambuwal was in faraway New York attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) while Amosun is attending Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Are they going to conduct a virtual election?

“Despite the orchestrated lies and disinformation, the Sylva Campaign will again urge our teeming supporters to be law-abiding, peaceful but resolute. Victory is sure.”

adding that the world must now support the efforts in Pakistan and Afghanistan so that they, too can join the polio-free world.

This is the first time that Nigeria has interrupted transmission of wild poliovirus, bringing the country and the African region closer than ever to being certified polio-free.

As Nigeria celebrates its progress, President, Global Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Chris Elias, has cautioned that the progress is still fragile. Hence, “It is critical that Nigeria goes two more years without a case of polio which will require the support of partners, increased accountability at all levels of the programme led

by President Muhammadu Buhari, and increased domestic funding commitments.”

At a meeting of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) held in New York on September 25, 2015, WHO disclosed that 41 cases of wild poliovirus had been reported worldwide (32 in Pakistan, nine in Afghanistan).

GPEI, the public-private partnership leading the effort to eradicate polio called the announcement certifying Nigeria poliofree, which was issued yesterday, a ‘historic achievement’ in global health.

Nigeria has not reported a case of wild poliovirus since July 24, 2014, and all laboratory data have confirmed a full 12 months have passed without any new case.

Polio, which can cause lifelong paralysis, has now been stopped nearly everywhere in the world following a 25-year concerted international effort.

However, polio remains

Sultan urges Saudi authorities to improve safety

S

ultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday in Sokoto, urged Saudi authorities to henceforth provide improved safety measures during the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

The Sultan spoke on the sidelines of the presentation of the report of a technical committee set up by him to look into the state of the education sector in Sokoto State, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

He regretted that the stampede at Muna on Wednesday led to the death of no fewer than 1,000 pilgrims and injured over 800 others, while many more were still miss-

ing. ”The tragedy had affected several countries of the world, Nigeria in general and Sokoto State in particular. ”Some local governments in Sokoto State like Illela, Binji, Gwadabawa and others were affected by the tragedy, although the actual casualty figures are still being ascertained by Saudi Arabian and Nigerian authorities,” he said.

Abubakar, who is the life National Amirul Hajj, described the deaths and injuries caused by the stampede as a “collective loss.”

He said his committee was assessing the situation and would appropriately

advise the Federal Government on the incident.

“We will appropriately advise the Federal Government of Nigeria to partner the Saudi Government on how to improve safety of pilgrims during the annual pilgrimage.

“The tragedy was an act of God but we will render useful advice to the Federal Government on how to improve the safety of the pilgrims. This is necessary to ensure the conduct of hitch-free Hajj exercise annually,” he said.

The Sultan condoled with the families and Government of Nigeria as well as other countries affected by the tragedy.

endemic in only two countries – Pakistan and Afghanistan. The eradication of polio globally now depends primarily on stopping the disease in these countries.

As long as polio exists anywhere, it’s a threat to children everywhere.

Also reacting to the development, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ado Muhammad, said Nigeria’s vigilance and efforts in eradicating polio must continue in order to keep Nigeria polio-free.“We Nigerians are proud today. With local innovation and national persistence, we have beaten polio,” he noted.

The Regional Director for Africa of the WHO, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, said, “Stopping polio in Nigeria has been a clear example that political engagement, strong partnerships and community engagement are the engines that drive the momentum of public health programmes, enabling them to achieve great things.”

Also, reacting, Dr. Tom Frieden, Director of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Chairman of the Polio Oversight Board, said, “This is a clear example of success under very diffi-

cult circumstances. It shows we can eradicate polio if proven strategies are fully implemented.”

He called for commitment in providing the resources and the support to the front lines to make this worthy goal a reality.

On his part, the Executive Director of UNICEF, Anthony Lake, affirmed that the progress is proof that “together in partnership to reach every community and immunise every child, we can finish the job of eradicating this evil disease everywhere, once and for all.”

As recently as 2012, Nigeria accounted for more than half of all polio cases worldwide.

This success is the result of a concerted effort by all levels of government, civil society, religious leaders and tens of thousands of dedicated health workers. More than 200,000 volunteers across the country repeatedly immunised more than 45 million children under the age of five years, to ensure that no child would suffer from this paralysing disease.

Innovative approaches, such as increased community involvement and the establishment of Emergency Operations Centres at the national and state level, have also been pivotal to Nigeria’s success.

The interruption of wild poliovirus transmission in Nigeria would have been impossible without the support and commitment of donors and development partners. Their continued support, along with continued domestic funding from Nigeria, will be essential to keep Nigeria and the entire region polio-free.

Nigeria has made remarkable progress against polio, but continued vigilance is needed to protect these gains and ensure that polio does not return. Immunisation and surveillance activities must continue to rapidly detect a potential re-introduction or re-emergence of the virus. After three years pass without a case of wild poliovirus on the continent, official ‘certification’ of polio eradication will be conducted at the regional level in Africa.

Eradicating polio will be one of the greatest achievements in human history, and have a positive impact on global health for generations to come. Nigeria has brought the world one major step closer to achieving this goal and it’s critical that the country uses this opportunity to end polio for good and ensure future generations of children are free from this devastating disease.

10

SUNDAY

The Sunday Magazine SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Tears as cattle rustlers kill 37, burn houses

Dan Atori MINNA

T

ension rose in Niger State last week as cattle rustlers continued their incessant attacks from the thick forest stretching from the state through neighbouring Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kaduna states on communities, robbing and inflicting terror on them.

These attacks, which have in some cases also stretched to Republic of Benin, leave behind a trail of death and destruction.

Recently, unknown gunmen numbering over 40 invaded Allawa village in Minna Emirate and killed a top traditional ruler, who is also the district head and his brother along with 35 others.

The attack, which took place in the village late Tuesday evening, also claimed the life of a police inspector in the area.

The attackers, who operated with dangerous weapons, were believed to be Boko Haram members recently dislodged from the Sambisa forest in Borno State by the Nigerian military.

It was, however, confirmed by the police that the bandits were cattle rustlers who set houses on fire and injured scores of residents before running into the bush.

The operation by the attackers was said to have lasted about two hours, with the villagers unable to defend themselves. Many of them are now displaced as a result of the incident.

It was not known why the village was attacked by the gunmen as there had not been any friction between members of the community and Fulani herdsmen in the locality.

Public Relations Officer for Niger State Police Command, ASP Bala Elikana, who confirmed the incident, expressed shock and sadness at the loss of lives.

Elkana, however, said the suspected criminals invaded the village in a large number and started firing indiscriminately.

He said, “Inspector John Sunday attached to Allawa police outstation lost his life during the attack. Others killed include the village head of Allawa, Salihu Umar; his brother, Usman Doma; Mohammed Umar; Salisu Adamu; Abdullahi and others who sustained various degrees of injury.

“One shop was burnt and one vehicle was vandalised. A team of policemen led by the DPO of Kagara was drafted to the village.”

He further said that normalcy had been restored as investigation into the case is ongoing to identify the culprits and bring them to justice.

No arrest has been made, he added.

Elkana lamented that the incident happened at night and because of lack of communication between Allawa and other parts of the state, distress calls could not reach security agencies on time.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Alhaji Abubakar Marafa, had dispatched the DPO in Kagara and the area commander in Minna to the troubled village to assess the situation and submit a report.

The Nigerian Army has been on the ground in Munya local government area

battling with cattle rustlers and other criminals who take advantage of the Sarki Pawa forest.

Also, as part of plans to put an end to cattle rustling, kidnapping and rape, the Nigerian Army has vowed to comb the hideouts of bandits who have made life unbearable for the people of Niger State.

Brigade Commander of 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna, Brig-Gen. Baba Ibrahim, told journalists during an inspection and handing over of 184 stolen cows and 83 sheep to Munya Llocal Government Area Chairman, Abdulkadir Mohammed Bida, said a suspect, Abubakar Hassan, was arrested by soldiers during an operation. He stated that some of the suspected rustlers ran away on sighting the soldiers.

The brigade commander who was represented by the Commander incharge of Operation Restore Peace II, Lt-Col. Dzarma Zirkushu, said, the operation is an ongoing exercise against all forms of banditry.

He said, “We are doing our part here in Niger State to see that the state is free from all forms of criminal acts. We will continue with the exercise.

“I want to state categorically that the brigade will not condone any form of banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping, rape or any form

of criminality in its area of responsibility.”

The council chairman, who was represented by the council secretary, Abel Shehu Inuwa, was flanked by DPO in Sarkin Pawa Division and the village head of Zazzaga community. He noted that prior before the army’s arrival, the people had been living in fear.

“We could not sleep with our two eyes closed for fear of bandits’ attack. These bandits have been attacking our people. They raped some of our daughters and even some of our wives. Whenever they invade our villages, they inflict injuries on our people, steal properties and even money.

“The council will continue to give its little assistance to security agencies to ensure that success is achieved,” he said.

The forests where these bandits plan and launch their attacks are Kotangora, Mashegu, Sarkin-Pawa, Kaffin-Koro, Bangi, Kagara, Lapai, New Bussa and Gurara.

Statistics from the state office of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association state that within a space of eight months, more than 4,000 cattle were rustled.

The police, however, put the number of cattle recovered at 1,048, while sheep and goats were 135 in only 16 reported cases.

Bangi in Mariga Local Government Area is more notorious with five cases within the period under review.

After his arrest, 40-year-old Abubakar Hassan from Bungudu Local Government

Area of Zamfara State told Sunday Telegraph that he was nabbed by soldiers inside Sarkin Pawa forest while he and three others who are now at large were taking the cows away.

He said, “We are many but only four of us made this trip. I got 85 cows, the others have the remaining; but when the army came they escaped and I was arrested.”

He further stated that some of the cows were moved from Zamfara State and others were stolen while grazing.

Abubakar’s father, Alhaji Hassan Na’Ayada, said it is now about a year since his son said he took cattle for grazing.

Disturbed by the criminality around the forests, Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, and his Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna and Zamfara counterparts have evolved an approach to arrest the situation by initiating a joint operation against rustling through constant raiding of the forests.

The Miyetti Allah Association said a lot remains to be done to ensure the menace is stopped.

National Vice Chairman 1, Mallam Hussaini Bosso, urged government to put in place mechanisms to discourage the movement of herders from one state to another as a measure to halt rustling.

Bosso further advised herdsmen on the need to be security conscious and report suspicious persons within their areas to the appropriate authorities.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

The Sunday Magazine

Emotions as blind Godspower wins music talent hunt competition

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Edwin Usoboh s he stood in a queue with hundreds of other hopefuls during an audition earlier last week, 18-year-old visually impaired aspiring gospel artiste, Godspower Ikharehon, couldn’t have imagined that within four days, a series of dazzling performances and one unforgettable moment later, he’d be named the winner of the SOO Live The Dream Music Talent Hunt Competition.

Auditions for the SOO Live The Dream™ Music talent hunt initiative commenced last week. It is aimed at giving life to the aspirations of musicoriented youths from Esan North-East/ South-East Federal Constituency of Edo State, Nigeria. An optimistic 468 contestants showed up for the auditions which held at the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Uromi, Edo State.

After the number was screened to 120 contestants by the judging crew comprising Muyiwa Asenuga a.k.a Nomoreloss, Sydney Shocker, Monique D Vibes and Elcee McEdwards, a further 100 were eliminated leaving the stage for the top 20 contestants who battled to outwit themselves with their performances on stage.

The competition offered youngsters within local communities a platform to bring their musical talents to the spotlight with the maiden edition which held from 17th to 20th September, 2015.

After a surprising, inspiring, suspense filled performances by the Top 10 contestants, Godspower a.ka. BOG was declared the winner. As the emotional announcement was made by one of the judges, Elcee McEdwards, an approving roar went up from the crowd who witnessed the grand finale at the Social Hall of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Ubiaja in Edo State.

Overwhelmed, Godspower took his place in the spotlight, this time as the latest winner of the music talent hunt aimed at identifying budding talents in singing and music production.

An elated Godspower, who fell down on the floor with joy, started dancing while being held by his brother, a move that brought the audience and fellow contestants to tears. 16 year old student, Deborah Christy Odiboh, became the first runner up while Sound Engineer, Destiny Ogunnubi, got the third place.

Having dazzled the judges from the first day of the auditions with his unique voice and dexterity on the keyboard, B.O.G revealed that at a point, he was afraid he would not make it through.

“While I was at home, I usually believed that I would win but when the auditions started and I started listening to some of the other contestants sing, I was afraid that I had lost it all. My condition helped me to be serious in the sense that when I hear the performances of the other contestants, I would be spurred to work harder. The fact that I don’t see their faces is an advantage to me and I worked hard,” he said.

The winner, a student at Ihogbe College for the Blind in Benin, Edo State,disclosed that at a point in his life, he was depressed about his condition but has music to thank for taking him away from self-pity and putting him in the limelight in his community.

“Whenever I go to church and listen to people sing, I feel very happy. In fact, inside me, I would wish I was the one doing the songs. There were times I felt

Emotion filled Godspower Ikharehon worships The Most High after being declare winner of SOO Live The Dream talent hunt

Dream come true: Godspower, Odiboh and Ogunnubi set to travel to Ireland to perform at Miss Nigeria Ireland 2015 Pageant hopeless at such moments especially with my condition. I used to say people can walk, sing, see and here I am not being able to see; I felt that was how my life would be wasted but one day, I took a decision and made a step to start singing.

That decision helped me to get over selfpity and built my confidence that music is for me. Since then, I have never looked back and I must say that immediately I took that first step, God took it up from there,” he said.

While presenting prizes to the winners, the member representing Esan NorthEast/South-East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and sponsor of the project, Barr. Sergius Oseasochie Ogun, said he was happy with the outcome of the event and believed the next edition would be better.

“I am satisfied with the turnout of the event, it was wonderful, my prayer is by the time we host the second edition next year, the turnout will be more than this. That is why I am very anxious to

I wish my story will touch Nigerian youth to believe in themselves and take a decision not to run away from their country

put these guys on the world stage. When they prove themselves on the world stage, others will cue in. The idea really is to use this project to get reverse migration. In this community, there is a surge in young people leaving for Europe through Libya. They are dying in the Mediterranean sea as they try to transit to European countries and I think if you can do something for the young ones to showcase their talent and set up a structure that can tap into that talent,

that talent will be taken to great heights,” he said.

Applauded for his success by judges Nomoreloss, Elcee, Monique and Sydney, a clearly delighted Godspower can’t wait to release his first single and advised young people who were still thinking of going to Europe through the desert to have a rethink.

“I will want to tell them if you are in your country love your country. Nigeria has great opportunities here. I don’t know why they are running away from a country with potentials. I believe that everybody has a talent that needs to be harnessed; it will only take you to look and identify your talent and use it to prosper. Trying to risk your life by going to Libya to cross over to Europe on dangerous boats is not worth the trouble. I wish my story will touch them to believe in themselves and take a decision not to run away from their country,” BOJ said.

He walks away with a recording contract from Dihoo Records, a cash sum of Two hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000) and a trip to Dublin, Ireland to attend the Miss Nigeria Ireland 2015 Pageant where he is expected to perform at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, courtesy of Perod’s Foundation, sponsors of Miss Nigeria Ireland beauty pageant.

The first and second runners up got cash prizes of One hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) and Fifty thousand Naira (N50,000) respectively and will also enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to Dublin for the same event.

Ogun disclosed that he decided to extend the opportunity to all winners when it turned out a physically challenged contestant won the show.

“The initial promise was to go with the winner to Dublin, to perform but as it turned out today, a physically challenged guy turned out to be the winner and I felt the second and third did well and could also assist him. I decided to give all of them an opportunity. We promised them a platform, we are doing that now and by next week, they will be living their dream of becoming international super stars.”

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

Octogenarian dies as police hunt cultists in Rivers Emmanuel Masha

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Port Harcourt

n 83-year-old man slumped and died yesterday in a Rivers community when policemen invaded the venue of a meeting of elders.

The incident, which occurred during a raid against cultists in Mgbuoshimiri community in Rumueme, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, threw the community into confusion. The police were said to have gone from one compound to another in search of the suspected cultists, while the community members tried in vain to revive the victim.

Following the death, angry youths went on

the rampage, destroying property belonging to suspected police informatns in the area.

The President-General of Mgbuoshimiri Community Council, Ohazurume Chukwu, said the elderly man fell from where he was sitting when the police stormed the community. He said the police had received information that cultists were using the community as a safe haven.

He added that the police were misinformed, and that when they arrived, the leaders and elders of community were holding a peace meeting. Chukwu expressed dismay that the policemen fired indiscriminately, thinking that the meeting was a gathering of cultists.

He said: “What happened was that, this morning, we were in a meeting, when one Mini, Benson and Anele (surnames withheld) came with some policemen to invade the venue of our meeting.

“And when we tried to find out what the reasons are, the policemen told us that these persons that I mentioned told them that it was cult members that were meeting. We told them that they can see it was a community meeting; and they insisted that they had to arrest some persons.

We said no; whatever is the problem, they should tell us.

“So, in the course of doing that, the policemen started shooting at the instruction of the three persons. They started shooting to the

point that the oldest man in the community, Elder Acho Maxwell Chukwu, fell down and died as a result of their shooting,” he stated.

He urged the Commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo, to investigate the persons who raised the alarm and bring them to justice, noting that the death of the octogenarian was caused by the misinformation. The incident was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, who noted that the matter was being investigated.

It was gathered that police had visited the scene of the incident and removed the corpse, restoring peace and order in the area.

Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the

National Emergency Management Agency, delivering truckloads of relief materials to internally displaced persons residing in communities along the Nigeria/Niger border as Muslims celebrate the Islamic festival of Eid-Kabir over the weekend

Atiku, NAWOJ mourn Bilkisu Yusuf Appolonia Adeyemi

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ormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar expresses deep regret and sorrow over the tragedy that struck Muslim pilgrims during a stampede in Mecca that claimed hundreds of lives, among them a senior Nigerian female journalist and nine other victims from Nigeria.

A statement released by his media office in Abuja on Saturday described the incident as one of the saddest accidents to have befallen Muslims in recent memories.

The former Vice President noted that such colossal loss of human life was rare and remarkably regrettable, adding that the Muslim world should be united in grief and offer prayers to God to avert this kind of accident of ca-

lamitous proportion.

Atiku said that life is so precious that whoever dies, the world should be united in grief because “we are bound by our common humanity.”

Atiku advised that “we learn lessons from these tragic incidents, and take precautionary measures to ward off future disasters.”

The former Vice President conveys his condolences to the families of the Nigerian victims of this tragedy. He describes the late Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, one of the Nigerian victims, “as the shining light of the journalism profession in Nigeria, and a pride to Northern Nigeria for being the first female Editor of the North’s two major newspapers - The Triumph and The New Nigerian.”

The former Vice President notes that the late

Bilkisu Yusuf was not only an outstanding editor, but also an internationally recognised activist on women and development issues.

He prays to God to forgive the gentle souls of the dead and reward their sacrifices and devotion with an eternal bliss in paradise.

In a similar development, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) is gravely saddened by the news of the death of one of its most active and pioneer members, Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, who died during the tragic Hajj stampede which claimed not less than 700 others.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by NAWOJ President Ifeyinwa Omowole.

“Her sudden demise, at a time when the association and the nation needed such outspoken women

journalists can never be more disheartening. She was an exemplary member of the association and a veteran journalist of international repute, a columnist, journalism ombudsman and civil society activist.

Hajiya Bilkisu, a former Presidential Adviser on International Affairs and syndicated columnist for Daily Trust and Leadership newspapers, was the Executive Director of Advocacy Nigeria , a movement working for the reduction of Maternal and Child Mortality.

She was a devout Muslim and founding member of Federation of Muslim Women’s Association (FOMWAN); she was relentless in her fight for the cause of those affected by insurgency in the NorthEast.

All Progressives Congress, APC, in the April general elections in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, has condemned the recent killings by gunmen at Oyorokoto fishing settlement in Andoni Local Government Area.

He said:“The spate of attacks and killings of innocent inhabitants of Oyorokoto must be brought to an immediate halt so that the

settlement will continue to provide livelihood to the numerous fishermen and their family members who live and work so hard for a livelihood at the settlement. Governments must not shirk their responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of citizens. This is the primary responsibility of government everywhere,” Peterside stressed.

YUF salutes Buhari over Falae’s release

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oruba Unity Forum (YUF) has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari on the prompt for securing the release of elder statesman and the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae after his kidnap by Fulani herdsmen from his farm in Ondo State.

The Vice Chairman, Yoruba Unity Forum, retired Archbishop of Ilesa, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Grace, Most Reverend Ayo Ladigbolu, who expressed this while fielding questions with journalists at his Oyo township residence, also commended the zeal and doggedness of the Inspector General of Police to personally lead the operation.

Ladigbolu, while condemning such dastardly act, charged the entire Nigerians to be their brother’s keepers at all times in order to arrest any supposed security threats and promote genuine peaceful coexistence and political stability which he described as the vital bedrock

of effective economic viability in the society.

The YUF Chieftain cautioned the members of the political class against bank rolling their political pursuits and elections with public funds, which eventually resulted to the present accumulated salaries and economic deficit, unfortunately adversely, the fortunes of many states.

On the death of Chief (Dr) H.I.D. Awolowo, Archbishop Ladigbolu charged Nigerians, especially mothers and others in authority to be exemplary role models that we would all be very proud of at all times.

He charged Nigerians to be such effective front burners against such crimes that could deter or damage the sterling qualities of her founding fathers. Describing her as the genuine Mother of the nation, Archbishop Ladigbolu recounted her strong will for the unity of the entire nation especially from her milk of passion and genuine motherly care for all.

Yobe Council of Chiefs commiserates with Muslims Hassan Jirgi Damaturu

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eputy Chairman, Yobe State Council of Chiefs and the Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, has condoled with the families of Nigerians pilgrims that lost their lives in this year’s Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia and prayed Allah to forgive them and accept their souls.

The emir who said this in a chat with journalists in his message on the Eid-el Kabir thanked Almighty Allah for making it possible for us to witness yet another Eid-el-Kabir.

He prayed Allah to pardon those that have been felled by life’s irreducible denominator death and are no longer with us now, and prayed that Allah granted them Aljannah Fir-dausi.

“Among these pilgrims are our brother and sisters who died in the Holy Land as a result of the crane accident and other causes,” he said.

Suleiman also enjoined citizens of the state and Nigerian in general to always live in peace with one another irrespective of religious and ethnic difference as Muslims the world over this year Eid-el-Kabir.

The emir used the Sallah period to advise parents to always instill discipline in and steer their children on the right path in order to avoid any pit-holes that can affect their lives.

Abubakar urged them to follow the right path in life and never to emulate ungodly friends and always remember what they were taught at home so that it will guide them from evil of the society.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

News

Umahi, supporters storm tribunal as court adopts written addresses Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

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bonyi State governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abakaliki, the state capital yesterday adopted written addresses of all the parties on the petition brought before it by the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Chief Edward Nkwegu challenging the election of Governor Dave Umahi.

In his address, Counsel to the Chief Umahi the

first respondent, Chief Arthur Okafor(SAN) told the tribunal that the petitioner had not proved allegation of over voting during the governorship election beyond reasonable doubt and urged the court to dismiss the petition.

Counsel to INEC Onyechi Ikpeazu in his own submission argued that the electronic voting system used in the last governorship election which the petitioner questioned the failure which led to the use of manual voting

in some areas during the election was a new innovation in the system which is not backed by law and should not be the basis to nullify the election.

On his part, Edwin Anikwem who represented the lead Counsel Chief C.N Udechukwu(SAN), said the election of the first respondent did not comply with the electoral act and that it was characterized by over voting.

He noted that the first respondent could not bring incident forms to

the tribunal used during the election when card reader machines failed to function which he argued gave rise to over voting during the election and urged the tribunal to nullify the election.

After adopting the written addresses of the parties, Chairman of the tribunal Justice Theresa Alabi Igoche said the judgment day of the petition will be communicated to the parties later.

Meanwhile, Governor Dave Umahi, his Deputy

L-R: Chief Whip, House of Representatives, Hon. Alhassan Doguwa; former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Nigerian Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Joy Ogwu; Director General, National Agency for the control of AIDS, Prof. John Idoko; President Muhammadu Buhari; Executive Director UNFPA, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin and Executive Director, UNAIDS, Mr. Michel Sidibe, during a side meeting on the HIV/AIDS during the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly at the UH Headquarters, New York

Kelechi Igwe, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Ogbonna Nwifuru, National and State Assembly members and thousands of supporters stormed the tribunal, making the state High

Ekweremadu lauds Ikpeazu’s plans for Aba Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

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he Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has applauded the early achievements of Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, even as he was pleased with the Governor’s plans to advance the commercial city of Aba, which has been abandoned for years.

Ekweremadu, who visited the State to commiserate with the family of Senator Nkechi Nwaogu on the death of her husband, said he was satisfied with the steps taken by the Governor to address the infrastructural challenges in the state, especially in Aba. He noted that Ikpeazu’s drive would enhance the status of Aba as a major

C

is timely and I cannot reward you enough, words of mankind cannot reward you. I appreciate what you are doing and God will bless you again and again.

Even as you are here, I charge you to rededicate yourselves to God and to the service of humanity.”

Continuing, the governor maintained: “There is no service that is much more worthy, even as a serving Governor, I do recognize the fact that my most excited moments are moments when I take decisions that affect the poor in a positive manner. That a state that doesn’t have money at all, a state that is reduced to want in body and in soul is the same state that has a serving Governor that is making a law exempting the poor from paying tax , the first of its kind in this

country.

“It is the very first state also to say that housing is a right, that there is no government that will ever call itself a government when you pick taxes from poor people. The fact that you tax people and earn money as a government places on you a duty to care for them.

You don’t care because you have enough but because you care enough, and when you care enough, you can give your last kobo, and that is why in Cross Rivers State, we have made it a duty that housing is a right.

“No government should call itself a responsible government when your people sleep under the bridges, when our people of Bakassi sleep in shanti looking homes that give them sub-human living conditions and you say

you are a government.

That is why with the new law now that make housing a right, we are building 5,000 houses that will be given out free of charge to those poor people who don’t have homes.”

Earlier, Leader of the Health Mission, Mrs. Imelda Duke, said the over 20-man delegation who are mostly Cross Riverians with assistance from other Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom will undertake general surgery, and other health related check on the citizenry.

She pointed out that the team had made three successful trips to the state since inception and promised to do more especially meeting the health needs of the have not in the society to give them a sense of belonging.

commercial city in the South East, insisting that the city deserves huge development as the pride of Ndigbo.

According to him, the Governor needs the support and encouragement of everybody to do more, urging him to consider attracting a seaport for the people of the state and South East, who are commercially inclined.

Facility like seaport, he noted, would enhance the commercial outlook of the people, saying that as commercial people and importers, the more seaports that are available in the region, the better for the masses.

Ekweremadu also urged the Governor to increase the capacity of Aba people and Ndigbo, through his Small and Medium Scale Enterprises programme.

Delta enters pact with 20 farmers’ societies Dominic Adewole, ASABA

Ayade charges Cross River D people on service to humanity

ross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has urged Cross Riverians to take service to the needy in the society seriously as there is nothing more rewarding before God. The governor, who gave the charge when he received the Cross River Indigenes Health Mission from United Kingdom to the state led by Mrs. Imelda Duke on a courtesy call in his office in Calabar, averred that selfless service for the poor and vulnerable is what the privileged ones owe the society.

While thanking the team for aligning their mission with the philosophy of his administration, which makes the poor and the needed its primary focus, Ayade said: “Your outreach

Court where the tribunal is sitting to fill to the brim.

The Governor, Deputy and the Speaker sat on the seats provided for them inside the tribunal throughout the five hours the proceedings lasted.

elta State Government has entered into agro pact with 20 Farmers Cooperative Societies for the management of the state’s newly acquired tractors and their components to drive home her agricultural programmes.

The acquisition of 45 tractors and components was a move to boost the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s initiative on youth agricultural programmes, including Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme; the Tractorisation; the Extension of Micro-Credit and Agricultural Loan; the Development of Agro-Industries, and the capacity building for farmers, youths and extension agents, which his administration has partnered Syngenta Company.

Under this agreement, each cooperative society agrees to pay 40 per cent of the total cost of a tractor and its implements, amounting to N6.2 million.

The state’s Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof. Eric

Eboh, who reeled out the terms of the agreement in Asaba, yesterday, said the repayment arrangement would afford each of the benefitting cooperative societies pay 10 per cent of the aforementioned amount within a period of four years.

Prof. Eboh, who signed on behalf of the government of the state, said the gesture was geared towards actualising the vision of allowing farmers to take their destinies in their own hands under the SMART agenda of the Governor.

While hailing the beneficiaries, he stated that they were painstakingly selected from a group of 962 cooperative societies that initially applied for the tractors, saying that the selection process was very transparent.

He said: “In the final stages and analysis we insisted that the societies must have minutes of annual general meetings, verifiable list of members, bank account, and registration with relevant authorities after embarking on capacity building for the cooperative societies.”

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

Buhari charges universities to fight corruption Musa Pam

P Jos

resident Muhammadu Buhari has directed all universities in Nigeria to introduce courses that will teach morals and leadership to serve as standard for fighting corruption at the higher institutions of learning in the country.

Buhari said this yesterday in Jos during the combined 27th and 28th convocation ceremony of the University of Jos, which also coincides with the 40th anniversary of the university.

He further charged all VCs of public and private universities as well as all higher institutions of learning in Nigeria to key into his administration’s policies aimed at ensuring best standards in tertiary

institutions in Nigeria.

The President, who was represented at the ceremony by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, said his administration considers education as one of the key development factors. He commended University of Jos for its impacting legacies on the education sector.

Also speaking, a former head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon commended the institution, saying the university has performed excellently and exceptionally well over the years. He added that University of Jos is one of the best universities in Nigeria.

UNIJOS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hayward Mafuyai, in his speech said one of the reasons for the success of the university

is its emphasis on providing high quality teaching linked to research.

He disclosed that at 40, the university has produced over 150,000 graduates from its regular and part time undergraduate programmes Mafuyai stated that out of the total number of 16, 543 graduating students, 164 are being awarded doctorate degrees, 937 Masters and 197 postgraduate diplomas among which 29 have obtained distinctions (first class degrees) while 1548 are in the second class upper degree bracket.

A former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma who was conferred with honorary Doctor of Science by the university also called on the Federal Government to make education a national passion and princi-

pal pursuit.

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, said the university in its 40 years of existence has sufficiently demonstrated justification for its establishment, having produced scholars that have made their mark at national and international levels.

Lalong said his administration had considered and approved the purchase and donation of four security patrol vehicles for rapid response and coverage at the institution.

Meanwhile, the university awarded Doctoral Degrees (Honoris Causa) to the Chancellor, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr) David Folagbade Olateru Olagbebi III, CFR, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom and Prof. Toyin Falola in recognition of excellence in their uncommon services to humanity.

L-R: Wife of Kano State Governor, Hajia Hafsat Umar Ganduje; Kano State Governor, Umar Ganduje; Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Martins Babale and Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo, during the inauguration of City Green Hotel, at Jimeta in Yola…yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

FG orders crackdown on pipeline vandals Paul Ogbuokiri

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he Federal Government has ordered the Nigerian military to crack down on pipeline vandals in Lagos and Ogun states.

Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, stated this in a media parley in Lagos on Friday. He noted that the crackdown was necessitated by the wanton killings of security personnel and incessant vandalisation of NNPC pipelines in both states.

Kachikwu noted that government deployed the Nigerian Corps of Marine Engineers to ensure that the pipelines are well protected, noting that the corporation would also collaborate with communities in such areas to ensure all-round protection of the network.

He also stated that the cor-

poration would review the staff of the various depots to prevent collusion with vandals. He also noted that NNPC was considering a long-term solution of inviting investors to lay new pipelines and guard them on a Joint Venture basis.

Meanwhile, Associate Managing Director, Financial Institutions Group, Moody’s, Jean-Francois Tremblay, has warned that Nigerian banks will go through a rough patch till the end of 2016.

He said in an interview with The Banker magazine that a weak Naira would help exports in the long run and contribute to the recovery of Nigeria’s economy.

Tremblay noted that country’s economy is in a tough spot right now, sequel to the low oil price environment which is hitting the government. He also said this was based on Nigeria’s depen-

dence on oil revenue for her fiscal expenditure.

He said the banking sector’s growth is obviously quite muted right now, adding that the direct exposure of the lenders to the oil industry is not a major concern right now.

He said Nigeria’s Deposit Money Banks exposure to the troubled oil industry is very small, about 30 per cent and the logbook of the lenders is relatively small compared to the size of the nation’s balance sheet because they keep a lot of government securities.

“So, the fact that the government’s measures are geared towards protecting the government owned credit worthiness has some positives because the banks are exposed to the government as well. With respect to their exposure to the oil industry, we have some visibility to whom they are exposed to

and we get some comfort from the fact that they rely on some large oil companies that have more financial flexibility than other small ones, whose services are lower in breaking even price.

“We are also concerned about the small portion that represents about four per cent of the logbooks of the banks and the weaker ones,” he said.

He said in addition to the general impact of the collapse of the oil prices in the international market; there is another factor that affects the economy and the banks.

“This rises from the policies that the government is putting in place to deal with the situation. What I have in mind, particularly, is the devaluation of the Naira.

Thirdly in that context, the investors no longer have confidence in the economy and therefore, delaying investment in country.

NSCDC arrests five vandals with 66, 000 litres of crude Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

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peratives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on Saturday arrested five suspected vandals with two tankers loaded with 33, 000 litres of petroleum products in Benin the Edo State capital.

The Commandant of the NSCDC in the state, Mr. Chuka Akubuiroh, who stated this in an interview with newsmen in the state, said that the suspects were arrested along the Benin Bypass on the Benin/Warri highway following a tip-off Akubuiroh said the suspects had been remanded in the custody of the command and would be charged to court on conclusion of investigations.

He said the command was

trying to identify how and where the suspects got the products.

The commandant said that the two tankers with registration number ABH 264 XA and ABS 186 XA respectively had been impounded by the NSCDC. The command gave the names of the suspects as Yahaya Ibrahim, 25; Ibrahim Yusuf, 43; Yusuf Mohammed, 52; Andrew Iyesu, 27 and Usman Alli, 30.

He said:“These tankers contain what we suspect to be crude oil and they may have tampered with a pipeline somewhere. When we got wind of this movement last sometime last week, we mounted 36 hours surveillance and it yielded result. Only this morning, our men were able to trap them.”

Obi woos Build Africa to Nigeria

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he former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on Build Africa, one of the biggest non-government organisations in the world in the area of promotion of education to include Nigeria in the scheme of their operations. The organisation is currently in many African countries, including Uganda and Kenya.

During the meeting in London between Obi and the organisation in London at the weekend, Obi explained to them the commendable efforts of government at all levels in Nigeria in the education of her citizens. He said the country needed support considering the im-

portance of education to mankind. Obi who said he was devoting the rest of his life to support to the growth of education in Nigeria, enumerated areas requiring intervention to include the area of low male enrolment in some states in the South-East; low female enrolment in the North; school dropout syndrome and absence of facilities in some schools.

Responding, the CEO of Build Africa, Linda Edwards, who said they invited Obi due to his contributions to education in Nigeria as a former governor , expressed their readiness to collaborate with him in the interest of humanity.

NGOs, activists charge FG on SDGs Temitope Ogunbanke

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on-government organisations and social activists have urged President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to take urgent action to end poverty, inequality and climate change in Nigeria as part of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by world leaders during 70th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Speaking at the weekend at an event tagged “Light the Way for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria,” held in Lagos, some NGOs and social activists also charged world leaders to work toward achieving the 17 goals of the SDGs in their respective countries.

The 17 goals of Sustain-

able Development Goals by adopted by world leaders are; no poverty, no hunger, good health, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitisation, renewable energy, good jobs and economic growth, and reduced inequalities.

Others are; innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and community, responsible consumption, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace and justice, and partnership for the goals.

Speaking at the event, the Country Director of a group, One Campaign, Mr. Edwin Ikhuoria, charged all Nigerians to hold the public office holders and other stakeholders accountable for implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria before 2030.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Niyi Anibaba

OPINION Ambode and his dream team

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t the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, many Americans did not know how President John Kennedy would handle the challenge until they saw the composition of his war cabinet. The names gave them hope that the United States would emerge from the crisis with some measure of success and hope for a world without a global conflagration. And indeed President Kennedy steered America and the world away from a destructive Third World War which would have been fought with nuclear weapons.

That is the way I see the nominees for the cabinet of Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. They offer hope that truly Lagos State and its citizens are in for refreshing times when there would be a revolutionary trend in the delivery of democratic dividends and the provision of the good things of life. This is what the future of Lagos State holds in store under the unfolding cabinet.

For sure, the anxiety which trailed the release of the cabinet list for Lagos State has been replaced with excitement prompted by the names on the list. While their portfolios are not yet known, the resumes of the proposed cabinet members have been receiving strong and positive reviews in many quarters.

At a glance, the list is made up of one Professor, three Medical Doctors, two Engineers, six Lawyers, a journalist and one teacher.

There is a healthy mix of technocrats, strategists and politicians on the list. The list is made up of fresh faces and a few returning former Commissioners. The cabinet has five women.

There are three former Commissioners and five politicians on the list.

Prof. Ademola Abass is a Professor of Law with specialty in International Law, International Criminal Law, Equity and Trusts, Peace and Security. He has served on United Nations projects in Belgium and Ethiopia. Until his appointment, he was the Head of African Centre for Peace and Security Training, Institute for Security Training in Addis Ababa. Dr. Abass has received several academic awards, prizes and scholarships in his career.

The other lawyers in the cabinet are Dr. Benson Oke Akintola, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-

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Lateef, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule, Adeniji Kazeem and Prince Rotimi Ogunleye. Dr. Akintola and Adeniji Kazeem are both Political Scientists and Lawyers. Adeniji Kazeem started out as a Tax and Regulatory Consultant with Arthur Andersen (now KPMG) before veering off to start his own Legal practice. Mrs. Yetunde Onabule obtained her LL.B at the University of Buckingham and her LL.M at the University of London, Kings College and has over 15 years experience gained working for reputable firms in Nigeria and the UK. The name of the former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olajide Idris, stands out among the Medical Doctors on the cabinet. He was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health from 1999 to 2007 when he was appointed the Commissioner for Health in the second term of the Fashola administration. He is best remembered for his role in the battle to suppress the Ebola Virus in 2014. Another doctor on the list is Dr. Samuel Babatunde Adejare, a former federal and state legislator. A highly respected medical doctor and specialist in Public Health, Dr. Adejare has received many honours locally and abroad for his commitment to the practice.

He was a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2003 till 2011 and was in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015. Dr. Femi Onanuga is a vastly experienced Medical Doctor with specialisation in General Medicine and Community Health. He has diverse and rich experience in medical management and administration in the health sector of Lagos State. A former Permanent Secretary, Special Services in the Governor’s Office, he has been at various times the Medical Director of Randle General Hospital, Surulere, Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Ifako Ijaiye , Agege and consultant to the Lagos State Health Service Commission.

Lagosians who are bothered by the state of the roads in the state now have reasons to smile going by the profiles of the two engineers on the cabinet list. Engineer Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson is an accomplished Civil and Structural Engineer with over 30 years experience.

Engr. Johnson holds a B. Sc. and M. Sc in Civil and Structural Engineering from the University of Southern California. He is said to have a strong record of conceiving, initiating and executing road, bridge and building projects.

He is a former Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure in the state and during his time initiated and completed projects like the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge, reconstruction of LagosBadagry Expressway Lot 1, infrastructural improvement of Yaba to Iddo and environs as well as the construction of jetties and terminals at Badore, Ipakodo-Ikorodu and Osborne. He served on the boards of LAMATA, Lagos State Roads, Bridges and Highway Infrastructure (PSP).

Engr. Ade Akinsanya, like Engr. Johnson, was educated in America. He has a B.Sc in Mining Engineering and an M.Sc in Civil Engineering, both from the University of Missouri-Rolia. He specialises in transportation infrastructure, particularly bridge design and construction, transportation planning and construction of various types of transportation facilities. He was before this appointment, Supervising Bridge Engineer with California Department of Transportation.

Being a financial technocrat himself, Governor Ambode has selected a crop of bright, young and finance professionals for his cabinet. Dr. Mustapha Abiodun Akinkunmi is a Financial Economist and Technology Strategist.

He holds degrees from the New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury and Fordham University, Bronx, New York. Dr. Akinkunmi has held high profile positions as a Consultant, Financial Advisor and Business Strategist with AT & T, Goldman Sachs, Phibro Energy, First Boston (Credit Suisse), World Bank and Central Bank of Nigeria.

Akinyemi Ashade is an Audit Partner with KPMG Professional Services (formerly Arthur Andersen) and is responsible for the audit of banking, insurance and assets management companies. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), he joined Arthur Andersen in 1999 and was admitted as a Partner in 2013. He has gained valuable experience in international audit, risk management, public finance and private partnerships.

Babatunde Fuad Durosinmi-Etti is an Investment Banker turned Finance and Public Policy Consultant. His experience includes a banking career where he rose to the position of Deputy General Manager. He was Managing Director of Ibile Holdings Limited, the investment com-

pany of Lagos State and later Vice Chairman of the Association of African Financial Institutions, an affiliate of the African Development bank. He has been on the boards of Volkswagen of Nigeria, LASACO Insurance Plc and University Press Plc. Olufemi Adeboye Odubiyi is an Information Technology expert. He is currently the IT Director of Dangote Group. Before then, he worked for Airtel holding many key positions such as Systems Support Manager, Head IT and Director Billing and Value Added Services. He holds an M.Sc in Information Management from Southbank University.

The new Lagos State cabinet also has the names of Dr. Dayo Mobereola and Wasiu Anifowoshe. Mobereola is a Transport expert and holds a Doctorate degree in Transport Economics from the University of Wales. He is the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and was previously Special Adviser, Transportation. Wasiu Anifowoshe is an Architect and Town Planner. He holds a Bachelors and Masters degrees in Architecture from the Howard University as well as a Masters in City and Regional Planning. He is the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and has worked in the Lagos State Ministries of Works and Housing and Physical Planning and Urban Development. Other professionals on the list are senior and celebrated journalist, Steve Ayorinde, Fela Bank-Olemoh and sport analyst, Ayodeji Tinubu.

It is a team capable of installing the governance of compassion which Ambode spoke of in his inaugural address on May 29. The Governor also spoke of the rule of ideas that will characterise his era. My take is that he has picked kindred spirits who have been identified as men of ideas in their respective endeavours. Together I see them-Ambode and these illustrious personalities-working out an agenda to lift up Lagos to the stratosphere of excellent performance the way John Kennedy’s war cabinet gave the U.S and the world victory over the war mongers during the Cuban Missile blockade.

•Anibaba, a policy analyst wrote in from Surulere, Lagos

APC’s ugly guber primary

t was an ugly spectacle last Tuesday in Bayelsa State. What was planned and expected to be a beautiful event turned out to be something unpredictable. Blood flowed, Bones cracked. People were maimed. Tears rolled down many faces. It was a sad experience. A few months after the All Progressives Congress won an unprecedented election in the states, the National Assembly and the Presidency, people have started asking: Is the party incapable of conducting an ordinary governorship primary in a state as small as Bayelsa?

Events of the day started smoothly as delegates arrived from all over the states. All of a sudden, it was observed that names of illegal delegates had been smuggled into the list of authentic delegates with cloned identity cards.

The identity cards were said to bear the names of the authentic delegates but had the pictures of the fake delegates. When arrested and questioned, the illegal delegates were said to have confessed that they were hired by one of the aspirants who is a front runner to the office.

Other aspirants, on noticing what happened, quickly protested to the committee saddled with the conduct of the primaries. This attracted an ugly response from thugs who had assembled somewhere within the premises, apparently waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Immediately, they started chanting war songs in support of the former state governor, Timipre Sylva, who is also a governorship aspirant. In

a few minutes, the hoodlums, in absolute defiance of the security personnel at the gate of the main entrance to the venue of the event, invaded the podium.

Their protest was that the primary election was likely to be postponed as a result of complaints by three of the aspirants: Timi Alaibe, Ebitimi Amgbare and Preye Aganaba that there were cloned voter card carriers impersonating delegates to the election. It didn’t matter to the thugs whether the protest by the three aspirants was genuine or not.

Media reports indicated that before the thugs invaded the podium, Sylva had walked up to Governor Adams Oshiomhole who chaired the election committee, accusing him and the national chairman of the APC, Chief John OdigieOyegun, of bias and compromising the process to deny him of advantages.

As the former governor continued to protest, the state chairman of the APC, Tiwei Orunimigha, arrived at the spot and tried to calm him down; but the former governor’s protests and accusations against Oshiomhole and Oyegun attracted further attention as the ex-officio NEC member from Bayelsa State, Hon Yekini Nabena Jimoh, beckoned on some of Sylva’s supporters to come inside the main bowl. As the thugs invaded the main entrance and headed to the podium, Oshiomhole kept his calm even as most of the governorship aspirants, observers and journalists fled the venue.

The state party chairman himself announced that whether or not the electoral committee wanted it, the primaries must hold.

Earlier in the day, Alaibe, alongside three other aspirants, had complained of intimidation and irregularities. Alaibe said: “You have seen the rancourous process leading to the primaries.

The process is being marred by irregularities, violence, intimidation and complete disrespect for aspirants, agents and party officials.”

Also, Aganaba described the process as shameful and that it failed to represent the values and principles of the party.

After receiving the protests from some of the aspirants, Oshiomhole and other members of the committee went into a long meeting to decide the way forward. It was clear from all indications that the process of electing a candidate to fly the APC flag in the gubernatorial election in the state would be postponed to a further date. However, everybody had to wait for the official position from the committee.

In the end, it took the swift intervention of the Joint Task Force operating in the area to clear the thugs and ensure a safe exit of the committee members after the primary election was rescheduled to Monday September 28.

In an interview with an online newspaper, Oshiomhole said, “I was appointed with six other members from the APC to conduct the primary election of governorship election in Bayelsa state. The exercise took place yesterday

(Tuesday) but somehow, thugs took over the sports complex where the exercise was to take place. They practically prevented the actual delegates from participating and as a result, we could not proceed with the exercise.

“It is important that we state clearly that the National Secretariat has adopted a standard guideline for the conduct of gubernatorial primaries and this guideline was used effectively in Kogi State and it produced a candidate, which all the aspirants were quite happy with. The key issues in this guideline as handed down by the party is that delegates as contained in the list have to be identified either though the Permanent Voters Card, the National Identity Card or International Passport.

Oshiomhole said he had since forwarded the report to the National Secretariat and believed that the party would fix a new date for proper accreditation and fresh conduct of the primaries.

“Unfortunately, by the way Sylva conducted himself, he showed that he has no faith in the democratic process. He continues to insist that he founded APC in Bayelsa State and therefore cannot understand why those who didn’t found the party have the right to contest election on the platform of the party.”

He denied that any election took place; or that any certificate of return was issued to anybody as the winner of the election.

•Jack Kalio writes from Abuja

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sunday Mail SEPTEMBER 27, 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 Burkina Faso coup Dear Editor, May I use this forum to salute the courage of African leaders in putting down the coup in Burkina Faso and preventing a descent to chaos or the return of ousted dictator, Blaise Campaore.

It iis commendable that Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari and other African leaders quickly intervened and prevented the coupists from gaining a foothold and plunging the country into anarchy. It is a shame that France and the United States could not make as much as a whimper against the coupists.

This smacks of the despicable conspiratorial attitude of western powers with looters of Africa. Western powers are ever ready to conspire with any band of criminals who can guarantee them a space in the looting and pillaging of the continent’s resources.

African leaders must insist on respect for democratic norms.

They must also be willing to abide by international best practices in governance and economic management. The African Union’s Peer Review mechanism must be strengthened and every African leader must commit to abiding by the AU Charter. Coups must no longer be tolerated on the continent. Ambitious military officers must learn to drop their undemocratic tendencies and align with the constitutions of their nations. Africa can no longer afford to be the laughing stock of the world.

Peters Omoh Lagos

Buhari’s ministerial list

Dear Editor, Permit me to ask President Muhammadu Buhari when he intends to transmit his ministerial list to the Senate. It amounts to a breach of the constitution for Buhari to continue to run the nation without a cabinet. A federal cabinet is a major stabilising factor in a diverse nation like Nigeria. Since Buhari said recently that he appointed his loyalists into positions that did not need Senate approval, it follows that he should go farther afield and appoint tested men and women of integrity as ministers. His preference for permanent secretaries is an analogue way of running Black Africa’s largest nation. The world has since moved into efficient digitisation of governmental processes. Nigeria needs to move faster in its public and governmental processes. Buhari needs to champion the change he promised by ensuring that the right things are done everytime.

James Johnson Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

Governors and flooding

Dear Editor May I use your esteemed newspaper to take on governors who have clearly refused to take bold steps to confront flooding in their states. They knew all along that flooding would be a major issue this year, especially given various forecasts. However, what we got were mere pronouncements and token remedial efforts. These governors have not adopted new methods in tackling flooding.

All we hear are the same pronouncements that people living in low-lying areas should relocate. Where do they relocate to? Who will pay the cost of relocation? The proper thing to do is to build temporary shelters for such people to stay in until the flooding is over and they can safely return home. I would like governors to explain how they have spent ecological funds since they got into office. The usual practice since 1999 has been for governors to convert these funds to personal use or for the funding of their political parties. Thus, the people who should benefit from the proper application of the ecological funds are left to suffer. We must resolve to put an end to such atrocious behaviour. Every effort must be made to contain environmental threats across the country so that we can have a Nigeria to put in the care of succeeding generations.

Ade Lawal Abuja

Economy is heading for the rocks

Dear Editor The government should try and all everything with matter of urgency to redirect and refocus Nigerian economy that is headed for rocks. With no ministers in place to run the various MDAS, with no economic policy or team; with the price of crude oil down to less than $50 a barrel; with the price of goods and services rising steadily, and the value of the naira plummeting; with a clueless, shiftless, and inept president in the cockpit, and the economy flying on autopilot, the nation’s economy is heading south at a rapid speed. Buhari save our country!

Chudi Okonkwo Onitsha

Dangerous ride

Corrupt traffic wardens

Dear Editor, Permit me to draw the attention of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, to the corrupt activities of traffic wardens. You often find them gathered at traffic stops, waiting for motorists to beat the lights. Then, you would find about three of them jumping in front of an erring motorist while a fourth one, sometimes in mufti, gets into the vehicle. Then, they force the motorist to a halt some metres ahead and table a demand for a bribe.

The final bribe paid to them depends on the motorist’s negotiating ability. If they see an ATM card with a motorist, they would offer to accompany him or her to the nearest teller to withdraw the agreed sum. Female traffic wardens appear to be the worst as they exhibit no decorum in their demands. It is shameful to see the way they conduct themselves like touts, not minding that they are giving the police force a bad image. Visitors to Nigeria get an impression of how the country is run from what they see on the road. They also collude with traffic officers of state government agencies to extort motorists. Such unethical conduct of these traffic officers must be checked.

Chukwudi Ebele, Onitsha

PDP needs to learn the act

Dear Editor It appears the PDP needs to learn the act and ways of playing objective opposition politics. Crying wolf when there is none diminishes the strength of your critiques when there are bigger issues at stake. While one understands the need to pre-empt your political opponents, it is also important to understand that this is a delicate balance that requires intelligent finesse. You need not raise false alarm just for people to hear you. You attack your political opponent for maximum impact and advantage. Unfortunately, this current PDP team (the one that managed Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign) is unlikely to produce a reliable team that can match the APC. Their message can only resonate with a mischievous PDP loyalists or an intellectually lazy person. Which economy has collapsed, and how many of the potentially corrupt individuals have been sent to jail by Buhari? Can any rational person attribute 16 years of PDP rapacious lootings and stealing to the current government that is less than six months in the saddle? Olisa Metuh, please do us a favour. Democracy, I mean APC, needs a vibrant opposition. You are not!

Bayo Olu Ibadan

PHOTO: NAN

Police, drunkenness and arms Dear Editor, There is a need for the government to look into the character and sanity of most policemen. Those policemen who are given to drunkenness, smoking and consumption of alcohol and hard drugs should be dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force. They should also be denied access to firearms given their propensity to misuse them.

A constable in Nangere, Yobe State went berserk recently, grabbed a rifle and shot two inspectors dead. He shot himself too but didn’t die instantly. He was rushed to the hospital though the cause of his action is yet unknown. In Lagos, a drunken police officer with Mopol 20 was caught brutalising two women near Union Bank on Lewis Street, Lafiaji, on Lagos Island. The officer, identified as Tafa Mohammed, got mad after a female food vendor declined his request for fish. The mobile policeman had wanted to use fish to finish up his beer. He also assaulted a female customer, who was buying food at the time he got there. The woman got thrown into muddy water by the policeman, who also reportedly threatened both women with a gun.

These are instances of the horrible situation we have found ourselves because of undisciplined policemen. President Muhammadu Buhari should urgently reform the Nigeria Police Force.

Mustafa Ahmadu Obalende, Lagos

Without oil, Nigeria did very well Dear Editor, Without oil, Nigeria did very, very well. There is need for us to down play oil and think of other avenue, through which Nigeria can hit her goldmine. You need to travel to Pennsylvania’s Harshey Park to see what happened with Cocoa and the resulting improvement of the economy of the old western region of Nigeria, where “First in Africa” was the order of the day. Also you need to read about “Ground Nuts Pyramid” of the Northern region, palm oil from the southern parts of Nigeria, the human size yams from Enugu, etc. You need to read the history of Nigeria’s export prowes in agricultural products, and realise that we could do better with the addition of income from oil. There was an unanswered question during the advent of Oil, which was whether the discovery of Oil is a curse to Nigeria? I leave you to answer that one billion dollar question. Thanks!

Ada Christian Festac, Lagos.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Moments

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L-R: Mrs. Ronke Solomon; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; Medical Director, Boyle Medical Centre, Dr. Bode Oyewole and Chief Executive Officer, Dekunle, Mr Adekunle Jeje, during the Eid El-Kabir celebration in Lagos,.. on Thursday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

L-R: Otaru of Auchi, Haliru Momoh; Daudu of Auchi, Aziz Momoh; acting Chairman, Etsako West Local Government Area, Busari Yesufu and others, at the praying ground during the Eid El-Kabir celebration in Auchi, Edo State

L-R: Son of late Prince Badewole Olowojoba, Adeyemi; daughter, Adeboye; widow Mrs. Bamidele; Son, Adeola and daughter, Adekemi, at the funeral service for Badewole in Lagos. …on Friday

L-R: Acting Director of Fund, Office of the Accountant General of Federation (OAGF), Mr. Dosunmu Hakeem; Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris and Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel-Nwaobia, during the Federal Account Allocation Committee Meeting for the month of August 2015 in Abuja…on Thursday PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN.

500 beneficiaries of the annual ‘Dress a Child for School’ project organised by Jakin N.G.O. for orphans and vulnerable children showcasing their bags during the World Literacy Day held in Lagos recently

L-R: Mother of the bride, Mary Owah; the couple, Taiwo Udebu and Phebean, and bride’s father, Michael Owah, shortly after the solemnisation of the marriage in Lagos…recently

The couple, Colins (Kobis) and Precious Obiakonze, with the Best man, Chinweike Obiakonze and Bride’s maid, Somto Onumba, during their holy matrimony at the Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye Memorial Anglican Church, Ajao Estate, Lagos...on Saturday

The family of Arc. Chuka and Uzo Nwabugwu dedicated their son, Ebubechukwu, at St. Lucy Catholic Church, Enugu, recently. With them are friends and well wishers

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

Labour insists on death penalty for corrupt officials

Biodun Oyeleye

L Ilorin

eaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have insisted on death penalty for corrupt practices in Nigeria even as they declared the leadership tussle that once threatened cohesion of the labour movement as finally settled.

National President of the congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba told newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State on Friday night that those who are against the death penalty option are only going to allow corruption to find a hiding place in the country.

Wabba, who was in the state capital to condole with former Vice-President of the congress, Comrade Issa Aremu over the death of his mother, Alhaja Hafsat Aremu who died on Thursday night at the age of 91, also said the labour movement would continue

to oppose plea bargaining as part of the Nigerian judicial system because it only encourages corruption.

According to him, if a country like China has been able to practice the death penalty option successfully and it has helped the nation, there was nothing wrong for Nigeria to copy such an example. He said the option should not be limited to only corrupt politicians but also those who adulterate drugs and other consumables in general.

Wabba, who was accompanied by NLC officials in the state, declared that there was never a faction in NLC but some disagreements occurred which had been resolved, declaring that the congress is now a united entity.

He reiterated that already, the union had started feeling the impact of working together with the struggle over non-payment of sala-

ries for months in Osun State, adding that following the union’s intervention, the salaries are now being paid.

According to him, the strength of the union lies in its unity because the political class would never advance the workers’ interest.

His words: “Even when we were pursuing the issue of salary in Osun and I called and he (Aremu) was here, he was the only person that made himself available and we saw the governor; we were able to resolve the issue and the workers are being paid. In unity lies our strength, if we are not united, political class will never advance our interest. It is not pos-

sible, everybody seeks for political power to advance his individual or collective interest, nobody would get power and try to advance your interest as a worker, no.

“We then have to redouble our efforts to fight for our rights and continue the contestation for a better society because a lot of the Nigerian public looks up to us. We are the only massbased organisation that is organised in the country.

We are the only organised body that has a mass support from our members, that if we say we want to bring about change, it is possible for us to do that once we are able to collaborate with our people at the grassroots.

“I want to urge all of us to continue to remain united because an injury to one is an injury to all and I have seen result of working together because when we were in Osun and the man saw the crowd that came including the leadership and he knew that Who is Who in Labour was already there, he succumbed to pressure, that they have to pay. I think that to me is what is desired at this time.

“I want to thank God for the government in place because change itself can be positive or negative, there are many people that what they understand by the word change is different from what we understand. Change for them is money in their pocket

and for us we want a better working condition, we want social justice in our system, we want shared prosperity, that’s what we stand for and therefore we must continue to do that and continue to support a very just cause”.

Responding, Aremu said the ongoing reconciliation process would soon be finalized, adding that the union is now back as a united entity.

“Labour is back fully as a united body, we are uniting again. Wabba is repositioning NLC with his anticorruption crusade. What unites us is more than what divides us, very soon we’ll finalize the process of reconciliation,” he said.

Why APC opposes Ekiti Airport project Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

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he Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has explained why the All Progressives Congress is opposed to the execution of the airport project in the state, saying the APC is ashamed that a PDP government is showing the political will to do the project.

The PDP said the APC lacked the political will to do it while running the af-

fairs of the state, and that the APC thrives in making false promises while canvassing voters’ support and later abandoning the people and not fulfilling such promises after elections.

The PDP, in a statement in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday by the State Publicity Secretary, Jackson Adebayo, said the people of Ekiti State had seen through the deceit of the APC and would not fall victims again.

Lawmaker trains 400 in ICT Deborah Makoji

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lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo state constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Jude Emeka Idimogu has sponsored a computer training programme for about 400 youths in his constituency.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Lagos yesterday, Idimogu, who had in attendance a Peoples Democratic Party leader in the state, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe and Minority

CHANGE OF NAME

OGUNLEYE

I, formerly Mrs. Adebeshin Adewusi Bolanle, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogunleye Adewusi Bolanle. All former documents remain valid. Public please take note.

HARRISON

I, formerly Miss Unyime Akpan Daniel Abia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Unyime Ulonna Harrison. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Whip of the state house of assembly, Mrs. Mosun Sangodara, said he was driven by the desire to empower and encourage youngsters in the area.

The event which held at Olokun Nursery and Primary School, Ilasamaja Isolo, stressed the need for youths to acquire skills with which will help them to face the rigours of life, instead of directing their energy towards destructive activities.

Idimogu said:“If you empower youths, you empower the nation. I choose computer training because it is a skill that will stand the test of time in helping them to be self dependent in life. The world as we know now is global village and equipping youths with computer training is basic to being relevant in today’s ICT competitive world.”

The best three participants in the programme received a cash prize of N25,000 each.

L-R: Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi exchanging plesantries with the Independent National Electoral Commission counsel, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, at the conclusion of the state’s election petition tribunal sittings in Abakaliki, yesterday. With them are Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru

No rift with Saraki, says Ahmed Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

K

wara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed denied yesterday insinuations about a rift between himself and the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki over the fracas that took place at the Eid Praying ground last Thursday when hoodlums attempted to hijack the programme.

The denial came as the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari condemned the fracas and efforts by some people he described as miscreants to disrupt the eid prayers at the Ilorin Eid Ground as an offence against God. Gambari, who is the Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs made this remark when he paid the yearly Eid Kabir visit to the governor at the Government House in Ilorin, noted that the efforts of the miscreants to defile the sanctity of the place of

worship and deny Muslims their right of worship were condemnable and a possible invitation of the wrath of Allah whose abode the miscreants invaded. He described the development as despicable and unfortunate.

Ahmed, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Dr. Muideen Akorede, also denied allegations that Saraki was paid N1 billion from the N4.3 billion bailout loan received by the state government recently for the payment of outstanding salaries to civil servants in the state.

An online medium, Saharareporters.com, had published the allegations in its Friday edition, but Akorede said nothing could be far from the truth and tasked the internet medium “to insulate itself from partisan politics, and endeavour to balance its reports” instead of relying on what the government

termed “fallacious accounts of events or wicked fabrications that lack facts or substance.”

The statement said that at no time did Saraki accuse Ahmed of leaving him vulnerable to attack by the miscreants at the Eid Prayer Ground, Ilorin, and neither did Ahmed blame Saraki for the miscreants’ attack on dignitaries.

On the claim that Saraki got N1billion out of the N4.3b bail-out loan received by the state government from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the statement said the allegation is preposterous, malicious and provocative, adding that the Senate President neither received any kobo out of the money which was fully used to pay the two months’ salary arrears owed state civil servants in August, 2015 nor any other money from the state government.

He stressed further that Saraki is fully preoccupied with onerous task of law

making and providing leadership at the National Assembly and has no time to either interfere with or control the state’s finances which are fully under the jurisdiction of the state government and its authorized officials.

Confirming that majority of state government workers, local government employees and teachers received their salaries a day before the Eid celebrations, Akorede stressed that Ahmed’s decision, like most Nigerians, to observe the Eid prayers in Share, his home town rather than Ilorin, was driven by a desire to spend time with the people, rather than by security reports of a possible attack.

Akorede said that Saraki attended the Ilorin Eid Ground on Thursday not in defiance of any security reports or for any publicity stint as was reported but in fulfillment of his religious obligation as his popularity in Kwara State is not in doubt.

SUNDAY

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Politics SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Anambra doesn’t need Obiano’s wastefulness – Ezeanokwasa p.17 Nigeria should boost her image, says UN envoy p.19

The Sunday Interview German Ambassador: We’re working with Nigeria to tackle terrorism, arms trafficking p.20&37 I proudly extol Igbo virtues on TV – Okafor p.38

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

Oshiomhole and his team at the botched primaries

Intrigues, power play that marred Bayelsa APC primaries

F

or a first timer, the vicinity of the Samson Siasia Stadium which served as venue of the governorship election of the All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa State presented a threatening scene.

A total of 1,508 delegates drawn from the 105 wards in the eight local government areas of the state were expected to participate in the exercise.

While the committee had the mandate to conduct a transparent primaries, the delegates had a responsibility to elect the governorship candidate from amongst the 19 aspirants that were jostling to fly the party’s flag.

Youths, in their hundreds, had taken vantage positions. Some with reflective vests with inscription such as Bayelsa APC Volunteer Service, the youths who were tilting to all sides of road close to the main entrance of the stadium gate were on all fronts of ‘providing service’ to known political heavyweights. They ushered in their ‘leaders’ with accolades and praises.

If crossing the hurdle of the dangerous zone occupied by the youths was threatening, efforts to gain access to the point of accreditation was most frustrating as officials were not just selective in their assignment but were utterly hostile and venomous in their interaction with journalists at the gate.

But if journalists had desired to converge for the coverage of a peaceful party event, such hopes were frustrated albeit the joy of ‘news worthy incidences.’ There were many of such reportable instances that culminated in the violence as claims and counter claims of irregularities rented the air at the venue of the exercise.

In the ensuing fracas, thugs chanting war songs in support of former governor Timipre Sylva who is also a governorship aspirant defied the security at the gate of the main bowl and invaded the podium.“Sylva don come o, Sylva don come o, Sylva don come o, you no go gree, you no go gree, you go gree o (their song)

With less than five days to the deadline of the Independent National Electoral Commission for the submission of names of governorship candidates of political parties, all appears not well with the Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress. DONALD OJOGO who witnessed the controversial governorship primaries of the state writes on the development The thugs were protesting that the primary election was likely to be postponed as a result of protest by three of the governorship aspirants- Timi Alaibe, Ebitimi Amgbare and Preye Aganaba that there were cloned voters card carriers impersonating as delegates to the election.

Before the thugs invaded the podium, Sylva had walked up to Governor Oshiomhole, accusing him and the national chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun of bias and ‘’compromising the process to deny him of advantages’.’ ‘’This is wrong and I must protest this brazen bias and compromise of the process that is designed to deny me advantages, I am saying that Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Oyegun have all compromised themselves; I won’t accept this’’ Sylva said while attempting to force him way to the podium.

As the former governor was hauling abuses at the electoral panel, the state chairman of the APC, Tiwei Orunimigha arrived at the spot, trying to calm Sylva but the former governor’s protests and accusations against the governor and Oyegun rather attracted further attention from the youths.

As the thugs invaded the main bowl and headed to the podium, Oshiomhole kept his calm even as most of the governorship aspirants, observers and journalists fled the venue.

But the state party chairman announced that

whether or not the electoral committee wanted it, the primary must hold. ‘’whether or not Oshiomhole want it, we must hold our primary, there is a party on groung and no one can chose for us who will be candidate. Alaibe just joined the party two weeks ago and cannot claim to know who is a delegate or not, we are forging ahead with the primary’’, Orunimigha said in the public announcement.

Earlier in the day, Alaibe, alongside three aspirants complained of intimidation and irregularities while addressing journalists. This forced the Oshiomhole-led committee to hold an emergency meeting with the aspirants on the possible way out. The meeting which commenced at 1 p m ended after one hour but with the possibility of reconvening at 2.30pm before the fracas erupted.

Alaibe said: “You have seen the rancourous process leading to the primaries. The process is being marred by irregularities, violence, intimidation and complete disrespect for aspirants, agents and party officials.

“This is an enactment of negative history for a party that stands on the mantra of change. I think something is missing somewhere and we need to get it right. We have had delegates perceived to be loyal to us threatened, beaten wounded since CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5

morning “Quite a lot of people you see here are not delegates. Most of the authentic delegates are outside. We need to put a stop to this process. We will meet with the chairman of the committee and ask for the cancellation of the process till some other times we can get the security dynamics right so that we can get the methodology of the primaries right. We cannot continue with this process.”

Also, Aganaba described the process as shameful and said it failed to represent the values and principles of the party.

He said: “I am ashamed of this process. I was a member of the APC presidential primary in Lagos. It was a successful convention and when the winner emerged, all other aspirants supported the winner; but the process today is flawed.

“Most of the delegates here are fake. I toiled for this party and sweated for it to be established in Bayelsa and if l am asking for the cancellation of this exercise, they should know how serious l am. I believe we should even move the primary to another state”.

But Sylva said he had not received any complaints from his agent adding that he was hailed by the people because of his outstanding credentials.

He advised delegates and aspirants to conduct themselves peacefully. Nonetheless, a situation that would have degenerated to physical attack on Alaibe was averted by security forces earlier in the morning.

Trouble started as early as 10 am at the entrance of the Samson Siasia when some street urchins believed to be loyalists of another governorship aspirant started to haul stones and empty bottles at some group of delegates who had arrived for accreditation. The delegates are believed to be aligned with Alaibe.

The former NDDC boss, upon receiving information, left the pavilion where he was already seated but was accosted by the state chairman of the APC, Chief Tiwei Oruminigha and an ex-officio member of the party’s NEC, Mr. Yekini Jimoh. The duo insisted that Alaibe, who was with another aspirant, Preye Aganaba, should leave the gate. Another governorship aspirant, Ebitimi Amgbare was a few metres away from the duo of Alaibe and Aganaba.

An enraged Oruminighe was already charging at Alaibe even as Jimoh removed his sandals to attack Alaibe but was stopped by a team of police officers led by one Andy Omieneghe, a Superintendent of Police Signs that all was not too well began to manifest almost ten days to the party primary when the state chairman of the APC, Oruminigha was said to have threatened delegates through direct calls and text messages to vote for his preferred choice.

Although it could not be officially confirmed, the postponement of the exercise which was earlier scheduled for Saturday, September 19 to Tuesday 22 gave out signals of suppressed fears of an impending violence.

But the state chairman debunked the allegation, saying he was not privy to who will be delegates and that only the national leadership of the APC knows the required guidelines to adopt for the forth-coming governorship primary.

“All I know is that only the national leadership knows what to do about the primary, I don’t know the delegates and people are bound to say whatever they want; we know those doing it.

“I am for all aspirants and cannot be biased as people are alleging; this is a party we built with our sweat and blood so we will not allow outsiders to hijack it,” Oruminigha said.

A crowded race of intrigues There is no gainsaying the fact that before the August 15, 2015 mass defection of PDP bigwigs to the APC, the party was merely a platform for Sylva and his loyalists who were shut out by the state governor, Henry Seriake Dickson. Prior to the presidential election, Sylva and his men had suffered series of political persecution to the extent that most of

Intrigues that marred Bayelsa primaries of the party and therefore, as far as he was concerned, we must proceed with the election without complying with the guidelines of the National Secretariat.

“When it became clear that our lives were under threat, I had to call Abuja to prevail on the Joint Task Force (JTF) to provide me with security to enable me leave the venue of the primaries because thugs had effectively blocked the gates under the instructions of Mr. Sylva” the governor said in part.

Sylva

Alaibe

them fled the state.

In effect, as the presidential race beckoned, Sylva and his followers were seen as anti-Ijaw owing to their tenacious belief in the APC. They were few, economically and politically impotent in the state even as they suffered debilitating defeat across the state except one state Assembly seat in the last elections. Even Sylva who ran for the senatorial seat of Bayelsa East lost his election.

But the narrative of the APC’s standing on the state’s political plain undoubtedly changed when former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Ndutimi Alaibe led thousands to join the party.

Expectedly, when the party released the guidelines for the governorship primaries, it was not surprising that all the defectors from PDP including Alaibe, Amb Emmanuel Otiotio, Prof Tarilah Tebepah, Chief Diekivie Ikiogha and former House of Representatives member, Warman Ogoriba joined the governorship race.

Others are Senator Clever Ikisikpo, Dr Augustine Oginwo Febo, Dr. Imoro Kubor, Mrs Charity Vedalago, Pastor Tonye Aprela, Mr. George Ombeh, Christopher Enai, Francis Ebitei and Amb Felix Oboro It was gathered that, prior to the release of the party guidelines, some APC leaders, including new joiners had approached Sylva to know if he was running. The former governor was said to have told them that he would not run for the governorship of the state.

According to findings, it was Sylva’s position not to run that encouraged Senator John Brambaifa to lead 47 other Bayelsa elders to obtain the nomination form for Alaibe.

But Sylva’s decision to run may have been anchored on two things. For one, the body language of President Muhammadu Buhari does not seem to betray any form of passion for Sylva since the swearing in May. Apart from that, to Sylva opting out of the race for a strong contender like Alaibe to be governor means that he will automatically lose the status of state leader he had assumed before now.

Curiously, aside two others-Aganaba and Amgbare, most of the other governorship aspirants are either lobbying for, or already being promised the deputy governorship slot

by Sylva. Most of such aspirants are either from the Central or West senatorial zones of the state. Sylva is from East.

primary, Oshiomhole said the process leading to the exercise was faulty as Sylva’s thugs hijacked the process.

“I was appointed along with six others to conduct the Primary election in Bayelsa State. The exercise took place on Tuesday, but somehow, thugs took over the venue of the exercise. They prevented the actual delegates from participating and accessing the venue of the exercise. As a result, we could not proceed with the exercise.

“The committee was virtually held hostage, including myself and this exercise was supervised, unfortunately, by one of the aspirants and unfortunately, the former Governor Sylvia who said to my face and the committee that we could not leave the venue of the conference unless we carry out the exercise without accreditation as prescribed by the National Secretariat.

“It is important to note that the National Secretariat has long adopted a standard national guideline for the conduct of gubernatorial primaries and these guidelines were used effectively in Kogi State and it produced an outcome which all the aspirants in Kogi gubernatorial elections were quite happy with.

“The key issue in these guidelines, as stated by the party, is that delegates as contained in the list in the custody of the secretariat has to be identified either through the Permanent Voters Card which contain the photo, I.D and other details or the National Identity card or the International Passport. This was to ensure that proper accreditation was done.

“The integrity of an election rests primarily on the integrity of the electoral process. Once the accreditation process suffers any defect, as they say, you cannot build something on nothing. Whereas all the aspirants agreed with this guideline, it is only Sylvia who rejected this guideline.

“He accused the National Secretariat and my humble self for formulating the guideline in a way that will frustrate his ambition. Every effort made to reassure him and to direct his attention to the fact that the same guideline has been used in Kogi and they are standard guidelines that will be used in all future elections of the party.

“To my shock, former Governor Sylva told me that we cannot leave the place unless we are ready to conduct the election without recourse to accreditation as prescribed by the party and of course, I was not in the position to amend the guideline nor was I ready to submit to intimidation. It then became clear that he had mobilised his thugs, and the thugs clearly in collaboration with the police took over the stadium, because the Police simply left the gates open.

“Former Governor Sylva insisted that it is the State Secretariat and not the National body that should conduct the primaries and that it was wrong for the National body to conduct primaries without involving the state leadership

Oshiomhole’s allegation’ Even though the national leadership of the APC has annulled the purported announcement of Sylva as its governorship candidate, one issue that has been relegated to the background is the allegation by Governor Oshiomhole that the former governor orchestrated violence that almost threatened his life.

In his exposé 24 hours after the controversial

Sylva reaction But Sylva, not taking the governor’s accusations lightly, also fired back, saying Oshiomhole had compromised himself.

“Oshiomhole should not tell lies, if I was not there, contrary to his insinuation that I rented thugs to manhandle him, the crowd would have manhandled him. I personally accompanied Oshiomhole to the gate when he was going to eat.

“If Oshiomhole has anything personal against me, let him tell the world. We are shocked that the man who claims to be morally upright with a strong ethical orientation would land in Yenagoa for an exercise in which he ought to be an impartial arbiter with a helicopter provided by a friend of one of the aspirants,” he said.

The Timi Alaibe Campaign Organisation has commended the leadership of the APC for cancelling the primary.

Meanwhile, the Timipre Sylva Campaign for the Bayelsa State 2015 gubernatorial election has described as misleading and completely untrue reports purporting that the APC governorship primaries held on September 22 in Yenagoa has been cancelled or rescheduled.

In a statement issued on Friday in Yenagoa, the campaign maintained that the primary, which was won by Chief Timipre Sylva, was conducted in accordance with the party’s rules and guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and as such the party has no basis to cancel its outcomes.

The statement, signed on behalf of the campaign by Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, said: “We want to state categorically that since the primary election was conducted according to the rules and duly won by Sylva, he remains the candidate of the APC in Bayelsa State and any statement to the contrary is mere rumour.

“The National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, does not have the powers to unilaterally annul a state primary election. We are even shocked that he allowed his name to be used when he has not even received the report from members of the electoral panel. Beyond the electoral panel’s report, there is also an Appeals Committee, which has the responsibility to examine complaints arising from the primary election.

It is only after the Appeals Committee has concluded its job that the National Working Committee (NWC) will meet to consider all reports from the primary, including those of the security agencies”.

The statement from the Sylva Campaign added: “You cannot abort a baby that has already been born. The APC governorship primary has been concluded in Bayelsa State, a winner has emerged, and the winner is Sylva.

“We therefore ask our teeming supporters to remain calm and ignore the rumour that a new primary is being scheduled for early next week.”

As it is, sources say a final decision can only be taken by the NWC when it meets on Monday to consider individual reports of committee members. There are seven members, including Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who left the venue of the congress before voting commenced. The other six members remained behind. Under the electoral guidelines released by INEC, parties participating in the December 5, 2015 Bayelsa State Gubernatorial Election have up till Wednesday, September 30, 2015 to hold their primaries.

C O N T I N U E D on PA G E 1 8

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Politics

Anambra doesn’t need Obiano’s wastefulness – Ezeanokwasa The Labour Party Chairman in Anambra State, Comrade Luke Ezeanokwasa is a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state. In this interview with PAMELA EBOH, he speaks on his plans for the LP, the factionalisation of the PDP and Governor Willie Obiano’s administration In a press statement recently, you condemned Governor Willie Obiano’s style of administration. Why are you so upset about it?

I am upset by the wasteful style the governor is employing instead of saving the state’s resources. Look at the birthday party he held the other day. Is that what is needed for this state now? Of course, it is not. Every part of the country is crying as a result of lack of funds and as an accountant, he should have known that this is not the best time for birthday parties. There are so many other things that money he used to celebrate birthday would have been diverted into for the betterment of the state. I read in the newspaper where the President refused the idea of erecting a new building that would have consumed millions of naira for the Vice President, because the country does not need such at this period of financial crisis. Obiano should borrow a leaf from that and give us good leadership. If he continues in this manner, in no distant time, this state will go bankrupt. That is exactly what Labour Party is fighting against. We don’t believe in reckless spending especially when it adds no value to the state. A lot of people are angry at what he is doing but some may not speak out but my party will not keep quiet and watch Anambra people to be led into unnecessary hardship.

Labour Party is not one of the giant political parties in Nigeria. Where do you think the party is now on the political chess board of the nation’s politics?

Of course Labour is at a very good place right now. We have pedigree and we don’t fight over tickets or slots as it is seen in other parties. The All Progressives Congress didn’t wake up one day to get to where they are now, it took serious hard work. Our leaders at the national level are not resting on their oars to ensure that we take the lead and in the states, we are playing our part well. Labour Party will spring surprises soon, just watch.

What are the state leaders doing to ensure that the party gets grassroots support since greater support comes from there?

First of all, we are here to serve the people and based on that, the leaders of the party are rubbing minds on the way forward. So far, we have started mobilising people at the grassroots level already. You wait and see what happens in the next election in the state.

Your party is seen as a beautiful bride to politicians who fail to grab ticket in their party but immediately after the elections they run back to their political party. Is that entertained because of the money your party gets from these moneybags?

It is not an issue of money or money bags.

Anybody that comes out to run for an election has money to finance it. Like you know, ambi-

Ezeanokwasa

tion is not a crime. When things don’t work out for you as a politician, you try another party that is willing to accept you. In Anambra State, when you count one or two political parties, you count Labour Party. So, for that reason there is no other befitting umbrella they can go to if not our party. Returning to their umbrella after election is an individual choice and you can’t stop an adult from making his choice, but that will stop from next elections. Anybody who is coming into Labour Party to context an election from another platform must make up his mind that he is coming to stay and not just come to use our platform. There would be no room for that anymore. You know, these things happened during the past leadership of the party in the state and everything depends on the type of personality at the helm ofaffairs.

My idea is not selling ticket to politicians from other parties but selling our manifesto to the public, especially those at the grassroots. I want to add that it is the lifestyle of politicians to jump from one political party to another.

Don’t you see it happening now in the APC? What is important to politicians is to get a platform that would be favorable for them, that’s all. So it is not peculiar to Labour Party.

After the elections, some parties are tilting towards a romance with APC. Is your party also working towards forming an alliance with them?

Not at all. We have to build our own house and get it standing tall and all that needs to be done is mobilisation of our people. If our President is doing wrong, we should be able to tell him, no, what you are doing is wrong.

There should be a party to check the ruling party. We are here to make this country better and alliance will not help issues. The problem with politicians is that nobody wants where he will work. They all want already made food without cooking the food. Labour Party is not like that, we believe in hard work first, then celebration later. With our kind of mani-

festo, we will get there, it’s a gradual process.

Everybody can’t be at the center at the same time. We are waiting for God’s time.

You have talked so much about your manifesto, what really is in the LP’s manifesto that other parties don’t have?

It’s simple, good leadership to the people.

Now, the President is hammering on corruption and getting it out of our system; that is their preoccupation- doing away with frivolous spending like PDP did because if we continue in that manner, one day this country will sink. Labour Party is all about the interest of the masses first and every other thing will follow.

What is your party doing both in the state and at the national levels in the area of raising funds like PDP and APC? APGA didn’t do anything. It was the entrance of Peter Obi that changed the scenario and then Ojukwu’s influence.

That was why I said the way APGA did because I know they didn’t explode in one day...

Yea, that is why I am tackling the government of Obiano where he is not getting it right so that the people now will see that they have somebody that has the balls. If our party is in government, such things will not be tolerated. I believe that in no distant time, people that have heart for truth and where things are done properly will start trooping to our party. Soon, we will start grassroots mobilisation with a visit to some local government areas in the state. Not waiting for when the time comes, then you start shouting without covering the grounds. Next week I will visit three local governments and tell them what are prepared to do differently from what others are doing or have done. It will amaze you to know that people are happy with what I am doing; they have been calling me to commend me. They read the papers. It takes a lot of money to get these things done, but we are

not relenting because we want to prove to our people that we have something to offer. You give out what you have, not what you don’t have and that’s exactly what we are doing.

Next year the governorship race will start and you will see the caliber of people that will be running under our umbrella. PDP and APC cannot contain everybody, its only one person they will bring out but you know in Anambra State, everybody is a captain. If you manage your house very well with a proof that you can do it well, those fighting for positions will come and even if they fail, they have any reason to go. For the past 16 years, Buhari has fought to become the President and last election, he succeeded. That’s what our people should borrow from – patience. It’s a virtue.

It’s not a question of running from party “A” to party “B,” but consolidate in one place, help build it, work hard. One day it would be your turn.

Is there any plan by your executive to woo him back?

Well, coming back to the party is a choice he alone can make. My job as the leader of the party in the state is to ensure I publicise the party very well and take away every strain that will give the party a bad name. Also keep an open door for anybody that wants to align with us. This is Anambra and we have captains everywhere. Like I told you earlier, a lot of people have been calling me to commend what I am doing and they now see that the new ship has what it takes to ferry the ship. I won’t mention names but I know people will come and join the party. He is now in PDP and he worked very well for former President Goodluck Jonathan but a lot of people have been there in the party before him and PDP is a big family. If he is still interested in vying for governorship slot of the state, am not sure he will get the ticket there but I know that if doesn’t get the ticket, definitely, he will look for another viable platform.

18

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics From the

Red Chamber chukwudavid68@yahoo.com

I

Chukwu David

t is becoming more manifest by the day, that the President of the Eighth Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki is entering the history book as the most embattled and traumatised person in that exalted seat since this democracy came to stay in 1999.

In the first eight years of the democratic experiment, the legislature, particularly the National Assembly, suffered so much instability occasioned by the struggle for supremacy and dominance between the lawmaking arm and the executive arm, especially under the leadership of the former head of state, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd), who was elected executive President in 1999.

During his time, there was so much conflict between him and the leadership of the National Assembly. He was accused of always meddling in the choice of President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. He succeeded in sponsoring the removal of Chuba Okadigbo and had a running battle with Umar Ghali Na’Abba, who was the then Speaker of the House of Representatives. At the end of the day, Na’Abba survived the intense attempt to oust him from office.

However, after Obasanjo, the gale of im-

Saraki’s survival strategy peachment schemes disappeared in the National Assembly because the subsequent leaders: Late Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan appeared to have resolved to respect the principles of separation of powers and independence of the legislature, and therefore allowed them to choose their leaders. Even Aminu Tambuwal had to emerge the Speaker of the House, contrary to the wish of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party without Goodluck Jonathan using state apparatus to hunt him.

Unfortunately, the gains made in the past eight years vis-a-vis adherence to democratic principles seem to be eluding the political system in the present dispensation, as the leadership of the All Progressives Congress and the Presidency tend to reverse the former order, and return Nigeria to the Obasanjo era, where National Assembly leaders were imposed by the executive arm rather than emerge by the wishes of the people through their elected representatives.

This explains why Saraki has not known peace since he emerged the President of the Senate in controversial circumstances on June 9, 2015. His sin is that he rebelled

against the choice of the party and some key elements in the Presidency, who had wanted Senator Ahmad Lawan (APC, Yobe North) to saddle the highest legislative office.

This conflict of interest succeeded in splitting the ruling party into two major factions in the Senate and at the zonal levels of the party. This situation also paved the way for the opposition PDP to produce the Deputy President of the Senate in the person of Ike Ekweremadu, who is occupying the seat for three consecutive times.

As a matter of fact, the irreconcilable rift between Saraki and his party made the PDP Senators to take advantage of the situation to see and treat the President of the Senate as their own person. This is why they stood behind him during his election and they have also been with him in his current moment of trial on allegations of falsification of assets declaration in the hands of the executive and the Judiciary.

Although some members of the APC in the Senate are on the side of Saraki but greater number of the PDP Senators are the ones still giving him strength and encouragement to fight on. This view was demonstrated on

Tuesday last week, when the President of the Senate was docked at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), where he was made to defend himself for allegedly falsifying his assets declaration in 2003.

For instance, out of about 30 Senators who accompanied him to the CCT, only 10 of them were of APC while others were from the opposition party. This shows that if the matter gets to a point where impeachment is resorted to by the APC to remove the President of the Senate, the PDP will save him, unless the CCT convicts him in the on-going trial.

Just as Saraki is the first Senator to dare the threat and so-called supremacy of the ruling party, he is also the first person to enjoy the total support of the opposition party in the struggle to emancipate the legislature from the whims and caprices of the executive.

This has made some political analysts to speculate that, if it finally comes to a point where Saraki has to vacate the coveted seat, he will mobilize some of his APC loyalists to vote in a member of the PDP to replace him. How all this will play out will be determined by time.

Intrigues that marred Bayelsa primaries C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 6

Alaibe’s timely attempt For the banker/technocrat-turned politician, one challenge he has had to cross all times is the question of his unrelenting desire to be governor. It is on record that Alaibe has featured in the dynamics of Bayelsa politics every four years since 2003.

To say that he is the most discussed political issue in Bayelsa politics is the obvious. In the course of that, he is the most feared of not vilified as no incumbent desires to run against him owing to his war chest.

Known generally as an establishment man, Alaibe has been made to capitulate on each occasion he desired to run. First, he had to mellow down on the intervention of then president Olusegun Obasanjo when he threw his hat in the ring against former governor DSP Alamieyeseigha in 2003.

In 2007, it took same Obasanjo to shake him off the race against Jonathan when he was governor of the state with intention of running for a full term after completing his predecessor’s tenure. The efforts to clinch the governorship ticket of the PDP after Jonathan made it to the federal as vice presidential running mate to the late Umaru Yar’Adua were also blocked. Sylva was the beneficiary of the political intrigues of that time.

Perhaps not oblivious of waiting intrigues within PDP (as two of his political adversaries-Sylva was governor and Jonathan president), Alaibe had looked the way of the Labour Party when the 2011 race began. But he miscalculated by leaving the LP back to PDP on the beckoning of Jonathan who according to sources, pleaded with him to contest the governorship.

As soon he joined and obtained the nomination to run for governorship, Alaibe was screened out by the leadership of the party and had since been glued to his private business. Even though he has always been the centre of Bayelsa politics without success, this is farthest depth Alaibe has gone since 2003. Will a re-scheduled APC governorship primary favour him this time around? APC delegates will give the verdict on Tuesday.

Which way forward?

From all indications, the national leadership of the APC is not prepared to take chances as the deadline for the submission of candidates as prescribed by INEC, will expire.

In a determined move to avoid not fielding a candidate, the national headquarters of the APC has already made efforts to ensure that the governorship primary is conducted on Tuesday next week.

Already, all necessary arrangements have been made as regards security as the Joint Task Force; Operation Pulo Shield has reportedly been briefed to take charge of security on the day of the primary.

This is even as Sylva and some chieftains of the APC risk are sanctioned by the party for their alleged roles in the disruption of the party’s governorship primaries in the state. The party was said to be planning to probe the involvement of Sylva, one of the 19 governorship aspirants, and others in the botched primaries.

It was also learnt that APC might push for the quizzing of the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 6, Mr. Femi Adenaike, by police authorities over the role the police played in the botched primaries.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Nigeria should boost her image, says UN envoy

Politics

is so difficult for me but I like yam so much.

For about a decade, Ronald Kayanja was a journalist and has since worked in different UN agencies for 20 years before his appointment by the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban KI-Moon, as the Country Director of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lagos. He tells Flora Onwudiwe that Nigeria needs to tell her story in the international arena What is expected of you as the director of UNIC in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, I am the director of the United Nations Information Centre. My responsibility is for Nigerians to know about the UN and for the world also to know what Nigeria is contributing to the UN. The UNIC is like the voice of the UN in Nigeria. So my work really is to provide information and create understanding about the work of UN and work closely with all the UN agencies in Nigeria which are 19. And I also work closely with the headquarters of UN of the New York and other headquarters of UN Agencies. So really, you can say it involves information generation, dissemination and it is also involves coordination.

When the UN Secretary General appointed you as UN ambassador in Nigeria, were you excited?

I was very excited. First of all, I love Nigeria.

I should say it has always been my dream to get more acquainted with Nigeria and to work in Nigeria. Before coming here, I have been in the UN for many years and I was working for the United Education Scientific Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as adviser on Information and Communication for West Africa. So the countries that I was dealing with included Nigeria. So I knew a bit about Nigeria but now this position gives me even more interaction with Nigerians and it gives me more knowledge about Nigerians. So I am excited.

What specifically were you doing with these countries in West Africa?

What we were doing about UNESCO is to promote freedom of expression, freedom of media. So we work on the things like legislation relating to the media, capacity building for media, safety of journalists and all those things to ensure that the place is vibrant. Because the vibrant place is important for democratic society to make sure that the country make meaningful of the ICT to develop themselves. That is why we are promoting so many policies on Information Communication Technology. And many countries have developed policies and Nigeria is one of them. Nigeria has policies and in fact some states have policies on ICT. In fact in Nigeria it is well developed than in other countries where we are working, where we needed to support them. Also to make sure that there is connectivity, so that there are more people who can have access to the internet and for use to develop themselves these are the things we are focusing on in all, UNESCO is still continuing to do this kind of work.

Is true that there is no place like home, what

You worked as a journalist for 10 years. What do you think is lacking in Nigerian journalism?

A number of things. I heard (I am yet to prove that), there are some media organisations that don’t pay journalists on time. I was told that some media houses where journalists work like six months without being paid that is dangerous, because if you continuing working and you are not paid that means you will not work as a professional journalist.

Kayanja

are the challenges you are facing here in Nigeria?

I come from Uganda and one of the biggest challenge I got was the food. I like Nigerians food, but it has too much pepper and we don’t have so much pepper in our food in Uganda. But I am adjusting. At the beginning Nigerian food gave me stomach problem.

That was my main challenge. Otherwise, I don’t have much problem with Nigeria, it is really not so different from Uganda, I feel so much at home here.

How far have you gone in adopting Nigerian environment?

It is only sometimes, it gets too hot in Lagos, hotter than what I am used to in Uganda, otherwise is the same. I enjoy being here, only that I haven’t travelled to the North. I am told that it can be so hot in the states like Sokoto and Kano. I will go and see, otherwise, as at now, I am comfortable.

Some people had said a lot of terrible things about Nigeria. What was the impression you had in mind about Nigeria when you were coming?

Yes, you were right, Nigeria outside Nigeria, I should say seem to have a bad name. Many of my friends, when they heard that I was appointed to Nigeria tried to discourage me. ‘What? You will be kidnapped; Boko Haram may kill you.

It is difficult to survive in Nigeria. It can threaten you.’ But since I joined UNIC in April this year, Nigerians are friendly, yes, if something is going to work, sometimes the power shortage and so on. Life must go on. One thing I really appreciate about Nigeria is that of friendliness. They make you feel welcome. When I go to the market, people are happy, sometimes they are happier when they know that you are a foreigner, they try to help you, so really the bad image that Nigeria has when you come here, you changed your mind because the country is really much better than what is projected out there. And I think Nigeria should do more about its public relations of the country. The country is very good, but the news media give all attention to the bad thing that is happening. Boko Haram, kidnapping, yes, some of those things are happening, but on a whole Nigeria is good.

So far, what are some of those things you would love to see change in Nigeria?

Oh, the power situation. I wish the power can be more reliable in Nigeria when this power goes on and off, I hope and I heard that the government is working on it and also the security situation and I know that the government is working on it, because it is really threatening when you hear people being kidnapped. I was told recently that security agencies have caught Boko Haram insurgents within Lagos, but I also know that the government is serious about it, I hope that once they improve those things, it will be fine.

Many people see Nigeria as giant of Africa; do you agree that Nigeria is a giant of Africa?

Oh absolutely. First of all, as you know is the largest, it has the largest economy in Africa. Nigeria has done a lot in the area of human resources; we have many universities which actually can do better. You have some of the best trained people in all sectors, most quality people you can find, very hardworking people, very entrepreneurial. Nigerians want to do something and are very creative.

What I should say is that Nigeria has not yet exploited these potentials. If I see the number of well-trained Nigerians, if you look at the resources Nigeria has, if you look at the population itself, the size of this country, the young people, If Nigerians can do more, it is really the giant of Africa.

Nigeria is facing the problem of insurgency in the North-East, what has UN done to support Nigeria in its fight against insurgents?

The UN is doing a lot. There is what we call silent diplomacy, and some of the things that happen behind the scenes are in the discussions and so on. The UN is engaging very closely with the government of Nigeria and the governments of the neighbouring countries Your best Nigerian food?

When I came to Nigeria, my friends introduced me to pounded yam. Also I went to Benue State and the governor gave us cold yam for dinner. I don’t know what this yam is and we don’t have this yam in Uganda.

So I like yam and I also like pounded yam.

The only problem I get is when they put too much pepper especially like pepper soup. It

Why did you abandon Journalism for the UN job?

It is interesting because when I was in the University I did not think so much about the United Nations. In fact I had always wanted to be a politician because I thought when I grow up in those times when there was conflict in my country and we had many people trying to liberate the country. I had many friends who were in government. I grew up to do something for the country and I thought probably I would end up as a politician. My first interaction with the UN was with UNICEF after the war in Uganda. The most visible UN agency was UNICEF because they would go to Uganda. At one time it was divided into parts, the government in the North and South we had what we called rebels at that time who were actually the government and what happened we had this campaign on immunisation led by UNICEF. And as a current affairs journalist one of the things that I was doing was to go to these areas to see how people were moving and what was happening. The UNICEF used to reach out to me a lot because they wanted what they were doing to be known, so I started reading about what they were doing and I got interested. So they took me to some of their meetings, I remembered clearly that I was fascinated by the kind of work they were doing. In fact I made a statement at that point that probably I should work with the UN at that point, I did not think about it so much, because I was impressed about what they were doing they were given all these figures about when they will not have measles and the number of Ugandan children they have saved because of immunistation. It was my first interaction with UNICEF; they would come and take me to what they were doing.

So they will come and impress me about what the UN was doing. So that was like my introduction to the UN and eventually I got to know about other agencies. One thing led to the other and I applied to join the UN. It is now 20 years and I am still with the United Nations.

Tell us your childhood?

I grew up in Uganda and part of my childhood was during the time of the man called Idi Amin in Uganda. He was the president of the country and after Idi Amin; it was a very dangerous situation. I would say that Uganda has been unstable from 1966 till1986 when this current government came into office. Much of my childhood was during the big civil war in the country where I had to run from one place to another, I lost some royalties during the war. There were also some memorable times as you grow up as a child in Uganda in the villages, very interesting. Apart from the conflicts, apart from the wars, our African communality was very good and I grew on a farm, we did a lot of agriculture. In fact, we financed our education from proceeds of coffee in Uganda. It paid my school fees up to secondary school.

It was very interesting. Apart from the time of the wars and the conflicts we had in the country, my parents were peasants depending on the land.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 20

The Sunday Interview

German Ambassador: We’re working with Nigeria to tackle terrorism, arms trafficking German Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Zenner, arrived Abuja on July 31, 2014 on his first posting to Africa.

Since then, he has adjusted to life in Nigeria and has continued, in the tradition of his predecessors, to maintain the cordial bilateral relations between Germany and Nigeria. In this interview with ONWUKA NZESHI, he relives his experiences and how both nations have been cooperating on the political and economic fronts as well as tackling climate change and terrorism Zenner

How long have you been in Nigeria?

This is my first appointment to a country in Africa. Before I came to Abuja about a year ago, I was ambassador in Copenhagen, Denmark. I worked for a long time within the EU framework in Brussels or in the European Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and during this time, I was quite often involved in the relations between the European Union and countries here in Africa. So in a way, I was not completely without any political experience regarding Africa when I arrived here. But I must acknowledge that this is my first posting to an African country.

Since Nigeria is your first taste of Africa, what are your impressions of the country?

I have excellent impressions. I have been received here in Nigeria with open arms. I met a lot of interesting people; I’ve had very intense exchanges of views with many people and I enjoy living not only here in Abuja but also in other cities in Nigeria. I have travelled to many

parts of the country. Recently I was in Lagos, next Monday I will be travelling to the North. I think it’s very enjoyable being here, to work here and meet very interesting and friendly people.

What is the nature of the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Germany?

Since the independence of Nigeria, your country and Germany have had very close cooperation. Traditionally we have worked together in areas such as politics, economy, culture, academic exchange and vocational training. It is very important to state that Nigeria is among the few countries with which Germany has a bi-national commission and vice versa. There are only two of such countries in sub- Saharan Africa for us. This bi-national commission covers a whole range of our cooperation and relations in the political, economic, cultural sectors.

We also have an energy partnership and in order to ensure full cooperation and exchange experiences.

Every year, 400 young Nigerians go to Ger-

PHOTO: Elijah Olaluyi

man universities partly financed by the German Academic Exchange Service. Many Nigerian professors and vice-chancellors in Nigerian universities are Humboldt fellows; the Humboldt Foundation is our top scientific institution in Germany. Many Nigerian artists work in Germany, The Goethe-Institut in Lagos promotes German – Nigerian art events.

Nigeria has battled an energy crisis for decades.

In what way is the German government assisting Nigeria to overcome its challenges in the energy sector?

We cooperate in a double-pronged approach.

One is directly through the commercial approach - German companies are cooperating with Nigerian companies in setting up energy (power) plants. For example, six months ago, they laid the foundation for a new gas energy power plant near Benin. A German company is providing the turbines and another company with German roots is involved in the construction. That is the business area.

Beyond that, the German government is offering technical assistance via the GIZ, our overseas development agency in the field of renewable energy. We have three projects: in Niger State, in Sokoto State and in Cross River State. We are conducting feasibility studies as a first step and later we would follow it up with the installation of solar energy-plants for example. There are already some demonstration plants working.

The projects are geared towards making rural areas, small cities or small towns independent from the national power grid. We know that some of these areas are not connected to the national power grid and where they are connected there are still challenges.

So we help to develop alternative energy sources, particularly renewable energies in these areas.

In Niger state for instance, there is also the possibility of setting up small water power installations and in some areas you could even install windmills.

The first step is to conduct feasibility studies to

SUNDAY

Fashion

Big, bold, curvy!

28&29

Bed, Work & Life

Get your hands off me, you liar!

26

21

Body Soul SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

I need real woman in my life -Victor Ikpeba

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

heart y m m o r f Straight

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We pray nd ba us ‘h r the miracles! and nation e. How r fo nc es he ra od liv of G r ea k cl ou r an in th he , e love plete d. most ended. W school to comr ‘give’ her barely week old September is al lled days and months ahea r he he ot ot m a m d ’s -fi re ve coul he lo , W er ? tt nd be for Juliet ily frie baby to a fam g a new-born to a man? If ve. lo is od G love? Handin ust the father of her baby she doesn’t tr

W

Contents 27.09.2015 COVER Since money could not save my late wife, then I don’t want to be carried away by vanity at this stage of my life

} 24-25

FASHION It doesn’t matter what shape or size you are, fashion is for all!

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

} 28&29

Vanessa Okwara (Correspondent) Biwom Iklaki (Correspondent)

BEAUTY

The vain roses amongst us need to stay ‘hawt’ while we are hot with perspiration

} 27

GLAM DUDES A bow tie makes a statement about your style and personality

Abiola Alaba Peters

MY PASSION I should be thinking of marriage when I’m 26 years old. But for now, I’m not ready

} 23

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

Associates

BED, WORK & LIFE

She’ll be alright. I envisaged she would need medical attention and I arranged for Dr. Jones to be present. You never know with pregnant women,” Chief said, striding into the living room

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Helen Paul

Eyitayo Aloh

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

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Body&Soul

I don’t need money to strip - Beverly Osu Controversial beauty queen, Beverly Osu, who became famous for her explicit acts in Big Brother Africa has carved a niche for herself in the Nigerian entertainment circuit. She has also made cameo appearances in music videos and starred in top Nollywood movies.

ABIOLA ALABA PETERS met with the Delta Stateborn actress on a movie set and she spoke about herself and how daring she can be when it matters What has been happening to you? What is new about Beverly?

I am mostly into movies now. I am working towards opening my NGO called Dwelling Support Foundation. It is mostly based on the slums.

Who would you like to produce your song when that time comes?

Don Jazzy, SeleBobo and Terry G. These are the people I would love to work with.

How do you relax?

I am always a happy person. I am relaxed when I’m happy, even when I’m not working.

Your fashion preference?

I am very simple, I don’t go over board.

I am always in jeans and shirts. I am not a designer freak. I buy what I can afford and what suits me. Maybe my wedding dress will be a designer outfit.

Three things you can’t do without.

My makeup purse, my wallet and my phones.

You have appeared in several music videos, Do you have any plans to go into music?

Hmmmm! When that bridge comes, I will cross it. I thought about it last week.

I’m music oriented. I really do love music. I am a lover of good music. I dance every minute of my life. So one day, if the inspiration for good music comes, sure I will. Everything we do, we do it for fun.

It’s been reported that you are in a relationship with Ruggedman. How true is that?

That is not true. I am not dating Ruggedman. We are very cool buddies. We are just friends and nothing more.

Are you in a relationship?

Yes, I am, a very beautiful one and its making progress.

If he asks you to marry him now, will you accept?

I don’t think I’m ready for that now. I’m

not ready for marriage. I should be thinking of marriage in another three years, that would be when I’m 26 years old. But for now, I’m not ready.

You have managed to pen your name in the industry. How has it been after Big Brother?

Well, it’s been God. I think I’m destined for greatness. I work very hard, it’s been God. Can you act or pose nude for $1 million?

I’m a very sincere person. When we get to that bridge, we will cross it.

I’ll have to know the producer, director and all. I’m a plain person. I don’t even need money to do that. If something comes up tomorrow and it requires me to strip naked for it to look real and original, I will do it. I don’t need money for that.

Who are your celebrity crushes?

This sounds awkward, but I have to say it. I’m crushing on Eva Alordia, the rapper. I have had that crush on her like forever. She is my friend and I always tell her. But on a normal day, I don’t crush on any guy, be it in music or movies.

Take us into your parental background.

I am the last born of Mr. and Mrs. Osu. I am the only girl. I grew up in a lively family full of fun, music and laughter. I was born and bred in Lagos. Everything about me is Lagos, my secondary school education was in Enugu. I was in the convent for five years and then I left and went to Babcock University, and now I’m here.

How is your family reacting to your career?

I lost my dad last year. My mum is a very beautiful, brilliant goal-getter. She has been very supportive; go and ask about her. She knows everything I do and she is ready to support me.

Who are your role models in the movie industry?

Julia Roberts and Hally Berry. But here in Nigeria, I don’t have anybody as my role model, not even one, though I love Mercy Johnson and Ivie Ekujaiye.

Who are those you look forward to working with?

Mummy Joke Silva and Kate Henshaw.

That is because they say we look alike and nothing more.

What can you not be caught doing?

I don’t know my dear. Never say never.

This is life, anything can happen.

That means you can smoke or do nasty things in public?

I just can’t say. Anything can happen.

How is your modelling career and what do you have for your fans?

It has been on a full-stop for a while now, but it’s coming back soon. For my fans, I love you. Thank you for loving me.

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

I need a real woman As a professional footballer, Victor Nosakhare Ikpeba remains one of Nigerians’ finest, based on his exploits and rise to the apex in the world of soccer. The former African Footballer of the Year is also remembered for the mark he made while he played for Monaco in France that earned him the nickname, Prince of Monaco. Since his retirement, Victor, who spots dreadlocks, has remained relevant by engaging in football analysis. In this chat with WOLE ADEPOJU, he reminisces on his days on the field of soccer, what he misses most about active football, temptations and his love life Many musicians who made a fortune in their hay day lost it. Some ex-internationals have suffered the same. How did you retain your fortune and relevance?

I think it’s very difficult to agree when the society says this about former boxers, musicians or footballers.

They should not forget that in the 80s and 90s, not majority of these singers or players earned a lot of money. We should be realistic. It was few Nigerians that went abroad, played to the highest level and made money from football.

For example, I won’t fault the musicians of the past because things were not like this back then. But now, musicians have endorsements and corporate bodies are really doing well for them. If they fail to utilise it, maybe in 10 years’ time, some of them may be struggling. But seriously, we don’t want to see anybody struggle in life. In my own case, maybe I was lucky because I won’t say I have not lived life crazily too. I think I was well advised and I took the advice. My friends such as like Sam Audu and some of my team mates were like, ‘Victor, you have the personality and you can talk’ and that was why I engaged myself with Super Sport. I enjoy doing it. I am happy about the whole thing. I’m one of the best Nigerian footballers who has gone there and come back and still involved with the system. I am also involved with Delta State Football Association. But before I got myself engaged, most people didn’t know I had my transport company. I had to tell myself that if you don’t do anything with this money you make, it will go away. Basically, I want to live a good life. I have my home, family, basic things.

I have seen life, I lived in one of the most glamorous places on earth, Monte Carlo, and I have also experienced the other side. I lost my wife, it’s beyond money, but I try to live my life modestly. My advice is that you should engage yourself always. For the ex-internationals that are struggling, it touches my heart that they do so, but I count myself lucky that I was accepted by Super Sport. It has given me the platform to be where I am today.

Most of you chose football out of passion because there was no monetary attraction back then. What was your original ambition?

Sincerely, my childhood ambition was never to be a professional player but I loved football from the beginning. I mean when I was four or five and it was later I knew my father was involved in football too. So, maybe it’s genetic (laughs).

When I was in primary school, secondary school, I liked football. I was involved in table tennis inter-house sport, and I was passionate about sports. As a young boy, I thought of becoming a lawyer because

I loved the attire of lawyers. Later, I had the opportunity to go to Yaba Tech (Yaba College of Technology) to read Business Administration; I said maybe I would go into the banking sector. At a particular time, I thought I might even join the army.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would become a professional footballer. When that window of opportunity opened, I was invited for the Under 17 and I took it. I said I wanted to make a name for myself because I had the talent and I believed in myself. When I was in ACB Football Club, what they were paying us was not much but we were very passionate. We wanted to be like (Adokie) Amiesimaka, (Christian) Chukwu, (Segun) Odegbami, Muda Lawal because those were big household names in the 70s and 80s in Nigeria. Of course, we knew the remuneration abroad was better than what we were getting back here, but my focus was to do well in Belgium and move to a bigger country.

In your prime as a famous footballer, you never lost your head. What was the secret?

I think I had a humble beginning. I grew up with my grandma and how you are brought up is also very important. When the opportunity came and I travelled abroad, I give credit to Liecht FC, they did not say I should go and stay in the academy or hotel. I was placed with a Belgian family. I was adopted by a family so I had stability. For two years, after training, I would go back home. It’s very important for a young boy to have stability when they move abroad, so you don’t engage in negative things. Football can attract a lot of negative things. You would have time to settle down or be focused because you are running around, trying to have fun. I was never a young boy that wanted to party. I was really focused on what took me over there and two years later, I went to take my wife to join me.

So, that was key and that contributed to my progress. And when clubs back then noticed you were serious, they would want to take you because they are like, he’s serious, he has a wife and all that.

You see that boy from Monaco, Martial, he’s 19 and he has a wife and a child.

Footballers need stability because it’s not easy for a single guy to be at home alone all the time and still be focused on his career.

What do you miss about your footballing days?

I think it was more of preparing myself for after football than ever concentrating on what I would miss. But of course, that is not to say you don’t sometimes reminisce on memories of your playing days. There is a beginning and there is an

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Body&Soul

in my life -Victor Ikpeba end. Fifteen years as a professional soccer player, played in about five, six different clubs, the experience was fantastic. Some experiences were not great but I would take it because it’s not everything that will be fantastic in life. In summing everything up, I am happy. I had it to the highest level, some of my colleagues did not get to that level so I take pride in the fact that I played for the Super Eagles and was part of the Olympic team that won gold. I could have continued my career to play in Qatar or China but I decided to stop because I had it all after 15 years. It was not about money anymore, my kids are very young, they lost their mother and this is the time I need to play the fatherly role more to these children. And to think of it, how much do you need to lead a normal life? I need a normal life.

Maybe I don’t spend the kind of money I was spending when I was still playing (general laughter) but I am happy with the way my life is going.

What is your philosophy in life?

Philosophy in life changes, because I grew up on the banks of River Ethiope, let me say Sapele. From a very small town to Lagos and to Belgium. I have seen everything. Yes, it’s good to have money but what you need in life are basic things - your home, car and monthly needs to take care of yourself and family to be happy. People may say it’s easy to say for me but the truth is that I have gone through that. When you even have so much money, you are not living yourself because there are so many people around you who are just all after money. The more money you have the more followers you have and the lesser your money is, the fewer the people around you. So, for me, it’s my family and my happiness but that does not mean you don’t care about others. I lost my wife, which was a big setback for me; it made me see life differently. I keep saying it; if money could save my wife, I may have been able to rescue her but if money could not save her, then I don’t want to be carried away by vanity at this stage of my life.

When do you consider as the highest point in your career as a footballer?

Definitely when I moved from Liegois to Monaco. It was like moving from a normal European town to a small beautiful city with money everywhere. I played with some great footballers, Kinsman, Trezeget and so on. When I look at that moment of my life, it was fantastic and if I could turn the hands of time, I would want to go back there. I must say moving to Monaco really changed my life and till today, people still call me Prince of Monaco. If not for my exploits, if I wasn’t so successful, they would not have called me that. That was a key point of my life and I am very appreciative of that.

You appear to be so attached to your late wife that you mention her often. Could that be why you have not remarried?

No… I will remarry but it’s not easy to get married. It’s tough. I see marriage as what every man and woman should get involved in but it takes trust. The way I was living those days is different compared to now. I am still a young man though. Men at 60 get married and I am neither 60 nor 50 yet. So I still have time (laughs) to remarry. I am not saying women are not there. I had a French/ Congolese that had two kids for me but we had issues. I am taking my time.

When it will happen, it will happen. Marriage is a nice thing because you need stability as a man. You need a woman

at home you can share ideas with, talk to, play with, laugh with; you can fight sometimes and settle. Marriage comes with a lot of packages and I think you want to have a woman who is your best friend. I am old fashioned in some ways so it’s not something that will happen for one year, six months or five years and it scatters, it should last forever.

You must have been so skillful to have continually escaped from ladies who were attracted to you.

(Laughs) Seriously, women want to get married. I won’t say I have not found myself in situations but what I am saying is that it’s tough. My situation is very peculiar in some ways and I don’t want to jump into what I will regret tomorrow.

I don’t want to repeat…you know sometimes this marriage thing is about luck.

You can’t really say what will happen in future so, it’s pretty difficult. People may be wondering why he (referring to himself) has not remarried and so on. I am taking my time, I need time because I have suffered a lot, losing someone that was very dear to you… but I have to move on. I am not comparing the women I meet now with her because I met her in the late 80s so, it’s a different world.

The women we had that time and now are different. I pray one day I will get the right woman, that I will be happy with, she will be my friend, a friend to my kids because whoever that is going to marry me is going to marry my kids too.

What makes a woman ideal for you?

An ideal woman is so tough. Everything in a relationship looks beautiful in the beginning. The beginning is always beautiful; it’s the latter part that is the problem and that is the problem for me.

It’s challenging for both sides. A woman that goes out with you; he’s famous, he’s well known, she faces problems too. The challenges are so many because we live in a society where gossip and all those things happen. ‘Dem go say dem see your husband with one woman dey talk, dey take coffee,’ they saw your wife with…’ You know it’s difficult.

There are a lot of things that destroy relationships. It’s not that you people don’t love yourselves but there are lots of external pressures that make relationships suffer a lot. I also say for a relationship to really last, a woman has to be very patient, especially when you are with a man that is well known. It’s not money.

If a woman really wants to love a man, she does not need money.

Basically, you are taking your time?

Yes, because I don’t want to be changing women every other five years, two years. I lost one, had issues with the other. Although we are still very close, we take care of the kids, we have a fantastic understanding and I can understand why she does not want to come to Nigeria. Basically, if I want to settle down, I want to do so with a woma n

that I will spend the rest of my life with.

That is the major fear, but sometimes, you have to take risks in life. There is nothing wrong in trying, I will keep on trying and I am sure I will get there (laughs).

How has single fatherhood been?

I brought one of my daughters here. I decided this one will be here with me in Nigeria; she is in one of the private schools. My work keeps me busy and that is why I will say I’m very grateful to Super Sport that makes me move around. I’m involved with the federation and state FA. Basically, I manage myself, although something is missing which is a woman because I notice and feel it every day.

How do you relax?

I like to be in my house here. Super Sport is there and I have everything I need in my house. I have some sips of beer and I watch television. There is so much to watch on television and I don’t really like to move around at night. I stay at home, knowing what is happening in the world of football and what is happening around the world generally. I have a cook that makes me good meals during the week, so I relax, eat, have good wine. Sometimes, I hang out with friends.

How and what does it cost you to maintain your dreads?

It costs me just b e -

tween N5,000 and N10,000 to clean up in a month. There was a time I wanted to take it off but a lot of my friends were like ‘no, don’t take it off, it goes with you’ and I left it. There was a time I said I would take it off if Arsenal won the EPL but they didn’t win and I will not even go there anymore.

You also dress in things that fit you. Was any of your parents like that?

I no know o but see o, I think I have always had this fashion sense. I can remember when I was about five or six, I used to be selective about what I wanted to wear. I would say this was what I wanted and when I see my pictures with my grandmother, it reminds me of those days. I also think travelling abroad, when I got to Monaco, the fashion thing came out more. I love to dress very simply and wear things that are close to my body.

Funny enough, I wasn’t buying things like that when I was still playing. I think it’s in me because I know what I want when it comes to what I want to wear. I can wear a material of N2,000 or N3,000 but you won’t know that is the price. I have a good tailor and I know what to look out for if I want a shirt, T-shirt or blazer. I want it to be fitted in a particular way so when I go out, I look smart.

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Body&Soul

with

Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770

julietbumah@gmail.com

Get your hands off me, you liar!

S am knows intuitively that something is wrong. He knows that his memory is very sharp, he takes pride in that. While he was in school, his teachers and classmates usually marveled at how fast he grasped what they were being taught.

Even if age meddles with human minds, he’s still too young to bother about such things. That he knows very much.

Therefore, he is sure that Chief told him that the meeting would hold at Skylark Investments, No. 87 Johnson Street. He has driven the whole length of Johnson Street and there’s no No. 87!

He asks the fifth person, a woman that is stocking her wares in a small kiosk at the end of the street.

“Good morning Madam. Please, I’m searching for No. 87 Johnson Street,” he told the woman.

“This is Johnson Street. This is the last house on this street. You can check the beginning for No. 87. I don’t know any number,” she said without looking up.

“Thank you Ma,” Sam said and moves back a bit.

He checks the house number written boldly on the wall: 73, the property opposite is No. 74. These are the two houses on the end of the street.

Johnson Street is a fairly short street. Although a residential area, there are a few business concerns on it. He checks the few signboards in front of some buildings, no Skylark Investments and Chief didn’t give him any phone number! He told him to ask for Alhaji Ramon. Since there’s no No. 87, how will he get to the Alhaji Ramon?

It would have been easier if Val was around, but he’s not expected back from London till Monday.

The only option is to call Chief.

He wonders how Kim’s meeting with Chief went. It’s almost 1pm.

Kim should be home now or on her way home. He’ll call her once he’s through with Chief.

He picks his phone and dials Chief’s number and he picks immediately.

“Good afternoon Chief. I have been on Johnson Street for...” he began, but Chief cuts in.

“Sam, come to the house immediately. I just picked the phone to call you...” he said.

“Yes Chief,” he replied, confused.

There’s a kind of urgency in Chief’s voice. Something is surely wrong.

He dials Kim’s number immediately. Switched off!

What could be happening? He races to where he parked his vehicle and drives off. Throughout the drive to Chief’s house, he mulls over everything that happened that morning.

Then it hit him, could Chief have sent him on a wild goose chase?

Did Chief deliberately ask him to represent Val in a non existent company so that he wouldn’t ac-

company Kim to his house? For what purpose? What does he stand to gain from that?

His mind goes through the tide of good fortune that had trailed them since the accident that brought them in contact with Val and his dad. Could all have been a Greek gift? He had noticed that Val has a soft spot for Kim. He also knows that Kim worships Val but he had waved it away. He was a bit jealous when Kim told him Val took her out one night when he travelled to the village. He had reminded himself that he actually told Val to help keep an eye on her. Could they be up to something which the old man knows about? Too many questions and no answers. Well, he’s about to find out. Kim is pregnant for him and he’s ready to lose Chief’s offer of a good life if only to keep what rightly belongs to him.

He honked his horn and as the security man delays in opening the gate, he parks his car outside and is at the gate before the security man runs to the gate.

“Don’t worry. I’ve parked outside,” he told the security man and strides through the door into the expansive compound.

As he steps into the living room, he stops dead. Right before him is Val, bent forward... Val...in Nigeria?

“Oh, you are here. She slumped, but the doctor here has taken care of her,” Val said.

It is then that Sam sees Kim lying on the couch. Her eyes are closed.

A middle aged man is standing before her.

Sam panicked. Is the baby coming? He wonders in his mind.

“What happened? What happened to her? What did you tell her?” Sam asked.

She’ll be alright. I’m Dr. Jones, the man said, extending a handshake to Sam. Sam takes it absentmindedly, his eyes riveted on Kim, trying to sieve through the atmosphere of the large room.

He wonders where Chief is and looks around.

“Sam, you are here. She’ll be alright. I envisaged she would need medical attention and I arranged for Dr. Jones to be present. You never know with pregnant women,” Chief said, striding into the living room.

That leaves Sam more confused.

He envisaged that Kim would need medical attention? Why? What did they do to her? His heart flips. What are they up to?

He kneels in front of Kim and feels her tummy with his hand, the pregnancy is there. Her eyes flutter open. She looks scared, then she smiles...or so he thinks.

He relaxes a bit and asks no one in particular, “What happened to her?”

“She’s okay. Pregnant women are fragile. You don’t hit them either physically or emotionally.

They break easily,” the doctor said soothingly.

“Hit her? Who hit her?” Sam asked, glaring at the three men.

No one did,” Val said, looking away.

Sam thinks he sees the corner of Val’s mouth twitch. Chief’s face is

impregnable.

He rushes towards Chief.

“What did you do to my wife, Chief?” Sam thundered.

Val rushes and holds Sam. “Get your hands off me! You lied you were going to London and lured my wife to your house.

Your father sent me on a fruitless journey...” Sam shouted, but Kim cut in.

“I’m fine Sam. Nobody did anything to me. I’m fine, I’m okay,” she said, trying to sit up.

“Sit down Sam and I mean just that, sit down! This is not a time to test your strength,” Chief said.

They all turn and stare at Chief as he paces about the large living room. After a while, he walks purposely to his favourite ottoman and sits down.

“How are you feeling? Do you think you need to be in the hospital?” Chief asked Kim. “No...no...no...sir. I’m...fine,” Kim stammered hoarsely.

“Good,” Chief said, clearing his throat.

Sam sits on the edge of the couch, beside Kim. Val perches on the piano stool, his eyes endearingly on Kim. The doctor makes to leave but Chief stops him.

The doctor steps back into the room.

Chief looks intently at Sam, clears his throat, and begins... ***** ...and Chief said what? Let’s find out here on Sunday. This suspense is killing!

•Send your observations to: julietbumah@gmail.com

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Body&Soul

Maintain hot ‘game face’ Biwom Iklaki

M

any of us have fallen for the lure of ‘instaselfies’. We feel the need to document everything we are doing.

Since working out is part of the hings we are proud of doing, chances are, we take photos or snapchats while we workout. The vain roses amongst us need to stay ‘hawt’ while we are hot with perspiration. Here are a few tips to maintaining a healthy beauty ‘game face’ through and after your gym sessions: 1. Stay away from foundations and makeup generally. They will streak and give you an unpretty patchwork face. Trust me when I say you are better off with a bare face.

2. Sunglasses. For when you just step out of the gym, to maintain the mysterious yet powerful look of the fit celebrity.

For the very light skinned ladies, it may hide some of the red face if you have not cooled down properly after the work out.

3. Pay attention to hair. Wear your hair in a neat bun safely off your face and neck. You could also add a chic athletic/jersey headband to soak up most of the perspiration from your face.

4. Gym clothes chic. Be sure not to scrooge on your gym wear. Choose good quality breathable fabrics for your gym clothes. They are durable and keep you looking and feeling sharp while you pay attention to your workout. No point tugging and pulling at your clothes while you workout.

5. Shower after gym class. If you have the time, you should take a quick shower to wash off most of the perspiration before you step out of the gym. At this point, you may apply a bit of powder and a quick dab of lip balm or gloss and a dash of fragrance.

Step out and enjoy the feeling of endorphs freshly released as ‘can do’ spirit.

Body&Soul

W

ho says plus size curvy ladies can’t be fashionable? For a long time, girls with curves and big body structure have been left out

Vanessa Okwara

figure women and each has a different body shape and styling requirement. The trick is to know and appreciate your curves and edges and play up your favourite parts.

For instance, there are many ways to shape your waist. The obvious are to choose

tops and bottoms: pencil skirts, midi skirts and work trousers. If you want to dress up your look, you can always add a fashionable blazer. Peplum tops also help to hide some of those bulges. •Accessories

Big, bold, curvy!

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

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of fashion scene and made to think they are not fashionable. However, it is important to point out that it doesn’t matter what shape or size you are, fashion is for all! It really is a matter of figuring out your body type and knowing what styles suit YOU. All you need is to learn a few tricks on how to make your curves work for you. Find flattering styles to accentuate your most selling points.

Plus-size does not refer to a particular category. There are both tall and short full

Play up your accessories. When all else fail, a simple shirt, a statement necklace, earrings or a bold belt will be your saviour. If you are short, invest on heels, wedges and block heel sandals to help carry your weight and boost your confidence. Complete any look with a killer pair of heels, a great handbag and some colourful jewellery. Undergarments are absolutely essential. Your clothes only look as good as what lies beneath, so make sure to invest in good bras, panties and shape wear.

Editor’s current obsession

tops, jackets and dresses that have waist definition. Don’t forget to invest in belts to help cinch the waist into shape.

Don’t be afraid to show some skin! Be careful not to over do this though. Choose solid bright colours and their shades such as red, pink etc. Also make monochrome your best friend. Combining black and white is beautiful and also gives off a slimming effect.

It’s important to invest in your wardrobe, specifically your work attire. Opt for fitted

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Body&Soul

Style statement: The bow tie Kennedy Aziagba

A

bow tie is an accessory that can be compared to the traditional tie but it’s totally different because it doesn’t get to your waist line and it is specifically made to be worn round the neck, under a collar shirt that is buttoned all the way up.

Bow ties come in different shapes and sizes. They are made from silk, polyester, cotton or even ankara materials. Sometimes, a bow tie also comes with a matching pocket square for suits and cuff links for long sleeve shirts that don’t need buttons.

A bow tie makes a statement about your style and personality.

It makes an individual look smart and obviously makes one look like the perfect gentleman any lady would love to walk with or go on a date with.

It sharpens your outfit and makes you look even more attractive and classy, depending on the colour and design.

Bow tie is best worn to special occasions like weddings, dinners, cocktail parties, meetings and church. The bow tie is perfect with men’s suit. You can pair it with a waist coat.

Ensure you rock it with a good comfortable shoe.

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Know when you’re being used (1)

kechi is a wealthy spare parts dealer in the popular Ladipo Market in Lagos. Although, he didn’t go to the university, he made efforts to upgrade himself to fit into the circle of friends he always desired to mingle with. All through life, he struggled to move out from the poverty-stricken life he was born into by hustling to make a living. He has now attained some level of success in the society where his wealth bought him a measure of respect among his peers.

Even the so-called educated ones now respect him when he stands to talk in their village town hall meetings.

One thing Okechi desires more than anything right now is to marry a girl who went to the University. His friends have laughed at him, calling it a pipe dream but he has vowed to make it a reality as soon as possible.

One day, a beautiful female banker, Amaka, walked into his shop and implored him to open an account with her bank. He was so taken in by her beauty that he did not think twice before moving all his money from his former bank to the bank where she works.

After the transaction, he started making his interest known to her. Initially, she didn’t respond to his overtures, but after much persuasions and promises of more business transactions, she agreed to go out with him. Okechi was overjoyed and awed that a pretty classy lady like Amaka agreed to be his girlfriend.

He spends lavishly on her, fulfills her every whim and demands. Whatever Amaka wants is what she gets. When he proposed, she said ‘Yes’ but with conditions that he should buy her a car before

E

they even go for marriage introductions.

He was about going to a car dealer to get the particular specification she wanted when one of his close friends called him to order and asked him to open his eyes to the girl’s deceit. ‘‘Guy, open your eyes! You are being used by this girl! Have you made proper enquiries about her? I heard from a reliable source that Amaka is seen around town with a young guy who’s also a colleague in the banking industry. He’s been her boyfriend since their University days. Don’t be her mugu!” his friend warned him.

Initially, he didn’t want to believe him, but when he sat back and put one or two things together concerning Amaka’s attitude towards him in the relationship, he decided to probe and find out for himself. He soon discovered things that shocked him beyond words. Amaka has been cheating on him with another man and this has gone on for a long time! She has been using him to meet her financial needs while engaged to marry her boyfriend. He felt so stupid and used. He should’ve ascertained her true feelings for him before lavishing her with gifts and money.

It is truly a terrible feeling to realise that you are being used for material gain by people you hold in high esteem. It is even more painful when it comes from the person you love. The harsh reality facing the world right now is that a lot of people feel there is no point in being in a relationship if there are no fringe benefits.

Among ladies in Nigeria today, true love seems to have flown out of the window, replaced with so much greed and cupidity for material possessions. Men

It is truly a terrible feeling to realise that you are being used for material gain by people you hold in high esteem...The harsh reality facing the world right now is that a lot of people feel there is no point in being in a relationship if there are no fringe benefits

are finding it increasingly difficult to discover who loves them for real.

Here is my joker. If you want to find out whether you are being used in your relationship, just deprive your partner of that ONE THING they often ask from you and see how they react. Do they complain and leave or do they stay with you through thick and thin?

Guys listen; a girl that genuinely loves you will be with you even when you are broke. If you love a girl, it is important you also know if she loves you the same way or just using you to fulfill a need.

Is she’s into you or just using you for selfish reasons? Find out with these tips below: • When she keeps you around ONLY for the things you do for her. She becomes extremely loving and caring when she needs you as her personal ATM. • She stops picking your call because you didn’t give her money to make her hair or buy some personal stuff.

• You spoil her with gifts and she doesn’t reciprocate albeit in her capacity; even if it is not in monetary terms.

If she does nothing for you at all, you need to move on because love is giving.

• If she shows no interest in meeting your friends and family, it means she really has no interest in you and might be with you only for a short period and what she stands to gain.

• When she does not show any desire to call you, respond to your calls or go out of her way to spend quality time with you unless you coerce her.

Watch out for ‘Know when you are being used-female angle’ in next week’s edition.

•Send your views to the email above!

A religious dimension to cultural affairs

verything around me is changing.

My world is changing and I, the man who has an opinion on everything (isn’t that why I write this every week) is struggling to make sense of certain things. Things like the Pope in America and canonising a bishop who is said to forcefully convert Latin Americans and strived very hard to eliminate their cultural heritage. Things like thousands of refugees flocking to a church in Germany, and in order to aid their asylum claim, are converting from Islam to Christianity. Things like Church leaders riding in private jets, wearing the best clothes and flaunting excessive wealth while their congregation wallow in penury. I struggle to make sense of all these. I will not talk about the last issue on my list as that is a Nigerian reality we all can relate to. However, let’s just look at the first two.

Pope Francis canonised a catholic priest, Junipero Serra during the week.

However, he is far from the figure of a hero amongst native Americans. Serra is known to have forced the Native Americans to abandon their culture, language and way of life through starvation and other inhuman manipulations. If you ask a native American, a saint this man is not. He even promoted the Spanish language as the language of God and condemned the native’s way. The history of religion is mired in blood, but to glorify it by canonising such a figure of discontent as Serra, is to give assent to such actions. The Pope is said to have apologised to native Americans before, but this elevation of Serra negates any sincerity of the Pope’s apologies. The deed has been done, I can only ask any

dug up. Religion must acknowledge the existence of culture.

Obioma’s ‘Fishermen’ makes Booker shortlist

native American to take every opportunity to celebrate their culture and share it with the world as a way of proving Serra failed.

That is why what is happening in Germany must be condemned. The mass conversion to Christianity by refugees seeking asylum. Yes, unlike Serra, they are not being forced and nothing inhuman is taking place, but still, it is clear that they are doing it for a reason. If the world had accepted this refugees and made them welcome, they would not resort to desperate measures like this. I found it curious, that some Nigerian religious zealots on social media are holding this up as victory for Christ but I disagree. This people are nothing but ‘visa Christians.’ They will go back to their ways of life once they have the right to

remain in Germany. Culturally, some of them are also committing sacriledge by dropping their native names to take up Christian names, just like Perro above did to the native Americans. It must not be encouraged. The church must help without the condition of conversion.

That is why I commend the Chancellor, Angela Merkel for speaking up and saying Islam has a place in Germany in order to forestall the mass conversion.

They may not say it, but there is a reason for the conversion and the world too well know this. Therefore, I say it is once again a rape on culture by religion. There is a place for culture within the religious context and a possible cohabitation can be accomplished. Certain historical wounds that need to stay in the pages of history books need not be

The church must help without the condition of conversion. That is why I commend the Chancellor, Angela Merkel for speaking up and saying Islam has a place in Germany in order to forestall the mass conversion

On August 16, I wrote on this page about my excitement that a new literary talent with Nigerian origin, Chigozie Obioma is on the Booker Prize long list with his novel, ‘The Fishermen’. Well, now my excitement has just gone up a notch as he has made the shortlist of five authors. That means, Obioma will be at the grand ceremony to announce the winner on October 13. I am not saying that we need the Booker Prize to celebrate a good writer, but in the absence of any form of recognition from home and until such happen, then we must rejoice for literary feats like this one that occur.

Obioma, to me is already a winner, and his book is a literary triumph. Even the chairman of the judging committee, Michael Wood is excited. Hear him: ‘Only on rare occasions does celebration come so closely aligned with regret. The regret of what we left out was tempered by the enormous excitement we have in presenting the six books on the shortlist.

We re-read all 13 books on the longlist and in the process we rediscovered new pleasures in each. The writers on the shortlist present an extraordinary range of approaches to fiction. They come from very different cultures and are themselves at very different stages of their careers.’ I agree with him. The Fishermen is an extraordinary book and I hope it wins on October 13. Ride on Obioma.

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Body&Soul with

Wole Adepoju 07037763410

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Reality check for Musiliu Obanikoro

D

ark skinned and handsome Lagosborn dude, Musiliu Ishola Obanikoro, has done well for himself in his political career. Many years ago, he had shown interest in the politics of his home state, Lagos. Hence, he became a politician himself as he monitored and made necessary sacrifices to remain relevant.

When the dividend of his effort eventually came, he was chosen to contribute his quota as the chairman of Lagos Island Local Government. All along, his faithfulness and loyalty to his political party, the Alliance for Democracy, was unequalled and he was held in high esteem by the powers in the party. Later, he was considered for a position where he would be able to display his transformation skill in the life of the populace and this fetched him the post of commissioner for home affairs and culture.

He was elected senator in 2003 under the AD and later defected to the Peoples Democratic Party. He was said to have owed his defection to not being comfortable with certain things in his party where he dwelled with leaders like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Popular opinion gave him out as a traitor, who felt he had better opportunities in PDP and danced to their tune when he was approached as one of the pillars of Lagos politics.

As if he saw tomorrow, things became roller coaster for him and he was treated like a new bride in his new party. In 2007, he ran for Lagos

Leo Ogor honored

W

ith

what has been witnessed of the light skinned Leonard Okuweh Ogor, who hails from Delta State, Hon. Ogor only a handful of people will have any reason to doubt his political skills. He has been able to demonstrate, without doubt, that he’s indeed a champion when it comes to knowing what to do and where to go to remain relevant in politics. For those who are in the dark, beefy Leo has since 2003 been representing the people of Isoko federal constituency in the House of Representatives, thus making him a veteran in the National Assembly.

However, his activities over the years have not only reflected his political skills but the fact that he’s well loved by his people for his overwhelming performance which has made them continually entrust their representation into his care. For his exceptional performance within and beyond his constituency, the minority leader of the House of Representatives was recently honoured in Lagos when he was decorated with the Best Lawmaker of the Year at the ninth edition of Media Nite-out Awards.

State governor against Babatunde Fashola of then Action Congress but was defeated. Koro, as he has come to be known far and wide, was made Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana before he was later appointed Minister of State II for Foreign Affairs.

Judging by his involvement with the immediate past administration and the level of belief and confidence reposed in him by head of the last government as well as electoral projects he handled, a dependable source revealed to Celeb Lounge that no one from the South-West attracted so much fortune like Obanikoro did under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

However, with Jonathan’s defeat in the 2015 presidential election and Koro’s plan to play a key role in Lagos in tatters, with the loss of PDP’s governorship candidate, Jimi Agbajae, to Akinwunmi Ambode of the All Progressives Congress, it may not be out of place to say reality has dawned on him. Having fallen apart with the top echelon of his party while he pursued his last governorship ambition as well as his antagonistic posture towards the Fashola administration and Tinubu, Obanikoro has nowhere to turn to.

He has been left in the cold of loneliness to cope with the reality of a new government.

While he has obviously avoided public places and social functions like a plague, those in the know revealed he claims to enjoy sitting back while his children take the centre stage.

Folake Akinruntan adds another year

I

f there is one lady who has not only enjoyed immense grace in the area of her marital life but whom many ladies also wish to be like for the same reason, it’s certainly no other than Folake, the better half of the man at the helm of affairs at Obat oil, Femi Akinruntan. The couple were mere lovers while they were younger and later became husband and wife. Their love has become stronger over the years.

Beautiful Folake, some days ago, added another year. Like a man would do to a wonderful wife, Femi, who is also the son of one of Nigeria’s wealthiest monarchs and Olugbo of Ugboland in Ondo State, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, threw a lavish bash in her honour. A number of top socialites were in attendance to celebrate with the birthday girl.

Folake Akinruntan and hubby

Elvina Ibru bounces back

G

loria, amiable and lively daughter of multibillionaire businessm a n , Olorogun Michael Ibru, surely means different Elvina things to different people.

Some see her as just a silver spoon, while to some others, she is a source of inspiration on how one can carve a niche for themselves without relying on the wealth of the parents. Although Gloria, as a musician may not have the popularity that cuts across the strata of the society, she sure has enviable achievements to show for her numerous numbers of years in the entertainment industry.

The mother of one who has for some time been battling ill health eventually went under the knife after her 50th birthday a few months back. It was a successful one. The talented singer, Celeb Lounge can inform, has since returned to the stage doing what she knows how to do best. Gloria was among artistes who spiced up the day at the concert which was held in honour of frontline artiste, Innocent Idibia, aka Tuface on his 40th birthday.

Also, she gave a good account of herself when she performed penultimate weekend at the poolside of Eko Hotel in a musical show which was put together

by E- entertainment, Classic FM and Hennessy.

Omisore’s distress

F

ormer Deputy Governor of Osun State, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, has no doubt cut the figure of a controversial personality since he was remanded in prison custody for alleged involvement in the murder of late Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Bola Ige. Also, a few disturbing political issues he had at one time or other had not also done his image any good. The last time he felt the weight of public opinion concerning him was when he tried to wrestl the governorship of Osun State from Governor Rauf Aregbesola in 2004.

Away from that, Celeb Lounge has a reason to tell that Omisore is not after all what many think he is. He is confirmed to be a compassionate person and this same reason, it was learnt, is why he has been distressed. Sources in the know revealed that Omisore got so worried over the kidnap of popular politician, Chief Olu Falae, and did all within his powers to ensure he was released. Aside the fact that the Falae is an elder statesman and a Yoruba leader, it was learnt that the bond he shares with Falae’s son, Pastor Dapo, is so strong that he couldn’t afford to look away at the time his friend’s family was going Omisore through a difficult time.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Body&Soul

Thinking

Funke Daniel gets busy

T

he popular saying that change is inevitable as well as the most constant thing in life aptly describes the situation of former first lady of Ogun State, Yeye Olufunke Daniel. During the eight-year reign of her engineer turned politician husband, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, as the number one indigene of Gateway State, Ogun, beautiful Yeye, as she’s fondly called, was no pushover among her contemporaries. Beyond that, she was a factor in her own right.

Another aspect of Yeye that many would still remember about her while she was in the public space was that she was a good dresser and her combinations never ceased to look perfect on her. Perhaps, she was naturally a party loving person but her position further exposed her to social life as every important person sought her presence at their shindig. Expectedly, she used to be the cynosure of all eyes at any social gathering she graced. Of course, she may not have lost the wherewithal to make parties tick but what has been seen of her in recent times indicates that she has slowed down on her social outings to concentrate on her first love, which is fashion. Those in the know informed Celeb Lounge that she has since become a regular face at her Lagos fashion outlet so m u c h so that people in the neighb o r h o o d identify her when Daniel she’s driving in.

Leila Fowler in hot demand

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all and slim built Leilah is the fashionable daughter of the former boss of Lagos Inland Revenue, Tunde Fowler. By her nature, she never felt there was a need to be in the public light; rather, she stayed glued to her privacy which she had to loose when she got married over one year ago. Her wedding was definitely one of a kind, but the trappings that were given to the wedding and the fact that the entire high society was moved to Dubai for the event

Leila

made it spectacular. She has since been a news maker.

It’s no longer news that the wedding hit the rocks several months back but the fact is that she has been dealing with the aftermath of the breakup. It was the talk of the town when the paths of Leila and her estranged hubby, Abi Kuku, crossed at an event but they snubbed each other.

From information reaching us, the pretty lady may have been occupied with what may take her mind off such disturbing elements. It was learnt that she is constantly under pressure from people who want one thing or the other from the presidency since she’s very close to the family of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo. Also, the recent appointment of her father as the boss of the Federal Inland Revenue Service has placed her on a higher pedestal in society.

Hadija Adeleye makes new move

S

he may have come from a very humble background, had setbacks, but she never allowed that to determine her fate. As Adeleye such, her story became that of from grass to grace. Twice elected into the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Hadija Oladapo, while her days lasted in the legislative arm of government, was one of the most popular. This was based on her vocal nature and good works she was known for.

Checks have made it clear that she may have lost in her bid to clinch a higher political office but the fact remains that she’s still very much sought after. Meanwhile, according to information reaching us, the well-loved politician may have decided to upgrade her academic knowledge. She’s said to have perfected all it requires to enrol for a master’s programme which she’s most likely to enter for in some weeks’ time in Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State.

Stella Obasanjo remembered

W

hen former military head of state, Olusegun Obasanjo was democratically elected to rule the country in 1999, it was joyous news for Edo Stateborn Stella, who was going to be the first lady.

She died on October 23, 2005, less than a year before her husband completed his second term. The circumstances of her demise are now history but what might be of interest is that it’s been 10 years since the former first lady departed for the great beyond.

Information from those who should know is that the family is planning to hold a remembrance p r o gramme in her honour.

Stella

Aloud

) 0807 270 9777

paulhelenproductions@yahoo.com

with Helen Paul

T

Killer doctrine

hings are happening in this world. A friend’s elder sister died last Sunday in a Lagos general hospital while in labour. Her death was quite painful because it could have been avoided. She died as a result of her husband’s doctrinal belief.

This is indeed a very sad story, and the family of the lady is still in serious grief at the moment.

It happened that the lady had been in labour for about two days or thereabout, and having lost so much blood, the doctors professionally suggested that it was imperative she got more blood. However, her husband, who was with her at the hospital, insisted that it would never happen!

He said his church’s doctrine did not permit such an act, and there was no reason he would indulge in it. As he kept to his belief, the wife continued to battle unbearable pains in the labour room. The pains were getting worse to the extent that even other patients at the hospital began to appeal to the husband to shift ground, but he was adamant.

Alas, before the doctors could say ‘Jack Robinson’, the poor lady had surrendered the protracted battle to death!

What a loss. That was the end of her dreams – how she would have loved to train the child, the names she would have loved to call him/her and so on.

How long can we continue to unnecessary cut short the life of our loved ones, all in the name of one religious belief or doctrine? Very likely, this woman in question would have been alive today if her husband had yielded to the advice of the medical team.

Family members of the deceased have now descended on the man, and I think they are taking legal action against him.

But can that even bring her back to life?

Of course NO. The truth is that there is a difference between religious faith and medical routine. If you have a severe headache, it is not only by praying that the headache will vanish, you must also take medications. When it comes to health matters, miracles don’t just happen, and that is why it is very important for us to regularly take a medical check up. Prayer without effort is nothing.

This takes me back to an article I had written on marriage not being a do-ordie affair. Marriage is meant to be sweet and full of common sense understanding between the two partners. It shouldn’t be a suicide mission, as the case of this late sister is.

If you ask me, marriage is not a do-ordie affair. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not against people getting married (because I’m legally married); the point I’m trying to make is that some marriages are not worth it, and the bitter but true advice a lady in such a union can get is to call it quits.

There are certain things that should not be compromised in a marriage. As much as this could sound odd to some fanatics, it is a simple truth. How do you explain

the situation where your spouse turns you to a punching bag? Will you continue to endure the barbaric act till it claims your life or you call it quits honourably?

Domestic violence is a serious issue that shouldn’t be handled with levity. I don’t want to mention names here, but we have seen cases where domestic violence led to avoidable deaths. Yes, it is the dream of every lady to be married, but should it be in exchange for her life? Definitely NO! Marriage or relationship should be built on friendship. Of course, quarrels and arguments are inevitable, but my dear friends, the moment it metamorphoses into repeated physical assault, it’s time to say goodbye before you pay dearly for it with your life or terminal injuries.

I’m not encouraging divorce, but if it appears as the only option that will keep you alive, so be it.

There is this friend of mine who got married to a guy she had been dating from the university days. It would be an understatement if I describe the guy as a wolf in the skin of a sheep. When he was dating my friend, they seemed like a perfect duo, but the friendship between them vanished abruptly after their elaborate wedding.

The wedding day was the last time true friendship existed between my friend and her husband. Almost immediately after the wedding, Chuks (not real name) started behaving strangely to my friend, Linda (not real name). Things continued to get worse to the extent that he was beating her at the slightest provocation, almost every day.

But because Linda is a Christian, she was advised by her pastor to keep praying that normalcy would return. Yes, it is true that our faith in God should be strong, but I wasn’t comfortable with the fact that the pastor in question failed to act further by counselling the couple to examine the real cause (or causes, as the case may be) of the crisis rocking the marriage.

Instead, he told the bride to keep praying.

I don’t want to bore you with many incidents that took place between the couple, but the truth is that as we speak, Linda is partially blind –no thanks to the ‘Tyson-like’ punches she received from her supposed husband during one of their unnecessary domestic combats.

I have an advice for men who are very good at beating their wives. Instead of wasting those ‘killer punches’ on your wife, why not register with a boxing academy where you can be trained to fight professionally and at the same time smile to the bank? You honestly don’t have to waste your energy on that defenceless woman because you stand to gain nothing from pummelling her.

The truth is that most wife-beaters are the ones who mostly fail to challenge their fellow men when it is necessary.

So please, reserve that energy for more positive things. Your mates are making money fighting on the rings, not with their wives in the bedroom. A word is enough for the wise.

I’m not encouraging divorce, but if it appears as the only option that will keep you alive, so be it

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Wine & Dine

Taste the lightly sweet dessert buzz Ibukunoluwa Kayode

D

essert wines are palate friendly and the lightly sweet ones are refreshingly sweet; perfect for a hot

day.

Lightly sweet dessert wines are meant to be enjoyed at their freshest although some examples, such as Riesling, age well.

These wines explode with fruit flavours and are fruit-based vanilla-driven.

On the variety lists of lightly sweet dessert wines are the following to lush the palate for refreshing taste.

The Gewürztraminer: This wine is a wine with moderate alcohol that is commonly found in Alto-Adige (Italy), California and New Zealand. It is known for its lychee and rose petals aromas. The friendly taste of Gewürztraminer makes it a great pair with a pear and kiwi tart.

Riesling: This is a wine available in both dry styles common in Australia, Alsace and the US as well as sweeter styles more commonly available in Germany. It is

high in natural acidity which helps cut the sweet taste.

The Müller-Thurgau: This is a less common variety from Germany and found in parts of Oregon. It has floral aromas with slightly lighter acidity. Classic porch wine and well-loved with sausages.

Chenin Blanc: It is made in a sweeter style in the US and also produced in large amounts in South Africa and the Loire Valley of France. Pay attention to labels when buying Chenin Blanc because many South African and French producers create dry versions that taste more similar to Sauvignon Blanc.

Viognier: Not really a sweet wine. However, as an aromatic grape variety, occasionally you can find it in a fruit-driven style smelling of peaches and perfume.

It’s rich and oily on the palate. This style of Viognier is found specifically from Condrieu AOP from the Rhône Valley) in France.

Many of these sweet wines pair well with spicy foods like Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine.

Back to school banana split sandwich Biwom Iklaki

M

ost children are back to school now and for those parents whose kids commute from home, you have to sort their lunch. If you do not already prepare and save the previous day, you will need a fast and foolproof healthy snack recipe. Here is a tried and tested one.

INGREDIENTS 2 slices bread 2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter 1 banana (sliced) 2tbs unsalted butter 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon Pinch ground nutmeg PREPARATION Heat the butter, add the spices and add the banana halves cut side down. Turn after 40 seconds and cook for another 40 seconds. Toast the bread.

Spread the peanut butter, 1 tsp each side. Top with the banana, place the 2nd slice and place in your child’s lunchbox.

Pair with a frozen mini bottle of zobo drink. When they are ready for lunch, it would have thawed to a chilled and healthy drink.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

RazzleDazzle

Body&Soul Abiola Alaba Peters

with

Hit or miss? Nollywood’s biggest musical flops The world of entertainment is rife with actors who, after achieving a certain degree of fame, just couldn’t avoid the lure of furthering their ‘brands’ by delving into the world of music. Such actors without musical talent often end up churning out vanity projects because of their wealth and fame in spite of little critical or commercial success. ABIOLA ALABA PETERS brings you a list of actors who have tried and failed to make a big hit with music

•Genevieve Nnaji She is one of the movers and shakers of the motion picture industry both in Nigeria and abroad.

In 2005, after she was suspended from acting alongside some of her colleagues. Genevieve took a shot at music with t h e release of the song, No More.

She went on to get a mouth-watering recording deal in Ghana, but it wasn’t even enough to make her a force to reckon with in the music industry. She is one of those Nollywood superstars who failed in their attempt at music.

•Patience Ozokwor Patience Ozokwor is a famous Nollywood actress popularly known as Mama G. She hails from the Eastern region of Nigeria. Few years back, the widow and mother of three delved into music, releasing two or three tracks, one of the songs featured controversial actress, Tonto Dike and popular comedian, Charles Awurum. She released the video for ‘Adaeze’, a single off her ‘Ojadili’ album in 2012.

The thespian, who is well respected among her peers for her great acting prowess, has also tried her hand in music like her peers, but it didn’t go past being just a single as it didn’t cut through.

•Kate Henshaw

Kate Henshaw is also one of the actresses in Nigeria who have worked on several projects and has become a household name in Nollywood.

The delectable ebonycomplexioned actress shocked many people with a gospel musical video a couple of years back. Kate’s entry into the music scene, however, was like a flash in the pan. There was nothing to show that she is a better singer than other actresses who are rocking the microphone. From all indications, Kate may have agreed with critics that she lacks the carriage, courage and drive to realise her dream as a singer. Kate Henshaw was also credited withr writing one of the best singles ever used in a Nigerian movie. The song titled ‘Treasure’ was the soundtrack of ‘A Million Tears.’

•Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde She is one of the best and most celebrated

Nollywood divas. Highly successful as an actress, but several attempts by the beautiful wife of pilot, Matthew Ekeinde, at music did not make a hit. This is despite her being an established movie celebrity. She was one o f the thespians who tried their luck in music in 2005 after they were banned by the then Ejike Asiegbu-led AGN regime. That year, she released a single entitled ‘Gba,’ and was followed by a video and album.

Despite the massive hype, the album was indeed a failure. She has since released another album and songs like ‘Missing You’ and ‘Feel Alright,’ yet, she has made little or no impact in the music industry.

•John Okafor Otherwise known as Mr. Ibu, John Okafor is a highly skilled and successful actor who has carved a niche for himself. Regarded as one of the most hilarious actors in Nigeria, Mr. Ibu has severally claimed that he has a good voice and can sing.

He actually released an audio/video album some years back, but it cannot be regarded as a success. He had since returned to his original talent - acting.

•Anita Joseph Until recently when she announced that she is now a born again Christian, Anita was hitherto referred to as a Nollywood bad girl.

Though she was enmeshed in a lot of controversies, Anita has proved her mettle as one of the future talents in Nollywood.

Between the years 2008/2009, she released a single and consequently performed in a couple of shows, including the News of The People Awards held at Sheraton Hotels, Lagos. Even at that, she has yet to make any spectacular statement as a singer. Right now, she is set to drop two new gospel singles, claiming that God directed her to do so during the nationwide fuel subsidy removal strike.

•Jim Iyke The list of wannabe Nollywood singers will not be complete without the name of controversial actor, Jim Iyke, being mentioned. The former Globacom ambassador also romanced music when he released the

song, ‘Who am I,’ featuring one of Nigeria’s finest artistes, Tuface Idibia.

Jim, whose genre of music is rap, was actually keen on making a statement musically and he spent a fortune on radio and television hypes. Yet, his music career was short of being a success.

The actor also did another entitled, ‘Born to do this.’ It featured Mike Word and Puffy T on it, but it did not make any impact either.

•Nkem Owoh Popularly referred to as Osuofia, Nkem Owoh is a highly successful actor. At a time, he was the highest paid Nollywood actor, raking millions from every script that came his way.

But when he decided to grab the microphone and consequently released the song, ‘I go chop your dollar’, it did not sleep on a bed of roses. The audio and video of the song were banned on air due to their lyrical content.

Osuofia went ahead to record another song, ‘Olamma,’ but it was also short of being a success.

•Desmond Elliot Before he tried his hands on politics, Hon. Desmond Elliot had delved into o t h e r things; music was one of them. While he may have succeeded in politics, the Nollywood actor/director didn’t record the same hit in music. Honestly, I don’t see how he could have. Not with the way he was singing, ‘I am so glad that Jesus loves me.’

Anyway, we are so glad that Jesus loves us and died for us, because God knows what we would have done to that man’s vocal chords if that wasn’t the case.

•Tonto Dikeh A lot of people would expect Tonto Dikeh to top the list, seeing as she won’t stop. At the beginning of her musical career, which has since pushed acting to the the backseat, Tonto was ruling download charts in Nigeria. The rea-

08062622328

Edwin Usoboh 08028101185

son wasn’t far-fetched: Everyone wanted to know what business she had with singing. Well, the business hasn’t been revealed yet, but with the recent decline in the one thing she had going for her - ruling download charts - one can tell for sure Mrs. Tonto Dikeh Churchill i s high for still trying this music thing.

•Cossy Orjiakor There is no doubt that this naturally endowed actress possesses a sonorous voice, but it is obviously not enough to give her a hit in the music industry.

She has recorded a couple of songs and also shot some videos, but her efforts were not enough to guarantee her musical success.

One of her songs is entitled ‘Me and You.’ Through this, she had hoped to connect with her fans in some musical videos, but the fans seem to be looking the other way.

•Shan George She is an actress of note, but like her colleagues, Shan’s attempts at making hits through music have so far been futile.

She has performed in a couple of gigs, including the annual ‘Felabration’ and has released an album.

But like her fellow movie stars, she could not make any impact as a singer. But now that one of her sons is into the business, who knows, she could do a collabo with him.

•Lilian Bach The half-caste actress also tried her hand at music, but was quick to withdraw after realising that it was a tough terrain for her.

Nollywood wannabe singers, learn from her.

She once labelled herself an ‘all in all’ as far as entertainment is concerned. Fans are still expecting her to conjure a miracle that will resurrect her dying music career since she has not been featuring in movies recently.

•Dakore Egbuson The delectable actress has a voice that would make most established divas go green with envy. She eventually proved her singing prowess with the release of her debut single track titled ‘Don’t make me.’ How better the star actress is lyrically when she is compared to her peers in the trade has become a hot topic of discussion among her fans and foes.

She had planned to release an album titled ‘Dakorious’ in 2009.

•Stella Damasus Delectable Stella Damasus also tried making a hit at singing but like her other professional colleagues in Nollywood, she got her hands burnt Ooops! After failing to take the music scene by storm, Stella ‘relocated’ to the United States, where the grapevine alleges she is now married to Daniel Ademinokan, the estranged husband of Doris Simeon, another Nollywood actress. What is not yet clear now is whether she could still go back to music, or perhaps do a collabo with Daniel.

36

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

O

Switched (Part I)

nce upon a time, there lived an elegant queen named Quinn and her fun loving daughter Cora. The two were not on the best of terms until they made a switch.

One day, little Cora was with her mother, Quinn, going over her royal duties.

“Mother can’t we take a break, let’s have some fun,” she suggested.

“This is fun dear… back to work,” her mother said.

As Cora grew older, she became more resentful of her duties, which angered her mother.

“Why don’t you want to be queen?” Quinn asked.

“Because it’s no fun!” Cora yelled.

They were unaware that their

conversation was heard by the evil royal advisor, Ethan, who wanted to get rid of them both, so that he could be King.

“You’re going to be Queen whether it’s fun or not, it’s your duty,” Quinn yelled back. “Tomorrow.” “What do you mean?”

Cora asked.

“Prince Walter seeks your hand in marriage, and you will.”

“No, I won’t do it,” she said.

“Too late, the wedding has been arranged.” Cora was so upset she didn’t speak to her mother for the rest of the day including dinner.

Over dinner, Ethan had the servants make a delicious meal for all of them to celebrate for the wedding tomorrow. Later, he put a drop of poison in the

Celebrations!!!

Queen and Princess’ drinks. The two felt faint and fell to the floor.

Ethan was now able to be king!

Only, the two were not dead but alive and switched in one another ’s bodies! They were shocked, but Cora took the advantage to venture out of the castle for the first time in her life and not do any royal duties. Quinn, on the other hand, kept to her Queen responsibilities and ran the kingdoms. This made Ethan very angry, for he needed another way to become King, and fast.

The next day, Prince Walter arrived, which excited Cora, but not Quinn. Since they switched bodies, Quinn wanted to get rid of the prince, so that Cora wouldn’t marry him. “You look beautiful princess,” he said as he kissed her hand. “You should see her in the morning,” Quinn told him. “Come Walter we have much to talk about,” Cora said as the two walked through the castle.

Later, Cora and Walter became close, while Quinn tried to break them apart, but it was no use.

She needed help, and turned to Ethan.

“I need your help Ethan. I need to get rid of the prince,” she told him.

“Why your majesty?” He asked Quinn.

Hip! Hip!! Hip!!! Hurray!

“I don’t believe he’s right for A great big shout out to Lynsey Tettey-Freeman at six months! her,” she said. “Alright, I’ll help God bless you little one as you grow and shine! you,” he said.

“If you do something for me,” he What did the nose say to the finger?

Where do pencils go on vacation? smiled evilly.

Ans: Stop picking on me.

Ans: Pennsylvania.

By Jaqualla What did the tie say to the hat?

What is heavy forward but not backFoxworth

Gags

Cross word puzzle

Ans: You go on ahead and I’ll hang around!

ward?

Ans: Ton.

What did one plate say to the other?

Ans: Dinner’s on me.

What pet makes the loudest noise?

Ans: A trum-pet!

Who cleans the bottom of the ocean?

Ans: A Mer-Maid.

What do you call a rabbit with fleas?

Ans: Bugs Bunny!

JOHNBULL

MUMMY’S PET

37

015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

our bilateral cooperation in this field, I think that what I explained is the most important element. In order to find out how Nigeria can produce renewable energy Germany works very closely together with the European Union. For example, some of the feasibility studies that have been conducted were carried out by GIZ and co-financed by Germany and the European Union.

What impact have German businesses made on the Nigerian economy?

If you look at the trade figures, we have about €3.9 billion exports from Nigeria to Germany. On the other hand, Nigerian imports from Germany are about €1.4 billion. Germany can do a lot to increase its exports to Nigeria. Most of the imports of Nigerian goods to Germany are in oil and gas.

Most of the exports from Germany to Nigeria are in areas, such as machinery for the power sector, industrial plants, automobiles and other areas in the automotive sector. We have about 80-100 companies which are very active here in Nigeria.

In recent days, Bosch, a German company, which is well known in the automotive sector, has set up a representation in Lagos. Bosch concentrates its activities not only in the automobile area but expands its activities into machinery for food processing industries.

Bayer, a German pharmaceutical company, has also set up a new representation in Nigeria and we have another German company producing trucks and assembling them now in Nigeria.

The other day, I went to Lagos where I met with the German company, Knauf, which is interested in producing building materials in Nigeria. They are known for a special material for ceilings and other installation materials.

It is important. If Nigeria wants to get more investments, Nigeria has to put its conditions right. It means that power supply, for instance, becomes stable and regulations are investor-friendly.

President Buhari has emphasised the importance of economic and commercial cooperation. He was in Germany during the G7 outreach meeting where he met with the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, and held talks also on bilateral issues.

find out where it would be advisable to use renewable energy and what kind of energy.

The second step would be the realization of this goal. It is important for a village or a small town to have their own power supply. What’s more once they are connected to the national power grid, they can then even sell the surplus energy to the national power grid. I think it is a double win- win situation.

What is Germany’s policy towards assisting Nigeria resolve climate change issues?

This is a global issue and we all face the problem of climate change. In every country there are challenges of climate change. In Nigeria, the desert is moving more down south; we in Europe face increased violent thunderstorms and heavy rains. It is a global problem and we have to cooperate with one another in tackling the challenges of climate change.

Germany is very active in the International negotiations of Protection against Climate Change. The next meeting will take place

in Paris by the end of the year. It is very important to have an international agreement (Kyoto II) in order to reduce the CO2 emissions. This can be done. In every country we can reduce carbon emissions through modern technology, through a change of methods of energy production and an energy mix. For example, if a country produces energy by a gas power plant, that is already a step to reduce CO2 emissions. If a county generates its energy via solar or renewable, that is even more advanced and progressive. So the carbon emissions can be reduced in a very positive sense. Germany has the objective to reduce its CO2 emissions by 40% until 2020 and by 80 to 95% until 2050.

Germany is among the first set of contributors to developing countries which need support in order to realise this change in energy production. A fund for climate protection was established and Germany contributes to this fund.

Regarding the protection of our climate and

Does the German Embassy have funds to support small projects and local industries in Nigeria?

Our concept in Germany is to realise major projects by intermediate organisations because we know that they are specialised in these kinds of things. The GIZ in Nigeria is very active in the agricultural sector in order to increase the value chain from production to food processing and marketing. Another important area is support for small and medium sized enterprises.

The KfW, the German development bank, is involved in Nigeria with $200 million in the setting up of the Nigerian Development Bank. So we are convinced that intermediate organisations, which are in charge of projects financed by our government, do it the right way.

As an embassy, we have limited funds to support very small projects in the social area. The other day, I signed a contract with a girl’s school in the South of Nigeria, providing laptops and desktop computers for their lessons. We are as well funding a water project for a village. And we are very much involved in the North-East of Nigeria. For example, we are working with the International Organisation for Migrants (IOM) in order to assist people, particularly women and children, who have been displaced. We have humanitarian projects in Yola and other parts of the North-East. With these humanitarian projects we try to help people on the spot.

We participate in the Safe School Initiative where we help to ensure that children will be able to go to boarding schools outside the areas ravaged by terrorism and insurgency. The aim is to ensure that these children are able to continue their education.

What is Germany offering Nigeria in terms of procurement of arms, capacity building for our soldiers or other forms of military cooperation to combat terrorism?

President Buhari was invited to the G7 Summit outreach meeting in Germany at the beginning of June 2015. The main discussion point was how to tackle international terrorism which is a global problem affecting all of us. There was also an ex-

change of views regarding the cooperation in the North-East of Nigeria. All G7 countries and the other countries invited to this outreach meeting were on the side of Nigeria. They agreed on how to cooperate in order to tackle this terrorist problem.

These talks are still ongoing.

I would like to mention that Germany has a project with the Nigerian Police which covers elements such as human rights, border control management and the use of forensic methods in the prosecution of criminal cases. We are very much involved in the project in order to reduce the trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) around Nigeria. We have two projects with the Nigerian Armed Forces; one of them is a medical centre in Jaji linked to the Nigerian Peace Corps and another is the Mechatronic workshop here in Abuja. The workshop is particularly devoted to vocational training.

What is Germany also doing to assist Nigeria in terms of political and electoral reforms?

Germany participated in the EU Election Observation team that monitored the last elections in Nigeria. They started the whole process in November 2014 and I think the last member of the team left Nigeria in the first week of May. The head of the observation team is a Spanish member of the EU parliament, Santiago Fisas, and the final report of the observation team will be submitted to President Buhari within the next few weeks. As you know, the team had members from Germany as well as other EU countries. Colleagues here at the German Embassy and I took the opportunity to participate in the observation during the election. The German Consul-General in Lagos participated in the South. We had very close relations with INEC. Don’t forget that Germany and Nigeria are both federal states and we have similar structures.

Before the elections, we invited people from INEC to see how elections are run in Germany.

We exchanged views and learnt from each other and we will maintain this close contact with INEC. There are as well German political foundations namely Friedrich- Ebert Foundation, Conrad Adenauer Foundation and Heinrich Boell Foundation. They are very much involved in discussing with counterpart organizations here in Nigeria on issues relating to the media, trade unions as well as how elections are run.

As one of those in the election observation team, what were your impressions of the 2015 elections in Nigeria and its outcomes?

I was greatly impressed by the commitment of the Nigerian people to cast their ballots in democratic elections. I would like to congratulate Nigerians for the free, fair and peaceful elections that led to a democratic change of government in Nigeria.

Back home in your country, the latest news is that Germany has opened its borders to migrants who are fleeing from the war in Syria and other parts of the world. What informed this kind gesture from an otherwise conservative country?

Germans feel it is part of our history and national obligation to help people who are politically persecuted and seek for asylum or who are temporary threatened by war. We feel it is part of our historical obligation. For the time being, there are many migrants coming from Syria and other war-torn countries and we know that it is necessary to help those who are fleeing from these crisis zones.

But there has to be made a distinction between those fleeing from wars and the illegal migrants who come to Germany looking for jobs and do not have the proper documents. So on one hand we are ready to help those who are stranded as a result of conflicts in their countries but on the other hand, illegal migrants have to be repatriated to their countries. We need to make that distinction and strike a balance.

Terrorism is a major cause of some of the conflicts that have resulted in humanitarian crisis and mass migration of people. What would you recommend as the panacea or antidote to the scourge of global terrorism?

All countries have to cooperate globally in order to ensure that people can live in peaceful, decent and harmonious environment. It is of major importance that young people have access to a good education and a perspective for their future. All countries have to do the utmost in order to achieve the millennium goals of the United Nations.

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Culture

I proudly extol Igbo virtues on TV – Okafor To Mrs. Precious Okuchukwu Okafor, a London-based evangelist and gospel artiste, there is more to the average Igbo man than what is portrayed in the movies. Hence, she tells BIYI ADEGOROYE about how she extols virtues of her kinsmen through the programme Igbo Amaka and several others on local and international television to change the narrative Could you give an insight into your background?

I am Evangelist Precious Okuchukwu Okafor, a gospel artiste, minister of God and Prophetic. I was born in Obollo, Udenu Local government area of Enugu State, Nigeria. I’m of the Creative Department in University of Lagos; I have a gospel music live band, made up of great, skilled professional instrumentalists. We cover all church programmes, concerts, crusades and all kinds of events locally and internationally.

I also present an indigenous Igbo celebrity television show “Ndi Amama” (Celebrities and important personalities in Igbo land) produced by my husband, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Igbo Amaka Global TV. I have also presented programmes on Kpakpando Television ‘Uwa Ndi Ejije’ (The Life of the Movie People) being aired on Infinity satellite cable television and another for Igbo Amaka on Hitv. Our operational base is Lagos and also partly, the UK. The very programme or television show Ndi Amama is where we chat with Igbo celebrities and important personalities of Igbo extraction.

I’m married to my manager, music/movie producer and director, Evang. King David C. Okafor and we are from Ojoto in Idemili South, Local Government area of Anambra State. We are blessed with an adorable daughter, Princess Miracle Beulah Nma Ayomide and son, Diamond Chukwuazagom Eyintimofe.

What is the philosophy behind “Igbo Amaka TV? Igbo Amaka Global TV is for the promotion of Igbo language, culture and customs devoid of idolatry. It was cultivated out of the necessity required at this time when the Igbo language extinction was the talk of the day. We cannot as a people sit and watch our Igbo language go into extinction. There are signs pointing to this based on the desire of our young ones, who derive so much joy in the things that have to do with Western lifestyle. We now seem to have an inferiority complex to be identified with our identity. We operate from London and Lagos.

What is your impression about the fact that much of what is published in Nollywood about Igbo culture is about victimization of widows, charms and wicked mother in-laws? How can you change these portrayals?

We are working very hard to change the portrayals of what we see in Igbo movies.

Such are the main aim of starting our Igbo Amaka TV programme because people don’t get to see or know most of these things, I know with our approach, in no time it will surely be addressed. I must also mention that it is also not always as bad as being portrayed because we have this mentality that follow the trend in our system of doing things in Nigeria, where we are lazy to creativity and prefer to copy. This makes certain things to be blown out of proportion. Again, it boils down to when people just decide to do things because they have seen people do it and not being able to create. That is the reason our producers center their story line in the same vain. I also agree with you that this is common on our screens and must confess that they are really common phenomenon in Igbo movies.

What level of patronage does it command?

We have recorded great patronage, more because Igbo programmes are not much on television. Reason being that our producers that started the Nollywood and many

of us in the entertainment industry have preferred English and thereby creating a vacuum for Igbos and a few of us are trying to bridge the gap in this regard.

Do you have a TV station or you buy air time on existing TV? We are working hard on getting a television station but currently partnering with existing television stations and providing content to those who appreciate our creativity in producing peculiar Igbo programme for their audience. We also secure platforms to meet with the showing of Igbo Amaka special television shows.

When did you go into music and what is the purpose? How many albums and what is the level of acceptability?

This has been my story and would surely come up in all my interviews when the question about my background comes up.

It all started at the age of six when I was singing for my peers. I had a deep passion for music and the things of God which made me to join the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. I became their lead singer till 2002 when I finished my secondary education. Then I came to Lagos on holidays and to further my education.

I had an invitation for a revival meeting with my uncle and a friend who was asking my hand in marriage. As the meeting was on going, the prophet was led to ask for anyone who can sing from the congregation, I dashed out for the microphone and began to sing. The atmosphere was engulfed with the Holy Spirit as on the day of Pentecost; people began to fall under anointing, shouting and screaming, deliverance was taking place, the same happens whenever I minister in songs. It was an awesome moment and the power of God manifesting fully, which made him to say that this gift and talent should be used in the service of God in His vineyard. That was how I automatically became the lead singer of that big ministry for seven years, within which I recorded three albums for this ministry- my first and second personal albums respectively.

In 2007, I went to seek the face of God in solitude at Redeemed Camp for seven days and the Lord in a trance gave me another song from Joel. That was my third album which was released in 2008. “ Ekwela ihere meem” (Lord, do not allow me be put to shame), and in January 2011, I released another album “Angelic Worship Vol.1” which is making waves all over the world

by His grace.

I shot a video from this album with the track “To God Be the Glory” Towards the end of 2012; I also released “Oyorima Praise” which is a fascinating African Praise

hit for all gospel and church occasions. In 2013, I released three singles namely “Fine Love,” shot the video, “I will extol Thee,” (the video is in the making) and Olu Ebube.

These are great songs with super lyrics and irresistible beats. I also thank God for the wonderful video of “Ekwela ihere meem” which was my first personal album.

I must confess that these songs are gaining lots of international appreciation and commendations by fans all over the world.

What is your overview of Christian music in Nigeria- in terms of content and relevance?

We are making great progress in the Christian music, as it is a kind of music that soothes our soul and makes us have a deep meditation with God our creator and his Son, Jesus Christ who is the only Way, Truth and Life. In t h e years back, gospel music was kind of stereo-typed, but not the same today as we have really put a lot of new trends and innovations to give more attractions. Today we have Christian Rap, Rock, Juju, Highlife etc., for universal acceptability. Among the things lacking today is the e n -

couragement and support that is given to the other types of music and entertainers.

I say this because it is rare to see pure gospel musicians as brand ambassadors and projects that have to do with gospel. Gospel musicians do not attract sponsorships.

You are an evangelist, do you lead a church?

I don’t lead a church but we run a fellowship. In the fivefold ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ we have the apostle, the prophet, the evangelist, the pastor and teacher. When the call of God is upon your life, He makes you to effectively operate on almost all the ministries. I am a songs minister and as well in the prophetic.

How do you see the issue of gay marriage or lesbianism?

The Bible condemns homosexuality and lesbianism and the mere thought of it reminds us of Sodom and Gomorrah...It is really regrettable to note that some are so deafened to even go to the extreme of marrying themselves in the glare of the entire world. So disheartening again, is that those leaders who support and promote such evil are seen and known as world leaders.

What is your impression of appropriate dressing for ladies?

Modest dressing without indecent exposure is key. You see, a lady leaves much to be contemplated when she is modestly dressed.

Our comportment must be in line with the word of God, obedience to our head, as well respectful without pride, ego and arrogance.

My assessment of our actresses today is that we are growing and maturing in the act and industry. It is all about learning and graduating into new classes, and we are progressing accordingly.

Okafor

Faith

SUNDAY

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

News Koinonia camp meeting: Ministers urged to work in unityp.42

Interivew I’m fulfilled at 51 - Owatunde p.40

Sermon Thus spoke the Bishops p.44

Sermon Test the Holy Ghost dimension p.46

Tai Anyanwu Head, religous Desk titus.anyanwu@newtelegraph online.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Anxiety as ‘blood moon’ arrives A Tai Anyanwu

s the world anticipates a total Lunar Eclipse, a full blood moon, on the sky today September 27, there are fears in some quarters that the world may end today.

Astronomers had predicted that the blood would look larger, brighter and closest to the earth; and would be visible in most parts of North America, South America, Europe, West Asia and parts of Africa on September 27/28.

It was gathered that the super moon appears only when the sun, earth and moon fall into a straight line, causing the earth to block direct sunlight from reaching the moon.

“The moon does not have its own light, but shines because its surface reflects the sun’s rays. Eclipses of the moon happen when the sun, earth and moon are aligned to form a straight line,” a posting on the Internet said.

According to NASA, the eclipses of the Super moon had occurred only five times in the 1990s – 1910, 1928, 1964 and 1982.

After the September 27/28, total Super Moon eclipses would not happen again for 18 years (October 8, 2033) the space agency said.

While astronomers may have derived the term Blood Moon because of the reddish colour the moon assumes during the eclipses, some sources have suggested that the term stems from the Bible.

Two Pastors, Mark Blitz and John Hagee, however, had claimed that the eclipses (lunar tetrad) of 2014 and 2015 fulfilled a Biblical prophecy of forthcoming difficult and trying times. In early 2014, the views expressed by Pastors Blitz and Hagee had gathered attention because the eclipses in the tetrad coincide with important Jewish festivals.

It was gathered that the eclipses in April 2014 and April 2015 occurred at the same time as Passover, while the October 2014 and September 2015 eclipses occur during the Feast of Tabernacles. Hence, some people took this coincidence as a sign of the end of times.

Meanwhile some have dismissed any apocalyptic significance of the tetrad. Data of past eclipses show that at least eight lunar tetrads have coincided with Jewish holidays since the First Century.

According to this college, Jewish calendar was a lunar calendar and Passover always occurred around a full Moon.

The school of thought held that since a total lunar eclipse can only occur on a full Moon night, it was very likely that an eclipse would take place on or near Passover.

According reports, scientists and astronomers have found no reason to believe that the current lunar tetrad is a sign of the end of the world.

Blood mood

Even some mainstream religious organisations have also debunked this claim, and

counselled that there was indeed no connection between the super moon eclipse and end-of-the-world. According to the prediction, people residing in central areas of US would have the best view of the eclipse after sunset on September 27, 2015, people in Africa, Europe and Middle East can view it during the early hours of September 28, before the Sun rises. While North and South Americans will be able to see the eclipse after sunset on September 27, 2015, people in Africa, Europe and Middle East can view it during the early hours of September 28, before the Sun rises.

Astronomers have counselled that Lunar eclipses could be spectacular and they are easy to see with the naked eye.

Unlike solar eclipses, which require protective eye wear, a lunar eclipse can be viewed without specialised eye wear.

Catholic Faith Family Competition kicks off

L-R: Spiritual Director Knights of St John, Mosigr John Aniagwu; Archbishop of Lagos, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins; Director of Education, Lagos Archdiocese, Monsignor Jerome Odutan; and Sir Kola Olowu, Noble Vice Grand Master, Knights of St. John, at the unveiling of the “Alfred Adewale Martins Catholic Faith Competition

I

Tai Anyanwu n a two-in-one event that saw a large gathering of members of the Knights of St. John International, priests, religious and lay faithful of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins unveiled the much anticipated Catholic Faith Family Competition with a word of encouragement for all to embrace the project to enhance sound knowledge of the faith.

The unveiling which took place last Tuesday at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja, was also used to celebrate the 32nd Priestly Ordination of the Archbishop and his course mate, Msgr Jerome Oduntan, Director of Education of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos.

Speaking on the rationale behind the project, the Grand President, Knights of St. John, Patrick Igwilo, noted that the project was conceived as a result of the need to deepen the knowledge of the

Catholic faith within the family unit. The project, he said would provide opportunities for families within small Christian communities and parishes to compete and then move on to deanery levels, while the grand finale would take place on the 18th September, 2016.

According to him, the project would be on two phase: the teaching, learning and monitoring phase and the competition phase, while prizes would be given to outstanding participants during the course of the competition.

In his own speech, the Archbishop of Lagos commended the Knights of St. John for coming up with such an initiative which he said was quite heart warming, even as he charged all priests, religious and layfaithful of the Archdiocese to join hands and ensure that the project achieves resounding success.

The Archbishop later took out time to unveil the logo of the competition which has a picture of a father, mother and two kids studying the bible.

Earlier on, the Director of Education, Msgr Jerome Oduntan who proposed a toast on behalf of the Archbishop to mark his 32nd priestly ordination recalled the outstanding performance of His Grace while in the Seminary, which saw him topping the class in many instances.

He describes Archbishop Martins as a though-bred gentleman, an outstanding administrator and a highly intelligent leader in tune with the exigencies of his time.

Equally, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Lagos who is also the Parish Priest of St. Leo’s Ikeja and Spiritual Direcor of Knights of St. John, Msgr John Aniagwu, spoke growingly of Msgr Oduntan, describing him as an asset to the Archdiocese.

Msgr. Aniagwu who later spoke to newsmen, condemned the alarming rate of corruption in the society and challenged the leadership to ensure no one is spared in its effort to curb corrupt practices in the land.

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Faith

I’m fulfilled at 51 - Owatunde You look younger every year. What is the secret?

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is it. The Bible says where there is the Spirit of the Lord there is liberty and when there is the Spirit of the Lord there is anointing. Anointing refreshes according to Psalm 92:10: “But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of a unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.”

So that fresh anointing will always make you fresh. I really appreciate the grace of the Lord upon my life and have even extended my life to witness a golden year.

How do you feel at 51?

I feel fulfilled and I thank God. The greatest achievement in life is to have God and to have good people around you. So having God alone is fulfilment to me; and having my family around me, my co-workers in missionary work and being a blessing to peoples’ lives is also a fulfilled life. A fulfilled life is not measured by the number of houses one has, the number of countries you have travelled to, your fleet of cars, or the number of children one has; but the number of lives you affected. I am sure you are aware that the day to day lifestyle of a minister of God calls for sacrificial living. We don’t have time of our own. We are more or less than registration doctors that anytime they can bring a patient and you must attend to them; even if they don’t have money. Your job is to save lives. While a life is being saved, it is a plus to you. Whether they acknowledge it or not, later they might be looking for money or get the patient out of the hospital. It might take more than the time expected but yet you as a doctor will be fulfilled that I thank God that He has done it. So I feel fulfilled that up till today I am still relevant in the ministry.

Last year you celebrated your 50th year with pomp and ceremony. What has the Lord done between that time and now?

God gave me the grace to escape a very fatal accident. On July 14, precisely, I was driving my car when a lorry conveying two containers loaded with goods rammed into my car. I came out of the wreckage unhurt and God surprised me with the provision of two jeeps and one car. That challenges but it gives birth to blessing.

Did you buy the cars?

No. They were gifts from people who heard about the accident via Faaji FM and Niger News that I had an accident. It was carried on Faaji FM and Niger news. It was also posted on the internet. It happened along the tollgate at Sango. I came out clean, no scratch on me but nine cars were damaged. A friend of mine who came to rescue me had his car damaged by a trailer in another accident that happened shortly after.

So how are you celebrating this year’s birthday?

Thanking God in a very big form does not mean throwing a party. I will give the Almighty God the praise and worship that only Him deserves. I will dedicate the thanksgiving service to the Lord with the totality of my heart because if I kill seven rams and five cows God will never come down to eat it. I want to offer to Him the sacrifice of thanksgiving for sparing my life.

A lot of things happened; some are maybe a test of my faith. By that God elevated me in some other ways beyond what eyes can see such as the miraculous deliverance from accident, provision of cars and my new office block. There are some spiritual things like spiritual gifts, you cannot quantify them because you cannot measure the level. But I know that I am spiritually elevated, so I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving.

Chief Shepherd of Trinity Tabernacle International of Celestial Christian Church, Ajegunle Ilu community, Lagos, Prophet Samuel Folaranmi Owatunde, discloses the secret of his youthfulness in this interview with TAI ANYANWU Are you sure that you are not keeping this year’s celebration low-key because of the wind of change blowing through the country?

Truly, it has to affect all sectors of Nigeria’s socio-economic, political and spiritual aspects. This year’s birthday anniversary is going to be much more spiritual because the spiritual controls the physical.

What is your message to your followers?

Let us be much more spiritual because if we are, we will be able to comprehend the mind of God. The Bible says in 2 Corinthian 5:17: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Let us all give ourselves to God as a living sacrifice. That is the only worthy service that is accepted in the site of the Lord, we must not get ourselves obsessed with worldly pleasures. We must renew our mind through the knowledge of God; no one can rise above his / her acquired knowledge. So in this case, we need to be much closer to God by praying always, reading the Bible and a lot of anointed books that can renew our minds so that we will be in tune with God. We will also be dedicated and loyal to God and be committed to His work.

Owatunde

When is the thanksgiving service?

Our thanksgiving cannot be measured because we shall be in the mood of giving thanks till the end of this year. Our annual harvest/thanksgiving comes up in December. But precisely, this thanksgiving shall hold inside the church auditorium on September 23 (last Wednesday). Guest ministers include Prophet Benson Ayegbusi and

Prophet Biyi Adebabaowo, Prophet Tunde Olayiwola and one of my bosses, my rector in the Bible school, Superior Evangelist Dr. Richard Anisere. He will be be on hand to release patriarchal blessing. On Sunday (today September 27), we shall offer thanks to the lord and on the first Sunday in October again is going to be another thanksgiving day.

You are a powerful and handsome pastor.

How do you cope with passes from ladies who like to be associated with people in your position?

I face accountable passes and temptations from female admirers, if that is what you mean. I cannot remember how many, but by the grace of God, if one is totally sold out to Christ the spirit of the Lord will guard you.

And you need to apply wisdom. The Bible says wisdom is profitable to direct.

Ordinances that must be kept Wisdom of God’s Word

Pastor Nnadiaso Promise Jomo

Email: info@wisogc.org

+2347044799358/08146353090 (SMS only)

T

he Bible speaking in the book of Leviticus 4:1-6 says: “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the Lord concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them: If the priest that is anointed does sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the Lord for a sin offering. And he shall bring the bullock unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord; and shall lay his hand upon the bullock’s head, and kill the bullock before the Lord.

And the priest that is anointed shall take of the bullock’s blood, and bring it to the tabernacle of the congregation: And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the Lord, before the vail of

the sanctuary. This morning I want you to understand the word ‘ordinance,’ which simply means a local Law or rules and regulations. It can also be seen as teaching.

You don’t do the things of God the way you feel like. In every organisation you enter into, they have the way things must be done. Teaching means doctrine.

Generally, we have two types of doctrine: 1. Sound doctrine 2. False doctrine But what we want to look at today are ordinances that must be kept; God cannot force someone to his work. The book of Leviticus is called the book of Law of the children of Israel in the time of Moses when you are able to understand what God wants you to do for him than he will always support you WHERE WE CHEAT OURSELVES 1. Offering: In offering we show God how much we love Him. How can you give God torn money as offering? God doesn’t believe in what we say but what we do. As soon as Abraham offered Isaac to God that was when God spoke to Abraham and said, “Now I know that you love me.” In the time of Moses any sin you commit, you will have to offer a sacrifice for it. Offering means giving out something from the lesser to the greater, e.g Man to God. When you see good things you need to learn them rather than crucify them. Try to emulate good things; offering

is what you give with your heart.

2. Tithe: Everybody is supposed to pay tithe, whether they like it or not. A tithe is one-tenth of your income. Anytime you eat your tithe, then you are bound to be poor.

Tithe makes God to preserve any money that comes into your hand. If you pay your tithe, you don’t spend money unnecessarily in the hospital. Tithe brings protection to your money.

BENEFIT OF TITHES 1. Tithes make God to open a book of remembrance of you. Mal 3:17-18 2. Paying tithes is a part of service to God. 3. The first fruit: Every first born is of God. First fruit is also your first income in your business which you give to God. Leviticus 2:12-14, Exodus 4:8 4. Seed sowing: A man that sows a seed enjoys his life every day. Ordinarily, a seed is an object inside the fruit of a flowering plant that you dig the ground to plant for it to grow and bring forth more fruit. Seed is what leaves your hand and enters ground and you allow it to grow. Seed is something important in the life of every person. The place to sow seed is in the life of the servant of God, strangers, orphans and the work of God or widows. Sacrifice is an offering that which is more valuable to you so as to get something better than that. Every act of giving creates a way for something new to come in.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Faith

Hold fast to your vision Mystery ofAnxiety Bishop

John Ogbansiegbe

0803 341 6327

V

ision is the key of life, where there is a dream. There is faith, and faith is the substance of fulfilment of what you are hoping for. Having a dream or a vision is inherent in every human being. What do you imagine yourself doing? What is your dream? What do you an o accomplish? Are you doing what you really want to do with your life?

May be you once had ideas of what you wanted to be or do, and you still have those ideas. Do you see yourself becoming a lawyer and starting your own firm? Do you dream of owning a successful boutique where people are waiting in line to buy the fashion items you designed? Do you dream of owning a daycare centre that has a first class curriculum and services with 200 children?

Do you want to be an international writer of note? Do you imagine yourself owning a prosperous business and being able to give more money to your church? Do you dream about going back to school and doing something with your education and academic ability?

People have all kinds of ideas in their mind, but they rarely act on them. Most of the times, five or 10 years pass by, and they still have not done anything. Procrastination is the graveyard of dreams, visions and good intensions. Twenty years may even pass by, yet they have not been able to accomplish their dreams and visions.

The most frustrated person in the world is that person who has a dream, but does not know how to bring it to pass. His is the person whose dream has become a nightmare of unfulfilled expectations.

When people feel that they are just wandering through life and wasting their potential, their despair can spill over into other areas of their lives, including their relationships; causing additional heartaches. Those people come to the end of their lives, drained rather than completed, because there is no relationship between their jobs and their visions. There is no relationship between their present circumstances with their dreams. It is frustrating to have an idea or a dream for many years without actualising it or bringing it to fulfilment. Are you tired of having expectations that never work out?

Maybe by now you have so many unfulfilled dreams that it hurts to think about it, and to dream more dreams. Perhaps, you started to pursue your vision, but you got sidelined or something beyond your control went wrong, and you abandoned it. Maybe there was enough money or it was too time consuming.

Maybe you had too many detractors

Don’t quit, don’t give up, and don’t be pessimistic about your dream. It can still be done. You are unique, you are special.

That is why God saddled you with the responsibility of executing that vision and many people discouraging you, and working against you. Maybe you are too tied down with what you are doing presently. Maybe your immediate family said that your vision would never succeed. After all these considerations, you felt like forgetting about your dream.

Don’t quit, don’t give up, and don’t be pessimistic about your dream. It can still be done. You are unique, you are special.

That is why God saddled you with the responsibility of executing that vision.

Remember all things are possible to him that believes – Mark 9:23.

You were designed by God not to be like others, but to stand out. Think of the thousands of kinds of flowers in the world. They are all flowers but each one is unique in its species. Think of a forest, at a glance, all the trees seem to look alike. When you get closer, however, you will see that the shape of each tree is unique. Each type of tree has leaves with a distinct design. Why? His is because uniqueness is part of God’s creations.

Individual design is as true of humanity

as it is true of nature. God does not want anyone to get lost in the midst of everyone else. There are over six billion people on the planet, and not one of them has your fingerprints. This is an astonishing truth and we must live in the daily consciousness of its reality. If we don’t remind ourselves of this reality on a daily basis, there is a tendency to be lost in the crowd, where some people may consider you to be just another person; a mere cheap common consideration. Don’t accept that. You are specially made. You are irreplaceable. There is no one else like you on earth. God made you that way because He wants you to be perpetually unique. See yourself as one in a million.

Once again, your dreams are your future and even through the thick darkness of life’s storms don’t give up. Nothing is impossible, as long as you believe.

Those goals you feel are unreachable are possible to achieve. Do not procrastinate your plans about your dreams. Remove your eyes from the gigantic obstacles before you. Have faith in God, have confidence in yourself, trust and believe also in the power, potency and Almightiness of God. It has once been said by a notable philosopher, Langston Hough, “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life becomes a broken winged bird that cannot fly.”

I prophesy to you this day that as you determine to pursue and hold onto your dream and vision, your life and achievements will become a monumental celebration to your generation in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Pay your tithe into the storehouse the of

Oracles God

Frank Oboden Olomukoro frankolomukoro@yahoo.com

0703 362 1866

That is the scriptural instruction. Tithe is not to be paid to the Pastor but to the storehouse or into the coffers of the local assembly. Malachi 3:10 “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” The question is commonly asked; Where should I tithe?

To the ‘storehouse.’ The storehouse in Israel was the temple and cities of the Levites; It is today the place where one receives spiritual food and help (that is, your local church where there are members or attendees). Deuteronomy 12:11: “Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there: thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your land, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD.” Who are entitled to the Tithes?

The high priest, the priests and the Levites as commanded in the Law unto Moses. It is today, those who are in the five-fold ministry (Apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists and teachers) have a command from the Lord to receive tithes.

(Hebrews 7). These tithes are not given, but paid, because the tithes belong to the Lord and according to Malachi 3:10, we are to bring those tithes to the storehouse

where we are being fed spiritually. Not random giving into any church or ministry or charitable organisation as some will want to do.

What Happens If I Don’t Tithe?

God calls you a robber and your disobedience causes you to live under a curse.

Malachi 3:8-9: “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me even this whole nation.”

When Christians don’t tithe, they “rob” God of the opportunity to bless their lives. When Christians don’t tithe they limit what God can do in their lives and limit the impact the local church will have in a community.

Is tithing an obligation?

Every Christian is obligated to pay tithe because it is a command by the Lord. Tithing is essential to the Christian experience. Every Christian should pay tithe. You know I feel like this, that the first obligation of a member of a church

is his or her tithe and offering to support their church. That is your first duty to God. The man who loves God will take pleasure in supporting God’s work.

Tithes pay the preacher. He’s to live off of the tithes of the people. Pay your tithes and the preacher (the Pastor, the teacher, the evangelist, the prophets and apostles) will be paid.

How Much Should I Tithe?

A Biblical tithe is 10% of your pre- tax income (gross income) and could be as much as God leads you to tithe above 10%. The 10% is a starting point. The more abundantly you give to God the more you receive correspondingly. You are to tithe on all income that comes to you (that is, salary, dividends, interest income, insurance proceeds, inheritances, profits from businesses, tax refunds, etc).

Proverbs 3:9 “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase…”

What are the benefits of tithing?

I have never seen in my life that any

man or woman will bring 10% of his or her earnings and put it into the storehouse (your church where you come) and is not blessed. That is a challenge from God. If I will not open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10.

People are not blessed after tithing because they shut the windows of heaven by their attitude. I know people take their tithes and give them to a widow woman or the needy neighbour or even church members. That is wrong! If you have got anything to give the widow woman, give her but don’t give her God’s money.

That’s not yours in the first place, that’s God. Why should we tithe?

It is God’s way of ensuring we have a blessed life by including Him in our finances. Besides, it is a spiritual command from God to walk in obedience to the Word of God; with an intent and purpose to support the ministry, work and vision

Christian life: Are you winning souls for God or for Satan? 2 The Soul Winning for God Foundation

Evang. Ezenwa Cyril C

info.thesoulwinningf@yahoo.com

08032614653/07086274165

D

o you masturbate? Are you collecting bribes? Do you smuggle contraband, cocaine or heroin? Do you smoke?

Are you a baby mama? Are you a wife beater or husband beater? Are you always nagging? Do you have an unforgiving spirit or heart? Are you a polygamist? Are you always marrying and divorcing? Are you a man but you put on women’s gar-

ments and dress like women? Are you a woman but you dress in men’s garments?

Are you among those who dress to expose their body just to seduce men or women?

Are you a homosexual or gay practitioner?

Are you a lesbian? Are you more satisfied to have sexual intercourse with animals than your lawful married wife or husband? All these are unrighteousness and an abomination unto God. Abominable people cannot enter into the kingdom of God but have their portion in hell fire. A Christian is not a seducer; a seducer is not a Christian. Are you a gossip or easily angered? Amend your ways and seek for mercy. Come unto Jesus Christ, no matter whatever sin you might have committed.

Make your case before Him that He will justify and vindicate you. Jesus Christ is

ready to accept you even if your sin is as black as scarlet or as red as crimson. He will wipe them away. If a man is in Christ he is a new creature, behold old things are passed away and everything has become new. If the son of God shall set you free, you shall be free indeed.

Brethren, surrender to Jesus Christ for a better Christian life. The enemy is using your weak point to fight you. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all its righteousness and every other thing shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33). Are you not aware that unrighteousness separates you from God’s love? “Ah sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a band of evil doers, children given to corruption, they have forsaken the Lord, they have spurned the Holy one of Israel and turned their back on Him.

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Koinonia camp meeting: Ministers urged to work in unity

T

Stanley Ihedigbo

he International President of the Koinonia Ministerial Network, Pastor Tony Olukoyede has urged men of God in the country to work together, so as to encourage and strengthened one another in the gospel ministries.

Speaking at the annual ministers’ camp meeting recently at the Purpose Life Retreat Centre, in Ogun state, Pastor Olukoyede said that God had revealed that every minister of the gospel has his distinct anointing and that none has the same disposition like any other one, but pointed out that all must work together to reflect the glory of God. He further said God told him to inform the church leaders make their unique aspects always available for the benefit of the body of Christ.

Olukoyede recalled that the Bible enjoined Christians to share their faith and affairs; also lift up their voice in one accord because they would have become one body. He added that one of the major objectives for the bringing different church leaders together for the camp meeting was to encourage and strengthened one another.

According to him, every man of God could only start the work of ministry unto God it was by the special grace of God. “The Bible said that woe to that person that is alone because God created man

based on unity and agreement as God said let us create man in our image,” he added .

Olukoyede urged the ministers of the good news to ensure that unity existed amongst God’s servants.

“Unity is very important in the mist of the men of God in order strengthen one another, also to put things in place in area of order in their various ministries.

The Senior Pastor of the Purposeful Life Church and the President of the Purposeful Life Retreat Centre, observed that fostering unity and healthy relationship among gospel ministers in the country was central to objective of the yearly camp meeting.

He recalled how he started to make a new ground for new church, around 1994.

“I was called into apostolic. The different thing between what I was doing then and entering the apostolic is that, what I did for about 9 years when I was called is like personal ministry to bring the word of God to the people as disciple, Jesus has commended, that we should, make the disciple of the entire nation.

“But what we do in the apostolic is that we take the blessing to the larger body of Jesus. Beyond personal thing and beginning to be useful, impact and add value to leaders of leaders, at first I was very reluctantly.

“The calling came through different encounters I had with God and with men.

I found out that from year one, when I

Olukoyede urged the ministers of the good news to ensure that unity exist amongst God’s servants started, pastors are always seek my advice to help their ministries. But I don’t know it is a calling and anointing or gift that is from God and I also have a lot respect to men of God, who are called into the ministry,” he said.

Olukoyede , who celebrated his birthday at the camp meeting, thanked God for His mercies and goodness towards in his life and ministry.

The event featured distinguished ministers like Rev. Tope Popoola, Apostle Benson Ashiedu, Bishop Bolu Fam , Bishop Oscar , Rev. Tope Daramola and Apostle Joseph Ifepariola.

The various seminars and workshops at the conference featured topic covering systems and structures in ministry, finance and investment, conflict resolution, raising disciples for natural transformation, family life and church and politics.

The resoursce person and facilitators included distinguished ministers such as Pastor Abbey Adenigba, Rev, Amaka Nwabueze, Bishop Wale Adekoya, Rev. Chimdiebere, also Pastor Jonathan Imogu, Pastor Dare Omole, Bishop Matthew Nkumah, Pastor Yinka Ige and Apostle Bisi Olaoya.

Olukoyede

Apostle Olukoyede and wife, Folakemi

The Purpose Church Choir ministering during Apostle Tony Olukoyede’s 50th birthday thanksgiving

Apostle Tony Olukoyede, Pastor Folakemi and friends during the thanksgiving

Apostle Tony Olukoyede and Pastor Folakemi , with children during the thanksgiving

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Scenes from Thanksgiving Service at the Purpose Life Retreat Centre, Sagamu, Ogun State, recently

Faith

Olukoyede, Madubuko, Mrs. Olukoyede, and other ministers at the occassion Middle; Olukoyede and wife, Apostle Wole Oladiyun at the event

Rev. Tope Popoola during the thanksgiving service at Purpose Life Retreat Centre Apostle Tony Olukoyede and wife dancing with the congregration during their thanksgiving service

The Purpose Church Choir ministering during the event

A cross section of brothers during the thanksgiving service at the purpose life retreat centre

R-L: Apostle Oladiyun Moyo and Damope Olukoyede, Apostle Madubuko, Pastor Olukoyede, Folakemi and Pelumi Olukoyede and Pastor Jefferson

R-L: Apostle Dele Johnson, Pastor Femi Asiwaju, Rev Tope Popoola during the thanksgiving service at Purpose Life Retreat Centre

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

Thus spoke the Bishops Firm Faith:

Right Reason Most Rev.

Emmanuel A. Badejo fradebadejo@yahoo.

0803 949 4219 (SMS only)

Be free but controlled Contemporary democratization of information, for all its positive aspects challenges the concept of objective truth.

With the advent of the information super highway and the social media, multitudes of people who waited and depended on leaders and authority figures for instruction and information have been led to simply choose from a variety of sources or simply auto-instruct or self-inform.

Today everyone is audience and author/ producer all at once. Still in the free, market place of data and information society needs voices of reason. The sanity of society can simply not be built on the unbridled subjectivism. Freedom fulfills its true function only when it is refined by integrity, formation and experience.

Concerned for the present and the future, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, seeks to focus the mind of the public on truth and values which must never be jettisoned. Truly, the future will be impoverished and inauthentic if the past is not factored into it. In order to know the road ahead, say the Chinese, ask those coming back.

Respect creation and humanity After its second plenary meeting at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, Igwuruta, Port Harcourt, the CBCN called attention to the recent monumental encyclical of Pope

Francis “Laudato Si”, on the care for our common home, the earth and God’s creation. It also recalled the announcement by the Pope of a “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation” starting on September 1, 2015. CBCN called on all Nigerians to embrace respect and care for God’s creation as a corollary for all life which is God’s alone to give. The Bishops quoted the pope’s encyclical: “The ecological crisis that we experience today summons nations, international communities, Christians, Muslims, people of other religions, local communities, families, individuals, all persons of goodwill not only to the responsibility of justice but also to a profound spiritual and ecological conversion; from consumerism to sacrifice; from greed to generosity; and from wastefulness to sharing”. These words command attention. Yet other exhortations of the Bishops’ are as follows: Reject the culture of death “We observe with deep concern the rise of the orientation towards homosexuality and lesbianism as well as bisexual and transgender activism in many parts of the world (perhaps not excluding our own). We re-iterate our unreserved condemnation of all acts of homosexuality as sinful and opposed to the natural law of creation. We call on our government to continue to resist the attempt by some external governments and agencies to impose an acceptance of same-sex unions.

Nevertheless, we maintain that persons with these orientations should be assisted pastorally, spiritually and psychologically, with respect for their dignity as human persons created in the image and likeness of God. Ponder the state of the Nation The elections have come and gone. It is

World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation” starting on September 1, 2015 time now for real governance and we call on our leaders to work for the common good of all our citizens. We congratulate the Nigerian government and all the security agencies on the achievements recorded so far in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency. The refugees and internally displaced persons are gradually returning to their homes. As we pledge our willingness to collaborate with the government on the modalities of their movement and resettlement, we enjoin the government and other humanitarian agencies to start putting in place practical measures necessary for immediate rehabilitation, reconstruction and the reconciliation of the victims and their families.

Cast away corruption and injustice Since it came into existence, this Conference of Bishops has constantly condemned corruption, violence and injustice and has consistently urged all Nigerians, especially those who hold public offices, to embrace a life of transparency and service.

For many years, the Catholic Church has offered public prayers against bribery and corruption in Nigeria. It is therefore a welcome development that the present government has made the fight against corruption and insurgency central to its program. We affirm that the war against corruption is not just a battle for virtue and righteousness in our land but a fight for the soul and substance of our nation. This is a collective responsibility that requires our collective efforts. All Nigerians should be part of this struggle, which ought to be

carried out at all levels, in order that we may recover our wasted opportunities. To guarantee sustainable success in fighting corruption, Nigerians must transcend ethnic, religious and regional affiliations and sentiments. Those who are genuinely identified to have either stolen or recklessly used the national wealth must be compelled to make comprehensive restitution. In this process, we strongly urge all to eschew personal interest, political vendetta, and bitterness. Those with the mandate to facilitate this process should be guided by a true sense of justice and act in accordance with the rule of law.

Invigorate Nigeria’s economy At the moment, the Nigerian economy is in distress. More and more Nigerians are now struggling or are unable to provide the basic needs for their families. Unemployment is growing beyond control, leaving many of our citizens, especially the younger ones, to migrate, both locally and to other countries. This exposes them to inhuman conditions, including different forms of immorality and criminality.

In many cases, young promising lives are wasted on our streets, in the deserts of some African countries and on the shores of Europe. We therefore appreciate the desire of the government to re-invest in the agricultural sector and to seek other alternatives to oil and gas, which have fared very badly in the recent past. We encourage the federal and state governments, the private sector and individual Nigerians to intensify their efforts in exploring the means of diversifying the sources of national income, while initiating genuine policies that would protect the citizens, create wealth and engage our teeming unemployed youth”. May these words find root in the hearts of all.

Oh Lord, show me the way Insight Rev.

Femi Akinola

www.thehebrewsng.com

01-790 3163; 0808 584 5864

“J

esus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 Beloved, there is a way to follow in life if you must fulfill your destiny. Once you are not on that path, then your quest for fulfillment in life is greatly dicey. This is because it is on that path that assistance and guidance have been prepared for you. Every wrong route designed from any coven of darkness to confuse you shall close up in Jesus name.

“O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps,” Jeremiah 10:23 In your destiny book, you are not billed to pass through unnecessary suffering because there is a direction, a blueprint you must follow in life (this includes your career, business and every other aspect of your life). No matter how learned or civilised you may be, if the instruction of the Instructor of life (Jesus Christ) is neglected, locating your greatness will only be a mirage. The way that you must follow has been pre-programmed and predestinated; failure to locate it will only result in shame and disappoint-

ment. You must locate the way you should go and walk in it because every way is not your way.

Characteristics of this way 1. The way of the Lord is perfect – Psalms 18:30.

2. His way is strength to the upright – Pro 10:29 3. His ways are just and true – Rev 15:3 4. He is capable of making ways even in the desert – Isaiah 43:19 Follow the master planner “The Son of Man is going just as it is written of Him;” Matthew 26:24a (AMP) During the sojourn of Christ on earth, even though He is the Son of God, He had a script, a route which He had to follow in order to accomplish His mission on earth. So also do you have a plan which must be followed and the only way to locate this plan is to follow the Master Planner Himself. There is a script that has been written of you to act out in life; for your success and profiting, you cannot do anything outside this script. The same applied to Christ when He was on earth; He had to act out the script as written and directed by God the Father.

“Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured [it] upon his head, and kissed him, and said, (Is it) not because the LORD hath anointed thee (to be) captain over his inheritance? When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel’s sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What

Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured [it] upon his head, and kissed him, and said, (Is it) not because the LORD hath anointed thee (to be) captain over his inheritance shall I do for my son? Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine: And they will salute thee, and give thee two [loaves] of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands. After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where [is] the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.” 1 Samuel 10:1-6 (KJV) This is an account of Saul and the way he had to go for him to mount the throne. Saul located his way and got information. He was still in touch with the Lord and on that divine path – he got food and sustenance, he was also divinely instructed – on the route. When you go as it is written, when you follow

the way as planned and programmed by heaven, your life becomes exciting; you will find material, spiritual and even financial fulfillment and this way you never can locate by guesswork.

When you know the way, you can’t fail like others, neither can you be stranded, instead you will be celebrated. Beloved, all those who are being celebrated today were able to locate the way; though things might not be easy initially, because the path to greatness is never an easy one, but as you continue, you life becomes better.

“Now Abram was extremely rich in livestock and in silver and in gold.”

Genesis 13:2 (AMP) Abraham located the way he would go and he did not depart from it. Initially, he was said to be a cattle rearer but later, the Bible says, he became rich in silver and gold and had several servants. The earlier you locate this route, way the better for you in life.

How can you locate your path in life?

• Isaiah 55:7-9 – Let go of that wicked and unruly way of life.

• Psalms 119:9(AMP) – Let the Holy Spirit lead you or direct you to locate the right word of God. • Isaiah 30:21(GNB) – Be in the spirit.

• Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.

• II Cor 5:7(AMP) – Live by faith and not by sight Write me through; info@thehebrewsng.com.0809 237 7861, 0808 584 5864.You can also listen to my messages on our Podcast: www.thehebrewsng. com/podcast.Rev’d Femi Akinola – The Hebrews International, Lekki, Lagos.

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Faith

Many pastors need deliverance - Obaseki Senior Pastor Peter Israel A. Obaseki is the General Overseer of Divine Grace of Glory Church International Inc. with headquarters in Benin, Edo State. In this interview with CAJETAN MMUTA, he speaks on challenges in God’s vineyard, his success story and other issues

May we know you and how you came into God’s ministry.

Thank you very much. I am Pastor Peter Israel A. Obaseki. I am the Senior Pastor of Divine Grace of Glory Church in Benin.

We are based at 40, Ajayi Street, Benin as our branch while our international headquarters is at Iduogha town just after Igba junction on Auchi Road, also in Benin. Yes, I came into the ministry in 2004 and before then I was born and brought up in a Christian home. My father was a minister of the gospel. We were born under his ministry while he was a pastor under the Assemblies of God Nigeria. I never had interest in working as a pastor. I planned to be a businessman but all my efforts in travelling up and down were always frustrated.

I got the revelation that I had the call of God but I never gave it any attention because I was not interested and because of what my father suffered in the ministry. My father suffered so much in the ministry as a pastor that he could not train any of his children.

He was one of those pastors that believed in giving everything to the ministry and unto God. He was in the ministry and he was also a farmer yet none of us could be trained in school. So, there was so much poverty and difficulties around the family.

My father had about 11 chiidren but none of us was trained, so, all these contributed to my discouragement. I said if I become a

pastor, that meant I would experience the kind of life my father had. He was a very sincere man of God but when I saw that the family load was on me and I was not doing well as well; anything I put my hands was frustrated. I even travelled to Libya to hustle and take care of my family as the first son but it was rough. The sign was always coming to me in my revelation, the sign of the call of God. One day I was lying down in Saaba, Nigeria’s ghetto in Libya, and a mad man came to me and began to hit me everywhere. He said, “God is calling you, you have refused to answer.” As I opened my eyes and looked up, it was a mad man. I got up and began to run, the mad man pursued me and said God was calling me but I refused to answer. He everybody should tell me to go and work for God or I would die prematurely. So, everybody was laughing there but they didn’t understand. I understood because I had been getting the signs.

So in 2002 when Nigerians were deported back to the country from Libya I was one of them. It was then President Obasanjo who received us. When I came back, I decided to seek the face of God. I went to the prayer mountain and stayed there for seven days. I asked God what He wanted me to do. It was still the same sign that was coming; then I gave up and decided to work for God. That was when I started. I gave myself in the service of God in the church which I was then,

Obaseki

the Assemblies of God. The unction was still very strong to be a man of God. And I asked God where do I go to? Then I was in Ibadan. God said I should come down to Benin; I knew nobody in Benin. I came down to Benin. I went to my village, Irrua. I was staying with my mother then. I needed money to start, at least to get a room in Be-

nin but there was none. I was watching the television because I always watched men of God preach, I saw a man of God preaching and he asked people to come for counselling after his message. I wrote the address down and after I told my mother that I would like CO NTINUED O N PAGE 52

The dominion mandate Hour of Deliverance Pastor Isaac Adelugba xxxxxx

08058023548

Before you begin to read this message, I want you to make these confessions loud and clear.

• I confess that the Son has made free (John 8:36). I possess absolute freedom in the name of Jesus.

• I confess that I am “redeemed of the LORD” (Psalm 107:2) I possess redemption benefits everyday in the name of Jesus.

• I confess that I can lay my hands on the sick and they will recover (Mark 16:18) I possess healing power for those oppressed by sickness, in the name of Jesus.

• Never Again will I confess “I can’t” for I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13) • Never again will I confess lack for “my God shall supply all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

• Never again will I confess supremacy of Satan over my life for “Greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world” (I John 4:4).

• I confess that “the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:11) I possess Lionhearted boldness in spiritual warfare against the devil in the name of Jesus.

• I confess that “He hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). I possess the presence of God in each step of my way in the name of

Jesus.

• I confess that in the name of Jesus I can cast out devils (Mark 16:17). I posses the authority for dynamic deliverances.

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

The first verse of the Bible is very succinct; however, it has a very deep explanation. God introduced Himself in this very verse and by saying in the beginning. God is not subject to time. Rather, He created it. The Hebrew word translated “God” in Genesis 1:1 is ELOHIM: A name associated with God is the Creator.

In Exodus 3:14 “And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.”

God also revealed Himself to Moses as I AM THAT I AM. God did not introduce anything or anybody before Himself in the book of Genesis. This is the way it should be because only God can reveal Himself and His works to us.

Reading Genesis chapter 1 further and coming to Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 1:26-27 “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” The word ‘image’ is translated from the Hebrew word ‘Tselem’ which can mean resemblance, representative figure or essential nature. Human beings have the essential nature of God. The word ‘Likeness’ is derived from ‘Demunth,’ a Hebrew word which connotes resemblance, similitude, shape, figure,

The prevailing principle of the kingdom of God is permanent expansion. The expansion of the Kingdom of God should be our mindset. There should be no decrease, shrinkage but continuous expansion as witnessed in the early church.

Acts 2:41 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”

Acts 4:4 “Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number form or pattern. We are not God but we of the men was about five thousand.” have His nature and characteristics.

Acts 5:12-16 “And by the hands of the Psalm 8:5 says: “For thou hast made him apostles were many signs and wonders a little lower than the angels, and hast wrought among the people; (and they crowned him with glory and honour.” were all with one accord in Solomon’s Psalm 115:16 “The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: but the earth hath porch.

And of the rest durst no man join himself he given to the children of men.” to them: but the people magnified them.

Man is meant to be on earth as God is And believers were the more added to in heaven. God created us originally as the Lord, multitudes both of men and His sons and He blessed us. The word women.) Insomuch that they brought ‘blessed’ means ‘endowed.’ forth the sick into the streets, and laid Genesis 1:26-28 says: “And God said, them on beds and couches, that at the least Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the shadow of Peter passing by might the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round air, and over the cattle, and over all the about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, earth, and over every creeping thing that and them which were vexed with unclean creepeth upon the earth. So God created spirits: and they were healed every one.” man in his own image, in the image of The Word ‘subdue’ is translated from God created he him; male and female the Hebrew word ‘Kabash’ which litercreated he them. And God blessed them, ally means ‘to tread down’ and conveys and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and such ideas as conquer, subjugate, bring multiply, and replenish the earth, and into bondage, keep under and bring into subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, subjection.

‘Subdue’ is a term often related to and over every living thing that moveth military power that indicates “the force to upon the earth” overcome or bring under control.”

People were created to have dominion The Word ‘Dominion’ is translated from or to rule over situations, circumstances the Hebrew word ‘rabah’ and this word and our environment. We are God’s legal means to “tread down, subjugate, prevail representatives to apply or enforce His against, reign or bear rule.” kingdom laws on earth.

There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one

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Faith

Test the Holy Ghost dimension Taming your Emotions Bishop

Lawrence Osagie 0806 325 0667 www.powerlineministriesinc.org mail:powerlineministries@mail.com

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ut you shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the utter most part of the earth,” Acts 1:8.

If you are saved and baptised in the Holy Spirit, you are empowered with the power of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Spirit is the executive arm of the Godhead. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all equal and co-creators.

In the beginning, during creation we saw the work of God; so also do we see the moving of the Holy Spirit. “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face if the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters,” Genesis 1:2.

In the midst of darkness, chaos and voidness, the ministry of the Holy Spirit took its course before God could move on. At the beginning of the time, God also had a mountain before Him, and to remove the mountain He needed the power of the Holy Ghost. After the Holy Ghost moved, God spoke and said: “Let there be light,” and there was light. Whenever you have the move of the Holy Ghost, things work in your life.

The Holy Ghost had to move for God to continue His process of creation. God is using you and I to express His creative

activities. Every dream in life originates from God and not from man. That is why you can’t accomplish it without the help of the Holy Ghost. For God to need the help of the Holy Ghost goes to show that we also need the assistance of the Holy Ghost.

No believer can live a victorious Christian life without the help of the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Spirit represents the supernatural power of God operating in the lives of mere mortals. The difference between the believer and the non-believer is the presence of the Holy Spirit. With the power of the Holy Ghost, we can become anything in life; nothing will be impossible. Without the help of the Holy Ghost, moving a mountain becomes a struggle.

Every time the power of the Holy Spirit is established in the life of a believer; a witness is established. God is eager to make you a witness. There is no move of God without the involvement and participation of the Holy Spirit.

The Bible is divided into two Testaments - the Old and the New Testaments. In the Old Testament, every Prophet and King that did anything for God had the assistance of the Holy Ghost and the power of God came upon him for his assignment.

No one ever went for a mission without being empowered. Every time Israel went to war with the Spirit of God, they went home triumphant. “Cast me not away from your presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me,” – Psalm 51:11. David cried out to God, “Take not your Holy Spirit from me.” He understood that if the Holy Spirit was taken from him, he would be empty and abandoned. When you expose the devil, you disarm him.

Operations of the Holy Ghost “And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel – 1Kings 18:46. Elijah had the hand of God upon

him. All the experiences in the hand of Elijah (Jezebel, Baal and the Prophets of Baal) were all superhuman. Elijah did not run faster than a horse with his own strength.

He wasn’t trained to be an athlete but the hand of God made it possible. When the Spirit of God rests upon a man he begins to do things he wouldn’t have done under normal circumstances. When the Spirit of God is upon you, it doesn’t matter who started the race before you because you will overtake them. When the Spirit of God comes upon a mere mortal, he begins to do supernatural and extraordinary things.

In the Old Testament, the Holy Ghost didn’t come to reside with man; he came for specific assignments, Judges 14:21.

Samson had the hand of the Holy Spirit upon him. He did supernatural things in his lifetime. The power of the Holy Ghost makes difficult situations crumble before you. Every battle you win by the enabling grace of the Holy Ghost will produce sweetness in your life.

As Christians, we can never be without opposition. We don’t fight for victory, we fight from victory. We are winners before the battle starts. Anyone who carries the anointing of God attracts opposition. It doesn’t take a multitude to win a battle; but the presence of the Holy Spirit. The one who has the power gains the respect.

In the New Testament, the Holy Ghost has come to reside permanently.

“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptised of him.

But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptised of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering and said unto him suffered it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.

Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptised, went up straightway of the water; and, lo, the heavens opened

unto him, and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, this is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3: 13-17.

“Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. Being forty days tempted of the devil, and in those days he did ea nothing; and when they were ended, the he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him, if thou be the son of God. Command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him saying, it is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. “And the devil taken him up into a high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, all this power will I give thee, and the glory of them; for that I delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, get thee behind me Satan for it is written, thou shall worship the Lord the God. And in hi only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, set him in a pinnacle of the temple and said unto him; if thou be the son of God, cast thyself down from thence.

“For it is written, he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee, and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at anytime thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, it is said, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

Why men and women quarrel differently Marriage and Family Intimacy Bishop Charles Ighele holyspiritmissioninc@yahoo.com

07066579379/09098845521

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ecause every cell in the body of a man is different from every cell in the body of a woman, they therefore think differently, decide differently and quarrel differently. When a man talks or quarrels like a woman, fellow men and women sometimes ask him: “Are you a woman?”

Quarrelling with a frustrated spouse Can you imagine the cause of the quarrel between Jacob and his beloved wife Rachael as recorded in Genesis30:1-2?

Rachael woke up that morning with all thoughts consumed with the fact that she had no children after years of marriage. What she did was to confront her husband who was possibly going about his normal business. She said to her husband: “Give me children or else I die” (Genesis 30:1). We cannot tell whether she held her husband or prevented him from going to work. “Why should you get Leah pregnant not me? Two things must happen today. Either you get me pregnant now or I die.” You can see that Rachael was highly frustrated and when many people are frustrated, they lose their sense of reasoning. These were possibly the thoughts that might have made her to confront her husband that beautiful day

thousands of years ago. Jacob’s response did not help matters. Genesis 30:2 tells us that he was very angry and he said: “Am I in God’s stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?” This is certainly not how to respond to a frustrated woman. Jacob “quarreled back” at his frustrated wife. This is typical of what many men do. Jacob quarrelled tit for tat.

His father Isaac, however, behaved differently. When month after month Rebecca his wife kept having her menstrual flow, Genesis 25:21 tells us that Isaac’s response was to pray for his wife. God answered his prayer and she got pregnant. What to do when a quarrel is brewing due to the frustration of your spouse is to lovingly address the reasons for the frustration and give hope. So many times, men and women quarrel due to frustration. In times like this, a very little matter can lead to a verbal explosion. Instead of responding accordingly, hold your peace and begin to think of what might have been getting him or her frustrated. If you cannot lay your hands on anything, wisely confront him or her. Then address the frustration.

Though Rebecca did not angrily confront her husband, Isaac probably did what he would have done if he were confronted.

What Jacob said to Rachael in a fit of anger was probably what was on his mind. We should however not to be too surprised that Jacob didn’t handle the matter well.

As at that time, the sanctified Jacob was not in existence. He had not met God “face to face” at Peniel. His name had not been changed to Israel (Genesis 32:22-33).

Why they quarrel differently Men and women quarrel differently because they are wired to receive and give

information differently. The links between the woman’s brains to her emotions are more than those of the man. Information received, therefore, travels quicker from the woman’s brain to her emotions than that of the man. While the man may take time to process the information in his brain before it gets to the emotions, that of the woman travels so fast that before she knows, she has started reacting internally, verbally or physically. No wonder they end up apologising for their actions more than men. Since the information sings faster, they therefore have more information in their information tank. This makes them talk more. This also makes them talk in details and this gets on the nerves of some men. They also open up more for counselling than men.

Many men think their wives are not reasonable and they jump to conclusion too fast. Yes, they jump to conclusion very fast because the information gets into them very fast. Men who understand this correct their wives with patience and love because they know that that is how God wired them. Their being very fast and the man being slow enables them to arrive at the best decisions if these differences are respected despite errors from both spouses.

Since they have more information on their tender emotions, yet with less physical energy, they can scream and quarrel aloud. Most men don’t want the neighbours to know that there is a quarrel; yet they keep fuelling their wives to scream.

Men should relax at such times. They should swallow their pride and work on their wives to “cool down.” Since women generally find it easier apologising later, than to cease fire, the man who is the

leader should show leadership and get the matter settled or suspended until a more appropriate time. This is not an excuse for women to lose their sense of honour thereby exposing themselves to secret ridicule by neighbours.

If the quarrel between Rachael and Jacob was tabled before family elders or village meetings, the men, who normally constitute a bulk of decision makers, would have proclaimed Rachael guilty. They would have said that Rachael was only being senseless and illogical. But the fact remains that most women quarrel illogically. Your marriage and family matters should not be tabled before family or village elders for settlement. Why expose your inadequacies to people you know more than? As stated earlier, use the conflict resolution strategies as taught by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Most women allow their ‘anger tank’ to be filled with so many minor or major issues before they explode. Sometimes, the issues can be very minor or yet sensitive or many enough to get their ‘anger tank’ hot. Any little spark from any quarter can therefore make them explode and quarrel illogically; whereas the man may still be logically wondering and reasoning out his points for a logical quarrel.

Findings from our institute have shown that men who disregard their wives’ illogicalities and ‘senselessness’ have happier and more naturally submissive wives than men who want to use logic or force to subdue their wives during quarrels.

For now, study her and address the pains of the moment. You can bring your logic later during sober moments. This is one of the ways through which a man provides emotional leadership to a woman.

SundayBusiness SUNDAY

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Manufacturers fret over CBN’s ban on imports

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Experts advise Buhari on rice production

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Paul Ogbuokiri & Stanley Ihedigbo

Everyday 62 winners emerge in Indomie promo p.50

Interview

Expect robust economic growth in Nigeria – Ameln p.49

Paul Ogbuokiri Head, Business paulogbuokiri@newtelegraph online.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

articipants at the just concluded rice fair in Lagos have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to reenergise the backward integration policy on rice initiated by the last administration, with a view to boosting the nation’s self-sufficiency. This comes as there is no effective demand for Nigerian rice brands.

Nigeria is said to be spending about $4 billion (about N600 billion) annually on imported rice. According to the Chairman of UMZA Farms and owner of Umza Rice Mill, producers of Sarauniyya Golden Rice brand in Kano, Alhaji Umar Abubakar, with the current surge in paddy rice production in the country, Nigeria has a good chance of becoming self-sufficient in rice production in less than two years if government sustains its policy on agriculture.

Speaking at the just concluded rice fair, he stated that there is the need for government to increase incentives to rice farmers to attract those currently importing to embrace rice farming.

The UMZA Farms chairman further stated that achieving complete self-sufficiency in rice production and exiting importation wouldonly happen if more Nigerians venture into rice milling to raise the national capacity.

Abubakar, who stated that his mill is currently produces at 75 per cent installed capacity, said he has a stockpile of about 100, 000 metric tons of paddy rice brought in from Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, Gombe and Adamawa states.

He put the price value of paddy stock in his mill at more than N2 billion, with the post-mill value potentially at nearly double the amount.

He also said that to enter the consumer market with confidence and credibility, the company sent samples of its paddy as well as milled rice to the National Cereal Research Institute in Badegi, Niger State, for quality assurance tests and determination of the nutritional value.

According to him, the test showed that the locally produced Nigerian long grain rice is far superior to the Thai and Indian long grain rice in the Nigerian market.

Abubakar, therefore, called on Nigerian investors to venture into agribusiness, particularly cereals processing, assuring them of high returns on investment.

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, said recently that Nigeria spends an average of $4bn annually on the importation of rice.

Speaking at the recent Africa Rising Conference in Maputo, Emefiele who featured as a panelist in a session with the theme: ‘Structural Transformation and Private Sector Development in Sub-Saharan Africa,’ said: “Agriculture is key to economic development in Africa. On the average, Nigeria spends about $4 billion annually on the importation of rice.”

Locations for rice farming in Nigeria

Agriculture is key to economic development in Africa. On the average, Nigeria spends about $4 billion annually on the importation of rice

Buhari

Vice-president of the Association of Small Business Owners (Agriculture Section), Mr. Oladipupo Stephen, said locally produced rice can barely feed 50 per cent of Nigerians.

He said urged government to sustain its backward integration programme on rice to make rice cultivation and processing more attractive than importation.

He said, “Government should assist in bringing mechanised equipment and subsidise same when renting them to farmers

in the country. This is because we have good rice in Nigeria. It is through subsidising the machines for rice production that all the efforts of government will yield result and things will take shape.”

According to the Chairman of NigeriaSouth Africa Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Foluso Phillips, Nigerians can easily grow rice because of its inherent abundant resources. He added that rice farmers need incentives to continue in the business and make importation unattractive.

The three-day fair targeted at boosting Nigeria’s quest to attain self-sufficiency in rice production and processing was organised

by Growth and Employment in States – Wholesale and Retail Sector (GEMS4), with funding by DFID/UKaid and the World Bank. The Lagos Rice Fair is coming after the successful Kano Rice Fair.

The fair with the theme, ‘Growing Business Opportunities with Nigerian Rice,’ provided a platform to the general public to experience firsthand the quality of Nigerian rice. It was also an opportunity for the business community on the huge opportunities in wholesale and retail distribution of the products.

According to the organisers, the stimulation of market system changes will enCO NTINUED O N PAGE 48

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Manufacturers fret over CBN’s ban on imports

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Paul Ogbuokiri

igerian companies, especially in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods sector, may soon run out of raw materials and be forced to shut down as the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ban on about 700 goods bites harder.

CBN had restricted access to foreign currency for the importation of 41 categories of items to stop the slide of the Naira but the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria said this in fact amounted to about 680 individual items.

The foreign exchange bans are part of a long-term plan by President Muhammadu Buhari to encourage local manufacturing.

But it is feared that they could push the economy closer to recession after growth halved in the second quarter compared with the same period last year.

Many items on the CBN’s list, ranging from incense and toothpicks to plywood, glass and steel products, are not available in Nigeria in sufficient volumes.

While Nigeria grows a lot of tomatoes, transport is poor. The nation also lacks facilities to produce the concentrate needed by factories for the production of tomato paste.

“We’ve taken this matter up with CBN and the highest authority in this country.

Fiscal authorities will also be involved; they weren’t before,” Director-General of

MAN, Remi Ogunmefun, said.

According to him, MAN had told CBN that 105 items should be removed from the list, but it agreed to look into removing 44 items.

“We also suggested 93 finished items that should be added to the list because Nigeria produces enough of them,” he said.

Since the banking regulator unveiled its controls in June, manufacturers have had to deal with foreign suppliers who are worried they won’t get paid. They also struggle to convince banks to approve dollar payments.

“It takes a minimum of 10 days now to get dollars. Before it was 24-48 hours, and sometimes when you request like $100,000, you only get $80,000 and it’s getting worse,” said an executive at a large furniture company, asking not to be named.

It’s not clear which imports are still allowed as the CBN lists only categories.

He can still bring in beds and chairs to be assembled in Nigeria, but not sofas.

Some firms have defaulted on contracts and lost credit lines. “Many companies have defaulted on fulfilling foreign obligations ... even blue chip companies ... for the first time,” said Muda Yusuf, director general of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce.

Nigeria stepped up import controls when Buhari led a military government in the 1980s and the economy suffered then too.

Razia Khan, Chief Economist, Africa at Standard Chartered Bank, said there was little certainty the latest controls would boost manufacturing.

“Nigeria has had substantial experience with similar import-substitution policies in the past,” said Khan. “Rarely have they

succeeded in creating a vibrant, competitive industrial sector, with the capability of creating the employment growth that Nigerian demographics otherwise demand,” he told Reuters.

According to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Nigeria is short of 600,000 tonnes a year of palm oil that is used to make soap, detergents and cosmetics that have also been restricted. Pharmaceutical firms lack bottles and glass manufacturers don’t have the glass to make them.

Sunday Telegraph also learnt that companies suffer from CBN’s attempt to stop the dollarisation of the economy. A ban on cash deposits of foreign currency has forced firms to use informal ‘transfer markets,’ whereby people abroad wire dollars on a company’s behalf.

That exchange rate is well below the official rate to the dollar.

Airtel partners NIBSS to introduce BVN query service

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elecoms operator, Airtel Nigeria, has announced a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) to provide Nigerians a much easier way to access their Bank Verification Numbers on their mobile phones.

With this initiative, bank customers who have registered at their banks for BVN, can obtain their BVNs, at any time, by dialing the USSD code *565*0# on their mobile phones.

Recall that chaotic situations were recorded in most banks’ premises in Nigeria, recently, as thousands of customers besieged banks in a bid to beat the initial deadline for the BVN enrolment which was earlier billed to expire on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.

The BVN, a Central Bank of Nigeria initiative, which was launched in February 2014, is being supported by the bankers’ committee. It is aimed at protecting bank customers and further strengthening the Nigerian banking system. It was among other things, introduced to address safety of customers’ funds, avoid losses through compromise of personal identification numbers and other criminal activities in the industry.

The BVN is a unique number that enables one person to have a single identity in the banking system. It basically ensures that a customer’s identity is not stolen. A customer is only expected to register at one bank, irrespective of the number of accounts he has.

Speaking on the new service, Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Commercial Officer, Maurice Newa, said Airtel is committed to providing relevant services that will empower Nigerians to realize their full potentials and fulfill their dreams.

“We are excited that the NIBSS has chosen to partner with us to deliver real value to Nigerians. At Airtel, we will continue to explore further opportunities to partner with the Nigerian government at

L-R: Head Corporate Communications, Skye Bank, Rasheed Bolarinwa; Relationship Officer Skye Bank, Ikorodu branch, Oluwaseun Awoleye; the proud winner of N100,000 category, a teacher, Mrs. Martha Ikpo; and Head, Small Business Group Skye Bank, Ayo Olojede at the presentation of cheques to winners of the ongoing “Reach For The Skye Millionaire” reward scheme held in Lagos

Experts advise Buhari on rice production CO N T I N U E D F R O M PAG E 4 7

courage growth and access; resulting in the creation of 10,000 new jobs and increased incomes for over 500,000 people, especially the poor and women in the rice value chain.

The project will be implemented in Lagos, Kano, Kaduna and Cross River states, though interventions will be extended to other states where impact can be maximised.

The Lagos fair had in attendance over 13 major Nigerian rice brands. The initiative gave further impetus to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to attain rice sufficiency through building local capacity in rice production.

“Stimulating effective demand and consumption for Nigerian rice brands is crucial for food security and self-sufficiency,’ said GEMS4 Senior Intervention Manager, Busuyi Okeowo.

Meanwhile, the Management Information System Officer for State FADAMA Office in Lagos, Mr. Oladipo Azeez, has said youths are being trained in rice production in the state. At the end of the training, they are supported by FADAMA with financial aid and advisory services to go into rice production and start their own farms.

According to him, about 3, 000 youths

participated in the programme, while rice plantations have been established in Itokin, Egua, Imota and Badagry on the basis of one hectare of land per farmer.

Speaking during the recent flag-off of this year’s dry season rice farming and distribution of agricultural inputs and small irrigation scheme equipment at Itoikin Rice field, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Dr. Olajide Bashorun, said the programme is aimed at boosting rice production.

“The administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode believes that governance should shift to the community hence the distribution of inputs support ranging from land preparation, seeds, fertiliser and water pumps. This will not only boost production but also bring about effective and efficient rice production thereby increasing the production of rice in the state,” he said.

Bashorun noted that among the prime value chains that Lagos State has comparative and competitive advantage gain is rice. He stressed that the state government places premium on this value chain including others like vegetables, poultry and fisheries.

Bashorun also said that the Lagos fair

had given further impetus to Nigeria’s efforts to attain rice sufficiency through building local capacity. He added that over 13 major Nigerian rice brands were in attendance.

Presently in Nigeria, there are many varieties of rice being grown. Some of these are considered ‘traditional’ varieties and others have been introduced within the last 20 years. Rice is grown in paddies or on upland fields, depending on the requirements of the particular variety and there is limited mangrove cultivation.

In 2013, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) in partnership with the University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria, released three lowland rice varieties – UPIA1, UPIA2, and UPIA3 - which are long grains of grade A, high-yielding, and resistant to some economic abiotic stresses such as iron toxicity and drought. The new varieties are also distinctive, uniform and stable across all tested locations.

They also possess good agronomic traits such as resistance to logging, early and medium maturity period and acceptable heights, making them easy to integrate into the Nigerian farming system. They also meet the cooking quality requirements of Nigerian consumers.

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Business/Interview

What are you doing in Nigeria?

My name is Chris Ameln. I am a German, a logistician and value chain specialist, working as area sales manager Africa for ABSORTECH International.

It is a leading Swedish manufacturer of desiccants for moisture control. We are here to introduce this technology to Nigeria.

Why? We see a huge need for our products in the ongoing efforts to reduce postharvest losses in the Nigerian agricultural sector, with an emphasis on the prevention of moisture induced damages during transport and storage of agricultural products. Looking at the strong dynamics of this largest African market, we have decided to focus on the opportunities there.

Simultaneously, we have identified a significant demand for our domestic dehumidifiers ABSORDRY, which we intend to launch in Nigeria before the end of the year. This product will help prevent the huge moisture damages which now occur in private households and offices, damaging clothes, shoes, handbags, belts etc. just like archives and IT infrastructure.

We have also identified the hospitality industry as an important target market for this product for the prevention of mould and fungi, which nowadays create a huge challenge in this industry.

Who will benefit from this technology you are introducing to the Nigerian market?

Our solutions will be of benefit to a multitude of industries in the value chain - from the farmer through commodity traders and exporters to processing companies.

A few of these industries are cereal production and processing, cocoa, coffee, tea, hibiscus and spices, leather and textile manufacturers, salt and cement producers, cassava and yams, fresh and processed.

There are records of Nigerian exports being rejected when they get to their destination. This is because they were damaged before getting to their destination. Can this technology be of use to the producers of these types of goods?

Most definitely so! This is exactly the purpose and help our desiccants offer to producers and exporters in the prevention of moisture-related damage, which nowadays reach up to 15 per cent of goods shipped internationally.

Our products protect your products from moisture during shipment. They should be as natural as protecting them from physical damage or theft.

Our customers avoid costly moisture damage by making moisture protection an integral part of their supply chain. They create a framework where the moisture protection applied is carefully specified.

Why are you bringing your investment to Nigeria at this time when all economic indices are pointing south?

From our research and observations, Nigeria will experience unprecedented growth, particularly in the agricultural sector, when the policies of the new government start making their impact. We want to be there and be part of the exciting opportunities thus created. We feel that by cr eating awareness about the challenges of moisture damages and their prevention along the entire supply-chain, we can also contribute to the successful fight against post-harvest losses. This shall be done in the forms of seminars and lectures with all stakeholders organised by our Nigerian distributor,

Expect robust economic growth in Nigeria – Ameln

German logistician, Chris Ameln, is the ABORSTECH International Area Sales Manager for Africa.

PAUL OGBUOKIRI caught up with him during his recent visit to Nigeria and he said the company will soon introduce a technology that prevents moisture in processed agric products, hotels, etc Cornerpiece Ltd. What is your thought about the Nigerian economy with the new administration saying it will pay attention to agriculture, mining and manufacturing?

We feel strongly encouraged by not only what we hear and read, but also by what we see on the ground in Nigeria. We have confidence that the new administration shall deliver on its promises, thus creating an atmosphere conducive to foreign investors like ourselves.

Ameln

Has the product passed all the tests of the regulators?

We are in the process of finalising the mandatory registration and its associated tests with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria. Although our products meet or exceed International standards and have passed a multitude of tests in different countries from Indonesia via India to the USA with their respective certifications, it is our firm policy to comply with the rules

and regulations of all countries where we are selling our products.

Are you collaborating with existing Nigerian firms or you are standing on your own as you make inroads into Africa’s biggest economy?

We are working with a local distributor, Messrs. Cornerpiece Ltd., as we want to use as much local expertise as possible for the creation of a sustainable distribution network with a service second to none in the industry.

In cooperation with Mr. Chima Iwuagwu, we intend to train and educate stakeholders from all states in the prevention of post-harvest losses caused by moisture through the application of ABSORTECH disccants: When is the formal launch of the product coming up?

At present, we are planning to formally launch our range of products in mid-November, as soon as SON registration has been finalised and we have our first stock of ABSORTECH desiccants available in Lagos.

Nigerian lenders will go through rough path—Moody’s Chijioke Iremeka

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ssociate Managing Director, Financial Institutions Group, Moody’s, Jean-Francois Tremblay has said that Nigerian banks will go through a rough path but in the long run the situation will stabilize in 2016.

He said in an interview with The Banker on Wednesday, that low Naira would help export at the long run and contributes to the recovery of the Nigeria’s economy.

Mr. Tremblay noted that country’s economy is in a tough spot right now, sequel to the low oil price environment which is hitting the government, quite heavily, given the country’s dependence on the oil revenue for her fiscal expenditures.

He said that the banking sector growth is obviously quite muted right now, adding that the direct exposure of the lenders to the oil industry is not a measure concern right now.

He said Nigeria’s Deposit Money Banks exposure to the troubled oil industry is very small, about 30 per cent and the logbook of the lenders is relatively small compared to the size of her Balance sheet because they keep a lot of government securities as the market. “So, the fact that the government’s measures are geared towards protecting the government owned credit worthiness has some positives because the banks are exposed to the government as well. With the respect to exposure to oil industry, we have some visibility to whom they are exposed to and we got some comfort to the fact that they rely on some large oil companies that have more financial flexibility than other small ones, whose services are lower in breaking even price. We are also concerned about the small portion that represents about four per cent of the logbooks of the banks and the weaker ones,” he said.

He said in addition to the general impact of the collapse of the oil prices in the international market; there is another factor that affects the economy and the banks. “This rises from the policies that the government is putting in place to deal with the situation.

What I have in mind, particularly, is the devaluation of naira. Thirdly in that context, the investors no longer have confidence in the economy and therefore, delaying investment in country. The consumption is low and the country intends to spend less, contributing to neutral force dimension, and resulting to low economy growth, low long-term growth and that of the banks,” he said Mr. Tremblay also said that Nigeria does not have the luxury that some oil producing

countries in the gulf wing, for instance, have, by having a huge funds that they have accumulated over the years that they can use and keep up spending to sustain the economy.

According to him, Nigeria has modest resources and has no reverse to speak of and therefore, they opted to use currency devaluation as a leeway to manage the situation.

While it does that effectively to protect its own fiscal position and credit worthiness, of course, tradeoffs, who found themselves on the wrong side would critically criticize the situation. In this case, with the depreciation of the Naira, high inflation rates and interest rate are kept very high to contain further rising inflation and household consumption has been highly affected.

N400 bn Anamabra Delfarm set for business Pamela Eboh Awka

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aring any last minute change of agreements, Defarms-Anambra, a Songhai Farms project in Igbariam in Anambra East Local Government Area, would soon commence business. This is sequel to the fine tuning of the final stage for the take off of the farm by stakeholders yesterday in Akwa, Anambra State.

The project estimated to cost $1.4 billion (about N400 billion), will see the Igbariam community, the land owners, getting an equity share of five per cent of the total cost of investment while the State Government’s equity contribution is the approval Certificate of Occupancy at no cost.

It would be recalled that agreement for the commencement of the project on a 398 hectares of land was reached after the meeting of the representatives of the State government, Delfarm Farms Limited, Songhai

and leaders of the community at the palace of the traditional ruler, Igwe Nkelly N. Kelly on September 22, 2015.

The project however is a follow up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed few months ago between Delfarm headed by Professor Emmanuel Egbogah, Anambra State Government and Rev. Dr. Godfrey Nzamuzo-led Songhai Projects Limited.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Land, Hon. Afam Mbanefo said that the project when completed will generate thousands of jobs and called on the youths to cooperate with the investors so that the project would go on unhindered.

He called on the citizens to take advantage of the educational opportunities at the College of Agriculture, Mgbakwu to acquire skills and be qualified for eventual CONTINUED ON PAGE 51

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EverydayBusiness

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Rector lauds Etisalat over youth initiative

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ector of Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria, Prof. Dalhatu Yahaya, has lauded telecommunications operator, Etisalat, for its commitment to the development of Nigerian youths through its programme tagged Etisalat Cliqfest.

Yahaya gave this commendation during the recent Etisalat CliqFest Campus tour hosted by the Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria.

A statement by Etisalat quoted the rector as having commended the company for its critical role in helping Nigerian youths develop their potential through various empowerment initiatives. It quoted Yahaya as also saying that he is happy that the polytechnic has joined the growing list of tertiary institutions in Nigeria that have hosted the Etisalat CliqFest campus tour.

His words, “I am happy that while the students are being entertained, they are also being empowered with entrepreneurial skills to enable them to develop their potential and do something useful with their lives after graduating from school. We appreciate this initiative and would like to see other companies come on board.”

Sunday Telegraph learnt that the Cliqfest campus tour powered by Etisalat EasyCliq is a nationwide multi-campus youth-centric education and entertainment initiative. It offers a bouquet of networking opportunities, career education, sports and entertainment. Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic hosted the Zaria leg of the tour after a similar one was held penultimate weekend at the Usmanu DanFodio University, Sokoto.

62 winners emerge in Indomie promo

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Stanley Ihedigbo o fewer than 62 persons have been named as the lucky winners in the just concluded Indomie Flash & Win promo in

Lagos.

The promo which lasted for two months produced two lucky winners of N1 million respectively and 60 winners of N100, 000 each. The brand also gave out N30 million worth of recharge cards to consumers.

Speaking shortly after presenting cheques to the winners in Lagos, Public Relations/Events Manager, Deli Food Limited, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, reiterated the company’s determination to continue

to give back to its numerous consumers all around the country.

He said, “Today marks the second cheque presentation event for more winners that have emerged in the Indomie Flash & Win promo. The high rate of entries recorded during the course of the promo is a reflection of deep consumer loyalty and trust. We are indeed excited to give back to consumers of the brand.

Indomie will continuously engage in promos that will bring joy to the hearts of our consumers.”

Among the winners is 20 year old Fatima Hamza from Kano State, who got N1m. She expressed joy at being one of the lucky winners and noted that she participated in the promo without any iota

of expectation.

Deputy Director and Head, Lagos Office Consumer Protection Council, Mr. Joshua Yakubu, attested to the credibility of the promo.

He said, “The main aim of the Consumer Protection Council is to protect the Nigerian consumer. The presence of CPC here today is to lend credence to the exercise because it is credible. In running this promo, Indomie has gone through all the certification processes and has been certified by the regulatory authorities that this promo is genuine. We want to congratulate Indomie for conducting a successful promo. I will encourage consumers of the brand to continue to patronise the brand.”

Abuja Chamber to FG: Create more incentives for SME operators Amadi Nnamdi

Abuja

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he Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has called on the Federal Government to create more incentives for operators of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country. President of the Chamber, Mr. Tony Ejinkeonye made the call at the ongoing 10th Abuja International Trade Fair at the weekend. He said “about 75 per cent of the Organized Private Sector (OPS) is made up of SMEs, which drive the economy of Nigeria.

“All the developed economies of the world today are all built upon the bedrock of solid entrepreneurship. SMEs is the engine that drives every 21st century economy,” he said, adding that robust entrepreneurship is a must for a healthy national economy.

Ejinkeonye further urged the government to make provision of infrastructure a priority as it will go a long way to develop the manufacturing sector.

While commending the efforts of the Federal Government in the sustenance of the Power sector privatization which according to him will improve power supply for the benefit of manufacturers, he applauded the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s anticorruption stance. The ACCI President disclosed that about 65 foreign exhibitors, seven countries and a host of other local exhibitors are participating in this year’s edition of the fair.

Also, the National President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Mr. Bassey Edem has said that development of entrepreneurship will go a long way in generating employment opportunities that will encourage economic growth and development in no distant future.

L-R: President, Student Union Government, Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria, Musa Aliyu; Manager Events, Etisalat Nigeria, Ufuoma Dogun; North Territory Manager, Etisalat Nigeria, Mrs. Omolade Olajide; Rector, Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria, Prof. Dalhatu Balarabe Yahaya; and Specialist, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Michael Nwoseh; when the Etisalat team visited the Rector before the Cliqfest campus event in the school recently

Hub energy drink hits Nigeria market J & Eve Mega Investment Limited has launched Hub Energy drink into the Nigeria beverage market.

The event held recently at Meljestin Public Relations Event Centre, Lagos.

The sole distributor of Hub energy drink in Africa, Mr. Julius Ikechukwu, said with the launch Nigerians would have the privilege of getting the original product from Italy. “Hub energy drink is made from the finest ingredients. It contains low caffeine,” he said.

Ikechukwu however added that Hub energy drink is protected from adulteration because of the barcode on the can. “I can assure you that Hub energy drink is made of quality standard. If you taste it you will know that it is different from every other drink in the Nigerian market.

“Before l agreed to bring Hub energy drink to Nigeria l tasted it. Since people complain of high caffeine in other energy drinks we decided to reduce the caffeine in Hub so that everyone can drink it. Another unique thing about

Hub energy drink is that it transforms wine and other hot drinks into a better quality when mixed together,” he stated.

He further said that the beverage market is saturated with all kinds of

drinks, “that contain low quality. That was the reason why we decided to bring the drink from Italy to Nigeria to tell everyone that there is a better, quality energy drink that they can associate with.” he said.

Chi launches new marketing campaign

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hi Limited has unveiled its new marketing communication campaign tagged ‘Chivita 100 per cent or Nothing’ as part of efforts to reinforce its flagship’s brand proposition and strengthen the credential of the brand in the marketplace.

Sunday Telegraph learnt that the campaign demonstrates the brand’s commitment to quality and excellence.

For a fruit juice renowned for its ‘no added sugar, no preservatives and no colouring,’ the campaign projects the brand Chivita as the best quality fruit juice in the market as well as reiterates its partnership with Manchester United

in an engaging way.

Head of Marketing, Mr. Probal Bhattacharya, said “the campaign highlights Chivita 100 per cent with purity, commitment or nothing but the best which is its recipe for premium quality, thereby providing all the ingredients for success, achievement and leadership “We do everything possible to ensure that Chivita 100 per cent lives up to its brand promise of goodness and the best there is. This also explains our partnership with the world’s most valuable football club brand because for us it is the best or nothing” he added.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Business News

One of a kind (2) Success Nuggets Victor Okwudiri 08037674300 (SMS only) 2. If you don’t join them, you may win them.

Agwaoma refused to join the bandwagon of corruption in the civil service, and, by standing out, she won the admiration of the nation. She lost a few friends, but won a whole nation. Is that not a profitable application of the tool called ‘opportunity cost’? I think it is.

Friend, if you don’t stand out, you cannot be seen as outstanding, and, if you are not outstanding, you cannot become the standard.

I, therefore, charge you today: raise the bar; blaze the trail; set the pace; define the rules. If you do so, others will follow. Even if a few around you do not follow, a lot more will follow, and I think it’s a good deal.

3. Popularity does not make it right.

The fact that many people subscribe to a philosophy or a lifestyle does not make it right. Number only counts in democracy, not in morality.

In any case, there is something called ‘silent majority’. Sometimes, because some people are vocal about their stance, it looks like they are in the majority. It may not really be. Sometimes, the majority are just silent. So, do not

subscribe to anything because you hear people say “Yes” to it. The point is, do not go for or support anything because of number. Do so because you are convinced. Stated in other words, my advice is this: subscription should not be powered by population, but by conviction. if you understand, say “I hear!”

One man that is driven by conviction will live a more impactful life than a hundred people driven merely by popular opinion.

4. A good name surpasses great riches One of the greatest assets anyone can have is a good reputation. A good reputation is greater than riches. The reason is this: a good name in itself can bring riches. There are people who have good government appointments today, not because they are politicians, but because of the good reputation they have built for themselves.

Agwaoma chose to refund the money meant for the surgery that did not hold. One would have thought that in doing that she lost what would have otherwise been great riches, but, no! She fetched herself a good name, which in turn fetched her an appointment to the office of the Minister of Finance.

Friend, ensure you maintain a good name. Even if it does not fetch you riches, remember that a good name is good, and that is enough reason to have a good name. In any case, long after you are gone, your good name could be beneficial to others, especially your children. Yes! If you are a parent reading this right now, I want you to know that money and other material things are not the only things you can bequeath to your

Sometimes, because some people are vocal about their stance, it looks like they are in the majority. It may not really be

children as inheritance. You can also bequeath your ‘goodwill’ (good reputation). In fact, I make bold to say that no inheritance is complete if it does not include a good name.

5. People and posterity are watching When Agwaoma decided to return the money, it did not occur to her that, that very act was going to be reported to the President by some other person in the future.

Friend, the fact that people are not talking does not mean that they are not watching. People are watching. One day, when occasion demands, they will talk. So, the question is, what testimony will they give about you?

The future is also watching. Today may not confront you with your deeds, but tomorrow very likely will. So, what will your deeds of today speak about you tomorrow.

Friend, I want you to get the following clearly: (a) Whether you like it or not, you are not living for YOU alone; everything you do has a leadership implication (some people may follow your footsteps). (b) Whether you like it or not, you are not living for today alone; your actions of today will have a bearing on your tomorrow.

Please be circumspect.

Please follow me on Twitter @VictorOkwudiri

What is life? (3) doing for a living. I told him I was a missionary. He quickly retorted that he didn’t have much regards for missionaries or people who went about ‘trying to get people to change their minds.’ I said, ‘Well, you are also a Julian Atufunwa missionary.’

He emphatically denied this and 08032810713 (SMS only) asked why I said he was. I told him that everything he did and said influences others one way or the received a mail from a regular other. So, he was a missionary for his reader of this column, reown life. ‘For example?’ he queried. minding me that life is also a ‘Well’ I replied, ‘I see by the packet mission. Interestingly, I decided to of cigarettes in your ocket that you write about it. Life is a mission no believe in smoking. Your children see doubt. Everyone of us is a missionary. As long as we are living, we are you smoking and are influenced to smoke also when they are able. You accomplishing a mission. We disare thus doing a missionary work for cussed extensively in this column some time ago that life is a mission, tobacco companies.’ ‘Impossible,’ he exclaimed. ‘I don’t believe in smokin an article titled, ‘Laws of Success.’ We are all sent to planet earth ing and I’m certainly not going to let any of my children smoke. It’s a to fulfill a purpose. We are all comprehensively equipped from birth to nasty death-dealing habit.’ All our actions and inactions send messages carry out an assignment regardless and influence others around us. It is of the circumstances surrounding no longer a question of whether or our conception and birth. Even the so-called unwanted pregnancies are not we want to be missionaries. We have already decided that issue. We part of the intricate plan. are alive. The only question should There may be illegitimate parbe that our mission varies; yours may ents but there are no illegitimate not be gigantic like that of Mother children. Your mission on earth Theresa, Dr. Mike Adenuga etc that began the day you were born and will end the day you exit here. I saw command global attention. It might just be an act of kindness, it may be an interesting post affirming life as the radiant smiles, it could be that a mission. It also treated this topic selfless service to your boss and cusfrom a broader view and perspectomers It could be your strong zeal, tive. I copied part of the post by John H Gregory - “Recently I sat by dedication and compassion towards a sick folk. It could also be condea man on an airplane. We began to scending to be a friend of a lower converse and he asked what I was

The Big Picture

I

He emphatically denied this and asked why I said he was. I told him that everything he did and said influences others one way or the other. So, he was a missionary for his own life class. It could be giving justice to the helpless. It could be pleading the cause of the poor and downtrodden.

It could be paying to get a child from the streets back to school. Life is not about the accumulation of material possessions but what we give to life.

It is about lives we are able to touch positively. I would like to conclude this topic by saying that life is a gift.

Everything we have in our lives - our intelligence, opportunities, relationships - are all gifts.

They are entrusted to our care and management, whatever we have are loans to enable us to fulfill our life’s mission. Finally, there are different perspectives about life as there are people, most of which stands to be corrected. Some say life is a game of cards, some say life is a party. To some, it’s a carousel. Sometimes you are up, sometimes you are down and times you go round and round (Rick Warren) your perspective about life will influence how you invest your time.

Spend your money, use your talents and value your relationships.send your comments to Julianatufunwa @ gmail.com or text to the number above.

Julian Atufunwa.

RenCap 1H net profit increases by 20% R

enaissance Capital, a leading emerging and frontier markets investment bank, said it’s net profit in the first six months of 2015 increased by 20.8 per cent to $10.5 million compared with $8.7 million in 1H 2014.

The Firm said in a statement on Wednesday said in the 1H 2015, it delivered strong revenues from its core businesses, including global markets, which showed a solid performance led by particularly strong growth in Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities (FICC), despite headwinds.

It said that its continued focus on cost management has resulted in a 25 per cent decrease in operational costs year-on-year, adding that total operating expenses declined to $73.7mn from $98.3mn in 1H 2014 year-on-year. Total operating income reached $97.8mn.

In the first six months of 2015, RenCap said it has initiated coverage of stocks and sectors in the new frontier space, including consumer, cement, fertilizer and utility companies in Pakistan, as well as the banking and construction sectors in wider MENA. “As part of Renaissance Capital’s plans to grow its MENA offering from its Dubai office, the Firm continued to expand its services in Egypt along with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, RenCap has said in the 1H 2015, it continued to hold its annual investor conferences: 6th Pan-Africa 1:1 Investor Conference in Lagos, Nigeria, in May and the 19th Annual Russia Investor Conference in June. “Both events proved to be successful, drawing the attention of hundreds of international investors and corporates from across the world,” the statement said.

Igor Vayn, Renaissance Capital CEO, commented: “We are pleased to announce strong results as we celebrate two decades of successful operations in emerging and frontier markets. During this time, the Firm has grown from a Russia-focused bank to one of the leading international investment banks in the emerging and frontier space. Renaissance Capital’s geographical diversification is one of the key factors that led to all-round positive results for the Firm despite turbulent market conditions globally.”

N400 bn Anamabra Delfarm set for business CONTINUED F R OM PAGE 49

appointment in the Delfarm – Songhai projects.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning Barrister Stella Onuora expressed happiness that the community is known for its disposition to embrace development, saying that of the 1000 hectares required for the project, only about 398 hectares will be given by Igbariam while other parts of the state, including Ebenebe will provide the remaining.

Onuora described the investment as one of the greatest things to happen to Igbariam in particular and the State in general.He disclosed that the State government equity contribution to the project is the granting of free Certificate of Occupancy for the earmarked land.

Earlier, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), Chief Joe-Billy Ekwunife noted that, apart from Delfarm-Anambra-Songhai Project, an agreement has also been signed by the State government with Lynden Farms Limited for the highly technical mechanized Poultry farm estimated to cost $150 million ( about N33 billion) on a scalable basis.

Chief Ekwunife who was accompanied by Special Assistants on Investment and Finance, Ifeanyi Anugwu and Emeka Ezegbu , among others, stated that the modality for the sharing of the five per cent entitlement to the community will be formalized.

He also revealed that the Obiano administration will ensure that 75 per cent of jobs created in the farm would go to qualified persons of Anambra State origin and urged the youths to cooperate with the contractors for peaceful possession.

On his part, Mr. Thierry Andre, Songhai Nigeria Coordinator said the Delfarm is more than a farm, as it comprises of three components, namely Technological Park, Industrial Park (for production) and Service Park to provide residential apartments as well as other human activities.

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Faith Extra

Many pastors need deliverance - Obaseki CONTINUED FR O M PAGE 43

to go to Benin to see a man of God. After that, I went to do some farming job to get some money. I came to Benin to meet the man of God. As I entered his office he said, “What? You have the call of God. Why are you resisting the call of God?” I said I never had interest in the work of God. I told him my experience. He said I should be in that ministry to work for God. I had no option. I told him I had no money to rent a house but he said he would loan money to get one. He said he would remove it from my salary. I started and remained there. I worked there as a cameraman, electrician, plant operator, sound mixer and TV editor because there was a television programme. I had all these keys and I worked in various departments.

I was just doing everything in the ministry with happiness knowing what I had gone through. I was now like somebody who had given his life to God so nobody could discourage me. After working there for about four years the unction still came for me to begin my own ministry. That was when I told the man of God that I would like to resign. I asked him to give me people to train so that the department I was holding would not collapse. I said I didn’t want the work of God to die in that ministry through me.

So, I trained people. I started my ministry. I was telling people I needed a place to start my ministry. One fellow brought me to this place (church) where we are today, 40 Ajayi Street. He said the father owned this place but that they abandoned it for several years.

He said if I could use it, that I should come and start there. That was how I came and gradually I began to arrange things. I came to start, using cellophane to cover the top. I knew nobody here and I did not break away from that man of God’s ministry. I took no single soul from there. When I wanted to resign I told him and I resigned. I wasn’t easy. I was the only person singing there with nobody. I would sing every Sunday, everyday; people were calling me a mad person in the area. They said this person is not normal. They gave me different names.

Some said this person came from the psychiatric hospital but I knew what I was saying. When I preached, I did as if I was preaching to people but nobody was there.

When I was singing the whole children in the area would call me and begin to play and sing. That was how the whole thing started. I refused to give up till date. God in His own way began to glorify Himself.

After about four months a woman came, people started coming gradually and this is where we are today by the grace of God. What message do you have for Nigerians as they begin the last quarter of the year?

Thank you so much. Yes ember months are always fearful months to many. Many have already convinced themselves that the ember months are disastrous months but there is only one truth that everyone should look onto God. The Bible says in Psalm 91 that he that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. God is our protection, so everyone should look onto God and depend on His protection and also be careful of what they do. We should be very, very careful about what we do and what we commit ourselves to. Those who drive should be very careful on the highways because accidents don’t just happen. Most times we drivers are the cause due to our carelessness.

So, it is a period to seek the face of God. If we are close to God and prayerful the hands of God will protect everyone of us by the grace of God. So, every child of God should have at least one day of the week you wait upon God in fasting and prayer for divine protection and divine security. As you pray for yourself, not only for yourself and family alone, pray for the leaders, pray for the

state, pray for the city you are and pray for the country. It is very, very important.

Despite the growing number of churches and worship centres, there is so much immorality in the society. Why is it so?

This is because many of us, men of God, are not anointed. I’m very sorry about that and that is the truth. Many of us are story tellers. Many of us are pastors, many of us are bishops, many of us are reverends; we have titles but the required anointing is not there. That is why you still see that in many ministries today you have tussle for power.

That is what many of us are after. The real thing has been neglected. How many of us have time for prayer? How many men of God have time for prayer? It is what you have that you transmit to your followers. So many of pastors are agberos (thugs or touts). I said ‘us’ because I am a pastor. I can’t begin to point accusing fingers at somebody else because I am in the fold. Can you imagine, for example, a member was in the church a n d said, “I want to change m y church because of what his pastor was doing; serving native doctors, collecting money for spiritual work. I want to give my life to God and I want to go to another church.”

The pastor now tells you if you go to another church, he will destroy your life spiritually.

You hear that from a pastor. That tells you that such a pastor does not know God. He is just on the altar because of what he wants to make. And when some people leave the church, before you know it you begin to see the pastor in your dreams, tormenting them in bondage. Such a pastor is not consecrated.

We have so many pastors, so many ministries, all the churches are no churches. That is the truth. We have so many native doctors, herbalists, witch doctors in the church and so many of us need deliverance. We need deliverance and these people are the ones attacking the ministry. Can you believe it that a pastor was transferred out of a church and a new pastor was sent as a replacement. A worker went to clean the office and emptied the drawers of the office of the new pastor. The worker saw pornographic films in the drawer, packs of condoms in the pastor’s office! And that pastor stands on the altar to preach! Is it not what he has that he also transmits to the people? In Acts of the Apostles chapter three, Peter and John said, “Silver and gold have we not but such as we have give I unto you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise and walk.” They had the anointing. So, such a pastor, I believe, commits fornication in the office with girls. Now, when that one stands on the altar and begins to preach, is he preaching the word of God? He is telling stories. And you have so many pastors who are cultists on the altar but they pay homage to their capone and they stand to say they are pastors. How will he change people? That is why what many churches have is entertainment. You see entertainment everywhere, you have a

We were prayed for and he gave anointing water which he blessed and also gave to other people as well and said we should go and pray with it pastor preaching and somebody raises a chair and says pastor ride on; they are all entertainers. When a man of God preaches and it goes to your spirit you will leave the church cool and gentle because the message serves as a cane to flog your mind. But today what do we have on the altar? If the altar is corrupt, what do you expect in the society?

It is the church that is supposed to influence the society. Today, is the church not full of the habits of the society? The society is now in the church while the church is nowhere to be found. So, that is why you have churches everywhere and you still find so many devilish characters everywhere.

What would you say were the reasons why some persons wanted to blackmail you and your ministry?

One, it all began from the church here.

Firstly, every man of God needs a method.

I cannot act alone. When I got married to my wife, for five years we could not have children. Even in my church, many people were laughing at us. Some called us fake, some said the pastor prays for others to have children but what is happening to him? Rumour went on that I had gone to use my manhood to acquire power; that T.B Joshua had taken my manhood and given me power. They said that that was why when I prayed for people, they got results.

They said that that was why the ministry was growing even without nobody knowing me in Benin. That people were trooping

in everyday. Before you know it the news began to spread that with the way this Divine Grace is expanding, everywhere in town you hear “more grace, more grace.” Divine Grace of God and Pastor Obaseki. Then I told my board in the church that I want to travel to the Synagogue in Lagos; that God had revealed Pastor T.B Joshua to me and that I want to me for to go and meet him for prayers and for mentorship. Most of my board members neglected it, they said no, that the man is a false prophet, he is an anti Christ. I said but I know what God has revealed to me; you are judging by what you hear people say. I expected you to say, “Pastor, we will pray about it to see if what God revealed to you is what God revealed to us.” So, I went to Lagos to T. B Joshua’s fellowship. I was going there at least once a month; I never knew Prophet T.B Joshua. So, one day I was opportuned to meet him when he had a pastors’ meeting.

In that meeting, I raised up my hand and said man of God I had a challenge. I had been married for five years without an issue. He said, “What, where is your wife?”

I said she was in Benin. I said I am a pastor and we have a ministry.

He gave me an appointment, that I should come with my wife. Then I returned to Benin and the following week I went with my wife.

Then he placed us on the prayer line once a week. We were prayed for and he gave anointing water which he blessed and also gave to other people as well and said we should go and pray with it.

He gave me one and said that one for my ministry, I should use it to anoint my church. The other one for fruitfulness for me and my wife should use it and then the third one he said I should use it to anoint and bless my members. When I came back I told everybody in the open church. Before you know it, the rumour increased; that T.B Joshua had gone to initiate Pastor Obaseki into his cultism.

The thing was so much everywhere like you put fuel on fire. A national newspaper interviewed me and he read it and called me.

I went to Lagos and he said he saw what I had been going through. He said I shouldn’t worry myself, that a bigger breakthrough was coming to my ministry. He said there is no breakthrough without such trial. He encouraged me, prayed for me and my wife and asked us to go. Truly, since we came God in His own way has been expanding the ministry in a way I can’t interpret. Those who started the rumour that time left the church. But today many are coming back and God in His own way gave us children; by the grace of God I have children, not one, not two, not three. By the grace of God Almighty my life has become a testimony. So, his prayer for me worked for me and I am encouraged by the grace of God. So, that was what blew the rumour. They said after the prophet anointed me with the water after initiating me into his cult he gave that anointing water for myself and the church the news blew off everywhere so much and that made the ministry to be known everywhere as well, many people were coming when they heard the rumour, let’s go and see that person Prophet T. B Joshua had initiated into his cult and many came and received their solutions.

That made them to become members of the church and become partners with the church. So, I was even happy for the trial.

Website:wwwdgogc.org face book: PIA Obaseki ministries phone: 080855621609/08039500163

SUNDAY

Sport 59 53

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

EPL

Rooney ends goal drought, as Man United go top p.55

Football

Messi out for up to two months with knee injury p.55

Athletics

Usain Bolt to support IAAF Programme p.55

Wrestling

Rich top pro-wrestlers who became bankrupt p.54

Adamu: FIFA should suspend Blatter, Platini now Dapo Sotuminu

T

he former Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Dr. Amos Adamu, has declared that following the shocking revelation made by Swiss prosecutors on the ‘disloyal payment’ made by FIFA President, Joseph Sepp Blatter to Uefa president, Michel Platini, the duo should be asked to step down by the FIFA’s Ethics Committee.

Adamu, a former FIFA and CAF Executive Committee member noted that there are no two ways about it other than Blatter and Platini to face suspensions on the issue the ‘disloyal payment’ detrimental to FIFA’s development to the tune over £1.3 million.

“When the FIFA crisis started I told some of the people close to me that not too long Blatter’s hidden agenda and suspicious dealings in FIFA would be revealed.

Don’t be surprise there are more coming scandals that would be exposed with thorough investigation.”

Her added: “I am not too surprised because I can see it coming when they started all these corruption charges here and there. I know that somehow when they look at the books they will come out clean; clean in the sense of it.

They have been there for a long time. They know what is involved there and by and large they will try and hide things. But I am sure if they do more thorough investigation more things will come out.”

The former WAFU president traced the FIFA corruption crisis back to 2010 when some of the top executives of the world governing body ganged up and suspended him for three years Ethics Violation by the FIFA Ethics Committee alongside Reynald Temarii.

“They sacrificed us as scape goats. I hereby call on the FIFA Ethics Committee to follow the due process as they did to me and Temarii in 2010. They must be suspended while the probe is on. There is no sacred cow in FIFA. It is very unfortunate this is happening in FIFA. I told Blatter to his face when my case started that ‘this thing you’re starting, you want to make me a scapegoat it will come back to haunt you because if you are trying to say that the election is coming and you want to play to the gallery when the chips are down this thing will come down and it will be investigated properly.’ Today the truth is coming out now. More revelation will come out and I believe that wherever Sepp Blatter is

Deputy Sports Editor Dapo Sotuminu daposotu@yahoo.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Blatter and Platini in a bonding handshake

at the moment alongside his other accomplice at FIFA they will be jittery as the time is up.

“Blatter should be sent on suspension immediately. You remember my case. When it came out, the first thing they did was to suspend me. Now the president is under criminal investigation, he cannot sit in office if the laws are followed. I am waiting to see what the FIFA Ethics Committee would say because rules are rules.

He should go on suspension immediately. Platini has also been mentioned in the whole issue, he too should go on suspension immediately. That is what the law says.”

Adamu hinted that: “Immedi-

Adamu

ately after Sunday Times of London publication, I was called the next day and the law was interpreted to me as saying that you have to go on suspension. I went on suspension until they finished all of the investigation. Now they have opened an investigation on Blatter and Platini, the Ethics Committee should come out and play by the rules. They should go on suspension till they finish the investigation on them.

“When this is done, the most senior vice-president of FIFA, Issa Hayatou should take over. That is the law. I am waiting because today is just the first day, so I want to see what the Ethics Committee will do. They must follow the rules now. When my case came up, I did not see anything about corruption in it. I saw what they were doing because election was coming and they kept saying I should go. Mind you when my case started I picked some lawyers from London and the lawyers went to the Ethics Committee to defend me. Just a little after that FIFA called them to say they should drop that case. My lawyers were told by FIFA not to defend me because the way they were going they knew I would go out free.

“My lawyers came to me and said because of conflict of interest we cannot continue with the case.

I asked them ‘what conflict of interest? They said FIFA advised their bosses to drop the case and that they felt I had a good case and they advised me to look for another lawyer who is good that can handle my case. I told them to refund all monies I paid them or else I will report them to the British authority and they refunded every kobo (Nigeria’s smallest denomination) to me. I got another lawyer for the case and FIFA told me to resign as an Executive Committee member but I refused. They said if I resigned that the case would be dropped and I said I want to follow it to a logical conclusion. So now the FIFA Ethics Committee needs to prove that they are independent and shouldn’t work behind the scene to protect anybody. They must come out now and send Blatter and Platini on suspension.

Remember what they did during our time. I expect them to do the same thing - put them under suspension and then allow investigation to go on. That is the just thing to do,” Adamu said.

54

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sport

Rich top prowrestlers who became bankrupt

B

eing a professional wrestler can be an incredibly rewarding job.

It could bring fame, fortune and financial security for life once a wrestler gets to the top of their game. Although it can also be a pretty rough ride to get that point, with many of today’s stars having to struggle to get where they are today. Despite the positive effects that pro wrestling can have on those involved, it can also take its toll on the wrestlers in a variety of ways.

Some of the take bad decisions and let fame go to their head and get involved in activities they really shouldn’t. In other cases, they may live well outside their means and go on to suffer real financial hardship after they retire. Even though the vast majority of pro wrestlers will leave the sport as healthy and secure individuals, there are a few that have gone on to lose everything they worked so hard to get.

Shawn Michaels: Shawn Michaels is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time and was one of the biggest draws for fans in the late 1990’s. However, he sustained a career threatening injury in 1998 when he was taking part in a Casket match against The Undertaker. He herniated several discs in his back, crushing one completely, leaving him believing that he would no longer be able to wrestle professionally. Michaels went into a downward spiral and began to heavily abuse drugs and has since admitted that he almost died during this time. Fortunately for everyone, he eventually recovered from his injury and drug abuse, allowing him to re-enter WWE. Jeff Hardy: Despite achieving a good deal of success in WWE over several years, Jeff Hardy made life difficult for himself and constantly jeopardized his career. In 2003, WWE released

him from his contract citing strange behavior and drug problems. After a three year hiatus from professional wrestling, he re-joined WWE but left in 2009 claiming that he needed rest to heal several long-term injuries. However, shortly after this, police apprehended him on charges of drug possessions and trafficking. This resulted in Hardy having to pay a large fine, go on probation and spend 10 days in jail.

British Bull Dog: Widely considered one of the best tagteams in the history of wrestling, The British Bulldogs had considerable success in WWE. Made up of Davey Boy Smith and the Dynamite Kid, the pair both suffered serious health problems from their time in professional wrestling. Smith died as a result of a heart attack aged just 39, with suggestions that his abuse of steroids could have been a major contributor.

Meanwhile the Dynamite Kid is now severely disabled due to the large number of back and leg injuries he sustained, leaving him unable to walk.

Hulk Hogan:Although Hulk Hogan is arguably the most famous professional wrestler of all time, he has suffered significant hardships during his career. While earning vast sums of money during the peak of his fame, Hogan lived a lavish lifestyle wasting millions of dollars. He also went through a devastating divorce that saw his ex-wife awarded around 70% of his assets. Luckily for Hogan, he has since been able to recover and rebuild his finances thanks to new roles in WWE and a string of semi-successful businesses.

Kamala: Kamala was a popular wrestler who took on the role of a Ugandan warrior, complete with face paint and spear. Although he never reached the heights of the superstars of the sport, he had memorable clash-

es with the likes of Hulk Hogan.

Though since retiring, Kamala has gone through severe difficulties. Diabetes damaged his legs to the extent that he had to have both amputated, leaving him wheelchair bound, and the ex-wrestler also requires dialysis to help his kidneys. As he is unable to work and continues to face huge medical bills, both he and his wife have suffered financial hardship. Touchingly, fans set up a Go Fund Me campaign to help raise some money for him last year.

Jimmy Snuka: Known by the nickname Superfly, Jimmy Snuka was one of the biggest stars of professional wrestling in the 1970’s and 1980’s and benefited massively from the huge surge of popularity the sport went through in that time. However, the 71-year-old is now only worth an estimated $200,000.

His financial difficulties began due to bouts of alcohol and drug abuse and escalated in 1983 when he was suspected of being involved in the death of his then girlfriend, Nancy Argentino. He was later sued by her family and ordered to pay $500,000 but has never paid it due to a lack of funds.

Kamala

Shawn Michaels

Jeff Hardy

55

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Messi out for up to two months with knee injury

B

arcelona forward, Lionel Messi, will miss the next seven to eight weeks after sustaining a knee injury in Saturday’s defeat of Las Palmas at Camp Nou. The Argentina international sustained the injury three minutes into the game when visiting defender Pedro Bigas put in a last-ditch challenge to block a shot.

Messi left the pitch to undergo treatment and initially seemed to be ready to continue after rejoining the action but he sat down once more minutes later and was unable to carry on.

Having visited a local clinic for tests, the club confirmed his period of absence, stating: “Messi has a tear in the internal collateral ligament of his left knee.

He will be out for around 7-8 weeks.”

The news is an obvious blow to Barca coach Luis Enrique with Messi set to miss up to five La Liga games and four in the Champions League. His obvious comeback target will be the season’s first Clasico against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on the weekend of November 21/22.

Nsofor’s goal not enough for Duisburg

V

ictor Obinna Nsofor was on target for the first time for his German Bundesliga 2 side Duisburg on Saturday as he scored in a 3-2 loss at Union Berlin.

Duisburg are now bottom of the 18-team league with two points from nine games.

The former Chievo Verona player was just appearing for the second time for the team and he has registered a goal to prove his quality.

Nsofor pounced on a pass in the 56th minute to take the game to 3-1.

His compatriot Kingsley Onuegbu, a 67th minute substitute for Martin Dausch, scored Duisburg second.

RESULTS Barclays Premier League Tottenham 4 - 1 Man. City Leicester 2 - 5 Arsenal Liverpool 3 - 2 Aston Villa Man. Utd 3 - 0 Sunderland South’pton 3 - 1 Swansea Stoke 2 - 1 Bournemouth West Ham 2 - 2 Norwich Newcastle 2 - 2 Chelsea Germany - Bundesliga Augsburg 1 - 3 Hoffenheim Mainz 0 - 3 Bayern Stuttgart 1 - 3 M’gladbach Bremen 0 - 3 Leverkusen Wolfsburg 1 - 1 Hannover FC Cologne 1 - 1 Ingolstadt

Hamburger 0 - 1 Schalke Italy - Serie A Roma 5 - 1 Carpi Spain - Liga BBVA Barcelona 2 - 1 Las Palmas Valencia 1 - 0 Granada Real Madrid 0 - 0 Malaga France - Ligue 1 Nantes 1 - 4 PSG

Sport / News

Okagbare: Rio 2016 will be great for Nigeria Dapo Sotuminu

A

frica’s Queen of the Tracks, Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor, has stated that Nigeria’s brightest moment in the Olympic Games in recent times would be experienced at the Rio Olympics as she would try her best to put smiles on the faces of the country’s sports lovers.

She noted that, unlike the no medal situation witnessed by Team Nigeria at the London 2012 Olympics, the Rio 2016 would definitely be a different ball game with the determination of all the top Nigerian athletes in view of the performances at the last edition of the African Games in Congo.

“My best at the Olympics was a bronze medal performance at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, I have resolved

to work extra hard so as to improve on my outing in the Olympics. I would be happier if I have a higher medal from the Olympics.

That is why I have to work extra hard to achieve this as I know it is possible. I measure shoulders with all the world-class female sprinters. I have realized that, one must put in something extra to get to the dreamland.

I will get there by God’s grace.”

Okagbare laments the seemingly downward trend in athletics in Nigeria, a situation she believes the country could get out from with careful planning and better organization.

She noted that, the country’s athletics feat at international competitions would get better if the National Sports Commission gives the Athletic Federa-

tion of Nigeria total support in the employment of a world-class coach who will coordinate the other Nigerian coaches in the team.

The leadership of the AFN knows this and they should approach the NSC Director General on time to articulate this. It is very important for Nigeria’s success at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Okagbare however regretted the mix-up at the IAAF World Championship in Beijing, China which erroneously made Nigerians to have the impression that she was not patriotic. “I am a very patriotic Nigerian and would always be ready to represent my country at all times as long as I have the fitness to do so. There is nothing as good as wearing my country’s colours at international competitions,” she said.

Rooney ends goal drought, as Man United go top

W

ayne Rooney ended his 11-match goal drought as Manchester United climbed to the top of the Premier League for the first time in over two years with victory over Sunderland.

Manchester City’s defeat at Tottenham at lunchtime opened the door for United to move to the summit and they grasped the opportunity, winning 3-0 at Old Trafford.

After an admirably stubborn effort in the opening stages, Sunderland buckled in first-half injury time when Memphis Depay scored his first Premier League goal.

Rooney bundled home Anthony Martial’s cross to end a barren run in the Premier League that had stretched to 999 minutes, before Juan Mata added a third at the death.

Louis van Gaal has had his doubters during his 14-month spell in charge, but United are

F

Wayne Rooney celebrates end to goal drought against Sunderland

now top of the table for the first time since they beat Swansea 4-1 in David Moyes’ first game in charge on August 18 2013.

United’s stay at the top of the pile then, just like Moyes’ tenure, was a brief one - they were knocked off the top the following day - but

Usain Bolt to support IAAF Programme A

thletics superstar, Usain Bolt, has said his foundation is to become part of “Athletics for a Better World” powered by the sport’s world governing body IAAF, the media reported.

The Usain Bolt Foundation will join forces with the programme to inspire positive social change

Olofinjana: Players are easy targets

through education, cultural development and sport.

“Athletics for a Better World”, IAAF’s social responsibility programme, provides organisations and people with a platform to use the universality of athletics to make a positive difference around the world.

Van Gaal will be hoping his team can remain there for the rest of the season.

Van Gaal’s old friend Dick Advocaat can only dream of climbing so high in the standings. Sunderland are bottom of the table after seven matches.

As part of the programme, the Usain Bolt Foundation will be able to use the IAAF’s global reach, marketing channels and sporting credibility to spread their message and reach more young people than ever before.

“I am very proud that the Usain Bolt Foundation is officially partnered with the IAAF’s ‘Athletics for a Better World’,” said Bolt, world and Olympic 100m, 200m and 4x100m champion, on Friday.

“Since the foundation was formed we have worked very hard to inspire kids to become anything that their heart desires.

So to be given this accolade by the IAAF is a reward for all the hard work, and a great opportunity for us to develop the foundation further and inspire more young people around the world,” Bolt said.

ormer Super Eagles midfielder, Seyi Olofinjana, has disclosed that professional soccer players are easy targets for people who specialize in ripping footballers off.

The retired Wolverhampton Wanderers of England player noted that the general public see footballers as lavish spenders who give little thought to their future.

“I think a lot do, actually - it’s just that there is a lot of naivety and ignorance about finance.”

While footballers typically put money away for their retirement, he says, they don’t always pay enough attention to the investments they make. “We think we’ve invested, but there are a lot of guys out there who are ripping players off. It’s a question of making sure you know what you’re investing in.”

Olofinjana, a Chemical Engineering graduate, says he was careful to keep up with his old friends from Nigeria, turning to them for a second opinion on investment recommendations or financial advice. “Players are easy targets. We’ve got a lot of money to throw around and half of us don’t know what to do with it. I was lucky to have very good friends who were sensible enough to tell me when I was going astray.”

He declined to discuss his earnings, but says he set aside more than half to invest in UK property and businesses in Nigeria among other assets. “You can enjoy your life and still make sizeable investments,” he says.

But he believes clubs and the professional footballers association (PFA) should do more to educate young players about money - and the reality of life after football.

SPORTS

Adamu: FIFA should suspend Blatter, Platini }53

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Experts advise Buhari on rice }47

Code Of Conduct Tribunal: The law, the myth, the limits (Part 2)

ENCORE We continue our discourse of the limitations of the CCT this week.

THE FHC HAS SUPERVISORY JURISDICTION OVER THE CCT Consequently, when the Constitution referred to some courts as superior, it refers to them in terms of unlimited jurisdiction (or original jurisdiction), of same; or where such jurisdiction is limited by any statute, it means that the court so referred to as a superior court has supervisory jurisdiction over other courts not regarded as superior by the Constitution.

As the Supreme Court, per Akpata, J.S.C., explained in UTIH & ORS. V. ONOYIVWE & ORS. (1991) 1 N.W.L.R. (Pt.166) 166 at 243, he dilated thus: “There is a distinction between the original jurisdiction of the superior courts and their supervisory jurisdiction. Where a statute purports to exclude the jurisdiction of the High Court and vest jurisdiction in a tribunal or an inferior court, the High Court, in exercising its supervisory jurisdiction, not original jurisdiction, may by certiorari order quash the decision of the tribunal or inferior court either for breaching the rule of natural justice or for following the wrong procedure. It may also by a declaratory order render the tribunal’s decision null and void. Whether both the original and supervisory jurisdictions of the court or only the one on the other are affected by an ouster provision depends upon the wording of the provision of the statute or Constitution.”

The rationale for the above legal position can be gleaned when resort is further had to the decision of the Court of Appeal, in the case of O.R.L. v. N.C.C. (2007) WRN (VOL.18) 87 at 115 Lines. 25 - 40 (CA), where the intermediate court, held, per Odilli, JCA, (as she then was), thus: “The superior courts are not expected to and do not abdicate the exercise of their constitutional supervisory judicial jurisdiction merely because of a statutory provision suggesting the exclusion or restriction of the exercise of such jurisdiction. An ouster clause merely does not put the superior court to flight. See Miscellaneous Offences Tribunal v. Okoroafor (2001) 18 NWLR (Pt.745) 295, Barclays Bank of Nigeria Ltd v. Central Bank of Nigeria (1976) 6 S.C 175, Guardian Newspaper Ltd. v. Attorney-General, Federation (1999) 9 NWLR (Pt.618) 187, Doherty v.

Balewa (1961) 2 NSCC 248,’’ THE CCT AND ITS ONGOING CHARADE AND ABSURD PROCEEDINGS The Senate President had been summoned to appear before the Tribunal on 18th September, 2015, for his arraignment, on a 13 count charge for alleged false declaration of assets and violation the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal (CCB/T) Act, on assets’ declaration. The said irregularities date back to 2003, when he was the Governor of Kwara State.

Saraki thereafter challenged the competence of the charge and the tribunal’s jurisdiction to hear the case, before the Federal High Court, Abuja, and the Judge, coram A.R. Muhammed, had, by an order, summoned the Chairman of the CCT, its members and the official from the Federal Ministry of Justice, to show cause why they should adjudicate on the said complaint.

Surprisingly, in total and reckless disregard

The

Nigerian Project

MIKE OZEKHOME san, ofr mike.ozekhome@yahoo.com 08094777755 (sms only) of the valid and extant order of the Federal High Court, the CCT at its sitting of 18th September, 2015, issued a bench warrant on the Senate President and further ordered that the IGP produced Saraki on Monday 21st September, 2015, to take his plea. He boasted that as Chairman of the CCT with equal and Coordinate Jurisdiction with the Federal High Court, he was not subject to the latter’s Jurisdiction. The CCT Chairman not only maintained its obduracy and contumacy on the 21st, but he actually arraigned Saraki on the 22nd, September, 2015.

All these, notwithstanding the pendency of the actions challenging his jurisdiction, at both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

This is a grave affront on the entire Judiciary and is capable of making mockery of it. The court has in a plethora of cases held that such act of the CCT smacks on judicial rascality.

In the case of Olaseni Vs Olaseni (2010) 5 NWLR (PT. 1187) pg. 229-230, the Court of Appeal, held per Uwa, JCA, thus: “When an application for stay of proceedings is pending before the Court of Appeal, the best and reasonable course of action for a trial court is to adjourn the matter before it pending the determination of the application before the Court of Appeal. It borders on judicial impertinence for the trial Court to disregard the process of the Court of Appeal. It is an affront to the authority of the Court of Appeal.”

Similarly, in the case of Mohammed Vs Olawumi (1993) 4 NWLR (PT. 288); (1993) 5 SCNJ 126, the Supreme Court, per Olatawura JSC, dilated: “This unfortunate attitude in disregarding the process of the Court of Appeal borders on judicial impertinence. It is an affront to the authority of the Court of Appeal. All the Court established under our constitution. The hierarchy of Courts shows the limit and powers of each Court. To defy the authorities and powers of a higher court

appears to me undesirable and distasteful.

Even without the ratio of the Vaswani’s case, the best and reasonable cause of action was to have adjourned the matter before him pending the determination of the application before the Court of Appeal.”

Although the above cases concerned the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court, the template is the same once one court hierarchically has supervisory jurisdiction over another, such as the FHC over the CCT. Furthermore, in the case of Oba Aladegbami Vs. Oba Fasanmade (1988) 3 NWLR (Pt.81) 131; (1988) 1 NSCC (Vol.19) 1087, the Supreme Court per Eso, JSC, categorically stated - “Lord Denning never said as is often claimed that a Judgment of a Court of competent jurisdiction could be ignored, if it is found for any reason to be void, without its being first set aside. He never said so and in my humble view, if he had, it is with utmost respect, not the law, for a Court of incompetent jurisdiction not necessarily of unlimited jurisdiction has jurisdiction to decide a matter rightly or wrongly. If that Court ever had jurisdiction in the matter then its decision is, without jurisdiction, void, but then should a Court of law not even decide the point? That is, the Court without jurisdiction decided without jurisdiction? Should the decision just be ignored? Surely, it would not make for peace and finality, which a decision of a Court seeks to attain. It would at least be against public policy for persons, without the backing of the Court, to pronounce a Court decision a nullity, act in breach of the decision whereas others may set out to obey it. - - It is not only desirable but necessary to have such decisions set aside first by another Court before any act is built upon it despite the colorful dictum of Lord Denning in UAC v. Macfoy”.

In Shugaba vs. Union Bank Plc (1999) LPELR-SC.69/1997, the apex court held that “Orders of the Court are to be respect-

BUSY BODY

ed and obeyed. The dignity and honour of Court cannot be maintained if its orders are treated disdainfully and scornfully without due respect. Consequently, non-compliance with an order of court makes a matter or suit incompetent”.

The point being made here is that a person is required to obey a Court Order, even if it is patently illegal, or manifestly void, or unconscionable. No one can beat his chest and pick and choose which order to obey and which not. Doing so will send us back to the Hobessian state of nature where life was short, nasty and brutish.

NOW THIS… Flowing from the above, it behoved on the CCT Chairman as a mark of respect to judicial process to have adjourned the proceedings of 18th, 21st, and 22nd September, 2015, and answered to the summons of the Federal High Court, or have the order set aside, if it believed it was made without jurisdiction.

Prudence and judicial hierarchical structure demand that this was the right thing to do in the circumstances and not put the judiciary to ridicule. One cannot but wonder why the hurry after the long wait for 12 years. Is there politics in this? Your guess is as good as mine.

AND THIS… Now that the CCB and CCT have suddenly woken up from their twelve year deep slumber to pursue Saraki (his pre-trial statement that he is being prosecuted because he is Senate President, is apt and famous), it is hoped that it would, with the same dexterity, go after the assets of all public office holders in Nigeria – President, VP, Senators, Representatives, Governors, Council Chairmen, etal.

Let the CCB make public, the assets of all public office holders as prescribed in Section 2 of the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), 2011.

Though Saraki may be bruised by his simulated arraignment, the APC, Presidency and democracy may be rendered more bruised and prostrate by the ricocheting effects of humiliating the number 3 person in Nigeria. All because of politics. Hello, all, can we leave politics for a while and concentrate on governance?

SIGNING OFF Are PMB, the Judiciary, Legislature, Executive, Senate President, Chairman and Members of the CCT, APC, PDP, 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

Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off ACME Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234 1-2219496, 2219498. Abuja Office: Orji Kalu House, Plot 322, by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert Hotlines: (Lagos 0902 928 1425), (Abuja 0805 5118488), Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: EMEKA MADUNAGU.