8th October, 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 1,172

SATURDAY, 8 OCTOBER, 2016

www.tribuneonlineng.com

Nigerian Tribune

‘IBB sent bag of money •President gave the money to to Buhari’ the poor —Biographer

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Nigerian Tribune

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SPECIAL TREAT

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Spot scam bank e-mails with these tips pg32

Oyegun attacks Tinubu

Says: No amount of money can buy my conscience pg4

Why Yoruba people must protect Tinubu —Fayose

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Most women are multifunctional and can multitask —Nikki Khiran

pg9

Day Ooni of Ife escaped electrocution —Brother

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President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu (hands raised), stepping out of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Jabi, Abuja, after they were discharged following the withdrawal of the forgery charges against them by the Federal Government and the subsequent dismissal of the case by the court, on Friday.

Kogi gov probes predecessors pg4 Abducted Lagos teachers, students: Presidency denies freezing Jonathan’s accounts pg33

Kidnappers demand N120m ransom We’re on top of the situation —Police

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Saturday Tribune

Taiwo Olowu, a.k.a. LT, is a fast rising musician and one of the twin sons of the late veteran actress, Henrietta Kosoko, who died early this year. In this interview by JOAN OMIONAWELE, he talks about his memories of his mother, life as a musician, among other things. Excerpts:

H

OW has life been as a musician?

It has been really good. We thank God.

What prompted you to go into music?

We (my twin and I) have been fans of Michael Jackson since we were three years old. We always loved the thrilling performances and vocal deliveries.

So, we decided to do what he did back then and here we are in the process of becoming great. I am singing and dancing and my twin brother produces, mixes and masters the song.

What genre of music do you do?

I am a versatile artiste. I love to do all kinds of good music. I started with RnB but I have a couple of jazz songs, hip hop songs, alternative RnB, as well as a blend of rock and trap, and a whole lot but for now, I’m starting with pop (Afro pop).

Have there been people to support you in the industry?

Yes, a couple of comedians and actors.

Your late mum was your greatest supporter.

What do you miss most about her?

There are loads of them but I miss her smile the most.

What were the life lessons she taught you?

To have a blend of humility, relentlessness and godliness.

What were her last words to you before she died?

She told me that the four of us (my siblings and I ) should stick together no matter what.

Who are the people who inspire you most as a singer?

My twin brother, Michael Jackson, Usher Raymond, P-square, Chris Brown, John Legend, Jon Bellion, Asa, Banky W, Tuface and so on. I am just a lover of good music and I draw inspiration from that.

If you had a chance to change something about yourself, what would that be?

I would heal my twin brother in order for him to walk well again because there are a lot that we didnt do as kids while growing up and it hurts that I still can’t do those things with him till now.

What’s your educational background?

I went to Kotoke Nursery and Primary School in Mushin and then Government College, Ketu-Epe for any secondary education (JSS1- SS1) but I finished secondary school in Western College. I later studied Banking and Finance in Houdegbe North American University, Benin.

What are the things you will never do as a musician?

Well, I will never never charge any upcoming musician with good songs for a feature in the future.

What are your latest projects?

I just dropped my new single titled REPEAT and I have a couple of others coming soon.

What I miss most about my mum —Taiwo, late Henrietta Kosoko’s son How close are you to ace actor, Jide Kosoko?

We are pretty close.

What do you admire most about him?

His ability to create time for family given his busy schedule.

Who are your best male and female musicians

in the industry?

As of now, Usher, Jon Bellion, Falz The Badt Guy, Simi, Niniola, Wizkid, Davido.

What kind of lady attracts you?

Smart, God fearing, a little bit crazy and fun and a creative thinker. I don’t like boring ladies.

I also like them fresh and clean.

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news

‘IBB sent bag of money to Buhari’

8 October, 2016

Saturday Tribune

President distributed it to the poor —Biographer

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ONTROVERSIES over the contents of President Muhammadu Buhari’s authorized biography are not going to be over soon.

Allegations of money exchanging hands between the president and the man who toppled him in 1985, General Ibrahim Babangida, are in the book titled “Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria.”

According to accounts on page 35 of the book, after General Buhari was released from detention in 1988, IBB sent him “a bag of money” which he (Buhari) “distributed to the poor.”

“Buhari had married Safinatu Yusuf in 1971, and they had five children, a son and four daughters. In the end, Buhari and Safinatu would be divorced in 1988. He would marry Aisha Halilu in 1989, after his release from detention. They would also have five children.

“After the death of his mother in December 1988, Buhari was released and travelled to Daura for the mourning. When he arrived in Daura, he found his farm much as he had left it. His senior brother (the father of Mamman Daura), along with the Barden Daura, had managed the cattle, sheep, and horses in his absence, although a number of cattle had been sold off to pay for feed during the drought.

“Buhari was still in debt to the bank for building his home. Yet now he had no income. At that time there was no program to provide retirement funds for former heads of state. Babangida agreed to a policy to pay Buhari his military pension, a modest 1,643 naira per month for ten years.

“Babangida had originally sent Buhari “a bag of money,” but Buhari refused it and had it distributed to the poor. Buhari had negotiated his pension funds with Air Vice Marshal (rtd) Hamza Abdullahi, a military governor of Kano, who acted on behalf of Babangida,” the biographer wrote.

The book also contained details of how Buhari was arrested by two soldiers in his bedroom in consummation of the August 27, 1985 coup.

“By late spring of 1985, the number of “big men” going to jail had increased. The tribunals were open and transparent. Buhari was insistent that the courts do their duty without fear or favor. Two-thirds of those arrested and charged came from the north, that is, from the NPN base.

“As noted above, by the summer of 1985, splits were beginning to appear within the top military circle. Babangida had been part of

every coup in Nigeria since 1967 and began to consider his options. He was very close to General Aliyu Gusau, who was in charge of security. As the summer unfolded, Buhari became aware that Gusau was trading in import licenses on the side. Gusau was retired by Buhari, a move that apparently upset Babangida.

“Buhari confronted Babangida and asked what he would have done in the matter of Gusau’s retirement. Babangida agreed that Gusau had to have been retired. A few days later, however, there was a knock on Buhari’s bedroom door. He opened the door and was met by two soldiers, who told him,

“General Buhari, sir, you are under arrest.” Buhari would spend the next three years in detention in Benin.

But at least he was alive.

“The question has arisen subsequently as to whether Buhari knew about the countercoup in advance. Given his “appreciation” of complex situation, it is argued by some, how could he not

have known?

beyond their request for N20 million ransom per head. Two teachers and four students were abducted in the school on Thursday morning.

The police in the state have linked the abduction to members of a kidnap gang which has been operating in Ikorodu and Epe. A police source who wanted anonymity told Saturday Tribune that: “There is no clue yet as to where the victims are. But on our own part, we have identified the group that perpetrated the act. We have arrested some of them in the past. It is still the same gang.”

There was also the report in the school that the abductors got in touch with some people early on Friday and assured

them of the safety of the abducted teachers and students.

Meanwhile, members of a local vigilance group in the area, popularly known as Muwon, have joined in the search for the students and their teachers.

The members, dressed in brown uniform outfits, were seen on Friday with a patrol van moving around the school premises.

Members of the local security outfit were reportedly drafted to complement the efforts of the police, military and others who are working on the rescue of the victims.

“They (Muwon) were drafted because they are in charge of security in this area. They know the terrain more than the police and the SSS,” a

resident around the school area said.

The PPRO, Lagos State police command, Dolapo Badmus, did not pick all calls placed by Saturday Tribune to her phone on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone Two, Abdulmajid Ali has urged the family members of the victims to remain clam while the police intensified efforts to rescue them.

The AIG who spoke through his zonal PPRO, Muyiwa Adejobi also said security had been fortified around the school and other vulnerable places while enough men had been deployed for the operations.

for separation of powers, checks and balances and constitutionalism.

“We commend the judiciary for its continuous dedication and commitment to the rule of law in our democracy.

We restate our confidence in their ability to adjudicate and dispense justice in all matters in the polity which no doubt greatly contribute to national productivity. Our

commendation also goes to the Federal Ministry of Justice for being courageous enough to do the right thing.

“We however call on the government to go the whole hog and withdraw other cases with political coloration. This is a period for the political leadership to present a united front.

There is an emergency in the country. The economy

is in crisis. This has resulted in escalating and excruciating poverty among our people. Social problems are on the rise. There are conflicts across the country. National values are being eroded.

Crucial Infrastructure and social services are collapsing. These are the things that should pre-occupy our minds, especially now that our economy is in recession.

Life in Detention “Buhari was housed in a well-guarded small bungalow in Benin City. He was not harassed by soldiers or cut off from all communication. He was given a small television set that could pick up one or two channels, plus daily newspapers

Abducted Lagos teachers, students: Kidnappers demand N120m ransom FromOluwatoyinMalikand Olalekan Olabulo KIDNAPPERS of two teachers and four students of Lagos State Junior and Senior Model College, Igbonla in the Epe area of Lagos State have opened a line of communication with family members of the kidnapped persons demanding a ransom of N20 million per head.

A reliable security source told Saturday Tribune Friday night that while the kidnappers had called the families and made their demands known, security forces had intensified efforts to locate the abducted persons.

The source did not give further details on the demand of the kidnappers

Forgery: Senate hails Saraki, Ekweremadu’s acquittal Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja THE Senate, on Friday, disclosed that the forgery case against its presiding officers, Senate President Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has been a distraction to the law making body and that the withdrawal is a confirmation of its position that the nation cannot afford any sharp division between the various arms of government.

In a statement by its spokesman, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Senate said the decision to withdraw the case and its subsequent dismissal as well as the discharge of the defendants has confirmed its earlier position that the case was indeed an abuse of court process having been dismissed earlier by the court.

“We have always said it that that case was politically motivated. The executive cannot decide for the legislature the genuineness or otherwise of its standing rules. However, where there is a crack in the wall, it is easy for others to capitalise on the differences between us. Now that Senators have closed their ranks, the executive is only taking the right cue.

“We are happy with this development. We believe it is a sign of good things to come. It is a victory for democracy. A victory

and he was provided three meals a day. He was allowed visitors, but only on the specific authorization of Babangida In most cases, his visitors were members of his family, although because they lived in the north of the country, and Benin was in Edo State in the south, travel was a problem.

“Buhari’s daily routine was much the same every day. He would get up around 5a.m. for Muslim prayers, and then go back to bed; get up again around 8 or 9a.m. and have breakfast; read; have lunch; rest; exercise; pray; eat dinner; read; and sleep. The only exercise he could get was to jog around outside the house.

“He read not only newspapers, but also novels, history books and the Qur’an.

His chief uncertainty in detention was when he would be released. If Babangida had wanted to kill him, he realized, he would be dead by now. Hence, he had to endure not so much anxiety as a continual sense of boredom. He was used to a Spartan lifestyle and so he did not miss material comforts But he did miss his family, and he felt acutely the loss of his freedom. He had absolutely no intention of ever reentering Nigerian political life.

“In the end, after more than three years in detention, it was the death of Buhari’s mother in December 1988 that led to his release. News of her death generated public pressure on Babangida to let Buhari return to Daura.

Babangida acceded to the pressure, allowing Buhari to go back to Daura, where he would have to start his new life as a retired major general,” the author wrote.

Fayose condemns attack on Tinubu, says Yoruba leaders must be protected Sam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti EKITI State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has condemned the attack on Senator Bola Tinubu, saying; “humiliation of Tinubu is as good as humiliation of the Yoruba race.”

Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose, said; “if Tinubu is allowed to be embarrassed and disgraced just the way our past leaders were humiliated by these same elements, the Yoruba nation would have been made to suffer for uprightness.”

The governor said; “even though I am not a member of APC and I will never be, I have elected to stand in defence of the Yoruba nation once again by saying no to the continuous dishonourable treatment being meted to Asiwaju Bola

Tinubu, having paid his dues.”

Fayose condemned the Tuesday, sponsored protest against the APC leader at the party’s national secretariat, saying; “it is unfortunate that Tinubu is now being vilified in a party he invested heavily in and his fellow kinsmen that he brought up politically are part of this conspiracy.

“In their desperation, they have even tried to set him against the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, by insinuating that he tried to prevent his (Osinbajo) emergence as President Mohammadu Buhari’s running mate, this is sad!”

He lamented that “when other tribes protect own, it is becoming historically common among the Yorubas to allow themselves to be used against their leaders just for momentary political gains at the expense of the collective interests of the Yoruba nation.

“It should be noted that late

Chief Obafemi Awolowo was sent to jail by the conspiracy and collaboration of some Yorubas with the external aggressors.”

Governor Fayose said; “Tinubu is a prominent stakeholder, we should not sit back and watch while those he used his own sweat to make conspired with others to humiliate him.

“Most importantly, it is my position that irrespective of political affiliation, no leader of the Yoruba nation must be vilified unduly, especially by the same people who humiliated our past leaders like Obafemi Awolowo, Adekunle Ajasin, Bola Ige, Bisi Onabanjo, Lateef Jakande and others.

“To me, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu should not be seen just as an APC leader, but acknowledged as a major stakeholder in the Yoruba nation that we must all protect beyond politics. ”It should be recalled that these were among the issues

that I raised when I visited Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State few months ago on the need to work together beyond party affiliations.

“Here in Yorubaland, it is said that if a household is at peace, it is because the bastard child of the family is yet to attain the age of maturity and those people that Asiwaju Tinubu made, but are now being used against him should watch it.

“I therefore condemn this conspiracy against Asiwaju Tinubu and I admonish those that are hoping to make political benefits from it to have a rethink.”

The governor, who called for greater unity among the Yorubas, added that; “We are first Yorubas before becoming members of political parties, it is my opinion that our leaders must be defended and protected not-minding the personal gains of today.”

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Kogi gov begins probe of past govts, inaugurates judicial commission Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

The Secretary to the Kogi State Government (SSG) administering oath on members of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, inaugurated by the Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to probe past governments in the State, on Friday. PHOTO: YINKA OLADOYINBO.

Oyegun attacks Tinubu

Says no amount of money can buy his conscience

By Dapo Falade

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HE festering crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) became a fullblown war as the national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has described as reckless the call for his resignation by another leader of the party, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Following the outcome of the governorship primary of the party, held in Ondo State, last month, the former Lagos State governor had called for the resignation of the APC chairman, claiming that the exercise was marred by corruption and was a negation of democratic tenets.

Tinubu, in a statement issued by his media office, had also accused Odigie-Oyegun of bribery and corruption over the governorship primary, declaring, “Oyegun has dealt a heavy blow to the very party he professes to lead. It is an awful parent who suffocates his own child for the sake of a few naira.”

He found an ally in former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who also called for the resignation of the APC national chairman, stating that the Ondo governorship primary was unacceptable as it was allegedly tilted in favour of a particular aspirant.

However, Odigie-Oyegun, who had earlier said he would react after due consultation with the top echelon of the party, came out smoking in a statement he personally signed and issued on Friday.

He acknowledged the primary led to disagreements among some party stakeholders in Ondo State and at the national level, adding that, “the ripples from the controversy over the election have unfortunately dragged our great party on to the front pages of newspapers for the wrong reasons.

“Recently, the media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu falsely and recklessly accused me of corruption,

rigging the outcome of the 2016 Ondo State APC governorship election primaries and overruling the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) “vote” on the 2016 Ondo State APC Governorship Primary Election Appeal Committee Report.

“In view of the misinformation and false reports that have been fed to the media and that have pervaded the public space, there is need to set the records straight.

Below are factual responses to the salient points and allegations made by the media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its statement.”

On the allegation that he (Odigie-Oyegun) overruled the NWC’s vote of “six against five” in favour of cancelling the primary election results and conducting another primary, he said, “According to the minutes of the 18th emergency meeting of the APC NWC, held from September 19 to September 22, 2016 at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, there was absolutely no meeting which I chaired that voted in the manner alleged.

Clearly, the report on which the media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu acted was a figment of someone’s wild imagination.

On the allegation by Tinubu’s media office that the names of over 150 valid delegates were excised to make room for an equal number of impostors, the APC chairman said the fact was that “the Ondo State approved delegates’ list was compiled in strict compliance with the Party’s constitution. Only qualified delegates were included in the list.

“More so, none of the aspirants or the Appeal Committee has submitted to NWC a list of delegates who were not qualified to be included in the delegates’ list but were listed as delegates or presumed qualified delegates who were not included in the delegates’ list used for the Primary.”

He described as a mere fiction and an insult the allegation that he initiated a “prayer interlude” to “secretly excuse” himself from the NWC meeting to submit the name of Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the candidate of the party.

“The allegation is high fiction and an insult to the intelligence and sensibility of the respected NWC members present at the meeting. We do not and have never engaged in prayer interludes/sessions outside the usual opening and closing prayers. The prayer that is being referred to must be the closing prayer for the meeting”, he added.

Odigie-Oyegun also debunked the allegation of bribery and corruption leveled against him over the Ondo governorship primary, noting that, “This reckless and baseless corruption allegation leveled against me is unfortunate and an insult to my person and my hardearned reputation which I have strongly maintained.

Nobody has the kind of money that can buy my conscience or make me do injury to an innocent man. In all the primaries conducted under my watch as National Chairman, I have strived to ensure a free, fair, transparent and credible process. The 2016 Ondo State APC Governorship Primary Election was not an exception. There must be internal democracy in the Party and our constitution must be respected by all.”

He said the decision to reject the report of the appeal committee on the disputed governorship primary was taken by the APC NWC in an executive session held on September 20 “after careful and exhaustive deliberations.

The minutes and rejection were confirmed by the NWC on Thursday, September 22, 2016.

“The NWC, in its four-point resolution, rejected the Appeal Committee’s recom-

mendation on the grounds that the report was fundamentally and fatally flawed.

“Also, the Appeal Committee did not invite the chairman or members of the Ondo State Governorship Primary Election Committee to clarify issues relating to the allegation of manipulation of the accreditation process.

“The Appeal Committee rather relied totally on unsubstantiated evidence(s) in the petitions it received to recommend the nullification of the primary. This is against the principle of natural justice and fair hearing.

“The NWC equally observed a serious contradiction in the Appeal Committee’s report in respect of the number of the accredited delegates. Whereas the Primary Election Committee’s report indicated that 2,774 delegates were accredited, the Appeal Committee’s report erroneously recorded it as those who voted in the election, thereby acting under the false impression that there was over voting in the exercise.

The actual total number of votes cast was 2,754, as clearly recorded in the Primary Election Committee’s report.

“The issue of fresh primaries did not arise as NWC had already rejected the Appeal Committee’s report in view of the stated flaws and upheld the election. In any case, any fresh primary was already time barred. By the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all governorship primaries and issues related ended on September 19, 2016.”

He said voting on the issue (a fresh primary) also became unnecessary and never took place in view of the NWC’s rejection of the Appeal Committee’s report.

“The foregoing are facts backed by the minutes approved by all NWC members that attended the meetings held in respect of 2016 Ondo State APC Governorship Primary Election Appeal Committee Report.

THE Kogi state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Friday commenced the processes of probing the past administrations in the state with the inauguration of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the activities of the past governments.

The eight-member commission of inquiry is expected to extend its probe to between May 29, 2003 and January 27 when former governors Ibrahim Idris and Idris Wada governed the state.

Inaugurating the commission, Bello said it became necessary to look into the activities of the past administrations with a view to recovering the funds belonging to the state but found their ways into private pockets.

He said the decision to embark on the probe was not to witchhunt anybody that served in the past administrations in the state but to ensure that the state start on a new note.

According to him, government had also mandated the commission to recommend measures that would prevent stealing of public funds.

Bello added that his administration was ready to put Kogi on the path of development, urging the people to assist the commission in the discharge of its assignment.

The commission, which has as chairman, Justice Wada Rano, is expected to identify and collate a “comprehensive and updated list of contracts awarded by the previous administrations between the period of May 29, 2003 and January 27, 2016”.

Other terms of reference of the commission include, “determine whether the contracts awarded by Kogi State government between May 29 2003 and January 27, 2016 to individuals or corporate organisations were in accordance with due process, and/or were executed in accordance with contract agreement.

“The contract sum of the projects, the amount actually paid to the contractor and the percentage of job done, identify where contracts wete executed contrary to agreement as a result of which government lost money, recover such money and make appropriate recommendations for such cases.”

Apart from this, the commission of inquiry is also expected to “identify the personal names of all contractors, either local or expatriates, involved in all contract jobs awarded by previous administrations between May 29, 2003 and January 27, 2016 and their business addresses both within Nigeria and abroad”.

Speaking further, the governor lamented that 25 years after the creation of the state, it still ranks low in terms of development.

He now tasked the commission to be courageous and be on board in the discharge of its duties, urging them to always consider the integrity of the assignment given to them.

CAN commends Aregbesola THE Osun State Christian Association of Nigeria (OSCAN) has commended the Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for his commitment to the development and transformation of the state in the face of present economic recession.

The association, according to a statement signed by the spokesman to Osun State governor, Mr Semiu Okanlawon also lauded the state government for being consistent in championing equity, balance and harmony among the adherents of the three major faiths in the state.

The Chairman of the Association, Very Reverend Michael Okodua who led the newly constituted Executive members of the Association gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the governor in his office in Osogbo.

He held that the present administration under the leadership of governor Aregbesola has really done well in fostering peace, love and unity among the different religious faithful in the state.

He commended Aregbesola’s sagacity for continuously piloting the affairs of the state even in the face of huge condemnation and attacks from various quarters.

According to him, “It is expedient for us to commend and congratulate you on the success of your mission to transform Osun despite the glaring economic recession affecting the state and the country at large.”

The cleric stated that the purpose of the visit was to officially inform the state government on the new nomenclature of the Osun State Christian Association of Nigeria (OSCAN).

He said, “OSCAN now has a new team of executive to pilot the affairs of the Association in the state for the period of next three years.

“On our assumption of office in August this year, we deemed it fit to start our work by paying your good self a courtesy visit as a father to us, and to every association in Osun State; to introduce ourselves to you and to interact with you no matter how short the time.”

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quisite

Editor Tayo Gesinde 08054727801 temiligali03@yahoo.com

Most women are multifunctional and can multi-task

—Nikki Khiran health —12

food —30

What your periods could be telling you

Social media has really helped my business

Saturday Tribune

Jump on the cut-out shoulder bandwagon now! style —10 & 13

Nikki Khiran Odu, a graduate of Design Technology from London College of Fashion, United Kingdom, is the Chief Executive Officer of Nikki Khiran Coutoure, a fashion and lifestyle brand. In this interview with TAYO GESINDE, she speaks on her passion for creating beautiful pieces and how she wormed her way into the hearts of Abuja women.

Continues pg29

Crew

Blessing Gbarada Kate Ani Oyeyemi Okunlade

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8 October, 2016

Saturday Tribune

quisite style Jump on the

Saturday Tribune

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With Kate Ani 08071080888 anikate92@yahoo.com

cut-out shoulder

bandwagon now!

Tinuola Ayanniyi tayanniyi@yahoo.com 08055069379

Do-It-Yourself: Turn your old bag handle to hand accessory

What you need: Any old bag

Ego Boyo

Stephanie Linus Idahosa Linda Ikeji Eku Edewor

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Toke Makinwa Dolapo Oni

ut-out shoulder or cold shoulder is one sizzling fashion trend you should try out now. From red carpet events to traditional weddings and offices, fashionistas, celebrities and style influencers can’t seem to get enough of this trend. The striking feature of this trend is, of course, the cut-out detailing which leaves the shoulder bare. This cut-out shoulder will give you the chance to show off your shoulders in a subtle and feminine way. It has become the first choice for aso ebi styles and has taken over Instagram, and other fashion blogs Facebook and so on.

Besides sewing it with traditional attires, there are many cut-out blouses and dresses to choose from. Just like the tops, cut-out dresses can be both casual and dressy, fitted or loose, plain or patterned.

It is important to note that when wearing an elegant cut-out dress, it is advisable to choose a hairstyle that will not cascade down to your shoulders rather, go for an elegant up do or high pony tail so as to flaunt your shoulders. The outfits displayed here are just some of the many possible ideas of how to pull off this trend.

Steps

11 healthandfitness

My wife’s barrenness

Dr. Wale Okediran

I have been married for the past five years and my wife has not put to bed. She has done medical tests and examinations without any solution. I am now thinking of taking another wife because of her problem. However, before doing so, I will appreciate it if you can tell me any drug I can give my wife to make her get pregnant.

Goriola (by SMS) Before you take another wife because of your belief that your wife is unable to get pregnant, it is important for you to also go for medical tests in order to know if you yourself has any health issues. Although the general

waleokediran@yahoo.co.uk

08055069356 (sms only)

I want to stop smoking I have been smoking for 20 years and I want to stop the habit. Kindly help me. I am now 40 years old.

Dike (by SMS) tendency is for me to always blame the cause of infertility in a relationship on the woman, it has been confirmed that a sizeable number of cases of infertility in families are due to the man’s infertility problems. The commonest type of

My menopausal problems

I first noticed intermittent hot flushes when I was 47 years old. This later developed into night sweats and difficulty with sleep. Then when I reached 50 years, my period suddenly stopped.

Since then I have been depressed, sometimes feeling so low that I want to start crying. My doctor says it has to do with menopause.

He prescribed some tablets for me but these did not help.

Kindly help me.

Chineye (by SMS)

Saturday Tribune

8 October, 2016

It is generally believed that Menopause is not a disease that requires any medical treatment. Rather, treatment should focus on relieving the signs and symptoms and the prevention and management of the chronic conditions that may occur with aging. Such treatments may include; Hormone Therapy including Vaginal hormonal tablets to relieve vaginal dryness, low dose antidepressants as well as some tablets to help reduce hot flashes.

In addition, a healthy life style with the consumption of natural food items, regular exercise and good amount of sleep will go a long way in addressing the problem. If the drugs prescribed by your doctor are not working, then you will need to see a doctor

test to confirm your potency is the semen analysis where the quantity and quality of your sperm can be confirmed.

The existence or otherwise of any form of infection in your sperm can also be ascertained and treated. who specializes in women’s diseases (Gynaecologist) at the nearest hospital to you for a review.

Smoking tobacco is both a physical addiction and a psychological habit. To successfully quit smoking, you’ll need to address both the addiction and the habit and routines that go along with it. While some smokers successfully quit through the use of a strong will to do so, most people do better with a plan to keep themselves on track. A good plan addresses both the short-term chal-

lenge of quitting smoking and the long-term challenge of preventing relapse.

A well known plan goes by the acronym START. S stands for ‘Set a quit date’ T is for ‘Tell family, friends, and co-workers that you plan to quit’ A is for ‘anticipate and

Uncircumcised at 35

FOR some reasons, especially religious reasons, I have not been circumcised up till now that I am 35 years old. Now, I am about to get married but my fiancée who is a nurse wants me to get circumcised. She says circumcision has some health benefits. Is this true?

Also, please let me know how to go about the operation as I am afraid of the pain.

Saheed (by SMS)

Yes, there is some evidence that circumcision has some health benefits. These include decreased risk of urinary tract infections, a reduced risk of some sexu-

ally transmitted diseases in men, protection against penile cancer and a reduced risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners.

In view of your age, your circumcision will have to be done under anesthesia which could be minor or major depending on your physical conditions as well as the preference of the attending doctor.

The procedure itself is a very short one and may not require a hospital admission so you have nothing to worry about. All you need to do is to see a doctor in any well established hospital or the nearest government hospital to you.

plan for challenges you’ll face while quitting’ R is ‘remove cigarettes and tobacco products from your home, car and work’ and T ‘talk to your doctor about getting help to quit’. Wishing you the best of luck in your endeavor.

I sleep too much I am a 25-year-old student in one of the country’s institutions of higher learning.

My problem is that I sleep too much. Even after sleeping well at night, I still fall asleep several times during the day. This has adversely affected my studies. I will need your help with any drug that can help solve my problem.

Habeeb (by SMS) Sleeping too much (narcolepsy) is a chronic neurological disorder affecting the part of the brain that regulates sleep.

Those suffering from narcolepsy can experience excessive daytime sleepiness

and sudden loss of muscle control, often triggered by strong emotions. As a result, a person may fall asleep while working, cooking, or even driving. Although no cure yet exists for narcolepsy, a combination of treatments can help control your narcolepsy symptoms and enable you to enjoy many normal activities.

Taking a few brief, scheduled naps during the daytime (1015 minutes each), getting a good night’s sleep during the same hours each night, avoidance of caffeine and alcoholic drinks as well as regular exercises such as long walks may help you stay awake during the day and stimulate a good night’s sleep.

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Contact: saturdaytribuneeditor@yahoo.com or call:07030004233

12

8 October, 2016

Saturday Tribune Blessing gbarada

MUM&CHILD

ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639

What your periods could be telling you

By Rukayat Odewale

T

he menstrual period is one of the most basic facts of life. The menstrual cycle is the regular natural change that occurs in the female reproductive system. Every woman you know who’s pre-menopause and postpuberty bleeds from her vagina monthly.

As normal as the menstrual period is, it can sometimes be fraught with certain disorders that can cause mild to severe pain, discomfort and sometimes complications.

Dysmenorrhea (painful cramps) Menstrual cramps may occur both before and during the menstrual cycle and although cramps may be expected during a woman’s period, severe and frequent cramps may indicate a menstrual disorder.

Dr. Oluwaseun Akinyemi of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, says, “menstrual cramps could be physiological and pathological, that is, it could be normal or abnormal. In most women, it is part of their normal bleeding. In this case, what happens is the usual contraction of the uterus. In some other people, the pain could be very severe. In this case, it is medically referred to as dysmenorrhea which could be as a result of some underlying diseases such as uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, or endometriosis.”

Experts have pointed out some of the causes of abnormal menstrual cramps to include: infection in the reproductive organs, abnormal pregnancy such as an ectopic pregnancy (in the fallopian tubes,

outside the uterus), IUD (intra-uterine device) used for birth control, ovarian cyst, narrow cervix.

The symptoms of severe dysmenorrhea are lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches and weakness.

Dysmenorrhea is estimated to occur in 20 percent to 90 per cent of women of reproductive age. It has been discovered that the pain usually becomeS less painful as a woman ages and may stop entirely after the woman has her first baby. Treatment may include the use of heating pad; medication that may include NSAIDs such as ibuprofen; hormonal birth control and the IUD; taking vitamins or magnesium.

Scientifically, it is said that there is no food that causes or worsen menstrual cramps Oligomenorrhea (irregular periods) Although when teens start having periods, their menstrual cycles may not always be on the same schedule every month until after several cycles, in older women, irregular periods may sometimes be a cause of concern. Dr Akinyemi says, “Menstrual cycle disorder medically known as oligomenorrhea is when a woman regular cycle becomes irregular.

A woman should have a stable menstrual cycle. Some factors could cause missed period beside pregnancy which are: stress — your emotions, particularly stress, can have a major impact on the regularity of your menstrual cycle; illness — being sick at the time you normally ovulate can delay ovulation. If you ovulate late, you will get

your period late; exercising excessively; miscalculation; weight issues — either by gaining a lot or losing a lot of weight can throw your ovulation cycle off.”

Dr Autry, a gynaecologist adds that irregular menstruation can also occur as a result of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

PCOS has been discovered to increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

“The menstrual cycle is counted from the last day of your previous period to the first day of your next period. Repeat this for 3 months; if the number of days between stopping and starting your period is significantly different each month, you have an irregular cycle,” says Dr. Autry.

Amenorrhea (Absence of menstruation) In some cases, there is a complete absence

Though a woman should have a stable menstrual cycle, some factors could cause missed period beside pregnancy

of menstruation. In medical terms, this is known as amenorrhea. There are two categories: primary amenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea. According to gynaecologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center, primary amenorrhea occurs when a girl does not begin to menstruate by age 16.

Girls who show no signs of sexual development (breast development and pubic hair) by age 13 should be evaluated by a doctor.

Any girl who does not have her period by age 15 should be evaluated for primary amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea occurs when periods that were previously regular stop for at least 3 months.

Menorrhagia (Heavy bleeding) During a normal menstrual cycle, the average woman loses about 30 mL of blood.

However, with some women, blood loss can be much higher. Menorrhagia is the medical term for significantly heavier periods.

Some symptoms, according to Dr Autry, include soaking through at least one pad every 1 - 2 hours for several hours; heavy periods that regularly last 10 or more days; bleeding between periods or during pregnancy. Several causes of menorrhagia are hormonal imbalances, ovulation, uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, endometriosis and adenomyosis, certain medications and contraceptives, cancer, infection, miscarriage.

Menstrual disorders are serious and should be treated with urgency because of likely complications that could arise.

According to Dr Grace Ajibade, some of these complications include anaemia, osteoporosis and infertility.

13

8 October, 2016

ntertainment News

Society Gist

Saturday Tribune

J

with oan

Omionawele

jistwtjoan@yahoo.com Twitter:@joanbajojo 08054682201

Newton-Ray Ukwuoma

newtray2002@yahoo.com 08052271251

Celebrity Interviews

Tiwa Savage joins Davido, Phyno for biggest Lagos concert, 3 Thrones; on October 23rd —P15

Perfecta Ekpo releases new track with ace rapper, Cassidy —P15

i must take Why Buhar another look at the

entertainment industry —Stakeholders

—P14

14 entertainment

8 October, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Why Buhari must take another look at the entertainment industry —Stakeholders

W

HEN on the 31st of August the Federal Government officially accepted that the country has lapsed into recession, the entertainment industry, a sector that covers the film, music, comedy, visual arts and fashion, was breaking new grounds.

“About 2.5 million new music CDs/DVDs are being released for sale, over 1000 new songs are uploaded for downloads and at least about four to six full length films are produced on a daily basis in Nigeria since 2016,” the President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Pretty Okafor, told Saturday Tribune, while speaking on the role of the entertainment industry in reviving the economy.

“This is the biggest achievement so far,” he punctuated.

“And by 2017, the Nigerian entertainment industry, especially the music sub-sector, will become the biggest in the world.

“Imagine the amount of downloads, streaming that occur within and outside Nigeria on our songs on a daily basis! If you put that together in a year, you will realise that this is the fastest growing industry in Nigeria and in Africa.”

Many have argued that the industry, though fraught with its own challenges, has the capacity to take the country out of its current economic predicament – sooner than we thought.

But in spite of its vast economic potentialities, the entertainment industry, among other sectors currently financing the nation’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP), continues to languish in poor structure, low financial support and the nefarious activities of pirates.

Nkiru Umeh, a Nollywood actress, laments, “I don’t think they know how much entertainment can impact the economy of a country. I don’t think this administration has understood it yet. Obviously they are not paying attention. We have a huge role to play. But unfortunately our government is looking elsewhere. It is sad that we are where we are — on our own — without any support from them.”

Another actress, Oge Okoye, also spoke on the issue, “I am not happy with our current situation. I think the government should give entertainment the benefit of the doubt. If wellfunded and motivated, the entertainment industry can get us out of our present predicament.

“The problem we have in the entertainment industry is that big investors don’t see the entertainment industry as viable because there seems to be no return on investment. This is as a result of the lack of structure,” she said.

Restructuring entertainment One of the structural defects of the entertainment industry is the level of impunity with which pirates operate in the country. According to reports, Nollywood alone loses about $2 billion to piracy every year. If not threatening the existence of the industry, piracy has eaten deep into the fabric of the creative industry and is the single most important obstacle standing in its way to actual success.

Speaking on strategies for restructuring the industry and recouping money on investment, the PMAN leader called on the government to ensure full implementation of copyright laws, prosecution of offenders and eradication of the corruption that fires the embers of piracy.

He said the association had solved the problem of structure but only needs government’s support. Patent owners can now secure their movies and CDs with a barcode.

“With barcoded CDs or DVDs, you can track the reach of your song or movie anywhere in the world. The system ensures that barcoded contents are not duplicated or pirated without the code.

“One can also call back royalties on intellectual properties as well as receive royalties directly to one’s account. With this

The Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has been in search of potent antidotes to the nation’s ailments. Nigerian entertainers in this piece by NEWTON-RAY UKWUOMA weigh in on the matter proffering solutions of their own stripe.

and CD releases on a daily basis.”

“The first approach is to focus on the creative industry. Get the music aligned in a structure, get the movies structured, get the fashion designs, the comedy, visual art all aligned to a structure that will ensure an equitable cash flow.

“I can guarantee that only music can remit over N3 billion into the federal purse in a year, and when you add other aspects of entertainment, the figure will be huge.”

system, investors can make returns on their investments.”

It is a well known fact that, most artistes depend on shows and endorsements for daily bread, but the PMAN president believes that this system will ensure that they live on their works, which at present is either downloaded free online or duplicated by pirates.

With the system, he also said the industry would put an end to inaccurate statistical figures since it would provide a database of creative contents released in the industry.

Economic revival “The only and fastest way to get out of recession,” Pretty Okafor said, “is to embrace and improve on the structure of the entertainment industry, especially the music scene.”

He said with the new structure, “the Federal Government can place a certain percentage as royalty from every download

The scope of the market: West Africans speak At a West African Christian leadership conference held at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, earlier in the year, a number of West African students were asked by Saturday Tribune to comment on the Nigerian entertainment industry.

“Nigerian movies are very popular in the Gambia,” Lamen Bisani, a student from The Gambia said. “Everywhere you go, people are watching Nigerian movies. Even the kids know about Nigerian movies.”

Speaking about the music industry, he said, “I listen to most of their gospel music. Their secular songs are very rampant as well. In fact, in every programme in The Gambia, if they don’t play Nigerian music, no one is happy. We know the way the people dress, their culture and everything. I think what they are doing is to show us what is happening in the world. Sometimes it is the good side and some other times it is the bad sides.”

Alexandra Fagbemi from Togo, a student of English, said, “I watch Nigerian movies a lot. I like Nigerian movies because it (the country) is the pride of Africa. I love the materials, the stories and the passions of the actors even though the voodoo scenes scare Togolese people. My sister buys the CDs a lot.”

In countries where English is not the official language, like Guinea Bissau, Togo, among others, Saturday Tribune gathered that the movies are converted to the national language or the creole in order to break the language barrier.

From Liberia, Richard D. V. Saye told Saturday Tribune of how he sneaks out of school to watch movies. “I personally love Nigerian movies to the extent that when I was in seminary school, I used to escape from school to watch Nollywood movies in the town. But I have stopped watching because of the obscenity in the movies.”

Edward Williams, a Sierra Leonean, who doesn’t like music and movies, describes the situation in his country: “I think Nigerian movies are making serious impact here in Sierra Leone. You see people glued to African Magic on DSTV and everything. If you ask a small child in Sierra Leone, he could tell you about Rita Dominic, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola, Pete Edochie and others. One thing about Nigerian movies is that their English is very good and people learn. We learn from them. Also in Sierra Leone, if you want to make the club groovy, you play Nigerian songs.”

There is no doubt as to the great market potential open to the entertainment industry of Nigeria. But whether Nigeria and Nigerians can leverage on these opportunities to rescue our economy is solely in our hands.

15

8 October, 2016

Tiwa Savage Joins Davido, Phyno for biggest Lagos Concert 3 Thrones on October 23rd

Saturday Tribune

2Face takes peace campaign to the north

By Joan Omionawele

O

By Joan Omionawele

THE First Lady of Mavin record label, Tiwa Savage, has been revealed as the third headliner for the upcoming concert, 3 Thrones, set to hold on 23 of October, 2016 at EKO Hotels Convention Centre, Lagos.

The singer is scheduled to perform alongside rapper Phyno and singer Davido, who were both revealed to be the first and second headliners before the most recent revelation.

The revelation, which came as a post on social media, has since sparked a spate of conversations among fans across various platforms as

they express their ardency for the singer.

Speaking on her involvement, Tiwa remarked; “It’s an honour to be a part of this - to be a part of a history in the making. This is a first of its kind concert and I’m happy to headline this alongside two of the most respected artistes in Africa; Davido and Phyno.

I am about to really deliver a mind-blowing performance as a true Lagosian - my fans should get ready to be thrilled like never before!”

Widely respected disc jockeys, Jimmy Jatt and Neptune, have also been announced as the guardians at the upcoming event.

VER the past months, pop star, Tuface has shown astounding dedication of time and resources in the pursuit of peace in Nigeria.

In his most recent campaign on the 4th of October, the singer led an eight-man delegation to Sokoto on a two-day peace campaign.

In a campaign against religious intolerance, especially in northern Nigeria, 2Baba, who is himself a Christian, accompanied by Muslim long standing friend and colleague, Sound Sultan; manager, Efe Omorogbe; Hypertek team member, Helen Abutu; his wife, Annie Idbia, among others, visited Sokoto State for a peace campaign organised by 2face Idibia Foundation (A Million Voices For Peace), in collaboration with Voices of Peace from the Sahara and the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.

This development, interestingly, is coming barely weeks after his announce-

ment as the Peace Ambassador for the Ooni of Ife’s newest peace project.

The music icon was given a boisterous welcome at the airport by friends and members of the Idoma community in Sokoto State.

From the airport, the singer visited Vision FM for a brief chat with the media, also informing them of the purpose of his visit. He expressed his excitement to be back in Sokoto for the second time.

After his brief tete-a-tete with the media, 2baba and his delegation proceeded to visit the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah. The excited Bishop Kukah, a renowned advocate of peace and religious tolerance, wel-

Ghanaian actor, Michael Majid now a pastor?

Ifeoma Eze releases 4th album

comed 2Baba warmly, appreciating his consistency and fight against violence in Nigeria.

The highlight of the events was the meet-andgreet session organised for the artiste to meet with both Christians and Muslims living in Sokoto.

2Baba spoke to the excited crowd that ranged from young people to the middle aged and the elderly, on the many virtues of maintaining peace in the state, especially through coexistence and religious tolerance. Citing his long standing relationship with friend and colleague, Sound Sultan, who is a Muslim and he, a Christian as the perfect example of religious tolerance, 2Baba

emphasised that religion should not bring about violence but should be a tool to bind people together. The event came to an end with Bishop Kukah thanking the pop star and his team for bringing their message of peace to Sokoto.

In addition to his peace talks, 2Baba also promised to support the fight against polio in the state after being decorated by polio activist, Onyinye Ralp.

As of the time of filing this report, 2Baba also paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Wednesday 5th October, 2016, followed concurrently by a meeting with the youth at the town hall and a gala night.

Perfecta Ekpo releases new track with US rapper, Cassidy

By Joan Omionawele

ABUJA-based singer, Pastor Ifeoma Eze, recently released her much awaited fourth musical album which she titled: “Behind the Scene.”

The pastor, who made her debut in the music world in 2011 with Phenomenon, had So Lifted in 2012, and Koinonia in 2013. The singer, who presently runs a weekly television series on Hosanna, Acbn and vision Africa, said that her love and passion for music made her venture into it.

“I am not singing for money, I sing because I derive utmost satisfaction, joy and total fulfillment from it,” she said. The graduate of Parasitology and Entomology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, also said that she gets her inspiration from God and writes her songs by herself. She said that she is not one of those singers that depend on others for their songs.

She added that as a good singer, creativity is very imperative and essential if one wishes to make a landmark.

She added that her quest to touch lives positively and to be a source of inspiration and blessing to people made her become a gospel singer. She implored singers to be good

mentors and role models.

The Anambra State-born singer is an author of several books like Building a Marriage that Will Stand the Test of Time, Making an Incredible Mark, The Heart for Greatness, How to Attract the One You Love, Fashionable to be Fruitful, The Price for the Prize, Redeeming the Axe Head.

She said further: It is the craze and passion to be a blessing to people and affect lives positively that made me go into music, write inspirational books and ultimately own a group of non-profit making nursery, primary and secondary schools in Umuahia. I believe that life is about giving, not receiving.

I thank God who made my album release a reality and my darling husband, Bishop okwudili Eze, the founder of Zion Heritage and Miracles Ministries, who has been solidly behind me.

By Joan Omionawele

REPORTS surfaced online recently that a top Nollywood and Ghollywood Ghanaian actor, Majid Micheal, has become a minister of God. This was as a result of a picture which surfaced online which showed fair complexioned award winning actor lay his hands on a man while performing an act of deliverance on him. As a sought after actor one can’t be too sure if the picture was from a movie shoot, but Nigerians and Ghanai-

ans were quick to point out at his Instagram pages where he constantly shares the word of God. Some even alleges that he now goes from church to church preaching. According to reports, the on-screen lover boy was spotted recently, ministering at a Church -- Zoe Sanctuary, where he performed deliverance.

JUST when fans where still basking in the euphoria of her very cool hit single “My Darling,” which featured Mc Galaxy, the United States-based multi-talented artiste, Perfecta Ekpo, is back again and a set to drop, yet another mega jam called “Back It Up” on October 3rd .

This time, Perfecta and OP1 decided to up the ante by featuring the prolific American rapper, Cassidy. Cassidy, who flows so smoothly on the track with his legendary rap, only to handle the baton in synchronizing to Perfecta Ekpo, who is explosive on

this jam, proves why she is a force to be reckoned with in the industry. OP1, who also held his base, was amazing as usual.

According to Perfecta, “the single is a combination of Dance hall Reggae and American rap that produces a very danceable jam for your entertainment.”

Speaking on how she felt working with Cassidy, Perfecta remarked: “It was an amazing experience.

I really can’t wait for my fans to listen to this special Independence gift. It is an experience which will linger on.”

Back it Up was produced

by OP1 and worked on by Young D and Fliptyce .

16

8 October, 2016

Saturday Tribune

with Tunde Ayanda ayandaayotunde@yahoo.com 08034649018

Aigboje Aig Imoukhuede’s 50th soiree

Kola Adewale moves again

THE man behind one stop leisure haven in Lagos, D’Place, Kola Adewale, has extended his business tentacles.

It’s on good ground that he has acquired a property in Ogba, Lagos State, which he has tied to his chain of successful outlets.

Adewale started operations with D’Place inside the GRA, Ikeja, Lagos and moved to set up D’Place, Lekki which has Papas Chief Executive Offiver, Frank Okamigbo as the driving force behind the patronage.

Alaba Lawson back on the beat

outing was an event staged

by Editors of Newspapers and Magazines in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and was her usual self, moving around to exchange pleasantries with friends and admirers.

T

HE President of the National Council of The Stock Exchange, Mr Aigboje AigImoukhuede recently rolled out the drums to celebrate his 50th birthday.

The banker had a big ceremony in his Surrey, United Kingdom home.

The celebration, as expected, had all the trappings of a social event worth the mention.

Imoukhuede is a master planner who saw to it that all his guests did not lack in any way.

During his days as the Managing Director of Access Bank, the brilliant man was fond of celebrating the bank’s end of the year party in a special manner.

His golden celebration did not escape public attention as friends, families and associates from all parts of the world were on hand to wish him long life and prosperity.

Isaac Fayose expands business frontiers

Happy tunes from the Igbinedions

IYALODE Alaba Lawson is back on the social scene after staying away for some time.

An ardent follower of Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, is now very visible at major outings unlike before when she was rumoured to have adopted a low-key lifestyle.

The sociable politician’s recent

THE household of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion is wearing a new look.

This is in preparation for the wedding ceremony of a member of the influential family, Orobosa.

Orobosa is the youngest

daughter of the former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion.

The lady is getting married to the son of former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, Umar.

The fathia is slated for October 6 while the white wedding takes place on October 28 in

Toyin Collins savours motherhood e known in th ns, formerly sre p is , TOYIN Colli kiu as Toyin Ala social circle time. of t es b e g th e social ently enjoyin ed ho ignit th w , an om w The to her first e gave birth sh en h w e scen ng in the eu, is still baski 15 0 2 in d il ch herhood. phoria of mot told and rey has been s who Toyin’s stor and admirer s d n ie fr y she martold b eir joy when th e id h ’t n could ollins some n, Debo C ia ic it in ol p ried ew episode gnalling a n si o ag s ar ye her life. cutive Ofthe Chief Exe urpose Right now, lt k, a mu i-p oo L sh re F ies herficer of Lagos, occup in r u lo ar p beauty hood with ling mother gg ju h it w self ding time to and also fin s es n si u b her efront. keep the hom

South Africa.

The two families are said to be preparing for a grand ceremony as they plan to storm Cape Town with a delegation of friends and family members.

ANIS Guard boss, Isaac Fayose, is cooking something new. The man, a sibling of the governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayo Fayose is extending the tentacles of his hospitality business.

The Viewpoint Resort he opened last year in Ibadan, Oyo State, is having an extension, with the city of Abuja as a location for the business.

The new resort is a strategic plot by the owner to re-connect with his many friends and patrons in the capital city where he used to run a hangout.

Isaac’s second Viewpoint is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that power the rooms, pool, club and other facilities at the resort.

17

8 October, 2016

Divorce

Saturday Tribune

Court & Crime

My husband impregnated our daughter, woman tells court

Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

He derives extra pleasure in beating me silly —Wife We have a running battle over ownership of her pregnancy —Husband

A

n Ibadan-based mother of seven, Idayat Adekunbi, has asked a Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, to dissolve her 22-year-old marriage to her husband, Wasiu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Idayat told the court that her husband often beat her and sometimes threatens to kill her.

“My lord, Wasiu derives pleasure in beating the hell out of me not minding any circumstance.

“In fact, he is sounding it as a note of warning to me that he would soon put an end to my life.

“Aside from that, he does not have any regard for my relatives.

“I have seven children and I want to reap the fruits of my labour,” Idayat said.

Wasiu, who agreed with the dissolution of the union, confirmed beating his wife.

“My lord, it is true that Idayat and I

have been having running battle over the past 10 days over a pregnancy she could not explain.

“For over three months now, Idayat has been starving me of sexual intercourse.

“Let me state that Idayat and I are farmers and our farm lands are not within Ibadan.

“Sometimes, she may stay away from the farm for two to three months and I will be the one looking after the children.

“So, when Idayat returned home ten days ago, I observed that her stomach was already protruding and she has started showing most of the symptoms she

inside

usually exhibits during pregnancy.

“When I asked her, she laughed and I told her to return the pregnancy to whoever owned it.

“I reported the matter to her elder sister and parents, they all fought me.

“For more than three months, Idayat did not allow me access to my conjugal rights,” he explained.

Mr Henric Agbaje, the presiding President of the court, asked the couple to go home and seek settlement through the intervention of elders.

Agbaje adjourned the case till October 19 for judgement.

My husband does not know the value of education, wife tells court I know the value, but I don’t have money —Husband

See pages 18 & 23

A mother of a 13-year-old girl that was raped and impregnated by her father has filed for a divorce before a Sharia court Magajin Gari, Kaduna, Kaduna State.

In a writ of summon submitted before the court, the mother, Maryam Manta alleged that her 40-year-old husband, Hafizu Isyaku raped his 13-year-old daughter, (names withheld) and got her pregnant when they were staying at Mararaba, a surburb of Abuja. She revealed that the shameful act forced her to abandon their home in Maraba, where she lives with her husband and relocated to Kaduna with their six children.

She told the court further, “When I returned from where I went to see my parents, as a mother and as a woman, I noticed my daughter was not behaving normal and at the same time sick.

“But I didn’t suspect anything because my husband do constantly gave her some concoctions to drink which he claimed was going to heal the daughter’s ailment.

“But when the ailment persisted and I noticed my daughter had missed her period, I questioned and threatened her to tell me if she had any affair with a man and she eventually opened up to me that her father had been making love to her.

“So, when I confronted Hafizu with the issue, he cried and confessed about joining a cult group which mounted pressure on him to get his daughter pregnant and also abort it as part of the sacrifice.

“I became confused and cried my life out and he promised to disssociate himself from the cult and I went together with him to the hospital where the pregnancy was aborted,” she told the court.

She said further that, she later found out that the father continued to have sexual affair with their daughter even after the abortion, confirming to have caught him redhanded in the act.

“I became heartbroken and absconded from his home, that is Maraba and returned to Kaduna with all my six children. It was when I arrived Kaduna that I reported the issue to the District Head of Kabala Doki, Danlami Bawa who invited my husband and I. After all discussions, I sought for divorce,” she said.

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8 October, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Saturday Tribune

courtandcrime

My husband does not know the value of education, wife tells court

I know the value, but I don’t have money —Husband

A

4o-year-old housewife, Baliquees Ibrahim, has told an Ilorin Area Court in Kwara State that her husband, Ishola, does not know the value of education.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Baliquees, made this known when she testified in a divorce proceeding she instituted against her husband.

She had prayed the court to dissolve her 14-year-old marriage to Ishola for his alleged refusal to send their children to school.

The petitioner alleged that her husband had sent their three children to the village to farm to avoid sponsoring their education.

“My husband does not know the value of education because he is also not educated. He sent my children to the village to farm which I am not comfortable with.

“Your honour, I want an end to this marriage because I cannot continue to cope with his illiterate lifestyle,” Baliquees said.

Ishola, who did not oppose the request of the petitioner, told the court that he still loves his wife.

“It is not that I don’t know the value of education but I don’t have money to sponsor any child’s education. I can not go and steal,” he said.

He, however, prayed the court for adjournment to reconcile with his wife.

The Area Court judge, Mr AbdulQuadri Ibrahim, adjourned the case till November 14, for continuation of hearing.

AFTER several failed peace moves to restore peace into the marriage of Adeyemi Olopade and his wife, Adenike, by an Oja’ba/Mapo Grade ‘C’ customary court, sitting at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State, the court has finally dissolved the 10-yearold marriage.

According to Olopade, his wife is to her children and also a disobedient woman who is in the habit of raining curses on him. He further said: “She packs her belongings out of my house whenever she wishes. She is a disobedient woman. She rains curses on me.

I want this court to separate us. Irrespective of the three children we have in our marriage, we do not love each other again.”

By Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A trader, Mrs Happiness Ama, has approached an Igando Customary Court in Lagos State, seeking the dissolution of her marriage after she complained that her husband, constantly beats her mother.

Happiness, 41, approached the court complaining that her husband, Jerry, with whom she had three children in their 21-year-old marriage, turned her mother into a punching bag.

“My husband beats my mother regularly; the police have warned him to stop the assault but he continued,” she said.

She also alleged that her husband had threatened to kill her if she left him.

“My husband always threatens me; there was a day he brought out a cutlass telling me that he would cut off my head if I left.

“He also threatened to pour acid on me so that no man would be attracted to me. Due to his threats, I can no longer

While responding to her husband’s allegations, the defendant, Adenike, told the court that she agreed with all that was said about their marriage for just a reason.

“Though I admit the claim of the dissolution because he does not have time for the children, yet he provides food for the home and pays the children’s school fees.”

The presiding judge, Chief Odunade Ademola, said: “Having considered the evidence given by both parties, the court rules thus: “Dissolution of marriage is hereby granted. The custody of Ayomikun, a five-year-old girl and Ayomitunde, a threeyear-old girl, is given to the defendant. The plaintiff should be paying N6,000 monthly as feeding allowances for the two children until they are grown up. He should be responsible for the children’s health and education services. He should pay N3,000 as packing allowance.”

sleep with my two eyes closed.

“I have not been at peace since l got married; he is quarrelsome and violent,” she said.

The petitioner said that their marriage had been riddled with fights and quarrels.

“I am tired of the beating he gives to me and my mother.

I have scars all over my body as a proof of his abuse. I am scared; I don’t want to die,” she said.

She urged the court to terminate the marriage, saying that she was no more interested.

“Since the inception of our marriage, my husband never paid house rent or his children’s school fees.

“Save me from the cruel hands of my husband; I have suffered so much in silence,” she said.

Jerry, 60, failed to appear in court.

President of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, directed the Court Registrar to serve the respondent summons.

He adjourned the case till October 11 for mention.

He has threatened to kill me several times —Wife She’s wayward, she got pregnant for another person —Man

By Oyeyemi Okunlade THE president of Ile Tuntun Customary Court, Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State, Chief Agbaje Henry Olasunkanmi, has advised and also given Mr Wasiu Akinkunbi and his wife, Mrs Idayat Ajile, an opportunity to resolve their differences before giving for judgement in their divorce case.

The plaintiff, Idayat, had asked the court to dissolve her 22-year-old marriage to her husband, Wasiu, for alleged constant quarrels, threats, to kill her and lack of care. The marriage produced seven children.

Idayat also accused her husband of lack of respect and recognition for her family members. She said, “he abuses them and I’m

We separated about 3 years ago —Husband A mother of six, Adeola Samson, has pleaded with an Oja’ba/ Mapo Grade ‘C’ Customary Court, sitting at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State, to dissolve her marriage in a suit against her husband, Aliu, for allegedly marrying her with tricks.

The plaintiff told the court that her husband married her about 11 years ago as a virgin and that their marriage produced six children, out of which are two sets of twins.

“I wish to opt out of our marriage because my husband married me with tricks. I have spent about six years with him before I realised that I’m married to him. He married me without my parents’ consent. He beats me often. He does not care for me and the children to the extent that I pay their school fees.

“I have left his house for the past three years. At a point, I was unable to pay the children’s school fees for a year and I decided to go and make a request for his assistance, but on getting to him, he beat me mercilessly. I am fed up with him,” Adeola told the court.

She, however, urged the court to order him to be taking care of the children.

By Oyeyemi Okunlade

He beats my mother regularly and also threatens me with acid —Wife

The defendant, Aliu, sworn to an oath before the court and said, “The plaintiff is my wife. I married her as a virgin about 12 years ago and we have six children.

“I do not admit the claim because of the children. We have separated for the past three years. I do take care of the children as against what she said. I don’t want to separate from her. I have not settled with her parents,” Aliu told the court.

The court, however, granted the divorce, saying since both

parties have been separated for the past three years, as claimed by the plaintiff.

“The custody of Taiwo and Kehinde, five and a half years and Idowu, three years old is given to the plaintiff. The defendant should be paying N10,000 as feeding allowance for the children and he should be responsible for their education and health care.

Both parties should maintain peace in their own interest,” the president of the court, Chief Odunade Ademola, advised.

He beats me always, sends me to my father’s house —Wife A fashion designer, Aishat Abdulraheem, has urged an Ilorin Area Court in Kwara State to end her one-year-old marriage to her husband, Abubakar, alleging maltreatment.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Aishat, a mother of one, complained that her husband often beats her.

“I want to divorce my husband for maltreatment. He beats me every time we had a misunderstanding and he

not happy about it.”

Responding to his wife’s allegations against him, Wasiu told the court: “She is wayward. She travels and I know but it was unfortunate that she got pregnant for another man. I asked her about the pregnancy but she refused to tell me the truth up till now and that resulted in the quarrel between us. But I reported to her sister. In addition to this, she has not allowed me to have sex with her since two weeks ago.

“I want the court to ask her about the pregnancy,” Wasiu said.

The case was, however, adjourned till October 19 for further hearing. Both partied were asked to come with their family members.

My father beats my mother frequently, son tells court Not everything she said is true —Husband

It took me 6 years before I realised I was married to him —Wife

By Oyeyemi Okunlade

Intensity of her cruelty is known to everybody, man tells court

sent me back to my father’s house.

“I want the court to save me from further embarrassment,” she said.

Her husband was, however, absent in court to respond to the allegations.

The presiding judge, Mr AbdulQuadir Ibrahim, adjourned till November 1 for further hearing on the case to allow the court to summon the respondent again.

A 12-year-old boy, Bright Ogugua, has told a Mararaba Upper Area Court, that his father, Emeka, beats his mother at any slight provocation.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Bright made the disclosure while testifying in a divorce petition filed by his mother, Ngozi Nnaji, against her husband, Emeka Ogugua He added that any day such incident occurred; his father would drop little money for their feeding.

The Upper Area court judge, Mr Ibrahim Shekarau, asked the little boy how many times he had seen his father beat his mummy and the boy said, “on many occasions”.

“There was a day I used the poly bag my daddy used to tie ‘Abasha’, African salad to set fire in order for us to cook.

“When my daddy discovered that I took that poly bag, he was so angry with me to the extent that he slapped me twice.

“My mummy was so annoyed with what he did and told him if he slapped me again, she would slap him back.

“Then, my daddy slapped me the third time and my mummy slapped him back and it resulted in a serious fight,” he said..

Ngzoi had on August 16 filed a divorce petition against her husband praying the court to dissolve their 13-year-old marriage for lack of peace and love.

The petitioner said that she was tired of the marriage, adding that the respondent was in the habit of striping her naked any day they quarrelled, even in public places.

She also prayed the court to order her husband to vacate from the house because she owned the house.

The respondent denied some of the allegations.

Shekarau asked the petitioner to bring the land agreement of the house to the court in the next adjourned date and the respondent to bring witness that would defend him.

He adjourned the matter till October24 for further hearing.

‘He got a new job outside Lagos and he stopped calling’

By Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

FOR allegedly abandoning her and her children, a mother of three, Rashidat Nureni,has approached an Igando Customary Court in Lagos State seeking the dissolutiin of her twelve-yearold marriage to her husband, Ayinla.

The petitioner told the court that her husband, Ayinla, whom she married 18 years ago, abandoned her and the three girls when he got a job outside Lagos.

“He only called me for a few days and stopped calling. All efforts to reach him proved abortive as his numbers were no longer reachable.

“Whenever I informed his parents that their son was not calling me, they told me that he was busy and that he would call when less busy.

“His parents told me that he used to communicate with them, but they refused to give me his number,” she told the court.

Rashidat accused her husband, who failed to appear in court after being summoned several times, of lack of care.

“I have been the one paying the house rent and paying the children’s school fees; he did not call to ask of their well-being nor visit home.

“His parents never called nor asked after the children; anytime I went to them for assistance, they always told me that they did not have money,” she submitted.

The petitioner claimed that her parents-in-law refused to assist her because she gave birth to only girls.

“My mother-in-law used to tell me even before my husband travelled that I was not their wife because I did not have a son,” she said.

She prayed the court to dissolve the marriage to enable her to move on.

“I am no longer in love with him,” she added.

President of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, adjourned the case till October 25 for continued hearing.

He used cutlass to chase me and the children out —Wife

She wounded me with a knife —Husband

By Oyeyemi Okunlade

MUTIYAT Adegbirin, a trader and mother of four children, who has been married for about 15 years, has begged Ile Tuntun Customary Court, Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State, to separate her and her husband, Wasiu, on grounds that her husband wanted to use her for rituals.

“My husband doesn’t take care of me and the children and also beats me constantly. He used cutlass to send me and the children out of his house. But suddenly, he came to where I live, destroyed my goods and also stole my money. I beg this court to separate us because I’m fed up with him,” she said.

The court asked Mutiyat whether she reported the matter to both her family and that of her husband and she said: “yes.”

The defendant, Wasiu, however, said he is a responsible man.

“I admitted the claims but my wife is wayward. I reported her to her family and they called us to a meeting for settlement. My wife said I’m not taking care of her and the children and I told them before we left the meeting that she is a liar.

“I requested from her family to help me ask her whether she still loves me or not and they did. She responded that she still loves me. It is true that we fight and on one occasion and she wounded me with a knife. After that, she got me arrested with policemen. She took one of my children to Abuja without my consent. That is all I can say,” Wasiu told the court.

In case of possible settlement, the president of the court, Chief Agbaje Henry Olasunkanmi, advised both parties to go home and reconsider their decisions. The case was adjourned till October 12.

He doesn’t take care of me, yet he monitors my movements

By Oyeyemi Okunlade A hairdresser and mother of five , Fatimo Ogundele, has told an Oja’ba/Mapo Grade ‘C’ Customary Court, sitting at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State, that she filed a divorce suit against her husband because he monitors her movements, beats and does not take care of her.

Fatimo said this on oath before the court when testifying against her husband.

“He doesn’t want to see anybody with me and monitors me

23

around. There is no more love in this marriage. I want a divorce,” she said.

The court, having observed that Fatimo’s husband, the defendant, deliberately absented himself from the court, ruled that the plaintiff’s request be granted.

President of the court, Chief Odunade Ademola, however, ordered that the custody of two out of the five children or the marriage be given to the plaintiff.

The defendant is also ordered to be paying N6,000 monthly as feeding allowances to the two children, while he should also be responsible for their education and health services.

19

8 October, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Weekend Lagos Editor Lanre Adewole m: 0811 695 4637

e: olanreade@yahoo.com

‘We only see the sleeping faces of our children’ The tale of absentee Lagos working parents

In this report, TOLA ADENUBI, TUNDE DODONDAWA, AYOMIDE ODEKANYIN and NEWTON-RAY UKWUOMA bring the plights of people living with disabilities in Lagos to the fore, questioning the friendliness of the Lagos environment and its infrastructure to this category of people.

H

E sat under the scorching sun, explaining to passers-by how he came across the strange illness that deprived him of his precious limbs. Curiously, in spite of the state government’s warnings against street begging and trading, Adamu was ready to damn the consequence and keep on doing the ‘art’.

“If I don’t make efforts to come out and do this type of thing, I will definitely die of hunger indoors. The society does not care, even your kinsmen are ready to dump you at the slightest excuse,” he stated, while responding to Saturday Tribune’s query on why he opted for begging as his livelihood.

‘This isn’t the Lagos of our dreams’

•Physically-challenged individuals lament difficulty of living in Lagos

Ibrahim Mustapha, another individual living with disability in Lagos, has also been surviving on stipends and support he gets from the people of Lagos.

“It is frustrating living in this part of the world, when you see what others in this condition are enjoying in other parts of the world. Though the present governor of the state is constructing some bridges which I learnt will accommodate people like me, but if you check very well, you will realise that many of the existing pedestrian bridges are not suitable for us, physically-challenged.

“For instance, I need two able-bodied men to lift me and need another one to carry my wheelchair whenever I want to

cross the highway. This is simply because our conditions were not factored in when most of these infrastructures were being constructed,” he argued.

While urging the state government to do more by ensuring that corporate organisations comply with its policy on people living with disabilities, Mustapha expressed the belief that things must change before the handicapped could begin to enjoy the state.

According to him, “I learnt there is a law that mandates corporate organisations to provide special walkway for us, but most banks in Lagos State do not comply. If you go to banks, insurance companies, pension fund administrators, religious insti-

tutions and so on, you will see near zero level of compliance.

“The present governor of Lagos State is constructing some bridges which I learnt will accommodate people like me, but if you check, most pedestrian bridges around are not built in such a way that we can use them without hassles,” he stated.

Mr Danlami Umaru Basharu, Nigeria’s representative to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons Living with Disability, told Saturday Tribune that equal access to public facilities by every citizen should be the priority of any city, especially one aiming for the megacity status.

Continues on pg22

20

8 October, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Saturday Tribune

Weekend Lagos

Naza Okoli and Newton-Ray Ukwuoma

T

HERE is a joke about a man who works so hard that he barely has time for his five children. Indeed he works day and night, both during the weekdays and weekends.

One day, however, he is sacked from this job.

When he arrives in his home in the afternoon, he knocks on the door and his five-year-old daughter peeps through the window and yells, “Our mother said we should not open the door for strangers!”

Not many working parents in Lagos would consider this story funny. Many of those who spoke with Saturday Tribune confirm the increasing difficulty of keeping a job and being there for family in a city like Lagos.

For instance, before his retirement four years ago, Mr Charles Ajaduruonye, who worked in a bank in Lagos, struggled to spend time with his four children due to his hectic schedule.

“During the last lap of my banking experience, for two consecutive years, I was continuously out of the presence of my children. I was lodging in a guesthouse. I only reached home on Saturday night and left Monday morning, putting my jacket in the car boot. And when we had weekend seminars, I would not get home that week.

“For anyone who works in Lagos, the earliest you should leave home is 5 a.m. otherwise you won’t meet up. So, the children are asleep while you leave in the morning, and should you encounter terrible traffic, especially on Mondays, before you get home between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., they would have slept. You virtually see them on weekends, that is, if you don’t have weekend assignment. Sundays are the only free days. But even on Sundays after church, you still need to go to family or club meetings or receive visitors.

“Of the 24 hours we have in a day, we work for virtually 12 hours. The other 12 hours (plus or minus) is to rest. But for working class people, especially those who work in Lagos, the maximum time they can spend with their family on a daily basis is between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. So, out of the 24 hours, parents share two-three hours with their children – and that is if the children are grown-ups. If they are kids, before you return from work, they would have slept and they would be asleep when you leave for work the next morning.”

No longer at ease Yinka Ambali works as an editor in a publishing firm in Surulere. He has to content himself with the sleeping face of his daughter, his first child, who is only a few months old.

“For instance: I have just seen my daughter for the second time today,” he told Saturday Tribune on Tuesday. “I have seen her twice today: first, when I was getting ready for work, at which time she was still sleeping; and second, when I got back from work, at which time she was getting ready to sleep.

“Once in a while, I do find time to go home during break. And that luxury is afforded by the fact that I live and work in Surulere. Now, imagine a parent who lives in Ikorodu and works in Victoria Island.

“More specifically to the point, most parents spend quality time with their children over the weekend. Not weekdays. No. Those who are engaged in highly demanding jobs find it even more difficult because official duties snatch their Saturday from their children once in a while.

Nollywood actress, Nkiru Umeh, said she had to learn to “run her home from anywhere in the world.” Indeed, she explained how a parent can “be there without really being there.”

“Yes, you can do it,’” she told Saturday Tribune in an interview. “I tell myself that every day. And I have been doing my best to keep everything together: being a wife, a mother and a

The children are asleep while you leave in the morning, and should you encounter terrible traffic, especially on Mondays, before you get home between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., they would have slept. You virtually see them on weekends.

‘We only see the sleeping faces of our children’

The tale of absentee Lagos working parents

career woman. I am not going to lie to you that it is easy, especially when you have to stay away for two weeks or even a month. I try to keep in touch. I run my home from anywhere I am in the world. I know what everyone eats at every particular time, whether I am there or not. I try to run my home in my absence.”

Before he resigned from a private company to start a non-profit organisation, Mr Abiodun Oni, President of Slum Achievers Foundation, was virtually absent from home.

He said: “I used to wake up at 4 a.m. and return around 9 or 10 pm, considering the Third Mainland Bridge traffic. My children would have slept before I returned. Most times, I used to travel outside the State. It was very hectic and difficult to spend quality time with my family.

“But after I decided to follow my dreams, I resigned and focussed on my own things. Now I spend more time with them. They now know me better and love me more as I do them also.

“So, I believe it is still possible to spend quality time with one’s children. It all depends on the proximity and how demanding your work is. But it is highly imperative that parents spend ample time with their children; their future depends on it.”

Schools as dumping ground Perhaps nothing more accentuates this problem than the upswing in the number of facilities that tend to the needs of children outside normal school hours.

A private school proprietor and chairman of the Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), Ebute-Metta Zone, Lagos, Deacon Omoyajowo Peter, admitted to Saturday Tribune that many school owners are cashing in on the situation by turning their schools into day care centres, even during holidays.

“An average parent who works for six hours or even 10 hours cannot put food on the table.

Parents now have to do a lot of work. Parents have to work for twenty-four hours. Such parents do not have time for their children. Some of them may even stay away from home for three months – like those who work in maritime.

“Now let me talk about the schools – I even thought you would start from the closing time during the term. Ideally, a school is supposed to close at 2 p.m. but because of economic gain, these schools keep their students for such a long time that they get home around 6 p.m. It is wrong. If any school tells you that they are doing extra lessons, it is wrong; it is not part of

the curriculum. Schools are only taking advantage of the fact that parents do not have time for their children; they (the schools) now feel they might as well take over the responsibilities of the parents. And most of them simply do it for the financial gains. According to the psychology of education, a child of less than 10 years old would have a concentration lifespan of only four hours to learn in a day. After three months of academic work, a child is supposed to rest for at least three weeks.”

Ajaduruonye (quoted earlier) said schools would not be able to provide the kind of parental care every child needs. He urged the government and other employers to allow all categories of workers some free time, since the wellbeing of children in every society is a collective responsibility.

“The teachers are not supposed to train our children for us,” he said. “The children are supposed to be trained by their parents. This is why cultism exists. Our children are looking to fill the fatherly vacuum with bad company. Children no longer get direct instruction and training from their fathers. It is not every woman that is emphatic to give instruction. They use persuasion most of the time. The instruction that will mould a child comes from the father. If a child in Lagos

got about 20 per cent of such instructions from his father, he should be very grateful.

“Employers should allow parents, especially fathers, to enjoy their off days, and not fix meetings or give assignments. Secondly, they should allow nursing fathers and mothers to leave offices in time. They should not allow them to close late or do overtime so that they can have time with their children.”

Quality vs. quantity Dr Esther Akinsola is Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology, University of Lagos. According to her, even though it may be difficult for a working parent to spend as much time as they would have desired with their children, it is necessary to make the most of every moment.

“To start with, a child needs love, care, attention in terms of quality time and stimulation from both father and mother to have a balanced growth and development. It is not the length of time but the quality of time spent with a child that matters. When parents are not available to their children to interact with them, share and identify with their smiles and cries, mimic and play with them, the children feel neglected and abandoned. It can even make them feel un-

wanted.

“Having this kind of feeling for a long time can adversely affect the children concerned.

Such children can become emotionally unstable, or angry, and the anger can make the child become aggressive towards his or her peers in school. The child can feel rejected by parents and compensate this by seeking acceptance from peers and engaging in deviant behaviour especially at the teenage level.

“An adult who harbours such feelings of neglect and abandonment may demonstrate impaired interpersonal relationship that lacks empathy, consideration for others, altruism, and can engage in sadistic behaviour by deriving pleasure in inflicting pain on others.

“The bottom line is that parents must create time out of their ‘no time.’ The time parents create may be weekends or trying to get back before they go to bed once or twice in a week. Also, when parents get back, they should visit their children’s rooms, whisper in their ears and kiss them on their foreheads and say good night. Before parents leave in the morning, they should repeat what they did the night before. If parents can consciously do this a few times in a week, it will greatly help to generate the feeling of connectedness in the children.”

Compromise According to Moses Alabi, a marriage counsellor who speaks regularly on radio, the situation could become even more hopeless where both parents are equally busy. To resolve this impasse, he said, a compromise should be reached.

“For a child to be properly trained the parents must be involved. I am talking about physical, not virtual involvement. But when both of them do 9-5 jobs, it’s going to have adverse effects on the character formation and the behavioural development of the children.

“Most children pick up role models from TV and from among their peers. It is hard to find a family where both parents are not working. My advice is that the parents can reach a compromise as to what kind of jobs to pick. One of the parents should take a job that allows him or her the opportunity of staying at home more. And because of the

family situation, it might not be advisable to tell a woman, who earns more, to take a less paying and demanding job. The man can take up the role of the mother in the situation. The father should rise up to the occasion, take care of the kids, talk to them. It is not only about making them do their assignment, but also about having heart to heart talk, getting involved in their lives. Children need a lot of praise and encouragement to boost their self-esteem. Fathers are in a better position to do this. If you see any adult that has a low self-esteem, check somewhere in their growing up, you will see a father that did not do his job very well.

“Parents need to inspire their children.

They need to talk to them a lot. Even when they aren’t performing well, children need motivation, make them believe in themselves. All of these can be done, when the parents are available.”

Devil vs. blue sea If it is for financial reasons that parents often take up jobs that eat into their time, then it must be true that busy parents are necessarily wealthier and better positioned to cater to the pecuniary needs of their children.

Akinsola (quoted earlier), however, disagrees: “The quality time that I am talking about cannot be bought with gifts or money.

Even when parents bribe their children with money or gifts for their absence, it does not remove the psychological damage that their absence can cause. You hear utterances like this from teenagers or young people: ‘My parents provide all I need, but they are never there for me.’ This is a statement of psychological neglect and abandonment.”

Stella Ben Orji is a 300-level student of History at the University of Lagos. Asked which she would prefer – rich but busy parents, or poor and available ones? – she answered: “I will choose poor and available parents over rich, but busy, parents; because parents who are there for their children, who understand their emotional and basic needs, end up raising better children. Though they might not afford exotic things or everything you want, these parents’ support you; and to me, attention is everything. Nothing really makes a child happier than when he or she knows that their parents are always there to offer counsel and direction.

“Compared to rich parents, who are too busy for their children, who may not even know when I have my period, who don’t even know me very well, I will always choose a poor parent, who cares about me.”

For Taiye Kolawole, a Kogi State University undergraduate whose parents live at Apapa, Lagos, it is a choice “between the devil and the deep blue sea,” since money is just as important as moral guidance.

“Both situations are like being between the devil and deep blue sea,” he said. “How can you have parents who are rich and they do not have time to spend with you? Spending time with a child is a whole lot more than just throwing money at that child. Psychologists have proven that being around a child gives the child a sense of belonging, because the first world that the child finds himself or herself is the family (in which the father and the mother play a great role). Modernity or complex human society is the devil that is now setting children and parents apart....

“On the other hand, no child would be praying that his or her parents would be poor and spend all the time with them. That child needs to be catered for and money is crucial in playing of that role.”

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Eko Akete Lawmaker’s town hall meeting of trouble DURING the week, all 40 lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly held town hall meetings in their respective constituencies where issues relating to their constituents were discussed. The forums were also expected to help each lawmaker get the necessary feedbacks from members of their constituencies.

However, a lawmaker from one of the two Ojo constituencies got more than he bargained for as he had to be spirited away by security agents after thugs invaded his programme demanding for money.

It is not a new thing for thugs to invade events organised by politicians but it is something unusual when a politician exhausts all the money on him to ‘settle’ different categories of people and yet more thugs keep pouring into the venue of the programme demanding for their own cut of ‘the dough.’

Eko Akete gathered that aggrieved by the Ojo lawmaker’s perceived stinginess, the thugs decided to use the occasion to show him the other side of Ojo. The lawmaker, who is considered as one of the most vocal in the assembly, was said to have been prevented from stepping out of the event grounds by the thugs who dared the heavily armed security agents around to do their worst. But as things got uglier, providence appeared to smile on the lawmaker as he was eventually spirited out by a group of police officers who drove dangerously out of the venue. Local chiefs who had booked appointments with the lawmaker, who had promised them money, were left disappointed as the lawmaker, understandably, could not afford to attend to them.

Eko Akete was reliably told by a source close to the lawmaker that he had come to the event ground with at least N1 million which quickly vanished like vapour as soon as he began to ‘settle’ the different categories of people.

22

8 October, 2016 Continued from pg19

“Lagos State has an estimated two million people living with disabilities, most of whom cannot independently access public services such as commercial buses, roads, bridges and shops. Lagos can only become a mega city when it is accessible to all persons.”

“Will wheelchair users be able to use the roads? Will the blind people be able to manoeuvre their ways around the street independently? Are we going to have automated doors in shops? For Lagos to become a megacity, it has to live up to the name, and the most important thing about megacities is accessibility to facilities by all persons.

“Most of our roads are strewn with obstacles, open drains, gutters; people park their cars anyhow; you have signposts all over the road, all of which make walking independently very difficult. Most of our cities are not really conducive for people living with disability, especially wheelchair users and the blind,” he argued.

Basharu, who is also the President of Joint National Association of Persons Living with Disabilities, added: “For any person living with disability to engage in independent mobility, government needs to ensure that the roads are cleared of obstacles, drains are covered and roadside markets are controlled.

“All bridges should be made accessible. When they are constructing the bridges, consideration should be made for people living with disabilities. Instead of steps, we should have more of sliding bridges. No wheelchair user will be able to use bridges with steps. Government should make efforts to ensure that all pedestrian bridges have sliding ones so that people in wheelchair can access the bridges as other people.”

Interestingly, many Lagosians would quickly concur with the arguments put up by Adamu and others above. A visit to some public facilities in the city by Saturday Tribune revealed that in spite of the state government’s efforts at running an all-inclusive government, it cannot be said to be uhuru yet for the over three million people living with disabilities in the city.

For instance, ascending the pedestrian bridge in Ojota is likened to climbing Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.

Speaking on the difficulty the residents face in accessing the bridge, Bolaji, a businessman whose office is situated close to the bridge, said, “Even for some of us who are not physically challenged, using that particular bridge is quite a task.”

Given options, Bolaji said he would avoid using such a “strenuous” bridge.

Perhaps to further worsen the situation, barricades are currently being erected between the lanes to compel

the people, apparently including those living with disabilities, to make use of the controversial pedestrian bridge.

In his remarks, another physically-challenged individual identified as Taiwo Olopade called for the reconstruction of some buildings that serve as offices for corporate organisations which, he said, have failed in factoring the physically-challenged in all the facilities provided for public use.

He stressed how difficult it is for him to enter most banking halls due to the nature of their doors.

In most cases, he said he sends someone to help him out anytime he has anything to do in a bank.

“For instance, if you are physically challenged and you want to go into a banking hall, you will really suffer because the facilities provided are usually difficult for the physically-challenged, especially those in wheelchair, to use.

“The question is: how does somebody in a wheelchair enter a banking hall with the current entry/exit system being used by most banks?” he queried.

Olapade, however, believes that the government has to intervene and ensure that the plights and thoughts of the physically-challenged are henceforth taken into

The Indian emissary Kasali Qudus IF there is anything to say about the practice of journalism in Lagos, it must be the fact that an average reporter is expected to know everything, be everywhere and do everything. The reason is simple: Lagos is where it all happens; Lagos is where they all come to.

And that is how in one day, one can write about politics, insurance, transport, maritime, markets

If you are physically challenged and you want to go into a banking hall, you will really suffer because the facilities provided are usually difficult for the physically challenged, especially those in wheelchair, to use. consideration anytime any public infrastructure is to be put in place.

It was also discovered that many of the high-rise buildings in Lagos, especially those built many years ago, are a no-go area for the physically challenged.

Saturday Tribune’s checks at some high-rise buildings in Apapa and other parts of Lagos revealed that many of the edifices lack facilities to accommodate the physically-challenged, especially as regards going to the higher floors.

In the words of a property consultant, Kayode Ejiro, these properties were built long ago and that is why it is very difficult for the physically-challenged to even think of venturing to such properties’ high floors.

“Except in Abuja where building projects have started taking into consideration the plight of

the physically-challenged, many high-rise buildings in Lagos lack the facilities to help this group of people.

“They cannot use the elevator because they will need somebody to push them in and the person will also have to be on ground to help them out of such lifts. But as you know, Lagosians are always in a hurry, so who is going to help these people go all the way up the high-rise buildings? That is the problem many of them face and that is why you will not see a physically-challenged person coming into the elevator with you in Lagos. It is not something you see frequently,” Ejiro explained.

A legal practitioner, Mr Okunola Semilore, pointed out that it was high time the Nigerian government began to take the plights of the disabled in the society into consideration.

Saturday Tribune

Also, taking a critical look at the infamous pedestrian bridge at Ojota, Semilore asked, “How does the government expect a disabled person to climb that bridge? It is, however, heartening to know that this present administration is taking into cognisance the plight of the underprivileged and the physically-challenged in its programmes, as most of the new pedestrian bridges being constructed are friendly to the disabled,” he said.

He added that under the law, disabled people also have rights and it is high time the government took that into consideration.

“The situation is quite different in the developed world. Disabled people have rights and the government ensures that their rights are not trampled on,” he stated.

But as indicting as these claims may be on the government of the day, evidence abound that the new government in the state is unrelenting in the task of making life worth living for the physically-challenged in the city.

For instance, the creation of the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA) is seen in many quarters as one of the steps being taken to address some of those challenges faced by the physically challenged in the state.

Besides, the launch of the N500 million disability funds by the incumbent governor of the state, Mr Akinwumi Ambode, to address the challenges confronting people with disabilities has also been described by many as a demonstration of the fact that the state government is beginning to take the plight of this class of people seriously.

While speaking on this issue recently, the General Manager of LASODA, Babatunde Awelenje, insisted that the state government was taking the physically-challenged into consideration while formulating its policies.

According to him, the N500 million disability funds provided by the state government are meant to enhance access to social infrastructure for the People living With Disabilities (PWDs).

He explained that besides the funds, the state government had also created a special parking space for PWD and a ramp at the entrance of every public building to enable the physically challenged person have access to such buildings.

Awelenje, however, appealed to those living with disabilities in the state to come and register with the state, noting that information was needed to enable the government plan adequately for them, especially in the areas of scholarships and establishment of schools and vocational centres.

A Reporter’s Diary and relationships. Yes, one person.

And that was how I found myself in a room full of people, last week, listening to the Indian vice president, mentally putting down questions I would ask him after his speech.

It was not a very long speech. He didn’t talk for more than 30 minutes. But more than twice, he spoke about India-Africa partnership. I shook my head. When would the rest of the world stop talking about Africa as though it was just a country?

In my head, the questions kept flooding in. India and Nigeria have a lot in common. It would be good to find out about commerce and trade in that country. What about the large population? How do they cope? What about agriculture?

There was a large crowd of journalists waiting for him at the door after the lecture. In fact, one needed to push through the mass in order to get to the front. But there was no need. The Indian politician had left!

24

8 October, 2016

Saturday Tribune

With Aunty Yemi 08056834515 ojeleyeoyeyemi@yahoo.com

Advice I will never forget

1 2 6

7

3

5 4

Get Inspired

ST OR Y

The Nest magpie of

The magpie builds the most comfortable and beautiful nests in the world.

So, one day all the other birds asked him to teach them how to make really good nests. The magpie agreed.

He said, “Firstly,take some mud and make a sort of round shape.” “oh, that’s it!” cried the thrush and he flew away.

Since then the thrushes are building their nests in that way.

Then the magpie continued, “Next, take some twigs and arrange them around the mud.” “So that’s it” exclaimed the blackbird and he left . In that way the blackbirds are building their nests even today.

So it went on, every bird taking away a little piece of the knowledge but none of them remained there until the end. The magpie went on working without looking up, but when he saw that nobody is there he got angry and flew away. He never again showed the others how to build nests.

MORAL : It is wise to wait till the end to get to know everything.

C

a

r

t

o o n

Respondents are pupils of Brightville Group of schools Ashi-Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State.

1. John Isaac, 9 yrs old, Basic 4 I can never forget my father’s piece of advice on good behaviour. He told me that I should not engage in stealing, lying and cheating. He told me to be conscious of all these in order not to spoil my name as a good name is better than riches. Each time I hear a name mentioned as a thief or a criminal, I remember my father’s warning and that keeps me on my feet.

2. Bidemi Popoola, 11 yrs old, JSS 2 There are basic counsels given to me by my parents that have been of help to me in all aspects of my life. They are: 1. Don’t give up when facing difficulties or challenges.

2. Learn from mistakes. 3. Be prayerful. Both of them made me understand that life is full of challenges. I have had the opportunity to help a friend who gave up on issues quickly and also seemed lazy. She talks about today but I tell her to work hard, back it up with prayers and expect good results.

3. Samuel Eyo, 12 yrs old, JSS 1 The piece of advice I seem to remember since I was younger till now was given to me by my mum some time ago when I said I wasn’t interested in formal education. I was forced to attend a school. When I was enrolled, I joined a group of students who were in the habit of taking things that belonged to others. We would share the items afterwards. One day, I sat under a tree and slept off. I was woken by my mum’s footsteps.

She said to me “if you continue in your bad ways, you will not succeed in your studies.

You will be sent to grandma who would handle you with iron hand.” I thought over this and I had a change of heart. I did not hesitate to tell my friends.

4. Michael Magbagbeola, 13 yrs old, JSS 3 When I was preparing to be enrolled into a boarding school, my parents told me not to join bad groups in order not to develop bad characters. When they mentioned it, I remember a warning against cultism which I read on a billboard while passing through the University of Ibadan premises. It reads “Say no to cultism…” Secondly, I was warned not to make trouble with anyone.

5. Temilola Olatunde, 9 yrs old, Basic 5 In August this year when I celebrated my birthday, my parents gave me a piece of advice to change my attitude. I will not forget this in life because I was told on my birthday in the presence of members of my family. They observed that sometimes, I beat my siblings for no reason. One day, one of them got wounded by the sharp edge of an iron.

I felt bad about it. I think I’m a better sister now.

6. Joshua Okonji, 11 yrs old, JSS 1 My mum once told me “always tell the truth.” She came up with this advice one day when I broke a plate while washing and I covered up. She got to know I lied so she beat me and told me a story of how some people who lied went to jail or died and never entered the Kingdom of God. This piece of advice helps me whenever I’m faced with choosing between lying and telling the truth. Each time I make an attempt to do otherwise, I quickly ask for forgiveness from my parents and God. 7. Amarachi Odimegwu, 11 yrs old, JSS 2 I was told by my parents to obey to instructions anywhere I find myself. When you are an obedient child, there are many benefits that would be derived from it. Obedient children are usually loved and respected. I have testified to this in school, home and some other places I have found myself. I’m usually happy each time I receive commendation for being obedient. Thanks to my parents.

J

ke Little Johnny

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” asks the teacher.

Little Johnny raises his hand as says, “A congressman.”

The teacher asks why and Little Johnny replies, “Because they spend most of their time in recess.”

25

8 October, 2016

weekend cartoons

Saturday Tribune

Adeeko Olusegun adeeko.olusegun@yahoo.com 0811 695 4638

Just a Laffing Mata

FUNOLOGY

POLITICO

I am that I am

A pastor met three young boys at the market, selling apples, bread and yam.

The following ensued between the pastor and the boys: To the apple seller...

Pastor: Give me one quotation in the Bible where apple was mentioned before I will buy from you.

Apple Seller: The Bible states, ‘You are the apple of my eyes.’

Pastor: Good! I will buy N1000 apple.

To the bread seller...

Pastor: Give me a Bible quotation with bread and I will buy from you too.

Bread Seller: Jesus said I am the bread of life.

Pastor: Nice! Let me buy N1000 bread.

To Segeluulu, the yam seller...

Pastor: Give me one quotation with yam in the Bible and Iwill buy yours too.

Segeluulu: Jesus said, ‘I yam that I yam...

3 thieves

Three thieves were taken to court, and were found guilty. The first thief stole a tin of sardines. The angry judge sentenced him to 3 years imprisonment because there were 3 pieces of fish inside one tin of sardines.

The second thief stole a tray of eggs. He got 30 years imprisonment because a tray of eggs contains 30 eggs.

Immediately, the third thief collapsed. ...Do you know why? He stole a bag of rice!

ak e l i f e F Girl: Baby, where are you?

Boy: I am on my way to school; my dad’s driver is taking me to school in dad’s new Mercedes Benz X-class because his Infinity-45 is in garage for servicing. What about you dear? Where are you?

Girl: Well, I’m in a Danfo bus sitting behind you. I just wanted to tell you that you shouldn’t pay the conductor; I’ve already paid for you.

I regret exposing my private life too much to the media

26

8 October, 2016

outofthisworld

Saturday Tribune WITH FEMI OSINUSI

osfem2@yahoo.com 08055069292

In Ghana, the dead are buried in caskets that represent their jobs

I

N Ghana, many of their dead are now being buried in caskets that depict their professions. Casket designers have taken their professions a little higher by making caskets for those that died to show the type of professions they did before dying.

Thus, according to globetopnews.com, it is not unusual to see a dead man who worked in a brewery to be buried in a casket that looks like a beer bottle or a photographer to be buried in a casket that resembles a camera.

Also in some cases, and by demand, people are also buried in caskets that are shaped like animals to symbolise the clan they belong to. These are mainly done for chiefs and priests.

A camera casket.

Casket for a wheat farmer.

This surely is for a worker at the brewery.

This must have been made for a pilot!

Various caskets that look like animals.

A casket meant for a cake maker.

27

8 October, 2016

The South-West Editor Kehinde Oyetimi | 08074626431

What it means to be Ooni’s confidant —Brother “What ’ll do as Sooko Laekun”

A business mogul and elder brother of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, Prince Adegboyega Abimbola Ogunwusi is today installed as the Sooko Laekun of Ile Ife. He speaks with TOLUWANI OLAMITOKE on his growing up days with the Ooni, the responsibilities of the title and the changes he desires in Ife.

Y

OU have been chosen as the Sooko Laekun of Ile Ife, how does it feel being a chief of His imperial majesty?

When I was told about the post, I was elated. I feel it’s an honour and great responsibility on my shoulder. I thank God and appreciate kabiyesi for giving me the honour. I feel more excited that I have been given a role in collaboration with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan to achieve his role and leave a legacy. I pray that God will grant me the wisdom and support from necessary quarters to carry out my duties in order to boost kabiyesi’s legacy and impact the community.

Tell us about yourself?

I was born over 50 years ago to the family of Prince Oluropo Ogunwusi and my late mum, Madam Magaret Wuraola Abegbe Ogunwusi. I won’t say we were born with silver spoon but I thank God for the kind of upbringing we had. We are six in number-I’m the first, followed by Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi, Princess Folashade Fadairo, Princess Adesola Olojede and then kabiyesi Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife and Princess Adebimpe Daudu. Another sister of ours is Princess Folusho Adepemi Kolawole. I was born in Ile Ife and spent some time there before we relocated to Ibadan, Agodi-Gate precisely. I attended Seventh Day Adventist Primary School in Ibadan, Fatima College, Ikire and later OSCAS, Ile Ife. I studied Geography at the University of Ibadan. I later did ICAN and before I traveled out of the country with my late wife, Tinuade Ogunwusi, I worked in the bank and mortgage industry. I am one of those who started Access Bank in Apapa. On getting to England, I retrained myself on IT and worked with British Telecommunication, Cap Geminine and Super Drug. I was there till I lost my wife. I relocated to Nigeria after this incident and joined my brother who was into real estate management.

What did your parents do for a living?

My dad was a broadcaster and worked with the Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) and Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service (WNBS), Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), and Osun State Broadcasting Corporation. My mum worked at the Medical Records Unit of the University College Hospital (UCH), before she retired and went into trading. We lost her in 2012.

How was growing up like especially as a prince?

We all grew up in love and had respect for one another. We didn’t throw any air around as princes and princesses. Our

CREW sari Tunde B9u3530 081275 ndare nga - Ogu Yejide G8b1e16706853 0 unesan Tunde O9g54634 08116

t: r us; contac Got news fo bune@yahoo. ttri es hw ne ut so bu @ uthwesttri co.uk or so ail.com gm

got shocked as he touched the wires. He shouted,”Adesola pami o, Adesola pami o (Adesola has killed me).” The funny thing is that Adesola, his sister, was at that particular time miles away. I also remember my school days at Fatima College.

Being a boarding school we had to adapt to any condition to survive. Since we had bushes around us, we would sneak out of the school premises and hunt for food. We would say,” we are going on jungle”. Anyone caught by the school authorities was in trouble.

It appears our culture and traditions are being jettisoned for foreign ways of life. For example, Yoruba our mother tongue is gradually going into extinction as people dialogue more in English Language. What can be done to address this?

I quite agree with you that this practice is becoming very rampant and that is one of those things kabiyesi is looking into right now. He recently initiated a programme, ‘So Ede Yoruba Si Omo Re.’ This is to create an awareness and encourage parents and guardians to teach their children as they grow up in Yoruba Language so that the language will not go into extinction . People are already looking into that and this is expected to be implemented in Ile-Ife community and the society at large. He’s also looking at how the government can introduce this in the school curriculum.

In the past the traditional institution was viewed with awe, but today the situation has changed. Three monarchs were reported kidnapped in Lagos, Delta and Jos. Those of Delta were killed while a ransom was paid for the release of the third. What has happened to the royal institution to necessitate this occurrences?

I won’t say people don’t have regards for royals anymore, but what we are experiencing in our society today is what is happening in the whole world. Cultural awareness matters, we have to educate people about our culture.

What responsibilities does this title confer on you?

Sooko means head of princes. In the olden days, in each of the ruling families there is a sooko. These then were referred to as Soroko because people didn’t have easy access to them.

In Ile Ife, one of the ruling house is Giesi and this has pockets of princes and leaders. Ogunwusi family belongs to this ruling house. To see kabiyesi, all the princes must go through someone and that is Laekun. To be Sooko Laekun, you must be someone kabiyesi can trust, confide in and discuss with on daily basis on issues that has to do with the progress of the community among other things. You are an eye of kabiyesi.

It’s actually a significant role.

And how do you hope to combine these responsibilities with your chain of businesses?

That is the simplest task in front of me. In business and life, you have to prioritise things. I place premium on community life and will be closer to kabiyesi and Ife now. I have businesses within and outside the country and they can run themselves easily.

Saturday Tribune

As you become a chief, what changes do you plan to see in the town?

I’m very positive that in few months time and with the goals and foresight of kabiyesi, Ile Ife will become a tourist center.

One other area kabiyesi is focusing on is youth empowerment.

We have to do more in this regard to boost Ife community.

parents were disciplinarians and inculcated in us the fear of God and humility. We never displayed arrogance. Our parents always sounded it in our ears that what was worth doing at all was worth doing well, so they ensured we put in our best in all that we did.

In our clime, many times chieftaincy titles go to the highest bidder, what’s your take?

Fortunately for me, this is a post that has to be occupied and that which Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi feels he needs someone he can trust and the choice of me was made by our amiable kabiyesi. So there is no need for any highest bidder in this case.

What was the Ooni like as a young person?

Our Kabiyesi was born an entrepreneur and was very inquisitive. Our grandfather used to carry him on his laps and was fond of calling him Obalola. He always showed that trait that he could look after himself and he also loved to help people and share whatever he had with them. He was always bringing friends home to eat.

What’s your hobby?

I love to play tennis and travel a lot. I also love meeting people and driving.

What fond memories do you have of your childhood?

I earlier told you Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi was inquisitive as a child. In the house then were wall sockets and we used to cover them to avert danger. Kabiyesi in a bid to know what was inside the socket, one day unscrewed one of them and

What’s your favourite attire?

It was shirt and trousers –English cut, but now with my new responsibility, it’s our traditional attire-agbada with cap and beads because I will be representing my kingdom.

I earlier told you Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi was inquisitive as a child. In the house then were wall sockets and we used to cover them to avert danger. Kabiyesi in a bid to know what was inside the socket, one day unscrewed one of them and got shocked as he touched the wires. He shouted,”Adesola pami o, Adesola pami o (Adesola has killed me)

Which is your best colour?

White.

Do you mean leisure drive?

Can one really do a pleasure drive with okada drivers around? I drive long distance and I enjoy it.

Are you a designer freak?

No. But I love good shoes and love to dress well.

What drink is your favourite?

I’ve stopped drinking coke, now I take water I thought you would say wine?

No, it’s water.

How do you relax?

I listen to music.

What type?

The old school, that is juju-Orlando,King Sunny Ade; Micheal Jackson for pop music and jazz. I also listen to up and coming Nigerian musicians and Christian music.

28 xquisite INTIMACY

8 October, 2016

Saturday Tribune

With Bosede Ola-Samuel 08112658560 bosedeola_samuel@yahoo.com

STRICTLY FOR ADULTS

L

AST week, my husband gave us some tips on how to bring adventure into our marriage as against exercising the thought of trying out a new sex partner as a cure for sexual boredom.

The piece continues today and like I advised last week, don’t just enjoy it but be ‘a doer.’ For it is not the reading that is blessed but the doer of what is read.

Play funny, silly games Engaging in games such as ‘Hide and Seek’, ‘Whoever finishes a piece of meat first takes one more’, etc sets you in the mood for real sex actions. I remember a couple in my area. As I entered their living room, I met the husband complaining about his wife disturbing his peace and not allowing him to rest by running her finger tip along his foot repeatedly. Of course, the wife was only trying to put him in the mood, but he was not quick to discern it. I simply chipped in my tip and left the scene immediately. No wonder the husband never forgot to thank me days afterwards.

The game is all about teasing each other to the point of sexual provocation. It draws couples intimately to each other. Life should not be too serious. Like my wife’s younger sister will jokingly say, “You better learn to relax, so that you will not collapse.”

A person who does nothing to relax will definitely collapse one day. It is a matter of time.

Psychiatrist and sex therapist, Barbara Bartlik, M.D., explains why silly games lead to crazy sex: “Bringing an item into the bedroom, like a board game, forces you to think about how you’re going to use this item to make the experience different. Whoever dreamed up the idea feels triumphant, while the other person feels well attended to. These positive experiences feed our relationships and make love last. Whether it’s Scrabble or Battleship, it doesn’t really matter. The best thing is, it takes the guesswork out of com-

week, or if parental responsibilities are fast eroding your sex life. A wife has this to say about their sex life: “When we first met, we had sex every day; but we’re parents now and don’t have as much time. Now it’s just once a week. But with an hour or two of sexual activity at the weekends, it’s always amazing and meaningful.”

Plan an excursion When sexual fire has gone down, a vacation or excursion can be a perfect way to rekindle the fire. For Lesley and Tim, sex isn’t just part of a vacation; it’s the very reason for the getaway. So, vacations afford couples the many opportunities to have sex. Talking about vacation, an average Nigerian thinks vacation is all about travelling out and when they can’t afford it, they just erase it complete from their mind but it is not until you travel out of the country that you can take a vacation. You can take a vacation to a friend to lives in a quieter place than yours where you know you won’t be disturbed. It can even be to such a place like your village. No thinking of workload or home work or house chores. Attention is focused on each other all the time. So, it is enjoyment unlimited.

You don’t have to fly to a far-flung land to take your sexual satisfaction to new altitudes. “Surprise your partner on a random Monday or Tuesday,” suggests Megan Andelloux, director of the Miko Learning and Resource Center, in Providence, Rhode Island. “At dusk, blindfold her and lead her to the car. As you drive to a remote location, her excitement will build. When you arrive, take off her blindfold and spend lots of time making out in your car before relocating to your predetermined love nest.

Even if you end up just one or two kilometres from home, the sex adventure will be worthwhile.”

In response to my readers’ request, I have packaged some of my previous articles into a book with the title: ENJOYING GREAT SEXLIFE. You can call me for details.

Are you bored with your sex life (II) munication. It gives us structure, and it’s fun to have a builtin forum to ask for what we want sexually.”

Schedule special sex moments Better sex will lead to more sex, says Dr. Bartlik. So forget the quickies, and love each other for a long time. Schedule an appointment that neither of you is allowed to cancel. Lying in bed on Saturday mornings or Sunday evenings is a good example. You might just chat or touch each other from head to toe, savouring your bodies under the sheets. This helps your connectivity level.

You will find this scheduled moment quite helpful if your daily schedule does not allow for sexual activity during the

CONVERSE WITH YEMISI

Why does he support my back with pillow?

I

Dear Yemisi, want to know the reason my boyfriend always support my back with a pillow during sex. My ex-boyfriend did not do this.

I am confused.

Omo, 08******2*5.

Dear Omo, Are you sure you are of age to be having sex with the member of the opposite sex? How many men are you going to sleep with before you finally decide on who to settle down with?

Your former boyfriend might not have asked for a supporting pillow if he enjoyed having sex with you while the dating lasted. For your current boyfriend to be asking for pillow now suggests that enjoying having sex with you would require a pillow to give him maximum satisfaction.

For Him

Omotayo, 51, engineer, from Osun State, needs a Godfearing lady aged between 28 and 50 for marriage. Call 08169149384.

Wale, 32, Ibadan based, needs a beautiful, mature lady aged between 20 and 30 for a relationship. Call 08099521492.

I am only explaining this in layman’s language. I am sure if you ask your boyfriend why he is insisting on a pil-

08055001741 (sms only) yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com low, he will have his reasons. The choice is yours to keep satisfying him to your detriment.

You can equally see a sex therapist to allay your fears.

Nothing from what you have written suggests to me any confusion. It is the path you have chosen.

What else can I do?

Dear Yemisi, On October 31, 1978, I had an automobile accident which resulted in the amputation of my right leg after staying for four years at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos. On realising this, I made up my mind to acquire education at all cost. With the help of the likes of late Dr Tai Solarin, Professor Rod Adoh Emi, I graduated as an NCE graduate in Biology/Geography, B.Sc in Zoology and M.Edu in Educational Management. I am presently a civil servant in one of the states in the South West of Nigeria.

I worked hard as a teacher to make ends meet. In May 1994, I got married and we had three children — two girls and a boy. In 2004, my wife just decided to leave, took all I had ever worked for with the full knowledge of her parents. The church waded into the matter, but her parents especially the father, was adamant.

For Her

Bose, 32, 5.3 feet tall, single, fair-skinned, needs a God-fearing, working class man aged 45 to 60 as husband. Call 08154958321.

Samuel, 36, Christian,, employed, needs a God-fearing lady aged between 23 and 33 for marriage. Call 08064942304.

Beatrice, 43, needs a man aged between 48 and 50.

Call 09028164396.

Adebayo, 31, from Abeokuta, Ogun State, Muslim, selfemployed, needs a caring, gentle lady aged between 25 and 30 for a relationship. Call 08069609880.

Damilola, 22, from Ekiti State, Lagos-based, student/ worker, single, needs a single, God-fearing, responsible, caring, good looking man, aged between 30 and 35 for a relationship. Contact 08145141261.

As I could not stay alone, I remarried after 10 years.

I got a bank loan and bought a car that I drive. My new wife delivered a baby girl. My ex-wife called me after 12 years to tell me that our son was sick and that he wanted to stay with me. I went for this decoy foolishly.

The boy stayed for just two months. But by the time he was leaving, the damage had been done. He poured raw salt inside my car fuel tank and the engine which eventually damaged the vehicle. He also poisoned my daughter and her mother. Though my wife survived, but my baby later died.

Now, I had no one because my second wife’s family knew about the whole story and advised their daughter to leave me.

Now, I have neither a car, wife nor house, but a rented apartment.

In annoyance, I cursed my son and his mother. But now, I regret my decision. I am indebted to the bank that is now after me. I do not know what else to do.

Before my first wedding, I walked with the aid of an artificial limb that hardly could anybody know that I am an amputee even till date.

Dear Yemisi, I need serious but urgent advice from your readers and you.

Ola, 0*0*******7.

Dear readers, kindly send a piece of your mind to help Ola in deciding what to do with what is left of him.

Send your contribution to yemiaofolaju @yahoo.com or 08055001741 with your name and number.

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work together.

Continued from pg9

Secret of my good look I honestly think good genes, I’m very active and I drink plenty of fluid. They say 50 is the new 40.

I

Foray into Fashion ’ve been creative since I was a little girl, even though I come from a family where both parents are academicians, much to my parents surprise I insisted on studying fashion design instead of being a scientist like my dad or an educationist like my mother at ages 12 and 13, I was already making the dye, batik, pottery and clothes, my creative side is from my mother, she was a college professor, who was very creative, she made everything with her hands, ceramics, cakes, clothes, and taught her daughters to be very independent and to pursue our dreams. I had my grade school in Lincoln Nebraska, United States, but finished high school in Queens School, Ilorin, Kwara State. I went on to study Fashion Design Technology at the prestigious London College of Fashion.

Challenges faced My most challenging time would be when I moved to Nigeria, because having lived abroad most of my life, the lack of basic infrastructure wasn’t something I was used to. So, I had to do everything from the scratch as well as to provide alternative electricity for production. I had to bring in my zips, trimmings, fabrics and everything else when I travelled and had to deal with staff who were half baked and had to be trained from scratch and some clients who would decide they didn’t want to pay when their bills were due. It has all been a learning experience.

Secret of success Perseverance, adaptability, not comparing myself to anyone else as well as not following trends and always trying to improve my craft.

Inspiration for my designs I’m inspired by women around me, travel, music, different cultures and art.

My ideal woman is a global traveller, exotic, free spirited, ladylike, sexy, individualistic and confident, these are the women that inspire my work every day.

My unique selling point Everybody has their own niche. I try to create clothes that one can wear for a lifetime and not follow trends, and I dress real women, irrespective of size.

My goal is to bring out a woman’s best assets whether she’s a size 8 or a size 24 and I’ve been fortunate that I have clients who have been very loyal to our brand, we thank God. Combining the home front with my career Most women are multifunctional and have the ability to multi-task. I happen to be one of them.

What you need to succeed in the fashion industry I would say a high level of creativity, skill and teaching ability. Another thing is that you should always try and upgrade your skills and try to work with different fabrics. If you’re just starting out, work under an established designer for a few years to gain experience.

Most defining moment of our ca-

How to look good despite the economic situation of the country I think we as women should be true to ourselves and not try to live up to the Jones. I’ve always been a firm believer of not comparing myself to anyone else. If you live within your means and are ready to adjust as the need arises you won’t be under pressure to impress anyone.

Assessment of the Nigerian fashion Industry We now have a lot of up and coming talented designers. When we started, there were just a handful of us, but now we have a lot of younger designers with international exposure coming back to Nigeria, to infuse fresh blood into the industry, so it’s great, but we still need creative people to work together to take the industry to the next level, and so many people just copy, people are making Ankara everyone decides they have to make embellished ankara, I would like to see more risk taken in terms of fabrics used and better finishing.

Fashion essentials everywoman must have I think inner wear is just as important as outerwear, so first, well fitting underwear, then well fitting clothes. If fitted dresses are in, everyone wants to wear them, regardless of their figure.

Also, good quality perfume, there is no bigger turn on than a great smelling woman. Good quality shoes and a decent handbag are also part of fashion essentials for women. And please if you can’t afford good quality hair don’t wear weave on.

a d e e n ‘You f o l e v e l high d n a y t i creativ ’ d e e c c u skill to s reer I think dressing celebrities, style icons, first ladies and women who love fashion all over the world for years has given me strength of conviction that I’m on the right path.

Why I ventured into interior décor I wanted Nikki Khiran to be a lifestyle brand not just fashion. I am about lifestyle and comfort. I want people to have beautiful homes and beautiful clothes.

For me, the two are interwoven, I also have a sister who is a brilliant interior decorator, so, when we get projects we

I think dressing celebrities, style icons, first ladies and women who love fashion all over the world for years has given me strength of conviction that I’m on the right path.

Why I expanded my business to Abuja We have been doing private viewings for clients in Abuja for several years. A lot of them encouraged me to open a showroom in Abuja which we did just over two years ago in Wuse. My Abuja clientele have been very supportive.

Making a mark in Abuja I love clothes that are fluid and drape, and Abuja has a mixture of women from different parts of Nigeria, so the fact that we have a variety of stock makes it more interesting to them. Our home wear store is also at the same location so it’s a lifestyle shop with women’s wear, accessories, and home decor. We thank God we have been well received in Abuja.

People have the impression that it’s only women in Lagos that like dressing up, I beg to differ; I’ve met a lot of very fashion forward women in Abuja as well.

Advice for aspiring fashion designers Hmmm, first it’s better to have formal training if possible, Next work under an experienced designer. Be true to yourself as to whether you have what it takes, creativity cannot be forced. Be humble and willing to learn, the fashion business is pure hard work and not about glamour, it’s extremely competitive.

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Saturday Tribune BLESSING GBARADA ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639

FOOD

Social media has really helped my business

ply them to supermarkets so that they don’t spoil. We usually sell the breads to individuals.

Most people, especially women prefer to go into cake making, and not bread making. what has been your experience in that regard?

Bread making is more challenging because if you don’t make it in volume you won’t make profit.

You can’t be doing it in small quantity. For instance, you can’t do one today, two tomorrow, it is not profitable like that. But if you make it in volume you will make profit because everybody eats bread, whether it is flour or wheat bread. We bake bread everyday.

We don’t use preservatives in them as well.

How do you get inspiration for your designs?

What I do is that I ask the customers what they like and work around it. I also look at people’s personality, passion and hobby and use them to make cakes that suit them. If you are a fashionista, what I will do will be related to fashion. I also like working with colours.

—Afolake Omotehinwa of Flaykes Delight

AFolake Omotehinwa, a graduate of English Language from Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State and an advertising executive who developed interest in baking after she was posted to the cafe in her church. In this interview with TAYO GESINDE, the Chief Executive Officer of Flaykes Delight, speaks on why she does not use preservatives for her cakes and breads. Excerpts.

W

hy did you decide to go into this line of business?

I just needed something that would keep me near my children.

As a worker in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), I was posted to the cafe to be selling snacks. At the cafe, I was bringing in vendors to supply snacks which I sell. Later on, I felt it was something I could do so, I went to learn how to bake. I was working in an advertising company and during my leave, I went to learn. Since then I have been baking. After some time, I stopped working in the advertising agency and now that my children are grown-ups, I have more time for the business.

How has the journey into entrepreneurship been so far?

It has been hectic. To be an entrepreneur in Nigeria is not easy, especially for somebody like me who has to take care of the children and do the business at the same time. Financially, entrepreneurs are not encouraged by the interest rates on loans.

That means you have to depend on yourself and family members to grow the business. I have been doing it alone, no loans, nothing. After some time, I started going for courses to help myself. There was one I did last year that opened my eyes to the fact that I was just doing the business as a hobby and not a business. I learnt so much from the management course

which I have been putting to use in my business in order to do the business in a profitable way. Apart from baking, I train young people especially school leavers the art of cake making. I also send them to

companies that sell cake accessories for advanced training. So, as I do my business and make money out of it, I also empower people as well. God has been keeping me in this business despite the challenges.

What are the challenges you face in this line of business?

The cost of production is very high. In Nigeria, we don’t produce butter, flour and other ingredients that we use. They are imported and you know that the exchange rate is very high so the cost of production is really high right now.

When I started baking if you sell a cake for N10,000 you can be sure of making N5,000 profit. Now, you can hardly make N2,000, in fact, if you are not careful, you won’t make up to N1,000 and you still have to pay overhead, pay rent, staff salary and so on. If the cost of production can go down, more people will make more money in this business and employ more staff.

You are in a competitive business, what is your unique selling point?

My main unique selling point is that my cakes are fresh and I don’t use preservatives. So, it is healthy, it is cancer-free as there is no preservatives at all. You get it fresh, I don’t bake down, I bake based on order. If you give me 24 hours notice, you will get your cake.

For how long can your cakes stay without getting spoilt since they don’t have preservatives?

All my cakes and snacks can stay for five days outside the fridge. My bread too can spend five days.

That is why we don’t sup-

How has technology enhanced your work?

Social media especially Facebook has really helped my business a lot. I get orders from clients based abroad who want to come home for their parties. Also, when I post the pictures of my cake on Instagram, people who like them also place their orders. Technology itself has made the art of cake making easier. For instance, with fondant, there is a machine that will roll it for you that you won’t have to do it manually.

Do you love cooking as well?

I don’t think I like cooking but I love baking. That is the irony of life. I am not a food person. I think I like cake making because of the creative aspect of it. I enjoy being able to work on a cake and make it look beautiful. I think that is the aspect I really like but you can’t go and do craft without baking. So I have to bake first. I am more of a creative person. I love moulding, I like designing the cake more.

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MAPOLY demotes director, 5 lecturers for gross misconduct Yinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

From left, Vice Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Bishop (Professor) Dapo Asaju, Professor Mrs Tunrayo Olumakaiye, the couple, Dr and Dr (Mrs) Odunayo Doherty, Bishop (Dr) Humphrey Olumakaiye and Mrs Hariet Asaju during the wedding of Bishop Asaju’s eldest daughter held at the cathedral of St Michael, Esiele, Oyo, last Saturday.

SPECIAL TREAT

Spot scam bank e-mails with these steps Akin Adewakun -Lagos

N

OTHING on the surface suggests a bait, as it’s meant to hook the innocent and unsuspecting public. Most times, they come in form of notifications, informing the recipient of developments in the organisation, (in most cases banks) and the need for such recipient to update his details through a link provided by the sender. In some cases, there is even a threat of sanction if the recipient decides to ignore the message. But, signing on to such mails can spell doom for the recipient since they are scam mails, meant to compromise the recipient’s data.

Welcome to the cyber world, where cyber fraud, cyber scam or phishing scam, is gradually becoming the order of the day.

Curiously, nothing today brings the reality of the vulnerability of the nation’s financial institutions to the fore than the litany of cyber scams tales being told by many Nigerians, especially the banking public.

Tagged phishing scam, the issue of scam in the nation’s cyber space is fast assuming a dangerous dimension, especially among critical holders in sensitive sectors of the nation’s economy.

When Saturday Tribune sought to know the views of critical stakeholders in the nation’s banking sector on the issue, the tales were not short in coming. While some had fallen victim and had lost quite a fortune to the scam, others were able to escape by the whiskers, and as a result lived to

fight another day.

Narrating his ordeal to Saturday Tribune recently, Mr. Akinluyi Temidayo, a customer of one of the nation’s first generation banks, also had a similar tale to tell. He had mistakenly made a double payment for a transaction he did with a foreign company and had asked for a refund, a request the foreign company agreed to.

“Few days later, I got a credit alert on my account and was almost opening the mail before I decided to subject the mail to further scrutiny. At the end of the day, I discovered it was a scam.

There was nothing like a payment into my account, not to talk of the payment coming from that company that was owing me.

“My refund was done one month later and it was very funny. I nearly fell because they have devised different means of fleecing the unsuspecting public. But my curiosity was how they got information that I was expecting a payment and just cashed in on that. Could it be a mere coincidence?” he asked.

With these deluge of not too inspiring cyber scam tales oozing out of stakeholders in the nation’s financial sector, not a few believe the need for customers’ enlightenment has become very imperative.

According to Mayowa Olaoluwa, a finance expert, the implications of having a financial sector bugged down by cyber scams are far-reaching; since it has a way of rubbing off negatively on the entire financial space.

“Banking thrives on trust.

As a customer, if you are conned once or twice, it erodes your confidence in

the banking sector. You begin to look for alternatives to regular banking and if everybody begins to look for such alternatives, that means the industry is in trouble,” he said.

Giving some tips on how the war on cyber scams can be won in the industry, the finance expert stressed the need for recipients of such mails to always exercise caution while opening such mails.

“When you receive such mail, move your cursor to the mail, place the cursor on the mail, you will see the original sender of the mail. So, if it is different from the name of the sender on the message, it is definitely a scam mail,” he explained.

He also advised Nigerians on the need to eschew greed and the penchant to cut corners.

“It is obvious that some Nigerians fall victims to such mails because they want to reap from where they never sowed. For instance, why would you want to open a credit alert mail coming from a bank that you know you do not have any account with?

Why would you want to open a mail tagged ‘Business Proposal’, when it is obvious you are not discussing such subject with anybody? People respond to mails, such as these due to ignorance and most times greed. The best way out is to delete immediately you get such glaringlydeceptive mails,” he stated.

Another way of dealing with scam messages is by scrutinizing the mail itself and look for tell-tale signs.

“Most times when you look closely at the mail, you will notice some flaws in the language used,

even the corporate identity might give such mails away,” stated Andrew Soetan.

Giving a personal example, Soetan, a computer engineer, explained that he had once received a fraudulent mail from a supposed first generation bank, only to discover that the logo in the mail was slightly different from the newly-launched logo of the bank.

“While the picture of the elephant on the scam mail was a full elephant, the original logo carries just the head of the elephant.

That was what gave the mail away,” he stated.

Soetan further advised the banking public never to fill any sensitive information, especially their banking details on their handsets, laptops and other devices.

“When you receive such mails asking you to fill in your banking details online, what you should do is to visit the nearest branch of the bank to you and do the filling. The advantage of doing this is that when you get there, you will know whether the mail actually came from the bank or not,” he stated.

Interestingly, not a few have called on the nation’s financial institutions to enlighten and engage the banking public on the topic, while also giving them tips on how to detect such scam mails and nip them in the bud.

A banker, who would not want his name in print, believes that banks should commit more energy, time and efforts on this subject, since the implications of incessant cases of cyber crime are grave for the nation’s economy.

THE authorities of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State, has removed a Director and demoted five lecturers of the institution (names witheld), over alleged result manipulation and illegal writing of examination.

Their demotion, according to copies of letters written to each of them obtained by Saturday Tribune in Abeokuta, on Friday, was based on the report of the institution’s Staff Disciplinary Committee (SCD) set up to investigate allegations levelled against them.

The letters dated October 6 were signed by the Deputy Registrar (Establishment) Mr. S.A Ashaye on behalf of the school Registrar.

One of them was said to have contravened the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) convention on grading and the existing extant rules of the Academic Board relating to grading and presentation of scores on score sheet.

He was said to have awarded bonus marks indiscriminately in a particular examination which was described as scandalous in nature and a denigration of the sanctity of examination and assessment.

He was placed on six months suspension with half pay, removed from the position of Director and demoted by one grade level.

Edo poll: Ize-Iyamu leads PDP’s protest, vows to reclaim mandate Banji Aluko -Benin City EDO State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, on Friday led other PDP leaders and supporters in the state in a street protest against the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the September 28 election in the state.

The PDP candidate, who had vowed to lead the Friday protest, made good his promise, and was joined by his running mate, John Yakubu, Edo PDP chairman Dan Orbih, a social activist, Rev Olu Martins, and some other Edo PDP leaders in a road march.

The protesters started at Akpakpava Road and took their street demonstrations to many parts of the Benin metropolis such as 2nd East Circular Road, New Lagos Road, Mission Road, Dawson Road and the Ring Road.

In his address before they embarked on the street protests, Ize-Iyamu encouraged his supporters to be long suffering because the journey to recovering the stolen mandate will be a long one from the electoral tribunal to the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court, expressing confidence that they shall prevail at the end.

My people’s welfare my priority —LG boss

By Saheed Salau THE caretaker chairman of Ibadan North East Local Government, Mr Olalekan Afuye, has restated his administration’s determination to make a historic mark in the area through the provision of improved welfare for the people.

Afuye stressed his determination to prioritise provision of good roads, boreholes and the general well-being of the citizenry, in line with the ideology of the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

The chairman, during an inspection of health centres in the area, pledged to provide essential drugs and equipment needed for the delivery of quality health services to the people of the area.

According to him, he has been doing his best since he assumed office six months ago to ensure the well-being of the local government workers through prompt payment of their salaries and allowances.

He appealed to the workers to be calm as a larger percentage of the monthly statutory allocation to the local government would be expended on their wages while the remaining would be used to execute projects which would be beneficial to the community at large.

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Activities commence on Oba of Benin’s coronation Banji Aluko - Benin City

From left, Partner, Atacoff Services, Dr Olugbenga Odeyemi; former General Manager, Audit, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited, Mrs Maryam Muhammed and Chief Accountant, Kogi State University, Mr Lawal Itopa Lamidi, during a Public Sector Accounting Mandatory Continued Professional Education, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, in Lagos, last week.

Presidency denies freezing Jonathan’s accounts Clement Idoko - Abuja

T

HE Presidency has denied an allegation that allowances due to a former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan have been stopped and his bank accounts frozen.

Senior Special Assistant (media), to the President Mr. Garba Shehu, in a statement in Abuja, on Friday, said there was no iota of truth in the allegation that has allegedly led to protests in Bayelsa State.

He said the presidency had confirmed with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) that the former President and the other past leaders were paid their allowances up to the second quarter of this year.

He explained that the past leaders have not been paid the third quarter allowances but would get their dues when remittances are received by the SGF from the Ministry of Finance.

He said, ”Also, the story of account closure is false. It is not known to the investigation agencies.

He said: “The allegation by demonstrators in Bayelsa State on Thursday that allowances due to a former President have been stopped and his bank accounts were frozen is patently untrue.

“We have confirmed with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) that the former President and the other past leaders were paid their allowances up to the second quarter.

“The past leaders have not been paid third quarter allowances but will get their dues when remittances are received by the SGF from

the Ministry of Finance.

“Also, the story of account closure is false. It is not known to the investigation agencies.

“The National Security Adviser is not aware of this bank account closure; the DG SSS is unaware of it, the EFCC is unaware and the IG of Police is not in the know.

“With all of these agencies not being involved,

how then could a thing like that happen? In a dream perhaps!

“To put it starkly, we believe there is a clear motive for the demonstration that is different from that which was being canvassed.

“This is a premeditated attempt to blame President Muhammadu Buhari for something he knows nothing about.

“These claims are false and poorly sourced to present a picture of vendetta; and they should be disregarded by well-meaning members of the public.

“President Buhari remains committed to the ideals of justice and fairness to all irrespective of creed, religion and political leanings. His administration will not engage in vendetta,” he stated.

From Ayodele Adesanmi and Biola Azeez

tion that the case lacked any merit and that the charge of forgery of the Senate rule filed against them can never be substantiated by any fact.

The two men described the case as a “politicallyinduced distraction” which came at a time when all hands must be on deck to solve the problem of economic recession biting the people, destroying homes and creating severe social disorientation in communities.

They, however, acknowledged that the Federal Government finally displayed courage and strength of character in halting the “unnecessary waste of precious time” of both parties by agreeing with the defence team that the case lacked merit and, therefore, should be discontinued.

“We express appreciation to all our colleagues in the Senate for their solid support and understanding while the case lasted. We also thank other parliamentarians in and out of the country and the international community as a whole for the consistent solidarity they displayed to us and their belief in our genuine cause since the commencement of the case.

Meanwhile, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has commended the Federal Government for withdrawing the charges against Senators Saraki and Ekweramadu.

Ahmed, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, in Ilorin on Friday said the withdrawal of the charges was proper, necessary and timely.

Dismissal of alleged perjury case, a welcome development —Saraki, Ekweremadu

THE Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, on Friday described the verdict of the High Court of Federal Capital Territory dismissing the charges of forgery of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 and their subsequent discharge as a welcome development and a vindication of their position from the beginning of the case that they are innocent of the allegations levelled against them.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the presiding officers of the upper chamber of the National Assembly said the court’s decision was consistent with their posi-

13 die in boat accident in Niger Adelowo Oladipo - Minna THIRTEEN people died on Tuesday in a boat accident in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.

The accident occurred near a dam being built by the Federal Government in River Kontagora area of the state.

Saturday Tribune gathered that the victims were

mainly women and girls.

The accident was reported to have been caused by the uncompleted Kontagora dam, a tributary of River Niger which had overflown its bank on the other end of the river, following a heavy downpour the night before.

It was further learnt that the victims were on their way to harvest farm produce.

Meanwhile, the Director General, NSEMA, Mallam Ahmed Ibrahim Inga, confirmed the incident on Friday, in Minna, during an interaction with news men.

He said so far, eight corpses of the victims of the boat mishap had been recovered by divers, while efforts were still being made to recover the bodies of the remaining victims.

THE Benin Crown Prince, Eheneden Erediauwa will today kick-start activities marking his coronation as the next Oba of Benin as he departs his palace at Eguae-Edaiken in Uselu for Benin.

At a media briefing in Benin on Friday, head of the coronation committee, Enogie (Duke) of Evbobanosa, HRH (Prof) Gregory Akenzua, said the crown prince will leave Uselu in a foot procession and will be escorted by Uselu Chiefs and well wishers.

According to the coronation programme as announced on Friday, the crown prince will stop at the sacred palm tree, “Udin Amamieson-Aimiuwa,” in continuation of the journey to Benin after a brief ceremony by the tree.

Professor Akenzua disclosed that the Edaiken of Uselu will proceed to Iya-akpan, where Uselu Chiefs will hand him over to Oredo chiefs before trekking to Eko-Ohae, where he will stay for three days and perform private ceremonies.

The coronation committee chairman further disclosed that the crown prince would leave Eko-Ohae for Usama Palace on October 18, to Use village for the ceremony of choosing a name and later return to Usama Palace.

He stated that on October 20, the Edaiken N’ Uselu would leave Usama Palace for Benin through Isekhere for Urho-Okpota for the coronation ceremonies, just as he is expected to attend a thanksgiving worship at Holy Aruosa Cathedral.

FUTA: Protesting workers assault journalists Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure WORKERS of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), who were demanding the removal of the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, on Friday, went on the rampage, assaulting journalists who visited the campus.

The workers who included members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) descended on the journalists accusing them of publishing the institution’s reaction to the allegations levelled against the Vice Chancellor in their reports.

The attack on the journalists was led by a leader of SSANU, who turned back newsmen and threatened them with a mob action if they failed to leave the school premises, saying, “we don’t need your coverage. We can fight for our cause without your coverage.”

He ordered the angry protesters who were in their hundreds to march out the journalists, emphasising that they had no right to interview the university management after stating their grievance with them.

It took the intervention of a police team deployed to the institution to restore peace and order at the scene of the protest and save the journalists which included correspondents of Nigerian Tribune, Vanguard, Guardian, Punch, Nation and New Telegraph.

The workers had on Thursday, staged a peaceful protest demanding the removal of the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Daramola and the Bursar, Emmanuel Oresegun, over their invitation by the men of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The two principal officers were invited by the EFCC over a petition on abuse of office and misappropriation of funds, but were later released to the chagrin of the union members who demanded from the Federal government the removal of the VC pending the outcome of the EFCC investigation.

Ex-NUJ scribe appointed as Mr Latin’s Media Director A former South-West Zonal Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adebiyi, has been appointed as the director of communications and media affairs of Mr Latin Foundations, a non-governmental organisation owned by a Yoruba movie actor, Bolaji Amusan popularly known as Mr. Latin.

The appointment, as contained in a letter signed by the Abeokuta-based comic actor, was based on Prince KayodeAdebiyi’s decades of journalistic experience and he is to oversee the media activities of the foundation within and outside the country.

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Workers deserve living wage, decent work environment —Oyo NLC

By Wale Akinselure

Archbishop of Lagos Province (Anglican Communion) His Grace Dr Olusina Fape (middle) with the children of the late Mr Solomon Taiwo Abayomi Ogunbayo. From right, Mr Obafemi Ogunbayo; Opeyemi Ogunbayo; Mrs E. F. Ogunbayo (widow); Mr Charles Demola Ogunbayo and Hon Olayinka Ogunbayo during the burial ceremony of Mr Ogunbayo, at St. John’s Anglican Church, Isara- Remo, Ogun State on Friday.

PHOTO:YEMI FUNSO-OKE

Court strikes out forgery case against Saraki, Ekweremadu Sunday Ejike - Abuja

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HE High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, on Friday, struck out the forgery charges filed against the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, and two others.

The Federal Government, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) had, in June this year, filed a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and forgery of the Senate Standing Rules 2015 against Saraki, Ekweremadu, the immediate past clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa and the acting clerk, Benedict Efeturi.

When the case came up yesterday, the lead prosecuting counsel, Aliyu Umar told the trial judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Jabi, Abuja that the charges were being withdrawn following a pending case related to the charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He said, “This government respects the rule of law, and hierarchy of the

judiciary. It is obvious from these two applications (filed

by Saraki and Ekweremadu) and the similar case before your learned brother, Justice Kolawole, at the Federal High Court who is dealing with the issue that we are withdrawing the charges against the defendants.

“It is trite that two matters of the same subject matter cannot be before different courts of coordinate jurisdiction, that will amount to

an abuse of court process.

“I therefore pray the court that the amended charge dated October 5, 2016 and also the original charge dated June 10, 2016 and filed the same date be struck out and all the four defendants be discharged.

The counsel representing the defendants, Ikechukwu Ezechukwu, Mahmud Magaji, Paul Erokoro and Joseph Daudu, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN),

Oyinlola’s wife urges govt to take care of the aged Oluwole Ige - Osogbo THE Chairperson of Women and Children Development Initiative Foundation (WOCDIF), Princess Omolola Oyinlola has urged government at all levels and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to implement poverty reduction strategies through a multi-pronged approach to help the elderly persons in the society.

Oyinlola made the appeal in Osogbo, during activities to mark the International Day of the Elderly and the 10th anniversary of WOCDIF. According to her, it was imperative for the nation’s

leaders to attach more priority to the welfare of the elderly and other vulnerable people in the country, lamenting that the aged were subjected to frustration and hunger.

While explaining that the distribution of free food items, clothes and money

by WOCDIF was part of the measures aimed at reducing the suffering of the elderly in the society, Oyinlola called on the government and wealthy individuals to come to their aid.

She stated that due to the present economic recession, most of the indigent elderly persons were neglected by members of their nuclear and extended

Lai Mohammed rallies Nigerians’ support for ‘Change Begins With Me’ campaign Bola Badmus - Lagos MINISTER of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Thursday, in Lagos rallied the support of Nigerians for the national re-orientation campaign tagged, “Change Begins With Me,” disclosing that President Muhammadu Buhari and his entire cabinet had been living true to the campaign long before it was publicly unveiled last month.

raised no objection to the application by the Federal Government to withdraw the charges.

The counsel to the defendants commended the prosecution counsel for the initiative he took in withdrawing the charges.

The trial judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu after listening to all the submissions by the counsel, struck out the charges and further discharged the defendants.

The minister stated this while unveiling the campaign which took place at Eko Hotels in Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to him, President Buhari demonstrated that change began with him when he rejected the purchase of new vehicles upon assumption of office and also directed his convoy not to break traffic rules.

“The president demonstrated leadership when

he rejected the purchase of new vehicles for his use, thus saving N400 million.

Thanks to his action, no minister purchased new vehicles, saving millions more.

“Then upon assuming office, the president instructed his convoy to always respect traffic rules. The ministers all followed suit.

Today ministers queue up at airports and filling stations. Their lifestyle is void of any ostentation,” he said.

families, the society and governments.

According to Oyinlola, “since the inception of WOCDIF a decade ago, we have continued to rededicate ourselves very solemnly to the noble objectives that are also in line with the intentions of the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals that form the agenda of the highest political order in the world directed at eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities in human societies.”

She added that WOCDIF had placed emphasis on showing love and concern for the less fortunate ones in the society by assisting them to be productive citizens through various skills acquisition programmes.

“WOCDIF has, in the past ten years, sponsored several poverty reduction activities engaged in by virtually all vulnerable groups in the society in the state including the elderly persons”, Oyinlola added.

Speaking earlier, representative of the Osun State Ministry of Health, Dr Gbenga Adepoju advised the elderly persons to concentrate on three things which are moderate food in-take, regular medical check-up and regular exercise.

THE Oyo State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), on Friday, beckoned on all employers of labour to ensure that decent working environment and living wage are provided for workers.

TheVice President, Oyo State NLC, Mr Bayo TitilayoSodo, made this call when he led a rally in Ibadan to commemorate this year’s World Day for Decent Work.

Titilayo-Sodo stated that workers were oppressed and used like slaves by some foreign nationals who managed companies in Nigeria, calling for the implementation of a decent attitude towards workers by employers.

According to him, the efforts of the government should aim at putting an end to the current economic recession in the interest of the Nigerian masses.

“We want a decent pay. We want a decent working environment. We want a decent attitude at work. We want to be treated like human beings. Enough of our people being treated as slaves in their own land.”

“We say enough of workers working for thirty days and earning a pay not enough to last them for two days. We say enough of poor pay. We say no to minimum wage that cannot feed us minimally. We say no to casualisation. We say no to outsourcing.”

Ogun LG elections: CP warns against fomenting trouble

By Oluwatoyin Malik IN preparation towards the local government elections holding today, operatives from the Ogun State Police Command in collaboration with other security agencies went around local government areas and LCDAs in what was described as ‘Show of Force’, just as the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu warned against fomenting trouble.

The police commissioner also said he would decisively with anyone who tries to contravene the law during the elections, pointing out that it was normal to have winners and losers during elections.

Saturday Tribune learnt that the security personnel moved from MKO Abiola Stadium at Kuto area to Oke Ilewo, Omida, Sapon, Isale Ake, Adatan, Asero, Obantoko, Eleweran and Osiele areas while the same show was replicated in all the five area commands in the state.

According to Iliyasu, “we have an elaborate preparation towards the election. We have had a meeting with the Ogun State Electoral Commission. We have discussed about the how the elections will go hitch-free, their role and the roles of the security agencies.”

He added that his command and other sister security agencies had equally met with representatives of political parties and had cautioned them. “They know when to campaign, when to stop, what constitutes electoral offences.

“We are determined to deal decisively with anybody who attempts to mar the election process or who may want to foment trouble before, during and after the election. We are not going to spare anybody.

“All the formations in the command are having their show of force; they are all out with personnel of other security agencies – The Army, the Immigration, the Civil Defence, among others,” he disclosed further.

Kaduna declares Shiite group unlawful THE Kaduna State government has issued an Order declaring the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shiite as an unlawful group This action was taken in the exercise of the government’s duty to preserve peace and security in the state, and to ensure that all persons and organisations are guided by lawful conduct and with due allegiance to the Nigerian state and its constitution.

A statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Mr Samuel Aruwan on Friday said the decision was taken by the Kaduna State Executive Council at its meeting of Thursday, October 6, 2016.

The Order, which has been signed by the governor, draws on powers vested by the Constitution and the laws of Kaduna State. Section 45 (1) of the Constitution categorically vests in the governor the powers to take such measures and actions as are necessary for the promotion and protection of: public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or the rights and freedom of all persons in Kaduna State.

Section 97A of the Penal Code (Cap 110, Laws of Kaduna State, 1991) empowers the Governor to declare as an unlawful society any organisation whose activities are dangerous to the security and good governance of the state.

35 feature

8 October, 2016

Rams waiting for buyers after the sallah celebration. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSHO-OKE.

‘I took loan for Ileya ram business, now I’m in debt’ Selling rams during the Eid el Kabir celebration had always been a lucrative business which leaves sellers smiling to the banks after the festive period. But those who ventured into the business this year, have unpleasant stories to tell.

TOLUWANI OLAMITOKE spoke with some of them.

T

HE rams are tied to poles and tree stumps. They look lean and emaciated.

These rams have just been beaten by the rain, while the sun is gradually making its way through the sky to shine its rays, hot and harsh.

A few days before the Eid el Kabir celebration and shortly after, these were looking well-fed and robust as they were displayed for sale.

Many people who would have bought rams for the celebration couldn’t due to their lean purses.

All they could do was haggle, bargain and go away. Others simply passed by not bothering to ask for their prices.

Those who purchased rams during the period were very few compared to previous years. This was the scenario during the last Eid el Kabir celebration.

In the past, when the nation’s economy was buoyant, many ram sellers went smiling to the banks having made huge sales.

For many who ventured into ram business this year, and especially for those who borrowed money to carry out this business, it is no gainsaying that they had bitten more than they could chew. They all have stories of woes to tell.

Saturday Tribune spoke with some of them.

“It has never been this bad,” Alhaji Okiki lamented. “If I had known, I wouldn’t have got involved in the sale of rams during this year’s Sallah. I took a risk like any businessman and this has landed me in debt.”

Kuadri Akande who sells rams at Iyana Liberty also in Ibadan didn’t have a better story to tell.

“My heart beats whenever I sit to count my loss. This is a trade I learnt from my father and I have been into for the past 15 years. I bought 45 rams from the North to sell during the Eid el Kabir celebration, but I was only able to sell 24 out of them. Bleating over there, (pointing to a flock of rams) are the ones remaining.

Okiki deals in electronics. His display room is located at Ogunpa in Ibadan. He cut his tooth in this business 33 years ago and according to him, he was doing fine. But about eight years ago, he started joining others to travel to the North, Kano precisely, to purchase rams for sale during the Eid el kabir celebration.

He explains his reason for this.

“It’s true that the electronics business blossomed for years but the gradual reduction of cash flow in the society has automatically affected it.

“The rate at which people patronise us has drastically reduced while we, sometimes, don’t sell more than two refrigerators or television sets in two months. Many times we go home without selling just an item.

“Also, it has now become a common practice for some individuals to bring to us their used electronics to help them sell because they are financially handicapped.

“Since it’s compulsory that I meet my obligations at home as a husband and father, I sought for some other ways out of the woods one of which was buying and selling rams every year during Eid el Kabir celebration. I must confess that I make reasonable profit from this, but this year’s venture has ended in a regret,” he said.

Can you shed more light on this? Saturday Tribune asked.

“I started the ram business with N1.6 million.

With this, I was able to buy up to 100 rams in the outset of the business. But due to the downturn of the economy, I had to go with more money and always came back with fewer numbers of rams.

“This year, with N2 million, I was able to buy just 52 rams. From the North, the big ones cost N74,000 and if you divide the cost of transportation and add it on each ram which is N1,500, then the price of each ram would come to N75, 500. The smaller ones went for between N40,000 and N61,000.

“ After putting the rams on display under the sun and rain for days with just a few people coming to price and not buying, I decided to sell them at give away prices,” he said.

Okiki explained why he took this decision.

“We all know that the nation is presently experiencing scarcity of fund and this has cut across the different classes. Many who would normally have bought ram would tell you what is important to them now was their children’s school fees and some, their house or shop rent He added: “I normally kill six rams during this celebration, but this year, I could only kill three. I know I disappointed many who I normally give a share of the rams.

“I’ve been in the business for a while and I know that if I don’t sell the rams during that festive period no one would come to buy again.

I eventually sold those for N75,500 at N71,000 and less while the smaller ones went for as less as N26,000. ‘’There were some who deposited small amount like N1,000 and put marks on their desired rams. They promised to come back with the balance and take their rams, but none of them came back.

“At the end of the day, I was able to sell 39 rams and had 13 remaining.

Akande also shares almost the same fate with Okiki. He narrates his experience to Saturday Tribune.

“I rely on loans for my business and as you know, these run with interests. I secure these

I have a customer who pays any amount I put on a ram as long as he likes it. When he called me on the phone I was happy and quickly picked his call. But when he started to speak, he appealed to me to save him from embarrassment this year because he was experiencing paucity of funds.

Saturday Tribune

from either individuals or micro finance banks.

“We travel to the North in groups for the purchase of rams. We normally move into the interiors both in Kano and Kaduna so as to get well-fed ones at reasonable prices.

“Last year, I was able to buy 60 rams but this year, I could only afford 45. Transporting the rams down here alone cost me N200,000 while we came across security men at different points on the roads. We gave these N10,000 in all.”

Describing sale this year, he complained that, “It was just too low.”

According to him, ‘’The prices of my rams this year ranged between N50,000 and N60,000 unlike last year, when they went for between N20,000 and N35,000.

“Many who came with the intention of buying rams priced so low. Even many of my so called customers didn’t show up this year.

“I have a customer who pays any amount I put on a ram as long as he likes it. When he called me on the phone I was happy and quickly picked his call. But when he started to speak, he appealed to me to save him from embarrassment this year because he was experiencing paucity of funds.

“He came with N20,000 and went away with a ram worth N45,000 which was smaller than the size he used to buy. He told me he was expecting a sum of N25,000 from someone who was owing him and that he would pay back in few days time. But he’s yet to pay up the balance till date.”

Akande confirmed Okiki’s statement when he also stated that,” some people deposited little amount and made marks on their choice rams but never came back to buy them.

“While waiting to sell my rams, I kept feeding them so that they won’t lose weight or look lean and this also cost extra money.

“At the end of the day, I sold 24 out of the 45 rams and these were at a loss.

“Now that Ileya celebration is over, the few who come to price the rams when they hear the price would ask,”Is Sallah celebration still on?”

As he was speaking, a boy brought him an amount which he showed to Saturday Tribune after the boy left.

“Counting the money again, he said, “The mother of that boy is one of my customers.

She’s a prophetess in one of the white garment churches and for the church annual anniversary, she would normally buy a big ram which doesn’t go for less than N60,000.”

He went on.

“But she called yesterday and explained to me that she couldn’t afford a ram of that amount this year due to scarcity of fund. She therefore opted for that of N45,000. Again, she is also not paying the full amount at a go and that’s why he sent her son with this N10,000 as deposit. She promised to pay the N35,000 soon, but I don’t know how soon that will be.”

For Okiki, running into debt rather than making a gain on his rams was enough pain, but what to do with the remaining has also become a problem.

He explains: “I pay daily for the spot on which I display the rams while I also feed them regularly. Since the Eid el Kabir celebration is over, and I have to go back to my electronics business, I therefore sold my left over rams to someone who is mainly into the business.

According to him,” Of course I’m at his mercy.

I sold to him at ridiculous prices since their sizes vary and I can only have my money when he has sold them. With this year’s experience, no one needs to tell me that I’m through with this business,” he concluded.

Saturday Tribune sought for more explanation from Akande on this.

“It’s true that people sell to us their left over rams, but this set of people don’t survive mainly on ram business, they depend on some other means for survival.

He went on,”Although we buy them cheap, they don’t come that cheap again since we have to feed them till they are bought. The truth is that rams don’t look well- fed when they are kept on a spot. They look better and grow bigger when they graze.

“I’m in a big financial mess. How to pay off my debt is now my major concern because the interest on it is killing,” he concluded.

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8 October, 2016

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8 October, 2016

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38

sport

8 October, 2016

Nigeria wheelchair B/ball team good for gold —Ochei

Saturday Tribune

voxpop

What will you do if your mum or dad snatches your lover?

Kano Pillars, Oyo for final Niyi Alebiosu - In Lagos

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HE Grand Patron of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation Hon. Victor Ochei, believes that wheelchair basketball has what it takes to win a medal at the Paralympics if it gets more sponsorship just as Kano Pillars and Oyo State teams have qualified for the final of this year’s edition of the championship.

The final holds today at Molade Okoya Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

To qualify, Kano Pillars defeated Ghana 3310 while Oyo outdunked Lagos 53-12 points in the male category.

In the female category, Delta will take on Edo in the final.

While speaking to Tribunesport on Friday in Lagos, the Patron of the NWBF said that the Federation would go places with more sponsors

“Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball needs more investors that will help develop a league and help make playing Wheelchair basketball a career in Nigeria,” he said.

“We have the kind of talents that can compete and win at the Africa and world stages if they get the needed support and motivation,” he added.

The President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Federation, Mr Bukola Olopade concurred with the patron’s position of the level of talent and growth of players in the sport in Nigeria.

“From just four pro athletes in 2012 we have over 20 Nigerian players playing professionally across the world and this is a testament to the level of development in terms of talent.”

The Fifth Ochei Championship comes to an end today at the indoor hall of the Teslim Balogun, Stadium.

Revived Army sports festival begins today Chris Agbambu - Abuja SEVEN years after its last sports fiesta, the Nigerian Army is set to revive the annual sports festival, which is also an avenue for producing talents for national sports events.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai, who disclosed this during the week said that the weeklong event which will hold at the National Stadium, Abuja, begins today and ends on October 15.

He said that the last Army Sports Festival was held in 2009, and following the war against insurgency which it had been fully engaged in, it could not hold any sports festival since then.

The Army Chief disclosed that this year’s sports festival is an indication of the beginning of the celebration of the victory against insurgency in the country.

According to him, “this is to assure Nigerians that we have defeated Boko Haram so that people will not be asking why is the Army doing sports festival when the Army is engaged in war against Boko Haram.”

Buratai said that all the five divisions in the Nigerian Army would com-

pete in the festival except the 7th and 8th divisions which had been fighting insurgency since they were established.

The Army boss disclosed that 19 events will be competed for during the festival, while the Army is introducing water sport as a form of exhibition. A total of 1750 athletes will participate in the one-week event.

He assured the athletes of likely promotions and several other privileges for any deserving deserving officer who wins medal as part of measures to encourage sportsmen and women in the Army.

Buratai said the army sports festival is part of the training schedule of personnel since physical fitness and development is critical to their mental well-being.

He said the event is meant to promote the spirit of espirit de corps among personnel and to foster relationship between the army and the civil populace.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Edogbanya Veronica now EDOGBANYA ELE VERONICA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

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Messi, family hit cinema LIONEL Messi made the most of missing Argentina’s 2018 World Cup

qualifying fixtures by taking his family out to the cinema instead.

The Barcelona superstar retired from international football this summer following Argentina’s third consecutive final loss before backtracking in August and announcing his decision to return to the international fold.

However, the Albiceleste will be without their talisman for the World Cup qualifiers Messi recovers from a groin injury he suffered playing against Atletico Madrid last month.

The 29 year-old took the opportunity to relax with his family as he concentrates on making a return for both club and country - with his longterm partner Antonella Roccuzzo sharing an Instagram picture of them, including young son Thiago, from what appears to be an empty cinema.

Samantha worry for Martial

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ANCHESTER United are concerned Anthony Mar-

McGregor finds something to do UFC superstar Conor McGregor informed his Ins-

tagram followers that he has ‘found something to

do’ ahead of UFC 205.

The Irishman shared a

picture of himself on Instagram sitting in his convertible Rolls Royce Phantom, worth an eye-watering £300,000.

It seems the man with lightening hands in the octagon revels in speed just as much away from fighting and has previously owned a BMW i8 and Mercedes S-Class.

McGregor’s expensive fleet of cars is an indication of the stellar year he has had in the UFC. After overcoming Nate Diaz in a brutal five-round contest in August, McGregor was announced as the headline act at UFC 205.

tial’s turbulent private life is to blame for his alarming dip in form this season.

Martial came off the bench to break the deadlock against Stoke City at Old Trafford on Sunday, scoring with a wonderful curling effort in a game United eventually drew 1-1.

But it was the Frenchman’s first goal in nine games as he struggles to

rediscover the scintillating form he showed after joining United in a £58million deal from Monaco last year.

However, Martial split from Samantha Jacquelinet, his partner of three years and mother of their baby daughter Peyton, earlier this year following allegations he had been unfaithful. They have since moved home to Paris, leaving Martial in Manchester.

Guardiola ‘embarrassed’ in photoshoot MANCHESTER City boss Pep Guardiola and women’s striker Toni Duggan shared an awkward moment when they turned up to a photoshoot dressed the same.

Duggan took to Instagram to let fans know of the wardrobe malfunction, captioning the photo: ‘When you turn up for a Photoshoot dressed the same as the affa...#AllBlackEverything #PepKnows’.

Guardiola and Duggan clearly forgot to communicate about their clothing

arrangements when they woke up as they are both seen wearing a long black top and black trousers.

While Duggan appears to be amused by the clothing situation, Guardiola is clearly not impressed and is seen staring the City striker down with a blank face.

This rookie mistake comes after Guardiola’s City were beaten for the first time this season on Sunday at White Hart Lane. This isn’t the way to lift the spirits of the Spanish manager.

Ings, lover on date night DANNY Ings posted an Instagram picture with his stunning new girlfriend Georgia Gibbs as the pair enjoyed ‘date night.’

The couple enjoyed Book of Mormon, an awardwinning production at the Prince of Wales Theatre.

They also lapped up hospitality at The Shard’s Shangri-La Hotel and

Gibbs posted the caption: ‘Date night done right’ alongside their photo.

Ings and his Australian girlfriend, who is a model working in London, looked happy during their evening together. Gibbs is a former contestant on Australia’s Next Top Model and was also a finalist in Miss Universe Australia 2014.

NO 1,172

N150

SATURDAY, 8 OCTOBER, 2016

Saliu Gbadamosi-Abuja

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UPER Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has hinted that his attack against the Chipolopolo of Zambia tomorrow in the 2018 World Cup qualifier will be spearheaded by Arsenal of England forward Alex Iwobi.

The Franco-German dropped the hint on Friday at a media parley held at the Eagles’ Bolton White Hotel camp in Abuja ahead of the team’s departure for Ndola today, saying he counts on Iwobi to help the Eagles win against Zambia in their backyard.

According to Rohr, the Eagles need a good striker who can deliver goals for the team, saying that one major problem noticed during the Eagles’ dead-rubber Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Tanzania in Uyo was the inability to score.

“Iwobi was injured the last time and he couldn’t play against Tanzania. Naturally, he is here; everybody knows that he is a good player and I hope his integration in the team will be made for our first big game together in Ndola.

“The training was good, we tried to help him by bringing him into the team.We analysed our own game so he knows how we played in Uyo. We cannot change so much tactically because the time is short to change to other systems or strategies.

We will be similar in what we will do in Zambia.

“I count a lot on him that he can help us to win the game. We must have a good

Jordan 0 Mexico 1 Venezuela 2 Cameroon 0

Nigeria’s captain, Mikel Obi (left).

BATTLE OF NDOLA:

I count on Iwobi —Rohr •Says no injury worries in camp striker, a good attacker, we must have a good quality playing game; we must have players who can score because the problem in Uyo was, we didn’t score enough.

We had 27 shots on goal and

I will be sacked —Zidane

ZINEDINE Zidane says he is not afraid of being sacked by Real Madrid and knows he will suffer that fate at some point during his career.

The World Cup winner replaced Rafael Benitez in the Santiago Bernabeu hotseat in January, and led them to glory in the Champions League - the 11th time they have been crowned Europe’s best club team.

He was unable to deliver the La Liga title, though, as they finished a point behind Barcelona, and the new campaign has brought fresh challenges.

After an impressive start that almost saw Madrid equal Barcelona’s record 16-game winning run in the top-flight with a 2-0 victory over Espanyol, they have not won since.

Madrid have drawn four successive games - three in

Today’s FIFA U-17 Women’s Results World Cup matches New Zealand 5 Korea DPR vs Nigeria 2:00pm Spain 1 Brazil vs England 2:00pm Canada

0 Japan vs USA 5:00pm Germany 2 Paraguay vs Ghana 5:00pm 2018 World Cup qualifier Ghana 0 Uganda 0

the league and one in the Champions League - and the pressure on Zidane has begun to build.

“I’m not afraid of being fired,” he told RMC. “Anyway, it will happen.

“I thoroughly enjoy what I do. I have an incredible opportunity, I am happy wth what I do. I enjoy my job, which is not always easy.

“But I want to learn and advance. Working with these great players I learn every day.”

Zidane

only scored one goal. So it was a problem,” the former Gabon gaffer stated.

Rohr informed that he and his technical crew had analysed the last five games of the Zambians and discovered their system of play, saying that though the Chipolopolo may want to win Sunday’s game, the Eagles’ motivation is bigger.

He declared that his team’s motivation is to win Sunday’s away game to begin the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign on a sure footing, warning, however, that the

Eagles have to avoid making mistakes in Ndola.

“We have videos of their [Zambia’s] last five games.

We know what happened but they have changed the coach now. There can’t be much difference but I think we will have the same players.

“We know them very well.

We watched their videos yesterday [Thursday] and two days before. We have the free kicks, the corners. We have the system of playing. We know that they are strong in the attack; they have good

players now becoming a little older.

“They were champions in Gabon, some of them are always here, they have big experience; perhaps less quick but I think this game is very important against a good side.

“They would want to win.

They missed AFCON, the same motivation like ours, but our motivation can be bigger because this team wants absolutely to win the game.

“We must be very careful if we want to win the game away. Sometimes you forget

to defend well. We must be careful, don’t make this mistake,” Rohr said.

While saying that from the videos they watched, the Ndola pitch was not good, Rohr declared that the Eagles were professionals and should be able to play on the bad pitch.

“The pitch is not good. We must be able to play well on the bad pitch. We are professionals. We know in Africa we have bad pitches, so it is not a new experience for them. But we must be careful on the control of the ball.”

We’re yet to receive Japanese Rio largesse —Mikel Saliu Gbadamosi-Abuja SUPER Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, has informed that members of the silver-winning national U-23 team to the Rio Olympics in Brazil are yet to receive the $390,000 gift by Japanese billionaire surgeon, Katsuya Takasu.

The Japanese gave the Samson Siasia-tutored team the cash gift for winning the bronze medal of the men’s football event of

the 2016 Olympics.

Coach Siasia and Mikel, who also captained the Nigerian Olympics team, got a cheque for $200,000 and $190,000 respectively.

The cash reward from the Japanese drew reactions in some quarters, even as top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said that it was wrong for the players to have received the gift, adding that it could expose them to some Asian mafia.

But while fielding questions from sports writers on Friday in Abuja during a media parley, Mikel informed that it was only cheques written in his and Siasia’s names that were presented to them, declaring that they were yet to receive the money.

“We had a good tournament and we received a gift from someone.

“I don’t really see any problem with that. It was a gift. The cheques were

signed in my name and in the coach’s name. I don’t think any player received cash or anything like that.

It is the same way that you sign a cheque and give it to someone.

“We didn’t do anything wrong and I don’t see anything wrong in accepting the cheques. People have their opinion. The money is there, if you want to know, we haven’t received the money yet. But we are waiting for it.”

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