9th April 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 1,146

www.tribuneonlineng.com

SATURDAY, 9 APRIL, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

@nigeriantribune

Nigerian Tribune

If you cut from the back of the neck, they die faster —Grandma Boko Haram trainee

N150

pg3

EFCC goes after ex-govs Moribund cases for reopening Hidden assets for probe too

3 g p

I’m not

ruling out

remarriage — Iyabo Ojo pg32

Herdsmen kill Falae’s pg5 security man Murder 64-yr-old farmer in Edo

pg4

Bank’s guard caught breaking into vault pg4

Tears as corps member killed in Rivers pg43 rerun election is buried

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9 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Why I stopped

doing shows

inLagos —JuliusAgwu

Popular Nigerian comedian, Julius Agwu has been consistent in the comedy business for over a decade. The award-winning comedian speaks to journalists on his career, travails, health, among other isssues. JOAN OMIONAWELE brings the excerpts.

W

HAT’S your reaction to the present economic situation in the country?

This change mantra is not a joke, I must state that the only thing that has represented us positively on the global map is entertainment. I am saying this because we, as a nation, have not realised the huge gain we would get from entertainment. Nigeria is in a huge mess, we are so embeded in a system that is used to corruption and we are all feeling the pangs. I remember that the Nigeria police went to train Ghana police sometime ago and after they left, Ghanaian policemen began to collect bribe…We must suffer in order to get it right, Nigeria is going through a process, but someone like Buhari is on a mission.

We are all feeling the impact of what is going on in the country.

If some of the past governments had tried to address the issue, we wouldn’t be in the mess which we are in right now. I went to America for my medical checkup, and couldn’t even pay with my card, people could not even pay their children’s fees, but that is a message for us, if our schools and hospital are better, we no go go abroad. So let us feel the pain now so that we can enjoy later. No pain, no gain.

What about your political ambition, are you still going to pursue it?

When I put out a flier stating that I wanted to vie for the position of the governor of Rivers

State, politicians wanted to kill me, (well it was a joke). I am not interested in politics. I want to be a kingmaker, I want to be able to stand and teach God’s work, but for me to run for any political post, no, I will never.

Why don’t you do shows in Lagos?

I wouldn’t talk much on this, but let me take you down the memory lane, ‘Crack your ribs’ began in December 2001 and then ‘Night of a thousand laughs’, was for October 1st , Basketmouth had his date and I had my own date, so I also started the laugh for Christ’s sake show for Easter Sunday and then everybody began having their own shows. Much later, I was called by a Silverbird TV team to come and start ‘Rhythm Unplugged’, I spoke with my very good friend and brother, Okey Bakassi and we started at the Fantasyland in Ikoyi, it was usually done in July and later they shifted it to December and it started clashing with my ‘Crack your ribs’. My point is, everyone had his own date until everybody started becoming comedians.

A comedian brought his own show to December on the same Continues on pg30

3 news

9 April, 2016

EFCC goes after ex-govs

Saturday Tribune

•Moribund cases for reopening •Hidden assets for probe too Lanre Adewole - Lagos

F

ORMER governors with stalled corruption cases are the newest interest of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Saturday Tribune has reliably learnt.

In days ahead, their trial for sundry alleged corrupt practices while in office, which had been marooned in the middle of nowhere, would be determinedly pursued by the commission.

Many of such former governors are now in the Senate. A couple of them already have their trial running. Former Plateau State governor, now a senator, Joshua Dariye, is one of such with ongoing trial.

But the bulk of the cases preferred against the former governors, especially those who served between 1999 and 2007, had been stalled at different preliminary and interlocutory appeal stages.

While many of the accused persons are challenging the competence of the charges against them, others are challenging the jurisdiction of superior courts of records in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to hear the cases against them.

It was learnt that in the last few days, the EFCC leadership has been brainstorming on the most effective ways of handling the planned reopening of the said cases, without running into the hitches of the past.

The commission is, however, said to be resolute on pursuing the cases to logical conclusions.

According to an insider in the commission, the biggest challenge is getting witnesses against the accused.

While some witnesses earlier listed are now dead, some are said not to be willing any longer.

Others are said to have disappeared without traces.

Tracing the alleged looted funds to their final destinations is said to be another challenge in getting credible evidence to nail the accused.

“You know they always change these stolen monies to dollars and you can hardly get their forex conspirators to talk. But now that everybody involved can be muscled into talking, including bank chiefs who are their (former governors) fronts, there should be a better prosecution result,” the EFCC source said.

Founding chairman of the commission, Nuhu Ribadu, had claimed that about 31 out of the 36 1999/2007 set of governors, had corruption cases to answer.

Only former Delta State governor, James Ibori, was eventually convicted by a United Kingdom court of all the said governors.

Others charged for alleged

corruption are Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State who returned as governor while the case is pending; Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State, who is fighting to retrieve a senatorial mandate; chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Danjuma Goje of Gombe State, among others.

Other former governors on trial are Rev. Jolly Nyame of Taraba State, Saminu Turaki of Jigawa State, Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State, Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, whose son, Abdulazzez, also a senator, is charged along with him and Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu State,

who is also pursuing a senatorial mandate and Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State.

Those mentioned as being under investigation by the EFCC include the Senate President, Bukola Saraki of Kwara State; Rabiu Kwankwaso, a sitting senator who served as Kano State governor between 1999 and 2003 as well as 2011 to 2015; national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu of Lagos State; Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, who was governor between 2007 and 2015.

His predecessor-in-office, Peter Odili, has a court order quashing the investigation

conducted by the commission into his administration which indicted him for alleged corruption.

The judgement is yet to be appealed.

It is also not known if a fresh probe has been undertaken on all the cases.

A former governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja, also has a pending case with the commission as well as Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, who was Akwa-Ibom State governor between 2007 and 2015.

Governors exiting office have made it a political ritual to move straight to the Senate.

Meanwhile, the commis-

sion is reportedly putting a team together to look at the leaked information from the Panama Paper about Nigerians mentioned in the alleged haven for hidden suspicious wealth.

Senate President Bukola Saraki, his predecessor-inoffice, David Mark, among others, have been fingered in the global scandal.

Though nothing official has been said by the antigraft agency on the Nigerian content of the report, it was gathered that there has been a flurry of preliminary investigative activities since the huge leak of information concerning many world

leaders.

While Iceland Prime Minister was forced to resign over the scandal, United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, David Cameron, has been under intense searchlight since his late father was linked to the alleged scam.

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has also been battling to save his public image as well as FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, after they were also linked to the saga.

A number of African leaders have also been fingered in the papers (see pages 22 & 27).

Both Mark and Saraki have denied any wrongdoings.

If you cut from the back of the neck, they die faster —Grandmum Boko Haram trainee

Boko Haram terrorists now surrendering in droves —Air Force boss AN unsettling insight has been provided into how Boko Haram, in its quest to strike fear across Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger, has been turning women and girls in its captivity into killers.

“If you cut from the back of the neck, they die faster,” a Nigerian grandmother, Rahila Amos, said in Cameroon while describing the meticulous instruction she received from Boko Haram to become a suicide bomber.

The startling revelation

by The New York Times came just as Nigerian Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, claimed that members of the terrorist group are already surrendering in large numbers.

Abubakar said although there are still pockets of insurgent attacks on soft targets, the battle is already being won.

Ms. Amos, 47, said the fighters had come to her village in the morning, firing weapons as they spilled out of cars and rounded up women and children.

Not long after, Ms. Amos, a Christian, said she was forced to enrol in Boko Haram’s classes on the Qur’an, a first step on her way toward being taught the art of suicide bombing.

After months of training, Ms. Amos said she was finally able to escape her captors when they assembled for evening preaching. She stayed behind, gathering two of her young children and a grandchild so they could make a run for the Cameroonian border.

“I don’t want to take a bomb,” she said inside the Minawao refugee camp in Cameroon that stretches across a vast landscape dotted by tents and mud huts.

According to Ms. Amos, Boko Haram’s use of women as weapons is a carefully

thought-out strategy, one some of the women accept.

Ms. Amos said that of the 30 or so female captives enrolled in training with her, seven girls were enthusiastic about carrying out suicide missions.

“It was a direct path to heaven,” she said the group was told.

Ms. Amos, now among the 58,000 residents of the Minawao Refugee Camp, described a system of grooming potential bombers that involved food deprivation and promises of eternal life, tactics that cults have used for decades.

She said that when Boko Haram stormed her hometown in 2014, her two brothers were shot dead. Her husband managed to flee with five of their children, but Ms. Amos did not make it out, and neither did two of their other young children and a grandchild.

Boko Haram rounded them up with other women and children, putting them in a long ditch to contain them.

They stayed there for days, eating one meal a day of a corn paste made from powder.

Finally a fighter arrived and asked a fateful question: Do you want to follow Christ, or do you want to be a Muslim?

The women all agreed to follow Islam, fearing they would be killed otherwise. Their training began.

Ms. Amos described a sixtiered daily education track for the women that she called Primary One, Primary Two and so on. The first two levels were Quranic training. Primary Three was training in suicide bombing and beheading. “How to kill a person and how to bomb a house,” she said.

“They told us if we came upon a group of 10 to 20 people to press this,” she said, speaking of a detonator.

The instruction given in the upper levels of the training — Primary Four, Five and

Rahida Amos.

Six — was a closely guarded secret among the fighters. Ms. Amos said she never learned what took place there.

Ms. Amos was lucky. Boko Haram fighters decided not to “marry” her, a euphemism for the rapes the group commits, because she already had a husband and children. She counted 14 women and four girls in her training classes who were not as fortunate.

Throughout her months in captivity, Ms. Amos was fed one meal a day and lost weight, a fact confirmed by her nephew living in the Minawao camp, who stared at her scrawny frame and said, “She used to be a big woman.”

Boko Haram incorporated the lack of food into the training, Ms. Amos said. Several months ago, she said, fighters rounded up the women and took them to an old factory to view a set of plump, well-fed girls who had plenty of food and water. Follow our ways, the fighters said, and you can have enough to eat, like these girls.

The girls, some crying, told Ms. Amos they were from Chibok, the Nigerian village where Boko Haram had captured the schoolgirls. American State Department and military officials said they would investigate the statements from Ms. Amos about the girls.

“They were very fat,” Ms. Amos said, compared with herself and the other women who were being held, “and

they had lots of water.”

The authorities in Cameroon and Nigeria said that many of the experiences detailed by Ms. Amos matched the accounts of other women and girls who have escaped Boko Haram, or who have been arrested before they could detonate bombs. Ms. Amos’s assertions are also strikingly similar to details recounted by other freed women and girls, including descriptions of the funeral rites performed before female bombers were sent on missions.

Colonel Didier Badjeck, a Cameroon defence spokesman, said that after soldiers had chased Boko Haram out of villages in recent weeks, they found homes that had been used as prisons for the women and girls. He said female hostages had reported being trained during their captivity — both in the Qur’an and in violence.

“They are training them to maximize the number of victims. We are sure about it,” Colonel Badjeck said.

Of all the many horrors of Boko Haram’s rampage across West Africa — the attacks on mosques, churches and schools; the mass killings of civilians; the entire villages left in ashes after militants tear through — one of the most baffling has been its ability to turn captured women and girls into killers.

Boko Haram, one of the world’s deadliest extremist groups, has used at least 105

women and girls in suicide attacks since June 2014, when a female bomber blew herself up at an army barracks in Nigeria, according to The Long War Journal, which tracks terrorist activity.

Since then, women and girls, often with bombs hidden in baskets or under their clothes, have killed hundreds of people in attacks on fish and vegetable markets, schools, a river dock and even camps for people who have fled their homes to get away from the violence.

“This isn’t something you can defeat or eradicate outright,” said Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the minister of communications in Cameroon, where 22 female suicide bombers were identified in just the first two months of the year. “You don’t know who is who. When you see a young girl moving toward you, you don’t know if she’s hiding a bomb.”

Soldiers cannot open fire on every woman or girl who looks suspicious, he added.

“They know where we have the Achilles’ heel,” Mr Bakary said of Boko Haram.

The group’s abuse of women first shocked the world two years ago, when Boko Haram stormed a school in Nigeria and fled with about 300 girls, many of whom have never been found. Hundreds of other women and girls have been abducted, imprisoned, raped and sometimes intentionally impregnated, perhaps with the goal of creating a new generation of fighters.

In the meantime, Air Marshal Abubakar, on Friday, in Abuja, at a media parley to unveil activities for the 52nd anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force, expressed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to eliminating the remnants of insurgents in the North-East.

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news

9 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Mark, at 68, dedicates life to God, underprivileged

Former Senate President, Senator David Mark (fourth left); his wife, Helen (third left), cutting the cake with some National Assembly members, during the thanksgiving mass, to mark his 68th birthday, in Otukpo, Benue State, on Friday. PHOTO: NAN.

Bank’s guard caught breaking into vault

By Oluwatoyin Malik

A new generation bank at the Egbeda area of Ibadan, Oyo State, was saved from having its vault emptied by the security guard attached to it, one Yardan Ishaku (25) on Sunday, April 3.

Ishaku was caught by policemen attached to Egbeda Division in the state police command while he was attempting to break into the cash treasury.

Disclosing the arrest to Saturday Tribune, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, said that the suspect, employed by the bank through a security company in Lagos State, was deployed in the Egbeda branch of the bank.

He was said to have attempted to break into the bank’s vault at about 11:23 p.m. on the fateful day.

“In order to facilitate his intention, the suspect granted permission to his partner, one Wasiu Ajani, to stay away from work to enable him to carry out his evil plan.

That same day, Ishaku, using a ladder, broke into the ceiling of the part of the building where the vault was with a view to gaining access to it.

“The strange and unusual noise resulting from the attempt attracted the incident duty officer who was on duty at the Egbeda Division, prompting him to mobilise policemen on duty as well as a patrol team to the scene, where they found out what the security guard was perpetrating in the place he was asked to secure,” Oyebade stated.

He added that the ladder and two big stones used by the suspect in committing the crime were recovered from the scene.

The police commissioner said that he [the suspect] would be arraigned as soon as investigations into the case were concluded.

In an interview with Saturday Tribune, Ishaku, who confessed to the crime, said he was prompted by a spirit.

He said: “I was on duty with my colleague, Wasiu Ajani, when he told me that he was not feeling fine, so, I told him to go home and rest. Imme-

diately he left, a spirit just came upon me. Honestly, I did not plan it before then.

I just picked a ladder and stone, broke into the ceiling and made an attempt to break into the bank’s vault.

“As I was trying to do this, I heard voices of the policemen from the nearby station calling me, so, I came down the ladder to open the gate. They told me that they were hearing the noise which

sounded as if a place was being broken into but I said it was not in the bank. They noticed that I was sweating so, they asked me why I was all wet, but I could not say anything.

“They insisted on finding out what was happening and then led me back into the bank premises. That was how they saw the ladder I placed against a wall and the stone I was using to break into the

vault.”

The suspect said he believed he would get some money to take care of his needs.

“Any amount would have sufficed,” he said.

He claimed it was his first attempt at committing such a crime.

When asked how he felt after his arrest, Ishaku said “I can only say that I am sorry for what I have done.”

Fulani herdsmen kill 64-yr-old Edo farmer Banji Aluko - Benin City FULANI herdsmen in Okada, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, have fled their camp with their cattle following fears of attack.

The herdsmen reportedly took the action just before some unidentified men who fingered the herdsmen in the killing of a 64-year-old farmer razed their camp.

The body of the late farmer identified as Alex was said to have been discovered by a search party led by his younger brother at a bush near his farm.

The search party also reported that Alex’s neck was sliced. He was also stabbed in the stomach and had several machete cuts all over his body.

Wife of the late Alex, Margaret, pointed fingers at the Fulani herdsmen, saying her husband had complained that the herdsmen operating around his farm threatened him.

It was gathered that youths who had angrily mobilised to the herdsmen’s camp were shocked to see that the herdsmen had all left with their cattle.

The lawmaker representing Ovia Federal Constituency and an indigene of Okada, Hon Omosede Igbinedion, said she received the report with great shock.

She said, “I received with shock and horror the dastardly act.

“We will not sit back and allow this to continue. I will bring the attention of the Federal Government to this gruesome murder which was allegedly carried out by

herdsmen.”

Spokesman for the Edo State Police Command, Abiodun Osifo, said he was yet to be fully briefed on the matter.

15,000 policemen deployed for Abuja Area Council election MORE than 15,000 policemen have been deployed to provide effective security during the FCT Area Councils’ election scheduled for today, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) authoritatively reports.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT Area councils’ election, Mr Folusho Adebanjo, who did not give any figure, told NAN that enough personnel have been deployed for the election.

Adebanjo is a former commissioner of police in Edo. “We have deployed enough men for the FCT Area Councils’ election,“ he said.

He warned that police would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute sponsors of violence during and after the election.

“We will not only prosecute thugs, who will be sponsored to disrupt the election but we will also prosecute their sponsors.

“In case of any form of violence, their sponsors will be charged to court along with them,“ he said.

He said that the command has been more proactive to nip any violence in the bud by deploying officers from the Criminal Intelligence

Department.

Adebanjo said that the command had been working in collaboration with other security agencies to provide adequate security during and after the election.

“We have told other security agencies participating in the election to be firm and polite to voters to enable them to exercise their franchise,“ he said.

The commissioner said that adequate security had been provided for the distribution of sensitive and nonsensitive electoral materials.

He said that personnel from Zone 7, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Special Protection Unit (SPU) and Counter Terrorism Units (CTU) have been deployed for the election.

Adebanjo advised residents to desist from any act capable of causing violence during and after the election, adding that the police was prepared for the conduct of peaceful election.

NAN also reported that the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, had ordered the restriction of vehicular movement in the FCT between 7a.m to 4p.m.

IMMEDIATE past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has pledged to continue to serve God and devote the rest of his life to the underprivileged in the society.

This is contained in a statement signed by Paul Mumeh, Media Assistant to Mark, on Friday.

The statement said Mark made the remark at a thanksgiving Church service to mark his 68th birthday in Benue State.

Mark said this year’s birthday was devoid of fanfare to identify with the people of his constituents, who were massacred in the Agatu crisis.

He decried the Agatu/herdsmen crisis that claimed thousands of lives and properties, adding that “I am not celebrating on account of the situation we find ourselves today.

“My heart bleeds when I see my people massacred in Agatu. I am saddened that suddenly our people became refugees in their homes.

“I pray that peace return as soon as possible so that the survivors and all the displaced people scattered in various Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps return to their homes.

“I urge the state and Federal Governments to do everything possible to resettle the beleaguered Agatu people.

“We must do all we can to live in peace in Nigeria.

I earnestly crave for a crime-free society, where all citizens are free to pursue their legitimate ambitions anywhere without molestation,” he said.

Mark said it was only in a peaceful environment that meaningful development could be achieved.

He added that as a part of his dedication to God, he had forgiven all those who offended him in one way or the other.

“I have forgiven all those who offended me. I also request that all those I may have offended forgive me.

“Even those who hate me with passion, may God touch their hearts to allow me exist. For me and my family, we will continue to serve and thank God,” he said.

Buhari absent at emergency FEC meeting

We have adjourned —Lai Mohammed From Leon Usigbe - Abuja

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari did not attend Friday’s emergency session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting which he had summoned to review the 2016 Appropriation Bill submitted to him on Thursday.

The meeting started at 11a.m with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo presiding over the meeting at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The president’s absence appeared to have taken some of the ministers unawares as some displayed surprised looks when it became apparent that the president would, after all, not be available to preside over the session.

Buhari had summoned the meeting upon receiving details of the budget passed by the National Assembly.

The 1,800-page document was handed over to him on Thursday following which he had asked for today’s emergency meeting to review its content.

He had previously declined to assent to the budget because the legislature had only transmitted highlights of the bill to him.

He had insisted that he needed to thoroughly study it because aspects of the document had been padded.

No reason was given for the president’s absence before the media was excused from inside the council chambers venue of the meeting.

About two hours after the commencement of the meeting, it was adjourned till an unknown date.

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, in a short briefing of State House correspondents, confirmed that the emergency FEC was summoned to enable the ministers to review the details of the budget as transmitted to the president by the National Assembly.

He said the work on the rejoice had not been completed but FEC has adjourned to reconvene later without disclosing when exactly the council would reconvene.

The minister, however, added that a statement would be issued later on the matter.

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9 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Fulani herdsmen kill Falae’s security guard Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

From left, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno and Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who presided over an Emergency Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja, on Friday.

I got ‘BLL’ degree —Fake lawyer

By Oluwatoyin Malik

A

S he sat with suspected criminals at the Oyo State Police Command headquarters in Ibadan on April 5, with his shoes beside him, and looking at everyone that passed by him, many wondered what an elderly man like Mr Olu Adewale could be looking for in the midst of others.

But the 66-year-old man unabashedly told journalists that the disclosure made by the state Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, that he was a fake lawyer was true.

Oyebade had told journalists that Mr Adewale was arrested for falsely parading himself as a lawyer.

Disclosing how the suspect was arrested in Ibadan to Saturday Tribune, Oyebade said Adewale presented himself to an Assistant Superintendent of Police at a police station, claiming that he was there to represent a client, one Alhaja Mujidat Bello.

Among the documents recovered in his house during a search by the police were legal documents, lawyers’ stamp and several land purchase agreement papers.

While speaking to the Saturday Tribune, the suspect confessed that he did not attend law school, not to talk of being called to the bar. Mr Adewale claimed that he studied Law at the Lagos State University and graduated in 1976, but when it was pointed to him that Lagos State University had yet to be established the year he said he graduated, he said he meant to say he finished from the University of Lagos.

On the certificate, he obtained after he graduated from the university, Mr Adewale said “BLL”.

He stated further that he started practising law at Zaria Road, Kano State where he first established

his chamber and was there for four years before moving down to Ibadan in 2000 when there was a riot in Kano.

He added that his law chambers was at Oke Bola area before his arrest, though he said other lawyers he was ‘managing’ with were not aware of his fake status.

When asked why he decided to parade himself as a

lawyer, Adewale said he felt he could do so since he studied law, stating that several attempts he made to enter the “school of law” failed.

He said he started practising with the intention of still going to ‘school of law’, “but, unfortunately, I could not.”

He further disclosed that the highest legal fee he got from clients was N7,500 but when reminded that he

confessed to have collected N20,000 from a client before, Mr Adewale responded: “That is true, but I got N7,500 from the last client before my arrest.”.

When asked how he could have graduated with a degree when he said he had a reference in his last year in school, which prevented him from going to law school, the suspect mumbled over words without giving a definite response.

Clement Idoko - Abuja

speed limiting devices.

Head, Media Relations and Strategy, FRSC, Mr Bisi Kazeem, who confirmed the development on Friday in Abuja, said the judgment of the court has emboldened the Corps to perform its statutory responsibilities.

He said: “The case against FRSC at the Federal High Court, Abuja by Registered Trustees of International Human Rights & Anti Corruption Society in Suit No FHC/Abj/CS/805/15 challenging the powers of

FRSC on the speed limiter was dismissed by the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Chukwu who described the positions of the opponents to the Speed Limiting Device as lacking in merit”.

“The drive to attaining its yearly goal of trending down road traffic crashes and reducing fatality rate by 15%, led FRSC to introduce speed limiting device initiative that had raised concerns in the polity among different interest groups.

Court gives FRSC go-ahead on speed limiting A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has given the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) the go-ahead to enforce the compulsory installation of speed limiting in vehicles in Nigeria.

The court, presided over

by Justice Evoh Chukwu, in a ruling, dismissed for lack of merit, a case instituted by Registered Trustees of International Human Rights and Anti Corruption Society, against the Corps over the proposed enforcement of

Salary: Oyo govt signs new agreement with workers

By Wale Akinselure IN a new Memorandum of Understanding with the labour movement, the Oyo State government has agreed to commit the entire Federal Government allocation of the state to the payment of salaries and pensions.

This MoU was signed at the instance of a meeting between the government’s negotiating team led by Governor Abiola Ajimobi and the labour movement led by the chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Waheed Olojede, on Thursday night.

The two parties, after a review of the existing MoU where 90 per cent of monthly Federal Government allocation is committed to the payment of salary and pension, agreed that

100 per cent of the Federal Government allocation will now be devoted to workers’ wages.

The state government did not accede to the labour movement’s request that the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) also be used to complement the Federal Government allocation where there is a shortfall.

However, it was agreed that a Joint Revenue Mobilisation committee to be supervised by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, will be set up to seek ways to increase the IGR. Olojede, who briefed journalists of the outcome of the meeting, said the labour movement signed this agreement having acknowledged the financial situation in the country

and the fact that state’s FG allocation from the Federation Account was bound to increase in view of a two years debt relief granted to states by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“In our critical review we discovered that the 90 percent of Federal Government allocation agreement could not stand the test of time because salaries kept running into arrears. We agreed that the existing agreement be reviewed.

While labour was insisting that salaries had run into arrears and the arrears should be cleared, government was making reference to its financial ability and some books of accounts were open to us which made us believe that government may not be able to go ahead and clear all outstanding arrears of salary.”

LESS than six months after the abduction of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae, Fulani herdsmen again invaded his farm killing one of his Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) security guards.

Saturday Tribune gathered from a source close to the farm that the herdsmen invaded the farm in Ilado in Akure North area of Ondo State some days ago but the security guards resisted the herdsmen and chased them away.

He, however, said that the herdsmen retreated only to resurface again last weekend and all their attempts to invade the farm were resisted by the security men but one of them was kidnapped.

He explained further that the matter was reported at the state police command and a search party was organized following which the decomposed corpse of the security man was discovered days later a few kilometres to the farm.

The state police command had earlier called a press conference apparently to brief newsmen on the development but the press briefing was abruptly cancelled.

The state Commissioner of Police, Hilda Harrison, however failed to explain reasons behind the cancellation of the media briefing.

However, sources at the state police command said that the press briefing might have been put off because there was no approval from the Inspector General of Police.

The state’s Police image maker, Femi Joseph declined comments on the attack and the killing of the security guard of the former SGF but said all question should be directed to the state Police Commissioner.

Also, the Personal Assistant (PA) to Chief Falae, Moshood Adekunle Raji described the development as disturbing and said that the matter was a criminal matter and would be handled by the state police command .

Raji said he could not comment further on the development because the police were still investigating the matter.

Wike gets lawmakers’ approval for N10bn excess crude loan Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt

BID by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State to obtain N10 billion loan from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) got the approval of the state legislature, on Friday.

The approval, through a voice vote by the eight lawmakers present at the sitting, was sequel to a letter from the governor to the House through the Speaker.

The governor had stated in the letter, dated April 5, 2016, that the loan, if eventually obtained, would be used to fund some development projects in the state.

“You are aware of the huge infrastructure development challenge and our efforts to address the situation.

“Since we came on board, we have not only remobilised all contractors handling major road sites, but have also awarded new contracts for the construction and reconstruction of new roads and other projects.

“We have also advertised for tenders for the Bori-Saakpenwa road, the Obiri Ikwerre-Airport bypass, while the contracts for the comprehensive rehabilitation of 11 secondary schools and some of the dilapidated general hospitals are also due for award.”

“However, our major constraints is inadequate resources, which is worsened by shrinking returns from the Federation Account.

El-Rufai lays foundation of biggest West Africa poultry in Kaduna Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna KADUNA State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, on Friday laid the foundation of the N30b biggest West Africa poultry/hatchery farm in Kaduna.

In his speech entitled ‘Business is happening in Kaduna’ Governor el-Rufai,who performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the Olam Integrated Feed Mill and Poultry project in Chikpiri Gabas village, said the project was not about the size of the facility but jobs that would be created in building and running the poultry project. el-Rufai said he believed that the return of vibrant economic activity, and the reduction of poverty would drive prosperity and reduce the divisions that became pronounced as the state’s economy entered dire straits from the late 1980s.

According to the governor: “I am delighted to welcome you all to this ground-breaking operation for the largest agro-allied investment project in Kaduna State.

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Kogi State College of Education denies alleged illegal recruitment Yinka Oladoyinbo -Lokoja

Bishop of Ikorodu, the Right Reverend Samson O. Osundina (second left); representative of Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State and Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Co-operative, Lagos State, Honourable Rotimi Ogunleye (left); Lay President, Sir (Otunba) Ayodele O. Elesho (second right) and the Synod Secretary, The Very Reverend Matthew O. Ogunsiji (right), during the 22nd Annual Synod of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ikorodu, held at Methodist Church Nigeria, Agbowa, Agbowa Circuit, on Friday. PHOTO: D’TOYIN.

Fayose raises the alarm over Buhari’s plan to take $2bn Chinese loan

E

KITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has raised the alarm over President Muhammadu Buhari’s trip to China to borrow $2 billion as part of the N1.84 trillion programmed to be borrowed to finance the 2016 budget, describing the move as an attempt to mortgage the future of Nigeria and its people.

The governor, who said the 2016 budget was not a reflection of the present economic

reality in the country, added that “by the time they borrow N1.84 trillion to fund their N6.06 trillion budget, I wonder how Nigeria will survive in 2017 when the Federal Government will be servicing debt with about 50 per cent of its budget.”

It has been widely reported that Nigeria wants to raise about $5 billion abroad to cover part of its 2016 budget deficit. This was said to be projected to hit N3 trillion

($15 billion) due to heavy infrastructure spending at a time when the slump in global oil prices has slashed its export revenues.

In a release issued on Friday by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said: “In elementary economics, you don’t propose to spend more when your income reduces and I still can’t understand this Buharinom-

Agriculture, Information ministers to grace NIPR national conference

By Seyi Sokoya THE Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, and the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, have been billed to grace the 2016 Annual National Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) slated to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, from April 13 to 15.

The chairperson of the Joint Organising Committee (JOC) of the conference, Mrs Yetunde Alagbe stated this, during a courtesy call by member of the JOC to the Tribune House, Imalefalafia Ibadan, on Friday.

She said preparations are in the top gear to make history with the upcoming conference, adding that, “the event is centered on promoting the economy of the country through agriculture.”

The conference, with the theme “Networking for National Economy — The Synergy of Agriculture and Communication,” will see prominent Nigerians and NIPR members across the country gather for the twoday national conference which will feature dinner/ presidential awards and presentation of papers with a sub theme: “Becoming a Self

Feeding Nation Evolving Patrotic Consumer Behaviour,” among other programmes lined up slated to hold at Premier Hotel, Ibadan.

Alagbe also commended the management and staff of ANN Plc, publishers of Tribune titles, for its wide coverage in disseminating news and information across Nigeria, just as she urged the newspaper company not to relent in rebranding its image, especially with the fact that

it is the longest surviving newspaper in the country.

In his response, the Associate Editor, Saturday Tribune, Mr Wale Emosu, who represented the management to receive the team, applauded the institute’s motive in promoting agriculture through its conference, saying, “this theme is apt, especially with the country’s current revenue situation. We promise to give the necessary support for the success of the conference.”

ics in which Nigeria is going to spend N6.06 billion with crude oil bench mark of $38 per barrel when the country’s budget was N4.5 trillion in 2015 when crude oil bench mark was $53 per barrel.

He said since the president claimed to have recovered and is still recovering trillions of naira looted from the treasury and over N3 trillion saved in the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the 2016 budget should be funded with the recovered fund.

The governor said he was alerting Nigerians to the danger in the Federal Government’s plan to fund the 2016 budget with loan, adding that “tomorrow, it will be said of me that I did not keep silent when Nigeria was being mortgaged to unnecessary debt.”

He warned that with the proposed N1.84 trillion borrowing, $2 billion of which President Buhari is already going to borrow in China, the nation may soon be going the way of Greece because Nigeria will be borrowing N5 billion per day for the next 365 days.

Subscribers declare Glo data platform industry best CUSTOMERS of Glo internet services have eulogised the telecoms service provider for its quality of service and unique data plans.

Reacting to recent industry reports which affirmed Glo as the network of choice for new internet subscribers, the respondents mentioned the speed and reliability of connectivity as well as the unmatched value offerings available on the network’s data plans as major attractions to Glo. Funke Ishola, a Lagos-based banker, disclosed that her experience on the Glo network has been pleasurable.

“Glo internet service has been awesome. I only

switched to Globacom about a year ago because the other network I was using was becoming a burden. I am a heavy user and it was becoming too expensive and I was not enjoying good service. But the experience with Glo is different,” she said.

A Lagos-based engineer, Alhaji Opeyemi Aminu commended Glo data services, saying, “I ported from another network to Glo a few months ago because of my dissatisfaction with my previous service provider. I am now enjoying my internet service with Glo. The speed is excellent and the connectivity is steady and reliable.”

Gbenga Oyegoke, another

subscriber who is a staff of a commercial bank branch at the Shoprite Mall, Lekki, said, “Really, Glo has been good.

The data packages are quite user-friendly and the data rates are equally affordable.

I ported to Glo from another network about three months ago, and I can say I have been enjoying the data services. I enjoy the uninterrupted connectivity even when I am on the road.”

Ene Sharon, a customer resident at the Bompai region of Kano noted that “Glo data is quite competitive. I also enjoy the quality of the network especially at nights when I have time to do my downloads and use the social media.”

FOLLOWING the allegation of existence of ghost workers in the system, the Provost of the Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Kabba Dr Komolafe Awo, has said it is not true that the governing council of the institution recruited over 200 members of staff to pad up the nominal payroll of the institution.

He said it was a wild allegation that the authorities of the school engaged in illegal recruitment on the eve of the ongoing screening exercise.

The provost and other members of the institution made the disclosure while answering questions from members of the state House of Assembly committee on education during the defence of the 2016 budget proposals for the state ministry of education.

The registrar of the institution, who was said to have been involved in the saga, John Amobeda, told the committee led

by Abdulkarim Kereke, sitting at the Government House that the allegation was a ruse.

Achievers University churns out 547 graduates today Hakeem Gbadamosi -Akure THE Achievers University, Owo in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State has said that about 547 students of the institution will be awarded with various degrees during the convocation ceremony of the school today.

The vice chancellor of the institution, Professor Samuel Ibiyemi, who disclosed this during a press briefing heralding the 4th convocation ceremony of the school also said that the university would confer honorary doctorate degrees on three eminent personalities in the country.

Ibiyemi, while giving the breakdown of the graduates said 38 students came out with First Class from the various departments of the institution, while 294 graduated with Second Class Upper, 197 with Second Class Lower while 18 finished with Third Class.

WOCOM holds empowerment seminar today

By Rotimi Ige THE youths around Ibadan and environs will be further enlightened about economic freedom and how to cope with the general unemployment in the country, according to the organisers of a knowledge-based empowerment seminar organised by WOCOM youths holding today.

Tagged “The Future of Work and Economic Freedom,” the seminar will see notable panelists speak about a range of topics that will give the youths a bigger picture of the economic future.

According to the organisers, the motto of the event is that people ‘Come and liberate themselves from financial hardship and make the difference in their generation’.

The special guest of honour will be the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung (FCT) while guest speakers are Professor Olumide Longe, HOD, Computer Science Department/ICT Director, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State; Folajimi Brodie Mends (banking sector); Adewale Dahunsi (MD Novel Power System) and Tolu Popoola (ICT /Business Management Consultant UK).

Aside learning the basic requirements for an assured future, there would be free lunch for all participants.

The free event will be held at the WOCOM Centre, Onireke GRA in Ibadan and would start at 10:00 a.m.

GOMERM impartation service GOD’S Mercy Revival Ministries will hold its monthly prophetic impartation service tagged, “Manifestation 2016: Time for Appearance of My New Day,” at Mercy Revival Centre, 25/33, Alake Lakonko Street, off Ikotun Idimu Road, Ile Epo bus stop, Ikotun, Lagos.

The programme will take place tomorrow at 9:00a.m.

Expected ministers are guest artiste, Sister Lola Olatunde (Kakiki Eledumare); General Overseer, Pastor (Dr) James Akanbi (host), and others.

Pastor (Dr) James Akanbi

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Again, explosion averted as tanker crashes in Lagos Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos

From right, Mr Bode Balogun, Mr Adesanya Adewusi, Mr Niyi Adewusi, Mr Remi Adewusi, the widow, Mrs Aminat Adewusi, Mrs Bunmi Adewusi, Mrs Moradeyo Adewusi, Mrs Adenihun Balogun, Yewande Adewusi, Mrs Ariane Adewusi and Miss Naomi Adewusi, all family members of former Inspector-General of Police, Chief Sunday Adewusi, at the burial service for the late former IGP, held at Beulah Baptist Church Centre, Ogbomoso, on Friday. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU.

Investor pledges $30m towards Oyo agric initiative

T

HE new agriculture initiative of the governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, aimed at rejuvenating the economy of the state has received a major boost following the pledge of initial investment of $30m by an agriculture entrepreneur.

The Managing Director of Numerix Development Limited, Mr. Babs Aina, made the pledge at the second consultative assembly organised by the state at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, on Thursday.

Aina, who promised that the figure would progressively increase to $100m in the next few years, said the investment would target maize and soya beans in the interim.

Other investors that pledged commitment to the initiative were the Managing Director of Winchester Farms Limited, Ibadan, who is also the Managing

Director of Costain West Africa PLC, Mr. Ayodeji Karim and the Chief Executive Officer of Psaltry International Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Iranloye.

Top officials of agriculture research institutes, finance institutions, agroallied business investors, and other stakeholders had converged on IITA to brainstorm on the revival of the agriculture potential of the state as alternative source of revenue.

At the forum were the Director-General of IITA, Dr. Nteranya Sanginga; Di-

rector, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Prof. James Adediran, top officials of research institutes and the Head, Development Finance office of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Ibadan, Mr. Bamiji Akinola.

Also in attendance at the event tagged “AgricOyo” were top officials of the Cocoa Research Institute, National Horticultural Research Institute, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, federal ministry of agriculture, among others.

Speaking at the event,

Value godliness, cleric advises at Adewusi’s funeral service

By Oluwatoyin Malik THE President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend Samson Ayokunle has enjoined Nigerians to attach premium value to godliness and view their race in life as just starting, saying that

they should forget their past achievements.

The cleric gave the admonition on Friday while delivering a sermon during the funeral service for the late Inspector General of Police, Chief Sunday Adewusi, held at Beulah Baptist Centre,

UNILAG shut indefinitely Naza Okoli - Lagos FOLLOWING a protest embarked upon by students at the University of Lagos on Wednesday and Thursday as a result of poor water and power supply in the hostels, the school management has announced the suspension of academic activities and directed all students to vacate the halls of residence.

The Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr Toyin Adebule, confirmed this development to Saturday Tribune on Friday morning.

According to a notice issued to the students by the management, the closure is with immediate effect.

“Following the ongoing agitation by the student body over poor electricity and

the governor stressed that the target of the state was to harness the agriculture potential of the state with the ultimate ambition of becoming the food basket of the South-West, Nigeria in the short run and West Africa in the long run.

With an expanse of land spanning 28,454 square kilometer, the governor said that the state had the largest arable land in the Southern part of the country and human resources, which gave it comparative advantage over many other states.

power supply on campus, the Senate held an emergency meeting on Thursday 7/4/2016 to review the situation. At the meeting Senate noted that the issue of poor municipal services is a national one.

“In order to forestall further breakdown of law and order, Senate directed that the university be closed down with immediate effect. It further announced the suspension of all academic activities till further notice. All students are hereby directed to vacate the halls of residence not later than 10am on Friday, April 8, 2016.”

Meanwhile, the leadership of the students union has directed its members to disregard the vacation notice,

stressing that as “the University of First Choice”, the school should be able to rise above its current challenges.

A statement signed by the union’s spokesperson, Miss Jumai AF, described the directive as “inhuman.”

“It is unfortunate that despite priding itself as the university of first choice and the nation’s pride, the University of Lagos management cannot manage this simple issue,” the statement said.

“It is an inhumane move with a dastardly motive to demand the vacation of students from the university community. This is because it has got to the notice of the Union that certain hoodlums are around the school to waylay students who are trying to leave the school.”

Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

In the sermon entitled “Racing Well to the Finishing Line, Reverend Ayokunle, admonished guests not to concentrate on the present but should reflect on their destinations when life ends on earth. “No matter what you gather here on earth, you will take nothing with you.

“How are you using your present position? How are you serving your generation? Attach premium value to Godliness,” the cleric further admonished.”

He advised the gathering that they forget their past achievements and begin the race of life as if they were just starting.

He prayed for the people that they would not end their race in life poorly.

Paying tribute to the late Chief Adewusi, the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, said that the mere mention of late IG’s name would elicit tremendous respect, love and fond memory of his policing career and landmark exploits within the national security space of his time.

ANOTHER explosion was again averted in Ajah area of Lagos State on Friday morning as a tanker, fully loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol tumbled.

The tanker, which tumbled around Abraham Adesanya Roundabout, in Ajah also spilled its content on the road,creating serious panic among motorists.

The yet-to-be identified driver of the tanker marked LND 650 XQ, was injured in the early morning accident and was treated by officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service.

Emergency workers and agencies, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Lagos State Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps and officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, responded to the accident.

The accident has been blamed on reckless driving from the tanker driver,who was heading to one of the filling station, in Ajah area of the state.

Senator Adeyemi defects to APC Says party ready to confront Nigeria’s woes Taiwo Adisa - Abuja FORMER chairman of Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Smart Adeyemi has announced his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Senator Adeyemi, who represented Kogi West senatorial district in the Sixth and Seventh Senate made the announcement while addressing the media in Abuja.

He said that his decision was influenced by failures of successive PDP governments to effect development of his senatorial district.

According to the senator, all politics is local, adding that he has decided to join a party that can protect the interests of his people.

He also said that the PDP which has ruled in his state in the last twelve years has failed to implement peopleoriented programmes.

He stated that the incumbent administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is beginning to show determination to tackle the problems afflicting the country, especially economic issues, which he said remain a global trend.

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Alive or dead?

Hidden justice for Boko Haram in Cameroon

By Mbom Sixtus (IRIN)

A

military court in Cameroon last month sentenced to death 89 men on terrorism charges related to Boko Haram violence. A reporting blackout made it unclear if the sentences had been carried out or, if not, where those convicted were being held.

I was determined to find out more.

At the Ministry of Defence, the communications division said it wasn’t allowed to discuss the verdict, delivered on 16 March under a controversial December 2014 anti-terrorism law.

“Even here, we don’t talk about it,” explained Tar Tar, presenter of ‘Honour and Loyalty’, a weekly programme on state radio for the armed forces.

The information was still “classified”, so he pushed me up the chain of command. “Go on, the colonel is in his office.”

Colonel Didier Badjeck’s office was just down the corridor. The soldier-secretaries in reception were friendly – an encouraging start. Unfortunately, the words “journalist” and “Boko Haram” had an adverse effect. It was downhill fast after that.

“The colonel is not in his office,” a now stern-looking gatekeeper said. All other questions went unanswered.

But I had Badjeck’s cell number.

When he finally answered, he advised going directly to the military tribunal, “or call me next week”.

I tried the tribunal.

The military authority charged with hearing terrorism cases is housed in the headquarters of the Marine Corps.

The first obstacle was the soldier manning the gate, holding an automatic weapon and wearing a bulletproof vest.

He had been instructed not to allow any journalists into the court.

After a bit of arguing – during which I made the most of having been “sent” by the Ministry of Defence, while dodging his insistence that I show a special pass – his superior intervened. After giving up my press card and ID, I was allowed past the barrier.

In front of the court was a prison van. Its back door was open. Inside were Boko Haram suspects chained hand and foot, waiting to be called in for trial. Aside from the 89 already convicted, close to 1,000 people in Cameroon are believed to be facing charges linked to Boko Haram.

The men in the van looked non-descript, in jeans and trousers not prison clothes. Nobody seemed injured, just helpless and a bit desperate.

There have been no executions in Cameroon for more than a decade. But the scale of Boko Haram violence – more than 1,200 people killed in three years – means the government can get away with an unusually draconian response.

The senior soldier suddenly seemed to have second thoughts about having a journalist hanging around. “Those guys in the truck are Boko Haram fighters captured in the Far North Region and brought here,” he said. “You cannot go there. You know this is sensitive”.

On my way out, one of the soldiers at the gate said: “Just come back on Monday with a note from the colonel. Tomorrow is Good Friday; a public holiday.”

Monday – back in Badjeck’s office. Ordinary soldiers in the communication division were keen to talk about the Boko Haram trials and eager to hear what was happening at the military tribunal.

The colonel: less so. After agreeing, at least, to hear what I wanted, he shut up like a clam. “You know, this is a sensitive issue and I don’t want to get myself mixed up in it,” he said. Reluctantly, he took my written questions and promised to call back.

The rest of Monday went by. So did Tuesday, then Wednesday: still no call.

On Thursday 31 March, I was back at the defence ministry. Security had been stepped up following threats by Boko Haram to attack a major city in Cameroon. The ministry building is just a few kilometres from the National Assembly, the French embassy and the military headquarters.

Over the phone, the colonel told me he was in a meeting with Defence Minister Joseph Beti Assomo but would soon be back in his office. “Before we sit down to talk,” he added, “let me inform you that the minister of defence has decided no one should talk about the trial and sentencing of Boko Haram suspects.”

Not promising.

When Badjeck finally walked into his office, he sat stiffly behind his desk. “Like I said, no one is to be talking about Boko Haram trials. If you need further information, go to the presidency.”

The law prescribes the death sentence for anyone found guilty of activities that could lead to general rebellion or acts that disturb the normal functioning of the state.

He added that Assomo, the minister, had banned an event by a movement attempting to publish the names of the 1,200 people killed by Boko Haram since the insurgency spilled into Cameroon from neighbouring Nigeria in 2013.

“When you see what is happening on the ground and read what the papers say, you wonder whether journalists are working for terrorists,” he said.

He went to the picture folder on his computer and began pulling up images of dead bodies, limbs and body parts littered around the site of suicide explosions, and of children burnt to death in Boko Haram raids on villages.

“These people have not done anything to deserve this.

If you want to know what Colonel Badjeck thinks, I think those insurgents should be killed.”

But he wouldn’t say whether the 89 convicted men had had lawyers to defend them. Neither would he say when and how they were to be executed, or if they had been already.

“I cannot answer those questions,” said Badjeck.

Guibai Gatama is the publisher of French bi-weekly L’Oeil du Sahel, which provides the most comprehensive coverage of Boko Haram.

He was behind the idea of publishing the names of the victims, and has been accused by the police chief of having links to the insurgents. He was my best last chance at finding anything out.

Boko Haram suspects are defended in court by lawyers hired by the state, he explained. “What the state gives the lawyers per case is not even enough to cover their transport fare to the courts. Can you imagine? They are paid 5,000 CFA (around $10) per case file.

“They are tried in classified groups. For example, ‘Kolofata Attack’: all insurgents captured during that particular attack are tried together and the defending lawyer is paid 5,000 CFA for the entire trial.”

Under the anti-terrorism law, the decision of the military magistrates is final. There is no right of appeal.

The law prescribes the death sentence for anyone found guilty of activities that could lead to general rebellion or acts that disturb the normal functioning of the state; anyone who supplies arms, war equipment, or viruses with an intention of killing; anyone guilty of kidnapping with terrorist intent; anyone found guilty of financing terrorism indirectly or directly.

The death penalty also applies to “anyone who directly or indirectly finances acts of terrorism” and to “anyone who recruits citizens with the aim of carrying out acts of terrorism.”

So did Gatama know what had happened to the convicted Boko Haram “terrorists”? Whether they were alive or dead? Unfortunately, he did not. The quest continues.

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With Aunty Yemi 08056834515 ojeleyeoyeyemi@yahoo.com

Story

The elephant and his friends

GET INSPIRED

ONE day, the elephant wandered into the forest in search of friends.

He saw the monkey on a tree.

“Will you be my friend?” asked the elephant.

“You are too big. You cannot swing from trees like me,” replied the monkey.

Next, the elephant met the rabbit. He asked him to be his friend.

But the rabbit said, “You are too big to play in my burrow!”

Then the elephant met the frog.

“Will you be my friend? he asked.

“How can I?” asked the frog. “You are too big to leap about like me.”

The elephant was upset.

He met the fox next.

“Will you be my friend?” he asked the fox.

The fox said, “Sorry, sir, you are too big.”

The next day, the elephant saw all the animals in the forest running for their lives.

The elephant asked them what the matter was.

The bear replied, “There is the tiger tier in the forest. He’s trying to gobble us all up!”

The animals all ran away to hide.

The elephant wondered what he could do to save everyone in the forest.

Meanwhile, the tiger kept eating up whoever he could find.

The elephant walked up to the tiger and said, “Please, Mr Tiger, do not eat up these poor animals.”

“Mind your own business!” growled the tiger.

The elephant had no choice but to give the tiger a hefty kick.

The frightened tiger ran for his life.

The elephant ambled back into the forest to announce the good news to everyone.

All the animals thanked the elephant.

They said, “You are just the right size to be our friend.”

IN the middle of a forest, there was a hunter who was suddenly confronted by a huge, mean bear. In his fear, all attempts to shoot the bear were unsuccessful. Finally, he turned and ran as fast as he could.

J

ke

A religious bear

The hunter ran and ran and ran, until he ended up at the edge of a very steep cliff. His hopes were dim.

Seeing no way out of his predicament, and with the bear closing in rather quickly, the hunter got

down on his knees, opened his arms, and exclaimed, “Dear God! Please give this bear some religion!”

The skies darkened and there was lightning in the air. Just a few feet short of the hunter, the bear came

to an abrupt stop, and glanced around, somewhat confused.

Suddenly, the bear looked up into the sky and said, “Thank you, God, for the food I’m about to receive....”

How we tell our parents they are wrong on issues

Respondents are students of Toyosi Model School, Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State 1. SAMUEL Alabi, 13 yrs old, SSS1 The way I tell my parents they are wrong is so simple. I usually apply wisdom so as not to get them angry in the course of correcting them. My style is to first crack jokes before hitting the nail on the head, pointing out their mistakes which are common at mealtimes, when everybody is relaxed. Each time I do this, I get positive responses.

2. OKIKIOLA Ashiru, 12 yrs old, Jss3 I don’t talk to my parents as if they are my mates so if I want to tell them they are wrong about an issue I just ask them to spare me little time and I would raise the issue.

3. INIOLUWA Oyedeokun, 11 yrs old, Jss 1 In order not to be seen

mostly as a rude girl, I always go to my dad in his room to tell him any wrong he has done. I believe his room is not a public place so he would not feel bad about any issue I raise. The same thing applies to mum.

4. NAHEEM Folarin, 10 yrs old, Jss1 I study my parents’ mood before calling their attention to my observations.

However, I send one of them to the other if I feel they are not approach-

PUZZLE

able. The best place and time to talk to my parents is in the sitting room when either or both of them are watching television.

5. DEBORAH Omotoso, 13 yrs old, SSS1 The first thing I do if I want to tell my parents they are wrong is to ask them reason(s) for their action(s), then listen attentively. Thereafter, I would tell them my view about it. I do this

in

their

room.

6. OPEYEMI Lawal, 10 yrs old, JSS 1 If I want to correct my parents on a wrongdoing, I call the attention of them and say, for example, “please, tell mummy I feel what she did is not right.”

7. GRACE Olaniyi, 13 yrs old, JSS 3 A parent’s mistake comes either in speech or action. I don’t shout at them like some children do to their parents; I rather talk with respect. This little act is appreciated because no one is an island to themselves.

8. DAMILOLA Oyehan, 14 yrs old, SS1 In my opinion, if a child wants to correct his parents when they are wrong, he should be polite. If anything happens and I’m not happy, I wait till night. I usually start by praying for them and then talk about their mistake(s).

9. FOLASHADE Kareem, 15 yrs old, SSS 1 Irrespective of errors committed by my parents, they remain mine, so they need to be corrected. So, I kneel, appeal to them and make them understand my point of view on what I think they have done wrong. I target the time both of them are watching television.

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Toluwani Olamitoke 08050498504 toluwaniforever@yahoo.com

the exposure I had outside the country, I was able to make my voice heard.

A senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State in the 2015 general election and the Lagunna Iyalode of Ibadanland, Chief (Mrs) Olanrewaju Adedeji-Otiti (MNI), is humble, down-to-earth and cerebral. She recently hosted TUNDE BUSARI in her Ibadan residence and reflected on her life’s voyage.

Were you not scared given the tough terrain of Nigerian politics?

I believe everything in life is a challenge.

Life itself is a battle. When you fight, you win some and also lose some and move on.

After doing your best, you leave the rest to God. I had the opportunity to pursue my political aspiration. I contested the senatorial seat in the 2015 general election but I lost. But does that signify the end of my political aspiration? No. I have to restrategise. As long as you are living, you have to move on. In other professions, there are challenges here and there too.

C

an you let us into your profile?

I had my primary school education at Alaafia Institute, Ibadan, where I was in the boarding house, which was one of the factors that taught me how to think on my own and be independent. I later attended Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, which was co-educational and under an astute administrator, J.B.P. Lafinhan.

That reinforced the fact that you have to live with integrity whether you were being watched or not. We were also taught to be bold. After that, I studied Secretarial Studies at The Polytechnic, Ibadan and later joined the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) Ibadan which was the first place I worked. I worked directly with Mrs Anike Agbaje Williams as her secretary. After leaving BCOS, I joined Leyland and worked with a British management team. As a secretary, you are trained to be meticulous and decent. It helped me in so many ways. From there, I moved to another British company, Exide Battery. But in the meantime, I was also running my private business. At a stage, I had to relocate to the United States of America (USA) to attend to the medical condition of one of my children.

Because I had so much time on my hand and due to the flexibility of the nursing profession in the US, I trained as a nurse and worked at the prestigious Mount Zion Hospital in New York. I was also a licensed caregiver, an independent provider of home care. Besides, I was buying and selling fabrics within the Nigerian community in the US. I also sold to Nigerians back home.

I came back to Nigeria in 2004. Years later, specifically in 2010, I studied Public Administration at Masters level at Lead City University, Ibadan. In 2012, I was also a Course 34 member at Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategy Studies (NIPSS). It is an elite programme, which exposed me to a wider view of administration. The course is very rich in content in that it also serves as a bridge builder this nation needs.

What did you miss about Nigeria while in the US? I missed my family and friends. Also, I missed not being able to participate in what was going on back home. Don’t forget I left for the US during the military regime in 1994, when life was becoming difficult.

The state of the economy then also took its toll on the fabrics business. I therefore gave myself some targets and to God be the glory, my plan worked out well. The children are today grown up and doing well in their respective callings.

Are you still into fabrics distribution?

By the time I returned to Nigeria, I realised that importation on fabrics had been

What does fashion mean to you?

At a certain point in time, fashion can be defined as what is current. But now style is whatever an individual creates to suit himself or herself. For instance when I, was into fabrics there was a time ‘Jacquard’ and ‘Cocaine’ were in vogue. Some went for them while some didn’t. I believe fashion is a matter of individual preference.

What is your take on what is called provocative dresses these days, especially among female?

What you consider as being in vogue is an individual thing. One man’s meat is another man’s poison. The female sex is free to express herself but when your expression is infringing on other people’s right, I think they also have the liberty to say ‘no’. There are states in the US now that charge people over indecent exposure.

It takes determination, grace of God to succeed

—Lagunna Iyalode of Ibadanland banned, even though some were still doing it. But I felt there were other things I could do because I believe in doing legitimate business. So, I went into distribution of oil

and gas with a couple of fuel stations. I was supplying them PMS and AGO. Slowly, I gravitated into politics with the desire to serve my people at a higher level. And with

I contested the Senatorial seat in the 2015 general election but I lost. But does that signify the end of my political aspiration? No. I have to restrategise. As long as you are living, you have to move on

Have you a piece of advice for young ladies who seem to be in haste to get up there?

There is what you call youthful exuberance. But it is better the young ones listen to their parents. They have been there before and they know best. Let me say that Rome was not built in a day. It takes effort, focus, determination and grace of God to get to one’s destination.

What is the Lagunna Iyalode of Ibadanland all about?

In Ibadan traditional chieftaincy line, we have three lines - Iyalode, Olubadan, Balogun. Iyalode sits in council with the Olubadan. The Olubadan line is 23; Balogun line, 23 and Iyalode line, 25 in number.

Being a republican state, you are expected to go through the process to emerge as the Olubadan or Iyalode.. On the average, we discovered that you would have served a minimum of 30 to 35 years to be at the apex of any of the title. It is a beautiful learning process.

Which step is Lagunna Iyalode and when did you join the line?

It is the 17th stage. I became Bada Iyalode in 2005.

That was a year after you came back from the US? While I was in the US, I came to Nigeria at least four times in a year. This means I was not totally absent from home. I still maintained contact and contributed to the society in my little way. The truth of the matter is that only God makes one a king.

That has been my principle and indeed my belief. I have to give glory to God for seeing me through this stage.

12

9 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune BLESSING EKUM ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639

food&drink

a) e) b)

By Blessing Ekum

M

ANGOES are in season and beyond the succulent deliciousness they offer as fruit, they can be incorporated into everyday dishes and still be thoroughly enjoyed. When served with rice, fish or even the muchloved dodo, mangoes are sure to tickle your taste bud with a mix of different flavours. Get creative and don’t limit yourself to just munching on this sumptuous fruit.

To get the best out of mangoes when used as ingredient for cooking, food enthusiast and recipe developer, Angela Davies says, “start with mangos that are ripe but still firm. If you press into the skin, it should give slightly but not feel mushy. You should also be able to smell a faint scent from the mangoes. A very soft mango with an intensely sweet aroma may indicate it’s much too ripe to cut easily, so just eat those or use them in a sauce or puree.” To get the perfect mango dices, without making a mess of the flesh she shares a method where you “slice off a thin strip from the top and bottom of the mango. Then use a vegetable peeler to remove strips

a) Mango salsa and fried plantain b) Baked tilapia and mango salsa c) Salmon and mango salsa d) Mango fried rice e) Mango chicken sauce

c) d)

Perfect ways to enjoy

fleshy, delish mangoes

of mango skin around the sides.

From the top of the mango, you can see the pit. Mango pits are big, but they’re a flat shape and you can slide your knife alongside of it. After slicing off one side, run your knife down the other side of the pit to remove the other half of the flesh in one big piece. If you just want sliced mango, those two pieces will give you perfect slices that can be fanned out on a plate.

Now you can simply dice the mango flesh into chunks and use as needed.”

Mango Salsa The beauty of mango salsa is in the mix of vibrant colours, aromatic scents and mouth-watering flavours from different fruits and vegetables used. The basic idea is to dice all ingredients used. Your preference for sweet, sour, spicy or salty taste would determine the vegetables or fruits you add to the mango. Some of these include red bell pepper, green bell pepper, scotch bonnet pepper, avocado, parsley, tomato, onion, honey, lime juice, salt, olive oil.

Deseed vegetables or fruits, dice, combine all ingredients in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, add olive oil and lime juice, refrigerate and enjoy.

13 feature

9 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

How Lagos residents endanger their lives trading, living under high tension wires Chukwuma Okparaocha - Lagos

A

S it has become increasingly difficult for traders to get stalls and shops to trade in Lagos, a lot of traders in the state have devised different ways and places to carry out their commercial activities, including in unwholesome and unauthorised places such as roadsides, under bridges, walkways, along drainages and water channels and perhaps worst still, under giant electric power lines. The act of selling under electricity pylons, needless to say, has been going on for years, but Saturday Tribune recent observations suggest that such activities seem to have increased as clampdown on traders in other places increased significantly.

A journey made by Saturday Tribune to diverse parts of the Lagos metropolis suggested an increase in business activities as the underneath of many giant pylons were observed to have been turned into a beehive of business activities. For instance, at the popular Kola Market situated along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, traders, many of whom were seen selling different kinds of items, had totally taken over the underneath of rows of giant masts carrying loads of electric cables. Similarly, at Meiran which is just a few meters away from Kola, makeshift shops were observed to have been built directly beneath another set of huge electricity pylons, as business activities went on without any form of disturbance. Here, a particular section was observed to have been totally taken over by an unidentified welder, who had not only set up a workshop under a pylon, but was seen fabricating giant metallic items such as iron gates and doors. His fabricated items were observed to have been placed in such a way that they rested directly on the pylon’s metallic bodies. Another similar observation was also made at Shomolu area of the city, where a trader was seen to have tied ropes round a power line (those served as some sort of clotheslines where diverse items including items such as hats, shoes, sunglasses as well as shawls, were hung and sold).

Danger of exposure to radiations Apart from the risk of possible electrocution as a result of cables falling down, it is believed that constant exposure to electro-magnetic waves, which are said to be in abundance around such pylons, are harmful to humans. Recently, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, supposedly working with facts obtained from medical experts, warned that people who spent long hours beneath or in any other way close to high voltage power lines risked having cancerous diseases. According to the agency, the radiation (electro-magnetic) that exists around such facilities has made their location not conducive for human habitation or presence.When recently commenting on the danger and risks involved in staying close to high tension wires, an expert, Mr. Dave Ifabiyi, warned that those staying close to such (including occupiers of structures built under such cables) stood the risk of contracting certain diseases which could eventually result in death.“People who stay under or around the transmission lines are susceptible to having cancer.

For a facility that carries 132KVA/330KVA, it is very dangerous to live or stay around it. The radiation from the high tension cables makes the environment dangerous to health,” he warned. Other places in Lagos widely notorious for having people turning the underneath of electricity pylons into residential or commercial centres include Egbin in Ikorodu, parts of Ipaja, and Akungba and Adelabu in Surulere, among others. Also, the World Health Organisation (WHO), in a recent study, warned of the potential health effects the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produced by giant electricity cables could have on humans. The global health body pointed out that anyone who is exposed to “a complex mix” of weak electric and magnetic fields, especially for a long time, stands the risk of suffering from excessive headaches, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, rashes, muscle pains and burnt skin.

Traders blame bad economy Predictably, many of the traders who sold their wares this way, hinged their decision on ‘economic’ reasons, including lack of adequate fund to rent shops in ideal places. One of the traders at Kola Market, who was identified as Ridwan Abdulrahman, blamed the situation on the high cost of getting a good shop in an ideal place. He explained that own-

ing a shop was beyond the means of many average traders like him. “The monetary value of what we sell is nothing compared with what is required to rent a shop here. For example, if I were to rent a shop, that means I would have nothing to sell because I would have spent all my money on the shop. If don’t have anything to sell it means I would have nothing to eat. Nobody enjoys selling in a place where state government officials could, at anytime, swoop down on one’s goods and confiscate them. But the economic situation in the country has really made life difficult,” said the trader

People who stay under or around the transmission lines are susceptible to having cancer. For a facility that carries 132KVA/330KVA, it is very dangerous to live or stay around it.

The radiation from the high tension cables makes the environment dangerous to health,” he warned.

who preferred not to mention his name.

Sharing a similar view, the trader at Shomolu area, earlier cited, but who wished not to disclose his name, insisted that things would stay that way except there was a better circulation of wealth among all classes of people.”How does the government expect us not to sell in such unapproved places when the same government is riddled with corruption?

Selling under this kind of condition is the only choice that I have, as I do not have money to rent a shop for now, and I can’t steal. “Maybe things would have been different if there was better wealth circulation among all people in the country, and not just among a few, Ridwan stated.

However, the Lagos State government has never ceased to state its readiness to rid the state of businesses conducted in such a way. But condemning this development, the state government, through the state Ministry for the Environment, insisted that the state government would demolish structures built in unapproved places, including under electric transmission cables across the state.

Speaking recently through a statement made available to Saturday Tribune, the state government stated that any structure, irrespective of type, built under high tension installations were fraught with grave danger, and constituted environmental nuisance.The statement pointed out that the government could no longer sit back and watch residents endanger their lives in such a manner, while also adding that officials from the ministry would soon embark on a mission to remove such illegal structures and dislodge all traders found doing business there.

14

intimacy T

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

STRICTLY FOR ADULTS

HERE is a direct correlation between regular sex and sexual fulfillment for couples. Couples who have regular sex enjoy it more than those who take sex as occasional thing. In fact, it is a way of showing that couples are doing a good job sexually with themselves. That is, it is an indication that they enjoy having sex together. So, one of the ways to achieve sexual fulfillment is regular sex.

Benefits of regular sex include the following: The husband is able to maintain stronger erection and lasts longer.

I have discovered from research, feedback from readers, marriage counselling and personal experience, that one of the wars to deal with premature ejaculation and weak erection is by engaging in regular sex. When a man has sex regularly, the pressure build-up in him gets reduced, and as such, he does not ejaculate easily.

This enables him to maintain strong erection necessary to give his wife sexual pleasure. Note that a woman needs strong erection to give her sexual pleasure.

It enables a couple to become sexually better. They perform better in bed. The law of performing the same task regularly applies here. One gets better result from performing the same task over and over. When a couple engages in regular sex, it gives them the opportunity to become better at it. The more often they do it together, the better they get at it.

The home atmosphere of the couple. The atmosphere in a home goes a long way in determining how often the couple will have sex. When a couple allows a loving, romantic and caring atmosphere in their home, sex is sometime that will mostly happen without them planning for it, and it will be more fun than when it comes mechanically. This is because sex involves the emotions of people, and where there is holding of hands, cracking of jokes, exchange of love notes, pecking and hugging, and verbal appreciation of one another, sex will flow naturally and frequently.

Level of privacy.

Apart from the above, the level of privacy being enjoyed by couples also determines their sexual frequency. In a situation where other parties such as children, siblings, and mothers-in-law live within the same apartment with the couples, sexual frequency is hampered. In such situations, couples have to steal time to be with one another. This becomes terrible in situations where the apartment is a room setting accommodating the couples and the children, otherwise the couples may be creating a free show for their children, and the negative effects could be destructive to the families involved.

The level of sexual satisfaction.

The level of sexual satisfaction of the couples also determines the frequency of sexual intercourse between each couple.

When each partner enjoys great sexual moments, expectation for another session is always high. In most cases, such couples will stop at nothing to get together again and again for sexual enjoyment. That is why couples must attain a high level of sexual satisfaction, which is a function of many factors. Some of these factors have been considered in previous editions in this column. It will do us a lot of good if we can go over such again, or on request, you can have them sent into your email box.

I am aware of cases in which wives shy away from sex due to lack of satisfaction from past sexual intercourse with their husbands.

However, let me emphasise it here that the wife is the one more affected by the level of sexual satisfaction. She is the one who feels the pains, while the husband, in most cases, is easily relieved of sexual tensions, once he can rise and sink inside her. According to Beverly and Tim Lahaye in their book, ‘The Act of Marriage’, “...the man who is too selfish to learn the art of lovemaking and uses his wife to relieve his sexual tensions will never create desire in her for the relationship”. So, husbands must ensure that they learn the art of lovemaking to keep the fire for sex burning in their wives. Otherwise, they have to learn to cope with feigned pains, headaches, and stomach upsets frequently from their wives.

On a final note, how frequently couples should have sex should not be legislated upon. i. e. 3, 4, or 6 times a week.

Rather, each couple, with personal experience, knowledge of their temperaments, and health condition, should determine how often they should have sex. Tim and Beverly Lahaye counsel in their book The Act of Marriage, that “... whatever rate of frequency brings enjoyment and fulfilment to the two of you is ‘’average’’ for you.” So, don’t judge your sex frequency by the rates of others. As long as both of you are comfortable with what you are enjoying, other couples’ experiences and opinion should not get you jolted, looking for what is not lost in your marriage.

In response to my readers’ request, I have packaged some of my articles into a book with the title: ENJOYING GREAT SEX LIFE. You can call me on 08112658560 for the book.

Why sexual fulfillment is important in marriage

Sex skills are better acquired when sex is engaged in regularly. I have discovered that mastering the act of sex is better achieved through regular sex. When you have sex regularly, you are able to try out skills you have learnt theoretically.

It is like the popular saying that practice makes perfect. The good sex my husband and I enjoy today in our marriage is as a result of many sessions of trying out sex skills of positions, locations, and the like through regular sex.

I have come to the conclusion that any couple that wants to achieve exciting sex must do it regularly.

Regular sex helps couples to stay longer in love.

That is, it helps to keep the fire of their love burning. Sex is not just a physical thing, but involves the whole being of the two people who engage in it. It is the spirit, soul and body affairs of a couple. That is why couples who engage in regular sex feel torn apart when they are separated, or have to stay apart for a long time. Couples who enjoy regular sex stay longer together, if not forever together. I personally believe that such couples don’t want to be separated from each other, and will make necessary sacrifice to stay married forever.

What is regular sex? The question of how often couples should have sex is one that is often asked in marriage conferences and seminars, and this is one question even experts in this field find difficult to take a stand on. It is often agreed that married couples should have sex as many times as possible in a week but to come out and say this number of time is most healthy for the marriage is something experts in this field shy away from. This is because no two marriages are the same. The individuals involved differ from marriage to marriage and their prevailing situation differs as well.

However, regular sex should be as often as a couple can have it based on a number of factors, some of which are listed below. But for sex to be regular it should not be absent in one week. How often within that one week will be determined by such factors as listed below.

Your wife’s schedule Many men leave their wives to do all the work in the house: cleaning the house, taking care of the children, doing all the cooking, and attending to the school assignments of the children. This is apart from attending to either her business or paid job. With this situation, the wife becomes tired and already fagged out and sex becomes the last thing on her mind. Thus, the frequency of having sex with her husband will be badly affected. In fact, in cases like these, the best these women can do is to just lie down like a log of wood, while the husband is groaning with pleasure all through the sexual intercourse.

It is often agreed that married couples should have sex as many times as possible in a week but to come out and say this number of time is most healthy for the marriage is something experts in this field shy away from. This is because no two marriages are the same.

15

9 April, 2016

BLESSING EKUM

health&fitness

ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639

Designer babies: Could this be the end of sex? >

Saturday Tribune

>

By Sade Oguntola

>

F

OR some time now, we know that we can grow stem cells from tissues in the body, including the skin, to create sperm, eggs and different organs of the body. So, once you have the germ cells, they could be fertilised to make an embryo. But this process is still at its preliminary stage,” Professor Oladapo Ashiru, Chief Medical Director, Medical Art Centre and Mart Medicare, Ikeja said. However, scientists project that in some years to come, sex as we know it might not need to be a necessity for recreation.

Could this then means that sex would become an obsolete way for humans to make babies? In the past years, scientists have revealed incredible new ways doctors are making babies from a method that uses DNA from samesex parents to penis transplants!

And now, scientists have revealed that love-making, the unmentionable physical act that’s inspired generations of musicians, artists, writers and reality television stars, might soon be unnecessary when a couple wants a baby.

Two biomedical advances are going to change how humans reproduce: whole genome sequencing and stem cell technology. Although people will still be having sex for recreation, they will be using sex to conceive their babies much less often.

Henry Greely, a professor of law and genetics at Stanford University, in his book called, ‘The End of Sex and the Future of Human Reproduction argues that, one day, human reproduction through intercourse could be replaced by scientists creating viable embryos in a laboratory.

Greely makes the argument that that within 20 to 40 years most people in developed countries will stop having sex for the purpose of reproduction. When a couple wants a baby, he’ll provide sperm and she’ll provide a punch of skin.

He said the female skin sample will be used to create stem cells, which can in turn be used to create eggs. These eggs can then be fertilised with the sperm cells, resulting in a selection of embryos to move into the womb for possible pregnancy and birth.

These embryos will be studied to rule out serious diseases and other unwanted attributes like ugliness, stupidity or eyebrows that meet in the middle.

The creation of eggs from skin cells would not only greatly reduce the cost, discomfort and risk of IVF, but would allow each woman reliably to produce hundreds of eggs (or more). It already has worked in mice and the first steps have been taken with humans.

Rather than relying on nature to randomly select their child’s attributes, the couple will be able to customise their children to their desire. Issues on cosmetic and behavioural attributes like ugliness and short hair, level of IQ and the easiest but important to many — gender —would also have been resolved.

New advances are also leading us closer and closer to creating what have been controversially dubbed “designer babies.” Although we’re still a few years away from successfully using it on humans, Professor Ashiru assured that it promises succour to infertile couples wanting to raise a family.

According to him, it is good for infertile couples; maybe there is no female egg or, sperm to ensure they have their

family.

Professor Ashiru said, “The whole body genome is now known and so one can make someone that is short have babies that are tall because we know genes that control tallness. Even if you want a baby with a different skin colour, it can be achieved. So, it is what the couple desires that they get,” he said.

Dr Adeoye Oyewole, a consultant physiatrist, LAUTECH teaching hospital, Osogbo applauded the technology because it would help to rule out genetic ailments.

According to Oyewole, “It means science can actually eliminate diseases like sickle cell disease that are carried in the gene. The other benefits such as looks and height are just aesthetics, which is okay.

“God gave man the brain to improve on himself and his environment; we are just being sentimental about such designer baby. Its principle is still based on taking something from the woman and the man and getting something that is better. IVF has helped a lot of people to have babies successively; that is just an advanced form of IVF.”

The emotional and psychological benefits to getting pregnant through sex, Dr Benjamin Olly, a lecturer at the Department of Physiology, University of Ibadan, said might affect the acceptance of this mode of having babies in the future.

“Sex creates bonding; it gives a sense of fulfilment. If you go by this artificial means, you have lost all of that.

There might be a sense of non-accomplishment in years to come. Resentments might set in seeing children your colleagues had normally, there is a feeling that your child is not actually through sex.

“Also, if the child gets to know that he or she came to the world through such a process, it could have a lasting impact of the self esteem because the process is not natural.”

No doubt science is good. However, Dr Olly, said “sciences at times come with their own challenges. Humans are different from animals; so we should not allow science to dictate the way we love.” Could Embryonic stem cells go a step further? Even if it were, experts say there are many ethical problems and that it is unlikely that many doctors would agree to assist such a highly controlled pregnancy.

16 healthandfitness I have premature ejaculation

MY problem is a combination of premature ejaculation and high blood Pressure. Anytime I intend to have sex, my blood pressure rises and heart beats fast so much as if I will collapse. In addition, I usually sweat a lot while my erection does not last for more than 5 minutes.

Kindly recommend some drugs for me and let me know if I can use sex stimulants.

Garuba (by SMS)

A combination of premature ejaculation with hypertension and poor erection needs a proper investigation. While it is normal for the blood pressure and Heartbeat to go up during sex, this should

Dr. Wale Okediran waleokediran@yahoo.co.uk

08055069356 (sms only)

Pains in my right heel

not get so bad as to make you feel like collapsing.

While a poorly controlled high blood pressure can be a problem that can cause poor erection as well as premature ejaculation, some blood pressure drugs can also cause poor erection. In view of this, it will be advisable for you

to see your doctor for a proper examination in order to confirm that your BP is well controlled and that the drug you are using for this is not the one that causes poor erection.

It is only after this that your doctor can confirm whether or not you can use sex stimulants.

Bedwetting at 19 I am bedwetting at the age of 19 years. Please help me.

Funmilayo (by SMS) The medical name for wetting the bed is enuresis.

Bed wetting is fairly common among ordinary, mature and healthy teenagers with one in every 100 wetting the bed at some stage.

It can be embarrassing and difficult to talk about, even to your family or best friends. Teenage bedwetting doesn’t mean there is something abnormal about you. Something can

Saturday Tribune

9 April, 2016

be done to help you, even if you think you have tried everything. There are new solutions and treatments

available. While doctors and other health professionals are not always sure why bedwetting occurs, certain conditions may cause the problem. Often bedwetting has been a problem since childhood.

It happens to boys more than girls. Luckily, most outgrow the problem with time and/or treatment.

However, at 19, it will be a good idea to se a specialist doctor (Urologist) at the nearest Specialist or Teaching Hospital to you for a proper evaluation and management.

I am a 35-year-old mother of two. I have been having pains in my right heel for some time, especially when I am walking very fast. Kindly let me know what is wrong with me and how to solve the problem.

Jadesola (by SMS) It has been confirmed that some types of shoes, especially tight ones and those with very high heels when worn for a long time, can cause pain at the heels. In view of this, you may need to check your shoes and change them to wider ones and those with flat heels. If the pain persists, an Xray of the bones

of your heel could help to rule out inflammation (arthritis) which can be managed with anti-inflammatory drugs.

My grey beard PLEASE I need your help.

I used shaving powder on my beard and suddenly

My lower abdominal pain I am having lower abdominal pain by the left side. It is very painful.

Please sir, what should I do? I am a 25-year-old female undergraduate.

Uche (by SMS) All women will experience pain in the lower abdomen from time to time. Most commonly, this can occur due to their periods or menstruation. In many cases it is difficult to diagnose the

exact cause of the pain, but noting certain features will help your doctor come to a diagnosis. The most common causes are a urinary disorder, such as bladder or kidney problems, a bowel problem or a problem with the reproductive system – the uterus, Fallopian tubes and ovaries.

An ultrasound scan as well as laboratory examination of the urine are very helpful investigations.

A

few years back, a middle-aged woman, moderately obese, presented to an emergency department with sudden breathlessness and chest pain after leg massage following foot aches after a long travel. Before arriving at the diagnosis, the unsuspecting health care giver treated her for pneumonia (chest infection) and peptic ulcer disease. Eventually, the woman was diagnosed at specialised center to have pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) resulting from deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg veins).

Although with focuses on heart disease, cancer and obesity, the risks associated with these illnesses are widely known to the public but DVT is one health hazard that affects men and women, young and old, and has caused the deaths of more people than all these diseases combined.

The rate at which people develop DVT these days is on the increase, hence the need to discuss it in this column.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep vein thrombosis is a medical condition in which a blood clot clogs up one of the deep veins in the body, generally within the leg. In our bodies are the vessels that convey blood from the heart (arteries) and return blood to the heart (veins). The flow of the blood in the veins is by nature sluggish, thereby prone to clot formation. The danger arises when the clot breaks away from the leg vein and travels to the lungs, becoming a pulmonary embolism—a condition which can turn deadly within a tinkle of an eye. This is what happened to the woman described above. She is still alive but many were not diagnosed and died unnecessarily.

What are the symptoms?

Most times, there are no symptoms; it kills without warning — silent killer. As many as two million people each year develop DVT, and many of them don’t even realise it until it threatens their lives. Of these, up to 200,000 people per year die because of complications caused by pulmonary embolism. I’m not aware of our local data, but I know people die easily from complications of DVT. The commonest presentation is swollen leg below the knee, red in fair skin or pain in the area of the clot. If you have

found that my beard have turned grey.

Shaving foam is not working for me. I need your kind assistance. I am a 30-yearold civil servant.

Jerome ( by SMS) Since it is obvious that you are allergic to both shaving powder and foam, I will advise that you use shaving blade with its accompanying lotion. In case this one also fails, the next thing will be for you to keep your beard. The dark colour of the beard will soon reappear after a while after stopping the use of the shaving powder.

Dr. Abiodun Adeoye adeoyemoshood@yahoo.com

08056564360, 08072000017 (sms only)

Deep Vein Thrombosis: A silent killer

these symptom please see your doctor immediately.

If the clot has moved to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), it can cause difficulty in breathing, low blood pressure, fainting, a faster heart rate, chest pain and coughing up blood. If you have any of these, please visit specialized hospital for immediate care right away.

Who is at risk of developing DVT? •Women who take hormonal birth control pills, including pregnant women and women in the immediate postpartum period (six-eight weeks after childbirth). That’s when they have higher levels of estrogen, which may make blood clot more easily. The pressure of their expanding uterus can slow blood flow in the veins as well.

•Anyone whose movement is restricted for long periods of time, including people who have been hospitalised or who are otherwise bedridden, people with lengthy travels either by road, sea or air, work long hours at a desk job, etc. Sitting position that lasts more than four hours, doubles the risk of developing DVT. It doesn’t matter if you go by air, bus, train, or car. When you’re in a cramped seat and don’t move around, your blood flow slows.

• People whose relations had medical history of DVT or pulmonary embolism have higher risk than those without.

There may be background genetic disorders that make them prone to blood clot formation.

•Advanced age (elderly people are more prone to DVT, as well as women in their post-menopausal years) •Weight problems, specifically obesity.

•Smoking cigarettes.

•cancer patients.

How do I prevent DVT? The best prevention is to avoid what causes DVT. Avoid obesity, walk and do regular exercise to cut down your weight. When on long travels, keep your legs moving and take plenty water to avoid dehydration that can make your blood flow slow and form clot. In the office after long sitting hours, take breaks to stretch your legs. Stand up. Step away for a bit Compression stockings can be on to put gentle pressure on your legs to keep your blood moving. They can help prevent clots from forming as well as reduce swelling and relieve discomfort in a leg where a clot has already formed. You can get compression stockings over the counter, but your doctor will need to write a prescription for ones with more pressure. This can be worn even at home especially if you have varicose veins.

Quit cigarette smoking. It is injurious to every part of our body.

Once a blood clot is gone, DVT sometimes leaves behind an unpleasant reminder. You may see long-term swelling or changes in skin color where the clot was. Or it could hurt. These symptoms, known as post-thrombotic syndrome, sometimes show up for as long as a year after the clot.

There are other modalities of diagnosis of DVT and blood clot busters that your doctors will explain to you. Please pay attention to that leg and kick out the silent killer, DVT, today! Till next week, maintain a healthy heart.

17

9 April, 2016

mediascope The Group Chief Executive Officer, EXP Africa, a pan-African experiential marketing and sponsorship agency, Carol Abade, was one of the key figures at this year’s experiential marketing summit, held in Lagos, recently. In this interview, she explains the idea behind the summit, exploits of experiential marketing in Africa and the need for agencies to come together to prosecute one big advertising campaign idea.

I

N your presentation at the experiential marketing summit, you talked about the type of relationship that should exist between clients and agencies, what informed that line of thought?

Traditionally, marketing was really talking to different audiences in different media. You tell this audience in television in a different way, and the ones in radio in a different way. So, there was no need to bring them together. But now with the way consumers are assessing brands, coupled with their increasing sophistication, you academically have one audience. You tend to talk exactly the same way: whether you are television, radio or below the line. And I believe the only way we can achieve that is by bringing all these agencies and partners together so that we create one communication platform and not different plans for different media.

But how feasible is this proposal, considering the fact that if such collaborations are allowed to happen, there may be that strong tendency for an agency to start thinking of how to lord its own idea on others?

Here, we are talking of one idea being put forward.

The client wants one idea, so they come together, put forward the idea and justify it. For instance, the questions could be: Which is the lead? Why is advertising leading in this big idea? Is it because this is what the target group does? Why is PR leading? So when everyone sits at the table, you cannot say because there is no budget for me you won’t do what is best for the brand. Even with this, agencies will stop thinking they are competing. Right now everyone is looking for that budget but there is only one budget.

But the way they are making agencies compete with each other is in making five different ideas and because I want to be the one leading, because I want bigger budget, the focus is on competition among the agencies. Agencies have to mature to the level where they can work together.

In some cases client say ‘I don’t care whose idea it is, I just want it implemented in a certain way.’ Maybe in one campaign, it is advertising that might lead because it is what is best for the brand. In another way, it may be experiential. But in the current process where client invites 17 agencies to a pitch, there is time and money spent. In this process, no one is compensating the agencies through this process. The client virtually is getting the best of the agencies which is not fair.

Experiential marketing is about enabling personal connections between brands and consumers by creating real life experience worth sharing. These experiences combine digital and real world connections to create stronger memories and emotional bonds between brand and consumers. Marketing needs to shift boundaries. We can’t develop the right brand strategies without real consumer insights. We must bring back agencies into a collaborative process that focuses on the target. That is my position on this.

That means the idea of calling for a pitch among agencies will be removed in the selection of agencies, they all go to the client with one idea and share the budget. Does it mean the present approach of calling for a pitch by brands amounts to a waste or resources?

Exactly, I think there is a lot of money being wasted and that is why procurement is becoming so big. The

Advertising agencies must mature to the level of working together — Carol Abade, Group CEO, EXP Africa

Saturday Tribune

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

But would you support the view that experiential marketing is more engaging than other marketing expressions as some participants at the seminar would want us believe?

Experiential marketing does not stand alone. It cannot exist by itself and it requires all other marketing mix to exist. So it may lead in some cases, it may not lead in other cases. But what we are saying is that the human engagement is still a vital part of the marketing mix and that is the one-on-one platform and that is where experiential comes in.

But by itself, it cannot compete with advertising because the cost of contact if you measure it line by line will be too expensive. I can only reach a thousand people but a TV commercial will reach one million in the same cost. It cannot stand alone. That is why the collaborative measure of working together across different media is where the direction of marketing mix needs to go.

As a chief executive of a major experiential marketing agency in Africa, how would you describe the brands’ attitude to experiential marketing in this part of the globe?

I’ve been asked this question of whether Africa is behind in experiential marketing , severally. I don’t think so. The fact remains that today’s consumers in Africa are becoming increasingly sophisticated, they are fast becoming technology-focused. And interestingly though marketing is becoming very engagement driven, the continent still remains advertising-like, and that is why you see big brands still keeping huge advertising budget. They are not comfortable yet exploring other areas of advertising. But in all this, we still have experiential marketing taking place in the continent. I don’t think Africa is behind in experiential marketing, the only challenge we have is to understand the potential for experiential marketing and the comfort of walking looking beyond advertising as a lead of brand’s plan. No doubt, experiential marketing is increasingly becoming popular in this part of the globe.

And I think with the booming population of Nigeria, the planned infrastructure over the next ten years and a new government in place, the course of experiential marketing will be further enhanced.

agency keeps going to the client and don’t know when to get business again because every project I need to pitch. So I need to maximise on the one I am getting at the moment. But if that goes away, we tend to be more efficient and the client can go to sleep because he knows he is getting the best from his partners. At the same time a lot of money is saved in the process.

From the business perspective, I really think for marketers, we need to go back to developing core marketing skills within our business.

What advice do you have for participants and even non-participants?

My advice is going to be from a marketing perspective. I think marketing, as a discipline, we need to come back to the table. We should stop seeing marketing as tactical and money-wasting department. We should start focusing on the core principles because ultimately, marketing is about sales and revenue. When the business objective is not different from the marketing objective, it is then I can say we’ve started taking marketing seriously.

From the business perspective, I really think for marketers, we need to go back to developing core marketing skills within our business. Gone are those days you needed to be in the business for 20 years to be a marketing director. Now you can be a marketing director in three years, with no experience, not enough skill. So we see very few examples where a marketing director will become a CEO. Why? CEOs come out from finance, business operation and sales but rarely out of marketing, because marketing is not seen as part of those tools driving the business.

What exactly did you plan to achieve with this marketing summit and how close are you to those objectives?

Our main reason for this experiential summit is to really bring back marketing to our thought process, share the trend, that is what is happening from the marketing perspective and get back to the table and say what is the purpose of marketing? Who are we as marketers and where do we sit in this whole chain revenue generation?

18

9 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

crimeandcourt

He sleeps with his concubines inside the house I built with my sweat —Wife

She is saying this ’cos she no longer loves me —Husband

By Ayomide Owonibi-Odekanye with Agency Reports

M

R Ademola Odunade, the president, Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan has dissolved the 20-year-old marriage between a businesswoman, Omoniyi, and her husband, Olulayo Fatola.

Earlier, Omoniyi had told the court that Fatola had destroyed the union between them by frequently sleeping with his concubines in the house she built with her sweat.

According to the court’s ruling, the couple’s marriage was dissolved on account of womanising and irresponsibility on the part of the husband.

Odunade noted that all the “ingredients that could facilitate a lasting relationship’’ were now absent in the marriage, hence the dissolution.

“Fatola has done little or nothing since the last day of adjournment for settlement from the findings of the court.

“The marriage is hereby dissolved.

“Custody of the three children produced by the union is hereby granted to Omoniyi.

“Fatola shall pay a monthly feeding allowance of N4,000 for each of the three children as well as be responsible for their education and welfare,’’ Odunade ruled.

He added that the court went for the option of putting an end to the union in the interest of peace.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that both were, until the dissolution of the marriage, residents of Agodi-Gate in Ibadan.

The estranged wife said: “My lord, Fatola not only womanises, but he also does it by frequently bringing his numerous concubines to the apartment I got with my hard-earned money.

“I caught him times without number doing this.

“In fact, what he is supposed to be using to cater for his children and me is what he has been spending fruitlessly outside.

“He has abandoned his children and me to wallow in penury in addition to his non-involvement in the education of the children.”

However, Fatola, who debunked all the allegations leveled against him, did not object to the dissolution of the loveless marriage.

“It is because Omoniyi no longer loves me that warranted all the allegations she leveled against me and she can now move on.

“I have been to her parents to get the matter resolved, but they were unwilling to listen to me,” Fatola told the court.

She doesn’t recognise me as head of family —Husband The petitioner said she had lost two pregnancies through constant beating by her husband.

She told the court that her husband with whom she had three children in their 14-year-old marriage was a wifebeater.

“My husband always beat me with wire and on two occasions, I bled and lost my pregnancy and after that he gave me money for dilation and curettage.

“He stopped me from working and locked me inside the house and would not allow me to go out, he beat me anytime he saw me outside or a somebody comes to visit me.”

Obasare pleaded with the court to end the marriage, saying she was no longer interested and that the court should order her husband to always grant her access to their children.

But her husband, Ese, 59, a civil servant, denied all the allegations.

He said that his wife did not lose any pregnancy.

“My wife did not lose any pregnancy; she always gave birth to a baby anytime she was pregnant.”

Ese said that his wife always flouted his orders and that he could not take that as head of the family.

“My wife always disobeyed my orders, she is disrespectful, she went out at will and came back at will,” he said.

The respondent said that he did not chase his wife out of his house but that she left on her own.

He told the court to grant his wife’s divorce wish, saying that he too was no longer interested in the union.

The president of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, after listening to the estranged couple, adjourned the case till May 24 for judgment.

31

Scars on my body are wounds from my wife’s constant beatings —Man He is irresponsible —Wife

A 39-year-old food vendor, Mrs Bridget Moses has pleaded with an Alimosho customary court in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos to dissolve her 10-year-old marriage over threat to her life.

“My husband always strangles my neck whenever he is fighting me, there was a day he hanged my neck. ‘’I was dangling but for the quick intervention of our neighbours who rushed into our room to rescue me.

“I was unconscious for 20 minutes before I regained consciousness.

“My husband is an angry man, he beats me up on any slightest provocation,” she said.

The petitioner also described her husband as an irresponsible husband and father.

“My husband is not responsible, he does not care for me or the children, and he does not care whether the children go to school or eat.

“He also owes our landlord threeyear rent; the landlord threw our property out around 9.00 p.m.

“I called my husband to inform him, but when he came, he packed his remaining belongings and left us there, laughing and mocking us.

“He told me that he has the money to pay the rent, but he would not pay because he wanted us to suffer.”

The mother of four said that it was her church that rented another apartment for her and the children.

However, Mr Udoka Moses, 47, labourer, denied all the allegations, saying that he never beat his wife.

According to him, it was his wife that always beat him.

“My wife beats me regularly, all the scars on my body are as a result of her constant beatings,” he said.

The respondent said that his wife had already packed out of the house with the children to an unknown destination before the landlord’s eviction.

“She had moved her things and left my house,” he said.

He said that he used to take good care of his family when he was working, but now he was only a labourer and he was

A 28 year old woman, Folake Alonge, has dragged her husband before an Orile Agege customary court, asking the court to dissolve the union over irreconcilable differences.

She accused her husband of being promiscuous, a night crawler, and also failing to carrying out his marital responsibilities of providing for the house and the upkeep and education of the children.

“I have tried to keep this marriage together but I am tired. He simply does not care about our welfare. As young as I am, my blood pressure is high. The doctor told me to stop stressing myself.

“My husband is the source of my stress. He goes out for days without bothering to know if I or my children have eaten. I do all sorts of menial jobs to cater for my family.

My business has run down because I used the capital to pay school fees. He does not appreciate this and insults me at will,” lamented, Mrs Foluke Alonge, a trader.

still trying his best.

The husband urged the court to grant his wife’s wish, adding that he too was no longer interested in the union.

The court’s president , Alhaja S.O Mumuni, after listening to the estranged couple, adjourned the case till April 19 for judgement.

He calls me harlot in public —Wife ‘She takes calls from different men’ A 40-year-old housewife, Ogunleye Titilayo, on Thursday begged an Ado-Ekiti Customary Court to dissolve her 10-year-old marriage to her husband, Taiwo, for alleged frequent fighting and public assault.

Titilayo also cited lack of care by her husband as the grounds for the dissolution.

The petitioner, who resides in Shepherd Road, Ado-Ekiti, said their fight was mainly because of the maintenance of the only child of the marriage.

She said a fight would always ensue whenever she demanded for the child’s school fees.

The mother of one claimed that her husband had refused to take care of her for the past three years, saying that when he lost his job she did not support him.

Taitilayo said that she left his house because of their incessant fighting, adding that Taiwo had since then refused to give them feeding allowance.

She said that her husband always assaulted her in public, saying that she was a harlot and also threatening to kill her.

She also said their pastor intervened in the matter and her husband said he was no longer interested in the marriage.

She, therefore, prayed the court to dissolve the marriage and award her custody of the four and half-year-old child, Joshua.

But the respondent, Taiwo, 42, a resident of No. 11, Tosin Aluko, Textile, Ado-Ekiti, denied fighting his wife but admitted that they once had a misunderstanding that resulted in a fight.

He claimed that he always gave the petitioner feeding allowance.

Taiwo also said that there was a time he opened a restaurant for her to keep her gainfully busy.

He told the court that after some time, she added the sale of beer to the food business.

The respondent said that his wife would go out to answer or make calls whenever they were at home which got him angry and jealous.

He alleged that she also used his money to feed another man.

My husband has caused me high blood pressure —Trader

He starved me of sex for 3 years!

A sales manager, Mrs Okome Obasare, 41, has pleaded with an Igando customary court in Lagos to terminate her marriage because her husband had denied her sex for three years.

Okome, a mother of three, who accused her husband of infidelity, said that her husband had also barred her from entering his room.

“My husband is dating our church woman leader and he always brings her home to pass the night.

“When he chased me out of his house in 2013, that very day the woman packed in,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted the estranged woman as saying.

“After evicting me from the house, he told my children that I was dead that they would never see me again,” she said.

Saturday Tribune

She also added that being the last child of the family, her husband, Wale is not mature. “He still behaves like a child, running to his mother any time we have an argument. His sisters are also not helping matters. They have abandoned their matrimonial homes and made our house their second home. I can’t breathe without their interference. A few weeks ago, the eldest sister slapped me over a bucket of water she claimed she fetched and I used,” she lamented.

“We got married traditionally and all of our family members were supportive. I am surprised that they are now accusing me of forcing myself on him because I was pregnant,” she added.

Her estranged husband Wale was however not present in court to deny the allegations.

The president of the court, Dr Kayode Whenu adjourned the matter till May 31.

“I was not happy with her, so, I closed the shop but I reopened it when my mother-in-law intervened.”

The president of the court, Mrs Olayinka Akomolede, after hearing from both parties, adjourned the petition till May 4 for judgement.

I will rather stay single than having an irresponsible husband —Nurse I beat her because she does abortions for her clients —Man

A 38-year-old nurse, Victoria Adebayo, has told an Orile Agege customary court that her greatest mistake was her marriage to Adebayo 14 years ago.

Victoria, who resides at No 2, Shittu Street, Orile Agege, urged the court to dissolve her marriage, citing battery and theft.

“My lord, my marriage to Adebayo is the greatest mistake of my life. My husband is a lazy man, he does not want to work and he steals my money.

“He also drinks to stupor and does not go to church, he has a hardened heart.

“I pay all the bills, including the children’s school fees, yet he still he beats me at will. It is better I stay single than having non-functioning husband who beats you habitually, I want a divorce,’’ the mother of two said.

The respondent, who resides at No 2, Anigilaje Street, Alfa Nla, Orile Agege, admitted beating his wife.

“I beat her because of her disobedience and illegal abortions she does for her patients in my house. I drink but not to stupor, I did not steal her money, I only took N1,000 from her money when I wanted to go out.

“I still love my wife, I don’t want dissolution of our marriage,’’ Adebayo said.

The president of the court, Dr Kayode Whenu, told the couple to maintain the peace, and adjourned the case till April 19 for further hearing.

Man,30, docked over rape in Benin City A 30-year-old man, Odion Igiogbe, has been docked before an Egor magistrates’ court in Benin over the alleged rape of a 28-year-old woman.

The prosecutor, C.S.O. Nnamdi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on February. 15, at about 5:30 p.m., at No. 50, Ugbowo Road, in Benin City.

Nnamdi alleged that the accused raped the woman by having unlawful carnal knowledge of her, without her consent.

The prosecutor said that the accused is facing a one-count charge of rape.

He said that the offence contravened Section 358 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 48, Vol. ll, Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria, 1976, as applicable in Edo. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The magistrate, Mr W.E. Aziegbemhin, granted the accused bail in sum of N250, 000 and a surety in like sum.

Aziegbemhin said that the surety must be a worker in any government establishment.

He adjourned the case till April 19, for hearing.

19

9 April 2016

voxpop

Saturday Tribune With Kate Ani

08071080888

anikate92@yahoo.com

What makes her eligible as a

‘take home to mama’?

No man is looking for a saint to take to the altar, yet there are attributes that convince a man he has found the right person to spend the rest of his life with.

KATE ANI samples men’s opinions.

A

Mayowa Daniels LL a man needs is an honest, happy lady who believes in him and sees greatness in him in all conditions; every other thing will fall into place.

Kunle Shobanjo Most ladies mask their real character while playing their card with men. One can’t conclude if she is a ‘take home to mama’ because it always backfires after they get married. I can assure you that until you’re married, you might not be able to predict a lady. As for me, I always believe that God has already destined a woman for me to marry, whether she is good or not so good, I will accept her as my cross to bear.

Idris Khazzim If she is respectful, good- looking , has the fear of God and a good character. For me, those are the fundamentals.

Kehinde Aderibigbe You can trust that a lady desperate for marriage would do anything to be taken home to a man’s parents. This is just to get into your house and once she gets there, she shows her true colours. There are no real signs of a ‘wife or husband material’. When it’s time for marriage, pray and shine your eyes.

Ifeanyi Chiagozie I think a lady should have a minimum of the following five attributes to qualify as a take home to mama’: Humility/conciliatory spirit, submissiveness, truthfulness and tenderness as nobody tolerates a raucous or spiteful woman.

Added to this is abstinence from materialism and covetousness. Also, she should be cordial with my friends, know how to cook and keep the house clean.

Busola Boboye If you need a wife material, you should also be a husband material.

Muyiwa Odeneye She must possess ‘bedmatics’ skills, wash my clothes, tend to me like my mum would always do and always pray for me. It is not important if she is not good-looking as I wouldn’t want to always nurse the fear that a man is lusting after my wife.

I can assure you that until you’re married, you might not be able to predict a lady. As for me, I always believe that God has already destined a woman for me to marry, whether she is good or not so good, I will accept her as my cross to bear.

Muyiwa

Mayowa

Idris

Kehinde

Busola

Ifeanyi

20

Saturday Tribune

9 April, 2016

With Tommy Adegbite 0811 695 4631 tommyabijo@yahoo.com

From left, Kwara State governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed; son of the deceased, Aderemi Adewusi and former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, paying their last respect to the remains of former Inspector General of Police, Chief Sunday Adewusi, at his residence in Ilorin on Wednesday.

Former Sports Minister, Professor Taoheed Adedoja (left) and former FERMA chairman, Engineer Jide Adeniji, at the PDP South-West zonal stakeholders meeting held at the Gaso Hall, Toll Gate, Ibadan. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

The new president, Princess Margaret Bosede Amusan-Ogunnaike, with the immediate past president, Prince Bimbola Makanjuola during the Annual General Meeting of the Ibadan Chambers of Commence, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, held at the Commence House, Ibadan, recently.

specialreport

From left, Joshua Nggada, Lagos Head, Consumer Protection Council (CPC); Adia Sowho, Director, Digital Business, Etisalat Nigeria; Amos Noel, star prize winner, Etisalat Win Big Promo; Otuyemi Otule, Chief Product and Information Officer, Etisalat Nigeria and Bruno Cardoso, West Africa Managing Director, TiMWe ,during the presentation of the keys of a Hundai iS35 car to Noel at the company’s Oriental Office in Lagos on Wednesday.

The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo (right), presenting the staff of office to Chief Yinka Kufile as the Oluwo of Ijemo Kingdom, recently.

How we are surviving these hard times; artisans, traders speak

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10 APRIL, 2016

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Kogi Assembly of crisis: Gov Bello responsible —Dep Majority Leader Leave out the gov —Gov’s aide feature

‘Holding UTME is now like war’

The chairman, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Dr Olatunde Ayeni, addressing the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, during a courtesy visit to the monarch at his palace, recently. Photo: Olayinka Olukoya

Dishonest guys have no

glitz

Why gospel musicians should collect appearance fee

—Bola’tito Ileyemi

—Mike Abdul

Proprietress of Westerville Schools,Pedro,Lagos, Mrs Balogun Y.O. poses with queens of Red House at the school’s annual inter-house sports competition, held recently at Army Sports Centre, Shomolu, Lagos.

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21 foreignfeature

9 April, 2016

Funny side of the Zuma crisis

By Ed Cropley (Reuters)

J

OHANNESBURG (Reuters) - With their economy flatlining, currency on the ropes and politics in turmoil, many South Africans are turning to humor for relief, mainly at the expense of President Jacob Zuma and his $16-million home improvements.

Within minutes of Zuma surviving Tuesday’s heated impeachment vote in parliament thanks to unanimous support from African National Congress (ANC) loyalists, the 73-year-old traditionalist Zulu was facing another roasting on the nation’s irreverent stand-up circuit.

“Jacob Zuma is the dude who just threw up all over the dance floor but still doesn’t want to go home,” comedian Lazola Gola quipped, to roars of laughter at an open mike event at Kitchener’s Bar, a 100-year-old watering hole built in the heyday of Johannesburg’s gold rush.

For comedians, Zuma is the gift that keeps on giving, a politician whose career has run the full gamut of scandal, from a love-child and corruption charges to foot-in-mouth insults of African countries and his belief, expressed during a 2006 rape trial, that having a shower can prevent transmission of HIV/AIDS. However, no episode has surpassed the six-year imbroglio over the “security upgrades” to his sprawling Nkandla private residence that included an amphitheatre, swimming pool, cattle enclosure and chicken run.

Even though South Africa’s top court said last week he had broken the constitution by disobeying a watchdog’s order to pay back some money, Zuma has plowed on, blaming his lawyers for giving bum advice and apologizing for creating “confusion”.

That represented a rare moment of contrition from a leader who has mocked his non-Zulu opponents’ pronunciation of Nkandla - rolling his eyes in parliament and dragging out the main syllable, ‘Nkaaaaaaaandla’ - and has criticized “clever blacks” for getting upset about the issue.

Demonstrating political analysis as sharp as his wit, comedian Mojak Lehoko said Zuma’s ability to ride out the constitutional court smack-down was no surprise.

“This is a man who has survived more than 700 corruption charges and a rape case. There’s no way he’s going to jail over some home improvements and a swimming pool,” he said backstage.

Saturday Tribune

Mad Reality While much of South Africa’s humor inevitably plays on the racial divides that remain two decades after apartheid - particularly between blacks and whites - the ruling ANC party and its leaders, past and present, are also frequent targets.

Nor are there any sacred cows.

In one Lehoko skit mocking the broken manner in which Zuma reads out large numbers in English, he and Mandela are sitting round a fire smoking marijuana, when the anti-apartheid leader accuses Zuma of hogging the joint.

“Come on, Comrade Jacob, you know the rules - two puffs and pass it on,” Mandela says.

“But I’ve only had one...,” Zuma protests.

“Thousand, seven hundred and twenty eight.”

Zuma’s reputation for gaffes - in January his office had to correct his assertion Africa was bigger than all the other continents put together - is even starting to make waves internationally.

South African host of the Daily Show, Trevor Noah, explained to U.S. audiences this week how Zuma was elected in 2009 without ever being formally cleared by a court of hundreds of corruption charges.

“I know, I know, that should have been a red flag to South Africans but ever since apartheid we’ve strived to be color blind, so all we saw was a flag,” Noah said.

Others have taken the view that the politics of the self-styled ‘Rainbow Nation’ have become so bizarre that satire is unable to compete with the real thing.

“April Fools’ Day 2016 canceled till further notice,” the Daily Maverick, a respected online political magazine, wrote on April 1. “We couldn’t come up with anything half as mad as SA reality today.

Sorry.”

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9 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Ahmad Ali al-Mirghani President of Sudan (1986-1989) Sudan Ahmad Ali al-Mirghani, who died in November 2008, was the democratically-elected president of Sudan from May 1986 until he was overthrown by a coup in June 1989 by the current president General Omar al-Bashir. Al-Mirghani belonged to an eminent family that traced its lineage back to the Prophet Muhammad. Following the coup, al-Mirghani sought exile in Egypt, from where he maintained an important role in the opposition Democratic Unionist Party. He remained based in Egypt until his death.

Inside the Mossack Fonseca data Offshore company owned a London apartment Al-Mirghani was the owner of the British Virgin Islands company Orange Star Corporation, created in 1995. That same year, Orange Star Corporation purchased a long lease of an apartment in an expensive area of London north of Hyde Park for more than $600,000 . At the time of al-Mirghani’s death, he held assets through the company worth $2.72 million.

Hosni Mubarak President of Egypt (1981-2011) Relatives in the data: Alaa Mubarak Egypt Alaa Mubarak is a wealthy Egyptian businessman and the eldest son of ousted former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Alaa Mubarak, his brother Gamal and father were detained in April 2011, two months after Hosni Mubarak resigned the presidency in the face of a popular uprising. The men were sentenced in May 2015 to three years in jail for embezzling millions of dollars in state funds intended for the renovation of palaces. A Cairo crimi-

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newsfeature

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HIS week, salacious stories of hidden wealth shook governments and top leaders across the world. Named the Panama Papers, the massive documents exposed the offshore holdings of 12 current and former world leaders and reveal how associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin secretly shuffled as much as $2 billion through banks and shadow companies.

According to the dedicated website of The Papers, the leak also provides details of the hidden financial dealings of 128 more politicians and public officials around the world.

The cache of 11.5 million records shows how a global industry of law firms and big banks sells financial secrecy to politicians, fraudsters and drug traffickers as well as billionaires, celebrities and sports stars.

These are among the findings of a yearlong investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung and more than 100 other news organisations.

The files expose offshore companies controlled by the prime ministers of Iceland and Pakistan, the king of Saudi Arabia and the children of the president of Azerbaijan.

They also include at least 33 people and companies blacklisted by the United States government because of evidence that they’d been involved in wrongdoing, such as doing business with Mexican drug lords, terrorist organisations like Hezbollah or rogue nations like North Korea and Iran.

One of those companies supplied fuel for the aircraft that the Syrian government used to bomb and kill thousands of its own citizens, the US authorities have charged.

“These findings show how deeply ingrained harmful practices and criminality are in the offshore world,” said Gabriel Zucman, an economist at the University of California, Berkeley and author of “The Hidden Wealth of Nations: The Scourge of Tax Havens.”

Zucman, who was briefed on the media partners’ investigation, said the release of the leaked documents should prompt governments to seek “concrete sanctions” against jurisdictions and institutions that peddle offshore secrecy.

World leaders who have embraced anti-corruption platforms feature in the leaked documents. The files reveal offshore companies linked to the family of China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, who has vowed to fight “armies of corruption,” as well as Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who has positioned himself as a reformer in a country shaken by corruption scandals. The files also contain new details of offshore dealings by the late father of British Prime Minister David Cameron, a leader in the push for tax-haven reform.

The leaked data covers nearly 40 years, from 1977 through the end of 2015. It allows a never-before-seen view inside the offshore world — providing a day-to-day, decade-by-decade look at how dark money flows through the global financial system, breeding crime and stripping national treasuries of tax revenues.

The excerpt from the documents below highlights some African leaders who have been mentioned in the scandal.

Saturday Tribune

Jacob Zuma. A mining magnate, Khulubuse Zuma has reportedly enjoyed a lifestyle of cigars and up to 19 collectible cars. In June 2015, a South African court found Zuma liable as chairman in the collapse of a gold mining company that led to more than 5,000 job losses. In court submissions, Zuma denied responsibility for the company’s failure.

Inside the Mossack Fonseca data Offshore firm was accused of questionable oil field deals Zuma was authorized to represent Caprikat Limited, one of two offshore companies that controversially acquired oil fields in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In late summer 2010, as published reports raised questions about the acquisition, British Virgin Islands authorities ordered Mossack Fonseca to provide background information on Zuma, which the law firm had not previously obtained. That same year, Mossack Fonseca decided to end its relationship with the companies. Zuma and representatives of the companies have rejected allegations of wrongdoing and claimed the oil deals are “quite attractive” to the DRC government.

Panama Papers: Black leaders with dark wealth Anti-corruption leaders feature in leaked documents

nal court released Alaa and his brother in October 2015, acknowledging the time they served in jail since their arrests. The brothers still face trial on charges of insider trading. Their father remains in custody in a military hospital.

Inside the Mossack Fonseca data Offshore company triggered investigations by financial authorities Alaa Mubarak owned the British Virgin Islands firm Pan World Investments Inc., managed by Credit Suisse. In 2011, the year in which his father resigned the Egyptian presidency and was arrested along with Alaa and another son, BVI authorities told Mossack Fonseca to freeze Pan World’s assets, an order prompted by a European Union law. In 2013, Mossack Fonseca was fined $37,500 for failing to properly check into Alaa Mubarak, “a high risk customer.” Internally, Mossack Fonseca admitted its procedures were “seriously flawed” as Mubarak hadn’t been identified early enough. Credit Suisse, however, wrote Mossack Fonseca that Pan World’s activities – “one investment with HIG Venture Fund” and a cash account with the bank – did not contravene Switzerland’s freeze on Mubarak’s assets. In 2014, a second BVI agency started investigating Mossack Fonseca and Pan World. Company employees admitted internally that they could be found “in further breaches.” Noting they had “very little control” over Mubarak’s company, they resigned as its agent in April 2015.

Mohammed VI of Morocco King of Morocco (1999-present)

The files reveal offshore companies linked to the family of China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, who has vowed to fight “armies of corruption,” as well as Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who has positioned himself as a reformer in a country shaken by corruption scandals.

Associates in the data: Mounir Majidi Morocco Mounir Majidi, a businessman and entrepreneur with an MBA degree from Pace University in New York, became the personal secretary to the King Mohammed VI of Morocco, in 2000. Two years later, the king appointed Majidi to be head of SIGER, the holding company of Morocco’s royal family with stakes in min-

ing, agricultural and telecommunications businesses. Majidi, as head of the nonprofit association Maroc Cultures, organizes a popular, star-studded annual world music festival, known as Festival Mawazine in Rabat. He also has been the president of a Rabat-based soccer club.

Inside the Mossack Fonseca data British Virgin Islands company was used to purchase luxury 1930s schooner used by Morocco’s king In March 2006, Mounir Majidi received power of attorney privileges for SMCD Limited, which was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands in 2005. In January 2006, SMCD Limited authorized the purchase of a luxury 1930s schooner “Aquarius W” and put Majidi in charge of handling the transaction. After the purchase, the vessel was registered in Morocco. Renamed “El Boughaz I,” the schooner is now owned by King Mohammed VI. SMCD Limited was also used to make a loan for an unknown purpose to a Luxembourg-based company, Logimed Investments Co., Sàrl. SMCD Limited was liquidated in 2013. Majidi was also administrator of a Luxembourg company called Immobiliere Orion S.A., which borrowed $42 million in 2003 from a Mossack Fonseca-incorporated company to buy and renovate a luxury Paris apartment. It is unclear who owned the company that lent the money.

John Agyekum Kufuor President of Ghana (2001-2009) Relatives in the data: John Addo Kufuor Ghana

John Addo Kufuor is the eldest son of Ghana’s former president, John Agyekum Kufuor, who led the country from 2001 to 2009.

A trained accountant, the younger Kufuor has worked in the hotel industry. Throughout 2005, local media in Ghana reported allegations that he gained lucrative government contracts and private sector business deals through paternal connections. An official commission later found no evidence of wrongdoing.

Inside the Mossack Fonseca data His offshore company controlled a $75,000 bank account for Kufour and his mother In early 2001, shortly after the start of his father’s first presidential term, Kufuor appointed Mossack Fonseca to manage The Excel 2000 Trust. Later that year, it controlled a bank account in Panama worth $75,000. His mother - Theresa Kufuor, thenGhana’s first lady - was also a beneficiary. In November 2010, an employee in Mossack Fonseca’s compliance office in the British Virgin Islands suggested to colleagues that “due to the apparent prevalence of corruption surrounding Mr. Kufour we would not recommend us taking him on as a client or continuing business with him.” Mossack Fonseca, however, continued to do business with Kufuor. In 2012, Kufuor asked Mossack Fonseca to close the trust. Files also connected Kufuor with BVI companies Fordiant Ltd and Stamford International Investments Group Limited. Both were registered when Kufuor’s father was president of Ghana and became inactive in 2004 and 2007.

Laurent Gbagbo President of Côte d’Ivoire (2000-2011) Associates in the data: Jean-Claude N’Da Ametchi Côte d’Ivoire Jean-Claude N’Da Ametchi is a banking executive from the Ivory Coast. In April 2011, the European Union sanctioned N’Da Ametchi for allegedly helping to fund the “illegitimate administration” of former president Laurent Gbagbo. Gbagbo oversaw a civil conflict in which 3,000 people were killed when he refused to accept his defeat in the 2010 presidential elections. Gbagbo was arrested in April 2011 and is currently detained by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity. Before Gbagbo’s arrest, his administration nationalized foreign bank subsidiaries that had closed during the political instability. Gbagbo appointed N’Da Ametchi as managing director of BICICI, the International Bank for Trade and Industry. N’Da Ametchi was removed from European sanctions in early 2012.

Inside the Mossack Fonseca data An offshore firm held assets for N’Da Ametchi and a bank account in Monaco Cadley House Ltd. was registered in the Seychelles in 2006. Although the company was at first held through so-called bearer shares, which do not list an offshore company’s owner, emails confirm that the firm belonged to N’Da Ametchi. The company’s purpose was described as “management of personal assets…[and] ownership of a bank account in the Principality of Monaco.” In one 2011 email from N’Da Ametchi to Mossack Fonseca’s Geneva office, the business executive discussed selling assets and the transfer of nearly $5,000.

Although N’Da Ametchi’s financial managers told Mossack Fonseca in 2014 that “the beneficial owner of the company does not wish to maintain his company and wish to terminate it,” the company was still active in 2015. There is no indication from emails whether Mossack Fonseca was aware of the European sanctions.

Jacob Zuma President of South Africa (2009-present) Relatives in the data: Clive Khulubuse Zuma South Africa Clive Khulubuse Zuma is a nephew of South Africa’s president

Lansana Conté President of Guinea (1984-2008) Relatives in the data: Mamadie Touré Guinea Mamadie Touré is the widow of Lansana Conté, the former dictator and president of Guinea. U.S. authorities allege that Touré received $5.3 million in bribes to help a mining company obtain rights to the world’s richest iron ore deposit. In 2014, U.S. authorities raided Touré’s Florida home, seizing properties, restaurant equipment and an ice cream cooler collectively worth more than $1 million.

Inside the Mossack Fonseca data Offshore company timing coincides with disputed award of a mining contract by her late husband Touré was granted the power of attorney to Matinda Partners and Co. Ltd, a British Virgin Islands company, in November 2006. That same year, she began a relationship with a mining company that U.S. authorities alleged had paid her $5.3 million to help it win a disputed mining concession from her husband, then-President Lansana Conté, shortly before he died in late 2008. Investigators said Matinda was a conduit for much of the money paid to Touré. Touré, who is cooperating with U.S. authorities as part of an ongoing probe, has admitted to receiving bribes in order to influence her husband. She used a stand-in shareholder, Beneficence Foundation, and a Swiss company as the foundation’s manager, which reduced public connections between Matinda and Touré. The company ceased to operate on 30 April 2010.

James Ibori Governor of Nigeria’s oil-rich Delta State (1999-2007) Related countries Nigeria James Ibori, governor of Nigeria’s oil-rich Delta State from 1999 to 2007, pleaded guilty in a London court in 2012 to conspiracy to defraud and money laundering offenses. Ibori admitted using his position as governor to corruptly obtain and divert up to $75 million out of Nigeria through a network of offshore companies, although authorities alleged that the total amount he embezzled may have exceeded $250 million. Ibori, who received a 13-year prison sentence, used millions of dollars to support a lavish lifestyle that included six houses in London and a fleet of Range Rovers, Bentleys and Mercedes.

Inside the Mossack Fonseca data Offshore company figured in fraud and money laundering investigation Mossack Fonseca was the registered agent of four offshore companies connected to James Ibori, including Julex Foundation, of which Ibori and family members were beneficiaries.

Julex was the shareholder of Stanhope Investments, a company incorporated in Niue in 2003. Ibori was also connected to Financial Advisory Group Ltd. and Hunglevest Corporation, although Mossack Fonseca’s files do not specify the exact nature of his connection. In 2008, Mossack Fonseca received a request from the Seychelles government to produce documents as part of a probe by the Crown Prosecution Service, England’s principal prosecuting authority, of Ibori and alleged criminal activities. In 2012, Ibori pleaded guilty in a London court to laundering and fraud charges. During court hearings in the United Kingdom, prosecutors claimed that Ibori opened a Swiss bank account in the name of Stanhope Investments through which millions of dollars were later channeled to ultimately buy a $20 million private jet.

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Saturday Tribune

views.com

El-Rufai, the law against preaching and the constitution

By Baba Isa

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NE of the issues on the burner of public discourse is the proposed law by the governor of Kaduna State through an Executive Bill entitled: “A bill for a law to substitute the Kaduna State religious preaching law, 1984” to the Kaduna State House of Assembly for its consideration and passage into law. The bill is now at its committee stage awaiting public hearing and final presentation for its Third Reading.

As usual I didn’t want to comment on this until I got my hand on the bill. I’m very careful not to write on legal issues without first getting my facts straight, more so when it relates to religion. A commentator who is not careful can find himself getting drowned in the cesspool of hot emotions bereft of facts. I have seen the bill. And I have also X-rayed the logos and the potential rhema of this bill.

Let’s not beat around the bush on this bill. Let’s subject some of its sections to constitutional scrutiny and see if it will come out legally healthy. Section 4 of this 15 sections bill establishes the committee of Jama’atu Nasir Islam (JNI) for the Muslims and the Committee of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the Christians and their respective composition. A third body known as the Inter-faith Ministerial Committee was also established to exercise supervisory control over the JNI and CAN Committees.

I submit without any equivocation that section 4 of the proposed law is arrogant and a direct affront on section 10 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. The said section of the constitution prohibits state religion in the following words: “The Government of the Federation or of a state shall not adopt any religion as state religion.” Section 4 of the proposed law contravenes section 10 of the constitution by making Islam and Christianity Kaduna State religion.

By establishing committees of these two religions, the proposed law is ordaining the assumption that Islam and Christianity are the only religions in Kaduna State and ipso facto the Kaduna State religions. This section, to the extent of its inconsistencies with section 10 of the 1999 Constitution, should be null and void.

Section 5 of the proposed law empowers the JNI and CAN Committees to issue licences approved by the ministerial committee which shall not exceed one (1) year to preachers; and a sponsored external preacher shall be issued a permit

for the period of the event that brought him to the state. I wonder if the drafter of this section is aware of section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution states that “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom (either alone or in community with others, and in public or in private) to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.” Please highlight this section, we will come back to it several times.

Section 9 of the proposed Kaduna State Law restricts the playing of all cassettes, CDs, flash drives or any other communication gadgets containing religious recordings from accredited preachers to the following places only: inside one’s house; inside entrance porch; inside the Church; inside the Mosque; and any other designated place of worship.

Section 10 of the proposed law prohibits the use of any cassette containing religious recording in which abusive language is used against any person or religious organisation or religious leaders (past or present).

Section 12 of the proposed law makes it an offence for any person who preaches without a licence; plays a religious cassette or uses a loudspeaker for religious purposes after 8pm in public places; uses a loudspeaker for religious pur-

poses other than inside a Mosque or Church and the surrounding area outside the stipulated prayer times; abuses religious books; incites disturbances of the public peace; abuses or uses any derogatory term in describing any religion; or carries weapons of any description whether concealed or not in places of worship or to any other place with a view to causing religious disturbance.

Any good one finds in the above sections of the proposed law is merely cosmetic and designed to hide the venomous nature of this law. This law is suspicious. When you first hear of a law of this nature, your initial expectation will be that it will seek to regulate the nuisance citizens suffer as a result of others exercising their rights of freedom of worship. But even a cursory look at the sections of the law shows clearly that its main thrust is to regulate proselytisation.

It is pertinent to point out here and now, that no fundamental human right is absolute. So we can’t adumbrate on the fundamental human rights sections of the 1999 Constitution as amended without shedding our searchlight on section 45 of the said constitution. Section 45 states that: “(1) Nothing in sections 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41 of this Constitution shall invalidate any law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society- (a) in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or (b) for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons.”

So here comes the big question. Can the proposed Kaduna State Preaching Law be said to be reasonable justifiable in a democratic society? Can the said law be said to be in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health? Or can it be said to be for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons? I submit that the answer is a resounding no. And I challenge anyone who believes otherwise to show me one section of the Bill that substantiates his belief.

And as for those who are toying with the unworkable idea of using the instruments and apparatuses of democracy to curtail the exercise of religious freedom, know that you will fail. Religion does not bow in the face of force or violence, it flourishes.

This is our Hosanna.

Isa, a legal practitioner, sent this article from Abuja. meandisa@gmail.com

Gen Oladipo Diya at 72: Icon of purposeful leadership

By Martin Ikhilae THE essence of leadership is constructive engagement of human energy, skills and natural resources; not only for quality living of all sundry in contemporary society, but equally for preservation of values and natural resources that would make life worth living for generations unborn. Leaders are celebrated not for the quantum of their earthly material possessions they acquired (legitimately or illegitimately) but for impactful and mostly sacrificial decisions, policy thrusts and actions that added value to the collective fortune of their followers.

This is where the Mobutu Sesekos, the Marcos, the Mubaraks of this world missed it. Hugo Chavez of Venezuela became venerated in death by the majority of Venezuelans, not necessarily because of his publicised hatred of American imperialism, neither is it because of his avowed socialistic ideological persuasion. Hugo Chavez became a hero for the principal reason that he utilised Venezuela oil wealth for the benefit of majority of Venezuelans. Indeed, Nigerian First Republic leaders (Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, Nnamidi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo) continued to be celebrated because they were leaders who governed with posterity in mind. It is within this purview that one can situate General Oladipo Diya’s foray in governance.

General Oladipo Diya (retd) belonged to the exclusive class of the Nigerian leaders who had distinguished professional career and held very high political offices without compromising their personal moral ideals and principles.

General Diya, by any definition, is a tested leader. He has been opportune to serve as a state governor, GOC of a Division in the Nigerian Army, a Commandant of the UN Peace Keeping Contingent in Lebanon, Chief of Defence Staff of the entire armed forces of Nigeria and eventually Chief of General Staff (military vice-president of Nigeria).

What is instructive for our present discourse is that Gen Diya has never been accused (even once) of using his public office for any corrupt practice. Also, by accident of history General Diya has been used to preserve the corporate existence of Nigeria on more than one occasion.

It is very apposite here to emphasis the fact that integrity is a very rare virtue among Nigerian leaders, not because they are decidedly bad. Social pressure, peerage influence and lack of institutionalised accountability are the major reasons for character failure within the Nigerian leadership. It is only leaders with extraordinary self-discipline and sense of personal mission that could make the difference in leadership. These are the very virtues that General Diya exhibited in his sojourn in public offices. In a nutshell, General Oladipo Diya’s public life is characterised by sacrificial, proactive, visionary and public-spirited leadership.

Permit me to explain. The cardinal principle that informed General Diya’s leadership is sacrificial leadership.

For General Diya, leadership entails personal sacrifice.

A leader must be dead to personal and family inordinate desires and associated social and peerage pressures.

Leaders are confronted with several opportunities for self-enrichment and personal aggrandizement at public expense. Most often, the opportunities are seemingly harmless but ultimately, public interests will suffer as a result. It was General Oladipo Diya’s personal choice and decision never to award contracts to himself and/or family members under any disguise or fictitious name.

General Oladipo Diya (retd) belonged to extremely few numbers of people who held high political offices in Nigeria without using the offices for personal ends. This explains why in spite of diabolical intentions of some people, General Diya has never for once been indicted (privately or publicly) for award of any contract or for

selling public property(ies) to himself or his immediate and extended family members.

Second, General Diya anchored his style in public office on vision and proactive leadership. An example will suffice here. General Diya’s tenure as the governor of Ogun State in the 1980s set the precedents that subsequent regimes in Ogun State built upon. The Ogun State Property Investment Corporation (OPIC), the major corporation responsible for physical development of Ogun State is a creation of General Diya’s regime in Ogun State. Up till today, three decades after General Diya left Ogun State, the government and people of Ogun State are no longer hosting the infamous ostentatious night party in Ogun State. This was another initiative of General Diya. It is also an acknowledged fact that nobody fought the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) better than General Diya, then a colonel, during the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari in the 1980s.

Third, General Diya is public-spirited. The principal motivation for policy thrusts embarked upon by General Diya in public office is his desire to make life more meaningful, enjoyable and liveable for ordinary Nigerians. He is a man committed to the good of his fellow human beings. During the inglorious phantom coup of 1997, it was a known fact that General Diya did everything to protect all the officers, even when the officers were part of the plot to eliminate General Diya due to his principle position that Nigeria should be ruled on the principles of fairness, justice and equity.

As General Oladipo Diya celebrated God’s faithfulness for making him to witness his 72nd birthday on April 3, 2016 in good health, I join millions of other Nigerians to wish him many more fruitful and eventful years in the service of humanity.

Oluranti Afowowe, rantiafowowe@gmail.com

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Saturday Tribune

style

Saturday Tribune With Kate Ani 08071080888 anikate92@yahoo.com

Yeezy vibes: The new streetstyle

Tinuola Ayanniyi tayanniyi@yahoo.com 08055069379

Do-it-yourself

Hoop earring

What you need

Agatha Ashiofu

Ashleigh Hutchinson

M

ULTIPLE Grammy Award winning rap mega superstar, Kanye West shook the fashion industry early last year with his Yeezy Fall 2015 Ready To Wear (RTW) collection. The collection which mainly comprised forest green on green outfits like ripped jeans, bomber jackets, slacks, hooded sweatshirts and homeless tee shirts, has inspired a new street wear fashion trend.

Due to the much publicity and controversy that followed the unveiling of the collection at the Paris Fashion Week, fashionistas are now seemingly obsessed with the street style green on green trend, which is the rappers’ signature style. Popularly known as the Yeezy (Kanye’s nickname) vibes, you can’t go wrong wearing a colour infamously associated with envy.

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Fisayo Longe Kim Kardashian

Directions Tosha Eason

Kanye West

My skin tends to be very dry —LupitaNyong’o Oscar winner, Lupita Nyong’o is making her mark in the industry. Also a beauty icon, the Lancome spokeswoman shared her beauty regimen and tricks in interviews with Harper’s Bazaar and Elle Magazine.

So on those dress-down days, do you wear makeup?

Yes, I’ll do defined brows and natural eye shadow and then I put on a plum blush, which gives my cheeks a healthy look. On dark skin, it’s easy for blush to be too obvious. And I love lip balm because you can just grab it and go.

What do you love about having short hair?

It’s easy. As a teen, my hair caused me so much anxiety. When I wasn’t happy with how my hair looked, I’d spend recess in the bathroom because I was so embarrassed.

Tell us about your skin-care regimen.

My skin tends to be very dry, so I use avocado oil to take off my makeup, which helps keep my face moisturized. Then I use a light cleanser, eye cream, and Lancôme serum, which I love because you can dab it on top of makeup too.

Your skin beauty secret One beauty secret my mother taught me is to wear lotion. I use a lot of coconut oil and shea butter.

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9 April, 2016

outofthisworld

Saturday Tribune WITH FEMI OSINUSI

osfem2@yahoo.com 08055069292

This African monarch is a mechanic in Germany, rules his kingdom via Skype

The king working under a vehicle.

King Bansah in his full regalia.

H

During his wedding in Germany in 2000.

The king working on a vehicle.

E is an African king who leads two very contrasting lives — as a ruler of his kingdom and also as a mechanic in Germany.

The traditional ruler is Cephas Bansah who rules over more than two million Ewe people found in both Ghana and Togo.

However, despite being regarded as the spiritual head of the Ewe people, he also works as a fulltime mechanic in Germany, ruling his people through Skype.

According to Daily Mail of UK, the 62-year-old monarch moved to Germany in 1970, got married to a German lady in 2000 and became king in 1987 following the death of his grandfather who was the king.

He currently lives in Ludwizgshafen, Germany with his wife and two children where he also has his mechanic workshop. Reports said despite governing his people via Skype, he also visits his kingdom up to eight times in a year.

His full title is ‘King Togbe Ngoryifia Cephas Kosi Bansah.’

With his wife and two children.

The king in his regalia at his workshop.

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9 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

with Tunde Ayanda ayandaayotunde@yahoo.com 08034649018

Merry as OGD clocks 60 F

ORMER governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel is a happy man.

The reason behind the politician’s joy is linked to his birthday celebration as he clocked 60 years last Wednesday.

The ex-governor, who claimed he had gone back to his first love which is engineering, still enjoys some goodwill judging from the number of people that trooped to his Sagamu home to celebrate with him.

The governor’s home wore a colourful look as his friends, associates, family and admirers joined him in thanking the Lord for sparing him to see the day.

The celebration did not end at his Sagamu home as close friends of the politician plan to host him tomorrow to a grand celebration at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

Otunba Gbenga Daniel is a man known for his high taste in clothing and his choice of cars as well as hosting classy parties whenever he celebrates.

Mo Abudu, Charles Aigbe, Uche Nnaji Rock OnoBello.com release party THE roof-top of the Mason Fahrenheit in Victoria Island, Lagos recently witnessed the attendance of some Nigerian celebrities who attended the OnoBello. com cover and editorial shoot release party.

The gathering was aimed at creating awareness on the new direction of the digital magazine where inspiring celebrities and personalities will be featured in its cover and monthly editorial

shoots The event was guided by difThe classy evening of style was attended by top ferent interesting activities media gurus, entrepreneurs, celebrities, socialites and a presentation of premiere and fashion lovers such as Mo Abudu, Charles Aig- designer handbags and leathbe, VimbaiMuntiri, Adebola Williams, Bisola Kola- er goods by online retailer, Daisi, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Tewa Onasanya, Nikky Swank.

Ogbuefi, Uche Nnaji, Munachi Abi, Waje and a lot of others.

Guests were treated to Maison Fahrenheit’s signature canapes while they also had a taste of the first-ever champagne served on ACCORDING to many, Monday seems ice known as Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial to be an unusual day for celebration, and exotic cocktails from Belvedere. but for the chairman of Skye Bank, Mr

Monday soiree for Tunde Ayeni

Chris Ubosi drifts to London THE CEO of foremost entertainment radio, Beat FM, Chris Ubosi

has extended the arms of his business to the United Kingdom with the recent change of the London first urban community radio station, Bang Radio to the Beat London 103.6 FM on Easter Monday.

The Beat London which will be led by Ivor Etienne, a broadcast executive and presenter who has worked with the finest broadcasters and producers is recognised for having catapulted Britain’s first Black Music radio station, Choice FM into the mainstream arena.

Chris Ubosi revealed he is excited to expand the Beat FM’s passion to develop music talents and the energy of young people from Africa to the world, beginning with the United Kingdom.

The Beat London will continue to fly the flag for British youth culture and music as the award-winning BANG Radio has done for over 10 years.

Tunde Ayeni, Monday, 4th of April, 2016 was dedicated to an evening of undiluted fun as he marked his 50th birthday.

The venue for the celebration was the GRA, Ikeja Lagos home of the billionaire and it was an affair strictly for his friends.

The merriment was limited within his compound and the only signal of the celebration was the sound of music oozing out from the mansion where sternlooking security men manned the gate.

Many who thought the businessman would roll out the drums to celebrate his attainment of the golden age were disappointed as he chose to limit the ceremony to the confinement of his house.

A lot of reasons were attached to his decision to celebrate a low key birthday, the prevailing economic situation in the

country tops the category of reasons.

MrAyeni has huge interests in Banking and Real Estate with many connected friends in every part of the world.

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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

Court grants Ibinabo Fiberesima bail —P33

I’m not

ruling out remarriage — Iyabo Ojo

Tonto Dike quits DB Records —P32

Olamide introduces “WhoYouEpp” competition —P33

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9 April, 2016

‘Entertainment is the only thing that projects Nigeria positively on global map’ Continued from pg2

Sunday and I don’t like dragging or begging, and I left it, so I took it to Abuja and then everybody came to Abuja, I later shifted to Lagos and they followed me to London too, I set the pace and they follow, I have decided to make it bigger and God will help us to change the face of entertainment in Nigeria and in Africa as a whole.

You seem darker, what happened?

I had a brain surgery and received healing and I’m here with you. Brain surgery is like a car which had its engine knocked and this was what God did for me. I never knew that I had tumours, I just noticed that I was going down and before you know it, blogs will begin to live your life for you and that is why I have decided not to call myself a celebrity, I am a sky and stars perch on the sky.

You worked with upcoming comedians and not Alist, in your last show — ‘Life as I see it’, is it deliberate?

The A-list must not be on every list and in every show,. I’m trying to grow a whole new generation of comedians, we have so many talents which we are yet to celebrate, so the little I can do is develop people and give them a platform and that is what I have been doing, Eighty percent of the comedians you see today passed through my platform and I was the first to start paying my fellow comedians, no matter how little. Cool FM, Dan Fostar, Chirs Ubosi, DAAR Communications, NTA, Bisi Olatilo Show, and a lot of people have always shown me love and support and I appreciate them.

When ‘Crack your ribs’ clocked 10, I gave an award to Arik Air, Ben TV, Nollywood. My friend whom I started ‘Crack your ribs’ with was also honoured, so when God blesses you, never forget those who started the journey with you.

How do you feel when people steal your jokes?

I tell you what, I really don’t know, there was a time I went to Belgium and was about to lodge in a hotel. I met Aki and Pawpaw there as they were also trying to get a room because they stay together and the receptionist said children were not allowed to stay together in a room, and she told me, ‘you, their father, should stay with them’, but I said ‘who is their father?’

Do you know I was in my sitting room and a comedian in Warri replicated the same joke and told the audience that when he went to Belgium, the same thing happened to him. I was shocked, how can the joke be so colourful that you say it word for word, but it happens.

How do you know the difference between joke and real life talk?

Well, that was how I started the ‘Jokes apart’ show in the university, but one thing with me is that, when I say the word ‘seriously,’ my close friends know I mean business, but real life situations make the best of jokes.

I met Aki and Pawpaw there as they were also trying to get a room because they stay together and the receptionist said children were not allowed to stay together in a room, and she told me, ‘you, their father, should stay with them’, but I said ‘who is their father?’

You recently opened a christian nightclub, what is it about?

Christian Entertainers Fellowship is the fellowship which God led me to start.

Christians do not have any alternative other than God and that is what scares most christians from coming closer to God. When people begin to tell you to move closer to God, you begin to miss going to the club, so I thought, for someone who is an entertainer, there should be alternatives. I heard a lot of people talking about it and I just knew that was the devil manipulating people, but we would be very entertaining too, and play the very appropriate music.

Saturday Tribune

32 entertainment

Reminisce, Vector, others for D’Good D’Bash &D’Funny concert

RAPPER Reminisce and Vector are some of the talented acts that will be igniting the maiden edition of the D’Good, D’Bash and D’Funny concert in Lagos as spearheaded by comedian Hammed Basheer, popularly known as Bash. The concert will be produced by Bunmi Davies.

According to Bash, the maiden edition of the concert in Lagos is expected to be worthy of the ticket as it is expected to be the first of its kind of any comedy show. “I am bringing a lot to that event, raw talent will be showcased and there is also a surprise design for the show; I am putting my all in this and I am very sure, it will come out well,” he said.

Also expected to perform at the show include 9ice, Adekunle Gold, Olamide, GT Guitarman, TerryG, Falz and Raw, while rib-cracking jokes will be delivered by Bovi, Ali Baba, Klint D’ Drunk, Okey Bakassi, Seyi Law, Gordon, Koffi, Lolo, Julius Agwu, Akpororo, Yaw, Koffi, Jedi and others.

The event will equally be witnessing special appearances by some of Nollywood actors like Mercy AigbeGentry, Odunlade Adekola and Funke Akindele.

The event is billed to hold on June 5 at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

9 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

I’m not ruling out remarriage —Iyabo Ojo Stories By Joan Omionawele STAR Yoruba actress, Iyabo Ojo, has stated that marriage is not completely a no-go area for her.

The actress who recently released her latest flick, ‘Black Val’, told Saturday Tribune that she is in love and will love to settle down again, especially now that her kids are grown.

Accroding to Iyabo Ojo, “Well, we never can say, I’m not someone who insists on marriage and says I must marry, I must marry.

If it comes, fine, I have a man that I am dating, I am okay with him and I love him, it might lead to marriage, fine and if it doesn’t, I’m okay with him, I leave everything in the hands of God because God is the

only thing that can lead me on that path.”

Also speaking on how she handles motherhood, acting, alongside the fashion business, she said, “my kids are grown already, my son is studying in America and my daughter is 17, she is almost through with secondary school, I had my kids when I was young and they are w e l l m a n nered, so I try to balance everything, by giving them time whenever I am not on set’’.

IK Osakioduwa, Stephanie Coker named as The Voice Nigeria hosts POPULAR Nigerian presenter Osakioduwa and on-air TV personality Stephanie Coker have been announced as the presenters for M-Net/Africa Magic The Voice Nigeria, by Airtel, in association with Coca Cola. The Voice Nigeria will begin airing on 10 April, on Africa Magic Showcase Channel 151 and Africa Magic Urban Channel 153, Sundays at 8:00pm CAT. As host, Ik will connect the contestants and coaches with the audience, while Stephanie will spark up social media engagement. Her key role will be to engage with viewers and talents in the show, as the fans at home send in live tweets and messages during the live shows.

A great way to catch

up with The Voice Nigeria is through the recently launched; “The Voice Nigeria” social media application, which can be downloaded on the iOS and Google Play stores. The Voice Nigeria App grants access to videos, news, weekly games and more as the show progresses.

Speaking on this new development, the Regional Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu

Tonto Dikeh quits DB Records NOLLYWOOD actress, Tonto Dikeh has revealed the reason she left DB Records, which is headed by popular musician, Dbanj.

According to the actress who ventured into music in October 2012 with the release of her controversial singles, Hi and Itz Ova, in an interview with Golden Icons, “No, I’m no longer with DB Records’.

D’banj is a very sweet person. I think he’s one of

the best people I’ve known on earth and that’s no joke. I love him so much as my brother, but we couldn’t work it out business wise.”

She, however, stated that she’ll remain under her entertainment company called ‘Poko Entertainment’.

“I do have an entertainment company called Poko Entertainment, and I really want to kick-start it after I take care of my baby for a little while,” she said.

Woody Allen’s Café Society to open Film de Cannes

said: “We are very excited to be bringing The Voice Nigeria to your screens.

The show holds a lot of potential for the discovery of new musical talents and also promises to be an exhilarating ride, as we kick off with our amazing presenters. We have no doubt that the next great talents, who will do Nigeria proud, are about to be discovered.”

Since its original launch in 2010, The Voice has won audiences in countries like the US, Australia, South Africa and the UK, where other renowned artistes have occupied the show’s famous red chairs as coaches. The Voice Nigeria employs the same format, including two presenters playing separate roles. The presenters will work as a bridge connecting all active angles of the show.

THE 69th Festival International du Film de Cannes will launch with a screening of Woody Allen’s new film,Café Society, on Wednesday, May 11 in the Palais des Festivals’s Grand Théâtre Lumière as an official selection out of competition title.

It’s a record-breaking coup for the New York director who has already opened the Festival twice in 2002 with Hollywood Ending, and again in 2011 with Midnight in Paris.

The film tells the story of a young man who arrives in Hollywood during the 1930s hoping to work in the film industry, falls in love, and finds himself swept up in the vibrant café society that defined the spirit of the age.

Café Society features two rising stars from Hollywood’s up-and-coming generation, Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg alongside a stellar cast of acclaimed actors including Blake Lively, Parker Posey and Steve Carell. Stewart climbed the Red Carpet Steps at Cannes in 2012 for On the Road by Walter

Salles and then in 2014 for Olivier Assayas’s Clouds of Sils Maria, which earned her a César. Jesse Eisenberg starred in Louder than Bombs by Joachim Trier, In Competition last year.

Woody Allen also joined forces with Vittorio Storaro for the film. The eminent director of photography was a member of the Feature Film jury in 1991 and is a three-time Oscar winner for Apocalypse Now by Francis Ford Coppola in 1980, Reds by Warren Beatty in 1982, and The Last Emperor by Bernardo Bertolucci in 1988.

From Manhattan in 1979 to Irrational Man in 2015, this will be the fourteenth out of competition selection at Cannes for the American director, screenwriter, actor, writer and comedian.

Woody Allen was born in New York on 1 December 1935 into a Jewish family of Russian-Austrian descent.

A prolific filmmaker for the past forty years, directing virtually a film a year since the 1970s, he is also a jazz clarinettist.

33 entertainment

9 April, 2016

Forbes Africa to launch first global tv platform with Peace Hyde Stories By Joan Omionawele and Newton-Ray Ukwuoma eading business magazine, Forbes Africa is set to launch the first global TV platform, Forbes Africa TV. The publication is the sixteenth local-language edition of the highly successful FORBES magazine—renowned for exploiting various matters, as well as its many lists based on the levels of global wealth and power, offering topics such as “The World’s Most Powerful People”, “Global High Performers,” and “The World’s billionaires”.

This year marks yet another milestone in the life of the publication which is the number 1 monthly read magazine amongst Africa’s affluent according to the Ipsos EMS Survey.

Forbes Africa is launching its first ever TV platform with flagship show “My Worst Day”, anchored by awardwinning Forbes Africa and Forbes Woman correspondent, Peace Hyde. The show brings the unique Forbes journalistic style and glitz to the silver screen and focuses on the most challenging day

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Peace Hyde

in the lives of some of the most successful and enterprising business leaders of our time.

My Worst Day features Africa’s business powerhouse’s in a way never seen before.

“You always hear about the success stories of Africa’s biggest mogul’s but this is the first time we find out the darkest days in business for some of the most successful industry leaders and how they overcame it. My Worst Day is a message to all young entrepreneurs that no matter what challenges you are facing in business today, if these captain of industries were able to overcome some of the most remarkable challenges, then with the right focus and determination all young entrepreneurs can too,” says Peace Hyde.

The show will air on the CNBC Africa platform which provides a unique blend of international and African business and economic content making it essential viewing for the African investor and business person with a total distribution to over 5 million homes on the DStv platform. The pan-African show is set to have its global release across the continent. The show is in partnership with financial giant Zenith Bank.

Ibinabo Fiberesima granted bail

Lil Kesh dissociates self from social media impersonators YBNL Nation’s star, Lil Kesh, has distanced himself from a Blackbery messenger account allegedly used to defraud his fans.

He advised fans to beware of impersonators posing as him on social media.

Speaking during an interview on Top Radio, Kesh said that he is not currently on Blackberry Messenger (BBM) and does not have an official Facebook page, stating that he can be reached only on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

Lil Kesh is currently on a media tour to promote his album titled Young And Getting It (#YAGI), which was released on iTunes in the early hours of Thursday, 17 March, 2016. The release followed a sensational performance at industry night where he held the official listening party for the album.

Saturday Tribune

Nollywood actress, Ibinabo Fiberesima has been granted a bail of two million naira but with stringent conditions.

Saturday Tribune gathered that the court ordered Ibinabo to present two sureties in like sum residing within the jurisdiction of the court, and they must both be property owners in Lagos State.

When Saturday Tribune reached out to the actress’s management to confirm the story, a lady who picked up Ibinabo’s phone said: “Yes, it’s true, she has been granted bail,” and when she was asked who she was, she said, I’m neither her manager nor sibling, but you can address me as one of her daughters. Please we are trying to sort things out” while hanging up the phone.

Saturday Tribune also gathered that the bail is pending the decision of the Supreme Court which will sit at an unannounced date, while the actress’s team is working on her bail terms to secure her release.

Olamide, Notjustok commence #WhoYouEpp competition Indigenous rapper and YBNL boss, Olamide Adedeji, simply known as Olamide, has joined hands with music website, notjustOk.com, to give back to society by helping up-andcoming artistes through a new talent contest tagged: Olamide #WhoYouEpp Competition.

Olamide, whose latest single, Who You Epp has been gaining critical appraisal, has decided to use the track for the competition.

After asking the question #WhoYouEpp, Olamide will help (Epp) the winner of the #WhoYouEpp competition with a free collaboration,

a free beat/instrumental (paid for by Olamide) and a free video shot by the highlyrated Mr. Moe Musa.

Participants will be required to record a freestyle over the “free” 16-bars on Olamide’s “WhoYouEpp?” song, which can be gotten on NotJustOk website, after which they will upload their recording. Top ten entries will make it to the semi-final stage where the winner will emerge through voting.

All entries will be accepted latest on 15th April, 2016.

Meanwhile Who You Epp features indigenous Igbo rapper, Phyno in its first release.

Sound Sultan, Tilla, Que Peller, others rock Industry Night Last week, all roads led to spice route this time, Aquila Records artiste, Tilla, Base One and Que Peller brought their A-game to the industry night which held on Wednesday, March 30, 2016.

The event, which began by 11pm, kicked off with performances from up-andcoming artistes like Yung Ace, Fefe, Avala, Beverly and many others who came to thrill the audience to good music.

When the Aquila Soldiers took to the stage, the crowd was amazed by their performance. The chairman of Aquila Groups, Sir Shina Peller was spotted at the event, with other impor-

tant guests like, Bizzle, Asa Asika and A-list artists like Sound Sultan, Special, Vector, Mr2Kay, Sexy Steel, LAX, Mr MayD, Orezi, Kayswitch, CDQ, Master Kraft

and many others.

The night was a stepping stone to the growth of the artistes and a lot is expected from the Aquila Records trio as the days go by.

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9 April, 2016

The South-West Editor Wole Efunnuga | 08111813056

Saturday Tribune crew sari n Tu de B9u3530 081275 ndare nga - Ogu Yejide G8b1e16706853 0 unesan Tunde O9g54634 08116

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

When Sultan of Sokoto commissioned Oluwo’s palace Regular visits of very eminent Nigerians to Iwo, Osun State appear to have opened up the ancient town to more opportunities with the recent call of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar. TUNDE BUSARI reports

The palace

T

he Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar could not have had a more memorable hospitality hundreds of kilometers away from his caliphate.

He recently saw true love in Iwo residents who trooped out in large number to catch a glimpse of the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

A motor ride with the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdu Rasheed Akanbi round the town saw the Sultan nodding his turbaned head in happiness and indeed satisfaction of the excited people in love with their traditional ruler.

Sultan Abubakar could have ridden in a bullet proof vehicle provided for the sightseeing. He, however, settled for the Oluwo’s car to have a natural feel of the people who also did not allow the opportunity of seeing the Sultan escape their sight.

From one street to another, they were waving and jumping and cheering the two monarchs who were responding with smooth smile.

Though a Yoruba town, Iwo is reputed for its very strong bond with Islamic faith. Islam is almost a sole religion in the town save for the presence of Baptist Christian denomination in the town.

Saturday Tribune gathered that a 15th Century Oluwo voluntarily accepted Islam and facilitated its spread to every family, hence the raising of many Islamic scholars from the town.

Sultan Abubakar’s visit on March 27, 2016 followed an invitation by the Oluwo, Oba Abdul Rasheed Akanbi, (Telu I) who believed the Sultan, because of his spiritual connection to his town, deserved the honour of commissioning his newly upgraded palace.

The Palace which Oba Akanbi met on ascending the throne on November 16, 2015, in the words of the Eesa of Iwoland, Chief Yinus Orobinpe, was an ‘eyesore’.

It was a place inhabitable even for a commoner, let alone the traditional head of a cosmopolitan town as Iwo. The disappointing situation made the total rehabilitation of the palace not less inevitable and one of the early projects carried out by the Oluwo.

Going by the background of the monarch as

a Canadian citizen not given to filthy environment, nothing is more befitting his town than a magnificent palace fitted with the state-ofthe-art facilities, which must attract the aristocratic class of the society as well as foreign investors.

He explained that his vision to bring foreign investors, especially from the North America to the town would end up in mere cosmetic talks were his palace remained in its former state of squalor.

The palace of a town, he maintained, gives first impression to important first time visitors, adding that the royal residence must be appealing to sight and an attraction to guests.

Oba Akanbi said it was against that backdrop that he did not spare any amount required in putting the palace in its current shape.

“It is a multi-million naira project. In fact, work is still ongoing because it must be a continuous thing. I also gave a special consideration to the burial site of the past Oluwo and the place is wearing a good look now within the premises.

“This means when I also leave, same honour will be given to me. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola recently named the state university after the late Chief Bola Ige to honour him. This is commendable and my own reason of rehabilitating the tomb of my predecessors.

“I am very happy that the Sultan honoured my invitation and I must also thank those who also assisted in making the event a success. It is a significant and memorable one in the history of the town. I was particularly delighted when the Sultan was asking about when he took me to put the palace together,” he said.

Notable among the dignitaries in the entourage of the Sultan included former Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, Former Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Lai Olorode. Prof Abubakar, Alhaji SO Babalola, Dr Kamil Oloso among others.

The Sultan used a proverbial stone to kill two birds when he also commissioned the Central Mosque of Wings Schools in the town where he preached love and peace among Muslims.

Wings School is owned by a son of the soil in person of Professor Olorode, who has since identified with the blueprint of the Oluwo.

He also passionately appealed to the Islamic

faithful to make the religion attractive to the non -Muslims, saying doing so would ensure a Oluwo p e a c e f u l Sultan and society devoid of suspicion.

“More efforts are needed to promote Islam in this part of the world. Islam should not be held responsible for Muslims’ actions.

Muslims should love their neighbours, irrespective of political or religion differences,” he said.

The Oluwo, who, like the large audience, listened to his guest with rapt attention, was in the same page with the Sultan, also preaching love among Muslims.

Oba Akanbi went further by advising Islamic scholars to desist from actions and words that misrepresent the tenet of Islam.

Telu I said contrary to certain misconception, aided by the scholars, Islamic religion abhors violence in whatever form.

He, thus, urged the scholars to emphasize more on verses which preach love and peace rather those dwelling on harsh punishment.

Living up to his trademark as an outspoken monarch always hitting the nail on the head, the Oluwo admonished his fellow traditional rulers not to derail from the path laid down by their creator.

By the virtue of their calling, Oba Akanbi said, the scholars are positioned to win more converts rather than losing Muslims to other faiths.

“Unfortunately, they are scaring people and even making Muslim born to embrace other religion. They should be seen more from the perspective of love than hostility because Islam itself means peace.

“Have they probed into why God in his wisdom decided to make more prophets from the Jews than the Arab? Only Prophet Ismaeel and Muhammed came from Arab, other prophets were raised among the Jews.

It is high time our scholars realized this and bring in more people to Islam,” he advised.

Living up to his trademark as an outspoken monarch always hitting the nail on the head, the Oluwo admonished his fellow traditional rulers not to derail from the path laid down by their creator.

He frowned at the practice of flirting with belief system, which, according to him, is not in consonance with God, affirming the supremacy of God as the creator of man, heaven and earth.

Traditional rulers, Oba Akanbi further said, are representatives of God on earth because it is God who chooses his representatives.

“Therefore, it is not right for us to be bowing down for any other god. We should not be running to any other god because the God we have is enough a source of whatever we want to become,” he said.

As part of the innovation the Oluwo is bringing to the town, what is called clothing and food bank has been opened. It is designed to afford kind hearted one to drop their widow’s mite for the needy.

“Whoever has food, cloth and other useful items can bring them and drop same inside the bank. I have set the ball rolling by dropping some of my personal items. The needy also deserve to enjoy certain comfort of life,” Oba Akanbi explained.

35

achievers

Nigerian visual artist, Laolu Senbanjo, backed by NIKE

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AOLU SENBANJO is one of the numerous Nigerian artists blazing the trail and gaining recognition by reputable companies outside the shores of their countries. From growing up in Ilorin to serving his country, under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in Abuja and travelling to New York city, he never gave up on his dreams of becoming great and being a source of inspiration to others. Despite the fact that his first exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria was futile, as he didn’t sell a single art work, he never stopped dreaming and working hard towards his dream.

His success story of striking gold with the famous sports company did not happen overnight, he was faced with challenges that were pressing that he almost threw in the towel. Speaking with a Nigerian blog, he said, “There have been a lot of ups and downs. Several times I almost quit doing art because it’s not easy. You have to make sacrifices and sometimes those aren’t easy.”

For Senbanjo, getting to work with Nike and been selected as Master of Air is more than a dream come true, it seems like h e

9 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

With Ronke Sanya (Winner, NMMA Innovative Reporter of the Year 2015) 07036050161 | sanyaaderonke@gmail.com

& Oyeyemi Okunlade | 08056834515 | ojeleyeoyeyemi@yahoo.com

RONKE SANYA writes about the rise to stardom story of a lawyer-turned-artist, Laolu Senbanjo, whose childhood dream of becoming great came true, through an endorsement by renowned American sportswear company, Nike, in New York. stepped into his destiny. While he was a kid he had always dreamed of growing up to become someone relevant to the society.

Part of his childhood dreams was to grow up to draw comics for companies like Marvel and DC, however, he ended up with reputable sportswear company, Nike. Explaining how he struck the deal with Nike, he said, “Nike actually called me one day when I was out. I picked the call and I didn’t know think it was real. Later, I found out that they had been following me for a while now and had already vetted me long before they called me.”

Senbanjo’s unique arts are inspired by Afromysterics.

He draws inspiration from his Yoruba heritage and global travels. His style of

I am making my dreams a reality.

This is my ayanmo (a Yoruba word for ‘destiny’).

Create your destiny. Let it be your inspiration.

Just do it!

art which developed over the years, with its roots connected to his African-Nigerian heritage, he says, “I’m Yoruba and my culture impacts my art.”

Most of the things he draws have a lot to do with African themes and his motifs are inspired by his Yoruba culture, hence the name, Afromysterics. He coined the name Afromysterics in 2007 and it means “the mystery of the African thought pattern.” This unique style by Senbanjo which is also called Afrofuturism informed Nike’s decision to make him a Master of Air. His selection by the American sportswear company will see him create art-inspired Air Max designs at the Air Max Con 2016 which will take place at New York later this year. Reacting to the news of his selection by Nike, he said: “I am making my dreams a reality. This is my ayanmo (a Yoruba word for ‘destiny’). Create your destiny. Let it be your inspiration. Just do it!”

Although Senbanjo bagged a degree in Law from the University of Ilorin, art was his first love. Today, Senbanjo uses his knowledge in law to ensure his copyrights and intellectual properties are protected.

The talented artiste, who sings and plays the guitar, likes listening to Nigerian music of artistes like Wizkid, Davido, Bez and Omawunmi. He started his art with charcoal. And this, accroding to him was because charcoal is one of the oldest art materials. “Prehistoric man used charcoal to create cave art, we can still see some of it today,” Senbanjo says. Although, during his first exhibition which was held in December 2009 at the Elephant House, Ikeja, Lagos, he did not sell a single work of art, Senbanjo never gave up on himself or his dreams.

Now, he has gone a long way and his story is inspiring many others.

Senbanjo once said he was the child who sees faces in random patterns on the terrazzo tiles in the courtyard and bathroom. He once told a Nigerian blog in 2012, that, “The patterns in Kampala and Ankara used to really fascinate me.” This is probably why his works highlight his African roots and deep flair for his cultural heritage.

The convention Air Max Day was introduced by Nike in 2014. It was created to celebrate the history of Air Max, which stretched back to March 24, 1987. Called “the ultimate Air Max experience,” Air Max Con will pay tribute to an icon, along with the sneaker design, heritage and innovation that has shaped the culture of the streets today.

Beyond the Air Max event, Senbanjo is living his dreams and his art will keep making Africa proud as he continues to use his work to make people recognise the potential of art to be used to transmit ideas, messages and concepts.

36

9 April, 2016

weekend cartoons

Saturday Tribune

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

Just a Laffing Mata

POLITICO

Int ell igence l ev el

A teacher was testing her students on the topic: Intelligence Level.

“I saw a snake on my way home. Assuming you were in my shoes, what would you do?” asks the teacher.

James: I would find a stick and kill it!

“That’s smart of you, James,” says the teacher.

“Robbers attacked me in my car and said, “Your car keys or your life? Assuming you were in my shoes, what would you do?” asks the teacher again.

Joy: I would give them the car keys and run for my life. Once there is life, there is hope.

“Wow! That’s so wise of you, Joy,” says the teacher.

“I returned from work, opened my door and saw 50 million dollars on my bed. Assuming you were in my shoes, what would you do?” asks the teacher.

Segeluulu: I would bite your toes until you faint. I would come out from your shoes and take all the money!

Teacher: Fool! You can’t literally be inside my shoes.

It’s a figure of speech.

Segeluulu: You can’t literally open your door and see 50 million dollars on your bed. That’s a figure of speech too.

FUNOLOGY

M idn i g h t

A man comes home late and knocks the door. The following conversation ensues between him and his wife: Wife: Go back to where you are coming from.

Husband: I will jump into a pool.

Wife: Whatever! Kill yourself.

The man throws a stone into the water. The wife runs out of the house to help, while the man silently comes inside and locks the door. The woman is in shock: Wife: Let me in or I will shout!

Husband: Oh, and you will explain to all the neighbours where you have come from in your panties and bra in the midnight.

Popular gossip blogger and Pakurumo crooner in dirty social media war

37

9 April, 2016

seniorcitizen

Saturday Tribune WITH KATE ANI

anikate92@yahoo.com 08071080888

Buhari’s govt’s Achilles heel is…

—Senator Bode Olowoporoku Former Federal Minister of Science and Technology and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Bode Olowoporoku, in this interview by KATE ANI, shares his views on the economic situation of the country, among other things.

P

EOPLE see you as a controversial politician, why is this so?

Well, I wouldn’t know why because I don’t see myself as such.

You were at different times a state commissioner, federal minster, senator and you even nursed the ambition of becoming the governor of Ekiti State but your party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stopped you from participating the primaries. Why did you abandon your lecturing career for politics?

Well, at that time, I was teaching Economic Development and you could see that you won’t be able to make much impact in the classroom given the way the Nigerian society works. So, I felt that if I participated, I would indirectly make an impact and change things for the better. Let me correct your comment about my failed gubernatorial ambition. What happened was that they said I didn’t fulfill some obligations, which was not true. This was a result of a false petition which they wrote against me. There was a problem with the politics of Ekiti State then. By the time I came to Lagos to bring copies of court judgment and everything, they had already published in the newspapers that I had been disqualified as a contestant. I decided not to pursue the ambition again.

Some of your party members accused you of being too ambitious and that you made enemies with powers that be in your party, hence their plot not to not only oust you as a contestant but also to have you expelled you from the PDP… I challenged their decision at the court and I won. Am I still a card-carrying member of PDP? I don’t even know.

I am not satisfied with the way they are running the party in my state. It was actually my fellow party man then, Governor Ayodele Fayose that led these people to turn against me. If you are an intellectual, you cannot work with him and he won’t even work with you. That is why today, of all the members of the state House of Assembly today, only one person is a graduate. The moment he knew of my plans and because of his complex problem of not being an intellectual, he felt threatened. My wife won the ticket to become a local government chairman but he took the ticket from her and gave it to somebody who was in America. He is an arbitrary human being; he doesn’t obey the law.

As one of the founding fathers of Ekiti State, do you think the state has done well?

No. It is regretful, but God knows best. When we were struggling for it, we never knew that it would turn out this way but for now, there is nothing we can do. He is a selfconfessed taxi driver that became governor.

Are you saying that a taxi driver or an artisan is not qualified to be a state governor?

Why not? They can but the character they have imbibed

If you are an intellectual, you cannot work with him and he won’t even work with you. That is why today, of all the members of the state House of Assembly today, only one person is a graduate. will continue to pursue them; they would continue to display their element.

Could it be that the Ekiti people prefer him because he is from the grassroots and is familiar with their struggle unlike the elites?

He was popular by distributing government money to residents of Ekiti. But if Ekiti people say that is the kind of man they want as governor, so be it. There is nothing we can do about it.

Last month, you wrote an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari on the need not to devalue the naira. You even challenged the IMF boss, Christine Largade, for suggesting so. As an economist, what did you see that they did not see?

When you look at the currency of a country, which is the legal tender, you want it to be strengthened and it is not by importing but by exporting. When you export, you are creating employment within your domestic economy and that is what other developing countries have done to stabilise and strengthen their economy.

But at the moment, Nigeria is a consuming nation. We do not produce what we consume. As I am talking to you, there is no programme on growing the Nigerian economy, which is the only Achilles heel of President Buhari’s government. Any economic programme that could make people believe that the country would move forward in two or three years is not yet there. That is the vacuum now.

Do you think his globe tottering will make any

positive impact on the economy?

That is a different aspect entirely. His travels will definitely cement our relations with these foreign countries. There is a lot of money in this economy that can revolutionise this country overnight, but there must be a developmental programme based on a systemic model. Unless we use the systemic model, there is no way Nigeria can move forward.

With the current situation of things in the country, do you think Buhari can handle the heat?

In the present situation of not having any economic programme in place for the people and the political economy not being on the right template, he can’t do more than what he is doing. It is like you have a land of one kilometer by one kilometer and what you need to till that land to expand it is tractor but you gave a hoe to the tiller. How far can he go? He can only do his best within a small area. Before he even gets somewhere with the hoe, the other areas he has already tilled would have been covered with weed. That is what is happening to President Buhari. He doesn’t even know what he is doing or what that is happening to him. He was trained as a soldier; political economy is not part of his knowledge and like Chief Emeka Anyaoku recently said, Buhari does not have economic advisers and experts and that is what is battling him.

But he has a minister of finance?

She is not an economist.

Continues pg39

38

politics&policy

9 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune With Saheed Salawu 0811 695 4643

yinkadejavu@yahoo.com

Aluko is not a problem, he was expelled long ago —Adebayo, Ekiti PDP scribe

Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Mr Jackson Adebayo, speaks with SAM NWAOKO on his party’s stand on several issues regarding the government of the state, especially the lingering controversy over Dr Tope Aluko and the 2014 governorship election in the state. Excerpts:

T

removed from office. A reasonable party would not welcome such a person. We maintain that he is not welcome under any guise and that is the stand of the party.

HE PDP in Ekiti State seems to be under pressure from so many things...?

The party is not under any kind of pressure whatsoever. We are at peace. There is no crisis and we are not at loggerheads with anybody. Our government is working hard and executing projects and it is setting the pace in the South West region and indeed in the country.

The state government says it is going ahead with his prosecution for alleged perjury. Isn’t this move a plan to keep Aluko on the defensive?

On the ‘plan’ you have mentioned, I can say that there’s nothing like that. He is not a member of our party and we as a party are not interested in who he makes peace with. As regards the state government and his prosecution, that is a judicial matter. It is, however, normal that any offender is answerable to the law. If you violate the constitution of Nigeria or any body established by the constitution, the law should take its course. The PDP is a party built on law and we are law-abiding.

But you must have heard of talks of your party being run like a one-man show. Is your party’s structure really functional?

The PDP has a structure and the structure, as laid down by the constitution of the party, is firmly in place in the Ekiti State chapter. We have the chairman and we have all the executive members. We have the State Working Committee (SWC), which sees to the day-to-day running of the activities of the party and all of us are in agreement. We ensure that every decision taken by the party passes through due process. The party’s structure is such that the elected local government chairmen in the 16 councils in the state, the only ones in the South West, as well as all the elected party officials, are all part of the decision-making process of the state executive council of the party. So, I don’t know where you got the one-man show from. That doesn’t happen in the PDP. The thinking in many quarters is that the issues involving Dr Tope Aluko, your former state secretary, is part of the problems of your party and an offshoot of the so-called one-man show.

It is not a problem for the party because Tope Aluko is not a member of our party. He was expelled long ago alongside some other members that engaged in anti-party activities.

They did different kinds of things against the party and because we wanted to be at peace, we had to let them go. That’s why they were expelled and it may interest you to know that not one organ of the party has seen any reason to say that their expulsion was not right. In fact, their expulsion was endorsed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of PDP. So, there is no way a person that is not a member of our party would give us problems in our party. This is especially when you have even already been known and seen to be working with some other political parties. He is expelled and this was ratified by the national secretariat of our party, the highest organ that could do so.

But Aluko is in court on the grounds that the organs that carried out the expulsion and also ratified his expulsion were not the right people to do so and that he remains the secretary of the PDP in Ekiti State.

The process of expulsion is that a committee would be set up to investigate the allegations brought against such members.

That committee was set up, it did its job and submitted a report to the State Executive Committee, which approved and endorsed the report and sent it to the NEC. The committee also endorsed the expulsion. So, there are no questions about the expulsion. The fact that they are in court is a judicial matter and at the end of the day, we will see what they will come out with from the court.

Would you now say it was this expulsion that led him to the confessions he made about how the governorship election your party won in June 2014 was allegedly rigged?

He is the only one that can speak about that. But what I know for sure is that a greedy person would always be a greedy person. As to what might have informed Aluko’s decision to be telling lies upon lies, implicating innocent people, doing different kinds of things that are untoward, he is the only one that can define his action.

You issued a statement on behalf of the party, rejecting Aluko when it was reported that he had made a rapprochement with the state governor and leader of your party in the state, Governor Ayo Fayose. Was that not an affront to the leadership of the party and

does the party still stand by the statement?

The party still stands by the statement. This man has gone on air and gone to so many places to destroy the image of the party to the effect that the governor of the state, who is also the leader of the party in the state for that matter, should be

A person is known by his character and until you show your character, people will not know you. At the time he was given a position of responsibility, he had not displayed this kind of character to the knowledge of the members of the party.

Aluko has, again, said that he was coerced to attend the peace meeting with Governor Fayose, what do you make of this?

You know, there is time for everything. A person is known by his character and until you show your character, people will not know you.

At the time he was given a position of responsibility, he had not displayed this kind of character to the knowledge of the members of the party. Now that he has shown his true colour as one that can be regarded as an irresponsible politician, there is nothing to infer from it other than to say that people are vindicated by their opinion of him.

He went to the governor, prostrated for him and a former speaker of the state House of Assembly narrated how they had to prostrate three times before the governor could even listen. The former speaker, I mean Dele Olugbemi, also narrated how the governor expressed reservations and repeatedly asked if Aluko meant what he was doing and asked questions about his coming to him, the governor. If it were not for the television and social media, Aluko would have even denied that he ever met the governor. We need not belabour ourselves because the character of Temitope Aluko is an open book.

He had gone to TV stations to denigrate our party, destroy the personality of the governor, tarnish the image of Ekiti State in the eyes of the world, then come back after all that to beg the same governor, pleading for forgiveness that he was the governor’s boy. And soon after the begging and pleas, he went back to the media, again, to say he didn’t do that? When you go to war, you go there to win. If you knew you would not win, there is no sense going into it at all. You don’t have to make a mockery of yourself by repeatedly eating your own vomit.

Your party’s government has received knocks because of some of the projects it is executing while also crying of paucity of funds. Where does your party stand in all this?

We thank God for the kind of governor that we have in the state.

Continues pg39

39 interview

9 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

My background was laced with hunger, suffering —Olowoporoku Continued from pg37

But Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is an economist and, still, Nigeria seemed unable to get it right when she held sway as the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy…

She was a geographer at the World Bank. She equated economic development programmes with budgeting. An economic developer would not do that. A budget does not move the whole nation. That was the mistake that former President Goodluck Jonathan made, which is still the present situation. You cannot concentrate on budget alone; budget is just an income and expenditure of government.

The budget will not make any impact on the people because it will not touch their lives directly.

In 2005, during your tenure as chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, there was were accusations and counter accusations between you and the then Minister of Agriculture, Mallam Adamu Bello, over alleged fraud involving billions of naira, fraud and which eventually led the then president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, to sack you as the chairman of the committee. Do you want to set the record straight?

What happened was that he ordered fertilizer at a price that was outrageous. And as the chairman of the committee on agriculture, I was able to get the price from abroad. The members of the committee and I confronted him and said what he was offering Nigeria was not right and that it was an act of embezzlement. But instead of the then President Obasanjo to back me to frisk him more with questions, he supported the minister.

But according to Mallam Bello, you leveled the allegation because your company failed to get the N1.5 billion fertilizer contract that it applied for…

Mallam Adamu Bello was just confusing the public that I was also roped in the fraud allegation and, of course, there was no way I could siphon money because there was no contract for the Senate committee on agriculture. Before I became a senator, my chemical company applied for a contract but it was not denied. That was the information he used to confuse the public. He was quoting something that happened in 2001 and I became a senator in 2003. There was no relationship. What brought about the allegation against my person was the fact that he wanted to bribe the committee with fertilizer allocation but the members said no. I personally didn’t tender for any contract, but when the matter was going on, he said he would give something to the committee and they said no, that they wanted the prices to be adjusted and I equally supported their decision.

But if you were so innocent, why were you sacked as the chairman of that committee?

It was because Obasanjo ordered it. He supported Adamu Bello. And that was where the then Senate President, Ken Nnamani, was feeble-minded, because he still wanted to hold on to his position as Senate President. There was no investigation. Obasanjo told Nnamani that he was not ready to remove Adamu Bello and, therefore, there would not be an agreement between the Senate chairman, the committee on agreement and his minister. In obedience to what Obasanjo wanted, Nnamani sacked me as the committee’s chairman.

As a former lawmaker, how would you assess the current National Assembly?

They are doing well. You see, the political economy is operating on a wrong template. That is why you would want to judge the present National Assembly. What they are only allowed to do is the amendment of the constitution. They can’t change it, whereas that constitution itself is bogus and a wrong template for Nigeria. The amendment they are doing cannot affect the lives of the citizens positively.

It cannot change the psyche of the people. We need a complete, new constitution based on executive president with parliamentary. That is what we need, if we want this country to move forward.

What would you describe as your worst moment at the upper chamber of the National Assembly?

It would be the way I was fighting for Nigeria in terms of fertilizer rip-off, which former Agric minister, [Akinwumi] Adesina, confirmed that Adamu Bello was a rip-off, which was what I was fighting against. Obasanjo ordered my removal from that committee so as to kill that investigation.

It was a very bad experience. It gave me a runny stomach about the state of Nigeria. And maybe that metamorphosed into the third term money. I was the only PDP senator from the South-West who did not take it.

How much were you offered?

How much were they given?

You should know…

N50 million, I understand.

So, you were offered N50 million to support the bid?

No, they offered them. They came to me but I didn’t allow them to land before telling them no way. Not because I was bitter because Chief Obasanjo ordered my removal as chairman of the committee on agriculture, I saw it as an unpatriotic act. They were talking about a reform and I

felt that that reform didn’t have enough content to be the hope of Nigeria. If he was doing that reform such that he gave hope to Nigeria, why not? I would support it. As an economist, I knew that the content was not there.

Can you share any fond memories of your growing up years?

I can only remember the memories of hunger and suffering. I nearly died of hunger but with struggle, my immediate senior sister and I were able to survive. We never gave up on our dreams of making it in life. I grew up in poverty but hoped for a miracle for a breakthrough.

Can you share your background?

I was born at Ilawe-Ekiti, in Ekiti South West Local Government Area of Ekiti State in 1935. I started my schooling at Ilawe district. I was very poor, so I struggled with the hardship of life. I lost my parents at the age of seven but despite my condition, I was able to finish my primary education and get a job as a sales boy in a medicine store.

I later went to a secondary model school and became a pupil teacher at Efon-Alaaye afterwards. I later proceeded to St. Augustine Teachers’ College for two years. I sat for London GCE in 1965 and by 1967 I gained admission to the University of Ife to study Economics. I did very well that the university had to invite me after graduation to become an assistant lecturer in 1971. By 1972, I was given scholarship by the University of Ife for my Master’s degree in Economics and PhD in Economic Development at the University of Manchester. When I came back to Nigeria, I became a lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University.

In September 1979, I was appointed Commissioner for Economic Planning and Statistics by the then governor of Ondo State, Michael Adekunle Ajasin. I was later appointed as Federal Minister of Science and Technology, the youngest in the then President Shehu Shagari’s administration in 1983, before the military led by General Muhammadu Buhari took over. I, therefore, switched to business by exporting cocoa to Europe. I also started a company that imports chemicals and other products.

Was that how you made your billions?

I am not a billionaire o! Anyway, you are right; I worked hard for my money. I never took a kobo that didn’t belong to me in all the political appointments that I had got over the years. I was generous. I embarked on massive community projects so much that I was given over 23 chieftaincy titles in Ekiti and parts of Ondo State.

I financed and led 15 Obas and 10 leaders in Ekiti on the historic trip to the then Head of State, General Sani Abacha, in 1995 - the trip that gave rise to the creation of Ekiti State in 1996.

‘They need a new law to undo Fayose’s election’ Continued from pg38

Party sentiment apart, we all know the state of Nigeria’s economy today. We also know the state of the economy of the states that rely almost only on allocations from the Federal Government and with the allocations not forthcoming. When it comes, it comes in piecemeal and in trickles, so small that you can’t even pay the salary of workers. But we have a governor that has devised a means to manage the situation without borrowing, which would further sink the state in debts. Being an innovative person, he has been able to manage the situation and also execute some novel projects. For me, Fayose stands out as the most innovative governor in the country. If you look at the projects, you will see that even when the state was buoyant, none of the previous governors deemed if fit to construct a flyover in the state capital.

Is your party advising the government on these projects vis-a-vis the views of the citizenry?

The party actually proposes these projects. The governor comes up with several suggestions but the party would not support the suggestions if they are viewed as not being popular with the people. We are here today, others will be here tomorrow. Look back to when Fayose first came and began the dualisation of roads in the state capital and beyond. He was opposed, some even despised him. Look back 10 years and imagine if Fayose hadn’t opened up the state capital. Imagine what Ado-Ekiti would have become now. Today, the people are enjoying it. This is the same scenario with the current projects. The flyover and the airstrip are futuristic and in the nearest future, we will be thanking God that he did them. As a matter of fact, what ensured his re-election were the projects that he did in his first tenure. The same thing is applicable here. The future is just as important as the present. By the time the flyover and airstrip are completed, Ekiti will be the

better for it. Again, I must point out that there is no project that you would embark upon that would be a delight to the opposition, because they know that with such innovative and futuristic projects, you are putting them out of the market.

ach infrastructure. I think the ‘Architect of modern Ekiti’ they call him is even an understatement. Ayo Fayose is the architect of better Ekiti. I think he should be given kudos and that is why the party has so much confidence in him.

Your government is also drawing verbal flaks for its ‘Stomach Infrastructure’ project. Don’t these criticisms get to you or how do you see them?

It is interesting that some people vilify the government for building flyover, an airport, modern market and other physical projects while others vilify us for building the economy of the people. We, however, thank God that in Ekiti, known as Fountain of Knowledge, the governor has devised a means to build both physical and stomach infrastructures. In politics, it is often said that you can’t be building roads without also building the stomach of those who would use the roads. Building the stomach is not just that simple explanation of the occasional distribution of foodstuff to the extremely needy some people hold on to, it is building the economy of the people. The government of Ayodele Fayose gives local contractors as much jobs as possible. That is stomach infrastructure. Poor widows are currently being enumerated and registered and soon, they will start getting stipends to support them. That is stomach infrastructure. When you don’t empower the citizenry, the value of the roads, bridges and skyscrapers you build would be reduced in their reckoning. So many states in the country today are copying the stomach infrastructure concept.

The mandate given to Ayo Fayose is to build both the physical structures of the state and the economy of the people.

That is human and physical development and the human development, the government has chosen to call stomach infrastructure. The governor has secured employment at the federal level for many graduates who are indigenes of the state and he is pursuing this religiously. That is stom-

Is your party also confident that all that have been said about the 2014 governorship election would not bring your government to its knees?

There is nothing that can upturn the election. What God has done, there is nothing that can undo it. Secondly, under the law, there is nothing more to be done about the election. The election was so free and fair that even the opposition in the state acknowledged this and conceded defeat after they were defeated in all the 16 local government areas of the state. This was against an incumbent governor. They went to the tribunal and failed. They went to the Court of Appeal and also lost.

Then they went to the Supreme Court, the highest court in the federation, they also lost there. Our party won in all these places. So, the victory at the tribunal, Appeal Court and the Supreme Court stands. We wonder why it has become a case that the military was deployed to help maintain peace and orderliness in an election, a job they did perfectly well. In this election, they have been fighting hard to vilify, no life was lost, no single shot was fired anywhere in the state, no ballot paper was snatched, no election was disrupted anywhere and the people turned out and voted en masse. The PDP won wholly and that has become their only problem and they are running from pillar to post. They are now saying that one military panel in Kaduna would invalidate what the tribunal has done, what the Appeal Court has affirmed and what the Supreme Court has judged to be right. Maybe they want to invent their own law. May God help us all.

feature Inside Lagos markets of filth

40

Chukwuma Okparaocha - Lagos

T

HE state of many markets in Lagos has become a cause for concern, even to the state government which has blacklisted a number of them for possible closure.

Some of the markets which risk closure according to the government include Sura, Itafaji, Oke-Odo, Sangrouse, Bariga, Ajah Ultra-Modern, Agbalaka, Aiyetoro, Sabo and Ita-elewa in Ikorodu.

The problem borders more on poor hygiene in the markets which is often typified by the huge collection of refuse in some of the markets, as well as trading in unapproved places, including roadsides and sometimes even close to open drainages system full of different kinds of wastes that are harmful to human health.

Markets, especially those where edible stuffs such as vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, and many more are sold, are generally expected to be as neat and clean as possible. This is because of nothing else other than the health implications of selling or buying things in an unkempt place.

However, some food markets in Lagos State may not be complying with this basic health rule, as a survey carried out by Saturday Tribune reveals that in some markets, foodstuffs are not only sold and bought under highly unkempt and unhygienic conditions, but both sellers and buyers do so with impunity, perhaps oblivious or unperturbed by the danger posed by filth.

The Oke Odo market in Alimosho Local Government area of Lagos State and sited somewhere at the Ile-Epo end of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway serves as the major source of food for many of those living on that axis and even beyond.

Though the situation in the market has improved significantly in recent weeks, compared to the past years, thanks to the ongoing rehabilitation of the problematic sections of the road leading to the market, physical observations made in the market suggest that the market’s hygiene situation still leaves such to be desired, particularly after downpour.

The market is regarded in some quarters as one of the major food markets in Lagos State, and as such, it is often flooded with yam, plantains pepper, tomatoes, fruits, vegetables, among others. All these are openly displayed and passersby are free to touch them even without buying.

Like other markets, it also has a meat section where fleshly butchered meat still dripping blood is openly displayed by the roadside full of puddles.

Perhaps more worrisome is the fact that the market shares border with a mountain of refuse which is full of all kinds of wastes, including human filth. Also close by (based on observation made by Saturday Tribune reporter who visited the market during the week) were animal bones and horns which had started to form their own heaps of filth in the market.

Until the last few weeks a prominent feature of the market was the poor condition of the drainage system. This is because the drainage system appeared somewhat blocked as Saturday Tribune saw a huge collection of greenish water that had flooded the expressway. This came from a blocked drainage system just a few meters away from the market’s main entrance. This had further exacerbated the unpleasant situation created by poor spots on the expressway thus increasing traffic gridlock on that axis. But as earlier mentioned, this situation has improved significantly in the last few weeks as a result of ongoing road and drainage re-

Though the markets have been shut a number of times by the state government over issues bordering mainly on poor sanitation, a journey round the market would reveal that nothing really has changed.

habilitation on that axis.

A similar situation is evident at the Ketu and Mile 12 markets, the latter which was the centre of a recent mayhem that left no fewer than five people dead and properties worth several millions of naira destroyed.

Both markets are generally known as the fruit basket of Lagos (and other states) as people come for far and near to buy fresh fruits from them. This is because fruits sold in both markets are generally considered cheap and of the best quality. Thus, it is not uncommon to see lorry loads of different kinds of fruits being brought into the markets every day. This ensures that the markets remain a beehive of activities as buyers often ‘collide’ chest to chest while trying to go about their different businesses.

Though the markets have been shut a number of times by the state government over issues bordering mainly on poor sanitation, a journey round the market would reveal that nothing really has changed. According to information gathered, the problem has persisted because after the markets must have been closed and subsequently reopened over environment-related issues, things usually go back to the way they were (after initial improved sanitation efforts), and filth keep piling up.

The floor of both markets often becomes entirely water logged, especially after a downpour, thus making the entire markets very marshy and muddy. But this often does not prevent a situation whereby edibles are placed almost having direct contact with the muddy floor. In some instances, they are positioned very close to where people’s feet could easily smear mud on them as they walk by.

Apart from the muddy floor, which makes the entire markets to always look rather unkempt, it is also not uncommon to find heaps of unsold fruits that have gone bad dumped in different spots. Needless to say, if not evacuated on time, these start to rot thereby rubbishing whatever aesthetic efforts the management of the markets might have put in place.

This problem, it was gathered, is aggravated by the attitude of officials of the Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), which is the agency saddled with the responsibility of ensuring prompt collection of wastes from all parts of the state, including markets.

“The situation has been like this for years, and since there has not been any case of a disease outbreak as a result of the state of the market, many of us do not see the danger embedded in trading in this kind of a place,” said Mrs Bidemi

9 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Iliasu, a seller of pineapples who had carved out a spot for herself just by the road at the Ketu Market, in a chat with Saturday Tribune.

One of the meat sellers at the Oke-Odo Market denied that meat sellers had cultivated the habit of disposing their wastes indiscriminately, when reacting to questions on why a piece of land close by had become full of animal bones and horns. “We don’t allow people to dispose their wastes anyhow, because we are in a business where good hygiene and cleanliness are taken with utmost seriousness, otherwise, we would end up selling poison to people,” said the meat seller, who also added that “we only keep the bones of the killed animals somewhere close by, until it is quite convenient for us to dispose them off properly.”

The situation, however, could be said to have improved slightly at the Ojuwoye market, Mushin, which, according to information gathered, used to be one of the filthiest markets in the state some years back. But despite whatever positive transformation that has taken place in the market in recent years, it also totally becomes very messy whenever it rains.

A recent visit paid by Saturday Tribune to the market after a light shower showed an entire market which had totally turned into a marshland, where it was totally difficult for a visitor to find a spot to put his feet while journeying round the market. As earlier described, some traders selling edible stuffs at the Ojuwoye Market also choose to display their wares almost on the bare wet ground close to the roadside.

But worried about the development, as well as the government’s seeming lack of interest in the whole development, a Lagos-based environmentalist, Mr Adetutu Tomide, insisted that each local government should be mandated to see to the wellbeing of all markets within their jurisdictions. “Since many of such markets are managed, or are under the jurisdiction of one local government of the other, leaders of such local governments must wake up to their responsibilities. They must embark on impromptu visitation to market places from time to time. Sanctions of various categories can then be meted out on markets whose environments are found to be untidy,” Mr Tomide insisted.

The Lagos State government in its bid to develop a quintessential model city has in recent times swooped down on many markets it deems to have fallen below the expected sanitation standards in the state. At times it even takes over markets with a view to turning them into modern ones. This development has brought an ongoing massive transformation of some major markets in the state such as the new Tejuosho market as well as the popular Alaba market, among others.

Such move has, over time, brought about various eviction orders given to traders, demolition of shops to give way for new ones, among other moves. However, in many of such markets, traders have been known to defy and withstand the call for evacuation, as many of them have developed various means of surviving such as setting up of makeshift stalls, selling at roads sides, which often cause obstruction to free flow of both vehicular and human traffic.

But the Lagos State government has issued a seven-day notice to some erring markets and locations violating the state’s environmental laws.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare lamented that despite continuous advocacy, enlightenment and appeals from market leaders, some markets and street traders have been flagrantly violating the extant laws as they concern the environment.

41 feature

9 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

As OAU awaits next helmsman

By Laolu Harolds

O

NLY three of the six candidates shortlisted for the post of vice chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife turned up on Monday for the interactive session organised by the OAU branch of the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities.

Only Professors Afolabi Akintunde Akindahunsi and Oluwole Charles Akinyokun, (the two external candidates, from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State), and Professor Ayo Salami, the current Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) at OAU, presented themselves for the parley.

The three other candidates (all from OAU): Professor Eyitope Ogunmodede, Professor Olabisi Aina, and Professor E. A. Akinlo all sent in letters explaining why they could not attend the event due to other pressing unavoidable engagements.

The occasion was chaired by Professor Olatunde Oduleye.

The convener of the event and Professor of Political Science, Professor A Sat Obiyan, set the tone of the event, explaining that though it is not within the purview of ASUU to appoint vice chancellors, the committee decided to organize the parley so that aspirants could interact with the academic community and present their vision and plans for the university.

The chairman of the local chapter of ASUU, Dr Caleb Aborisade, in his opening remarks, explained that the congress of the union, after exhaustive delibOmole eration, decided to organize an interaction instead of the usual referendum it normally conducted on such matters in the past.

But he also cleared the air on what he described as “rumours” in some section of the media that the ASUU OAU disagreed with NASU and SSANU over the process of appointing the next VC. The source of the media reports, he said, was the resolution of the union, which he emphasized he did not personally make available to the press but only circulated among members.

“I want to inform the congress again that I did not say anything to any pressman; I only circulated (the signed resolution) among academic staff. A lot was said that ASUU did this and that; but as Caleb Aborisade, once ASUU congress has spoken, I go with it. As a physicist, I don’t respond to noise (which he promptly defined as sounds of irregular frequencies).

On the rumoured allegation that he (Aborisade) influenced the choice of interaction as against the usual referendum, he said it was the consensus among the congress, and that “as ASUU, we never base our decisions on rumours.”

The chairman of the event, Professor Oduleye, noted the unparalleled contribution of ASUU to the Nigerian university system over the years.

“ASUU) is responsible for a lot of the physical infrastructure that we have now; they are responsible for the income that has kept the best brains in the academy. If there is then a crisis in the university, it will be very wrong for us to expect solution from outside,” he said.

He blamed vice chancellors for the crises in the Nigerian university system.

According to him, of all commentators, observers and stakeholders that have expressed opinions about the university system over the last two decades, it is only the vice chancellors that have insisted that the quality or standard of higher education in Nigeria is rising.

He also recalled, with chagrin, a certain vice chancellor at OAU who once said ‘the duty of ASUU is to source funds for the universities, while their (VCs) own duty is to spend it’. This statement was made at the peak of ASUU’s struggle to enhance university funding.

Oduleye said further: “Vice chancellors bestride the university campuses as colossus and chief executives in a manner totally antithetical to the university culture. In some cases, they move around their campus with armed security guards. They have jettisoned the tradition of primus inter pares (first among equals) in the office they hold, and assume the posture of overlords.”

He also derided the prevalent inadequate/limited leadership capacity among vice chancellors. Prior to their appointment, he said, the VCs profess a mission and vision,

Salami

Akinyokun

which once they get to office they fail to implement as a result of limited leadership capacity.

“They move on to respond to the symptoms of decay that suffuse their campuses. They appear consumed with inanities such as Webometric rankings when science laboratories remain empty or dysfunctional of teaching, not to talk of research.

“They superintend (over) the production of ‘pure water’ as revenue source rather than promote research for the same cause. They insist that their colleagues who lack functional laboratories must possess horrendous number of publications, with a specified percentage that must be offshore.”

Professor Oduleye also accused vice chancellors of impunity and arbitrariness; consciously emasculating and rendering impotent the traditional structures of management and control.

After taking all of these off his chest (without which he said he would not be able to sleep later that night), Oduleye then set the rules for the engagement: 20 minutes for each speaker and maximum of four questions directed at each speaker from the audience.

Professor Akindahunsi from FUTA took the first shot. He emphasized, to start with, that positions of responsibility should be reserved for those who prepared for it – and that he had prepared adequately to lead OAU. The 21st century universities, he said, “are no longer quiet places limited to teaching, conducting research and community service; they are now supposed to be big, complex, demanding and competitive businesses.”

A thoroughbred alumnus of the OAU (having obtained his BSc and MSc degrees from the then University of Ife, and his PhD from the Obafemi Awolowo University), Akindahunsi established, with statistics, that there is a need for an improvement in internally generated revenue.

According to him, between 2010 and 2015, overhead allocation from the Federal Government declined from N154.3 million to N85.6 million (a decline of 44.52%). Capital Allocation reduced from N395.3 million to N26.9 million, while electricity bill increased from N165.7 million to N418.7 million (252.69%).

If appointed as vice chancellor, he promised to ‘raise the bar’ by strengthening the committee system as a tool for democratic governance. He also promised to focus on human capital development and effect periodic review of academic programmes and curricula in line with global best practices rigorously pursue internalization programmes through linkages.

The next to speak was Professor Akinyokun. Also an alumnus of OAU, Akinyokun is by all means a first class scholar.

Akindahunsi

A First Class BSc graduate of Computer Sciences from OAU, he got his PhD from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom in 1984, on Commonwealth scholarship.

He started lectureship in Computer Science at OAU in 1985 and moved to FUTA as Senior Lecturer in 1987, became a Reader in 1992 and full Professor of Software Engineering in 1995. Akinyokun has mentored 11 PhD graduates, 42 MSc graduates and is credited with over 150 academic publications.

Professor Akinyokun said he had a passion for development of human resources and enhancement of academic programmes. He promised to strengthen the committee system, improve internally generated revenue and promote staff development in the area of Information Communication Technology.

Professor Salami noted particularly that OAU is reputed to be the leading ICT university in Nigeria. This strength he hopes to build on.

“As of today, we have the fastest internet bandwidth in Nigeria; we are on 860mbph. However, the utilization of this bandwidth is very low,” he said.

Under what he called ‘technovation’, Professor Salami promised to harness a lot of value–added services from this bandwidth.

“I will ensure that even our parents/guardians can (send) SMS queries and get the academic status of their children. I am going to ensure that we move gradually from the manually driven processes to the e-based processes, like e-Senate, e-Faculty Board, e-Governing Council…”

This string of e-services proposition was greeted with thunderous applause.

And he continued: “I’m going to ensure that henceforth, when students come in, they don’t need to go to the notice board to look for the lecture timetable, venue of their lecture; these will be sent electronically to all students, staff and administrators.”

These, Salami added, were some of what he called “lowhanging fruits” the university could utilize from its existing ICT strength.

Salami also promised to restructure and reorganize the Central Office of Research as a full Directorate of Research, Development and Innovation, to be headed by an Executive Director.

This directorate, he said, will facilitate linkage between research and industry; provide academic staff with a range of professional services to support research, develop engagement with business partners and provide access to university’s intellectual property and unique facilities.

42

9 April, 2016

motoring

Saturday Tribune

With Seyi Gesinde seyigesinde@yahoo.com 08116954632

2016 Optima is first Kia to earn prestigious safety award

K

IA Motors best-selling nameplate, the all-new 2016 Optima, has earned the highest designation possible, Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+), from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with optional front crash prevention.

The rating reflects top scores in each of five crashworthiness tests as well as the integration of active safety technology to aid in crash prevention.

The 2016 Optima earned “good” crashworthiness ratings and a superior rating for the optional front-crash prevention system.

The automaker is a release said: “The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety sets some of the highest standards of crashworthiness, and the Top Safety Pick Plus designation is a significant achievement for the Kia brand and for our best-selling vehicle,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. “We are pleased that the all-new Optima received strong ratings across the range of rigorous tests set forth by IIHS. This rating validates the efforts of our engineers and the priority we place on safety for our consumers.”

To qualify for TSP+, the IIHS testing parameters require each vehicle to earn “good” ratings in five crashworthiness tests small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints as well as an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention.

The 2016 Optima takes convenience to the next level with a long list of available technologies across the model line. Standard on every Optima is a rear-camera display1 while SX and SXL trims offer an available 360-degree Surround-View Monitor.

Nissan canvasses vibrant automotive sector as alternative to oil

S

TALLION NMN, manufacturers and distributors of Nissan vehicles in Nigeria has warned of impending stagnation in the country’s evolving automotive sector unless the Federal Government wholly implements the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) and give deserving operators the latitude to function optimally.

The company in a release quoted Nissan Nigeria Regional Project Director, Mr. Sorin Profir, as saying this in Lagos, while assessing the company’s successive plan of action and Nissan’s accomplishment since 2014, when it rolled out the first Nissan vehicle.

Mr. Profir counselled the Federal Government to embrace the automotive indus-

Volvo plans tests of 100 driverless cars SWEDISH carmaker Volvo has said it plans to launch a self-driving experiment involving up to 100 cars.

The experiment expected to be done in China, will have local drivers test cars on public roads in “everyday conditions”, according to a company press release.

The move was announced at an event in Beijing on 7 April, though details of a start date were not provided, BBC said.

One analyst said he thought China was at the forefront of the development of autonomous cars.

Volvo is owned by a Chinese firm, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. According to a report from the Reuters news agency, Volvo is now determining in which city to conduct

the trials.

“Autonomous driving can make a significant contribution to road safety,” said Hakan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo.

“The sooner (autonomous) cars are on the roads, the sooner lives will start being saved.”

“I think people probably don’t realise quite how much China’s putting into advanced technology in cars,” Prof David Bailey of Aston Business School told the BBC. “Google has had a far smaller number of cars in tests as far as I can work out, so it is significant.”

try as a viable alternative to oil that is already drably priced.

According to him, “the automotive industry is a catalyst of growth in most global economies and we can’t continue to depend on oil - reason why we should explore the inherent opportunities in automotive manufacturing,” he reasoned.

He said government should immediately implement the auto policy document and restrict gratuitous importation of vehicles that can be locally manufactured while it encourage the establishment of more ancillary industries such as tyre, battery and glass companies to accelerate the inclusion of substantial local contents.

Adding it was time Nigeria got its policy direction right, the Nissan regional director said “on no account should the policy document be allowed to be circumvented or discarded for gratuitous reasons as

many stakeholders are already waiting for policy direction to enable them kick-start their operations.”

Also commenting on the automotive policy, Stallion Nissan Nigeria Motors Plant Head, Mr. Prakash Karat said “the plant hasn’t been stretched to its installed capacity since it began operation in April 2014 but we have produced only 3,050 units of four variants of Nissan vehicles including Nissan Patrol, Almera, NP300 Pick-up trucks and NV350 commuter bus.

Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria plant was inaugurated in April 2014 with three fully equipped assembly lines for SKD (Semi-knocked-down) components with an annual installed capacity for 15, 000 vehicles but has only produced

3,050 vehicles as of June 2015.

The Stallion NMN vehicle plant like all other conventional manufacturing concerns is driven by the principle of supply and demand and cannot carry inventory beyond particular level, Mr. Karat explained, adding that we work according to marketing requirement.

Also as consequence of the current parlous state of the economy, Mr. Karat said: “the Nissan vehicle plant has shrunk its work force to 85 from 131 at inception, but such workers could be recalled soon as the economic downturn improves, he remarked.

He enjoined customers to be assured of the quality and standard of vehicles produced at the Nissan plant which according to him compares to similar products manufactured in overseas plants.

43

news

2016 GRACE CONVENTION AND ANNIVERSARY OF SEED OF GRACE MINISTRIES INC IBADAN OYO STATE

9 April, 2016

NDLEA arrests two with 252 wraps of cocaine from Dubai Shola Adekola -Lagos

T Bishop Francis Wale Oke, ministering during the convention

From left, Bishop Sunday Ikiedeme, Pastor Paul and Pastor (Mrs) Dayo Ivbarue during the convention

HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, has apprehended a driver and a trader over unlawful importation of 252 wraps of cocaine weighing 4.325kgs.

The suspects were found to have ingested and stuffed wraps of cocaine on their bodies and luggage during screening of passengers on an Emirates plane from Dubai.

Both suspects ingested some wraps of drugs and concealed others on their bodies. The estimated value of the drug is N39,000,000.

NDLEA commander at the airport, Ahmed Garba said that both suspects are under investigation. “ Fifty-four-year-old Chinweuba Martins Echezona packed 103 wraps of cocaine on his waist and ingested 69 wraps weighing 2.745kgs, while 44-year-old Ekwueme Louis concealed 75 wraps in his luggage and ingested 5 wraps.

“We are investigating the suspects over unlawful importation of cocaine from Dubai,” Garba stated.

Preliminary investigation by the agency revealed that the suspects were promised N500,000 each to smuggle the drugs from Dubai into Nigeria.

Their trip was fully sponsored by an unidentified drug trafficking organisation. However, efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest their sponsors.

Echezona is married with five children while Louis is married with three children.

Echezona, a driver from Anambra State told narcotic investigators that he was frustrated as a driver.

“I am a driver but for some time now I have been out of job. I have been searching for job and my condition is so bad that

Soji-Eze Fagbemi -Abuja

From left, Pastor Ifeanyi Ogude, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, Pastor Paul and Pastor (Mrs) Dayo Ivbarue

A cross section of the participants

DESPITE appeal by the Federal Government to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) not to make good their threat to embark on a one-day national warning strike, the organised labour has tactically begun mobilisation for “a day of national action” and the industrial action.

Already, message has gone to workers through their various unions, which are affiliates of the NLC, to get set for the strike.

NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, said there was no going back on the plan because the organised labour had explored all avenues to have the issues in contention, especially the increase of electricity tariff, were addressed but all to no avail.

He told Saturday Tribune at the Labour House, Abuja, that nothing had changed from what he said during a meeting of the NLC’s Central Working Committee (CWC), which

I could not feed and discharge my responsibilities as a father to my wife and five children. This is the reason I went into drug trafficking because they promised to pay me half a million naira. I did it in order to survive the economic hardship.”

The second suspect, a trader who hails from Imo State, also attributed his involvement in drug trafficking to poverty.

He stated, “I used to sell jewellery but I have lost everything including my shop due to family issues I feel ashamed that I cannot take care of my family and pay my children’s school fees. My involvement in drug smuggling was due to financial stress.”

Rivers rerun: Deceased corps member buried amidst tears From Adetola Bademosi and Alphonsus Agborh THE remains of corps member Okonta Dumebi Samuel, who was killed by unknown gunmen during the recent rerun elections in Rivers State, have been laid to rest in his hometown, Illah, in Delta State, amidst tears.

His remains were committed to mother earth at

No going back on warning strike —NLC Apostle Lawrence Achudume ministering during the convention

Saturday Tribune

forms part of the resolutions of the meeting.

He explained that the NLC had already contacted the TUC and after meeting with the latter, the date of the nationwide warning strike, “which will be total,” would be fixed.

“On the tariff issue, we have done a national protest. It is going to be oneday warning total strike and protest. But for the issue of Kaduna State governor, it is going to be a day of national action. Those two days will be set after we tidy up with the TUC. They are two separate days, but that of tariff is going to be action of protest and one-day warning strike.

“The warning strike is to say that this is a bitter pill that Nigerians have tasted and which they are not ready to actually swallow.

Even those that have swallowed it are falling sick. It is very clear. Therefore, you can’t pay what you don’t have. Most workers cannot pay the bill; they don’t have the means to pay even though they want to pay,” Wabba said.

his family compound at about 3:00 pm on Friday after a burial service in his honour at the Christ Holy Family Catholic Church, Illah.

Okonta (RV/15B/5539), was killed while returning to his base after submitting the poll results at the INEC collation centre in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

In his funeral sermon, the Vicar of Issele-Uku Regular, Reverend Father Peter Mbuogwu, who led other officiating priests, frowned upon the way politicians encouraged thuggery.

He urged them to fear God and to always remember that He alone gives power to whom He wishes.

Mbuogwu also advised youths in the country to avoid being used by selfish persons to commit atrocities and, in stead, use their God-given talent for the good of the society.

He said Nigerians should immortalise Okonta and his like by resolving to respect the sanctity of human life and to embrace peaceful and credible approaches to electoral activities.

It was a moment of tears and eulogy as people from all walks of life, including a high-powered delegation of the National Youth Service corps, joined the bereaved family to pay their last respect to Okonta.

The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier-General Johnson Olawumi, paid tribute to the deceased corps member, noting that he died while contributing towards ensuring a better Nigeria.

44

9 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Enyimba good for Champions League title —Ikhana

No more pressure on Ighalo

—Watford coach

F

C Watford manager, Quique Flores has said he will not mount pressure on his top scorers Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney for goals as he has instead tasked the midfielders to push for goals.

The Watford strikers have struggled lately having been firing earlier in the season with Ighalo’s last EPL goal coming on January 23 in a 2-1 win over Newcastle United.

Flores has insisted he wants more from other

Ighalo (left) dazzles during a premier league game. areas of the pitch as they fight to stay up in the Premier League after a slump in the new year.

The Watford boss said: “In this moment, we can’t

put the pressure on Ighalo and Deeney. We need help from the second line. These players need to add goals.

“Our style is different.

The responsibility of the

Enyeama wins Ligue 1 award VINCENT Enyeama has been rewarded for his sterling performance for Lille OSC on match day 32 in Ligue 1 (France’s top flight).

According to French respected media outlet, L’Equipe, the Nigerian

goalkeeper was voted the winner of the top-five stops in last match day in the Ligue 1.

The goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in Lille’s 3-0 win over Nantes at Stade de la Beaujoire - Louis Fonteneau on April 3 but it

Enyeama.

was his stunning save off a free kick from the opposition that has set the pulses racing.

Enyeama produced a save that defied logic to deny Nantes’ Icelandic striker, Kolbeinn Sigthorsson.

Sigthorsson had fired a fierce, swerving free kick from over 25 metres out and with the effort seeming destined for the top corner, Enyeama beat out the effort, one-handed, to concede a corner.

The save was voted as the best in the top-five saves poll for match day 32 in Ligue 1.

Enyeama’s save attracted 32 per cent of the 6992 votes cast to edge out the duo of the SCO Angers’ Alexandre Letellier (second with 25 per cent of votes) and the Rennes Benoît Costil (third with 18 per cent of votes).

The former Super Eagles captain, Enyeama has played 29 times for Lille in Ligue 1 this season.

players is to play from the back.

“We need to be competitive, the Premier League is very tough. We need the focus, ambition and passion.

“The players played really well in the first half

of the League. I thought we had achieved the level of excellence and we can recover because we did that.”

Flores is boosted by having a full squad of players available for today’s home clash with Everton.

TWO-TIME African champions, Enyimba, have been tipped to win the CAF Champions League title this year by a former coach of the club, Kadiri Ikhana.

Ikhana, who led Enyimba to CAF Champions League success in 2003, believes the current crop of players at the club can replicate the heroics of 13 years ago.

The veteran trainer reckons that “Enyimba have the best legs in the country” and has now tipped them to go all the way in Africa’s club competition this year.

“I think Enyimba have all it takes to win the CAF Champions League title this year.

“To do this however, they have to put their act together.

“The best legs in the country are in Enyimba. There are no doubts about that.

“When you have the best legs at your disposal plus a sound technical team and a good management, I don’t see anything stopping Enyimba from winning the CAF Champions League title,” he said.

We are not scared of Etoile— Aigbogun ENYIMBA coach, Paul Aigbogun says he has a team on the ground that can make a mincemeat of Etoile du Sahel as both sides clash tomorrow in the Garden City in a round of 16 first leg tie of the CAF Champions League.

He believes a squad free of injuries and suspensions can establish a first leg lead at home against the Tunisian side.

“It is a nice change being able to choose from a full strength squad and I believe Etoile must worry about us rather than the other way round.

“We are happy to play at home in the first leg as a similar situation gave us the opportunity to score five goals against Vital’O in the last round,” the former Warri Wolves handler said.

Enyimba and Etoile are among nine winners of the competition who have reached the 16-club final qualifying round for the lu-

crative group stage.

The People’s Elephant boast prolific scorer in Mfon Udoh, who has been instrumental in the success story of the Aba side so far in the continental competition.

Udoh, bagged braces during victories over Vipers of Uganda and Vital’O of Burundi in Port Harcourt, a temporary home while their Aba ground is reno-

vated.

Now comes an even greater challenge for Udoh against an outfit famed for their defensive solidity, and the only club to have won all five CAF competitions.

It is a clash of former champions with Enyimba conquering Africa in 2003 and 2004, when they beat the Tunisians in the final, and Etoile going all the way in 2007.

Udoh.

45

9 April, 2016

Saturday Tribune With

outofplay

Dipo Ogunsola 081 169 54 641

Schneiderlin (right) and Sold

Schneiderlin, Sold toast engagement SHE was a shop assistant who earned just £10-anhour working in the Adidas store in Manchester City Centre, and he was the £120,000-a-week Manchester United star.

Now, Camille Sold is preparing to marry midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin after he jetted her off to the French Riviera and got down on one knee following a whirlwind romance.

Miss Sold, who begun dating the footballer last year, confirmed the happy news on her Instagram account by posting a picture of the couple toasting their en-

gagement.

She captioned the post: ‘An amazing evening, in an incredible place. Just us and the sound of the waves... Can’t describe my feeling... No words, it was just unreal... I feel like the luckiest woman #love #amour #reallove #happiness #engagmentring #29mars2016 #infinity #8.’

The 26-year-old France midfielder suffered disappointment when he was left out Didier Deschamps’ squad for the recent friendlies against Holland and Russia.

Hamilton (right) with Glynne (middle)

Hamilton parties in Bahrain LEWIS Hamilton put his third place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix behind him last Sunday night by partying until the early hours with popstar Jess Glynne.

The Mercedes star, who finished behind team-mate Nico Rosberg and Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, went to watch the singer perform before meeting up with her later in the evening.

Earlier in the day, Brit Award winner Glynne took to Instagram to wish Hamilton luck. Alongside a picture of herself and the 31-year-old, she wrote: ‘Grand Prix! Go Go Go!!! @lewishamilton good luck my friend! X’

MARCOS Rojo has been seen by Daily Mail in Manchester collecting a parcel from the Post Office before doing a spot of shopping.

Rojo risked the wrath of the club after video footage emerged of the former Sporting Lisbon star appearing to smoke a cigarette outside a night club in Argentina.

During the clip, uploaded to the Farandula Show YouTube channel, Rojo, who missed a large chunk of this season with a shoulder injury, can be seen laughing and joking with a group of club-goers, including a number of women.

At one point, he is even seen biting the dress of a blonde woman standing beside him in a seemingly playful, flirtatious manner.

Van Gaal might not be the only person irked by Rojo’s behaviour. He is married to lingerie model Eugenia Lusardo and the couple have a young daughter together.

Rojo at Manchester Post Office

Rojo

Jenkinson joins the Tiger’s club ARSENAL defender Carl Jenkinson looks to be having a roaring good time in the Dubai sun as he continues his comeback from injury.

Jenkinson has become the latest Premier League player to strike a pose with a tiger cub - following in the footsteps of the likes of Jamie Vardy and Jesse Lingard.

The former Charlton man has been enjoying a few days rest having returned to training last month after surgery on an injury which ended his loan spell with fellow London side West Ham.

Jenkinson

Serena, lover at Florida video shoot

T

HEY’VE been keeping their romance under wraps, but Serena Williams and Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian are going strong.

Pagesix.com gathered that the private tennis star took her techie beau along to a Web video shoot in Florida over the weekend.

News of their romance surfaced last October. But the only time they’ve been photographed together was in grainy footage in November of Williams chasing down a would-be thief who unwisely tried to make off with her phone during a dinner date in San Francisco.

Serena Williams

Ohanian

46

9 April, 2016

NIGERIA

With Olawale Olaniyan olaniyankay@yahoo.com 08055165128

PREMIER LEAGUE SPECIAL

El-Kanemi Warriors return to Maiduguri EL-KANEMI Warriors have been given the greenlight to return to their home ground in Maiduguri for their Nigeria Premier League matches.

According to the club chairman, Mohammed Zanna, the League Management Company (LMC), which oversees the running of the top-flight in Nigeria, granted them the permission to return to Maiduguri Stadium this week.

He explained that ElKanemi and their owners, the Borno State government, however, had to concede to certain conditions which enabled their return to Maiduguri possible as they will now play host to Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) tomorrow at their home ground.

“We want to thank the LMC for showing understanding in granting us this request to return home. We will play 3SC on Sunday (tomorrow) in Maiduguri and the state government has given the LMC asssurances on this game.

“At the same time, the (Borno) state government will take up the bill for flying in the away team as a way to convince everyone that our home ground is

safe for playing football again. This will continue for a few games. The away team (3SC), as I speak to you, will be flying in from Abuja to Maiduguri and we have our people as well as security on ground at the airport to receive them,” he said.

Zanna also disclosed to supersport.com that they had to make the request as the financial burden of playing at the Karkanda Stadium in Katsina, which is about 700 kilometres away from Maiduguri, was eating deep into their pockets.

He claimed that ElKanemi pay N200,000 per match day to use the Karkanda Stadium apart from other overhead expenses to keep the team “happy.”

“We are glad to be back in Maiduguri. It was really taking up huge amount from us especially paying N200,000 for the stadium (in Katsina) and yet having no fans to watch to earn something in return plus spending other amount to ensure that the team is welllooked after and the team is happy. At least with this development we will have fans at our stadium, make and save some money.”

geria Premier League title or a ticket to the continent.

Little Messi as he is fondly called who returned to Nigeria earlier this year after cancelling his con-

Okoro

Rivers Utd players call off strike

Gabriel Olalekan of Rivers United (back) in an aerial contest during a Nigeria Premier League game this season.

PLAYERS of Rivers United have called off their one-day strike embarked upon to press home demands over the non-payment of their financial entitlements.

The players refused to train on Thursday as a result despite entreaties from several quarters.

Club captain, Festus Austin, who spoke on behalf the players had insisted that they will not train until their demands are met.

On Friday morning, a clearthe-air meeting between the players and the management of the club saw the issues resolved.

The players have now returned to training and will travel to Owerri on Saturday (today) ahead of tomorrow’s match day 11 Nigeria Premier League game with Heartland.

“We had a meeting with the players this (Friday) morning and I can tell you that we have addressed the concerns they raised.

“They are on their way to training as I speak. The strike has been called off,” acting general manager of Rivers United, Okey Kpalukwu told supersport.com.

I don’t have a team yet— Ikhana

By Olawale Olaniyan TECHNICAL Adviser of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Kadiri Ikhana has declared that he is yet to mould a team that can fight

Why I joined Abia Warriors — Stanley Okoro FORMER Nigerian junior international, Stanley Okoro has said he pitched tent with Abia Warriors to help the side achieve its ambition of winning the Ni-

Saturday Tribune

tract with Spanish side, Almeria said teams like Rivers United, Heartland and Akwa United approached him for his signature, but he decided for Warriors due to the calibre of players and coaches in their fold.

“Abia Warriors are very serious and ambitious side with good organisation as well as a focused management.

“So I have come here to contribute my quota to help the team win the league title or at least grab a continental ticket at the end of the season.

“I’m satisfied with what I have seen so far since joining the club this season and hope the result will continue to come on our way,” the former Heartland forward told supersport.com.

for the league title this season.

The former Enyimba of Aba handler disclosed this to Tribunesport after the 2-0 victory of his team over Ikorodu United in a match day 10 Nigeria Premier League game played midweek at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.

Ikhana lamented that 17 of his players are on sick bed, a situation which is affecting his team selection.

Ikhana

“3SC don’t have a team worsen the case, we came yet, I’ve been saying it back to our home ground, times without number, we the following day, we don’t have a team because played a match, the next right now, we have 17 of day we played likewise the our players on the sick bed third day and these boys out of 35 players. are not machine. Even a “We only have about 18 machine will break down players who are fit and they at some point. It is not easy to keep them under superare the ones playing the vision after the FA Cup matches, it is just unfor- final last Sunday and that tunate but what do we do? was why they came back a little bit better to beat IkoWe have to forge ahead. rodu United.

“I did not feel bad about “But just take it from me, our last three premier we don’t have a team yet league matches because I but by the time we arrive, think the fault came from I will tell you but now, the league authorities. We we are not there,” Ikhana had three away matches in maintained. a row (including a resched- Match day 11 fixtures, April 10 uled game), Ikorodu United vs Sunshine Stars it has never happened all El-Kanemi Warriors vs Shooting Stars over the world Heartland vs Rivers United where a team Kano Pillars vs Nasarawa United will go for three c o n s e c u t i v e Plateau United vs FC Giwa away matches Rangers vs FC IfeanyiUbah in 11 days.

Warri Wolves vs MFM, Lagos “One of the fixtures should Wikki Tourists vs Enyimba have been post- Abia Warriors vs Lobi Stars poned and to Akwa United vs Niger Tornadoes

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sport

9 April, 2016

Wenger warns ahead West Ham clash

Dream Team striker, Taiwo Awoniyi

Rio Olympics:

Dream Team in pot 2 NIGERIA has been seeded into the second pot ahead of the Rio Olympics men’s football event which holds in Brazil in August this year.

It will be recalled that Nigeria coached by Jo Bonfrere, won the 1996 Atlanta Olympics gold after a 3-2 victory over Argentina in the final.

Nigeria coached by Samson Siasia, last December also won the African U-23 Cup of Nations (AFCON) staged in Senegal in addition to winning the Rio Olympics ticket.

South Africa is in the third pot, while Africa’s third representative, Algeria is in the fourth pot of teams.

According to FIFA, hosts Brazil will take the lead spot in Group A, with the teams allocated into four pots based on a ranking built according to performances at the past five Olympic football tournaments.

The ranking is weighted so that recent performances play a more prominent role, and a bonus is given to those nations who finished their qualifying competition as continental champions.

The 16 countries will be drawn into four groups of four (named Groups A-D), and the pot allocation for the Men’s Olympic football tournament is as follows: Pot 1: Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Japan Pot 2: Nigeria, Korea Republic, Honduras, Iraq Pot 3: Sweden, Fiji, Portugal, South Africa Pot 4: Algeria, Colombia, Denmark, Germany The draw will be staged on Thursday, April 14, in Rio, while the tournament kicks off on August 3.

A

RSENAL manager, Arsene Wenger believes today’s match away to London rivals, West Ham will prove the acid test of their lingering Premier League title hopes.

The Gunners are third on the table, 11 points behind shock leaders Leicester and with a game in hand ahead of their trip to face the sixth-placed Hammers at Upton Park.

Arsenal is seven league games left to play this season and defeat this weekend would all but scupper its chance of overhauling Leicester.

“West Ham is a tough proposal, yes, away from home,” said Wenger, whose side opened the season with a 2-0 home loss to West Ham. “They (have) had a very good campaign. When you look at the quality of the players they have, individually they have a good midfield, good strikers and they are solid at the back.

“I think the emergence of (Dimitri) Payet has given them a lot of creativity and efficiency. They have (Cheikhou) Kouyate, (Mark) Noble, Payet, (Manuel) Lanzini -- they have a strong midfield and good strikers with (Diafra) Sakho.”

The veteran French manager, Wenger has been particularly impressed by the form of compatriot Payet, with the Hammers play maker recalled to the France squad ahead of this year’s European Championship on home soil.

Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez scores against Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes during last weekend’s EPL game at the Emirates.

The Gunners face West Ham today in a London derby.

ent, even when in periods he has been a bit up and down,” Wenger said. “But he has been very consistent (this season).

“Historically we always had a great number of creative players -- we had (Mesut) Ozil, (Santi) Cazorla, (Jack) Wilshere, (Aaron) Ramsey -they are all offensive players

By Olawale Olaniyan THE Teranga Lioness of Senegal on Friday night at the Stade Demba Diop, Dakar, forced Nigeria’s Super Falcons to a 1-1 draw in a 2016 Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifier.

the award.

He saw off competition from West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic, Swansea City boss, Francesco Guidolin and Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe.

The Foxes began the month with a 2-2 home draw with West Bromwich Albion, followed by three 1-0 wins against Watford, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace.

Kane netted six times in the league in March to climb to the top of the scoring charts on 22 goals, three ahead of his closest rival, Leicester City striker, Jamie Vardy.

and I’ve certainly forgotten a few, so we had the numbers.”

Ramsey (thigh) and fellow midfielder Mathieu Flamini (hamstring) could return against West Ham after injury lay-offs, while Petr Cech could start in goal in place of David Ospina after being an unused substitute in the victory against Watford.

Conte will face complicated task at Chelsea —Hiddink ITALIAN Antonio Conte faces a complicated task when he takes over at Chelsea next season, interim manager Guus Hiddink said on Friday.

Former Juventus boss, Conte was named as Hiddink’s successor on Monday and will begin a new era at Stamford Bridge after leading Italy at the European Championship in France in June.

His task will be to restore last year’s champions Chelsea to the top of the Premier League after this season’s slump.

However, with a dressing room lacking the strong personalities that have been a feature of the past decade, Hiddink believes it could take time.

“That’s an extra complication,” the Dutchman told a news conference on the eve of 10th-placed Chelsea’s game at Swansea City on Saturday (today).

“When I came here the first time in 2009 the team was firm regarding the personalites. The players knew the culture of English football and the club such as (Frank)

AWC qualifier: Senegal forces Falcons to 1-1 draw

Ranieri, Kane win EPL awards LEICESTER City manager, Claudio Ranieri has been named the Premier League manager of the month for March, while Tottenham Hotspur striker, Harry Kane has won the players’ award.

Ranieri guided his team to three wins and a draw during the month to consolidate their position at the top of the table, where they currently sit seven points clear of Tottenham with six games to play.

This is the second time this season that Ranieri, who has also been named Italian coach of the year on the back of Leicester’s remarkable season, has won

However, the Gunners boss said he opted against signing Payet, who arrived at West Ham in a £10 million ($14 million, 12 million euros) move from Marseille, because he already had a number of similar players on the books at the Emirates Stadium.

“He has always had top tal-

Saturday Tribune

It was the first match of ex-international, Florence Omagbemi, since she took over the Falcons early this year.

Substitute Chioma Wogu, who came on to replace injured En Avant Guingamp forward, Desire Oparanozie in the 44th minute, hit the scoresheet barely a minute on the pitch.

The Confluence Queens of Kogi player, Wogu justified

Wogu

her inclusion as she scored to put the reigning African champions ahead before half time.

The Falcons who also paraded goalkeeper Sandra Chichi, Asisat Oshoala, Blessing Edoho, Osinachi Ohale, Ngozi Okobi, Francisca Ordega, Ugo Njoku, Ebere Orji, Rita Chikwelu and Gladys Akpa in the starting line up, were able to hold on to the lead until in the 52nd minute when the hosts rallied to an equaliser.

Osarenoma Igbinovia came on to replace Okobi in the 58th minute.

The reverse fixture is billed for the National Stadium, Abuja, on Tuesday, April 12.

This year’s Women’s Nations Cup holds in Cameroon from November 19 to December 3.

Lampard, (John)Terry, now it’s a bit different and that won’t be easy.”

Hiddink took over on an interim basis from Luis Felipe Scolari seven years ago and with the likes of Lampard, Terry, Didier Drogba, Petr Cech and Ashley Cole at his disposal he helped them to third in the league and won the FA Cup. Only Terry remains of those stalwarts but Hiddink has no doubt Conte will turn around Chelsea’s fortunes, even if he appeared rattled by the line of questioning on Friday.

“I thought we had a game tomorrow but okay let’s start with that subject,” said Hiddink who has not lost a league game since taking over from Jose Mourinho last December.

Conte

PREMIERSHIP LEAGUE FIXTURES

N150

SATURDAY, 9 APRIL, 2016

NO 1,146

Saturday, April 9 West Ham vs Arsenal Aston Villa vs Bournemouth Crystal Palace vs Norwich City Southampton vs Newcastle Swansea City vs Chelsea

Watford vs Everton 3:00pm 12:45pm Man City vs West Brom 5:30pm Sunday, April 10 3:00pm 3:00pm Sunderland vs Leicester 1:30pm 3:00pm Liverpool vs Stoke City 4:00pm 3:00pm Tottenham vs Man Utd 4:00pm

Pinnick

Giwa

Court sacks Pinnick-led NFF board

•Giwa board storms Glass House •As NFF files appeal Isaac Shobayo - Jos and Saliu Gbadamosi - Abuja

T

HE fragile peace pervading over the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was on Friday morning broken again, as a Federal High Court sitting in Jos sacked the Amaju Pinnickled board of the federation.

Report from the Plateau State capital indicated that the presiding judge, Justice Musa Haruna Kurya, had granted the prayers of the plaintiffs, Yahaya Adama and Senator Obinna Ogba, to not only relist the suit in the tussle of the leadership of the football body, but also sustained all the previous orders of the court, which effectively made Ambassador Chris Giwa NFF president, pending the final determination of the case before the court.

Justice Kurya upheld the prayers of the plaintiffs, who had sought re-listing of the suit, thereby bringing all the previous orders of that court back to the front burner.

In granting the plaintiffs’ prayer, the judge re-listed the case for hearing on May 30, 2016.

Justice Ambrose Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Jos, had set aside the proceedings and depictions

taken at the Warri General Assembly of the NFF held on September 20, 2014 and the subsequent elective congress of September 30, 2014 from where the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF board emerged.

Allagoa had hinged his decision on the fact that the general assembly and the elective congress were direct contraventions of the orders granted by the court on September 19, 2014.

In a swift reaction to Friday’s decision by the Federal High Court, Jos, three members of the Chris Giwa faction, Johnson Effiong, Rumson Victor Baribote and Alhaji Femas stormed the Glass House secretariat of the NFF in Abuja to give effect to the court’s decision.

Speaking with sports journalists at the secretariat, Effiong informed that the Giwa-led board would take over the Glass House on Monday, April 11, 2016.

“We are happy with the pronouncement and we are here to take over the proceeding of events. The board is expected to meet this (yesterday) night and by the special grace of God, we would resume fully on Monday,” he said.

Effiong also announced the immediate removal of the NFF Assistant Director (Communications), Ade-

mola Olajire and replaced him with Robison Okosun.

Meanwhile, the Pinnickled NFF on Friday swiftly moved to file an appeal, a motion to vacate the order and a motion for a stay-of-

execution against the judgment of the Jos court.

According to a statement made available to Tribunesport in Abuja by Olajire, since an appeal, a motion to vacate the order and a stay-of-execution had been filed, on the same day as the Jos judgment, the status quo remains.

“This is a sad one primarily because we have

enjoyed a period of peace and have been able to work without the court-todaycourt-tomorrow situation of the last half of 2014.

“We have filed for stayof-execution and that means the status quo remains and anything done is done at the actors’ peril. I can assure footballloving Nigerians that there is no reason to panic as

we are in full charge and there is no trouble whatsoever. There is no order for the Giwa group to take over the Glass House. In fact, many of his so-called board members have called to dissociate themselves from the matter,” NFF’s first vice-president, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, was quoted by Olajire to have said.

I’m learning from Ozil, Sanchez —Iwobi

By Ganiyu Salman

NIGERIAN international, Alex Iwobi has revealed that he is learning few tricks from his highly experienced team-mates at Arsenal especially Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.

Iwobi, declared on the Gunners official website that he is still learning the ropes despite his sudden breakthrough into the Arsene Wenger’s main team.

The midfielder last weekend scored his second goal of the season in the English Premier League in the 4-0 drubbing of Watford after a five-star performance against FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.

“It has been an amazing experience, I’m learning from them each day. To play with them and become a regular with them is amazing. I’m enjoying the experience I’m having.

“When you are training with the best players in the world you learn things you might not get to learn in the under-21s. You’re training with them as well as watching them, so you are picking up things and getting advice on what you need to work on. I have

learnt a lot training with them.

“I would say I learn from people like Mesut Ozil and Alexis (Sanchez) because of my position, and sometimes when I play up front I learn off Danny Welbeck, Olivier Giroud and Joel Campbell. Training with them everyday, I learn a lot.

“For me, I have learnt most from the way Ozil gets into space. I don’t know how he gets into space because on the pitch you think someone will get close to him but he always seems to have time and space.

“That is something I have been watching him do, because he is always aware of what is around him. I have learnt a lot from him,” Iwobi said.

Meanwhile, a few days after Iwobi and Victor Moses featured for Nigeria against Egypt in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, both will face each other in a premier league derby.

Moses is on loan for the Hammers from Chelsea, while Iwobi will also contend with another kinsman today at Upton Park, Emmanuel Emenike, who is also on loan from Fenerbahce in a game already described as an acid test for the Gunners.

Iwobi celebrates after scoring against Watford last weekend.

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: saturdaytribuneeditor@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: LASISI OLAGUNJU. All Correspondence to P. O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 9/4/2016.