2nd April 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 1,145

SATURDAY, 2 APRIL, 2016

www.tribuneonlineng.com

Nigerian Tribune

@nigeriantribune

Nigerian Tribune

N150

2-yr-old starving Akwa Ibom kid My mum was a nets N320m donations, recovers great dancer —KSA

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Oyegun, Modu Sheriff fight over corruption war

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Take anti-graft war to APC too —PDP chairman PDP exposed its members to graft —APC chairman I’ve no friend, no enemy in this battle —Buhari

I wrote ‘Soldier’ but Falz fell in love with it –Simi pg32

Obasanjo, Modu Sheriff in Enugu Govt House

Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (right), with PDP acting national chairman, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff (left) and Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, during the former president’s visit to Enugu State, on Friday. PHOTO: ENUGU STATE GOVT. (Story on page 5)

Braithwaite for burial NATIONWIDE PARALYSIS: Fuel scarcity April 27

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worsens, commuters resort to trekking

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2 April, 2016

My mum was

a great dancer —KSA

Saturday Tribune

With over 100 albums recorded, King Sunny Ade (KSA) is a veteran musician and one of the pioneers of modern world music. He speaks with DOYIN ADEOYE on his legendary career, his investments and what needs to be done to sustain the new Nigerian music industry, among other issues. Excerpts:

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OU are about to launch your own radio station, what initiated the idea?

As a musician, we have a solid connection with the radio throughout the whole world. The radio is a link between the musician and the public. So if you can be a part of it, it is okay. I’ve been on it for the past 12 years, because when you want something, you will keep on until the right time and I also believe that God’s time is the best.

The radio is named M&C FM with the radio dial 106.5. It is the first station put up by professionals with a vision to be a national reference point. KSA, representing music and culture, as the chairman; Dr Yemi Farounbi, renowned media administrator, ambassador and bureaucrat; Mr Clement Ige, veteran journalist and consultant and Engineer Dejo Olugbodi, a broadcast engineer with over 30 years experience.

You’ve been a lover of music since you were a child…

Yes. I’ve always been in love with music. I love dancing and I love listening to good musicals. My parents were also music lovers and in fact, my mother, even though a princess, was a very good dancer. So I guess I got that from them.

I remember that each time the army had a parade, as young as I was then, I would leave home so early, even though the parade would start by 6 a.m. The parade was often held about three times annually, so whenever I heard that there would be a parade, I would be the first person at their gate and even try to find my way into their compound. And I was just about seven or eight.

So music for me is a long time passion. Some say they developed the passion for music right from the womb, if that is possible, then it is the same for me.

Did being a prince affect your love for music as a child?

The influence when I started was in between the two because being a prince, you are not supposed to play music for people, people are supposed to play music for you. So that part of wanting to play music was hard to explain. I went in as a lover of music, I didn’t know that it would be my business, I just loved music.

So eventually I started moving with a lot of musicians, not to perform with them, but just for the love of music.

I would watch them do what they knew best. So being a prince had diverse influences for me. People didn’t appreciate a prince playing music back then, but now, it is what the family loves.

You left home as a teenager with a band rather than to school. Why did you take that decision?

That was the time when I got to realise that the power of music is a driving force, and that the love for music can make you do anything you are not supposed to do.

Mostly in those days, those who played music then were often viewed as dropouts, but in my own case, I went to school, I just wanted to extend my love for music. So each time we had holidays, I would use that

as an opportunity to travel with musicians because all I wanted to do then was to play music and dance.

My passion for music was so much that anywhere there was a party, even without being invited, I would find my way there even as a prince because when the music gets to you, nothing else matters. Remember King David in the Bible, he danced so much that his wife questioned him.

So at 17, during the holidays, I went with a band called Idowu Owoeye from Osogbo to Abeokuta. We were there for the coronation of Oba Gbadebo II. We were not invited I didn’t know, I thought we were going there to play for the people who organised the coronation. It was a weeklong event, so we were at a club in Lafenwa, Abeokuta, prior to the event.

I was the youngest, we played at the club and it was quite impressive for me. However, when we finished the show, we couldn’t find a place to sleep except on the chairs. I was not used to that, but I didn’t mind because there was nothing I could do, I only told my mother that I was go-

ing on a vacation, I never told her I was a musician. So we were stranded there for about two weeks. But luckily for me, I neither booze nor smoke and I don’t eat that much, so I was able to save a little money. I think it was about two shillings.

The only person I really knew in the band was Moses Olaiya, now Baba Sala, but he left the band for Lagos even before the trip to Abeokuta. So when everyone eventually started leaving Abeokuta, I decided to go to Lagos, because the school had already resumed and didn’t know what I would tell them at home.

So I went to Lagos from Abeokuta without even knowing where exactly I was going. I just knew that there were two Olaiyas in Lagos: Dr Victor Olaiya and Moses Olaiya. So I just started asking around till I found my way to him.

It was a long story from there.

As one whose songs have remained evergreen over Continues on pg30

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newsfeature

2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Heartbreaking: Hope (pictured), was emaciated and riddled with worms when he was discovered naked and wandering the streets on January 31 by Anja Ringgren Loven, a Danish woman (pictured right)

Incredible transformation: This picture was taken less than two months after Hope was found and shows just how much his health has improved since his rescue.

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ITH donations totaling $1million (N320million) from around the world, a two-year-old Nigerian boy who was found emaciated and riddled with worms after his family left him for dead in Akwa Ibom State has made an incredible recovery.

United Kingdom’s Mailonline which published the story of the boy on Friday recalled that a picture of the starving toddler being given a sip of water by an aid worker broke hearts around the world when it was published in January.

The boy, now called Hope, was abandoned by his family because they thought he was a witch and was found in the streets by Anja Ringgren Loven, a Danish woman living in Africa, on January 31.

And now Ms Loven has shared a series of photographs showing Hope’s miraculous recovery in just eight short weeks, and says he ‘is really enjoying life now’.

Back in January, Ms Loven found the boy after he had spent eight months fending for himself and living off scraps.

She bent down and gently began feeding him and giving him water from a bottle. She then wrapped up the disorientated toddler in a blanket and took him to the nearest hospital for treatment.

When Hope reached the hospital, he was given medication to remove the worms from his stomach and daily blood transfusions to incorporate more red blood cells into his body, Ms Loven said.

And two days after the aid worker asked for the community’s help with Hope’s costly medical bills, she received $1million in donations from around the world.

Just eight weeks later, Hope is unrecognisable. He has gained weight and has been pictured smiling and playing with other children.

Ms Loven uploaded new photos of Hope on Saturday, and wrote: ‘As you can see on the pictures, Hope is really enjoying his life now having 35 new brothers and sisters who ALL take such good care of him, play with him, study with him, and make sure he is safe and is getting a lot of love.’

But she explained Hope has hypospadias, a genital birth defect meaning the urethra emerges somewhere on the shaft or even the base of the penis, instead of at the tip.

She added: ‘The doctors found this inborn condition on Hope, so next week Hope will have surgery.

‘This is an operation the doctors have performed many

m 0 2 3 N s t e n d ki , s n o i t dona s r e v o c re

Being rejected by your own family must be the loneliest feeling a child can experience, and I don’t believe that anyone can imagine how that must feel like. times, so Hope will be very fine.’

Ms Loven is the founder of African Children’s Aid Education and Development Foundation, which she created three years ago to help children who have been labelled witches and therefore neglected or even killed by the members of their community.

“Thousands of children are being accused of being witches and we’ve both seen torture of children, dead children and frightened children,” she wrote on Facebook, accompanying images of her feeding the young boy and appealing for donations to help pay for his medical bills in January.

“With all the money, we can, besides giving Hope the very best treatment, now also build a doctor clinic on the new land and save many more children out of torture!” she said.

Ms Loven runs a children’s centre where the youngsters she saves live and receive medical care, food and schooling.

She and her husband, David Emmanuel Umem, began building their own orphanage in late January.

Anja had some weeks ago told the Huffington Post of the

Bath time: Ms Loven is pictured helping give Hope a bath after he was found walking the streets starving, disorientated and riddled with worms UK how she got involved in the Nigerian cases: “I travelled alone to Nigeria where I met children who had been tortured and beaten almost to death because they were accused of being witches and therefore left alone on the street.

“What I saw were so barbaric and terrible and it left a deep impression on me.

“That’s why I decided to sell everything I owned in Denmark to devote my time and life to help ‘witch children’ in Nigeria.”

Hair cut: Hope is pictured having his hair cut at the centre in Nigeria after he was rescued on January 31.

Rescued: Hope was abandoned by his family because they thought he was a witch and was found in the streets by Anja Ringgren Loven (pictured together).

With her partner, David, Anja now runs a children’s home for young people accused of witchcraft.

The couple, who have a two-year-old son together, currently have 34 children living in their care, all of whom have been accused of witchcraft.

Anja said: “When children are being tortured and abused and left alone on the street, it gives a child a lot of terrible trauma they carry around inside.

“Being rejected by your own family must be the loneliest feeling a child can experience, and I don’t believe that anyone can imagine how that must feel like.”

The ACAEDF also works to ensure that all children in Akwa Ibom have the opportunity to go to school.

Anja says that “education is the key in the fight against superstition” and believes that the charity has a responsibility to work with the local people.

She said: “We rescue and we give love and support to the vulnerable children accused of witchcraft in Akwa Ibom.

But to put an end to superstition, exorcism and black magic performed by pastors and the so-called witchdoctors advocacy work must be carried out.

“We work on the human nature that every child in the world has the right to food and education, and to live a dignified life.

“Our values consist of showing sheer compassion, care and love for those who need it the most and through that create confidence.”

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2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Nationwide paralysis: Fuel scarcity worsens, commuters resort to trekking Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti, Dapo Falade -Port Harcourt, Biola Azeez –Ilorin, Jude Ossai - Enugu, Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta, Ebenezer Adurokiya –Warri, Tunde Ogunesan -Ibadan, Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoka, Oluwole Ige - Osogbo, Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure, Naza Okoli - Lagos and Kola Oyelere -Kano

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S the Federal Government continues to grapple with the prevailing fuel crisis in the country, Nigerians have continued to gnash their teeth in carrying out their daily activities and running their businesses.

The attendant situations across the country like hike in the costs of public transportation have forced many commuters to resort to trekking to their destinations.

Lagos Most of the major petrol stations in Lagos remained closed throughout the week.

Where a few opened, they sold only for a couple of hours before shutting down unceremoniously.

The major source of petrol in Lagos has remained the black market. Earlier in the week, some black market operators sold petrol for N250 per litre. From Wednesday, the price has remained N200 at most locations, observed by Saturday Tribune.

Mr Okey Ugwu, who lives at Egbe said residents should be grateful to the black market operators.

“Here at Ikotun-Egbe, the only petrol station open is at Liasu Road. The price is N150 per litre. But to get petrol there is war. The queue is long. Too long. Mobil at Hostel Bus Stop has not opened since last week. Conoil at Ikotun market, the same thing. So it’s these black market people that have been helping out,” he said.

The situation was the same in other parts of Lagos.

Ibadan The situation persisted in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday with petrol stations with supply experiencing endless queues of vehicles and people bearing jerry cans. Scores of stranded commuters took to trekking to their various destinations.

At a petrol station in the Total Garden area and another one on Bodija Road, vehicles formed endless lines, even as another filling station at the Total Garden area, which was out of stock, saw vehicles queue up to the University College Hospital’s second gate, which is a distance of about 400 metres.

Ado-Ekiti The fuel situation, which seemed to have eased off in Ekiti State earlier in the week, is now biting even harder.

Many citizens of the state have abandoned their vehicles on queues at petrol stations, while others have parked theirs at home and resorted to costly public transportation.

In Ado-Ekiti, on Friday, petrol sold for between N200 and N250 per litre at the stations, even as getting the product was hellish with long queues and rowdiness at the pumps.

The decision of many of the citizens of the state to leave their vehicles at home has, however, freed up the roads.

Taxi drivers and sundry businesses have also devised various means of beating the high cost of running their businesses. The taxi drivers now ply shorter routes or work only at rush hours.

“Arguments over fares are now commonplace at the Old Garage terminus in Ado-Ekiti. Passengers and drivers who didn’t agree at the takeoff point end up arguing on fares when they arrive at the garage and some of the arguments could be volatile,” Adetunji Akinwumi, a taxi driver, told Saturday Tribune.

The usual heavy traffic on Adebayo Road, Basiri Road, as well as Ajilosun has disappeared, just as the holdup on Oke Bareke-Okesa Road at the Information Junction most afternoons has become a thing of the past. There are now fewer vehicles leaving government offices at the close of work.

A consumer at one of the petrol stations, Mr Olanrewaju Adegoke, said “we are tired of it all.

We have been told to be patient but patience has been overworked. The government must find a way to get us out of this mess.”

Ilorin Pain and anguish yet trail fuel scarcity in Ilorin, Kwara State and its environs and motorists have remained the worst hit.

Investigations by Saturday Tribune on Friday revealed that fewer personal and commercial vehicles, as well as motorcycles, plied the roads.

It was gathered that independent marketers sold petrol between N150 and N200, while it was N300 or N400 on the black market.

Transporters have increased fares by 40 per cent within the city and interstate, as taxi drop has been increased from N50 to N70, while the cost of

travelling from Ilorin to Ibadan, for example, has increased from N1,200 to N1,500.

Osogbo In Osogbo, the Osun State capital, the fuel situation has forced many motorists to park their vehicles at home.

Saturday Tribune monitored the situation in the city and discovered that lack of stock at the only Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) mega station there worsened the hardship faced by motorists, hence long queues of vehicles on major streets.

Checks revealed that despite the sale of a litre by independent marketers for between N200 and N230, motorists and commercial motorcyclists still struggled to buy the product.

A commercial mini bus driver, queuing for petrol at the NNPC station, at the Dada Estate area, Mr Waheed Adetunji, said “this hardship is too much to bear. The Federal Government must act fast and find a lasting solution to the perennial fuel scarcity so that the needless suffering of the people can end. I have been on the queue here since yesterday when we heard that they were going to sell fuel.”

Port Harcourt It is now a reality that the pump price of petrol sells between N140 and N160 in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital and its environs.

For about two months now, the price of the product has hovered between the two prices, even as black marketers continue to have a field day selling to motorists and other consumers for between N180 and N190 per litre.

As it obtains in most parts of the country, residents of Rivers State have, for months, been suffering untold hardship brought about by the escalating cost of petrol which peaked at N350 per litre in November 2015.

Unlike some other states, however, motorists and other end users do not have to be on a very long queue in Port Harcourt to buy the product as it is almost always available at N150 or N160 at pump price, while the option of the black market is also available.

Most of the major marketers have closed shop due to non-availability of fuel but one of them, located on the Eastern Bypass, and the NNPC mega station on Woji Road sold at N86 per litre, on Thursday.

Commercial drivers and

commuters are lamenting the escalating price of petrol even as traders are complaining that their businesses have nosedived due to low patronages by their customers.

Enugu In Enugu State, the situation remains bad with motorists staying in long queues for hours to buy petrol. On Friday, long queues were noticed at filling stations operated by major marketers.

Within the Enugu metropolis, on Friday, Saturday Tribune observed that a litre of petrol sold for N165 by independent marketers while the major marketers sold at the official pump price of N86.

Reports from Nsukka, Udi and Agbani indicated that independent marketers sell a litre of petrol for between N170 and N200 and in the black market, it is N200 or N220, depending on the bargaining power of the buyer.

Some motorists in Enugu blamed the Federal Government for paying lip service to the oil sector, wondering why they (motorists) are going through hell to get fuel.

“We are tired of this fuel problem. When will we start to buy fuel as fixed by Government? Many of us have decided to leave our vehicles at home because there is no fuel. We are really suffering here,” a motorist, who gave his name simply as Okorocha, lamented.

Warri Except in Asaba, the Delta State capital, where a litre of petrol sells for between N140 and N150 and there is no presence of black marketers on the streets and there are no queues at filling stations but traffic snarls on the roads, other parts of the state are under the mercy of fuel station owners and their collaborating black marketers.

Checks by Saturday Tribune on Friday across filling stations in the state revealed a growing frustration among the people.

At the Sapele and Oghara axes of the state, the situation is critical as many residents have resorted to trekking long distances due to about 50 per cent hike in transport fares.

Checks revealed that a litre of petrol now goes for between N150 and N160 in fuel stations that have the product while black marketers sell for between N180 and N200 per litre.

A resident, Dr Etasemi Onoriodo, said “the situation is very critical. Na die! We

private vehicle owners have resorted to trekking or boarding commercial vehicles. We can’t even buy fuel for our generators as electricity supply is also almost zero.”

In Bomadi Local Government Area, black marketers sell at N200, while at filling stations, a litre of the product sells for N180. Transport fares have also gone up by about 50 per cent.

In Abraka/Ughelli axis, only a few stations have the product and they sell at N170 per litre. Black marketers sell the product for between N220 and N250 while transport fare has been increased by about 40 per cent with only a few vehicles plying the roads.

A resident of Ughelli, Perez Onakwe, on the situations at filling stations, said “the higher the price, the shorter the queue, the lower the price, the longer the queue [of vehicles].”

In Warri and environs, only a station was seen selling the product for N190 per litre. Other marketers, including major ones, have shut their stations.

A resident, Onojeghen Austin, explained that most of the filling stations claiming not to have the product were actually lying.

He said the filling stations usually sold the product in the night in jerry cans to black marketers at exorbitant prices.

No official of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Warri could be reached for comments as of the time of filing this report.

Abuja The lingering fuel scarcity in Abuja has created a good business environment for food and confectionery sellers to make brisk sales at petrol stations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that in most fuel stations along Airport Road, some vendors sold food and sachet water to drivers waiting to buy fuel.

One of the vendors, Mrs Funke Joseph, who spoke to NAN, said the current fuel situation had helped increase her sales.

“I saw the long queue and I knew some of them slept here and would be hungry by now, so I used the opportunity to come and sell to them. As you can see, people are buying my snacks and I have made lot of sales already this morning more than what I would have made at my stand,” she said.

Mr Idris Umar, a sachet water seller, said that business was really good at

the petrol station, adding that he had sold more than five bags yesterday morning.

Umar said that the drivers were willing to buy the water whether cold or not.

“I have sold almost five bags of pure water just this morning only on this queue; the drivers are rushing the water because of the hot weather.

“I even had to call my brother to come here and sell their water because the demand is more than supply,” he added.

Miss Patience Okeke, a bean cake seller, said that she used the opportunity of the fuel situation to hawk ‘akara’ at the filling station, adding that she sold them off within a short time.

“I was here yesterday and I finished selling all my akara.

So, today I said I must come back and I will keep coming everyday till the fuel issue ends.

“In my area where I sell my akara, sometimes I return home without selling everything so this is a good opportunity for me to make more money to take care of my family.

NAN also reported that some drivers spent the night at the filling stations and some were seen lying down on top of their vehicles waiting for the filling station to commence sales for the day.

A motorist, Mr Adebowale Adebayo, who also spoke to NAN, said that he had to sleep in the filling station to ensure he got fuel.

“I left my office yesterday after I closed from work at around 6 p.m. and headed straight to the filling station: this is almost 9 a.m. and I have still not bought fuel.”

Another motorist, Mr Adamu Bello, said that he also slept at the filling station in order to get fuel in the morning.

“I decided to sleep here so I can be sure of getting fuel today; if I did not do that only God knows when I will get fuel.

“At least the queue is moving gradually so I know it would soon be my turn.”

Kano THE Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Kano State has sanctioned a filling station for removing its seal and going ahead to sell petrol despite an order by the Department not to sell the product.

The DPR’s Controller of Operations, Alhaji Isah Tafida, told journalists, on Friday, that 15 other filling stations caught selling petrol above the official pump price and committing other offences were sealed off.

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2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Glo launches Nigeria’s first Data Supermart

From left, Diocesan Bishop at Ibadan, The Most Rev. (Dr.) Joseph Olatunji Akinfenwa; his wife, Mrs Comfort Oluyemisi Akinfenwa; Chief Bolaji Ayorinde and the Registrar, Barrister Diran Adeyemo, when Bishop Akinfenwa delivered the Bishop Charge, during the Third Session of the Twenty First Synod, held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Oke-Bola, Ibadan, on Friday. PHOTO: D’TOYIN.

Oyegun, Modu Sheriff disagree over anti-corruption war

•Take war to APC members too —PDP chairman

•What does that mean? PDP exposed its members to corruption —APC chairman

•I have no friend, no enemy in this war —Buhari From Taiwo Adisa, Leon Usigbe and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

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A T I O N A L chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, have sharply disagreed over the way the anticorruption war of the Federal Government is being prosecuted.

While Modu Sheriff decried what he called the one-sided focus of the anti-graft war, OdigieOyegun countered that the war cannot be differently fought because the PDP stayed for very long in government and got exposed to corruption.

Modu Sheriff had in an interview with Saturday Tribune (see page 38) asked the Federal Government to extend its anit-graft war to the APC and the other parties instead of its current focus majorly on PDP members.

He said: “The PDP as a party supports all forms of anti-corruption crusade.

However, we believe that it should be all the way through.

We support the fight against corruption but it should not be one-sided. Corruption in all ramifications is evil. We don’t support corruption.

But that corruption fight must be for every party and no exception...PDP, APC, APGA, all the political parties, because our party is a lawabiding party. Our party was in government for 16 years and the anti-corruption law itself was made by the PDP.

In 1999, the law that set up the anti-corruption agencies was passed when I was a leader in the Senate.”

But the national chairman of the APC, Chief Odigie-Oyegun on Friday defended the antigraft war embarked upon by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, insisting that the war was not selective.

Odigie-Oyegun, who spoke in a chat with Saturday Tribune, said that the protest emanating from the PDP was misplaced.

According to him, the PDP was in control of levels of government for long, adding that that long tenure exposed many of its

members to questionable government contracts.

Odigie-Oyegun said: “What do they mean by being selective? Is [Senate President Bukola] Saraki not a member of the APC? There are quite one or two other chieftains of the APC who are undergoing trial. Is it those of us who have never been involved in government contracts the anti-graft agencies will probe?

“Don’t forget that the PDP was in control of some 28 states and the Federal Government at a stage. How do you expect the anti-graft war to be different and the anticorruption agencies have not even looked into a number of areas. It just

can’t be different,” he said.

Meanwhile, in his reaction, the Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), Femi Adesina, told Saturday Tribune in an e-mail sent from the United States that nobody would be spared in the fight against corruption, no matter who that person may be or whatever party he/she may belong to.

Asked whether the President would consider Sheriff’s advice, he said: “The answer is obvious.

The war is all-embracing already. No friend, no foe.

Anyone that has questions to answer will be called to do so, irrespective of party affiliation.”

Obasanjo, PDP chairman seen together in Enugu

•Govs need to do well for our people —Ex-president Jude Ossai - Enugu FORMER President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday in Enugu had a nice time with dignitaries, including the acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, where he charged state governors in the country to increase the tempo of their performances in their respective states so as to alleviate the suffering of the people.

Chief Obasanjo who paid a courtesy call on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on his way back from Ebonyi State where he had attended the burial ceremony of Governor Dave Umahi’s

mother, said the issue of governance is a serious task which governors should employ to bring smile to the faces of the people.

During the visit, Obasanjo, who characteristically was at his humorous best, danced to a highlife tune rendered by a life band on hand at the Banquet Hall of the Enugu State Governor’s Lodge.

While commending the Enugu governor for exemplary performance, Chief Obasanjo said, “thank you for the good work you are doing in the state for the benefit of your people. Keep it up.

“From the reports I get, you are doing well. If out of 36 states of the country you can get one that is

doing well, it would be encouraging to continue to work on others to do well and by the time you can get up to 50% of the states doing well, it would mean the country would be better. So, keep it up,” said the former president.

Governor Ugwuanyi who also played host to Modu Sheriff and other political heavyweights, including billionaire businessman and politician, Prince Arthur Eze, thanked the former president for the visit and for his kind words.

“We are, indeed, very grateful. We will continue to benefit from your wealth of experience so that we can continue to serve our people better,” said the governor.

IN line with its commitment to delivering value, next generation network, Globacom, has unveiled a new data package, Glo Data Supermart which packed all its array of data services in a single plan for the comfort of its data subscribers.

In a press statement in Lagos, Globacom said “we again want to reward our loyal customers by giving them more value for their money in a comforting and less stressful manner. That is why we are giving unbelievable value for all our data offerings to enable our subscribers to browse, download and surf the internet without any stress.”

Subscribers under Glo Data Supermart who recharge with N1, 000 will get 1.5 GB of data, N2, 000 recharge will get 4.5GB, N3, 000 recharge will get 6GB while 9GB will be given in respect of N4, 000 recharge for the monthly plans.

The Data Supermart also incorporates Booster plans which can replenish data plans whenever a subscriber runs short of data. Under the plan, a N200 Booster will give the user 300MB of data while the subscriber will be given 1GB of data will be given in respect of N500 Booster.

Under the weekend plan called Thank Glo It’s Friday (TGIF), Glo subscribers with N500 will get 3GB of data which is valid between 12 am on Saturday and 5amon Monday. A Glo subscriber also needs only N200 to get 1GB of data for all-night browsing on the data supermart.

Globacom’s data services are backed by the company’s massive telecommunications infrastructure, including Nigeria’s most extensive 3G data network, several thousands of kilometres of nationwide optic fibre infrastructure and a 2.4 terabytes transatlantic armoured-submarine cable which linked Nigeria to Europe through 14 African countries with dedicated extension to the United States of America.

Glo subscribers can access the Glo Data Supermart which caters for all the super fast data offerings on the Glo network by dialing *777#.

NLC president, Wabba lauds Mimiko over achievements PRESIDENT of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba has commended the ability of the Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko to provide physical infrastructure and services which have impacted on the lives of the people.

The NLC boss further applauded the governor over what he described as his spectacular leadership role in the transformation of Ondo to a modern and one of the leading states in the country.

He said few, if any, will dispute the fact that in addition to the provision of physical infrastructure and services, majority of which he posited have positively impacted on the lives of the people, Mimiko has given the people of the state a voice and sense of identity that stand them out.

The NLC president’s commendation is contained in a letter written to Governor Mimiko congratulating him for the success recorded marking the seventh year anniversary of his administration and the 40th creation of the state held recently.

Applauding the governor for his numerous achievements since assuming office, Wabba said “few, if any, will dispute the fact that in addition to the provision of physical infrastructure and services, majority of which have positively impacted on the lives of the people, you have given Ondo State people a voice and sense of identity that stand them out.

“As you strive to perfect your legacy, I wish you, the government and people of Ondo State more fruitful harvest in the year ahead,” the letter read in part.

Meanwhile, President of the Ondo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Bosede Daramola has also commended Governor Mimiko for creating the enabling environment for labour unions to thrive in the state.

Speaking at the Ondo State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers’ eighth quadrennial delegates conference which was held at the Dome in Akure, Daramola who recognised Governor Mimiko, specially at the function said he deserved every accolade for his support and the peace being experienced by labour unions in the state.

The NLC boss said the recognition of the governor’s support became necessary because, according to her, “labour unions are not allowed to operate in Edo State where our own is governor.”

In the same vein, she thanked the governor for giving out vehicles to members of the road union workers to operate, positing that it is a mark of respect and a thing of honour for the road workers as the gesture ensured that they are engaged productively.

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Fuel scarcity worsens, commuters resort to trekking Continued from pg 4

Abeokuta The scarcity of petrol is hitting residents of Ogun State hard.

Many filling stations have closed down due to non-availability of the product.

An independent marketer, on Friday, sold a litre of fuel for N180 but consumers did not hesitate to buy.

There were rowdy queues at some stations seen dispensing fuel.

The situation was not different in other parts

of the state such as IjebuOde, Sagamu and Ota. Prices of foodstuffs and transportation have increased astronomically.

Lokoja Commuters and motorists had a hard time getting to their destinations as fuel scarcity worsened across major towns in Kogi State on Friday.

Investigation by Saturday Tribune in Lokoja, the state capital, showed that only a few independent marketers had petrol to sell to the public for be-

tween N180 and N200 per litre.

The situation was worse outside of Lokoja. A handful of petrol stations with stock in towns like Janna, Idah and Anyigba sold the commodity for between N200 and N220.

The situation forced many people to abandon their vehicles either at home or on queues at filling stations where they had waited endlessly to buy the commodity.

Major roads in the town were deserted as only a few

Abuja Chaotic situation at a filling station in Abuja on Friday. PHOTO: NAN

Ibadan A petrol station on the Bodija-Customs Road, Ibadan, on Friday. PHOTO: TUNDE OGUNESAN

Ado-Ekiti Fuel situation has made Ekiti citizens to withdraw their vehicles from the roads. This road, one of the busiest roads in Ado Ekiti is now virtually bereft of traffic owing to the fuel situation. PHOTO: SAM NWAOKO

commercial vehicles and motorcycles plied them.

Ondo The crisis has worsened in Ondo State as available fuel now sells for between N250 and N300 per litre in most parts of the state.

On Friday, many vehicle owners in the state abandoned their vehicles and resorted to boarding commercial vehicles at high costs.

Roads in the capital city were deserted as only few vehicles were seen while travellers were

stranded at motor parks while commercial activities were at their lowest ebb.

Long queues were noticed at one of the major marketers’ filling station along Akure-Owo Road, where, it was gathered, the commodity sold for N300 per litre.

The manager of an independent marketer’s filling station, who spoke with Saturday Tribune on the condition of anonymity, said the fuel they were selling was bought from a

major marketer.

“We now buy from major marketers and we are selling as we buy; it is not possible for us to sell below the cost price. The next batch may be sold at N300 but we are selling at N200 now. We are tired of this scarcity,” he said.

A motorist said “I have been here for the past three hours struggling to buy fuel at N300 per litre.

I may end up leaving my car here because there is not enough fuel to take me home.”

Abuja Stranded commuters at Lugbe bus stop as a result of fuel scarcity in Abuja on Friday. Photo: NAN

Ilorin The ever busy Post Office roundabout in Ilorin, with very light traffic, on Friday .

PHOTO: BIOLA AZEEZ

Osogbo The dual carriageway at Alekuwodo area of Osogbo, on Friday. Photo: OLUWOLE IGE

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news

2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Wike suspends commissioner Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has suspended the Commissioner for Works in the state, Mr Kevin Wachukwu.

The suspension is with immediate effect as the governor directed the Special Adviser on Special Projects, Cyril Dum Wite, to take over the responsibility of supervising projects in the ministry in the meantime.

The reason for the action of the governor was not made known in a statement issued by his media aide, Simeon Nwakaudu, in Port Harcourt, on Friday.

Braithwaite for burial April 28 Bola Badmus - Lagos

Former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu (middle) consoling the widow of Dr Tunji Braithwaite, Grace (left) and son, Olumide, during his condolence visit to the residence of the late politician, on Friday in Lagos. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

Minister directs hospitals to treat indigent patients free of charge

Newton-RayUkwuoma-Lagos HE Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, has directed teaching hospitals as well as all government-owned health care systems to treat indigent patients without charges, emphasising that poor Nigerians should not be denied treatment.

The minister, who gave the directive during an inspection visit to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Idi-Araba on Friday, also affirmed the federal government’s commitment to instituting a compulsory health insurance scheme for all Nigerians.

The minister said, “Every

T

indigent Nigerian must be treated at our hospitals without charges. All governmentowned hospitals are directed not to deny poor Nigerians treatment because of money.

Nigerians, who are poor, should enjoy our services”.

The minister, who spoke on the backdrop of the massive poverty indicators, which puts 70 per cent of Nigerians under poverty-line, that is about 100 million poor Nigerians, said that the government under President Mohammed Buhari was committed towards a responsive intervention on poverty beginning from basic healthcare services. He, however, appealed to Nigerians not to sabotage the process as only “the truly poor” will be ben-

eficiary of the new directive.

“We are appealing to Nigerians to be genuine to the system because we cannot take care of everybody free of charge. For those who are truly poor, we have a social system that will identify them, locate their homes and take care of them,” he said.

Adewole also stated that the new administration would focus on building over 10,000 primary healthcare centres across the nation in two years in order to cater for the healthcare needs of the average Nigerian. He said that the ministry was finalising paper works to commence the construction and rehabilitation on the 1st of May, 2016.

“With respect to the pub-

lic healthcare centres, the government will make functional 10,000 primary healthcare centres out of the 30,000 out-of-service centres in the country in the next two years. We want to have one functional public healthcare centre per ward.

It is not a new idea, what is new is our strong determination to implement it. When we reach these 10,000 public healthcare centres, we will be reaching over 100 million Nigerians and as an administration that considers the poor, we want to give them free health care.

“We have submitted the proposal to the presidency and it is under review. We are looking for how to sustain this project,” he said.

Explosion averted as tanker rams into school fence Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos THERE was confusion on Thursday night in Gbagada area of Lagos State as a tanker fully loaded with diesel crashed into a school wall.

The police in the state are on the trail of the driver of the truck who was said to have escaped and has been on the run since the accident happened .

The truck, with the registration number BAU 219 XB, crashed part of the wall of Corona Schools in Gbagada and spilled its content in the process.

It took the intervention of emergency workers, which included operatives of the Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency to prevent an outbreak of fire.

Saturday Tribune gathered that the incident occurred as a result of brake failure of the tanker, which was said to be at a high speed.

A source at the Lagos State Fire Service, while confirming the incident

to Saturday Tribune, under the condition of anonymity, said that the incident occurred around 11.20 a.m on Thursday night.

The fire service source also said “The truck was coming from Oshodi and trying to link Ikorodu Road

when the driver lost control and rammed into the school fence.”

The incident also created serious traffic gridlock along the link road between Gbagada Expressway and Ikoorodu Road.

The director of the state

fire service, Rasak Fadipe, confirmed the incident to Saturday Tribune.

The fire service boss said that the agency was able to prevent an explosion by ensuring a continuous blanketing of the spilled content.

Buhari reaffirms commitment to global fight against terrorist activities Leon Usigbe - Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the global fight against the threat of nuclear terrorism and other forms of terrorism.

In Nigeria’s country statement to the fourth Nuclear Security Summit being hosted by President Barack Obama on Friday in Washington DC, Buhari also pledged Nigeria’s continued support for all multilateral efforts aimed at promoting a common approach and commitment to nuclear security at the highest levels.

He said: “Nigeria accords

high priority to all global efforts towards ending the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, including nuclear weapons.

“Nuclear terrorism is one of the greatest threats to international security and preventing nuclear terrorism and all forms of terrorism around the globe is of concern to all of us.

“To this end, Nigeria has strengthened the legal framework for fighting terrorism through the adoption in 2013 of an amendment to its Terrorism (Prevention) Act, ensuring the implementation of more robust counter-

terrorism measures in the country.”

President Buhari told the gathering that to enhance Nuclear Security, Nigeria has reinforced its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United States Department of State’s Partnership for Nuclear Security and the World Institute for Nuclear Security.

“In addition, Nigeria has signed an agreement of cooperation with the United States Department of Energy’s Office of Radiological Security to protect nuclear and other radiological materials from theft or sabotage.”

RENOWNED Lagos lawyer and activist, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, will be buried on April 28, 2016.

The foremost lawyer passed on, on Monday at a Lagos hospital.

The burial date was contained in a funeral programme issued by the family on Friday evening.

According to the programme, the late political activist, who was a member of the National Confab, will be interred at the Reverend Braithwaite Memorial Church, Papa Epe, Lagos.

The three-day burial arrangement will commence with a service of songs at Yard 158, Oregun, Ikeja on April 26, while the Christian wake will take place at his Victoria Island residence on April 27.

The family, however, said, “Further information will be consistently communicated as we progress with the burial planning.”

Boska, ITPC announce first Indonesian solo exhibition in Lagos Newton-Ray Ukwuoma - Lagos DEXA Medica, makers of painkiller, Boska, in collaboration with Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (Abuja), has announced the first all Indonesian products exhibition in Lagos, tagged Indonesian Solo Exhibition.

Mr. Dhanang Anggoro, Country Business Manager of Dexa Medica, made the announcement in a statement made available to Saturday Tribune on Friday.

He said the exhibition will serve as an opportunity for the public to interact with Dexa Medica exhibitors on their products as well as its plans to promote the health industry.

The event is also billed to showcase various Indonesian brands in Nigeria ranging from drugs, medical equipment, food, beverages among others between 5 and 7 of April, 2016 at the External Ball Room of Federal Palace Hotel, Victorial Island, Lagos.

NGOs accuse govt of plan to pitch community against Badeh TWO non governmental organisations, Citizens Watch Nigeria (CWN) and Transparency Movement (TM), have described a comment credited to the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, on the embattled former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (retd), as “false” and “misleading”, noting that the statement is intended to tarnish the image of the former defence chief.

In a press release jointly signed by the president of CWN, Mr Omooba Aigbegbele, and the executive secretary of TM, Mr Frank Umar, which was made available to newsmen on Friday, Mallam Shehu was alleged to have said in an interview published by a national daily (not Nigerian Tribune) that the former defence chief preferred to build palaces in Abuja when his “own community had been seized by Boko Haram up to three times” and that the office of the erstwhile National Security Adviser (NSA) “was at the head of all the corruption which went on in Nigeria”.

The release stated that there was no single allegation in charges preferred against the former defence chief that his houses in Abuja were built with monies given to him to procure arms, saying Mallam Shehu’s statement was made in an attempt to cause disaffection between the former Chief of Defense Staff and his community.

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Saturday Tribune

Unilag suicide: ‘We did not try to resurrect him; we were only praying in tongues’

Naza Okoli – Lagos

O

n Wednesday, 23 March 2016, four students from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) were arrested at Ifo, in Ogun State. They were in the town to attend the burial of their schoolmate Mr Eniola Jacobs, who died the Sunday before.

The four students – Awe-Obe Raphael, Iwerima Jacob, Aramowo Stephen, and Adeboye Timothy – are all executive members of the University of Lagos chapter of Cherubim and Seraphim (also known as Unification) – the Fellowship that the late Jacobs attended.

According to the police, the four students attempted to “exhume and resurrect” the body of the late Jacobs, an action which the relatives of the deceased found suspicious.

“The parents of the deceased called the police,” the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Ogun State Command, SP Muyiwa Adejobi, told Saturday Tribune on Thursday. “And when we arrived, we actually met them there. The parents called the police to come and intervene. And when we got there they told us they wanted to exhume the body. We asked them: ‘Are you coroner? Are you carrying out any investigation? Who are you to exhume the corpse?’ And they then told us they wanted to resurrect him. It was suspicious. That was why we took them in for questioning.”

However, one of the arrested students and President of the Fellowship, Mr Raphael Awe-Obe, on Tuesday denied that they attempted to resurrect Jacobs. AweObe, a 500-level law student who sent their side of the story to his close friends and the leadership of the University of Lagos Students Union via WhatsApp said their ordeal began after Jacobs’ aunt saw them “praying in tongues” at Jacobs’ graveside.

“It was so unfortunate. The same person (Jacob’s aunt) that gave us permission to pray called the police on us and denied she gave us permission. You know, God saved us. The thing was that the complainant said we were praying in tongues and it raised suspicion… the complainant gave a report that we were fighting with bricklayers to forcefully bring out the corpse. That wasn’t true…”

Murder?

Perhaps if Eniola Jacobs had died a natural death – if his death were not so shrouded by doubt, uncertainty

and mystery – perhaps then it would not have mattered so much whether members of his fellowship wanted him resurrected.

Even though Jacobs is believed to have committed suicide, it has also been reported that he might have been forced by “cultists” to ingest the insecticide which led to his death. To pursue this line of reasoning would be to suggest that Jacobs was murdered. When asked whether it was a murder case, Adejobi said the case had been transferred to the Lagos Command, and that it was left for Lagos to determine that.

“From the little we have been able to gather around here…. Well the case is still being investigated. They were arrested because they were trying to resurrect their dead colleague.

“They were released on bail, but we were asked to transfer their case to the Lagos State Command. We have their statement with us, and they did not say they were trying to pray in tongues... But the case is now with the Lagos State Command; I wouldn’t know what the Lagos State Command is doing about it.”

Illegal detention Many who spoke with Saturday Tribune earlier in the week frowned on the continued detention of the four students, especially as it was yet to be established by the police that they were involved in any crime other than an attempt to resurrect a dead person.

“There is no law in Nigeria which criminalises attempt to resurrect a dead person,” said Mr Joel Ighalo, a

They asked the aunt of the deceased: ‘Do you believe in resurrection?’

That was the question they asked her. And she said yes, that she too is a Christian, and that was all. That was how it started.

500-level law student at UNILAG. “If my memory serves me right, when the late comedian Gbenga Adeboye died, a pastor attempted to resurrect him after a year. He wasn’t prosecuted.”

Ighalo said on Thursday that a number of students from the Faculty of law had gone to the State Criminal Investigation Division at Panti, Yaba, where the four students were being detained, to “see them”.

Also speaking, Mr Abiola Awe-Obe, Raphael’s brother, who had also been to Panti to visit the detained students said he hoped it would all be resolved soon.

“My brother and his friends are in custody,” he said.

“But they are in the outer cells. We want to see the family of the deceased and the families of the detained students.

We want to have a meeting together to finalise the issue.”

Asked if his brother and his companions really attempted to resurrect Jacobs, he said: “They asked the aunt of the deceased: ‘Do you believe in resurrection?’ That was the question they asked her. And she said yes, that she too is a Christian, and that was all. That was how it started.”

“They did not know Jacobs” A group of friends of the detained students who launched a campaign on Twitter on Thursday to demand the immediate release of the students said they have proof that the students had no intention of resurrecting Jacobs. The leader of the group and a classmate of Raphael’s who spoke with Saturday Tribune, said until Jacob’s death, many of the members of his fellowship did not know who he was. He reasoned it was odd for the fellowship officials to desire to resurrect someone they had never even met.

“The Monday after Eniola died, after the candle light procession, an official of ULSU saw Raphael and some friends, and accused them of not honouring their fellowship member,” the student who asked not to be named said. “Raphael told him he wasn’t aware that the boy was a member of their fellowship. The official gave Raphael the phone numbers of Eniola’s mum and uncle. Raphael went back and checked their fellowship register and saw the boy’s name.

The family told them that they were taking the body out of LUTH the next day for burial. So Raphael and friends went to LUTH the next day just to pay condolences. On getting there, the body was already in the ambulance, and they were on their way to Ogun State. The uncle then encouraged Raphael and friends to come for the burial.”

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Saturday Tribune

Toluwani Olamitoke 08050498504 toluwaniforever@yahoo.com

H

ER early days I was born exactly 60 years ago in Ondo Kingdom. I give all glory to God because He has been faithful to me. I had a humble beginning and I didn’t have the opportunity of acquiring much education because my parents didn’t have the wherewithal. I attended St Mathew Primary School, Ondo and had my secondary school education in Sokoto while staying with my uncle. But I developed my trading skill right from my primary school days through my grandmum as I sold melon after school hours at the open market. Ever since then, I have loved selling, buying and counting money.

How she started her business I started from nothing, but due to my persistence and consistency, God smiled on me. After my sojourn in the North, I came back to live with my parents in Lagos in 1978 and had to hawk water at the popular Oshodi market to relieve my parents of my upkeep due to paucity of funds. With the little I realised from the trade, I added the sale of soft drinks. After a while, I was allocated a piece of land at the bus stop where I managed to erect a small stall at Bolade Railway Line. Again, I approached the Railway Office at Yaba for a small portion of land where I had two sheds. Unfortunately, the then government of the day outlawed trading on the rail line. Left with no other place to go, I pulled my resources together and bought a pick up van so as to get supplies from major distributors for sale. By this time, I had added Guinness Nigeria Plc products and beer to what I was selling. In 1979, I became a syndicate with Guinness Nigeria Plc and I was supplied between 35 and 70 cartons of Stout since I wasn’t really a distributor.

But in 1980, I would say fortune smiled on me as I met with the incumbent paramount ruler of Badagry, whose wife was made a distributor but she could not take an active role in this business because of her status as olori. I was approached to buy their supply, but had to team up with other distributors since I couldn’t afford products worth up to N3000. This was the beginning of my journey of becoming a major distributor for Guinness Nigeria Plc till date as my customers kept increasing by the day at Oshodi, Surulere and Somolu where God has established my warehouse. I finally became a major distributor for Guinness in 1981.

As this was not enough, Nigerian Breweries Plc also approached me with their products. I obliged and I was asked to pay just N5000 as take-off capital which I knew my customers could raise for me. As of that time there was no collateral that could facilitate a loan from a bank. This was how I became a major distributor for Nigerian Beweries Plc till date.

Your secret Nothing special. It has been the grace of God. God fatherism What is meant by this? (Laughs).... It is just God’s grace and my insistence on staying focused and retaining God’s wisdom because I knew I had nobody to run to. Again, that belief in me that I was bound to be a successful person kept me focused and determined.

Her husband’s reaction to her line of business He never objected to my calling. All he harped and counseled me on was integrity which I have held on to. The word ‘integrity’ has continued to open doors of assistance to me as banks now approach us having seen our turnover over the years for credit facilities which are paid back as stipulated. Bank officials come asking us to do business with them on daily basis by accessing loans.

Selling on credit I give my loyal customers products on credit, after all Nigerian Breweries Plc and Guinness Nigeria Plc also give me their products on credit which I see as favour from God. I do this so that they too would be able to feed and train their children. They in turn pray for me and I believe their prayers work.

Empowering Ondo women I empower the women with what I know best, running beer business. I empower

‘I enjoy trading, I love counting money’

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Vicmond Nigeria Limited, High Chief Modupe Oluwole, exemplifies dogged determination to succeed having risen from zero level to become a force to reckon with. The Jomulobun of Ondo Kingdom, in this interview with YEMISI AOFOLAJU, relives her humble beginning and what has kept her head high up as she turns 60 today.

those in this trade with credit facility. Now that I am 60, I plan to look at other ways I can empower women who are into other trades with whatever God lays on my heart. Just a token of N20,000 can make a difference in caring for their children.

Empowerment not synonymous with feeding Yes, I know. But you cannot totally divorce business from the well-being of the family. What happens in a case a child is sent home for school fees? Will the woman wait for the man to come before settling the bill? Whether the man pays back or not, the child remains yours.

Ensuring judicious use of fund There are iyalojas (women leaders) who will be saddled with effective monitoring of the fund disbursed for the purpose it is meant for.

Growing up dreams Dream! While growing up, my parents had no money and nobody was willing and ready to assist them in training us.

So my dream all along had been that of becoming a big time trader counting money. Even if my parents had money then, I would still have loved to be a trader.

Reason for her choice I enjoy trading. I love counting money. If I have another chance, I will still choose trading.

Missing ingredient in

homes Love. Nigerian men don’t love their wives. I have over the time observed that Nigerian men hate seeing their wives succeed. They are not happy when they see their wives progressing on the basis that the woman will become uncontrollable, forgetting that it is only God who shows compassion on whoever He chooses to bless. Some women have been destined for greatness and I enjoin men to rally support for their wives whenever the hand of God is seen in what they are doing. I believe there is greatness in unity.

A successful woman should be encouraged rather than be despised. There is no way a woman’s success won’t impact on the lives of her husband and children. Every woman definitely prays that her children become greater than her.

It is equally important that she takes care of these children who are her future.

Belief in friendship I don’t believe in having friends. The only friends I have are Guinness Nigeria Plc, Nigeria Breweries Plc and my customers who make things happen for me. My co-distributors and loyal customers are my best friends.

Why her no friend stance?

Whenever the occasion arises to give assistance, no friend will understand when you explain that one’s business is majorly run on credit facility from banks. Failure to render help financially is like inviting trouble for oneself. There is no move that they won’t read meaning to. This is why I have decided to keep to myself. I only attend few functions while I don’t buy aso-ebi so as not to be accused of being biased.

Again, I can’t afford to spend my business capital on socials.

Fulfillment I am fulfilled because I am happy and I enjoy what I have chosen to do.

Successor plan There won’t be any vacuum as it concerns this business.

My children are involved. In fact, it is a must as Nigerian Beweries Plc has compelled all her major distributors to nominate a child each to understudy their parents. In view of this, my daughter is a full time staff of Vicmond Nigeria Limited. Nigerian Beweries Plc is of the view that the business must not die due to old age or exit of the original distributor. Even distributors who are childless are encouraged to adopt their successors.

How does she feel at 60 I feel great as I appreciate God for what He has done for me irrespective of my humble beginning. I am not on special diet. In fact, my favourite dish is pounded yam and ila alasepo, a delicacy people of my age are warned against.

Guiding philosophy Integrity and pride in what I do. I also believe in hardwork and ensure I get to my warehouse as early as 7:00 am to direct its affairs. A Yoruba adage says ‘egun ti eniyan ba gbe sile laja ngbe.’ I have never felt too big to be at my duty post at the scheduled time. I appreciate my husband who has allowed me to pursue my dream without any form of restriction. All my thanks go to my benefactors, Guinness Nigeria Plc and Nigeria Breweries Plc for believing in me.

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food&drink

Saturday Tribune BLESSING EKUM ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639

Tantalise your taste bud with

macaroni carbonara

Chef Yetunde Okege is the Managing Director, Yetty Africana Catering Institute, Orita-Challenge, Ibadan. Trained in preparing both continental and African dishes, she shares with BLESSING EKUM some tips to getting it right in the gourmet world.

How long have you been in the catering business and what spurred your interest? started in 2003. Right from my childhood, I’d always loved cooking and baking. Since I knew that was my passion, I decided to train and become a professional.

I

Do you believe great cooking skills are learned or innate?

Some believe that certain people are naturally gifted cooks while others just can’t cook, but I disagree. I believe good cooking is a skill that can be learnt. You might have an innate passion for cooking but you need to be trained on how to prepare a variety of dishes. It is not okay for a woman to only know how to cook the usual staple foods we have.

To be a responsible wife and mother, she needs to learn how to also prepare continental dishes and other African dishes for her family and she can only learn to do that properly when she is trained. Everybody can cook tasty meals if they are well trained.

What would you say is the secret to being a successful caterer?

I believe it is commitment and devotion. Many start the business just to make money and are not trained, committed or passionate about catering. They just leave the cooking and supervision to others and don’t commit themselves to it. My philosophy is to be present from the beginning to the end and ensure that I take active part and give the best in the cooking and even serving process. This creates an impression on your customers and would determine if you get future recommendations.

What is your most favourite part of catering?

It’s getting compliments about my food and also creating new recipes and ideas.

Can you share an idea you recently came up with?

It’s something creative I decided to do with fruits. I create different objects and animal shapes by cutting and mixing different kinds of fruits.

Fruits are perishable, how do you preserve them?

I pick fruits that can last for about 24 hours before decaying. Fruits like bananas and apples don’t last long so I don’t use them but watermelons are the best to use.

Can you recall your first unsupervised cooking experience?

I was in primary four. My mum had gone to work and I was alone at home and wanted to impress her with my cooking. I prepared amala and efo soup. My mum wasn’t impressed at all because she felt what I did was risky. The amala didn’t turn out perfectly well but it was manageable.

What is the most complex dish you have prepared?

For me, Chinese cuisines are complex because if care is not taken, you may mix up the recipes for the many soups and sauces that accompany dishes.

What’s your favourite continental cuisine?

I enjoy macaroni carbonara.

Can you share the recipe for macaroni carbonara?

The ingredients needed are macaroni, bacon, onions, finely chopped garlic, butter, whipped cream, meat stock, seasoning cubes, salt, white pepper (optional), egg yolk, olive oil, parsley leaves for garnishing. These ingredients can be sourced locally in major supermarkets.

Olive oil should not be replaced with vegetable oil because it would affect the taste.

Heat oil in a wok. Add chopped onions, chopped garlic, chopped bacon and sauté. Add butter, whipped cream, egg yolk, salt, seasoning cubes and meat stock. Mix to incorporate and allow to cook. Pour in precooked macaroni and leave to simmer. Serve and garnish with parsley.

What do you like about this dish?

It’s easy to prepare and very rich. It’s also not expensive.

It can be eaten any time of the day.

If you had to treat yourself to a special dish, what would that be?

I’d go for sharwama and fries.

It’s usually said that professional cooks find it difficult eating other cook’s food. How true is this and does it apply to you?

I can’t say how true it is for others but it strongly applies to me. I don’t eat rice that I didn’t cook. Even when I attend functions, I don’t eat rice because I won’t be satisfied with the taste. I can manage to eat amala because it is a bland dish that can easily be prepared by anyone.

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08055001741 (sms only)

conversewithyemisi

yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com

Re: She loves her job more than me!

Dear readers, Last week, we ran this story on our page and asked readers to advise Horlawaley. In case you missed the story, read it below.

I

Dear Yemisi, am a 38 year-old-man. I am married to the love of my life and our eight-year-old marriage is blessed with two beautiful children.

I am a chemical engineer still looking for a better job in a reputable oil company. My present employment is just on the fringe as I am not getting the satisfaction I had dreamt of.

At the initial stage of our relationship, before we got married, we had the intention of settling down in Lagos, but this was not to be due to non-availability of good paying jobs. We finally settled for Osun State where she works. We are a weekend couple, kind of, as I shuttle between Lagos and Osun states.

Now that the coast is getting clear for me to secure a job I have longed for, I have been telling my wife about the need to think of the impending relocation of the family to Lagos.

But I have noticed that my suggestion did not go down well with her as she has been so full of herself, seening herself as the all in all, just because she earns bet-

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ter than I do.

I suggested that if getting a transfer to Lagos will not be easy, she should resign from her job, with the hope of securing a better one once she joins me, but she has been so cocky and would not see eye to eye with me. I am beginning to doubt her sincerity because it appears she loves her career more than me and the family.

As things are now, she has a choice to make: To quit her job or forget me. I am getting fed up with having to cope with two homes. What do you suggest I do?

I am of the opinion that her home should be paramount to her as I have been on this for almost two years. I want to believe she is not cheating on me. Or how do I explain her insistence on staying in Osun State?

What do I do?

Horlawaley,

Reactions...

Dear Horlawaley, my candid advice to you is to pay your wife unannounced visit in Osun State to prove if she is cheating on you because her refusal to join you in Lagos is somehow suspicious. Secondly, you might be compelled to join her there since she is now Muhammed who does not want to go to the mountain to save your marriage. Your wife is one of those career women that get intoxicated with their job and such a stand can end your union if the situation is not properly managed —Godwin CC Mbah, 08030613907.

Horlawaley, you did not mention in your letter to Dear Yemisi if the new job you are looking for is real.

You need to tread carefully by asking your wife to quit her job. Have you secured another job? After all, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. This issue requires patience and wisdom. As the love of your life, and as a woman who has been supportive of the family, according to your claims, such a woman deserves some respect and courtesy. May God guide you in making the right decision —Folake Aremu, Oyo, 08152121538.

Horlawaley, irrespective of your religious leaning, take your issue to God in prayer and He will sort things out. All will be alright —Elder P L Akintunde(SAAC), 08067895655.

Horlawaley, It is not that your wife loves her job more than you as you have claimed. Please, erase this.

Remember, you said that all along, she has been very supportive of the family. Bear in mind that if you want to wean a baby from breast milk, it takes patience otherwise you will harm the baby. A Yoruba adage says removing a man’s head is not an antidote to lice infection. Your wife might be thinking of the family’s wellbeing and the security of her job. I will advise you reason along with her. You don’t have to feel offended but love her the more. Don’t forget that Rome was not built in a day. Loving somebody means a lot of sacrifice.

Very soon, the Lord will grant you your heart desire —Pastor Caleb Adeleye, 08024204553.

Horlawaley, my advice to you is to allow your wife continue with her work in Osun State because there is no self-made job in Lagos as you think since you have not been able to secure your dream job. How much more your wife? Secondly, you must try at to avoid bad friends who are likely to be making you think that your innocent wife is probably cheating on you while she is busy working hard to protect your name and image. Stop being ungrateful and begin to appreciate what you have. A bird in hand is worth more than a million in the bush.

—John Seme, 08103006766.

Horlawaley, to me, your wife is not cocky and not cheating on you, going by your narrative. Lucrative job is scarce on the Nigeria shelf. Look at what it took before you secured your dream job if what you have said is true. For almost 15 years, my wife was in a different town teaching, in fact, in a distant state to where I was rearing the children all alone until we could secure her transfer. Marriage is a matter of trust, understanding and tolerance. Reason with her, talk it over in love at her leisure time. To run a clinic is not a tea party, you are even lucky to have a hardworking wife. Stop the unnecessary pressure, visit her and the children once a month and persuade her to reciprocate also. This is your prime (both), do not fritter it away with mindless acrimony. Build your future together. This ‘thing’ no be food!

—Prince Bola Olaoye, Ilorin, 08033553706.

Horlawaley, I will counsel you to handle this matter with great care so as not to destroy your marriage. You and your wife should pray over this issue until you, as the man realise your dream of getting a better job and can now fend for your family. Your wife might be afraid of the unknown. I wish you amicable resolution of the problem —Rosemary Cyril, 08023838371.

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intimacy

2 April, 2016 Saturday Tribune With Bosede Ola-Samuel 08112658560 bosedeola_samuel@yahoo.com

STRICTLY FOR ADULTS

Why you should start the day with sex

S

ex in the morning for couples can be great fun when they have an understanding of how it works. It will give them great satisfaction, since the man will be at his best for great performance that takes the wife to the zenith of sexual pleasure. It has been discovered that men are capable of having sex and enjoying it at any opportune time and place. It is so easy for men to do so because of their physiological make up. Men have been said to be like a helicopter when it comes to sex. They are easily aroused and can take off like a helicopter, without a runway. Therefore, for men, sex can be said to be an any time affair without prior intent.

However, men still have a time that makes sex most suitable for them. Experts in this field have said that males’ best sex time is in the morning. According to sex therapist, Dr. Arlene Goldman, co-author of Psychology Today Here to Help: Secrets of Sexual Ecstasy, “Many men are at their horniest first thing in the morning.” Though you may not feel like it, doing it in the morning can be amazingly hot for you as well, even as a woman.

Due to a biological reason that is known as testosterone, your man’s best time for sex is in the morning.

After a night’s sleep, the level of testosterone peaks.

And testosterone is a leading contributor to sexual feelings in men. Testosterone is a steroidal hormone that stimulates the development of male secondary sexual characteristics.

Apart from this, most men wake up fully aroused because blood circulation to the penis increases overnight. But men don’t look down at the rod in the morning, thinking “Oh! That’s just my junk doing its thing.” Rather, he sees an erection, and wants to put it to use, instead of letting it “be at peace” or deflate. What is on his mind is to strike the iron while it is hot. So, you’ve got to understand why he is the more ready in the morning for sex.

And you don’t have to spoil the fun for him by closing up. Rather, you should take time to learn a few tricks on how you can make the day a memorable one for him, while you also take a bit of the action. You will be surprised about how much fun you will get out of such an early morning exercise, especially when you do not have the luxury of jogging around. So, avail him the fun of that good morning sex. It will help him to maintain sanity in the face of temptations (especially from the secretary) as he goes about his job in the office or around in the town.

Morning sex is not all about the husband; the wife can also derive great fun from it.

In most cases, especially when you’ve not learnt the techniques of enjoying morning sex, sex in the morning is the farthest thing on your mind. Thus, your man may be criticised for feeling like it in the morning , especially for

the religious mind that wants to wake up doing the first thing with her God, that is, prayer and praying. To such a one, sex in the morning becomes a sin or a taboo. But when you have learnt how to enjoy the “good morning” sex, you stand to derive great fun from it as well. According to a therapist, “When a man has higher testosterone levels and he’s well rested, he has more energy during sex and that energy will make him last longer for the pleasure of his woman.”

Furthermore, it is also a great way of keeping him thinking about you all day long instead of flirting around in the office. So, find out ways of banishing those unsexy “I just woke up” feelings so that you can enjoy the good morning sex. One way to help you play along is to fresh up a bit. It makes you feel like it, stay alert and ready to get in the mood. According to Goldman, you can tell him before the action starts you give him 30seconds to get ready for some mind blowing sex. You can then enter the bathroom to get refreshed and take care of whatever may be making you feel “unsexy.”

Positions that make morning sex enjoyable for women Since women may not have lots of energy for sex in the

In most cases, sex in the morning is the farthest thing on your mind.

Thus, your man may be criticized for feeling like it in the morning , especially for the religious mind that wants to wake up doing the first thing with her God, that is, prayer and praying. But when you have learnt how to enjoy the “good morning” sex, you stand to derive great fun from it as well.

morning just because their partners have, couples should adopt positions that are easy, but still make hitting the right spots in her a topmost priority. For example, spooning is an ideal morning position according to sex counselor, Trina Read, author of “Till Sex Do Us Part”. Many people sleep in the spooning position, and thus make it easy for him to fondle the breasts, and also touch her clitoris.

Another position you can try is “man on his side, woman on her back, “with her legs over his hips to have him enter you”. In this position, your bodies will form a “t” shape.

This position is helpful if you have not brushed your teeth yet, because you are not facing each other, according to Read. It also puts him in at the perfect angle to hit her G spot with ease.

Other positions that also make the woman to relax, while the man is doing the energy sapping work out will definitely assist the woman to respond to the morning sex the more, without the feeling of tiredness. The previous write up on sex positions in this column will provide you with guides on positions you can experiment with, till you discover which one will serve the best interest of both of you — pleasure.

It is a good way of saying good morning to each other, especially where you have been picking quarrel over who should first say good morning. It’s amazing what couples quarrel about at times. So, don’t think it’s funny.

There is a magic in an early morning sneak attack on him An early morning sex attack on your husband could be highly rewarding, and a special surprise package for him, once a while, or on special occasions such as wedding anniversary, his birthday, Valentine’s Day, or to end a quarrel. It will drive him to the peak of appreciation you may better imagine.

Surprise him by waiting for him till he enters the shower; then position yourself naked on the edge of the sink, or the door, or on the bed. When he pulls back the shower curtain, or opens the bathroom or bedroom door, he will be thanking God for you for understanding how to be creative in giving him sexual pleasure. Sure bet: an all-day thought about you that will drive him to his wits end of nice acts, including a gift of a lifetime. I can assure you he will definitely reciprocate as soon as possible.

An early morning sex attack on him is one coup for which you will not face the firing squad. Rather, it will earn you extra credit for being a worthy friend and lover of your spouse. A trial will bring you great reward, both in kind and cash. I’m sure you will feed me back without sharing your reward with me.

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Saturday Tribune

2 April, 2016

With Aunty Yemi 08056834515 ojeleyeoyeyemi@yahoo.com

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3

w i t h co-workers, tolerating other people’s behaviours and learning from colleagues.

1 1. Enoch Ayomide Oyekola I would like to be an employee after graduation from higher institution because I believe in starting from bottom and then rise to the top. By the time I finish working under somebody, I would have put into practice the skills I acquired in school and would have improved on them. Thereafter, I can think of establishing my own business without fear of folding up within a short time.

2. Abiola Abiola I wish to be an employer, considering the present rate of graduate unemployment. I will like to set up my own firm, work independently and employ people in order to reduce joblessness in Nigeria. By so doing, I would contribute my own quota to development of Nigeria.

5. Nathaniel Anthony I would like to be an employer because whatever business I establish would be called my own. I observe that some employers make

use of their employees and would not want them to have any other thing doing. I have a vision to empower and better peoples’ lives.

6. James Jeremiah

5 Respondents are pupils of Funmilayo Comprehensive College, Owode-Apata, Ibadan, Oyo State.

As a fresh graduate, it is best to start one’s career as an employee. When I interact with different people as an employee, I would have undergone some training and gained experience

6 from those that I met on the job. After some years of service as an employee, I will be brave enough to stand on my own as an employer of labour.

Etiquette class

D

ear children, as a way of showing good manner each time you return to the house from school, church, mosque or a party, after putting off your socks and pair of shoes or sandals or slippers, take some time to arrange them either on a shoe rack or on the ground.

This makes your room looks neat.

Also, your parents will appreciate this little act of kindness as you have reduced their workload.

The quarrel “Look at the lightning bugs fly by!”

“Silly dunce!” said the fly. “What bug ever flew?

Those are fireflies. And so are you.”

“Bug!” cried the bug. “Fly!” cried the fly.

“Wait!” said a glowworm happening by.

Find the hidden objects in the picture

3. Funke Ibironke There are many advantages in being an employee before becoming an employer. I would like to explore the advantages such as rubbing minds

4. Tolulope Sanni I would like to work under a boss first before I become one so as to gain knowledge, experience, etc. Rome was not built in a day so, I will prefer to serve as a follower before I become a leader.

BIR TH DA Y

2

Would you wish to be an employer or employee after graduation?

“I’m a worm,” squirmed the worm. “I glimmer all night.

You are worms, both of you. I know that I’m right.”

“Fly!” cried the fly. “Worm!” cried the worm.

“Bug!” cried the bug. “I’m standing firm!”

Back and forth through the dark each shouted his word till their quarrel awakened the early bird.

“You three noisy things, you are all related,” She said to the worm, and promptly ate it.

With a snap of her bill she finished the fly, and the lightning bug was the last to die.

Lesson: Glowers and glimmerers, shine if you must, but do not quarrel.

By Maxine Kumin Source: kidsworldfun.com

Get Inspired

harrison Olorunnisomo clocked recently.

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2 April, 2016

health&fitness

By Blessing Ekum

I

t usually begins with a slight pain, redness and swelling close to a nail. In a matter of hours or days, a pus-filled blister surfaces accompanied by a throbbing excruciating pain that could deprive one of sleep. When you share your pains and discomfort with people around you, all kinds of suggestions emerge as to how to treat it and you are left in a dilemma. What then should you do?

Saturday Tribune Blessing Ekum

ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639

What to do when nothing works for whitlow

What it is Dr Paul Adebayo said “what we usually refer to as whitlow is known as paronychia in medical terms. It is an infection of the edge of the fingernail or sometimes toenail. It is actually a very common infection but if not properly handled, it can lead to more severe infection.”

Cause It can be caused by bacteria or fungi. Certain people are more predisposed to contracting it from a fungal source.

Dr Adebayo said, “those who already have a fungal nail infection, those who suffer from diabetes and those who put their hands in water a lot have a higher chances of fungal paronychia infection. In the case of bacterial paronychia, the culprit is the staphylococci. When there is trauma to the skin in the nail area, maybe from nail biting, finger sucking, biting off or picking a hangnail or from trimming or pushing back the cuticle, there is a chance of the staphylococci bacteria entering the broken skin and causing infection. When it occurs suddenly, it is called acute paronychia and is usually caused by bacteria. On the other hand, when it occurs gradually and more slowly, it is called chronic paronychia and is usually caused by fungi.”

How safe and effective are home remedies?

In this part of the world, several home remedies have been in circulation claiming to treat whitlow. Some of them include putting the infected finger in either very hot water, bleach, petrol, battery acid or petrol. Some go as far as suggesting using a pin to rupture the boil so as to drain pus. While most people feel comfortable and actually prefer home remedies before visiting the hospital, medical

experts say it may be the best for one who is infected to go to a hospital for a possible incision and drainage of the pus and proper prescription of medication. “Some of these so-called remedies can cause more complications and lead to severe infections. Immersing the finger, whether

Why more younger people are having heart attacks People who experience the most severe type of heart attack have become younger and more obese in the past two decades, according to a new study.

This group is also increasingly more likely to smoke, and to have high blood pressure and diabetes, all of which are preventable risk factors for a heart attack, the researchers found.

“On the whole, the medical community has done an outstanding job of improving treatments for heart disease, but this study shows that we have to do better on the prevention side,” study co-author Dr. Samir Kapadia, an interventional cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic, said in a statement. “When people come for routine checkups, it is critical to stress the importance of reducing risk factors through weight reduction, eating a healthy diet and being physically active.”

In the study, the researchers looked at risk factors for heart disease among more than 3,900 patients who were treated for the most severe and deadly type of heart attack — called ST-elevation myocardial infarction, or STEMI — between 1995 and 2014.

This type of heart attack occurs when one of the heart’s main arteries is completely blocked by plaque, which stops the flow of blood. If the person experiencing the attack receives medical attention right away, the chances of survival increase, but overall, STEMI carries a high risk of death and disability.

The researchers divided the records of the heart attack patients collected over the 20 years into four groups, each representing a span of five years.

They found that between the first five-year span and the last five-year span, the average age of patients who had had STEMI decreased from 64 to 60, while the prevalence of

obesity among the patients increased from 31 to 40 percent.

They also found that the percentage of the heart attack patients who had diabetes increased from 24 to 31 percent, and the percentage of patients with high blood pressure increased from 55 to 77 percent over the same period.

Moreover, the proportion of heart attack patients who smoked increased from 28 to 46 percent. And the proportion of patients with three or more risk factors for this type of heart attack –which is a general measure of their health –increased from 65 to 85 percent.

Many factors that increase a person’s risk of this type of heart attack are related to lifestyle, and so these factors can be reduced, for example, by increasing exercise , quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet.

The findings suggest that more people could prevent heart problems by taking ownership of their cardiac health and adopting healthy lifestyles, the researchers said.

“Don’t wait until you have a diagnosed heart problem to start taking care of yourself and paying attention to your lifestyle and dietary choices,” Kapadia said. “You should be working hard to avoid developing heart disease in the first place.”

Although medical treatments for heart disease have improved over the years, the findings show that prevention remains key, said Dr. Rajiv Jauhar, chief of cardiology at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York, who was not involved in the new study.

Modifiable risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes need to be dealt with more aggressively, Jauhar said. Doctors should try to communicate with their patients more about these risk factors, and the risks of not addressing them, he said.

Courtesy: Livescience.com

infected or not, in something as corrosive as battery acid is obviously not a smart decision. Using needles and pins at home can introduce more microorganisms and even cause more complications. But because people are looking for relief, they may want to go to any length. Some also self-medicate on antibiotics, but this is wrong because you are yet to know if the cause is bacterial or fungal. And abusing antibiotics has its numerous adverse effects. The best thing is to see your doctor.”

Treatment Paronychia usually responds well to treatment when properly done. Depending on the type, bacterial or fungal medication may be prescribed. If an abscess has developed, incision and drainage would be performed.

To speed up healing, the hands must be kept clean and dry. One should avoid wet work or use totally waterproof gloves with a cotton liner.

Prevention To prevent paronychia, the United States of America’s National Institutes of Health recommend • Proper care for the nails and the skin around the nails.

• Avoid damaging the nails or fingertips. Because the nails grow slowly, an injury can last for months.

• Do not bite or pick the nails.

• Protect the nails from exposure to detergents and chemicals by using rubber or plastic gloves. Gloves with cotton liners are best.

• Bring your own manicure tools to nail salons.

To minimise the risk of damage to the nails: • Keep the nails smooth and trim them weekly.

• Trim the toenails about once a month.

• Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers for trimming fingernails and toenails, and an emery board for smoothing the edges.

• Trim nails after bathing, when they are softer.

• Trim fingernails with a slightly rounded edge. Trim toenails straight across and do not cut them too short.

• Do not trim cuticles or use cuticle removers. Cuticle removers can damage the skin around the nail. Trimming the cuticle damages the skin at the base of the nail. This can allow germs to enter, which can lead to infection.

16 healthandfitness

2 April, 2016

Can I still have a baby at 45?

Dr. Wale Okediran

I recently remarried after five years as a widow. I am in good health with regular menses. I very much want to have a baby for my new husband but I am scared of some of the negative health information I have been reading about women who have babies late in life. Kindly advise me.

Simia (by SMS) I am happy that you have been reading. It is true that some ailments such as hypertension, post delivery bleeding among others, are usually higher among women who get pregnant at an advanced age. In addition,

waleokediran@yahoo.co.uk

08055069356 (sms only)

Does smoking actually cause cancer?

the incidence of Downs Syndrome is usually higher in the offspring of such women. It is for these reasons that medical experts usually advise that pregnancy in women in their late 40’s

should be done with caution. With the above in mind, my advice will be for you to register with an obstetrician who will closely monitor your progress once you get pregnant.

Bleeding after D and C My girlfriend had a D and C on January 29 2016. From that day, she has been bleeding till this morning. Please tell us what we can do to stop the bleeding. We really count on your help.

Juwon (by SMS) Your girlfriend’s bleeding could be due to two things; an incomplete abortion or an infection. While a pelvic ultrasound scan can detect the presence of any remnants of conception in the womb, a laboratory examination of the swab of the pelvic discharge will confirm an infection.

Both actions should be

Saturday Tribune

I have been smoking for the past 20 years without any health challenges.

Therefore, each time I read of the high connection between cigarette smoking and cancer, I usually consider it an exaggeration. I will appreciate your kind position on this.

Henry (by SMS) Scientific literature is full of an overwhelming evidence that link smoking with cancer, particularly cancers of the throat and lungs. It is estimated that cigarettes cause about one lung cancer death per three or four million smokedleading to an estimated 1.5 million deaths from lung cancer per year.

This is why the recently

passed Tobacco Control Act in Nigeria has set out several ways to protect

The consequences of low blood level

I need your urgent advice on the effect of low blood level on somebody. How dangerous is this and how can it be treated?

Babagana (by SMS)

Am I pregnant?

I recently had sex with my boyfriend when the condom got torn. Immediately I used some pills which are said will prevent pregnancy. Unfortunately till today, I am yet to see my menses. I want to know if I am pregnant.

Kindly advise me.

Chinyere (by SMS)

undertaken under the supervision and direction of

a medical doctor to avoid any further complications.

Although there are many post coital contraceptive pills in the market, the timing of their use as well

as the quality of the pills matter a lot. If after using the pills you are yet to see your menses, it could be that have used the pills wrongly or inadequately.

The best solution at this point is to go for a pregnancy test using your urine or blood.

B

ig belly in society is often celebrated as a sign of good living but available research findings prove otherwise. Having a big belly means big trouble when it comes to your health. Analysis of various studies of more than 600,000 people worldwide shows that people with large waist circumferences are at increased risk of dying younger and dying from conditions such as heart disease, lung problems and cancer. Men with waists of 43 inches or more had a 50 percent higher risk of death than those with waists less than 35 inches. This equates to a three-year lower life expectancy after age 40, according to the study. Women with waists of 37 inches or more had an 80 percent higher risk of death than those with waists of 27 inches or less, which equates to a five-year lower life expectancy after age 40. Interestingly, for every two inches of increased waist circumference, the risk of death increases seven per cent in men and nine per cent in women, the study concluded.

Despite improved participation in regular exercise and fruits and vegetable consumption, obesity remains a global health problem. Obesity, having been mentionedseveral times in this column, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. With about 300 million obese adults worldwide, obesity has become a problem which cannot be ignored. With imbibed culture from Westerners, the rate of obesity is equally increasing in our community. Wider waist line (circumference) is a measure of obesity. Please, watch yours.

How do I know I am obese?

Obesity simply means overweight. Once your weight is above that for your height and age, you are obese.

Over-eating is the primary cause of obesity. When you eat more than what your body burns off, you retains calories and gather weight. Other causes are hereditary and hormonal disturbances especially in females.

Types of obesity

both smokers and nonsmokers from the deadly effect of smoking. Your seemingly good health despite your 20 years of smoking could be due to the estimated latency of about 25 years from the harmful effect of smoking among smokers.

Thus, scientists believe that the estimated six trillion cigarettes smoked in 1990 will cause about six million deaths in 2015.

Low blood level (Anaemia), depending on its degree, can affect the body in many ways.

When mild, it can cause dizziness which can escalate to fainting spells which if not immediately treated, can cause grievous damage to some body organs especially, the heart and the kidney. In extreme cases and when the low blood level is sudden, it can cause lead to a loss of life. Treatment will also depend on the severity of the low blood level and can range from the use of blood supplements such as iron tablets, syrups and drips to blood replacement with blood transfusion. Adequate treatment of course must come after a proper investigation of the cause of the blood loss.

Dr. Abiodun Adeoye adeoyemoshood@yahoo.com

08056564360, 08072000017 (sms only)

Wider waist line may mean shorter lifespan Apple shaped obesity- like the shape of apple with excess weight around the stomach, otherwise called abdominal fat or pot belly. This is commoner among wealthy Nigerians Pear shaped obesity- excess fat around the stomach and the hips. Females are most affected.

Central obesity is the most worrying with central pot belly, thin and slender limbs. Central obesity is commoner among Indians.

What type of obesity is yours? Check now. The quickest estimate is using Brocas index which is height in centimeters minus 100. That means that one with height of 176cm should have ideal weight of 76kg. The universally accepted formula is body mass index (BMI) which is weight in kg divided by height in meter square. BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 is normal, 25-29.9kg/m2 is overweight while >30 is obese.

Abdominal obesity increases the risk of diabetes and CVD. Abdominal obesity is seen in men with waist circumference > 102 cm, 40 inches, and women> 88cm, 35 inches. If you find yourself in obese category, try and lose weight. Cut off 10 per cent of your current weight at rate of 0.45kg to 0.9kg a week for six months.

How do I loose weight?

There are various weight reduction programmes for you. Choose the ones that best suit you. The approach is through diet control, behavioural therapy, drugs and

possibly, at the extreme, surgery. Those using drugs to control weight may not achieve much. Drug therapy may only cause five to ten per cent non -sustainable reduction in weight.

Behavioural approach: Set two or three goals at a time, rather than follow all the steps that cannot be sustained. Walk for 30 minutes for most days (five) of the week. Ideally, it should be five kilometre trek daily which is not likely sustainable except with much discipline.

Maintain a food diary to record your calorie intake.

Don’t eat while watching television and try and meet friends and colleagues in non -food setting. Keep fresh fruits available at home, rather than pastries’ and chocolates. Take up regular sports and weigh yourself regularly.

If the above conservative management fails and you are morbidly obese, surgical intervention may be the next option but it’s not without complications.

Let me end with the story of a man who had found it difficult to follow diet guidelines. He said while in school, he could not afford major food items like egg. He was, most days, on gari. Now that he has a job and can afford egg, it will be difficult to limit the rate at which he consumes it. It sounds funny but it’s the truth. I agree, I can only plead with all of us with same view to please maintain waist line at the level that is heart healthy. Be mindful of your weight do not cut short your life.

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2 April, 2016

mediascope The Chairman of Troyka Holdings, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo, in this interview, talks about the recent partnership of the marketing communication group with the world’s largest integrated communication outfit, the Publicis Group, noting that the partnership would go a long way in bridging the gap between the nation’s marketing communication industry and the rest of the world. Excerpts:

How long did it take you to arrive at this partnership?

If I can share with you, it took the whole of three years to conclude to these standards, so that tells you the seriousness in which both parties attended to it. If you have a public quoted company that wants to invest in a private organisation, it is very important that the two parties are able to convince themselves that they are on the right track. It is not a piece of cake.

I am aware that some companies in our kind of business have actually been clamouring for a partnership like this for about five years and yet they have not been able to complete the deal.

It was a long process for us also as it was for our partners. The business was not in dollars; trust me, it is a local currency business. Number two is that you must appreciate that Troyka is a private company and therefore if you look at the history of our organisation, money has never be the primary focus, money is always at the very end of the chain.

But how do you decide who you partner with?

We came up 36 years ago and said if we did a good job and did it consistently, fame and fortune will follow. Even in choosing who we partner with we needed to be sure that money is not going to be at the heart of the relationship.

This is not the kind of transaction you want to talk about the money aspect, it is the type you want to talk about the value that the partnership is going to bring both for our clients and also the people who work within our organisation. Even when Publicis made the announcement in London, nobody talked about money.

If we cast our minds back to about 36 years ago when we started with about 18 people, but see the way we have grown and we have started five other companies within the communication zone. If the need arises for us to start any other new company to offer specific services any of our six companies cannot do, I can assure you that between our partners and ourselves we will do this.

I know some will say why not give it to an affiliate for example? There are very high standards that we need to meet, but we will be unable to vouch for getting the same quality of service from someone we just say should go and trade with this thing. I think it needs to be said that the Publicis Group is very jealous and protective of those who use its names and what value they are going to add, so really I’m not so sure it is a viable proposition.

With all the name that Troyka has made, why is it not venturing out, that is, going into other markets?

You know, it was our desire to do so. In 1996 we went to Ghana; we were the first to go to Ghana. If you go to Ghana today there is a company called Insight in Ghana. We went

WITH AKIN ADEWAKUN akadewakun@yahoo.co.uk 0805 468 3584

good while it lasted. We were with WPP for about 18 years, like I said, affiliation is not the same with partnership but we learnt a lot. It was a wonderful relationship, we knew everybody that we needed to know at WPP up to the chairman, CEO and others but it was just one relationship which couldn’t develop into a marriage. To be honest, WPP wanted to do a deal with us but we didn’t think that the partnership would have been to our favour as it were so that was why we backed off. We still have very good relationship with the people at WPP up till tomorrow.

Y

OUR group, Troyka is going into partnership with a heavyweight in the global integrated marketing communication space, Publicis, can you throw more light on the terms of the partnership?

Before Publicis decides to work with a particular group, it must have considered all its options. It was its view that a group as diversified as Troyka was capable and able to trade with the various brands. Relationship between us and Publicis is a partnership relationship. Any brand that Publicis owns anywhere in the world, we have absolute rights to trade with those names in this market. So we have only just started with about six and as we go along and identify other brands and services that will satisfy the needs of our clients we will start such businesses without a doubt. This is the first time that a whole communication holding group will say to its partners that because of the equity that has come into play, you have access to use all the brands within our group. I can understand that this may have surprised some of us, but let me assure you that the intention is not to merge. We would always play by the rules , and the guidelines given by APCON, are there. We have stayed within the confines of the law and I can assure you that we look forward to very exciting times ahead.

Saturday Tribune

Our creative industry has not moved at par with the rest of the world — Biodun Shobanjo

to Ghana and tried to start up an agency there, we did a partnership and all that. It was a nightmare. We sent four of our very senior members of staff to Ghana and then we hired expatriates, the standards were so totally different and we lost money in the project. We had to lick our wounds.

The four people we sent to Ghana refused to come back.

It’s really very difficult. If there is any group that takes this business seriously, it is us, that’s why we don’t do oil and gas, we don’t do banking, we just stick to what we understand. But it is very difficult, that’s why we then said to ourselves that ‘let us face our own market, let’s consolidate here, and that is what we have tried to do, restrict ourselves within the environment.

How effectively can agencies here compete on the global stage?

People always refer to what is happening at Cannes Lions Creative Festival. But don’t forget, we didn’t start this, the world started way back, Publicis Group is 90 years old and there are other networks that are very much younger. We take a look and say to ourselves that how does the world judge communication? We know what we should be doing to take leadership in places like Cannes. We need to tell our stories in the very Nigerian way and that is where the focus is. What Publicis has done is say ‘you guys are very strong locally and we are strong globally so let’s join forces so that together we can continue to make success.’

Does this partnership have a time spam? No because this partnership is forever and we hope for the best like most marriages. If the value that both parties saw in each other continues, then I see this partnership lasting forever. We had a wonderful relationship with WPP, I must say. It was

Today’s consumer is different from the consumers 25 years ago or 30 years ago. The knowledge level has changed totally and you are talking to a very young and dynamic population anyway.

What impact do you think this new partnership will have on the nation’s marketing communication industry?

Obviously we have set the ball rolling and I know that the market expects to see a totally different approach to the service we will be delivering to clients here because when you get access to systems and trainings and processes, that is all the packages you will be getting in this partnership, the end result is that you will upscale whatever it is that you have been doing before. You know that Troyka has always been the university of advertising, when you go to most of the marketing communications companies that we have today, you will find that 60 to 70% of the leadership of those companies are alumni of Troyka. There is no way that the improved knowledge and skill that people are going to be acquiring wouldn’t spread to the advertising community, it is going to happen whichever way and we are very mindful of that. We expect that there will be an improvement in the quality of service delivery and that client will be the better for it and that the industry generally will learn from that.

But why is Troyka always shying away from listing because one would have expected a marketing communication group with such clout to have gone to the floor of the nation’s stock exchange to shore up its capital?

If the owners of this business have the intention to make money on what we have then the easiest way for us to do that is to go and list, that way we will be able to put money in our pockets. But because that is not in our DNA we shied away from these things. Number two is that aside from the money we would easily have made, what value would that add to the business? So we have shareholders who put their money because they trust us, how does that help us to upscale and that is the question we need to ask ourselves. If you say to me, oh you can buy systems or processes; the clinical thing is that because this business is about people, those who deliver that service, where are you going to get them from. You cannot send your guys to the university to go and learn how this business is done, it’s not possible. You will learn it from guys who have been in the business, either much longer or who are more current in more sophisticated market so that you can come here and deliver. Today’s consumer is different from the consumers 25 years ago or 30 years ago. The knowledge level has changed totally and you are talking to a very young and dynamic population anyway.

So you really have to be able to plug on to learn the skills on how this business is done. Getting money from the stock exchange will not help us do that. So those are the major reasons we didn’t think that the option of listing would have been beneficial to our people and our clients. Insight still remains the most awarded advertising agency in this country today. In fact, if Insight, a flagship company is losing, then Public will not even look at us.

I want to make it abundantly clear that our group does not go into partnership just so we can rip the reward of global clients that whoever we partner with will bring to the market that was not the consideration at all. Of course you know that when you are part of a global organisation, the clients that give you the business expects a level of service delivery across all markets.

Talking about creativity, well personally I do not believe that we have moved at par with the rest of the world, talking of Nigeria entirely. Look at what is happening in countries like Brazil, Spain and some other developing countries in terms of where their creativity stands today. Like I said, we need to tell the Nigerian stories in much more exciting and creative manner and of course this partnership will help in doing that because now we have the links with all the other offices that we can learn from.

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2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

crimeandcourt

I caught her having sex with another man in my house, husband tells court

There’s no love between us again —Wife ByAyomideOwonibi-OdekanyewithAgencyReports “I found condoms in my wife’s bag and she could not give a satisfactory explanation how she came about it,” an estranged hubby told a Mapo customary court in Ibadan, Oyo State, just as the court dissolved the seven-year-old marriage during the week.

The court dissolved the union between Sikiru Alabi and his wife, Basira, on the grounds of prostitution and adultery.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Alabi, an automobile mechanic in Popo Yemoja area of the metropolis had approached the court, seeking an end to his marriage to Basira, a hairdresser at Idi Arere area of the city.

President of the court, Mr Ademola Odunade, said cheating on the part of a husband or wife was ‘deadly’.

He ruled: “It is in view of the circumstances surrounding the issue at hand that the court decided to put an end to the relationship between Alabi and Basira.

“Alabi shall take custody of the five and a half year-old child produced by the union, while Basira should be free to see the child in court anytime she wants.”

The husband told the court: “Nemesis caught up with her recently when I met a man on her deeply engaged in sexual intercourse right in my house.

“I was mad, but Basira quickly pleaded with me, promising not to do it again.

“Though, I forgave her, she is still neck deep in adultery.”

Alabi said Basira was also engaged in prostitution and had continued to rain curses on him and his relatives for her adultery.

Basira, however, did not deny the allegations, saying: “It is true that there is no more love between I and Alabi.”

Basira pleaded with the court to grant her the custody of the child after dissolving the marriage.

A Ghanaian mother of nine and drinking bar operator broke down in tears when the Accra Circuit Court sentenced her to 11 years’ hard labour for selling alcohol mixed with Indian hemp to the public.

Ama Forson, who stood quietly in the dock while her sentence was being read, started crying uncontrollably immediately the judge, Mr Aboagye Tandoh, pronounced the number of years she was to spend in incarceration.

Her tears were such that a police officer on duty in the courtroom had to tell her to control herself because she was disturbing the court.

The convict was charged with unlawfully possessing narcotic drugs.

She pleaded not guilty to the charge and in her defence denied having knowledge of the drugs.

The court, however, in its sentence, said the convict, apart from having custody of the drugs, knew the drugs were Indian hemp.

“I have examined the evidence and have concluded that the drugs found on the accused person’s premises indeed belonged to her.

She cannot, therefore, deny knowledge of it,” the judge said.

The facts of the case were that on September 29, 2015, the New Weija Police arrested the convict in a swoop at Bortianor in the Ga Central Municipality.

The police, during their search on her premises, retrieved quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp from her black ladies’ handbag.

The search also revealed a wine bottle containing dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and liquid.

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She’s too violent, beats my mother at will —Husband No, it’s because I did not abort my pregnancy —Wife AN Igando customary court in Lagos State has dissolved the three-year-old marriage between Morufu Ajao and his wife, Abosede, over threats to life and frequent beating of the man’s mother.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), delivering his judgement, president of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, said that he was ‘convinced that the couple can no longer live together’.

Omilola said that despite several attempts to reconcile the couple, the petitioner insisted on divorce.

“The court has no choice but to dissolve the union, in spite of the fact that the wife still claims she loves her husband, the petitioner insists on getting a divorce.

“Both parties are no longer husband and wife, as the marriage has broken down totally, they are free to go their separate ways,” Omilola ruled.

Morufu, 33, a herbal practitioner, file a suit to end his marriage over his wife’s frequent beating of his mother and threats to life.

“My wife beat up my mother and tore her clothes to rags; she’s always cursing and abusing her, calling her a witch and telling people that my mother always ‘flies’ in the night,” he said.

The petitioner also said that he gave his wife money to terminate her second pregnancy because he doubted the paternity of the unborn baby.

“I gave my wife money to abort her pregnancy because she used to leave home without my consent to unknown destinations and would come back after 21 days or 30 days.

“She may even tell me she was going to her parents’

place, but after some days, I would call her parents, they would tell me they did not see her.

“So, when she came back home and told me that she was pregnant, I doubted it.

“I gave her N7, 000 to terminate it. She collected the money, lied to me that she had done it, but never did it,” Morufu said.

He described his wife as a violent and aggressive woman.

“My wife is a violent woman, she used to hit me any time we had a misunderstanding, and that always prompted me to beat her up,” Morufu said.

He equally told the court that his wife was fetish.

“On three occasions, I came back from work and saw salt sprinkled all over the house,” the petitioner said.

Abosede, however, denied all the allegations.

She said that the misunderstanding between her and her husband was due to her refusal to terminate her second pregnancy.

“My husband gave me money to abort my baby; I collected the money but used it for another thing.

“When he later discovered that I did not carry out the abortion, he started beating me and moved my belongings into the kitchen.

“He later left the house to an unknown destination. It was my neighbours that gave me money to feed till I gave birth to my baby,” Abosede said.

The 30-year-old mother of two also denied either beating or tearing her mother-in-law’s clothes.

She pleaded with the court not to grant her husband’s request for the dissolution of their marriage.

“I am still in love with him,” Abosede said.

Fake clearing agent in court for alleged theft of N7.8m vehicles A 52-year-old man, Echebiri Ikechukwu, has appeared in an Igbosere magistrates’ court, Lagos, for allegedly impersonating a licensed clearing agent to steal vehicles worth N7.8 million.

The accused, whose address was not given, was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, impersonation and threats to life.

Prosecutor Innocent Odugbo told the court that the accused and others still at large committed the offences sometime in January 2014 at Apapa Area of Lagos.

Odugbo said that the accused stole three Toyota cars worth N5.3 million belonging to Osagiede Christian.

“The accused, while posing as a licensed clearing agent, also obtained N2.5 million from Christian, under pretext to

clear the three Toyota cars mentioned above,” he said.

The prosecutor also said that sometime between January and July 2014, the accused threatened to kill the complainant.

Odugbo said the offences contravened Sections 56, 312, 348, and 410 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused pleaded innocent to the offences.

The magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Kusanu said that one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused and must show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government and their addresses verified.

The case was adjourned till April 25 for mention.

19-year-old pleads guilty to theft in Church A 19-year-old man, Kabiru Shakiru has pleaded guilty for stealing a vehicle bat-

He rubs his penis with a substance before making love to me —Wife I use the substance to win her love back —Husband A trader has dragged her husband before an Orile Agege customary court in Lagos state, over alleged maltreatment and fetish behaviour.

Raimotu Jubril pleaded with the court to dissolve her 24-year-old union to her husband, Taiwo, over his alleged fetish practices.

“My husband is fetish, he rubs his male organ with a substance whenever he wants to make love to me,” Raimotu, 41, told the court.

Raimotu, who resides at 45 Adealu Street, Orile Agege, said her husband beats her whenever she complains and insists that he stop using the substance.

Woman sentenced for selling Indian hemp drink

Saturday Tribune

“He beats me at will and does not allow me to go out, neither does he allow my family to visit me. It was as if I was in prison while in his house.

“He comes home late at night and would not tell me his whereabouts. I left his house in 2009 and I want a divorce,” she said.

The mother of three told the court that her husband was a womaniser and he had married another wife.

Taiwo, 44, a mechanic, who lives at 1, Ilepa Eniola Street, Iyana Ipaja denied being fetish.

He, however, admitted to using a love charm to win back his wife’s affection.

“My wife denied me sex for one and half year and because of this, I did a love charm to win her back. The love charm was the substance I used to rub my male organ whenever I wants to have sex with her.

“I am not a womaniser, it was her atitude that led me into the arms of another woman,’’ Taiwo said.

He told the court that he still want his wife back and begged for his wife’s return.

President of the court, Dr Kayode Whenu, told the couple to maintain the peace in their marriage, and adjourned the case till April 5 for further hearing.

tery belonging to Mr Tunde Olushi, and an amplifier, property of the Cherubim

Man remanded in Lagos prison for allegedly killing man with stone AN Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, has remanded a 20-year-old man, Solomon James, in Ikoyi Prisons for allegedly killing a man, Femi Daramola, with an interlocking stone.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs O.O.A. Fowowe-Erusiafe, ordered that James should be kept behind bars for 30 days pending when the case would be filed at the appropriate court.

Fowowe-Erusiafe said: “The accused should be remanded in prison custody pending when the advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is out and the case will be filed at the appropriate court.”

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Corporal Olusegun Kokoye, told the court that the offence was committed on March 5 at about 2.00a.m. at Plot 2004, Block 24, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

Kokoye said the accused hit the head of the deceased, Daramola, 39, with an interlocking stone leading to his death.

He said the offence contravened Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Section 221 prescribes life sentence for offenders.

The case was adjourned till May 5 for mention.

and Seraphim Church, Idimu, Lagos.

Kabiru is standing trial on a one-count charge of theft before an Ejigbo senior magistrates’ Court, Lagos, The prosecutor, Sergeant Babaji Ishaku, told the court that the accused had on March 25, at 5.30 a.m. in Idimu area of Lagos, committed the offence.

He said Kabiru stole one vehicle battery valued at N15,000, property of Olushi and an amplifier valued at N20,000 belonging to Obaloluwa Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Idimu, Lagos.

“He took the items not knowing that it would be discovered by the Church.

“The offence contravened the provisions of Sections 278 (1) and (2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011,” Ishaku said.

The counsel for the accused, Prince Okey Ogbuehi, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy as the accused had pleaded guilty.

The Senior Magistrate, Mrs Jadesola Adeyemi, however, ordered that the accused be remanded till April 18 for sentencing.

19

2 April, 2016

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Saturday Tribune With Kate Ani

08071080888

anikate92@yahoo.com

The handsome broke or the ugly rich, who would you go for?

In relationships, ladies appear the more emotional partner. They tend to overlook or emphasise some factors which have a telling effect on the affairs of life. KATE ANI engages some ladies on the option they would prefer to take if they had a choice to make between the poor but charming man and the unattractive but buoyant guy.

T

EMI Sofolarin I would rather wait for the one with good looks and cash. They are out there somewhere…

Funke Oladigbolu Well, I would go for the handsome but broke guy. But then again, money is important in a relationship… Hmm this is a hard question o!

Sade Animawun Very easy, I would go for the rich ugly fool, divorce him after siphoning his money into a secret account and continue searching for my true love.

Monica Adebayo Although money isn’t everything it is an important requirement for a guy to possess for a successful relationship or marriage. At the same time, who can resist a handsome and sexy guy? I honestly don’t know at this point.

I guess when I come face to face with such a situation, I’ll decide but for now, I don’t know.

Funke

Esther

Bukola Mesho I’ll marry the rich ugly guy, take him to a celebrity surgeon at Beverly Hills, Los Angeles for surgeries and he’ll return a handsome rich dude.

Toyin Agoro Isn’t there any middle alternative? I want a handsome and rich man, but if there isn’t, I’ll go for the rich man. I’ll introduce him to a very good personal trainer to make him look fit and ask him to undertake some plastic surgery to make him cuter. When you have money, everything becomes easy and possible.

Titilayo Gbolagun I will choose neither of them because I think it is foolish to choose a man based on his looks or the size of his wallet. The poor handsome man would always catch the attention of other women and

Temi the rich old man is so rich he can replace you in a flash.

Esther Adeyinka As for me, I would settle for the good looking poor guy. I don’t want see the same ugly face for the

Monica rest of my life, that’ll be torture.

Omolola Olaosunmi As much as love is a strong factor in marriage, it’s always not enough. That love, with time would turn to hate. I am not

saying money should be enough for you to decide on whom to marry but it is crucial. When I was younger, I was all crazy about the handsome, sexy man but now I know better.

Oriyomi Afolabi Definitely, wouldn’t everyone prefer money or looks. I just pray that I am blessed with such a man for a husband but in this situation, I’d definitely go for the good-looking poor guy.

20

2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

With Tommy Adegbite 0811 695 4631 tommyabijo@yahoo.com

The awardees, from left, former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, during the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on Prince Oyinlola and the Sultan at the Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, recently. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi (right), congratulating Prince Oyinlola after the conferment of the honorary degree on him. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

specialreport

From left, national chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Comrade Chris Ani, the General Secretary of NASU, Comrade Peters Adeyemi, presenting an award of exemplary leadership to the Provost of the Ekiti State College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, Dr. Mojisola Oyarekua, at the national meeting of the colleges of education and other trade group councils, held at the institution recently, while the chairman, Governing Council of the college, Professor Babatope Alo (middle) and the Deputy Provost of the college, Dr. Oluyede Aturamu (right), look on.

From left, Chancellor, Fountain University, Osogbo, Sheikh (Dr) Ahmed Lemu presenting an award to Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. With them is Chief (Mrs) Omolola Oyinlola. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji (left); Head of Marketing, Intercontinental Distillers Limited, Mobolaji Alalade; Assistant Brand Manager, Eagle Schnapps, Gbemileke Lawal and the Sales Operations Manager IDL West Two, Kunle Seriki, receiving royal blessings during the company’s courtesy visit to the Olubadan’s palace in Ibadan recently.

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From left, Director, Brands and Experience, Etisalat Nigeria, Elvis Ogiemwanye; Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, at the 2015 edition of Etisalat Prize awards ceremony for Literature in Lagos recently.

Pastor who promises to refund members’ tithes

Who is this man of God? Where is the church?

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Ebenezer Obey’s revelation

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Mr Gbenga Adewusi (right), Mr Wole Adebayo and Chief Yomi Olaleye, at the burial ceremony of Deacon Mobolaji Olatunde Oyedeko, held at the Salem Baptist Church, Yemetu Alaadorin, Ibadan, recently. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU

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21

2 April, 2016

Y

OU must be aware of the turbo-engine assaults on us from the Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum and the GMD of the NNPC, Ibe Kachikwu, within a short span of a week. First was his viral remark on the grueling encounters of Nigerians at fuel stations and the resultant angry retorts of Nigerians.

As an aside, the last time this writer encountered anything of semblance to the magnitude of the people’s pains was during the June 12, 1993 fiasco. Kachikwu had, at an interaction with State House correspondents, told Nigerians that he was not a magician and could not have been expected to wave the wand of a voodooist to tame the goblin at fuel stations. The second, a reply to the viral pillory of his statement, was even worse as he tried to explain his flippancy.

At a session with the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Kachikwu, apparently smarting from the deft tutoring of PR specialists who wanted to make a Pontius Pilate of the flippant junior minister, tried to deflate the enormous implications of his earlier unconscionable statement. Pronto, as Americans say, Kachikwu’s statement went through the whole corpus of the media and willy-nilly, we began to recant our earlier conclusion of the minister’s unfeeling ‘big-manism.’

As much as Kachikwu tried to play the penitent in the presence of his Pilate, his real persona was like an irreverent golden fish. First, he had his conclusions, in spite of our decibel of complaints against him: “I will not resign. I am here to do my job. Those who are planning to stage a protest against me in Abuja should save their fuel money because I have a job to do.” He followed this with a spruced up statement about how he feels the pains of Nigerians at fuel stations, how the problems of fuel in Nigeria had become a behemoth and all that and all that. When it came to the incendiary issue that ignited Nigerians’ animosity against him, to wit that he was not a magician, Kachikwu tried to be clever by half. Hear him: “I do apologise if a comment I made jocularly with my friends in the press about not being a magician offends some Nigerians; it wasn’t meant to be. It is a side jocularly issue and I did go ahead

Saturday Tribune

Saturday With

ayinla mukaiba ayinlamukaiba@yahoo.com

Kachikwu: Tell it to the birds

to explain what needed to be done. I didn’t intend to create this kind of hyperbole that it did.”

By now, Nigerians should have woken up to the reality that Kachikwu is one of those high-flying men in public office whose mental achievements evoke self feeling of a panjandrum in them. They feel that they are doing the people a lot of favour by condescending to be in office and as such, the public should deify them. More significantly, if you do an analysis of the curve of the minister of state’s public statements, you would see jutting out of them a feeling of self underscore. At his appointment, he was reported to have said that his acceptance to serve as a minister was a great sacrifice as he would be abandoning the millions of dollars-worth job he hitherto had.

Brilliant as he is reputed to be, his glorification of self is the bane of his public interface.

A good work that Kachikwu’s PR specialists made of him, you will say. But, collectively, they have forgotten to factor the fact that we too went to school in their riposte.

So Kachikwu was merely talking to his State House correspondent ‘friends’ whom he spoke with as their cameras and microphones hung out like a Satanic sore thumb? So he was indeed bantering with his friends and the ‘friends’ projected their banter to the rest of the world? Nigerians will bear me witness that the Kachikwu shown on TV mak-

ing that ‘magical’ statement did not look like a joke, nor his comment. That he was not a politician and that that ‘magical’ statement was native to the private sector where he came from is also arrant nonsense. Wherever anyone makes that kind of insolent, impudent and irreverent statement about the bulk of people who constitute the subject matter of one’s engagement, what he gets is repudiation and excoriation.

A lot has been said about Kachikwu’s academic laurels and his chain of degrees, beginning from his highly impressionistic degree in law from Harvard. There is no gainsaying that Nigeria needs the high mental acumen of her technocrats who are scattered abroad and even within, like the seeds of a walnut. There is also no gainsaying the fact that Kachikwu might have been working round the clock to bring the problem of fuel scarcity to an end in the country. However, his execrable public communicative skills which are most times shawled in arrogance and you-maygo-jump-inside-the-Nile nonchalant attitude pale into insignificance his intellectual prowess.

Kachikwu’s talk-down on us is one in the long profile of people at the top who have scant or even non-existent regards for us the people. They see us as expendable cartridges that deserve just tokenism from their exalted offices.

Elsewhere, public officials consider their appointments as the best things in their lives. While being sworn in as a Supreme Court judge by President Barrack Obama, Merrick Garland had said: “This is the greatest gift of my life. It’s also the greatest gift I have ever received. As my parents taught me by both words and deeds, the life of public service is as much a gift to the person who serves as it is to those he is serving.” Here in Nigeria, to the Kachikwus, public service is their favour to us.

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22

2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

newsfeature

I

N Lagos State now, it is no longer business as usual as not a few people would tell you that the rules guiding traffic can no longer be flouted with impunity by motorists as was the case in recent past. From early February when the state government launched the Mobile Court on Traffic and Environmental Offences, it has been the fear of mobile court is the beginning of wisdom for many of the motorists in Lagos State.

The mobile courts, which move about in newly acquired buses provided for them by the state government is headed by magistrates who sit in different locations in the state, to prosecute alleged offenders who are brought to them by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Task Force), now headed by SP Olayinka Egbeyemi.

At the launch of the mobile court on February 4, 2016, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said the launch of the mobile court was one of the ways through which the government aimed to broaden the pathway that guarantees citizens’ access to justice and at the same time ensure the preservation of civility in the society, adding that the development was an institutional reaction to identified societal challenges.

He, however, rolled out a riot act, saying that henceforth, motorcyclists who drive against traffic and refuse to obey traffic signs like zebra crossing and traffic light indication would no longer find it easy to get away with commission of such crimes n the state.

He also said commercial bus drivers popularly known as ‘Danfo’ drivers, who have their doors open on motion, thereby endangering the life of their passengers and other road users would equally be prosecuted before the mobile court, while anyone crossing the highway where pedestrian bridges are provided would equally face trial.

Besides, Kazeem said henceforth, any one in non-designated vehicle who drives on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes will be prosecuted before the mobile court. According to him, nobody is exempted, including military personnel.

Parking at undesignated places and indulging in noise pollution and street trading, among others, he said, were also part of offences that would attract punishment before the court.

“This set of offences appears to be so simple but the reduction of its commission, I believe, is a major yardstick in determining how much we have progressed as a civilized society. It may seem simple, but its significance and expected impact to the society is a lot more profound,” Kazeem said.

Speaking also at the event, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, said the era of recklessness and lawlessness on Lagos roads was gone for good, with the launch of the mobile court, noting that no government would fold its arms and watch the violation of traffic and environmental laws.

This was just as Justice Atilade lamented the death of a 25-year-old British-Nigerian graduate, Doyin Serah Fagbenro, who was killed by a reckless “Danfo” driver few weeks before in the Lekki-Ajah area of Lagos, saying the story of the victim was just one of the many deaths occurring as a result of reckless driving and indiscipline.

“This must not be allowed to continue. Let it be known to all that the era of recklessness and impunity on our public roads and highways in Lagos State is gone. Those who chose to make life difficult for other people, especially on our roads should have a rethink as they will henceforth be held accountable for their deeds,” she warned.

But how far has the mobile court working in collaboration with the state’s task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit been able to carry out its onerous assignment since inauguration? Available records have since shown that several people have run foul of the law and paid for it, sometimes to the extent of having their vehicles seized, even after paying fines ranging from N20,000 to N40,000. This is also in spite of the fact that the law under which the mobile court operates is not generally new but was only amended. According to findings, the law has been in existence since 1994 and it is just taking a very strong resolve of the administration of Governor Ambode enforce its implementation as its was poised on building a mega city and an economy that would attract foreign investors.

Saturday Tribune

27

Fire destroys market in Nigeria’s second largest city

By John Campbell

In Lagos now, fear of task force, mobile court is the beginning of wisdom BOLA BADMUS writes on the introduction of the Mobile Court on Traffic and Environmental Offences in Lagos State and its effects on motorists and commuters in the state generally.

So as of last count, when the immediate past chairman of the Task Force, SU Olubukola Abe, who spent nine months in office (Monday, August 10, 2015 - Thursday, March 10, 2016), was handing over to the incumbent, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi, thousands of private car owners and commercial bus drivers popularly called “Danfo” drivers had been arrested and prosecuted.

According to the spokesperson for the Task Force, Mr. Taofik Adebayo, over 5,654 motorcycles plying restricted routes across the state were impounded during the period, while 5,723 arrested miscreants were prosecuted out of 6,632 that were arrested.

He also disclosed that SP Abe demolished a total number of 1,486 illegal shanties across the state during his tenure and convicted 871 street traders across the state. But what is quite clear is that most of the offenders were nabbed in various locations in the state, following the establishment of the mobile court.

For instance, in a raid carried out a few days ago and led by the Task Force chairman, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi, more than 15 private vehicles were apprehended for causing an obstruction at Iyana-Ipaja and Medical Road at Ikeja, thereby disturbing free flow of traffic. They were all convicted by the Mobile Court and sentenced accordingly.

A visit to the Ojodu-Berger area of the state showed that the okada riders operating now have a new rule as one sees them parking the machines in a row, while waiting for passengers.

Everything now appears to be in order unlike in recent past.

Under the immediate past chairman, SU Abe, the Task Force, in an operation, arrested 23 traffic and environmental offenders at Mile 12 towards Ikorodu roundabout, and they were all tried for various offences at a mobile court presided over by Magistrate Nurudeen Layeni at the Ikorodu Local Government.

Out of the pack, seven motorcycle operators plying restricted

routes at Owode-Elede along the Ikorodu road were convicted and fined N10,000 each as an option to a six-month imprisonment judgement, while three commercial bus drivers dropping and picking passengers at an unauthorized bus stop at Mile 12 were convicted with N15,000 fine and 48 hours community services as an option to a six month imprisonment.

This list has been endless as in another instance, the driver of an unpainted commercial bus that plied a one-way route was fined N20,000 with 100 hours community service and had his bus confiscated to the government, while nine tricycle operators arrested for obstructing traffic were convicted and fined N10,000 each as an option to the pronouncement of a six-month imprisonment.

But it has not been a smooth sail for the Task Force in carrying out the several arrests as a paramilitary officer attached to it, Mr. Uzan Rildwan, was stabbed in the head and had two of his fingers cut off by commercial drivers and market touts under the Oshodi bridge during one of the operations.

The fracas, according to reports, was as a result of men of the Task Force arresting commercial buses obstructing traffic and causing traffic gridlocks at Oshodi under bridge.

It was gathered that commercial bus drivers and market touts under the Oshodi bridge came out and attacked both the police and paramilitary officers with broken bottles, cutlasses, wood

and other dangerous weapons in order to secure the release of the arrested six commercial buses. The injured officer, Rildwan who was injured during the fracas, was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment before he was transferred to General Hospital Ikeja, for further diagnoses on his head.

However, following the introduction of th mobile court, some level of sanity is beginning to be witnessed in the state, expecially along major ways in the state as motorists now avoid parking their vehicles, whether private or commercial, in unauthorised places to avoid running foul of the law.

For instance, commuters who are used to moving from one location to another in the state by commercial buses, would tell you that a lot of danfo drivers and their conductors would refuse to open their vehicle doors for any of their passengers until they get to designated bus stops. It is all because of the strict enforcement of the traffic rule and they would not open their vehicle doors, no matter how long it takes them to stay in the traffic before they get to the bus-stop.

In places like Allen Avenue and Awolowo Way, especially, it is now quite difficult to see vehicles parked by their owners, even while doing shopping. A motorist who simply gave his name as Tunde, for instance, had had cause to visit doing at Ikeja GRA few days ago. He had to look for a convenient place to park his car. That place was a little far from his destination of the Ikeja GRA. When asked why he did that, he simply said it was because of the state traffic law which implementation is now being pursued to the letter as he hated begging anybody.

A visit to the Ojodu-Berger area of the state showed that the okada riders operating now have a new rule as one sees them parking the machines in a row, while waiting for passengers.

Everything now appears to be in order unlike in recent past, where anything applied. When asked for his reaction on the mobile court in the state, an okada operator, Lawan Sule, told Saturday Tribune that ever since the introduction, several okadas had been seized for violating the traffic law, but said he was sure his would not be among.

He, however, admitted that people were now much aware of the state traffic law and its strict implementation, enough to ensure that they try as much as possible not to run foul of it, except in situations where they are found helpless.

OVER the weekend—near the end of the Christian observance of Holy Week—a fire broke out in Kano’s Sabon Gari market. It eventually destroyed 3,800 shops, according to the Nigeria Emergency Management Administration (NEMA), obliterated at least two trillion naira (approximately ten billion dollars) worth of goods, and affected at least 18,000 traders. The NEMA director general said, “This is the biggest market fire outbreak Nigeria has ever witnessed. This is a serious calamity.” (Despite the magnitude of the disaster it has not been reported in the mainstream Western media.)

There was a previous fire in the market only five months ago. The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, called on the federal and state governments to investigate the causes of recent fires at Kano markets and schools.

The emir is the former governor of the Central Bank who blew the whistle on the national petroleum company’s failure to remit revenue to the national Treasury during the administration of the previous president, Goodluck Jonathan.

Kano’s Sabon Gari, the “foreigners’ quarter,” is often called the largest settlement of ‘non-indigenous’ people in northern Nigeria. Its population is made up of ethnic groups from all around the country, with the Igbo especially prominent.

Most of the indigenous population of Kano is Hausa-Fulani, who are typically Muslim. Sabon Gari residents, on the other hand, are often Christian. The Sabon Gari is also known for its freewheeling atmosphere in otherwise observant Muslim Kano, with the ready availability of beer and prostitutes. Kano has been the site of ethnic and religious clashes in the past. Though not of late, Boko Haram has been active in Kano.

Officials are saying that the fire is electrical in origin, and it spread rapidly because there was nobody in the market shortly after midnight. This is plausible. Market fires are common. Even this weekend, there was another large market fire in Birnin Kebbi, capital of Kebbi state. Senate President Bukola Saraki commented on March 27 that fires in markets around the country were negatively affecting gross domestic product. Nevertheless, there is speculation that the fire in Kano’s Sabon Gari market was the result of arson, and that it involved Boko Haram. Boko Haram has carried out big operations before around the principal Christian holidays, and the Sabon Gari market would be a tempting target. Arson could also have been perpetrated because of ethnic and religious hostilities. Thus far, no group has claimed responsibility for the fire. It is to be hoped that the federal and state authorities will respond positively to the emir’s call for a thorough investigation.

Campbell is a former US ambassador to Nigeria.

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2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

views.com

How el-Rufai is redesigning leadership in Kaduna State

By Martin Ikhilae

O

VER the years, Nigeria, the so-called giant of Africa, has been grappling with the problem of befitting leadership arising from inability of the society to provide suitable leadership for the advancement-cum-concretising of developmental policies.

Unfortunately, the nation’s political space has been largely dominated by a deceitful practice where politicians accord the electorate adequate respect and recognition only when their votes are being sought but quickly disregard and despise them after earning their desperately desired victory.

This use and dump syndrome has for a long time remained a regular practice by politicians who often make numerous mouth-watering and largely unfulfilled promises to the masses.

It is in this regard that the dynamic approach to political leadership and governance being exemplified in Kaduna State by Governor Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai must be considered novel and to a very large extent, a big surprise.

His perceived determination to consistently initiate masses/underprivileged governance policies is indicative

of his unwavering commitment towards salvaging the poor and ensuring that they are placed on an acceptable political and administrative pedestal.

Just few weeks into office, the Kaduna State number one man was said to have abolished, after due consultation, two very sensitive government money gulping practices which his predecessors could not tackle. These are sponsoring of Muslims and Christians on pilgrimage to Mecca and Jerusalem as well as Fasting/Ramadan feeding which entails provision and distribution of essential commodities during festivities.

The decision to put an end to this perceived anti-masses financial jamboree was, according to the governor, necessitated by the need to ensure that the state was financially viable to undertake and adequately execute projects, which will benefit majority of the people of the state, particularly the poor and downtrodden in the state .

For instance, the abolished ritual of funding pilgrimage was discovered to be gulping annually from the state government coffers over seven hundred million naira. Painful enough, the masses-targeted but now abolished practice was said to be beneficial to majorly the elite and wealthy persons in the state as against the targeted poor on paper.

Interestingly, the initially wasted substantial Kaduna State government revenue is being channeled into more meaningful development programmes, which include provision of free meals to school pupils in the state, hiring of seasoned and capable teaching personnel for state-owned citadels of learning, availing students with the requisite modern learning aids such as customised tablets/computers, free school uniforms, tuition free education for primary and junior secondary school students in the state.

Come to think of it, the poor and by extension, voiceless in the Nigerian society have suffered unnecessarily and incalculably from both intellectual emptiness as well as absolute lack of developmental initiative and absence of dynamic cum purposeful leadership on the part of our previous leaders.

This, perhaps, is indicative of the resolve of this new generation political leadership to make the needed difference in the people’s search for progressive leadership thereby setting the pace while restoring the hope of the masses in the capability of the new breed politicians to chart appropriate direction in unique political leadership.

Martins F.O.Ikhilae, a public affairs analyst, lives in Lagos.

New dawn in Osun Product Industry

By Olumide Lawal “THIS Cocoa Products Industry, Ede has a big story surrounding it. I therefore owe great gratitude to many people in government and outside it. The then military government was very ardent to break a monopoly of bad fortunes for Ede by actively supporting the quest to site the industry here. It is my earnest prayer that everyone connected with the operation of it in whatever category, would find joy and happiness in all their undertakings.”

That was His Royal Majesty, the late Oba Tijani Oladokun Oyewusi, Agbonran II, the Timi of Ede’s message of hope, delivered at the commissioning of the multimillion naira Cocoa Product Industry, Ede on October 17, 1982, with the late Chief Bola Ige as governor of old Oyo State in attendance.

From the onset, one squabble or the other reared its ugly head. The first expatriate Managing Director of the company, Mr. K.W. Sheldon, tried his best to put it on sound footing, but he lost out in a dirty boardroom politics in a dramatic manner. The government-owner of the company thereafter felt concerned about happenings in the company and decided in 1990 to lease it out. This brought about a ‘marriage of strange bed partners’. And the resultant effect saw rounds of muscle flexing. The two principal leases of the factory at the time, i.e. Worldwide Industrial Ventures Limited and Dalami (Nig.) Limited, got involved in allegations and counter-allegations, which resulted in a fierce legal battle that saw two legal luminaries – the late Chief Fredrick Rotimi Alade Williams (Timi the Law, SAN) and Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) slugging it out at an Osogbo High Court.

This went on for a period before sanity prevailed, as the administration of Senator Isiaka Adeleke, the first executive governor of Osun State, took the bull by the horns, by giving the final nod to Worldwide Industrial Ventures Limited to effectively run the affairs of the company.

Dalami (Nig.) Limited again went to court to contest its termination and this went on for years, before it was resolved by Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s government.

At the time Worldwide Ventures Limited took over, production capacity level was at 5 percent. But within a short period, it raised the production capacity to 60 percent by injecting substantial funds into importation of spare parts as well as locally sourced ones from the Nigeria Machine Tools Limited, Osogbo and Nigeria Sugar Company Foundries, Bacita. The FFA contents of cocoa, cake and butter, under Worldwide Ventures Limited hovered between 1.40 and 1.55 as against 2.24 before it took over.

Globally acceptable FFA content for cocoa butter is 1.50.

Most unfortunately, the unexpected again happened

in 1995 when the leasehold agreement of Worldwide Ventures Limited with the Osun State government was crudely, illegally and arrogantly terminated by some overzealous officials of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, acting on the instruction of a commissioner, who had his own ulterior motive of bringing in his friend to take over the leasehold of the company. Worldwide Ventures Limited was ‘thrown’ out of Cocoa Product Industry premises in a jungle manner. It was like scaring away foreign investors. What followed could be better imagined than described.

There and then began the unending and protracted problem of the industry for a long time. Osun State government’s only industry, which in fact, is a goldmine if properly managed, is the Cocoa Product Industry, Ede. It is a veritable source of foreign exchange earnings for the state. It is capable of generating the much needed internal revenue for the state at this crucial moment of its socioeconomic development, more so with the need to tap into all natural resources, that abound in the state.

Much as I am not holding brief for anybody, it is only fair to let the Chinese investors now in control to operate without let or hindrance. Neither should any encumbrances placed in their way. There should be no bad blood as regards who brought them into the scene. What we need in Osun State is accelerated industrial development. The present leasee is determined to put the company on the right footing. The factory is now a beautiful sight to behold.

The Cocoa Product Industry erstwhile managers and workers who have been on forced holiday for more than eleven years are men of proven integrity who should be given the right of a recall if they so wish and take the com-

pany to greater heights. Cocoa Product industry, Ede, is a company of yesterday, today and tomorrow for the people of Osun State. It is posterity-bound and prosperity-inclined.

The administration of Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola has now taken the bull by the horns in giving a new lease of life to the hitherto moribund industry. Governor Aregbesola in his wisdom was able to put in place a dynamic board of directors, under the able leadership of a leading light in the entrepreneurial world in the person of Sir Adewale Adeeyo (OON).

This wonderful leader of men and material on serious scrutiny of what was on the ground, shifting and weighing, hit upon a world-class investor from China by name Skyrun (Nig.) Ltd, who are specialists in cocoa industry management back in their country.

The Adewale Adeeyo-led board, in cooperation with officials of the Osun State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, was able to identify the core problems of Osun Cocoa Products industry, major among which was that over the years of its abandonment, some unscrupulous people have vandalised very important cables, electrical materials among others. This in effect, has affected the industry badly. Governor Aregbesola was ready to give executive approval to the urgent needs of the company whenever they are made. The governor trusted absolutely in Sir Adewale Adeeyo’s role to re-invigorate the industry.

The new investor also came up with master plans for the resuscitation of the factory. They threw themselves seriously into revamping its operation. Brand new and state-of-the art equipment was brought in to replace the obsolete equipment put in place since 1982, which, in any way, is not in tandem with modern day operation of such a gigantic factory, adjudged the biggest in Sub-Saharan West African. Sir Adewale Adeeyo did not leave anything to chance. He visited China one or two times to confirm the efficiency of the new investor as far as their activities in China were concerned.

He was able to ascertain and ensure that the new investors would not jettison the continuous and permanent operation of Osun Cocoa Products Industry.

To cocoa farmers all over Nigeria, there is a ready market waiting for your produce at Osun Cocoa Products Industry, Ede. Governor Aregbesola should trudge on and bring more industries to Osun as we have industrial sites for kaoline, bauxite, gold and other mineral resources across the state, waiting for exploitation and production for local consumption and importation, to boost the state internally generated revenue. The assistance of the World Bank in this regard should be sought. Such new investors should also be given tax holiday.

Olumide Lawal, Ede, Osun State.

24

2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

style

Hot trend! Flatform brogues A flatform leather brogue, also known as the ‘ugly shoe’, the creation of a British luxury designer, Stella McCartney, is no doubt, taking over the fashion scene like a storm.

Platform (the flat but balanced high-heeled version of the pointed heels platform shoes) offers height without sacrificing comfort.

This shoe though quite ugly is also very expensive.

The sturdy stomper could be your go-to shoe if you can afford

Saturday Tribune With Kate Ani 08071080888 anikate92@yahoo.com

Tinuola Ayanniyi tayanniyi@yahoo.com 08055069379

Do-it-yourself

Shell earrings

the hefty price tag which starts from N180, 000 and upwards.

Various celebrities in Nigeria, from Rita Dominic to Tiwa Savage, Oge Okoye, Veronica Odeka, Fisayo Longe, and their international counterparts like Rihanna, Kourtney Kardashian, Beyonce Knowles, Mary J.blige, among others have also been sighted wearing this unique footwear.

The most stylish way to wear this luxury ‘ugly’ brogue is to pair it with a skinny jean or a short dress.

Amanda Stenberg Adaora Okalugo

Joy Emelonye

Fisayo Longe

My anti-ageing beauty secrets —Naomi Campbell Rita Dominic

25

Forty-five-year-old iconic supermodel, Naomi Campbell is one of the most elegant and charming faces to behold in the beauty industry. She could easily be taken for an under-40 due to her flawless, youthful looks. A beauty to behold, she is photographers’ delight at red carpet events. Here, Campbell speaks on the secrets behind her ageless look.

What is the secret to your anti-ageing look?

I take care of myself, eat well and try to balance what I put in my body. I stay away from sugar and drink lots of water. I don’t wear makeup if I don’t have to... your skin has to breathe.

What are your beauty essentials?

Under eye cream, I always treat myself to a regular manicure\pedicure session. I can’t do without a body moisturiser and anything hydrating, especially when I travel.

Do you workout?

Yes, I do but I don’t lift weights. I like working with the resistance of my own body weight.

What is the secret to your glowing and youthful skin?

It is important to just drink juice two days a week, once a month or so, to cleanse yourself, rebalance and clean the blood.

Courtesy: style.com

26

2 April, 2016

outofthisworld

Saturday Tribune WITH FEMI OSINUSI

osfem2@yahoo.com 08055069292

Behold, 2 Christian nuns cultivating, selling Indian hemp

T

WO Christian nuns in California, United States, have decided to start an unusual business — cultivating, producing and selling of Indian hemp and they insist they are rendering good service to the society.

The two nuns, sisters Kate and Darcy, who started the business late last year, according to omnifeed. com, said they produced the marijuana to help people in management of pains.

In fact, according to reports, the two nuns said they always prayed over the marijuana before they sell them online to customers and are making huge fortune from their ‘business.’

The two nuns with the indian hemp plants.

Sister Darcy smoking her product.

Sister Kate preparing the liquid hemp for sale.

The nuns taking care of the cannabis plants.

Sister Darcy watering the Indian hemp plants.

The Indian hemp stored in fridge, ready for sale.

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2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

with Tunde Ayanda ayandaayotunde@yahoo.com 08034649018

Fun as Hard Rock Cafe opens

A

gathering of celebrities in Nigeria took place recently to define the theme for the official opening of the Hard Rock Cafe in Lagos.

The likes of Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Lisa Folawiyo, Elohor Aisien, Oscar Oyinsan, Rich Tanskley were present to commemorate the much-anticipated opening of the cafe.

The grand opening, which kickstarted with a live performance by singer, Banky W was

hosted by TV personalty, Ozzy Agu. The Area Vice-President of Hard Rock, Anibal Fernandez, said that the Lagos opening marked the third location in Africa and said Lagos is such a lively city with a very rich music heritage which aligns perfectly with Hard Rock’s DNA. The opening was an evening of music and networking among social youths determined to contribute to the growth of entertainment in Africa.

Erelu Abiola Dosumu’s winning tactics Tokunbo Modupe expands business frontiers PR pundit, Tokunbo Modupe, is repositioning his area of business.

The TPT boss, who temporarily left his job to take up a consultancy employment with the Ondo State government, is back and now touching on the grounds he left for sometime.

Those in the know link Tokunbo’s comeback with the imminent expiration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s tenure in office, while some claim that the PR man’s contract has expired.

Tokunbo, who temporarily relocated to Akure and upgraded some of his key staffers to operate in his absence is back fully in Lagos while lighting the mood of activities in the Magodo, Lagos office of the TPT. The man is said to have set for himself a new target to bridge lost grounds and is presently tasked with the plot to win back some of his lost clients.

LAGOS stylish woman, Erelu Abiola Dosumu is a woman that doesn’t joke with whatever she lays her hands on.

The stylish woman surprised many when on her 62nd birthday in 2009 she launched an exclusive club, The Beach Centre located on Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The club is exclusively for the rich as she equipped it with modern facilities which include a gym, restaurant, massage parlour, library, games room, conference room, exclusive lounge and more.

The gist is that the place is undergoing massive upgrading in order to compete better in a Lagos that is the hotbed of activities.

The woman of substance, who wears the traditional title of the Erelu of Lagos with pride, is said to have engaged the best managers and equipment for the upgrading.

Ladun Sijuwade’s low-key celebration THE Chief Executive Officer of Dalora Ventures and one of the widows of late monarch, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olori Ladun, clocked 60 years a few days ago.

The celebration, which many thought would be a big social event, turned out to be a low-key affair strictly on the request of the woman.

The reason was that the matriarch is still mourning her husband who joined his ancestors

last year.

To mark the birthday, the children of Olori Sijuwade, Denrele and Deremi threw a surprise birthday for their mother at the Angelika’s, an exquisite restaurant in Lagos.

The celebrant, who is the only daughter of late billionaire, Chief Adedamola Harold-Sodipo, had a quiet celebration in the midst of family members and a handful of friends.

An effective communicator with excellent and management skills, Bankole was the choice of many who converged on the Oduduwa Bar of the Premier Hotel to celebrate his victory.

In his speech at the banquet ceremony of the agency, the new president confirmed his promise to devote all his time for the agency and also inject fresh ideas that will soar the image of NANTA. Bankole, who had a stint with

different financial institutions like Ecobank, Metropolitan and Finbank, is a man trusted by many.

Spotted at the victory party was Lagos politician and the Chief Executive Officer of Aeroland, Segun Adewale, Managing Director of Dvine Travels Muyiwa Salami who was equally voted as the Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies and others.

New title for Bernard Bankole THE Chief Executive Officer of Finchglow Travels, Bernard Bankole, now wears a new title as the President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies.

In a recent election of the practitioners held at the Premier Hotel in Ibadan, Oyo State, Bankole defeated other contestants in a landmark victory that would determine the direction of the association in years to come.

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2 April, 2016

ntertainment News

Society Gist

Nomoreloss to be buried April 8 —p33

Controversy trails Toyin Aimakhu —p33

I wrote ‘Soldier’, but

Falzfellin lovewithit —Simi

Saturday Tribune with Joan Omionawele and

jistwtjoan@yahoo.com Twitter:@joanbajojo 08054682201 Newton-Ray Ukwuoma 08052271251

Celebrity Interviews

30 entertainment

2 April, 2016

s il a r t y s r e v o r t n Co Toyin Aimakhu

Patoranking, Harrysong, Olamide get Ghana music awards nomination FIVE Nigerian Hip hop artistes will compete with other Africans for the ‘African Artiste of the Year’ category of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA).

The official list of nominees for the 2016 VGMA was released by the Board of Ghana Music Awards and the organisers, Charterhouse recently.

Wizkid, Olamide, Harrysong, Patoranking and Korede Bello are among the Nigerian artistes nominated for the most important category.

Ghanaian stars like Sarkodie, EL, Kofi Kinata have two nominations each, while Bisa Kdei got five nominations.

The event will be held at the Accra International Conference Centre.

stagram As actress weeps again on In Stories by Joan Omionawele and Newton-Ray Ukwuoma

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INCE reports filtered through that the marriage between star Yoruba actress, Toyin Aimakhu and ex-husband, Adeniyi Johnson, had hit the rocks, the actress has remained a subject of discussion, on and off the social media.

Just last month, an alarm was raised by the students of her drama school that she had been kidnapped by her lover, Seun Egbegbe who the actress confirmed she was dating, but who she later broke up with after the incident.

It was later revealed by Toyin’s estranged lover that he did not kidnap her, but only seized her phone after a friend told him that she posted a video on Instagram, crying and pleading for an Instagram comedian, who wanted to commit suicide.

However the actress,

on March 5, publicly announced that she had broken up with Seun Egbegbe and had moved on with her life.

She however, said that she was into another project entitled: Keeping Up With Toyin Aimakhu (Kuwta), a new television series which the actress says “will connect her with her fans in general.”

But in one of the trailers of the TV series, the actress was again spotted shedding tears and saying, asiko oro o ti to” (it is not yet time to talk) the truth will come out soon.

It is, however, unclear if she was referring to her broken relationship with Seun Egbegbe, who, in a recent interview warned Yoruba movie producers to stay off the actress. Is this a movie scene or the actress is just having fun?

Time will tell.

Saturday Tribune

Obasanjo pledges support for AFRIMA III FORMER President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR), has pledged to support the third edition of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) that will be held in November 2016.

The ex-president made this known at his Abeokuta residence during a courtesy visit by delegates from AFRIMA and African Union Commission (AUC) last Friday where he stated

that he would support any initiative that promotes African culture and unity.

Obasanjo, who commended the efforts of AFRIMA in unifying Africa through music, also used the opportunity to remark on the importance of music to the African heritage and stressed the need to further commercialise the industry in order to better reward artistes, create more jobs and reduced poverty among African youths.

Tillaman features Davido in new video AQUILA Records Afro pop artist Tilla formerly known as Tillaman would be dropping the visuals to his latest hit single “Oni Reason”. The song which is a fusion of high life and new school vibes has received massive air

play since it was released.

The video was shot on location in Lagos by video director, Frizzle and Bizzle.

Davido speaking on his feature with tillaman told fans “You guys have

heard the audio; now wait for the official video as Tillaman featured me on his new single titled ‘Oni Reason’; I shared throwback videos of the day we shot the masterpiece. Watchout,” he said.

Nomoreloss for burial April 8 THE family of late Nigerian singer, Muyiwa Adeyemi Oshinuga aka Nomoreloss who passed away on March 21, 2016 at the age 39 have released an official statement and new dates for the final burial rites of the singer.

The service of songs and tribute will hold on Thursday, April 7, 4pm9pm at Koga Studios, 2 Bolaji close, Off Kudirat Abiola Way, Alausa Ikeja. While the funeral

Gospel artiste, Aketantan launches album tomorrow FAST rising Lagos - Island based gospel artiste, Balogun Peter, known by as ‘Aketantan’ will tomorrow launch his sophomore album titled ‘Arugbo Ojo’ (ancient of days).

The event which will feature top gospel artistes like Evangelist Lanre Teriba popularly known as Atorise, Aduke Gold, Olayinka Babs aka Atabatubu, Evangelist Bisola Testimony, Evangelist Olaniyi aka ‘Eje Jesu’ and other young and talented hip-hop artistes, will take place at the prestigious Armador Hotels & Suites, Farms Estate, Lekki-Ajah, Lagos.

Aketantan, who started as a member of church choir, expressed his motivations and choice of the genre to Saturday Tribune.

He said, ‘My music is a calling and a gift from God Almighty. I have decided to use the gift to sing about the gospel of His kingdom’.

will hold on Friday April 8, 2016, 10am at Four Square Church, Norman Williams, Off Keffi Street, Ikoyi The talented musician, Nomoreloss, who died reportedly after a short battle with a chest infection, leaves behind his wife and beautiful daughter, Motunrayo Oshinuga, he was famous for such songs as ‘Iyawo Asiko’ and ‘Ojuri’ as well as his evergreen albums.

Tillaman and Davido on set of the new video

Fun, excitement as Heritage Bank puts Seki dance on stage

By Rotimi Ige THE best of Nigerian culture, fused with the rich cultural heritage of Okirika came on stage last weekend in Lagos as Heritage Bank sponsored Seki Dance drama before a select audience of movie and arts enthusiasts.

The well attended event which was compered by Nollywood star, Kate Henshaw, transformed into a night a fun and entertainment as the convention centre of Eko Hotels, the venue of the show, was filled to capacity.

Seki, which was an official entry to the 10th anniversary of the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta Georgia, is a collaborative rhythmic agreement of dance patterns of five different masquerade groups of the Okirika clan in the Lower Niger Delta Area of Rivers State.

The Dance was aimed at recreating the indigenous response to the struggle in resistance against foreign culture and the promotion of indigenous tradition. It was targeted at identifying the African traditional theatre with specific reference to the Okirika people.

The Information and Culture Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, commended the bank for the initiative, stressing that the dance drama showcased the rich culture of Okirika people.

32 entertainment

I wrote ‘Soldier’, but Falz fell in love with it –Simi

2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Popularly known as Simi, Simisola Ogunleye is the first lady of the X3M Music label. Her emergence on the Nigerian music scene, is widely celebrated with the release of hit singles such as ‘Tiff’, ‘Jamb Question’, ‘Open and Close’, ‘Love Don’t Care’ and recently, ‘Soldier’, featuring BahdGuys’ Record boss, Folarin Falana, alias Falz. Versatile Simi writes, mixes and masters her own songs. In this interview with NEWTONRAY UKWUOMA, the Mass Communication graduate from Covenant University, Ota, speaks on plans to release her album this year, among other things

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OULD you say 2016 is turning out great for you?

Yes. It has been a great year so far. I hope to make it worthwhile for my fans and loved ones. My first work of the year, ‘Love Don’t Care’, is currently enjoying massive airplay. It has equally stayed on the top 10 charts on radio stations. Also as part of the first quarter of the year, we shot the video of ‘Soldier’ which features me and Falz and myself.

That too has been making waves.

‘Soldier’ has been receiving critical acclaims, how was it inspired?

I thank God. I actually wrote the song but I didn’t want to release it. Falz heard the song and fell in love with it. He told me he wanted the song for his album that was how it became a collaboration. I’m happy people like it now.

If you are to do a song about yourself, what would you title it?

I think I’d call it ‘Love is All’ because I feel happy when other people are happy.

I want to do a song that would probably make everyone fall in love. Truth is life is so short that all we need is to be as happy as we can. And for me, love spreads happiness more than anything else. If it is possible for me, I would want everybody to be in love.

In ‘Love Don’t Care’, you talked about love being stronger than tribal sentiments. Would you like to shed light on that?

(Laughs) As much as I was talking to everybody, I was also talking to myself too in the song. It is not about me trying to judge people on their relationships. Growing up, my mum used to call me Okoro (Igbo name). My mum is not that kind of person that will give a tribe boundary in relationship, but she will emphasise the fact that the person has to be a Christian. So, I kind of picked up on that. Love is a strong feeling and once you find what makes you happy in someone, you should not let the person go because of such sentiments.

Do you write your lyrics yourself?

Of course yes. I write my lyrics myself and for other people as well. I am not just a singer, I am also a songwriter. I also mix and master most of my songs myself.

Should your fans be expecting an album soon?

This year definitely! Hands are on deck towards the successful release of my first album. I won’t be disclosing the number of tracks and title for now as we are still working on it, but my fans should be assured that the album will be released this year, all things being the same.

How would you describe Simi?

Simi is a very straightforward person.

She likes to say things the way she sees them. I don’t like to beat around the bush; so that the one thing I dislike most is pretence. I don’t like people who pretend, hence, my kind of person. When I see something and feel like there is need to talk about it, I would just say it albeit in a very polite manner.

At the moment, the industry is witnessing an influx in the number of female artistes. And just recently on Twitter you were being compared with another female singer, how do you intend to handle competition?

First, I don’t feel threatened by anybody.

This is not because I don’t think anybody else is better, but it’s just that there is enough room for anybody to shine. If you go through my laptop or phone, you will not see any artistes’ song on them anymore. I’m not trying to compete. However, anytime I see someone trying to do amazing things, I always pray for the best for them. Thus, I’m even happier that we have more female artistes doing well in the industry than before.

This is because it was really hard getting accepted into the industry as a female. However, I’m not threatened by anybody.

If you are to do a collaboration with any Fuji or Juju musician, who will that be?

For Fuji, it will definitely be Pasuma Wonder, while for Juju, it will be Ebenezer Obey because I actually fantasise about working with him. Ebenezer Obey is a living legend as well as King Sunny Ade. And there are few countries with people like them.

How do you describe your type of music?

My specialty is Afro Pop/RnB, but these days I do Afro-soul mostly.

Would you say you are currently enjoying your celebrity status?

Celebrity status? Well, this is the real me.

I still buy roast plantain by the roadside.

I don’t feel uncomfortable about normal life. I am not blown away by fame because that is not what excites me in the game.

What then excites you?

The music. I am happy about my celebrity status only because more people know my music and want to relate with it.

If you are to tell your story about life and about your personal struggles, what will be the major inspiration?

I think it will be about perseverance. It will be about the girl that kept going because I do not believe in discouragement.

I always want to strive hard to make an impact. I want to make people see the world from my perspective.

What keeps you going?

My passion. The only reason I am doing music is because my attention span can be very small, but music is the only thing that keeps me focused. Music is the only thing I really want to learn about. The passion I have for the art pushes me on and that keeps me going. If I wasn’t into fulltime music, I would probably be either a writer or On Air Personality. Writing is a part of me. I love the media influence as well. You can’t do music without the media.

Who keeps you going?

I have an amazing team, people that are on my case. There is really little I can do myself. I can write my own songs, mix and master them, but there is an engine that makes it work better and that is my management team. They make sure I stand on the right path. I have always said that for no reason I am very favoured. God loves me so much and He put a little extra time in moulding and making me who and what I am today.

How much has your record label advanced your brand and music career?

Before I was signed onto X3M, how many people knew me? Not just about my songs, since I signed onto the label, the

management team takes on all my stress and makes things happen for me easily.

Now I am more calculated and focused. I now know that the entertainment industry is truly a busy one and one that requires a lot of work to stay afloat.

What would you say stands your record label out from others?

In all fairness, I don’t know what happens in other record labels, but what I can say is that my label has got my back at all times. Even when I get a “No” sometimes from them I later realise that they mean well. In fact, it’s the more reason I love my team. I love people who can say “No” to me and not necessarily give me a ‘yes’ to create an impression. There is a quote I saw online that states that sometimes you have to desist from people who say “Yes” to you all the time because you are probably not likely to grow with them. Take for instance, before we released ‘Jamb Question’, I was going to drop ‘Open and Close’, but my management team disagreed. That made me feel really bad, but in the end I realised it was a great decision.

Is Simi in a relationship?

Yes, I am in a relationship.

Does he support your musical career too?

Of course, he is my number and fan. He also gives me support.

How was your growing up like?

Growing up, I was kind of a tomboy (laughing). I was kind of a tomboy because I had three elder brothers. I was the only girl and the youngest child. So I used to like sneakers and baggy jeans a lot. And I was this bad girl who didn’t like to take nonsense. My dad spoilt me and my brothers. And we watched movies a lot, but my brothers preferred horror movies and so we all watched them together. But it was fun. When I was nine years, my parents got separated and that was a really tough time for me and my siblings, because we had to grow up faster. However, we are passed through that stage now and we are good.

33 entertainment

2 April, 2016

‘It’s impossible to retire from music’ Continues from pg2

the years, how would you react to artistes nowadays whose songs hardly last five minutes air play?

So many things are responsible for this. With respect to them, the younger ones are not ready to go through any stress to make money. In fact, I would say that although we are all lucky, they are a little bit luckier because though you don’t own a band or play an instrument, as long as you can sing, you can put it on the computer and once it gets to the radio or television, it becomes popular.

But the difference is that they are not ready to do it the way we did it. Some of them I interview often tell me that they can’t go through all the hard work and hard times that we went through. So they prefer to be on their own, get a computer to mix their songs and wait for the time to hit the market. So it is really different from how it was then.

The slogan ‘Synchro system’ is something you use often, how did you coin it?

There was a gentleman who was my fan; he is a lawyer.

And each time I play my music, he would say my music is so synchronised. So I went for the dictionary. The system of synchronisation entails that everyone plays their own role in the music. It is like an symphony orchestra. So the syncho stystem is a special beat that is not fast. So that was how I came about that.

Do you still do studio recordings?

Yes, I do. I was still in the studio a few weeks ago. And by the grace of God, something good will be out soon.

With the new trend of entertainers going into politics and considering your personality, one would naturally think that you would win if you vie for any position in your state. Do you also intend to be a politician some day?

Capital No. If there is anything above capital ‘No’, that would be my answer. Ever since I was a youth, I’ve never been a fan of politics. I have the right to vote, but I am not really interested in vying for political office.

What achievements are you most proud of over the years?

The radio station is one. And in terms of achievements, there are lots of them. The fact that I have a lot of fans still in love with my music over three decades is a lot of achievement for me.

Having worked on the international platforms, how does it feel being that person that has changed

With over 100 albums, where does the inspiration come from?

I am actually working on the 112th album. I believe that the music came directly from God to me. However, I get inspired by a lot of things around me. I am just blessed by that.

Also I have friends and even my band members who would chip in one thing or another at a point and eventually, we make good music Are you proud of the Nigerian music industry as it is today?

Yes, I am. I have no regrets. I only beg God to put the love of music into our leaders’ minds, so they could hold it in high esteem the way the Americans, Europeans, Chinese and others cherish theirs because they hang on to it and believe in the commercial side of it. But here, it doesn’t really concern them.

Traditional genres of music are gradually being replaced by new ones…

I believe that the Nigerian traditional music still exist because you can’t do without our traditional music. So I would say that the Nigerian traditional music can never die. The so-called hip-hop has several styles and one can see that the Nigerian hip-hop is based on traditional music.

You can’t make good music without infusing the traditional music into it. Nigerian music stands like a palm tree, you take what you want from it and make your music.

Unlike how you started, juju has been redefined by this generation, with genres like hip-hop being mixed with it. Are you comfortable with this?

As long as people like it, you cannot condemn it, especially if that is what is in vogue. But the truth is it takes time to really make that music. What hinders juju for instance, is first the importation of instruments and the economy.

The instruments are so costly now. If you want good instruments that can last for a year or two, you will have to spend a lot of money. A good guitar now costs about N30,000 and you will need about five; one microphone is about N20,000 and you will need about 20 of that, not to talk about the amplifier or other instruments.

Even if you rent the instruments, the more you rent, the more you spend money. So the economy is not as it was before. Back in the day, we would organise shows and people would pay gate fees, they had money to buy our records, but the situation is different nowadays. And even the pirates have now become the governments of musicians and filmmakers.

So what are veterans like you in the industry doing about the issue of piracy?

I started the anti-piracy campaigns in the 70s and I am still on it till now. Even the pirates decided not to distribute my records for 10 years, which wasn’t good for my business. It was some sort of punishment for starting the fight against piracy.

Sometimes at shows, or on the street, I get mobbed, just because I have been to their place with the police and other activists to seize what doesn’t belong to them. So I started it for many years I did it. Even during the days of Bobby Benson, I tried to ensure that the PMAN that we have today stood its ground, because 1962 was the year Nigeria last had a body for the union of musicians. So eventually during the 80s, we formed a body and I became the first president of PMAN, and even was president 18 years after that. So there is hope that the fight against piracy will come to an end soon.

Saturday Tribune

the face of Nigerian music industry for life?

I thank God for that simply because I didn’t start with that intention. I am just so lucky that we went in and the whole thing was a success.

Did you initially expect the reception abroad?

My intention was to play music just for the acceptance then. I started going abroad in 1971 with the band. At that time, it was called cultural exchange. The people there would bring their troupes down here to perform and we would do same, however, not in concerts. It was not until 1984 when the huge break came.

Our intention then was to get ourselves to the university communities in London then where we could see Nigerians come to our shows, because by that time we had already done ‘Jafunmi’ which was recorded in Togo.

So they wanted us to come and perform, and see if people would like us. That was the intention of Alan Records. So they called in the producers and musicologists to observe what our music would be like. Luckily for us, we were lucky to be on television for an interview. I travelled with a 22man band, but took about eight of them for the interview. It was more of a familiarisation five-minute interview, before a gentleman walked in and asked for Sunny Ade. He said their phone line had been jammed with people calling to appreciate my music. And that was how it started.

We were supposed to start the event at 8 p.m but by 6 p.m., they were no tickets again, it was a sold out. The whole place was jampacked that it took the intervention of the police to clear it all. My boss, Baba Sala, was even smuggled into the place. The show was forced to start at 7.30p.m.

So that was when the inspiration started and that was what triggered my exposure to the Western world.

But the difference is that they are not ready to do it the way we did it. Some of them I interview often tell me that they can’t go through all the hard work and hard times that we went through.

Music legends, especially guitarists like you over time tend to fashion their brands of guitars. Do you also intend to make such investments?

Some people fashioned a guitar for me, but I intentionally didn’t want to commercialise it because if I endorsed it, inasmuch as I don’t have the factory or a share in the company, I can’t do that.

Someone gave me a guitar recently, it is my kind of guitar, but he carved it in a different way. It is so beautiful. But if I am using it, for instance, Victor Uwaifo used a double edged guitar, which was eventually made by another brand abroad. I don’t know whether he was given credit for it eventually.

You recently won a copyright case and you were awarded N500 million. What investments have you done with this?

I am yet to get paid and once that is sorted, I will know what to do with it.

You were once a mechanic…

Yes, I was. I was a motorcycle mechanic. My senior brother is a mechanic. So after school I would sit down with him just because I wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle. But my brother would tell me then that if you know how to ride a motorcycle, then you must know how to repair it. So I had to.

Do you ever think of retiring from music?

It is impossible for any musician to retire from music.

You can only retire from the stage because the music is in the blood. And as long as my fans are still in love with me, I’ll continue to perform on the stage.

I tried to explain to the public about 20 years ago that I wanted to retire from the stage and stick to recordings and movies. And the next thing I knew, people started saying I wanted to retire from music entirely.

So that was why I made a record to address that. So I am not retiring from music.

With the Glo ambassadorship, you now relate more with many of these young generation artistes. Do you intend to work with anyone of them anytime soon?

Yes, I have a couple of them on my list now and soon, I will do something with some of them.

You look really young and agile for your age, what is the secret?

When I look in the mirror, I see myself even older than my age now, but funny enough when people look at me, they say that I look really young. So I appreciate that. I am just lucky about that and I believe that it is God’s blessing.

My mother used to tell me something before she died and that is that you can’t carry the burden of the whole world on your head, so you have to relax your mind.

And also a lot of appreciation goes to my fans, they have been really supportive and that has been sustaining.

You hold Baba Sala in a really high esteem, what is your relationship with him now?

He has always been my father and he will always remain a father to me.

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2 April, 2016

The South-West Editor Wole Efunnuga | 08111813056

Though he ascended the throne as the Owatapa of Itapa, Ijesa land, Osun State 34 years ago, people know him more as a clergyman and a politician. In this interview with YEJIDE GBENGAOGUNDARE, Oba Olapade Agoro, speaks on his journey to the throne, his vision for his town, how some people have politicised traditional institutions and sundry issues. Excerpts:

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were begging them and after some minutes, baba said, you have become Owatapa today, I was crying but he said that is the tradition, we must first show you suffering.

Is that the custom of anointing the Owatapa?

That is the way; an Oba must first be made to suffer before he can be made a king. So when I see all these things, I laugh. Do people know the foundation?

You can’t be the head until you have carried the cross. So he ordered that I should be taken to the Ipebi, and I told him, I don’t have more than this shirt, please give me a little time, so I was asked to promise not to run again, adding that even if I run, I am already king.

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ANY know you as a politician, a clergy and an educationist but few know you as a traditional ruler. What in your background prepared you for the throne?

In the very first instance, I will let you know that I was born a royal blue blood.

So, before I became this and that, my beginning was in royalty. I was born into the Owa Atapami ruling house. You may want to ask that where is Atapami? My title in the Yoruba historical connotation holds a lot of meaning, a lot of people have been saying diverse things and this spurred me into writing my book Yoruba, Hebrew translated Yehuba.

You cannot say this is my father’s name unless you know the background of that name, the Yoruba say ile laa wo kato somo loruko, literally meaning Yorubas’ will not naturally name a child without issues involved, so you discover that my progenitor originated from Igbo tapa, that is Igbo atapami at Ile Ifa, an Hebrew word now mispronounced Ile Ife. Let’s leave that aside.

The Ade Are that must be worn only once a year by the Ooni is housed at Igbotapa, so the original crown of all the Yoruba people is housed in my town at Igbo Atapami, Baba Ifa at Ile Ife. Let me divert a little bit, when people say Ooni is an Oba, they are wrong, Ooni has no equal, he is Oonirisa, meaning Ooni Orisa, he is anOrisa, not an Oba. I discussed this with Baba, Oba Okunade Sijuade in his lifetime and he said well, it’s not my fault that there is a misconception, Ooni is hardly seen in the daylight but we have politicised the whole thing.

My uncle was the last Atapami, Isreal Ojo but because my progenitor, Owa Atapami Adugbolohun 1 was almost forced to become a Christian, Christianity entered into our household around 120 years ago but he refused to be one though his Ifa shrine is the land on which the Saint Paul Anglican church was built at Imogun Itapa, the whole household was converted to Christianity; my uncle became Isreal, my father became Joshua, his sister became Juliana and my paternal grandmother became Felicia in one day but Owa Atapami refused to be converted.

This thing had been in thefamily, it became my turn to become the Owa Atapami, then I was only 20 but my mother objected and I had to go abroad and there was nobody that could fill the position because it is rotational by birth, the next Owa Atapami after me now, no one knows, he may not yet be born, I don’t know How long was the stool vacant before you ascended the throne?

It was vacant for about 20 years. My mother rejected the idea entirely. She said no At what point did she change her mind?

She did not change her mind until she died.

That period created a lot of vacuum. Owa Atapami has the largest expanse of land today in Ijesa land. I will tell you briefly that my progenitor has five brothers, there is Alana on the land where Iwaraja is now, on Akure road; there is Naborun at Inako; we have Araakin at Ijeda, one was at Allaye of Efon, the only female was Akinla, who stayed with him had his land at Erin Ijesa. But I couldn’t exercise authority over

Saturday Tribune

Which year was that?

That was 1982. So I was allowed to come back to Ibadan, I didn’t know my father had been informed but when I returned, I was received by a crowd, drumming and celebrating me as the king.

I was beaten severely to become an Oba —Owatapa

that piece of land as I had not taken over as King. Erimo are statutory tenants on that land.

So the position was vacant until you took over?

Yes, my uncle who said it cannot remain so and believed he could be, as he was getting prepared for the throne, he died. The only man, Atapa Adeniji who also tried went to purchase a crown and up till now, nobody knows where he is, he just walked into the bush.

Are you are talking about the importance of the Owa Atapami to Yoruba history?

Yes. It is important to the Yoruba History.

When you talk of Yoruba history, you have to talk of Ifa. In those days we don’t have political Obas, nobody could become an Oba in Yoruba land unless chosen by ifa. It is now bastardised and politicised and Owa Atapami was the Baba Ifa at Igbo Tapa, Owa Atapami established Itapa Ekiti, Itapa Ibibio, Itapa Tapa, Itapa in Lagos. Wherever you have Yoruba settlement, there must be the son of Owa Atapami. So you are really digging into the Yoruba history. We have Atapami at Togo, it’s there till today, we have it in Benin Republic. Wherever there is a settlement, Atapami tells his children where to stay. Atapami is a basic in Yoruba history How did you finally agree to ascend the throne?

When I became an Engineer, I came back from overseas and people started worrying my father, there was a great Oba in Ijesaland, Adeniran Agunlejika, one of the greatest kings, he sent for my father that if the man who should be crowned Owatapa has refused to be, my father should be the next king and my father asked if the king wanted to kill him since it wasn’t his right.

So he sent his staff to my father in Ibadan but my father had to give them money to go back and about few days later, they said Owa Adeniran Agunlejika wanted to see me; that he had a mission for me and I will be travelling with him, I was so excited. I went to see him wearing a short sleeved shirt on tight trousers on a terribly hot afternoon in the company with my cousin, Venerable Samuel Moyinlorun Agoro and when I got to the palace, baba ordered that I should be brought to his living room upstairs and he asked, why have you been running away from me and I answered why would I be running from you sir. And as I wanted to prostrate, he said, don’t kill me, don’t prostrate for me because I must not see the back of any Atapa. He then said I sent for you because I want to send you on a mission, why are you running, don’t you know this is important to the Ijesa and Yoruba race, have you not been taught about the history? Once you destroy it, you are destroying a crucial part of Yoruba history.

Suddenly, I had somebody slap me from the back and they said we will kill you today, they were beating me and I and my cousin

What is your vision for your community and the Yoruba race at large?

When you say you are an Oba, people don’t even know the meaning of it. You are put in a position of responsibility to make life better for all, it involves a lot of sacrifice and challenges. I have schools all over, now I am promoting the first business university in the whole of Africa, there are only two of that respectively in Europe, China and America, and so, Olapade Agoro Business University will be the only one in Africa. When I got home I discovered that the women were suffering; no businesses, so I started two markets for them in 2012 to empower them and now, they are gainfully employed. This now has a reflective progressive connotation in the whole area. An Oba is responsible for the welfare of his people. Not too long ago, an Oba complained that the government did not pay his salary, it is an insult for an Oba to earn salary from government, the Oba should be paying salary, not earning salary. We have bastardised the culture of our people to the extent that I saw some Obas kneeling down in front of a President, you will discover that even in the Bible, David was paying salary, not earning, the Oba of Benin, Omonoba will never take salary from anybody. The position of an Oba is so glorified and high that you don’t politicise it.

Are you now saying that since you assumed office, you didn’t collect salary from government?

I will be wrong to say that because there are documents to that effect, I made the mistake for about six months before I said enough and I opted out. I can’t remember collecting salary from anybody in the last 26 or more years. It is an insult and that is part of what brought us down.

What do you think of the recently settled Awujale- Alake disagreement?

Well, it is one of the worst developments to ever occur. Incidentally, they are two prominent Obas. It was a bad development and the throw about words were too much that I do not think it can be easily erased politically. I think what we have to do is to use the institution to which they belong to find a solution. Governor Ibikunle Amosun tried his best using only political force, you can’t use political might to quell traditional fire, don’t forget that the two royal fathers are institutions.

35

2 April, 2016

achievers

With Ronke Sanya (Winner, NMMA Innovative Reporter of the Year 2015) 07036050161 | sanyaaderonke@gmail.com

& Oyeyemi Okunlade | 08056834515 | ojeleyeoyeyemi@yahoo.com

Behold! Nigeria’s education idols

Dada

By Emmanuel George

T

HOUGH, Nigeria’s image may be hurt with criminality and terrorism as a result of corruption and insurgency in the northeast, the country’s youths are proving it wrong in every endeavour they find themselves. Ingenuitycum-intelligence is not only maximised in the entertainment industry, but also in the education sector.

It’s crystal clear to all that the Nigerian entertainment industry is taking over the world entertainment as its taking its stand in the third position and making move to go higher than the current, which is really engaging Nigerian youths. This feat should also be hoped for in every facet of human development like education.

Contrary to how it used to be in the past, whereby music idols, music fames and the most beautiful were more feted and admired while education idols and most brilliant were less esteemed, the nation now doffs cap for the feats of education intellectuals.

The world does not need a prophetic confirmation that Nigeria is the world state capital of academic intelligence. It is lucidly proved by the recent reports of students’ performance both home and abroad.

Mr, Artem Romanov, Russian Embassy representative at the reception in honour of Dr Victor Olalusi, a Nigerian, who scored 5.00 CGPA in Russia, admitted that Nigeria is blessed with abundant human potential which is officially acknowledged in Russia and confirmed that Nigerian students grasp knowledge easily.

Dr Victor Olalusi Prior to the report about Victor Olalusi who had 5.00 CGPA from the Faculty of Clinical Science, Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow in 2013, there hadn’t been any protrusive report to this fact in the world. He made the record. The ministry of education really celebrated him beyond the usual warmth handshake and probably a slim envelope awarded to educa-

Olalusi tion moguls in Nigeria.

Arithmetically, Mrs Ifeoma Agunwa, the Director, Federal Scholarship Board, said Olalusi never had a 4.99 GPA, and had maintained 5.0 GPA in all the courses he took in the seven years he studied Medicine in Russia and even in the Russian language class. The Nigerian has an exceptional intellectual brain that needed to be celebrated, so that those coming will aspire to be honoured. Olalusi’s anecdote has presented Nigerian students as the best in the world regardless of our position in the world university ranking.

Ayodele Dada Initially some thought Nigerian students are only giants abroad and ants at home due to the education atmosphere they are exposed to; there and here, but the University of Lagos (UNILAG) graduate proved it wrong

Saturday Tribune

Ekeh as he took after Olalusi with 5.00 CGPA from the Department of Psychology. It is not paranormal to know that if he had any point in time had 4.99 GPA; he wouldn’t have made 5.00 CGPA. This establishes to us that if one is not celebrated and honoured, another would not be encouraged to maintain excellence, as it is in the paradigm of both geniuses.

The acknowledgment and celebration of academic excellence is not only lauded by the social media but also by the government, particularly the legislature and this has fired up a formal recognition of Nigeria education idols.

On Tuesday, March 22, 2016, the Federal House of Representatives suspended the House rules as Ayodele Dada appeared on the floor of the House, though, on the invitemotion moved by Majority Leader, Femi

The world does not need a prophetic confirmation that Nigeria is the world’s capital of academic intelligence. It islucidly proved by the recent reports of students’ performance both home and abroad

Gbajabiamila.

The outstanding performance earned the youngman an unusual standing ovation from the lawmakers and a handshake from the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, which is arguably the first of its kind in Nigeria. He wasn’t honoured by the house because he won a music contest or a pageantry, but for his intellectual testimony of excellence.

According to the ‘commonsense’ resented in Gbajabiamila’s motion Dada’s story is compelling and inspirational to the youth and he represents and mirrors the hope of the leaders of tomorrow.

The chronicle of the record making youths is like the story of the gods that are worth worshipping and aping by the followers, i.e. the coming youths.

Ufot Ekong Months ago, the story of a Nigerian who had broken a 50-year-old record went viral on the online reports and social media.

Ufot Ekong is another Nigerian, from Akwa Ibom State, who graduated with first class degree in Robotic and Electrical Engineering from Tokai University, Tokyo, Japan, and had scored the best mark at the university since 1965, thus breaking 50-year-old record.

Report says of him that he solved a 30-year-old mathematics equation in his first semester at the university.

Though, he was recognised by the nation and honoured by his governor, Udom Emmanuel, Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Very few Nigerians know him but he’s like a god abroad.

Harold Ekeh Also recently, Cable Network News (CNN) interviewed a New York-born Nigerian, Harold Ekeh, who scored 2270 out of 2400 on his SATs and was accepted to all of the 13 universities, which he applied to, including all the eight Ivy League schools. The young Nigeria blood made news all over the world.

In accordance with Yousafzai Malala’s vision; phonated at the United Nations (UN) Youth Assembly, that “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world,” Nigerian students have been changing the world with academic records and would do more if emboldened and exhilarated.

The current season of education revolution in Nigeria might be unquestionably calling the government at all levels to prioritise education and engage a quality investment in brain infrastructure instead of celebrating entertainers who are indirectly straying away form societal norms.

Nigerian students have corroborated their adeptness and proficiencies despite the inimical academic atmosphere at all levels, so government, corporate bodies and individuals should altruistically enshrine education in their budget and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.

36

2 April, 2016

weekend cartoons

Saturday Tribune

Adeeko Olusegun adeeko.olusegun@yahoo.com 0811 695 4638

Just a Laffing Mata

Apr il fool mis tak e

Yesterday, Segeluulu told his daddy that he won a scholarship to study Medicine in UK. His father was so happy that he ordered his mum to slaughter two chickens for the celebration and pop champagne.

Now he’s afraid of telling his parents that it was just ‘April Fool’ after eating the chickens.

A TM

POLITICO

One Monday morning, Segeluulu went to a commercial bank’s ATM to withdraw all his money. Then he went inside the same bank to deposit the money he withdrew. Angrily, he told the bank officer he met, ‘my money is not safe outside in the ATM. People are just withdrawing anyhow and they may end up withdrawing my money. Keep my money inside the bank, please!’

Something exci t ing

FUNOLOGY

A kindergarten class had a homework assignment to find out about ‘something exciting’ and relate it to the class the next day. When the time came for the little kids to give their reports, the teacher was calling on them one at a time. She was reluctant to call upon Segeluulu, knowing that he sometimes could be a bit crude. But eventually his turn came.

Little Segeluulu walked up to the front of the class, and with a piece of chalk, made a small white dot on the blackboard, then sat back down. Well the teacher couldn’t figure out what Segeluulu had in mind for his report on ‘something exciting’, so she asked him just what that was.

“It’s a period” reported Segeluulu.

“Well I can see that” she said. “...But what is so exciting about a period?”

“Damned if I know” said Segeluulu, “But this morning, my sister said she missed one. Then daddy had a heart attack, mummy fainted and daddy’s driver ran away.”

Birthday gift: NBC restricts Badoo’s new song ‘DON’T STOP’

RESTRICTION

37

feature

2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Flooding: No safe haven even for the rich in Lagos Chukwuma Okparaocha - Lagos

I

N the last few days, Lagos residents have again been reminded of what to expect in months to come as many communities, streets and roads, were again flooded with water, after just a few hours of downpour.

In many of the hinterlands and middle-class communities, the problem, it was gathered, was aggravated by blocked drainage systems, poorly managed refuse and wastes, as well as construction of structures in approved places, such as waterways.

But it is not only communities in the hinterlands and flood zones that are affected by flooding in Lagos, the so-called upscale places in Lagos, such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki where the rich and affluent live, are also known to be faced with this problem.

Lagos, like other major cities in other parts of the world, is mainly made up of three classes of people - the low, middle as well high class individuals in the society, who are often regarded as high net worth individuals that are expected to have everything at their finger tips. While the first two classes are generally scattered in many parts of the state, the latter can be readily found in the upscale places where the atmosphere itself smell of opulence.

Ikoyi and Victoria Island are generally referred to as the homes of the rich in Lagos, and as such, many people might have the notion that both places might be immune to some of the general problems, especially rain-induced flooding, often faced in places such as Abule-Egba, Iyana Ipaja, Agege, Oshodi, Ijegun, among others, which are generally occupied by middle and low-income classes.

But this is far from being the case, as residents of Ikoyi and its environs now seem to be living at the mercy of run-offs which are often experienced anytime there is a downpour. This problem again reared its head very recently in the state.

There was pandemonium in Lagos very recently when a twohour downpour caused massive flooding of roads in different parts of the state.

Worst hit were many roads leading in and out of Victoria Island and Ikoyi, where scores of people were seen waddling their way through large puddles of water that had taken over different sections of both communities and their roads.

There was massive flooding of roads followed by massive traffic gridlock, in many areas visited by Saturday Tribune, and those included Queen’s Drive, Glover Road and Park View Estate, all in Ikoyi. Very conspicuous in all these neighbourhoods are very expensive houses, some of which are believed to be worth over N300m.

Other upmarket places such as parts of Lekki Phase 1 and 2, as well as Adeola Hopewell and the popular Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island, among other places were also not left out.

Scores of vehicles were seen having a hard time manoeuvring their way out of the water that had flooded the roads, while many pedestrians with trousers rolled up to knee level were equally seen wadding their way through a large collection of water on the Ahmadu Bello Way and other roads in Victoria Island.

A lot of residents were also seen stranded at various bus stops, as many commercial buses had apparently been trapped in the ensuing gridlock.

But meanwhile, hours after the downpour, many residents said they were forced to stay indoors, while those who were already in their various shops and business centres when it started raining lamented poor business patronage.

A survey carried out by Saturday Tribune, however, seems to suggests that the problem might have been in existence for a very long time, and this has largely been blamed on the attitude of the so-called rich men towards one another.

This is because it is believed in some quarters that rather than working together to solve the problem, many of the rich residents in both communities seem to have thrown an air of ‘I don’t care’ towards the problem, especially as no one wants to seek the opinion of another.

This idea was supported by a resident of Bourdellion Road in Ikoyi, Mr Doyin Ladoye, a self-styled social critic, when giving his views about the problem which is known to have been in existence for a very long time.

“As against what is obtainable in communities occupied by low and middle income earners, the rich people here don’t believe in working together. Here, every house has a personal security guard as against communal guards usually found in other places.

“Usually when there is a problem in places occupied by the common people, and it seems the government is not doing anything about such problem, residents of such places often come together to solve the problem. But here, this attitude is somehow missing among the rich, who see such moves as an open invitation to unnecessary interactions,” said Ladoye.

A flooded area in Ikoyi. seems to be finding a solution to the problem. Anytime there is a major downpour, everything in Ikoyi comes to a standstill. The roads become flooded with water while the drainage systems tend to overflow with rain water, yet we have the headquarters of banks, telecommunications companies as well as the personal residents of highly influential people in the country directly affected by the problem,” she remarked.

In the past, the problem of flooding in Lagos, particularly on the Island, has been blamed on a number of human activities, including dredging and sand filling of wetlands and buffer zones, as well as an indiscriminate laying of cables in drainage channels by different telecommunications companies.

But while the state government, through the Ministry Ahmadu Bello of the Environment and other relevant agencies, has always debunked the notion that the flood problem is caused by various dredging and sand filling exercises that had been carried out on the Island in the past, it has never ceased to issue out warnings to telecommunications companies to desist from indiscriminate laying of cables in that part of the state.

This, according to the state government, is the major cause of the problem.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State government has warned residents of flood-prone zones to relocate to the upland zones for their own safety.

The move, according to information gathered, is not unconnected with the rainy reason which is fast approaching and which is expected to come with flash floods and flooding of communities situated in flood zones.

But warning Lagosians that belong to this category, the chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr David Setonji, has urged them to vacate and move to safer zones.

Setonji, in a chat with the media, said the call became necessary as the rainy session would commence very soon. He also urged residents to respect government’s regulations on physical planning before erecting structures.

He said, “We are appealing to all residents to build according “Nobody wants to seek the opinion of another in the bid to to plans and obey the regulations on physical planning. Some find a lasting solution to a common problem. The rich are often houses have drainages systems around them blocked with reof the notion that seeking a collective response to a communal fuse, this is a suicidal action because it may lead to an unforeproblem is subjecting one another to ridicule. So they prefer to seen disaster as the rainy session becomes heavy.” ride over the problem in their expensive jeeps,” he added.

“Some people sweep in their houses and throw it in the drainApart from major roads earlier mentioned, the flooding age to block it. When there is a serious downpour everywhere problem is also noticeable on various street roads or on roads is flooded. So let the people try and keep their drainage system leading one street to another. around them.

Recently, Saturday Tribune noticed a large pool of water “It is better for builders to plan to prevent future disaster. that had totally covered a large section of a road linking Oke- A situation whereby you build without adherence to governOko Street to a major road, which, ironically, is directly oppos- ment’s specifications is a suicidal mission,” he said. ite one of the most expensive and popular hotels in Victoria He pleaded with residents to conform with the rules as laid Island. down by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban DevelSharing a similar opinion with the social critic, another Lagos opment to ensure a well-laid out urban development. resident, Mrs Funke Oloko, whose office is located at Falomo The lawmaker said that committee would work with the in Ikoyi, but who lives on the Mainland, was at a loss as to why committee on Environment and to curb all preventable losses two places - Victoria Island and Ikoyi - well known for their in the rainy session. affluent residents, would be among the worst affected places in “Existing laws are enough to ensure that people who do not Lagos anytime it rains heavily. conform with the regulation are treated properly “I have been working on the Island (Ikoyi and Victoria Is“Some build few distance away from the canal while many land) for close to a decade, so to a large extent I know a thing build at the verge of canal. We should conform with the rules, or two about the state of things here. I find it very strange that it is all for our interest to protect ourselves and property. despite the money owned by property owners here, nobody Whatever government is doing is for our interest,” he said.

Nobody wants to seek the opinion of another in the bid to find a lasting solution to a common problem.

The rich are often of the notion that seeking a collective response to a communal problem is subjecting one another to ridicule. So they prefer to ride over the problem in their expensive jeeps

38

politics&policy

2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune With Saheed Salawu

0811 695 4643

yinkadejavu@yahoo.com

Corruption fight should go to APC too —Modu Sheriff

The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, during his recent visit to Ekiti State, entertained a couple of questions from journalists, especially as they have to do with the fortune of his party. Deputy Editor, SAM NWAOKO, brings excerpts from the brief interaction.

W

tion’?

hat are you doing about the critical condition your party is currently in?

What do you mean by ‘critical condi-

A lot of people believe that the PDP is crippled and is in a serious crisis?

I don’t think that statement is true. Since the time I came into the party, we have participated in about four elections and we have won in each of the elections. We won two senatorial seats in Kogi State. We won in Benue State.

We won in Akwa Ibom State and we won fully in Bayelsa State. So, I don’t understand where the notion came from.

A party that is crippled does not win elections. Our party is standing and that is the reason we are winning in all the elections we have participated in.

However, we are repositioning the party. That has to be stated. We lost elections. That is normal. When you go through life without any form of challenge or problem, you will be wondering if you would not just die one day.

But when you are having problems on the way and getting up, you will be getting stronger, learning and getting better. So, what is happening to the PDP today is that it is getting even better than in 1999. We are in the opposition and we are winning in every election. We have won in five different elections and in some of them, we won all. So, I can’t agree that our party is getting crippled. No. Our party had a problem and the problem was losing the presidential election. But since that election, we have bounced back and won elections again.

What is your view on the Federal Government’s anti-corruption war that has been alleged to be selective and one-sided?

The PDP as a party supports all forms of anti-corruption crusade. However, we believe that it should be all the way through. We support the fight against corruption but it should not be one-sided. Corruption in all ramifications is evil. We don’t support corruption. But that corruption fight must be for every party and no exception...PDP, APC, APGA, all the political parties, because our party is a lawabiding party. Our party was in government for 16 years and the anti-corruption law itself was made by the PDP. In 1999, the law that set up the anti-corruption agencies was passed when I was a leader in the Senate.

We are in the opposition and we are winning in every election. We have won in five different elections and in some of them, we won all. So, I can’t agree that our party is getting crippled.

Prominent members of your party are leaving and joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) less than one year after your party lost elections.

Some others are said to be planning to leave. What message do you have for such politicians?

The answer is very simple: anybody leaving a political party because it lost elections is not a politician. True politicians don’t leave their parties. So, does it mean that when we win, they would again run back to the PDP? See what a person like Ayo Fayose went through in the PDP. He was detained and made to experience all forms of persecution at the hands of the leaders of his own party and yet he stood firm. In the end, the judiciary said he was free and vindicated him as having not committed any crime just as the people of Ekiti State re-elected him as their governor. If he was the kind of person that is jumping up and down political parties or something like that, he wouldn’t have the courage to face the people and all of them shouting ‘Oshoko’ everywhere he went. That is because he has remained steadfast and that is the hallmark of a good politician.

A number of people reacted negatively to your emergence as the national chairman of the PDP. How do you see this?

That is normal in every society or group of people. Not everyone would accept you. What is democracy? It is government of the people by the people and for the people.

There is no way in a democracy that you won’t have opposition. Even as my brother, Ayo Fayose, is being loved by everybody, including children, there are still those who do not like him. So, it is normal in a democracy. People will have to air their views but the bottom line is that the minority will always have their say and the majority will have their way.

39 interview

2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Real reason Saraki is being persecuted —Kwara Speaker Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Honourable Ali Ahmad, in an interview, speaks on burning national issues. BIOLA AZEEZ brings excerpts.

H

ow does it feel, moving from the National Assembly to the state House of Assembly?

Moving from the House of Representatives to the state House of Assembly has been a kind of transition. The work load and expectations are not the same but the legislative duties are. You legislate, represent and supervise the executive arm of government to ensure the protection of the constitution and delivery of good governance. But you have a difference in the volume of work and the expectations of the electorate.

How do you hope to replicate your performance at the federal level at the state level?

Robust participation in legislative activities is a choice for every lawmaker. In Nigeria, we are yet to appreciate the gamut of lawmaking but in our case, we look at what will be beneficial to the people. And from one’s background as a lawyer, one saw it [being at the National Assembly] as a one-time opportunity, which it actually was. So, one took advantage of that and made a record as one of those who passed the highest bills, in quantity and quality. It is a choice.

Now, as the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, you do not initiate bills, because you are the presiding officer.

But if you are active and lead a vibrant legislature as we have been doing in the state, it will still have effect on the quality of work at the Assembly.

In Kwara State, it has been good these past months. We are 100 per cent All Progressives Congress (APC) in the legislature, but I haven’t heard, even as rumour, that the House is a rubber stamp for the executive. That is a standard that we have been able to maintain.

How would describe being the Speaker?

It is not easy. Being an ordinary lawmaker or chairman of a committee is not the same as being the presiding officer, whereby you combine so many functions, administrative, financial, etc. When I came in, my colleagues in the Conference of Speakers of States House of Assembly wanted me to contest for a position but I declined. I told them that since I was coming from the federal legislature, I was here to work for the state.

How do you see the trial of the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State and the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT)?

The issue with the Senate presidency and some people in the party [APC] is political and national. We in Kwara don’t have anything to do with it. But as a lawyer, I might have one idea or suggestion to make. As it happened in court, Kanu Agabi (SAN) made his final submission. He said: ‘My Lord, the parable of what is happening is like when two politicians are fighting on the street. One had the upper hand. And the other, having been defeated, came to the tribunal asking it to assist him in beating his assailant. He also asked the tribunal to allow him to achieve what he could have achieved.’ That is what is happening; it is not about corruption.

If you ask 99 per cent of politicians, there will be one infraction or another regarding the filling of the assets declaration form. If you spot a mistake in something that was filed 11 years ago, which many politicians are guilty of, and you hold somebody in for trial immediately he defeated you, then it says lot about the legitimacy of the war against corruption. It is a minus on the fight against corruption. What surprises one is that things that were happening in the era of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are still happening. When you say you don’t want to intervene because it is a corruption case, it is wrong. I will compare this with what is happening in Kogi State. The same thing is being done and you keep quiet. That, in itself, is injustice.

In Kogi State, five legislators, with the assistance of the powerful from the state and the centre, upturned proceedings and wanted the Speaker who has 15 followers, out. This is the kind of thing that happened under the watch of the PDP. I was in the National Assembly then. Under the PDP, it was normal but when the APC is involved and the only reason is that somebody doesn’t want to intervene, that is injustice.

When you see a seemingly innocent person who is being hounded to court and you say you don’t want to intervene, I would have expected somebody to say, okay, take all the other politicians to the CCT. Why Saraki alone? Almighty God is watching. If somebody is powerful today, he was weak yesterday and he will be weak tomorrow. And somebody else will be powerful tomorrow. It [Saraki’s trial] is about three things: power, power and power; nothing else. Nigerians should be wise. If anybody says this is about corruption, it is not. Everything about the case is wrong. When you do wrong things, you always miss something. What is going on is terrible. The

trial itself is an evidence of corruption. The trial of Saraki is evidence that corruption runs amok in Nigeria. This is a pro-corruption trial where the constitution is being flouted.

has come to the House or told the world that the governor is being partial. He is bending backwards so that people will not accuse him.

There are allegations against the Kwara State governor bordering on land matters...

You are talking of Share-Tsaragi. A judicial commission of inquiry is in place and it will submit its report to the governor soon. That issue has been there for some time. There are others. Even last week, there was one and the House called the state chairman of the Boundary Commission, because they have the statutory role. It is when they don’t play their role that we come in. I hope the one in Share-Tsaragi will be resolved. It is a flashpoint and the only one we have in Kwara State. We had the Offa-Erinle land crisis. It has been resolved.

If the governor is seen as being partial, it would be against no shade of evidence. He is not a member of the commission of inquiry or the committee that he appointed the Emir of Ilorin to be part of. People can say what they want but how can the governor be partial in such matters? This is a democracy.

Yeah, he is from one of the communities that are fighting.

Of course, the first impression or what the other party will say is that the governor is partial. What are the issues he is said to be partial on? I am not defending him but nobody

What is the latest on Bacita Sugar Company?

It has been privatised. I think a big investor, BUA, is trying to come in. The area is known for its sugar plantation and production. There are other investors being guided by the Nigerian Sugar Council in trying to rehabilitate the sugar industry in Kwara North. In a few months, the industry will be back on track.

If you ask 99 per cent of politicians, there will be one infraction or another regarding the filling of the assets declaration form. If you spot a mistake in something that was filed 11 years ago, which many politicians are guilty of, and you hold somebody in for trial immediately he defeated you, then it says lot about the legitimacy of the war against corruption.

What is the level of investment by Zimbabwean farmers at Shonga Farms?

It [the farm] has been functioning well. Apart from dairy, the investors are also into poultry farming. It is a commercial entity. I believe it is still functioning.

What is the thrust of the state’s 2016 budget?

We want to consolidate massive infrastructural development. Our focus is on road, electricity, health and education.

Those are the major issues. We pride ourselves as the state where the rural folks will pay N500 each for health insurance.

This will entitle each person to a year-long medication and drug. A Dutch company and the Kwara State government are in partnership on this. The government is providing N750 million. We are proud of this. It is something that makes healthcare delivery to our people easier. This is being showcased by the Federal Ministry of Health as something that other states should emulate.

What is the assembly doing in the face of the dwindling economy across the country?

We are looking at taxation laws since we can no longer rely on federal allocation anymore. We are not necessarily raising the taxes but widening its net so that those who have not been paying will be brought in. We will target traders, commercial and private vehicle owners, property owners and others.

People don’t pay their tenement rates. We want to bring all these into the tax lane. We are working seriously on that.

We are not raising the rate. We are simply going after those that are not paying. So, I don’t think it will be unpopular. The tax regime now is discriminatory. Some are paying while others are not. And whatever infrastructure the government is putting in place, everybody enjoys it. The move is receiving support from the general public. We are also looking at tapping from the potentials of the River Niger. We have irrigation farmers by the Songha river bank. But the enterprise is very expensive. It needs lots of money. It was put in the budget of last of two years but it has not been completed.

40 feature

2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Taraba’s theatre of violence and absurdity Sylvanus Viashima - Jalingo

I

BI is one of the sixteen local government areas of Taraba State that is known for its great fishing activities and the famous annual Nwonyo Fishing festival that usually attracts tourists across the globe and top dignitaries within the country.

In the last few weeks, however, the otherwise peaceful fishing community has been replaced with a rather notorious proclivity to violence that has literally reduced it to a shadow of itself, leaving catastrophic destruction to lives and properties.

The current crisis started on February 24 when a Hausa youth was allegedly attacked and killed on his farm by suspected Jukun youths. The police quickly moved in and the situation was brought under control.

In a bid to bring lasting peace to the area, the council chairman Mr Jonathan Adashios convened a peace meeting with all the major stakeholders in the local government area on March 19. Rather than foster peace, the meeting was followed immediately by sporadic shootings by suspected Hausa/Fulani youths on a retaliation mission, leaving at least eight persons dead and several houses burnt, according to police sources.

The current spate of violence rocking Ibi community is not the first of its kind. There have been pockets of violence in the community in the past between the predominant Jukun and the minority Hausa/Fulani (the Kabawa), usually with collateral damage to the economic activities and existence generally.

While trivial and flimsy reasons have always been proffered as the cause of the restiveness, it is becoming increasingly clear that there is an underlying cause to the violence and some highly placed members of the community are sponsoring the violence towards achieving set goals.

The state commissioner of police, Shaba Alkali, while addressing the press on the efforts of the command to restore normalcy in the area, stated that some highly placed persons suspected to have a hand in the crisis have been arrested and are being investigated to establish their roles in a bid to establish the actual cause of the crisis and bring a lasting solution.

According to Alkali, “some suspects have been arrested and are undergoing interrogation while preliminary investigation is ongoing to ascertain the root causes and sponsors of this clash,” supporting the notion that there are some high-ups deeply involved in the fight.

Lt Col. Chima Egemole, the Commanding Officer of the 93 Battalion, Takum, last weekend paraded six suspects alongside arms and ammunition recovered from hoodlums in Ibi to newsmen in Takum.

Egemole disclosed that two peace meetings were held in Ibi recently as directed by the military higher authorities but the rampaging youths turned deaf ears and continued to foment trouble in the area.

“Prior to the most recent incident on Friday, two peace meetings were held in Ibi within the same week with a view to finding amicable solution to the crisis but it seems the miscreants are bent on going on with the crisis.

“It took the prompt intervention of troops and other security agents to restore normalcy in the area,” he said.

The commanding officer said a 24-hour curfew has been imposed on Ibi while manhunt for the remaining hoodlums was in progress.

“Measures have been put in place for more peace meetings to resolve the unfortunate crisis in the area,” he noted.

Some of the residents who spoke to Saturday Tribune recount their terrible experiences.

Hassan Yakubu lost his house and almost lost his life as well. “We were told that there was a peace meeting going on to resolve the problem and we were hoping that finally a truce would be reached. So that night I went to bed quite early to make up for the sleepless nights I have had since the fighting started. Suddenly, there was sound of gunshots all over the place and I barely managed to escape before my house went up in flames. I lost everything.

I wonder what would have happened if I had not sent my family to my wife’s place already,” he said.

Another resident, Emmanuel Muo, also lost his house to the inferno. “It is so bad that people are still fighting over material things that they will still die and leave. At the

The wreckage of a building burnt during the crisis at Ibi.

Suspects arrested in connection with the Ibis crisis. end of the day, it is those of us who are poor that suffer.

The big men there will buy guns and give people to go and fight because they have their own houses in Abuja and Jalingo and their children are studying abroad, so they have nothing to lose. My house was destroyed to the foundation. I may not be able to rebuild it before I die because I know how many years’ savings it cost me to build that house.”

The crisis in Ibi, to some extent, mirrors the general situation in the southern and central zones of the state.

The coordinator, Concerned Jukun Muslims Forum, Isah Maimako Zhema, while commenting on the crisis that rocked Wukari, a neighbouring town to Ibi noted that “there are some groups of people who are benefiting from the crisis and have been fueling it to ensure that there is no peace, just to achieve their selfish aims,” and called for a thorough investigation to ascertain who the beneficiaries are and bring them to book.

During an interactive session with the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 3 AIG Lawal Tanko, the then President of Tiv Cultural and Social Association, Hon. James Nungwa, alleged that the “displacement of people in central and southern Taraba was borne out of inordinate ambition of some overzealous politicians and traditional rulers to grab power and acquire lands at all cost.”

This position was given credence recently when the state governor Architect Dairus Ishaku suspended some traditional rulers who were allegedly selling plots of land belonging to persons who were displaced by violence to

My house was destroyed to the foundation. I may not be able to rebuild it before I die because I know how many years’ savings it cost me to build that house.

other people.

Ishaku, whose motto is “give me peace and I will give you development” has continuously stated his resolve to end all kinds of animosity between the various groups in the state insisting that the diverse nature of the state is not a weakness but great advantage that should be properly harnessed.

This also indicates the complexity of the current crisis in Ibi and indeed the entire central and southern Taraba.

While there is obviously political undertone, the religious and tribal dimensions cannot be relegated to irrelevance here. The question of who is an indigene and who is a resident or visitor remains nagging. History is distorted and rewritten to suit basic interests giving rise to different versions of history.

According to the immediate past chairman of the local government Honorable Isiaka Adamu, the fight is basically over monopoly of fishing rights between the Kabawa who are predominantly Muslims and the Jukun who are mostly Christians.

“This is just as a result of greed. Both the Kabawa and the Jukun want exclusive ownership of fishing activities from the river Benue and the Nwonye Tributary. That is why they always clash whenever they go fishing and then they would run back to town and claim they were attacked because of religion, stirring a spate of retaliation.”

But why the blame trading continues, the impact of these crises on the community, the state and the nation at large is obvious. The annual Nwonyo fishing festival that usually attracts tourists across the globe has not been held for three consecutive years now as a result of insecurity.

According to Adamu, the people are gradually forgetting about the festival that used to attract tourists and bring a major boost to the economy of the council and state at large. The fishing itself is greatly affected. People are afraid to go fishing for fear of attacks because of the animosity that has been created. Farming is also greatly affected. “In the end, everyone would be worse for it. We must learn to tolerate and live with one another. It is not by accident that we have found ourselves together and so we must live with it”.

Series of meetings have been held at various levels to resolve the crisis in Ibi in vain. The traditional ruler of Ibi, Alhaji Abubarka Salihu Danbawuro, has been commended for meeting with his traditional council on several occasions in a bid to establish lasting peace while successive chairmen also did same with major stakeholders, all to no avail.

At the moment, normalcy is gradually returning to the ancient fishing community of Ibi following a 24-hour curfew that was placed and a series of arrests made by the police and the army.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Joseph Kwaji confirmed to Saturday Tribune that there is adequate security in the area now to forestall a likely breakdown of law and order and to guarantee the safety of the people as they go about their daily activities.

Unfortunately, the solution so far provided only addresses the symptoms and not the actual cause of the ailment. If the fight is for fishing rights and land ownership, these root causes must be addressed to avoid a revolving of the situation.

The sponsors of the crisis must be fished out and prosecuted, irrespective of their political affiliation and standing in the state to serve as deterrent to others while permanent security arrangements should be put in place to ensure prompt response in case of a security breach.

As it stands, the host community to the glorious Nwonyo fishing festival has become a theatre of violence and absurdity, scripted with the tales of sorrows and loss and written with the blood of peasants.

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feature

2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

‘She stole my baby at birth because I wasn’t in my senses’ ADAMU AMADU reports the story of a woman who was denied the joy of motherhood following the disappearance of her her baby from the hospital, even before she could set her eyes on the bundle of joy.

S

ECURITY in public hospitals in Jigawa State was recently called into question following the disappearance of a new born baby delivered at the Dutse General Hospital.

On that fateful day, the mother of the new born baby, who was delivered of her male child through Caesarean section was resting after medication, with the safety of the new arrival entrusted to the care of a relative when the baby suddenly disappeared.

A source in the hospital told Saturday Tribune that the mother of the stolen baby was delivered of the baby on Friday evening and was brought back from the theatre a few hours after the operation into the maternity ward.

The news of the disappearance of the baby was not immediately made known to the mother, Mrs Huraira Yahaya, who was still recuperating at the time of the incident.

Reality, however dawned on her after she asked that the baby be given to her for breast-feeding. Initially, according to the distraught woman, no one was willing to tell her what had happened until she insisted on seeing her baby.

“At the time I started regaining consciousness, I asked for the baby; to see the face of my first baby and of course to breast-feed him. But to my chagrin, I started hearing some stories which made me to be suspicious. I therefore insisted on seeing my child. Upon noticing the expression on my face, they decided to reveal what they had all agreed to hide from me. Since then, life has not just remained the same again I am not just myself,” she told Saturday Tribune.

Mrs. Yahaya, while speaking to Saturday Tribune, apart from looking pale, wore a gloomy face with excruciating pains at intervals any time she made to betray emotions as she relived the terrible experience she had at the General Hospital, Dutse. The stolen baby was the woman’s first child.

Adding to the pain, according to Malama Yahaya, from Laraba village, a border village in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State is the fact that her first baby was stolen before she could even set her eye on it because she was sedated for the Caesarean section to be carried out.

She had been brought to the hospital when she went into labour and when it was discovered that she would not be able to give birth by herself, she was told the baby would have to be delivered by Caesarean section.

She added that because she was sedated, there was no way she could have known what was going on around her. But for that, she explained that she probably could have saved the situation if she noticed any unusual movement around her child. On whether she suspected anyone, she pointed finger at her stepmother, Lubabatu with claims that her relationship with Lubabatu has been frosty for sometime now and on that basis, she would not have allowed her baby to be entrusted to her care.

As she was later told, her stepmother and one unknown woman left with her child with a view to bathing the baby in her stepmother’s family house in the Dutse metropolis, but that after a while, her stepmother came back to tell another story.

Her words: “My personal relationship with my stepmother is not that cordial. Everybody in the family knows about that, if I had been in my senses I would not have allowed her to go anywhere with my baby,” Malama said.

Asked if she is contemplating taking a legal action, she said: “I can’t say anything in this regard, the decision to go to court is entirely for the father of the baby to make.” She added that her stepmother came back telling them that the other person with whom she left but who was unknown to anyone and whom she (stepmother) also said she did not know had run away with the baby.

The stepmother explained that they were on their way out of the hospital when she asked the unknown woman to wait for her as she wanted to see the nursing mother who was in the ward. According to her, the unknown woman, there and then offered to help her with the baby, which she obliged and asked her to meet her at the gate of the hospital.

She added that when she eventually got to the gate, all she saw was the woman with the baby on her back, on a moving commercial motorcycle but she could not explain what happened as she did not raise the alarm till the mo-

Entrance to the Dutse General Hospital where the baby was stolen.

Dr. Abba Zakari Umar, Jigawa State Commissioner for Health.

Malam Yahaya Ali, father of the missing child.

She added that her stepmother came back telling them that the other person with whom she left but who was unknown to anyone and whom she (stepmother) also said she did not know had run away with the baby.

torcycle disappeared into the distance.

The father of the stolen baby, Yahaya Ali, alias Sarki Nakundum, noted that his wife was operated upon on Thursday at around 7pm and that by 10am the following day, the baby had been declared missing.

He said that on the day his child was stolen, he saw his wife’s stepmother with one unknown woman leaving the hospital premises with his child. He added that he had wanted to caution that the baby was too young to be taken out of hospital premises at that time, but said his friends stopped him from doing so, reminding him that the stepmother is his in-law.

Ali stated that the news was broken to him when he

Malama Huraira Yahaya, mother of the missing child.

brought a pot meant for boiling water for both the new born baby and the mother. Following this, he reported to the police who arrested the stepmother.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Jigawa State police command, DSP Abdu Jinjiri, confirmed the incident, disclosing that two women are in their custody in connection with the missing baby at the General Hospital, Dutse.

“Two women, Lubabatu Musa and Asabe Uba, are now in the police custody in connection with the disappearance of the new born baby,” Jinjiri told Saturday Tribune.

According to the police spokesman, “now we have in our custody two women who are related to the mother of the missing child in connection with the disappearance of the baby. The police are investigating the matter and we will do everything within the law to get to a logical conclusion.”

Efforts to get the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abba Zakari Umar to make him speak by phone on the development were unsuccessful as calls put to his mobile phone were unanswered.

Speaking on the development, the project manager of Development Communication (Devcom) a nongovernmental organisation campaigning on the importance of attending antenatal and postnatal care in the state, Hajiya Binta Lawal, expressed shock, saying “it is unfortunate and government must do some thing.”

“Apart from the other social and economical problems making women to refuse antenatal care, this is the most worrisome.”

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2 April, 2016

motoring

Saturday Tribune With Seyi Gesinde seyigesinde@yahoo.com 08116954632

New driver training car designed for 5 to10-year olds

Young drivers are to be given a chance to get behind the wheel from as young as five thanks to a “state-of-the-art” car that could go on sale soon.

The new car has been designed by motoring experts specifically for children aged 5-10, who will initially be able to use it as part of a young driver training day on private land at selected United Kingdom venues.

These will include specially designed road systems that will allow them to hone their manoeuvring skills, as well as get used to traffic lights and junctions, Telegraph, UK has said.

The car, which is codenamed ET1 (Electric Trainer 1), took nine months to develop and is powered by two electric motors that give it a top speed of 10mph.

It uses disc brakes and has independent suspension, helping to offer what its makers, Young Driver Motor Cars, say is a “realistic driving experience.”

The Telegraph, UK, said all versions will also feature a safety system that will cut power to the car if it senses a collision is imminent, plus instructors or parents will have a remote control that can be used to stop the car if necessary.

From right, Mr Luqman Mamudu, Director Policy and Planning, National Automotive Council (NAC); Mr N.G. Chanrai, Chanrai-Group Chairman-Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr Mike Ma, Director for Africa, Foton International; Mr Victor Eburajolo, Deputy Managing Director, Kewalram Chanrai Group and Mr Siva Subramanian, Group Managing Director, Kewalram Chanrai Group, during the recent Kewalram Chanrai Group inauguration of its automobiles manufacturing hub, in Lagos.

Kewalram inaugurates truck assembly plant in Nigeria Unveils first Nigeria-made Foton Daimler AUMAN truck

K

ewalram Chanrai Group has inaugurated its Nigeria’s automobile manufacturing plant in Lagos, where it recently rolled out the first Foton Daimler AUMAN truck assembled in Nigeria.

This feat, the automaker achieved two years after it came up with an idea of establishing an automobile assembly plant in Nigeria.

Speaking earlier before the official inauguration of the auto plant, the Deputy Managing Director, Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr Victor Eburajolo, said the auto assembly hub was built with installed capacity to roll out 198,000 vehicles and motorbikes annually.

In his breakdown, he said the plant has the capacity to produce 12,000 units of trucks; 30,000

units of cars and mini-buses; 36,000 units of three-wheelers (tricycles); and 120,000 of two wheelers (motorcycles).

“Today, we’re launching an auto assembly hub; we are going to start with Foton trucks. We’ve already completed one that will be delivered today.

“We are also going to produce Izuzu mini-buses. In due course,

BMW, Audi, Toyota cars can be unlocked, started with hacked radios —Research Research has revealed that dozens of car models, including BMW, Audi and Range Rover and Toyota can be remotely unlocked and started using a simple hack.

The findings show that the hack allows malicious actors to unlock and drive away 24 different car models from 19 manufacturers using a cheap and easily constructed radio amplifier.

Called the “amplifier attack,” the hack involves altering the radio frequency in the cars to trick the keyless sensor technology into thinking that the vehicle’s owner is nearby with the key.

According to the research findings published in Telegraph, UK, the cars affected include European popular models such as the Ford’s Galaxy, Audi’s A3, Toyota’s Rav4, Volkswagen’s Golf GTD and Nissan’s Leaf. This isn’t an untested threat either, the researchers claim the method has already been used in car thefts, and is evidenced in real surveillance footage.

The researchers believe dozens more models that use keyless technology could be vulnerable, but they are yet to prove it. Currently, 95 per cent of European car brands use keyless entry.

These radios can unlock and start at least 24 different car modes. PHOTO: ADAC. The only car that resisted the researchers couldn’t unlock was BMW’s i3. But they were able to start its ignition. And the BMW 730d was hackable, meaning that the German carmaker’s models aren’t immune to the vulnerability.

For years, owners of cars that use keyless technology have reported seeing their cars being effortlessly stolen by people walking up to them and driving away. Researchers at the German car club ADAC have now tested what is called the “amplification attack” on dozens of car models and found 24 of them vulnerable.

The hack involves tricking the car’s radio equipment into thinking that the owner is near the vehicle with the keyless sensor. It involves

boosting the signal in the key fob by making a couple of simple changes to the frequency in the car’s radio equipment with an amplification device.

“The radio connection between keys and car can easily be extended over several hundred metres, regardles of whether the original key is, for example, at home or in the pocket of the owner,” said the ADAC researchers.

The attack has been around for at least four years - Swiss researchers detailed a similar version of the hack back in 2011. But carmakers have not released a fix for the problem, and now German researchers have come up with an even cheaper and easier way to exploit it.

we shall assemble Chevrolet cars and SUVs. We have also signed agreements to assemble three wheelers, and of course, two wheelers. The bike is a Hero brand, while the three-wheeler is a Piaggio brand.

“But if it becomes necessary, we can go on three shifts. We will wait for the demand to grow to increase our capacity. And if it grows, we can have four gangs of three shifts,” Eburajolo said.

He said the decision to go into vehicle assembly is in compliance with the Federal Government’s auto policy, adding that the company would start by running on two shifts for the Foton truck assembly.

Eburajolo said that though the automobiles manufacturing hub started with the assembly of Foton Daimler AUMAN trucks, it will soon expand to production of Foton View Minibuses and JMC light duty trucks.

He said the assembly zones are equipped with pneumatic lines with nut runners, vehicle lifts, shower testing facility and Testing equipments as required for that vehicles being assembled in that particular zone.

Eburajolo also assured that the automobiles manufacturing hub “meets the safety and quality standards adopted by vehicle manufacturing units for similar products.

Apart from Nigeria, he said the company also present in Republic of Benin, Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi and South Africa and is headquartered in Dubai.

43

news

2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Kwara Central APC challenges Oyegun on Saraki’s trial at CCT Biola Azeez - Ilorin

Representative of the President, Minister of Interior, Lieutenant-General Abdulrahman Dambazzau (retd) (left) with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, during the Police Week 2016 grand finale parade, in Abuja, on Friday. PHOTO: NAN.

FG approves funds for recruitment of 10,000 policemen Chris Agbambu with Agency Report

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has approved funds for the recruitment of 10,000 policemen, saying the exercise would address the challenge of youth unemployment in the country.

The president made the disclosure at a ceremonial parade to mark the 2016 Police Week in Abuja on Friday.

Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau, said the initiative would also address the manpower gap in the police.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that he advised the management of the police force to put national interest in mind in the recruitment in line with the reform agenda of the ministry of interior.

“In carrying out this exercise, I expect the Nigeria

Police to put national interest in the foremost,“ he said.

Buhari said that community policing had become more imperative considering the current security challenges in the country.

He said that it was in view of this that his administration had rested the internal security of the country on enhanced budget, addressing social factors among others.

The president said that government had funded

Passengers groan as LAGBUS drivers protest restrictions, poor welfare

Commuters in Lagos on Friday groaned as drivers of LAGBUS downed tools to protest restrictions preventing them from plying Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) lanes in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that tension had been rife since December 2015 when the Ikorodu-Mile 12 BRT corridor was opened and a new operator for the blue buses resumed.

Some drivers told NAN in separate interviews that the management had failed to address issues relating to the restriction and poor staff welfare.

When NAN visited the Toll-Gate depot of the LAGBUS on Friday morning, more than 60 drivers had converged on the entrance of its premises.

Also, the protesting drivers prevented any bus from leaving the premises of the company, while those who returned late to the depot on Thursday were seen parked outside.

A driver who preferred anonymity said, “our red buses were denied access to use the dedicated lane and any red bus that plied it was arrested and fined.

“So, our management

asked us to comply with the directive which they said was from the government and we accepted.

“But only yesterday, Thursday, the restriction was extended from Mile 12 to CMS and we began to experience arrests and harassment by the BRT monitoring task force for using the corridor.

“We are being asked to use the service lane which we consider dangerous to our

lives because they want us to now compete with yellow-painted buses whose drivers already accuse us of taking all their passengers.

“That’s the reason for the peaceful protest.’’

The driver said apart from posing a security threat, the restriction had defeated the purpose of reducing delays for passengers and exposed drivers to stress.

the procurement of over 1,000 patrol vehicles and other logistics to strengthen operational capacity of the police.

He said that in order to address the challenge of highly organised crime, government had strengthened the technical intelligence capacity of the police.

“No nation thrives without security, and neither can a nation lay claim to security without an efficient policing service.

“This administration shall continue to support initiatives that will guarantee the reform and modernisation of the Nigeria Police.

“I must clearly recognise that the nation expects so much from the police,” he said.

Earlier, the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr Solomon Arase said that with the support of the citizens, the police was determined to fight criminals who continued to threaten the peace and security of the nation.

Okada riders protest incessant killings of members in Makurdi Johnson Babajide - Makurdi COMMERCIAL motorcyclists commonly known as okada riders staged wild protests in Makurdi, the Benue State capital on Friday following incesant killings of their members numbering about three by unidentified persons within the week.

Saturday Tribune gathered that the recent killing at Quararafa quarters in Makurdi triggered the violent protest by the members who thronged major streets of the state capital.

One of them, who simply gave his name as Sunday, lamented that three of their members had been

gruesomely killed in the last one week.

He explained that the protest was to draw government’s attention to their plight, adding that if the trend was not immediately stopped, it could portend danger to their source of livelihood.

Speaking in a telephone chat with our correspondent, chairman, Motorcycle Riders Association (Makurdi), Austin Akaa, explained that his members came in a large number at about 9:00a.m. on Friday to report the matter to him.

“However, documents found on the dead okada

man did not indicate that he was a member of our association,” he said.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Moses Yamu, who confirmed the report disclosed that normalcy had been restored while all areas earlier blocked by the protesting okada riders had been cleared.

While stressing that the police was working assiduously to ensure safety of lives and property in the state, he warned members of any group against taking laws into their hands as anyone caught would be made to face the wrath of the law.

Leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Kwara Central senatorial zone have challenged the national chairman of the ruling party, Chief John Oyegun, to rise to the occasion of the ongoing trial of the Senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

Speaking with journalists during a peaceful protest by members of the APC, who included elected politicians in the senatorial district, the APC chairman in the Kwara Central senatorial zone, Alhaji Jimoh Adeshina, said that Chief Oyegun should protect one of his members who is being allegedly victimised.

Alhaji Adeshina, who said the people were displeased with the ongoing trial of Senator Saraki at the CCT, described the trial as persecution.

“Though, as a people, we believe in the supremacy of our Constitution and the rule of law, the recent scenario at the CCT leaves much to be desired and has equally painted our judicial system black,” he said.

‘Indiscriminate dumping of refuse now punishable in Oyo’

By Oluwatoyin Malik THE Oyo State Solid Waste Management Authority has declared that dumping of refuse in unauthorised places or creation of illegal dumpsite has become a punishable offence in the state.

The General Manager of the Authority, Mr Joseph Alabi, disclosed this to journalists on Thursday while monitoring the weekly environmental sanitation in the state.

Alabi, in emphasising the need to keep the state clean, enjoined residents of the state to provide waste bins in their homes, shops, offices, as well as engage the services of registered private refuse collectors for proper disposal of waste.

He urged traders to participate actively in environmental sanitation and maintain hygienic environment in order to avert flood and the spread of communicable diseases.

Annual convention

The 13th annual convention of the Christ Eternal Life Mission has commenced. The convention is tagged ‘The Overcomers and blessed.’

The programme which began on Wednesday, March 30, will end on Sunday, April 3, 2016, at the church auditorium, Christ Eternal Life Mission, opposite Islamic High School Gate, Orita Basorun, Ibadan.

The five-day power-packed convention which kicked off on Wednesday at 10:00a.m, also convened on Thursday between 9:00 a.m-6:30p.m, Friday 9:00a.m and a vigil at 11:00p.m, Saturday 1:00p.m to 6:30p.m and will end with a mega service on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 8:30a.m.

The General Overseer, Pastor (Dr) A. A. Adelegan and Pastor (Mrs) H. O. Adelegan, will lead other ministers, which include Pastor Femi Ogbontiba, Evangelist Ojo Ade, Pastor (Dr) Ayokunle Ogunseye, Pastor Ilori Oladele, Dr Olusegun Daodu, Eternal life voices CELDRAM and others.

LICC holds 10th anniversary Lighthouse International Christian Centre ( LICC) is set to hold its 10th anniversary programme with the theme “Wonders of Grace” at Light Cathedral, by Old Airport bus stop, Samonda-U.I Road, Ibadan. Oyo State.

The week-long event is scheduled to hold from Sunday 10th April, 2016 to Sunday 17th April, 2016 with evening rally at 5:30p.m daily, special Moriah prayers on Wednesday 13th April at 12:00 noon and thanksgiving service on Sunday, 17th April, 2016 at 8:00a.m.

The event, which will be hosted by Pastor Yemi Graceman and Nike Aduloju, will feature ministers of God, including Isaac Omolehin, Sam 1 Alawode, Pastor Yemi Graceman Austin Ologbese and Soloand Nike Aduloju mon Ojigiri

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Saturday Tribune

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2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Moses returns to West Ham training

Amosun charges Gateway to win Federation Cup

W

EST Ham United manager, Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Nigerian international, Victor Moses with Cheikhou Kouyate and Enner Valencia has returned to training on Friday.

Moses, it will be recalled, featured in the two-legged 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

The 2013 AFCON winner almost gave the Super Eagles a leveller in the 84th minute of the reverse fixture during the week, as his grounder which rattled the Egyptian goalkeeper, Ahmed Elshennawi, was stopped by the uprights.

His team-mates at West Ham, Valencia of Ecuador and Kouyate of Mali were also on national duty during the FIFA international break and they only resumed training with their English Premier League (EPL) side a day before a league game.

Moses Bilic however, said that he was not pleased with having to start their preparations for today’s EPL home fixture against Crystal Palace without the trio.

“I’m not happy because we will not be all on the pitch, some of the guys are coming back tomorrow [Friday], this game on Saturday (today) is worrying,” Bilic said.

“Some players are coming back tomorrow [today] - Cheikhou Kouyate, Victor Moses and Enner Valencia had a long trip, (Dimitri) Payet is back from France,”

he continued.

“It is not ideal but we will have to get back immediately into the shape that we were before the international break.

However, the former Cro-

sports minister steps down the PRB left the ruling coalition of President Dilma Rousseff.

The PRB has since reaffirmed its alliance with Rousseff’s Workers’ Party.

Hilton’s appointment to the position at the beginning of 2015 was criticised due to his apparent lack of sporting experience.

In an official statement, Rousseff thanked Hilton for his “work and dedication”.

Leyser, 45, has worked in Brazil’s Sports Ministry since it was created in 2003.

Rousseff’s government is facing unprecedented pressure because she is facing the threat of impeachment proceedings.

before a game - but I always welcome when my players are called for international duty,” Bilic said.

The Hammers will host Palace in a London derby at the Boleyn Ground today.

Siasia resumes with Dream Team Monday

Ahead Rio Olympics: Brazil GEORGE Hilton has officially resigned as Brazil’s Sports Minister less than 130 days before the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. insidethegames had reported last week that he was on the verge of quitting.

Hilton has been temporarily replaced by Ricardo Leyser, a senior official in the Ministry who has been acting as a liaison between the Federal Government and Rio 2016, which is scheduled to open on August 5.

A former member of the Brazilian Republican Party (PRB), Hilton left to join the Republican Party of the Social Order (RPOS) when

atia senior national team head coach stated he is always happy to see his players go off and represent their countries.

“You don’t have your players until a couple of days

Siasia

COACH Samson Siasia will resume with Nigeria’s U-23 Olympic team on Monday in Abuja after taking temporary charge of the Super Eagles for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Egypt.

The Dream Team VI with assistant coach, Fatai Amoo in temporary charge stunned hosts Brazil in a Rio-Olympic warm-up last week with a 1-0 defeat.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commended Siasia for his work with the Eagles and pledged to support him to win the Olympic gold in Brazil in August.

“The NFF will give coach Siasia all the support to excel at the Games, by winning the football gold,” said the NFF in an official state-

ment.

Players from the domestic league are expected to report first for the training camp.

The draw for the Rio Olympics will be staged in Rio on April 14.

OGUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has charged the state-owned team, Gateway United FC to win this year’s Ogun State Federation Cup otherwise known as the Challenge Cup as a dress rehearsal to doing well at the national level and possibly win the competition.

Amosun gave the charge when he addressed the management, technical crew and the players of the team at the training camp in Sagamu ahead of today’s Federation Cup final billed for the Gateway International Stadium, Ilaro.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Honourable Moruf Afolabi Afuape, Amosun said the state final against Almar of Ijebu-Ode should be seen by them as a must-win duel as challenge Cup matches are always full of surprises.

Amosun said the time has come for Gateway to make a name at the national competition just like it did in 2014 when it got to the quarter-finals after defeating the likes of Kano Pillars, FC Abuja and Bayelsa United on its way to the last eight.

He therefore promised to support the team both financially and morally so that it can achieve the desired aim.

NANPF commends Kwara, gives debtor clubs 14-day ultimatum KWARA State government and the management of Ilorin-based Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Kwara United have been given a pat on the back for paying its debts to players and coaches in compliance with the Arbitration decision.

The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) gave the commendation on Thursday while charging the Nigeria Premier League and the Nigeria National League (NNL) teams to pay monies owed players and coaches as contained in the decisions of the NFF Arbitration

Committee communicated to the affected clubs through NFF and LMC letters dated October 22nd 2015 and 9th February 2016 respectively.

Kwara United in January, paid all the debts owed players and coaches, especially for the 2010/2011 season, and in a release signed by Comrade Austin Popo, the General Secretary of NANPF, it praised the government of Kwara State, under the leadership of Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, and the Prince Thompson Oladimeji-led management of Kwara United FC for their commitment and understanding.

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2 April, 2016

With

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Dipo Ogunsola 081 169 54 641

Mayweather shows off new mob FLOYD Mayweather continues to live up to his ‘Money’ nickname with the retired boxer showing off his £3.4million Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita.

The 39-year-old has shown no signs of easing off the gas when it comes to living an extravagant lifestyle with the boxing great leaving Hyde Lounge at the Staples Center in one of his many cars.

Mayweather, The Sun reported drove the car, which is described on Koenigsegg’s website as ‘a diamond on wheels’, out of the Staples Center after members of his ‘The Money Team’ (TMT) security entourage were

keeping an eye on his incredibly expensive set of wheels.

The sporting icon visited Hyde Lounge, a sophisticated bar located in the Staples Center, after cheering on the Clippers.

Just a day after watching the LA Lakers fall to a defeat by the Washington Wizards, Mayweather was back at the Staples Center to attend a Clippers game.

Mayweather has taken advantage of both Los Angeles franchises playing at the Staples Center by watching as much basketball as possible before the regular season draws to a close in April.

Paige

Paige dumps fighting for dance contest

Kompany storms gym

M

ANCHESTER City captian Vincent Kompany has been going the extra mile in the gym as he aims to make fast recoveries from its respective injuries.

Manuel Pellegrini and

PAIGE VanZant arrived for Dancing with the Stars rehearsals wearing a ‘lover not a fighter’ long-sleeved tshirt as the UFC star insists she is willing to take accept her next fight despite taking part in the US show.

According to The Sun, the 21-year-old strawweight contender is currently appearing on season 22 of the long-running dance competition with the first show air-

Lingard makes ‘new friend’ Kompany

City supporters alike will be hoping Kompany is back in action shortly after the international break

as their side’s games come thick and fast in the Premier League and Champions League.

Belgium skipper Kompany missed his country’s encounter with Portugal in Leiria.

Agbonlahor smokes Villa sorrow away

Agbonlahor (third left)

ing last Monday night.

VanZant and professional dance partner Mark Ballas are one of the favourites to win the show, and the pair opened with a respectable 21 out of 30.

If VanZant, who was beaten by Rose Namajunas in her last UFC fight in December, makes it to the competition’s finale she would be busy with rehearsals and filming until May.

GABRIEL Agbonlahor has apparently been pictured smoking from a shisha pipe during a trip to Dubai - as his Aston Villa side languish at the rock bottom of the Premier League table.

Pictures have emerged in the Daily Mail of the 29-yearold smoking water-cooled tobacco last Saturday, just hours before he was spotted in a Dubai nightclub alongside club team-mate Micah Richards and Crystal Palace duo Dwight Gayle and Fraizer Campbell.

Agbonlahor was allowed to travel to the United Arab Emirates during the international break along with Richards as the duo are no longer in the England national team’s plans.

MANCHESTER United’s Jesse Lingard has taken full advantage of the international break by jetting off to Dubai.

Having narrowly missed out on Roy Hodgson’s England squad for the friendlies with Germany and Holland, Lingard took the opportunity to catch some sun to prepare for the final fixtures of the season.

During his trip the 23-year-old enjoyed meeting ‘my new friend’, posing for a picture with a tiger, an Orangutan and also uploading footage to Instagram feeding a giraffe.

The 23-year-old also posted on his Instagram account a video of him feeding this giraffe on his holiday Lingard has managed to establish himself as a

first team regular for Manchester United and has been a rare positive sign for Louis van Gaal’s stuttering side.

The youngster has fired in five goals and notched up four assists in 29 club appearances this campaign.

Lingard

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2 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

TRIBUTE: Remembering ex-Stores, 3SC speedster, Hassan Santos

By Ganiyu Salman

R

EMEMBER him, one of the lads who made Nigerian league thick in the 1990s, Hassan Saheed Santos on Sunday, March 13, 2016 gave up the ghost in Ilorin during a protracted illness.

A product of United Bombers which then served as the feeder team of Kwara United in the 1980s, Santos, given his exploits could be described as one of the unsung heroes of Nigerian football.

After his secondary education at the Government High School, Ilorin, his journey to stardom began in 1991 when he featured in the Challenge Cup for Kanta Warriors of Sokoto alongside Dipo Abolarin, Muka Olaniyi and Lateef Alanamu, among others.

After using Kanta Warriors as a stepping stone, he alongside Lateef Alanamu signed for Stationery Stores in 1992 season where he rose to become a household name at least in Lagos State then.

Santos helped the Flaming Flamingoes to emerge the league champions that year (1992) as he teamed up effectively with Ghanaian forward, Arthur Moses to make the opponents of Stores leave the Onikan waterfront empty-handed aside the points picked on the road.

He also helped Stores to get to the semi-final of the then CAF Champions Cup in 1993, before the team lost to the Emmanuel Amuneke-inspired Zamalek of Egypt.

The journey to Shooting Stars Sports club (3SC) be-

gan in August 1999, when the Ibadan side needed to beef up its squad after qualifying for the league stage of the CAF Champions League.

That year, Santos was a player of the defunct Kwara Stars which equally campaigned in the elite division.

The then secretary of 3SC management, Elder Babatunde Oloyede approached this writer to mention one striker 3SC could register for the

achieved as the management of Kwara Stars issued a release letter which covered the pacy player till December 31, 1999 to play for 3SC. A few days later, Santos landed in Ibadan and his first port of call was my residence and even passed a night with me. He told me he had not discussed with any official of 3SC of his arrival and I told him, he should make his arrival official by going to the team’s

The goal I scored only served as consolation but it was something memorable in my career because I scored in both legs against Al Ahly.

Champions League group stage and I mentioned Santos. He (Oloyede) said what about Yakubu Ayegbeni and I said it might be difficult to get Ayegbeni released from Julius Berger, but it would not be so in Kwara Stars because they will be even happy that one of their players was so much valued to have been considered for the glamorous championship as the Champions League.

Again, it didn’t take time to convince Elder Oloyede on the choice of Santos as I quickly added that I was talking about the guy who scored the goal (against 3SC in a league match in Ibadan) which was overruled by the referee.

He later told this writer that getting Santos clearance was effortlessly

training ground. As usual, we observed daily prayers and the following morning after the subh prayer, he left for the stadium to show up at 3SC training.

As a result of his devastating form, Santos impressed coach Fanny Amun who was seconded to 3SC by the Nigeria Football Association then. He also impressed the late coach Rafiu Salami during the short training sessions the team had as a result of labour dispute.

Prior to the kick off of the group stage, 3SC players which included captain Sunday Adu, Duke Udi, Tony Alegbe, Rafiu Salaudeen, Andrew Aikhomogbe, Ben Kluvi, Seyi Ogunsanya, Samuel Yamta, Peter Obanor and Baldwin Bazuaye, among others, were on strike to protest against their unpaid entitlements. This development made the players to train individually until a few days to the first game against Al Ahly of Egypt when they bowed to pleas from Nigerians to resume training.

On August 21, 1999, Santos made the starting line up against Al Ahly in the first group A game at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium).

His presence was hardly noticed in the game throughout the first half as scores stood at 1-1 after the sixth minute lead by Alhy through Said Mohamed and the 38th minute equaliser

by Tony Alegbe.

Santos later beat the Ahly keeper with a grounder in the 70th minute and put 3SC ahead in the game.

Four minutes after his goal, the visitors equalised through Mohamed Gouda and got the winner through Walid Salah to run away with a 3-2 victory.

The goal against Ahly apparently announced Santos arrival in Ibadan, as fans after the game inquired even from sports journalists how he got to 3SC. “I dedicate the goal (against Ahly) to my new baby boy, Abdulrasheed,” he had told this writer then after the match.

If I had asked Santos of his most memorable match, perhaps, he could have easily referred to the return leg game in Cairo against Al Ahly on October 22, 1999, where 3SC lost 1-4 with him as Nigeria’s lone goalscorer.

The Egyptians had scored all their goals before Santos in the 85th minute outwitted his marker to register 3SC’s only goal.

About two years later, the former speedster narrated his experience in Egypt to this writer.

“We got there (Egypt) with

Santos high hopes that we could create an upset but odds were against us because we started with a home defeat and we didn’t recover. We lost three games in a row and we only had three points to show. We did our best in

Santos on the bench during a game involving Stores FC

Cairo but we met a better-prepared and balanced side. The goal I scored only served as consolation but it was something memorable in my career because I scored in both legs against Al Ahly. There was a loose ball close to the box and thank God, my shot went straight into the net. In fact, I had to remove the right boot after the shot because it became condemned. The boot could no longer be repaired.

After the match, legendary Hossam Hassan who came on as a substitute and also scored the last goal, shook hands with me. He later pulled off his spare shirt and gave me in the dressing room. I was so happy at that moment. I thought by now I will be playing abroad but God knows best,” Santos later told me in a chance meeting.

He returned to Kwara Stars where he played until the disbandment while he later played for Gabros, Katsina United and Kwara United before he hung up his boots.

In retirement, he was playing for All Stars with his contemporaries in Ilorin while working for the Kwara Football Academy.

“It was painful that Santos died this way, effort was made to save his life but he was destined to go. He was such a quiet person and exciting to be with, May God grant him Aljanah firdaus,” one of his former team-mates, Akeem Amuda Ozogula said.

PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES

SATURDAY, 2 APRIL, 2016

NO 1,145

I won’t force NFF board to resign —Dalung Saliu Gbadamosi-Abuja

F

OLLOWING the spate of criticisms which greeted the ouster of the Super Eagles from the race to the 2016 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Youth and Sports Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung, has declared that he cannot force the Amaju Pinnick-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board to resign.

The minister had on Wednesday, through his twitter handle Solomon Dalung @SolomonDalung, blamed the inability of the Eagles to qualify for the African football showpiece on the crisis which engulfed the country’s football-governing body, say-

ing there was no reason the country could not qualify for the AFCON. Addressing sports journalists in Abuja on Friday, the minister insisted that he would not force the NFF board to resign, saying that he was waiting for a meeting with the NFF next Tuesday, before making a categorical statement on the whole scenario.

Dalung, however, declared that no one could use him to destabilise a constituted body, saying that, “I implement laws based on facts on ground. I cannot use social media gossips as a basis.

“It is unfortunate not to qualify for AFCON 2017 but I believe we have learnt from our mistakes and hope that such would not repeat

Ronaldo

itself. It is true that we need to review some of the country’s football structure. We have to measure up to expectations.

“We are meeting with the leadership of the NFF on Tuesday to receive a comprehensive report and review the authentic technical reports they would present.”

Meanwhile, Dalung stated that the immediate past Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Alhassan Yakmut, did not give any account of the N2.9billion released by the Federal Government

to the commission to prosecute the All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville last year and the Rio Olympic Games qualifiers.

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Saturday, April 2 Aston Villa vs Chelsea 12:45pm Bournemouth vs Man City 3:00pm Arsenal vs Watford 3:00pm Norwich vs Newcastle 3:00pm Stoke City vs Swansea 3:00pm

Sunderland West Ham Liverpool Leicester Man U

vs West Brom 3:00pm vs C/Palace 3:00pm vs Tottenham 5:30pm Sunday, April 3 vs Southampton 1:30pm vs Everton 4:00pm

Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung (right), addressing a news conference on the state of Nigerian football in Abuja, on Friday. With him is the Chairman, FCT Sports writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Kayode Adeniyi. PHOTO: NAN

REVEALED ! Why Musa handed

Eagles captaincy to Mikel

FRESH facts have emerged that Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi actually insisted he will only feature in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Egypt if he were made Super Eagles captain.

As a result of this, coach

Samson Siasia and other top officials thereafter pressured the CSKA Moscow star, Musa to relinquish the armband to Mikel.

Mikel was assistant captain to Lille goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama when former coach, Sunday Oliseh picked Ahmed Musa as the country’s new captain last October.

AfricanFootball.com scooped that Mikel demanded the Eagles captaincy when he spoke with caretaker coach, Siasia prior to the matches against Egypt.

“Mikel made it very clear to Siasia he be made captain if the coach wanted him to play the crucial matches against Egypt,” a top source informed.

Pressure was thereafter mounted on Musa to surrender the Eagles captaincy.

AfricanFootball.com also gathered that a top official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) advised Musa “to give them their captaincy”.

Siasia then held a private meeting with Musa in his hotel room in Kaduna on the same matter.

“The meeting was for 30, 40 minutes, just Siasia and Ahmed. And it was in that meeting that it was made clear to Musa to give up the captaincy,” a top source added.

Immediately after this tete-a-tete, coach and player headed for the press conference where Musa announced Mikel as new Eagles skipper, while accepting that there was “a mix-up” when more senior players were overlooked before he was last October as Nigeria captain.

Messi

El Clasico: Suarez remains main threat —Spanish press THE Spanish press have highlighted the threat of lucky charm, Luis Suarez when FC Barcelona hosts arch rivals, Real Madrid in tonight’s El Clasico.

The La Liga pair go head-to-head in the crunch clash where Luis Enrique’s Barca side will be hoping to extend their 10-point lead over their arch rivals.

And the media in Spain have ramped up the pressure by previewing the highly-anticipated league clash in Friday’s papers.

Mundo Deportivo have singled out striker Suarez as the main threat, with the former Liverpool star proving a real asset for Barca since arriving in 2014.

He’s proven to be a lucky charm this season with the Spanish side yet to lose when the Uruguay international scores.

According to Mundo Deportivo, whose front page headline read ‘Talisman Suarez’, Barca have won 42 matches and drawn

two in the 44 games he has netted in.

AS, meanwhile, have predicted the line-ups for the Nou Camp clash and reported Real manager ‘Zinedine Zidane and Enrique will contest the Clasico with the best players’.

Barca are strong favourites for the match having thrashed Real 4-0 in the reverse La Liga fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu last November.

But Spanish daily Marca have predicted tonight’s

derby to be an even contest with the best strikers in the world going head-to-head.

The Barca trident of Lionel Messi, Suarez and Neymar (MSN) will hope to get the better of Real trio, (BBC) - Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.

‘This can’t be missed’ was Marca’s front page headline on Friday and the sports daily reported that ‘the MSN have scored more goals, but the BBC have the best average’.

Mikel during the game against Egypt.

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: saturdaytribuneeditor@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: LASISI OLAGUNJU. All Correspondence to P. O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 2/4/2016.