4th October, 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 2,014

SUNDAY, 4 OCTOBER, 2015

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Nigerian Tribune

How terrorists penetrated Abuja •NEMA confirms 18 dead, 41 injured •Buhari, US, Saraki, APC, others condemn attack •Soldiers return to checkpoints pg49

@nigeriantribune

Nigerian Tribune

N200

MKO’s children, others pay tribute to HID Awolowo pgs2 & 55

Ministerial list:

Fresh crisis in South-West APC Oyinlola, Akeredolu’s nominations threatened APC leaders take fight to Abuja

SCENES OF ABUJA BOMB BLASTS

pg5

We’ve been on Madueke’s trail since 2013 pg51 •UK reveals

Saraki’s opponents search for successor •Senate president moves to pg5 save Buhari’s nominees

Ooni: We’ve not

received EFCC petition against Ogunwusi

1. Security operatives combing the scene of the bomb blast. 2. FRSC officials rescuing a victim of the blast. 3. A victim receiving treatment at Kuje General Hospital, Abuja, on Saturday. PHOTOS: BAYO0R EWUOSO, NAN

—Ife kingmakers

pg8

Sunday Tribune

4 October, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915 - 2015)

PHOTOS: ALOLADE GANIYU

1. Cross-section of Ministers of God from Ogijo archdeaconry. 2. Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran (middle) flanked by Professor A.B.O.O. Oyediran and Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu. 3. From right, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran; Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, receiving letter of condolence from Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada, Professor E. Osaghae and his wife, Dr Veronica Osaghae. 4. Reverend Tola Oyediran (middle); Professor A.B.O.O. Oyediran (fifth right) and members of Ogijo Archdeaconry. 5. From left, Mr Aliya Abiola; Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; Reverend Tola Oyediran and Mr Oyewale Oguntunji.

6. Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada, Professor E. Osaghae; Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu; Reverend Tola Oyediran and Dr Veronica Oshaghae. 7. From left, Dr Insa Noite; Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu; Reverend Tola Oyediran and Professor A.B.O.O. Oyediran. 8. Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Professor E. Oshaghae exchanging pleasantries with Mr Olumide Oyediran while Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu looks on. 9. From left, Chief (Mrs) Mercy Owolana; Chief (Mrs) Comfort Olutunda and Deaconness Alaba Oyefeso. 10. Dr Insa Noite (right) and Mr Adeyemi Balogun.

Author of book on Awolowo, MKO’s children, Igbinedion VC, others pay tribute to HID From Olayinka Olukoya And Tunde Ogunesan

N author of a book on the sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Insa Nolte of the Department of African Studies and Anthropology, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, led other dignitaries who visited the Ikenne home of the Awolowos to pay tribute to Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo. Dr Nolte, who revealed that she met Chief HID Awolowo during her research on a book, “Obafemi Awolowo and the making of Remo” said the matriarch of the Awolowo family is worthy of emulation. Speaking with Sunday Tribune said “Some years ago, I wrote a book entitled “Obafemi Awolowo and the making of Remo”, so Mama and the family were very generous, helping

that research and eventually the book was launched in Lagos and in London. “It was Dr Awolowo Dosumu who came for the event and again supported us. So, it’s been a long time that I’ve known the family and I greatly appreciate them. “I admire how she related with everybody who came to see her, because she was already old by the time I met her. And, I found it really remarkable that she found the time and the patience to deal with everybody, especially with me, a small Ph.d student who came to ask her for a bit of information. She was very generous. “I was allowed to use the library (Sopolu library), and I remember somebody came to ask what I would like to take- soft drink or tea. She was very warm, giving, very liberal and very kind. During the early morning service, Reverend Paul Idowu Ak-

eredolu of Ogijo archdeaconry urged both the children and the audience to live a life of accountability as evident in the life of Chief (Mrs) Awolowo. Reading from the book of Romans 14:12, Reverend Akeredolu said “Mama lived a life of accountability and that was evident in the outpouring of condolences on her life. “Whatever time we’re privileged to use in this world, we will account for it here and beyond. We must live a life that people can testify to, one that is worthy to be appreciated. Whatever we do in our privacy is not hidden, the world notices it and will surely pass a comment, even before we stand before the throne of judgment,” he noted. A delegation of Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, also joined others who paid condolence visit to Ikenne on Saturday.

They were led by the vice chancellor of the University, Professor and Dr Mrs Veronica Osaghae, director executive training centre, Director of Public Relations, Jide Ilugbo. Professor Osagahe said HID is an irreplaceable icon who threaded the path of Nigeria’s history with indelible mark. In his words, “ Many people say it is the end of era in Nigeria, some say when a nation loses an icon, the next question will be how do we replace her. Icons are not meant to be replaced, icons are scarce in the firmament of creation. Stars never fade, they live but they don’t disappear. This is the legacy that Papa and Mama have now completed. “Papa ran that race and passed the baton unto Mama. Their shoes are very big to fill but she has proven herself worthy in every respect. She was not just a

shadow of Papa, she was herself. It is evident now that some inner strength that Papa demonstrated was actually from Mama’s agility. From the way the home is composed, the patriotic zeal, the leadership and the things that distinguish Mama for all the time she spent on earth, especially the years she spent after Papa went to sleep with the Lord. So, at Igbinedion University, on behalf of the proprietor and the Pro Chancellor, the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the governing council of the University, the senate, management, staff and students, sent us to convey the condolence of all of us in the university to pray that as God accepts Mama’s soul, she should be comforted because she has left a legacy behind, and that legacy is going to live on forever. For us, as patriotic Nigerians, we’re sure that this marks the

end of an era. That produces greater challenges for the era that follows and we’re sure that the Awolowo family would continue to play its leadership role in the annals of our history and the affairs of our country. “This family has been at the vanguard of development process in our country, and we expect that this is not going to end here. We pray that God will build you and upkeep you for the challenges ahead,” Professor Osagahe. Also two sons of the late acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola; Aliu and Kassim, were at Ikenne yesterday. Aliu, is the vice chairman and co-founder of Advocacy for Democratic Tradition, and spoke on behalf of the duo, eulogised the late HID Awolowo as a pillar behind their father’s efforts at re-

claiming his mandate before his untimely death. Aliu said “We are here to pay our final respect to Mama HID, because Daddy was a great beneficiary of Papa’s educational policy. Daddy would never have gone as far as he was in his lifetime if not for the Western Region scholarship that he got which was only made possible by the prudent and proper administration of Pa Obafemi Awolowo. “she was an icon who stood firm behind daddy’s mandate. She will be remembered as one woman who worked tirelessly for Nigeria’s independence as a woman and as a wife to Chief Obafemi Awolowo. “So, we basically owe him everything because ability is nothing without opportunity, if my dad had ability and never benefited from the opportunity, the story would have been different.

“At a time we were abandoned by a lot people who were supposed to be our friends but Mama stood steadfastly and firmly in the defence of the actualisation of Daddy’s mandate (MKO). That is one thing we will always remember her for. So, we feel a deep sense of loss by her demise and pay our condolences,” Aliu stated. His brother, Kassim, who was visiting the Ikenne home of the sage could not hide his feeling for an experience he described a “pilgrimage”. “In fact, the simplicity of this place really tells you who Pa Awolowo was. Very simple, honest, incorruptible Nigeria. This is like a pilgrimage for me,” Kassim noted. Others who came calling yesterday include some group of women from Saint Anne’s Church, Molete, Ibadan, Mr Obafemi Ade-

mola Oluseun. In his tribute, Ademola Oluseun wrote “Mama, you were great when you were alive and greater in death. You were truly jewel of inestimable value and a colossus! Rest in the bossom of your creator till death do us no part. Good night Mama.” ....always on the side of downtrodden — Banjo A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Ogbeni Lanre Banjo,in his tribute,described Mama as a woman who died fighting for an egalitarian society. He noted that the deceased lived a fulfilled and remarkable life,saying “she was brave and very accommodating. She lived a fulfilled and remarkable life dedicated to supporting her husband in the unrelenting pursuit of good governance, equity and justice for all Nigerians. Mama

died fighting for an egalitarian society and always on the side of the downtrodden. She lived a fulfilled life ... —Hon Yinka IN his tribute, Honouable Progress Yinka said Mama HID lived a fulfilledl ife that is worth emulating. He noted that her death has made him to see life as nothing. Though I didn’t know you, but I have heard a lot about the good works you did will continue to speak for you.” She was a mother to all —Oyo Muslim community IN his condolence message, the Assistant PRO, Muslim Commumnity of Oyo State and Media Practitioners of Nigeria, the National President said “Mama was a mother to all. Nigeria will miss her a lot. May her soul rest in peace.”

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

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Sunday Tribune

4 October, 2015

Ministerial list: Fresh nomination crisis in South-West APC

•Oyinlola, Akeredolu’s nominations threatened Lanre Adewole - Lagos

RONT-row gladiators of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the SouthWest are locked in a battle of wits, following the release of ministerial nominees in four states, with fierce battle raging over the control of the outstanding two, Sunday Tribune has learnt from parties in the crisis. The final pick from three states of Lagos, Ekiti and Oyo, were said to have been a shocker for certain godfathers and leaders who were reportedly self-assured that their own nominees, different from those announced by the media, would emerge having submitted their names to President Muhammadu Buhari. Though the official list is yet to be made public by Senate President Bukola Saraki, indications emerged on Thursday that the current list circulating in the media, is same as the official one sent to the senate by Buhari. Sunday Tribune contacted a couple of the nominees mentioned in the media Thursday night and they confirmed first-ever contact from the presidency, demanding their Curriculum Vitae. This information contradicts the reports in the media that nominees were invited to the headquarters of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) in Abuja for security screening. A nominee from NorthEast confirmed to Sunday Tribune that the appearance of the nominee’s name (sex withheld) in the media was a shocker to the nominee and while still wondering, an SMS came from the presidential villa demanding the nominee’s CV. Another nominee from North-Central confirmed receiving similar SMS. The nominee’s name is also in the media and the nominee never attended any security screening. It was also the nominee’s first contact with the presidency over the ministerial selection. The short SMS read “Pls I need your CV. Sabi’u Tunde, PA to C-in-C”. A couple of the nominees got the SMS at exactly 3.45pm on Thursday. All the names mentioned as nominees for Oyo, Ogun, Lagos and Ekiti had also reportedly got the call for their CV, confirming their consideration for the job. The emergence of the

quartet, particularly that of former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola, former Ekiti State Govermor Kayode Fayemi and Mr Bayo Shittu for Oyo State, is creating serious ripples in the party in the zone, with winners and losers in the first half of the power struggle, reportedly intensifying efforts to ensure that Osun and Ondo would not elude them. The camp of the National Leader of the party, Senator Bola Tinubu with the active backing of former National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, is said to be pushing hard to ensure their nominees for Osun and Ondo sail through after having all their nominees rejected in Oyo, Lagos and Ekiti. All parties in the ministerial struggle reportedly conceded Ogun slot to for-

mer President Olusegun Obasanjo who was said to have brought forward Chief Bode Mustapha. Buhari reportedly rejected Mustapha on the grounds of age with Obasanjo being asked to replace him. The concession to Obasanjo was said to have informed the decision of Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State to nominate Mrs. Kemi Adeosun as a commissioner. The decision of Obasanjo not to replace Mustapha, was said to have created an opening for the governor who upgraded Adeosun as a ministerial nominee. Tinubu and Akande reportedly lost in all other three states, with Wale Edun (originally from Ogun) nominated by them, losing to Fashola in Lagos, Dele Alake nominated by

them losing to Fayemi in Ekiti and the duo and Governor Abiola Ajimobi losing to Shittu in Oyo. Shittu is a known antagonist of Governor Ajimobi. The governor first nominated his immediate past Commissioner for Finance, then withdrew the nomination for a senior staff of Arthur Anderson. There is also controversy regarding who Tinubu and Akande actually nominated in Ekiti, because, as of last Monday, there were believable reasons that Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN was Tinubu’s choice for Ekiti, with the national leader of the party reportedly checking Falana’s reliability with certain sources (names withheld). Sunday Tribune, however, learnt from very authoritative source that when

Tinubu and Akande met with Buhari, Alake was the name on Ekiti slot in the list they submitted. Last Monday, a political source called Edun to congratulate him on his reported nomination, a felicitation he accepted as a confirmation of the said nomination. The announcement of nominees for Oyo and Ondo was reportedly stalled following the contention among the influential chieftains. Sunday Tribune has reliably gathered that Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Tinubu are not on the same page over Osun nominee. While Aregbesola is pushing the nomination of his immediate predecessorin-office, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, on the basis of the accord leading to his defection to

APC, Tinubu is reportedly backing Chief of Staff to the governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola. Rumoured to be Tinubu’s blood, Oyetola is also said to be eyeing Osun governorship in 2018. In Ondo, the party in the state is behind the nomination of its governorship candidate in 2012 poll, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, while Tinubu is said to be backing Chief Pius Akinyelure. Having lost out in the first four states, it was learnt that Buhari may eventually concede the remaining two states to Tinubu who is currently in London. A close nomination source told Sunday Tribune that the anti-Tinubu forces in the South-West are determined to ensure that the remaining two states also fall to them.

Opponents commence search for Saraki’s successors •As Senate President moves to save Fowler, others Taiwo Adisa - Abuja OPPONENTS of Senate President Bukola Saraki are said to be leaving no stone unturned in their bid to get him out of office. Sources in Abuja, on Saturday, stated that Saraki’s traducers are intensifying the threats on relatives of those supporting Saraki especially among Northern senators, while a search for a likely successor has commenced. It was gathered that the search this time, is not narrowed to the North-East, where the leader of Senate Unity Forum (SUF) Senator Ahmad Lawan hails from. The reason for the expansion of the search beyond the North-East is the emergence of Speaker Yakubu Dogara from the same zone. Though some of the leaders of the battle against Saraki are insisting that Senator Lawan could still emerge the Senate President since Dogara is leading a separate chamber, others are, however, wary of the implication for the Federal Character principle, especially as a number of appointments have already been concentrated in the North-East. A source said that some of those in the plot have suggested that the next senate president should come from the North-Central if they are able to get at Saraki. Those in that class also said that the successor to Saraki should be a Muslim

from the North-Central since Dogara, who leads the House of Representatives is a Christian. But another school of thought among those behind Saraki’s travails say that there is nothing that should stop Senator Lawan’s emergence since he had previously been nominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the job. Meanwhile, Saraki has commenced a fresh peace move, which is aimed at creating a soft landing for nominees of President Muhammadu Buhari who are awaiting confirmation by the senators. The peace moves, which started on Wednesday, were aimed at dousing tension and saving the nominees from the anger of senators who are angry that the nominees had assumed office before appearing at the Senate for screening and confirmation. Saraki had refrained from listing the names of the nominees on the Order Paper for Wednesday after presenting letters of their nomination on Tuesday. By tradition and the Rules of the Senate, Saraki was expected to publish names of the nominees on the Order Paper a day after presenting their nominations to the Senate plenary. That would have allowed the Senate President assign the nominees to the relevant committees to handle their screening.

But Saraki, according to sources close to him, refrained from putting the names of the nominees on the Order paper to ensure that a peace move he had started was allowed to jell. Sources close to Saraki said that the proceeding to screen the nominees last week would have led to outright rejection of the nominees. The nominees included Mr. illiams Babatunde Fowler as Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Mr Umaru Garba Dambatta, who was nominated as vice chairman of the National Communication Commission (NCC); Ahmed Lawan Kuru, nominated as Managing Director of Asset Man-

agement Corporation (AMCON) as well as Messrs Kola Ayeye, Eberechukwu Fortunate Uneze and Alh. Aminu Ismail, who were nominated as Executive Directors of AMCON. Though Saraki read the official communication from President Buhari on Tuesday, the names were not in the Order paper for Wednesday, prompting Senator Barnabas Gemade to raise Order 40(1) of the Senate Standing orders 2015 to question the perceived lapse. The Order states that “The President of the Senate shall immediately after prayers ....read to the Senate any message addressed to the Senate by the President of the Federal Republic of Ni-

geria.” But Saraki had to rely on the provision of Order 40 (2) which reads: “A message from the President, if presented to the Senate by the Leader of the Senate may be brought up at any time before the commencement or at the close of public business, and shall be considered forthwith or ordered to be considered upon a future day.” Saraki ruled Gemade out of Order, insisting that the operating word in the Rule is ‘considered upon a future day.’ But sources stated that Saraki took the step to ensure that the tension already building up against the nominees got doused before their appearance for screening and confirmation.

Bailout: DMO restructured N575bn loans for 23 states —DG Bola Badmus - Lagos THE Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Mr. Abraham Nwankwo, has said that 23 states of the federation have had their loans restructured, stating that a total of N575 billion loans involving 15 banks were restructured by his office. Nwankwo said this in Lagos at a one-day enlightenment workshop for members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), explaining that this followed the granting of bailout package to states by President Mu-

hammadu Buhari to enable them pay for workers who were owed several months’ salaries. According to the DMO Director-General, the tenure of repayment for the loans obtained by the states have been extended up to 20 years, adding that the 15 banks involved had been issued with FGN Bonds. He contended that the presidential relief package, which includes a debt relief package designed by the DMO, was expected to reduce the debt-servicing expenditures of states. Nwankwo lauded President Buhari for packaging

the bailout to enable the affected states pay workers many months’ salaries owed them. “On this problem of salaries payment, President Buhari has taken appropriate, effective action to address it and that problem is eventually being solved almost. “So 23 states were involved, the total amount restructured was N575billion and 15 banks were involved. So this N575billion was owed by 23 states to 15 banks, which means it is 23 states that have this problem that wanted it solved and they have solved it for them,” he said.

4 October, 2015

crimereports

Sunday Tribune

edited by Oluwatoyin Malik 0807 889 1950, 0811 695 4633 praiseboy01@gmail.com

I was instructed to form a car-snatching gang by a prison inmate —Suspect

HE smooth coordination of robbery gangs from the prison became revealed again when detectives attached to the Special Anti Robbery Squad of the Ogun State Police Command arrested five suspected armed robbers who had been terrorising residents of Itele, Ijaba, Iyana Iyesi and other places in Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State. One of the suspects, Mohammed Aliu (29) told Crime Reports that an inmate at Ibara Prisons, popularly called Boss, instructed him, before he (Aliu) left the prison about a month prior his arrest, to get vehicles by all means, assuring that he had a ready buyer outside the prison walls. Other suspects are Ojulari Sikiru, Akinniyi Ademola, Odeh Benedict and Sunday Uche (30). Interestingly, Uche was the nightguard of the community where his gang members carried out one of their operations. Speaking with Crime Reports on Friday, October 2, 2015 on the arrest, the state Police Public Relations officer, DSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said that the SARS operatives embarked on investigation of the activities of these armed robbers when Aliu was arrested at Lafenwa area of Abeokuta on September 20 at 12 midnight. His arrest later led to the arrest of four others at various locations in Ogun State, the PPRO added. Items recovered from them included two locally made single-barreled guns, a dummy gun, some live cartridges, assorted charms, 13 mobile phones of different brands and a SUV with registration number JJJ 559 BF, which, it was learnt, had been released to the owner as directed by the state Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali. Adejobi said that the Commissioner of Police had directed the officerin-Charge, SP Mohammed Tijani and his operatives to carry out proper investiga-

tion into the case and charge the suspects to court at the conclusion of investigations. In an interview with Crime Reports, Aliu, who revealed that he was from Okene, Kogi State but lived at Ota, Ogun State, said: “I was a bricklayer until I was remanded in prison while awaiting trial over a case. I met a prison inmate popularly called Boss at Ibara Prisons. He was the one who told me to form a robbery gang and get vehicles, assuring me that he had buyers outside the prison wall. He is still in the prison. “I left prison a month ago. I met Ojulari at Sango and proposed the idea to him. He was the one who got other members of the gang. I took the gang to a house where I once worked as a bricklayer. I was arrested when I brought a stolen Rav4 to Abeokuta for sale. It was Uche who gave us the guns we used.”

The suspects The night guard, Uche, from Abia State, also stated: “I live at Iyana Iyesi area of Ado-Odo Ota. I am a security guard at Iyana Iyesi but was arrested by the police because I went to rob. Someone came to me and said his gang needed a vehicle to steal. I told them not

to do it in my jurisdiction but directed them to the other side of the community I was guarding. I also went with them for the operation. I was given N50,000. “They took the vehicle from one of the houses in the estate but it developed a problem on the way. The

mistake I did was to allow myself to be convinced to join the gang. It was the work of Satan.” Another member, Ojulari, said: “Mohammed Aliu introduced the idea of robbery to me. It was one Taiye who gave Aliu my number. Aliu told me that he had a

buyer for vehicles, urging me to look for vehicles that we could steal. I told my friend, Uche and he started looking for a vehicle in the neighbourhood under his watch until he found one in an Alfa’s house. “We were with Uche at his point of stay till about 12.30a.m. when we struck. We entered the house and dispossessed the owner of the vehicle but we could not move it. We also collected about N400,000 cash and his phones. “Aliu called me again the following day and we went to Itele where we snatched another vehicle. It was while Aliu was taking the vehicle for sale that he was arrested. Aliu told me he was an international robber who had been snatching cars for a long time. This was what gave me the confidence to join him. He never told me he had been to prison. I was the one who invited the other two suspects also.”

We must cooperate to combat crime, Oyo CP tells GOC, others IN his efforts towards ensuring a society with very low crime rate, if any, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo state, Leye Oyebade, has solicited the support of heads of other security agencies in Oyo State. The police commissioner expressed his desire for continuous synergy among the agencies when he paid courtesy calls on the heads on Wednesday, September 30, 2015, exactly a month after he assumed duties as the police boss in Oyo State. The security agencies visited include the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Directorate of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Speaking at Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, headquarters of the 2 Division, Oyebade expressed appre-

CP Leye Oyebade, Oyo State Commissioner of Police ciation towards the General Officer Commanding, Major-General Laz Ilo, for the cordial relationship that had existed between the police and the army before his posting to Oyo Command. Saying that he had drawn a road map of what he intended to pursue on assump-

tion of duty on September 1, to combat heinous crimes like kidnapping, robbery, cultism, the Commissioner of Police said “we have to foster a relationship that will endure to bring crime down to its lowest ebb. “I have started capacity building for our officers and men, inculcating in them the

core values of humility, hard work and honesty, the importance of arms handling, human rights and respect for the rule of law,” he stated. He also spoke on reassurance policing which is anchored on the safer highway programme put in place by the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, so that road users would travel without fear of harassment on the highways. Oyebade added that “we will work together with the best of the men to drive the core interests of the current administration which is to maintain law and order; and the drive against corruption.” Responding, Major-General Ilo said that Oyebade’s visit underscored the need for collaboration between the armed forces and the police force in Oyo State. The GOC stated further that “it is imperative we work together because it is in oneness that one finds

synergy and effectiveness. We cannot fight insurgency without joint work. “The era of army/police acrimony and mutual suspicion has gone. We are in a new era. Emphasis is on working together because the objective is to ensure national security, peace and an enabling environment for development.” Oyebade also took the message of synergy to the Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mohammed Bawa. He assured Bawa that the police would give information relevant to the duties of the customs men and expect same from the customs. In his response, the Customs Area Controller made reference to the fact that the police had always responded to calls from Customs officials whenever they needed assistance, enjoining the poContinues pg 7

crimereports

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

I called myself a lawyer to evade arrest —Suspected fraudster Stories by Oluwatoyin Malik

ALOLA Olawole owned a Toyota Corolla with registration number FST 298 AY. Pasted boldly on its windscreen was a ‘JUDICIARY’ sticker, meant to identify those working within the judiciary. This made many to believe that he was a lawyer, more so as he answered ‘The Law’, a common appellation for lawyers. But he was discovered to be a fake lawyer recently. On Sunday, September 20 at about 11.30 a.m., Olawole was flagged down by operatives of Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), Ogbomoso, for a search. Instead of complying, Olawole reportedly pointed frantically at the ‘JUDICIARY’ sticker on his car, claiming to be a barrister at law and a staff of the Ministry of Justice. But the operative who waved him down was said to have doubted the suspect’s claim due to his poor spoken English. Coincidentally, a lawyer who met Olawole and the police at the stop-andsearch point threw some legal terminologies at the suspect. Unfortunately, he could not respond to them. He then confessed that he claimed to be a lawyer to evade the police because of his car’s tinted glass. Speaking on the arrest of the suspect, who was said to have also defrauded 106 victims of various sums of money, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leye Ajibade, said that Olawole obtained millions of naira from unsuspecting victims in the guise of procuring jobs for them at Nigeria National Petroleum Company, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other organisations. The police commissioner added that the car Olawole was arrested in was suspected to have been purchased with the proceeds of his illicit business and had therefore been recovered from him. Crime Reports learnt that the victims of the suspect’s fraudulent activities fell prey when Olawole went to a white garment church, founded by a woman, to pray. After prayers, he reportedly told the woman that he could help her child secure a job if she had one looking for a job. The woman, happy for such offer, was said to have quickly informed her son who needed a job badly.

In an interview with Crime Reports, Olawole (32), from Ikire, Osun State, opened up thus: “I am a farmer at Osogbo. I was stopped by the police and they asked me how I got the ‘judiciary’ sticker on my car. I called myself a lawyer but actually, I am not one. I bought the vehicle as a fair-

ly-used one with the sticker from a dealer and I did not bother to remove it. “I am not a lawyer. I knew a man through a church founder. He told me he was looking for a job. I made a mistake of telling him that I could secure a job for him. The money came in bits and

pieces. It was paid into my account.” Olawole said that ‘The Law’ had been his appellation since his secondary school days. The police commissioner however said that the suspect would be charged to court after the completion of investigations.

Falola Olawole

Police saved me from going back to ruins —Burglary victim A lady, Bolanle Ogunmuyiwa, whose shop was among those allegedly burgled by a four-man notorious gang, has said that the recovery of the items taken from her shop has prevented her life from being ruined by the hoodlums. The names of the suspects arrested in connection with the burglary in-

clude Godbless Olu (26), Alaka Babatunde (23), Benjamin Segun (18) and Jamiu Alabi (28). Speaking during a press briefing the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade told Crime Reports that operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ibadan, intercepted two of the suspects

at about 5p.m. at Apete area of Ibadan on September 27 during a routine patrol. “Through a well-coordinated discreet investigation, properties stolen from a shop earlier burgled at Sango area of Ibadan were recovered from the houses of the suspects,” the police commissioner said. He listed the items re-

covered to include 50 pairs of assorted shoes, 15 pairs of female underwear, eight pieces of wrist watches, six necklaces, an iron cutter, two POS machines and 41 unused Etisalat sim cards, adding that the suspects would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations were concluded. The owner of the stolen

The suspects

We must cooperate to combat crime, Oyo CP tells GOC, others Continued from pg 6 lice boss to ensure the continuation of such relationship. “We are ready at any time to come to terms with any request from the police,” he added. At the office of Mr Innocent Akatu, the Comptroller of Nigeria Immigration Service, Oyo State, Oyebade solicited ther support, cooperation and collaboration of immigration boss, saying “my aim is to build on the previous relationship, sustain and improve on it, for the security agencies to achieve a common goal of curbing crime.” He noted a meeting point in the functions of the Ni-

geria Police and the Nigeria Immigration Service, especially in the area of human trafficking. “The police force has a department that deals with human trafficking so we need to work together and share information to curb any ugly incidents,” Oyebade said. The Comptroller, in his response, referred to the police as the father of NIS, saying that the Immigration Service was an offshoot of the Nigeria Police. He restated the need for collaboration between the two agencies, adding: “Nigeria is facing the greatest security challenge at this period since independence.”

He described the civil war as conventional but said the nation had recently been fighting faceless enemies. “We need to work together, share intelligence and make sure that Nigeria is free of her enemies,” Akatu stated. The Commissioner was also at the office of the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs Omolade Faboyede where he reiterated his message of synergy. In her remarks, Mrs Faboyede said she had had good working relationship with the police, noting that the largest seizure of cannabis sativa in 2013 was transferred to her

command by the police. She added that Oyebade also transferred some suspects to her command just a few days after he assumed duties. This, she said, showed that Oyebade was ready to continue the work to achieve the common goal of taking drug off the society. The Director of State Services, Mr Okpo and the outgoing Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Adebayo Ayeni also received Mr Oyebade in their offices where they assured him of continuous collaboration of each of their agencies with the state police command to ensure a peaceful state.

goods, Ms Ogunmuyiwa, who spoke with Crime Reports said: “I came early ons Saturday to discover that my shop had been cleared of all my goods. I did not know what to do but I thank the police for helping me to recover my goods. “The robbers wanted to take me back to square one with their action but glory to God and kudos to the police who nabbed them and got all my things intact without one item missing.” She estimated the goods to be up to N150,000 in value. The leader of the gang, Godbless said that his gang didn’t know the lady before going to her shop, disclosing that he had once been to the prison after he was arraigned in court by SARS over an undisclosed offence. “Segun, Tunde and I went to break into a shop at Sango area. My buyer is at Oke Padre area of Ibadan,” Godbless confessed. Another suspect, Jamiu stated that it was Godbless who brought the police to his house to arrest him. “Godbless told the police that we were operating together. It is true we worked together in the past, but I was not part of the burglary that led to his arrest. We once went to an abandoned company in Oyo to steal copper wire,” Jamiu said. He also confirmed that the two POS machines were found in the house he lived in, but claimed that they had been there for a long time. He said he did not know who kept them in the ceiling, adding that it could have been a former occupant of his room. On the sim cards found with him, Jamiu said they were brought to him his brother, called Mutiu. “Mutiu said he wanted to register the sim cards before taking them back to Lagos where he was working as a trailer driver. He ran away when police came to arrest me,” he added.

crimereports

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

I called myself a lawyer to evade arrest —Suspected fraudster Stories by Oluwatoyin Malik

Falola Olawole

The suspects

newsanalysis We are yet to receive EFCC petition against Ogunwusi —Ife kingmaker 8

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

How Ooni hopeful landed in N400m fraud, forgery mess My detractors are at work —Ogunwusi By Moses Alao and Oluwole Ige

HE Ife kingmakers, on Saturday, said they have not received any petition against Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi, one of the contenders for the vacant stool of the Ooni of Ife. Speaking during a telephone chat with Sunday Tribune, the Obalufe of Iremo, who is the prime minister of the historical town, Oba Solomon Omisakin, said “I can tell you that up till now, we have not received a petition from any quarter, either a body or an individual, against Ogunwusi.” He said further that, “I just read it in the newspaper on Friday just like anybody. But, we as a body of kingmakers, have not got any petition against him”. Speaking on whether all the contenders from Giesi Ruling House would be subjected to any form of scrutiny, Omisakin said “when we get to the meeting, we would decide on which modalities to follow in screening the contestants. I don’t want to go into details for now”. He, however, assured that the kingmakers would announce the new Ooni designate as soon as all processes regarding the selection were completed, stressing that Ife people should be patient so that all necessary things would be done to ensure the emergence of a credible and acceptable monarch for the town. The report that one of the princes vying for the Ooni of Ife stool, Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) became rife during the week, culminating in the report published by Punch on Friday, 2 September. Prince Ogunwusi, who is of the Giesi Ruling Housing, which has been favoured by the kingmakers to produce the successor to the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who joined his ancestors on 29 July, 2015, was alleged to have, through his firm, Metropole Interproject Limited, had reportedly forged different documents to convert a landed property belonging to Sijuwade Holdings Limited, one of the companies of the late Ooni of Ife. But Mr Ogunwusi has reacted swiftly to the allegations, noting that his detractors were only targeting him with such malicious accusations because of his interest in the Ife throne. The Ife prince, in his reaction to enquiry about the allegations by a national newspaper, queried why the petitioners waited till when he is contesting for the throne to raise the issue, noting that the issues were false and had been resolved. The chambers of Rotimi Jacobs & Co., had initiated a petition dated 7 September, 2015, in which it raised allegations of forgery and fraud against Ogunwusi and Metropole, revealing how Messrs Sijuwade Holdings Limited had maintained that it purchased a parcel of land that measured 30,000 square metres from the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family at the Lekki peninsula, Lagos in 1993 and duly obtained the Governor’s Consent to the transaction. The legal practitioners further stated that Sijuwade Holdings had, after the purchase, entered into an agreement with

Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi

Metropole Interproject Limited to sand-fill parcel of land, after which an agreement was entered into by the two parties, which empowered Metropole to be given 7,500 square metres from the land as its “company’s fees” after it must have completed the sand-filling project. Following the completion of the sandfilling of the land, the petition noted that Metropole had offered to develop the remaining portion of land for SHL and that the offer reportedly accepted with the condition that the development would be in phases. The petition maintained that as stated in the Development Mandate Agreement, Metropole was to undertake the responsibilities of funding of the development and procurement of all necessary permits from the federal and Lagos State governments and the the funding/construction of 24 duplex units on the 7,500 square metres, which was to form the basis of Metropole’s equity in the project and it was to be entitled to 16 units out of the 24. The petition read in part: “Our client (Sijuwade Holdings) gave Mr. Ogunwusi the title document (which was in our client’s name), including the tax clearance of two directors to process the necessary permits required for the construction. After the completion of phase 1, our client requested copies of the approvals and consent, but Mr. Ogunwusi refused to provide them. “Our client engaged the services of a town planner (TG Marchnata) to conduct a search at the offices of the Lagos State Physical Planning and Development Authority. The town planner got copies of all the documents submitted by Mr. Ogunwusi/Metropole for the purposes of procuring the building permits for the construction. “To our client’s surprise, the search revealed that Mr. Ogunwusi/Metropole had forged the title documents by superimposing the name of Metropole Interproject Limited as a co-owner of the parcel of land. The signature of Professor Olawoyin, SAN, who prepared the title document, was also forged by Mr. Ogunwusi/Metropole. “Mr. Ogunwusi also submitted a forged Certificate of Incorporation with the name: Metropole Interproject & Sijuwade

Holdings Limited. He also forged some documents belonging to the Lagos State Government and uttered same to the Lagos State Physical Planning and Development Authority.” “Apart from the forgery earlier complained about, Mr. Ogunwusi/Metropole has also sold the eight duplex units that ought to have accrued to our client and he converted the proceeds, running into N400m, to his personal use.” It was on the ground of these allegations that the petitioner asked the anti-graft agency to investigate the circumstances, under which the title documents were allegedly forged. Sunday Tribune findings showed that the EFCC moved into action by writing to the legal firm of Olawoyin & Olawoyin to confirm if it, indeed, prepared the agreement allegedly submitted by Metropole for the building permits, though sources within the commission, who pleaded for anonymity, said the EFCC was yet to invite any of the parties in the petition. The sources informed that they could not volunteer more information on the case, but noted that the commission is yet to invite anyone. Sunday Tribune obtained a letter written to the legal chambers of Olawoyin & Olawoyin, with reference No, CR: 3000/LS/EGC-1/VOL. 6/409 dated September 17, 2015 and signed by Abubakar R. Madaki on behalf of the Head of Operations, in which the EFCC noted that the request was made pursuant to Section 38 (1) (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004; and Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012. In its response to the EFCC’s request, Olawoyin & Olawoyin, in a letter dated September 23, 2015, denied preparing the reportedly forged agreement, pointing out different aspects of the agreement it prepared and the one that Metropole reportedly paraded. The legal firm’s response stated: “We wish to state that the agreement (a copy of which was attached to your letter under reference) was NOT prepared by our firm. We have taken the liberty to attach to this

letter a copy of the actual document that was prepared by our firm and draw your attention to the following differing aspects of the agreement: (a) The front page of the agreement attached to your letter contains Metropole Interproject Limited as a party to the agreement of sale, while in the actual document prepared by our firm, Metropole Interproject Limited is not a party. (b) The signature on the front page of the actual document prepared by our firm is that of the undersigned, Prof. Gabriel Olawoyin, SAN, while the signature attached to the front page of the document attached to your letter is NOT that of Prof. Gabriel Olawoyin. (c) Page 1 of the agreement prepared by our firm does NOT make any reference to Metropole Interproject Limited, while the document attached to your letter makes reference to Metropole Interproject Limited.” Olawoyin, it was gathered, confirmed his firm’s response to the EFCC’s request to a national daily but refused to comment further on the issue. Mr Rotimi Jacobs of Rotimi Jacobs & Co. also confirmed that his firm sent the petition to the EFCC on behalf of Sijuwade Holdings but also declined to comment further. However, Ogunwusi, who insiders confirm is in the frontline among the contestants for the throne, is not sweating over the petition, which he noted the issues it raised had been solved, adding that he was only being maliciously targeted because of his interest in the throne. Attempts to get him to respond were abortive. But in his reaction to similar enquiries from a national daily, Ogunwusi stated that he did not put Metropole Interproject Limited as a co-owner of the affected property, saying: “Why are they trying to write damaging reports about me now and why not two, three years ago? The heart of man is full of wickedness. What they are saying is a lie; we have resolved it. They are using it to smear my name. It is a lie that I put Metropole Interproject Limited as a co-owner of the land; they are trying to expose what they are not; if they chose to fight dirty, I will meet them.” However, stakeholders in Ile-Ife, who spoke on a condition of anonymity, warned the kingmakers to be cautious at this point so as not to make a mistake in the selection of the next Ooni given the sacredness and importance of the post in Yorubaland and internationally. One of the sources noted that the kingmakers must follow due diligence on the matter by subjecting other contenders to thorough scrutiny like Ogunwusi, because it will be a catastrophe for an Ooni to be found culpable of criminality. “That post is sacred and it will be a denigration of the values and heritage of the Yorubas if anyone who occupies that throne is traced to corruption,” he said. He added that it would not augur well for the Yoruba race and Ile-Ife if an occupant of the exalted royal stool, which has become an international institution, is later linked to any corrupt or criminal act, noting that all contenders must be thoroughly investigated and the kingmakers must ensure due process in doing that.

photo

Sunday Tribune

4 October, 2015

THE OYO STATE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, CP LEYE OYEBADE’S VISIT TO P :O SECURITY AGENCIES IN OYO STATE hotos

luwatoyin Malik

2 1

6 5

7 1. The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Laz Ilo (left) presenting a souvenir to the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Leye Oyebade during the latter’s courtesy visit to Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment. 2. CP Leye Oyebade (middle, front row) and Major-General Laz Ilo (fourth right, front row) with other army and police officers in a group photograph. 3. CP Leye Oyebade being welcomed by officials of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service during a courtesy visit at the Customs’ office, Ibadan. 4. CP Oyebade signing the visitor’s register while the Customs Area Controller, Mohammed Bawa looks on. 5. CP Leye Oyebade discussing with the Comptroller of Immigration, Oyo State, Mr Innocent Akatu during a visit to the latter’s office in Ibadan, Oyo State.

8 6. CP Leye Oyebade (middle, front row) and the Oyo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs Omolade Faboyede (fourth left, front row) in a group photograph with NDLEA and police officers at the NDLEA office, Ibadan. 7. CP Leye Oyebade (fourth right, front row) with the outgoing Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Crops (NSCDC), Mr Adebayo Ayeni (fourth left, front row) in a group photograph during a courtesy visit to the NSCDC Commandant’s office. 8. The Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade with the Commander of Nigerian Air Force Detachment, Ibadan, Air Commodore Emmanuel O. Akinbayo.

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

feature Ayetoro: Community unsettled by the ocean Ayetoro is a Yoruba name literally indicating a calm and settled world. However, Ayetoro coastal community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State is unsettled, following a recent flood which ravaged the area. Hakeem Gbadamosi, who visited the area to feel the pulse of the community, reports.

cean surge is not alien to the people of the coastal community of Ayetoro in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. However, economic and social activities of the people of the community were brought to a standstill, as many of the residents in the community are battling to save some of their properties washed away by the surge. However, when the people of the community realised the situation was more than they could handle, they cried out to the state government, seeking assistance which in turn sent a powerful delegation, led by the Commissioner for Environment in the state, Barrister Sola Ebiseni and some officials of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), to assess the situation. Background history of Ayetoro In the early part of 1940s, a group of militant Christians known as Omo Oba Jesu came into the coastal part of Ilaje in the Southern part of Ondo State. This group of Christians preachers, called the Holy Apostles, on January 12, 1947, converged on a piece of land at Atlantic Ocean and established their church and settlement called Ayetoro. They have a unique way of communal relationship in that the Holy Apostles, as they called their community, hold everything in common. At that early part, no one was allowed to acquire or have his own property, as everything is owned in common. Their peculiar way of life and place of settlement was initially opposed by the paramount rulers of Ilaje land, the Amapetu of Mahin and the Olugbo of Ugboland. It took the intervention of colonial authority through the Secreatry of Ondo Province then who wrote a letter dated 4th December, 1949 and conveyed it to the Holy Apostles Church of Ayetoro, a lease of landed property of large hectares of lands to be held as estate in fees simple possession. This was after an agreement had been reached between the Ilaje native authority represented by the Amapetu of Mahin as the president and Olugbo of Ugbo as his vice president on one hand and the Holy Apostles on the other hand on May 25, 1949 and witnessed by District Office from Okitipupa division The said land is bounded by North-East by Erunna village, on the South-East by Alagbon Village and North-East by Idi Ogba and South-West by the Atlantic ocean. The Ilaje native authority agreed to allow the Apostles to operate their church under

Ayetoro town hall submerged by water.

lands perpetual succession ordinance and to respect the right of the apostles to live in the Ayetoro town while both parties agreed to recognise the authority of the native authority and to stop all cases against the authority in the magistrate and in the Ilaje native court.

The people of Ayetoro are reputed for their commercial living and advanced technology in fishing, transportation, industry such as carpentry and furniture, shoe making and marine business. The town was said to be popular so much to attract the attention of Chief Obafemi

Awolowo and the communist world in the 1950s, particularly the USSR. Many of the children from Ayetoro were educated through a bilateral agreement with countries like USSR, West Germany, Hungary and Continues pg11

feature

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Govt will proffer lasting solution —Ebiseni

One of the buildings destroyed. Continued from pg10

Austria and United Kingdom. However, a decline in Ayetoro community’s way of life set in, in the 1970s when ownership of private properties was gradually being introduced in the reign of their flamboyant leader, Oba Akinlua, but the collapse of the communist world, particularly the USSR, in the 80s, also had its own toll on Ayetoro too, leaving and limiting communal ownership only in the area of Holy Apostle Church, Cathedral, the City Hall, educational institutions, particularly the famous Happy City College and technical workshop, where children are being commonly trained by the community which is now taken over by the state government. The Surge Speaking on their predicament, a community leader, Orimisan Asemudara, told Sunday Tribune that they were used to the surge, but the penultimate week surge dealt a great blow on the people and residents of the community, explaining that they had all gone to bed on that fateful day when the heavens opened with downpour. He said many of the residents believed it was a normal rain, but many of the residents were forced out of bed when flood took control of the whole community. He noted that the community had solicited assistance from all relevant agencies in the past, including the federal and state governments over the ocean surge that had claimed one of the prestigious secondary in the area, Happy City College, saying the school was now in the deep of the ocean now. Asemudara explained further that some officials of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) visited some years ago to assess how the surge could be curtailed. He said: “‘They showed every seriousness to put an end to our plight but the project never saw the light of the day, adding that the community had sent a delegation to the NDDC office in Igbokoda times without number, but that the officials never attended to them.

Governor Mimiko

Complementing Asemudara’s claims, another indigene of the aquatic community, Dennis Kudehinbu, said the Ayetoro seashore project would go down in history as one of many shoddily-handled multimillion Naira projects in the country. He noted that the project would have been completed by now, but the money had went down the drain “simply because they knew we can’t complain and even if we do, the matter will be swept under the carpet. We understand the project was awarded to one Dredging Atlantic who never showed up at all.” Kudehinbu believed that the poor handling of work was not unconnected with the long history of government and officials in authorities condoning irregularities. “There is a common parlance that corruption in Nigeria today has become very endemic that has come to stay with us, because if you are given a project to do and those who gave you the project cannot monitor you very well, then it will be difficult to do the project. They will even be telling the government that it has been done and the government officials will come and say that it has been done. “Because we have seen in the paper where they write that Ayetoro sea protec tion project has almost been completed but nothing has been done. Corruption in the high places, those who gave out the contract, those to execute the project, they are all involved in this thing. “The Chairman of Dredging Atlantic never visited the site since it has been awarded. We have written several letters. When a contract is awarded to a company, you are supposed to come to the site and introduce the owner of the company or their managing director to us, but he has not visited the site since then. “We complained to NDDC officials several times. But he said he would be attending a meeting with us but ever since, he has been sending representatives. At times, they would not be able to answer some of the questions we ask, so we address them and they will go back to report to the chairman of the company. It has been on and on like that.” Another indigene of the community, Tope

Eliphaus, said the greatest challenge of the existence of the sprawling community life of Ayetoro is the Atlantic Ocean, which had washed away the larger part of the Southern boundary of the community. He explained that successive governments both at the state and federal levels have evidently paid lips service to solving the problem of ocean surge in Ayetoro, particularly the muddy coast of Ondo State, which is exclusively inhabited by Yoruba speaking Ilaje people which territory gives state inclusion into the elite club of the oil producing state of Nigeria. Despite the Ilaje oil wealth, the development in the area has abysmally poor infrastructure. “Attempt of controlling the ocean surge at the Ayetoro portion of the Atlantic coast has been a matter of politics, particularly since the return of democracy in 1999, successive administrations in the state since the time of Adefarati, Agagu and Mimiko have declared that the task was beyond the financial capacity of the state government. “The Federal Government, through one its agencies, NDDC, sometimes in early 2000 was said to have awarded a multi-billion Naira contract for the shore protection at Ayetoro. According to him, ‘‘the project was first awarded to Gallet Nigeria Limited at a cost of N650 million in 2004 before it was reportedly terminated and re-awarded to Dredging Atlantic Nigeria Limited in 2009 for N6.5 billion there was no sign that such a project was awarded in the community . He lamented that the incident had wrecked havoc on the community, and appealed to the stakeholders, especially the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the state government to assist the victim. A visit to the site by the Sunday Tribune, however, showed no trace of work done by the contractor except a mere heap of sand and some of the contractor’s equipment at the point of operation and a decretive caterpillar at the site. The newly-installed traditional ruler of the community, Prince Micah Olaseeni Ajijo, described the incident as tragic, devastating

and unfortunate, calling for help from all quarters. He said a greater percentage of his people had been without shelter after the unfortunate incident. “We need a permanent solution to this problem, the ocean surge is frequent at this time of the year, but we are calling on the Federal Government to come to our aid by constructing shoreline protection here. that is what can bring permanent solution to the problem. “ We appreciate the quick response of the state government, because immediately the incident happened, the state Commissioner for Environment came here to assess the situation and promised to assist us, but all we need is a permanent solution.” All our attempts to speak with the officials of the NDDC at its office situated in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local government, was not successful as some of the workers declined comment on the development while they said the officer to shed light on the project was away on official assignment. However, the visit made by the state Commissioner of Environment, Ebiseni, who was in the area to assess the level of destruction restored the hope of the people. The commissioner assured the people that immediate intervention and relief would be delivered to the victims of the recent ocean surge. Ebiseni, who was received by the youth of the community, who displayed placards with various inscriptions such as “Ayetoro says no to sea incursion, “sea surge; Ondo State Government save our land of birth,” “ Ayetoro community dying from sea incursion,” among others, pleaded for prompt intervention, while the commissioner assured the people that government would intervene immediately by giving them relief materials. Ebiseni informed the people that the state government received a report on the natural and ecological hazard that occurred in the community which destroyed buildings, properties and infrastructure worth millions of naira. He said: “A report was sent to the governor of Ondo State and to our ministry to come and see the damage being done to the community by ocean surge,” noting that he knew the level of the damage done so far as an indigene of the riverine area. He said though the sea had receded before his arrival, the effects of the surge seen while traversing the length and breadth of the community underscored the negative impacts of the disaster on the people and said “nature is so precious to us and we can not allow the ecological problem peculiar to this area to erode away the rich cultural heritage and notable civilisation of the area,” but assured the residents of quick government’s intervention. Ebiseni, who is the former chairman of the local government, lamented the sordid state of the area, especially the memorial Happy City College, which he confirmed had produced many illustrious sons and daughters of the land. The environment commissioner assured the people that, as a matter of urgency, the state government and other agencies would expedite actions on proffering lasting solutions to the problem, which he said, was the priority of Governor Olusegun Mimiko. Ebiseni promised that the state government would rebuild the Happy City College and the primary school affected by the surge in no distant time and commended the residents over the maturity exhibited in maintaining peace and orderliness during

\ \ S U N D A Y \ u s e r s \ p u b l i c \ I D \ Sunday Features

feature

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Govt will proffer lasting solution —Ebiseni

One of the buildings destroyed. Continued from pg10

Governor Mimiko

voxpop

I want to die at the age of 100, after my 100th birthday. I will want to die how Mama HID died; after eating, praying with my children and then, I can rest in peace.

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

At what age and how would you want to die? Following the passing on of the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief (Mrs) H.I.D. Awolowo, whom many have admired for the grace of reaching 99 years on earth and who died peacefully, TOSIN OLARERIN and KEHINDE AROWOLO asked individuals what age and how they would prefer to die. Excerpts: Adegoke Adenike I want to die on my bed, surrounded by my children and grandchildren. For age, I can’t say for now but I will like to die at God’s appointed time.

Damilola Odole Sanya Oluwatosin Funny question indeed! Well, I want to grow old; as old as God wishes but humanly speaking, may be 95 years and die peacefully in the presence of my wife, children, grandchildren and great grand children.

Alhaji Bashiru Akinyooye The age and how I will like to die is Allah’s plan because He owns my life and He is the controller of my soul. However, I will like to die surrounded by loved ones. Now that I think about it, I will like to die while praying.

Oluwabunmi Rotimi I will like to die at the age of 100; my dream place of death is on my bed.

This is quite a funny question and at this age, I don’t think about that. How will I think of death now, when I have my life to enjoy. However, if death comes right now, I will proudly say I am ready for it.

Pastor Joshua Caleb I can’t really answer that question. But I would love to live long on earth and declare the good works of the Lord and die a peaceful death.

Jonathan Gift (Laughs). I would rather say as the Lord pleases. May be at age 100 and I would like to die when my goals are accomplished, and at God’s appointed time.

Tosin Omole Solomon I want to die at the age of 90. Living long doesn’t matter, but for me to achieve all I want. I would like to die on my bed with my wife by my side.

Daniel Dada Taiwo Arowolo

Mrs Adetutu Oluwatoyin

Hmmm. Let me say at the age of 95 years and I would like to die a peaceful death where my family members would be happy and not sad.

Well, I can’t say any age for now but I would like to die at God’s appointed time and die a righteous death.

I don’t care about age. When my dad, my mum, my uncles, aunts, my elder brother and sister are no more I am free to go. But I would love to die inside the church after praying and asking for forgiveness.

Monsurat Lawal This question reminds me of end of the world. Well, I want to die at the age of 100, after my 100th birthday. I will want to die how Mama HID died after eating, praying with my children and then, I can rest in peace.

13 Continued from

4 October, 2015 last week

HE last of these popular misconceptions which I consider worth mentioning in this talk is that Politics and Religion do not mix. Indeed, there are not a few who hold the view that Politics is so essentially materialistic and Religion so fundamentally spiritual that it is difficult for a man to be a successful politician and a good Christian at the same time. I want to admit, without the least hesitation, that Politics is essentially materialistic and that Religion is fundamentally spiritual. But it cannot be gainsaid that living man is a combination of matter and spirit. . If a man is to live a full life and be the real image of God which he is intended to be, his Body - that is his brain and brawn - must not only be well-developed and healthy, but must also function in harmony with-and under the control of his spirit or Soul. The Soul is ageless and pure, and does not need any development. But the Body must be trained, developed and disciplined to acknowledge both the existence and the supremacy of the indwelling Soul. In the process of bringing out the best that is in man, and of enabling him to live a healthy and happy life, the agencies of Politics and Religion must work in close and harmonious co-operation. The eradication of ignorance, disease and want is a matter of the utmost concern to Politics as well as to Religion. As a matter off act, in the early days the education of the young and old and their health and general well-being were more or less the exclusive preserves of Religious Bodies and their offshoots and allies - the Charitable Organisations. In those olden times, the primary functions of Government (for the purpose of this talk I am equating Government with Politics) are the preservation of peace among the subjects at home, and the resistance of external foes. It is in modem times that Government has its functions beyond the limits of bare security for individual citizens, to include their education and health; and their welfare and happiness. In other words, Religion recognised from the beginning of times that unless the brain of a man is developed by education (secular and religious), and his body by physical exercise is well as by the nurture of good and adequate food, and by the comfort and self-respect of simple and neat clothing and shelter, man would be much more brutish and degraded than the lower animals. For His great purpose on earth, however, God needs the finest possible instrument, which is to be found in a healthy body and an enlightened and sane mind. For this reason, Religious

Awo’s thoughts VOICE OF REASON

Politics and religion A lecture given to students at the Adventist College of West African, Ilishan-Remo, on 27th July, 1961.

The terrestrial part of man is inherently selfish, tyrannical and corruptible. The ethereal part of him- that is the Soul _ is pure, just, incorruptible, uplifting and ennobling. Consequently, man is constantly subjected to internal conflict in which either the Body or the Soul must win

Sunday Tribune

Bodies down the ages have catered and still cater, in so far as their limited resources permit, for the material as well as the spiritual well-being of man. TIle purpose of Politics is first and last the material well-being of man. The purpose of Religion, on the other hand, is to do this or to ensure by persuasion that this is done, and to cater in addition to the spiritual welfare of man. In many modem States, what we see is not a separation of Politics from Religion but a division of labour between them. From what I have said, it will be seen that in modern times and in a democratic society, the functions of Politics are complementary to those of Religion. I have used the phrase ‘in a democratic Society’ advisedly. For in its attempt to evolve the best means of catering to the welfare of man, mankind has employed various devices. Some have turned out to be good whilst others are simply infemal. Examples of those that are in current use may be given: Democracy and Dictatorship; Capitalism, Socialism and Communism. The terrestrial part of man is inherently selfish, tyrannical and corruptible. The ethereal part of him—that is the Soul—is pure, just, incorruptible, uplifting and ennobling. Consequently, man is constantly subjected to internal conflict in which either the Body or the Soul must win. In the short run, victory may go to the former, but in the long run it is the latter that tends to be on the ascendant. It must be borne in mind that Communism or Marxism-Leninism which, in regard to the methods by which its declared ideas are attained, is atheistic and evil has dominated the minds and lives of more people than believe in Christ, and in the respect for human dignity which Christianity enjoins. This obvious ascendancy of an evil political system over the moral and ethical tenets of Religion. On the contrary, it is proof positive of the utter lack of spiritual discipline and of complete moral bankruptcy on the part of political leaders all world over, and of want of dynamism and afflatus, and of exemplary leadership, on the part of Religious Bodies. Contemporary political circumstances demand that Religious leaders must recapture and relive the great and noble ideals and the militancy of those inspired and immortal Prophets, Apostles and Evangelists who had the divine courage to proclaim the truth as God gives it to them to know the truth, and to call cant, humbug, political murderers, and brutes and devils in human flesh, by their proper names.

To be continued

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4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Remi Anifowose And Seyi Sokoya oluremi_anifowose@yahoo.com seyi_sky@yahoo.com 09090652322,08135978193, 08075166585

homes&interior s r

Chandeliers:

The symbol of home luxury and style

NITIALLY, it came as candle chandeliers which were mostly used by the wealthy in medieval times. Usually moved from one room to another. More complex forms with ring or crown designs surfaced in the 15th century. This development made it become popular as a result of its decorative features and mostly found in palaces, homes of nobility, clergy and merchants to the extent that the high cost made it a symbol of luxury and status.

But the initiatives of Bohemiens and Venetian glass maker who were both masters in the art of making chandeliers made it more lucrative, especially with its light refraction due to facets and bevels of crystal prisms. Over time, the making of chandeliers often wear looks from murano glass to lead crystal, â&#x20AC;&#x153;cioccaâ&#x20AC;? literally bouquet of flowers, light scattering which made it more popular. The most sumptuous of them

all is made with a metal frame covered with small elements in blown glass, transparent or coloured, with decorations of flowers, fruits and leaves, while simpler models had arms made with a unique piece of glass. However, different countries including: China, Pilippines, Dubai among other countries are notable of dynamic chandeliers. Today, the glittering decoration comes with different sizes, shapes and lightening which, no

doubt, captivates the mind of the beholder and most importantly flashes beauty to a large extent wherever it is hanged.

The beauty speaks more volumes of the vicinity itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s placed Continues on pg15

For your advert placement call: 09090652322, 08135978193, 08075166585

15 homes&interior Continued from pg14

such as: the living room, dining, kitchen, lobby and rooms among other sections of

the home one desires to hang it. However, a chandelier is not restricted to any section of the home, relaxation centres, offices, event centres, churches or mosques, e.t.c. because its primary

4 October, 2015 aim is to take the lead among other aesthetics designed for the beautification of homes. More so, it is really affordable depending on its sizes, types and qualities.

Sunday Tribune

Price hints

Electrical materials

By Tunde Adegbola

Full coil of 1.5mmx1 Purechem cable = N3,400 Full coil of 2.5mmx1 Purechem cable = N5,400 Full coil of 4mmx1 Purechem cable = N8,500 Full coil of 6mmx1 Purechem cable = N13,000 Full coil of 10mmx1 Purechem cable = N23,000 Full coil of 16mmx1 Purechem cable = N34,000 Bundle of 20mm conduit pipe = N1,800 1 piece of wall bracket fitting = N450 1 piece of round bulk head fitting = N650 1 piece of 4ft fitting (complete) = N1,800 A packet of 1gang switch = N1,300 A packet of 2-gangs switch = N1,600 A packet of 3-gangs switch = N2,000 A packet of 13A single socket = N2,500 A packet of 13A double socket = N2,250 1 piece of 100A of ELCB = N1,700 1 piece of 6x6 cooker unit = N2, 500 1 piece of 3x6 cooker unit = N2,000 A packet of 3x3 conduit Pattress = N500 A packet of ceiling rose = N700 1 piece of 100A change-over = N3,000 1 piece of 100A Cut-out fuse = N600 1 piece of POP fitting (complete) = N700 1 piece of Meter board = N150 1 piece of Distribution Fuse Board= N150

Chandeliers brighten, create classy beautification â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Ihedoro Mrs Amaka Ihedoro is the Managing Director of Unique Lighting Fixtures Company based in Ibadan, Oyo State. The businesswoman and her family are well established in the world of electrical and illumination business. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, she speaks on the importance of chandeliers and why it is necessary in the home. Excerpts:

OULD you tell us the importance of chandelier in the home? It is part of the interiors to illuminate and beautify the home to a large extent. It fascinates, beautifies as well as enhances the brightness wherever it is placed. These are more reasons it is essential to have this beautification in the home. It could be fixed anywhere in the home, especially in the living room, dining, rooms, kitchen or lobbies. It also speaks good volume of hotels, halls or event centers. People, especially the low class do not see the necessity to have it in their home because of the cost. Some only use ordinary lamp holder and bulbs, but manufacturers have created it in all sizes and patterns which relatively makes it affordable for all and sundry, because of the fact that it does a lot in the home. What will it cost to have a chandelier in the home? As I said earlier, the prize varies. It also depends on choice and taste for quality. It also serve different purposes. However, the economic situation of the country may have forced some people

to make other choices of lightenings instead of chandeliers. The bulbs could also do the work of chandeliers, but it can never give the class of the intended

beautification. Also, there are variations of classy beautification; some chandeliers have five ampere which cost about N8, 500 to N18, 000, while some has

11 ampere which costs about N35, 000 to N50, 000. We also have another one called crystal chandeliers; these are very expensive and the prize varies from N85, 000 to millions of naira. These are set of chandeliers that have beads. Could you let us know the various types of chandeliers we have? Just as I mentioned crystal chandeliers earlier; we also have pendant chandeliers; they are the dropping ones suitable for dining, staircase or corridor. The ceiling fit chandeliers are mostly used for kitchens. While the other ones, including the crystal chandeliers, are used in spacious places, such as, living rooms, event centres receptions, among other places. How lucrative is this business? I would say that, indeed, it is lucrative, just as it also comes with its challenges. It is relatively a family business, because my husband is the CEO. We are committed in the business, because we are focused and determined in its success. We thank God for blessing the works of our hands.

4 October, 2015

F I allowed a certain older brother and Senior Advocate of Nigeria of Yoruba root, he would convert me to a Yoruba irredentist. He feels all Yoruba in spheres of measurable influence must be like a certain race which defends its own every time, including when such persons should be tucked in the limbo for fouling decency, especially in public office service. Guess, I would be more comfortable as a Yoruba moralist. But this is tokenism to my egbon. Anytime he feels the Yorubaness seasoning in my articles is perceivably inadequate for strong ethnic aroma, he would call in to voice his concerns with certain cliché lines. Much as he would try, I won’t become an unapologetic ethnicist. I would excoriate openly any Yoruba caught desecrating the well-earned Omoluabi ethos of the race. When facts don’t speak for the race on issues, I won’t get into needless emotional blackmail of tu quo que with other races. And when Yoruba are at the receiving end, I would be unabashedly truculent in their defence. This “Yoruba me”, may not meet his prescription. But it would be enough mix for a balance in my nationalistic broth. By his hypothesis, being benign from the beginning has brought the Yoruba race banal estimation from others. The morals of championing the cause of the minorities starting with Immortal Awo, to him, had been fruitless. His most-used empirical testimonial is the alleged marginalization of the same minority-cause champion when a minority was president. The senior lawyer holds dearly to his conspiracy theory of a certain race instigating the minority president against the Yoruba majority race, which incidentally, has been the only one among the “Big Three”, trying to push the case and cause of a minority rule. Anyone but Goodluck Jonathan was his battle-cry during the polls. He cited examples of how the Igbo race backing Jonathan had become almost uncontrollable and untouchable in the South-West, particularly Lagos, leeringly insulting the sensibility and hospitality of their host, simply because, in his words, “Jonathan handed the economy to them and another four years would embolden them to move for a total take-over of Lagos, the commerce nerve of the nation”. He cited the Oba Akiolu’s saga; angry at those condemning the Kabiyesi, while asking rhetorically if any Yoruba could engage in the kind of electoral liberty the Igbo race enjoyed and allegedly abused in Lagos. He was involved in several high-profile political meetings that got rid of Jonathan, but I didn’t stop telling him that it was too early to start celebrating our unprecedented yoking with our Northern brothers.

CORRUPTION in Nigeria has assumed a frightening proportion. It is no longer about who is corrupt in the country, it is about who is not corrupt and that can be likened to a search for virgins in a maternity ward. Here, corruption has become the rule, not the exception. It is assumed that only fools shun corruption in this country. Corruption is the main business of the ruling class just as it has become the pastime of the hoi polloi. The nation’s leaders at every level assume they occupy public office for private gains. They create crevices that would facilitate the diversion of resources from government coffers to themselves and their cronies. And they do this barefaced, daring anyone to challenge their impunity. It is corruption that killed the railway system and made most of the roads in the country impassable. Corruption supervised the interment of the education sector to the extent that those who can afford the cost now send their children abroad for cutting edge education while the poor make do with whatever the local schools can offer. Corruption is also responsible for the lack lustre health services in the country. Although there are efforts in some quarters to improve health facilities in different parts of the country, the reality is that most hospitals in the country are incapacitated to deliver on the expectations of the public. Unfortunately, those responsible for the destruction of the health facilities in the country jet to other countries for medical attention at the slightest discomfort. Hardly can any service be rendered by civil servants without money changing hands; you pay a bribe to obtain a form that is expected to be given out free, you also give a bribe to get it submitted. You have to bribe somebody to get your child’s birth certificate; you also give a bribe to get your parent’s death certificate. To get your child admitted into a government school you pay a bribe. To secure a safe place in the parking lot, you tip a security officer. Although it is said that bail is free, those who refuse to play the game according to the dictates of police officers are remanded in police custody for days even when they are not supposed to be kept in custody beyond 48

0811 695 4647

olanreade@yahoo.com

Falae: Yoruba ro’nu

Without engaging in historical revisionism, I have had a taste of other two major ethnic blocs. I know of the belligerent nature of an average Igbo who is forever suspicion of being dominated and in the process, attempting to dominate before being dominated. I also had first experience of living among Northerners, particularly the Fulani bloc. Honest, they hardly leave behind good news wherever they don’t have everything desired. Is my race the best? Far from it, though SAN would always say “Lanre, ko s’eya bi Yoruba, Oluwa da’wa yato” (there isn’t any race like Yoruba. We are a special breed). That mindset is exactly the issue others always pick with us; all-knowing and better than everyone. Since the kidnap saga of His Royal Highness, Oba Oluyemisi Falae, the Olu of Ilu-Abo and the handling of it by the Yoruba race, I have been asking what exactly we know better than others. I deliberately trailed the reactions. I noticed the deafening silence from certain aphoristic quarters; maybe for political correctness, maybe because Falae’s Social Democratic Party (SDP) supported

With Sulaimon Olanrewaju 08055001708

lanresulaimon@yahoo.com

Corruption: A vote for capital punishment

hours. The cancer of corruption has also spread to the communities. Recently, while travelling to Lagos, as usual there was a problem on the road and commuters had to go through some communities to circumvent the problem area. To the dismay of everyone, the youth in one of the communities had erected a barricade along the newly found pathway out of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway malaise and were demanding money from motorists. Many a motorist

Sunday Tribune

the defeated former ruling party. Maybe that made him a spoil of political war for the ruling North and aligning half of Yoruba race. It was deliberately turned to Ekiti/Ondo axis issue. Incidentally, those are the only two states not governed by the ruling party in Yoruba land. Will the election schism and division ever end in Yoruba land when Northern PDP BoT members are defending Northern APC president? Is Yoruba race irretrievable split by APC/PDP politics? Does it mean nothing again, will make Yoruba leaders sit together as one because of partisanship? Let no one tell me about Mama HID’s death as unifying factor. Did they listen and act on her peace preachment when alive? Is the pilgrimage to Ikenne, not still about their politics? If Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Oyo would appear as if nothing happened with the Fulani herdsmen’s affront against Falae; a traditional ruler, former SGF, former minister, almost-be president and Omoluabi Yoruba by all calculations, because the abductors are kindred of their new political friends and associates, I say to them, a man with a luggage can’t run fast. South-West had been made to boil in the past over issues of lesser gravity and if anyone thinks what is the big deal about being kidnapped, it is because Falae is the biggest victim in Yorubaland and the kidnapping is to test waters before the Fulani go haywire in the South-West as they have laid a sustained siege to the North-Central. It is now obvious that political leaders will never be able to lead Yoruba race. The all-inclusive leadership vacuum is the present symptom of a debilitating ailment facing the race in near future. I see no towering figure in the horizon. But who knows.

...and Segun Bada passed HIS death isn’t one that his employer, Osun State Government would ordinarily announce with ether of a statement or obituary advert but Olusegun Bada, Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s aide at Abuja liaison office lived and breathed Ogbenism till his passing last Tuesday. A few weeks back, I called him to say hi. He sounded groggy and complained of being a little tired. Midway into out chat, he got animated as usual once his principal’s name got in the mix. We said goodbye with laughter. When I was informed of his passing, I frantically called his lines to put a stop to the “silly” joke. But the Facebook condolences drove home the reality. The grim reaper had actually come for his soul. I pray God will be mercifully to his family.

grudgingly complied. But there was a particular one who asked for explanation from the youth on why he had to pay. This incensed the youth who threatened not only to beat him up but to also burn down his vehicle. “Do you ask those in Abuja why they take the money they take? Do you ask those in the state capitals why they steal our money? What is the proportion of what we are asking you to pay compared with what your leaders steal every second? Who are you to question us? If you refuse to pay, we will beat you up and burn your car,” a voluble member of the group said. To the utter chagrin of everyone, other members of the community, young and old, hailed the young man. They all directed the inquisitor to take his inquest to Abuja. With that, it was impossible for anyone to pass through the route without settling the community members. So, corruption now has the backing of everyone in the country and that is dangerous. A society that does not see anything wrong with corruption can never experience development. Once a society deems corruption as normal, it will fail to challenge the wrongs visited on it as a result of corruption. Pervasive corruption leads to increase in human rights abuse without any expectation of redress. The issue now is what to be done to save Nigeria from sliding further into this state. Having considered many propositions by many persons and groups, I want to align myself with that of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress that corruption should attract capital punishment. The widespread of corruption is an indication that it has defied all attempts to curb it over the years. It therefore means that something new has to be tried and my inkling is that capital punishment is the way out of the stranglehold of corruption on the country. Although China is not the least corrupt country in the world, the rate of corruption in that country has greatly reduced since it introduced capital punishment as reward for corruption. If capital punishment has been able to bring down corruption in China, it may have the same effect in Nigeria.

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

WhateIwith shar

St Janet —Queen Funmi

Why I will never perform at nightclubs

—SACO, comedian

Fans divided over Korede Bello’s duet with Asa

Marketing deal pits TAMPPAN against TGMA, NANTAP

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Tade Makinde tademt2@yahoo.com 08055001753

Marketing deal pits TAMPPAN against TGMA, NANTAP We won’t allow anybody to witch-hunt us —TGMA We’re not on a witch-hunt mission —Odule The industry must be repositioned —Jide Kosoko

By Segun Adebayo

fresh crisis is set to rock the Yoruba speaking movie industry again as Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, (TAMPPAN) is about to implement measures that would check the anomalies that have stunted the growth of the movie association over the years. The national president of The Golden Movie Ambassadors (TGMA), Saidi Balogun expressed his shock recently to R following information that about one hundred members of TGMA were not recognised by the marketers nor dealt with any producer who is not ready to toe the path of TAMPAN. “I think it is very unprofessional. We are a registered association. We went to the marketers with this policy before TAMPAN only for us to be told that only TAMPPAN-registered producers would be entertained by the marketers. If it happens that way, that means we are ready for another showdown with them. But as I speak with you, we are still investigating the matter. This is pure witch-hunt and we would not take it”, he said. TAMPAN signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yoruba speaking movie marketers that would help to reposition the industry, cater for the welfare of its members and return it to the path of success. The exercise, which had already begun some days back at the National Theatre in Lagos State, with the screening that would produce the guild of actors, directors and producers with movie directors such as Tade Ogidan, Tunde Kelani, Niyi Akani and Yinka Akanbi, heading the panel. This new development, R learnt, is currently causing a quiet discomfort among other break away fractions of Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners (ANTP) who were reportedly turned down by marketers when they approached them with their new productions. As of Friday, members of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), The Golden Movie Ambassador (TGMA) and ANTP were said to be nursing

fears over the new policy which was said to have been implemented by the Dele Odule-led TAMPPAN and the marketers. The marketers were said to have asked those who have not been screened nor could not provide valid membership card, to do so in order to be recognised as a professional practitioner. Speaking with R on the exercise, TAMPPAN national president, Dele Odule, said the exercise was not targeted at witch-hunting anybody who is not a member of TAMPAN, but to set a standard as

is obtainable in other developed countries where acting is best practised. He said the industry had remained backward over the years because those who could reposition it were not given the opportunity to get to the position of leadership. According to him, TAMPPAN is all about restructuring the Yoruba movie industry. We started theatre but unfortunately, we have been reduced to nothing because we have allowed mediocrity to turn us to neophytes. We can’t continue to fold our hands our watch things go from

bad to worse. We agree that it is our fault and we have decided to set the record straight. This has nothing to do with other associations under the Yoruba speaking movie industry. We’ll work with other associations but not ANTP”. The era when mediocres controlled the affairs of the industry has come to an end, No matter how talented any individual can be, he or she must be screened by the panel and certified before he could be recognised as a theatre practitioner under TAMPPAN. “Those who are saying market-

ers are turning them down should be asked which association they belong to. I don’t believe the marketers are turning them down, because, as I speak with you, we are yet to send the names of our members to the marketers as we are yet to complete the screening of our members. What we are saying is that things should be done properly and professionally. So, why are they saying we have asked the marketers not to recognise them? If NANTAP or TGMA want to be part of us, I welcome them”, he said. Also speaking with R, a member of the Board of Trustee of Yoruba movie marketers, Jide Kosoko said he was aware of the MoU with the marketers, describing it as the way forward for the practitioners. “I understand that TAMPPAN is taking a bold step to reposition the industry with this new policy for its members and I really commend their executives for this initiative. For the industry to move forward, we need capacity building and the screening is equally very important so as to put things right and better the lives of our members. The marketers have the right to work with anybody, but we are telling them that we would not continue to toe the same path that has continued to destroy the industry. I am in support of the screening and I urge other associations to borrow a leaf from TAMPPAN.”

The Diary Talk show unveils celebs’ Season One of talk show The Diary has just been completed. The Talk show, titled THE DIARY, is targeted at creating a veritable platform for celebrities/ guests to inspire the world by telling their stories, showcasing their works, interest and challenges in life and how they have managed to become successful in it. The Diary further reinforces the importance of its unique selling proposition of having guests tell the audience their untold stories and experiences, therefore allowing the audience especially young people out there to draw inspiration and motivate themselves. Other basic element of the entertaining show is to continually represent and bring to fore via the invited celebs/guests what the producers regard as to as safe, decent and good content that a lot of people can take inspiration from. Hence, the hash tag #werepsafecontent. The show is anchored by two versatile individuals in Kunle

Pelemo (KP),a compere, TV presenter, singer and motivational speaker and Alayande Tosyne, a Broadcaster, TV/Content enthusiast, fashion designer and a make-over artist. The combo added humor, passion and camaraderie as they deliver a show that brings real life experiences and entertainment to audiences around the world.

The Producer of the show who doubles as the MD/CEO, Eagles House Global Resources, Alayande Stephen T., said “ the unique selling proposition of the show revolves around the untold stories/experiences of the guests which in itself makes the show very different and something to look forward to. The show is stimulating, appealing and excit-

ing” he concluded. Alayande is a Brand Experience Designer and a Content Creator who specializes in story telling & development. He helps to conceptualize ideas, generate content for brands, TV, Radio, Magazine, Digital/Web and tell a compelling story that evokes emotion, trigger interest and connects them to their Target Audience.

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Digital music summit holds

T Maeologo sets Mobo nomination Coming on the back of his 2015 NEA Awards nomination for ‘Diaspora Artist of the Year’ and the success of his latest single, ‘Do You Love Me’, Moelogo has been nominated for ‘Best African Act’ at this year’s MOBO Awards. Ever since bursting onto the scene with the single entitled ‘Pangolo’, Moelogo has grown from his debut EP, ‘Moe Is My Name, Music Is My Logo’ in 2013, and collaborations with DRB LasGidi and Fuse ODG among others, to last year’s underground hit single ‘The Baddest’, which features Giggs, and ‘My Sweetie’, Moelogo believes that he has become a force to be reckoned with in the Afrobeats landscape. This year, the MOBO Awards head to Leeds’ First Direct Arena on November 4, 2015, for the first time for their 20th award ceremony.

he 2-day Nigerian Digital Music Summit which began on September 28 and ended the next day at Eko Convention Center, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, had many music industry and experts in attendance. In his address, Mr. Afam Ezekude, Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) said, “It is important for users of creative contents to leverage on the facilities of our copyright system to ensure the sustenance of seamless availability of creative content. “The Copyright Act has provided for collective management of rights, which is globally acknowl-

edged as the best mechanism for licensing of content where the use of such content has assumed a certain anonymous scale making it difficult for users to trace and approach individual right owners for separate licenses”. Speaking on the summit, Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) said, “This summit is to agree on how the Nigerian music industry will move forward. It may need to be repeated if the industry does not agree on how to move forward.” “Following the summit, it is envisaged that there will be an industry monitoring committee to ensure that the players are com-

plying with the new rules and where there is a need for legislation to ensure compliance, the right steps are taken to ensure that such legislation is passed”. Also speaking, Mr. Yunusa Labaran, Project Coordinator, GEM said, “The reason GEM chose to sponsor this summit is because we must support the music industry to grow and to pay. Oil which has been the mainstay of our economy has been dwindling and there is a need to diversify to strengthen our economy. The outcome of this summit will help us to set up an intervention to help the industry grow and create employment for the growth of the Nigerian economy”.

ABY ecstatic about his ‘Future’ By Seyi Sokoya Fast-rising musician-cum-actor, Abayomi Akinola a.k.a A.B.Y who, early this year, extended his expertise in the acting field is currently delighted over the success recorded in his first film production entitled: “Ojo Iwaju”, (Future). The film which was co-produced by the popular actor, Akin Olaiya and Abayomi Akinola, marketed by Epsalum Movie Production limited as well as featured numerous regular faces and A-list actors in the Yoruba

Grace is ‘Bigger Than The Biggest’ Grace Adenekan, popularly called Akorin, will launch her debut gospel album and video tagged “Bigger than the Biggest” on the 1st of November, 2015 at the Centre for Management Development Hall, Magodo, Lagos. One of the songs titled ‘Most High’ has been trending on You-

tube in recent times. Some of the A-list gospel artistes billed for the launch includes Kenny Kore, Mike Abdul, Pelumi Strings, Nixon Sax and Ann. Grace has been a gospel artiste for many years; she started out as a youngster in the church choir and has since then followed her passion by proclaiming the gospel through music. The album has 8 tracks has been done in partnership with her husband, Kehinde Adenekan, who composed and coarranged the music with Segun Joshua. Akin Jazzy, featured in the track that the album is named after ‘Bigger than the Biggest’, and EMX mixed the track, ‘Sope’ and directed the video.

speaking movie industry, according to A.BY has yielded a great success and income. A.B.Y also told R that the main aim he ventured into acting was to showcases his diversity and also carve a niche for himself in both fields, adding that, “It is also a means to promote my music career in a very unique way. I had the opportunity to sing in the film and the outcome has been encouraging. The hit was overwhelming the last time I checked on the Youtube. I am delighted with development. It is really a

sign that I am almost there.” When asked on his chances to succeed in acting, A.B.Y replied that he didn’t come into the industry to compete with anyone other than to achieve his desired goal, saying that, “I have really enjoyed the industry since I came on board. I also appreciate everyone, especially Akin Olaiya who supported my dream. It has been awesome associating with popular faces in the industry and this has really given me an edge. I want my face to watch out for more new works.”

Oshadipe twins impress with Campus Bits After months of planning and preparation, the much-anticipated CAMPUS BITS WITH THE OSHADIPE TWINS finally hit TV screens recently and is already enjoying outstanding praise from WAPTV viewers across Africa. The programme, which is produced through a collaboration between WAPTV and The Oshadipe Twins, and hosted by Kehinde Oshadipe, is a youthoriented segment TV show which follows Kehinde Oshadipe as she visits several universities and polytechnics to keep viewers updated on everything they need to know about the life of undergraduates; including Events, Fashion, Opinions, Music, Current Affairs, Campus Celebrity Interviews, etc. According to Wole Adenuga, MD of WAPTV, “When we first released the Teaser Promo for campus bits with the Oshadipe twins weeks ago, we received overwhelming positive response from viewers across Nigeria and from other African countries. Now that the show has debuted, the response has doubled; and our joy is that our viewers are more than satisfied with the results,” he stated

Princess Katongo debuts ‘Baba’ video Fast-rising Katongo has released the visuals for her new single ‘Baba’, produced by award-winning Zambian beatmaker and songwriter Chali Bravo. Fun and flirty in essence, ‘Baba’ is a record that celebrates the African man.‘Baba’ is a welcome return for Katongo who is set to take African music by the storm. Filmed on location at the Orange Studios in London and directed by Krish Knightstar and Katongo, the visuals expresses Katongo’s sentiment on ‘Baba’, paying homage to African men, represented by her lush leading man in the three-minute long video. Soon to embark on a nationwide UK university tour this month plus a South African tour scheduled for early next year, Katongo is hard at working hard on her debut album which is due to be released next year.

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune With Segun Adebayo &Seyi Sokoya tegbollistic@yahoo.com seyi_sky@yahoo.com 08116954644 08132577840

Why I r e v e n l l wi t a m r o f r pe s b u l c t h nig n —SACO, comedia

e, a.k.a SACO has iy la a d n u k O le e d Ayo e against all m a g is h e is ra to , continued ith Seyi Sokoya w w ie rv te in is th odds. In n speaks on ia d e m o c rn o -b the Ondo State at makes him h w d n a n ia d e m his life as a co ers. stand out from oth

n a few days, you will mark your ten years on stage, how would you describe the journey so far? My sojourn into comedy started in 1999 when I was in senior secondary school in Ikosi High School, Ketu, Lagos where I acted as a member of Health and Life Planning Club. I started cracking jokes for my classmates during break time and they would all gather to listen, some of them would give me five naira to eat and sincerely that money helped me then. I was also a member of the choir in a Redeemed church and that platform also helped me express myself well, because I would have to introduce the song and stylishly do a 30-second joke before the songs. How much were you first paid in comedy? My first pay came on the 1st of October, 2005 when I was paid 5,000 Naira at the Ariya Gardens, Kwara Hotels. Then, I was a student at the University of Ilorin, studying Accounting and Data Processing Would you say you are successful as a comedian? Yes, I am very successful as a comedian because I have great comedians as protégés and a very successful mentor Holy Mallam. It is so fulfilling when you get good feedbacks from clients and your audience and also when people tell you they are privileged to learn from you. How did you come about your stage name? SACO is an acronym of my name, S is for Sunday, A for Ayodele, C is for Chukwukamadu, then the O is Okundalaiye, A senior colleague actually brought about Senior Advocate of Comedy when he sent it in for an event. I started comedy professionally in 2005 while I was a student at the University of Ilorin.

Even as a comedian, there are some shows you will never be seen, does this have to do with your faith? Not exactly, it is more of my values than my faith, although they are intertwined. In life, you just have to know what you stand for, you need to carve a niche for yourself and you should have and hold your values no matter what. You will never see me at a club. I see us as preachers, being Christians, we have to be Christ like. For you, which one would you say pays more, comedy shows or events compere? I will say both pay well, it is more about how you package yourself. How financially rewarding is comedy? It is very rewarding, it is enough to pay bills and live comfortably. Sincerely, it comes with a lot of financial value and rewards depending on the value you place on yourself. Can you tell us about your show “Spirit of Saco” set to hold in Lagos? Spirit of SACO is an event which is to celebrate my ten years on stage. The event will be spiced with acts from Comedy to Music and Dance scenes as well as the dedication of School of Comedy (an institute that will train prospective ethical comperes and comedians.) The event will have in attendance notable clerics, industry giants, distinguished personalities, comedians, artistes and fans. Top artistes like Tope Alabi, Holly Mallam, Lafup, Damola, McShem, Mc Abbey and others have all been billed for the programme, which is scheduled to hold at Sheba Centre on October 4,2015. What should attendees expect? The audience should expect nothing but fun

and excitement. There are also loads of exciting prizes to be won, such as a plot of land worth N2.5 Million Naira, A return ticket to Dubai, A return ticket to South Africa, A return ticket to Ghana, Mobile phones and accessories and much more. In your ten years in the industry, what would you say you have learnt? I have learnt dedication, perseverance and consistency. With these three, when you pray to God, He will make you succeed. Should we expect other projects from you or is it just strictly comedy and events anchoring for now? Like I said, I will launch the School of Comedy where ethical comedians and comperes will be raised. This project is like a baby that I have to give attention, nurture and make grow. We are taking things one step after the other. For now, it is about the Saco School of Comedy. What inspires you?

It is so fulfilling when you get good feedbacks from clients and your audience and also when people tell you they are privileged to learn from you.

God inspires me, then what I listen to, I listen to Rev Sam being my best mentor, then Holy Mallam, and Ali baba. But the thing is you have to inspire yourself first. When I started comedy, I was privileged to meet a former coach who told us that when he started football, when he comes out of the balcony, he will start talking to imaginary footballers, he imagined himself being a successful coach and it came to pass. What’s your most embarrassing moment? I went for job in Abuja, Holy Mallam was meant to go but he couldn’t, so I did. I took a flight, slept in a wonderful hotel which were part of the luxury that came with the job, when I got to the venue, I realised I was not the Mc, I was just meant to crack jokes. Really, I was scared because where I was coming from, they pay a quarter of what I was being paid for me to anchor and crack jokes. I got there, cracked the jokes for like ten minutes, and nobody laughed. It was like a dream, no one collected my card, I had packed so many. Someone came to meet me after the event that my jokes were nice but I was rushing. But thank God for Holy Mallam, he gave me more opportunities; I am appreciating him for believing in me. Right now, I use my embarrassing moments as jokes. Where do you see yourself in five years? One of the best comedians not only in but outside Nigeria, I want my name to be a brand, it may not necessarily be through comedy, it may be through what I am doing in people’s life as God has created us to be a blessing to our generation. I see myself doing something for churches in a way, celebrating my little success.

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune With Segun Adebayo &Seyi Sokoya tegbollistic@yahoo.com seyi_sky@yahoo.com 08116954644 08132577840

By Rotimi Ige

How Glo thrilled t a s n a i s o g a L Sallah with e c n u o B ’ n ‘ Slide concert

lobacom, last Saturday, spared no resources in ensuring its subscribers in the Lagos area had a special Sallah holiday with a loaded Slide ‘n’ Bounce music concert held at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. From newer music stars such as Reekado Banks, Di’Ja and Korede B e l l o , to established super stars including D’banj, Flavour, MI, Bez and Wande Coal, it was a highly entertaining performance that had the people in the filled hall on their feet for over the six hours the show lasted. Up first was Mavin’s Reekado Banks who had the ladies singing along when he performed his hit love ballad, ‘Katapot’, backed by a live band. Other tracks he performed were ‘Corner,’ ‘Chop Am,’ and ‘Sugar’. Di’ja took over from him, and injected a Hausa flavour into her craft. For most of her performance, she shunned the stage to mingle with her fans who received her songs ‘Amin’ and ‘Yaro’ with open arms and dancing feet. But it was the popular ‘Aww’ track that got the majority of people on their feet and sang along. Korede Bello came next, teasing the crowd with his melodious voice from backstage and sending the audience surging forward as he performed his first song, ‘African Princess.’ The hall went wild with ecstasy when he pulled a female fan to the stage and knelt down for her in a mock proposal. This was followed by a powerful rendition of ‘Cold Outside’ and the monster-hit, ‘Godwin.’ The Reekado Banks and Dija thereafter

returned to join Korede Bello on the stage to jointly perform some of their Mavin hit-songs such as ‘Dorobucci’ ‘LookuLooku’ and ‘Adaobi.’ Compere Okey Bakassi and Glo ambassadors, Helen Paul and Funke Akindele, added comic relief to the event and took turns to make the crowd laugh. The hall erupted in wild applause when Dapo Oyebanji, popularly known as D’banj, was announced as the next act to perform. Even before he got on stage, everybody got on their feet, with many moving closer to the stage to get a better view of the music icon. He performed tracks such as ‘Knocking on my Door,’ ‘Feeling the Nigga,’ ‘Igwe’ and ‘Suddenly.’ D’banj also gave out packs of his agricultural product, Koko Garri, to selected fans who he called on stage to dance with him. Bez followed swiftly after with tracks such as ‘You suppose Know,’ and ‘Stupid Song.’ Rapper MI was ushered next to the stage by Chocolate City’s DJ Lambo. The crowd exploded in ecstasy when a mascot that came on stage ahead of MI morphed into Jesse Jags. They both performed songs like ‘Action Film,’ ‘Indispensable’, ‘Bullion Van’ among others, to the delight of the crowd.

The evening of superlative fun was brought to a glorious end by contemporary Highlife crooner, Flavour with a powerful performance of his scintillating tunes such as ‘Ada Ada’, ‘Wake Up’, ‘Ashawo’ and ‘Shake’. Both subscribers and the artistes were full of praise for Glo for staging the show. A guest, 19-year-old Olalekan Alao of Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade, expressed satisfaction at coming for the show. “I’ve been using Glo for about a year now, and I’m glad I came

Anywhere I am in the world, I always want to come back for things like this because it’s an opportunity to connect with the fans.

for this event; it’s a very nice one. People are enjoying themselves and meeting new people. I really had fun. I’ll like to see more events of this nature. I’ll also like to say thank you to Glo and I wish them more upliftment. I pray they won’t run down ever.” Another excited subscriber, 22-year-old Princess Gift had this to say, “Wow! I’m really short of words. I had so much fun. I’ll be returning to school soon, and this was just the perfect way for me to end the holidays.” Di’ja praised Glo for organising such a show to put smiles on the faces of its subscribers. She said, “It’s always a blessing connecting with my fans. Thanks to Glo for the platform. I didn’t even expect the way the fans got up from their seat to groove with me; I feel very honoured.” On his part, D’banj noted that he was always delighted joining Glo to bring smiles to faces of loyal subscribers and fans. “I’ve been with Glo for a long time and if there’s anything you know about Glo anytime we go on the road, I’m always so excited because it’s all about the fans on the streets, and they’re the ones that make it count. You know there’s no gate-fee for the concert; it’s basically a way of giving back to the subscribers. Anywhere I am in the world, I always want to come back for things like this because it’s an opportunity to connect with the fans.”

4 October, 2015

entartainment

Greatest of all times concert to hold in November

OSD Entertainment has revealed plans for the debut edition of the Greatest of All Times Concert on Sunday, November 14th 2015 at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Center in Lagos, Nigeria. The Executive Producer of the concert and Managing Director of OSD Entertainment, Omoyeni Disu made the announcement this week alongside PR Executive Nike Fagbule. “For a country that prides itself on being the entertainment hub of Africa, we ought to do more. My drive for a change, for concerts that give audiences more than just performances but an experience, is what birthed this idea for the Greatest of All Times concert. Also on the partnership of artistes, we are going to see a never before experienced partnership of artistes of maybe same genre but definitely of different generations.” She continues, “Our choice to bring together different artistes was influenced by the need to showcase how the music industry has grown from generation to generation, and to also encourage alliance between old and new artistes” Sponsored by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), NIYYAH Farms and Quantum Markets, The Greatest Of All Times concert will celebrate musicians who have made great impact in Nigeria’s urbane music culture from the 90s to the present.

Fans divided over Korede Bello’s duet with Asa

ince news broke that Mavin Records Korede Bello was about releasing his new song, tongues had been wagging. The expectations were even much higher when his fans got to know that soulful singer, Asa would be featuring on the new track. And, finally, the wait came to a halt on Wednesday as the God Win crooner finally released his much-talked about single with Asa, entitled Domebody Great. While a huge number of his fans lauded him for the new track with many of them saying it was dope, a sizeable number on the other hand said there was too much manipulation in the song. A fan even said Korede’s voice was a little bit off sync with the beats, adding that Asa and Korede have good enough voice for too much manipulation. From the observations of his fans, Korede did a good job with the song and Asa was indeed a perfect blend that made the track even more fabulous, but one cannot do away with the fact that there was too much concentration on the auto tune, a development

which a fan said becoming a regular feature in Don Jazzy-produced beats. By and large, the song was dope and one could

Sunday Tribune with Segun Adebayo tegbollistic@yahoo.com 08116954644

I have come to change the game for good —Teeban Fast-rising music prodigy, Teeban is ready to take the music industry by storm. Those who have been waiting to have a feel of Teeban’s sound can begin to expect something fresh and real from the soulful singer who discovered his penchant for music at a very tender age. Fondly refered to as the ‘originator and king of AfroSoul’ music in Nigeria, Teeban will release his first official single, Farawe, on the 12th of October. Teeban, a student of Music and Production Management at Babcock University, when describing his journey into music said he started developing his love for music back in the days when he listened to the likes of Backstreet boys, westlife, Shina Peters, Fela and a host of others, adding that his amazing vocal dexterity and versatility no set him apart and would definitely work positively for him as he sets to hit the

big stage. Speaking on his new song and how he intends to break into the very competitive music industry, the 21-yearold said” I am not coming to take anybody’s place but to establish mine the way I know. I know what the industry entails and I am ready to give it all it takes. For me, Farawe is a game changer for me and it will set a new trend in the industry. He said further that Farawe is a Yoruba expression that simply means Imitate. “It is an expression of a good feeling that comes from the state of joy. It seeks to connect with every listener by its impressive and different sound”. The song was produced by prolific beat maker Mickey G and contains core African sounds, various musical instruments with creative fusions and twists of Afrobeat and Soul in a live stage effect.

only wish the globacom ambassador well as he continues to find his space in the highly competitive music industry.

Mercy Aigbe shines with new deal Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe Gentry is one of the successful thespians who has remained committed to the craft and has continued to enjoy the proceeds. Mercy was announced as the brand ambassador for Prestige Cosmetics a couple of months ago and has been sharing the good news with her fans. The movie star was finally unveiled by the cosmetics company with a new photoshoot

that potrayed the actress in bold colours for the Total Intensity theme. Speaking on her new deal, Mercy said she feels great to have been part of the new campaign, adding that she would continue to do that which makes her happy. On her instagram page where she shared the good news with her fans, she wrote “ It’s the lord’s doing….. and it’s beautiful in my sight!”

aspire

4 October, 2015

Your Life Counts

BY OLAIDE SOKOYA 0807 449 7425 (sms only)

BB pin: 55CBFA49

Govt needs to empower Nigerian youths —Ikhille

Helen Ikhille is the brain behind Female Matters, a concept that has been addressing female issues in the country, including entrepreneurship, health and leadership trainings. The final year student of Economics at the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre speaks with OLAIDE SOKOYA about her project and how the government can help the youth to grow. Excerpts:

HAT happens at Female Matters? Female Matters is a forum that convenes young women of all tribes or ethnic affiliations, diverse background and religion where we raise and address issues that concern Health, Leadership and Entrepreneurship What gave birth to Female Matters? Sometime in 2013, I discovered that in some areas in Ibadan, girls still used pieces of paper, clothe and tissue papers to address menstruation. I was disgusted at first, but on a second thought, I assumed those girls were ignorant of its health implications. I was sure this poor hygiene practice could lead to infections and diseases. I discovered it was lack of money to buy sanitary towel that led to such practices, but I realised some of them could still afford to look good. I probed further and they said these were the practices of our great-grand parents and that nothing happened to them then, so nothing can happen to them now. I found this response shocking and figured I had to do something about it knowing I once had a near death experience due ignorance at some point in my life. How have you been achieving your objectives of addressing health, leadership and entrepreneurship issues? Well, it's been a tough call. What we do in achieving our objectives of addressing health, leadership and entrepreneurship is basically getting professionals in these areas to come and facilitate at our seminars, workshops and conferences. Why did you think health, leadership and entrepreneurship, among other female problems, are most important? Health, leadership and entrepreneurship, to me, are the bases for creating and attaining perfect womanhood. I believe that when a girl is healthy and she knows it, it could help boost self esteem and she is not afraid to lead, you find such young women come out to be class prefects in secondary schools, or class representatives or school executives in tertiary institutions. This is advisably topped with empowering herself with an entrepreneurial skill so as to be able to add value to her community. How do you get support? Well, so far, we write letters to individuals and organisa-

I believe that when a girl is healthy and she knows it, it could help boost self esteem and she is not afraid to lead, you find such young women come out to be class prefects in secondary schools, or class representatives or school executives in tertiary institutions.

Helen tions to seek for support Who are your target audience? Young women of ages 11-35. Of all the challenges you are tackling as an organisation, leadership is still a problem with women. What is your reaction to that? Well, it's still a problem, because the society we live in says women belong to the kitchen. And somehow, young girls have grown to believe it and have accepted we are not to be seen or heard. But, thank God for awareness campaigns coming recently to disagree with such statements. What do you gain since you do these things free of charge Well, my gain is knowing that lives are being saved and transformed by what I do. I'm an entrepreneur and so I commit a percentage of my income into this project How do you think individuals and government can help? Well, they can be of help by providing resources needed for regular check-up for these young women across the nation. And then, we all should begin to be our brothers' keeper. How would you advice government on youth development? Across the nation, we've seen government organise free skill acquisition workshops and it ends there. No structure to make sure that these youths are provided with resources needed to start-up like soft loans. When youths are empowered with education, entrepreneurial skills and jobs, poverty is reduced and therefore more youths are engaged in productivity than crimes.

Sunday Tribune

by Tunde Jaiyebo 0803 406 2013

Just avaluable thought (1) How are you? (II)

AST time we began looking at the issue of value. We saw that if we are going to have headway in life we must be people who are so valuable that we and what we offer cannot be dispensed with. Value does not just come. It has to be consciously produced but the irony of life is that many people do not pay the price to acquire and sustain their value. They fall into the temptation to just go through life as it comes. We must regularly check our lives to see if we are diminishing in value or increasing in value. Far too many people have become liabilities to themselves and to the people and institutions they have relationships with. They are more of a problem than they are solutions. Their input does not yield any serious or profitable output. We must consciously work on ourselves to become a people of value. We must not belong to the category of people who are not adding value to life. Our interactions and involvement with people must leave them better than when they met us. We must be a people whose contribution to life and society leads to appreciation and not depreciation. We must proactively live a life of impact. Our pursuits and engagements in any endeavour must make a difference. We must live in such a way that we exert significant positive influence. We must leave positive indelible marks wherever we go. We must become game-changers. As game-changers we never accept that any situation is beyond redemption. We must embrace challenges. “A great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage. Every day sends to their graves obscure men whose timidity prevented them from making a first effort.” Sydney Smith We must make a significant shift in the way things are done. We must be known as a people who introduce and enhance value to people and to things. We do the world a disservice by holding back refusing to add value with our lives. “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Marianne Williamson There is no excuse for us not to be a people of value. As long as we have life we owe it a duty to be meaningful contributors and not just consumers. “Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.” Eleanor Roosevelt For enquiries/comments please send email to charismokola@yahoo.com

4 October, 2015

makeover

Sunday Tribune

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

Choosing the perfect

perfume

veryone has a distinctive natural scent, and for those who choose to add the artificial, it is only right to choose the right perfume that will improve one’s personality. Signature scents are produced for a reason – to give the wearer a unique sense of pleasurable identity. Lindsey Johnson shares on Design Mom, secrets to choosing the perfect perfume. Perfume Terminology (or ABCs) Absolutes Pure, natural extracts and oils from flowers and other vegetable materials. Note: An odoriferous element in the perfume or cologne. When we smell a composed fragrance, we smell different notes within it. When the first scent — or top note — dissipates, we smell the middle note, also known as the bouquet. As that fades, we are left with the basic note, which is the third element of a composed fragrance. Secret Number One: Don’t commit to a scent until you smell the final note.

Eau de Cologne Eau de Cologne is three to five percent oil in a mixture of alcohol and water. It tends to be lighter and refreshing, typically with a citrus oil component. Eau de Toilette Containing about the same amount of perfume oil or a little more — somewhere between four and eight percent — than Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette is mixed with alcohol instead of water. Eau de Parfum A higher percentage of perfume oil — roughly 15 to 18 — mixed with alcohol makes up Eau de Parfum. It is more expensive than Eau de Cologne and Eau de Toilette. Perfume Perfume is 15 to 30 per cent perfume oil mixed with alcohol. Because it contains such a high percentage of perfume oil, it is far more expensive than Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, or Eau de Parfum. You’ll also hear other terminology from your helpful scent-spritzer to describe scent families. For a woman, these will be citrus, fresh, floral, oriental, sweet, spice, or wood. Fragrances for men include those and also other more masculine scents like leather, tobacco, musk, and mosses. Secret Number Two: Learn which scent family you en-

joy the most. You’re going to be spending a lot of time together! Secret Number Three: Keep a few different perfumes from different fragrance families. It’s kind of lovely to switch up your signature scent according to season, occasion, or mood that day! Floral and Sweet for daytime, and perhaps an Oriental/Spicy scent for date night. In cooler weather, stronger scents can be worn without overwhelming everyone around you. Conversely, lighter scents are better in warmer weather. Think of how summer smells like fresh cut grass and scoops of vanilla ice cream. December smells like evergreens and gingerbread. You can evoke those same wonderful emotions and memories with your own aroma.

Choosing Perfumes and colognes are made up of many different accords to produce a harmonious scent. Because our body chemistry is unique to us, the same perfume will smell slightly different (or completely different) depending on who is wearing it. Further, it will smell different in the bottle or sprayed on a card than it will on your skin. Secret Number Four: Spray it on a card first. After five or ten minutes, smell it again. See if it still speaks to you. Then and only then, spray it on your skin. Secret Number Five: Take your skin type into account. Is your skin dry or oily, or in-between? If you’re drier, the scent will dissipate more quickly. And so a highly concentrated perfume will have more staying-power for you than an Eau de Toilette. Where a scent is placed on the body also effects how long it will last. And because fragrances are made up of those different notes or layers that wear away with minutes and hours, the scent you are wearing will change as time passes. As I mentioned earlier, wait until the fat lady sings. Or, more accurately, wait until the fragrance evaporates! Secret Number Six: Our sense of smell is keener as the day wears on and also in warmer weather. Shop later in the day so you can truly and best smell the different perfumes.

Secret Number Seven: Don’t try out a bunch of different perfumes or colognes at a time, no matter how persistent your spritzer is! Spread it out over a few different trips to the perfume counter. Have you noticed how perfumeries have tiny jars of coffee beans scattered here and there? Take a sniff. It serves the same purpose as sorbet between dinner courses and cleanses your palate — or olfactory perception — in between scents. If the task of choosing a perfume for yourself seems too daunting, take a fragrance finder quiz beforehand, or enlist the help of a knowledgeable salesperson who will help answer all of your questions.

Because our body chemistry is unique to us, the same perfume will smell slightly different (or completely different) depending on who is wearing it.

How to wear scents If you are using heavily scented deodorants, lotions, or powders, it will interfere with perfume and alter its scent and lasting power. Secret Number Eight: Once you find your scent, choose complementary toiletries that will coordinate perfectly and never clash. Secret Number Nine: For optimum performance, perfume should be applied to your pulse points: center of the neck, behind the ear, inner wrists, and behind the knee. If you place perfume in one or more of these places, you won’t have to reapply it during the day. For a lighter scent, try spritzing the perfume into the air and walking through it. And try to only spray perfume on bare skin as there is a slight possibility of it staining clothing. Secret Number Ten: To keep perfume lasting longer on your skin, rub a bit of petroleum jelly on your skin where you place the perfume. Or apply it immediately after showering or bathing when skin pores are open and will be absorbed more intensely into the skin. Secret Number Eleven: Don’t overdo the spritzing! You don’t want to be the one who walks in a room to be met with scrunched-up noses. Or coughing.

4 October, 2015

relationships

… Issues, family, sex

importantly, be careful about placing him a position where he has to choose. Try assertion, not aggression. Erect boundaries As much as you love him and want to do everything to make hi m happy, setting certain boundaries in a relationship helps him to appreciate your sense of clear-headedness and he will trust your sense of judgment even in critical decision making. Accept the reality and take the effort to set clear boundaries. Be prepared to compromise but only when the necessity is dire. Even the prospective motherin-law would appreciate your willingness to take decisions and be a pillar of support for the home. Patience is also key as things will not change in a heartbeat.

h t i w e m o h Striking

mummy’s boy

OSEPHINE’S frustration was as serious as it was hilarious. “If I have daughters, the last thing Ï would want them to do is date a mummy’s boy,” was her recurring lamentation as she chatted with her roommates. She had just called it quits with her boyfriend of two years and was venting all her frustration. “How can a full grown man be all for ‘my mummy, my mummy,’ and to make things worse, he sees nothing wrong with it.” The above scenario can be quite worrisome, especially for those who find themselves dating mama’s boys (the ones who have an unusual attachment to their mothers). For them, this statement may sometimes prove untrue – “You can always tell how a man will treat his wife by the way he treats his mother,” a quote from Janette Rallison’s How to Take the Ex Out of ExBoyfriend that has gained criticism, both positive and negative. Mama’s boys come in different shades, the good, the bad and the downright ugly. However, the situation is not that bad as there are ways to successfully date a mama’s boy without necessarily getting booted out of the circle. Below are a few steps to consider:

His mother is not the enemy You have no business hating his mother as you would only force him to make the hard decision to choose between you two and unless by a miracle, he will pick his mother. In the event that he picks you, the relationship will be fraught with tension. Understand why his mother is his world and if you want to set boundaries, do so with understanding. Treat his mother with respect. Every woman desires a son who thinks the world of her and you’re no exception. Talk to him Men do not usually talk about their feelings in a relationship as often as women do. As such, it is possible for the man to be absolutely unaware of his actions which contribute to draining the relationship. Women also sometimes make the mistake of assuming that the sensitivity they have is same as the man feels and think that acting up and starting fights for no reason will miraculously make the man understand the situation. Instead of that, focus on his strong points and choose your words wisely when talking to him about what you may want adjustment with. Men value a woman is not afraid to communicate responsibly and respectfully. Very

Keep accusations in check It is very tempting to want to accuse a mummy’s boy of his attitude but it is best to leave criticism out of it, especially if one doesn’t fully understand the basis for his attachment to his mother, sometimes which may not be his fault. He may act childish sometimes but with patience, the relationship may have a future. Try to understand why his mother means the world to him. Compromise within limits There are many things he is used to his mother doing for him and if one makes the effort, he would appreciate. However, there should be a limit to just how much you’re willing to take. Set standards for yourself and by your actions, help him gently understand why he needs to be his own man. As much as you want to do a few things for him, let him know your stand on being at his beck and call every minute. Nobody really likes a partner who is over-dependent. Don’t compete with mummy days There are important dates of the year

Sunday Tribune

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

you should be well aware of, especially as it relates to mummy’s special days. To avoid unnecessary fights and placing him in the impossible position of having to choose, keep date night plans outside mother’s day, mummy’s birthday or important anniversaries. If you stubbornly insist on his fixing you in on mummy’s special days, you will only have succeeded in sending him home to mummy’s comforting arms. Forget preferences Many women usually want to believe they come first in their partner’s lives, as it should be but with mummy’s boys, it may not be so clear cut. Don’t ask him whom he prefers between you and his mum because you may not like the answer he is likely to give, and more importantly, you may force him to lie. Most times, he loves you just like he loves his mother even if the scales may tilt slightly towards his mother. Just believe in the love you have for each other and hope that it lasts. Don’t complain to mummy It doesn’t matter how nice his mother may seem to you, it is best not to discuss your issues with her as she is probably going to take his side, and besides, you can trust that she would tell him anyway. Instead, focus on earning his trust and resolve issues between yourselves as a couple. If you feel the need to involve a third party, talk to trusted people on your own side such as your own family or friends as you can be sure that the information would probably not get back to him. Involving his own family would eventually involve his mother which would only make him see you as the enemy. Create lasting bonds No matter how much he tries with his mother, understand that there are memories he can only make with you as his partner. Focus on improving your relationship by taking time outalone together. Plan wonderful outings together and with time, you will become the most im[ortant person his life, next to his mother – miracles are possible! Know when to let go Staying in love with a mama’s boy is no easy task and it is necessary to know when to draw the line. Every woman deserves the respect of her spouse but if he seems absolutely unprepared to give it, seeking always the comfort of mummy’s presence, then maybe he really isn’t ready to grow up. A man is supposed to take up the mantle of leadership in a relationship and unwillingness to become his own person is not a good sign, especially with a mother who encourages such. Some of the mothers of mama’s boys usually hang on to the idea that the son is the father she misses so much, especially for those who have lost the partner in varying circumstances. As such, while one may try to understand the basis for the attachment, realise when it is just a waste of time and let go. Competing with his mother for the affection you deserve is not profitable for the relationship.

4 October, 2015

With Akintayo Abodunrin akinjaa03@yahoo.co.uk 08111813058

With or without sponsorship, art will survive —Z-Mirage boss The chief executive officer of Z-Mirage and co-founder of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange programme talks about plans for the Ijegba Forest Theatre in Abeokuta, arts funding and sponsorship, and his company’s strides in providing technical support for productions across the country in this interview. Excerpts:

before we were able to have...

His approval... We won’t say approval. I think he is still considering. But who actually owns the land where the amphitheatre is located? The people own the theatre and the theatre is for the people. From your experience running WSICE since Soyinka turned 76, what has it been like getting sponsorship? We have not gotten the desired sponsorship but, like I said, using the network, we have been able to sustain the international cultural exchange programme in terms of target sponsorship. Have you started planning the next edition? Yes.

OU again did your magic in Ijegba Forest earlier this year during the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) programme. How easy was it to put the event together? One of the traits of an artiste, you have got to be passionate and most times you cannot achieve that kind of level if you are cautious; this does not in any way presuppose carelessness. But you must be able to throw caution into the wind and dare to dream if you must aspire to join the visionaries. It cannot and has not been given on a platter of gold, the top notch artistic endeavour. Starting on Soyinka, he will tell you, we all know his story; he is not a product of the super rich. If you spend time with him, you will hear what he has gone through and we are also present to see what he is going through. At 81, he is still on the streets of Abuja protesting. This is the humanity that is embedded in any artiste and it drives you. So, when the magic is done it is only because everybody involved made sacrifice to put us out there. Once we are ready as a collective people aspiring to reach that height, the like of what we had in July will continue. That is how we have been able to put it up. It’s being stubborn. What are your plans for the forest; would it host monthly productions?

Teju Kareem (right) and artist Segun Adeniyi at the unveiling of a portrait of Prof. Soyinka in the Ijegba Forest The Jahmans [Anikulapo] of this world, the Tunde Awosanmis of this world who deserve much credit for pushing the agenda of the Ijegba Forest amphitheatre, we met not too long ago and Professor Wole Soyinka himself has actually put me on the spot as regards what to follow. How soon is there going to be productions there and is it just going to be Soyinka plays? It’s not that we didn’t have our plans or intentions but we want it to mature and in the process of nursing it to what we desire, we have left our minds open to ideas and suggestions. But one thing is sure; it is not going to go into extinction. Prof. Soyinka said something about

the forest; that you must pay dues to the woman who was farming there before the theatre was built? I was not privy to that arrangement and I don’t know when he said that. But first and foremost, the spirit behind that statement was the fact that where we positioned the amphitheatre, some people, the villagers were actually making a livelihood there. They had their farms there and they were growing their cassava, vegetables and in his humane nature, what he prides himself over is his ability to live with people and does not want to inconvenience them in anyway. He does not want his activities to take away their livelihood and on that he insisted until we were able to show him in written form

When the artistes are together, we always speak about money and sponsorship. When the multinationals that have the money sit together, they are looking for art. So, we must find a way where the two will meet.

How is the response from would-be sponsors? Let’s make one thing clear; when the artistes are together, we always speak about money and sponsorship. When the multinationals that have the money sit together, they are looking for art. So, we must find a way where the two will meet. The world powers, when they sit together, talk about arts, they talk about nature. It is not science or IT they talk about; they talk about nature, about art. And when we artistes sit together, we talk about money. The implication is that our minds are working and we just have to find a way to bring it together. I am not always one of those who is bothered about sponsorship for arts because art has survived and it will continue to survive. It has its own way of surviving and it will continue to survive so sponsorship is not our own start point for daring to think or daring to excel in our work. Anywhere you go these days Z-Mirage seems to be taking the lead in the technical on stage. How do you do it; how are you even able to find the energy to spread so much and still come out on top? We are committed to providing technical services to the entertainment industry. We are also convinced that the setback that we have in terms of reception for art in totality, which includes sponsorship in this part of the world can be attributed to the fact that our events are drab, lack magic, are not pregnant, barren. And name it, from one award to the last award, they are barren and I make bold to say that. Barren in the sense of what is called experience, performance; I don’t go to a theatre to listen to story, to see acting, I am in a theatre to experience, if I go to an award, I am not there to see who gets an award, I go there to experience, to have an outing that provides me with the totality of experience. Continues p27

27 arts&culture Akorede Odukale is a 15-yearold award winning saxophonist and SS3 student of International School, University of Lagos. He talks about his music, studies and ambitions in this interview. Excerpts:

4 October, 2015

It’s not easy combing music with my studies —Korede Sax tion where I will be able to showcase my skills. In fact, I went into the competition with the mind to try my luck, but of course I rehearsed well and made sure I was well prepared before I went on stage for the final. When I was announced as the winner, I was so joyous. Winning the competition also motivated me in developing my talent further and also in having perseverance to continue doing music.

OW did you come by the saxophone; was it your deliberate choice or it was forced on you? The saxophone was not forced on me, I was at first playing the piano at age six, though at that time I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with music but I loved listening to music, especially West Life - even at the tender age of three. My parents got a piano home tutor to keep me busy when I wasn’t involved with my studies, and their dream was to see me play the organ in church, which was their goal at first, and till now I appreciate that decision which they made. At age 10, my home music tutor, Mr. Daniel Okoh, suggested that I should learn the saxophone. I embraced the idea and began learning how to play the saxophone at a summer music lesson and I liked the idea to learn how to play the saxophone because I have heard music from saxophonists including Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Lagbaja which I enjoyed. I can’t say that I was forced into playing the saxophone, I was introduced to it and gradually I developed passion for it. What role did your father, an actor, play in your musical development? My father played a very big role in my musical development, and not just him but my mother also; they were the ones who introduced me to music. They usually play different genres of music every weekend morning, genres like highlife, afro beat, country music; songs by Phil Collins and Lionel Richie. They correct me when I am making mistakes, my father in particular let me know when I play off key, and my mother is always on my neck for rehearsals. They also groom me in stage presentations. Generally, they are always there to support me and get the necessary materials needed for my development. I appreciate all they have done, and what they are still doing, so all the respect to my parents, Mr. Olumuyiwa Odu-

With or without sponsorship, art will survive —Teju Kareem continued from pg26

And that is missing. What I see at awards (ceremonies) is reeling out of names and costumes coming up on stage. I don’t have experience. But when you tune on your TV and see the likes of the Grammy and Oscars, you probably hardly remember one song, one face but you will not in any way be barren or starved of the experience of having witnessed an Oscar [ceremony]. Is it spectacle? Beyond spectacle; its fulfilment of the psyche, looking for something extraordinary that is not available in everyday living. That is what is called show; that is why it is named an event; it is a one off experience that lasts for years. That is why we set up Z-Mirage; it is essentially to add value, the technology that is available in the entertainment industry to complete all the metaphors, all the elements that are required to tell our own story.

Korede Sax kale and Mrs. Adeola Odukale . You were the overall winner of Kids Got Talent (KGT) season 8 at the age of 12 in 2012, did you expect to win? I never expected to win at all, my parents just wanted to test my knowledge among other talented kids and expose me to a competi-

What lesson or lessons did you bring back from your 2013 trip to Dubai after winning that year’s High Impact for Creative Kids organized by Solution Media? I learned that when you work hard at music there is a very big reward for it, and I was paid heavily for my hard work through a fun trip to Dubai. I also learned other things like tolerance, interacting with other people, and some historical facts about Dubai. How easy is playing the saxophone at events and combining it with your studies? It’s not really easy combining both my studies and my musical career, but it doesn’t stop me at all. During holidays, I rehearse almost every day, at least about four hours, and when school is in session I rehearse every weekend for about two hours. As for events, most of these happen during the weekend, but for the ones that take place during the week while I’m supposed to be in school, I take permission from the school authority and go for the events, and then I catch up

with my studies when I am back in school. You are currently an SS3 student of International School, University of Lagos, how prepared are you for your SSCE? I am prepared for my exams, but I can’t be too prepared. I still have some time to keep preparing and to better myself in some areas but I’m sure if I write the exam right now I would do well. It’s about doing my best, not just doing what I can do, and I am certain I will do well in the exams. How did you come about the collaboration with 2014 MTN Project Fame winner, Geoffrey Oji, for ‘No Worry’, a remix of Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson’s Berebote? I was introduced to Geoffrey Oji by Mr. Micheal Odiong, the personnel manager in charge of special projects for Premiere Records. I worked on the song with Geoffrey and Shady, the producer and am very glad the making of the song was a success. What’s your ambition? My dream is to take courses on sound engineering, because there is a lot lacking in that area and it has not been perfected yet in Nigeria; also, to create music that people will be able to recognize and appreciate universally and to become a house hold name when it comes to music.

‘Project Fame was good for me’ songs, you will hear the difference that we combine into one song to make it work.

First runner up of Project Fame Season 7, Ruky Olotu studied Business Information Systems at the University of East London before deciding to move into music. She talks about her Project Fame experience and music aspirations in this interview. Excerpts:

You have had a platform to launch yourself, do you still have challenges? Circulation and getting my music to a wide range of listeners and viewers is my present challenge. Do you intend to go fully into music or you want to practice your profession? My profession is still there and I intend to use what I studied in school to help me with some areas of what I’m doing but for now I want to focus on my music.

HOW has life been after last year’s Project Fame? It has been interesting. Project Fame provided me the platform to meet other people and really enter the music industry. I was able to meet quite a number of celebrities; it’s been good after Project Fame. I’ve become a bit comfortable, been happier and more confident. Were you singing before Project Fame? I did a couple of songs in 2010 before the 2014 audition. But because I was still in school, I was not able to focus. It was later that I met people who directed me to apply for the competition. Do you have an album yet? I don’t have any album yet. We are still working on that. What we are trying to do is to at least bring out a few singles that would circulate in the market before we bring out the album. What’s your single about? This one is called ‘Show Them’. I did this song for R-CUBE, the girl band group comprising me, my sister and cousin; Rouna and Rubunu. We just shot a video; it was

Ruky Olotu released last week. What’s Show Them about? It’s simply saying whatever you have, you should offer the world. You don’t have to go and kill but we should be content with what we have and be confident about it. Some people are driving Mercedes Benz and you are boarding Keke NAPEP, it doesn’t matter; show them. There are lots of musicians in Nigeria, what is unique in your songs that will positively impact the music industry? What will make us stand out is the fusion in our music; how we mix the genres together because I’m more of RnB, jazz and pop. My sister is RnB and reggae while my cousin is jazz and soul. Listening to our

Do you wish to remain as a group or as Ruky? I’m Ruky in R-CUBE and we still want to express individuality so that when people are listening to us, they will differentiate and also when we decide to do our singles, people can choose anyone of us they want to listen to. In R-CUBE, we want to have dynamism. Where do you hope to see Ruky in the next three years? MTV Award, BET Awards, Grammy Awards and others by God’s grace. I intend to have become known out there such that when they hear a song, they will know it’s me. I want my song to be heard across Africa. Do you have a role model or is it role models? First is Mary Mary; they had a huge influence on me while I was growing up with my younger sister. I have Brandy, Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Mary J. Blige outside Nigeria. My Nigerian role models include Eva, Waje and Omawumi.

Sunday Tribune

4 October, 2015

glamour HOW I discovered my talent for music USIC is not strange to me. I derive joy whenever I deem it fit to sing. It has been part of me since my tender age. Precisely, I started singing in my dad’s church when I was 10. I would say I have passion for music right from childhood and it is a great joy that I developed myself in it and I took it up professionally, not only that, I have also used it to affect lives positively. I am proud to be among the musicians to be reckoned with in the industry. I thank God for how far he has brought me and my band.

Challenge To be candid, it wasn’t that easy in the beginning, but I thank God for the grace and wisdom to sustain and overcome all challenges. Though, I would describe these periods as a stage in my music career and the fact that it was one of the ways to pay my dues. I had a lot of free shows, because we were not known then and we were eager to be known. Most times, we even rented instruments to events despite the fact that we were aware that we won’t be paid. But the story has changed now. The era of free shows are over; we now get paid for whatever service we render. We perform at all kinds of events and we have received several commendations and recognitions. I am convinced that this is just the beginning for more success. My greatest joy is that people always want to dance to my music both at home and abroad. Our fans always want more whenever we mount the stage because we give them the best of entertainment. Why juju gospel I think I am more comfortable in this aspect of music. I have been able to carve a niche for myself in it. It may be difficult to many, but as for me, I flow and draw inspirations through it. What I do is not really different from other juju musicians such as the juju King Sunny Ade, the only difference is that I have been able to brand my music by adding gospel which I describe as juju music. I think the more reason I was able to achieve this is because I love it right from childhood. I listen to Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey and Sir Shina Peter; they are my mentors. I have never entertained any fear on whether I will eventually have a headway in this field, the coast is clear and God has really favoured me and surrounded me with good people in and

With Tayo Gesinde temiligali03@yahoo.com 0805 472 7801

What I share with

tect as well as make me complete whenever I am good to go

St Janet

Fashion item I won’t be caught dead wearing I can’t be caught wearing nose ring even aside the fact that I am gospel artiste. I don’t like it and I cannot imagine what I would look like if I wear such. It is a no go area for me. Greatest physical asset I think this should be personal. You are too inquisitive. Would I tell you this? Okay it is my voice and that is the final answer.

—Queen Funmi

Take on provocative dressings For me, I don’t judge people. I believe everyone has their personal reasons to look or appear the way they choose to. Personally, I just wear anything that fits me.

Gospel singer, Atewogbola Funmilola , popularly described as Queen Funmi by her fans, has carved a niche for herself with her Juju style of music. The Lagos-based chubby singer shares her experience in the male-dominated music industry in this interaction with SEYI SOKOYA. outside the industry. This career has opened many doors for me. I feel honoured when K1 invited me to perform at his daughter’s wedding. I have also played for governors and kings. It is not that I am flaunting, but I think I deserve to thank God for this rare opportunity. In fact, a governor whom I won’t want to mention his name handed me over to one of his commissioners to always invite me for their events when he heard my music and I was invited to perform at his birthday party afterwards. One of the popular marketers, Olasco Films production listened to my works and signed me. He even confided in me that he would market my latest album entitled “Normal” which will be distributed both at home and abroad on audio and video. Uncertainty whether I am a gospel singer or not I am a gospel singer and I am happy at what I

know how to do best. The fact that I infuse juju into gospel doesn’t make me to be described as a secular musician. We cannot all face a particular direction. There must be diversity in the industry. We can use any form or ways to explore our talents but the major thing is to pass the gospel message across according to the commandment of God. The combination of juju and gospel makes it juju gospel. It is not a different thing entirely I am a gospel musician; we perform at churches too and use our music to win souls. At present, I have five albums to my credit. Why I associate with secular musicians I won’t subscribe to that. I love and respect people, especially the elders in the industry. I see everyone as one entity. I don’t think that should be discrimination because what we do is not different from one another. We need to embrace unity and peace irrespective of the genre of music. Everyone needs to be conscious of what they do or disseminate. I am a gospel singer and at the same time a member of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN). I have a close relationship with both gospel and secular musicians. My brother, Mr Yinka Ayefele is a great gospel musician who has done excellently well with his genre of music, Tungba gospel. I featured him in my new album. He is a gospel musician too. My relationship with Yinka Ayefele As I said earlier, he is my good brother in the music industry. He likes me and I like him also. He’s so nice and always desires other musicians; especially the up-and-coming artistes unlike others. That does not indicate that I have problem with anyone. I am free with everyone, but we have to say some facts and also give kudos to those who meant well for others. Honestly, I don’t have problem with any musician. My stage name It came naturally. I realised each time I appear on stage, people call me Queen and it was gradually accepted by my fans. Now, they call me Queen of music. I think it is okay, because it is an indication that my music is accepted as well as have a great impact. This was how I got the name; I love to dress, sing and sing like a queen. Take on the industry Yes. I think things are in order now. The industry is really growing and a lot of musicians are making it, because we are being paid for the service we render. Most importantly, it is a welcome development that musicians no more fight one another; maybe because everybody is getting matured or engage with whatever will make them have a headway in their careers.

Words to my fans I want to use this medium to appreciate them. I pray God will keep blessing them. I love you all. Growing up I was as born and bred in Lagos. I attended Dee Unique Nursery and had my primary and secondary education at Abesan High School, Abesan Estate, Ipaja in Lagos and graduated from the Ekiti State University where I studied Business Administration. I am a native of Ilesha in Osun State.

How have I been able to impact through my music I preach through my songs, especially to the Christians. Why I featured Ayefele and St Janet in my latest album I featured Yinka Ayefele because of the fact that our style of music is related, coupled with the fact that he is my great brother in the music industry. Same thing also applies to Janet. In fact, we really sing alike. One can hardly differentiate us when we sing; I have heard that from people on many occasions. This is more reason I deemed it fit to feature these people in my new album entitled: “Normal”. More so, people will only differentiate us when we shoot the video because they describe her as Queen Funmi and sometimes call me Saint Janet. On whether I also sing vulgar songs Not at all; I know where you are driving at, there is no element of lewd song in what Saint Janet sang in my album; it was pure gospel. That is not allowed because this has to do with only gospel and because of the fact that I am not a fan of that kind of music. Queen Funmi is different. We may be friends but that doesn’t give me the right to imbibe her style of music. To make it clear, I want to say that I personally composed all my songs including the one Ayefele sang in it. It is a simple thing; it is my idea and they honourably accepted it and followed what I wrote. I am deeply honoured for their gesture. I am convinced that her face or voice will have a negative impact in my new work. Don’t forget that God has His own way to make things happen for good. I see no reason why her other side should affect the job. Many people don’t even know that this person we are talking about is a very nice and respected musician. My relationship with Saint Janet

How I handle my male admirers It has been through the wisdom of God. I don’t fight them but rather handle it with care and respect. On whether I am in a relationship I am still single, but not searching. I am in a relationship and I would always cherish a God-fearing and caring man. She is my best friend ever and I love her so much. I call her my surest paddy. We are very close. A lot of people don’t know that she is very a humble and nice person. She is not promiscuous. Janet is very decent and cool. I love her because she has a good heart. We are not related but we are good friends and we share some similarities. On whether my stature is a barrier to my music career I have never been discouraged about my stature, rather I see it as a plus and an edge. I am big and beautiful. I carry myself very well, especially on stage. I don’t get tired easily. A slim person can’t do what I can easily do; I dance a lot and walk faster than my slim friends. They are even eager to be big like me. I really love my stature. Some people have even accused me that it is not natural, but I want to tell you that this is how I found myself and I know it is God. I don’t eat heavy meals or enlarge myself to this extent. I love my person; it even makes me obvious whenever I am on stage. My fans would easily sight me even from a far distance when doing my things on the stage unlike giving them stress to locate me on stage in midst of many. I know I draw people’s attention easily; I love my big stature, because it makes me conspicuous and also opens doors for opportunities. On may be I crave for big things because of my stature What do you mean by big things? If I would un-

I crave for big fashion items, accessories, and assets such as cars. I love big presents too.

derstand what you are trying to say I would say yes, I crave for big fashion items, accessories, and assets such as cars. I love big presents too (laughs). Definition of style I love being gorgeous and smart. I am always conscious of my mode of dressing, because it is a fact that you will be addressed with the way you are dressed. I am always happy when I am being admired with my outfit. Beauty regimen I love to look natural, because it is also healthy and gives comfort. Choice of accessories I love beads to a fault. It looks nice and elegant on me. Favourite colour, I love red. I make one obvious and classy. Favourite perfume That should be my Versace. I don’t joke with it. The cologne is very nice and perfect for me. Favourite designers My watch, Longines Primaluna and as for clothes, I love to always wear Denim Copper stone. Most expensive item in my wardrobe My watch; I cannot reveal the price here for security reasons. Fashion icons Opera and Onyeka Onwenu Fashion item I cannot do without My sun shade, bangle and my earrings; they pro-

opinion

By Sunday Saanu

HE recent smooth leadership transition at Nigeria’s premier university, the University of Ibadan, clearly indicates that the level of political maturity among the academics, particularly in the institution is not only commendable, but serves as a big lesson to the political class. Thirteen distinguished and eminent professors engaged in a fierce battle to occupy the coveted position that will be vacant on 1 December, 2015. The five-year single tenure of the incumbent, Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole, runs out on 30 November, this year. The selection process which began a couple of months ago was indeed tough and tedious. But, with transparency and honesty of purpose on the part of the Dr Umaru Musa Mustapha-led Governing Council, a winner emerged at the end of the rigorous exercise without acrimony. Since the announcement of the new vicechancellor, there has been peace and jubilation. Nobody threatens to go to court. None of the contestants is writing petitions. They gallantly conceded defeat in order to preserve the system. Nothing illustrates political maturity more than this gallantry in defeat. They should be commended for not heating up the system in pursuance of their ambition. In the same vein, Dr Mustapha and his team should be applauded for organizing a credible and transparent system that produced Professor Adewole’s successor. With this feat, UI has lived up to expectation as the first and best university in the country. The university is not only providing academic leadership to other higher institutions in the country, Ibadan is equally leading politically as there has not been a serious crisis over appointment of vice chancellor, which is always tempestuous in many other places.

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Dissecting Olayinka, UI’s incoming VC

But then, who is the winner of Ibadan contest? He is Abel Idowu Olayinka of Faculty of Science, Geology department. Born at odo-Ijesa, Osun State on 16th February 1958, Olayinka attended St. Bartholomew’s Primary School, Odo-Ijesa, from 1964 to 1969 and was appointed the senior prefect in his final year as a result of his brilliance and exceptional performance. He was admitted into the famous Ilesa Grammar School in January 1970 and completed his West Africa Secondary School Certificate in 1975, in Division One. He entered the University of Ibadan in 1977/1978 to study Geology and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.sc) degree (2nd class Honours, Upper Division) in 1981, and he was the best graduating student in his class. He proceeded to the United Kingdom for postgraduate studies in September 1983, first at Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London. He earned an MSc degree in Geophysics of the University of London and Diploma of Membership of Imperial College in July 1984. He subsequently received the Overseas Research Students’ Award from the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals of United Kingdom Universities (now Universities UK); he utilised this scholarship at the University of Birmingham for his Ph.D. research in Applied Geophysics which he completed in April, 1988. Professor Olayinka had postdoctoral research experience in Germany, first at Technical University, Braunschweig as a German Academic Exchange Service Visiting Scholar from April till August 1996 and later at Technical University, Berlin, as an Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow from July 1997 till April 1999. However, beyond sparkling academic attainments, the question remains: who exactly is Olayinka? Does he have what it takes to lead UI? Is he capable of taking UI to the next level? Is he popular

among his peers?.These are some of the questions this writer attempts to answer. With extensive search and research into his background, using some common investigative tools including content analysis, observation and interview, the subject of investigation clearly comes across as an effective and efficient manager of men and materials who has positively impacted lives in the course of his career trajectory. Using his social media platforms to analyse what his admirers are saying about him, Professor Olayinka is indeed an embodiment of gentility, an epitome of simplicity, very unassuming, brilliant and kind to all and sundry. As soon as he was unveiled as the 12th VC of Ibadan, his network of acquaintances, ex-students, admirers and friends, cutting across the strata of the society and regions bombarded his Facebook and twitter accounts, fulsome in their tributes to a placid man of extra ordinary mental acuity. His two mobile sets literally collapsed following the massiveness of messages and calls. Going through some of the messages, one is convinced that Professor Olayinka is not only popular but generally perceived to be suited for the job. A senior lecturer in the Department of Communication and Language Arts, Dr. Olusola Oyewo, described him as a chivalrous and courteous personality who treasures friendship and association. According to Dr.Oyewo “Prof. Olayinka is a great leader. He never forgets to send me birthday messages every year even without prompting. He is good for the job”. A non-teaching senior staff, Mr. Olumuyiwa Soyanwo, echoed the same sentiment, painting the new VC as an admirable and unruffled scholar-administrator. Mr.Soyanwo said, “He is never under pressure, because he does his work strategically. When offices close by 4pm, you will see Prof. Olayinka driving back to the office in his personal car and works till 10pm. I am sure that UI is lucky again to have his like as the new VC.” However, it could be observed that his naturally restrained physiognomy is much antithetical to his robust sense of humour, just as his laconic response to greetings largely betrays his reverential and deferential dispositions to people. Engage him in phatic communication, by saying “Good morning sir”, his response will be “Ah, e pele” meaning well done. So short, almost curtly, yet he is harmless. But when you meet him cracking jokes, you will never believe it is the same Olayinka who had just answered you as if you were his enemy. It is his nature. He is a man of few words with a large heart. Professor Olayinka’s popularity began to soar on campus in 2002 when he became the Dean of Post Graduate School. He displayed outstanding resourcefulness, foresight and dogged determination as he repositioned the school as the

flagship of post graduate training in subsaharan Africa. He used his fund-raising skill to ensure massive fund mobilization with 253 percent increase in total revenue generated. Again, he and his team introduced overseas conference grants for Post graduate teachers after a nearly 20-year period of inactivity of such a scheme in the university. The UI PG school scholarship scheme is also to his credit, just as the UI PG School Teaching and Research Assistantship scheme was the product of his imagination. When he was the Head of Department, and later the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) , his sterling qualities kept propelling the machinery of administration to the extent that those who saw his capacity foretold his ascension to the current position. Lanky and rangy almost gangling, Prof. Olayinka, has had the privilege of 21 years cognate administrative experience. He has always been a committed, loyal and enthusiastic leader and team player. People attest to his generosity. Yes, no doubt, he is kind. This writer has tasted his benevolence. In 2010, I invited him to the christening ceremony of my child; he came and also gave me a fat envelope. Again, there was a time he travelled. On his return, he bought a very nice shirt for me. However, his critics say he is too frugal. They allege that he does not joke with his money. They say, the trait may not be unconnected with his background as “Ijesa man” who is too parsimonious. Well, if this is true, the university certainly has an advantage as the new chief executive will not waste money. Professor Olayinka has promised to provide an imaginative, inspiring and focused leadership. He is set to unite the entire community, academic staff, non-teaching staff, students, alumni/ alumnae and friends of the university. He says he will envision, lead and facilitate principled, transparent and participatory governance. It is therefore expected that every stakeholder will give him support to excel. As it is often said by the outgoing VC, Professor Adewole “Anybody who is privileged to be the VC is not the best, the brightest and the most intelligent, such a person is just the luckiest among the best. Therefore, as Olayinka takes over on 1 December, 2015, it is expected that all other best and the brightest in the community will support him to move the university to greater heights. Professor Adewole has done so well. He has exceeded public expectation in performance, and Professor Olayinka must work harder to be adjudged better than his predecessor . Olayinka is happily married to an elegant Dr Eyiwumi Bolutito Olayinka. The union is blessed with children. Saanu is with the Directorate of Public Communication, University of Ibadan.

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

thepolity How HID Awolowo’s death united political divides

The death of the Yeye Oodua of Ife, Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, penultimate Saturday, has reopened the discourse on how and why the first Premier of Western Region, Pa Obafemi Awolowo’s Ikenne home has remained the Mecca of politicians despite the passage of the foremost nationalist more than 28 years ago. MOSES ALAO takes a look at how Mama Awolowo’s passage successfully collapsed the walls between progressive and conservative elements in Nigeria’s politics in the last one week.

“D

EATH be not proud, though some have called thee mighty and dreadful, for, thou art not so,” John Donne, an English poet, wrote in his popular sonnet “Death be not proud.” In that poetry, Donne challenged death, bursting its proud bubble as a marauding beast that is the end to all men. For Donne, death is not the end; as he continued with the lines “for, those, whom thou think’st, thou dost overthrow, die not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill me.” Like Donne, many people believe that death is rarely the end of man but the beginning of a transition to eternity; for this category of people, life is ephemeral and must be lived with that consciousness in mind. One of the people in that category is the wife of the foremost nationalist and Premier of the Western Region, Pa Obafemi Awolowo, Mama Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, whose journey on this side of the plane ended on Saturday, 19 September, 2015. Mama, like Donne, had withstood the stinging venom of death, coming out stronger with each pummeling blow that death dealt her by taking away his lover, Pa Awolowo, who once described her as his jewel of inestimable value and some of her children and friends. Through it all, the Yeye Oodua of Ife, an honour that demonstrated the ideals of Mama as the quintessence of motherhood and leadership, did not only take solace in God, she also became closer to Him, showing worthy examples in godly perseverance and strong will. But Mama HID Awolowo’s life had been more than just facing life’s vicissitudes and coming out stronger; her strength of character and insightful and visionary leadership made her one of the greatest women of her generation, a development attested to by eminent Nigerians who have continued to extol her virtues and poured encomiums following her demise. Mama, in her lifetime, had fulfilled the now popular words of Cassius in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, “why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world like a colossus, and we petty men, walk under his huge legs and peep about...”, as she bestrode different segments of the Nigerian society, galvanising ideas, rallying people and championing the cause for the common good of humanity. Not

only do Mama’s exploits still rankle in the Christian circles, her wide acceptance and popularity in the political circles will remain unbeaten for some time to come, as she simply was not cowed by the erudition of her intelligent politician husband, but also went ahead to become an exemplar for women whose husbands hold leadership positions. Twenty-eight years after the demise of the sage, the Ikenne home of the Awolowo remained a rendezvous for the progressive-minded and forward-looking political associates and disciples assembled by Papa Awo during his lifetime and those who have come to espouse his ideals and programmes following years of visionary leadership and administrative acumen displayed by the sage. But Mama became quite renowned not only for surviving and sustaining the legacy of Awolowo as the leader of the progressives, she became widely accepted as the Mother of the na-

tion through her actions, demonstrating that motherhood transcends political divides. She became a mother for all politicians. Unlike other politicians in Awolowo’s class and era, Mama HID Awolowo had overseen the expansion and sustenance of the late politician’s legacies and ideals albeit from behind the scenes, leading the charge for the sustenance of the Nigerian Tribune, which Pa Awolowo established in 1949 while also not deserting Papa’s cause for the emancipation of the Yoruba people of South-West. Though it was not unexpected that Mama HID Awolowo would be actively involved in the Yoruba’s struggle for relevance and recognition, many women would have taken a siddon look attitude following the death of their husbands or simply take the backseats, but not the matriarch of the Awolowo family, whose leadership continued to encourage the champions of the Yoruba

cause. It is not a surprise that the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere still connects strongly with Ikenne and precisely Mama HID decades after her husband’s demise. It is also to Mama Awolowo’s credit that she not only took active part in the establishment of the Yoruba Unity Forum but also provided all the support and direction the group needed through its establishment to becoming the modern arm of the Yoruba’s struggle for liberation and emancipation. The YUF had, at the most critical periods in the race’s modern history, took a strong stand on issues affecting the race, setting records straight and charting a course for Yoruba unity. It is quite informing that Mama remained the chairman of the forum till her death. This, among other reasons, must have accounted for the masContinues

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interview

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Corrupt politicians should face death sentence —Akintola

Niyi Akintola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) speaks with OLAKUNLE TAIWO, on the issue of federalism, corruption and the need to implement the confab reports. Excerpts:

OW would you describe the journey since 1999? We have come a long way and we started on a very high hope, and the principle of democracy hit the ground running. The first military president, General Olusegun Obasanjo, is a man who knows Nigeria in and out. And it appears that it is common among military men, especially those who fought during the civil war; they seemed to know everybody that is somebody in every community in the country. They were well exposed better than their civilian counterparts. When Obasanjo came on board, he tried to change a lot of things. He changed the perception of governance; he made it possible for people who were experienced about certain positions to hold such positions in the country. He established two notable institutions to fight corruption and those were some of the legacies that man left behind that nobody can fault him for. But the implementation of the vision he had, somewhere along the line, suffered setback. Before Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) became a discredited organisation, it was riding on a very high wave, and Nigerians were clapping and we started having respects outside the shore of the country. All the criminals fled; many of them were incarcerated, while some died in detention. However, we earned our respect, but we also had our minuses too. Because of his military background, he had to impose certain level of discipline which he thought by his own calculation, Nigeria needed. By the time he left, things took a nosedive and people started asking whether we made the right choice, that whether we shouldn’t have left the man. Corruption soared to the highest level and became a way of life. There was no fear again. By the time Obasanjo was leaving, the EFCC was turning into a tool to harass political opponents, and of course, it continued. Institutions were being destroyed. Even, the worst enemy of Obasanjo would concede that things were not as bad as they are now. But it appears we are back on track now. We are having another military man at the helm of affairs. Without speaking, through his body language, a lot of people are keying into some of his policies. Perhaps, it is not going to be business as usual. Look at the huge amount that was wasted in the last election, it was unprecedented in the history of electioneering in Africa. No country in Africa would spend so much unreasonable money in an election. And now, the level of unemployment is so high that I don’t think the government has the statistics. So, the 16 years have been a mixed blessing. You said Nigeria seems back on track, and given some recent developments, especially in the electricity sector, people believed it was facilitated by the last administration. They were not done by Jonathan, even President Buhari said they were done

they are consuming that expired drugs, they are dying by installments. You can see the multiplying effects of corruption. So nothing will be too much to take that step. There can be no peace without justice, and the only way to ensure that justice is that the poor man walking on the street is justified. To what extent do you agree that the bar and bench have contributed immensely to corruption in the corruption? Of course, yes. The bar and bench are part and parcel of the society. So, you expect them to be different from others? It is the system we are operating that created the problem. All of us are exploiting the system. You are exploiting the system. I am also exploiting the system and that man out there is doing the same too.

Niyi Akintola

by his predecessors and they included Obasanjo and late Musa Yar’Adua. Don’t forget that Obasanjo established these power plants. He laid the foundation. And these are not projects you accomplish in one or two years, it takes a lot of time. Most of the equipment at those power plants took sometime to be manufactured. Jonathan just happened to be the man in power when those equipment started arriving. People must get this straight. If you want to get the fact, go and Google years those equipment were manufactured. People should go and find out the year Papalanto contract was awarded, Omotosho too. The thing is the people manning the refineries, power stations, are aware of the fact that the man there now will take no nonsense. A particular amount of money would be budgeted for something, and some people, because of corruption, would place it in fixed deposit to earn the interest for one year, in order to slow down the execution of the project. If that is not corruption, what is it? The issue of corruption you just mentioned has been with us for sometime, and a lot of recommendations have been made to tackle the menace. One of such recommendations is adopting capital punishment as it is obtainable in Asia. Do you also subscribe to that?

Of course, I had advocated that as far back as 2010 when I presented the distinguished alumni lecture at the University of Ibadan before the international community and I justified it. Go and look at my paper entitled “Corruption and Rule of Law in Nigeria: The way out”, and the reason for advocating that are not far-fetched. I discovered that the Nigerian elite have no shame, but there is one thing: he is afraid of death and that’s all. As I said, he has no shame. Put him in prison, he will still come back and vie for political offices. The people also vote for them or they rig themselves into such offices. You now see drug pushers and criminals being elected into Houses of Assembly and National Assembly. By the time we kill two or three former governors, others will sit up, because they don’t want to die. We only need to use one as an example. Those who are looting and have looted the resources are not more than one per cent of the population of the country, and we have more than 170 million people, so we can afford to waste them, because they have no value to you and I and the people out there. Nigerians are dying by installments. They say they don’t want to confront the government because they don’t want to die, yet they are dying by installments. They are losing their lives per second; they run into potholes and die, drink that polluted water and die by installments. By the time

But the onus rests more on the bar and bench to deliver justice… How do you mean? How do you expect to find a virgin in a maternity home? I ask you. How do you expect the members of law profession to be the only saint? What of the pen or medical or accounting profession? Or what are you talking about? People point accusing fingers at others without looking at themselves. The socalled corruption in the legal profession that some people are exaggerating, how did we come to this sorry state? Why are people not pointing accusing fingers at those who instigated it? It takes two to tango. Some people must have offered them gratifications; which profession do those ones belong to? You see, it is easy to accuse others. If you say a particular judge is corrupt and because of that you want to generalise that the legal profession is corrupt, the man who offered him that bribe, which profession does he belong to? Are you exonerating him? That editor who suppresses the publication of the truth, which profession does he belong to? The man who bought him over and killed the story, which profession does he belong to? Why must people now criticise the entire media profession, because of the misdeed of one editor, as if that editor can operate alone without the connivance of others? What is exactly wrong with the system and how can we restore normalcy? It is the structure. The people up there are just willing to enjoy and protect themselves. Let us come nearer home and some vivid examples will do. The civil society, I mean the radical ones in the professional bodies, fought tremendously to get freedom of information and it was passed at the federal level. Now, how many states have domesticated it? How many people have taken advantage of it? They are saying they don’t want to be in the bad book of the government. They are not ready to speak truth to the government, thereby maintaining an unsustainable structure. Continues

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thepolity

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

What politicians said about her… Continued from

pg 31

sive turnout of who-is-who in Nigeria at the Ikenne home of the Awolowos, following the exit of Mama, who many have described in different and innumerable words. Beginning from Saturday, 19 September, when Mama breathed her last, leading politicians across all political divides and ideologies and especially those in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC); Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Social Democratic Party (SDP) had been thronging the Awolowos’ residence, paying tribute to Mama for her pristine values and uncommon humanness as well as her example in leadership. Former Nigeria’s president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; former governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC-controlled state government had been among the early callers from the political circle, showing the importance of Mama to politicians across different divides. Chief Obasanjo had described Mama as the matriarch of Yoruba after her passage on that Saturday, noting that her life had been a joy to many. A high-powered Federal Government delegation, which had the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal; Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari; Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin and a former SGF, Baba Gana Kingibe, had also, on Sunday, visited the Awolowos, where it convened President Muhammadu Buhari’s regret over Chief HID Awolowo’s death. But Nigeria’s vice-president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, who is Mama’s grandson-in-law, while speaking, was the one to aptly capture Mama’s political essence; noting that she lived for a united Nigeria. “She lived for this nation. Every day of her life, she wanted to see a great nation and I know that she had begun to see that great nation,” Osinbajo said. APC’s national leader, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who visited the Awolowo’s home in company of the governors of Lagos, Oyo and Osun states governors, Akinwumi Ambode; Abiola Ajimobi and Rauf Aregbesola, as well as former governors of Osun and Ekiti states, Chief Bisi Akande and Dr Kayode Fayemi, noted that Mama exemplified the best of the progressive spirit. “In her gentle but strong way, she held forth the banner and nurtured the progressive legacy after her husband, the revered Obafemi Awolowo passed on. This great jewel of the people withstood the test of time and weathered the political storms of dictatorship and mis-governance. Never did she bend or reject her principles and beliefs despite the pressures that came. She stood firmly in the courage of her convictions,” Tinubu stated. The governors of Oyo, Osun and Lagos also took turns to eulogise Mama, with Ambode describing her as “a woman of inestimable value who has contributed to the development of Nigeria.” But the visits to Ikenne were not an all-APC affair, in fact, the governor of Ondo State and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, who was close to Mama in her lifetime and was recently declared by Mama to be a real Awoist, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, was in the Awolowos’ home at the same period with the vice-president. Also, a former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba who is now of the SDP, appeared to have been literally reunited with his old pals in the APC, as he was in Ikenne with Tinubu and the APC leaders in his entourage. But if Sunday was considered a day for politicians’ visits, anyone who doubts the Awolowo’s political hegemony and especially Mama Awolowo’s relevance to the political circles, will be truly humbled by the caliber of personalities that were received by the children of the deceased, Reverend Mrs Omotola Oyediran and Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, on Wednesday. The day had begun with the daily Christian service conducted by the Remo Anglican Diocese, but hardly had the programme begun than the leadership of the APC, led by its national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun walked in. On that entourage were the national vice chairman (APC South-West), Chief Segun Oni; national auditor of the party, Chief George Moghalu and its national woman leader, Hajia Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu.

From left, Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; Mrs Patience Jonathan; former President Goodluck Jonathan and Reverend Tola Oyediran

From right, former governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel; All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Chief Segun Oni

Before Oyegun and his team entered the Efunyela Hall, Daniel had been in the auditorium on account of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ogun State. When the APC top shots team came in, however, Daniel who is of the PDP, Oyegun and Oni greeted one another with such camaraderie that could melt the heart of anyone who thinks politics is all about bickering and bitterness.

Mama united all political divides; rightists, leftists, centrists. She saw us all as her children

Shortly after the APC team left, former President Goodluck Jonathan; his wife, Dame Patience; former House Leader, Honourable Mulikat Akande-Adeola; former chairman of FERMA, Dr Jide Adeniji and the deputy governor of Ondo State, Mr Lasisi Oluboyo, among others, walked into the Efunyela Hall amidst pomp and praises, bringing to a crescendo the visits of the country political bigwigs. The former president noted that he broke his postpresidency rest to visit in Ikenne to commiserate with the Awolowos, describing Mama as rare mother and a noble woman. Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayo Fayose of the PDP and a senator on the platform of the party from Bayelsa State, Ben Murray-Bruce, were also among the hordes of politicians who paid a visit to Ikenne, with the governor noting that sage and his wife had left their footprints in the sands of time because of their strong conviction for a strong and virile nation. “The Awolowo couple have left a good legacy for us, great lessons for our children and generation yet unborn. We love them and we are going to celebrate them, it is Continues

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interview

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

What Nigeria politicians can learn from Philippines —Farounbi

The immediate past Nigeria’s Ambassador to Philippines, Chief Yemi Farounbi, speaks with TADE MAKINDE and SEYI SOKOYA on national issues and his national assignment. Excerpts:

OU were recently honoured in respect of your meritorious service to the nation by the Advance Media and Communication Academy, how do you feel? Honestly, I am thrilled, because I didn’t expect it. Also, the fact that I served in a country that was far away, Philippines and my colleague served in Australia, we didn’t know that there were some people back in Nigeria that were interested in whatever we were doing and were monitoring us. Aside this, some weeks back, the Igbo community in Oyo State led by the Eze Ndigbo also did a rare thing they haven’t done for 18 years. I was given a chieftaincy title, irrespective of the fact that I am not an Igbo man. For me, it is all thanks to God and of course to Nigerians for considering us worthy to represent the nation; again, I am delighted. You were also honoured by the National Assembly and youths of Philippines, are you that influential in the country. Without being immodest, I would say they will miss me a lot, because I have an indescribably close relationship with the department of Foreign Affairs in Philippines and a close relationship with the Chambers and Commerce and the Confederation of Industry. Honestly, it was as if there had not been a Nigeria representative over there before and I was able to achieve all these with the help of my team, which I called ‘Team Manila’. The experience was awesome and we were able bring a lot of companies to Nigeria. One of them is building a port in Lekki, which will be the largest port in Africa. We facilitated three universities that we will establish here; it is in the process of accreditation and they will be situated in Kwara, Osun and Benue. We were able to do things they’ve never seen before and they were excited with the kind of relationship we were able to establish. Before, the embassy issued about 27 visas for people going to Nigeria, but it has been increased to about 300, because the Pilipino are assisting in constructions, oil and gas, teaching and other professional occupations. They are really excited to do things with us, because there are opportunities here. Last year, they got cocoa from here and they are planning to get cassava from here. They are also interested in our gem stones and coal. They have the largest pharmaceutical company in the whole of Asia and they are ready to come to Nigeria. As I said earlier, they have many universities, more than they can fill and so many Nigerians and students come from all over the world because they give quality education at a cheap cost. I think we have about 4,000 Nigerian students sponsored by NIMASA and the Special Adviser to the former President on Niger Delta. Honestly, they are happy about the partnership. I will miss them and I know they

are a third world country, but because they have gone through a lot of things that we are going through and they succeeded. Take electricity for instance; 15 years ago, before President Ramus, the power situation was just like that of Nigeria where electricity is being shared on eight hours interval. But within a space of 18 months, they were able to solve the problem to provide adequate power from coal, geothermal, hydro and solar, among other sources. So, I am surprised when you are told in Africa that you cannot generate power in four years when it happened in Philippines within 18 to 21 months; so, there are things that we can learn from them. Aside that, it is a country that has a university that is as old as 405 years, which is their first university and they have about 1,800 universities and they spend 30 per cent of their budget on education, which is why they were able to export 1.13 million Pilipino every year earning for them 32 billion US dollars.

Chief Yemi Farounbi

would miss me too. How do you feel representing your country as ambassador? When you represent a country like this that has a population of almost 200 million, which means 20 per cent of the population of Africa and 16 per cent of the population of Black people in the world; a nation that has the largest economy of 503 US dollars as Gross Domestic Product in Africa, a nation that is number eight in the production of oil, a nation that is number 10 in oil and natural gas reserve, a nation that is number two in bitumen in the whole world and number one in the production of cassava in the world; when

you represent such nation anywhere in the world, you feel tall. This is because in geo-politics, they respect size, population and economy. So, it was a great thing to represent Nigeria. How was life in Philippines? It was very interesting. It is a country of natural disaster. They have about 32 typhoons of various sizes every year. We occasionally have earthquake and volcano and all these make Philippines a unique country. But it is a country where they have a rapid capacity to restore things after any disaster; I have experienced that many times. It is a country people need to know much about. Not only because they

Can you compare Nigeria’s politic to that of Philippines? There is no much different, but I noticed that political parties are not as strong in Philippines as they are in Nigeria. Parties are too strong here. They have the America’s approach to politics and structure, because they were last colonised by America. Perhaps, we should say we have similar attitude, but there is something that is unique. They have the old American system where the president is elected alone and the vice-president separately and not elected as a team. Right now, they have had a president since 2010; he will go next year, because they have one term of six years. That president is from the Liberal Party, while his vice came from UNA political party and they work successfully together. They have the ability to work together in spite of political differences. Something, we are unable to do that in Nigeria. Everyone in the cabinet of the president except two are technocrats. They don’t put anybody in the system because such a person delivered votes or being good at the campaign platform and that has made the president to do excellently well in running the affairs of the nation, making it become second in the ranking of economies in Asia. Do you think that model of politics can work in Nigeria, whereby politicians will be sidelined for technocrats in the cabinet, especially considering the argument they always advance that they have contributed to a president’s victory? Ultimately, it can. There is what we call principles, but what Nigerians really want is delivery of service at the right time and with the right call and quality. Sometimes, they don’t care who is administering the electricity sector, among other things, Continues

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thepolity

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

‘She was the mother of the nation’ Continued from

pg 33

about celebration and not mourning,” he said. Also speaking during her visit to Ikenne, Senator Florence, who visited in company of Mrs Abba Folawiyo and her friends, captured Mama’s life as a woman with great strength behind her politician husband, noting that women like her [Ita-Giwa] prayed for the strength and courage that Mama had.” “She was a strong pillar behind her husband and she kept the family together after he passed on. She is a great reminder of what Papa Awolowo stood for,” Senator ItaGiwa said. The Ogun State chapter of the SDP had also called on the Awolowos, where its chairman, Chief Olu Agemo, summed up the life of Mama as an accommodating mother to all political divides, saying: “Mama united all political divides; rightists, leftists, centrists. She saw us all as her children.” And Agemo was right, in death, Mama’s political children across different divides have continued to pay their last respect to the Awolowo matriarch. For instance, Mimiko and Osinbajo put aside their political differences to condole with a family they had both been close to for some time; one as an inlaw and the other as a follower of its patriarch. At Ikenne, the governor of Osun State, Aregbesola and his rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the August 2014 governorship election, Senator Iyiola Omisore, were united in purposeto pay their last respect to the Yeye Oodua. The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Buruji Kashamu and his closest contender in the election, APC’s Dapo Abiodun might be opposing each other before the Election Petition Tribunal, in Ikenne they were all one; just as the camps of the SDP and APC, which had fallen out in Ogun State met and literally became one while paying condolence visits to the Awolowos. Outside partisan politics, the demise of the Mojibade of Ikenne had also brought together several heavyweights across different ethnic groups, with the leaders of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere; different Yoruba cultural organisations; Igbo leaders from the

South-East led by Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, among others also visiting Ikenne, where they had all shown how important the wife of the first Premier of Western Region was to them and to Nigeria. What is, however, striking is the warmth and friendliness among the political class who visit Ikenne, especially when members of opposing camps happened on one another, demonstrated Mama Awolowo’s importance as a bridge-builder and an epitome of unity, as she was described by most of those who paid glowing tributes to her. In fact, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence (Dr) Samuel Emeka Uche, predicted that just as Mama lived for the unity of Nigeria, her burial would unite politicians and mark the beginning of a new order of unity and the rebuilding of Nigeria to a virile nation. Though Mama had always been fond of the glorious reunion between her and husband, Papa Awolowo, always reminding anyone who had anything to do with Papa’s legacy that she would render account to him on whatever actions or decisions taken as regard his legacy, it is sad

that Mama would only be able to tell a part. For instance, she would not be able to tell how her death had shown the preponderance of those who adore Awolowo and loved him greatly among pretenders. Mama would not be able to tell how she had become a political icon and an exemplar and how the name Awo would continue to remain a focal point for politicians of all divides following her demise, as the remaining true disciples of Awolowo and those newly convinced to follow him due to Mama’s towering ideals continue to demonstrate the resolve. Indeed, for Mama, like every great man and woman before her, death is not the end, it is a mere transition that can only entrench the Awolowos’ legacies and ideals the more, because for decades to come, not only will the name of Papa Awolowo continue to resonate; it would continue to be said that he had a great mother, a visionary leader and an insightful woman for a wife—Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, his jewel of inestimable value. Her death will also continue to be remembered for one thing—uniting all political divides at a crucial time in the life of the country that unity is of great essence.

From left, Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu and the leader of the Federal Government delegation and Secretary to the Government of the Federation

‘Buhari should look into the Confab reports’ Continued from

pg 32

Nigeria is supposed to be a federation, where every component part should develop itself. Is it not maddening for anybody to compare Lagos with Oyo State, or Oyo with Ekiti State, or Delta with Ebonyi, or Rivers with Cross Rivers, because the resources available to them are not the same? The structures are not the same. Lagos can afford to have 20 to 30 ministries, should Oyo follow? In Ikoyi-Obalende alone, can you count the number of 5-star hotels you have there and where guests pay in dollars? Do you know what that translates to in terms of internally generated revenue? Why must Ekiti want to follow because Ajimobi is beautifying Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso and Saki? Does Ekiti have the resources? No industry in that state; it is even the most backward in terms of infrastructural development in the South-West. Why must that state want to have about 13 commissioners, when it could do with about six? By my own reckoning, Oyo should not have more than 12 ministries. So, why must Osun State copy Oyo when it is just an agrarian society? How many industries are allocated there? Why must a state embark on white elephant? Lagos can afford to embark on LagosBadagry 10 lanes, because it has the resources to execute it. Can Oyo now embark on the same project from Ibadan to Saki? These are the pertinent questions we must ask. Our needs are different; they are totally not the same. One can ask again that how many primary schools are in Oyo and Osun? You cannot compare the two. And don’t forget that Oyo has been in existence since the days of Old Western Region and it has more infrastructure to maintain and cater for, otherwise they will collapse. So,

we have to change the structure. One of them features of federalism is that every component part must be allowed to develop at its own pace. We must recognise our diversities. Oyo, Ogun and Lagos are the only states in the South-West that share border with other countries. Osun and Ekiti states have no border to share with other countries while Ondo could share through the sea. So, a state like Osun and Ekiti will not appreciate what Oyo is passing through at the border towns. And for your information, Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo covers about 65 per cent landmass of the state. As I said, our needs are different. Simply, the needs of Oyo are different from that of Osun and others. If the wife of the governor of Lagos has many pet projects, it doesn’t mean that wife of Ekiti or Oyo should do the same. Each state much identify its own need and prioritise them. Is it education or infrastructural development? The constitution of the country itself must be changed. Why? It is too unitary in nature and only federal in name. How do you mean? There are too many things concentrated at the centre which, ordinarily, should be within the state and local governments. Thank God for states like Lagos and Abia that helped the rest of the country tremendously by going to court to get some concession and pronouncement of the court on state issues. The Federal Government was going to strip all states of the little gain they have. For instance, town planning law, and thank God for Lagos who went to court on the issue of tourism (hotels) that

is generating money for local governments and the state. Lagos went to court and got a judgment on that, which other states are now benefiting from. Why is it that other states are not thinking outside the box? They don’t want to be at loggerheads with the Federal Government. Lagos and Abia under Bola Tinubu, Babtunde Fashola anf Orji Uzor Kalu respectively, took the fight to the doorsteps of the government to be able to get concessions here and there. If Lagos didn’t go to court over local government allocation, it is easy for the government at the centre to just take the paltry allocation of the states and that of local governments Is that why the Confab reports should be imbibed or accommodated into the constitution, given the far-reaching recommendations made, some of which could address the problems you have highlighted? Of course, look at the number of recommendations that were made. You may not agree with all of them, but they addressed quite a lot of the issues and challenges we are facing in the country. How would you advise the current government to look into the Confab reports? It should start by setting up a committee. I think the Jonathan administration tried to do that, but it was very late. Only he alone can explain why months after the reports were recommended, he could not implement those that were administrative. He had the opportunity to do that.

interview

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

‘The secret behind my white attires’ Continued from

pg 34

because they get electricity supply regularly, just as they don’t care who owns or administers GSM, because they have brought telephone services to us. I would say Nigerians are more interested in delivery of services. It might be a little difficult if we start now, because a politician, having been used to dominating appointments, will not find such decision easy to cope with. But I know we will get there soon. Sometimes, Nigerians in the Diaspora are accused of being involved in crimes at a rate that is alarming; how would you access Nigerians’ involvement in crimes during your stay as an ambassador in Philippines? It is on the low rate. I think there are about 18 Nigerians in the prison; some for drug-related offences. It is a pity because after serving a jail term in Philippines, the person involved would also repeat the same duration of the jail term in Nigeria; that is the Nigerian law. It shows that Nigeria is anti-drug. Also, there are two people that are involved in fraud. But the crime rate is not as much as we have in Malaysia, Indonesia, China or Singapore. Now that you are back in Nigeria, what is the next thing you want to do? At present, I am just settling down and trying to understand what the terrain looks like. We are all committed to making Nigeria a better place. As I wrote in my column in Tribune several years back, I am anxious about the better days for Nigeria. What is your take on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government? I am still trying to understand things, because his approach has been completely different; although it reminds me of what Reo Force who wrote ‘The power and the barrel of the gun’ once said that ‘military people always prefer to work with technocrats,’ maybe that is why he seems to be slow. I think it is too early to predict the direction of his governance. As an indigene of Osun State, what is your take on the present situation in the state? Because I am fresh in the country, I have to rely on what the newspapers have been saying about nonpayment of salaries and the fact that the tertiary institutions have not been functioning for sometimes. These are not the best things. They ought to be issues that should be addressed quickly. In your view, what do you think could solve these problems in a short time? I think the solution has been provided by the Federal Government with the bailout, which is to assist them to pay whatever is outstanding and I would think the best thing the governor ought to do is to pay the workers, especially the outstanding salaries. But it is in the news that many of the governors, including Osun’s, are yet to clear the outstanding salaries despite the bailout… I think it is unfortunate, because my own understanding is that the essence of the bailout is to enable the governments to pay what is outstanding. And I think given the promise that President Buhari gave at his inaugural address that under his watch he would not allow anybody to contradict the rule of law, I suggest President Buhari should positively intervene and find a lasting solution. What do you think led the states to such debts? It is also unfortunate that there is so much debt being accumulated, but, of course, because government is continuous; that means that many years to come succeeding and successive government will be paying these debts and that will hold down the growth of the states. Particularly, the money that will be spent on capital development would have to be used to pay past debts. Professor Sam Aluko once said that ‘when you borrow money to pay a debt, then you have become a debtor’ and it is a pity, because it looks as if you are borrowing money to

Chief Farounbi

pay debts and not to create jobs or industrialise or add value to the economy of the state, which is not the best. To me, it is already a debt trap and the only way the government could escape from the trap is to create accelerated internal or external revenues, which will allow the states to create jobs to build infrastructure and attract investments. Perhaps, if this is done, the ability of the state to pay salaries and also to pay these accumulated debts will be enhanced. It has been observed that politicians have turned the death of the late Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, to a political weapon to be deployed during elections to fight some perceived enemies. What is your take on this? I guess it is an unfortunate situation that current politicians only use names to win elections and not that they subscribe to the ideology of the particular person or understand what the person stood for. I am not sure many people who use Papa [Obafemi] Awolowo’s or Uncle Bola’s names to campaign and win elections know their ideological orientation. Contemporary politicians are only interested in power and that is all, not because they are particularly committed to anything and they use what they can to win elections. It is sad. Uncle Bola stood for a lot of things; he was one of the greatest administrators I worked with. He was my boss and as a matter of fact, he got me into politics. I shared a large number of views with him. I remember when we went to Cuba; we were there to see why Cuba was able to win UNESCO award and we came back with a lot of things. For example: we found out that they were using sugar to generate fuel for vehicles and every school had its own factory and farm. He also brought discipline into the young generation. He was committed to the people and interested in providing the best for people. Now, do those who use his name believe in these? They don’t understand what he stood for not to talk of believing in him. How do you feel that the mystery of his death is yet to be unraveled? I believe that at the appropriate time, those who killed him would be revealed. The God that Uncle Bola served and I also serve would reveal the person behind his

death. You would remember that he was the Secretary of the Students’ Christian Movement worldwide. The God that he served said that He is a God of justice. He also said that “I am a God of vengeance.” At the appropriate time, God will avenge the death of Chief Bola Ige. How will you describe your relationship with your state governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola? As an ambassador, I served the whole country irrespective of ethnic division, religious or political differences. For that reason, I have a good relationship with him when I needed to work with Osun State and he always responded very well to my mission. So, you don’t have a personal relationship with him? No. How did you feel when you received the news that the name of your state was changed to the State of Osun? Well, it is a constitutional matter and it has been addressed by a High Court in Lagos, because Lagos was the first to try to call itself State of Lagos and the High Court ruled that there was nothing like that. It ruled that the name of a state is a constitutional matter and that all the states that make up the Federal Republic of Nigeria are adequately defined and listed in the constitution. So, if you want to change the name of a state, you have to look at the schedule that indicates the names of all the states in the constitution. But it seems that the change of name has come to stay. They’ve done something about it; the ruling of the High Court stands unless it is overturned at the Court of Appeal or at the Supreme Court. That ruling remains valid all over Nigeria. You are always in white attires, aside your grey hair, what is the secret? White stands for holiness and purity. I like to be pure and holy as God wants us to be. But, of course, we all can try; it is only God that can make it possible.

thepolity

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

How best to handle fuel subsidy â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Prince Olugbade

Prince Boluwasanmi Akin-Olugbade, Ph.D, is the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Owu kingdom in Egbaland, Ogun State. The lawyer and business tycoon speaks on the issue of fuel subsidy removal and other national issues. Excerpts:

OW much influence did your father have on you? My father was my mentor and was a man I idolised. I wanted to be like him in every way and I have succeeded to some extent. He was a very nice man who treated everyone nicely and was very generous. He was a successful business man and a lawyer. I am following in his footsteps. He was the Balogun of Owu and I am now the Aare Ona Kakanfo and a crown prince of Owu Kingdom, because our family belongs to the Otileta Ruling House in Owu. He was a very nice man and a disciplinarian and he helped me a lot. I made my first one million naira when I was just 21 years old and that was more than a million dollars then. When did he die? My father died in 1987 at the age of 74. He and the late Chief Awolowo were contemporaries. In fact, he became the leader of opposition after Awolowoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imprisonment. An article was credited to you recently in the print media concerning the management of oil subsidy and how its removal should be handled. What prompted this? I wrote an article on how to do a socially acceptable deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry. I felt that if they are just deregulated, it would affect the poor people in the country. So, I came up with a unique idea, which I gave to my friend, the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. We were classmates in school. I also gave it to the National Security Adviser, NSA, Major General Babagana Monguno. But I decided to publish the article so that the people could make their comments. Perhaps, the president had gotten hold of the document, because he now made a statement that he could not just remove subsidy like that, because it would affect the poor people more and which was the thrust of my article. In those days, we used to have two-star and four-star petrol. Now, abroad, you have unleaded petrol. The cars most poor Nigerians buy are cars that are over ten years old. These cars use leaded petrol; they are cars made in the last ten years that use unleaded petrol. Abroad, you do not get leaded petrol anymore. So, most of these old cars are being shipped to Nigeria and that is why they are cheap. The petrol that we are making in Nigeria, because the refineries are quite old, you can add lead to them and make it a different colour from the imported unleaded petrol. You can now sell them at the current price of N87 per litre, so that the poor people, who use those cars older than ten years and motorcycles or tricycles or buses can continue to buy at the current price, while the rich people would be using the unleaded petrol that we import and you can sell it at N150 per litre. Now, anyone that can afford a car that is less than ten years old, by Nigerian standard, is rich or comfortable and can afford to buy petrol at N150. The present subsidy is actually for the rich; not the poor. Let the rich pay the appropriate price while the poor people pay N87 per litre. The rich do

Prince Boluwasanmi Akin-Olugbade

not want to damage their cars as they were made for unleaded petrol and they would voluntarily pay N150 per litre. So, if this is done, the social aspect would have been taken care of and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need increase in salaries and allowances which the president is afraid of. The problem, however, is this: will the petrol stations sell at the designated prices? That one requires policing by the DPR and the petrol stations should differentiate prices using the different colour between leaded petrol and unleaded one. If you go abroad, no one checks what is being sold to them, because no one cheats. Therefore, the people themselves should know that there is no point cheating. The production cost of the one being made in Nigeria is quite low, so they can still afford to make profit from whatever they are selling. The second suggestion I made was about the indigenisation of employment. You see, the way Nigeria is going, there is going to be a social revolution within the next ten years. You see many private universities springing up and graduates are coming out of these universities. The businesses that should provide employment for them are suffering and people are not being paid. You find out that there is no employment for the large number of graduates that we are producing. If you have poor people who do not have intellect, they can manage. They can decide to go to the farm. But graduates that come out and cannot get jobs become frustrated and we will soon have sophisticated and intellectual armed robbers/kidnappers and this will be very dangerous. We must, therefore, provide employment for these people. I believe the Nigerian Immigration Service is sabotaging the efforts of government in this country, because so many expatriates are being employed in positions that Nigerians could occupy. You do not do that in the US. You cannot go there and say you want to work without a work permit. A work permit is issued here also but the law states that before

such expatriate can work, you have to get a Nigerian as an understudy of that expatriate. The maximum period that expatriates can work in most cases is ten years and that Nigerian understudy takes over. Expatriates just come here and work and even expatriates that set up businesses here also employ expatriates like themselves. Educated Nigerians are not being employed and not being given the experience in terms of employment. The type of Indigenisation Decree that made a lot of foreigners sell companies to Nigerians should be reviewed in terms of Indigenisation of Employment. We can have two schedules. Schedule One, which should be bigger than the old Schedule in the Indigenisation Decree, should have companies under it that cannot employ expatriates. Then we should have Schedule Two, which are companies that can employ expatriates and this must be for technologically advanced companies and not just for example, any car dealership company. A foreigner can invest in companies under Schedule One, but he can only be the chairman and cannot take an executive position. So if he really wants to invest his money, let him invest in companies in Schedule Two which are the companies we need to develop Nigeria; not companies that any Tom, Dick or Harry can run. These are lofty ideas. How do we get them implemented? How do we get them across to those that matter? I have already sent it to the people in authority. Have they responded? Well, I just did this in the last couple of weeks. What of the political buttons? You know that the expatriates understand our system and they always

try to undermine it. You see, that is why I am glad that we have someone like Buhari coming on board. At his age, I do not think he wants to do a second term. So, he wants to leave a legacy and do things right. I do not think he is the kind of person that will allow expatriates to frustrate what he wants to do to improve the lives of Nigerians. So, the government has to do something and can send it to the National Assembly to debate over it. I have included companies that I feel should be in Schedule One and those that should be in Two. They can now put more in the two schedules or remove some from One and take it to Two. It depends on what the government feels are the needs of the nation but I feel that there are so many companies right now that we must stop from employing expatriates. There can be a transition period of about one year to put things in place. You can try to do this expatriates quota thing but it will still be abused. The people in Immigration take bribes from these expatriates and allow them to do what they like. You see some expatriates come here and he does not even know anything. It is Nigerians under him that do the work. It is just ridiculous. I have made these proposals because, though I come from a privileged background,I have a social conscience. In fact,I was given the most outstanding Nigerian philanthropist of the year award in 2011. Nigeria is bleeding and what some people are interested in is how they are going to make their own money from her, despite the bleeding. There is also the idea of Nigeria saying it is the giant of Africa. Our bigness is just an illusion as we do not have the financial wherewithal to back up what we are claiming. We have so many leakages in the West African region and we need to restrict the free movement within ECOWAS. Nigeria should close all its land borders. Anyone who wants to go out of Nigeria or come in should go either by air or by sea. By going through air or sea, we would develop our waterways and our domestic airlines, and also block the leakages through the land borders. But this is not our decision alone but that of ECOWAS charter which we signed to. You did not get me. Before you could enter England, it had to be either by air or by sea, before they did the Euro tunnel. When it was not there, England developed but now that it is open, the British economy is going down, because so many Europeans are coming in. We are the dominant power in West Africa. The manufacturing that we are doing here is not only for us, but the West African region. So, there are so many leakages and we are using our scarce foreign exchange to manufacture and these things are being taken out. This is not acceptable. If to say we get money back, it is better. But this is just a black economy. A lot of the petrol that we are importing with our scarce foreign exchange is being sold in West African countries. This is ridiculous. What is going through our land borders does not have statistics. So, we are losing so much. If everything is done by sea or air, it is documented and we can curb it, but on land, it is not.

HEAD of last Thursday’s independence anniversary, I had wondered how President Muhammadu Buhari would depict his understanding of the challenge of leadership now resting on his shoulders and how he hopes to inspire the nation out of the mounting challenges. That concern had risen in view of his recent international engagements, which I feel failed to sell the country as a product worth patronising. His trips to the G7, United States and the United Nations did very little to place Nigeria in the right place, especially when the talking points were just about looting and corruption. Those outings also largely divided Nigerians, with some Buhari diehards seeing everything good in his postures while others believe that substance was lacking substantially. The thinking out there is that you cannot market your country as a haven of looters and fraudsters and expect the serious minded businessmen to readily bring their investments. In that wise, countries like the United States and even South Africa have dwelled less on their weaknesses and projected their strengths to the world. That is why you don’t hear South Africa leaders lament their country as the rape capital of the world or America as the country with the biggest records of domestic violence and gun incidents. But Buhari impressed me when he said: “My countrymen and women, every new government inherits problems. Ours was no different. But what Nigerians want are solutions, quick solutions not a recitation of problems inherited.” He talked about the strengths we have in natural endowments, our failure to explore unity of purpose and the determination to pursue his change agenda. But he fired blank when he said that the delivery of hand over notes from the previous administration four days before May 29 handover hindered his ability to set up his government on time. When did he expect the hand over notes? On March 28? Some persons may want to buy his position and I say that would be part of the undue indulgence we are acceding to Buhari. In practical sense, it is lame excuse. He had the luxury of not being dragged to the tribunal after election, thus gaining a two month advantage. Again, the government of President Goodluck Jonathan was meant to terminate on May 29, 2015. So, he shouldn’t expect hand over notes earlier than that day. By quickly appointing Ministers, he would have has-

KINDLY permit me to air my view on the bitter experience of one of the mirror of the Yoruba race in the hands of the notorious Fulani’s herdsmen. This rag tag Fulani herdsmen’s threat is highly cancerous and as such dangerous. There is need therefore to eradicate it totally, before it spreads. The support of the “Miyyeti Allah” (whenever they wreak their havoc) seems to give these people the impression that they are above the law. However, their excessiveness can be checkmated by the police if they stop them from carrying any form of bayonets. —Ismail Ololade Aisa (Ikare-Akoko) 07082155560 Cowardice, over politicking by the Yoruba made Chief Olu Falae’s case die down the way it did. ‘Fire would still be raging’ by now if the assault on Chief Falae had happened to a prominent Nigerian from another part of Nigeria. This is because his people would have considered it a great insult. However, we keep managing and patching federalism together, otherwise.... Finally, just like Taiwo Adisa, ‘the lynx eye’ said, ‘we have to take the Police to task’ because they failed to parade the faces of the caught Kidnappers’. Nigerian Government needs a lot of workable and working infrastructure most especially CCTVs in cities, villages and borders, to nip criminalities in the bud. —Lanre Oseni 07064181043 Your piece on Chief Olu Falae›s travail was devoid of your analytical approach to issues. The chief was alleged to have been kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen. There was no concrete evidence than the accent of one of the hoodlums who called Mrs Falae, which was said to be Fulanis. Then, what we read was that Chief Falae was set free. How? We were not told. So this led to confusion over the identity of the culprits. Meanwhile, your piece zeroed in on the Fulani herdsmen as the culprits. This did not afford you the opportunity to direct your attention at other possibilities. For instance, how can Fulani herdsmen know the movement of the chief without the connivance of insiders among workers in his farm? Let us re-

4 October, 2015

the lynxeye with Taiwo adisa

08072000046 taiadisbabatj@gmail.com

My take on Buhari’s independence speech

tened the process of breaking down the hand over notes and oiling the governance process. Now, the Ministers would have to start studying the hand over notes from late October and maybe start work in December if they choose to hit the ground slowly like their boss. But his asserting that every new government inherits problems and his own is not different is well thought out and I believe the message should sink to leaders of his

frontrow with Toyin Willoughby Muyi 0805 500 1769 toyeenz@yahoo.com

Re: Baba Falae’s travails member Professor. Ilemobade›s case. If the culprits were not nabbed, God knows, maybe, Igbos would have been alleged to kidnap him. Herdsmen are deadly as you pointed out but kidnapping needs sophistication, which herdsmen lack. Had the IGP revealed the identities of the kidnappers, any controversy over the nationality of the criminals would have been settled. However, the fact is that it is not yet uhuru for this nation security wise. Our government and not only security men has a great role to play in the area of making stringent laws to make kidnapping unattractive, equipping the security men with sophisticated weapons, motivation of same and reviving the economy. Chief Falae›s case should serve as a lesson for political office holders to use their good offices to make this nation safe for the ordinary man and not themselves, family and cronies only. Failure of past governments to improve security is responsible for the kind of trauma that chief Falae went through at his age. —Adewuyi Adegbite. 07013065440 Be mindful of what you do or what you say today because whatever action you must have taken now will become history tomorrow. The major problems of the Yoruba are the dual act of unforgiving and rebellion to the advantage of

Sunday Tribune

party and his handlers, who have appointed themselves apostles of denigration of the previous governments as if the nation was on the bare floor when it was bequeathed to Buhari. It was shocking to see Alhaji Lai Mohammed appear on a television station sometimes ago, reeling out alleged debts of federal Ministries and parastatals in an attempt to defend the slowness of Buhari’s take off. Those are mere lamentations that get nowhere. Solutions are needed and they must be worked out. I wonder how Lai Mohammed would feel if a PDP leader had picked up the books of Lagos State and start doing the same. Lagos is the poster boy of APC administration; the most prosperous in the country and the most indebted at the same time! If debts are just bad, governments, especially the Western nations, would have nothing to do with such. It was also surprising seeing Mallam Garba Shehu granting an interview in which he claimed that the previous government “manipulated” statistics on the economic front. This is an alarming claim Buhari should not accept. The whole world knew and accepted the result of Nigeria’s economic rebasing, which made it the biggest in Africa. Records of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have never been doubted by the most credible global institutions around. As such, his claims can only amount to what William Shakespeare would term as taking vengeance further than death. Or what in this parlance we call campaigning after election. Following the defeat handed Jonathan in March; you don’t expect the winning party to keep putting the government down in all avenues just to ram in the essence of its victory. Now that President Buhari has identified the essence of leadership in a challenged economy, what we expect are short, medium and long term solutions to the challenges of the nation. He should be wary when any adviser or even Minister comes around to heap the blame for the nation’s economic woes on Goodluck Jonathan, Umaru Yar’Adua, Olusegun Obasanjo or even General Abdusalami Abubakar. You do not expect a man with two eyes to blame another for leading him into a dungeon, especially when he is not blindfolded. Whatever problems we encounter today have been there long before the elections if not before the start of the Fourth Republic. They are also issues Buhari had campaigned with since 2003. It would be difficult to accept if he now sees them as strange challenges after assumption of office. the Fulani. First, the issue of Alaafin and Afonja, it has to do with Fulani. Second, the crack in the leadership of the Action Group that led to the collapse of the first republic was headed by a Fulani man. Third, the last speaker of the House of Representatives was facilitated by Yoruba rebellion, which blocked the way of their own. Who becomes the next victim of this dreaded and anti-social Fulani? —Afolabi Moses G Agodongbo Oyo State.08074217723 Insecurity is one major catastrophe plaguing our dear nation apart from injustice, imposition, election rigging, do or die politics, bribery and corruption, Boko Haram menace and embezzlement of public funds. There is a saying that “if the tree fell upon other trees, we must first of all remove the one at the top before we can salvage the rest.” The incumbent administration of president Buhari should do all it can to crush the insecurity first before dealing with the rest. —Taiwo Sangotikun Iseyin, Oyo State 0805630937 If they don›t respect their elders over there, it is incumbent on us to let them know that here, we hold our elders in high reverence and as such, they should not be rustled like their cattle. If we were not careful, by their activities, the infidels traversing our landscape in the name of rearing animals would soon turn our hallowed clime to a land of no tomorrow-like theirs. —Dayo Oladeji, Saki, Oke Ogun 08027278748 If the calibre of Baba Falae at 77yrs can be kidnapped and treated so shabbily, it means nobody is free from such ugly incidence! However, the Baba should be grateful for God›s quick intervention .It is high time the government found a lasting solution to the activities of kidnappers in this nation before it gets out of hand. —Lekan Oladeji, Ilora 08053049443

4 October, 2015

on the

Sunday Tribune

With Bolanle Bolawole turnpot@gmail.com 07052631058

lord’sday Buhari: Caught-up in Saraki’s lair?

OLITICS can be funny game; more so the Nigerian version of it! Senate President Bukola Saraki, the hunted, has suddenly become the hunter with loaded guns who, if he so desires, can treat President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministers-designate as fair game! A game of musical chairs – that is what politics is here; someone whose fate hangs in the balance, and who is fighting tooth-and-nail to escape corruption charges will now sit over the fate of others, able to make or mar their ambition. Not only that, he can put spanners in Buhari’s works; he can also hold the entire country to ransom. A man who, a while ago, ran from pillar to post begging for audience with Mr. President but was given cold shoulders was seen last Thursday rubbing shoulders with the same leader, both of them grinning from ear to ear, throwing banters and engaging in tete-a-tete. It is a game of pendulum; it swings here and there and when it swings your way, it is better you seize the opportunity with both hands. There are no assurances that Saraki’s present good fortunes will last; once Ministers are appointed or turned down – depending on how much of the opportunity of the present forced thaw in relations Saraki is able to make – it could be back to square one again. It is, however, interesting to see how politicians deceive one another; nay, the unsuspecting public. Photo-ops are awfully deceitful; stark reality is often concealed in the politicians’ flowing and immaculate “babanrigas”. The situation out there is still as confusing as ever concerning who made and who did not make the ministerial list. Some names are out in the public domain but sources presidential as well as senatorial, so to say, are slamming disclaimers on the leak. But I trust the media – if they do not get it right 100%, they will make very close to it. Spokespersons of both the Presidency and the Senate President have asked us to wait till Tuesday when, hopefully, the list sent to the Senate by the president will be officially unveiled. Why not? We wait! What is certain, for now, is that, finally, President Muhammadu Buhari has begun to unveil the names of his Ministers – pardon me, noise-makers! This is in fulfilment of his pledge to do so in September, which he now has barely managed to meet. The whole list is not ready even yet; according to the president, another list (or lists, as the case may be?) will be forwarded to the Senate in “due course”. No one knows what that due course is. What is obvious is that this president wants to take his time; he wants to give himself the liberty to work at his own pace; and he hates to be stampeded. He probably wants to do a perfect job; if there is anything like that. Having sent a list containing some names to the Senate, he must have heaves a sigh of relieve; he now expects us to get off his back even as he expects attention to now shift to the Senate – and sure it will. The fact, however, that Mr President deemed it fit to bend over backward to meet the self-imposed deadline of September ending is good for our bourgeon-

ing democracy. It means impunity may be receding and treating one’s word as one’s bond may have begun to recommend itself to our leaders. The reasons why Buhari could not wait for the whole list to be ready before pushing it forward are not far to fetch. First is the one earlier mentioned: The president gave a deadline and felt compelled to meet it; otherwise, he will not be seen as a man of his word. That will soil his reputation! When Buhari set the September deadline, many described it as too long a wait; extending the wait again would have been viewed with suspicion by many. Candidate Buhari had thought the job of assembling a team would not be this hard; he had, therefore, promised initially to get his team ready earlier than now. When he got into the saddle, however, he found that it would take a longer period if he was to get the right team. This delay played into the hands of critics who feasted on it, describing the president as too slow. “Baba go-slow” became an alias that such critics, chief of who are the opposition PDP, tried to stick on Buhari. Mr President and his party, APC, on the other hand, countered that cleaning the Augean stable and assembling a team of incorruptible leaders did not come easy. Another reason why Buhari is trying to move a little bit faster on his ministerial list is that ordinary Nigerians are complaining that the absence of ministers has truly slowed down governance. Nigerians do not seem to share the president’s condescending view of ministers as mere noise-makers; they are of the view that ministers make things happen in government and in that their absence, there had been a regrettable lull in government activities. In fact, real stagnation in government activities are the right words to use. Nothing appears to be moving. Money appears to have disappeared from circulation. No contracts or jobs are being awarded. No one seems to know what is happening. The civil servants who have been the head of the MDAs appear to be too scared or limited by statute to take any action that can make things move. Thus, economic activities have been virtually paralysed. The belief of the people is that

the absence of substantive ministers is responsible for this. So, any further delay in the appointment of ministers will certainly pit Buhari against the people. The people will be right to then believe that Buhari and APC either are not ready to govern or have been overwhelmed by the enormity of the problems confronting them. Then there is the question of the internal crisis whacking the ruling party. At one level is the open rebellion of the APC members of the National Assembly, the Senate especially, against their party. Had Buhari not met the September deadline, many would have said that fear of a likely negative reception at the Senate was responsible for the pussy-footing. There rumour is also widespread about the alleged unease of APC leaders about some of the ministerial nominees, who are said to be non-party members and, therefore, not “party workers” deserving of the invitation to “come and eat”. That could be the reason why some names keep appearing and disappearing in the rumour mill. Even now that all the names could not be submitted in one final batch, it is said to be as a result of discordant tunes coming from the party. Then, there is the APC “rebels” in the Senate to contend with and their PDP colleagues standing stoutly with them. Last week’s vote of confidence in the Senate leadership, in which over 80 senators out of a total of 109 voted in support, is evidence enough that if they so desire, they can fling Buhari’s list out of the window. Saraki himself gave a hint when he said in a speech at Independence Day celebration that it would no longer be business as usual. Possibly, there might be no “take a bow” and leave this time around. Another senator hiked the stakes when he said the same painstaking measures taken by the president to prepare the list will also be taken by the senators in considering it for approval. Buhari had said no corrupt person will be appointed into his cabinet. This is one pledge that the people will be interested to see how far the president is able to fulfil when his list of ministers becomes public knowledge. Will he be able to walk the talk? According to reports, the ministerial

list had been long in coming because of painstaking efforts to sift the grains from the chaff and ensure that only those above board, like Caesar’s wife, scale the hurdle. After all the efforts and time expended on the process, it would be a travesty if the list still falls far short of expectations in this regard. I carefully said “far short” because producing saints in the prevailing environment is herculean. The Senate demonstrated this in unmistakeable terms in their vote of confidence. Considered carefully, many of them only put themselves in Saraki’s shoes and concluded that they were not better than him. We must appreciate their honesty rather than pillory them. It was only an open admittance that even they cannot stand the scrutiny that Saraki was being subjected to. How many on Buhari’s list can stand the same scrutiny and how will senators treat such fellows? Certainly not with kid gloves, except APC sorts itself out in the upper legislative chamber before screening commences. I foresee a hard time for some nominees, especially anyone with corruption charges against his name. I suspect that political bickering, vendetta, and, finally, horsetrading will take the centre-stage when the Senate sits on the ministerial list. It may have even begun as we speak! Some will have a tough time scaling through screening because of who their godfathers are. In some instances, competence will not be taken into consideration during the coming screening exercise. As matters stand, the Senate can be said to be an opposition Senate. The situation that played out during the Goodluck Jonathan administration when the House of Representatives with majority PDP members effectively functioned in opposition to the PDP government may repeat itself in the Senate. I suspect that this will affect the screening of the ministers-designate. I will not be surprised if some of those being recommended fail to get the nod of the Senate. It is likely that some will be subjected to gruelling screening and, in the end, will be rejected. I suspect that Buhari will have a very tough time with this Senate. Ministers may be cleared in trickles by this Senate. So it may be too early or premature to congratulate anyone who made the Buhari list. Until a minister-designate clears the Senate hurdle, it is not yet Uhuru. Is this good for our renascent democracy? I know many will say yes and for good reasons. constitutional democracy rotates on the axis of separation of powers between the three arms of government i.e. the executive, legislature, and judiciary. The liberties, freedoms, and fraternities that democracy promises thrive where there are checks and balances. The other side of the coin, however, is that political shenanigans that sacrifice merit on the altar of partisan and or selfish considerations will ultimately lead to the collapse of the system and set the nation back again. As the Senate convenes to consider Buhari’s ministerial list, the nation waits with bated breath to see wither democracy in the days, months and years ahead.

language&style

by Samson Dare 0805 500 1770 samsonadare@yahoo.co.uk

From a reader: On been and being

ODAY, a reader of this column who does not want his name to appear in print, writes seeking further clarification on the usage of the forms been and being. The letter is reproduced as follows: Subject: Pease help and explain to me the use of been and being Good afternoon sir. Sir, I have been fallowing you on language and style grammatical agreement, I found it very informative. I read all your publications up till this week .Thank you very much for increasing our knowledge in the use of English. I have an issue with the use of the words “been and being” and last week when I was reading one of your publications “ In given Situation “ I have come across the two words while giving some examples eg, as you said “There was a time in this country when the parliamentary system of government was being given a serious consideration”.”The patient has been given six injections already”. among others. Kindly help me on how to use the two different words please.

Please I don’t want my name to be printed anywhere. What is the difference between the forms been and being? We can’t do better than reproduce some of our past efforts on this subject: Let’s pay attention to the form being which occurs in the following structure: “you have being taken around.” In noting the form being, it is important to note also the form have immediately preceding it. The co-occurrence of the two breaches a significant grammatical rule. What rule is involved here? To understand the nature of the error, we need to sketch and illustrate the two rules that are here confused. First is the rule of the perfect tense situated in the structure of the passive tense. The perfect tense is of the following nature: have/has/had plus a past participle form of the verb. Let’s read the following sentences: 1) David has written the letter. 2) The girl has spoken the truth. 3) The men have broken their promise. 4) The officers have prepared the report. 5) The boy had released the secret before the warning came. 6) The police had arrested the man before the court order was vacated. Those are examples of the perfect tense outside the passive structure. The same grammatical principle is maintained in the context of the passive structure. In this case, the structure is of the form: have plus been, where been represents the past participle. Now read the following sentences: 1a) The company has bought new cars (active sentence in the perfect tense) 1b) New cars have been bought by the company (passive sentence in the perfect tense). 2a) The police have arrested the criminal. (active sentence in the perfect tense) 2b) The criminal has been arrested by the police. (passive sentence in the perfect tense) 3a) That transaction has created many fraudulent loopholes. (active sentence in the perfect tense) 3b) Many fraudulent loopholes have been created by that transaction. (passive sentence in the perfect tense) 4a) The central government had constructed numerous roads. (active sentence in the perfect tense.) 4b) Numerous roads had been constructed by the central government. (passive sentence in the perfect tense) 5a) Soldiers have invaded the crisis-torn zone (active sentence in the perfect tense) 5b) The crisis-torn zone has been invaded by soldiers. (passive sentence in the perfect tense) 6a) The library has stocked over six million books. (active sentence in the perfect tense) 6b) Over six million books have been stocked by the library. (passive sentence in the perfect tense) The second rule is that of the continuous or progressive tense. The rule is of the nature: be plus the ing form of the verb (ie is going; was singing; were washing; are training; etc). Let’s read the following sentences: 1a) The church is planning a one-week revival programme. (active sentence in the progressive tense) 1b) A one-week revival programme is being planned by the church. (passive sentence in the progressive tense) 2a) The people were distributing seditious pamphlets. (active sentence in the progressive tense) 2b) Seditious pamphlets were being distributed by the people. (passive sentence in the progressive tense) 3a) The scientists are examining the specimen. (active sentence in the progressive tense) 3b) The specimen is being examined by the scientists. (passive sentence in the progressive tense). 4a) The girl was washing the clothes. (active sentence in the progressive tense) 4b) The clothes were being washed by the girl. (the passive sentence in the progressive tense) 5a) The musician is composing new songs. (active sentence in the progressive tense) 5b) New songs are being composed by the musician. (passive sentence in the progressive tense) 6a) The lecturer is grading the scripts. (active sentence in the progressive tense) 6b) The scripts are being graded by the lecturer. (pas-

Sunday Tribune

4 October, 2015

sive sentence in the progressive tense.) Now let’s have more examples from another effort in this place: structures: 1a) The Boko Haram insurgents have abducted over two hundred school girls. (active sentence) 1b) Over two hundred school girls have been abducted by Boko Haram insurgents. (passive sentence) 2a) Almost all the political parties have conducted primary elections. (active sentence) 2b) Primary elections have been conducted by almost all the political parties. (passive sentence) 3a) Armed robbers have taken over our cities. (active sentence) 3b) Our cities have been taken over by armed robbers. (passive sentence) 4a) Members of the National Conference had recommended fundamental changes in the constitution. (active sentence) 4b) Fundamental changes in the constitution had been recommended by members of the National Conference. (passive sentence). 5a) The police have arrested the criminal elements in the group. (active sentence). 5b) The criminal elements in the group have been arrested by the police. (passive sentence). 6a) The security agencies have addressed the issue of security challenges. (active sentence) 6b) The issue of security challenges has been addressed by the security agencies. (passive sentence) In each of the six pairs of sentences, both the active and the passive sentences are in the perfect tense: have plus the past participle. In addition, the passive sentence contains the form, been: have been, has been, and had been. Furthermore, the form been can also occur in the following contexts: 1) You have been a wonderful host. 2) It has been an exciting experience. 3) It has been some time! 4) She has been a little careless. 5) She has been somewhat unlucky in her choice of husband. At this point we need to make a distinction between the forms been and being. The form being occurs in the context of the continuous or progressive tense within the passive structure. That is, two conditions are absolutely essential: the progressive/ continuous tense and the passive structure. The continuous/progressive tense is marked by: a relevant be form plus the ing form of the verb. Please note the final ing in the form being. Now let’s read the following pairs of sentences: 1a) Farmers are harvesting yams. (active sentence) 1b) Yams are being harvested by farmers. (passive sentence) 2a) We were pursuing wrong ends. (active sentence) 2b) Wrong ends were being pursued by us. (passive sentence) 3a) The girls are writing a play. (active sentence) 3b) A play is being written by the girls. (passive sentence) 4a) The engineers are building new structures. (active sentence) 4b) New structures are being built by the engineers. (passive sentence) 5a) The pioneer workers are experiencing grave challenges. (active sentence) 5b) Grave challenges are being experienced by the pioneer workers. (passive sentence) 6a) Members of the committee were discussing the matter. (active sentence) 6b) The matter was being discussed by members of the committee. (passive sentence) Please note the following segments of the passive sentences: are being; were being; was being; is being. It is mandatory for the word being to be preceded by: is, are, am, was, were. These are known as be-forms. The word being can also occur in the following contexts: 1) The man is being unrealistic. 2) You are just being childish. 3) The politicians are simply being dishonest. Even in these contexts, the word being is preceded by a relevant form of be. Let’s reiterate: The word been is regularly and invariably preceded by have-forms: have been; has been; had been. The word being is regularly and invariably preceded by the relevant forms of be: is being; are being; am being; was being; were being. Let’s not forget that our starting-point is the defective structure: having being. From the discussion and illustrations so far, we should know that the structure should now be: having been. Before leaving this point, it may be expedient to illustrate the usage of the form having: 1) Having been traumatized by the death of her husband, the woman does not seem inclined to re-marry soon. 2) Having been dismissed from service, the man cannot take up any other job from any government establishment. 3) His licence having been withdrawn, the surgeon cannot practise in any part of the world. 4) Having been introduced to literary studies early in his educational career, the scholar has grown to love literature with a passion. 5) Having been born into a royal family, the prince understands perfectly how feudalism works. 6) Having been trained in one of the best universities in the world, the man demonstrates a scholarship that commands respect across the globe. The two grammatical features of interest are: have/has/had been and is/am/are/were being. At any rate, the sample should read: “you have been taken around.”

line

life

with Niyi Osundare

Random Blues A Pope like no other (Paean for Pope Francis)

He blazes through the clouds, An angel with roots in our common earth The sun envies the lyric of his light The wind stays steady behind his voice

He did not come to rule the world He did not come to judge. Ear to the ground, eye on the mission He came to enlarge the Empire of Virtue

Spontaneous like the dew Generous like the river He breaks bread with beggars And drapes ragged times in Garments of Hope

Courage his shield, compassion his compass He shows the Have-all their blood-stained trail The capital crime in the Market with absent rules The Greed in the Deal which corrupts our Need

He re-routes our vision to The toxic wound in the Eye of the Earth That Hole in the Sky and its infernal fires The puking ocean, the coughing mountain

Not for him the gilded Palace and its mimic mirrors. Loin firmly girded, staff a lightning rod He beams his balm on our Places of Pain Unfetters the Afflicted, the heavy-laden

Principle meets Purpose And a stubborn union is born A passionate Omoluabi* is high on the pulpit Showing us all new ways of being HUMAN

*In Yoruba culture Omoluabi is a person with exemplary character.

4 October, 2015

tribunechurch

Sunday Tribune With Rita Okonoboh rosarumese@gmail.com 07039394917

From right, Reverend Kayode Opemiyan; Mr Bolade Oyekan; Chief Ademola Odularu; Secretary Ibadan North LG, Hon. Adamu Bello; Mr. I.K. Olayiwola, representative of Oba of Ilorin; Pastor (Mrs) Mojisola Jaiyebo; Pastor Ayodeji Akinsola; Senior Pastor, Charis Family International Church, Pastor Tunde Jaiyebo; Oba Tapa of Ibadanland, Alhaji Shehu Ibrahim; Alhaji Nasiru Saliu; Mr Mohammed Mustapha, Mokola Youth Leader; Oba Igbira of Ibadanland, Oba Lamidi Balogun; Mr A. Omoruyi and Alhaji Shehu Yahaya, during the presentation of a motorcycle to Mokola community by Charis Family Int’l Church, Ibadan, last week.

Nigeria@55: Clerics task Buhari on development •As churches empower communities FromRitaOkonoboh,EbenezerAdurokiya, Seyi Sokoya and Ronke Sanya

ast week, Nigeria celebrated 55 years of Independence. According to certain reports, the number 55 represents independence and personal freedom. It is the number that signifies getting rid of the old and embracing the new. For Nigeria, this number is quite significant as the country celebrates her 55th anniversary. According to popular opinion, Nigeria is ripe enough to ensure the change for the better it truly deserves and this hope was the unifying force as Christians marked Nigeria’s Independence Day on October 1, 2015.

We are at the juncture of decisions —Abidoye Speaking with TribuneChurch, clerics shared their messages for Nigeria as the country clocked 55. In the message by His Grace, The Most Reverend Dr. Samuel Adefila Abidoye, Chairman and Spiritual Father, Cherubim And Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide Ayo Ni O, noted that “This season is one of pauses and deep sighs. We are at the juncture of decisions. Our country has lived for 55 years, and her people have experienced so much. Our nation and her children have together, been taken

through a cycle of joy, despair, uncertainty, hope and near disasters. Yet, in all these, we are hopeful of a glorious future for us all. “As we rejoice over our Independence as a sovereign nation, let us share true love and extend hands of peace and solidarity to our brothers and sisters across the country. Indeed, the sovereign God has excellent designs for this country, and I say it again, the good Lord has marvellous intentions for our land. “Those in government today appear to have a clear vision of what this country

Our country has lived for 55 years, and her people have experienced so much. Our nation and her children have together, been taken through a cycle of joy, despair, uncertainty, hope and near disasters. Yet, in all these, we are hopeful of a glorious future for us all.

needs and how to go about getting it. We hope and pray that those around President Buhari will not cause his government to stumble. This is because it appears that those currently working for the Buhari administration are offshoots of the old order, who are wearing the mask of progressives and lovers of the nation.” Continuing, Abidoye noted that “Nigerians need to embrace the new government, cooperate with it and in unison, collaborate to search for new answers. Let us look forward to a better tomorrow, casting our gazes away from the negative. Let us pray that those who foment trouble and collaborate with divisive elements are unmasked and be put to shame. Prayers work miracles, break bounds, cause revivals and brings peace and blessings to people. So, let us pray together, to overcome together. “Nigerians need to be prepared to put all they possess in terms of hope, faith and commitment on the table of progress and prosperity of our dead Motherland. May God bless Nigeria.” It is a time for great transformation —Olagunju Prophet Moses Olagunju, the visionary of Christ City of Peace Evangelical Ministries (CCOPEM), in his charge, “urged Nigerians not to relent in their prayers for a better nation, because I see a better Nigeria

and it will in no time manifest. Nigeria and its leadership should be on alert for great transformation. It is not the change many yearn for, but a great change that will liberate her into an everlasting breakthrough. We all just need to work in the way of the Lord and remain in Him till the end. The youths should be patient and believe that things will get better. I believe in the Buhari administration and Nigerians, especially clerics, should pray to God to support him. I wish all and sundry happy 55th independence anniversary. It is well!” This is a second chance for Nigeria —Adelaja Senior Pastor of The Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations, Kyiv, Ukraine Pastor Sunday Adelaja, in his message, stated that “I have thought of the opportunity of living at the same time as the founding fathers of our country and how I could have contributed to our growth and development. Today, however, I want to say a big congratulations to those Nigerians that are alive to witness the 55th Independence Anniversary of our great nation. Indeed God is a God of a second chance. That second chance is being offered to all of us today, to start afresh and build the nation of our dreams. Continues on pg42

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42 tribunechurch

4 October, 2015

Members of the New Covenant Church during the “Walk for Jesus” event from Ojoo/Iwo road expressway to Mapo hall, as part of activities marking the 55th Independence Day anniversary last week. PHOTO: SEYI SOKOYA

‘If Nigeria does not suceed, who else can?’ Continued from pg41

“Most Nigerians would agree that the Nigerian project of the past 55 years failed mainly because of poor leadership. Everything rises and falls on leadership. “That era of leadership failure is now surely coming to an end. I believe that the Almighty God himself has decided to have mercy on Nigeria. It is my firm belief that with this new leadership, Nigeria stands a good chance to forever re-address her point of failure. “I strongly believe in the leadership of Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice President. Even more comforting is the process by which our President is selecting his team. The fact that President Buhari is being so meticulous in selecting his ministers and other team members is a testament to the fact that Nigeria is about to come out of the wilderness of leadership failure. I pray God will help him pick the best people for the job.” ‘We can build a better Nigeria’ Adelaja further encouraged Nigerians “to revive your faith in a great Nigeria. We stand a better chance today to build a great nation than our forefathers did. Today, Nigeria is the 7th biggest country in the world by population, 1st in Africa; Nigeria ranks 6th in agricultural output worldwide and 1st in Africa; Nigeria is the 21st largest economy by nominal GDP in the world and 20th by Purchasing Power Parity; our economy is one of the fastest growing in the world. According to Citigroup, Nigeria will record the highest economic growth in the world between now and 2050; the Nigerian diaspora has become our second biggest source of foreign exchange with over $20 billion USD yearly remittance to Nigeria; Nigeria is one of only two African countries among 11 Global Growth Generators countries. “In short, our future is bright. In the words of Peter Eigen (Transparency International Germany) “If Nigeria does not succeed who else can succeed?” We stand a greater chance today to build a greater Nigeria than at independence. Let us not miss this opportunity. Let’s believe in ourselves; let’s support our new government; let’s surprise the world; Happy Independence Beloved Nigeria!!! The future is bright —Fufeyin Founder and General Overseer of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, Warri,

Delta State, Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, has said a brighter future awaits Nigeria in spite of present challenges. Fufeyin noted that all things being equal, the nation will continue to receive accolades from various countries for achieving successes on all fronts, adding that Nigeria will not disintegrate. “It is on record that Nigeria, as the giant of Africa, will continue to wax stronger even amid pockets of challenges,” he averred. According to him, the present security challenges the country is facing will soon be a thing of the past, stressing that Nigerians should not be afraid of the unknown. He urged men of God to continue to pray

That era of leadership failure is surely coming to an end. I believe that the Almighty God has decided to have mercy on Nigeria. It is my firm belief that with this new leadership, Nigeria stands a good chance to forever readdress her point of failure.

for the unity and progress of the most populous black nation of the world, adding that no external aggressor will succeed in destabilising the country. “I wish to console with the families of those who lost their lives during the present hajj operation. I pray that God Almighty will console them,” Fufeyin noted. The man of God also called for regular prayers for the country and leaders, especially at the present critical moment of country. New Covenant Church preaches against corruption In the quest to propagate the gospel as well as remind people on the need to live righteous lives, especially among the leaders of the nation, the New Covenant Church conference stormed the streets of Ibadan and its environs to spread the good news and also preach on the fear of God as part of the activities marking the celebration of the 55th anniversary of the Nigeria’s independence. The church, in its usual manner, came out in their large numbers to mark the celebration. Both the authorities and members of the church came out in their green and white attires to join the crusade train that took off from one of the branches of the church along Iwo road/Ojoo express way, while other branches of the church such as the Osogbo, Awe, Old-Ife road, Mokola and IITA conferences en-routed their axis.

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Aside the inspirational songs which inspired the march from Iwo road express through to Gate, Oje, Bere and halted at Mapo, virtually all those involved lifted various biblical verses as caution inscriptions. The programme was themed: “Righteousness extols a nation.” Speaking on the importance of the development, Reverend Emmanuel Falodun, stated that the church is delighted with the new wave regarding the fight against corruption, adding that, “it is our joy to witness this new development by the Buhari led government, but we don’t have to rejoice now, because we still have a lot to do. We will not relent in our prayers until God finally has His way.” A clergy under the mission, Reverend Biodun Aladekomo, also revealed that the initiative was part of the church’s partnership with the nation. He also noted that, “It is our own way to give our quota in impacting positively into the nation. The church of God has a lot to do for the liberation of the nation. We are convinced to that this development will go a long way, because it is ordained by God. I also believe that President Buhari will get it right. The nation will be a better place to live because God loves Nigeria.” Charis Family Int’l Church holds free medical outreach, donates to community As part of activities to mark this year’s Independence Anniversary, Charis Family International Church, Ibadan, in its tradition of giving back, donated a motorcycle to Mokola Community to assist in the efforts to ensure security in the neighbourhood. The event, which also featured medical outreach, was attended by traditional leaders, youth leaders as well as members of the community and witnessed the outpouring of accolades for the church. The senior pastor of the church, Pastor Tunde Jaiyebo, speaking with TribuneChurch on why the church decided to give back to the community, noted that “as members of the community, we should be socially responsible. Apart from preaching the gospel, to show that we care, we decided to have a medical outreach and also donate a motorcycle for the security patrol of the environment. The turnout is quite impressive as we have not just members of the community, but traditional rulers and youth leaders.” Mr Mohammed Mohammed Mustapha, the youth chairman of Mokola Community, in his remarks appreciated the efforts of the church in their contribution towards ensuring safety. According to him, “it is quite unexpected and I’m very happy. It has not been easy as we have had to sometimes rent motorcycles to patrol the streets to ensure security. With this laudable effort, which other people should emulate, things will be easier. The Police and our leaders have been very supportive and we only pray that there will be more of this.” In his view on why the church is giving back, the Training Director, Charis Ministry Training Institute, Pastor Olu Odubanjo, stated that “It is a principle that begets receiving from God. We are endearing ourselves to the community so that they will know that we are one. When God has blessed one, it is only right that you give back and that is what we are here for today.” Nigeria will be a light unto Africa

Members of Christ Embassy, Ibadan, during the free distribution of copies of Rhapsody of Realities as part of activities marking the 55th Independence Day anniversary last week. PHOTO: RONKE SANYA

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With Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 08074497425

churchnews Nigeria @55: Christ Embassy donates to prisons EbenezerAdurokiya-Warri

elievers’ LoveWorld Incorporated, otherwise known as Christ Embassy, Warri Zone, in conjunction with Reach Out Nigeria 2015 Foundation, has donated a brand new, fully-equipped ambulance to the Warri Prisons. The donation was made on the occasion of Nigeria 55th Independence Anniversary celebration on Thursday. The church also donated other items including drugs, two table tennis boards and three footballs for the use of the inmates. Deputy governor of Delta State, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, while inaugurating the ambulance at the Warri Prisons yard, said the donation was part of the church’s yearly charity projects in Okere Prisons and other places in Warri. Otuaro, who doubles as project director of the charity arm of the church, said the yearly gesture was initiated in 2007 to alleviate the sufferings of the underprivileged in society. He thanked the founder and president of the church, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, for availing them the platform to touch the lives of the underprivileged in the society. He noted that this year’s donation was meant to ease the difficulties faced by staff and inmates of Okere

Prisons, who needed to be rushed to hospitals in case of medical emergencies. Meanwhile, the Warri Zonal Pastor of the mission, Pastor Siji Dara, described the gesture as the mission’s way to commemorate Ni-

geria’s independence and to spread the word of God and to give hope to those who are in the confines of the prison. He encouraged the Warri Prisons inmates to always read the daily devotional

tracks given to them by the church, and to also make use of the computer center that was built and equipped for their use last year to upgrade their lives. Meanwhile, Comptroller General of Prisons, who

was represented by Mr. Tony Ojih, thanked members of Christ Embassy for the gesture, and called on the Deputy Governor to use his office to intervene in cases of some of the inmates.

From right, wife of the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Pastor (Mrs) Mojirola Oluwawole; her husband, Pastor Kola Oluwawole; Pastor (Mrs) Nike Okunrinmeta; Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ekiti State, Mrs Modupe Alade; and her husband, Mr Alade, during the first anniversary of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ekiti Province 4, Mega Cathedral, recently.

From left, member, Ogun State House of Assembly, representing Odogbolu, Hon. Wale Ojuri; wife of the awardee, Mrs Tiwalolu Adesemowo; APC, Assistant Financial Secretary, Ogun State chapter, Prince Folarin Adesemowo and Chairman, Obebu North Local Government, Alhaji Dele Mojeed, at the investiture and award ceremony, held at the African Church, Ebenezer Cathedral, Ibadan Diocese, last Sunday.

APC chieftain charges Christians on godly politics By Victor Ogunyinka The financial secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Ogun State chapter, Prince Folarin Adesemowo, has reiterated that it is possible for a Christian to be in politics and do it rightly, citing himself as an example. He made this declaration during his investiture and award ceremony as the best ‘Christian politician of the year’, conferred on him by the African Church, Ebenezer Cathedral, Ibadan Diocese on Sunday. Prince Adesemowo, while speaking with TribuneChurch, explained that the church had organised the professional harvest thanksgiving to en-

courage outstanding players in their various profession, adding that he was delighted to have won the 2015 edition. “People who have the fear of God can actually join politics and lead us

rightly. I am a politician and I have been honoured today as the politician of the year. I am not the only politician but God has chosen me against all odds to be given this award and I am grateful,” he said.

Furthermore, while giving a short exhortation, Venerable Olamide Mobolaji-Thompson told the awardees that for them to have been singled out of the lot in their profession takes the grace of God, say-

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ing their sheer hard work earned them the award. MobolaVenerable ji-Thompson however charged them to continue discharging their duties with the fear of God in all the endeavours.

Pray for Nigerian leaders —Cleric Senior Pastor, Manna Prayer Ministry, publishers of the bestselling Our Daily Manna, ODM devotional, Dr Chris Kwakpovwe, has said a major challenge confronting the country is lack of selfless leaders to lead the task of nation-building. According to him, this is among the factors responsible for the country being in the present dire straits. He disclosed this last week at a press conference to commence simultaneous nation-wide Rally/Road walk to mark Nigeria’s 55th Independence Day in Ogudu, Lagos. “It looks like Nigeria is struggling, but we are praying to God to strengthen our leadership in order to be able to take Nigerians to greater heights. God has really blessed this country, and we need people that can really guide this country. That is why we pray that this year, Nigeria can recover from every loss, including insecurity,” said Kwakpovwe who was represented by resident pastor Daniel Egbo. The cleric stated that the event themed: “One Nigeria, One ODM,” was carried out in line with biblical injunction in Luke 4:18 to make disciples of all men. Also, wife of the senior pastor, Rev Ejiro Flora Kwakpovwe, Assistant General Overseer, of Manna Mountain Ministry, driver of the campaign, said if Nigerians could take ODM seriously and pray with it, Nigeria will be better. Head, Mission and Evangelism of the church, Pastor Baba Hassan, in his remarks stated that “Nigerians should pray together, unite, stick closer to God, forgive one another and pray that God will provide our leaders with greater wisdom to lead the people aright.”

Bodija Estate Baptist Church marks golden jubilee By Rita Okonoboh Bodija Estate Baptist Church, Ibadan, is set to mark its golden jubilee anniversary. As part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the church, a lecture titled: ‘The Church in the World, The World in the Church: The Christendom as Catalyst for Positive Change in

the Nigerian Polity’ will be delivered on Tuesday, Oct 6, 2015 by Most Reverend Dr. Joseph Akinfenwa, the Lord Bishop of Ibadan Diocese of the Anglican Communion. In a statement signed by the Chairman of its Golden Jubilee Planning Committee, Mr Segun Adebayo, and made available to TribuneChurch, the lecture will explore the nexus

between Christianity and politics as well as navigate the relevance of Christians in the realm of politics. According to the statement, former General Secretary of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend Dr. Solomon Ademola Ishola, will chair the lecture. Among other activities lined-up for the Golden Jubilee are an evangelism road

show round Ibadan city; a novelty match between the WMU BABES and the MMU GALLANTS of the church; remembrance service for the deceased church members, as well as conferment of awards on members who have diligently served the church. The grand finale of the anniversary celebration is a thanksgiving service and

launch of a N250 million Jubilee Project Fund on Saturday, October 10, 2015 where the First Lady, Chief Mrs. Florence Ajimobi and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adesina Michael Adeyemo, will be special guests, while the Deputy Governor of the State, Otunba Alake Adeyemo will be the special host.

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Churches ban Christians from holding services

ost Moroccan Christians say they worship with caution, congregating quietly in house churches, in an attempt to avoid trouble, the US News has reported. Almost 98 per cent of the people in Morocco are Muslim, just over 1 per cent are Christians, and a fraction of a per cent are

Jewish. The Christians are mainly foreigners residing in the country – the exact number of Moroccan Christians is unknown. Attempting to convert a Muslim to another religion – also called “shaking the faith of a Muslim” – is a crime punishable with up to three years imprisonment and a substantial fine, though recently there has

been discussion to delete the law. “I left my religion, and I accepted Jesus Christ my saviour, which means for them that I’m supposed to be killed, and they told us that many times,” Fatima, 68, says. “I was a person afraid of my shadow. My fear was always there, that one day the police would come and take us again. We

Glory Christian Ministries donates items to police By Rita Okonoboh As part of activities to mark thirty years in the ministry, the General Overseer of Glory Christian Ministries, Pastor Iruofagha James, showed his commitment to ensuring security in Ijeshatedo community by supporting the Police at Ijeshatedo in their efforts to combat crime in the area with donations of 6.5 KVA ELEPAC Generator set, 1.5 HP Split Unit AC, 32” LG LED TV set, DSTV Decoder + 3 months subscription, 1.8 HP office Refrigerator, laptops for the Station Officer and 20 (25kg) bags of rice, including the repair of two patrol vans. Donating the items, Pastor James noted that the church is impressed by the relentless efforts and commitment of the police to combat crime and ensure the safety of lives and properties in our society, just as he noted other areas in the past where the church has contributed and impacted on the community developments. Admonishing Christians to let their lives to be of service to God and humanity, James observed that Christians who abide in Christ must know that Christianity is a call to serve sacrificially. In his response, the DPO of Ijeshatedo Police Station, CSP Okoi Akpama, who led delegation of officers from the station to receive the items, on behalf of the State Commissioner of the Police and the station thanked Pastor James and Glory Christian Ministries for their support and encouragement to the police in the combat

From left, General Overseer, Glory Christian Ministries, Pastor I.S James; DPO, Ijeshatedo Police Station, CSP Okoi Akpama and HRM (Pastor) Patrick Ogbuagu during the presention of items to the police. against crime in the society. He said: “We thank the church for believing in the Nigerian Police through Ijeshatedo police station in their combat against crime in Ijeshatedo area and Lagos environs. We will not relent in our efforts towards making our society crimefree.” Akpama challenged other men of God and churches to emulate Pastor I.S. James and Glory Christian Ministries by supporting the efforts of the police to make the society and the nation safe. Also, speaking during the church’s annual family day and the celebration of his 30th year on the pulpit, Pastor James called for marital check-up among couples, stating that, marriage is God’s authored idea for a men and women to be happy. Noting that weakness of the flesh and ig-

norance are simple reasons why some are unhappy in their marriages, he challenged couples to do things differently to improve the quality of their marriage. The cleric highlighted the different stages of marriage and warned couples to stop believing lies of the media and entertainment industry or allow the society to wrongly influence their marriage, rather they should encourage pleasant things that will bring hope, acceptance/adaptation, possibility/ positivity and purpose of godly values to their marriages. He said: “If you want to know happiness, believe God and not your circumstances or spouse, neither should you measure your spouse with the standard you see on TV, else, you’ll be setting your marriage up for a fall. Instead, be ready to rise and fight for your marriage”.

Sunday Tribune

were never, never freed from that.” That’s at odds with the image portrayed by Moroccan authorities of this North African Kingdom as a moderate Muslim country tolerant of different beliefs – especially when compared to countries like Libya and Syria, where non-Muslims, foreign and local, are being persecuted and killed. Morocco’s leader, King Mohammed VI, bears the title “commander of the faithful and defender of the faith” and is said to be a descendent of prophet Muhammad. To be born to Muslim parents in Morocco is to be a Muslim. And while the country grants freedom of worship to foreign Christians and Moroccan Jews, that freedom is not always extended to its own Christians. In fact, in some cases the Christian churches themselves that bar Moroccans from attending services. “There are many Moroccans that are searching for a new way of believing,” said Gilbert Bonouvrié, the French priest of St. Anne Catholic Church in Agadir. “We simply tell them ‘please don’t come in because you will be running us into difficulties with the officials of the state’.” Morocco does not take evangelism lightly. In 2010, the government expelled approximately 150 Christian foreign residents accused of evangelism. Also, an orphanage, the Village of Hope, was permanently shut down for allegedly teaching Christianity. “Morocco doesn’t want to lose its Muslim identity,” says Aicha Haddou, of the European Institute of Islamic Studies. Morocco has endured a long history of colonization, during which Christians from Europe attempted to convert Morocco’s Muslims. Resentment over that treatment remains and police interrogation, house raids and confiscation of religious material are sometimes seen as an attempt to protect the country’s Muslim heritage. Still, some Moroccan Christians boldly practice their faith, baptizing, preaching and evangelising. And say they will continue to do so, whether they have the right or not.

‘Nigeria will be a light unto Africa’ Continued from pg42

–Jaiyebo Speaking on the occasion of Nigeria’s independence, Pastor Tunde Jaiyebo tasked Nigerians on “avoiding selfishness and instead, focus on common good. If the broader picture of good is clearer, people will be affected positively.” Rating Nigeria’s performance and expectations regarding this year’s independence anniversary, Pastor (Mrs) Moji Jaiyebo of Charis Family Int’l Church, noted that “what God says will surely come to pass. God says Nigeria will be a light unto Africa. It doesn’t matter the wars raging against us in the spirit or the wars we have allowed through our carelessness and recklessness, Nigeria will indeed shine again. It may look impossible, but in God’s dictionary, there is no impossibility. Corruption shall be a thing of the past. In the next few years, whoever wants to distort God’s word, as it was in the past, will have their voices fade into insignificance. For those who still refuse to repent, they shall be wiped out. “As it was with Job in the Bible, Nigeria will receive restoration. A government is as good as its people. As Nigerians, we should learn to question illegal sources of finances. We need to change our attitude towards corruption and set up what

is referred to as a citizen watch, which will work with a marking scheme which will check our leaders and bring them to order so that they can account for their time in office. For those in positions of leadership, these are dangerous times, especially for those who want to work against God’s will. Those who are opportune to serve must have a rethink. There shall be a lot of exposing in low and high places.” We need to look inward —Akinsola Pastor Ayodeji Akinsola of the same church also observed that as Nigeria clocks 55 “we should work towards achieving a corrupt-free community which will only work through reorientation and restructuring. For those in leadership positions, they should understand that service to the people is paramount. We should also teach people to be business-minded, without necessarily resorting to illegal means. We need to look inward and tap into our human resources to achieve development. We need to also look at other natural resources, especially agriculture which I refer to as Nigeria’s oil. I have great hope for Nigeria and pray that God will help us have a stabilised Nigeria in Jesus’ name.” Christ Embassy Ibadan distributes free copies of Rhapsody Of Realities

Most Reverend Dr. Samuel Adefila Abidoye

Prophet Moses Olagunju

It was an avenue of reaching out to many and giving hope to the people of Nigeria as members of Christ Embassy, Ring Road, Ibadan, took the gospel to the streets in celebration of Nigeria’s 55th independence day. The free distribution of Rhapsody of Realities, the church’s devotional, which has become an annual event by the church, every Nigeria’s Independence Day, took place in various parts of Ibadan. One of the recipients, Femi Owolabi, speaking with TribuneChurch expressed

gratitude for the innovation of the church. “I receive a free copy of this book every year. It has become a yearly tradition and we are happy about it. At least they have given us reason to be happy on independence day,” Owolabi stated. Members of the church distributed the daily devotional at the nooks and crannies of Ibadan, including Odo Ona, Apata, Ajeigbe, Bolumole, Town Planning, Liberty road, Akinyemi, Olusanya, Imalefalafia, Challenge, Fordacis, among other areas.

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with Most Revd J.O. Akinfenwa Bishop of Ibadan Diocese (Anglican Communion)

with Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, fradebadejo@yahoo.com

Joy after sorrow

Touching American minds

The ordinary extraordinaire Pope Francis, with his peculiar personality and style of leadership, carries out his duty as the Servant of the Servants of God and the Pontifex Maximus, a term which translates as, the Greatest Bridge Builder. He speaks in simple language and communicates with down-to-earth examples. He advocates the Church of the poor for the poor; a category which has always been present in ecclesial life right through the ages. He creates an atmosphere of attentiveness and intimacy, which speaks loudly while listening. We can describe him as il papa operaio, Italian for “the Workman Pope”. The operaio in the Italian context is the simple field worker who enters into daily work without the fear of soiling his hands. Indeed one of his tweets is, “it is better to have a Church that is wounded but out on the streets, than a Church that is sick because it is closed in on itself.” Truly every Pope in contemporary times has impacted greatly on humanity. But here we have one whose ordinary way of being the “Holy Father”, strikes an extraordinary chord. Different sides of the prism The hype of the Pope’s visit to the United States of America was overwhelming. Apart from celebrating the Canonization Mass of Junipero Serra and attending the World Meeting of Families, the Pope addressed many groups including the American Congress and the United Nations General Assembly. The six-day schedule, the longest of his ten apostolic journeys in his third year as Pope, was packed full and no doubt, remarkable. While there were obvious expectations about how he would address issues on modern ideologies, abortion, gay marriage, global warming, migrants, divorce and war to mention a few, the Pope certainly did reassure millions of American Catholics and others gathered from other parts of the world of the joy of the treasure of faith. Top undercurrent One important undercurrent of the pope’s visit to America is how he wove into his reflections and speeches, the message of conscious reflection on the pristine image of the human person, in

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dawnofanewera

firmfaith:rightreason

Our souls shall not rest Pope Francis invaded American imaginations these past weeks. Given that whatever happens in the USA impacts on the rest of the world, that he captured the imagination of most people on earth as well cannot be far-fetched. Saint Augustine’s dictum, “Our souls shall not rest until they rest in you, O God”, rings infallible here! Pope Francis came to America to bear witness to God and to religion. Even those who would claim to care less about God had to pay him special attention It all sounds like the atheist who exclaims, “Thank God, I don’t believe in God!” Fr. Martin Badejo, studying in Milan Italy, wrote an interesting analysis of the Papal visit. Here are excerpts of his analysis.

4 October, 2015

contrast to modern minds which tries to redesign it, and especially within a pluralistic society, where liberalism is considered absolute. The attention he paid to people, his ordinary way of expression, and the intelligence with which he did so will keep the discourse ongoing long after his departure from the United States of America. These will obviously dictate reasonable and responsible practical actions as well, especially in the coming months of the fourteenth General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and in the Contemporary World, and the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. One example of many As he delivered his speech of over forty minutes to the Joint American Congress Pope Francis told of the creative necessity to go back to the roots. On the one hand he reminded the American congressmen of their history, using four great characters in that history namely Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jnr., Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton to deliver his message of “liberty”, of “liberty in plurality and nonexclusion”, of “social justice and the right of persons”, and ultimately a message of “the capacity for dialogue and openness to God.” He emphasized in a creative manner, the need to respect life, as he said: “if we want life, let us give life.” He was even more direct when he said, ‘yet I cannot hide my concern for the family, which is threatened, perhaps as never before from within and without.” On the other hand the speech of the Holy Father found strong roots in the focus of the Church since the Second Vatican Council document, Gaudium et Spes, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the modern world, bringing hope and joy as her mission. There is a strong accord between the papal speech and the Pastoral Constitution. For instance it touches the transcendent dignity of man as regards his use of liberty (GS 15, 19), the common good as the meaningful end of all political endeavour (GS 26, 60), a just reward for those who work (GS 67), the recognition of marriage and family life as most important to the growth of society, forming the minds of the youth (GS 31, 4752), the right treatment for migrants (GS 66), and the dangers of war and the need to stop the arms race (GS 78-82). One speech for touching tears John Boehner, the Speaker of the House, in tears for a good part of the Pope’s address to Congress shed more than tears at the Pope’s speech to Congress. He said later, “with great blessings, of course, come great responsibility. Let us all go forth with gratitude and reflect on how we can better serve one another.” There goes the reason; to be the conscience of humanity, to direct and re-direct the heart of man away from frivolous liberty, to his profound dignity, to put smiles of hope on the face of others, and where necessary to draw the tears that powerfully signify a resolve to be better.

Continued from last week David said in Psalms 51:12, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” Do you now understand why the popular media only sells us bad news? They want us to lose our joy. But the songwriter said, This joy that I have The world didn’t give it to me The world didn’t give it; The world can’t take it away! Let us choose to remain joyful, despite the situations we are passing through. Not because we are just psyching ourselves up, but because we have confidence that we shall always have the last laugh. Ultimate victory belongs to the child of God. David had many troubles. But at the dedication of the house of David, he sang unto God in Psalms 30:1 thus, “I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.” It was in that same Psalm (Psalm 30) that David gave us that ageless word of wisdom that even non-Christians like to quote. David said in Psalms 30:5 “... weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” The experience of many Bible characters, and those of innumerable heroes that we read about in biographies and documentaries, confirm to us the veracity of Psalm 30 verse 5. Meanwhile, how shall this happen? David says in

Psalms 30:11-12, “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. What David is teaching us is that God is able to turn each prayer point in our lives into a praise point. Why? So that we might come to a point where we are able to praise God (don’t forget, praise is God’s “food”). To bring us to a point where we can praise God in advance, rather than wait to praise him after the miracle, Apostle Paul calls us to realise and be assured that in the end, it is going to be well. And that this realisation should lead us to rejoice now in the midst of our troubles. When we realise that there will be joy in the end, we do not need to wait for the end before we begin singing praise unto God. It is like saying “Thank you” when you receive a cheque; you do so because you have confidence that the cheque will not bounce. Thus, because we know there will be joy after sorrow, we refuse to be sorrowful even though bad things have happened to or around us. That is the Christian attitude to troubles of life. We rejoice in hope, never minding what the present situation says. To be continued next week

livingword By Bishop David Oyedepo Call 7747546-8; or e-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

Engaging the wonders in the mystery of the anointing oil! WE live in a Kingdom that is governed by mysteries and it is by these mysteries that we command mastery over life situations. Jesus speaking to His disciples after narrating the parable of the Sower, said: … Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand (Luke 8:10; see also 1 Corinthians 2:7-9; see also Mark 4:11). But, what are Mysteries? Mysteries are simply divine secrets embedded within God’s Word for our profiting. It can also be defined as Kingdom principles wrapped up in biblical simplicities for our dominion over life challenges. It is written: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17; see also 2 Corinthians 11:3). However, we must understand that until we receive, believe and put to work what God’s Word says about us, and adhere to the instructions therein, the profiting would not be delivered to us. The Bible says: And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set

thee on high above all nations of the earth (Deuteronomy 28:1; see also Luke 1:45; John 1:12). Furthermore, it is important to know that these mysteries are revealed to us by God-ordained Apostles and Prophets. Remember, Paul in his letter to the Church in Ephesus said: For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ). Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit (Ephesians 3:1-5). Are you born again? This means, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!” For further reading, please get my books: The Mystery of the Anointing Oil Understanding the Anointing, Anointing for Breakthrough and Anointing for Exploits. I will continue this teaching next week.

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4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Caught in the crossfire: An account of the Burkina coup By ’Sanmi Falobi

HEN I left Nigeria on the 15th of September, 2015 via Abidjan on a HF 531 - Air Cote D’ voire flight for the 4-day event of the 6th edition of the Festival of Freedom of Expression and Press Freedom (FILEP) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, it never crossed my mind that I would end up being stranded and caught in the crossfire of sporadic gun shots and bonfires from a coup plot. I had heard that Burkina Faso was one of the poorest countries in Africa. So, as I boarded the 10:10am one and half hour flight from Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos to Houphouet Boigny Airport, Abidjan to connect Ouagadougou on another two hours’ flight, what was running on my mind was a schedule on the number of interactions I would be having. My mind wandered on how tasty the Burkinabe food would be. I had the hope of visiting the local clothes markets and the tokens of shopping I would do once I was through with FILEP. I was also hoping to be able to do a feature on the living conditions of the Burkinabe people, especially life and living in a country a BBC report classified as ‘a poor country even by West African standards’. Poor or rich, a country is a country The fact that Burkina Faso was classified as a poor country didn’t really reduce the shine that I was going there. I realised I was the only English speaking person on the team as we were ushered into a waiting 18-seater air conditioned bus. Life here is not so bad, I thought. A delegate for a conference in Nigeria wouldn’t have received a better reception, I reflected. As the bus took us to the hotel, I looked through the window to the street hoping to ‘see poverty everywhere’ as I was made to believe. Indeed, the roads were not spectacular, but there weren’t bad either. I even saw a stretch of road made with interlocking bricks. As the bus drove on, I saw that virtually all the road junctions had traffic lights. Though there were not many cars on the road, I noticed that most of the cars that were plying the roads were good cars; mostly jeep. Maybe there are a lot of multinationals here, I reflected. I was quick to notice that most other people who were not in cars were riding new 2000cc capacity motorcycle which seems to serve as the means for personal transport for those who couldn’t afford cars. I also noticed that in contrast to Nigeria where it was men that mostly rode motorcycles (Okada), riding of motor cycles on the streets of Ouagadougou was being done by an almost equal number of men and women. Also, unlike Nigeria where there are no special markings for motorcycle riders, motorcycles riders in Ouagadougou have specially cut out lanes on the highways akin to the BRT lanes in Lagos. I quickly deduced that owning a motorcycle was probably the most efficient and sustainable means of transportation in Ouaga. As I looked on and tried to make a contrast, I drifted off to thinking how peaceful the city seemed compared to the hassles and daily stress of urban Lagos. Here was I, a guest of the Nobert Zongo National Press Centre being driven to a hotel where my accommodation had been

The mutineering soldiers on patrol

General Gilbert Diendere, coup leader

reserved. “This trip is the well deserved rest I desire”, I thought as I reflected on how it would be at the various events of FILEP; the exposition on the theme, “Media and political changes in Africa: what contribution?”, the sightseeing activities, the gala and awards night for the Norbert Zongo Prize for Investigative Journalism and the various engagements with other stakeholders in debates and discussions on the role and place of the media in the construction,

conquest and achievement of political and institutional changes in Africa. A coup and the abortion of comradeship “Advice from Diallo is to stay in the hotel and wait for further information”. That was the terse email message that we all received around 07:25am on Thursday 17th September at annex of the Palm beach hotel, were a contingent of FILEP was

The options available were just two; stay in your hotel alone, or go with the group for dinner. The first option didn’t look like an option.

lodged. A colleague from Zimbabwe, Willie Mponda, had sent a desperate email earlier to Abdoulaye Diallo, Communicator - Director of the Nobert Zongo National Press Centre. “Good morning, is the meeting still going ahead today in light of what is going on? From our hotel we can see people running away and gunfire. Please advice what we should do,” Willy’s email had read. Unknown to us, the day before (Wednesday 16th September), while FILEP participants were having a sumptuous lunch at FESPACO premises after the opening ceremony, soldiers from the presidential guard, a 1300–man special force, had stormed a Cabinet meeting holding that afternoon and arrested interim President Michel Kafando and interim PM Yacouba Isaac Zida as well as other cabinet ministers present in what later turned out to be a coup. The presidential guard, known as the RSP, was a key pillar of former President Blaise Compaore’s rule before he was ousted by demonstrators last October when he attempted to change the constitution to prolong his 27 years in office. For us at FILEP, we were in oblivion as to what was happening to the government of the day, which incidentally had a key associate of the Nobert Zongo National Press Centre holding a prominent portfolio under the transitional regime. Earlier that Wednesday morning, the head of the government’s Transitional National Council, Moumina Cheriff Sy, a human rights journalist who had been a formidable force behind FILEP over the past 15 years, had been the special guest who performed the official role of declaring opened the 6th FILEP. Cheriff had also played key roles in mobilising citizens during the October 2014 Burkina Faso uprising that forced Compaore out of power Continues on pg47

feature

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Why coups are no longer attractive Continued from pg46

and into exile in Cote d’Ivoire. So, for FILEP, Cheriff’s portfolio as head of the interim parliament was a credit in the progress of the struggle against repressive government and a victory for democracy. At the 5th FILEP in 2013, Cheriff was chair of the organizing committee, so naturally, in celebration of victory, he had proposed a dinner with all participants in his house later in the evening. It was with the anticipation of having a splendid dinner that the programme ended by 4pm that Wednesday, being the first day of FILEP. We were taken back to our different hotels to refresh and be back for the evening event; a picture exhibition and then dinner with Cheriff and family. Unfortunately, the comradeship with which the conference started had to be aborted as events of a coup d’ etat unfolded in the days ahead. At risk, yet bound by comradeship Though news of the arrest of the interim president had filtered through late evening following a communication by Cheriff to participants at the picture exhibition, participants still didn’t see any threat of harm coming to them. For most of us, the idea of a coup happening didn’t strike a chord in our sub-consciousness. Though there was a problem, nobody saw it as a risk. “The country is in danger: some elements of the Presidential Security Regiment forcefully entered a cabinet session at 2.30pm and held hostage the president of Burkina Faso, head of state and President of the Cabinet, His Excellency Michael Kafando; the Prime Minister Yacouba Izaac Zida; the Minister of public affairs, works and social security, Professor Augustin Loada and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Rene Bagoro”, Cheriff’s communication stated. “This forceful action of presidential security regiment elements is a dangerous attempt to the Republic and its institutions. I call upon all the patriots to mobilise to defend the motherland.” As the communication, written in French was passed, the organisers assured that all was well and that the proposed dinner would still be held. This information definitely created some tension, yet most still looked forward to dinner. The options available were just two; stay in your hotel alone, or go with the group for dinner. The first option didn’t look like an option, so to the dinner all virtually went, with just a few declining. For I and about six other English speaking participants at the photo event, we didn’t have a choice. We didn’t even know what was happening as the communication by Cheriff was not immediately communicated in English. It was hours later that we read the communication in English through email. Though the streets were quiet and night life inactive that Wednesday as the convey of four buses drove to keep the dinner appointment at Cheriff’s residence, our curiosity wasn’t much raised, being our very first night in the city and moreover, since we were being driven in convoy, the thinking was that we were safe. The first sign that something was amiss was the periodic clattering of gun shots from a distance not too far from Cheriff’s house where we were at a dinner, with some awkward silence as Cheriff didn’t show up. Though his wife played the gracious host in his absence, the awkward quietness over dinner and drinks did not encourage much conversation. The food was good, yet something was lacking. It was clear that something was amiss, but what it was, we couldn’t place as we had to wait more than

Bellowing smoke.

Sanmi Falobi in Ouagadougou

an hour after dinner, in quite tension, as the rattling gun shots sounding like high power fireworks continued. It was well after 10pm that it was concluded it was time to go. “Cheriff won’t be able to physically receive us,” somebody whispered in English. However, as we got into the hotel, the picture became clearer. News flash from online sites had broken the news that there was a coup. Only then did the ‘rattling gunshots’ make meaning. What we had been hearing for hours were indeed gun shots and not some fireworks. We were actually at risk to have visited Cheriff’s residence that night! As if what had been keeping us at ease was our ignorance, the information that a coup had been staged and that a street protest had taken place that night brought home the fact that we were not safe. As if we were targeted, the gun shots now became louder and actually “now sounded like gun shots”. The fear for our safety was further aggravated with the news that the borders had been closed indefinitely. Suddenly, it dawned on us all that we were stranded. Should the protest continue, we were at a more high risk! With close to a hundred foreign journalists in town, the coup plotters who had now announce, General Gilbert Diendere as head of state could possibly extend their hostilities to us. Stranded, yet capturing the action The protest by citizens on Thursday 17th September had now been activated in full swing as the protesters had become fierce and more daring, making the loyalists of the coup plotters to embark on sporadic shooting into the air to disperse several hundred demonstrators, who made bonfires on major streets leading to the presidential palace. With the protests, other minor streets remain largely deserted with shops and offices under lock and tourists and visitors restricted to their hotel rooms, even as the

junta imposed a 7pm-to-6am curfew. “We have finished our own training on Wednesday and I should have gone back to Senegal, but now we are stranded because of the coup and closure of the border,” Fatou, who was one of the 34 delegates from 17 countries at an ECOWAS training on food production, preservation and management, lamented. Such was the experience by many non Burkinabe’s who were stranded in Burkina Faso as a result of the coup. For participants at the FILEP, it was of disappointments and sore boredom as the planned 4-day event had to be aborted. “Shall I be able to go back tomorrow?” That was the question by a Ghanaian who was spending his second day at the hotel where he had been forced to remain as a result of the situation. “Ceci est assez décevant”, a Malian participant of FILEP said, frustrated staying indoors all day. I was to learn later that what he said meant “This is quite disappointing”. For Kenya-based journalist, Macharia Gaitho, who is the Managing Editor, Special Projects for the Daily Nation, the experience was of mixed feelings. One was the excitement of wanting to be at the centre spot to capture the events for his home newspaper. The other was of caution, because his passport was at the immigration. He had left the vital document with the immigration police at the airport when he arrived Ouagadougou. For non ECOWAS countries, one of the requirements when you apply for a visa in Burkina Faso is to drop your passport because it takes few days to get the document. In the interim, what one has for identification is a simple piece of paper with your passport number and an official stamp. So, for him, he was bound to remain in his hotel

and try to catch up on unfolding events by watching television and calling up friends. However, from the safety of his hotel room, he captures details of soldiers patrolling the streets in pickups in front of his hotel and firing into the air to prevent crowds from building up. Notwithstanding the limitations posed by not having his passport and the security challenge, Gaitho still dared the odds by going out to get daily highlights for his home paper. That is why he is a journalist! Zimbabwean journalist, Willie Mponda, editor with the Gweru-based Sun newspaper, is one journalist who is restless to catch the action. Like Gaitho, his passport was in possession of the immigration, but that would not debar him. Whilst other colleagues were still monitoring the situation, Willie had ventured out snooping for news. Perhaps his big frame gave him a sense of confidence, but luck and caution were on his side as he escaped being taken for a protester. “They are beating people, they are shooting people,” he said panting as he rushed into the hotel lobby Thursday morning, in the heat of the protest. The next hour, he was writing the story from the information he had scooped from the streets. “Gunfire and smoke is everywhere. All the shops are closed. The situation here is not right at all,” Mponda wrote in an online news post. “The military claims there is a curfew from 7pm to 6am but the truth is the curfew is 24 hours, as the presidential guards are firing at ordinary people during the day,” he added. Mponda, who had to contact a Zimbabwean legislator back home for ‘links’ to some of the Burkinabe, had to also contact the Zimbabwean ambassador to Senegal about the situation, as there is no Zimbabwean embassy in Burkina Faso.“Our rooms have not been cleaned for days now. I am in the middle of ground zero”, he posted, with a pensive looking picture taken with a local vendor in Ouaga. However, with the intervention by ECOWAS chair and Senegalese president, Macky Sall, who mediated along with Thomas Boni Yayi of Benin, following the coup leader’s agreement to the “principle of dialogue”, the travails of stranded journalist were not unnecessarily prolonged as the junta rescinded the decision to close land and sea borders late Friday and flight operations picked up Saturday afternoon. Some foreigners were able, amidst the hassle, to exit in the evening of that Saturday, while others left on Sunday. COUP NO LONGER ATTRACTIVE The unfolding event in Burkina Faso is a pointer that entrenchment of democratic rule across all African states is possible. Though the country has its peculiarities, the principle of collaboration in condemning and mitigating mechanisms that truncate democratic culture should be applauded. That the mutineers in Bukina Faso have been forced to rescind their intention, via the cumulative pressure from the international community, the ECOWAS heads, civil society, citizens’ protest and ultimatum from the mainstream military, such that the interim president is now back in power to continue the transition to democracy, is a celebration of Africa’s resilience in charting a desirable development agenda. Sanmi Falobi, Programme Associate with the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, was a participant at the 6th edition of the Festival of Freedom of Expression and Press Freedom (FILEP) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso at the time of the coup.

4 October, 2015

Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 0807 449 7425

All students are from Brightest Star Montessori School, Ibadan.

of C th hi e w ld ee k

children’sarena Words from the kids

Sunday Tribune

What is your future ambition? I want to be a soldier —Akintayo Opemipo, Grade 4, 9 years I want to be a soldier. I like the profession because soldiers save lives and protect their countries against external attacks. I love my country and I would like to serve my country when I grow up. By doing that, I need to join the army.

To become a successful soldier, I need to face my studies and be prepared to go to a military school and be enrolled. My role model is General Muhammadu Buhari.

Why I want to be a lawyer —Ojo Mary, Grade 5, 10 years have always given me words of advice that I am free to become what I want to be in the future, if I am ready to face the challenges ahead. Therefore, I am ready to make my parents proud by working hard till I achieve my aim. My role model is Barrister Babatunde, he is a member of my church.

I am determined to face my studies —Roheem Rofiat, Grade 5, 11 years MY future ambition is to become a banker. I like the profession because I feel happy when I see bankers working in the banks. My teacher always advise us in the class that if you are determined and hardworking, you can become whatever you want to become in the future.

I am determined to face my studies even up to the tertiary institution to become a successful banker in the future. The people I look up to as role models are the responsible bankers all over the world.

I like impacting knowledge —Abonyi Precious, Grade 4, 9 years MY plan for the future is to become a teacher. I like impacting knowledge in people’s lives and in the future I would like to impact knowledge in the younger generation. I like the way my teacher teaches me in the class, the way he explains and impacts knowledge in our lives and the

way he gives us advice. I would study hard and face my studies in other to be a good and a professional teacher. The people I always look up to for me to be as successful as they are my class teacher and the Headmaster.

Tortoise •Tortoises are reptiles. •Tortoise have a hard shell that protects them like a shield, this upper shell is called a ‘carapace’. •Tortoises also have a lower shell called a ‘plastron’. •Many turtle species (not all) can hide their heads inside their shells when attacked by predators. •Tortoises have existed for around 215 million years. •Like other reptiles, tortoises are cold blooded. •The largest tortoises is the leatherback sea tortoises, it can weigh over 900 kg! (2000 lb) Tortises lay eggs.

Compiled by Ilari Victoria

Anjolaoluwa

ARIJEGBE clocked

recently.

years

Long life and prosperity famousinvestion

Brief history of Xylophone

HE xylophone, a Greek word meaning wooden sound is a musical instrument in the percussion family that consists of wooden bars struck by mallets. Each bar is an idiophone tuned to a pitch of a musical-scale, whether pentatonic or heptatonic in the case of many African and Asian instruments, diatonic in many western children’s instruments, or chromatic for orchestral use. In 1886, Albert Roth introduced the idea of a two-rowed xylophone with a chromatic note pattern. This instrument is the modern instrument that we call the orchestral xylophone. The xylophone was created, and soon became a part of many orchestras and theater performances. In 1903, the American John Calhoun Deagan began to mass produce xylophones, and soon they were a part of nearly every orchestra. The term xylophone may be used generally, to include all such instruments, such as the marimba, balafon and even the semantron.The first definite proof of the xylophone’s existence was found in the 9th century in South-East Asia. These primitive instruments were as simple as wooden bars laid across the player’s legs. The design began to evolve as resonators were added to the bottom of the bars. These increased the sustain of the notes.

Send a boy where he wants to go and you’ll see his best pace. —Nigerian Proverb.

Proverb

WHEN I grow up, I would like to be a lawyer, I hate people being cheated and I also hate cheating. I have always love settling arguments and quarrels among my friends, I also like it when people have their full rights for peace to reign. It is a lucrative profession in which one can earn good money to become a reputable citizen in the society. My parents

Interpretation:

Passion is the greatest motivator.

news How terrorists perpetrated Abuja bomb blasts 49

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

FG to foot medical bills • Soldiers, police return to check points• US condemns attacks Chris Agbambu, Clement Idoko, Adetola Bademosi and Christian Okeke - Abuja

EVELATIONS emrged on Saturday regarding how suspected Boko Haram terrorists carried out two bomb attacks at Kuje and Nyanya, suburbs of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Friday night. According to security sources, the attacks, which claimed 18 persons while leaving 41 others injured, occured because of the dismantling of the security arrangements put in place by the immediate past administration of Dr Goodluck Jonathan at the FCT following the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari. The sources said that the terrorists took advantage of the dismantling of stopand-search operations previously mounted by the military and the police to quietly infiltrate the FCT and prepare for deadly attacks. Sunday Tribune gathered that military check points have since returned to strategic points in the FCT, especially on the roads leading to the blast scenes. The first blast, which went off at exactly 9:25pm at the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters, Kuje, according to eyewitnesses, was carried out by a female suicide bomber whose age was put at 15 years. Security operatives con-

firmed that there were no casualties, as the bomber could not gain entrance into the police station, and ended up blowing herself up. An impeccable eyewitness said at about 9:45pm on the same day, the second explosion was carried out by a male bomber at the Kuje market, killing several passerby and marketers. According to him, one of the victims who spoke before he was conveyed to the hospital said the second bomber came to the blast site with a polythene bag obviously containing the explosive device. He said: “I spoke with one victim who was injured. He said that there was a man who came to ask for change

and he really suspected him. The man dropped the polythene bag before a Meisuya (roast meat vendor) close by and, not quite long, the explosion took place. I was the one who raised him up because he was paralysed before we took him down to the general hospital.” He explained that it took security operatives and NEMA operatives between 20 and 45 minutes to arrive at the scene, stressing that casualties had by then been conveyed to the Kuje General hospital. “At exactly 9:25pm, the first explosion took place opposite a police station and exactly 15 minutes after 9:45pm, the second explosion took place, which I

witnessed. I thought it was a transformer explosion but later on, I discovered it was a bomb explosion. I rushed there and met a few soldiers who tried to drive me away, but I told them I only wanted to help out, because I work with Nigeria Turkish, though Schoo, so they allowed me to stay. “We took some injured persons to the hospital up to four times,” he stated Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ishaya Chonoko, gave the number of casualties after evacuation of victims to various hospital in Abuja. He said three people died while 21 were injured at the Nyanya incident, while

15 people lost their lives in Kuje, with 20 persons being treated for injury. The Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; Permanent Secretary, FCT John Chukwu and the FCT commissioner of police, CP Wilson Inalegwu, have since visited the scene. Meanwhile, the Director General of NEMA, Mohammed Sani-Sidi, who led some of the evacuation and visited victims in the hospitals, assured that the government would foot the bill of the victims, while reiterating the need for security consciousness among the citizens. In a related development, the FCT administration of-

Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), with the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, jointly presenting an Award of Excellence to a former governor of the state, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), during the 2015/2016 Legal Year Dinner, at the Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday. With them is Hon. Justice Toyin Oyekan-Abdullai.

Buhari, Saraki, Dogara condemn explosion C lement I doko and A yodele A desanmi with agency report

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the Friday attacks by Boko Haram on two satellite towns of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in which about 18 persons were reportedly dead and several others sustaining various degrees of injuries. Buhari was was reacting to the tow bomb explosions in Nyanya and Kuje, vowed that his administration would do all it could to rid the country of extremism as a way of eradicating violence in the country. Speaking on Saturday morning after he received a briefing from a fact-finding team he sent to the parts of the FCT which came under terrorist, the president said “The defeat of Boko Haram insurgency is in sight but to remove violence and make the country safe, we

must tackle the prevalence of violent extremism. In doing this, we will learn from the experience of the international community,” President Buhari assured. The statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to President, Malam Garba Shehu, quoted the President as directing the security services to raise their surveillance activities to meet the challenges of a retreating, desperate

terrorist army and for the general public to remain acutely aware of security in and around them. Also, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, in a statement by his Media Office in Abuja on Saturday, urged Nigerians not to panic, as the renewed attacks were signs that the days of Boko Haram are numbered. He condemned the bomb explosions, calling on security agencies to step up intelligence gathering activities.

Similiarly, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan, Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, condemned the bomb attacks, urging Nigerians not to cave in to terror. The statement called for increased intelligence sharing between security agencies in order to fight terrorism. He commended the security agencies for their quick response to the incidents

in Nyanya and Kuje, especially the prompt evacuation of both the dead and injured to medical facilities where they are receiving medical attention. According to Saraki, “To maintain peace, we need to step up the intelligence gathering machinery and get ordinary people to give useful information on suspicious movements by individuals, groups or even unexplainable location of objects and structures.”

Cowardly attacks won’t save B/Haram —APC THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned Friday night’s bomb attacks in Kuje and Nyanya areas of Abuja, warning that no amount of cowardly attacks would save the terrorists from imminent defeat. In a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday by its

National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the attacks, as well as other recent ones, were part of the cowardly tactics of the terrorists to focus on soft targets, after the military has succeeded in putting them on the run. It said the avowed deter-

mination of the Buhari Administration to crush Boko Haram, which had seen the military recording a string of successes against the terrorists, would not be weakened by the dastardly acts that are nothing but the last kicks of a dying monster. APC appealed to Nigerians to be vigilant since

Boko Haram members who have been smoked out of their strongholds may be seeking refuge elsewhere across the country. The party condoled with the families of those who were killed in the latest Abuja attacks, and wished those who were injured a speedy recovery.

fered to offset the medical bills of those injured in the attacks. FCT Permanent Secretary, John Chukwu, directed the FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat and the FCT Emergency Management Agency to redouble their efforts in offering assistance to victims of the blast. Already, hospitals in the territory where victims of the blasts were taken to have been advised to provide adequate medical care to the injured persons, as the FCT administration would pay all their medical bills. Also, in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olabisi Kolawole in Abuja yesterday, the Inspector-General of Police IGP Solomon Arase, assured residents and the entire country not to entertain any fears, as the Nigeria Police would do all within its capabilities to ensure adequate security of lives. He said: “Those that did these dastardly acts acted in cowardice. No matter their aim, Nigeria will not accommodate terrorists”. Arase ordered massive stop-and-search activities in and around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT.) This came as he said that preliminary investigations had already revealed the bomb blasts were carried out by two suicide bombers - a male and a female. NSCDC boss urges vigilance Also, the Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Mohammadu, directed personnel of the corps to be extra-vigilant in the discharge of their duties, especially in the protection of critical infrastructure and National Assets. Gana Muhammadu gave the directive during inspections of scenes of the bomb blasts that occurred at Kuje and Nyanya Districts of Abuja Friday’s night. He said: “We must redouble our efforts in the provision of maximum security by becoming extra-vigilant to deny undesirable elements from wrecking havoc on innocent citizens.” Meanwhile, the United States has condemned the dual explosions, as well as the suicide bombings and militant attacks in Maiduguri and Adamawa on October 1. It extended the government’s deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured.

news

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

True Muslims should reject being labelled as Boko Haram —Fashola

Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose (left); His Royal Majesty, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado; the Ogoga of Ikere; his wife, Olori Olufumilola and His Royal Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Alafin of Oyo, exchanging pleasantries at the coronation ceremony of Ogoga of Ikere, in Ikere Ekiti, on Saturday.

The immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, has called on Nigerians and the international community to remove the religious label on the Boko Haram sect which has been perpetrating acts of terror in Northeast Nigeria. Fashola who spoke in Lagos at the public presentation of a book entitled “Frontiers of Jihad: Radical Islam in Africa”, said the religious label on Boko Haram should be removed by describing them as common criminals. He said Islam stood for peace and any group known for murder, rape, kidnapping and other forms of crime are working at cross purposes with the religion. The former Governor observed that the book authored by a lawyer and senior lecturer at the Babcock University, Ilisan, Remo, Ogun State Dr. Yinka Olomojobi could not have come at a better time as it addressed the fundamentals of insurgency, a nightmare the global community has been faced with in recent years. The chief launcher of the book, Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Latter rain Assembly agreed with Fashola saying that there should be clear separation between religion and radicalism. He said as a former Moslem, he knew that Islam was against rascality as is now being perpetrated by Boko Haram. The reviewer of the book, Dr. Laja Odukoya observed that the book took a critical and scientific journey into the causes and manifestations of radical Islam.

Kresta Laurel named best engineering firm in Africa, third worldwide

CONOIL BRINGS RELIEF TO HOMES. Nigerians buying kerosene at N50 per litre at one of the numerous Conoil filling stations, selling the product in Lagos, at the weekend.

Bailout fund intact —Mimiko

NDO state Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has debunked allegation that the bailout fund collected by the state had been lodged in a fixed account, even as he assured that his government would continue to priotise the welfare of its workers. Addressing accounting officers and public servants

on grade level 13 and above in the State Public Service during a meeting in Akure at the weekend, Mimiko said the money was intact. Mimiko said the bailout money could not have been put in a fixed account because ït was a loan that would be deducted from the state’s allocation and it would be unreasonable to fix such money, adding that

any bank caught in such act would be sanctioned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The governor explained that the State Executive Council gave approval for the payment of July and August salaries on Monday before the payment was disrupted after a strike action was called by the worker’s union leaders.

Ekiti govt begins work at airport site Sam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti THE Ekiti State government has begun moves to bring to fruition its plan to build an airport for in the state as it has commenced the clearing of the 40 hectares of land for the effective take-off of the project. Following an approval of the project by the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2009, the project had suffered neglect due to lack of political will of previous administrations in the state. The Commissioner for Works, Mr. Kayode Oso,

told newsmen while conducting them round the site, that Governor Ayodele Fayose set up a planning committee for the project a month ago and that the committee had consulted widely with relevant consultancy firms and professionals on the project. Oso, who maintained that the Fayose-led administration was desirous of implementing the project, also disclosed that relevant professional bodies had approved the project, hence the earnest commencement of works on it. He said: “Today, we are starting the site clearing of the 40 hectares of land

for the airport and we are hoping that in two months, we will be through with the site clearing after which the governor would flag-off construction works on the site. The communities that would be affected by the site clearing include AsoAyegunle, Ijan and a part of Afao-Ekiti,” he said. In a related development, the people of Aso-Ayegunle community, hosts of the project, while lauding the state government for the project, pleaded with the state government to compensate them for the acquisition of the land they described as “our only source of economic income.”

Dr Mimiko, who advised public servants to always verity the truth and maintain a minimum level of responsibility before decision taking, assured that his administration would always promote the welfare of the workers. He explained that his administration’s programmes had received accolades from within and outside the country due to the effective synergy between the political class and the workers. Governor Mimiko, who said that he would support industrial action against injustice, however, expressed disappointment on the disruption of activities at health facilities in the State by union leaders, saying that it was immoral and unacceptable to drag patients out of hospitals in the name of a strike action. He charged workers to continue to do their jobs, assuring that he would begin to have periodic interactions with them with a view to bridging communication gap between government and the workers.

Kresta Laurel Limited has been named Africa’s best company in material handling and among the first three companies in the world to have attained international best practices. The announcement which was made at the world distributors’ conference held in Wetter, Germany, at the weekend, saw three companies as having attained overall international best practices worldwide. DEMAG, a brand of TEREX, was named the most reputable company in material handling and port solutions worldwide. DEMATEC company was named best in Europe, Kresta Laurel was named best in Africa, while another firm from Ecuador emerged best in America. In his keynote address, the former governor of Ogun State and founder of Kresta Laurel Engineering Company, Mr Gbenga Daniel, who was the only black man in the midst of 70 topnotch engineers across the world who attended the conference reiterated the importance of adhering strictly to international best practices in the engineering world. Kresta Laurel was established in 1990 and billed to celebrate it’s 25th anniversary in October.

MKO Abiola’s brother, Mubashiru dies, buried Olayinka Olukoya-Abeokuta The younger brother of the late acclaimed winner of the June 12,1993, Chief MKO Abiola, Mubashiru, died on Friday afternoon and has since been buried on Saturday,according to Islamic injunctions. Sunday Tribune learnt that the deceased,aged 74,had been ill for some months. His remains were interred at his residence Gaa Sabo area of Abeokuta,at a short ceremony which had in attendance one of the w?Ives of the late business mogul and pillar of sports in Africa,Dr.Doyin Abiola, a member of the House of Representatives,Hon. Mikahil Kazeem,Executive Director,Corporate Services, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Company, Mrs. Lola Abiola-Edewor,Mr.Lekan Abiola. In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Gbagura?, Prof. Kamaldeen Abdul Azeez Balogun admonished the gathering on the need to live a worthy life saying that “death is inevitable for all mortals. “Death is inevitable for all souls, whether you are rich or poor you must die one day and leave all those earthly things for others who will also die later,” he said.

news

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

600,000 pupils sit on floor in Kaduna —Govt Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna KADUNA State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr Shehu Usman Adamu, has said over 600,000 out of the 1.106 million primary school pupils sit on the bare floor to take lessons in Kaduna State. He made this known during an interactive session with newsmen 24 hours after the state governor, Mallam Nasiru el-Rufai, declared state of emergency in the education sector. Adamu remarked that the state government has undertaken plans to overcome the legacy of 16 years of neglect that the educational sector has suffered under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led government. Reverend Victor and Pastor Jumoke Adeyemi, Senior Pastor of Global Harvest Churches, with some pioneer members and awardees, cutting the 20th Anniversary Convention cake, recently.

We started investigating Alison-Madueke since 2013 —UK National Crime Agency

HE UK National Crime Agency (NCA), on Saturday, said investigation into allegations of corruption against Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, and the four other people arrested Friday had been on since 2013. According to Premium Times, an online newspaper, the NCA said, “the investigation commenced in 2013 under the Proceeds of Corruption Unit, and transferred to the NCA earlier this year.” Until recently, the Proceeds of Corruption Unit was domiciled at the Metropolitan Police Service. But after the International Corruption Unit was created at the NCA, in line with the UK AntiCorruption Plan, the Proceeds of Corruption Unit at the Metropolitan Police and the Overseas AntiCorruption Unit of the City of London Police were scrapped. The ICU then became the UK’s prime agency for the investigation of bribery of foreign public officials by individuals or companies from the UK, and money

laundering by corrupt foreign officials and their associates. In its update Saturday, the NCA also said it had released the former minister on “conditional bail.” The other four unnamed persons arrested with her were also granted bail. “All five people arrested were released on condi-

tional police bail later that evening, pending further investigation both in the UK and overseas.” The conditions of the bail are not immediately clear. But people familiar with the matter told Premium Times that Mrs AlisonMadueke and her colleagues were barred from travelling out of the UK pending con-

Why Saraki didn’t appoint Lawan as Senate Leader —Senator Taiwo Adisa -Abuja

THE Senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District in the upper legislative chamber, Senator Hamma Isa Misau, said on Saturday, that Senate President, Bukola Saraki, should not be blamed for the failure of Senator Ahmad Lawan to emerge as Senate Leader of the eighth Senate. Misau, who stated this in Abuja, said senators of the North-East collectively took the decision to hand the Senate Leader position to Senator Alli Ndume after the June 9 emergence of Senator Saraki as Senate President. He insisted that Saraki

should not carry the blame for the inability of Lawan to emerge the Senate Leader as proposed by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to him, members of the North-East caucus of the APC in the Senate overwhelmingly voted against the decision to pick Lawan, adding that the senators expressed their preference for Senator Ali Ndume as the leader. He stated that out of 11 senators, who were members of the caucus, eight voted for Ndume while three voted for Lawan and that since politics was a game of numbers, the candidate with majority of the senators emerged as

Don’t play politics with selection of monarchs, Fayose warns kingmakers Sam Nwaoko -Ado Ekiti

GOVERNOR Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State has warned kingmakers against playing politics with the selection of traditional rulers in their communities. Governor Fayose, who gave the warning in IkereEkiti, on Saturday, at the official coronation ceremony of the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, said: “traditional institution is too sacred to toy with as the consequences could be unpleasant.” The governor also frowned on the situation in which a

clusion of investigation and their arraignment in court. One source said the suspects’ travelling documents were seized, but Premium Times has been unable to independently verify that as at the time of this report. The source also said the suspects were also warned against any attempt to tamper with evidence.

regent would want to manipulate the selection of a monarch to favour some people. He said: “the post of regent is only a stop gap before a substantive monarch is installed,” saying “under my watch, I won’t allow any kingmaker to play politics with the selection of any monarch.” He noted that when he came to office in October last year, “there were about 12 vacant stools and to the glory of God, we have been able to peacefully resolve and install six monarchs.” He stated that, “the role

of regent is temporary and not that kingmakers will be playing politics with the selection of Obas. “Within the last six months, we have installed six Obas. Any civil servant that meddles in the affairs of selecting an Oba will be dealt with. A kingmaker must be able to openly line up behind his choice.” Fayose told the crowd at the ceremony, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, that “the choice of the new Ogoga was overwhelming” and called on the people of the town to support the monarch.

leader. He said he found it necessary to make the explanation to correct the widespread impression that Senator Saraki deliberately opposed the choice of Senator Lawan as Senate Leader to spite the leadership of the APC. He said: “Many people do not know or understand what happened then. Truly, many of us prefer Ndume to Lawan. The fact that Ndume contested for the post of Deputy Senate President at that time and he sought the support of most senators made it easy for him to get our support. “In any case, Senator Lawan never told anybody that he was interested in the post of Majority leader. We, therefore, voted for a person who actually lobbied and sought our support. So, we take responsibility for our decisions. Nobody should blame the Senate President.” Misau further stated that many had misconstrued the powers of the Senate President in making decisions about the leadership of the Senate. He said: “The Senate President is just first among equals. He represents one district like every other senator. He is not like a state governor or president who has executive powers and discretion to select ministers and commissioners.’’

Alao-Akala’s wife, Akeredolu, others mourn Oyo LP chieftain By Moses Alao

THE death of the Oyo South Senatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the March 28 presidential and national assembly election, Mr Nurudeen Owolabi Akinyo, has been described as painful and shocking by his associates and other dignitaries who attended his burial at his Ikolaba home in Ibadan, on Saturday. Wife of the former Oyo State governor, Mrs Kemi Alao-Akala; deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Bayo Adelabu, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, a former Secretary to Oyo State Government, Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli and a former member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Babs Oduyoye, were among the dignitaries and friends who attended the burial. Akinyo, a former Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi, died in Garki Hospital, Abuja, on Friday, during a brief illness.

LUTH-CMUL holds 50th AGM By Seyi Sokoya

THE acting president of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the College of Medicine, University of Lagos Multipurpose Society Limited, Prince Ruben Adeleye, has described its 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the years ended 2013 and 2014 respectively as a milestone achievement the society has ever made. The event, which was held at the New Grate Hall in LUTH Complex, at Idiaraba, Lagos, recently, was attended by various stakeholders from the two sister institutions. The AGM, which coincided with the 50 years existence of the society, according to Adeleye, was a great achievement to both the past and present management of the society compared to other cooperative societies which were founded the same year which had for long ceased to exist due to mismanagement and other unpleasant reasons.

Pensioners want PENCOM to be transparent NIGERIA Union of Pensioners (NUP) have accused the authorities of PENCOM of turning its operations into a cult at the expense of pensioners, as they (members) have no access to the organisation that has the custody of their money/livelihood. The retirees made the allegation in a communiqué jointly signed by Mr S.A Kojusola (Chairman) and Idowu Ogunjinrin (Secretary), which was issued at the end of the national meeting and made available to journalists. The pensioners, in the 10 point communiqué, added that for now the pension review was not extended to contributory pensioners, ‘‘because the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Section 173(3) allows for review every five years and contributory pensioners do not enjoy that.’’ They added that the essence of social security attached to the pension was being defeated as members were paid peanuts against their last pay in their places of primary assignment, stressing further that government should endeavour to equate payment of the new pensioners with the old to justify the social security that the pension wished to address.

4 October, 2015

SUNDAY

Sunday Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman 08053789060 tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com

Oshoala returns to training NIGERIAN international, Asisat Oshoala has returned to training with Liverpool Ladies FC after she was sidelined by a knee injury for over two months. The reigning African Women’s player of the Year announced her return to training through her Instagram page, where she posted her videos working in the gym and with ball on the pitch. “Getting closer,” she also wrote on Instagram. The youthful striker suffered a knee injury while in action for Liverpool Ladies

Awoniyi begins pro education in Germany TAIWO Awoniyi is at present in Germany as he commences his professional football education with 2. Bundesliga (German second division) club FSV Frankfurt. The 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner was an unused substitute as Frankfurt suffered a 0-4 defeat to Heidenheim on Friday at Frankfurter Volksbank Stadion. It was the second time this season that the Nigerian starlet would be making his way into the match day squad of the Bornheimer without kicking a competitive ball. He was also named in the match day squad by trainer Tomas Oral in the 0-2 defeat to Freiburg on September 27 at SchwarzwaldStadion but he spent all 90 minutes on the bench. Awoniyi joined Liverpool on August 31 with the Reds understood to have paid around £400,000 for his services. The Nigerian starlet was then farmed out on loan to the German club to continue his professional football development. Awoniyi believes his time will come and continue to look at the bigger picture - achieving success in the famed strip of Liverpool Football Club. “This is the biggest club in the world and I’m privileged to be here. I’ll try to

in a league game against Notts County on July 18. Before then, the BBC Woman Footballer of the Year (2015) had scored three goals in seven games for Liverpool. It will be recalled that Oshoala missed the justconcluded 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville due to the injury, which also sidelined her from the 2016 Olympics qualifiers against Nzalang National of Equatorial Guinea, which denied Nigeria the ticket to the Games scheduled to hold in Brazil.

Eaglets face Argentina in friendly

develop myself very well so that when I come back to Liverpool I’ll be able to add value to the team. “When I’m in the red shirt, I will always give my best to make the fans happy,” Awoniyi was quoted as saying on the club’s official website, www.liverpoolfc.com in August.

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets will tackle Argentina’s U-17 team in a warm-up match on Tuesday in Buenos Aires as part of their preparations for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. The Eaglets are also scheduled to face the U-20 team of either Racing FC or Boca Juniors on October 11 before they depart for Santiago. The Nigerian youngsters had on Friday arrived at their pre-

World Cup training camp in Buenos Aires, Argentina aboard an Emirates Airline’s B777-300 flight from Dubai. The Eaglets have already begun training at the Buenos Aires Futbol ground. BAF, as its simply known is a facility privately owned by former Argentine international, Matias Almeyda, and it is tucked away at San Roque in Tigre on the outskirts of the capital city of Argentina.

Aguero scores five in City’s 6-1 win

ERGIO Aguero scored five goals in the space of 20 minutes as Manchester City demolished Newcastle to return to the top of the Premier League table. He becomes the fifth player to score five goals in an English top-flight game since the launch of the Premier League in 1992, after Andrew Cole, Alan Shearer, Jermain Defoe and Dimitar Berbatov. Aguero was substituted in the 64th minute by manager Manuel Pellegrini amid a standing ovation, with the score already at 6-1. Aleksandar Mitrovic nodded Newcastle in front, but Aguero’s brilliant burst of goals began

when he headed City level. It continued after the break when his deflected shot made it 2-1 and he ran through soon after for his hat-trick. Kevin de Bruyne’s volley made it 4-1 before Aguero struck again with a curling shot and close-range finish. Newcastle, who is still without a league win this season, had chances to extend its lead after £13m striker Mitrovic scored his first goal since joining the club in the summer. But Aguero’s virtuoso show - which ended his Premier League goal drought in style - means the Magpies fall to the bottom of the table on goal difference. Going into the game, Aguero was without a

goal in open play in 595 minutes in all competitions, and any Premier League goal in 424 minutes since City’s win over Chelsea on August 16. The Argentina striker’s shooting statistics were all well down on his usual high standards but when he returned to form, a shell-shocked Newcastle had no way of stopping him. His early season frustration continued with his first two shots of the game both ending up off target, but his next five efforts all found the net. The pick of the bunch was his fourth, which came when he looked up on the left-hand side of the area and picked his spot in the opposite corner.

Aguero celebrates one of his goals against Newcastle

4 October, 2015

Sunday Tribune

news

4 October, 2015

Flood sacks 6 villages in Nasarawa •Residents sleep on trees Ademola Adegbite-Lafia

T was wailing and gnashing of teeth in six villages in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, as torrential rain wreaked havoc in the communities, forcing residents to be sleeping on trees and firewood like birds and chickens. Affected rural communities, according to Sunday Tribune investigations, were Obendo, Kwatanbala, Olega koma, Adiepe, as well as Ijiwo Otiya and Olega Ungulu, all under Doma South constituency, have been subjected to hardship, as a result of the flood. As of the time of filing this report, on Saturday, respite has not come, either from the federal or state government to the victims, as hous-

es, farmlands, shops and hospital have been completely submerged, while courageous rural dwellers were seen using canoes and flying boats as another means of transportation. Although, no life was lost, one of the witnesses, who did not want his name in print, told Sunday Tribune that none of the residents could account for his or her losses, as flood washed away virtually all their belongings. “For now, nobody can say this is what I have lost, because in a situation where flood submerges your own territory, what will be your first priority is your life. “How I will survive with my family members is my major concern. So, until we take inventory of what we had before the incident, nobody can say with boldness that

this is what I have lost”, he added in an emotion laden voice. While commiserating with the victims during an assessment tour of the affected communities, the member representing Doma South constituency at the state House of Assembly, Honourable Akoza James Dangana implored both the Federal and state governments to come to the aid of his constituents. He urged them to take urgent practical steps to nip in the bud the plights of riverine communities submerged by flood in his constituency. When contacted on phone in Lafia, the state capital, the state Police Public Relations officer (PPRO), Ismaila Numan, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said he was not aware of the incident.

Sunday Tribune

SIDELINES NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER

4 October, 2015

no 2,014

www.tribune.com.ng

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Eagles in visa hitch

Ighalo

Ighalo earns Watford away point By Ganiyu Salman NIGERIAN international, Odion Ighalo was on target again on Saturday for Watford as the newly-promoted English Premier League side forced Bournemouth to a 1-1 draw at the Goldsands. The Super Eagles forward perhaps, had Artur Boruc to thank as the goalkeeper in an attempt to dribble delivered a pass to him, which he (Ighalo) effectively utilised by sending the ball into the yawning net with Boruc already displaced. Ighalo, who has been recalled to the Eagles for the friendlies against Congo DR and Cameroon later this month, it will be recalled gave the Hornets their first victory of the season with a goal against Swansea. The Edo State-born player who scored his first English Premier League goal in the opener against Everton at Goodison Park, was also the hero of Watford’s 2-1 win over Newcastle with a brace as his goal on Saturday was his fifth in the EPL this season. Bournemouth had shot ahead in the 28th minute of the game through Glen Murray. Brazilian Watford’s goalkeeper denied the Cherries victory in the 85th minute as he saved Murray’s spot-kick.

Stamford Bridge came ing on Saturday as sea suffered a 1-3 loss to Southampton who came from behind to achieve the feat. English Premier League The champions took an early lead t h r o u g h Willian’s free-kick. Steven Davis drove in an equaliser before Sadio Mane ran through after a defensive error to put Saints ahead. Graziano Pelle’s angled finish sealed victory for Southampton, who climbed to the ninth on the table.

Onazi

Stamford Bridge falls again

T H E crashChel-

Shortly after former Aviation Minister, Diezani Allison-Madueke, was reportedly arrested in London, officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) rushed to seal off her Abuja residence. If Diezani’s house deserved sealing off, what was the commission doing all this while? Or does it need the UK anti-crime agency’s prodding to wake up from slumber?

It was Chelsea’s fourth defeat of the season as the result took them to the 16th on the log. The Blues have taken only eight points from a possible 24 this season and are only four above the relegation zone. Chelsea’s struggles this season have been exacerbated by an uncharacteristically poor defence. They have now conceded 17 league goals - two more than they did in the whole of Mourinho’s first season with the club in 2004-05.

RESULTS Crystal Palace 2 West Brom 0 Aston Villa 0 Stoke City 1 Bournemouth 1 Watford 1 Man City 6 Newcastle 1 Norwich City 1 Leicester 2 Sunderland 2 West Ham 2 Chelsea 1 Souton 3 Globacom Premier League Abia Warriors 3 Rangers 3 0 Warri Wolves 3 Sunshine Today’s fixtures, Week 32 Dolphins vs FC Ifeanyiubah El-Kanemi vs Sharks FC Wikki Tourists vs Taraba Heartland vs Enyimba 3SC vs Bayelsa Utd Nasarawa Utd vs Lobi Stars Kwara United vs Akwa United Giwa FC vs Kano Pillars Pools result 03,09,12,13,27,32,39,41,44,48 Today’s matches: 01,06,10,14,47

igeria’s Super Eagles have been hit by a visa hitch after players from the domestic league and some officials could not be granted entry visas to Belgium and so can no longer fly out of the country today as planned. Nigeria is to play two friendlies against DRC Congo on October 8 and Cameroon on October 11 in Belgium as part of their build-up for a 2018 World Cup qualifier against either Swaziland or Djibouti next month. However, a source informed AfricanFootball. com the six home-based players called up by coach Sunday Oliseh for these matches as well as some of the Eagles backroom staff can no longer depart the country today because they are yet to be issued Shengen visas. “The Belgian embassy did not issue the visas on Friday as promised. They claimed that they are yet to get approval from the home office,” the source informed. “The departure of the home-based players and officials will therefore not be possible for Sunday night again.”

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: sundaytribuneeditor@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON EDITOR: SINA OLADEINDE. All Correspondence to P. O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 4/10/2015